The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Percival presented his ID to the guard, who scanned it and did a visible double-take. A newfound respect tinged with puzzlement washed over his face as he looked up at Percival again.

“Deputy Director, please come inside.” The guard swung the wrought-iron gate open, watching as Percival strode through.

Vivienne glanced back, slightly taken aback that even the gatekeeper seemed deeply enmeshed with the Vanguard Agency.

And more so, he recognized Percival’s rank.

Once inside the estate, it was a further ten-minute drive before Percival parked the car.

Stepping out alongside Percival, Vivienne was met with two individuals approaching, each holding a sleek, black satchel that housed the latest model of detection devices – the one Griffin had invented.

These devices had not even hit the market yet, and here, the Linklater security team each had one in hand.

“Apologies, but we’ll need to collect all electronic devices, including cell phones and cameras.”

Percival nonchalantly tossed his phone, wallet, and even his wristwatch into one of the satchels.

Spreading his arms, he allowed the security personnel to sweep their detectors over him.

Vivienne followed suit, her watch joining Percival’s belongings in the bag.

After the check, Percival took Vivienne’s hand, and, led by one of the guards, they finally entered the main hall of the Linklater estate.

Navigating through the corridors, Vivienne glimpsed a grand staircase leading up to the Linklaters’ living quarters.

She sighed silently.

The security measures were nearly as stringent as airport checks, minus the conveyor belt and x-ray machine.

Percival squeezed her hand and whispered, audible only to the two of them, “Yorick’s got his rules, but he’s nice. No need to worry. Not the boogeyman type.”

Vivienne chuckled, “Good to hear he’s not the boogeyman, or we’d be surrounded by them.”

smile, they

person who came out to

“Vivienne, it’s you two.”

It was Diana.

with surprise, not expecting to find

Ellington. Vivienne, Dracon Linklater and I were college buddies. We’re here visiting Yorick today. Your grandfather even specially mentioned I spend some

were loaded with

College buddies, especially mentioned.

that Jasper intended for Diana to forge a

apparent that Jasper and Yorick

forward, shaking Percival’s hand. “You must be Percival Ellington. My

gaze dropped, sensing, perhaps mistakenly, that

at least acknowledge her

sigh

Yorick today, and I apologize for any inconvenience. Is he available?” Percival’s tone was polite but firm,

clear that Percival genuinely respected Yorick and, by extension, treated his family

good time. My father’s not feeling well,” Dracon said

concern. “What’s wrong with

a cold he caught a

and though they did not speak, their

the doctors say

head. “They didn’t say much, but the implication is that my father might be bedridden

on Percival’s face was as palpable as when Richard

not wanted to get involved, but seeing Percival’s distress, she was willing

with you, I’d like to have a look at Yorick. Maybe I can

surprise, Dracon’s gaze hardened as he surveyed her, “You? Specter Healer? Such a young lady making such bold

had spoken up for Percival’s sake, but

would

her gaze to Dracon, her eyes narrowing, a chill emanating

had called

introduced herself to the Linklaters, but somehow, Dracon

shot a glance at Diana, realizing that her title must’ve come