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?"

profusely, found himself at a loss for

He was puzzled himself.

last thing he needed, making his superiors doubt his

his brow and turned his piercing gaze towards Adam, he demanded, "You were on duty today. Tell

suddenly, sir. As you know, our meals and everything else

results in only Kipling getting food poisoning, out of everyone

a former key operative under Percival at the

head down, his neck aching but not

commanded, "Look

knowing Percival's status, Adam sensed the authority in his voice, especially given Chad's deference, and slowly raised his head. With just a glance,

there

paused, his gaze

pushed Adam, "This is crucial

by his superior, shook his head, indicating he didn't know: "I was focused on getting Kipling to the hospital; I didn't

at this, "Damn, that kid

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

very familiar with

into Adam, "Whether it's

bring him in today!

happens to Kipling, do you think you

responsibility?!"

turned off, "Leopold, go with him. If Keith isn't at the precinct or his home, issue

"Got it."

Percival's orders, dragged him out before he could argue, "Enough. I know you care about your men,

those words, followed

elevator doors closed,

doors opened,