The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Percival steered his car into the Vanguard Agency’s Rivenwood headquarters parking lot. Soren, Anna, and the rest of the crew were already there, all decked out in the Agency’s crisp uniforms.

Today was the day Percival would officially step into the role of Deputy Director.

Every member of the Rivenwood Vanguard Agency was dressed to the nines for the promotion ceremony.

In the absence of the Director, the Deputy Director was the top dog. This ceremony was pretty much Percival taking the reins of the Rivenwood headquarters.

“Captain, why are you behind the wheel?” Soren approached, eyeing Percival as he climbed out of the driver’s seat. Beside him, Leopold was snoozing like a log, enough to make Soren’s teeth itch with irritation.

How could Leopold let the captain drive himself here?

Especially now that Percival was stepping up as Deputy Director, with the whole headquarters watching. Where did that leave his dignity?

Everyone knew Soren was Percival’s number-one fanboy. Any threat to Percival’s prestige was a no-go in Soren’s book.

Micah once joked that if Percival said the Vanguard Agency should cease to exist, Soren would probably tear down all the branches brick by brick.

Like today, Soren was more excited about the ceremony than Percival himself, so excited he had not slept a wink all night.

Percival tossed the keys to Soren and took the uniform jacket Anna handed him. “Get that sleepy mutt on his feet.”

Without a word, Soren hoisted Leopold out of the car, nearly popping his shoulder out of its socket.

After changing into his uniform, Percival headed to the auditorium.

The whole staff was there, and as Percival stepped out, applause thundered around the room, Soren’s clapping nearly deafening Leopold by his side.

Anna sat behind Soren, rolling her eyes at his antics. She was convinced that if Soren were a woman, he would be Vivienne’s fiercest love rival.

Percival took his seat amid the leaders, right in the center.

Director’s out, I’m calling the

the Deputy

whispered, “Deputy, say a few words, will you? Morale’s been low; a

Percival’s brow furrowed subtly.

Low morale?

Nerves frayed?

and strolled to the stage, his intimidating presence

morale’s been low. Three miles weighted runs after work, starting today. Let’s cut

morale meant slack performance, which could end in an unmarked grave with nobody the

morale boost? Percival saw that as a

backs; no one dared admit to low

one to do a pep talk in meetings. To him, getting the orders passed down

point of inspiring

much more

the room with his icy gaze, ready to put the mic down, the auditorium

sensed

in lockdown, who could it

narrowed, suppressing a flash of

your neck. If your morale is down, that’s a one-way ticket to the underworld. Keep that to your pillow talk, and never let it into the field,

stage with agile grace, no need for a mic

was none other than Vance, the second-in-command of

approached Percival with an outstretched hand. “Percival, pleased to meet you.

firm, feeling the callouses of a man never far from

he introduced himself, eyes locked

of Sea City headquarters, but I’ve just been informed my undercover assignment has ended.

Percival’s brow creased.

director

that the long-absent Vanguard

power of both Sea City’s second-in-command and Rivenwood

crowd’s shock, Vance continued, “I was due for a promotion after my mission, but with Micah’s incident, I’m back for a while. When he returns, I’ll get