The Bound Between Us

It only took Anastasia a couple of questions to get the truth out of Malia.

Turns out, Will really did have stomach cancer-just like she suspected. If she was right, he must've known he was living on borrowed time, which would explain why he went out of his way to make sure his family would be okay after he was gone.

Dying from an illness never got anyone a medal, and the family wouldn't get any support or recognition. But dying on a mission? That was dying for your country. The family would become honored survivors, get the benefits, and, more importantly, Will's death would mean Jason owed them big time-he died taking a bullet for him, after all.

Will spent his last days making sure his family would get as much as he could give, even if it meant giving up his life.

The Brown family had been living the good life these past few years, all thanks to Jason looking out for them.

When Anastasia got to Monica's salon, she played the recording for her. Monica's face turned red with anger. "Those Brown family moochers! I knew it. They've been using Jason from the start. He's practically handed them every penny he's made these last few years."

With Will gone, Jason had become their second son. The kind of "son" they could squeeze for every dime, all without a single ounce of guilt.

Anastasia tucked her phone away. "If Jason had let Alisa trick him into marrying her, he'd have ended up playing scapegoat for life.”

"Unbelievable," Monica fumed. "I'm telling Jason. That family is rotten. I can't believe people can be that selfish.”

"He has a right to know. I'm staying out of it, but let him know before he gets hurt again." Anastasia paused. “Has he made any progress on that serial killer case?"

without proof, and you know how it is: you have to catch the criminal in the act. It's a

They hadn't even found the murder

rubbed her temples. "Not much I can do to help, but Jason's got

but with this whole case, we haven't had a chance to set anything up," Monica said, sighing. "So, what brings you here today, Ana? Not busy cozying

"My mom's dating again."

"Wait-your

someone look into him, and I think my mom's fallen for a

for? Tell your

those exact words to

that 'someone.' When a woman's in

Even if your mom won't listen, you've got to try,

sip of water. "Already texted my dad. Told him to get

into Herman a sly fox! Let your dad stir

Selationship with your mom

stays intact."

a compliment,

bowl of fruit. "You deserve a