Page 80 of Cat and Mouse

I get up, the pain in my side reminding me of just how lucky I am to still be breathing. I walk out of the room and head toward my car. My phone buzzes, and I pull it out.

It's Leo.

Leo: How's the station?

Me: Boring as fuck.

Leo: Good. Keep it that way.

Me: How's Sicily?

Leo: Quiet. For now. Peaceful.

I smile at that. I'm glad things are going smooth for him. After everything, he deserves this peace. Elizabeth, too.

I climb into my car, staring out at the city skyline. It feels weird knowing that the NYPD thinks she's dead while I'm out here, still cleaning up the mess we left behind. But it's necessary. She needs to be safe, and the only way that happens is if the world thinks she's gone.

I light a cigarette, inhaling deeply as I lean back in my seat.

Me: You ready to be a dad?

Leo: Not even close. But I'll figure it out.

Me: You always do.

Leo's been through hell and back, and now he's getting his shot at something good. Me? I'm not so sure. This city... it's in my blood, and I don't know how to leave it behind. Not yet.

But for now, I'll do what I have to. Keep the secrets, play the game, and make sure no one ever finds out the truth about what happened in that warehouse.

The Phantom's dead. Elizabeth Kane's dead.

At least, that's what the world believes.

I'll make sure it remains that way.

Epilogue - Elizabeth

The warm Sicilian sun pours through the kitchen window, illuminating the cozy room. I lean against the counter, cradling my round belly with both hands.

"Leonardo," I call out, my voice playful, "you better not be eating all the cannoli before I get a bite!"

He strides in, a smirk plastered across his handsome face, flour dusting his dark hair. "Just testing the quality control, cara," he teases, holding up a half-eaten cannoli. "It's for the wedding, after all. Wouldn't want to serve stale pastries."

I roll my eyes, trying to keep a straight face but failing miserably. "You're gonna spoil your own wedding with your sweet tooth," I laugh, stepping closer. "Besides, I think I've earned a little indulgence, too. Remember? I'm the one carrying your child."

He sets the cannoli down and moves closer, wrapping his arms around my waist. "The child we made in love," he murmurs, kissing my forehead softly. "I still can't believe you're actually here and it's happening. I'm gonna be a dad."

"Yeah, well, just wait until you're up at 3 a.m., changing diapers," I tease, leaning back to look into his eyes. "This is no fairy tale."

"Doesn't matter," he says, a hint of seriousness in his tone. "I've got you. And I'll do anything for you and our baby."

"I love you!"

He steps closer, cupping my face in his hands. "You know I love you, too, right? This life, this baby—it's everything I've ever wanted."

I nod, feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety swirl in my stomach. "I just can't believe it. Sometimes it feels like a dream. Like I'll wake up and it'll all be gone."

Leonardo leans in, his breath warm against my skin. "This isn't a dream, Lizzie. It's real, and it's ours." He kisses me softly, and my worries fade, if only for a moment.

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