Page 26 of Cat and Mouse

My father narrows his eyes, like he's trying to read between the lines of what I'm saying. "Interesting enough to kill for?" He's not judging, just curious. That's how he's always been—dissecting, analyzing.

Before I can answer, the door creaks open, and Matteo steps into the room, his posture stiff, his face strained. He's always been the type to carry tension in his shoulders.

My father's gaze flicks to him. "Matteo," he says, his tone shifting from the casual to something more paternal. "How are you holding up? How's the NYPD treating you?"

Matteo shifts on his feet, glancing at me before answering. "I'm handling it. It's not easy, but I'm managing."

I can see he's holding something back, and so can my father. He raises an eyebrow at me, a silent signal to take over.

I nod, understanding. "We'll talk later," I tell him. "I'll meet you in the garden."

My father gives me a look—one that says he'll expect answers eventually—but he waves me off. Matteo and I walk out, the tension between us thick as we head down the hall and out into the garden.

As soon as we're alone, I turn to him, switching to Italian. "What's the problem?"

Matteo hesitates, rubbing the back of his neck, which is never a good sign. "There's word at the station that Detective Kane has the real identity of the phantom."

I let out a short laugh, the kind that doesn't reach my eyes. "Don't worry. I have everything handled."

But Matteo doesn't look convinced. His brows are furrowed, his mouth set in a tight line. "Doesn't that worry you?"

I glance away, staring at the perfectly manicured garden, the kind of place that should bring peace. But peace is a luxury I haven't indulged in for a long time.

"Who do you think gave her the name?" I finally say, turning back to him with a smirk.

Matteo's eyes widen, and for a second, I see the shock register. "I know you're the capo, but you need to be careful."

His concern is genuine, but it grates on me. I'm not used to being questioned, especially not by my cousin. Still, I keep my tone light. "Don't worry, cousin. I've got everything under control."

But as the words leave my mouth, a nagging doubt worms its way in. Control. That's always been my thing. I control situations, people, outcomes. But lately... with Elizabeth... it feels like that control is slipping, like the harder I try to keep a grip, the more she slips through my fingers.

Matteo watches me closely, probably catching the brief flicker of doubt in my expression, but he doesn't say anything. Instead, he nods, but it's more out of obligation than agreement.

"If you say so, Leo." Matteo's tone is careful, but I can tell he's still uneasy.

I sigh, feeling the weight of the conversation bearing down on me. "Listen, Matteo, I know what I'm doing. Kane thinks she's in control, but she's playing my game. Every move she makes is because I allow it."

Matteo looks at me like he wants to believe that, but there's still doubt in his eyes. And maybe that's because he's seeing the doubt in mine. I don't want to admit it, but there's a part of me that wonders if I've underestimated her.

"She's different," I mutter, almost to myself.

"What?" Matteo asks, leaning in.

I shake my head, brushing off the thought. "Nothing. Just reflections."

But it's not nothing. It's the first time I've found myself questioning whether I've overplayed my hand.

"Kane..." I trail off, trying to put into words what's been eating at me. "She's not like the others. There's something about her. She's smart, relentless. And I don't know... maybe I've underestimated her."

Matteo's eyes narrow. "It's dangerous to underestimate someone."

"I know," I say, and the words taste bitter on my tongue. "But that's the thing, Matteo. I'm not sure if I'm underestimating her or if I'm starting to... respect her."

Matteo looks at me like I've lost my mind, and maybe I have. Respecting a cop? It's ludicrous, but here we are.

"Respect?" Matteo echoes, disbelief coloring his tone.

I nod slowly, still sorting through my own thoughts. "Yeah. She's sharp, driven. And she doesn't back down, even when she's out of her depth."

---