Page 2 of Cat and Mouse

"Evening, Detective Kane," he says, his voice smooth with a slight accent. "I'm Dr. Lorenzo Moretti. New on the team."

I glance up, noticing his charming smile. "Dr. Moretti, huh? You seem pretty chipper for this hour."

"Just doing my job," he says with a wink. "Though, I must say, you make this night a lot more interesting."

I raise an eyebrow. "That's inappropriate, Dr. Moretti."

He grins, unfazed. "Can't blame a guy for trying. How about drinks sometime?"

I roll my eyes. "No. Now, what can you tell me about the body?"

His eyes twinkle as he kneels beside the victim. "Female, mid-twenties. Multiple slashes across the chest. Typical of the Phantom's work. I'll need to take a closer look."

I nod. He doesn't tell me anything I don't already know. "I'll read the rest in your report."

I sneeze, and he says, "Bless you. I can give you something to help with the smell." He pulls out a small container of paste. "Mortician's trick. Apply it under your nose."

When he offers it to me, I notice the edge of a tattoo peeking from beneath his sleeve.

"Do you like tattooed bad boys, detective?" he asks, his grin widening.

I roll my eyes again. "Just make sure you have all the details for me."

"Yes, ma'am," he says, turning back to the body.

I walk a few feet away, then glance back at him. What a peculiar man.

I decide to find out which officer was first at the scene and what call they were responding to. Maybe it'll give me more information about the victim.

I spot Officer Ramirez near the squad cars.

"Ramirez, who was first on the scene?"

He looks up from his notepad. "That'd be Officer Bennett. Responded to a noise complaint. Found the body instead."

"Where's Bennett now?"

"Talking to Captain Harris."

I nod. "Thanks."

I find Harris and Bennett near the end of the alley. Bennett's face is pale, his hands shaking slightly. First murder scene, maybe.

"Officer Bennett," I say, stepping closer. "You found the body?"

He nods, swallowing hard. "Yes, ma'am. Responded to a noise complaint. Saw the victim as soon as I entered the alley."

"What time was that?"

"About 3:30 a.m."

I look at Harris. "We got any leads?"

Harris shakes his head. "Nothing solid yet. We're still canvassing the area."

I sigh, running a hand through my hair. "Alright. Keep me posted." I turn to Bennett. "Good work, officer. Get some rest. You'll need it."

He nods, visibly relieved. "Thank you, detective."

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