The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

The lead detective's expression softened a bit, acknowledging the logic in the argument before him, and began to unhook the keys from his belt, ready to step forward.

Just as he moved, a young officer tugged at his sleeve, "You're actually buying this? Who knows if they're trying to trick us. This one's a serious felon. If he uses this chance to escape, who do we answer to?"

However, the prisoners didn't see it that way, "Even if someone's a serious felon, they still have rights, don't they? And with all these cops around, do you really think he could make a break for it from the station?"

Even in a place as tightly guarded as the precinct, with who knows how many eyes watching.

Thinking someone could escape from here was like believing in fairy tales!

The lead detective shrugged off his colleague's hand, "They're right. Especially because he's a serious felon, we need to be careful. If something happens to him, some cases could end up without any evidence."

"But wait a second..."

The young officer tried to interject, but his colleague had already moved to unlock the cell.

A flash of panic crossed his eyes, and he stomped his foot in frustration and hurried after him.

The officer who unlocked the cell had already approached Kipling, "Hey, wake up. You awake?"

"I told you he was out," the young officer mumbled, still not convinced. Seeing that Kipling wouldn't respond, he was about to pull his colleague away when suddenly Adam sprang to his feet.

His expression shifted from serious to urgent, "Call an ambulance! Someone's been poisoned. Hurry, call an ambulance!"

In the hospital corridor outside the surgery room, Leopold, accompanied by Vivienne and Percival, faced the weary, furrow-browed Chief of the Station.

Kipling was their key to unlocking the secrets of an ancient warrior lineage, and Percival had made arrangements with the local law enforcement to be notified immediately of any developments. They had thought that with Gavin's cautious nature, he'd at least wait for Harrison's trial to conclude before making a move.

Yet, less than a day had passed before trouble arose.

Percival's face darkened with a question, "What happened?"

found himself at a loss for words under Percival's

He was puzzled himself.

an incident under his watch was the last thing he needed, making

his piercing gaze towards Adam, he demanded, "You were on duty today. Tell me, how did

tightly together, bowed his head, "It all happened so suddenly, sir. As you know, our meals and everything else here are standardized. If there was an issue, it shouldn't have just affected him. Could

"What kind of coincidence results in only

under Percival at the

neck aching but

voice commanded, "Look

Percival's status, Adam sensed the authority in his voice, especially given Chad's deference, and slowly raised his head. With just a glance, Percival could tell Adam wasn't involved, "Were

answered, "No, there was

gaze

together as he pushed Adam, "This is crucial information,

indicating he didn't know: "I was focused on getting Kipling to the hospital; I didn't see if

"Damn, that kid might have

of my best. He once risked disciplinary action to save an elderly couple from

very familiar with

some sense into Adam, "Whether it's

him

you think you can bear

responsibility?!"

the surgery room as the red light turned off, "Leopold, go with him. If Keith

"Got it."

dragged him out before he could argue, "Enough. I know you

realizing the truth in those words, followed without

elevator doors closed,

room doors