The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

Herman's decision was exactly what Jason expected. After all, during the whole Grannie Anita mess, he'd seen for himself just how much Herman cared about Anastasia.

That case had changed everything between them—it tore down the old barriers and gave them a real shot at friendship. Now, here they were, sharing tea like they'd known each other forever.

Jason promised to quietly look into who'd claimed Julie's body. By the time they wrapped things up, it was almost ten.

He still had one more thing to do-pick up Monica from her beauty salon. So, he left the teahouse and drove over.

Business hadn't been kind to Monica lately. The new salon next door had poached a bunch of her clients, and she'd been working late every night just to keep up.

It was past ten when Monica finally finished tidying up and got ready to leave. She had no idea Jason was coming for her. With her purse slung over her arm and her phone in hand, she headed toward the back parking lot, debating whether to call Anastasia. It was late-Anastasia was probably asleep already.

Monica's car was parked in the alley behind the salon, where the lights were dim and the street felt deserted. She kept her eyes on her phone, completely missing the footsteps behind her.

As she reached her car and unlocked it, a sudden fishy smell hit her. She whirled around and came face to face with a man a little shorter than her.

Her guard went up immediately. "What do you want? Why are you following me?"

It was Harry.

He gave her a wide, toothy grin. "Hey, no worries, I'm just—"

Meanwhile, his hand was already gripping a steel spike inside his bag, waiting for the right moment.

Just as he was about to lunge, a voice called out behind them.

"Monica!" It was Jason.

He strode over, all confidence. Monica felt relief wash over her and hurried to his side.

Seeing Jason, Harry quickly changed his tune. He pointed over at a battered van. "That's my ride. Just finished a delivery here, was about to head home."

Then, pretending like he'd just recognized Jason, he snapped his fingers. "Hey, you're the guy who bought fish from me, right?"

Jason played along, friendly but sharp-eyed. "You've got a good memory. Business good lately? You're working late-must be booming."noveldrama

Harry shrugged. "Just the usual grind. Early mornings, late nights. But business is steady."

Jason glanced around, casual as could be. "Delivering fish out here, huh?"

"One of my regulars wanted some

big crabs-she's in that spa, sol brought them over. I've got some extra sea bass and crabs in the van. Take 'em if you want. No point hauling them home. Just being neighborly, you know? Maybe you'll

visit my stall again."

With that, Harry opened his van and handed Jason four large crabs and two sea bass, all wrapped up.

Jason shook his head. "I can't just take them. How much?"

He pulled out his wallet, ready to pay.

The cops had been watching Harry for a while now. Even after Jason transferred to Einsberg, he had Hank keep him in the loop. So far, Harry seemed like just another hardworking guy-selling fish restocking, nothing suspicious.

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But Jason still felt like something was off. Who spends every day at a fish stall,

never socializes, doesn't even talk to his own brother?

Despite all the surveillance, there was no sign that Harry and Ryder were in touch.

Harry waved him off. "Nah, just take them. On the house."

Jason insisted, handing Harry forty dollars. "Can't let you take a loss-gotta support the local guys."

Harry looked embarrassed but pocketed the cash. "Alright, if you say so."

"Wouldn't feel right otherwise," Jason said, giving Monica a quick look. "Let's go."

Monica slipped her arm through his, leaving her own car behind as they walked toward Jason's car parked on the street.

Harry stood there, watching them go, the cash in his hand. He felt weirdly proud-here he was, a serial killer chatting face-to-face with a cop, and the guy had no clue. It was a rush.

Just then, his phone buzzed. It was Alisa, her voice tense. "Did you do it?"

Tonight had been Harry's chance to get rid of Monica. With Jason reassigned, he thought the coast was clear.

But luck wasn't on his side. "No. That woman got lucky-Jason showed up just as I was about to make my move."