Page 14 of Cat and Mouse

He nods, handing me a folder. I open it and see Detective Elizabeth Kane's face staring back at me. "Perfect," I murmur.

"Did they find Frank's body?" I ask casually.

"Yes," Matteo nods. "Everything went according to plan."

"Good," I say, closing the file. "And do you know why I killed Roselli?"

Matteo looks hesitant. "No, why?"

"Who do you think was working with Carson?" I say, my voice low. "He was a bartender at the club. He and Amy were skimming drugs, selling crap quality cocaine for peanuts."

Matteo's eyes widen. "That's... seven people now, Leonardo."

I wave my hand dismissively. "I'm not worried. There's no way Kane and the NYPD will catch me."

Matteo chuckles, relaxing a bit. "You're always so confident."

I smirk. "Comes with the territory. Now, want to play a game?"

We head back to the course, and I line up another shot. The ball soars through the air, landing perfectly on the green. Matteo takes his turn, a little clumsy but improving.

As we play, I can see the tension leaving Matteo's shoulders. He's still new to this world, but he's learning fast. We finish the game, and he checks his watch.

"I've got to get back," he says. "Don't want anyone suspecting me."

I clap him on the back. "Good thinking. Remember, if you need anything, just let me know."

"Grazie, Leonardo," he says, giving me a nod before heading off.

I watch him go, the weight of the file in my hand. Detective Kane is getting closer, but she's still miles away from the truth. I glance at the caddy, who's been watching our exchange with interest.

"Ready to get back to work?" I ask her, a mischievous grin spreading across my face.

"Always," she replies, her eyes twinkling.

We continue the game, but my mind is elsewhere. Kane thinks she's smart, thinks she's got me figured out. But she has no idea who she's dealing with. I've been playing this game longer than she's been alive, and I'm damn good at it.

As the day winds down, I head to the clubhouse, the file tucked securely under my arm. I've got a lot of work to do, and it's not just on the golf course. Kane's getting closer, and I need to stay one step ahead.

Inside, I order another drink and settle into a corner, spreading the contents of the file across the table. Photos, reports, notes. Kane's been busy. I can see her determination in every line, every scribble.

"Interesting reading?" a voice asks, and I look up to see the club manager, a slimy guy named Tony.

"Just some light bedtime reading," I reply, smirking.

Tony chuckles. "You always were one for drama, Leonardo."

I shrug, taking a sip of my drink. "What can I say? I like to keep things interesting."

Tony moves on, and I return to the file. Kane's face stares up at me, those fierce eyes challenging me. She's good, I'll give her that. But I'm better.

I make a few notes, jotting down thoughts and ideas. I need to stay ahead of her, keep her chasing shadows. Matteo's doing well, but I need to make sure he's not getting too comfortable. Complacency is dangerous in this business.

As the night deepens, I gather the papers and head home. The city is quiet, a calm façade over the chaos lurking beneath. My apartment is a sleek, modern space, all glass and steel. I drop the file on the table and pour myself another drink.

I sink into the couch, my mind still buzzing with plans and strategies. Kane's good, but she's not invincible. I'll find her weakness, exploit it. It's only a matter of time.

I lean back, closing my eyes. The game is on, and I'm ready. Kane doesn't know it yet, but she's already lost.

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