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.

Micah. “Micah, do you happen

were up to no

How did Hector

“My father has mentioned her before. I was

not available right now,” Micah replied,

Hector didn’t

slightly. “Understood. Thank you,

ado, Micah left, leaning

hold back his curiosity, “Is Lark acquainted with Hector? Were

off with irritation. “What’s with the

fell silent, awkwardly closing his

The two directors bickered like this

Thomas sent a coded

[They’re in my car.]

to the Vanguard Agency’s

duty was Caspian, who looked at Vivienne

head back for now? He’ll be

her ground. “I need to see him

possible right now. The case Percival is involved in is big. If you barge in, it’ll only get

worry

text message she received before Thomas’s

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

be mistreated in custody, Vivienne knew that if he remained locked

this was a targeted attack. Someone was using Percival to get

be harmed. Please, turn around!”

Help me to persuade

no one could

and numerous guns and weapons were aimed at the

several red