His fingers were already hurting him as he kept sending messages with a short information that the wedding is cancelled and he's very sorry. John Paul said he shouldn't apologize for something it's not his fault, but he has done it anyway, at some point thinking that if there was no groom or bride around, it's his duty to do it.

'I thought you wanted to punish Darren, not save his skin.' John Paul muttered just above his head, small smirk formed on his lips.

'And I want!' Craig scowled. 'But it doesn't mean everyone has to be punishment for their lack of brains.' He added and shifted a bit on the couch so John Paul could join him. 'Is it a wedding cake?' He cocked his eyebrow in disbelief as he glanced at the plate the man was holding.

'Well, we all know there won't be any wedding today, and the cake looked so delicious, I thought it wouldn't hurt anyone if I take a piece.' He replied with innocent face and licked the white chocolate off the spoon.

'I don't think mum would like to know that you already ruin the cake.' He muttered and threw the phone on the coffee-table after he sent the last message. 'She still hopes they'd come back.'

'The hope dies as the last.' His boyfriend stated with half smile, his eyes darted toward Jake carefully stepping inside the room.

'If it's your way for cheer me up, then better say nothing.' He scowled annoyed and without ask dig his finger in a white chocolate glaze covering the strawberry cake.

'We could kind of predict it might happen.' John Paul continued, his eyes not leaving Jake who was looking like was trying to stick to the wall he was walking along. He seemed to doing everything to not catch his brother's attention. 'We already knew Darren's attitude toward the wedding, and maybe Hannah also decided it's mistake.'

'Don't even try to save his skin!' He snapped with wild eyes. 'That whole disaster is his fault, and I can bet my money it was his idea to ask Jake and Rhys to make a show in the chapel…Although I don't get why they'd agreed for doing something so stupid and immature!'

'Then you'd lose your all money.' He jumped startled, his dark eyes darted alarmed in the direction from where the word came. 'It was my idea, and we did it for Hannah and Darren.' Jake said bravely and with a deep sigh sat down on the opposite couch. 'They both needed to get away from that shit.'

'Because your two marriages turned into total shit, it doesn't mean, this one was supposed to be the same!' Craig hollered, couldn't believe his own ears. 'You were supposed to encourage him, not help him run away!'

'So, you preferred him to make the same mistake in his life as I did?' He looked at him in disbelief. 'Craig, I would be the last person who will try to push him into unwanted by him marriage, only because his girlfriend is pregnant! He had his doubts, many doubts, Craig, and the worst thing he could do in such situation was to tie a knot with Hannah! You know it wasn't the same couple we've seen few years ago.' Jake sighed heavily and rested elbows on his knees. 'People change… They changed.'

'It's not an excuse!' His younger brother disagreed fiercely, still firmly and stubbornly standing his ground.

'I could say the same about you and Sarah.' Jake suddenly snapped back with ironic smirk. Craig's eyes grew up in horror. 'Why you hadn't married her, eh? You're not so different from us, my dear, little brother.' John Paul settled his eyes at his lover, and watched his face intently.

'You know exactly it was a different situation! And we even hadn't think about get married one day.' He wrapped arms around himself in self-defense gesture, his eyes nervously darted from very quiet John Paul to his brother. 'Besides we don't talk about me, but Darren.'

'Yea, whatever.' He snapped with a snort. 'You've never had balls to face anything what doesn't connect with your work.' He was angry and clearly annoyed with his younger sibling's behavior. 'You should be the last person who can tell anything bad about Darren. You've always tried to make him feel unwelcome in our family, and was picking on him whenever he tried to get closer to you.'

'You've never been around, so how the hell you might know, that?' He yelled flustered, didn't care anymore if anyone would hear him. 'Darren was only getting what he has deserved. Since I remember, he was always cheeky, reckless bastard.'

'He was like what, fifteen?' Jake shook his head. 'You think you were better in his age? You were such a pain on mum's ass, she was crying in nights, didn't know what to do with you! You were always first to fight, although you've never stand a chance with your opponent.' He couldn't help a small chuckle escape his lips as he recalled the memories from their childhood. 'You were always looking for troubles, Craig, not Darren.' Craig's cheeks were red of anger and embarrassment, his eyes darkened dangerously. 'Maybe he has a big mouth and can be reckless at times, but moreover he's a good guy who needs someone to listen to him and just be his friend.'

'Well, Jake has a point.' John Paul chimed in with the face like he was the wisest man on the planet and

'So, if you're such a good friends, you have to know why did he run away from his own wedding and where exactly he is.' Craig stated, hoping his brother would catch the bait and tell where their brother is hiding.

'I don't know where he is.' Jake shrugged, while his brother growled with frustration and ran hands over his face. 'But I had some clue where he can be.' Craig looked at him through between his fingers.

'At least that's something for the start!' He sighed and let his hands slipped back on his knees. 'So, where do you think he is? And why we hadn't hit the road yet?' He pretended he didn't notice John Paul's heavy stare.

'I hoped he listened to my advice and right now he's with his birdie.'

'What?!' Big grin spread on Jake's face, as the younger man's eyes widened in shock.

'Ah-ah!' He tutted with triumph. 'So, there's something what my baby brother doesn't know about Darren.' He was clearly enjoying himself.

'Cut this crap, Jake, and just tell me about what girl you're talking about!' Craig snapped annoyed, wondering when the hell Darren had time to pick up some girl, as the last month he had spent on feeling sorry for his own ass and keep talking about the love of his life- more knowing as Spike Hunter. Did it mean he was already over him? Is he really so shallow to find another girlfriend for month or two? He thought drily, for moment feeling disgusted with his stepbrother.

'He hadn't tell me anything about her.' Jake replied, his grin finally dropped down. 'I tried to push on him, but you know Darren. He's hard to break.' Just like you, the man thought with clenched teeth.

'But he had to say something.' Craig insisted. 'At least told her name?'

'If someone is going to know her name, it should be you.' Jake retorted. 'Darren said he knew her from some time, but they fall into some kind of argument and they moved into separate ways…Till they met again a few days ago.'

'So, she's from Hollyoaks?' Craig frowned, his mind began to work intensively.

'He didn't want to tell me, but since they met in town, when he went shopping, I believe she has to live close to us.' Jake stated with a smirk. 'Darren wasn't sure if she gives him another chance, but I got a feeling the birdie forgives him everything.' John Paul coughed nervously and put the plate on the coffee-table as he decided it wasn't the right time to eat. 'It hit him badly, if you ask me.' He grinned knowingly at his brother, whose face just turned a bit pale.

'If it was a girl from here, I'm sure one of us, if not both, would know who she is.' Craig said carefully, his fingers flexed.

'I thought the same, but on the other hand you never know with whom Darren was meeting in the past. It's not like I was spying on him and know every bird he was dating.'

'John Paul, can I have a word with you?' John Paul closed his eyes lightly, slowly breathing out. 'In private.' Craig added, when Jake raised his eyebrow at him, and energetically raised up from the couch. 'I'd be back in five minutes.' He informed his older brother and without second look at his boyfriend, he marched out of the room, knowing that the man would follow him. 'I'm taking we just found our long-lost friend, huh?' He asked drily, when they closed themselves in the bathroom.

'Don't you think it's too early to say that mystery girl is Spike?' John Paul glanced at him carefully and crossed his arms against the chest.

'Keep your voice down, will you?!' Craig snapped and with horror looked at the door, like he was going to see through them. 'And no, I don't think it's too early.' John Paul rolled his eyes and leaned against the wall, ready for the man's tirade. 'For me that make sense! Darren found Spike and I bet he's right now with him!'

'And for me it doesn't.' John Paul disagreed immediately. 'Where they'd stay, eh? Spike doesn't has flat anymore and since Darren's all friends have been invited for his wedding, I doubt they both would stay over someone's flat.' It was logical; there was nothing to argue about. 'Besides if Darren said truth to Jake, Spike is supposed to stay in Hollyoaks for the entire time, or somewhere very close.' He stated and by the look on Craig's face it seemed like the man was agreeing with him. 'In other words, he doesn't has where to stay in there.' He said distinctly.

'Unless he has someone who might take him home.' He almost growled with frustration at his boyfriend's stubbornness. 'And still there's one option we both forget about...'

'There's no options, Craig.' John Paul said firmly with a shake of his head.

'Your mother.' He said deadpanned, his dark eyes were trying to make a hole in his face.

'Are you kidding me?' He had to joke, there was no other way if he really didn't want to piss him off with such accusations. 'There's no way mum would keep Spike in our house!' He disagreed immediately, his cheeks flustered with anger. 'She knew how worried we're about him, and she knows better to not stick her nose into my job!'

'But that would make sense!' Craig argued. 'Maybe, you know she hadn't thought about him as a part of your job…' He tried to save the situation, but by the one look at his boyfriend's face he judged it was a bit too late for this. 'Your mum isn't saint, John Paul! We both know she loves to stick her nose into our and your siblings life!' He decided to attack.

'It's ridiculous! She wouldn't do something so stupid and immature. I didn't get any vibe that she's hiding something!'

'Then, there shouldn't be any problem for you to phone to her.'

'And what I'm supposed to say?!' He snapped in disbelief. 'Hey, mum, is there any chance you keep Spike under your roof?' He asked sarcastically. 'She'd be upset with me.'

'And I'd be more upset, if I'm right.' Craig said back and looked at his boyfriend with challenge. 'Just phone to her and ask how is she and, you know, push a bit on her, maybe she slips something!' He suggested and rubbed the back of his neck. 'Or maybe better say her we'd like to visit them! We could use the occasion since we're so close…'

'She's not prepare for having guests.' John Paul said with hurting heart, couldn't believe he was taking into consideration Craig's offer. He knows his mother, she wouldn't do anything like that! Besides wasn't that a man who take Spike from the clinic?

'I'm sure she'd love to see us.' Craig grinned and rubbed his hands together. 'And you don't have any idea how happy I'd be if I see our lovely birds sitting on her favorite couch.'

'I still think it's ridiculous.'

'Well, if you're so sure she wouldn't do that, you don't have to feel guilty or nervous about phoning to her. If she doesn't has anything to hide…'

'Remember that we're still talking about my mum.'

'So not only me is so defensive about mother.' He grinned. 'Don't be upset with me John Paul, you know me. I always have to check each trail I'd fall on.'

'But you're the one who would be talk with her when we get there.' John Paul snapped and annoyed stormed out of the bathroom.

'Deal!' Craig called after him with big grin, couldn't believe his luck. Maybe John Paul was right and Myra wouldn't invite to his house an foreign man, but since Jake's revelation she was the only suspect Craig could think up about.

First day of his new life.

He looked skeptically at dilapidated tenants with gray walls covered with graffiti and offensive texts, and wondered what the hell he's doing here. It looked like one of the streets he has been raised on, the one he was living behind himself never feeling much happier than he was back then, when he has been moving out. It was supposed to be the end of his old life, and now, he was again back in there, ironically looking out for his new, fresh start.

'Scared with the buildings condition?' Kieron asked somewhere behind his back. 'Don't worry, it wouldn't break down under our feet.'

'I'm more scared with the memories they brought back to me.' He murmured back and zipped up the leather jacket Darren has borrowed him, as the unpleasant wind sneaked between old buildings. 'I thought I'm over it.' He motioned at the tenants, small knob formed in his throat. 'I was supposed to be somewhere else.' He felt a warm, big hand on his shoulder and he got more braver. 'In a different place.'

'Life surprises us all the time.' Kieron stood on his side. 'It might bring unpleasant memories, but you never can be sure, it might not change. You're a different man, in a different place.' Spike smiled slightly at his last words, his eyes focused at the highest apartment in building, where in broken, dirty windows he noticed a pair of small faces looking down straight at him. 'It's your decisions what make up your past, present time and future, Spike, not places where you are.'

'But sometimes the places we live in, are forcing us to make decisions against our will.' He said back quietly, at the same time as the small faces pulled back from the window. 'We need to do things we wished we didn't have to, only to be able to survive another day.'

'Don't torment yourself with the past, Spike. As I said you're not the same boy you have been years ago, you're wisest, stronger and knew how to not make the same mistake once again. You just need to have more faith in yourself, my friend. You're not so bad, as you think.' He smiled with the corner of his mouth and gently pressed on the man's back. 'Come on, Spike. We have a lot of work to do.' The younger man reluctantly followed the priest and carefully stepped inside desolated staircase.

They found the group of five adults and three kids in the room situated down the immersed in darkness corridor; the children were sitting down on the dirty floor playing with their toys, while the women were making something to eat in the provisional kitchen.

'Father Kieron!' A skinny girl with two greasy pigtails shouted excitedly and tossed her doll aside so she could ran toward the man and wrapped her tiny arms around his legs.

'We thought you wouldn't come today.' The one of the woman said and wiped her hands with a cloak, before she walked toward their guests. 'You're late, Father.'

'Forgive me Lizzie, but we stuck in Ashleigh's shop.' Kieron explained with apologetic smile, while woman's sharp eyes flickered toward Spike. 'And this is Spike Hunter, our new volunteer.' He introduced and wrapped an arm around the younger man's shoulder.

'Is he a doctor by a chance?' She asked, her stern face made Spike flinched. 'Theresa can't move her arm. It probably has something to do with her falling down the stairs last week.'

'Unfortunately Spike isn't a doctor.' Kieron said shortly with a small smile. 'But I'd call my friend to come over and see her.' Lizzie was still suspicious about the new guest, but she trusted the priest, as over the year he'd never done anything to destroy their mutual confidence in each other, and she decided to leave everything the way he wish for without extra questions.

'Fine, why don't you both take a sit?' Kieron breathed slowly with relief, knowing that Spike has passed the examination and is approved to be in here. 'I hope you have cans of food for us, since we don't have a fridge around.'

'I have everything you asked for.' Kieron assured her and handed a rucksack. 'I also take a few books for kids.'

'You're too kind, Father.'

'I'm here to help you, how much I can.' The priest smiled softly and pushed an old chair toward Spike so he could sit on it. 'Just tell me what else do you need.'

'We need home, but it's something you can't give to us, Father.' Lizzie replied with a sad smile. 'You're already doing a lot for us. I only can hope we won't put you into any troubles.'

'Don't bother your head with it.' He waved a hand with a small sigh. 'I was talking with a local teacher, she promised to come by next week and start the classes when she ends her shift in school. These kids have to study, Lizzie. You know they should go to the normal school…'

'If they see in what conditions they're living, they'll take them from us.' The woman said sharply.

'They could help you.' Kieron disagreed. 'You know you can't live like that forever. One day someone report you and you'll be in real trouble. Just think about them.' He pointed at the children, annoyed. 'I won't be able to help you and hide you forever. These three kids need…'

'Five kids.' Spike suddenly corrected him.

'Five?' The priest repeated surprised, his eyes darted to Lizzie. 'There's another family in there?'

'Of course, not, Father!' The woman protested immediately, anger written over her face. 'I don't know what is he talking about!' Kieron looked questioningly at his friend.

'I saw two kids in the window upstairs.' Spike said firmly.

'It had to be a flash of light or maybe the old mannequins from the closed boutique. There are no more kids, around.' She disagreed annoyed, but the man was sure of what he has seen. She wasn't honest with them, he felt it in his bones.

'Of course, Lizzie.' Kieron smiled reassuringly at her. 'Maybe me and Spike help you to move the wardrobe you were talking about?' He offered.

'Well, it was mine and Theresa's husbands supposed to take care of it, when they come back, but if you think you're able to handle it, Father, I'd be very thankful. We want to move it to the kid's room.'

'No problem, Lizzie. Take care of your want to move it to the kid's room.'

'No problem, Lizzie. Take care of your things.' Both man walked over the wardrobe and looked it closely to know what the best way was to handle it.

'She's lying.' Spike muttered to his ear, when he pretend was checking how stable was one of the side walls. 'I'm sure of what I saw.'

'I know, but let's save it for another time.' Kieron whispered back. 'I don't want to push on them on your first visit, here. They need to trust you.'

'Fine. Let it be.' Spike agreed reluctantly and picked up one side of the wall. 'Let's move it on three.'

Keep everything quiet down as long as you can- the order heard from Chief Inspector was clear and in theory easy to obey, however the familiar, cunning face blinded her with the flash of his camera before she even had a chance to get into the building and examine the scene. She tightened her lips and nervously pushed the hands into the pockets of her coat, while the man took a step forward with a small, mischievous grin plastered to his face.

'Good evening, Mr. Peterson.' A forced smile formed on her tired face. 'I wouldn't thought, I'd meet you here at that time of night.' The man exposed his very sharp teeth in a wide smile, in a pale light of street lamp reminding the woman bloodthirsty wolf ready to jump on his prey.

'Sometimes I'm forced to work very late, Mrs. Thomson, but I got an impression I'm not the only one who needs to stay late tonight.' He said smugly, pen and notepad already settled between his long fingers. 'Wouldn't it be easier for both of us if we start cooperate? I'm sure you'd agree with me detective, that any of us want to be here, right now.' He tempted with unfading grin.

'I'd rather see you trying to get your luck with any other officer. That, could be very interesting to watch.' She said firmly with a wry smile, with pleasure ready to watch how Charlie or others are taking very special care of journalist. 'Now, excuse me, but I have a work to do, and let me give you advice.' She leaned in and continued in confidential tone of voice. 'Go back to home, if you don't want to get yourself into trouble. You don't have any rights to be in here, and better for you if my colleague won't try to find out how you got your information.'

'That's very nice of you, detective, although you don't even try to hide your dislike toward me. Well, maybe I'd take it to my heart.' The arrogance in his voice almost pushed her to the limit, but she tried her best to keep the poker face and just ignore the annoying man.

'You're lucky you bumped into me, not at superintendent.' She added coldly for the goodbye and pointed toward the empty street. 'Now, Mr. Peterson you better leave now, if you don't want to push your luck too much.' She warned, but man only laughed shortly sounding like a barking dog, seemed to be very amused with the whole situation.

'To be honest I wouldn't mind to see superintendent, Dean. It might be very interesting to see what's he gonna do on the crime scene.'

'Same thing as us.'

'Really? Well, from what I noticed so far, the serial killer is running over the town, while Mr. Dean is on the vacation.' She looked at him warily, trying to not show him how surprised her with his sudden remark.

'I really don't understand from where did you get such an impression? Superintendent Dean is very hard working on both cases we're providing right now…'

'Giving orders behind his desk?' His eyebrows raised up, ironic smirk plastered to his face. 'You think that's enough?'

'I really don't think you're in the position to comment our way of working.' She snapped, blood boiled in her veins.

'Oh, did I hit the nerve?' He asked with innocent face, his wolf-like teeth gleamed dangerously in darkness. She braced herself and opened her mouth slightly ready to say some remark to the journalist, when she heard the approaching steps behind her back.

'Is there any problem, Sarge?' She has never been so grateful to see the young man.

'No, problem at all, officer York.' She replied with a small smile and settled her eyes back at the arrogant journalist. 'Mr. Peterson is already leaving us.'

'But don't you think you'd get rid off of me for good.' He pushed the pen inside the pocket of his coat. 'I'd be here back sooner than you thought.' York body tensed, his hands moved along his leather belt, very close to the hidden under his police uniform handcuffs.

'Are you threatening us, Mr. Peterson?' He asked harshly, eyeing him up intently. 'I don't think it's the wisest thing to do.'

'No, it's just a short information.' He replied with his famous, wicked smile and looked up at the lightened up windows of the building. 'And if you really thinking you're about to keep the news under the wraps, you might have a bit of problem seeing the whole building is lightened up like a Christmas Tree.' Bridget, nor Willy were able to find any riposte, knowing that the man was completely right. 'Have a nice night, officers.' He waved a hand for goodbye and with a short laugh disappeared in the darkness.

'Creepy idiot.' William muttered, his eyes still lustrating the darkness in front of him. 'I got a feeling he's up to something.'

'We better warn Craig to be more careful around him, as he seems to be very interested with him.' Bridget muttered and looked around the officers quickly gathering around the entry of the building. 'But in one thing he was right. If we really thought we're going to keep it quiet, I already can say we blew it. In less than half hour we'll have here the reporters from the whole England.'

'You can do it right now, if I see right, superintendent Dean just parked his car down the road.'

'What?!' She turned around and puzzled looked into the direction the younger man was pointing on. It was too dark for Bridget to say if it was Craig's car, but she was sure that the skinny, short figure hurrying up toward the entrance belonged to no one else but her boss. 'What's he doing in here? He's supposed to be in his hometown with John Paul and Darren.'

'Well, sergeant McQueen is already here, too, so maybe they just got a call to come down.' York said with a shrug as he noticed another person leaving Craig's car.

'Well, keep any eye on what's going on outside the building, in the meantime I catch up superintendent.'

'Sure, Sarge.' He nodded with a small smile and for a moment watched the woman marching out toward the building, before he turned around and narrowed his eyes as the flash from the camera crossed the darkness few feet away from him. 'Stubborn idiot.' He muttered with a shake of his head and reached under the jacket to grab the handcuffs.

The never stop ringing phones and questions repeated by the mothers of groom and bride were enough reason for him to closed himself in the bedroom and take time to think about today's event. He kicked off the shoes and threw himself on the bed with a deep sigh, his hand automatically reached out to turn on the radio so he doesn't have to listen to his mother's crying and never ending questions; why did it happened? As the voice of David Gahan filled the room and he closed his eyes to enjoy the silence, the door opened slightly and someone slipped inside.

'Your phone was ringing.' His breath quickened a bit in annoyance. 'It was Charlie.'

'It's midnight, I'm not going to pick up any calls.' He finally replied with a hoarse voice and tried to focus on the voice coming out of the radio.

'That's why he texted me to tell that another body has been found…I thought I should…'

'Give me five minutes and I'd be ready.' He said reluctantly, his eyes opened slowly. 'Wait for me in the car.' He moved his eyes at his boyfriend's calm face. 'I need to think.'

'You need to rest.' John Paul corrected him and reached out his hand to stroke his lover's cheek. 'You're just tired.'

'That's strange as so far I know I'm supposed to be on the vacation.' John Paul's corners of mouth turned slightly upwards, his fingers gently moved along Craig's dry lips.

'If you more focus on other things, you might feel better.' He stated with a little bit of sarcasm. 'You shouldn't leave the house, till we make sure you're safe.'

'I'm needed to be down on the crime scene.' Craig disagreed with a sigh. 'I'll just take a look, leave orders and I'd be heading back here, alright?' John Paul grinned at him. 'We need to visit your mother, don't we?' His boyfriend's face immediately dropped down. 'I'm glad we agree with that.'

'It looks like that.' John Paul muttered unhappy and with a soft tap closed the door behind himself.

This time was different; the choice of victim and place surprised and in the same terrified the all police officers, as they understood whoever they were chasing was capable of everything. Now the all theories they've came up during the investigation were worth nothing and in truth they even didn't know anymore for whom exactly they're searching for. The picture of the serial killer striking prostitutes in one night has been shattered into pieces, and brutality of the new crime scared even the oldest detectives.

The cordon of white and green faces passed through the width corridors, haunting everyone who just came down to the crime scene, making their guts turned with growing anxiety. Heated whispers echoed in the normally empty at this time of the day building, as officers kept checking each floor and the shops in search for any clue to help them get any closer to catch the murderer.

He knew he probably shouldn't be in there, and the looks of surprise and confuse on detective faces only confirmed his thoughts, but something deep down was telling him he needed to see it with his own eyes. Cautiously he stepped inside the shopping centre and with a straight face he walked down one of the width corridors, into the direction of security room, where he has been told was waiting for him Charlie. He pushed the black door at the end of the corridor and narrowed his eyes while he stepped inside the immersed in darkness room, where the only sources of light were coming out from the monitoring covering the whole west wall of the small room, and a little red lamp above the door.

'I haven't thought you'd come.' He looked over the metallic, high bookstand covered with many boxes, only to see his subordinate swinging on the chair in front of the monitors.

'You tried so hard to contact with me I thought there's something worth to see.' He replied with a shrug and get closer to the man so he could take a look at what he was watching.

'You bet it is.' He snarled and shook his head in disguise. 'I've never seen nothing like that. Seriously, this time he fucking beat himself.' Charlie continued with a pale face.

'I'm sure I saw worse things…' Craig smirked, his eyes moved with interest over the monitors.

'Trust me, Craig, I thought I saw everything.' The man disagreed immediately. 'Better if you hadn't ate anything, yet.'

'It can't be so bad.' He said back with unflagging confidence, his smirk didn't disappear. 'Now, show me what did you find on the cameras.' He pointed at the monitor, before leaned over Charlie and rested forearms on the back of the chair.

'Prepare yourself for the shock of the life.' Craig only rolled his eyes, his fingers impatiently tapped the man's shoulder. 'It's only one hour after the closing time.' He said at the same time as the tall, slim man in a black jeans and the same color jumper with a hood over his head appeared on the screen pushing forward a metallic shopping cart covered with a garbage bags in it, through one of the corridors.

'What the fuck is that…' Craig muttered in disbelief, his eyes narrowed, his body pushed hardly on Charlie's back so he could watch the monitor more closely. His subordinate pushed on the "play" button, while with the forefinger of his other hand tapped the place on the screen where was a mysterious man.

'Keep watching him.' Craig 's heart crashed loudly in his ribcage, when the man casually strolled with his trolley over the alley, his face turned toward the storefronts he was passing by like he was looking for something to buy. Finally he stopped in front of the one and after a long look at the window, he pushed the cart through the entrance of the shop. 'He disappeared there for about fifteen minutes then leave again and moved to another shop at the end of the alley.'

'In how many shops he has been?' It was surreal, he has to be dreaming.

'In few on each floor.' Charlie replied with suppressed throat, his teeth beaten hardly on his low lip. 'Until his shopping cart was empty.' Craig felt sick, his legs buckled under him as he suddenly lost his all strength. He was afraid of asking another questions, deep down guessing what the answers he will get. The door behind their backs opened violently letting the bright light slipped inside the dark room, almost blinding them for moment.

'I told you they're there.' The man in security uniform said with a smirk, followed by John Paul. 'Have you already seen that sick fuck?' He asked sharply, his hand pointed at the monitors.

'We did, but he got enough clothes on himself to be taken for everyone we pass by.' Charlie replied with a growl. 'How's your friend?'

'They already rushed him to hospital, but his in very serious condition as his head is cracked open.' The security guard said, his eyes darkened with anger and hate. 'It could be me, all of us. You have to catch him.'

'What about other security guards?' Craig asked. 'There had to be more than you and your injured colleague.'

'Another have been found at the back of the building- they were shot in the head.' Charlie answered grimly. 'And the last one has been knocked off right here, so you can tell he had free hand to do whatever he wanted.'

'Still I don't understand how got in there and was able to walk around the centre for good two hours, before someone noticed something isn't right. And how did he get in there, take a shopping cart…What about alarms?'

'They were switched off…All of them.' The security guard replied and nervously shuffled on his feet. 'Besides one pair of the keys disappeared so I guess that's how did he manage to get inside the building without getting our attention.'

'And don't forget that from the distance he might be taken for one of the security guards, as his clothes might look familiar to the uniform.' John Paul said. 'It looks he was watching the building for some time as he seemed to know how to move around the shopping centre and how to get in there.'

'Still it doesn't explain everything.' Craig stated with a snort. 'I don't get what exactly you were doing and where have you been when the killer was walking around the shop.' The guard didn't answer, but the way he was trying to break up the eye contact with the man and seemed to be very nervous, Craig had his suspicious how hard they could work that night. 'But I guess that's the conversation for another day, when your boss will be around.'

'Anyway, so far this is all we have for now.' Charlie said to clear the air. 'I'll check on the cameras if he was in there before, and you can move to the second floor to see what Danny found in the toy shop.' He offered lightly, though John Paul could sense the small allusion in man's words, they weren't welcome to sit any longer in there.

'Yea, we'll take a look around if Danny let us to do it.' He nodded toward his boyfriend. 'Come on, boss, we're needed somewhere else.' He smirked slightly as he noticed a spark in Craig's eye. 'I can send Willy to help you out check the tapes.'

'I can do that on my own!' Charlie squealed, looking like a deer caught in headlights. 'Don't bother him.'

'Don't be ridiculous, it'd take you ages.' Craig disagreed, didn't understand the strange exchange of looks between two men. 'He's coming around, and I don't want to hear any complaints. It's superintendent's order.' He added with authorities and rushed out of the room.

'Thanks, John Paul.' Charlie snorted with furious eyes and with a huff turned toward the monitors, while his colleague followed the superintendent looking like Cheshire cat.

He wrapped arm around his hurting stomach, the taste of his late diner was still lingering in his mouth making him feel sick. He closed his eyes and turned around toward the entrance of the toy shop to block the frightening view. Slowly he took a few steps ahead and bite down on his low lip as a forming knob in his throat wasn't letting him breath.

'Instead of stand here, find a bathroom and use a toilet before you soil the crime scene!' His eyes snapped open as his superintendent's annoyed and harsh voice rang beside him. 'Unless you want to deal with me and very angry pathologist.'

'It's just that scene…' He muttered ashamed. 'I was not prepared to see what I did.' The angry look on superintendent's Dean face not only hadn't disappear, but seemed to worsened. 'I'm sorry, Sir, I just need a moment and I'd be fine.' He assured him, his cheeks burned with fire.

'And maybe I should consider to transfer you to other department, as you can't even stand to look at body for one second!' He'd never felt so ashamed and hurt in his whole life.

'But, Sir…' He wanted to explain yourself, tell that this time it was something different. It wasn't a body, only piece of it, put into the most horrific crime scene he has ever seen.

'Just get out of there, William, and help Charlie. He needs an extra pair of hands to work in security room.' He ordered, tired of his subordinate's weak, tearful voice. The lad have to grow up and get strong if he wants to stay in homicide for longer.

'It's on the first floor. Bridget or other officer will show you the way.' Lad breathed with relief and looked thankfully at sergeant McQueen who just showed up behind superintendent's back and spoke up soothingly to him. His feature calmed him down a bit and give him a courage he seemed to lost five minutes earlier.

'Thank you, Sir.' He nodded his head eagerly and doesn't want to push his luck further, he almost ran away from the shop, wanting be away from the superintendent as far it was possible.

'You didn't have to snap at him like that.' John Paul said slowly, his icy blue eyes stared at the back of his boyfriend's head. 'He's young and still new one to this, and yet you hadn't too much reasons to complain at him since he joined the Homicide.' He recalled, didn't understand Craig's outburst. 'He's a good lad.'

'Who can't handle a dead body.' Craig snorted in response and turned around to meet his boyfriend's stare. 'Don't you find it to be a little problem?' He asked sarcastically, bravely withdraw his cold stare.

'Charlie didn't handle it any better.' He reminded him, arms crossed against his chest. 'You're angry at Darren, then yell at him.'

'Like I know where the fuck he is.' Craig snapped and confidentially walked under the yellow tape and approached the group of working lab technicians.

'Ah, my favorite superintendent just came back from the vacation!' Danny welcomed him sarcastically as he made his way through the crowd. 'Just in time for show.'

'I know you missed me badly.' Craig smirked and darted his eyes over the hill of toys standing in the middle of the shop. 'So, what do we have, this time? Another prostitute dressed as a Barbie doll?' He asked sarcastically and followed the pathologist, so they could get closer to the crime scene.

'Not exactly. This time it's a man. Probably in his thirties, although for now I can't be sure for hundred percent.' He scratched his bald head. 'Another group is already working on the floor below in boutique, so it's matter of time before I get everything I need.'

'What you mean?' John Paul asked with a frown, when he finally joined them. 'Is there other body, down there?'

'No, it's the same body.' Danny replied with quizzical face. 'If you look at it.' He motioned at the hill of toys. 'You would know what I mean.' Craig stepped closer and looked over the toys. It looked normal; no signs of body, blood or other disturbing things, only new, shiny teddy bears with smiling muffles and two rows of the porcelain dolls at the top.

'So it means that garbage bags in the trolley, were…?' John Paul shuddered and ran hands over his face. 'Just great.' His felt as his insides turned over.

'I don't see anything…' Craig snapped irate, as he very carefully watched the toys.

'Look on the middle. At the big Polar Bear.' Danny instructed and stepped aside, so John Paul could help Craig in searching. 'See, now?' Finally he noticed a white bear with a red scarf hanging down his belly, but nothing more. 'Look, higher.' He prompted irate, and they both finally noticed it.

'Christ…' Craig gasped, as in the place where teddy bear's head should be, was smiling back at him male's face. His colored with red lipstick lips were stretched unnaturally in from ear to ear wide smile, dark, terrified eyes staring ahead, straight into him. He felt sick.

'Pretty creepy, isn't it? I don't remember when the last time I've seen something like that.' Danny shook his head with a deep sigh. 'And that's not everything I want to show you.'

'You said you found something downstairs don't you?' John Paul and knelled down to look closer at the head, while Craig kept pacing behind his back looking like one, big mess. 'It looks like a clean cut.' He stated as he watched the place where the head has been sew to the rest of polar bear's body. 'What about his cheeks? They were carved with a knife?' He prompted and until now Craig realized that something he at first took as the widen lips, were in truth two deep cuts from each corner of the lips to ears, revealing the all row of man's teeth.

'He used probably an axe and knife to get such a creative view.' Danny replied and picked up some plastic bag with a small, brown teddy bear stuck in it. He carefully removed it and with a wry smile approached the superintendent. 'I'm sure you'd love to hear that.' Craig looked puzzled at the toy, then at man.

'What?'

'The killer left a small message for you. Everyone, can you keep it quiet for a moment?!' He shouted toward the working officers and lab technicians. 'Thanks!'

Well, come on, show what you have.' Craig shuffled impatiently on his feet, when curious faces turned toward them in complete silence. Danny smirked and squeezed the hard stomach of the toy. A diabolical laugh came through the teddy bear quickly followed by a creepy, velvet stream of words; Come and play with me, Mr. Dean. Another short laugh and everything died out.

'In other words, congratulation, Craig. You just have been typed by a serial killer to be the one who'd be able to catch him up.' Danny broke the silence playfully as the first, seeming to have a great fun. 'You should feel honored. Somehow you managed to get under the skin of the most wanted man in the whole England.'

'I don't find nothing funny in this.' John Paul said coldly.

'If he wants to play, I'll do it.' Craig said unimpressed surprising everyone, while his boyfriend looked at him shocked.

'You can't be serious!? He's not going to play any games with you, Craig, you're just his target!' John Paul argued, couldn't believe his own ears. 'That pack and all things in Hollyoaks has been made by him, you just get the prove!' He motioned at the toy bear with shaking hand. 'You can be next on his list!'

'Or maybe he wants me to get him.' Craig said firmly. 'Or maybe it's just his another trick to turn our attention from the case.'

'Then why exactly he chose you?'

'I'm superintendent?' Craig asked sarcastically. 'The head of our department…ring a bell?' John Paul's eyes flashed with anger, but he hadn't say nothing back, knowing it wouldn't change anything. 'Thought so.' He snorted and walked back toward the pile of toys.

'Fine, do whatever you want, I really don't care.' Danny announced and grabbed his bag. 'I'm going downstairs, to see what they found in the boutique.'

'Did anyone take the pictures of the crime scene?' John Paul asked calmer. 'I don't know if we can move the bo… that.' He motioned at the toys without looking at it.

'I've seen somewhere Douglas, but I don't know if he's not already downstairs. Come on, I'll help you find him.' The pathologist offered reluctantly and both men walked between working lab technicians, leaving Craig to check the crime scene on his own. The man wasn't looking for something particular, as he noticed his people had had to work pretty hard tonight as most of the shop was already backed with white, number plates wherever they've found new trace. He hoped this time the killer wasn't as careful as always and has made a mistake. Left some significant trace which help them to get closer to catch him.

'Anything interesting?' He asked one of the officers working at something behind the hill of toys, like today's crime scene hadn't make any impression on him.

'It looks like except leaving the voice message for us, he also left his signature.' The man replied and stepped back to let the superintendent look at his discovery. 'I suppose he cut off the numbers with a knife.' Craig stood in front of the pillar placed few steps away from the toys and looked at crooked letters; 0475194. 'Hell knows what that means.' The officer shrugged, while Craig watched the letters like hypnotized. In the back of his mind some other scene played through his head, making his heart pound painfully in the chest and his hands sweat. Dad! A childish voice cried so loud in his head, it made it hurt. Dad! He needed to get away. He looked around the shop, close to the panic. 'Everything's fine, Sir?' The concerned voice asked behind his back, but he just wanted to get away from there. 'Sir?!'

'I think we just go down with you.' John Paul said as he, Danny and Douglas come back to the crime scene. 'There's nothing much more to see, here.'

'As you wish.' Danny shrugged, surprisingly not protesting.

'Yea, I just ask Craig…' He darted his eyes around the shop, but there was no signs of the man. 'Where did he go?'

'He's over there, outside the shop.' Danny motioned at the lonely figure tilting over the railings. 'It looks like even his stomach can't stand everything.' He smirked, couldn't stop himself from a little sarcasm. John Paul immediately approached his boyfriend and tilted over the railing close to him, so they could talk without being hear by others.

'Craig, are you alright?' He asked softly, his eyes watched him with concern. 'You look like you've seen the ghost.' The man was fidgeting with his sweaty hands, didn't dare to look into his eyes. 'Craig…' He moved even closer and laid his hand at the top of Craig's one; at least that's what he could do when they were surrounded by other people. 'Tell me.'

'It's nothing, John Paul.' He finally looked up and managed to give the man a small smile. 'My stomach hurts me, I think it might be because of the salad. I should know better to not eat anything what has herrings in.'

'Do you want me to help you get back to the car?' John Paul asked, letting the man believe he bought his lie.

'Yea, I need to get outside.' Craig surprisingly nodded his head and let John Paul wrapped an arm around his waist, as he felt his legs buckled under him. 'John Paul, I can't breathe…' He suddenly said with suppressed voice.

'Lean over me!' John Paul quickly pulled him closer and steadied his boyfriend. He was thankful the man was so skinny and small, he didn't has too much problems to handle him. 'Alright, Craig, I got you!' Craig's body seemed to weighed tons, the sounds in his ears blurred in one cracking sound, like someone was trying tune the radio.

'Everything's fine, John Paul?!' Fred called concerned from in front of another shop. 'You need…' John Paul whimpered, while Craig's body balanced off his feet and he crashed with John Paul. 'Someone call ambulance!' He yelled out.

'Craig, Craig! Speak up to me!' He begged and laid Craig's head on his knees while the rest of the body splayed across the tiles. 'He fainted!' He shouted to Fred, his hand check the pulse on Craig's neck.

'They're on the way!' Fred informed and ran toward them to check on the unconscious man. 'What's happened?'

'I don't know!' John Paul was trembling. 'He was fine when we get, here…He's breathing irregularly.'

'Take off his tie and unbutton the shirt.' Danny instructed as he noticed what happened. 'And give him a space to breath! Someone called ambulance?'

'It should be in a minute.'

'He's going be fine, he's just all stressed with the work.' Danny said calmly to John Paul when he saw how pale the man was. 'Get a grip, it's enough we have one unconscious officer, we don't need another one.' John Paul nodded slowly his head, his hand wrapped around Craig's one.

'Yea, he's going be fine.' He whispered, gently rocking on his knees. 'He'll be.'

'You're like a young couple, still can't get enough off each other.' Spike broke the kiss with a crimson red face and maneuvered himself out of between Darren's persistent warm body and cold door's of the fridge. He withdraw Darren's hands from under his t-shirt and smiled sheepishly at the smirking woman standing in the doorframe in a long sweater, leggings, and high black boots.

'Hi, Jackie.' He muttered and nudged his goofily grinning lover in the ribs. 'Long time not seen you, eh?'

'I was in Spain with Tony.' She replied and put on the counter few gift bags. 'We just came back yesterday night and I thought I'd pop here today with presents.' She explained and this time passed by Spike to open the door of the fridge. 'I didn't thought someone might be getting hot in the kitchen, since Mercedes isn't around anymore.' She added with a smirk and took a bite of the sausage she took off from the fridge.

'We just wanted to prepare a dinner, since Myra and girls went off to the town for a little shopping.' Spike explained, but Jackie's cocked eyebrow told him he just could spare it. 'Whatever.' He muttered with silly face, wanting to rub off the grin from Darren's face.

'Anyway, I'd never thought that straight guy can be such a dog for another man.' Spike grinned cheekily, as Darren's face dropped down. 'I don't know if you see it, yet, but Michaela wrote an article about you. I thought you'd like to read it.' Jackie reached to the one of the bags and handed surprised Spike a rolled newspaper. 'Page third.' Spike spread it and with Darren hanging above his head, he looked at the bold title. The confession of the Red Roses survivor. 'Quite entertaining, especially the part about you confessing to kill your ex-boyfriend in self-defense.' Jackie added when she put the last piece of sausage into mouth.

'I've never talked with her about that!' Spike cried with horror. 'I even didn't say a word about the case!'

'I swear I'll kill her.' Darren muttered and protectively wrapped an arm around his lover's shoulders. 'I thought she'd give up on that.'

'It's Michaela, she never gives up on anything.' Jackie said and smiled sympathetically at Spike. 'Wait, till she starts writing about that serial killer.'

'If not me alone, than she is going to ruin me?' He shook his head in disbelief, regretting he refused her to be interviewed. She definitely paid him extra for that.

'Don't worry, love, mum's gonna give her a good ear bashing when she only gets the newspaper in her hands. She wouldn't dare to write anything else about you.'

'If it was only the case.' He muttered and threw the paper on the counter. Jacqui looked at him quizzically. 'The damage has been already done, Jackie, and nothing would change that. If people believe in everything she writes there…'

'It's just an article written by unknown journalist, Spike.' Darren said softly, and rubbed his shoulder in comfort.

'Some people will believe that I killed Randall. If Cole or someone else hear about it, I might be in serious trouble. They might charge me, re-open the case!' His face was drained off the colors.

'I thought it was settled down it was that guy who killed your boyfriend.' Jacqui said surprised.

'Calm down, Spike, no one would like to waste time to open again Randall's case.' Darren repeated firmly. 'Only someone who have something against you would consider to use the occasion to destroy you completely.'

'Someone like Cole.' Spike repeated grimly, knowing man too well, to not think he wouldn't pass anything that will help him to get rid off of him. 'Now, he has even more power than before.'

'They didn't close the case only because we didn't have enough strong evidences to do it.'

'Instead of worrying, why don't you let her taste her own medicine?' Jackie suddenly asked with a gleam in her eye.

'What you mean by that?' Spike asked with a frown.

'We can use her weapon against her.' She suggested with a smirk. 'There's a lot of other journalists who would like to write an interview with you. You could clear your name.' Spike watched her dumbfounded, not sure what to think about that.

'Shouldn't you be on your sister's side?' He asked with a cocked eyebrow.

'Have you seen the article she wrote about me and Tony's restaurant? No? Well, let's say I'd just love to pay her back for what she has done to my husband.' She replied with arms crossed against her chest. 'Are you up for it?'

'I'd be stupid if I just left it like that. I need to do something to clear my name.'

'Good choice.' Jacqui smirked at him and patted his arm. 'I let you know when I find someone who'd be interested with doing an interview with you. I'd take these bags to the living room and check what's playing in TV, so you can finish what you started.' She winked and grabbed the gift bags, before she marched out of the kitchen. Spike rolled his eyes and was going to open the fridge, when Darren pushed back at him and kissed lightly down the nap of his neck.

'Darren!' He hissed surprised and tried to get away from the man's grip. 'What are you doing?'

'You heard her. She just wants us to finish what we started.' He said with innocent face, before his lips turned into devilish grin.

'She's sitting in the next room!'

'Oh, come on, Spikey, I'm sure she wouldn't mind few kisses.' He teased, warm hands made circles at his lover's back. 'And a bit of hugging.'

'You're unbelievable!' Darren grinned widely as the soft, resigned sigh left the other man's lips, announcing his victory. 'But what about dinner? Girls will be back soon.'

'We order a Chinese food.' He said shortly and pushed Spike on the door of the fridge before with a small smirk he again attacked his lips.

Sitting in hospital bed with all various tubes and medical equipment around it, he has never looked so small and miserable. He'd just give anything to hug him closely and save from the hostile world.

'Don't worry, he'd be back to his grumpy old-self quicker than you thought. He already felt good enough to snap at the nurse for insert a needle into his hand.' Or maybe he wasn't in as bad shape as he thought and, probably, wish for.

'Can I talk with him?' He asked his brother quietly, his eyes never leaving his boyfriend sitting for the other side of the window.

'Come with me.' He gave him small, encouraging smile and gently pushed on his back. 'Hello, Craig.' He welcomed the younger man when they both entered the room.

'Hi, Niall.' Craig muttered in response, his left hand fighting with the inserted tube into his another one. 'Can I go, now?'

'You had a very nasty panic attack, Craig. You can forget about going anywhere, today.' Niall responded, his eyes lingered on the notepad in his hand, while John Paul sit on his lover's bed and grabbed his hand. 'You'd stay for a night in hospital.'

'I'm fine.' Craig disagreed quickly. 'I only collapsed.'

'You almost had heart attack.' John Paul said annoyed and grabbed for his boyfriend's another hand to stop him from ripping off the tube. 'So, you can make it easy way and stay without complains, or I'd be force to tie you down.' Craig gave him an angry look, but for once he saved the sulking for himself. 'Good, so we're clear, now.' Niall chuckled from against the wall.

'Welcome in McQueen's clan.' Craig leaned back against the pillow with a deep growl. 'I'm supposed to tell you to rest, eat more vegetables and stay away from stressful situations, but knowing my little brother and you, it's impossible for you to obtain the restrictions.'

'I'm superintendent, so it's hard to stay away from as you called it, stressful situations.' Craig muttered and moved eyes at his boyfriend. 'I'm needed to be somewhere else.'

'You need to stay in hospital for a day or two.' John Paul retorted irate. 'I'll take care of everything, don't worry.' He promised and reached out for his mobile phone.

'I'll leave you two, alone. The nurse would pop later with another drip. You were dehydrated when they bring you over.' Craig flexed his fingers out with a grimace and sighed softly, when John Paul gently stroked his cheek.

'Do you want me to call your mother?' His boyfriend asked quietly, while his brother left the room.

'No, don't say her a word.' He shook his head. 'She has enough problems on the head, she doesn't need another one.'

'You scared me.'

'I know.' Craig nodded, he again felt an ache in heart. 'I didn't want it.'

'Would you tell me what scared you?' John Paul's warm fingers moved back and forth from his fingers to the wrist. 'What did you see?'

'Same thing as you.' He replied with a shrug, but John Paul knew there was something more behind it. The look in his eyes; a pure horror and surprise, was enough answer for him. 'It's because the all stress with Darren and the cases. I already feel better.' He was lying, but John Paul decided to not push on him today. 'I need to rest.' Craig suddenly said, looking at him apologetically.

'I'd come around later, then. ' His boyfriend smiled reassuringly at him and gently squeezed his hand. 'I'll check on boys and look out for information about the victim.'

'Thank you.' Craig muttered with a small, almost shy smile.

'Rest and gather strength, babe. I'll be back later.' He kissed lightly his forehead and grabbed his jacket, before with the last wave of a hand for goodbye he walked out of the room. Craig ran hands over his face with a deep sigh. The little voice was still ringing painfully in his head, tying his stomach into knot. He stick the fingers painfully into the skin like he was trying to rip it off from the skull, the warm streak of blood smeared over his fingertips.

'You got a nice bouquet of flowers. I'd put it on the bedside cabinet.' He jumped startled when unfamiliar female's voice rang in the room. He took his hands back and tiredly looked at the petite woman in nurse uniform putting a vase with a wild flowers on the cabinet.

'Was it from a police officer who came in there with me?'

'No, it was some other man.' He wrinkled his eyebrows, surprised. 'He didn't introduce yourself, only said you'd know who he is. And here's the card from him.' With a warm smile she handed a folded in half piece of paper.

'Did he look like a police officer, by any chance?' He asked and slowly unfolded the paper.

'Do police officers look different than the rest of society?' She asked back with a sarcasm.

'Never mind.' He muttered annoyed and uninterested glanced at the long message.

He took them one by one,

Leading to the dead land of their fate.

An old man and a young boy with a flash of fear in a blue eye.

A boy in blue with a stream of light on his cheek,

And black dragon from the bridge hovering just above him like a dead wish.

The trail of white snow surrounded the tired man from the past,

His heart and need followed him shortly with broken vow,

While the bluest waters of the ocean overspread their road.

They asked; "Who is he? Who is he?"

I'm the Crown of Agony, Illness and Guilt, said the one

Who took them one by one.

Was it a joke? He kept reading the words over and over, wondering what the hell that it meant.

'Are you alright?' The nurse asked with concern as she noticed how man's face turned white.

'Can you tell me how looked that man who handed you flowers?' He asked with slightly shaking voice.

'It was a young, dark skinned man. Around his twenties I think. Black hair and eyes, he looked average.'

'Do you remember what he was wearing?' He was confused.

'A gray jumper and jeans I think.' She shrugged, surprised with the questions. 'Why do you ask?'

'Do you have monitoring on the hall?' She watched him agape as he pulled his legs down the bed and began fidgeting with the tube connected with his hand. 'Can you help me with this?' He asked with a killer smile, knowing there's now or never if he wants to find the truth.