The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

Jason felt a rush of excitement, his eyes widening in disbelief. "Herman," he murmured.

In no time, he was on his feet, his eyes locked on a familiar figure ahead.

Hank, nearby, looked puzzled. He thought Jason was asking about Herman's mysterious disappearance. "Herman's been missing for months," Hank said with a sigh. "I doubt he's coming back. Such a shame."

There was a trace of regret in Hank's voice, but before he could continue, Jason was already weaving through the bustling crowd on Main Street, trying to catch up with the figure he thought was Herman.

The street buzzed with life-people chatting, vendors calling out their specials, the delicious smell of hot dogs and pretzels in the air. It was so crowded that losing someone could happen in an instant.

"Herman!" Jason called out, but his voice was lost in the noisy marketplace.

Hank followed, bewildered. "Jason, did you really see Herman? I thought he was... gone."

"I'm sure it was him," Jason insisted. He and Herman went way back, having studied at the same college. They'd had their differences, but thanks to Anastasia, they'd made amends.

The thought of Herman being back filled Jason with joy. "Anastasia will be thrilled to hear this," he thought.

He pulled out his phone, eager to call her, but then hesitated. What if it wasn't Herman? What if it was just someone who looked like him? He didn't want to raise Anastasia's hopes for no reason. With a sigh, he put the phone back in his pocket.

Just then, he noticed a coffee shop with a security camera aimed at the street. An idea sparked in his mind. He approached the barista inside, flashing his badge. "Hi, I'm with the police. Could I take a look at your security footage? I need to check something."

The barista, eyes wide, nodded quickly and fetched the manager. People often felt a mix of awe and nervousness when dealing with the police, and Jason knew this would work in his favor.

The manager came over and, after a quick explanation, pulled up the footage. The camera had a clear view of the street, capturing every passerby.

Jason's heart raced as he fast-forwarded through the video, and then-there! Herman, clear as day, walking by with a cup of coffee in hand.

"It's him," Jason said, unable to hide the grin spreading across his face. Finding Herman was more thrilling than solving any major case he'd worked on.

Hank leaned in, eyes wide. "It really is Herman. He's alive!"

Jason paused the video, capturing Herman's image among the crowd. He snapped a photo of the screen with his phone and continued watching. The footage showed Herman heading southeast.

Hank mused, "If Herman's alive, why hasn't the Salstrom family reported this?"

Just then, a waitress who had been watching the footage with them chimed in. "Oh, I've seen this guy around. He's been coming in the past couple of days, always ordering a caramel macchiato. I remember him."

Jason's spirits soared even higher. "Do you know when he usually comes by? Or where he might be staying? Any other details?"

The waitress shrugged. "He doesn't have a set schedule. Sometimes morning, sometimes afternoon, even evenings. I've served him three times. He left quite an impression."noveldrama

"Well," Hank said, scratching his head, "I never pegged Herman for a coffee enthusiast. Especially not one for the sweet stuff."

Jason wasn't puzzled by Herman's drink choices, but by the fact that Herman was back in town, and Anastasia hadn't mentioned it. It seemed Herman had been back for a while and was likely living nearby.

Without further delay, Jason dialed Anastasia's number. At that moment, Anastasia was standing outside Willowbrook Manor, Herman's old residence.

She didn't trust Sandy's word that Herman had left, so she came to check for herself. The house was dark and empty, just as Sandy had claimed. Maybe Herman really had returned to Riverdale?

As Anastasia peered over the garden gate, her phone rang, startling her. Seeing Jason's name on the screen, she quickly answered, anticipation and curiosity in her voice.