All Chapters of Shadows in Arms : Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

"Where is my brother?"I burst through the hospital entrance, my heart in my throat, security guards shouting behind me. Dr. Monroe met me in the hallway, his face pale."Miss Sinclair, I tried to call you—""Where is Ethan?" I grabbed his arm, panic making me rough. "His room is empty. Where is he?""He was transferred this morning. By your authorization."The world stopped. "What authorization? I never authorized anything."Dr. Monroe pulled out a tablet, showing me a document with my signature. Transfer orders for Ethan Sinclair to a private medical facility in Connecticut. Approved and signed by his legal guardian, Hartley Sinclair."That is not my signature." My voice was shaking. "I did not sign this. Where did they take him?""Clearwater Medical Center. The same facility that—" He stopped, realization dawning. "Oh God. That is where Rebecca Winters is being treated."Rebecca. Camilla. This was all connected.I pulled out my phone with numb fingers, calling Declan. He answered o

"Do not respond to that message."I spun around to find Marcus standing behind me on the sidewalk, his usual composure cracked by something that looked like genuine fear."How did you know—""Because I sent it." He grabbed my arm, pulling me into the shadows between buildings. "Camilla has access to my phone. She has been monitoring everything for days, waiting for the right moment to strike."My blood ran cold. "You sent me that photo? Those women—""Are alive and well. Most of them remarried, moved on, living normal lives." His grip tightened. "But Camilla will use that photo to make you believe Declan is dangerous. That he silences women who know too much.""Why should I believe you? You are the one who wrote that note. Who called me a candidate. Who surveilled me for weeks like I was a target instead of a person."Guilt flashed across his face. "I know. And I will regret that for the rest of my life. But right now, you need to understand what is happening. Camilla is not just tryi

"You need to see this."I shoved my phone at Declan, watching his face as he read the message about the FBI warrant. His expression did not change. Not surprise, not fear, nothing. Just that carefully controlled mask he wore when the world was crumbling around him."You knew." The realization hit me like ice water. "You knew there was an investigation.""Yes.""For how long?""Six months." He handed back my phone, his movements deliberate. "Since before I met you."The hospital room felt too small suddenly, the walls closing in. Ethan was watching us both, his expression caught between concern and confusion."What is going on?" he asked. "What investigation?""Your future brother-in-law is apparently under federal investigation for money laundering and fraud." I could not keep the bitterness from my voice. "Which he conveniently forgot to mention when he was proposing a marriage contract.""It is not relevant to our arrangement," Declan said."Not relevant?" My voice rose. "The FBI is

"I am going to the warehouse."I said it out loud to my empty apartment, as if speaking the words would make the decision less insane. The FBI could wait. Agent Morrison could issue her warrant. None of that mattered if Ethan was in danger.I called Lily, my hands shaking as I grabbed my keys."I need you to do something for me," I said when she answered. "If I am not back in two hours, call the police. Tell them to check the warehouse address I am texting you right now.""Hart, no. Whatever you are thinking, no.""They have Ethan. I saw the video. Someone took him from the hospital." My voice cracked. "I have to go.""Then I am coming with you.""You cannot. They said alone.""And you believe them? You believe these people who have been lying and manipulating since day one?" Her voice rose. "This is exactly what they want. You, isolated and vulnerable.""I know. But what choice do I have?" I grabbed my bag, checking for my phone, my wallet, anything that could be useful. "If I do not

"Your Honor, my client was coerced into this entire situation."Lily's uncle, David Thompson, stood before the judge with a confidence that made the entire courtroom shift. He was exactly what Lily had promised: sharp, experienced, and completely unintimidated by the federal prosecutors staring him down.I sat at the defense table, hands clenched in my lap, trying to breathe through the panic. This emergency hearing had been called to determine whether I would remain in custody or be released on bail pending trial. Across the aisle, Declan sat at his own defense table, his eyes finding mine every few seconds.We had not spoken since being separated three days ago. Had not touched. Had not been allowed any contact beyond these stolen glances in a courtroom that felt more like a battlefield."Coerced?" The prosecutor, a sharp-faced woman named Ellen Cross, stood with barely concealed contempt. "Miss Sinclair entered into a contract marriage with full knowledge of what she was agreeing t