Twisted Rope

Return to Korea

When they reached the airport, they got out of the van and boarded an airport vehicle, which drove them directly to the waiting plane. Seri started to feel calmer; the first part of the plan had worked smoothly at least. Their journey had been tense, but nothing had happened. Now, they boarded the plane, and an official came aboard to check their passports. Knowles and the Korean security agent also joined them.

"Will you be flying with us?" Ka-youn asked Knowles. She seemed to have warmed to the capable, assured woman.

"No. I'll just be here until Mr Ri arrives and everything is ready."

"How long will that be?" asked Seri. She couldn't relax properly until Jeong-hyeok was safely on board with them.

"It shouldn't be too long. I'll check for you if you like." Seri nodded and Knowles went to the plane door to look back towards the terminal building and pulled out her mobile. She spoke to someone, checked the time on her watch, and then returned.

"They've left the hospital without incident, so they are making their way here now. It will probably be another half hour before they are here, though. So, just try to relax while you wait."

Ka-youn and Yeji sat down and tried to find some music on the entertainment system. Seri noticed that Ka-youn was doing her best to distract Yeji, and she was grateful. Seri too sat down, but she was restless. She picked up a magazine and flicked through it, but her brain didn't seem able to focus on anything. Half an hour seemed an age. She tried hard to stop her mind imagining all the things that could go wrong in that half an hour, but it was hard. She kept looking out of the window and at her watch. Knowles came over to her.

"Mrs Ri, don't worry, we've got this."

Seri felt just a little comforted.

After half an hour, he still hadn't arrived and Seri's anxiety was building again. Knowles was waiting by the plane door keeping watch and Seri went over to join her.

"Can you see them yet?"

"Not yet. But please don't worry. We can track the vehicle and would know if there was a problem. I'll check on progress again for you." Again she spoke to a colleague. "Yes, the vehicle is just outside the airport; it should be another 10 minutes or so."

"Thank you." Another 10 minutes. Just hold on, she told herself.

At last, Knowles spotted a vehicle coming towards the plane.

"I think this might be them."

Seri and the girls rushed to the door to see.

"Stay out of sight," warned Knowles, so they stood back from the door but still trying to see.

The vehicle pulled up by the steps, and Agent Smith got out first. He opened the door and Jeong-hyeok got out slowly, very slowly. He then mounted the stairs, Smith following close behind. It hurt Seri to see how slowly he was climbing them, but he was here and they moved back to let him through. Seri put her arm around him and he smiled weakly at her. She helped him to the seat, and he sank into it gratefully. He looked grey and exhausted. Ka-youn and Yeji were keen to hug him and he patted them back. He didn't seem to have the strength to say anything.

"Are you sure you're ok to fly?" Seri's relief at his safe arrival was now replaced by a concern for his health.

"I'll be fine." He took another couple of breaths. "The journey just took it out of me, that's all."

Knowles came over.

"The plane is ready to leave now, so I'll say goodbye and good luck."

"Thank you. We're grateful for the help you've given us." Knowles gave her a warm smile and turned to say goodbye to Ka-youn and Yeji, too. Jeong-hyeok had closed his eyes and was resting.