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

to greet them was a

“Vivienne, it’s you two.”

It was Diana.

with surprise, not expecting to find her

“Dracon, let me introduce you. This is 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

words were loaded with

College buddies, especially mentioned.

Jasper intended for Diana to forge a bond with

also apparent that Jasper

hand. “You must be Percival Ellington. My father speaks

dropped, sensing, perhaps mistakenly,

at least acknowledge her

could not help but inwardly sigh at the prospect

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

Percival genuinely respected Yorick and, by extension,

a good time. My father’s not

furrowed with concern.

caught a few days back,” Dracon replied, leading Percival

speak, their

doctors say

implication is that my father might

Percival’s face was as palpable as

seeing Percival’s distress, she was willing to offer

with you, I’d like to have a look at Yorick. Maybe I can help,” Vivienne said, her

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

Percival’s sake, but Dracon’s

she would

gaze to Dracon, her eyes narrowing, a

Dracon had called

Linklaters, but somehow, Dracon had already pegged her

realizing that her title must’ve come up in conversation more