Chapter Four: A Warning Visit.
Zheyda knew about Zack's killings for some time now, probably two years back when he worked with the FBI on one of his victims.
It was too easy. Predators like him always look forward to the thrill of their killing making them leave a little trail behind.
All it took Zhedya to find out who he was was the scent of the limited edition perfume of the murder scene.
To confirm his suspicion, he reaches out to Zack's previous therapist accessing his information using his connection as a forensic pathologist for the FBI and a hospital CEO.
The therapist mentioned Zack had confessed wanting to straggle people and he enjoys the fact he could squeeze life out of people if he wanted to.
Zheyda never interfered, or exposed him but only paid him a warning visit instead.
He has recently been watching Zack's movement.
"You have had your fun long enough, Zack", he whispers as he watches Zack from his car.
*****
"Where have you been?", he heard someone say from the dark.
"Oh my goodness. Stop creeping in on me like that", Ian blurted, totally startled.
He turns on the light to see Zhedya sitting with Blue in his arms.
Ian clears his throat, "I got bored and went out a bit for fresh air. That's all"
"Oh, I see. Wanna play with Blue a bit", he asked, stroking the snake gently.
"Of course not", Ian immediately refuses.
"Just like a snake, a predator coils round its prey quietly, till they can't breathe anymore", Zhedya kisses Blue.
He stands up to leave, brushing Ian by his shoulders, then stops.
"You are terrible at lying, Ian. That's why I like you. Next time you want fresh air, I can recommend places that aren't the police station", he smirks.
Ian was totally embarrassed but then something clicked. "How did he know he went to the police"
*****
"You broke your promise to me. Left the house, went to the police. What are you thinking, Ian?"Zhedya questioned.
Ian stood in front of Zhedya desk, he felt being questioned and watched right now was like an humiliation ritual. While Zhedya sat in front of him with an intimidating aura.
"I just wanted to help. I can't stay here forever, if the damn killer is still out there", Ian finally speaks.
"Oh that's what you think you are doing but you are wrong", Zhedya throws a couple of pictures on the table.
"You were being followed", he stated.
Ian picks up the pictures, they all had something in common. A man in dark clothes, waiting at the corner or following him.
One of the pictures manages to catch his face. He had those grey eyes.
Ian begins to breathe shakingly.
"I had someone follow. I just wanted to prove something to you. If you want to live you should listen to me", Zhedya stated.
"I was able to gather some information on this person. His name is Zack Perez, an unstable kid from wealthy parents. Visiting his therapist, he mentioned Zack telling him he had a thing for strangling. I have some evidences on Zack previous murders and you will help me leak those"
"How about we do it like this? You write about this and your experience as almost a victim of the Swift strangler and release them tonight. The police would be at his door by morning"
Ian nods, still trembling.
Zhedya walks over to him, hugging him.
"It's okay, you do as I say. I promise you, everything will be fine. I will make you some tea so you can sleep well after you are done", he strokes his head.
*****
"Stalking Ian when I thought we had a deal is bad of you, Zack"
Zhedya stood by his car, arm crossed and dark gloves on.
Zack stood in front of him taking off his hat. "Well, you let that journalist walk into the station. So the deal is off, I would do what I should have done all along. Get rid of him with my hand"
Zack laughed out loud. "You will have bigger issue to deal with than that cause I'm sure the cops are searching for you"
"What ? Nonsense", Zack scoff
"I'm guessing you haven't read the article. I never expected my boy to be that smart"
Zack quickly opens his phone and sees his name all over the news, evidence of his murders leaked by Feral Minds blog.
"Ahh", Zack immediately launches at him.
Zhedya moved swiftly, kicked him then stabbed him with an injection leaving him paralytic.
Zack collapses, conscious but can't move his body at all. His eyes widen realizing what was going to happen to him.
"There are many people like us, Zack. But you and I aren't exactly the same. There is also an hierarchy and that makes you below me", Zhedya says, placing his food on Zack's face.
"I did it all. The evidence that was leaked. I can't let you go knowing you are a threat to what's mine. Now, let's hurry up and get you home."
Zhedya carries him into his car and drives off the dirt road.
*****
Ian slowly opens his eyes, turns to the clock on the nightstand.
It was past nine..
"How long have I been asleep?", he mustered.
He goes down to the living room. Zhedya sits in front of the TV, his glasses on,focused on the news on screen. Ian thought of how attractive Zhedya was for a moment.
"Ian, good morning..come look at this",he signals for him to come sit by his side.
"The FBI publicly announces that the serial killer known as the Swift strangler, that have been been hunted for years, is no one but a man named Zack Perez."
" Getting to his apartment, was discovered dead. Police finds out that he took his life", the newscaster read as evidence was also displayed on the screen.
Ian immediately feels relieved. "Oh my God",he smiles, knowing the streets were safer for him now.
Zhedya felt satisfied not only because he was the real executioner but because Ian is safe and he alone controls who lives or dies around him.
Ian suddenly hugs him tightly. "Thank you for everything, I can't thank you enough for keeping me safe"
Zhedya then held his face. "From now on, I will always watch out for you and try as much to keep you safe."
They stared at each other for a moment that felt like forever.
Ian eyes goes to Zhedya's lips, as slowly he leans in for a kiss.
A kiss that started slowly soon turned needy and passionate.
Zhedya smiles warmly as he kisses him. Ian will be his no matter what.