Page 19 of Cat and Mouse

"Exactly. And a nightclub is the perfect cover for drug activities if what we suspect about the Phantom is true. Maybethis is where they met? Maybe he's using the club to recruit his victims? I'll keep digging and find answers," I say, feeling a glimmer of hope.

He nods. "Alright, Kane. You're on it. Find out everything you can about her connections. This could be the break we need."

I spend the rest of the day poring over files, making calls, and following up on leads. Every new piece of information brings us closer to the Phantom. But there's still so much we don't know.

As the day turns to night, I can't shake the feeling that we're getting closer. The image of Amy, or Ginger, keeps flashing in my mind. This is the most probable place where she met the Phantom.

I lean back in my chair, exhausted but determined.

*

I sit at my desk, staring at the notes in front of me. The connections are starting to make sense. Amy wasn't just a random victim. She was deeply embedded in the club's scene, and that's where we'll find our answers.

My phone buzzes, and I see a text from Captain Harris:Anything new?

I quickly type back:Making progress. Got some leads on Amy's connections.

I put my phone down and take a deep breath. The pieces are coming together. The Phantom's days are numbered.

As I prepare to leave for the day, I can't help but think about the dream again. My partner's death, the blood, the guilt. It's all connected. I won't let his death be in vain. I'll find the Phantom, and I'll make sure he pays for every life he's taken.

I walk out of the station, get into my car, ready to head home, but my mind is still racing. The club, the dancers, the secrets—there's so much more to uncover. But I'll do it. One step at a time. And I won't stop until the Phantom is caught.

Chapter 6 - Leo

I'm sitting in a dingy diner in Milwaukee, and I fucking hate it here. The coffee tastes like burnt rubber, and the air is thick with the smell of fried food. But my obsession has dragged me all the way from New York to this dump.

I've found out more about Elizabeth's partner, but since he's dead, the next best person is the rookie she was working with back then. This guy is a detective now. I've been trailing him for weeks, and today's the day.

He walks into the diner, the bell above the door jingling. I watch him from my corner booth, my eyes following his every move. He gets donuts and coffee, just like he does every morning. Routine is a killer.

He leaves, and I toss a few bills on the table, following him out. The Milwaukee cold bites at my skin, but I ignore it. I watch as he gets into his car, a beat-up sedan that's seen better days. I trail him, keeping my distance.

He drives to a nearby lake—Lake Michigan, the locals call it. It's quiet here, perfect for what I have in mind. I park a few cars back, waiting for the right moment. He's too distracted to notice me approaching until it's too late.

I pull my gun and tap it on his window. He looks up, eyes wide with shock. I motion for him to roll down the window.

"We need to talk," I say, my voice low and steady. "You don't know me, but I know all about you, detective."

He stares at me, frozen. "Who the hell are you?"

"Get out of the car," I order, my gun trained on him. "We're taking a little drive."

He hesitates, but I see the fear in his eyes. He knows he's got no choice. He gets out, and I walk him to my car, then shove him into the passenger seat. We drive in silence, the tension thick between us.

After a few minutes, he finally speaks. "It's foolish to kidnap a cop, you know. You're not going to get away with this."

I chuckle. "I'm not interested in killing you, detective. I just want to talk about someone we both know. Elizabeth Kane."

His eyes narrow. "Elizabeth? What do you want with her?"

"We'll get to that," I say, pulling into a secluded spot by the lake. I turn off the engine and face him, my gun still in hand. "First, you're going to tell me everything you know about her."

He looks at me, confused and wary. "We graduated from the academy together. She was my partner when we started."

I nod. "And then what happened?"

He takes a deep breath, his eyes darting around as if looking for an escape.

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