The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman) novel Chapter 474

As Tavon took in Salma's words, a wave of calm washed over him. "Salma," he said with a reassuring smile, "if our son-in-law isn't worried, then we shouldn't be either. It seems our daughter has quite the hold on him. As long as he's smitten with Ana, this will all work out."

Salma hadn't considered this angle. All she knew was that every day Anastasia spent at the police station was another day of unrest for her.

"The Hendersons won't let this go," she fretted. "This is a murder case. If Ana ends up in prison, it's all over."

Tavon acknowledged the gravity of the situation. "Don't panic just yet," he said. "I'll be there soon."

"Okay," Salma hung up, pacing the living room with a nervous energy that refused to settle.

"Sis, Sis!"

It was Cynthia's voice, calling even before she entered.

Hearing her, Salma went to the door and saw Cynthia outside. She hurried to let her in. "Big sis."

Seeing Cynthia felt like finding a rock in a storm for Salma—it meant having someone to talk to. Her emotions, barely contained, broke free, and tears came unbidden.

To Salma, Cynthia was family, her own sister. In front of her sister, there was no need for pretenses, and her genuine feelings showed.

Fear, helplessness, and worry were on full display, as if she'd latched onto a lifeline.

Through tears, Salma replied, "I don't know. I spoke to my son-in-law, but he didn't give me a straight answer. I'm scared Ana might really face the electric chair. It's my fault. Ana wanted my homemade apple pie yesterday. I should've sensed something was off. She told me to take good care of Pattie—as if leaving a last will. She must've planned to confront old Mrs. Henderson all along."

Cynthia shook her head. "Ana's been too impulsive. It's such a loss. She just lost a child, and now she's behind bars. Herman's so young, and that was his grandmother who died. Can he really forgive Ana? Once this blows over and Ana's doing time, what if Herman finds a new wife? He wouldn't lose anything. Men rarely stay true."

Cynthia's words deepened Salma's anxiety and fear. "What do we do? What can we do?"

Salma was frantic, desperate for a solution.

Instead of offering solace, Cynthia continued to peddle worry. "I've spoken to a lawyer. In cases like this, it's at least twenty years. If the Hendersons push for it, it could even lead to the chair."