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.

stopped Micah. “Micah, do you happen to know where Karen

were up to no good. “What do you

was surprised. How did Hector know

light. “My father has mentioned her before. I was hoping

available right now,” Micah replied,

about Hector didn’t sit right

nodded slightly. “Understood. Thank you,

ado, Micah left,

his curiosity, “Is Lark

with irritation. “What’s

awkwardly closing

in silence, didn’t chime in. The two

a

[They’re in my car.]

message, Vivienne was already on her way to the Vanguard

guard on duty was Caspian, who looked at Vivienne

in there. Could you please head back for

as she stood her ground. “I need

he was about to kneel and beg. “Madam, it’s really not possible right now. The case Percival is involved in is big.

worry

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

thought initially, but when news of Percival’s trouble reached her, she connected

custody, Vivienne knew that if

Someone was

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

help! Help me to persuade

one could

numerous guns and weapons were aimed at the secret

several red dots trained on