The Gift-the sequel to Crash Landing On You

Hunted

At first they weren't sure what had woken them. Then Seri's mobile rang again from the other side of the room. Jeong-hyeok was nearest and rushed to pick it up.

"It's your father," he said with a note of panic in his voice. They both knew it must mean something was wrong. He answered it pressing speaker. Seri had sat up immediately and the two of them huddled together.

"Sorry to disturb you. I wouldn't have called unless it was urgent." Jeong-pyeong's voice was calm, but the stress in his voice was clear.

"What is it? What's happened?" she said

"We've spotted Kang Sung-ho."

"Where?" Jeong-hyeok's heart was thumping.

"As we went downstairs for breakfast with Yoon-he, she saw him in the foyer."

"Did he see her?"

"We don't think so." Jeong-pyeong was trying to be reassuring, but it was clear he understood the danger of the moment.

"We went back upstairs and moved her things into our suite. She should be safe with us for now."

Jeong-hyeok breathed a little easier. "Thank you," he said.

Seri's face was pale. For the first time in the last few days she seemed scared. The threat was much more real to her now.

"They've found us," she said shakily, and Jeong-hyeok put his arm around her.

"Looks like it." To Jeong-pyeong, he said, "We'll come back now and we can head to Zurich straight away. Is the security team with you?"

"Yes, of course."

Jeong-hyeok focused on what to do next. However disturbed he felt, he could remain calm and decisive.

"Ask them if you can safely exit the hotel, with all our bags, to the car. They can send another car to meet us at the waterside and we will meet up with you at a safe stopping place outside town."

"Ok. We'll do that. Don't worry, we'll look after Yoon-he."

"Thank you," said Jeong-hyeok. "We'll also contact Director Kim to let him know Kang Sung-ho has arrived and is following us."

"Good, see you soon." Jeong-pyeong ended the call.

Seri turned her face to him. "Do you think they know we're here?" She looked around her, as if she almost expected someone to come into the room.

"I don't know. Hopefully not, but we must be careful. We need to move," he said, standing up and reaching for his clothes.

"Yes, yes of course, sorry." She too got out of bed.

Jeong-hyeok felt worried, but he could see that Seri was scared. He smiled at her to try and reassure her.

"I'll be ok," she said. They dressed hurriedly and started to pack their bags.

"Do you have a sun cap?" he asked. She shook her head. "Ok," he said. "Use mine. Put your hair up and wear the cap. You'll be less identifiable like that." She nodded and did as he asked; he had pulled on a hoodie.

He hurriedly sent a message to Director Kim. Within 5 minutes they were ready. Jeong-hyeok went out to the balcony and scanned the gardens below. They looked deserted. Coming back inside he gave her a quick hug.

"I'll check out the stairs," he said, "make sure no-one is around. Then we'll go quietly to reception and find the boat pilot. I can see it moored."

"Ok."

He nodded and then looked deep into her eyes. It felt like all the romance and fairytale of yesterday had been snatched away. They were heading into danger and he was determined to keep her safe at all costs. They had dreamt of being married and staying together; he desperately hoped that could still be true, but their wedding was still the most wonderful thing. He was grateful for that, even if it couldn't last.