The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

Jason heard Anastasia's voice on the line and decided not to intrude. "Alright, you two have fun. I'm heading back to the station," he said, then hung up.

With case after case piling up, Jason felt the pressure mounting. He needed to catch the killer, or else he'd feel unworthy of his badge.

Monica saw the call end and didn't seem bothered.

Anastasia couldn't help but tease her, grinning, "Wow, that's not like you! If anyone else hung up on you like that, you'd totally drag them and block their number."

Monica shrugged. "Jason's got a lot on his plate. That psycho killer's at it again. I get it, though. Lives are on the line-until they catch him, who knows who'll be next?"

"You mean the murders by the river?" Anastasia tucked her legs under herself on the couch, cradling a mug of water. "I saw it on the news. Everyone online is freaking out—it's all anyone can talk about."

"Yeah, they found another victim this morning." Monica's eyes narrowed in frustration. "Guys who go after women like that are just pathetic. Weak, twisted cowards."

Anastasia nodded in agreement. "Women still don't get a fair shake, you know? There's no real equality. Most men, deep down, don't respect women. And let's be honest-most women aren't as strong physically. We're still the underdogs."

Sometimes you just had to admit the gap was real.

"Enough about that," Monica said, sliding closer and dropping her voice. "What about you and Herman? How's that going?"

Anastasia's face softened with a smile. "Really well, actually. He might not remember everything from before, but things are good. Yesterday, he suggested we throw a birthday party for Pattie when she turns eight-and finally introduce her officially."

"That's great! That kid's dealt with so much. Remember how your mother-in-law used to freeze her out? Wouldn't even let her play with her siblings. It broke my heart." Monica pursed her lips. "Is your mother-in-law doing anything for Pattie's birthday? She owes her, you know."

Anastasia just smiled. "Whatever she does, that's her business. It's my daughter's birthday. I'll make sure it's a good one."

"Didn't she threaten to divorce your father-in-law a while back? Guess that was just talk, huh?" Monica rolled her eyes.

Anastasia let out a laugh. "What, hoping for more drama? Want to see them actually split?"

Monica grinned. "I'm just being nosy! She acted all tough-I thought she'd really do it. I'd have been impressed if she had."

"Keep your voice down," Anastasia warned with a smirk. "Let's not start any rumors."

"Fine, fine. What about Sandy? How's Herman dealing with her?"

Anastasia raised an eyebrow, amused. "What, are you here to gather intel or just gossip?"

Monica grinned. "I just don't want you getting the short end of the stick. Your husband let Sandy str him along for months-she should pay for that."

"Hey, careful with your words," Anastasia said with a laugh. "Nothing happened between them. Herman promised."noveldrama

"I'm not worried about Herman-he's

no pushover. But Sandy? Ugh. Playing at sweet and innocent, then trying to steal someone else's husband? That's low. If I were you, I'd have taught her a lesson already. Some people need to learn what shame is."

Monica was practically fired up,

d up and all, like shee

was ready to throw down. "If Sheet

she'd never dare try the

f it were

again."

Anastasia laughed. "Alright, superhero. Remember when you put Alisa in her place? No one messes with you."

Monica slung an arm around her. "Listen, Ana, nice girls get walked all over. You've gotta stand up for yourself, you know?"

Anastasia finished the phrase with a chuckle, "In hard times, traitors get what's coming. In good times, so do the phonies."

"Exactly!" Monica said, puffing up with pride. "Next time I see Sandy, I'm telling her off."

They were still laughing when the housekeeper rushed in, breathless. "Miss Anastasia, something's happened—"