Flip-flopping colors of red and blue skipped down atop the cars that darted down the cool black-topped streets. They had been on the case for months, several months, and finally they had him on the run. The man - the culprit they were after, that is - was strolling down a sidewalk that neighbored an empty park on a quiet Halloween night. He was calm and placid, and it could have been seen even though half of his face was obscure from view. His hands were pocketed in his trench coat, sheltered from the brisk air that over-eagerly nipped at his bare skin. The dark-haired man knew something was going to happen on this walk tonight and had a feeling it would not be favorable for him.

          The cars pulled up but it did not appear to alarm him in the least, did not make him falter in his walking. Scrambling, the officers rushed out of the car. "Freeze, put your hands behind your head!"

          Not favorable indeed. He did as he was told and the policemen approached from behind and cuffed him. "Leo Dorado, you're under arrest for the murders of Shelby Case and Michelle Lane." This was the part where the perps panicked right -- where they proclaimed their innocence? Not Leo; he went with them no problem, smiling the whole time. As he was being shuffled into the car he couldn't help but to think about those women. Shelby had been the local news reporter, and she was quite the beaut. Michelle, ah, Miss Michelle - so innocent and pure. Her poor body had failed to survive his procedure, but that's how it always was with his targets; no one ever survived in the end.


                                                          .:Two Weeks Ago:.

          "And what did you major in Mister Sullivan?" the woman asked from across the table they were seated at.

          Leo casually dipped his straw in his ice water. "Science. I want to be a teacher someday."

          "That's lovely. Maybe I'll be able to...you know, stop by your class one of these days and make a little weather forecast for your kids."

          Leo smirked at this. "I'd love that. When I get that job I'll make sure to let you know about it, Miss Case."

          Stretching her painted red lips to a little grin, Shelby pursed her lips over the mouth of her straw and took a swig of her Coke. Leo was still playing with his drink. Using a false identity was always essential. He had no fear of them ever getting away from him, but one could never be too careful. 'Leon Sullivan' - as Shelby knew him by - stood up from his seat and walked over to her side, held his hand out to her. "May I interest you in a walk, Miss Case?"

          "Please," The news lady took a final drink and gingerly pushed the glass away, took his hand gesture, smiled warmly at him. "Call me Shelby."

          The walk stretched on for what felt like hours, but Shelby hadn't grown tired. The man beside her never ceased to hold her interest. There was something about his gaze that just made her heart melt; it was warming, safe, and gooey like melting dark chocolate. He had bought her a red rose, tucked it behind her ear, and complimented how pretty it made her look. "With your hair color, the rose really contrasts it well." He traced his index finger along her jawline, mumbled, "So beautiful..." That was it, right there. In that moment, Shelby Case had fallen in love with Leon Sullivan.

                                              ...Until he took her home that night...

          Leo's house was located a half-mile or so of the road and did not appear to be very old. It was very secluded, but its surroundings were a sight to behold. The house's interior was of a comfy setting; it was fairly furnished and the colors were earth-toned and warm, welcoming. *Everything about him is so warm...* Shelby allowed him to help her out of her jacket. *I wouldn't be surprised if he was a cuddle-bear in bed...*

          "Would you like a beverage? I range from apple juice to alcohol and everything in between."

          Chuckling, the woman replied, "No alcohol for me, thanks."

          "Champagne then? It's practically the adult version of soda pop if you've ever had any."

          "Pfft, of course I have! But even Champagne can leave my head swimming." Then she gasped - and for a split second - Leo felt the brain-tickling of paranoia. "Iiii know what you're trying to do," Shelby folded her arms, watching as the dark-haired man turned around.

          The paranoia had increased. "And what's that?"

          With her smirk, Leo's paranoia vanished, and he smirked back when she said. "You're trying to get me drunk is that it?"

          The man laughed whole-heartedly. "No, of course not! I figured that was what most adults did after a little date - get something adult to drink. Do you want another Coca Cola, little Shelby?"

          Feeling rather taunted by his statement, she requested one glass of champagne. One. With casual talking - one became two - and the news reporter's little mind was swimming. This made the killing much easier. Leo had injected Fentanyl into her neck when her back was turned and knocked her out senseless. He took his time with her body - cutting, carving, and digging. The clothes left first, and then layers upon layers of skin were pulled back. He yanked out her intestines, considered storing them in the garage freezer for future uses. He studied her internal anatomy, even took notes on certain reactions upon touch, temperature, and pressure. The heart was still faintly beating towards the end; the thumps taunted and challenged him. Slowly, he wrapped his fingers around the pulsing organ. "You should feel honored Miss Case. Instead of discussing the topic of the news..." A crooked grin plastered his face and he gave a harsh yank, ripping the crimson mass away from the confines of her parted ribs, the pointed white fingers scraping the sides of the twitching organ, begging for it to come back. "You'll be the topic."

          Michelle Lane was even easier to sway than Shelby was. She was sweet, innocent, and looking for love. Leo felt the need to be the one to fill that void in her life, so he worked his magic, kept close to Miss Lane, even followed her to the library a few times. The lion was tempting himself with his own prey. *Patience. You must bide, wait for the perfect time.* The red-head was so tempting though! Her eyes were blue, just like the sky he wished he could reach; her hair reminded him of fire, of the coppery blood he couldn't wait to taste, of the madness that lurked in the confines of his demented mind! *Patience...*

          Seducing Michelle was easy enough. Killing her left a sweet taste in his mouth. He had left her awake instead of knocking her out, but kept her tied and bound so there was no freedom. Her bleary eyes pleaded when he voice could no longer do so. He knew that look in her eyes; it was look of realization, when one's world was crashing down on them and they were powerless to do anything. Leo graciously allowed her to feel his love, and he was left feeling all fuzzy inside when her body so eagerly spilled out its red contents, eager to return his feelings. He placed a kiss on her forehead as her eyes glazed over. The last words Michelle Lane ever heard was but a coherent whisper. "I love you, too."

                                                          .: Present Day :.

          Leo had gotten his mug-shot, fingerprints printed, and prison uniform fitted. He did not appear to have a care in the world. He knew this was bound to happen at some point, but it was not the end. *I will make you proud someday, Papa; no one will stop me.* He didn't follow his father's footsteps in the Cartel business, but promised him he would make himself known to the world, and the world would love him. As he lay in bed, listening to his prison mate above him snore in his sound sleep, he could help but to smirk. *There are living beings here. These ones deserve my love even more than the outsiders. Even though he was in prison now, he would not stop loving. Even though they were all men, he could still get them when their back was turned; he could still seduce a few of them too, he was sure. There was nothing wrong with different tactics. Leo shut his eyes, hands cradling the back of his head. Next target acquired: Manny McGregor, his prison mate.