The Bound Between Us

"We live in a society governed by laws. If people break them and get away with it, everything falls apart," Jason said, his tone level but firm. "You're right, Monica. Order is what keeps things steady."

Monica's brow furrowed. "So what'll happen to Rowan? They're not going to give him the death penalty, are they? He was trying to do the right thing, and he even turned himself in. Doesn't that count for something?"

Jason shook his head. "That's hard to say. It all depends on how the trial goes. But the fact is, he really did kill those four men."

"But what if it was self-defense?" Monica pressed. "One guy against four-how is that not self-defense?"

Jason didn't answer.

"You should get going. Herman's waiting for me. I should head over," Monica said. "Got it." Monica felt a little pang of disappointment, but she tried to hide it.

Jason softened. "How's your dad holding up?"

"He's actually doing pretty well," Monica said, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Honestly, I'm a little surprised by how positive he's been. He wants to hand the recycling depot over to me and take Mom on a trip around the world. I guess after everything he's been through, he just wants to live life while he can."

"That's good to hear." Jason looked at Monica like he wanted to say more, but just said, "I'll get going then."

"Yeah." Monica didn't try to stop him.

Before he left, Jason reached into the console and handed Monica a small box, then started the car and drove off.

Monica looked down at the box, her heart skipping a beat. She opened it—inside was a delicate necklace.

She couldn't help but smile. She never would've guessed Jason had it in him to be romantic.

Honestly, seeing her dad's optimism had changed her, too. Jason had his own responsibilities—she couldn't expect him to always be by her side. A man needed his own path.

***

At Willow Teahouse

Jason arrived. "Sorry, got

myself," Herman replied. "Did you talk to Mr.

evidence, and Autumn's got Mr. Walker on her side. I'm not sure can pull this off. Herman, what do you think? Did you already know

had dropped the case before,

him,

he asked questions made it clear- he'd figured things out

to

serious. "How much proof do you

I had anything solid, Autumn would

jail."

There just wasn't enough

no witnesses

Julie's

gone. The four kidnappers were dead. There

enough to

s

Autumn really did it?" Jason asked, his voice low. "That makes

I'm right, your higher-ups have already told you to drop it.

want Jason

backing out," Jason said. "Rowan turned himself in. If I don't see this

Autumn confesses, this