The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman) novel Chapter 482

The file laid everything out: Granny Anita's final moments, the expression frozen on her face, the location of the stab wounds, and Anastasia's statement to the police.

The young officer shook his head, "What's so surprising about it? She must've hated Granny Anita, Jason. Think about it—a baby, five months along, just gone. Of course, she’d be raging. In a moment of passion, anyone could do something drastic. Isn't that what you always say?"

Jason, ever the stickler for procedure, had already scanned the report. "Kid, you're a quick study. But I don't take apprentices, so save your flattery." He muttered to himself, "This first strike is way off, erratic. It screams that the perp was extremely emotional, a rookie. The first cut wasn't even that deep. But the second one? That's brutally precise. It's overkill."

Usually, the first blow is the most ferocious, but the report said otherwise.

The young officer pointed out, "Jason, this case is closed, and it involves the Salstroms. You don’t want to mess with them. You’ve already butted heads with the Salstroms before. Let’s not stir the pot. The perp confessed, there's a motive, the murder weapon, and solid evidence."

Jason set the file down, "This is what I call reasonable doubt. The simplest cases often have the most issues. File it, but I’m not convinced."

The officer, holding the file, hesitated, "Jason, are you saying there’s a real issue? Could there be someone else? Should we reopen the case?"

Jason clapped the young man on the shoulder, "You said it yourself—the Salstroms are trouble. Let’s not make more for ourselves. Just file it."

With that, Jason strode toward the door, then paused, "Where are they holding Anastasia?"

"Cell 3."

Jason pocketed his hands and walked over to cell number three. Peering through the narrow window, he could only see a woman curled up on the bed, her sobs barely audible. When Anastasia lifted her head, her haggard but delicate face came into view, and Jason's eyes flickered with surprise.

It was her.

His hand instinctively reached for the iron door. She was Herman's wife. He clenched his fist and then turned to leave.

Back in the office, Jason asked the young officer for a copy of the file.