The Bond Between Us ( Anastasia and Herman) novel Chapter 1028

Anastasia realized that with the way Hanna cared about Rowan, there was no way she would just call and not come check on him at the jail. That wasn’t Hanna at all—if she hadn’t shown up, something must have gone wrong.

Anastasia and Rowan exchanged a glance. Rowan said, “I need to go back.”

Sensing something was off, Rowan jumped into his car and sped toward the clinic. He tried calling Hanna, but she didn’t answer.

Rowan’s anxiety grew.

Anastasia was still bewildered. She knew something serious had happened at the prison—Rowan was clearly in the clear, but now Hanna’s disappearance was the real mystery.

Following Rowan down the mountain, Anastasia called Herman and explained, “Rowan’s fine, but there were gunshots at the prison. Something must’ve happened…”

“Something did,” Herman replied, voice tense. “Dailey just called. Asher tried to escape—he was shot and killed during the attempt.”

The words hit Anastasia like a punch to the chest. She slammed on the brakes, heart pounding.

Clutching her phone, she stared at the car ahead—Rowan’s car—wondering how she’d ever break this news to him.

She heard Herman’s footsteps on the other end. “Babe, you still there? Are you near the prison? I’ll come get you.”

“I’m already on my way back,” Anastasia managed, steadying her nerves. “Let’s meet at Carrefour on Machao Road.”

But she couldn’t shake the question—why would Asher even try to escape? The place was locked down tight; trying to break out was basically suicide. Besides, Rowan hadn’t been anywhere near to help him.

Nothing about tonight made sense. Anastasia had the nagging feeling she was missing something important.

“Alright, I’ll be there in half an hour,” Herman said. “Drive safe.”

“I will.”

At the first intersection at the foot of the hill, Anastasia and Rowan split up—Rowan headed straight for the clinic, Anastasia went to meet Herman.

Half an hour later.

In front of Carrefour.

Herman was already waiting by the time Anastasia pulled up.

Anastasia felt a chill settle over her. “So we lost the bet, huh?”

If Mr. Walker was determined to stand by Autumn, their plans were basically shot. And with his influence, taking down the Salstrom family would be a piece of cake for him.

Herman reached over and gently ruffled her hair. “Power’s a double-edged sword, you know. Anyway, you’ve got me.”

That simple gesture warmed Anastasia’s heart.

Autumn had Mr. Walker. She had Herman.

The best man in the world.

“Should I call Rowan and tell him about Asher?” Anastasia asked. “He was in such a hurry to get back, and Hanna hasn’t answered since she called me. She cares too much about Rowan—no way she’d just disappear.”

“No need. Rowan will find out by tomorrow at the latest.” Herman squeezed her hand and pressed a kiss to her fingers. “Promise me, don’t do anything this risky again. I’d worry myself sick.”

He knew Anastasia was stubborn and loyal—of course she’d come running to the prison. That’s why he’d dropped everything and hurried over.