The Bound Between Us

Herman's comment made Mr. Walker's face shift, just a flicker, but enough. He knew exactly what Herman was alluding to-there was no question, Herman was here to get justice for Anastasia.

Mr. Walker kept his polite smile, mind spinning as he picked up his coffee and took a sip. "Bitter. This coffee just doesn't hold a candle to tea. Tea starts out bitter, sure, but the more you sit with it, the sweeter it gets."

Herman matched his smile, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Tea and coffee aren't even in the same league. Tea's got thousands of years of history. Coffee? Barely a century here, and maybe only popular in the last twenty years."

Mr. Walker nodded. “Exactly. Our tea is still the best. Everything passed down from our ancestors is worth cherishing."

Their chat sounded casual, but every word was a subtle test.

Since Mr. Walker didn't mention the real issue, Herman saw no need to push it. Now, it was all about who could stay patient the longest.

Herman nodded politely. "Absolutely. Tea is a treasure."

But Mr. Walker could see Herman was dodging, refusing to bite, acting clueless. He was starting to get anxious.

Herman might be younger, but his composure and depth were nothing to sneeze

at.

at least brought up Rowan turning himself in, or demanded an

Not

a moment, Mr. Walker just couldn't get a read on

"Mr. Walker, if

still smiling. "When in Riverdale, you've got to learn to appreciate

sipped his coffee, cool as

was

had to admit-Herman's patience

Mr. Walker was the one who'd come calling. If anyone was

Eventually, Mr. Walker cracked.

through tomorrow. Shouldn't delay your delivery any longer. Frankly young entrepreneurs as talented as you

Mr. Walker." Herman raised his coffee cup. "I'll use coffee instead of

saved a lot of sick kids—kept families together. I admire that. Giving back is what builds

voice dropped. "Honestly, before I met

say a good wife brings luck for generations. Judging by your three kids -they're bright, adorable-you've got

Mr. Walker," Herman