The rtionship between Autumn and Julie? That was a mystery to everyone.


    Autumn had only been in Riverdale for a few months. Before that, she''d grown up in the countryside, a world away. Herman couldn''t imagine what could possibly connect her and Julie.


    Everyone in their circle knew Mr. Walker and Autumn didn''t have children. In a small town like Riverdale, secrets never stayed secret for long. People whispered that Autumn couldn''t have kids, and strangely enough, that only made Mr. Walker seem more admirable. He never left her side, treated her with the same tenderness as always, and their marriage looked unbreakable. Folks said that loyalty was a big reason he''d been promoted.


    Herman gave Anastasia''s hand a gentle squeeze. "After dinner, you head home, alright? I need to meet someone."


    "Who?" Anastasia asked.


    "Devin," Herman said. "I had Dailey bring him in."


    There were things Herman hoped he could get from Devin.


    Anastasia didn''t push for details. They finished dinner together, and then she went home to be with the kids. Pattie''s birthday was just around the corner, and she still had some party nning to do.


    In a cramped apartment across town, Devin was pacing the living room, nerves shot. He''d tried hiding out in the countryside, faking illness to stay off Herman''s radar. But that hadn''t worked-Dailey had dragged him back anyway.


    Devin nced at Dailey, who stood guarding the door, stiff as a statue. "What does Herman want now? Brown Corporation''s already gone under, my daughter''s gone... Can''t he just leave me alone? Does he really need to finish me off?"


    Dailey didn''t even blink. "Wait for the boss. You''ll find out soon enough."


    Devin sat down, then popped right back up, too anxious to keep still. He poured himself a ss of water to steady his nerves, but just then, the door swung open with a snap.


    Devin tensed up immediately, sitting straight as a board.


    He''d always been afraid of Herman, but after everything that had happened, that fear was bone-deep.


    He regretted letting Julie get mixed up with Herman. It had all blown up in his face -he''d lost thepany, lost everything.


    He''d once been on top of the world, but now, his life was in shambles.


    Herman walked in, tall and imposing, a chill in his eyes that made Devin shiver.


    Herman sat down across from him, perfectly calm. Dailey brought over a mug of ck coffee and stood silently by the wall.


    Devin stared at his hands, refusing to meet Herman''s eyes.


    "Rx," Herman said, voice cool and easy. "Just answer my questions, and we''ll be done."


    Devin straightened up. "Alright. Go ahead." He''d always been wary of Herman, but now, he was downright terrified.


    Herman''s gaze was sharp as a knife. "Do you know Autumn?"


    At that, Devin''s head snapped up. His reaction gave away everything Herman needed to know.


    Still, Herman continued, "What''s your rtionship with her?"


    Devin swallowed nervously. "We... went to high school together. Just ssmates, that''s all. Never thought she''d end up married to someone like Mr. Walker."


    Herman lit a cigarette, taking his time, smoke drifting between them. "Funny thing-Autumnes back to Riverdale and the first person she visits out in the sticks is you. Seems like there''s more to your connection. Twenty years apart, and she still


    looks you up."


    Devin forced augh, trying to sound casual. "Nah, we had some history, but she didn''te to see me she just wanted to show off how well she''s doing while I''m down in the gutter."


    Herman flicked ash into the tray. "You ever heard of Ben? The warden at the prison where Julie was locked up? He died suddenlyst week."


    Devin''s mind reeled. Something about this wasing together, but he couldn''t quite see what.


    He''d seen the news about Anastasia''s kidnapping. The four kidnappers had just gotten out of prison-the same prison where Julie had been locked up.


    "I don''t know him," Devin said, voice shaking. What''s the point of all these questions, Herman? Isn''t it enough that the Browns are already ruined? If that''s not enough for you, just get it over with and finish me off too!"  ?wnovel


    There was no way he''d admit to knowing Ben-or to the real story between him


    and Autumn. That was a secret he''d take to his grave.