Codename-Anastasia-Chapter 50 - 4.4 Hide and Seek 5

Chief Lim's eyes turned to the door because there was a knock on the door that he was waiting for. Even though there was no answer, the door opened and a man walked inside.

"Missed him."

Faced with the meaningful report, he placed his hand on the armrest of the chair. It wasn't until recently that Chief Lim learned that Kwon Taek Joo had secretly returned to the country. However, he did not go to headquarters nor return to his home. It seems like Kwon Taek Joo is digging up what happened to him.

Chief Lim immediately issued an arrest warrant and began a close search. Surveillance of Kwon Taek Joo and Yoon Jong Woo's mothers and other close aides was also increased. Then he discovered that Yoon Jong Woo had been frequently contacting a certain phone number recently. Chief Lim succeeded in finding Kwon Taek Joo by tracking the location of that phone number in real time, but still could not arrest him. And since then, the phone power has been continuously turned off. Even at Taebaek, every time Chief Lim missed him right under his nose.

"So, what was he doing in the PC room?"

"There's no trace because he deleted all his computer history. Why don't we use Yoon Jong Woo as bait?"

It wasn't a bad idea, but Chief Lim shook his head. The opponent is an agent skilled in chasing or being chased. Cell phones are turned off more often than they are turned on. He erased the traces so that even experts could not recover them when using public computers. Kwon Taek Joo knew exactly how headquarters would pursue him, so he skillfully escaped. There's a high possibility that he won't appear even if Chief Lim tries to capture Kwon Taek Joo using Yoon Jong Woo.

Okay, go out. Report as soon as you locate him."

"Yes."

The man bowed politely and went out. Chief Lim looked at his watch and then stroked his face. It was late at night. He hadn't been home for many days and was practically living at headquarters. He had no change of clothes left so he probably had to go home. Chief Lim left the office carrying his coat hanging loosely on the chair.

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He took the elevator down to the underground parking lot. There were only a few cars left there belonging to the night staff. Chief Lim crossed the empty space and went to the parking lot in Block C.

He took the key out of his pocket and prepared to unlock it first. Suddenly the driver's door opened wide.

"I'm home, chief."

The person who stepped out of Chief Lim's car was none other than Kwon Taek Joo. He couldn't understand how Kwon Taek Joo got into the headquarters while being chased.

"Long time no see."

After a moment of hesitation, Chief Lim calmly greeted. Kwon Taek Joo nodded dryly. He also did not show an offensive attitude or show hostility. From the beginning, Kwon Taek Joo had no intention of threatening Chief Lim. He just wanted to hear him talk.

Chief Lim pretended like nothing happened.

"How is your mother?"

"Well, the department head should know better than me about that."

Chief Lim smiled at the gnarled answer. Kwon Taek Joo lifted his body leaning against the car body and slowly approached him step by step. Soon, Chief Lim's face was dyed with Kwon Taek Joo's shadow.

He held the phone out in front of him. An image of the ring taken from the jewelry store filled the screen. Old Lim also acted like he didn't know anything this time.

"What is this?"

"The chief knows it better than me."

"I don't understand what you're talking about."

"So let's see if you know this."

Another photo appeared on the screen. That is the CCTV screenshot that Yoon Jong Woo sent. It has been meticulously edited enough to distinguish the people in the photo even at a glance. Chief Lim's expression, which was always calm, suddenly turned sharp.

"When I caught Kim Young Hee on the ferry to Shimonoseki, I realized she was wearing a ring on her left hand. Although I'm not someone who knows much about jewelry, even I thought it was something. It must mean something to Kim Yeong Hee, otherwise she wouldn't have worn it even in such a difficult situation, because a ring like that shouldn't be scratched. That ring had no scratches, it seemed like it had only been purchased recently, and it was not found at the scene. The handkerchief I used to cover Kim Young Hee's mouth was also gone."

"So what?"

"Well then. I found out why it disappeared, from where the ring was purchased, and who paid for it. The results were surprising. I thought that the department head was secretly having an affair when His wife was abroad and didn't know anything. But maybe it's a little more serious than that. Who would decide to kill a subordinate along with his lover just because he doesn't want a divorce? I don't know if there is a temptation that is more difficult to resist. Then, when I saw this CCTV footage, the answer appeared."

Kwon Taek Joo was silent for a moment then looked straight at Chief Lim.

"Why did you do this to me? Deputy manager 1 said that if this job goes well, he will give you a special promotion?"

Chief Lim was unmoved by the angry criticism. He just looked at Kwon Taek Joo's phone with a calm expression. The character filling the screen is Deputy Manager 1.

Recently, it was reported that the current head of the National Intelligence Agency is about to resign. Rumors spread that he would appoint one of three deputy chiefs. Every department is busy secretly accumulating achievements and washing records. In case the direct superior is promoted, the position of the subordinate departments that person is in charge of will also change. If an agency, an organization or a group of people gathers, it is impossible to escape internal politics.

Meanwhile, Chief Lim, who was subordinate to Deputy Chief 3, suddenly shook hands with Deputy Chief 1. It was clear that he had been guaranteed a huge benefit that could not be obtained through formal methods.

"Now I understand what nonsense you're trying to talk about. Is this why you came back and dug it up? Like you said, even though Deputy Chief 1 has a deep relationship with Kim Young If Hee is dead, nothing will change. Even in a husband and wife relationship, it's normal to be completely unaware that the other person is a spy. But that doesn't mean we should blame all the blame. for one side. Hiding someone you love is not a crime, right?"

On that part, Chief Lim is absolutely right. All Kwon Taek Joo discovered was that deputy chief 1 had a personal relationship with Kim Young Hee. To prosecute Deputy Chief 1, he must find evidence that he was closely related to Kim Young Hee's death. Or, it needs to be proven that he received orders directly from North Korea and contributed to stealing classified information. It's not an easy task.

Chief Lim smiled triumphantly.

"Wouldn't it be much easier to reveal your guilt? There's no way to prove you went to Russia on a mission. Furthermore, the fact that you met Psych Bogdanov, a member of the agency Russian intelligence, and always with him is the truth, and to this world only what is clearly seen is considered truth, isn't that right?"

"I didn't come here to compare who is better off."

"So you came here to say your final goodbye? I also want to see you at least once before you get caught. I want to advise you to give up before the situation gets worse. To put it simply Then you're just an agent who stole national secrets on this land and died. What's so big about having to investigate so endlessly? It's not too late now. Don't drag it out. half more. Why don't you turn yourself in so your guilt and sentence can be reconsidered?"

Kwon Taek Joo's chin shook, his eyes became more fierce.

"If you had any desire for status or power, I wouldn't be like this. You said it was too stressful and uninteresting. So maybe you should leave the field? You really went to NIS to protect the country? How naive."

"Ah, I'm almost really angry."

Kwon Taek Joo is full of spirit. Chief Lim was a superior he was quite dependent on, if not respected enough. Because he has worked closely with him since Kwon Taek Joo joined NIS. Chief Lim is also the only person Kwon Taek Joo has ever opened up about his family and thoughts. But for him, all that is just a flashy appearance. He knew how to throw everything away to protect his rights.

A 'click' sound rang out when Kwon Taek Joo's Colt touched Chief Lim's forehead. His face turned cold. Lives were in danger, but Chief Lim still didn't blink.

"So you still remember this sentence? I can't accept my 100% mission completion record from collapsing."

"Does that mean you'll investigate this alone?"

"It means I won't be able to die alone."

Kwon Taek Joo pulled the trigger without hesitation. Chief Lim, who was already relaxing, tightened his whole body at that moment. But some time passed and the surroundings remained quiet, because the gun had no bullets.

Kwon Taek Joo slowly pulled back the gun. Chief Lim, who was closing his eyes tightly, smiled tiredly. Kwon Taek Joo looked at him silently for a moment then turned and left. Such a warning was given.

"If this continues, not only will the crime of leaking classified information be added, but illegal intrusion, falsification of official documents, and even intentional murder will also be added."

What is he saying? Kwon Taek Joo frowned and looked back. At that moment, Chief Lim pulled out his Colt and pulled the trigger. The ricocheting bullet grazed his shoulder and flew away, smashing the ceiling. Immediately afterwards, the alarm system was activated throughout the building. Chief Lim grabbed the staggering shoulder and smiled with satisfaction.

The emergency exit became noisy for a moment. Night duty officers heard gunshots and continuous alarms and were running over. Anyone looking at the current scene will mistakenly think that Kwon Taek Joo is intentionally harming Chief Lim.

Kwon Taek Joo quickly picked up Chief Lim's car keys, climbed into the car and started it. There were about three or four employees running from the emergency exit. One of them assisted Chief Lim, and the rest targeted Kwon Taek Joo.

"Don't move!"

"If you move, I'll shoot!"

Kwon Taek Joo did not hesitate to step on the accelerator despite the warning. When the car body rushed out, the staff blocking the front also quickly moved to the sides. A late shot is fired at Kwon Taek Joo who is running away. However, the hastily fired bullets only grazed the air vent and the side of the car's body. The car stubbornly pushed through the lowered barrier and quickly disappeared from sight.

--

Kwon Taek Joo left the car in the middle of the road and leisurely walked along the deserted market road. Occasionally a patrol car can be heard from across the street. At times like that, he just quietly hides in the darkness for a while, waits for the situation to return to normal, and then continues moving.

His legs felt like they were carrying a bag of sand. His head felt like he had just woken up and couldn't think of any thoughts. Since escaping from Zhenya's island, Kwon Taek Joo has never had a comfortable day of rest. Now he just wants to lie down for a while.

How far has he gone? Suddenly something caught his leg. It's an advertising sign for a boarding house. However, there was no place around that resembled an inn. Kwon Taek Joo tried looking at the alley that looked like a trail. There is an old building that appears to be an inn. Kwon Taek Joo didn't think anymore and walked straight there.

Don't know if they are doing business or not, but the surrounding area is very quiet. The cashier counter is also so dark that it is impossible to distinguish the faces of people inside or outside. The occasional noise from the TV shows that there are still people here. Kwon Taek Joo inserted a 50,000 won bill into the narrow slot. Immediately a key was given.

Kwon Taek Joo took the key and went to the second floor. As he walked through the hallway, voices from other rooms leaked out. He wondered if he could rest comfortably here.

Kwon Taek Joo entered the arranged room and turned on the lights. The old fluorescent lamp flashed once, but it could not light up completely and kept flashing alternately. Regardless, Kwon Taek Joo closed the door and just fell to the floor without even taking off his shoes. He let out a long breath. Kwon Taek Joo completely lost all his strength.

Suddenly, he became a criminal who leaked state secrets and an immoral person who tried to murder his superiors. To prove his innocence, Kwon Taek Joo must uncover the schemes of Chief Lim and Deputy Chief 1.

Meanwhile, today's call still made him worried. Hopefully not. Even though he firmly denied it, Kwon Taek Joo still couldn't get rid of the insecurity that always haunted him. Zhenya always 'justly defends' and he is also someone who always gives back more than what he receives. He can't guarantee that a guy like him will completely give up on Kwon Taek Joo.

And how is your mother doing? Kwon Taek Joo hasn't been able to see her once since she was taken out of the police station. Because of what happened to Chief Lim, the surveillance will be stricter so it will be difficult to see his mother from afar.

Kwon Taek Joo lay back. The light gradually dimmed and then brightened on the ceiling. He gently stroked his face. Too tired. His mind was confused as if his brain was having a cramp.

Racing day and night in a noisy and bustling world, every moment seems filled with pressure, Kwon Taek Joo remembers the stillness he once vaguely had. When consciousness became distant, Kwon Taek Joo imagined himself immersed in a white snow field.

--

The door opened. His body was still in contact with the hard floor. The cool air from the hallway flowed onto Kwon Taek Joo's feet. He tossed and turned in his sleep. But he couldn't quickly get up and close the door. Have you locked the door carefully? Memories of that are also unclear.

Kwon Taek Joo suddenly felt uncomfortable. But that feeling is familiar, not strange. Are you used to this cold? The cold quickly enveloped his body. His eyes were still closed, but it seemed like Kwon Taek Joo could see the hallway through his eyelids. What stretched there was not darkness, but a field of snow.

Heavy snowflakes blew into the room. The surrounding was still so quiet that Kwon Taek Joo couldn't feel a trace. However, he felt he needed to get up immediately. A vague sense of urgency as if everything was going in an unexpected direction. But Kwon Taek Joo doesn't know how to escape this dream. He was only aware that he needed to wake up, but his eyes still couldn't open.

Kwon Taek Joo vaguely felt someone's presence. He was startled, but luckily that person was not big. A boy who looked quite young was standing behind him. That image brings a feeling of both strangeness and familiarity. The child covered his eyes with the back of his hand. It looked like he was crying. Why are you crying? Kwon Taek Joo wondered and suddenly remembered a memory. And soon he realized, it was Kwon Taek Joo who made that child cry. Because the child held his hand so tightly, he thought that if he was held back, Kwon Taek Joo would never be able to escape.

The child suddenly looked up. A face he had never seen before. But with this feeling, Kwon Taek Joo seems to know who that person is. His normally calm heart suddenly beat wildly. At the same time, a bad premonition rose in Kwon Taek Joo's head. The dark fire called insecurity burns like a forest fire.

Run. His instincts spoke up to give orders. Suddenly the boy ran over. Kwon Taek Joo tried to step back but his body lay still and did not move. The child's body was as cold as an ice field embracing him tightly. Kwon Taek Joo was startled and reflexively pushed the child away.

But the child no longer let go as easily as before. No matter how hard he tried to shake it off, it only increased the pressure on his waist.

"Kwon Taek Joo, why.."

A gentle voice rang in his ear. Kwon Taek Joo looked down bewilderedly. The child was gone, and Zhenya suddenly appeared pressing his whole body against him.

No, it's not him. Kwon Taek Joo denied his presence even though he saw that person with his own eyes. He never spoke like that. And he can't call Kwon Taek Joo in such a pitiful way.

The surrounding landscape changed into a white snow field. The gentle scent of McCallan along with the scent of birch trees carried by the wind gently touched his nose. The chaotic atmosphere also calmed down. His vision was obscured by Zhenya. Kwon Taek Joo cannot move even without being bound by anything.

So Kwon Taek Joo fully received Zhenya's eyes looking down. Inappropriate emotions filled those blue eyes. His heart was beating wildly again, uncontrollable. Everything is just an illusion, only the heavy and uncomfortable heartbeat is real. Kwon Taek Joo couldn't even breathe.

Suddenly the man's face came closer. Somehow Kwon Taek Joo couldn't avoid it. He was no longer swept away by the atmosphere like before, but he still lay quietly under him. Two nervous lips touched each other. The cool air quickly spread from his lips and ran along all the blood vessels throughout his body. Kwon Taek Joo's limbs froze.

Why..?

The complaining voice blew like a wind. A strange feeling invaded Kwon Taek Joo's entire body, like something unidentifiable had penetrated deep into his soul.

--

Kwon Taek Joo immediately opened his eyes. Drops of sweat ran down the sides of his face and down his neck. His eyebrows furrowed because of the scary feeling.

Some people say that if you think too much, your dreams will become gloomy. That's right, in the past few days, Kwon Taek Joo has continuously had nightmares. His heart beat so hard it hurt. Like an automatic reflex, just seeing Zhenya makes Kwon Taek Joo excited uncontrollably. It seems like the difference between fear and desire is as thin as a piece of paper.

Kwon Taek Joo gasped. His whole body was drenched in sweat, making him uncomfortable. Even though he really needed to take a shower, he couldn't stand up and just lay quietly in one place.

The next thing Kwon Taek Joo realized was that the discomfort came from a very subtle place. He was startled and looked down, the leg below him was raising its head stiffly. Kwon Taek Joo rubbed his eyes and looked back, its appearance still hadn't changed a bit.

And what for..

Kwon Taek Joo tried to find another reason, but the only thing he saw in his dream was Zhenya. No matter how many times he thought about it, everything just stops at the moment their lips touch each other. Could it be.. Just because of that, you're like this? Kwon Taek Joo stared at his core but it was not subdued in the slightest. It was still very arrogant as if teasing him. Kwon Taek Joo angrily rubbed his messy hair

"Fuck, am I really gay?"

While he was still struggling fiercely with himself, there was a whisper from the next room. He also knocked hard on the wall with a warning to be quiet.

Outside the window it was already bright. It seems that Kwon Taek Joo slept soundly in the situation of running away. Whether in a dream or when waking up, Kwon Taek Joo feels chased. Pitiful. He groaned and then lifted himself up. Kwon Taek Joo quickly left the room. The hallway and cashier counter remained quiet.

Kwon Taek Joo walked quickly on the road where dawn had begun.