Chapter 4: The Shattered Bond

Ethan sat on the cold cot in his cell, Lily's dog tag clenched in his fist. The blood on it was dry, flaking off in specks, but it might as well have been fresh for how it burned him. Moretti had her, or worse. The note's words echoed in his head: "Obey." A leash meant to choke him into submission. He wouldn't. He couldn't. With a guttural yell, he slammed his fist into the bars, the clang reverberating through the cellblock.Footsteps approached, and Ethan tensed, expecting another guard. Instead, a woman stepped into view. She was lean and sharp-eyed, her blonde hair tied back, a badge glinting at her waist. "Ethan Cole," she said, her voice calm but firm. "I'm Sarah Kane. Detective. I'm here to get you out."Ethan narrowed his eyes, standing slowly. "Out? Why the hell would you spring me?"Sarah crossed her arms, unfazed by his tone. "Because we've got a common enemy. Vincent Moretti killed my husband, David, two years ago. I've been chasing him ever since, and you're the best shot I've got at bringing him down. I know about the warehouse. I know he set you up. And I know about your sister."Ethan lunged forward, grabbing her jacket through the bars. "Where is she?" he demanded, his voice a low growl."I don't know," Sarah said, meeting his glare without flinching. "But that note means he's using her to control you. I'm offering you a way to fight back. I've got clearance from Carver to release you into my custody. Temporary parole. You help me, I help you find her."He studied her, searching for a lie. Her eyes held pain, a mirror to his own. Slowly, he released her. "What's the catch?""There's a shipment tonight," she said, lowering her voice. "Moretti's moving something big. I've got a lead, but I need someone who knows his operation inside out. That's you. We hit it, we get leverage. Maybe a lead on your sister." She unlocked the cell door and swung it open. "Deal?"Ethan hesitated, then nodded. "Deal. But if you're playing me, you'll regret it.""Noted," Sarah said with a faint smirk. "Let's move."They slipped out of the station, the night air cool against Ethan's skin as they headed for her car. He pocketed Lily's dog tag, its weight a constant reminder. Sarah drove in silence, her focus razor-sharp, and Ethan watched the city blur past, his mind on one thing: finding Lily. Whatever it took.