The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Hector took a deep breath and kept his voice steady. “Let’s not jump to conclusions before we get to the bottom of this, Dracon. What’s the word from the doctors?”

Dracon pinched the bridge of his nose, the worry lines on his forehead deepening. “They’re playing it by ear with the treatment. No idea when Dad might come out of it. The house is in chaos, and I’m at a loss here.”

“You’ve always been the one steering the ship at home. I’ll hold down the fort here at the hospital; you head back and sort things out. Keep Dad’s condition under wraps, okay? We don’t want to spook the shareholders or the folks at Vanguard Agency. And get a couple more guys to watch over this place. I’ve got a bad feeling there might be more trouble brewing.”

Hector orchestrated the plans with the finesse of an elder brother despite the fact that he wasn’t.

Dracon nodded, silently taking in Hector’s instructions before heading out to do as he said.

Micah, who had been listening in, couldn’t help but vent to Vance, “Compared to Hector, Dracon’s a piece of trash.”

Vance shot Micah a look that could quell any further comments. “You always this chatty?”

Micah choked on his words. No matter how long they had worked together, he and Vance just didn’t click.

After Dracon had left, Hector came over to introduce himself. “Vance, Micah, right? I’m Hector.”

“Mr. Linklater, it’s an honor,” Vance replied, shaking Hector’s hand firmly.

“Vanguard Agency will leave no stone unturned in investigating what happened to Yorick. There will be no cover-ups, rest assured.”

Hector adjusted his glasses, a smile devoid of warmth tugging at his lips. “Vance, don’t just fixate on Percival as the prime suspect. He has no motive to harm my father. I’ve heard of his reputation; my father has praised him. I suspect there’s more to this story. If you need my help, just say the word.”

Vance felt a glimmer of relief upon hearing this. Finally, someone talking sense.

“We’ll take your suggestion to heart, Mr. Linklater. We’ve got business back at the agency, so we’ll be off. If there’s any news about Yorick, please keep us informed.”

After exchanging goodbyes, Vance and Micah made to leave.

you happen to know where

taken aback, eyeing Hector as if he were up to no good. “What do you want with

was surprised. How did Hector know

father has mentioned her before. I was hoping to meet

available right now,” Micah

about Hector didn’t

nodded slightly. “Understood.

ado, Micah left, leaning on his

outside, Vance couldn’t hold back his curiosity, “Is Lark acquainted

off with

awkwardly closing

didn’t chime in. The two directors bickered like

a coded message to

[They’re in my car.]

already on her way to the Vanguard Agency’s detention center with

duty was Caspian, who

Percival’s not going to suffer in there. Could you please head back for now? He’ll be released

icy as she stood her ground. “I need to

“Madam, it’s really not possible right now. The case

worry about

never impulsive, but a text message she received before Thomas’s call had simply

unknown. She hadn’t given it much thought initially, but when news of Percival’s trouble reached her, she

Percival wouldn’t be mistreated in custody, Vivienne knew that

clearly, this was a targeted attack. Someone was using Percival to

I promise not even a hair on Percival’s head will be harmed. Please, turn around!” Caspian was on

me to persuade Madam!”

one

numerous guns and weapons were aimed at the secret detention center

Caspian had several red