The Bound Between Us

Herman had once suspected Sandy-and even Asher.

But it turned out neither of them was to blame.

Whoever did this, it wasn't them.

The scene had been brutal. The four kidnappers were found dead, their faces

unrecognizable from the violence. At the cave, police discovered blood from a fifth

person-someone who wasn't among the dead or Anastasia. But the DNA didn't

match anyone in the system.

So who was the fifth person? No one knew yet.

Until that person was found, what really happened in that cave would stay a

mystery.

The house was steeped in shadows. Herman reached for the light switch, but

Anastasia stopped him, panic flickering in her eyes. She couldn't stand the light.

She seemed made for the dark now-like a wounded creature, hiding away, afraid

to be seen, afraid to be touched.

She wouldn't let Herman near. Wild-eyed, she pushed him away, her voice

breaking: "Go! Just go, please!"

The heavy door slammed between them, sealing her in.

Herman stood there, fists clenched, his breath ragged with helplessness. He

pressed his forehead against the wall before slamming his fist into it, desperate to

let out his pain.

Salma, Anastasia's mother, had barely left Southridge Estates since the incident.

Hearing the commotion, she hurried upstairs.

"Son, how is Ana?" she asked, her voice trembling with worry.

his

knocked softly, her voice small and

open the door

up beneath

world. Every time she

the last bits of light

the door. Instead, her voice rang out, raw

to see anyone! Go

cried so much these past few days, her

were nearly swollen shut.

and his

damage from the overdose. She

her mind, even the

four kidnappers were dead, taking their secrets with

uncovered what little they could: the four were all

no family, no connections, no money, no

so. No one could figure

time for different crimes, never met

brought

is here,"

Lucas was leading the

else with this case-there

and it hit too close

to Salma. "Mom,

anything happens, call me right

scared Anastasia

eyes and nodded. "Don't

had sent the kids to Salstrom

out of harm's way.

waiting alone in the living room. He

concern written all over his

"How's Anastasia doing?"

woke

Herman sat down, lighting

with shaking

smoking too much lately.

that

shook his head, looking

yet. Herman, this

reeks of planning.

remember-have you or Ana