Cat and Mouse (New York Mafia Syndicate #1)

Chapter 4 - Leo

I'm lining up my shot, feeling the buzz from the whiskey and the caddy's flirtatious smile, when I spot Matteo approaching. He's young and eager and trying his best to fit in. I straighten up and grin.

"Matteo!" I say, pulling him into a hug. "Ciao, cugino."

"Ciao , Leonardo," he replies, his voice steady. I can see the nervousness in his eyes, though. He's got something important.

"Do you have what I asked for?" I ask, cutting to the chase.

He nods, handing me a folder. I open it and see Detective Elizabeth Kane's face staring back at me. "Perfect," I murmur.

"Did they find Frank's body?" I ask casually.

"Yes," Matteo nods. "Everything went according to plan."

"Good," I say, closing the file. "And do you know why I killed Roselli?"

Matteo looks hesitant. "No, why?"

"Who do you think was working with Carson?" I say, my voice low. "He was a bartender at the club. He and Amy were skimming drugs, selling crap quality cocaine for peanuts."

Matteo's eyes widen. "That's... seven people now, Leonardo."

I wave my hand dismissively. "I'm not worried. There's no way Kane and the NYPD will catch me."

Matteo chuckles, relaxing a bit. "You're always so confident."

I smirk. "Comes with the territory. Now, want to play a game?"

We head back to the course, and I line up another shot. The ball soars through the air, landing perfectly on the green. Matteo takes his turn, a little clumsy but improving.

As we play, I can see the tension leaving Matteo's shoulders. He's still new to this world, but he's learning fast. We finish the game, and he checks his watch.

"I've got to get back," he says. "Don't want anyone suspecting me."

I clap him on the back. "Good thinking. Remember, if you need anything, just let me know."

"Grazie, Leonardo," he says, giving me a nod before heading off.

I watch him go, the weight of the file in my hand. Detective Kane is getting closer, but she's still miles away from the truth. I glance at the caddy, who's been watching our exchange with interest.

"Ready to get back to work?" I ask her, a mischievous grin spreading across my face.

"Always," she replies, her eyes twinkling.

We continue the game, but my mind is elsewhere. Kane thinks she's smart, thinks she's got me figured out. But she has no idea who she's dealing with. I've been playing this game longer than she's been alive, and I'm damn good at it.

As the day winds down, I head to the clubhouse, the file tucked securely under my arm. I've got a lot of work to do, and it's not just on the golf course. Kane's getting closer, and I need to stay one step ahead.

Inside, I order another drink and settle into a corner, spreading the contents of the file across the table. Photos, reports, notes. Kane's been busy. I can see her determination in every line, every scribble.

"Interesting reading?" a voice asks, and I look up to see the club manager, a slimy guy named Tony.

"Just some light bedtime reading," I reply, smirking.

Tony chuckles. "You always were one for drama, Leonardo."

I shrug, taking a sip of my drink. "What can I say? I like to keep things interesting."

Tony moves on, and I return to the file. Kane's face stares up at me, those fierce eyes challenging me. She's good, I'll give her that. But I'm better.

I make a few notes, jotting down thoughts and ideas. I need to stay ahead of her, keep her chasing shadows. Matteo's doing well, but I need to make sure he's not getting too comfortable. Complacency is dangerous in this business.

As the night deepens, I gather the papers and head home. The city is quiet, a calm fa?ade over the chaos lurking beneath. My apartment is a sleek, modern space, all glass and steel. I drop the file on the table and pour myself another drink.

I sink into the couch, my mind still buzzing with plans and strategies. Kane's good, but she's not invincible. I'll find her weakness, exploit it. It's only a matter of time.

I lean back, closing my eyes. The game is on, and I'm ready. Kane doesn't know it yet, but she's already lost.

*

My phone rings early, and I see my father's name flashing on the screen.

"Leo," he starts when I answer, his voice gruff. "I hear you've been keeping busy."

"Just staying out of trouble, old man," I reply, smirking.

"Good. Meeting with the head of the Russian mob today. We're discussing importing some new ammunition."

"You need me there?" I ask, even though I know the answer.

"Nah, got my muscle with me," he says. "Just be careful, Leonardo. You're laying low, right?"

"Yeah, staying at the apartment for a bit," I assure him.

"Alright, we'll talk later."

"Sure thing," I say before hanging up.

I drop the phone on the counter and start doing push-ups, the repetitive motion calming me. After a quick shower, I grab Detective Kane's file from the table and settle on the couch. Her face stares up at me from the reports. Gorgeous. And that scar... Where did she get it? I can't stop thinking about her scent, the fire in her eyes.

With my business in perfect alignment, I think I've just found my new project.

I head to my bedroom, grab a burner phone from the drawer, and dial Matteo's number.

"Matteo," I say when he picks up. "I need employment records for Detective Kane."

"That'll take some time," he replies, sounding hesitant.

"Fine, but you better have them before I get bored and find a way to get them myself."

"Okay, okay," he agrees quickly before hanging up.

With nothing else to do, I pull up the caddy's number from yesterday. Might as well have some fun.

The phone rings a few times before she answers cheerfully. "Hey there!"

"Hey," I reply, my tone smooth. "What's your day looking like?"

"Not much planned," she says, a hint of flirtation in her voice. "Why, what's up?"

"I was thinking about yesterday," I say, leaning back on the headrest. "You looked like you were having fun."

"Oh, I definitely was," she laughs. "And you?"

"I enjoyed myself," I admit. "How about you come over to my place? I'm sending an Uber for you."

There's a brief pause, then she answers, her voice a mix of excitement and curiosity. "Alright, sounds good. Send me the details."

"On their way," I say, hanging up and quickly arranging the ride.

With her on her way, I go back to the file, flipping through pages of notes and photos. Kane is a mystery I need to unravel. I'm not sure what it is about her, but I'm drawn to her in a way that's dangerous. For both of us.

The doorbell rings, pulling me from my thoughts. I open it to find the caddy standing there, a playful smile on her lips.

"Come in," I say, stepping aside.

She walks in, looking around my place with wide eyes. "Nice place."

"Thanks," I say, closing the door. "Drink?"

"Sure," she replies, following me to the kitchen.

I pour us both a glass of whiskey and hand her one. She takes a sip, watching me over the rim of her glass.

"So, what's the plan?" she asks, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

"No plan," I say, leaning against the counter. "Just enjoying some company."

She leans closer, her eyes locked on mine. "You're an interesting guy, Leonardo."

"You have no idea," I say, smirking.

She's in a little black strapless dress, and the sight of her stirs something primal in me. All this adrenaline and nowhere to take it, so I take it out on her. I pull her in and kiss her, hard. Her lipstick is different, nothing like the cherry smell on Elizabeth's. I pull back for a moment, breathless.

"Linda," I whisper.

"Yes," she giggles.

I don't waste another second. I strip off my shirt and reach for the zipper of her dress, pulling it down. It falls to the floor, leaving her standing there in nothing but a skimpy pair of black lace panties. I step back, taking in the sight of her. But in my mind, I'm picturing someone else. Elizabeth. Her green eyes. Her defiant smirk.

I push Linda down to her knees. Her eyes dart up at me with a mix of eagerness and apprehension, but all I can see are Elizabeth's defiant green eyes staring back, full of fire.

"Do it," I command, my voice low and rough.

Linda's hands move quickly, unfastening my pants and pulling them down. Her lips wrap around me softly, hesitantly. I close my eyes, trying to escape into the sensation, but Elizabeth's fierce eyes haunt me. Linda's efforts are mechanical, but her mouth is warm and inviting. She takes me out of her mouth to give me a tentative lick, her tongue flicking over my shaft. I grip her hair and force her to take me deeper into her mouth instead. Her mouth is warm and wet, but it's Elizabeth's defiant gaze that I'm focused on. Linda's lips move up and down in a steady rhythm, and I can feel her gagging slightly as she tries to take more of me. The sensation is intense, but it's overshadowed by my obsession with Elizabeth.

I guide her movements, pushing her head up and down with a firm hand, her gagging noises mixing with the slick sounds of her efforts. Her tongue wraps around me, massaging and stroking with a practiced rhythm. I can feel every flick, every swirl, but all I can think about is Elizabeth. Linda's compliance only serves to frustrate me more.

As the pleasure builds, I struggle to focus on the fantasy. I grip Linda's hair tighter, forcing her to take me even deeper, her throat working hard to accommodate me. The feeling of her warm mouth, her slick tongue, and the occasional gag as she struggles to take me fully sends waves of pleasure through me.

Finally, I come with a shudder, the release tinged with emptiness. Linda pulls back, her lips glistening, a satisfied smile playing on her face. The reality of the situation hits me hard—Linda's presence, her compliance, feels hollow compared to the fierce image of Elizabeth.

I grab Linda roughly, pulling her up and turning her around. I bend her over the kitchen counter, her gasp of surprise quickly drowned by her giggle of assent. I slide my fingers between her legs, feeling her heat and slickness. It's not about pleasure now; it's about a twisted need for control.

I work my fingers in and out with a relentless pace, the slick sounds of my movements blending with Linda's moans. Her body writhes against the cool surface of the counter, her back arching as she responds to my touch.

Linda's cries of pleasure grow louder, her body tensing and trembling as she reaches her climax. I pull my fingers away, stepping back, feeling a grim sense of satisfaction that quickly turns to frustration.

"That was... amazing," Linda breathes out, turning to face me with a lingering, satisfied smile.

"Yeah," I reply absently, already thinking about Elizabeth again. "You should go."

Linda looks surprised but doesn't argue. She gathers her clothes and dresses quickly. The rustle of fabric and the click of the door as she leaves are the only sounds that break the heavy silence of the room.

I head back to the living room, grabbing the file on Detective Kane. She intrigues me, and I won't rest until I've unraveled every detail about her.

I pull out my phone and dial Matteo's number again.

"Matteo, any updates on those records?"

"Still working on it," he says. "It's going to take a bit longer."

"Hurry up," I snap. "I want those records now."

"Okay, okay. I'll get them to you soon."

I hang up and toss the phone aside, frustration boiling inside me. I need to know everything about her. I need to find a way to get closer, to understand what makes her tick.

With nothing else to do, I head to the bedroom and lie down, my mind racing. I close my eyes, and all I see are those green eyes, that scar. I remember the scent of cherry lingering in the air.

Elizabeth Kane, you're going to be mine. One way or another.

*

It takes two days before Matteo finally contacts me.

"I've got the file," he says. "But I'll need to organize a runner to bring it to you."

"Okay," I reply. "Have it delivered to Chipotle."

I hang up and check the time. With the arrangement set, I head out to Chipotle. The drive is routine, but my focus is sharp. Arriving at the restaurant, I pick a booth that gives me a clear view of the entrance.

While I wait, I call my father. The line rings a few times before he picks up.

"Leo, how's everything on your end?" he asks.

"Busy," I reply, glancing at the door for any sign of the runner. "I'm at Chipotle waiting for a delivery. What's the latest with the Russians?"

"They're tough negotiators," he says with a hint of frustration. "They're pushing for a bigger cut on the ammunition deal. I've got a plan to handle it, but I need to iron out a few details."

I keep my eyes peeled. "Do you need me there?"

"No, I've got my team with me," he assures. "Just stay low and be careful."

"Always," I say, ending the call.

As I hang up, she walks in. She's about 5'6" with dark brown hair pulled back into a sleek ponytail. Her fitted black leather jacket, dark jeans, and knee-high boots lend her an air of confident authority. Her sharp eyes scan the room, locking on to me quickly.

She strides over with purpose, her movements fluid and deliberate. Sliding into the booth across from me, she discreetly places a small envelope on the table. Her fingers linger for a moment, revealing a delicate gold bracelet that catches the light.

"Delivery for you," she says, her voice smooth but carrying a tone of no-nonsense professionalism.

I hand her a $20. She takes it with a nod and a brief, knowing smile. "Thanks," she says, before standing up and heading for the door.

As she exits, her boots click decisively against the tile floor. I watch her leave, the envelope now in my possession. With the transaction completed, I head to my car.

I can't wait to get home, so I pull out my laptop in the car.

I plug in the drive and start reading. Elizabeth Kane's career unfolds in front of me. She started as a rookie in Milwaukee, quickly climbing the ranks due to her sharp instincts and tenacity. She was involved in a major bust, taking down a drug ring that had been plaguing the city for years. But something happened in Milwaukee that made her transfer. What was it?

Her file mentions a traumatic event, a raid gone wrong, resulting in the death of her partner. The details are sparse, but it's clear it left a mark on her. That's when she moved to LA, working her way up again, gaining a reputation for being relentless. Now, she's with the NYPD, chasing shadows and phantoms.

There's something about that scar and the way she flinched when I touched it. I can't let it go. She's a commendable opponent, and I want to understand her.

I start by looking into her training officer from Milwaukee, her watch commander, everyone connected to her past. I'm piecing together her life, trying to find the thread that ties it all together. I get lost in the details, the events that shaped her.

The scar, that's the key. It's more than just a physical mark. It's tied to something deeper, something that drives her.

Elizabeth Kane, you're not just a target.

You're my new obsession.

As I dig deeper, Matteo calls again.

"You find anything interesting?"

"Yeah, she's had quite a career. There's something about a raid in Milwaukee. Need more details on that."

"Got it. I'll see what I can dig up. Anything else?"

"Yeah, look into her current team. I want to know who she trusts, who's close to her."

"Will do. Be careful, Leo."

"Always am," I say, ending the call.

I sit back, thinking about Elizabeth. She's not just another cop. She's a puzzle, and I'm going to solve her. That scar, it's more than just a mark. It's a story, and I'm going to uncover it.

I close the laptop and drive home, the image of her face burned into my mind. There's a fire in her eyes that I can't shake. She's my match, and I'm not going to let her go.

As I walk into my apartment, I know what I need to do.

Elizabeth Kane, you're mine to unravel. One piece at a time.