The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Vivienne was on the perimeter, her gaze locked to the thermal imager as she monitored Anna’s progress through the darkened alley.

Percival was at her side, fingers dancing across the laptop keyboard. Three seconds later, he declared, “Vivienne, we’re in.”

Pressing her earpiece, Vivienne called out, “Strike team, come in. Do you copy?”

The entire team, including Anna, was momentarily startled.

Through the earpiece, Anna tapped back in Morse code—Ms. Vivienne?

“That’s right. Follow my lead. There are more bombs than your initial infrared scan detected. Tread carefully.”

Everyone at the Vanguard Agency knew that Vivienne was Percival’s fiancée, and they would heed her commands without question. And, of course, Percival would obviously be right by her side.

This brought an unspoken comfort to the strike team as they navigated the treacherous terrain.

“Alpha and Bravo, move left. Charlie and Delta, keep a 3-feet distance behind. Anna, take the others and advance from the nine o’clock position. Watch the walls—electrified nets are set up to alert the hostiles inside.”

The strike team executed Vivienne’s orders flawlessly, avoiding numerous triggers and drawing ever closer to the bomb-laden stronghold.

Back in the command vehicle, Thomas watched the heat signatures move and immediately understood.

Percival and Vivienne were undoubtedly nearby. This meticulous, calculated approach was Vivienne’s signature—Careful and deadly.

Thomas, who had spent years working alongside Percival and Vivienne, knew this all too well.

Moreover, the equipment in Vivienne’s possession was far more advanced than that of the Vanguard Agency, revealing traps that had previously gone undetected.

With her guidance, Anna would be able to complete the mission much faster.

The National Intelligence Bureau, led by Astrid, was also in position, ready to provide support. Although they were not bomb disposal experts, they were more than capable of backing up the team.

Under Vivienne’s direction, Anna swiftly defused the first bomb site.

few taps on her earpiece signaled — Alpha point

team received the signal

from the command vehicle, couldn’t shake the feeling that something was

Agency suggested

would receive

and Vance were deep in tactical

console and, without a sound, activated the external

were on—a device typically untouched unless they were ready to encircle and intimidate criminals. For

to speak, “Second squad, prepare to

sent shock waves

was stunned, including Vivienne and Percival on watch outside, as well as Anna and Astrid in the midst

through the serene Holiday Resort. Starting from a hidden passage, in just two seconds,

vehicle shook violently, its special bulletproof glass shattering under the force

shards flew everywhere, embedding themselves into the members of Vanguard Agency’s

various injuries, their bodies peppered with countless

on the outermost edge, felt a ringing in their ears,

were strewn across the floor, with Gillian knocked unconscious against

events unfolded in

was the first to snap into action. He quickly established a

were still ringing, Percival’s voice echoing like a

base had been alerted, and in the event of such

dire situation, they had to capture whoever they

grabbing his weapon as he

Soren, are

legs, abdomen, and shoulders ravaged

it! I’m going after

with a pierced abdomen, yet he still managed to get

“Not dead yet.”

that, Soren headed toward

team was still in

them; I’ll search for our people,”

sure we get