Page 3 of Cat and Mouse

I walk back to the scene, my mind racing. The Phantom is getting bolder, and I need to figure out why. And fast.

Lorenzo is still examining the body, his expression serious now. I kneel beside him. "Anything else?"

He looks up, his blue eyes piercing. "The cuts are precise, almost surgical. This guy knows what he's doing."

"Tell me something I don't know," I mutter.

He chuckles softly. "Impatient, are we?"

"Just thorough."

He hands me the container of paste. "Here, this will help."

I take it, applying a small amount under my nose. The relief is immediate. "Thanks."

He nods, his eyes lingering on mine. "Anytime, detective."

I stand up, feeling a mix of frustration and determination. "I'll be expecting that report by morning."

"You'll have it," he says, seeming to take me seriously.

I walk away, my mind already piecing together the next steps. As I move toward the perimeter, I can't help but think about Lorenzo. He's different from the usual coroners. Too charming, too... mysterious. I shake my head, focusing on the task at hand. No time for distractions.

I find Officer Daniels, one of the senior officers.

"Daniels, I need you to double-check the area for any surveillance cameras. We might get lucky."

"On it, detective," he says, heading off with a purpose.

I glance back at the crime scene, seeing Lorenzo pack up his gear. He catches my eye and gives a small wave. I nod in return, my thoughts a whirlwind of questions and possibilities.

Back at the station, I start my report, detailing the scene and my observations. I glance at the clock. 5:15 a.m. No rest for the wicked, I suppose.

As I type, my phone buzzes with a text from Harris: Coffee in the break room. You need it.

I smile slightly. At least someone's looking out for me. I head to the break room and grab a cup of black coffee. The warmth is comforting, even if it doesn't erase the chill from the night's events.

Harris walks in, looking just as tired as I feel.

"How're you holding up?"

"I'll survive," I say, taking a sip. "Anything new?"

He shakes his head. "Not yet. But we'll get this bastard."

"Damn right we will," I reply, my determination hardening into steel.

As I return to my desk, I think about the victim, the Phantom, and the strange new coroner with the blue eyes and the Italian accent. It's going to be a long road, but I'll follow it to the end. For now, I dive back into my report, knowing that every detail, every piece of evidence, brings me one step closer to justice.

By noon, I get a call from Captain Harris.

"Kane, I need you in my office. Now."

Great. I grab my notes and head over. As I walk in, I see Jeremy Voltaire, the local coroner, sitting in the chair across from Harris. Jeremy's a small guy, graying hair, always looks like he's in a rush.

"Hey, Jeremy," I say, nodding at him.

"Elizabeth," he replies, looking rattled.

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