The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

No one was too worried about who had claimed Julie's body-people expected

that would be sorted. What was unsettling was that there wasn't a single lead, and that was enough to keep Anastasia on edge.

Nelson said, "Once Brown Corporation went under, the Brown family just crumbled. There's no one left. Salstrom never actually did anything to Devin Brown—he just used him to draw Julie out. From what I've heard, Devin headed back to his old hometown in the country. He didn't claim the body."

Anastasia frowned. "What about Joseph Salstrom?"

Julie did have a son with Joseph, so it wasn't impossible that he was involved.

Nelson shook his head. "I wondered about that too. But Joseph thinks Julie brought him bad luck. He was never attached to her. I really doubt it was him."

Anastasia rubbed her temples. "That makes it even stranger. Nelson, what do you know about Mrs. Walker, the lady downstairs? Are you sure you've got her story straight?"

"Oh, I know her," Nelson said. "Her name's Autumn. She's married to Mr. Walker —he just got promoted last month, now he's the district secretary. He's in his fifties, finally getting his big break after years of work. He's got a solid reputation- honest, respected, people like him. Word is, he might be in line to be the next mayor of Riverdale."

Nelson grinned. "Everyone's trying to get close to Mr. Walker, but the quickest way in is through Mrs. Walker."

Being mayor of Riverdale meant real power. Naturally, Autumn's status had shot up too.

"How did my mother-in-law get so close to Mrs. Walker?" Anastasia wondered, watching the two women together. "Walker's only just been promoted, and Katelyn already has this connection-it's impressive."

Nelson shrugged. "That part I'm not sure about. I do know Mrs. Walker doesn't let anyone get close. She refuses gifts, doesn't mix with the other society wives. People have tried everything, but no one's gotten through to her. Except your mother-in-law, apparently. That connection will make a lot of things easier."

Mr. Walker was still new, so he had to keep a low profile. He couldn't risk anyone catching him accepting gifts or favors. Anyone who tried-dinners, presents, asking for help-got politely turned away.

And Autumn followed his lead-no gifts, no cash, no favors.

Anastasia waved her hand. "Alright, you can go. But have Dailey look into who claimed Julie's body again. I can't relax until we know what happened."

If someone had claimed the body out in the open, she wouldn't give it a second thought. But all this secrecy, and even people at the prison keeping their mouths shut, that was a red flag.

"Will do," Nelson said, and left.

Anastasia lingered on the balcony. Autumn hadn't stayed for dinner, just chatted for a bit and then left.

Katelyn walked Autumn to her car, the two of them laughing like old friends Anastasia watched from above as Autumn paused at her car door, glancing back-right in Anastasia's direction.

Just one cool look, then Autumn got into the car and was gone.

As the car rolled out of Southridge Estates, Autumn's smile faded. Her whole demeanor went cold.

She lived in a government-owned townhouse with tight security-only top officials lived there.

Her car pulled up to a small brick house. Autumn got out and went inside.

The only one there was the

housekeeper, cleaning up and

getting dinner ready. Autumn wasn't above doing chores herself. She'd followed her husband up from a small town-back then, she did everything.

Few people knew she was actually from Riverdale, born and raised. She'd left over twenty years ago, moved to the sticks, met Mr. Walker, and now, after two decades, was back.

The housekeeper called out, "Mrs. Walker, Mr. Walker called—he won't be home for dinner. I was thinking of making tomato beef stew tonight. Sound good?"

"Whatever you like," Autumn said. "I'm heading upstairs for a bit."

She climbed to the attic, opened the door, and right there on the little altar was a framed photo of Julie.

The room felt cold, the urn on the table giving her chills.

It was Autumn who had claimed Julie's body.

Staring at the photo, grief and anger welled up inside her. "Julie," she whispered, her voice shaking, "L promise I'll make them pay. Everyone who hurt you will answer for it." noveldrama