Chapter 3 - Chapter 3: The Mask of Justice

The interrogation room was a concrete box, lit by a single buzzing bulb that cast harsh shadows across the table. Ethan sat handcuffed to the chair, his shoulder throbbing where a medic had hastily patched him up. Across from him was the man who'd arrested him: Detective Chief James Carver. Carver was a legend in the city, a straight-arrow cop with a reputation for cleaning up the streets. His graying hair and stern jaw made him look like he'd stepped out of a crime novel, but his eyes held something sharper, something calculating."Vincent Moretti," Carver said, sliding a photo of the mob boss across the table. "You've been his dog for years, Cole. Loyal. Obedient. So why'd he send you to die tonight?"Ethan's jaw tightened, but he didn't answer. He didn't have one. Carver leaned back, crossing his arms. "I've been after Moretti for a long time. He's slippery, but you? You're my way in. Tell me what I need, and I can make this easier for you.""Easier?" Ethan spat, his voice low and bitter. "You think I'm gonna roll over because you ask nice? I don't even know why I'm here."Carver studied him for a moment, then nodded. "Fair enough. But here's the truth: Moretti set you up. That warehouse was a kill zone, and when that failed, he tipped us off. Wanted you out of the picture, one way or another. You're a loose end, Cole. Help me, and I'll help you. I'll get Moretti. You have my word."Ethan wanted to believe him. Carver's voice carried a weight, a promise of justice that tugged at the part of him still reeling from the betrayal. But trust was a luxury he couldn't afford. Not yet. "I'll think about it," he muttered, leaning back in his chair.Carver stood, adjusting his coat. "Don't think too long. Time's not on your side." He left, and a guard escorted Ethan to a holding cell. The door slammed shut, locking him in with nothing but his thoughts. Why had Moretti turned on him? What had he missed? He paced the small space, replaying every moment, every word, searching for a clue.Hours later, a guard approached, his face blank. "Cole. This came for you." He slid an envelope through the bars and walked off. Ethan's stomach dropped as he picked it up. It felt heavy, personal. He tore it open, and his heart stopped. Inside was Lily's blood-stained dog tag, along with a note: "I'm in control now, Ethan. Obey." Moretti's handwriting. Ethan's hands shook as he clutched the tag, a cold fury building inside him. Lily was in danger, and he was stuck here, powerless.