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

minutes later, she understood

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

for fresh air, which helped

phone suddenly rang. Picking it up, Draven's voice came through immediately, "Miss, we've found

Vivienne's brow twitched, "Where?"

miles from the incident site. Two female bodies, but their

Vivienne repeated, seeking confirmation.

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

for not securing the

Vivienne understood.

wildlife in the mountains, likely disturbing

them to the lab. I'll examine

the tea, he

he asked, worry in

Wolf, the bodies have been found. There

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

hand and drank it in one gulp, chasing it with a sugar cube, "Mr. Wolf, you get on with your

her hand, his face etched with concern,

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

was unconvinced, knowing too well that pregnancy

wouldn't risk anything happening

I'm coming

"Mr. Wolf..."

Before Vivienne could protest,

silenced her with a

this morning?

lab to

Wolf had a

report to your superiors?" Vivienne asked, knowing they were pressing for

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

Vivienne agreed.

of them but quickly starting the car at Percival's command, "To

unspoken rule

car made a swift U-turn and sped off towards the suburban

hour later, Vivienne arrived at the scene, entering the most secure layer