PRETTY FACE

Posted originally on the Archive of Our Own at http://archiveofourown.org/works/49467328.

Rating: Explicit
Archive Warning: Graphic Depictions Of Violence
Category: M/M
Fandoms: One Direction (Band), Zarry Stylik - Fandom
Relationship: Zayn Malik/Harry Styles
Characters: Harry Styles, Zayn Malik
Additional Tags: #zarry #zarrystylik #zarrystory #harryandzayn
Language: English
Stats: Published: 2023-08-19 Words: 32,903 Chapters: 6/35
 PRETTY FACE
by ZarryStorie

Summary

Harry is an elegant and talented assassin, attached to the luxury that his violent work offers
him, ready to kill in cold blood, using his intelligence to evade any suspicion. Zayn is an
employee of one of the biggest security agencies in the world, but frustrated, he starts to
fantasize about being a spy in search for a good investigation.

When they meet, these men become obsessed with each other, and this obsession can cost
lives.

(Adapted from the TV show Killing Eve)

Notes

• This story is an adaptation of the television series Killing Eve (2018-2022) most of the
dialogues and events in the story are not my creations, but there were adaptations.

• The characters Liam, Louis and Niall appear in the stories because they are already familiar
faces to readers, but you can feel free to imagine the person you want, their physical
characteristics will not be mentioned.

▪︎Some events in the story should not be normalized and if something bothers you, please
stop reading immediately.
 PINK NAILS

LONDON
MI5

Zayn hurried up the last steps of the stairs to get to the British intelligence office. Since he
graduated with a degree in public safety and criminal psychology, his job has remained the
same. This profession had always been his ideal one, but things didn't seem to be going as
planned.

LOU: C'mon man, you're late!

Louis said when he saw Zayn arrive.

Z: I know, I know. I'm sorry. I went to bed very late last night.

LOU: You were superb last night. That Disney song you sang, holy shit! You killed it. You
should dedicate yourself to your singing career, it was amazing. It's better than protecting rich
people.

Louis' comment made Zayn laugh as they entered the elevator together.

Z: Thank you. But I'd rather protect rich people. Honestly, I feel like I could quit at any
moment.

LOU: You won't do that. It's not that bad.

Z: Oh it is. You can't say no because you're still chasing killers. I don't do the same thing.

Zayn grunted when he got out of the elevator and went to the door of the boardroom.

LOU: I understand your situation, okay? I have more experience than you, so I am aware of
how things work. Your time is coming.

Louis made an effort to reassure his friend, but he didn't appear to be very convinced.

Z: When?

LOU: Don't ask me that.

Z: Why did you call me to this meeting on a Saturday?

LOU: They called, not me.

Louis pointed to the group of people sitting at the meeting table, as they approached the door.

LOU: Okay, from what I can eavesdrop on, a Russian sex-trafficking politician has been
murdered in Vienna.
Z: Why are they crying about it here?

LOU: Don't know. Was it a contract kill? All I know is that Liam motherfucker Payne is here.

Z: Who?

LOU: MI6 Russia Desk. I would do anything to work with him. The guy is a genius. Stone-
cold badass.

Z: Whatever. Let's go.

As soon as the friends entered the room, everyone stared at them until they could take their
seats.

Z: Sorry, I'm late.

F: It was Louis' birthday party last night, right? It looks like they had a great time.

Frank, the boss who was tedious and envious, said something when he saw Zayn and Louis
sitting down at the table. There was silence for a while, but it was evident that the boss was
unhappy about not being invited to the party.

F: Well, thank you all for giving us your Saturday. People are still murderous bastards on the
weekend. This is Liam Payne, head of the Russian desk. Louis and Zayn are responsible for
providing diplomatic protection for visitors to the UK and will be your point of contact.

Zayn looked at Agent Payne and realized how cold he looked. The job appeared to be a
serious one.

L: Well, there's been an assassination in Vienna. Victor Kedrin was visiting Austria last week.
He was not a popular man. But he had an unfortunately high profile.

Zayn started looking at the pictures of the victim that were on the table. The profile was more
or less the same as always, old men of small stature, white hair and expensive costumes.

L: Yesterday, Kedrin was coming out of a club with his boyfriend Feyd Molkovska.

Liam showed a picture of the boy who looked like a 20 year old old twink from OnlyFans.

L: Somehow, about 50 yards from the club, the assassin sliced Kedrin's femoral artery with a
blade without him or his boyfriend noticing. He was bleeding for about a minute before he
collapsed.

Z: Cool.

Looking at the forensic photos made Zayn feel a little puzzled, as in his less than five years
of career he had never seen a death as interesting as that one.

F: His boyfriend is the only witness but he fled the scene. Interpol traced him here to the UK.
He requires protection.
Z: Was there any CCTV of the killer?

F: No, as far as we know it was just a blind spot. The boy is quite traumatized but he's the
only witness.

Z: This was premeditated by a high-ranking professional, don't you think? Not every killer
can do it in a way that no one suspects their intentions.

Malik had a strong desire to express his thoughts, but Louis attempted to prevent him from
doing so. Liam, on the other hand, was somewhat interested in what he had to say about the
case and thus allowed him to carry on.

L: What's your theory?

Z: My theory is... Victor Kedrin was a sex trafficker. It's possible that he didn't consider one
of his 'human products' as a threat. The killer must have been able to get close to the victim
when he infiltrated.

L: Okay...Thank you, Zayn.

After that, Officer Payne stood up and left the room with others.

Z: He said my name.

LOU: Congratulations.

Louis laughed as he stood up with his friend to leave the room.

Z: I want to meet that witness.

LOU: No. Not your job.

Z: Don't be an asshole. Let me help with that.

F: Happy birthday, Louis.

Boss Frank said as soon as he saw them in the middle of the corridor. He looked upset.

LOU: It was just a bit of karaoke, Frank.

Zayn had a good laugh at that interaction and followed his friend to their offices. Although
Louis had more privileges due to his higher position, they still enjoyed working together in
their shared room. They quickly became best friends and frequently hung out together too.
Louis was married and had a young son. Zayn didn't have a marriage or even a child, he
didn't really care about that.

Z: So... Feyd Molkovska. We'll need two officers on each shift. Where do they want him
overnight?

LOU: I don't know. He is in the hospital. He hasn't been transferred to the station yet.
Z: Really? So he's still there?

LOU: Yeah... You're not going to do what I'm thinking you want to do, right?

Z: What am I supposed to do?

LOU: You know what it is.

Z: I don't know what you're talking about.

Malik sat down at the computer and began working on his report. There was silence in the
room until another message came on Louis' phone.

LOU: CCTV from Vienna turned up.

Z: What? Since the meeting?

He stood up to read the message with his own eyes, but it was only messages from his boss.
There was no video.

Z: Frank just said that? Where is the video?

LOU: Why are you so interested in that?

Z: Because it's an interesting case! I want to investigate it.

LOU: You can't, Zayn. Your job here is to protect the people who might still be in danger and
that's it. This isn't Ml6, okay?

Zayn sat back down after taking a deep breath.

Z: I wanna see that CCTV.

Louis rolled his eyes and then walked out of the room.

L: Just do the report, Malik.

—————

PARIS

As the subway doors were closing, the young black man, wearing an Adidas sweatshirt, ran
to get into the train. It's probable that he won't get on and will have to wait another ten
minutes until the next one. Luckily, someone was kind enough to stop in front of the doors to
prevent them from closing and save a few more seconds for the boy to board.

That hurried young man smiled at the long-haired, green-eyed guy who had held the door for
him.

"Merci.
(Thank you)"
H: De rien.
(You're welcome)

Harry smiled and couldn't help but give that boy a cheeky look. He was very handsome,
perhaps he could take him home if he wasn't so rushed.

Harry made his way straight to the apartment where he lived as soon as the ride headed to a
prime neighborhood in the city. There, he saw his neighbor Emeraude trying to walk down
the stairs with great effort since her legs did not have the same strength they had 60 years
ago.

H: Allez, tu peux le faire!

(Come on, you can do it!)

"Connard.
(Asshole)"

Harry was laughing while she cursed him.

H: Je suis sérieux, avez-vous besoin d'aide?

(I am serious, do you need help?)

"Connard."

Emeraude repeated the curse and went on to the dustbin. Harry rolled his eyes and walked
towards the door of his apartment to enter and remove the clothes he was wearing. Although
wearing panties was not comfortable for a man, it was part of his last disguise. After that,
Harry wore a robe and sat in front of the mirror on his dressing table.

H: Oh, look at you... Beautiful.

He whispered to his own reflection in the mirror as he admired his own appearance. That was
one of Harry's most notable features. He considered himself to be the most beautiful person
in the world. There was no one in the world who could be more beautiful, he never
complimented someone's appearance either because it made him feel weak. He would only
do that if he ever found someone as beautiful as he was.

When Harry heard the sound of footsteps walking to his room, he remained seated, just
waiting. He knew Niall's tracks, his ears could recognize unique sounds.

H: I didn't think I'd see your face so soon.

N: How was Vienna?

H: Good. Quick. But I'm tired.

Harry started using nail polish remover to remove the pink color from his nails.

H: Do you want to stay and watch a movie?

N: No, I can't. I'm sorry.

H: You always say that.

N: They want me to give you this.

Niall walked over to his friend and took a wad of cash out of his pocket to put on the dressing
table.

H: Bonus?

N: Yes.

H: Because I'm sensational?

N: Oh, yes. Of course. And they want you to do another job.

H: When?

N: Tomorrow. All information is on there.

Niall pulled out an Italian postcard from his pocket and handed it to Harry the minute he
finished cleaning his nails.

H: Tuscany... You want to come?

N: No.

H: Well, can I take someone else? I just want someone to play with.

Niall laughed and started walking towards the door.

N: You play in Tuscany. I heard Italian guys have big dicks.

H: Yeah, and you don't.

N: You've never seen my dick.

H: Oh I have.

N: When?

H: I have a camera in my bathroom.

N: Why?

Harry stared at Niall with an amused silence.

H: You never know...

Before leaving the apartment, Niall laughed and said goodbye. Harry was left alone and had a
new job now. To start, all he needed to do was type a few numbers from that postcard into his
secret computer server.

He had a train that was departing in the evening, so he spent the remainder of the day
preparing for the trip. He has visited Tuscany many times before, and all of those trips have
been a lot of fun for him. That was a fun job.

[...]

TUSCANY

The only way to enter that mansion was either through the main gate or by climbing the
walls.Harry wanted to enter through the main gate, but his name was not on the guest list for
the masquerade party that was taking place inside the mansion. Climbing was the only way to
get in.

Fortunately, he was able to have more security during the climb with the help of a pipe. The
music was loud and the security guards were focusing on the guests in the hall, so no one saw
him climb or suspected his entrance. Harry then went to the main room, the same one where
the old Italian designer seemed to be getting ready for his birthday party.

An old melody was playing through the record player. When the man heard the sound of his
bedroom door closing, he saw a guy wearing a dark blue suit and a mask of the same color
that was covering his eyes. His hair was tied up in a type of hairpin often used by Japanese
geishas. He looked very handsome.

"Chi sei?
(Who are you?)"

H: Antonio Berzano.

Besides his keen ears, Harry also had the ability to imitate any kind of accent he wanted. He
was skilled at pretending to be an Italian.

"Sei un regalo per me?

(Are you a gift for me?)"

The man stood up and slowly walked towards Harry, as if he was seducing him.

H: Sono stato mandato da te, sì... Forse sono il tuo regalo stasera.
(They sent me to you, yes... Maybe I'll be your present tonight.)

As he watched the man look at his body, he smiled as if he had a strong desire for it.

"Fammi prima vedere la tua faccia.

(Let me see your face first.)"

As soon as the old man made that request, Harry saw the perfect time to attack. He placed his
hands behind his head, where he could untie the knot of his mask. Slowly, he let the mask
fall, revealing his face. Harry was holding tightly to his hairpin as he disarmed his hair at that
exact moment.

The action was quick and extremely painful for that man. The hairpin contained a deadly
poison that was completely deposited inside his right eye. Harry was energized by watching
his victim's anguish. There was this strange delight of looking into the eyes and seeing the
soul go away. Harry found the experience of a life ending to be exhilarating.

But it was time to leave, as the guests would miss their host and would enter the room to call
him very soon. Styles had to run, and as he did, he moved smoothly between people, passing
from one room to another. He walked through the main gate without being approached by a
security guard. It was so easy.

Harry left Tuscany that same night. He did a good job.

—————

G: Hey!

Z: Hey, Grace. Hey buddy!

Zayn smiled as his dog jumped on his lap and licked his face. Phoenix was a Bernese dog, a
very affectionate, intelligent and playful pet.

G: He missed you.

Grace, his neighbor next door, was the person talking to Zayn in a sweet voice. Despite being
a great friend, she was always willing to help in every aspect of his life, including when his
dog needed company or special care.

Z: Thanks for taking care of him. Last night, I arrived home very late.

G: Can you tell me where you were?

Z: I went to celebrate a friend's birthday. It was just karaoke and a few shots of tequila. By
the way... I'd like to ask you something, if you can help me, of course...

G: Sure, what's the matter?

Grace smiled. She had a crush on Zayn, actually, who didn't? It's possible that she was
waiting for a date. But that's not what happened.

Z: Well, I am in charge of protecting the main witness in a very special investigation, and just
like you and your family, he's Polish, so...

G: I don't speak Polish.

Z: I know, but... That cousin of yours, Dom. He speaks Polish, right?

G: Yes... Will you need his help? To do what exactly?

Z: I won't be able to tell you at the moment, but if you could give me his number, I can let
you know later.

Grace was suspicious, but she didn't want to say no to her biggest crush. She was going to
help him.

G: Okay, I'll give it to you. Just wait a minute.

—————

PARIS

N: Harry, wake up!

Niall pinched Harry's foot under the sheets, but it took a while for him to wake up. Last night
seemed to have been fun, because there was one man and one woman sleeping with him.

Niall's worried face was seen by those green eyes. Harry knew something had happened, so
he quickly dressed and dismissed his guests.

H: What time is it? Could you let me rest? Just for today?

Harry expressed his discontent when his guests finally left the apartment.

N: Three days ago, one of Moscow's

most controversial politicians was found professionally murdered in a pretty street in Vienna.
Very good.

Harry smiled and stood behind the kitchen counter as he watched Niall speak.

N: The murder took place in a CCTV blind spot. Also good.

H: Yeah, why are you telling me this?

N: The politician's boyfriend was reportedly with him while he died. Fine.

H: I'm not sure if it's his boyfriend or one of the call boys he had sex with.

N: He was not harmed. Not so good. Now he is currently in London where he will be
interviewed as a principal witness to the murder. Bad! An interview which will take place
tomorrow! Very bad!

Harry paused cutting the bananas to look at Niall. There was silence before any reply.

H: Have you had a haircut?

N: Yes.

H: It looks cute.

Harry smiled as he put the bananas in the blender with the milk, sugar, and other soft fruits.
N: Your train leaves in an hour. So keep the job tidy, uh? Your fancy hairpin is all over the
press and it's not funny.

H: It was a bit. They won't catch me.

N: They might.

H: They won't.

N: No, listen, they might.

H: But they won't.

Niall sighed and retrieved a London postcard from his jacket, along with a train ticket.

N: Make it look like suicide.

—————

Zayn looked at his lunchbox, already exhausted from consuming chicken pie. His mother had
brought him a big tasty pie that week and he have to eat it all before it expired.

Z: Can we swap?

LOU: Sure.

Zayn smiled when his friend agreed to eat his pie and handed him his lunchbox with
delicious sushi.

Z: Oh. Your wife is an artist.

LOU: She's a control freak... Can I eat this cold?

Z: Yeah. Just don't tell my mother.

LOU: How is she?

Z: She's really well. She's having a third honeymoon with my dad in Thailand right now.

LOU: They're such a lovely couple.

Z: Yeah, I know...

Louis didn't say anything else, just started eating with a thoughtful face. His strange behavior
caught Zayn's attention. Something had happened.

Z: You have something to tell me, don't you?

LOU: I don't wanna talk about that.

Z: Oh please, c'mon man! If you don't tell me what happened, I'll make your life a nightmare
all day long.

Louis took a deep breath while eating his chick pie. He might regret it.

LOU: There wasn't any CCTV

Z: What? So... They lied to us? How did you find out?

LOU: I have access to the reports of the entire department handling the case, but none of
them contain any recordings. They lied and I don't know why.

Z: They're trying to keep us out of the investigation, treating it as an easy case to work on.

LOU: Maybe they're right about that. Our job here is to keep the witness safe, not investigate
the killer. The only way to assist in the investigation is by interviewing the witness. I
attempted to do that this morning, but was unsuccessful.

Z: You interviewed the witness? Why didn't you tell me?

LOU: Why should I do that?

Z: I could go with you.

LOU: No, you would only be useful if you were able to speak Polish. Which is not the case.
Unfortunately, our translator was stuck on a flight and we were unable to translate what the
doped-up guy was trying to say. Even the digital translators couldn't identify a single word.
The only thing I could hear him say in English was the word 'pink'. He said it all the time,
showing off his nails.

Z: Pink nails... What did he mean by that? Did the killer have pink nails?

LOU: Probably. At that time, I didn't even know if he was talking about the murderer because
he didn't understand a word I was saying. It's possible that he was just wanting to paint his
own nails while his pimp was being buried. It would be hilarious if that were the
circumstance.

Louis laughed and took a sip of his water as he observed Zayn's serious and thoughtful face.

Z: And you couldn't find another translator? There are many Polish speakers in London.

LOU: Everything's under control, Zayn. The boy is scared, and I should have avoided going
to that hospital to interview him.

Z: You should have. Because you don't seem to give a fuck about how important this is.

LOU: Are you accusing me of something?

Z: I don't know. Maybe you're being lazy.

Louis took a deep breath and stopped feeding, just like Zayn.

LOU: Look... It's not our job.

Malik grabbed a newspaper from the table and handed it to his friend, who proceeded to read
the first article.

Z: I've been compiling these cases for months.Tuscany yesterday, you see? Look at the way
he was killed. It's amazing and could have been done by the same person. Feyd is the only
lead we have and tomorrow morning he's someone else's witness.

LOU: Yes, and they'll interview him and find it all out for themselves.

Z: What if they're in on it?

LOU: In on what?

Z: I don't know. I just think... It's weird.

LOU: Our job is weird, but it's also boring. You could get in a lot of trouble if I was a serious
man.

Z: Trouble's not interested in me. Let me see the victim, I won't ask questions, just my job.

Louis stood up and walked towards the door to leave. He knew he was going to regret it later.

LOU: Alright. Go to the hospital, make sure your witness is cozy and safe, then go home and
don't do anything weird.

Z: Thank you.

LOU: There's a huge pimple on your forehead, by the way.

As Louis left, Zayn took a deep breath and put his hand to his forehead before taking his cell
phone out of pocket and searching for Dom's number. He answered the call in just a few
seconds.

Z: Hey, Dom, it's Zayn. Grace gave me your number because I need a favor. To be more
specific I'm going to need your Polish, just to translate a few things for me, you know? You'll
get paid, don't worry.

D: Okay. When?

Z: Tonight.

[...]

Z: It's only two or three questions. Just say you're his cousin.

As soon as they walked into the hospital, Zayn and Dom made their way to the reception,
where a woman with curly hair greeted them with an annoyed look on her face.
Z: I'm with the security team monitoring Feyd Molkovska.

"Last on the left. Ask for Nurse Watkins. You can't miss her. She's in the fun scrubs."

Z: Thank you.

When Officer Malik got closer, had to show his badge to two more officers who were outside
Feyd's room.

Z: Hi. Is Feyd awake?

He asked when saw the nurse.

"He's not fit for an interview."

Z: Oh, no. I know. This is a relative of Feyd's. He just wanted to say hi, quickly.

"Oh, lovely. Okay, uh, just take a seat. I'll let you know when he's ready."

Z: Great. Thank you.

D: Is this legal?

Dom whispered as they left the door and entered the waiting room.

Z: It's fine. Just wait here a sec. I'm just gonna pop to the loo.

D: We should have brought him some chocolate or something.

Z: I'll see what I can find.

Zayn sighed as he left and went to the bathroom at the end of the corridor. He was desperate
to pee, but upon entering, he noticed that the only toilet that was working was in use. That
made him snort and stop in front of the mirror to look at his own face.

Malik grimaced as he saw that pimple on his forehead. The last time he saw one of those was
when he was a teenager. He didn't think it was a good idea to pop it, but he tried anyway.

During the process, he could hear the sound of the toilet flushing and the sound of the door.
Zayn knew that the person using the toilet was washing his hands next to him, but he didn't
want to look because he was too busy poppin that pimple.

For a moment, Zayn realized that he was being watched by the man next to him and that
made him take his attention away from the mirror to look at those eyes. Oh and what eyes...
That boy had pretty green orbs and a long hair that was tied up in a messy bun. The guy was
wearing a nurse's uniform, and looked extremely attractive. But Malik did not want to
confess it to himself, he had never been attracted to any man before.

Z: Are you alright?

The guy did not answer, he just kept looking and didn't even blink. They stared at each other
for a while before he could walk away and headed towards the door. Zayn shrugged and
grabbed a piece of paper to wipe off the blood from his face in an attempt to pop a pimple.

H: You have a pretty face.

Harry said when he opened the door to leave. At that same moment, Zayn turned his attention
to him, but before he could say thank you or something, he just saw the guy leave.

Malik laughed and made his way to the toilet to finally empty his bladder. As he washed his
hands and exited the bathroom, he whistled a song. The same song that the killer Elle Driver
whistled in that hospital scene of Kill Bill. It made Zayn feel like he was in a movie.

On his way down the huge corridor, Zayn noticed that the phone at the reception desk kept
ringing. When he got there, he didn't see that woman behind the chair. But he saw blood. A
lot of blood.

When he looked behind the desk, he saw the receptionist with a bullet in her head. The floor
had become a pool of blood and the only thing he could said was "WHAT THE FUCK?"

Zayn turned away and wished he had brought his gun, but he didn't know it would be
necessary. He hadn't imagined that a massacre would happen that night.

Z: Dom?!

Zayn shouted as he made his way to Feyd's room and saw the number of bloodied bodies all
over the place. The two officers had been shot with no chance of defense since their guns
were still in the same place. The nurse was dead against the wall, while Feyd was fighting for
his life with a deep gash in his throat that was spurting blood.

Z: Oh, my God… Oh, my God! Oh, Jesus! Dom?! Dom?

There was no sign of Dom, he wasn't there, and Zayn hoped he wasn't dead too.

Z: Oh, my God, Feyd. No, no, no. Please. Please, stay with me.

Zayn had never experienced such desperation in his life before that night. He could see Feyd
trying to breathe, but it was impossible. He was about to die.

Z: Somebody help me! Please, someone! Feyd, stay with me.

Zayn tried to stop the bleeding as he shouted for help, but no one showed up there, except
Dom with a box of chocolates in his hands. In any case, there was nothing more they could
do, it was too late. Feyd had passed away and the last thing he saw in life were Agent Malik's
frightened eyes.

[...]

LOU: If they fire you, you'd better drag me down with you.
Zayn was listening to his friend's while he saw his fingernails smeared with blood. He felt a
great deal of guilt.

Z: No, you're not doing that.

LOU: I've been looking for an excuse to call Frank a dick-swab for years.

Z: I'm the dick-swab. I should have requested more security.

LOU: You had two armed officers. You did the right thing. You're brilliant, Malik. Just don't
tell them everything. You'll sound like a nutter.

The conversation was interrupted when Frank and Liam entered the room and sat down
facing them.

F: Right. The boy's parents are here. Did you know he was a minor?

Zayn was silent, nodding without looking directly into his boss's eyes.

F: Have you made your statement?

He nodded again, still not looking.

F: Well... that one could have gone better. I don't want to say you only had one job...

Z: Oh, piss off, Frank.

Zayn interrupted so that he could finally look into his eyes.

F: I don't think you should speak to me like that right now, Malik.

Z: Can you... can you just tell me what I need to do?

F: From what I've managed to gather, you have conducted an illegal investigation. You've
manipulated a witness, you've put a minor in danger.

LOU: Oh, please.

F: Don't interrupt me, Louis.

L: Just listen, okay?

Agent Payne said, while keeping that same serious look on his face.

F: On top of that, you failed at your actual job and now five people are dead and it's all your
fault. So I guess I have enough reason to fire you, Malik.

Z: Okay, then do it.

Zayn laughed, even though the situation wasn't funny at all.

F: Okay. You're fired.

Z: You're a dick-swab.

LOU: Oi!

Z: Sorry.

F: Thank you, Louis.

LOU: No, I was gonna call you a dick-swab.

F: Okay, so you're fired too, Tomlinsom. I suggest you both leave. Immediately.

LOU: Excellent. Thank you.

Zayn and Louis immediately left the room. It was already dinner time, but Mallik didn't feel
hungry, he felt nothing but a lot of guilt.

When he got home, he sat on the sofa with Phoenix on his lap while watching an action
movie on TV. There were so many things to worry about that watching the movie was not
one of them.

Hours later, he woke up to open the door when his doorbell rang, and he was shocked to see
who was there.

L: May I come in?

Z: What?

Zayn was so confused. What was Agent Payne doing there?

L: Please...

Z: Okay. Sure.

Liam walked into the living room and Zayn saw him quickly approaching to pet the dog
when he saw him.

Z: I'm sorry to ask, but... What are you doing here?

L: Are you married?

Z: No?

L: Girlfriend?

Z: Why?

L: Are we alone now?

Z: Yes, we are. Why?

Liam turned away from the dog and observed genuine curiosity in Zayn's eyes. It was
necessary for Liam to see that curious brain in action.

L: We think he's been operating for two years across ten countries. He's highly skilled. But
yet untraceable. And, frankly, he's starting to show off.

Zayn was shocked by this information. How did he know? What was going on?

L: I'd like to buy you breakfast at the Purple Penguin restaurant by Charing Cross.

Z: Yeah, I know where it is.

L: Good.

Liam smiled and gave Phoenix's ears one last stroke before walking to the door to leave the
house.

L: Thursday. 9am. I'll wait for ten minutes.

| TO BE CONTINUED |
 DIO MIO
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes

BULGARIA

The traffic was the same as usual at 10PM local time. On the bus, an ordinary girl was
listening to music on her headphones and couldn't wait to get home.

When the bus stopped at a red light, the girl looked up at the window of the neighboring
building and noticed something weird. A man with blood on his hands was banging on the
sixth-floor window as if he was asking for help.

The girl was frightened, perhaps she could provide assistance if he had been in an accident.
Seeing someone walking behind the man, who was now trying to run, changed everything.
She knew at that very moment that this man was not going to survive, it was an inevitable
death.

She did nothing, just sighed and asked for mercy for that man's soul. After that, the bus
proceeded and she went home as if she had not observed anything unusual along the way.

Inside the building, the man who was bleeding was running between the office desks in
search of an emergency door. He shouted and spoke in Bulgarian, as if he were asking the
murderer to stop. But he didn't stop.

H: I don't speak Bulgarian.

Harry said standing in front of the man with a fire extinguisher in his hands. While shaking,
he attempted to remove the safety catch, but it was unsuccessful. The man dropped the
extinguisher on the floor and tried to hide behind a table.

"Please, I have children. I have a family.

Please tell me what this is all about. I can give you anything you want. I have money!"

He did his best to convince Harry that this wasn't the right thing to do, but it only made him
roll his eyes and sit down on one of the desks in the office.

H: I want you to stand still.

The man was weeping and looking at the annoyed expression on his killer's face. Harry's hair
was tied up in two boxy braids while he wore dark jeans and a green military jacket. The man
didn't know if he was armed or if he would just be beaten to death, but he decided to try his
luck by throwing a phone at his face.
Harry grunted as the object hit him square in the face, prompting him to grab his gun and fire
a shot at the man, who promptly fell to the ground spitting up blood.

"Who are you?"

He cried and threw himself to the ground while his hand compressed the wound on his
stomach.

H: Huge question.

"Why are you doing this to me?"

H: I have absolutely no idea.

Harry took a final breath before firing two shots into the man's chest. It was a sudden death,
and neither of them knew the exact reason for it.

Styles sat down in a swivel chair in the middle of the office and took a deep breath. He
looked at his victim on the floor and stood there for a moment, admiring a body that had no
soul.

H: What a peculiar job.

—————

LONDON

At exactly 9AM, Zayn was in front of the restaurant. He was able to see Liam sitting at one
of the tables, and he was the only person inside. It was real and not a dream. Zayn realized
that something in his life was going to change forever.

Before stepping inside, he took two deep breaths and approached the table where the guy in
the dark jacket was sitting, looking at his cell phone.

Z: Liam?

L: Zayn! Hi. Please, take a seat.

When the agent was seated, Liam smiled. That was the first time Zayn had seen his smile. It
was a beautiful smile.

L: Well. I'm not very good at "How are you?" and stupid questions like that, so I'm just gonna
dive in.

Z: Oh, sure.

L: You're from Bradford?

Z: Uh, yes. I was born there and lived my whole childhood there, but I came to London to go
to college and get a job.
L: And you got that job and now you're fired, right?

Z: Correct.

Zayn sighed. He really had been fired after five years working for MI5.

L: So you know when something like this happens, their computer and hard drive get swept.

Z: Oh, God.

There was concern in the air.

L: They found this.

Liam removed a folder from his briefcase and placed it on the table, where Zayn could
inspect the printed content.

Z: Oh.

Zayn laughed.

Z: Oh, I thought you were gonna pull out all the pictures we took of Frank eating.

L: Did you compile this on your own?

Liam asked as Zayn flipped through the pages containing different compilations of recent
murders and a possible connection between them. That was the kind of content an
investigator would have.

Z: Yes.

L: No one asked you to do it?

Z: No.

L: Why did you do this?

Zayn paused and extended his hand to the waiter who was passing by to take an order.

Z: Can I get a gin and tonic?

"We don't open the bar in the mornings."

L: Two gin and tonics, please.

Liam placed his order and the waiter was positioned behind the bar.

"Yes, Sir."

L: You seem to know a lot about new assassins.

Zayn couldn't escape the main focus of the conversation as it returned to its main point. Liam
was intrigued by learning more about him.

Z: Yeah, well, I, um... I used to study criminal psychology and I was just interested in what
makes a person able to... um... I-It's not a...

Zayn pressed his lips together and contemplated before giving his most honest answer.

Z: You know what? I'm just a fan.

L: Why did you compile these cases?

Z: Well, I, um... I was... Sorry. I was aware...

L: Say it.

When their drinks arrived at the table, Malik thanked God. He drank his gin and tonic like he
was drinking water after running a marathon. At least it gave him enough courage to respond.

Z: I believe there is a new and very skillful assassin operating internationally and he's
targeted a number of influential people. He doesn't have a signature, but he certainly has style
and I don't know who or what is behind him, but I don't think he's slowing down and just that
interested me, I guess.

He paused to drink more before moving forward.

Z: But also apparently makes me a fantasist, a crackpot and completely on my own. And
frankly, I don't give a shit anymore. He is outsmarting, the smartest of us, and for that reason,
he deserves to do or kill whoever he wants. I mean, if he's not killing me, then frankly it's not
my job to care anymore.

L: Thank you.

Liam sighed when he heard it all. Zayn remained seated while he stood up and picked up his
suitcase.

L: Can I show you something?

They left the restaurant a few minutes later and walked together down a quiet street in the
city towards a strange building with a lot of garbage lying on the ground. Strange people
came down the stairs as they went up in this strange place. What was the reason for Liam
taking him there? What was hidden behind those doors that were locked with high-security
keys?

L: Sorry about the smell. This building's walls are extremely damp.

As soon as another door opened, they could enter what appeared to be an office. The moment
the lights went on and Zayn looked at that wall, it was like dreaming.

Z: What's this?
L: Well, as far as I could tell this morning, it's your hunch on my wall.

Agent Malik moved a little closer to analyze the board on the wall with his own eyes. A map
was located in the center that highlighted all the locations where the possible killer was
operating and a thread that led to images of each case.

Z: Did you do this?

L: Kinda. I have a person who keeps an eye on everything that could be used for the theory.
There are no traces. No pattern. But the most important thing is that no one takes
responsibility for it, and usually someone else does.

Z: But isn't this something you're supposed to be investigating officially?

L: I tried to. But there was a lack of enthusiasm, which can be interpreted in two ways: I'm a
naturally suspicious person and I have a budget to do it. This is an unofficial tap on the
shoulder.

Z: Aren't there more qualified people?

L: I want you.

Z: Why?

L: Well, your research clearly speaks for itself, you're intuitive and you make crazy
suggestions. And you've been fired, so nobody cares what you do next. I'm saying this in the
best possible way.

Z: Oh, thank you.

Zayn laughed.

L: Almost no money, no ladder. You're completely deniable.

Zayn carefully examined the photos of the hospital massacre and then the murder in Tuscany.

Z: It's like I've gone inside my brain. And you want me to...

L: Find him.

Zayn turned his attention away from the mural to look Agent Payne in the eye.

L: He's on a payroll, there's a pattern, we just haven't found it yet. But if we catch him, it'll be
a start.

The sound of the door opening caused them to be interrupted by a girl entering the room. She
had a long brown hair, green eyes, full lips, and had a nose ring, just like Zayn. She didn't use
much makeup and maybe that was what made her so beautiful.

S: Oh, sorry. Am I interrupting?

L: Soph, this is Zayn. I hope he'll join you.

S: Oh. Okay... Hi, Zayn.

Z: Hi.

Zayn greeted the girl, and she smiled.

L: Sophia is my sister, she lives on the Internet. She can find anything, follow anything, track
anything, monitor anything or anyone. Essentially, she's been gathering the evidence. And I
need people to put it together now.

Z: People?

Liam looked around the small office before giving him an answer.

L: You can bring someone else. I'd recommend a small person.

—————

PARIS

Harry was on his way to his apartment when he saw a Latin girl in denim overalls watering
the plants in the garden. Although they had met before and were neighbors, they had never
spoken. On that day, the girl was determined to say something to this handsome boy.

L: Bonjour.

H: Bonjour.

L: Dio Mio! I don't know the word in French, but your eye is...

She said as she turned the hose off to draw Harry's attention to the bruise in the corner of his
eye. He looked at her, but didn't say anything.

L: Are you hurt?

H: No.

He analyzed the girl with a single glance.

H: I like your jumpsuit.

L: Oh, thank you. I made them myself. My name is Lucia.

H: Nice to meet you, Lucia. I'm Dave.

Harry smiled and opened the doors to get inside the building. He went up the stairs to his
apartment and as he entered, he saw Niall sitting on his couch with a cup of tea in his hand.
H: Oh, hi. Letting yourself into my apartment and drinking from a tiny cup doesn't make you
intimidating, by the way. It's just rude.

N: I'm not trying to intimidate you. What happened to your eye?

H: I wanted it to match my jacket.

While showing off his green and purple Gucci bomber jacket, he opened the minibar to get a
bottle of water.

N: I want you to get assessed again. London was awful. I say to meant to look like suicide.

H: It didn't?

N: So he slit his own throat?

H: It happens.

N: And killed four other people?

H: Slip of the hand?

N: Why are you being naughty?

H: I'm excited about my next one.

N: No. No more targets until you are assessed.

H: But this one has asthma. You know I like the breathy ones. Hm? I even bought the stuff.

Harry showed the pharmacy bag in his hands.

N: No.

H: Will it be Jerome?

N: Yes.

Harry sighed and placed the bags on the table. He had no desire to do it, but it was necessary.

H: Okay... But I'm not going to speak Russian.

[...]

They were sitting in Jerome's office, a kind of therapist for assassins. Harry had previously
been there, not only in Paris, but also in Russia.

Harry's father and stepfather were the cause of his Russian nationality, but his mother was
British. Despite his childhood memories of Moscow and his strong russian accent, he still felt
more British than Russian.
Jerome started communicating with Harry in Russian, but Niall's glance made him
understand.

N: He won't speak Russian anymore.

J: Oh. Alright... Thank you for making such an effort, Harry. I'm just going to ask a few
questions, okay?

H: Sure!

As he sat on the sofa, he smiled as folded his legs over the soft pillow.

J: How do you feel about the people you work for?

H: I respect their privacy.

Harry smiled at Niall, but he remained expressionless.

J: Do you have any interest in why you are asked to do what you do?

H: Sometimes...

J: Well, there are concerns about your state of mind. Have you been feeling any... anxieties or
stress recently?

H: Nope. I'm perfectly fine.

J: When was the last time you worked?

H: Yesterday.

J: Was it a successful mission?

H: Yes. I shot him twice in the heart and watched the spark drain from his eyes.

J: Did you talk to him?

H: A little, yeah. He said he had children and offered me money.

J: What did you feel when he said those things?

H: Impatient.

Jerome nodded and took out some photographs to show. The image test would start with a
picture of a man being hanged.

J: What do you see in this picture?

H: Good legs.
Now Jerome showed a different image, this time of a dog also hanged. When Harry saw the
picture, he quickly changed his expression and appeared to have a desire to cry. That drew
the attention of the two men who were sitting in front of him. Was he really going to start
crying? But no, it was just a joke. Harry began to laugh beyond his control.

H: I'm sorry. The look on your face was hilarious.

He was still laughing, it had been really funny.

J: He's fine.

Jerome finally said as he looked at Niall.

H: Thank you.

N: No, wait. I have one more.

Niall pulled a drawing out of his pocket. Harry quickly recognized a sketch of what appeared
to be a man's face.

J: So, Harry... ty pomnish' Joe?

(Do you remember Joe?)

He breathed deeply and lost his composure. It was as if he was having a hard time
remembering Joe.

H: That's not Joe.

J: Who is it?

H: It's my father. They had the same haircut.

J: Yes, I see what you mean...

Jerome handed the drawing to Niall again.

J: Thank you, Harry. But I won't sign you off.

H: What?

N: Don't be argumentative. Let's go. Thanks Jerome.

H: But...

Harry was upset and as soon as they left the room, they were able to leave the building and
walk through the streets.

H: What were you two doing in there?

N: We are doing you a favor. The security is too tight anyway.

H: Come on!

N: I'm serious.

H: I've done three weeks' catering training.

Niall laughed and stopped walking when they crossed the square.

N: No, you haven't.

H: Look, I have the outfit.

N: You save it for your birthday party, then.

H: I want to do it. You tell them that I'm fine.

N: You like Paris, huh? You like your life. It's good to have someone worried about you, huh?

H: And who worries about you? I do.

N: No, you don't.

H: I do.

Harry smiled and hugged him tightly. Niall was in need of a good hug, so he gave it in and
didn't even notice Harry taking the postcard out of his pocket.

N: Go home. Do something normal.

He said as soon as they pulled away. Harry smiled once more as he hid the card with all the
information about the next target behind his back.

H: Okay. I'll go.

[...]

Upon returning home, Styles began to prepare his new perfume, an odorless formula made
from a mixture of various toxic chemical components that, when inhaled, would make an
asthmatic lose their breath to the point of death.

When he had finished, he removed the oxygen mask from his face and threw away all the
products, except for the beautiful bottle of perfume.

When he heard knocks on the door, he grabbed a knife from the table and concealed it behind
his back. Harry walked over to the peephole and saw Lucia's face behind the door. He
thought about not opening it, but he did.

L: Hey!

H: Hey.
With a sympathetic smile, he observed that the girl's appearance seemed to be a bit tidier
now. She was wearing a cute red and white dress and also had make-up on.

L: Arnica. It is the best thing for bruises.

She said while handing him a small pot.

H: Thank you, Lucia.

L: If you ever want to talk to anyone or... Well, I just wanted to make sure you were alright.

H: What are you doing now?

L: Um, right now?

Harry nodded and that made the girl smile.

L: I have nothing to do right now.

H: Okay, so let's go out.

L: Sure! What do you want to do?

H: Something normal.

L: Can you buy me an ice cream?

H: Yeah, that's an excellent idea.

[...]

L: What? They cannot do that.

H: They have

Lucia and Harry were conversing while walking in the woods with their vanilla ice creams in
hands.

L: But go anyway. It's your job.

Harry smiled as he licked his ice cream. He was pretending to be someone cute, just like her.

H: You are so passionate.

L: Well, I don't know much about the...

H: Perfume industry.

L: ...Perfume industry, but I know that you cannot let people stand in your way. You have to
show ambition. You have to... you have to sell your perfume. You have to prove the bastards
wrong.
H: You're very sweet.

L: No, I'm not.

Lucia blushed and continued walking until she saw a street band playing near the fountain.

L: Look! Here they are! Oh, I'm so pleased they are here. Do you like music?

H: I like national anthems.

She started laughing, but Harry didn't join in.

H: Why is that funny?

L: I don't know. You're just, um... surprising. Where did you come here from?

H: Where did you come here from?

L: Spain. But I was born in Mexico. I came to Paris to attend a summer school at IFA. The
design school.

Lucia stopped talking when she realized Harry was not paying attention to what she was
saying. He was too busy watching a young man with a fine beard and tanned skin march in
front of him.

L: Do you know him?

H: No.

Harry returned his attention to Lucia's eyes and licked his ice cream before making a request.

H: I want to see your apartment.

[...]

Harry's fingers were going deep into Lucia's vagina, which caused her to scream and moan
uncontrollably. Her body squirmed on the bed as a result of his fast movements.

L: Oh Dave! I'm going to come...

Harry began to tightly hold onto the girl's neck, squeezing until she struggled to breathe. The
scene was a source of extreme excitement for him.

When Lucia came over his fingers, Harry pulled his hands off and smiled at her frightened
face. Lucia found the experience to be really enjoyable, even though she was bewildered.

L: Dio mio! You were so...

H: I have to go.

L: That's fine. Good luck this evening, I hope you sell your perfume.
Harry smiled and turned around to put on his jacket. He left the apartment without saying
anything else. He needed to concentrate because it was getting late and he needed to prepare
for the big event that night.

[...]

The hall was crowded. Harry managed to get in using his waiter's clothes and a false name.
There were many people present, but the most important one was still yet to arrive.

Carla, a respected businesswoman in the perfume industry, was targeted by someone who
wanted her dead. Styles followed her every move from the moment she arrived at that table to
be honored. He poured her a glass of champagne, as he did with all the other guests, for at
least an hour, until the woman decided to rise.

She made her way to the ladies' room and Harry followed her, always cautious not to get
caught by a security guard. It was fortunate for him that she was the only person in or near
that area. As he approached, Styles headed straight for the bathroom, closing the door behind
him as soon as he saw the woman sitting in front of the mirror, touching up her lipstick.

H: Bonne nuit, madame.

(Good evening, ma'am.)

Harry appeared behind her in the mirror, causing her to make a scream of panic and place her
hand on her chest. When he approached, he smiled with sympathy.

"Tu ne devrais pas être ici, c'est la chambre des dames."

(You shouldn't be here, this is the ladies' room.)

H: Pardonnez-moi, mais je dois vous montrer quelque chose. Je suis une grande fan, je fais
des parfums et mon rêve c'est d'être comme.... Toi, pourrais-tu essayer mon nouveau parfum?
(Forgive me, but I need to show you something. I'm a big fan, I make some perfumes and my
dream is to be like.... You. Could you test my new perfume?)

"Je suis désolé mais je ne peux pas"

(I'm sorry, but I can't.)

H: S'il te plaît...
(Please...)

Harry feigned an frustrated expression as he held the small bottle of perfume in his hands.
The blonde woman, while trying to maintain her distrust of him, could not help but see the
poor boy threatening to turn around and go. It wouldn't be so bad to test his perfume, would
it? That's what she had in mind.

"Donne-moi."
(Give it to me.)

Carla, keeping her arrogant posture, took the bottle from Harry's hand and splashed some of
the liquid on her wrist to smell it. She was confused.
"Je suis désolé, je ne sens rien."
(I'm sorry, but I don't smell anything.)

H: Are you sure?

Harry started laughing softly, as if he had just played a trick on someone. The woman became
totally confused and felt that her lungs were locked up, she couldn't pull in air, and she was
losing all the oxygen in her body.

Styles just smiled, standing in front of the woman who was falling to the ground taking her
last breaths before dying. And with a smile, Harry knelt beside Carla's body, which was now
dead, with her eyes open.

Now it was just a body without a soul.

H: Au revoir madame.

—————

Z: This is so funny. All I had to say was "Liam Payne" and now you're here.

Zayn laughed as he watched Louis analyzing the mural on the wall of that small office.
Sophia looked at them from her desk and couldn't help laughing too.

LOU: Please be professional. What do you have to say about this? I'm a bit confused about
that.

Z: I'll explain everything, okay? Take a seat.

Louis sat in a chair next to Sophia while Zayn pointed out each of the photos on the board.

Z: Carla Maron, found dead in a bathroom in France last night.

LOU: Okay.

Z: Yan Stoev, businessman. On Tuesday, he was killed in his office in Bulgaria.

LOU: Okay.

Z: Cesare Greco. Designer. Killed at his birthday party in Tuscany on Sunday. Moments
earlier, his husband saw a young man with a hairpin in his hair. Very suspicious, right? It's
possible that the guy had long hair or wore a wig to disguise himself.

LOU: All right. There are no other witnesses to make you conclude that they are the same
person. Did forensics find anything in the hospital?

Z: A full profile, but no match.

LOU: All right, then. Any witnesses to that death?

Z: No.
LOU: Any witnesses from the hospital?

Z: There was no one in the corridor at the time, apart from the security and the nurse. Who
were all killed.

LOU: So nothing that implicates the same guy. Except that Kedrin was killed and the witness
to that death was then murdered. Can you give me a single discernible motive for the same
person to kill all these people?

Z: Why don't you want to believe that they're all the same guy?

LOU: I'm not denying your theory, but you have to be open to the possibility that this is a
series of random attacks that you're putting together with a pretty ribbon. You can't lead a
team with assumptions. That's not the way it's done.

Zayn sighed and looked at the board again. He needed something more to prove his theory
because Louis was kind of right about that. He just needed a new witness.

While gazing at the image of the hospital massacre, Zayn recalled the nurse with whom he
shared the bathroom.

Z: Soph, can you get the names and photo IDs of the nurses who were on duty at the hospital
that night? In fact, all the nurses
who worked at the hospital, whether they were working on Feyd's ward or not.

S: Sure! Why?

Z: There was a young man, a nurse, who came out of the bathroom before me. Maybe he
could have seen... some...

Zayn heard Louis leaving the room without saying anything after the door slammed.

Z: Where did he go?

S: You'd better go after him.

Officer Malik sighed and followed his friend, who was running down the street when he
heard his name being called.

Z: Are you serious? I've supported you for five years, now I'm asking you to see things from
my perspective for five minutes and you literally run away?

LOU: I need a beer.

Zayn walked past Louis and headed for the nearest bar on the next block.

Z: Oh, good. Because I thought you

were just being a jerk about not being the boss.

LOU: I'm sorry. I'm adapting. But you're still not considering the overall motive.
Z: If we focus on him...

LOU: Why do we care about him? He's the lackey. You have to focus on who's in charge of
him. He's irrelevant.

Z: He's completely relevant. We have to ask, what is his motive? Either they have something
on him, controlling him, or they're lavishing him with something...

LOU: Exactly. They. Who is the 'they'? It could be anyone.

Z: If it was someone with enemies, they would have owned up to it. Or been exposed for at
least one of these kills by now.

LOU: What are you saying?

Z: There are no trails. If they are random, then fine, they're random. But if they're not, that
means someone's plan is going really well. These people are powerful and particular and, so
far, completely invisible. Which means they're probably everywhere. Our only visible contact
is him and that is why we have to focus on everything we know about him in order to get to
them.

LOU: And what do we know? His DNA isn't on file, there's no image.

Z: He's young, smart, uh, fit. He must speak multiple languages. He brings a certain flair to
his kills.

LOU: Hairpin was cool.

Z: You know, either they trained him or they found him. Either way, I'd say he scores high on
the psychopathy scale. And he probably killed before he was paid to.

LOU: Well, that's a good start, then, isn't it?

Louis smiled as he opened the door to the bar and walked with Zayn to the counter to order
two beers.

Z: Thanks. I didn't bring any money, so you'll have to pay, okay?

LOU: Yes, boss.

Z: Oh my God, Frank's here.

LOU: What?

Upon turning around, the two friends encountered their former boss who was walking
towards them.

F: Hi, guys.

As he stood between the two boys, he smiled. It was obvious that he was drunk.
LOU: What a coincidence.

Z: Yeah... Small world.

F: Well, this is very awkward. I just came to get another beer.

As Louis and Zayn talked through their gazes, the ex-boss took his glass to the keg and
poured himself more beer. Perhaps Frank would be useful at that moment.

LOU: Hey, Frank, um... We just wanted to apologize for calling you a dick-swab.

Z: Yeah, after you fired us.

F: Well, there was nothing I could do, so...

Z: I know. It's all right, Frank, really.

Zayn smiled and gestured for Louis to ask that precious question.

LOU: Did you really watch the CCTV, mate?

F: What CCTV?

LOU: Of Kedrin's killer... It's just that I spoke to the Vienna police and they said there was no
CCTV evidence associated with the case.

F: Of course, maybe that's because I invented the damn CCTV.

Z: Why?

F: Because!

Frank's behavior was altered by the alcohol, causing Louis and Zayn to remain silent without
arguing.

F: Because... it wasn't your investigation. And placing bets on people's killers is very
disrespectful to the dead. You should be doing your job.

Z: So there was never any CCTV?

F: No. I was sick of seeing you with your theories every time there was a whiff of conspiracy
in the air. You tiresome thinker!

LOU: Whoa. Easy, bro.

F: Sorry.

Frank took a deep breath before patting Zayn on the shoulder and walking away, feeling a bit
dizzy as he walked through the bar.

Z: Jesus...
LOU: Are you all right?

Z: Yeah... It's just... I'm just going back, Soph needs me now. I'll see you later.

Zayn took a few sips of his beer before leaving.

LOU: Later.

—————

Harry rushed out of the room to find out what was happening when he heard Niall's hurried
footsteps entering his house. The squeeze on his neck and the pushing against the wall were
unexpected to him. Niall had the strength to immobilize him.

N: I'm halving your allowance.

H: I wouldn't recommend that.

Styles was still able to talk, even if he was trying to get Niall's hands off his neck.

N: You disobeyed me.

H: You lied to me. You said it was impossible!

L: Hello?

Due to the two knocks on the door and Lucia's entrance, Niall moved away from Harry
quickly. The girl's confused look, left them with little to say, except for 'hi'.

N: I'm, uh, I'm his brother.

H: He has a condition.

Horan glanced at the green-eyed guy, wishing he could choke him up again.

L: Oh, I'm sorry. I'm... I'm Lucia. I'm Dave's friend.

N: Oh. Nice to meet you, then.

Niall leaned over to kiss the girl's hands, which made Lucia giggle.

L: How was the job?

H: Oh, so good.

L: Did she like your perfume?

H: She loved it.

L: Can I smell it now?

Lucia put her feet up with excitement. She was so happy for Harry.

L: His boss was being a total bastard.

They laughed, despite the fact that it was yet another reason for Styles to be choked again.

N: Oh, yeah. They always are.

L: Yeah... Shall I come back later?

N: Yes, please. Thank you.

Lucia smiled and approached Harry for a hug. Despite his inability to react, he returned the
hug in the same way she had done. A warm embrace.

L: Are you wearing it now? You smell so good.

H: Thanks. But no, I'm not wearing it now.

L: Okay... Well, I made a cake if you want. I'll give it to you later.

H: Sure! I love cake.

L: This is a gift for you.

Lucia handed Harry a USB stick, and he smiled kindly.

H: Thank you.

Styles followed Horan into the living room, but before Lucia was able to leave, she saw a
bottle of perfume inside the bag on the ground. Although she shouldn't have, she picked it up
anyway. Lucia desired to smell that perfume.

N: You need to deal with her.

H: She's my girlfriend.

Harry laughed as he sat down on the sofa, allowing Niall to sit next to him.

N: Ah, congratulations. She has kind eyes.

H: Why did you lie to me? There was no security.

N: I don't have to tell you. You just have to trust me.

Harry laughed and swiftly grabbed a knife that was concealed behind the sofa seat. In a rapid
movement, the blade was placed against Niall's neck, who immediately responded with a
pocket knife, placing it against Harry's throat.

H: Okay, we can fight. And if I kill you, they will just send me another one.
N: I thought you worried about me... You're so dramatic.

H: Tell me what is going on.

Niall swallowed his saliva, feeling the blade touch his skin.

N: A man in London is leading a department just to find you. No, it's not a good thing. It's a
closed operation and we don't know what they know, but we are working on it. We just need
to be subtle at the moment.

Styles walked away and put the knife away again to go to the minibar to get a bottle of
champagne and two glasses.

H: I can be subtle.

N: Good.

H: But it's going to be expensive.

He began opening the champagne and pouring the liquid into the glasses when he returned to
the sofa.

H: What's his name?

N: Zayn Malik

H: Zayn Malik...

Harry and Niall took a sip of their drinks before getting up.

N: We'll continue as usual. Just be aware...

A noise from the front door interrupted the conversation. Something had happened outside
and the two men ran over to see. When they arrived, they saw Lucia lying dead on the floor,
clutching her neck with one hand and holding the perfume bottle with the other.

N: Oh God...

H: Deal with her.

N: How?

H: I don't know, put her inside her apartment and close the door.

N: What? Isn't she your girlfriend?

H: I am not a big fan of girls like her.

Niall rolled his eyes and walked towards the woman on the floor, holding her in his arms and
walking with her to the entrance of her apartment.
 H: Thank you!

Styles smiled at his friend's kindness and then went back to his house, locking the door and
heading for the bedroom. As he sat on the bed, he took out his Macbook and turned it on to
check the contents of the USB stick. Harry smiled as he saw a playlist of national anthems
from different countries.

It inspired him to take the time to search the Internet for any information about Zayn Malik.
At first, it wasn't easy to find as there were more Zayns in the world than he could have
imagined. While searching for pictures of a private security event on LinkedIn, Styles came
across a familiar face. The face of someone he had seen before.

H: The pretty face guy... Holy shit.

—————

Z: You too, huh?

Louis' entry into the secret office made Zayn laugh. It was late at night and Agent Malik was
checking out all the nurses at the hospital, looking for that boy. He had already seen almost
all the photos after several minutes. Zayn couldn't find the guy with the green eyes and messy
bun in any of the pictures.

LOU: I couldn't sleep.

Z: Oh my God...

Zayn started breathing harder after realizing that the photos had ended and that none of those
nurses were like that boy. It's got to be him.

LOU: Are you okay, Zayn?

While still in disbelief, Officer Malik looked at his friend and smiled.

Z: I think I've met him.

| TO BE CONTINUED |

Chapter End Notes

💕
• The chapters are long, but are they enough? I hope you're enjoying it, there's still a lot
to happen. New update on Wednesday
 SORRY BABY
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes

BERLIN

"Hot Medica provides bespoke hospital services for recreational purposes only and is not
liable for damages for any of the following. Infection, blood-loss, accidental mutilation or
death. All procedures at the client's own risk."

Yang Wu was used to hearing the receptionist's voice reading out the terms every week when
he passed his favorite place in town. The establishment nestled in the commercial buildings
of Berlin worked as a masochistic fetish clinic. In that location, men paid to be tortured into a
form of pleasure. Although the nurses team consisted of both men and women, Yang Wu had
a particular liking for male nurses.

"Oh! I forgot to say that Laurent was called out unexpectedly. Today, there is a nurse who
will be covering."

Y: It's a male nurse, right? I only do that with male nurses.

"Don't worry. He's a young man."

Y: Okay... Well, it's my birthday today and Laurent said he would be doing something
special.

"Happy birthday! I'll see what we can do."

Y: Thank you.

The woman smiled and gave him the clipboard to sign the terms.

"Can I confirm that 'Fruhstuck' is your safe word?"

Y: Yes.

"Right. Room six, the nurse is already waiting for you."

The fat Asian man smiled and walked towards room six where a young man with long brown
hair was waiting for him while he cleaned the equipment on the operating table.

H: You're late.

Y: I'm sorry. I had to...

H: Take off your clothes.

Harry's authoritative tone of voice frightened the man a bit. He quickly began to remove his
clothes and lie down on the hospital bed.

H: I see you are a regular here at Hot Medica.

Harry said as he pinned the man's body to the bed, immobilizing him. It was a part of the
process.

Y: Yes, it's my favorite place.

H: I heard that last time you received a vigorous scrotal massage.

Y: Yes, but... Did Laurent tell you it was my birthday?

H: Oh. Do you think you are special?

Harry whispered those words into Yang's ear as he put an oxygen mask on his mouth and
nose.

H: You think you deserve special treatment?

Yang shook his head. He was overjoyed by his new nurse.

H: Nobody gets special treatment.

He smiled and picked up a clamping instrument to start his job. Yang felt the metal touching
his testicles and eventually realized how painful it was to have that sensitive area being
squeezed.

H: Cold?

Harry heard him groaning, but he thought it wasn't enough. He squeezed harder, twisting
them until Yang started crying in pain with the mask against his face.

Y: Fruhstuck! Fruhstuck!

The styles kept going, pulling and pinching the skin until it started to bleed.

Y: Fruhstuck! Safe word! You have to stop!

He stopped feeling the pain when his nurse interrupted the torture to walk up to what
appeared to be an oxygen tube. It wasn't oxygen, but carbon monoxide. Harry opened the
valve to allow the gas to pass through the tube and inhale through Yang's mask.

Y: What are you doing?! Please, stop!

The toxic gas was infecting his lungs, causing him to scream. Yang would have no more than
ten seconds to live after that.
H: Look at me... Look at me.

Harry held his victim's face and looked into his eyes until those life sparks went away. This
was his favorite part of the job.

—————

LONDON

Z: His hair is dark, like chocolate brown. It was tied back. He was slim, about 25, 26. He had
very delicate features. His eyes are very green, intense, but alert. His lips are delicate and he
has a strong jawline. The skin is smooth and brilliant. He had a lost look in his eyes that was
both direct and also chilling. He's totally focused, yet almost entirely inaccessible.

Zayn's eyes were lost as he cited Harry's features to the policeman in charge of sketching the
killer. He wasn't citing good enough physical characteristics, which made Louis laugh.

"So, is that like a square face or an oval face?"

The agent's question took Zayn out of his memories of that night in the bathroom.

Z: I'm not sure.

LOU: Did he say anything to you that day?

Louis' question would not have helped the drawing process, but Zayn's speech aroused his
curiosity about it.

Z: Yes... He said I had a pretty face.

LOU: Oh... And what did you say?

Z: Nothing. He left straight after that.

"Did he have a pretty face too? How would you describe his beauty if you could put it into a
pattern?"

Zayn's description of that face could be more enlightened by the officer's question.

Z: He has a handsome face, like a Hollywood star. Something like a young Leonardo
DiCaprio.

LOU: I think he's kinda hot.

Louis' words caused the other two officers to laugh along with him. But he wasn't joking
anyway.

"Thanks, Zayn. I'll do the sketch and it'll be delivered to you by the end of the day."

Z: Thank you.
Louis and Zayn left the police station together after saying goodbye. They made their way to
the secret office, which was not far away, and upon entering, they saw Liam and Sophia
talking. The conversation was immediately interrupted when they arrived; they looked
worried.

L: We have some news.

Z: What's happened?

S: There's been another kill. His name is Yang Wu. He was a Chinese colonel visiting Berlin.
He heads up cyber warfare. In other words, he's a hacker for the Chinese military. Murdered
during a very specific fetish thing, where he...

Sophia looked at the forensic photos and made a disgusted face before putting them in Zayn's
hands for him to see.

S: He liked having small surgical operations performed on his body and having his balls
clamped. He was a regular there.

LOU: That's so fucking weird.

S: The suspect is a Caucasian man with long hair in his mid-20s. He was covering for the
other fetish nurse.

Z: Witnesses?

S: One. The receptionist signed him in as a temp.

Z: Okay, let's send the e-fit image to Berlin and get his identified.

Zayn started to place the photos of the most recent death on the mural, but the awkward
silence in the room made him realize that something wasn't right.

Z: Why are you all being weird?

L: He gave a name at the desk.

All attention was on Liam, and the silence was so quiet that you could even hear a mosquito
buzzing in the air.

Z: Okay... And?

L: He said his name was Zayn Malik.

LOU: Jesus!

Louis' jaw dropped. Zayn was scared, for the first time in his life, he felt insecure about his
job.

Z: Please don't take me off the team.

That was the first thing he said to Liam after a brief silence.

L: I can't take you off a team that doesn't exist. Your actions are your own... What do you
want to do?

Silence came back again. Zayn needed to think, he felt he was at risk, but this was the job he
had asked God for. He couldn't give it up.

Z: Louis, you're coming with me.

LOU: What? Where do you want to go?

Z: Berlin.

LOU: No, I'm not going to do that, why should I? Take Sophia!

Z: I don't think Soph should go. I need your German, your experience, your Berlin contacts.
This is my first chance to investigate this mother fucker for real... I need you.

LOU: Oh, you're too sweet.

Z: If there was ever a reason to join this team, it was to get back into the field. It's one trip,
Lou. Huh? One trip.

LOU: Oh, God, I'm going to die, aren't I? Before that, I need to call my son and say goodbye.

Z: Oh, come on. Don't be dramatic. It's not like he's still going to be there.

LOU: I'm joking.

Louis laughed and gave his friend a pat on the shoulder.

LOU: I'm coming with you.

—————

The cars that were parked in front of the building where Yang was found dead were the only
things Harry cared about at the time. While drinking coffee in the cafeteria out front, he was
expecting to see Investigator Malik getting out of one of those cars, but he didn't see him.

Styles sniffed and when he got up to go, he stumbled upon a guy who was texting on the
phone.

"I'm so sorry"

H: Don't worry, that's okay.

Harry smiled and looked at that guy. He was shorter in stature, but dressed incredibly well.
His facial features were accentuated by big and brown eyes, a large nose, and a beard. He
was a very attractive man who seemed to be of Lebanese descent.
Harry's other attribute was the ability to identify a gay man with a single glance. He knew
this guy had his eye on him, so he decided to attack.

H: Are you alone?

"Not exactly, I'm with a group of friends, but... Well, they've gone to have fun somewhere
else."

The guy seemed shy and Harry couldn't wait to get that shyness out of him.

H: And you're not having fun either... Why?

"I don't know. Maybe I don't know how to do it yet."

H: Well... My hotel is on the next block. You can come with me if you want. We can have
fun.

He smiled and began to leave the coffee shop. The man, whose name he was still unsure
about, followed him. Harry was an attractive man, so he didn't have much to lose. Styles
stopped at the hotel door to wait for his companion and go up to the room with him As they
arrived, Harry pushed him against the bed and sat on his lap while removing his jacket.

"I haven't done anything like this before."

H: Never? Well, I can be your first.

"I'm actually married to a woman, so..."

H: I love your accent. Where are you from?

"Dubai."

H: What are you doing in Berlin?

"I'm, uh, just killing time with friends."

The man gasped as he watched Harry start to open the buttons of his expensive shirt.

H: You are so sexy.

"Oh, my."

H: Your clothes are too nice.

The guy still moaned when Harry squeezed his dick in his pants.

"Oh shit"

H: I'm going to call you Zayn. okay?

"Um, okay. Why?"

H: It's just a little fantasy thing.

Harry touched the man's face, feeling his brown skin on his fingers.

H: Are you ready?

"Yes... Please do it."

Their lips were so close that it was no longer difficult for them to kiss wildly. During the kiss,
Harry's ass was groped by the man's hands, and he was aggressive while doing so. It was so
good. But the kiss stopped when Styles looked him in the eye and smiled.

H: Okay, Zayn. Now I'm going to hide and you are going to find me.

—————

When Zayn came back home, he saw Grace on the sofa with Phoenix on her lap. The dog
sped towards him, while the girl approached for a hug.

Z: I'm glad that you're here, Grace.

G: I like spending more time at your house than at mine.

She laughed when she sat down on the couch.

Z: It's your parents, right?

G: Yeah, they've been a pain in the ass lately. They don't understand why I haven't got
married yet.

Z: You're only 25, you're still too young to be thinking about marriage. Why don't they
understand that?

Zayn started opening the fridge in search of something to eat.

G: Maybe that's because in their time, early marriage was normal. I made dinner for you. It's
in the microwave.

Z: Oh really? You're such an angel. I could marry you.

Zayn made a joke, but Grace smiled like she had a glimmer of hope.

G: I could be your wife. Phoenix would be our baby.

Malik laughed again as he walked with his plate to the table. Grace sat down in front of him,
watched him eat.

Z: He really likes you. I appreciate all the time you give him when I'm not here.

G: He misses you. You're always absent, especially these days. What happened?
Before replying, Zayn sighed. Grace was one of his best friends, so he trusted her to speak
about his work. She'd have to know.

Z: I was fired from MI5 and I'm working for MI6 now. I'm leading a major investigation and
it's been taking up all my time.

G: Oh my God, really? This is everything you've ever desired. How the hell did you do it?

Z: Well, let's just say that I was too curious, where I shouldn't have been. I'm excited about it.

G: Is your job full-time?

Z: Yeah.

G: And some late nights?

Z: Um, yep. But you don't have to worry about Phoenix, I can take him to my parents' house
when they get back from their honeymoon.

Zayn was so hungry that he ate everything off his plate in two minutes. All day, he had only
eaten two bananas. He forgot to eat while thinking about that murderer.

G: No, don't worry about it. I want to be with him, but I want to be with you too.

Grace gently stroked Zayn's hand. He knew what she was doing.

Z: I miss you too, Grace. I am optimistic that things will return to normal soon.

G: Are you unable to work from home?

Z: I don't think it's interesting for me, I work with other people too. The office is in a private
location and I'm used to being there every day.

G: Is it safe?

Z: Oh, yes. It's just gathering and analyzing information about someone. It's not... You know.

G: Risky?

Z: Yeah. No! I mean, you don't have to worry. It's not like putting my life at risk.

Zayn laughed and rose for a drink of cold water.

G: You seem happy.

Z: I'm glad I have a job. By the way, I was wondering if you had any luggage I could borrow
because I gave them all to my mother so she could travel. She took about five bags to
Thailand to bring me travel gifts.

G: Of course! What do you need it for?

Z: I'm going to Berlin. Following up a lead there. It'll only be a couple of days. I'll give you
an extra payment for taking care of Phoenix.

G: You don't have to. Can we go out when you get back?

Z: Sure! Where do you want to go?

G: A French bistro has opened near the school where I work. We could go there.

Z: A date, hun?

G: Yeah, we can call it a date if you like.

She smiled and stepped forward to approach Zayn and hug him once more. He touched her
long blonde hair, which was soft and smelled good.

Z: I'll prepare my best outfit.

G: You can wear that purple tie I gave you.

Z: Oh, that's a great idea.

They laughed and walked away. But before leaving the house, Grace kissed the corner of
Zayn's lips. He wasn't ready to give her a real kiss, even though he knew she really wanted it.

G: Good night, Z.

Z: Good night, G.

[...]

BERLIN

Z: This whole thing is such a pain in the ass.

LOU: I know, you hate your new job, don't you?

Z: I hate it.

LOU: Why is your bag pink like Barbie?

Louis laughed as he watched Zayn get out of the cab with that wheelie suitcase as they
walked down the sidewalk towards the crime scene.

Z: It's not mine, okay? Grace lent it to me, it's her favorite.

LOU: Grace? That hot neighbor of yours who's been into you since last year?

Z: You should treat women with more respect.

LOU: It's not an offense to call her hot.

As Louis and Zayn approached the police barrier to meet with one of the officers, Harry
watched from a distance. While sitting at the same table in the café, he wore a cap and
discreet black clothes as a disguise. He smiled when he heard Officer Weber saying Zayn's
name and then hugging him.

Malik was there, his plan was successful.

Z: Thank you so much for getting us access.

W: Anything for this guy. I haven't seen him since Charlottenburg.

Weber seemed happy to see Louis, and they were hugging each other warmly, which made
Zayn look suspiciously at them. What was going on there? They looked like a couple. When
the two men realized that they were not being discreet, they moved away.

W: This way, please.

Weber was followed by them towards the room where Yang Wu had been murdered. The
place was empty and clean.

Z: What can you tell me about the nurse with my name?

W: Sadly, I don't have much to say. He just disappeared.

Z: And the victim, Yang Wu?

W: He was lying here. He was poisoned with carbon monoxide, and his balls were, um... I
don't know the word.

Z: Clamped?

W: Clamped. Ja! That sounds right.

Z: Any other exits?

W: Nope. He went out the front door.

Z: Oh, so people saw him, right?

W: Probably. But all their clients use fake names and cash, so we can't get any more witness
accounts.

Z: I imagine the clientele aren't keen on CCTV here... Can we see the autopsy report?

W: Jin, the eccentric Chinese attache, ordered a second opinion.

Z: Why?

W: I assume the Chinese government wasn't happy with the first, but you'd have to ask him.

Z: How can I get hold of Jin?

W: I'll give you his email, but he never replies.

LOU: Sounds like the Chinese are trying to bury this case.

Z: Well, I can see what I can do. Give me his email, please.

Weber removed his cell phone from his pocket to give the email address to Zayn. As they
departed, Zayn left his bag next to Louis', who was still conversing with his old friend. They
looked so happy to see each other.

Z: Can you watch this, please? I'll call Soph and see what she can do.

LOU: Of course!

Zayn thanked him and distanced herself from the two guys while waiting for Sophia to
answer her call.

Z: Hey, Soph. Sorry, I woke you up.

S: No, it's fine. Do you need anything?

Z: Actually yes, if I give you someone's email address, can you find out where they might be
now?

S: If their diary is connected, yes.

Z: Great. I'm sending it to you. Thank you, bye.

Zayn hung up and returned to the two guys who were laughing distractedly. In fact, they were
so distracted that they didn't even notice when Zayn's pink suitcase disappeared.

Z: Where's my bag?

LOU: What?

Z: Are you serious? It wasn't even mine!

LOU: I can't believe your pink suitcase was stolen.

Z: Louis, I asked you to watch the bag...

LOU: Yeah, yeah. I'm sorry.

Zayn snorted as he saw Soph calling his cell phone again, so he picked it up.

S: I found Jin's cell phone number and well... I can get his real-time location right now.

Z: Oh really? That's so creepy.

S: Yes, I know. Sorry.

She laughed and Zayn smiled in relief that at least something was coming easy.

Z: Thanks, Soph. Please send me the number and location. I'm going after him.

—————

Harry placed the pink suitcase on the bed and opened it to inspect what was inside. Clothes
that are simple and don't had a lot of color or texture variation. Zayn was basic and didn't care
about fashion. He opted for the most comfortable clothes.

N: Excuse me, are you having a good vacation here?

Niall asked when he entered the room and saw Harry putting a purple tie around his neck.

H: Are you?

N: I've booked you in for one night.

H: So? I like Berlin. Have you been here before?

N: Yes.

H: Have you seen the Wall? The Jewish Museum? That's a deeply moving experience.

N: I have an unofficial job for you.

Horan approached to sit on the bed while Styles rummaged through the luggage.

N: That man, Zayn Marik.

H: Malik

N: Whatever. He's here. He's investigating your work.

Harry nodded as he picked up a sweatshirt and brought the fabric up to his nose to smell it.

H: These don't look like you.

Niall said as he pointed at the clothes.

H: Why are you so worried?

N: Aren't you?

H: No! I don't even think about him.

N: Why does he think it was you?

H: I have no idea.
N: I want you to watch him. I need to know who he's going to meet. This is me asking you,
not them, okay? Just watch him.

H: Okay. I can do that.

N: Promise you won't be naughty.

H: I promise I won't be naughty.

—————

LOU: I'm really sorry.

Z: Forget it. I hate all my clothes. But I have to buy Grace a new suitcase.

At the restaurant where Jin was meeting with other guys, the two friends were having lunch
together. They waited until the man was alone to approach him and ask their questions.

Z: Oh shit, the purple tie she gave me is in it. Damn it!

LOU: So I did you a favor. That tie is ugly as fuck.

After lunch, Zayn and Louis paid the restaurant bill and went to Jin's table when they saw
him on his own.

Z: Jin? Hi, I'm Agent Z...

J: Sorry, fellas. I don't know anything about Colonel Yang.

The man was getting up to leave when he saw the two guys taking their places at the table.

Z: My name is Zayn Malik.

J: Strange coincidence with your name.

The man sat down again, facing the two investigators.

Z: Weber mentioned a second autopsy. Why would they need one?

J: Yes, that just came in.

Z: Can we see it?

J: After it's been approved.

Z: When will that happen?

J: The usual. Six months, more or less.

Z: Six months? Listen, your colleague was targeted...

J: Just kidding!

Jin started laughing. He was a very strange middle-aged man.

J: I'll get it for you.

Z: Good. What do you know about this guy?

J: Internally, the guy was known as 'Fat Panda', which is a bit racist and fatphobic. But I
heard he started it, so we went along with it. He was based in China, but was often here in
Berlin. He was popular, a good leader, and a nice man. His death shocked a lot of people.

LOU: Who do you think murdered him?

J: Spoiler alert! The new autopsy report says that he died of a heart attack.

Z: Wait... What?

J: Doesn't that sound better?

Z: The nurse who was supposed to be on duty was drugged. This was a blatant murder.

J: From the agent I'm looking for and as the Chinese attaché, I'm saying it was a heart attack.
The Chinese government is freaking out. It's a public relations nightmare. This story can't
exist.

LOU: What is the Chinese story?

J: The new autopsy concludes that he took the initiative himself when the covering nurse left
the room, working the forceps to experience a shock of pain that triggered a cardiac arrest.

LOU: Why? He's a masochist. Look, kinks are totally specific. It's not just about pain, it's a
contract. It's about someone else taking control. A "spankophile" wouldn't just spank himself,
would he? I mean, what would be the point in that?

It made sense, and Jin was left without an answer. In fact, he didn't care much about that, he
was interested in Zayn.

J: Mr. Zayn, would you like to join me for dinner tonight? Maybe we can continue this
conversation then. Perhaps I have something you can extract from me.

Zayn hadn't expected an invitation like that. He looked at Louis, who tapped him on the leg
as if to say 'go ahead! say yes'.

Z: Uh, um... Okay.

J: Great. At the Suniak restaurant at 9pm?

Z: Yes, I'll be there.

Jin smiled and gave Agent Malik a wink before stepping out of the restaurant.
LOU: He wants to have sex with you.

Z: Ugh! No!

LOU: He wants to fondle you.

Z: Only because you got him all hot with the kink stuff.

LOU: It's an important distinction.

Z: That you know so much about because...

LOU: I lived here for eight years.

Z: And?

LOU: I said yes to everything for five of them. I'm a dark horse, aren't I?

Zayn and Louis left the restaurant together to walk through the streets of Berlin.

LOU: I'm going to report your bag. You get yourself something nice to wear tonight. I'm
gonna take you out after your dinner.

When they came upon a men's clothing store, Zayn went inside while Louis remained
outside. As he turned to make his way towards the hotel, he felt someone bump into his
shoulder in the middle of the sidewalk, which made him look back. Upon seeing the person,
he realized that the man had his hair tied back behind a cap. His green eyes were what drew
his attention.

It was Harry.

Louis continued on his way to the hotel anyway, while Harry waited for a moment before
entering the store that Zayn had entered minutes earlier. He saw him looking for a nice coat,
there were plenty of options, but Malik seemed confused. He needed a little help.

Styles waited until he entered the changing room to try on the other clothes and took
advantage of that moment to get the right coat and install a bug in one of the inside pockets.
He made his way to the cubicle where Zayn was trying on the clothes and put the coat over
the door.

H: Sir? Take a look at this one.

Harry changed his tone of voice and accent while speaking from behind the door. He couldn't
be seen, only heard.

Z: Oh, thank you.

He picked up his coat from above the door and put it over that basic button-down shirt. The
entire look made him look fantastic. Harry hid behind a rack of clothes to see him as soon as
he left the cubicle to look in the main mirror.
Zayn was unbelievably beautiful, Harry could spend the rest of the day harassing him just to
admire such beauty, but he needed to go back to his hotel. He was in need of information
about the date Zayn was going to have.

[...]

LOU: Room service.

Z: Coming.

Zayn opened the door when he heard Louis' voice and then let him in so he could go back to
the bathroom to trim his beard a bit more.

LOU: Okay, I don't know if I should say this but... You look fine as fuck.

Z: Oh, please.

They both laughed and seconds later, Zayn came out of the bathroom to sit next to Louis on
the bed.

Z: Can I ask you something?

LOU: Go ahead.

Z: Have you ever fancied me?

LOU: Uh... No?

Z: Hmm.

LOU: You, me?

Z: No.

LOU: Well, that's a relief.

Z: So, tell me what happened in Charlottenburg.

LOU: Everything happened.

Z: Men?

LOU: Yes.

Z: Were you gay?

Zayn was so shocked that he started laughing.

LOU: I just fall in love with whoever I fall in love with.

Z: How many men have you been in love with?

LOU: Hundreds.

Z: Does your wife know?

LOU: She's got her own thing going on.

Z: So you guys...

LOU: Well... I really wanted a baby and she was rich and ovulating, so...

Z: But you're the perfect couple.

LOU: We're a good team. But sometimes we have sex.

Z: Wow... You dirty perverts.

LOU: I know.

Zayn chuckled once more as he began to put on his shoes.

LOU: Have you ever been interested in men?

Z: No. Not like that.

LOU: Not even ones with delicate features, intense green eyes that are completely
inaccessible?

Z: That is horribly unprofessional... Do you wanna hear about his ass?

LOU: I knew it!

Z: I'm joking!

LOU: I knew it!

Z: Oh, come on!

Zayn laughed as he put on his coat, ready to go. When Louis approached, he held his friend's
face and smiled

LOU: Of course I'm attracted to you. You're gorgeous.

Z: Oh, stop it! Take me to the train.

LOU: I can't believe I'm letting you out unsupervised.

They left the hotel room and headed towards the nearby train station together.

LOU: Next train. Three stops. I'll call you at 10pm.

Z: You better. Thank you.

Louis walked away as Zayn waited for the train while looking at his cell phone. The station
was almost empty, which brought Louis' attention to one of the people standing in front of a
food machine. He was not focused on buying a snack, he was focused on someone else who
was just a few meters away, waiting for the train.

Harry was there again, with his hair down and wearing a metallic purple full suit that went
perfectly with that purple tie. Louis recognized that tie and those delicate features as well. It
was him.

When the killer approached one of the train doors where Zayn was boarding, Louis quickly
pulled him by the arm, preventing him from boarding. Harry was a bit surprised by that, it
was unexpected.

LOU: Die Krawatte, wo hast du sie her?

(The tie, where did you get it?)

H: Eine ganz besondere Person hat mir das geschenkt, gefällt es dir?
(A very special person gave this to me, do you like it?)

LOU: In Wahrheit nein

(Actually... No)

Both of them laughed, but Harry's smile vanished first. He felt disgusted.

H: Gute Nacht
(Have a good night)

Louis did not respond, he simply waited until Harry had gone a decent distance so that he
could chase him. He followed in his footsteps and didn't know where he was going. Louis
was unable to let him go, so he sent a voice message to Zayn along the way.

LOU: I may have gone as crazy as you, but I think a boy was trailing you at the U-Bahn. I'm
now following him, I'm on his tail, we are moving into Cassiopeia. Call me. I don't want to
lose eyes on him.

Harry went to a club that he was allowed to enter without even having to queue.
Unfortunately, Tomlinson didn't have the same luck. He was barred and had to wait. In the
meantime, he texted Zayn.

"I'm in a club called Funkeln. He's here somewhere, but I've lost him. Call Weber when you
get this message."

—————

J: Wow, you look amazing.

Z: Thanks, Jin.
Zayn smiled and sat down in front of the Chinese man at the table. Was that a fucking
romantic dinner?

Z: Listen, I'm going to be very up front here, Jin. I don't want...

J: I have a lovely Chablis.

The man smiled as he filled Malik's glass with that champagne.

Z: Thank you.

J: I also got a little, tiny, lovely gift for you.

Zayn saw a small box being placed in front of his plate. Presents were not appropriate for this
occasion.

Z: Um... Why did you want to see me, Jin? What do you know?

J: Did you think I was gonna give you everything before a proper glass of wine? I have a
great sauna in New York, you should go there someday! You and me, what do you think?

Z: Do you actually have any more information for me? I'm not here to entertain you, I have a
lot of work to do and frankly, I just want to go home.

J: Okay, okay, sorry. I'm just playing, okay? You guessed right, my government fiddled with
the facts. But I guarantee, we didn't do it. And unless I really want to piss off my superiors, I
can't take this much further. You, on the other hand... What I tell you, you never repeat, okay?

Zayn nodded and sipped his champagne before listening to what the man had to say.

J: Last week, Fat Panda hacked into the account of an agent of the Chinese Intelligence. An
organization has been paying him millions. We don't know what for, but a week later, both
Fat Panda and the agent were dead.

Z: Okay...

Jin pushed a little on the box for Zayn to open it. When he finally did, he saw a flash drive
inside.

Z: What is this?

J: You might have a little creature yourself. Think of this as a friendly, little mole trap.

He nodded and removed his cell phone from his pocket to inform Louis about it. He was
ready to go and had another reason to do so when he saw the messages sent a few minutes
ago.

Z: Oh shit, I have to go.

Agent Malik got up quickly and took the flash drive with him. Jim was unable to say
goodbye, but he managed to shout something before he left.

J: Let me know if you change your mind about the sauna.

Zayn didn't pay attention, he just ran towards the location Louis said he was and utilized his
cell phone's GPS to reach it. Although it was a five-minute walk, he ran to get there faster.

Z: Let me in, please. This is an emergency.

He told the security guard when he was stopped at the door and had to show his badge to get
in. The place was so big and there were so many people, it would be challenging to find
Louis in the midst of them.

Zayn made his way into the crowd, which was dancing and jumping to the sounds of
extremely loud electronic beats and flashing blue lights. Although it was tough to walk there,
he persevered in searching for any sign of his best friend.

Louis was there too, just a few meters to the west, following Harry's footsteps. They were
closer now, although there were a lot of people and it was easy to lose sight of him. But he
didn't give up, he couldn't take his eyes off that boy.

When Styles stopped walking and looked back, he smiled at Louis. A scary smile. At that
very moment, Officer Tomlinson regretted, because he knew he wouldn't get out of that place
alive if he didn't manage to run as fast as possible.

Louis began pushing past people, but it was a very difficult task. Desperation overtook his
body when he saw Harry approaching and taking a small blade out of his pocket. He had the
look of a predator ready to pounce.

Louis took a few more steps, but there was no way out. Harry was just behind and quickly
caught him by the neck to slit his throat. Louis just felt the pain and the lack of oxygen, it was
extremely quick.

Zayn still looked for him, while being crushed by the sweaty bodies dancing around. For a
moment, he could see Louis a few centimeters in front of him. He felt a sense of relief, but
that feeling turned to panic when he saw blood. Zayn saw his friend bleeding, he saw him die
and there was nothing he could do.

Z: No! No! Louis! No!

As he pushed every person in front of him, he started crying and going into total despair.
When he managed to get close, he took Louis' body in his arms and shouted for help, but no
one was listening. Everyone was dancing and enjoying themselves.

That day was the worst of his entire life.

[...]
 That was his fifth crying fit in less than two hours. Zayn couldn't believe what was happening
as the hospital nurse calmed him down. He had already taken a lot of calming medication, but
none of it seemed to help, none of it took his mind off the image of Louis' body being taken
out of that club wrapped in black plastic.

Louis was gone, forever.

Z: I need to go home, please.

He asked the nurse as he wiped the tears from his face.

"I'll talk to the police outside. They'll send you home when you're ready."

Hayn nodded and waited for Weber and his team to take him back to the hotel, where he
could collect his things and return to London.

Upon entering the room, Zayn noticed Grace's pink suitcase on the bed, and while he was
relieved to find it, he was also curious about how it had ended up there.

To make sure everything was there before leaving, he opened the bag, but none of his things
were there, it seemed like someone else's bag. Zayn observed that the stickers on the outside
were exactly the same as Grace's travel stickers. That was her suitcase, but it wasn't his
clothes.

When he looked at the clothes again, Zayn realized that they were extremely expensive
pieces from some of the most famous fashion brands. There were shirts, pants, ties, sweaters,
shoes and even a perfume. Upon opening the box of the French perfume, he noticed a card
next to it, a handwritten card.

"Sorry Baby."

It was a simple phrase, just two words, but it made him feel some sort of fear that he had
never felt before.

| TO BE CONTINUED |

Chapter End Notes

🤣 💕
• How did you feel about Louis' death? It made me hate Harry in a way, but I love him
anyway See you soon
 PUMPKIN
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes

LONDON

The church was completely silent. The people in black clothes staring at the coffin were
unable to believe what had happened. Louis was too young to die, he was a man of many
friends and had a huge family, and they were all heartbroken.

Zayn was one of them. When he woke up every morning after everything had happened, he
only saw his swollen eyes and tired face in the mirror. Grace had been by his side every day
since the incident in Berlin four days ago, giving him all her care and attention. She was a
good friend.

Zayn wiped away his tears after the children's choir finished singing a religious song in honor
of Louis' memorie. He will be remembered by everyone, and some have decided to give
farewell speeches to remind his significance.

Grace attempted to encourage her friend to speak, but he refused because he knew he
wouldn't be able to. Zayn had to take on a lot of courage to get up on that stage, but
unfortunately, he was not ready. As a result, someone else was chosen to deliver the speech.
Former boss Frank went to the microphone and picked up a piece of paper from his pocket to
begin his speech. When Zayn saw it, he couldn't believe.

Z: Oh, God, no.

He whispered and Grace squeezed his hand to calm him down.

F: I worked with Louis for over 10 years. I am honored to be speaking here today, on behalf
of his colleagues, who I can say... really,

really liked him. I think we can all agree that Louis was a very loud man.

Some people laughed because it was true. Everyone would remember his loud, excited voice.

F: He was a good man... patient... hard-working. A man who had time for everyone. I think
most of that was really reserved for his family. In that sense, I would say that Louis was...
truly a traditional man. Apart from perhaps his methods of team leadership. Which could
really only be described as... individual, to say the least. But in his heart, he was a gentleman.
He was also deeply loved and admired... so, let's not forget that.

Zayn rose from his seat when he saw Louis' son playing alone with a superhero doll in a
corner of the church. He looked so much like his father.
Z: Hey, do you want to play outside?

He asked the boy, who waited for his mother's approval before taking Zayn's hand so they
could walk together outside the church.

Grace followed them to a bench and sat next to her friend while watching the boy run around
with his plastic superhero in hand. That was an image that meant so much, Louis had been a
hero at the end of the day. His son would be proud of him.

G: I'm sorry to bring this up now, but you're not being honest with me... About Louis.

Z: What do you mean?

G: How did he die?

Zayn didn't answer because Grace already knew the answer, he let her come to her own
conclusions.

G: I wish you were out of it. Because if you value your life, you will. I know you think you're
honoring Louis, but you looked me in the eye and you told me there wasn't any risk in...

Z: Please don't tell me what you think.

G: I just care about you...

Z: I know you care about me. Sometimes I think it's all you have!

The girl didn't know what to say, it sounded a bit rude.

Z: Oh, God, I'm...

G: You don't have to apologize. It's okay.

Observing the six-year-old boy running between the stones, they were silent for a brief
moment.

G: When will his family become aware of the truth?

Z: No one is ever allowed to know the truth. For everyone, he was mugged in a club.

G: Jesus... So what do you want to do now?

Z: I want to kill the motherfucker who did this. And I will do it with my bare hands.

—————

PARIS

N: Harry?
While walking through Harry's apartment, Niall noticed colorful balloons everywhere, as
well as a huge cake in the center of the dining room. It looked like a big birthday party with
classical music playing in the background. When Styles showed up wearing a T-shirt with
Niall's face printed on the front, he laughed.

N: What are you doing?

H: Happy birthday!

Harry shouted with excitement as he ran up to the man and started dancing with him around
the room.

N: Turn the music off.

H: Dance with me!

During their waltz towards the bedroom, Harry climbed on top of his dressing table, looking
as if he was ready to jump.

N: What are you doing?

H: I'm going to jump and you're going to catch me, okay?

N: No, I have a bad shoulder. No!

Styles didn't listen, he just screamed and jumped against his friend's body to fall on the
ground with him. Niall looked annoyed as he pulled the Harry off his body and stood up
quickly.

N: Fuck you! Turn this music off.

Styles grumbled as he stood up as well to turn off the music.

H: I was just trying to do something nice for your birthday.

N: We need to talk.

H: Oh… Okay.

N: Can we go somewhere without balloons?

Harry snorted and took him by the hand to go to the bathroom. Both of them sat on the edge
of the bath while Niall received a gift package.

N: You're being very nice.

H: I've been excited to see you.

N: Really? Or is it because you know I'm angry?

Harry smiled and watched his friend open the package to see a massage device inside.
H: To relieve your stress.

N: Whoa! Thank you. These are very cool.

H: One more!

Another package was placed in Horan's lap. He smiled, but didn't open it.

N: Chto eto za imya?

(What's your name?)

H: Harry Styles.

N: Are you sure? So, it's not Zayn Malik?

Styles rolled his eyes and threw himself into the bathtub, where he lay.

N: Do you think I don't know anything?

H: He was following me.

N: I don't think I can trust you anymore. If you can't play alone, you have to play with your
little brothers and sisters.

Niall took a new postcard out of his pocket and threw it on Styles, who just picked it up to
read the name of his next destination.

N: Your next job. This will tell you where to meet them. You won't work alone again.

H: Open it.

The birthday boy was leaving the bathroom when he heard Harry's voice asking him to open
the last present. When Niall did so, he saw a little teddy bear there, which made him smile.

H: For your little brother.

The look on Horan's face changed completely. He was scared. How did Harry know about his
little brother?

H: Did you think I don't know anything?

[...]

D: Welcome to England.

Said Diego, Harry's new work partner. When he arrived, he was waiting for him outside the
train station.

H: Who are you? My partner?

D: You're a little late.

H: Well, I had to make a delivery. When is the kill?

D: Today. Are you excited?

H: No.

D: Well, deal with it then. I'm gonna do a thing behind the bush, you can get in the car.

The man opened the door of his old van and let Harry in. At first, Styles thought he would be
the only one in the car, but a man was in the front seat. A young man with eyes as blue as the
ocean, a shaved head, and a scar on his eyebrow. Erast was also Russian and extremely
handsome.

H: You look different.

Erast's anger was awakened by that sentence, which had been simmering inside him for
years. He moved closer to Harry's body and began to fight with him. Styles made an effort to
defend himself while being punched in the face, but none of the punches hit him hard
enough.

Harry grabbed Erast's arms when he took control, preventing him from continuing the
punches. When Erast saw Diego open the van door and pull Harry out, he stopped.

D: No fighting in the car!

H: He started it.

D: Baby what is going on?

Diego's question came with a caress on Erest's cheek. What a sweet couple.

E: Nothing...

The boy walked away and sat on the passenger seat, while Diego watched them both with
suspicion.

D: So, what's the story?

E: There is no story.

D: Well, so keep it out of my car. Only happy things in the car. Okay?

Diego looked at Harry with contempt; they already hated each other.

H: Who is the target?

D: We don't know yet.

H: You don't know who our target is?

D: We will be told on arrival. We just know we are here to kill a member of the British
intelligence services.

Harry followed Diego to the trunk to prepare the weapons. There were a lot of pistols and
machine guns in there.

H: Have you checked the sights?

D: I shot a Dutch politician with a Colt last Friday and he's definitely dead. So yes, I checked
the sights.

Harry rolled his eyes as Erest approached to give his partner a silencer.

D: Thank you, pumpkin. Okay... Everyone had a pee? There won't be time to do it later.

H: I can hold it.

D: Okay. But you'll regret it.

Diego went to check the engine on the front of the car, leaving Harry and Erest alone again as
they charged their own guns.

H: I thought I'd never see you again.

E: I could break your nose right now.

H: I won't fight you.

E: Why? Are you scared?

H: No. I just don't want you to get hurt.

Until Diego approached them again to close the van's trunk, they stared into each other's eyes
for a while.

D: We are ready. Let's go.

—————

Sophia was putting Louis' work items in a box while Zayn entered the secret office. It made
him feel a pain in his chest, but he preferred to ignore the feeling as he placed the pink
suitcase wrapped in plastic on top of one of the table.

S: What are you doing? What's this?

Z: This is my suitcase that disappeared in Berlin for a few hours. And guess who stole it?

S: Don't tell me that...

Z: Yes, exactly. There's a perfume and about five grand's worth of clothes inside.
S: What? What kind of clothes?

Z: Expensive clothes. Fantastic clothes, by the way. All in my size.

S: Jesus Christ.

Sophia tried to peek inside the suitcase, but Zayn stopped her.

Z: No. Don't open it. We don't want any further contamination. I want you to get the whole
thing fast-tracked with forensics. Get any DNA checked and cross-referenced with the other
crime scenes. I also want you to check any stores in Berlin who stock these clothes. They
have German tags. Then contact the stores and see if you can find any security footage.

S: So, we are going to keep going?

Z: Yes. We are going to keep going.

Zayn sat down at his office desk, while Sophia looked even more surprised by her colleague's
decision.

S: Okay, but… Don't you think maybe you should take some time to... I mean...

Z: I'm okay.

S: Okay. Well, I also really need to show you something I found...

She sat in her chair in front of the computer and started to type some things as Malik
approached her with his chair.

S: So, this is beyond weird. Jin Yeong, the Chinese agent. The documents he gave you in
Berlin included statements from accounts in the Cayman Islands. Jin thinks they, whoever
they are, used these accounts to pay off the insiders betraying his department.

Z: Okay.

S: But then I'm poking around on these transactions and I notice this account number. British,
receiving three payments a year for the exact same amount. Follow the money, and we find it
lands here.

She pointed at the computer screen.

S: St Henry's, a prep school in Sussex. School fees. That's as far as I got.

The door opening drew their attention, so they saw Liam coming in.

Z: Thank God, you're here.

L: What happened?

Zayn stood up and took a few steps around the room as he put all the new information
together just like a jigsaw puzzle. It was all so clear now.
Z: So, I went to this party, this must have been about a year ago. A big work birthday party.
Big marquees' thing, free champagne, etc. Everybody got drunk, but Frank got really drunk.

L: You know his wife died?

Z: Yes, this was while she was ill, and I mean, I was like 'Wow, Frank is drunk'. I had to put
him in a cab at like, 8pm. So, while we were waiting for this cab outside, he was very
emotional, telling me the pressure he was under to send his kids to private school. He said
there was no feasible way he could find the money.

L: And the big finish?

Z: Soph traced the lead Jin gave us to payments made to a school called St. Henry's.

Zayn pointed at the information on the computer screen.

Z: Frank's two sons are there.

L: It's disappointing when the mole is the one that looks most like a rodent... Where is he
now?

S: I am capable of locating him.

Z: Good, and let's find him and bring the bastard in.

L: We're not after blood, Zayn. We're after information. In the grand scheme of things, Frank
is a middle ground. There's a good chance he'll lead us to someone much more important.
You did brilliantly. Louis would be proud.

Z: Thank you.

L: I'll be in touch.

Liam left the room again, prompting Malik to take a deep breath and sit beside Soph as he
watched her look for all the information about Frank's location.

Z: Okay, so where's our rat?

S: He's in Buckinghamshire.

Z: What's there?

S: I don't know. It looks like a house. I can access Frank's contacts and call logs, we can find
out who he calls, when and for how long.

Z: Okay, what city is he in?

S: It's a village called Bletcham.

Z: We should go.
S: Me and you? I mean, are we trained for that?

Z: It's a surveillance job in Home Counties, Soph. We just need to be in the area.

Sophia smiled, even though she thought leaving the office was a bit risky, she still liked the
idea.

S: Okay.

Z: Let's go to Bletcham.

—————

BLETCHAM

D: Darlings? We've got a name. Frank Haleton. MI5.

E: How are we gonna do this?

Erest asked while they started to pick up the weapons in front of the house where Frank was
hiding.

D: BANG in the head… or whatever.

Diego said as he imitated an attack scene with a gun in his hand. Harry believed that he was
too pathetic to be a serious assassin.

D: You two go to the front, and I'll cover the back.

E: Okay.

D: I love you, baby.

Diego said as he kissed Erest on the lips before running to the back of the house while the
other two headed for the front door, hiding their guns behind their backs.

H: He's nice.

Harry said as he smiled and knocked on the door twice. Ernest was still glaring at him, and he
didn't seem very friendly.

H: I'm glad you got out.

E: You took my place.

H: We are both here now, right?

The boy didn't answer when he saw an old lady opening the door. At that very moment,
Harry smiled at her and used his best British accent.

H: Good afternoon. Sorry to ambush you like this. Is Frank in?

"No, he's gone out. I'm his mother, and you... Who are you?"

H: My name is Elliot. This is Charles. We work with Frank. A few of us are in the area and
he gave us this address. I'm sorry, I thought this was his house. We just wanted to drop in and
say "Hi."

"Of course! I have some fruitcake in the freezer."

H: Oh, lovely.

Harry smiled and waited until the lady had gone inside the house so that they could go into
the kitchen together.

"I'll put it in the microwave."

She said as she took the slices of cake out of the fridge and put them in the microwave while
the two boys sat down at the breakfast table.

H: I've never had it hot before!

"Frank loves it."

H: Any idea when he'll be back?

"I'll just give him a call."

H: No, no. We can wait. We don't want to pressure him.

"No, that's fine! He's probably just getting cheese or something."

The lady smiled and went to the phone to call. When Erest saw her turn away, he tried to pull
out his gun, but Harry stopped him to bring his attention to the car parked in the rear. The old
lady was lying, Frank was at home.

"Darling, you have lovely visitors. Elliot and Charlies from your office. Yes... Oh, dear.
That's a shame. Shall I tell them to come back another time? All right. Love you, bye!"

She hung up the phone and returned to the table while Harry took a bite of his cake. It was a
delicious cake.

"Oh, dear. He's been called back to London. Something unexpected has come up. He sends
his best wishes and apologies."

H: Must have been in a hurry to forget his car.

Harry had a laugh while eating. He wasn't going to leave that house without finishing that
piece of cake first.

H: Well, tell him we'll come back another time. I'm sorry to disturb you, the cake was
delicious.
"Oh thank you so much, darling. Be cautious while driving."

H: Sure, have a nice afternoon.

After all, Harry and Erest followed to the car where Diego was waiting for them inside.

E: She says he's gone back to London.

D: What does that mean?

H: It means we wait.

D: I knew that. Erest, you watch the back and...

Before Diego could finish his sentence, Frank's car sped out of the garage and entered the
village road. Harry swiftly took over the van's steering wheel and started chasing the car
while Diego and Erest were in the back seat loading the gun. The gunfire started when Erest
put his body out of the sunroof and started shooting in the front car.

D: Very good pumpkin! Shoot the tire!

Harry was sick of hearing that man yell in his ear, which made him accelerate the car. He was
getting close when Frank braked hard, which made him brake too and lose a little speed. The
car was now farther away.

D: Come on, he's getting away! Come on!

Styles huffed and followed the dirt road that Frank had chosen to follow. It led to an open
field without any evidence of human or animal life. It was the perfect spot to execute
someone. Upon reaching Frank's car, they noticed that it was stopped at the end of the road.
His only option was to run.

D: Get the guns.

The group exited the car, all armed as they were subtly marching towards the car.

H: This way.

D: Hey, hey, hey. I give the orders. Okay?

Harry stopped walking and Erest did the same. He looked that annoying guy in the eye one
more time and took a deep breath to control his urge to pull the trigger and blow his face off
with fifty shots.

D: This way. Let's shoot in three… two... one.

Shots were fired at the car at the end of the countdown. Diego was satisfied with his job, so
he asked them to stop after several bullets went through the car.

H: That's very subtle.

D: You okay, pumpkin?

E: Yes.

D: Okay, let's go.

H: Aren't you going to check the body first?

D: Will you shut up? Say something stupid again and I will shoot you.

H: Like you shot Frank BANG in the head?

Diego was furious when he saw Harry mimicking him, leading him to point the gun at his
body. Styles did the same thing, but now he was faced with two guns. He was also a target for
Erest.

E: Harry! Look at me.

D: He's your Russian ex? Oh my God, now I have all the reasons to blow him to pieces. Why
is he even here?

H: I was sent to get Erest.

E: For what?

H: You gave me my way out of there. Now I'm giving you your way out... of that.

Harry looked at Diego, trying to change Erest's mind about him.

H: You're not a pumpkin, Erest.

D: Shut your mouth!

H: You are beautiful.

Diego was about to shoot Harry in the head when Erest stopped him.

E: Let me... I've been wanting to do this for a long time.

He pointed his gun at his ex's body as if he was determined to get revenge. Diego saw this
and dropped the gun on the floor so that he could watch everything with his own eyes. But
unexpectedly, Erest pulled Harry away from his target and shot Diego multiple times until he
fell to the ground, dead.

E: I'm not a pumpkin.

—————

In the car, Zayn and Sophia were driving towards the house where Frank seemed to be. Zayn
was driving silently while she had a computer on her lap.
S: There is an information backlog in this field, the connection is terrible and does not allow
me to see everything in real time.

Z: We'll be leaving this road soon. What have you got there?

S: Some activity. But it's strange. Someone just made a call to Frank's mobile from a landline
ten minutes ago. I located him, but the mobile was in the same house as the landline that
called him.

Z: What does that mean?

S: Oh, he started moving out of Bletcham minutes ago.

Z: What? We just got here.

The connection was established and Sophia was able to check everything she had missed
after the delay when Zayn changed the route.

S: Jesus. Why was he running? Does he know we're here?

Z: I'll stop here. I'll try to call Frank.

Zayn stopped the car between a forest and a wheat field and launched a call to Frank, who
quickly responded.

F: Zayn?

Z: Yes. Frank?

F: Oh, my God, Zayn!

He was gasping, and looked like he was crying.

Z: Listen. Frank, it's okay. We just wanna talk to you, you don't need to run from us.

F: They're chasing me. They tore my car apart! I'm hiding, but I can hear them. They're close.

Z: Wait, who?

F: Help me!

Z: Who are you running from, Frank?

F: I should kill myself.

Z: No! Frank, just breathe, okay? Just calm down and listen to me.

Frank stopped answering for a moment.

Z: Frank? Are you there? Speak to me. Frank, say something. Where are you?
F: They've got guns. I'm hiding.

Z: Frank, listen. We are tracking you, okay? We can find you. Just, stay quiet.

Sophia approached Zayn with the laptop and showed him Frank's actual location at that time.

Z: Frank, I need you to move north.

F: What? Where is the north?

Z: Oh. Okay, sorry. Can you see, like a phone mast? It looks like it has a plastic bag on it.

F: Yes. I can see that. I can get there.

Z: Okay. We're here, at the top of the field. I don't think you can see us, but just make a run
for it and trust that we're here, okay?

F: Zayn, I can't. I can't.

Z: Do you prefer your other options?

—————

H: What about Paris? You can live with me in my apartment, you'd love it.

E: That would be amazing.

Erest had a big smile on his face, he looked at Harry like he was living in eternal happiness.

H: Florence, Vienna, wherever you want to go. First class. Everything you deserve. I'll start
the car, put the guns in the trunk, and we'll go.

Styles got into the car and watched his ex follow to the trunk. Harry was able to see Erest's
beautiful smile through the rearview mirror, so he waited until the trunk was closed to back
up and roll over his body. After hearing him scream, Harry accelerated to drive over his body
again until he heard no more screams.

H: Whoops.

Styles got out of the car and grabbed a gun. He was about to shoot Erest in the head, when his
keen ears heard a sound. He could see Frank running a few meters away and it made him
snort.

H: Seriously?

He made an effort to fire from that direction, but the shot didn't hit him, only scared him.
Harry then began to run after the man as he watched him run up the hill towards a car that
was parked in front of the gate.

Zayn was there.

—————

Z: Frank, are you running or are you crying?

F: Running and crying.

Z: Oh, God! I'm seeing you, Frank!

Zayn began to wave when he saw Frank hit the top of the hill. As he heard the shots, he
jumped over the gate to help his ex-boss.

F: He is coming!

Z: He?

When Agent Malik looked at the horizon once more, he saw that motherfucker walking
towards them.

Z: Oh shit... Go, Frank! Get in the back! Get in the back!

After jumping over the gate, Frank ran to the back seat and screamed when a shot hit the car
window. Sophia, who was also in the car, began to cry in despair.

Z: Sophia, drive!

Zayn shouted and raised his hands in surrender as Harry got closer.

S: I'm not leaving without you!

Z: Please, go! Now!

Soph only started the car when Harry shot in the other window. The car sped off the road,
leaving Zayn alone two meters away from the man who had never left his thoughts. Harry's
gun was lowered when he saw the fear in those brown eyes.

Malik couldn't say anything, no matter how many questions he had to ask or how many swear
words he had to shout. He wanted to do so many things, but he couldn't do anything. He just
stood there with a frightened expression.

Styles, on the other hand, had a smile on his face. He wasn't scared, but he felt something
different inside. Like Zayn, he was unable to speak until he heard car horns in the distance.

Z: Please don't do anything to them. I beg you.

H: I won't... I deal with him later.

Harry replied, as he took two steps back.

H: Now go.
 Zayn obeyed him, starting to climb over the gate, while Harry kept pointing the gun in his
direction while walking backwards. They didn't lose eye contact until the agent was finally
able to stand behind the gate, in the middle of the road where Sophia was approaching with
the car. This visual contact was not interrupted until the car stopped and Soph honked. Zayn
looked at her, but when he turned to Harry again, he saw that he wasn't there anymore.

He had lost him again.

| TO BE CONTINUED |

Chapter End Notes

💕
• Well, well, well. I think you guys should be looking forward to the next update
you there
👀 See
 DON'T RUN
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes

LONDON

"This is your own personal safe house salon. There's toothpaste, toothbrush, soap and
shampoo in the cupboard."

Marcus, the security guard, made a tour around the safe house with Frank, Zayn and Sophia.
Agent Malik has been thinking about that meeting with the killer since they arrived there the
day after the attack.

"This is the bedroom. All the windows are secured so you don't need to worry about any
tapping on the glass in the night. And I'll be here the whole time for anything you might
need."

Z: Right, thanks Marcus.

Zayn thanked the security guard and waited for him to leave the room to have a private chat
with Frank.

F: So, what happens now?

Z: Who is he?

Malik's question was direct as he watched his former boss sit on the bed to untie his sneakers.

F: I don't know. They didn't chat much.

Z: So there were three of them, and they didn't say a word to each other? Come on, Frank!

F: Can I eat something?

Zayn snorted and sat next to him.

Z: Where are your kids?

F: With my mother-in-law.

Z: Text her and tell her you need them to stay there a few nights.

Frank took his own cell phone out of his pocket, but Zayn was quick to grab it and hand him
another phone.
Z: No, use mine.They'll be tracking yours.

The man sighed and began typing a message to his mother-in-law, before returning the phone
to Zayn.

F: You know, I did this for the right reasons.

Z: I don't wanna hear what your version of the right reason is.

F: Could you just not give me a hard time? Just for a minute, please? I'm very tired.

Z: Okay, so take a rest.

Zayn and Sophia were ready to leave when Frank decided to say something.

F: Harry.

Z: What?

F: One of them was called Harry. A Russian. That was all I could hear.

Z: Okay. Thanks, Frank. Now take a shower, change your clothes and I'll be back in a few
minutes with something for you to eat.

They went outside the house and saw the three security guards smoking as they spoke.

Z: Soph, can you check the name, please? Just search every Russian prison record with that
name. If there is a Harry who has stolen a bar of soap, I wanna know about him, okay?

S: Right, I'll go back to the office and work on it.

Z: Right. If you have any Harrys, please call me, okay?

S: Sure.

Sophia approached Zayn for a hug that wasn't expected, and it was a good, long hug.

S: I thought I was going to lose you for a minute.

Z: It's all right now. You don't have to worry about me.

L: Am I interrupting?

Sophia quickly moved away after hearing Liam's voice near them.

S: Hey, Lee.

L: Are you guys okay? I brought Frank a burger.

Z: Oh, you're a mind reader, thank you. And yes, we're fine.
L: Are you hurt, Soph?

S: No, I'm fine.

L: Okay. Go home, we'll talk later.

Sophia smiled and headed towards the car that would take her home. Before she drove off,
the two investigators observed her getting into the car and leaving.

L: Police have confirmed that they've found a male body in the site near where you picked up
Frank. They're gonna keep us informed.

Z: There are three of them. Someone is unaccounted for.

L: I guess so... You know, Soph likes you very much. She cares about you.

Z: I like her a lot too.

L: I don't know if you understand. She likes, likes you.

Z: Oh, no! I don't think so.

L: But I'm pretty sure. I'm her brother, I know when she's in love.

Z: In love with me? That's hilarious.

Zayn laughed because it didn't make sense.

L: I'm happy to know that she acts like a normal person who falls in love and works. Our
father died a few years ago, it was hard for us. But it was even harder for her.

Z: I'm sorry.

L: Well, it's all right now. Keep an eye on her, okay?

They both returned to the house after Frank had washed and put on new clothes. He was
surprised that Officer Payne entered the room and sat with Zayn on one of the sofas. Agent
Malik used his cell phone to record the interview.

L: Hello, Frank.

F: Listen... What I did is far from being as bad as what a lot of people did to save their
families, okay?

L: We went after the money, we know it's on the payroll. So you might as well start talking.
What do they want?

Frank kept his mouth shut because he was afraid to speak.

L: It's okay, Frank. Just tell me who these people are.

F: Okay.. They're called... The Twelve. And they knew everything about me.

Z: Did they blackmail you?

F: No, worse. They offered to pay for my wife's medical treatment. They knew all about her
condition. They knew that the NHS doesn't currently offer certain cancer treatments without
funding from private patients. I had no other option.

Z: You can't blame the NHS for this.

F: No, of course not. I blame the government.

Z: What about school fees?

F: I just wanted my family to be happy.

Z: What information did they want from you?

F: They just want to know what conversations are being had. They're interested in the big
picture.

L: Specifically, information about Russia?

F: No. Although the agent was Russian and we drank a lot, I just assumed… I thought they
were SVR. Standard Russian government agents who wanted a little inside gossip, people's
whereabouts… I don't know. They just wanted to know anything and everything.

Z: And how do they know about the department?

F: I told them. I thought you were still investigating after you interrogated me...

Z: I did not interrogate you. For someone who says they know hardly anything, you seem to
know rather a lot.

L: Why didn't you come to us?

F: Because I didn't want to get caught here. I thought the Russians… would help.

L: And the boy…

F: Yes, well, they're very proud of him. They're using him to...

Z: What? What are they using him for?

F: There is a sequence. A pattern to these kills. They're destabilizing from the ground up.

Z: To what end?

F: Chaos.
There was silence and Liam arose to give him his burguer. Frank thanked before watching
them walk to the door.

L: Well, thanks Frank. Get some rest.

Zayn followed Payne outside and accepted another ride to the office. Upon entering, he saw
Sophia at the computer and approached her.

Z: Have you found anything?

S: Oh yes, but first I need to tell you that the suitcase is back.

Z: Great. Anything?

S: Looks like the DNA is all over it. Clear match with samples from the other kills. He must
know he's traceable.

Z: Either he's deeply arrogant or he knows he's protected.

S: Or both?

Z: Oh, God. Or both.

S: I also found some prison records on some Harrys around Russia. There's one I really
wanna show you.

Sophia handed Zayn a file with the details of one of the prisoners she had found.

Z: Oh, shit. It's him!

Zayn immediately recognized that face when he saw it. Harry's mugshot showed him with a
shorter and curlier hair, but the face remained the same.

S: His entire name is Harry Styles Astankova. At the age of 7, he was placed in a juvenile
delinquents center in Moscow where he committed crimes like assaulting an 8-year-old
school friend with a pen. As an adult, he was arrested at the age of 19. His other crimes
include: Grievous bodily harm, arson and murder of an adult woman. He remained in prison
for another four years until... He died. That's what's on his record.

Z: Was he sentenced for killing the woman?

S: Exactly. He had another 48 years to serve. From what I saw, he cut her head off and hung
it on a hanger inside a closet.

Z: Jesus.

S: It's fucking scary. Do you want to see the photos?

Z: Oh, no. Thanks, if I do, I'll be thinking about the pictures for the rest of the night and I
don't want to end up throwing up escargot.
S: Are you going to eat escargot tonight? Where?

Z: It's a French bistro. I'll eat there tonight and let you know if it's good.

S: I thought you were going to invite me.

Z: Oh...

There was silence for five seconds.

S: I'm joking.

She started laughing and he did the same before walking over to the table to pick up the pink
suitcase.

Z: Well, I'll take this with me. I'll see you tomorrow.

S: Tomorrow.

[...]

As the hot water poured down Zayn's naked body, he tried to think of something else besides
those green eyes. His body and mind needed a break because he had been under so much
stress lately. That's why he made the decision to invite Grace to dinner that night. For one
night only, he needed to have some fun.

Before he was able to exit the shower, Malik rested his left hand on the glass of the shower
stall while his right hand masturbated his own penis. He was hard and thought it would be a
good idea to play with himself. Sex scenes flashed through his impure thoughts. For a
moment, Zayn could create the image of Grace riding on top of him. He tried, but it didn't
make him come. He tried again, but this time with the image of Sophia moaning while
holding her own breasts. Zayn thought he could cum with that, but he didn't come close.

He tried again and his brain led him to imagine someone else on top of him, riding slowly
while keeping those eyes fixed on his. Those damn green eyes. As he pictured himself having
sex with Harry, Zayn sped up the movement of his hand. It was crazy, but it was what made
him come and squirt cum against the glass.

Feeling guilty and gasping for breath, Zayn quickly cleaned himself up and left the bathroom
while drying his hair. It was an insane trap that his own mind had created, and he couldn't
believe it! He was completely perturbed. Harry was not just in his dreams, but also in his
wildest thoughts.

Before returning to the bathroom, he put on a pair of boxer shorts to blow-dry his hair and
apply deodorant. Zayn brushed his teeth, applied moisturizer to his face, and used lip balm on
his lips. But he was missing one more thing: Perfume.

He was ready to use the usual one, but something inside urged him to open that pink suitcase
just to get that perfume. He was very curious to smell, so he walked over to the suitcase and
took a deep breath before opening it to take the bottle of French perfume in his hands.
He sprayed a little on his wrist and brought it up to his nose to smell it. It was so good,
something citrusy, but at the same time earthy and woody with a hint of vanilla. Zayn
couldn't resist and started to use the perfume on his neck and also on his clothes.

He didn't have much to wear on a date and didn't want to dress up in the same old clothes
when he saw those wonderful designer pieces in the suitcase. No one would know if he wore
one or two pieces. That would be his new secret.

Zayn took black tailored pants and put them on. He touched it to feel the texture and quality
of the fabric, it was so different from what he usually wore. After that, he grabbed a solid
linen shirt in the shade of vanilla ice cream. He felt extremely hot when he put it on, leaving
only two buttons open.

Zayn smiled at his reflection in the mirror before sitting down on the bed to put on those
Bolvaint shoes. He felt like the most well-dressed man in the world.

"I'll be there in twenty minutes because I haven't finished my make-up yet. I'm late! Sorry :("

Zayn chuckled as he read Grace's message on his cell phone screen, but before he could
reply, he heard Phoenix barking loudly downstairs. Barking was not common for, except
when a stranger was at his door.

When Phoenix stopped barking, Malik left the room. While walking slowly down the stairs
towards the living room, he observed his dog's tail wagging like he did when he was being
petted.

There was someone there stroking Phoenix's ears. Zayn saw that hand, and after another step,
he also saw a body standing up and extremely green eyes looking in his direction. Harry was
there, in the middle of his living room, stroking his dog.

Zayn held onto the banister of the stairs tightly and swallowed as he felt his heart beating
faster in his chest, as if it was about to explode. Malik was unresponsive and had no idea how
to react. But he had to do something.

H: Don't run.

Running was the only thing he could do. So Harry ran after him and saw him go into the
bedroom and open the drawers looking for something. Maybe he was looking for his gun, but
he didn't find it. When Zayn saw the killer standing in his doorway, he ran to the bathroom
and locked himself in. He was in need of a weapon to defend himself, but in desperation, he
tried to open his bathroom window and shout for help.

Z: Help!

Zayn screamed in despair when he heard knocks on the door.

H: Open the door! I'm not going to hurt you!

The agent was sweating and shaking as he stepped out of a corner of his bathroom. Escape
was impossible.
H: Open this door or I will!

Z: Damn it!

Zayn grabbed his hair as he searched for something to use to defend himself. Harry used to
hear him crying from behind the door. He could smell his fear.

H: Open this shit door!

Z: No! No!

The killer realized that Malik was not going to open that door, so he made the decision to use
force to break down the door and enter.

H: I'm sorry?

Harry laughed when he saw Zayn pointing a hair dryer at him like it was a gun.

Z: Get out of my house!

Harry ignored the request and pushed the agent into the bathtub while hearing his hysterical
screams. He sat on his lap and held his wrists firmly so that he was immobilized, but Zayn
was still screaming.

H: Stop screaming! Listen to me. I'm not going to hurt you!

Z: You're hurting me!

H: Shut up!

Harry yelled as well as turned on the bathtub faucet, causing water to pour down Zayn's face,
which was now struggling even more. Styles only turned off the tap when he heard him stop
screaming while searching for oxygen.

Agent Malik's eyes were filled with great fear and disbelief as he looked into those green
eyes. It was like a near-death experience.

H: I just want to have dinner with you. Okay?

Zayn just nodded quickly and watched the killer get off him. Regrettably, he was limited to
obeying.

H: You were having fun, uh?

Harry said as he pointed to the cum stain on the glass of the shower stall. His lips were filled
with a perverted smile.

H: Don't be ashamed, everyone does it. Let's go.

Harry started walking down the stairs while Zayn walked right behind him, with each of his
slow steps being watched by those eyes all the way to the dining table.
Z: I don't really have much to, uh...

H: I'll eat anything.

Malik walked slowly and stiffly to the fridge. Upon opening it, he noticed a portion of frozen
food made by Grace.

Z: There's pork faggots.

H: Faggots? Very British. I love faggots.

Z: Okay... I'll put it in the microwave, it won't take long.

With a wet body, Zayn went to the microwave to put the plastic container in.

H: You're shaking.

Z: Uh, yeah, well...

H: Put on something from there. I won't look.

Harry said as he pointed to the basket of clean clothes in the laundry room. This prompted the
investigator to go there to get a pair of pants and a T-shirt. He began to remove the wet
clothes while being watched by Harry.

H: You have a very nice body.

Zayn made an effort to ignore him as he finished dressing. It was obvious how terrified he
appeared. It's not every day you have dinner with a psycho.

H: Do you want me to lay the table?

Z: No... You're my guest.

Malik turned to get two plates and two pieces of cutlery. When he saw a knife in the drawer,
he tried to pick it up discreetly and put it inside his pants.

H: You don't want that to slip. You can hold on to it if it makes you feel better.

Zayn sighed, took the knife from his pants and held it as he took the hot food from the
microwave to serve the dishes. As he walked over to the table, he sat down facing Harry and
handed him one of the plates.

H: It's so nice to meet you.

Z: You, too.

Harry began eating while Zayn was unable to touch his food.

Z: Why are you here?

H: Did you make this?

He pointed at the food.

Z: No.

H: Who did?

Zayn didn't respond, but he observed Harry's smile as he chewed.

H: She has beautiful tits. That blonde hair is amazing.

Zayn's heart beat faster when he realized that Harry knew about Grace. What else did he
know?

Z: Why are you in my house? How did you find out where I live?

H: I followed you. I wanted to see you.

Z: Why?

H: I need someone to help me.

Harry stopped eating to take a deep breath and change his facial expression to a sad one.
There was a sadness in those watery eyes.

H: I don't wanna do this anymore. I know what I am. I know I'm not... Normal, I... I don't feel
things that...

His voice was flawed and his gaze was low. A tear ran down his cheek as he spoke.

H: I'm sorry, Zayn. I didn't want to hurt your partner. I don't want to hurt people. They make
me do it. If I don't do what they say... I have nowhere to go. I need help.

Harry looked again at the man in front of him and touched his hand on the table. Zayn
quickly refused the touch.

H: Zayn, please, I'm so sorry.

Z: Bullshit!

H: What?

The whole emotional scene didn't convince the Agent. He knew that Harry was acting,
pretending, lying.

Z: God... You're an asshole.

Styles started laughing.

Z: Harry Styles Astankova. That's your name, correct?

Harry stopped laughing when he heard his name. Zayn already knew more than he should
have.

H: You are so pleased with yourself.

Z: I know more than that.

H: Oh yeah?

Z: I know you are Russian. I know you were in a prison in Moscow for four years until
someone broke you out. I know you are exceptionally bright. Determined. Hard-working.

H: What else?

Z: I know you are an extraordinary person.

Harry smiled again, his intimidating eyes fixed on the man.

H: What else?

Z: I know something happened to you.

Zayn was unable to handle so many emotions and his eyes were watering.

H: What else?

Z: I know you're a psychopath.

H: You should never tell a psychopath they are a psychopath. It upsets them.

Z: Are you upset?

Harry pursed his lips and nodded before he could wipe the fake tears from his face to eat
again.

H: Stupid word.

Z: Are you here to kill me?

H: We're just watching you.

Z: Who? Who do you work for? Why are you killing these people?

H: Do you not know? Do you know who you work for?

Z: Yes.

H: Really?

Harry laughed.
H: I think if you went high enough, you'd probably find we work for the same people.

Zayn wanted to think about it, but he didn't have time. He walked up with a knife, grabbed
Harry's arrest record, sat next to him, and tossed the papers on his plate.

Z: I have your prison file.

H: What does it say?

Harry turned his chair so that he was facing Zayn, just a few centimeters away from his body.

Z: Why did you cut her head off? Just tel...

H: Faggot.

Zayn was interrupted and remained silent for a few seconds before pulling out his own plate,
which was still untouched.

Z: Do you want more faggots?

H: No. You're a faggot.

Z: What? No, I'm not.

H: Yes, you are. Just like your friend, Louis.

In an unexpected act of fury, Zayn used the knife to attack, but Harry was quick to take the
knife out of his hand and corner him against the wall. He pointed the knife at Agent Malik's
chest. They were so close now.

H: It's worse when I push it through slowly. Don't make me.

Zayn was shaking in panic, feeling like he might pee his pants at any moment.

H: Are you wearing it?

Harry commented while putting his nose to Zayn's neck and smelling the delicious scent of
his perfume.

Z: I'm gonna find the thing you most care about... And I'm gonna kill it.

H: I'm sorry to say this, but I think you might have already committed suicide by the time
they find it.

Styles smiled and came up to the counter to get Zayn's phone.

H: What's your PIN?

Z: Are you mugging me?

H: Yes, I am. What's your PIN?

Zayn was hesitant to speak. But there was a knife pointed at his chest.

Z: It's 1, 2...

He shed tears which he could not control.

Z: 3...

As Harry watched the man in front of him cry, he slowly typed in the numbers.

Z: 4.

H: Okay. Thank you so much for your help.

Styles took a few steps back and stored the knife in his trouser pocket.

H: I'll take this.

G: Hi!

Grace's voice led the two guys to look at the door and observe the girl entering the house
wearing a white dress. She looked beautiful.

H: Hi!

G: I'm sorry... Am I interrupting?

H: No, you're not. I'm just leaving.

Grace looked at Zayn and saw the tears in his eyes. Something was not right.

H: Well. I need to go. Nice to meet you...

Harry grabbed Grace's hands and waited for her to pronounce her name.

G: Grace.

H: Grace! Okay. It's a beautiful name, just like you.

G: Oh.. Thank you.

As Grace received the compliment and a kiss on her hand, she smiled. She was so confused
by so many things going on that she stood still as she watched Harry walk to the door to
leave.

Z: I'll see you soon, Zayn. Thank you for the dinner.

As Harry closed the door, Zayn jumped in fear and took a deep breath. It seemed like he had
started breathing again after a long time without oxygen.

G: Zayn, are you all right?

Z: Yes. Yes I am, Grace.

He hurriedly started looking for his jacket and sneakers, which made the girl even more
confused.

G: Where are you going? I thought we were going out for dinner tonight.

Z: There's been an emergency. Grace, I'm sorry, but I won't be able to make it today.

When Zayn had finished putting on his shoes and coat, he rushed out, leaving the girl alone
in the house without a real explanation. Grace understood the importance of his work, but it
upset her, made her cry, and smeared all her makeup.

The only thing on Zayn's mind at that moment was to get to Liam's house as quickly as
possible, which is why he raced his car towards the apartment where he and Sophia lived.

L: Zayn? What are you doing here?

When Liam opened the door, he saw his colleague standing there, completely agitated.

Z: I'm sorry I couldn't call. He was in my house, he stole my cell phone. We had a sort of a
fight and...

L: He?

S: What happened?

When Sophia arrived at the door wearing pyjamas, the two brothers gave way for Zayn to
enter the apartment.

Z: Harry broke into my house ten minutes ago.

S: Are you hurt?

Z: No, but he took my phone. The recordings of the conversation with Frank are there. He'll
have the location of the safe house. I used my phone to get us there.

L: I'm going to alert armed response.

Z: I need forensics at my house, I need protection for my friend and my dog. But most
importantly... We need to move Frank now.

—————

While brushing his teeth in the bathroom, Frank heard a thunder. There was a lot of rain
outside, it was intense and a little scary. But the fear was nothing like what he had felt the day
before.

As soon as Frank put his toothbrush back inside the storage mirror, he screamed when he saw
the killer behind him.
F: Oh, God! Oh, God! Someone!

Frank shouted and fell to the floor, cowering in the corner of the bathroom. That made Harry
laugh.

H: Squealer.

F: I didn't tell them everything, I swear.

H: It doesn't matter anymore.

F: Are you going to kill me?

H: Uhum... But first, I'm going to use you for sex.

Harry waited until he saw the man's surprise reaction, and then laughed again.

H: It's just a joke.

F: Please. We can do a deal. I have a lot of money.

H: So do I.

F: I have children.

H: I don't want your children.

F: No, I have children to take care of.

H: Oh! Okay... Well, this will give them something to bond over.

Harry's approach caused Frank to cry and cringe.

H: You scared?

F: Yes.

H: Because you don't know what happens when you die? Do you have any ideas?

Frank shook his head in denial and watched his killer crouch down to look him in the eye..

H: Your eyes will just... Empty. Then your soul goes in. People think that your soul or
personality, whatever, leaves the body when you die. But I swear, it just goes further in. It
falls so far in and just... Just becomes so small that it can't control your body anymore. It's
just in there, dying forever.

Frank was crying even more now. He was like a baby at birth, he would cry on the day he
died too.

H: I'm going to kill you nicely. But then I'm going to make a mess of your body afterwards so
it will look worse.
Harry got up and started walking to the bedroom.

H: Come on. Let's do it in there.

Frank cried and walked to the bedroom, where he sat on the bed while watching Styles take a
knife from his pocket.

H: My plan is to cut your artery first until you lose all your blood. You'll die fast because
your heart will stop beating and when it does... I'll want to take something from you.

F: What do you want from me?

H: Your head.

—————

"First room's clear!"

The armed police officers were breaking into the secret house while Zayn and Liam were
following closely behind. The rain was heavy, and as they went through the other rooms and
corridors, they found the bodies of two security guards. Marcus was still alive in a corner of
the room, but with severe bruises.

Z: Oh my God, Marcus! Are you okay?

L: We have one male in need of urgent medical assistance.

Liam said on the radio as they heard the sound of Frank's bedroom door being kicked in.

Z: Where's Frank?

Marcus pointed his finger towards the room where the officers were entering. Although he
was afraid of what he would see, he did it anyway.

"We found another body. It's the last one. Suspect ran away from us.

This is what the police officer said after inspecting all the other parts of the house.

Z: Jesus Christ...

When Zayn came across Frank's body on a bed with sheets painted red by blood, he had an
overwhelming urge to vomit. Frank's head was cut off.

L: Where's the head?

Zayn took a deep breath and felt his entire body shake as he followed the path of the blood
drops to the closet. He grabbed the handle and grunted as he opened the door to find Frank's
head hanging in the hangers.

After that, he threw up.

—––——

PARIS

Harry was stirring the omelettes in his frying pan while talking to Niall. It was a sunny
morning in Paris.

H: Diego and Erest were fighting.

N: And then?

H: And then Diego just went backwards! I was screaming. Erest put something in the back of
the car and BANG, Diego hit him. Told me to get out of the car and we just walked away. I
had no weapon.

Harry went to the breakfast table and put the eggs on Niall's plate before sitting down.

H: He said he was going to kill me, I said, 'Why? Why? We're meant to be a team, we have to
get the target'. He said we were, uh... Oh, God, what's the word he used? 'Pumpkins!' That's
what he said.

N: So?

H: So I shot him.

N: Oh. I thought you had no weapon.

After drinking mango juice and spreading butter on his croissant, Harry found another story
to support his lie.

H: I took his.

N: While he was pointing it at you? How did you do that?

H: I didn't want to tell you this part of the story because I knew you would be jealous.

N: Why would I be jealous?

H: Because I said my final wish was to give somebody a blow job before I die.

N: How did you convince him?

H: I just got down on my knees and pulled down his pants. So I took his gun and killed him.

N: Um, okay.

H: It was so sad, you know? I liked having a team, but you can't trust anyone, huh? You told
me that.

Niall smiled when he ate his scrambled eggs, he had something to add.
 N: Erest is still alive.

H: No! Diego went over him twice.

N: I think you should go and visit him before he starts telling his side of the story.

Harry snorted and took a big bite out of his croissant.

H: Where is Erest?

N: Russia.

H: Please don't do this to me.

N: You have no choice. No one else can do it. It's too suspicious.

Harry stopped eating and crossed his arms. He had lost all of his appetite.

N: Don't worry. You can come straight back.

H: What about Joe?

N: You won't see him.

Niall uttered his final words while standing up and taking a sip of his juice.

N: Thanks for the breakfast.

He was about to walk to the door when Harry asked him a question.

H: What number are you... In The Twelve?

| TO BE CONTINUED |

Chapter End Notes

• See you next week 💕

 BE KIND

MOSCOW

Harry was in Niall's car fiddling with the glove compartment handle, which was making an
annoying noise.

N: They're coming.

Styles snorted unenthusiastically about what was about to happen. He didn't want to be in
Moscow, he didn't want to go back to that prison.

N: Okay. Your name is Kendrick Popova. You're in because you stole some hats.

H: Wow! I am dangerous.

N: They were controversial hats. When you're inside, you have to find a way to see the
doctor. Okay? That's important. Say it back to me.

H: Why did you never try to have sex with me?

N: Stop doing that!

Harry was still fiddling with the door handle, until the glove compartment opened, showing a
gun tucked inside.

H: Is that for me?

N: No, listen...This is a very important job for you. It is... to protect you. I know you're
nervous.

H: I'm not nervous.

N: I know you're nervous. But you don't have to be. You go in, you find the doctor, kill Erest
and come out.

H: And what if someone recognizes me?

N: They won't. It's been years since you were here.

H: Will you collect me afterwards?

N: I swear in my heart. Just a few days... and I pick you up.

H: I don't need a few days. I will see you tomorrow.

N: Right, let's go.

As the car approached, they got out and the guard outside the prison opened the door. Niall
gave Harry a hug before departing and watched as the boy entered the car that would take
him straight to the prison later on.

Styles was wearing a Louis Vitton jacket that had been confiscated by the prison officers
when he arrived. His clothing was replaced with a dark green uniform and poor quality shoes.
While changing, he was assisted by two Russian officers.

H: Enjoying this?

He said when he was raising his pants, teasing the officer who was watching his ass. The
officer on the other side of the room started laughing and Harry did the same before one of
them could punch him in the face. Even though his nose was bleeding, he didn't hesitate to
punch the officer as well.

H: Oh, dear.

After that, the two officers took their truncheons and began beating the boy, hitting his ribs
quite hard. Styles was feeling a lot of pain, but he knew that the more hurt he was, the more
likely he was to see a doctor.

H: I want to see the doctor!

He shouted while the two guys were still beating him. This caused them to stop and pull him
by his hair, leading him to the line that would take him to his cell.

H: I need to see the doctor. I think you broke my rib.

"Good."

H: Wow, you are such a flirt.

The prison officer pushed him against the wall and stood next to him until the line of
prisoners slowly walked through the gates towards the cells. There were all kinds of prisoners
around him. Drug dealers, murderers, rapists, terrorists. All of them were serving their
sentences and were allowed to work in the cleaning or kitchen.

When Harry passed the dining hall, he saw Erest behind a pot. He was on crutches with a
plaster on his right arm. That was bad for a right-handed person, but he could still stir the
soup.

H: How do I work in there?

He asked the officer, but got no answer. That guy was as cold as ice.

H: I'll cook you dinner. I can do crazy things with a carrot.

Harry teased him again, now rolling his ass in front of him.
"Can you scrub potatoes?"

H: Yes.

The officer grabbed him by the hair again and pushed his face against the wall, then
whispered something in his ear.

"You can scrub a toilet, then."

—————

LONDON

S: His name is Erest Kadomtseva. Russian intelligence picked him up near Bletcham and
took him out of the country.

Sophia, Zayn, and Liam were gathered in the office again, this time catching up on new
updates on the case.

Z: So Erest was the other assassin with Harry?

S: Apparently. He's been taken to a prison outside Moscow. The same one Harry was in three
years ago.

Z: What? Can we... Is there any chance we can speak to him? He might know how to get to
Harry.

Zayn looked at Liam, waiting for a yes in response.

L: Well... If this boy is a lead to anything, it's The Twelve.

Z: Can we go?

L: There are some delicate strings I could pull. Perhaps they're worth a tug.

Z: All of us?

Zayn was looking at Sophia, hoping that she would agree to join them on this trip.

S: I think I'll let you guys go on. Better stay here in case you need anything from the base.
I'm better here.

Zayn nodded and looked at Liam again.

Z: Just you and me, then.

L: To Moscow.

[...]
When he got home, Zayn went up to his room to pack. Since his parents won't be back until
the next day, he'd have to use Grace's pink suitcase again.

Z: Oh, hi! I'm glad you're here. Can I borrow your suitcase again? I have to go on a business
trip again.

He asked as he took some clothes out of the closet and put them on the bed. Grace was
observing from the bedroom doorway.

G: Of course.

Zayn smiled and stopped organizing his things when he noticed that Grace was acting
differently. She looked upset.

Z: Are you okay?

G: No, of course I'm not okay. First, you disappear and forget that you have family and
friends. Then, you invite me to dinner but then leave without giving me a good explanation.
Now I find out that guy from last night is a fucking psychopath!

Grace was holding Harry's arrest record in her hands when she threw it at Zayn, who had no
reaction.

Z: I'm sorry, Grace.

G: Listen... I don't want to be an annoying friend. I don't want to stand between you and what
you want to do with your life, but what you've been doing is dangerous. I read his file.

Z: I know, but this is actually my job.

G: That puts you in danger.

Z: No, we're making progress.

G: Oh, good. How many more people have to die before you complete this level?

She took her cell phone out of her pocket to show a news report about Frank's death last
night.

Z: Why are you so angry?

G: I'm not angry, I'm scared! I don't want to wake up and see you as a victim of this guy. You
know he's dangerous, why do you keep doing this?

Zayn took a deep breath and opened the suitcase to take out his expensive clothes and put his
cheap ones inside.

Z: Damn it, I don't want to shout at you.

G: No, I think you should.

Z: What?

He stopped what he was doing to look at her. Grace was not the same person he knew. She
seemed like a completely different person.

G: Shout at me. Come on.

Z: Why? To make you feel better?

G: No, to make you feel better.

Z: It doesn't make me feel better! He will keep hurting people until I catch him, okay? I have
to find him. He wants me to find him.

Grace laughed, but it was a disappointed laugh. Zayn watched her shake her head and walk
towards the door, but before she could leave, she glanced at him once more.

G: You're not saving the world, Zayn. You're just destroying your life... Have a good trip.

[...]

MOSCOW

L: God, my bones come alive in this country.

In the evening, Liam and Zayn were smoking in front of a bar in the city. Despite the cold
outside, they stayed there and waited for Vladimir, a Russian agent who would assist them in
reaching Erest.

Z: What could The Twelve want?

L: Well, certainly rolling up to something. I can feel it in my buttocks.

Z: Me too.

Zayn took his cell phone out of his pocket to read Erest's criminal record that Sophia had sent
him earlier.

Z: So, Erest was at the same prison as Harry at the same time. He got an early release for
good behavior.

L: What did he go in for?

Z: Drugs and GBH.

L: Looks like he just got mixed up with the wrong people.

Zayn put his cell phone back and took one last drag on his cigarette before putting it out.

Z: How long have you known Vladimir?

L: I've known him since my first years as an agent. We've been counterparts for about 10
years.

Z: Why would he give us access to Erest?

L: I'll give him something in return.

Liam smoked his cigarette and walked with Zayn into the bar. It was much cozier in there.

L: Would you like some cocktails?

Z: Yeah, that would be a good idea.

Liam approached the counter and started talking to the barman in Russian, asking for two
drinks which were quickly served in cylindrical glasses with lemon, rosemary, and ice. Zayn
took a big sip, but he wasn't prepared for the strength of the drink's taste.

Z: Oh, my God. What is this?

L: Isn't it vicious?! That's real Russian vodka.

Z: Oh, God, I want 10 of them.

L: Personal life?

As he took another sip, Zayn nodded, feeling the liquid burn his throat. The argument with
Grace had not left his mind, and it was the only thing he had been thinking about since
leaving London. He didn't want to lose her.

L: I'm not very good at this sort of thing but... there are some people who are just simply
going to do the thing they want to do because they know that in the long run it's better for
everyone that it happens that way. But that's hard for the individuals and their lives to
swallow. It's hard for their families to understand. But don't forget that you're trying to make
the world safer for everyone.

Z: Thanks for the advice.

Liam smiled and continued drinking while trying to read his friend's mind.

L: It's a girl, isn't it?

Z: Yes, it is.

L: What's her name?

Z: Grace.

L: Don't worry about her. You're doing fine... Oh, there he is! Vladimir Betkin.

Liam quickly moved away from the counter when he saw the agent walk up to him for a hug.
They seemed to be good friends.
L: Vlad this is Zayn. Zayn, this is Agent Vladimir from FSB.

Z: Nice to meet you.

The two agents greeted each other before making their way to a table in the center of the bar.

V: Okay, so... am I in trouble or do you want something I can never give you?

L: Both.

V: Oh good.

They laughed.

V: I have an agent from the office joining. You can trust this guy.

L: Who is he?

V: I think you may have heard of him.

Vladimir looked at the door of the bar and smiled when he saw his colleague approaching to
sit at the table. When Zayn saw him, he saw a young man with brown hair and blue eyes.

V: This is agent Niall Horan. My good associate.

N: Good evening.

As the two Brits sitting at the table stared at Niall, he smiled. Zayn felt that Niall was not as
Russian as Vladimir, but maybe he wasn't. It would be interesting to know more about that
guy.

L: Oh, yes. I've heard a lot about you. It's great to finally meet you.

Payne said as he greeted him. They both looked at one another strangely, as if they were
acting in some way. Niall and Zayn glanced at each other, but did not greet each other. Liam
introduced him and then asked for a few more drinks. Malik ended up drinking another glass
of that vodka while he listened to the guys chatting about trivial things for about ten minutes.
He just wanted to leave, but he waited till Agent Payne could talk about the topic that brought
them there.

L: Why did you take Erest Kadomtseva?

V: Who?

Liam looked at Zayn, who quickly took his cell phone out of his pocket to show Vladimir an
Erest photo, but he didn't seem to recognize him. He and Niall remained silent.

L: Alright.

Liam took a deep breath and took out his cell phone to show another photo, this time of an
older woman, the same one who said she was Frank's mother and who had offered Harry
fruitcake.

L: A few days ago we were looking for information on Frank Helaton from MI5. After
discovering some suspicious transactions, we decided to pursue him. Frank's residence in
Bletcham was already on our system and was owned by a woman named Veronica Hill. We
know that this woman has been working as a secret agent for Russian intelligence in the UK.

V: She is more of a friend.

L: Well, now she's rather friendly with us. She told us that she was helping Frank Haleton
with safe passage. Why did you want to talk to him?

V: He was relevant for a special investigation we had here. We were sad we didn't get to
speak to him.

L: Well, we did get to speak to him. He gave us some information about an organization we
believe is behind a number of assassinations. Including your Victor Kedrin. Is your
investigation looking into that too?

V: I thought so.

L: Right. Well, I believe rather extraordinarily that we're on the same side here. Isn't that
nice?

V: Do you have a name for this organization?

L: Yes.

V: What is it?

L: Just set up a meeting with Erest tomorrow morning and we will give you the name and
everything else we got from Frank. Just give us Erest.

V: It's not appropriate. When Niall o interviews him, you can see for yourselves via video
link.

L: Uh, no, I want to interview the boy with Zayn.

Vladimir observed Agent Malik, who was silently listening to the conversation.

V: What is so special about Zayn?

Z: Another operative broke into my house and attacked me.

N: What? Really? What did he want?

Niall seemed really interested to know.

Z: Dinner.

He answered, trying to sympathize with the guy beside him, but it seemed hard to like him.
Z: I believe Erest knew this other operative called Harry. And I know Harry. Their
conversations are something we can share with you too if you're interested.

The British agents were trying to get Vladimir to accept the deal. They watched him until he
finished his drink.

V: One interview. But go with him.

He pointed at Niall.

L: Oh, thank you, Vlad. And you can trust we'll share everything we find.

V: Oh, no, trust isn't necessary, Liam. We'll record you.

He stood up next to Niall so they could get ready to leave.

V: I'll pick you up tomorrow, then.

L: Thanks again.

The two Russian agents left the bar, leaving Liam and Zayn alone at the table.

L: These drinks are vicious, right?

Z: That was weird.

L: They hate that we know more than they do. They just hate it.

Z: I don't like him.

L: Vlad's alright. Just wishes he was higher up the...

Z: No. Niall. I don't like him.

L: Oh… Alright. Well, they're no more slippery than we are. I suppose.

Liam stood up and took some money from his wallet to put on the table.

L: It's time to go to bed. We have a lot to do tomorrow.

[...]

N: Okay. I'll be listening from the other room.

L: Great. Thanks, Niall.

Liam and Zayn were in the prison interrogation room when Niall went to the audio room next
door. Just then, Erest showed up and walked over with his crutches to sit facing the two
investigators.
L: zdravstvuyte, Erest, vy govorite po-angliyski?
(Hello, Erest. Do you speak English?)

E: Yes.

L: We don't have much time, so I'll get straight to the point. My name is Liam Payne. This is
my colleague Zayn Malik. We're from the British Intelligence Service and we want to ask
you a few questions about your recent trip to Bletcham. We want to know everything you can
tell us about who you're working for. It might take a few seconds to think about what your
terms are. We don't have much time. And we won't accept anything silly.

E: Terms?

L: What can we give you? We can secure your release from this prison. We can arrange for
you to be transported back to the UK, where you will be protected. If you give us
information.

Zayn stared at Liam without understanding. How could he get that for that boy?

E: I don't trust you.

L: Fair enough. We don't trust you either. So how about we make a deal? You give us
something now, so we can check it out. If the information is useful, in a few days we'll get
you out of prison and take you to the embassy. We'll continue the interview there.

Erest breathed deeply and nodded as if he believed that was a good deal.

L: Who do you work for?

Z: Tell us about Harry.

Liam looked at Zayn. What the hell was he doing?

Z: Were you friends when you were here together? Did you help him escape?

E: It was meant to be me.

Z: What was?

E: There is a guy. He was going to free me from prison four years ago. He was meant to take
me. But Harry wanted to meet him to be sure I was safe. I don't know what Harry did to him
but he took Harry against me. So if you want to know about Harry, you need to find that guy.

Z: What's his name?

Niall entered the room and walked over to the table before Erest could say his name.

N: The sound is not working in there. Please carry on.

That guy's figure caught Erest's attention. He looked scared and Zayn noticed.
L: It's okay. He's with us.

Erest lowered his gaze, causing him to be unable to make eye contact with any of them.

Z: We need to find who? Who do we need to find? Tell us.

Erest looked at Niall and then at Zayn. He was making an effort to communicate without
using words

L: Erest? Zayn asks you a question. Answer it.

E: Joe

Z: Joe who?

The boy looked at Niall as if he was seeking approval.

Z: Erest, Joe who?

N: Tell them.

[...]

Zayn returned to the car with a new name to investigate and asked Sophia for research on Joe
Stravinsky. He was still a little dissatisfied with what had happened in the interrogation room,
but he needed to work with what he had and Joe might be a good lead. They needed more
than that.

Z: That was immoral.

L: What?

That was the first thing Zayn said to Liam when he saw him get into the car.

Z: Offering him something we can't give him.

L: You don't know what I can offer.

Z: I do.

L: You certainly don't.

When Niall and Vladimir got into the car too, Liam and Zayn stopped speaking to start the
last-minute meeting.

L: He's not giving up without immunity and safe passage back to the UK.

V: Are you kidding me?

L: He has names. I know it.

V: What's the name of this organization?

L: The Twelve. This is good for you, Vlad. We'd have a lot more if you'd let us get him out
right away. Trust me, Vlad.

V: I got lost with "Trust me". I'm sorry. I can't sanction it and you know it.

L: Don't you have the authority to do that?

V: Don't test the limits of my authority, Liam, and I won't test yours. I hope you've enjoyed
our help so far. From now on, we'll analyze everything and report back to you.

Zayn decided to take action by watching Vladimir get out of the car.

Z: We need Erest.

V: I can't give him to you.

Z: This organization murdered my colleague. Harry broke into my house. He didn't kill me.
He connected with me. I believe he wants a way out of this thing. Same as Erest. These are
young men manipulated into this job. Erest means nothing to anyone in there. Out here he
could be the key to The Twelve. Give him to us and we will release your secret agent who
helped Frank and, I swear, if we get a lead, it is yours to chase. Yours to own. You can be the
heroes.

V: I don't give a shit.

Zayn sighed, but kept trying. Meanwhile, Niall and Liam watched him.

Z: I just want the boys.

V: Why?

Z: Because one of them is a little prick and won't let me sleep at night.

V: I don't care how you sleep. You're wasting my time and yours. The boys are staying in
Russia. Bye.

Vladimir left after that.

Z: Asshole.

L: It's okay, Zayn. Get some air.

Zayn exited the car and walked a short distance away from it. He looked at that prison and
took a deep breath before looking at the car again and seeing Niall and Liam laughing inside
the vehicle. What kind of conversation were they having? What made it seem like they had
known each other for a long time?
Zayn took his cell phone out of his pocket and called Sophia, who promptly answered the
call.

Z: Hi. Soph, it's me. Have you found anything on Joe?

S: Hi. Yes. He's the husband of the woman Harry murdered.

Z: The one with the head in the closet?

S: Yes. Five years ago.

Z: Okay. I also need you to investigate any private correspondence between Niall Horan, a
member of the Russian secret services here. Anything about him.

S: And who?

Liam exited the car and Zayn watched as he walked over to him.

Z: Your brother.

———–—

H: I really need to see the doctor!

Harry tried to talk to that officer again, but he just ignored him while giving him a toilet
plunger.

"You have a job to do. Don't make me take you there by the hair."

Harry grunted and took the plunger to walk to one of the toilets in the bathroom, which was
currently being cleaned by the other inmates. When he reached the last door, he saw a tall
boy trying to unclog a toilet where dirty water was overflowing.

H: Do you speak English?

F: Yes.

H: What's your name?

F: Frederick.

H: I'm Kendrick. We have similar names. We could be a duo, it sounds funny.

Harry smiled and approached the toilet to attempt to unclog it.

H: It's easier when you block the discharge like that. Then you just have to pull.

Harry made a single attempt and the toilet worked again after all the water was drained.

H: Like that.
F: You've done this before?

H: Oh, yes.

F: You look too handsome to do something like that. Why are you here?

H: I stole some hats. You?

F: I'm spontaneously violent.

That's great. This is all he asked for.

H: Have you been to the doctor here?

F: I have cancer and she has only seen me once. You have to be actually dying to go.

H: Hmm...

To reach his destination, Harry would have to be almost dead, so he would require
Frederick's help.

H: Would you hit me if I asked?

F: They hit me too and I don't want that.

H: Even if I did something for you?

Harry approached Frederick and put his hand inside their pants. No one was looking.

F: What are you doing?

H: Just a favor. You'll make it up to me later.

He got down on his knees so he could pull Frederick's pants down, he was ready to do
something disgusting in that disgusting bathroom, but he had to stop when the guard
approached. Harry thanked God for that.

"Vremya ukhodit"
(It's time to leave.)

Harry and Frederick left the bathroom and were escorted by the prison officers to the
courtyard where all the inmates gathered to talk or play a sport. While they were walking
together, Harry saw Erest a few meters away.

H: Now. Hit me.

F: No.

H: Please, you are my friend now.

F: I will get shit for it.

H: No, I started it. I provoked you. Say I told everyone you were a big tasty boy but your
dick smells bad.

That was enough for Frederick to punch Harry hard. Harry was hit multiple times, perhaps
the hardest punches he'd ever received. His nose and mouth bled a lot. Luckily he didn't lose
a tooth.

The guards quickly halted the fight and it took them three to hold Frederick down, while
Harry was rescued from the floor and taken to the infirmary. When he got there, he was put in
Dr. Yelena's room, who promptly offered to clean his wounds. Harry's face became swollen
instantly, as if he had just had a wisdom tooth removed.

DR: Well... You were certainly committed

to get yourself in here. Niall said
you prefer English these days. You look fresh... for a dead man.

Harry laughed and then grunted in pain as the needle stitched his eyebrow. They didn't get
anesthesia in prison.

DR: Do you remember the room they call The Hole?

H: Vividly.

DR: Good. When the job is complete, get yourself put into The Hole for 9pm tonight. If my
memory serves me well, it won't be hard for you. Niall will meet you. The target is in Wing
B. Cell 21.

The woman stepped back to pick up an old knife and place it in the hands of her patient.

H: I suppose I'm keeping this up my ass, right?

DR: I'm not going to help you with that. You're free to go.

H: Do you have any pain medication?

DR: I'll give it to you later. Do your first job. I'll meet you in the hole.

Harry nodded and then put the knife in his underwear before leaving the room and walking
with an officer to the lunch line. He knew Erest would be preparing food, so he walked over
and saw Frederick approaching. The guards were close enough to prevent another fight from
breaking out, but it only took time for them to move away before Frederick began to disturb
Harry again, pinching his arm a few times.

H: No! Not now.

Frederick didn't listen and pinched him even harder. At that moment, Harry pulled the knife
out of his pants, but dropped it when he was pushed to the ground. As the man looked at the
knife, Harry swiftly tried to reached for it, but Frederick was quicker and managed to catch it.
Harry tried to roll on the ground when the big man approached him with a knife in his hands.
The guards approached, but Frederick attacked one of them. A maniac with a knife in his
hand caused everyone to be scared, and it quickly escalated into chaos. Erest yelled when he
saw Harry get up and enter the kitchen.

E: No!

H: Uh, yes.

Harry attempted to chase Erest around the kitchen while Frederick attacked anyone who
stood in his way.

H: Give it to me!

Styles shouted as he requested the knife.

F: No!

H: He wants to kill me! He has a knife.

Harry said when that guard entered the kitchen. But he didn't do anything, it was like he
wanted to see Harry get murdered. But he wouldn't die there. Styles kicked Frederick's leg
and managed to get the knife away from him only to attack the guard who didn't even have
time to run. Harry stabbed him in the belly and took the keys tied to his belt to get to Erest's
cell, which was no longer there.

He must have run before some other guard caught him. He took the fastest route to cell 21
and when he entered, Erest was not there. He hadn't arrived yet, so Harry had to hide under
the bed to wait for him.

Erest entered his cell two minutes later, escorted by a guard. He was crying, and with his left
hand he tried to write something on a piece of paper.

H: Need a hand?

Erest screamed when he saw Harry crawl out of his bed.

E: No, please! I can get us out of here.

He said as he took steps backwards until he was cornered against the door.

H: I'm good. Thanks.

E: No, you don't understand. The British, they are helping me.

H: Why?

E: I'm going to give them everything.

H: Do you have something to give them?

E: Niall. He's working with the British. He's helping them get me out.

H: What?

E: And that British guy wants to help you too. He was asking about you.

H: Who? Was it a British Pasquitanise man with amazing cheekbones? What did you tell
him?

Erest's non-answer caused Harry to take a moment to think. As he turned back, Erest took the
chance to slip that piece of paper under the door. Styles didn't see him doing it, but he came
closer after a moment of reflection.

H: I could have shot you. In England. I could have shot you but I didn't.

Harry ran the knife across his ex's face and saw him crying.

H: What did you tell him?

E: I told him to speak to Joe.

H: Okay...

Erest was crying a lot, but Harry gave him a hug.

E: Are you going to kill me?

H: Yes...

E: Please, I can get us both out.

H: I'm already out. I'm just here for you.

E: Be kind.

Harry looked Erest in the eye before dipping the knife into his neck and watching it bleed.
The boy tried to scream, but couldn't. He collapsed and struggled until his last heartbeat.

Styles sat on the bed until the cells were checked. Soon, they would miss him and see the
blood that had spread to the corridor. He had to patiently wait until he was taken to the hole.

[...]

The floor that was soiled with feces and urine was definitely the worst part. Harry was
incapable of breathing without the desire to vomit. The hole was a dark cell, with no
windows, beds or toilets. It was the worst place to be.

Harry approached after hearing noises at the door and a woman opening the small hatch to
give him a cup of pills.

DR: Your pain medication.

H: Hey. Let me out! I did it!

The woman just looked at him, but did nothing.

H: Hello? Let me out. Where is he?

DR: Who?

H: Niall. He's coming.

DR: Niall who?

H: What?

DR: Take the pills.

The hatch was closed again and Harry couldn't believe what was happening.

H: Hey! Let me out!

He shouted, but received no response. Harry had been betrayed, but he didn't want to believe
it. Niall would never do that. Or would he?

H: No! Let me out!

He shouted again as he pounded on the door, but no one heard him. He was alone, now
totally alone.
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