The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

"What on earth was she thinking, hiding someone like that?" Katelyn fumed, arms crossed tight. "Sandy always seemed like such a decent girl. Now she's mixed up in this kind of mess? I can't believe it."

Everyone had mourned, convinced Herman was gone for good. Katelyn had cried herself hollow, grieving like a mother shouldn't have to. And now, to find out it was all because of Sandy? Any warmth Katelyn had felt for her vanished-she even felt a pang of regret for the pearl necklace she'd given Sandy last year.

Anastasia hadn't had a moment to go confront Sandy yet, but that reckoning could wait. There were bigger things to deal with.

"Why'd she do it? Only Sandy knows for sure," Anastasia said, her voice cool but edged with steel. "No need to rush. With Herman back, Sandy's probably losing her mind. Let her stew in her guilt a while. Once James gets home, he can check on Herman. And we've got to figure something out for Pattie's voice."

Those were the two things Anastasia cared about most. James had left Riverdale searching for a way to help Pattie speak again. Watching Emmie and Nancy giggle and call out "Daddy!" as loud as they wanted made Anastasia's heart ache for Pattie-she deserved to shout and laugh too, without anyone staring.

"We need to fix Pattie's voice. If James can't do it, we'll take her abroad-Boston, New York, wherever it takes," Katelyn said, her voice suddenly gentle. That was the difference, Anastasia thought: when it's your own granddaughter, it hits different.

They were still talking when Salma poked her head in. "Ana, Jarod's here-says he's stopping by to see his son-in-law."

"He sure didn't waste any time," Anastasia muttered, standing up. "Mom, you two go on. I'll see what he wants."

Down in the living room, Jarod was dressed to the nines, grinning like he owned the place. He sprang up as soon as Anastasia walked in. "Congratulations! You finally got Herman back! I was there yesterday, you know-I thought maybe I'd get a shot at looking heroic, but Herman's entrance? Stole the show. I didn't stand a chance."

Anastasia laughed. "Oh, come on, Mr. Jarod. With your looks and your wallet, you've got women lining up. Don't tease me."

"Is Mr. Salstrom around?" Jarod tipped his head toward the stairs. "Been a while- figured we could catch up over coffee or something.”

Anastasia's heart skipped. No way could she let Herman talk to Jarod. If he let anything slip about his memory, everything would unravel.

She forced a smile. "He just got home, pretty wiped out-he's upstairs resting..."

"Jarod."

The voice came from above.

Anastasia looked up, startled. There was Herman, coming down in jeans and a T- shirt, looking completely at ease.

How does he know Jarod? Anastasia wondered, then spotted Katelyn hovering behind him. Ah, she must've filled him in.

"Mr. Salstrom!" Jarod beamed, arms spread for a bear hug.

"I'm a married man, Jarod." Herman sidestepped him, cool as ever, and took a seat beside Anastasia.

Jarod just laughed. "See, Ana? You've got your husband trained so well, he won't even let another guy near him. Forget about women!"

Anastasia managed a polite, practiced smile.noveldrama

Herman sat back, calm as you please. "So, what brings you by?"

"Just wanted to check in—and talk about the South Bay Project, and that new energy deal," Jarod replied. "I've already worked out some detail with Anastasia, but now that

.n

you're back, thought I'd run a few

things past you."

Anastasia's stomach twisted. Herman didn't remember a thing about the South

Bay Project-this could get ugly.

But before she could jump in,

Herman picked up the cup of tea the

"My

housekeeper had brought.Wife

handles the business, Jarod.

Whatever she says goes. I just do

what I'm told around here."

It was the perfect answer-giving Anastasia credit and keeping suspicion at bay.

Jarod laughed, clapping his hands. "Now that's a real man. Respect." Anastasia played along, smiling with pride, though inside she knew Herman was just making it up as he went. He didn't remember a thing-he was improvising.

Jarod seemed to get it: Anastasia was running the show. He didn't push business any further, just made a little small talk before heading out. Between Herman's quick thinking and Anastasia

backing him up, Jarod never

suspected a thing.

Once the door closed behind him, Herman turned to Anastasia. "So... what's the

real story between you and Sandy?"