Page 32 of Cat and Mouse

One of the analysts looks up, her face serious. "We've got some preliminary results. Luca's involved in several legitimate businesses, but there's a lot of activity we can't account for. It looks like he's been moving money through various accounts."

"Where's the money going?" I ask.

"Some of it's being funneled into offshore accounts," she replies. "There are also large cash transactions. It's suspicious."

"Perfect," I say. "We need to focus on tracking these transactions. Luca might be the key to finding the Phantom."

We spend the next few hours piecing together the puzzle. I'm exhausted, but the adrenaline keeps me going. Luca is our best lead yet, and I'm determined to follow it through.

By late afternoon, we have a clearer picture. Luca's businesses are just a front. The real activity is in the offshore accounts and the cash transactions. I'm feeling more confident now. We're getting closer.

I call Harris again, my voice filled with determination. "Captain, we've got more on Luca. His accounts are linked to some major transactions. We need to move on this before he slips away."

"I'm on it," Harris says. "We're coordinating with other departments to keep an eye on Luca. We'll be ready to act when we have enough evidence."

"Good," I say. "I'll keep digging here and see if there's anything else we can find."

As the sun sets, I'm still at the office, staring at the evidence and trying to make sense of it all. Luca's name keeps coming up, and I'm determined to connect the dots.

The Phantom's games are far from over, but now we have a name and a direction.

Leonardo? Luca? Whatever his name is, we're taking him down.

Chapter 10 - Leo

I'm sitting in the dimly lit office, the late-night calm interrupted only by the steady hum of the air conditioner. My fingers drum impatiently on the armrest of my chair. The phone buzzes, pulling me from my thoughts. Matteo's name flashes on the screen.

"Matteo," I answer, my voice clipped.

"Leonardo, they bought it. They're digging into Luca now," Matteo says, sounding both relieved and wary.

"Good," I say, leaning back in my chair. "I'm disappointed she hasn't made the connection yet. DeLuca? I expected better from her."

"Give her time," Matteo suggests, though his tone betrays his own frustration. "She's smart."

"Maybe," I murmur, though I'm not so sure. "Just keep me updated."

"Will do," Matteo replies, and we hang up.

My father's office door creaks open, and he steps in, a stern look on his face. "You're still working, Leonardo?"

"I have things to handle," I reply, eyeing him. "What's up?"

"I've received news from the Mexicans. They want to meet and discuss business."

I raise an eyebrow. "The Mexicans? What do they want?"

"It seems they have some matters they wish to discuss," he says, his tone dismissive. "I'll be meeting with them."

"You and whom?" I ask, not entirely trusting the situation.

"I'll go with you," he says, seeing the doubt in my eyes. "I have a long-standing relationship with Don Alejandro. This is not something I want to miss."

"Don Alejandro?" I repeat. "The leader of the Cartel de la Sangre? I don't trust them. They've been known to double-cross."

"Ah, you don't trust anyone," he counters, his eyes narrowing. "Remember that accountant you just killed? He was working for the Mexicans before we hijacked his operation."

I chuckle. "Well, that's a point in my favor. But still, I don't like it."

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