The Million-Dollar Heart (Percival and Vivienne) novel Chapter 758

Captain Rafferty's face was a mask of cool detachment as he awaited the conclusion of their heated exchange.

"We're up to speed on the matter," he finally said, his voice even. "Should the investigation yield any results, rest assured, we'll notify you promptly. We don't let criminals slip through the cracks on my watch."

"My father-in-law hasn't done anything wrong!"

Kaitlyn, unable to contain herself any longer, wrenched free from Vivienne's grasp and stormed out.

Rafferty caught sight of Kaitlyn, his gaze faltering for a moment. "Kaitlyn? What are you doing here?"

Vivienne and Percival exchanged a puzzled look.

Did they know each other?

Kaitlyn's face, flush with anger, paused in surprise upon seeing a familiar face.

Her cool gaze settled on Rafferty as she scoffed, "So it's you. After all these years, you've climbed the ranks to captain. Seems the Abernathy family holds your elder brother in high esteem."

Rafferty's brows knitted together as he retorted, "My career has nothing to do with my brother."

"Whether it does or doesn't isn't my concern. The moment my family was torn apart, your family became my sworn enemies!"

After a brief pause, Kaitlyn's gaze softened, her voice suppressing the bitterness, "I didn't come here to stroll down memory lane with you. My father-in-law is innocent, and Cassidy's suicide had nothing to do with him!"

Rafferty's eyes flickered; he was about to explain that he wasn't in charge of this case.

Cassidy's mother, Zinnia, moved forward, tears streaming down her face. "Nothing to do with him? Does that mean we're framing him? That old coot – if not for the fact that our Cassidy was relatively unharmed back then, I would've had him behind bars already!"

Zinnia sobbed inconsolably, "You're his daughter-in-law; of course, you'll defend him! Officer, my girl was bright, and on the verge of college graduation. If not for that man's actions years ago, causing her depression, why would she have taken her own life?"

Kipling glanced between Kaitlyn and Rafferty, adding, "Exactly! Julian was no good to begin with. Captain Rafferty, don't let your connection to his family cloud your judgment!"

Halfway through his rant, he remembered the instructions from Asher.

Kipling's voice grew stern, "And why isn't the deputy captain handling this? He's the one dealing with our case. Why are you here? I demand to see the deputy captain!"

"Choosing your own detective at the precinct?" Vivienne's gaze was icy as she glanced at Kipling, "Do you need me to deliver his head to you directly?"

"And who the hell are you?" Kipling's beady eyes lit up upon seeing Vivienne, his lecherous gaze traveling over her.

Percival's expression darkened, a chilling aura emanating from him. He stepped forward, shielding Vivienne, his long finger jabbing towards Kipling's eyes, his voice as cold as ice, "Eyes are precious. If you don't want them, I'll gladly relieve you of them."

Even Zinnia, who knew the threat wasn't directed at her, couldn't help but shiver.

Kipling, at the eye of the storm, would have collapsed if not for the support of the reception desk.

Just who was this man?

The Grimshaw family never mentioned Julian being connected to such a terrifying person!

"Percival Ellington?"

It was the first time Rafferty had seen someone so boldly threaten another in front of the police.