The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Back in the car, Percival pulled a light blanket over Vivienne's legs. She reached for it, her wrist peeking out, pale and delicate.

Percival's attention was caught by a flash of red. With a smile, he asked, "Who gave this to you?"

Thinking of the two children she'd met earlier, Vivienne's lips curved into a smile, "Natalia and Yasmine."

Percival nodded, holding her hand gently, "Aunt Mary's quite thoughtful."

Vivienne paused.

Percival continued, "Red ribbons are for protection. Aunt Mary's been around; she must've guessed we're keeping the pregnancy a secret. She probably used the kids so you wouldn't feel pressured." Vivienne squinted, shocked, looking at Mr. Wolf.

Could Mr. Wolf have been following her around?

Percival could see what she was thinking and laughed, revealing the truth, "It's blessed by Father O'Connor. I saw it when I went to get a blessing."

"Blessing?"

Vivienne didn't know what to say.

Mr. Wolf, what haven't you been keeping from me?

Every casual inquiry revealed something new to her.

Percival bit his lip, not going into details, simply pulling her closer and whispering, "I sewed it into your clothing. It's meant to be discreet, as Father O'Connor suggested." Vivienne, "..."

Mr. Wolf, do you really have to be this cautious, even believing in blessings now?

The car journey home was quiet, both returning to their shared space.

Thomas was waiting outside, ready to head to the station later.

Once inside, Percival didn't waste time, carrying Vivienne straight to bed, insisting he'd brew some tea so the smell wouldn't upset her stomach. She felt safer with her in bed.

Seeing Mr. Wolf still insistent on brewing her tea left Vivienne somewhat stunned, "Mr. Wolf, don't you need to report to your superiors?" Percival rolled up his sleeves, starting on the tea, "No rush. I want to make sure you've had your tea first."

Vivienne, "..."

How much more tea could there be?

rate, she wasn't sure who'd go

minutes later, she understood Mr. Wolf's

each scent distinct

window for fresh air, which helped alleviate the

Draven's voice came through

Vivienne's brow twitched, "Where?"

ten miles from the incident site. Two female bodies, but their faces are unrecognizable. We'll need to wait for the test

Vivienne repeated, seeking confirmation.

it's strange. One body has been drained of all blood, becoming a mummy. The other is similar but less severe, likely died from

"My apologies for not securing

Vivienne understood.

without blood, the bodies would attract wildlife in the

quick decision, "Send them to the lab. I'll examine them

brought over the tea, he

he asked, worry in his

narrowed her eyes, "Mr. Wolf, the bodies have

this, Percival's expression darkened, "Are we sure one is Abigail?" Vivienne shook her head, the uncertainty the reason she wanted to check personally.

with a sugar cube, "Mr. Wolf, you

concern,

Wolf's worried eyes, her fingers instinctively smoothing his frown, "Trust me, Mr. Wolf. I'm just confirming

unconvinced, knowing too well that

anything

coming

"Mr. Wolf..."

Before Vivienne could protest,

silenced her with a reminder,

this morning? Do

to find out about the

Wolf had

the report to your superiors?"

to Abigail, any report now would be premature. Better to wait for

Vivienne agreed.

surprised to see both of them but quickly starting the

nodded, understanding the unspoken rule of not

a swift U-turn and sped off towards the suburban

arrived at the scene, entering the