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Words: 2.2k
Jun-myeon's Office.
A ping echoed in that spacious office that afternoon, announcing the arrival of another unwanted text. Jun-myeon glared at his phone with distaste.
From Chung-ho: Sorry, I can't make it today. Forgot I have a prior engagement.
This brat.
He clenched his jaw, throwing the phone across the table with a frustrated huff. Song Chung-ho, his fiance, was playing hard to get. Since their engagement party, they had met only once. But before their dinner date even ended, Chung-ho had lied to him about some emergency and practically bolted.
He usually liked it when they put on an innocent act and played a long game. But this time he wasn't interested. Song Chung-ho was a spoiled brat with an empty head. One of the reasons he didn't oppose when his father chose him was because Chung-ho was convenient.
It wasn't like he was locked with no options at all. Jun-myeon knew he would never run out of options. But he didn't like it when someone denied him.
How far can you run, Chung-ho? Your fate is already sealed.
He went back to the financial statement he was analysing. The Park Group had once again overtaken the Choi Group and it was only the quarterly revenue. His father was furious.
As much as he didn't want to admit, the regular wolf protests had proven lethal to every business. They had tried everything to bring the workers back but they stood unanimously. The production had stopped and they couldn't fulfill the supplier requirements.
Though they faltered for the first few weeks, they already found a solution. They wouldn't be a corporate company if they didn't have a contingency plan. A corporate was like a humongous tree with its roots spread wide. Did these puny wolves think their childish tantrums would bring them down?
They had already contracted several companies in China to fulfill the supplier requirements. It might have been a bit of a hassle but it wasn't enough to affect their business. They would thrive unlike these low life mutts.
But the President had screwed up. No one had expected him to declare martial law. Declaring it wasn't a big deal, but the inability to follow through was. The Choi group along with several other prominent families backed him up and true to his nature and belief, the President had been strong-willed and unwilling to bend to their demands.
Now because of his one mistake, the other families were left to do the damage control. The opposition leader couldn't be trusted. The word among the families had that he'd been brainwashed. No matter what happened they couldn't allow the president to be impeached. That would mean they had no power.
He pulled back from the monitor, brows pulled together as he rubbed his temples. The impeachment proceedings were going at full force. He didn't know what would be the result of this. If the president was removed from his power, there would be another election within six months. So this wasn't the end.
Even if they lose this, they still have another chance. It'd be too expensive to manipulate the election results given how regular wolves felt and how they made the majority of the voting community. But he didn't think it'd make much difference. The purebreds would always win.
The office door burst open and his assistant rushed inside, his face hard and serious. "Na-Ra didn't leave the country. Our men saw the taxi entering the airport, but she wasn't inside."
Jun-myeon frowned. "I thought you were following her from her home."
"We did, sir. I had men follow her to ensure she made it out safe. But there has been an issue." Soojin looked uncomfortable. "We had to take several detours because of the martial law declaration and they missed her. When they found the taxi again, she wasn't inside."
Jun-myeon frowned. "Did you try calling her phone?"
Soojin nodded. "Switched off."
Jun-myeon swivelled in his chair, his expression screwed in concentration. "So someone snatched her in between and they want us to believe that she left the country. And you fools have no idea when this even happened."
Soojin hung his head. "The ongoing martial law threw a wrench in our plans."
Jun-myeon sniffed. "Doesn't matter. She didn't leave the country and someone has her in their custody."
"Do you think the authorities have her?" Soojin asked. "But she wasn't detained yet. I checked."
Jun-myeon nibbled at his bottom lip. It couldn't have been Jimin. He has been seeing photos of Jimin and Jungkook online. The sources claimed they were at the protest the entire time.
While he couldn't rule them out entirely, he thought he shouldn't be solely focused on Jimin alone. Jimin always used someone else to do his dirty work.
Who else?
"Get the guys to track their phones. Find out their latest call and text details," he said. "I can't think of anyone else who would cross paths with us."
"Sure, sir." Soojin shifted from one foot to the other. "She doesn't know anything, does she? Is she going to be a headache? Should we take care of her?"
Jun-myeon scoffed. "Soojin, my dear, Soojin." He stood, buttoning his jacket. "She doesn't know shit. Even if she did, she can't do anything about it because all the evidence would point directly to her." He skirted around the desk to put a hand on Soojin's shoulder. "The evidence you planted is enough to lock her up for life."
Soojin nodded curtly. "Alright, sir."
His phone rang in that instant and he answered, asking a few questions to the other person while Jun-myeon went to the floor-to-ceiling window to look at the city outside.
"Sir, we found where the beta is residing," Soojin announced. "The Park family owns an apartment in one of the high rise buildings in the outskirts of Gangnam. She's not alone. We switched the grocery delivery guy. He said it smells like an omega den there. Jungkook was the one who opened the door. He saw omega nests in the living room along with laptops and books. It appears like they're having a study session."
Jun-myeon perked at the information. Jungkook was often heading to an apartment and he heard Hoseok was there recently too. His fingers played an imaginary rhythm in the air as his thoughts reeled.
The timing of everything was so suspicious. He knew how Jimin worked, so he wouldn't be surprised if he was behind her disappearance. But then the prosecution office already had the court order to confiscate her passport.
First, he needed to know what happened to her. Not because he cared. Only so he could be prepared for what was to come.
"Keep a close eye on them," he told Soojin. "Be careful and keep me posted."
"Sure, sir."
***
Shana's Apartment.
"So... as I explained before, we found some overseas accounts that are in Na-Ra's name, but I don't think she's even aware of it." Shana pointed at the neatly organized stack of evidence. "Everything is in there."
"How can you be so sure?" Jimin asked, perusing the copy he had in his hand. The information she managed to get her hands on was stellar. This was enough to lock her up for good.
"One of the accounts was active yesterday. There's an outgoing transaction, but Na-Ra has been in our custody for the past few days. Either she has someone else helping her, or someone is using her as a cover. I'm leaning towards the latter because..." She tapped on some keys, pulling up a document and highlighted a few sections. "All the amount from her account has been sent to four hundred different offshore accounts—paper companies, shell companies, random people who have no connection to anything else. We just need to find proof that links these paper companies to our actual culprit."
"My money is on Jun-myeon," Jimin said. "He's the one with motive and power.
"I've been looking into him as well," Shana replied, fingers click-clacking. "He's clean. On the surface at least. He's good." She nodded appreciatively. "Really really good, but not good enough. His one careless action led me too..." The screen showed several bank statements. "...this. It took me five days to find this, but oh, boy... Did I just strike a gold mine?" A smirk curved her lips. "We finally got him on our radar now. It'll take me a few more days, but I'll have more information soon."
Jimin nodded. "Be careful. No matter what happens, do not put your life or anyone else's life at risk." He took a deep breath. "This is important to me, but your lives are far more important."
Shana grinned. "How touching." She put a hand on her chest. "Don't worry, boss. This is a fortress. No one is getting past my radar."
"You sure?" Jimin cocked his head to the side with concern. "Jungkook told me about the delivery guy from this morning. He said he had a bad feeling about him and the guy lingered longer than necessary. He kept pushing Jungkook to allow him to carry all the things to the kitchen and also peeked inside."
Shana had already pulled up his photo on screen. "Ex-convict who is on probation. Does some odd jobs here and there. The delivery guy from the convenience store quit suddenly and he's the new recruit.
"Guess who was the last person he talked to?" She grinned mischievously.
"Soojin?"
"Bingo." She winked, swirling in her chair. "Someone is dying to know what's happening here. They'd have seen the omega den outside and the books we set up. I let him up so he can go and report to his money-daddy." She continued to tap something on her keyboard.
"We should stop meeting like this then. Or I should move you guys elsewhere," Jimin suggested.
Shana instead clicked her tongue. "No need. I got this covered." She grabbed a lollipop from the bowl next to her and popped it into her mouth. "You'll shut down one and he will send another one. This is better. Here I can control everything."
Jimin took a shaky breath. "Okay. What next?"
"I need Soojin's phone or laptop," she said. "No, we're not stealing." She turned to face him. "I need to get within ten feet of them to hack their system. I've been sending some shit but they didn't take the bait. So I need help."
Jimin frowned. "That's not safe."
She shrugged. "Nothing is. But I already have an idea." She smiled.
"What is it?"
She pulled an employee profile. "A disgruntled beta from the IT department," she said. "I promised to pay off a quarter of his debts if he agreed to help. Anonymous of course. I left the advance on his doorstep this morning along with something precious." Her smile turned into a smirk. "All he has to do is get that thing to their server. Then the entire Choi network will be in the palm of my hand."
"It's risky. Are you sure this will work?"
"It has to. If it doesn't, then we will have to find another way."
"I like that you're optimistic and cool-headed in any given situation. I'm gonna be a bit busy in the coming days. I have to meet with Opposition leader Kang Min-Joon and other members. We can expect this impeachment to go through anytime this week, but then we will have to plan for the next election," Jimin said. "We're going to lay down some demands and make sure they follow through."
Shana nodded, looking impressed. "You guys are amazing. It's nice to see you doing something for good and I'm happy I get to be a part of it."
Jimin smiled. "No, it's all you." He waved a hand at the monitors. "Our plan depends on the outcome of this meeting." His expression grew serious. "The regular wolves in those facilities might not have much time, but I'm going to try. This will become the final wrench in Kwon Hyun-seok's reign."
Shana stood, her features serious. "The evidence you hold right now is a two-sided sword, Jimin. You have to be very careful with who you reveal this information to."
Jimin nodded curtly. "I'll be careful."
"Good. If something goes wrong, you know what to do." She grabbed another file. "You'll need this. Our contingency plan. I've compiled every corrupt member's information here. All two-hundred members. You'll know when and how to use this information against each of them."
Jimin's face lit up. "Wow. Thanks!" He quickly sifted through the documents. "You keep surprising me."
"I had help." She shrugged. "And you do have a lot of resources at my disposal."
"Alright. Jungkook will be here for a few days." He closed the file. "Send one of our guys from the security team to run errands. Don't order anything and don't let anyone up even if you have the situation under control. We don't know who we're playing with," he warned. "Those guys bombed a police station. Don't risk it."
"No risks. I get it."
"Good. I'll see you in a couple of days."
With that, Jimin turned around and left, file secure in his hand.
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Jun-myeon's Office.
A ping echoed in that spacious office that afternoon, announcing the arrival of another unwanted text. Jun-myeon glared at his phone with distaste.
From Chung-ho: Sorry, I can't make it today. Forgot I have a prior engagement.
This brat.
He clenched his jaw, throwing the phone across the table with a frustrated huff. Song Chung-ho, his fiance, was playing hard to get. Since their engagement party, they had met only once. But before their dinner date even ended, Chung-ho had lied to him about some emergency and practically bolted.
He usually liked it when they put on an innocent act and played a long game. But this time he wasn't interested. Song Chung-ho was a spoiled brat with an empty head. One of the reasons he didn't oppose when his father chose him was because Chung-ho was convenient.
It wasn't like he was locked with no options at all. Jun-myeon knew he would never run out of options. But he didn't like it when someone denied him.
How far can you run, Chung-ho? Your fate is already sealed.
He went back to the financial statement he was analysing. The Park Group had once again overtaken the Choi Group and it was only the quarterly revenue. His father was furious.
As much as he didn't want to admit, the regular wolf protests had proven lethal to every business. They had tried everything to bring the workers back but they stood unanimously. The production had stopped and they couldn't fulfill the supplier requirements.
Though they faltered for the first few weeks, they already found a solution. They wouldn't be a corporate company if they didn't have a contingency plan. A corporate was like a humongous tree with its roots spread wide. Did these puny wolves think their childish tantrums would bring them down?
They had already contracted several companies in China to fulfill the supplier requirements. It might have been a bit of a hassle but it wasn't enough to affect their business. They would thrive unlike these low life mutts.
But the President had screwed up. No one had expected him to declare martial law. Declaring it wasn't a big deal, but the inability to follow through was. The Choi group along with several other prominent families backed him up and true to his nature and belief, the President had been strong-willed and unwilling to bend to their demands.
Now because of his one mistake, the other families were left to do the damage control. The opposition leader couldn't be trusted. The word among the families had that he'd been brainwashed. No matter what happened they couldn't allow the president to be impeached. That would mean they had no power.
He pulled back from the monitor, brows pulled together as he rubbed his temples. The impeachment proceedings were going at full force. He didn't know what would be the result of this. If the president was removed from his power, there would be another election within six months. So this wasn't the end.
Even if they lose this, they still have another chance. It'd be too expensive to manipulate the election results given how regular wolves felt and how they made the majority of the voting community. But he didn't think it'd make much difference. The purebreds would always win.
The office door burst open and his assistant rushed inside, his face hard and serious. "Na-Ra didn't leave the country. Our men saw the taxi entering the airport, but she wasn't inside."
Jun-myeon frowned. "I thought you were following her from her home."
"We did, sir. I had men follow her to ensure she made it out safe. But there has been an issue." Soojin looked uncomfortable. "We had to take several detours because of the martial law declaration and they missed her. When they found the taxi again, she wasn't inside."
Jun-myeon frowned. "Did you try calling her phone?"
Soojin nodded. "Switched off."
Jun-myeon swivelled in his chair, his expression screwed in concentration. "So someone snatched her in between and they want us to believe that she left the country. And you fools have no idea when this even happened."
Soojin hung his head. "The ongoing martial law threw a wrench in our plans."
Jun-myeon sniffed. "Doesn't matter. She didn't leave the country and someone has her in their custody."
"Do you think the authorities have her?" Soojin asked. "But she wasn't detained yet. I checked."
Jun-myeon nibbled at his bottom lip. It couldn't have been Jimin. He has been seeing photos of Jimin and Jungkook online. The sources claimed they were at the protest the entire time.
While he couldn't rule them out entirely, he thought he shouldn't be solely focused on Jimin alone. Jimin always used someone else to do his dirty work.
Who else?
"Get the guys to track their phones. Find out their latest call and text details," he said. "I can't think of anyone else who would cross paths with us."
"Sure, sir." Soojin shifted from one foot to the other. "She doesn't know anything, does she? Is she going to be a headache? Should we take care of her?"
Jun-myeon scoffed. "Soojin, my dear, Soojin." He stood, buttoning his jacket. "She doesn't know shit. Even if she did, she can't do anything about it because all the evidence would point directly to her." He skirted around the desk to put a hand on Soojin's shoulder. "The evidence you planted is enough to lock her up for life."
Soojin nodded curtly. "Alright, sir."
His phone rang in that instant and he answered, asking a few questions to the other person while Jun-myeon went to the floor-to-ceiling window to look at the city outside.
"Sir, we found where the beta is residing," Soojin announced. "The Park family owns an apartment in one of the high rise buildings in the outskirts of Gangnam. She's not alone. We switched the grocery delivery guy. He said it smells like an omega den there. Jungkook was the one who opened the door. He saw omega nests in the living room along with laptops and books. It appears like they're having a study session."
Jun-myeon perked at the information. Jungkook was often heading to an apartment and he heard Hoseok was there recently too. His fingers played an imaginary rhythm in the air as his thoughts reeled.
The timing of everything was so suspicious. He knew how Jimin worked, so he wouldn't be surprised if he was behind her disappearance. But then the prosecution office already had the court order to confiscate her passport.
First, he needed to know what happened to her. Not because he cared. Only so he could be prepared for what was to come.
"Keep a close eye on them," he told Soojin. "Be careful and keep me posted."
"Sure, sir."
***
Shana's Apartment.
"So... as I explained before, we found some overseas accounts that are in Na-Ra's name, but I don't think she's even aware of it." Shana pointed at the neatly organized stack of evidence. "Everything is in there."
"How can you be so sure?" Jimin asked, perusing the copy he had in his hand. The information she managed to get her hands on was stellar. This was enough to lock her up for good.
"One of the accounts was active yesterday. There's an outgoing transaction, but Na-Ra has been in our custody for the past few days. Either she has someone else helping her, or someone is using her as a cover. I'm leaning towards the latter because..." She tapped on some keys, pulling up a document and highlighted a few sections. "All the amount from her account has been sent to four hundred different offshore accounts—paper companies, shell companies, random people who have no connection to anything else. We just need to find proof that links these paper companies to our actual culprit."
"My money is on Jun-myeon," Jimin said. "He's the one with motive and power.
"I've been looking into him as well," Shana replied, fingers click-clacking. "He's clean. On the surface at least. He's good." She nodded appreciatively. "Really really good, but not good enough. His one careless action led me too..." The screen showed several bank statements. "...this. It took me five days to find this, but oh, boy... Did I just strike a gold mine?" A smirk curved her lips. "We finally got him on our radar now. It'll take me a few more days, but I'll have more information soon."
Jimin nodded. "Be careful. No matter what happens, do not put your life or anyone else's life at risk." He took a deep breath. "This is important to me, but your lives are far more important."
Shana grinned. "How touching." She put a hand on her chest. "Don't worry, boss. This is a fortress. No one is getting past my radar."
"You sure?" Jimin cocked his head to the side with concern. "Jungkook told me about the delivery guy from this morning. He said he had a bad feeling about him and the guy lingered longer than necessary. He kept pushing Jungkook to allow him to carry all the things to the kitchen and also peeked inside."
Shana had already pulled up his photo on screen. "Ex-convict who is on probation. Does some odd jobs here and there. The delivery guy from the convenience store quit suddenly and he's the new recruit.
"Guess who was the last person he talked to?" She grinned mischievously.
"Soojin?"
"Bingo." She winked, swirling in her chair. "Someone is dying to know what's happening here. They'd have seen the omega den outside and the books we set up. I let him up so he can go and report to his money-daddy." She continued to tap something on her keyboard.
"We should stop meeting like this then. Or I should move you guys elsewhere," Jimin suggested.
Shana instead clicked her tongue. "No need. I got this covered." She grabbed a lollipop from the bowl next to her and popped it into her mouth. "You'll shut down one and he will send another one. This is better. Here I can control everything."
Jimin took a shaky breath. "Okay. What next?"
"I need Soojin's phone or laptop," she said. "No, we're not stealing." She turned to face him. "I need to get within ten feet of them to hack their system. I've been sending some shit but they didn't take the bait. So I need help."
Jimin frowned. "That's not safe."
She shrugged. "Nothing is. But I already have an idea." She smiled.
"What is it?"
She pulled an employee profile. "A disgruntled beta from the IT department," she said. "I promised to pay off a quarter of his debts if he agreed to help. Anonymous of course. I left the advance on his doorstep this morning along with something precious." Her smile turned into a smirk. "All he has to do is get that thing to their server. Then the entire Choi network will be in the palm of my hand."
"It's risky. Are you sure this will work?"
"It has to. If it doesn't, then we will have to find another way."
"I like that you're optimistic and cool-headed in any given situation. I'm gonna be a bit busy in the coming days. I have to meet with Opposition leader Kang Min-Joon and other members. We can expect this impeachment to go through anytime this week, but then we will have to plan for the next election," Jimin said. "We're going to lay down some demands and make sure they follow through."
Shana nodded, looking impressed. "You guys are amazing. It's nice to see you doing something for good and I'm happy I get to be a part of it."
Jimin smiled. "No, it's all you." He waved a hand at the monitors. "Our plan depends on the outcome of this meeting." His expression grew serious. "The regular wolves in those facilities might not have much time, but I'm going to try. This will become the final wrench in Kwon Hyun-seok's reign."
Shana stood, her features serious. "The evidence you hold right now is a two-sided sword, Jimin. You have to be very careful with who you reveal this information to."
Jimin nodded curtly. "I'll be careful."
"Good. If something goes wrong, you know what to do." She grabbed another file. "You'll need this. Our contingency plan. I've compiled every corrupt member's information here. All two-hundred members. You'll know when and how to use this information against each of them."
Jimin's face lit up. "Wow. Thanks!" He quickly sifted through the documents. "You keep surprising me."
"I had help." She shrugged. "And you do have a lot of resources at my disposal."
"Alright. Jungkook will be here for a few days." He closed the file. "Send one of our guys from the security team to run errands. Don't order anything and don't let anyone up even if you have the situation under control. We don't know who we're playing with," he warned. "Those guys bombed a police station. Don't risk it."
"No risks. I get it."
"Good. I'll see you in a couple of days."
With that, Jimin turned around and left, file secure in his hand.
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Early Morning
Secret Government Facility, Somewhere in Seoul
"Please..."
Na-Ra's choked plea broke the silence of that unknown place.
The past few days have been driving her nuts. Hunger gnawed at her guts and she felt that strange type of buzzing in her ears. Her stomach felt like it was on fire with nothing to quench the hunger.
As someone who had never known hunger, it knocked her off her perch. Her vision swam, her head felt light and body felt too weak. The tap water wasn't enough to stop the roar of her stomach. All she could think of was the different types of cuisines she could be enjoying if not for these bastards.
She wasn't used to being ignored. Being starved and discarded like garbage.
She was trapped and lost her voice on the fourth day after screaming endlessly at Namjoon to open the door and feed her. But no one came for her rescue. Her initially racing thoughts eventually stopped racing. Instead, they circulated around one singular thought.
Were they going to starve her?
Was Na-Rae locked up somewhere like this too?
Fear clawed at her from every direction. For the first time in life, Na-Ra didn't have a contingency plan. Out of everything she expected to happen, this was the last place she thought she would end up at.
She should have been in China, sipping on champagne after successfully closing the deal. Instead, she was locked up with no sense of anything. Nothing made sense. She'd understand if it was the legal authorities who had her confined. But this was Namjoon and Seokjin. Someone she grew up with. Someone from her circle.
What do they want with her?
She didn't know. At this rate she wouldn't.
Someone came bursting through the darkness, put something on her head and dragged her out of the room. Her body refused to cooperate and weakness slowed her responses. Her throat was parched, lips cracked, skin felt too dry, her hair was like a bird's nest on top of her hair. If anyone saw her now, no one would recognize her.
Na-Ra didn't know where she was being taken. When her legs gave out, they resorted to carrying her instead. She was deposited in some kind of vehicle. Two men entered on either side of her, holding her tight. Not that she had any strength left to run.
The ride took forever before she was once again carried to god knew where.
"Here's the file, Sir," she heard someone say.
"Everything is ready."
The sudden surge of fear dumbfounded her. Darkness surrounded her and the pouch or whatever that was dumped on her head suffocated her. Her breathing came in short puffs due to surging panic. Her hands flailed only for one of the men to cuff it behind her back.
Are they going to kill me?
What's going on?
Somebody help!
"Everything is ready. This way," another voice reached her.
"P-Please..." she choked again. "Let me go."
Instead of answering her, someone pushed her forward. "Keep walking!" he snapped.
She stumbled on her feet, losing balance and falling forward instead. A scream tore out of her lips but someone caught her and steadied her before she fell.
"W-Wait!"
She was trying to catch her breath when suddenly someone pulled off that thing on her head. Bright light caused her to flinch and squint her eyes. She blinked a few times, looking around her wildly, ready to bolt if needed only to realize she had nowhere to run.
The man in black suit beside her was tall with a broad frame, a brute alpha wolf with hard features and cold eyes. Her surroundings—some type of holding facility with several cells lined across the hallway. The tailored coat didn't qualify as a uniform and she couldn't guess who he was or who he worked for.
"Bring her inside."
The other voice had her whip her head to the left and her eyes widened when she saw Prosecutor Jun verifying some documents in his hands.
"Prosecutor Jun!" She tried to rush toward him but the man in the suit held her back by grabbing her handcuffs in the back. "You don't have to do this." She struggled in his hold. "I-I'll do anything you tell me to do. J-Just let me go. Please... I'll disappear forever. I'll never come back!"
He glanced up, his gaze barely paying attention before he spoke to the man behind her. "She's ready for relocation. I have the orders right here."
The man in black took it and began to push her further down the hall.
"What's going on? Where are you taking me? I need an attorney!"
But no one responded.
She glanced back. "Prosecutor Jun! I have every right to know why I'm being held here. You're violating my rights."
No one responded yet again.
As she was dragged past the holding cells, the door at the far end of the hall opened. Two uniformed guards appeared. Between them was someone she recognized. Her eyes widened and she gaped at him.
Park Soojin. Jun-myeon's assistant.
Arms restraint but head held high.
Na-Ra blinked. What is he doing here?
"S-Soojin?" Their eyes met and for a moment everything around them was still. His face turned toward her slowly, his eyes landing on her. Cold and distant.
Na-Ra swallowed visibly. "W-What's going on? Why are you here? What kind of place is this?"
He didn't respond. Didn't say a single word. Didn't even react.
Instead, he looked straight ahead and kept walking.
"Soojin?"
But Soojin was gone. Disappeared around the corner with two, buff guards following after him.
Oh God!
***
Five Days ago.
Midnight
Somewhere in the streets of Seoul.
Soojin knew the moment it was coming. He had his toes dipped in this side of the pool for so long that he knew how to spot danger when he was in one.
He had been extremely careful—watchful. Still the car that was following him—no, a taxi that was following him—had been something he didn't anticipate.
It was a regular Tuesday after work. He had just pulled into the underground parking garage. He killed the headlights, wine and the night's dinner sitting neatly on his passenger seat ready to call it a night. Jun-myeon had been partying again at his apartment with four chicks. So he'd be engaged all night, which also meant a peaceful night to himself.
He exited the car, dinner and wine in one hand when he felt the sudden shift in the air. He felt it when the taxi entered the parking lot. Instead of panicking, he slowly retreated to the stairs, swiftly ascending without looking back.
Soojin clutched the wine bottle to his chest, face hard as a stone, glancing over his shoulder every minute or so. When he reached his floor and made sure there was no one outside his apartment, he breathed a sigh of relief.
Entering the passcode, he slipped through the door, happy that he made it. Only to freeze when he turned around. Two men in black suits stood in the middle of his living room, arms crossed and gaze hard as stone.
Soojin immediately pivoted on his heel, unlocking his door to jump outside only for his path to be blocked by another two men in suits.
One of them aimed a gun at his head, pressing the cold end to his temples. "You're coming with us."
That was it.
And he was taken before anyone could notice.
Soojin did manage to send a text before his phone was confiscated. He knew help would come sooner or later. So he wasn't bothered. He didn't fight them. Just followed their instructions, knowing he was more useful to them alive than dead. Also if their intention was to kill, then he'd be dead already.
So he held his head up high, shoulders squared as he sat back, allowing them to cover his eyes and tap a plaster over his mouth. They would have hell to pay for taking him away like this. Whoever this was, they touched the wrong crowd.
And soon they will get a taste of it.
***
Present Day
Undisclosed Facility.
Interrogation Room.
Five days.
Soojin hadn't uttered a word.
He gave them a silent treatment. Several black suits went in and out. He said nothing.
He stopped eating after the second meal. Drank the water. Took cat naps. Didn't react when they left the bright lights on for twenty-eight hours straight, played loud metal music to disrupt his sleep and kept him cuffed to the uncomfortable metal chair.
He held on. Didn't cave in like Na-Ra or anyone else before him did.
Prosecutor Jun, a former profiler and several others tried. Soojin didn't crack. He didn't relent.
The silent, blank stare and the almost eerie calmness on his face was infuriating. He acted as if he wasn't in their custody. They deliberately made him cross paths with Na-Ra. Barely a flicker. No cracks in his demeanor.
Stubborn.
Just as Shana predicted.
And that's why Shana held onto the one weapon that would make Soojin crack. Men like Soojin are rare. It was a pity he pledged his loyalty to the wrong man.
When Shana walked into that interrogation room, she saw exhaustion in his eyes. Soojin looked disheveled and tried his best to hide it, but the redness in his eyes and the dark circles under them told her a different story.
He frowned, gaze raking over her with a puzzled expression.
"Your silence is impressive," she said in a neutral tone. "Unfortunately, I don't have time to waste. So let's come straight to the point." She cleared her throat as she took the seat opposite to him. "I know Choi Jun-myeon is connected to all the illegal activities you tried to pin on Na-Ra. She's too stupid to execute something of this magnitude. Tell me what I want to know and I'll see to it that you get out safe."
Soojin raised a brow, an amused smirk lifting the corner of his mouth. At first, he was silent. Shana met his scrutinizing gaze and sat straight as he regarded her. She could sense his curiosity. His spiking scent was a give away.
"You're an outsider," he said. "Who are you? FBI? CIA?"
Shana smiled. "I wish."
"NIS?"
"I'm not answering that."
"No?" He leaned forward slightly, wincing when the cuff in his arms limited his movements. "You're an American. What are you doing here with these guys? Who do you work for?"
"Park Soojin, I ask questions here and you only answer."
He scoffed, sitting back. "I have nothing to say. I need my lawyer."
She produced a paper from the black folder she carried and put it upside down in front of him. "I guess you don't fully grasp the magnitude of your situation here. You're not getting a lawyer. You're getting no one. I'm your only choice."
Disbelief coursed through his features. "Many came in and went. They now sent you—a fucking low life omega. A foreigner. Your Korean is as bad as your negotiation skills."
Something flashed in her eyes. "Who said I'm here to negotiate?" She put a photo upside down in front of him. "I don't negotiate, asshole. I command." She flipped the photo.
Shana watched all the color drain from his face in satisfaction and sat back, crossing her right leg over her left. Light caught her polished boots and made it glisten. Her long, manicured nails glinted ominously as she tapped her fingernails rhythmically on the table.
Soojin went deadly pale in a matter of seconds. His mask cracked visibly.
She produced more photos, slid it across the table one at a time. It captured the private life of the person of interest—grocery shopping, college, gym etc.,
"Park Myojin. Age 21. College student. Australia," Shana continued. "Golden Blood."
"No!" Soojin surged forward so forcefully that his chair rattled but the restraint pulled him back. "No, no, no."
"I heard fewer than fifty people globally have Rh-null blood group. It's exceptionally rare, with only 1 in 6 million people known to have this blood type."
"Keep his name out of your mouth." His chest heaved as he thrashed in his chair. "Who the fuck are you?"
"I see I have your attention now." Shana smirked. She slid another document across the table. "Mikhail Vasilievich Sokolov. Russian Mafia. Age 45. Golden Blood. He desperately requires a heart transplant."
Soojin began to shake visibly. "I'll fucking kill you!"
"You can't shift in here, Soojin. I made sure to sedate your wolf before coming inside." She pointed at the empty water bottle to his side. "Now can we talk?"
Soojin clenched his jaw, his features contorting with fury. "What is your price?"
"Truth," she said. "I ask questions and you answer truthfully and honestly. If I feel like you're lying to me, first Jun-myeon will learn that you faked the death of your beloved brother. Second, Mikhail Vasilievich Sokolov will receive the medical file and location of our dear Park Myojin alias Henry Li. That's his current name, isn't it?"
Soojin clenched and unclenched his fists. "You touch him and you'll die," he growled. "I'll fucking kill you!" He jumped but the chair wouldn't budge. Only then he noticed it was screwed to the floor. He cursed loudly and glared at Shana.
"We found some files in Na-Ra's storage unit. A box that didn't belong to her. A box that conveniently tied up all the crimes to Shin Global and Shin Na-Ra. But it takes more than that to fool me. So tell me. Where did those documents come from? Why did you plant it along with her other files? Why were you trying to frame her?"
"I don't know," he said. "I just helped her clean up her office and pack everything that could legally incriminate her."
"Liar," Shana hissed. She pulled more evidence from her folder. "If you're still hoping that someone will magically appear to save you, you're wrong. I'm the law and order here. My word goes. No one is coming. And no one is stopping me from sending your brother's file to Mikhail Vasilievich Sokolov. Decide what it is. You have five minutes."
Soojin threw his head back to stare at the ceiling. He was silent for a long moment. Shana waited patiently. She can see that his resolve was weakening and cracking with every passing second. She could wait. She had all the time in the world.
"They will kill me," he said after a while.
"You're a dead man from the moment we got our hands on you," she reminded him. "They will kill you whether or not you speak."
Soojin shook his head. "I know nothing. You got the wrong man."
"Stop wasting my time with this shit and get on with the truth," she snapped, lifting her phone. "All I need to do is click this button and Mikhail Vasilievich Sokolov will receive your brother's info."
Soojin stiffened. "Don't."
"I don't have any sort of empathy for you guys after what you did to hundreds and thousands of regular wolves over the years. After what you're doing to them for who knows how long. So fuck with my patience. Keeping you or your brother alive is not my priority. But I'm willing to let you guys live if you help me save those helpless omegas stuck in those research facilities."
"You can't save them," he deadpanned. "You'll be long dead before you get anywhere near."
"I'll see about that." She sat straight. "Tell me who is behind this. How is Jun-myeon connected to all this? Who is the leader of this bloody racket?"
Soojin took a deep breath. "I don't know."
Shana grabbed her phone and began to type.
"Put that thing down," he growled. "I really don't know who is the leader!"
Shana lowered her phone, staring at him. "Tell me what you know."
Soojin licked his lips a few times. "There's not just one," he started. "It's more like a group of people. Leaders of several corporate companies came together to form a research facility—pharmaceutical and drug manufacturers, hospitals. I don't know who else is there. It's everywhere. Global. There's no leader." He swallowed. "They use regular wolves to test their new drugs and find solutions for a lot of diseases."
Shana listened to it with a frown. "I found a list and it mentioned potential donors against some names. What does that mean?"
Soojin sighed. "The corporate leaders don't do these things directly. They don't like getting their hands dirty. Instead, they have people to do the dirty stuff. Medical mafia. When rich people get sick and death is near, they'd pay anything to extend their life. If someone needs an organ transplant it's not easy to get a donor. Some regular wolves come forward to donate voluntarily, but the waiting list is too long. And it's not easy to convince a regular wolf all the time. So the rich who can't wait resort to people like this. They have a list of regular wolves with no families or friends. They specifically target orphaned or stranded wolves."
Shana cursed under her breath. It's something she knew already but hearing it verbally hit her differently.
"Jun-myeon is one of the sponsors in this board or whatever it is called. He invests money, funds their research and other activities. Shin Cosmetics is just a cover. His father would kill him if he knew. So he used Na-Ra to his benefit," he continued. "That's all I know."
Shana scoffed. "And you did nothing about it."
"I might be a purebred but against someone like Jun-myeon I'm nothing."
"You feared your brother would be a target. So you faked his death," she surmised.
"Yes." Soojin swallowed.
"Once a month, they meet in some top secret location in person or virtually. I'm not allowed in these. But one time I overheard Jun-myeon talking about someone needing a Rh-null donor. They were willing to pay triple the usual amount and they were ready to go after anyone for it. I had no choice. It was only a matter of time before they found out. Myojin has to disappear."
Shana nodded. "Blood is thicker than water, isn't it?" She stood. "Unfortunately for your brother, he thinks being a purebred is a one way ticket to everything." She pushed another photograph across the table. "Last week, he harassed a 14-year-old on her way to school. Yesterday, it was a ten-year-old. Luckily both children escaped because they got scared and ran away. But it's only a matter of time before he hurts someone." She began to pack everything into her folder neatly. "And that's exactly why I can't keep my word to you. Park Myojin has to die for real this time."
"W-What?" His eyes widened. "No, no, no."
Shana grinned maliciously. "I'm not this type of person but I guess the horrors you guys are involved in, my heart fails to find the little empathy I had left. Pedophiles like him shouldn't have any place in this world."
"Fuck you!" he growled, once again rattling the chair but she was done there.
"You wish." She grinned.
He was useless now. He confirmed what she already knew and filled some of the blanks. Other than that, he had no use for her anymore.
"Mikhail Vasilievich Sokolov is thankful for your brother's heart." She secured her folder and stood straight to smile at him. "Mikhail might be a mafia leader, but he meddles only with weapons. He kills anyone who dares to supply drugs to kids under eighteen and has a strict control over human trafficking. Even now, he's only searching for a donor among the prisoners locked up for heinous crimes. So Myojin is a perfect fit. Mikhail is worth alive than Myojin. The choice wasn't that hard."
"You're a fucking cunt!"
Shana shrugged. "Actions have consequences. It's time you faced yours."
With that, she turned around and left without looking back.
His screams silenced immediately after she shut the door.
Prosecutor Jun was waiting outside with a somber expression. "You made him speak."
She smiled. "I did."
"Are you sure this is the route you want to take?" he asked again.
They had met only two days ago when Shana volunteered. It took a bit of convincing because Jimin feared her safety and she had to assure him that no one could touch her.
"Do you know anyone who can deliver justice to these heinous crimes? Anyone who would punish them for all the crimes they have committed in broad daylight?" she questioned.
His silence was answer enough.
"Trust me, Prosecutor Jun. We're doing something right. If we take them to court, they will walk away with a hefty fine or a few years in jail. They will get out and go back to the same crime. We cannot allow that."
Prosecutor Jun nodded. "You're right. It's just..."
"These people don't deserve your conscience, Prosecutor. They need to be dealt with iron hands."
"Alright. Everything is ready as you said. Na-Ra is ready for transportation. Once she crosses the borders, I'll send out a memo to everyone saying she escaped the custody," he said.
"Good," she replied and began to walk. Prosecutor Jun followed closely. "Others will believe she had fled the country."
"What are you planning to do?"
She glanced over her shoulder, giving him a mysterious smile. "You'll know when we cross that bridge."
And she kept walking.
***
Same day.
Na-Ra's cell.
Na-Ra perked when the cell door opened and an American woman entered like she owned that place. She wore cornrows like a crown and clad in leather like she was an avenger.
"Who are you?" she wondered. "Are they letting me go? Please...I have done nothing. Tell them I'll settle all the wages once I sell my company."
"Agent Mckinsey. American Intelligence." The stranger smiled, but it didn't reach her eyes. "You're being arrested for using Shin Cosmetics as a cover and enabling human drug trials in various research facilities. We have enough evidence to take you for trial."
Intelligence? What's going on?
"W-What?" Na-Ra paled. "What do you mean by human trials?"
The woman produced various documents in response and nothing made sense to Na-Ra.
"What is this? What do they say?" She flipped furiously, the words blurring in and out of focus. "What the fuck does this mean?"
"It means, Ms. Shin, you can be locked in for life or face capital punishment."
Na-Ra backed away with an audible gasp. "No," she whispered. "I did nothing of that sort." She shook her head. "I don't know what you're talking about. Someone is trying to frame me. I did not do any human trials."
"I wish I could believe you, but these evidence says otherwise."
"No, no, no. This is wrong. Everything is fake." She hyperventilated. "What are you on? Is this a prank? Where are Namjoon and Seokjin? They abducted me on my way to the airport. They brought me here."
"No, Ms. Shin. This is not a prank. You were not abducted but were arrested. You're under custody for several heinous crimes. You're being held secretly because someone blew up the police station and destroyed all the evidence related to this crime a week ago."
Na-Ra blinked.
"Your life is in danger. You must have seen Prosecutor Jun on your way here. The investigation and trial will be held in secret."
Na-Ra swallowed thickly. "I was taken by Namjoon. You're lying. You're all in this together."
"He's helping the prosecution office to keep you safe, Ms. Shin. Now you're in the detention center in Seocho District. Your life is in danger. So we have to do this discreetly."
Na-Ra didn't know what to make of this information. She opened and closed her mouth like a fish. "I-I need an attorney. I can't accept this. I'm being framed for something I didn't do."
"Maybe, but they used your company as a cover for all these crimes."
"Who? Who did it?"
"Your best friend Choi Jun-myeon."
Na-Ra gasped. "That fucking bastard." She clenched her fists. She paced the small space swiftly as her thoughts reeled. "Hold on. If you knew why am I being questioned? Why am I even here? Shouldn't you have him under custody?"
"It's because there's no proof to connect him to these crimes," the woman explained. "He used your name, your company and your bank accounts to do all this."
Oh, god!
She sank on the steel cot with no mattress, flinching at the biting cold. She was doomed. That fucker Choi Jun-myeon had been toying with her and she had let him do it by blindly trusting him. Is that why he helped her secure tickets to China?
"What do I do now?" she wondered out loud, more to herself.
"I'm here with a proposition."
Na-Ra head shot upward, eyes wide as she stared at the stranger. "What is it?"
The woman produced something that caused Na-Ra to gasp again.
"I-Is that my p-passport?" She snatched it, swiftly going through every page. "It's mine. What is the proposition?"
"Well, your former friend Park Jimin wants to help. As you know, he's involved because someone tried to take his mate Jungkook into police custody. The investigation led us here. He's convinced you cannot be behind all this and hence he's willing to let you go."
"Yes, yes, let me go. I really didn't do it. It was Jun-myeon. I only told him about Jungkook being at the hospital. I didn't know he'd do something like this," she reasoned quickly. "I have nothing against Jungkook. I swear I didn't do it."
The new woman chuckled. "Jimin knows exactly what you did and what you didn't. Here's my offer: A ship will leave the Incheon port at midnight for China. You'll leave silently and without anyone noticing. You're never to return." She produced another envelope. "This envelope has your new identity and credentials. Start a new life there and don't look back."
Na-Ra swallowed, taking that envelope with shaky hands and going through the contents. Sure enough, it had everything. New name, new identity. It even had a place to stay and a job offer.
"This sounds too good to be true. What did he do with my sister? Did he send her away too? Where is she? What if this isn't his plan to get rid of me?"
The woman grinned. "You don't have a choice, Ms. Shin." Then she tapped on her phone before showing something to her. "However, I can ease some of your worries. Your sister is alive and well. She is in the US and now she goes by the name Rima."
Na-Ra glanced at the new photos and some ad campaigns. Na-Rae was now blonde. She looked different but alive and well. There were even videos and that voice was unmistakably her.
"Jimin isn't a criminal." The woman pocketed her phone. "He gave a choice and Na-Rae took it. Now she has a fresh start and his only demand is that she stays away. Away from Korea and away from his life. Same goes for you. Stay away from Jungkook and Jimin. Get out of this country and never come back. If you do, then we will release this evidence publicly. No one will be able to save you from that."
"I'll take it!" Na-Ra announced. "I'll accept. J-Just get me out of here. Please... This is hell. I can't be here anymore."
The woman nodded curtly. "I'm glad we have an understanding, Ms. Shin. We will send you food and fresh clothes. Someone will come to take you for a shower. You'll leave after sunset."
"Okay." She nodded furiously. "Please..."
The woman smiled. "Please..." she repeated. "That sounds sweet when it comes from your mouth. I hope you don't revert back to your old self."
"I won't," Na-Ra promised.
The woman didn't appear like she was convinced. "Good for you then."
The woman exited the cell without another word and the door fell shut behind her. Na-Ra blew out a breath of relief.
Wow.
So Na-Rae had been in the US all along. She's doing great. I worried for nothing.
A small grin breached her face for the first time since her abduction.
I'm going to make it out of here. I'm going to China. Finally.
***
Outside, Prosecutor Jun frowned. "Are you really letting her go?"
Shana grinned. "Yes."
Na-Ra was so easy to fool once again. All she had to do was use Jimin's name and she folded. She trusted blindly once again.
"I thought they all had to face consequences for their actions."
She kept walking and he followed. "They will."
"I don't understand."
"You know, Mr. Jun, recently I came across some interesting information. According to wikipedia, seizure of 50 grams or more of heroin or crystal methamphetamine could result in the use of the death penalty by the Government. And someone happens to owe me a favor."
"W-What?"
Shana gave him an ominous smile. "There's no forgiveness to the crimes they have committed. They will pay. Since your government and legal system is incapable of handling this right now, I'll send her to someone who is more than capable."
Prosecutor Jun blinked. "That's... wow."
Na-Ra might not get a capital punishment but she sure would go to jail with no one to help her. Her false identity will ensure
She smirked before patting his shoulder once. "All in good time, Prosecutor Jun. We're just getting started and we have a long way to go."
"I'm afraid they're gonna catch up."
"Not as long as you keep your lips sealed."
"I won't speak."
"If you wish to keep breathing then yes. You know what happened to those twelve suspects. I wouldn't wish that for you or your family." She pressed the button to the elevator and turned to face him. "I'm serious, Mr. Jun. Do not breathe a word. Not even to your wife or a friend."
"I understand."
"Are you really from the CIA?" he asked. "Jimin told me you're from some sort of intelligence agency."
She winked at him. "Something like that." Then she put a finger over her lips.
Prosecutor Jun grinned with an understanding nod. "Safe trip."
"Thank you."
It was only the beginning. While she may not be able to deliver justice to every victim, she would be happy as long as her actions save at least one life. And she was going to fight for them until her last breath.
Jimin had every right to be scared for her life but she would be careful. No one would know she was involved. And Soojin, he was not going to see the sunlight again. She'd make sure of that.