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?

sure who'd go

later, she understood Mr. Wolf's

the distance, she could smell the herbs being brewed, each scent distinct and somewhat bitter, triggering

to the window for fresh

suddenly rang. Picking it up, Draven's voice came through

Vivienne's brow twitched, "Where?"

female bodies, but their faces are unrecognizable. We'll need to

Vivienne repeated, seeking confirmation.

strange. One body has been drained of all blood, becoming a mummy. The other is similar but less severe, likely died from excessive blood loss." "Why can't their

for not securing the scene

Vivienne understood.

the bodies would attract wildlife

a quick decision, "Send them to

over the tea, he caught the tail end of her

asked,

eyes, "Mr. Wolf, the bodies have been

is Abigail?" Vivienne shook her head, the uncertainty the reason she wanted to check personally. If it was Abigail, it would bring closure to a

and drank it in one gulp, chasing it with a sugar cube, "Mr. Wolf, you get on with your work I'll check

with concern,

his frown, "Trust me, Mr. Wolf. I'm just

knowing too well that pregnancy

anything

coming with

"Mr. Wolf..."

Before Vivienne could protest,

her with a reminder, "Remember

this morning?

the whole lab to find out about

Wolf had

your superiors?" Vivienne asked, knowing

were related to Abigail, any report now would be premature. Better to

Vivienne agreed.

to see both of them but quickly starting

understanding the unspoken rule of not asking questions,

and sped off towards

the scene, entering the most secure layer of defense