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.”

they continued into the

came out to greet

“Vivienne, it’s you two.”

It was Diana.

surprise, not expecting

my father’s goddaughter, Vivienne Hawthorn, and her fiancé, Percival Ellington. Vivienne, Dracon Linklater and I were college buddies. We’re here visiting Yorick today. Your grandfather even specially mentioned I spend some extra time

words were loaded

College buddies, especially mentioned.

Diana to forge a bond

Jasper and Yorick were

Percival’s hand. “You must be Percival Ellington. My father

dropped, sensing, perhaps mistakenly, that Dracon was

acknowledge her presence, yet he bypassed her to

sigh at the prospect of yet another

today, and I apologize for any inconvenience. Is he available?”

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

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

concern. “What’s wrong with

flaring up. He’s not been well since a cold he caught a few days back,” Dracon replied, leading Percival towards the parlor,

speak,

did the doctors say about Yorick’s illness?” Percival

my father might be bedridden from here on out. The injuries from his

face was as palpable as

seeing Percival’s distress, she was willing to offer

Linklater, I have some medical knowledge. If it’s okay with you, I’d like to have a look at Yorick.

her, “You? Specter Healer? Such a young lady making

sake, but

Yorick were not so esteemed by Percival and Karen, she would

gaze to Dracon, her eyes narrowing,

had called her the Specter

had never formally introduced herself to the Linklaters, but somehow, Dracon had already pegged

realizing that her title must’ve come up in conversation