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?"

groaned. "Still stuck. He's got a suspect a fishmonger-but there's no evidence. They can't make a move without proof, and you know how it is: you have to

no case. They hadn't even found the murder

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

Jason, but with this whole case, we haven't had a chance to set anything up," Monica

"My mom's dating again."

nearly choked. "Wait-your

met the guy. He's sketchy. I had someone look into him, and I think my mom's fallen for a

you waiting for? Tell your mom to dump him before it's

smirked. "Funny, I remember saying those exact words to someone a few years back. But

that 'someone.' When a woman's in love, even a herd of cattle can't

what's your plan? Even if your mom won't listen, you've got

dad. Told

"Wow, Ana, you're really turning into Herman a sly fox! Let your

Selationship with your mom

stays intact."

that a compliment, or are you

bowl of fruit. "You