The Bond Between Us ( Anastasia and Herman) novel Chapter 834

No one was too worried about who had claimed Julie’s body—people expected that would be sorted. What was unsettling was that there wasn’t a single lead, and that was enough to keep Anastasia on edge.

Nelson said, “Once Brown Corporation went under, the Brown family just crumbled. There’s no one left. Salstrom never actually did anything to Devin Brown—he just used him to draw Julie out. From what I’ve heard, Devin headed back to his old hometown in the country. He didn’t claim the body.”

Anastasia frowned. “What about Joseph Salstrom?”

Julie did have a son with Joseph, so it wasn’t impossible that he was involved.

Nelson shook his head. “I wondered about that too. But Joseph thinks Julie brought him bad luck. He was never attached to her. I really doubt it was him.”

Anastasia rubbed her temples. “That makes it even stranger. Nelson, what do you know about Mrs. Walker, the lady downstairs? Are you sure you’ve got her story straight?”

“Oh, I know her,” Nelson said. “Her name’s Autumn. She’s married to Mr. Walker—he just got promoted last month, now he’s the district secretary. He’s in his fifties, finally getting his big break after years of work. He’s got a solid reputation—honest, respected, people like him. Word is, he might be in line to be the next mayor of Riverdale.”

Nelson grinned. “Everyone’s trying to get close to Mr. Walker, but the quickest way in is through Mrs. Walker.”

Being mayor of Riverdale meant real power. Naturally, Autumn’s status had shot up too.

“How did my mother-in-law get so close to Mrs. Walker?” Anastasia wondered, watching the two women together. “Walker’s only just been promoted, and Katelyn already has this connection—it’s impressive.”

Nelson shrugged. “That part I’m not sure about. I do know Mrs. Walker doesn’t let anyone get close. She refuses gifts, doesn’t mix with the other society wives. People have tried everything, but no one’s gotten through to her. Except your mother-in-law, apparently. That connection will make a lot of things easier.”

Mr. Walker was still new, so he had to keep a low profile. He couldn’t risk anyone catching him accepting gifts or favors. Anyone who tried—dinners, presents, asking for help—got politely turned away.

And Autumn followed his lead—no gifts, no cash, no favors.

Anastasia waved her hand. “Alright, you can go. But have Dailey look into who claimed Julie’s body again. I can’t relax until we know what happened.”

If someone had claimed the body out in the open, she wouldn’t give it a second thought. But all this secrecy, and even people at the prison keeping their mouths shut, that was a red flag.