Page 15 of Cat and Mouse

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My phone rings early, and I see my father's name flashing on the screen.

"Leo," he starts when I answer, his voice gruff. "I hear you've been keeping busy."

"Just staying out of trouble, old man," I reply, smirking.

"Good. Meeting with the head of the Russian mob today. We're discussing importing some new ammunition."

"You need me there?" I ask, even though I know the answer.

"Nah, got my muscle with me," he says. "Just be careful, Leonardo. You're laying low, right?"

"Yeah, staying at the apartment for a bit," I assure him.

"Alright, we'll talk later."

"Sure thing," I say before hanging up.

I drop the phone on the counter and start doing push-ups, the repetitive motion calming me. After a quick shower, I grab Detective Kane's file from the table and settle on the couch. Her face stares up at me from the reports. Gorgeous. And that scar... Where did she get it? I can't stop thinking about her scent, the fire in her eyes.

With my business in perfect alignment, I think I've just found my new project.

I head to my bedroom, grab a burner phone from the drawer, and dial Matteo's number.

"Matteo," I say when he picks up. "I need employment records for Detective Kane."

"That'll take some time," he replies, sounding hesitant.

"Fine, but you better have them before I get bored and find a way to get them myself."

"Okay, okay," he agrees quickly before hanging up.

With nothing else to do, I pull up the caddy's number from yesterday. Might as well have some fun.

The phone rings a few times before she answers cheerfully. "Hey there!"

"Hey," I reply, my tone smooth. "What's your day looking like?"

"Not much planned," she says, a hint of flirtation in her voice. "Why, what's up?"

"I was thinking about yesterday," I say, leaning back on the headrest. "You looked like you were having fun."

"Oh, I definitely was," she laughs. "And you?"

"I enjoyed myself," I admit. "How about you come over to my place? I'm sending an Uber for you."

There's a brief pause, then she answers, her voice a mix of excitement and curiosity. "Alright, sounds good. Send me the details."

"On their way," I say, hanging up and quickly arranging the ride.

With her on her way, I go back to the file, flipping through pages of notes and photos. Kane is a mystery I need to unravel. I'm not sure what it is about her, but I'm drawn to her in a way that's dangerous. For both of us.

The doorbell rings, pulling me from my thoughts. I open it to find the caddy standing there, a playful smile on her lips.

"Come in," I say, stepping aside.

She walks in, looking around my place with wide eyes. "Nice place."

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