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.

under his watch was the last thing he needed, making

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

lips pressed 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 it be

of coincidence results in only

often seemed carefree, as a former key operative under

head down, his neck aching but

voice commanded,

his voice, especially given Chad's deference, and slowly raised his head. With just a glance, Percival could tell Adam wasn't involved, "Were you the only one on

"No, there

paused, his gaze sweeping

as he pushed Adam, "This is crucial information, and you're only mentioning it now?!

by his superior, shook his head, indicating he didn't know: "I was

"Damn, that kid

risked disciplinary action to save an elderly couple from abuse

not very

some sense into Adam, "Whether

him

happens to Kipling, do you think you can

responsibility?!"

the surgery room as the red light turned off, "Leopold, go with him. If Keith isn't at

"Got it."

but Leopold, following Percival's orders, dragged him out before he could argue, "Enough. I know you care about your men, but let's move. The sooner we find him, the sooner

in those words, followed without

elevator doors closed,

doors opened,