Page 22 of Cat and Mouse

She goes still, her mind racing, I can see it in her eyes. She studies me, weighing her options.

"What's your actual name?" she finally asks, her voice more controlled now, like she's trying to take back some power.

I can't help but grin. "Leonardo," I say. "But my friends call me Leo. Now, my turn. Why'd you move to the NYPD?"

She hesitates, her jaw tightening. "Why are you asking?"

"I'm a curious man," I say, not letting up. "So talk."

She sighs and looks away for a moment before answering. "I was in a raid that went wrong."

I scoff, shaking my head. "I know that part. Tell me the real reason."

Her eyes narrow, and she finally looks at me again. "I was one of a few women working with all men," she says, biting her lip, and it hits me. I know what she's trying to say without saying it.

"Who was it?" I ask, my voice dropping to a dangerous low. Anger's racing through me, but I keep it in check. This isn't the time to lose control.

She scoffs, her eyes flashing with something between defiance and bitterness. "Why the hell do you care? You're a fucking serial killer."

I lean in closer, my voice a dark whisper. "I kill for a reason, Elizabeth."

"Which one?" she challenges, her eyes daring me to say something that makes sense of this madness.

"You're the detective," I say, dodging the question. "Figure it out."

She looks away, the fire in her eyes dimming just a bit. I don't like that. I cup her cheek, turning her face back to me, and kiss the corner of her mouth. It's not a move I planned, but something in me just does it. She stiffens, her eyes drifting to my lips, and for a second, everything in me tightens. This is dangerous ground.

Blood rushes south, and I'm fucking confused by it. I have to get out of here. I'm too close, too deep in her space.

I pull back, grab her gun, and toss it into the living room. I don't trust her not to use it the second I leave. Then I climb off her, giving her space, watching her as I back toward the door.

"You should lock your doors," I say, my voice more serious now, all the teasing gone. "Next time, you might not be so lucky."

She just watches me, silent, her eyes saying more than her mouth ever could. And then I'm out the door, into the night, needing to get the hell away from her before I do something I'll regret.

Chapter 7 - Elizabeth

The moment Leo's out the door, I bolt after him, grabbing my gun from floor in the living room. My hand's steady, but my heart's racing. I swing the door open, eyes darting left and right, searching the dark street. Nothing. Not a single sign of him. Damn it. He's already gone.

I step out, scanning the shadows, my gun raised, ready to fire if necessary. But the street's empty, eerily quiet, like he was never even here. My teeth clench in frustration. That slick bastard is like a ghost.

I grab my phone and dial Officer Bennett. He's on patrol tonight, and if Leo's still lurking around, Bennett might spot him.

"Bennett, it's Kane," I say as soon as he picks up.

"Kane? What's going on?" His voice is alert, a mix of concern and confusion.

"I need you to keep an eye out for the Phantom. He was just at my house."

"Wait, the Phantom? Are you serious?"

"Dead serious. He's in the area. If you see him, don't approach—just call it in."

"Got it," Bennett replies, all business now. "I'm on it."

"And Bennett?"

"Yeah?"

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