Risky Masquerade

6

The dilapidated corpse of Do-bong's venerated astrologer which lay in the courtyard of her household was a synthesis of blood and other body fluids concocting the disfigured limbs and cracked bones.

Jungkook scrunched his nose at the coppery stench of blood. As opposed to the travesty Ms. Oh stood calm, her eyes red and face, puffy, indicating that her share of tears has reached its saturation.

"She was praying at night. She always did before going to bed.", Ms. Oh informed. "I usually gave her privacy at that time, and rested in my room."

"Did you hear any noise? Movement of any kind?", Seokjin interrogated.

"No", Ms. Oh shook her head. "The murder was soundless."

Seokjin and Namjoon exchanged glances. They examined the body for the umpteenth time before it would be sent for autopsy.

"From the looks of things, it seems that the body was pushed off a great height.", a doctor remarked. "Such bruises and uncoordinated limbs are found in suicide or freefall victims."

Seokjin averted his gaze to the roof of the traditional Korean house. It was sloped, which confused him further. It would have been impossible for a woman in her mid-eighties to climb over to the slope and jump, without making a sound.

The doctor and health workers carried the body away, as the home was taped, the words 'crime scene' circumscribing the perimeter.

"Who do you suspect, Ms. Oh?", Jungkook asked quietly, making sure only Namjoon and Seokjin heard his words.

"I don't suspect anyone, Detective Jeon.", she whispered. "I know who the killer is."

The trio went into a silent frenzy. The interrogation was of no use of the aggrieved's relative was aware of the murderer.

"Who is it?", Seokjin asked.

Ms. Oh pulled them back into her house, shutting the door to knock off the townsfolk who were crowd its entrance.

"That, we need to discuss over a cup of tea.", she said.