Chapter 4: Whispers in the Dark
The following morning, the brownstone was filled with the rich aroma of roasted coffee and French toast. For Lily, it was a fairytale castle; she giggled as she played with wooden blocks on the rug, her cheeks restored to a healthy pink glow. But for Arthur, the reality of their situation was closing in quickly.
Arthur stood in his private study, speaking hushed tones into his encrypted phone. ""I need a full background check on Clara Vance's medical admissions over the past month,"" Arthur instructed his trusted investigator, Marcus. ""And find out if Sterling’s men are sweeping the shelters in Queens.""
""Arthur,"" Marcus's grave voice came through the speaker. ""Sterling has been looking for Clara's kids since Tuesday. Word on the street is that Clara left behind an encrypted drive containing evidence that could put Sterling in federal prison for life. He thinks the kids have it.""
Arthur glanced through the cracked wooden door of his study. He saw Leo sitting at the hallway desk, carefully teaching Lily how to draw a sunshine with yellow crayons. The boy was protective, hyper-vigilant, and fiercely devoted to his little sister.
""They don't have a drive, Marcus. They're just children,"" Arthur said, his jaw tightening.
""Sterling won't care,"" Marcus warned. ""If he thinks they know anything, he’ll use every resource he has to find them. You need to keep them hidden.""
Arthur ended the call and walked out into the hallway. Leo immediately noticed the shift in Arthur's posture and stood up, placing himself instinctively between Arthur and Lily.
May you like
""Is something wrong, Mr. Arthur?"" Leo asked, his young eyes searching Arthur's face.
Arthur knelt so he was at eye level with the boy. He placed a warm hand on Leo's shoulder. ""Nothing you need to worry about today, Leo. But I need you to trust me. From this moment on, you and Lily are family. I will protect you both with everything I have.""
