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?

this rate, she wasn't sure who'd go mad first,

minutes later, she understood Mr.

being brewed, each scent distinct and somewhat

to the window for fresh

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

Vivienne's brow twitched, "Where?"

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

Vivienne repeated, seeking confirmation.

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

for

Vivienne understood.

bodies would attract wildlife in the mountains, likely

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

brought over the tea, he caught the tail end

Vivienne?" he asked, worry

her eyes, "Mr. Wolf, the bodies

the reason she wanted

leave, Vivienne saw the tea in Percival's hand and drank it in one gulp, chasing it with a sugar cube, "Mr. Wolf, you get on with your work I'll check things

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

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

was unconvinced, knowing too well that pregnancy could

risk anything

coming with

"Mr. Wolf..."

Before Vivienne could protest,

with a reminder,

this morning? Do

the whole lab to find

had a

your superiors?" Vivienne asked, knowing

were related to Abigail, any report now would

Vivienne agreed.

Thomas surprised to see both of them but

the unspoken rule

made a swift U-turn and sped off

scene, entering the