Chapter 241 - 241: Catch Me If You Can

When Elle returned home at night, just like what she promised to Erick's team, she talked to him regarding his decision about Catseye's case.

Seeing how helpless and desperate his team, she couldn't ignore their pleading. Besides, even she, herself, couldn't agree with his decision.

Spending time with them, Elle learned how strong their bond as a team. She could also sense that Erick was not truly happy and at ease with his decision.

She admired him for the person he is. His passion for his work and he, as being a good example of a man with a strong sense of justice- these were some of his qualities she liked most about him.

She couldn't allow him to disregard and ruin his morals as a detective just for the sake of protecting her. She wouldn't be happy with that. She was also afraid that time would come when Erick would regret doing this.

She wanted to redeem herself to start a new life with him but it didn't mean that she could live simply and peacefully without being punished for her crimes. 

She knew from the start that even though Erick loved her, still, it couldn't wash away her sins by just turning a blind eye to everything she had done. That's why she came to talk to him and discuss this with him.

Erick was currently in the balcony, taking his time alone while watching the night sky. He often did this every time he wanted to relieve his mind of a troubling thought.

He closed his eyes, feeling the cold air of the night. It helped him to relax. He remained still, unmoving in his spot when he heard footsteps closing in.

He didn't need to turn around nor open his eyes to know the person who invaded his personal space. Just smelling her faint and familiar scent, he knew right away that it was Elle.

His lips curled up into a gentle smile when he felt her soft delicate hands around his waist.

"Do you mind if I join you here?" Elle mumbled to him.

When he heard her voice, Erick opened his eyes and lowered his gaze to see her lovely face. He placed his right arm around her shoulder before he responded to her.

"Of course. It's my pleasure my lady to have you as my company tonight."

Elle couldn't help but giggle. Erick's sweet-talking was improving day by day.

"Where's Mom and Dad? I saw you talking with them a while ago that's why I decided to come here and take some fresh air in the meantime."

"They are watching movies in the living room."

"Hmm… good. Now I can have you myself." Erick said to her with a cheeky grin on his face.

Elle rolled her eyes at him. "Mom and Dad will go back home the day after tomorrow."

"I know. Then we can do anything while we are alone." There was a gleam on his eyes as he gave her a meaningful look.

Elle's cheek started to heat up with his remarks. She knew what he was referring to. She shot him a glare as she pinched his waist. 

"Naughty!" she exclaimed.

Erick just chuckled at her reaction. He really enjoyed teasing his wife.

"By the way, hubby, I have something to discuss with you." Elle decided to confront him.

"Hmm, okay," Erick simply replied as he nodded at her.

"I heard about what you did yesterday in the headquarters. You talked to your superior and requested something to him regarding Catseye's case."

Erick was taken aback. He was surprised as he wondered how she learned about this. He didn't tell her yet but she already knew what he did.

As if she read what's on his mind, Elle spoke again to inform him. 

"It was Bryan. He visited the Cafe yesterday. He looked very upset. Then he burst out his frustration on me.

Erick didn't know what to say. He just kept silent. He looked like he was having conflicting thoughts as of this moment. His mood also changed. It was obvious that he was still bothered by it.

Today, he could feel the awkward atmosphere inside their office. He saw the disappointment of his team after his confrontation with them. They never talked to him for the whole day. No one initiated to have a conversation with him.

Because of the silent treatment coming from his colleagues, he felt that he made a very grave sin this time. If they were treating him like this then how much more if they found out that he already knew about Catseye and he decided to hide it from them.

He knew that once they learned about his betrayal, he would break their trust and their relationship would never be the same as before. 

He was asking himself if he could really handle it if that would happen in the future. Because he knew that he would end up losing his team, his friends, and colleagues.

Amidst his silence, Elle could see the worry and sadness in his dark brown eyes. She knew that Erick was having a hard time because of her. He was trying to sacrifice something which he cherished for a long time for the sake of his love for her.

Elle already made up her mind. She wouldn't allow him to do that. She didn't want to destroy his relationship with his friends and colleagues. This wouldn't make him happy. She knew he would regret it once it happened.

"Erick, you don't have to do that. Your team needs you in times like this. Your decision is wrong. All of you are already suffering because of Marie's incident. Your sudden decision added to the burdens and troubles of your team."

Erick couldn't utter a word since he knew that Elle's words were very true.

She smiled at him faintly. "I know you are trying to protect me. But I won't be happy knowing that you are doing it the wrong way. You are hurting your team. This is not the Erick that we know."

"I also care about them since they are your friends. I don't want to see them sad. I don't want to see your relationship breaking apart just because of me. Both of us will not be happy with this." Elle said as she shared her thoughts with him.

"Then what should I do? I didn't know anymore. I thought this was the only way." There was a hint of helplessness in his voice.

"Just do your job like what you used to do and I'll do mine," Elle said matter-of-factly.

Erick paused for a moment as he gave her a questioning look.

"Are you telling me to reveal to them your identity, catch you and hand you over in the authorities?" Disbelief flashed on his handsome face after saying that.

Elle moved in front of him as she faced him. A mischievous smile appeared on her face as she looked at him intently.

"Catch me if you can. Show me what you've got Mr. Detective. I am Catseye, the devilish assassin. Do you think I will just surrender myself to you just because you are my husband? There's no fun and excitement with that"

Erick's face darkened seeing her carefree reaction.

"Elle, I am serious here. Do you think this is a game of fun? No, it's not!" Now, he sounded upset.

Elle's smile also disappeared as she became serious.

"No, Erick. I don't. But I am also serious."

"Erick, do you trust me?" Elle's face softened as she asked him that.

Erick looked into her eyes as he gave her his answer. "Yes, I do."

"Then can you trust me with this?" Elle asked him again.

"What are you trying to do, Elle?"

"I am just doing the right thing for all of us."

"What are you implying by saying that?" His voice was firm.

"Erick, help your team to catch me. In times like this, they need hope that will boost again your team's morale. Don't deprive your team of this hope. You and your team wasted your time and effort, even sacrificing your own lives just to solve this case."

"How can I do that to you?" His voice was filled with hesitation.

"Are you leaving my side again?" Erick couldn't hide his fear.

"Just trust me, Erick. Even if we get separated from each other, I will always come back for you." Elle reassured him.

"But I will have to ask you a favor. Saturday and Sunday… give me those two days as our time-freeze. During those days, you are not allowed to catch me. I am not Catseye but I am Elle, your wife."

Erick was rendered speechless. Elle was really serious this time.

"Hmm, I will have to move out but during weekends I will come back to visit you. You can try to catch me on weekdays. Haha but I guarantee you, that is not an easy task." Elle winked at him.

Erick remained silent as he looked at her with confusion.

Elle cupped his face and gave him a peck on his lips before saying, "I will give you one week to decide. This is not a game. I am challenging you, Mr. Detective. Try to catch me if you can. If you succeed then I will give you a great reward."

Erick frowned as disbelief and helplessness were evident to his face. "Are you kidding right?"

Elle burst into a peal of laughter.

"No hubby. I'm not. I am dead serious. Why? Are you afraid to lose?"

"One week… I will wait for your answer." Elle reminded him as she smiled sweetly at him.

Then Elle turned around and left Erick in a trance.