The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman) novel Chapter 589

The sight of crimson blood sent shivers down Anastasia's spine. She stood there, frozen, too terrified to move, look, or even think about opening the box.

Herman's heart was pounding in his throat, and the nanny's scream echoed through the house. Salma rushed out of the room, eyes wide. "Any news on Pattie? What's going on?"

She spotted the box, looking completely baffled. Herman, with scissors in hand, cautiously cut through the tape. The moment the box opened, revealing its contents, Anastasia went pale and almost lost her balance.

Inside was a bloody pig's trotter, wrapped in black duct tape. At first glance, it could easily be mistaken for a human limb.

Salma screamed, "Oh my God, who's playing this sick joke? This is horrifying!"

Herman, his face tense, shouted, "Dailey, find out where this box came from, now!"

Anastasia clung to Herman's arm, her voice shaking. "Could this be from Pattie's kidnapper? Is this a warning? Are they asking for a ransom?"

If it was a kidnapping, Herman felt a slight relief. If all they wanted was money, there was hope. It was the unknown that was truly frightening.

Herman wrapped his arms around Anastasia, trying to calm her down. "Don't worry. If it's the kidnapper, no matter the price, I'll bring Pattie back safe and sound."

Salma was frantic. "Who the hell would take a child?"

The police were investigating and hadn't ruled out Julie as a suspect. Julie had disappeared without a trace. The police thought it was unlikely she was involved; as a wanted fugitive, kidnapping a child for revenge would be foolish.

Herman had the package traced to a man who left it at their doorstep. Under questioning, the man revealed that someone completely covered up had given him the box, instructing him to leave it at Anastasia's house in Southridge Estates. The man didn’t get a good look at the stranger, who had paid him to make the drop-off.