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?

she wasn't sure who'd go mad first, her or

later, she understood Mr. Wolf's

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

to the window for fresh

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

Vivienne's brow twitched, "Where?"

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

Vivienne repeated, seeking confirmation.

drained of all blood, becoming a mummy. The other is similar

"My apologies for not securing the

Vivienne understood.

wildlife in the mountains, likely

"Send them to the

brought over the tea, he caught

happened, Vivienne?" he asked, worry in

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

one is Abigail?" Vivienne shook her head, the uncertainty the reason she wanted

the tea in Percival's hand and drank it in one gulp, chasing it with a sugar cube, "Mr. Wolf, you get

her hand, his face etched with concern, "Vivienne, you shouldn't be handling

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

knowing too well that pregnancy could bring unpredictable

wouldn't risk anything

coming with

"Mr. Wolf..."

Before Vivienne could protest,

her with

morning? Do

whole lab to find out about

Wolf had a

about the report to your superiors?"

any report now

Vivienne agreed.

both of them but quickly starting

the unspoken rule of not asking questions,

U-turn and sped

the scene, entering the most secure