to capture a killer

paris in the rain

TWENTY-ONE

When Lisa wakes the next morning, it's to her door being kicked down and her house being raided by a combat team. Startled and disoriented, she is quickly pulled out of bed and brought down to her living room, where her superior and friend, Jisoo, stands with her arms folded. The room is filled with tension, and Lisa can sense the disappointment and suspicion in Jisoo's gaze as their eyes meet.

Jisoo stands with her arms folded as Lisa is instructed to sit down in front of her. "Please tell me this wasn't you, Lisa," Jisoo's eyes are wide and Lisa can see how hurt she is when she looks up at her. 

Lisa takes a deep breath, her mind racing for a way to convince Jisoo of her innocence. "I don't know what you're talking about," she says, her voice laced with a touch of desperation.

Jisoo's face tightens, the disappointment evident in her features. "The fire alarm was pulled despite there being not a single trace of smoke in the entire building. You just so happened to be there conveniently when I explicitly told you not to go until tomorrow. And now Ruby Jane has managed to escape just days before we were about to take her in."

"As soon as the guards were aware she was missing, they informed me and I helped them look, but she was already gone. I have no idea what happened."

Jisoo lowers herself so she's at eye level with Lisa, her voice dropping to a hushed tone. "You expect me to believe that? The timing is too convenient, Lisa. And let's not forget the CCTV footage from the hotel where Jennie was held. It mysteriously went offline right when she escaped."

Lisa doesn't say anything. She couldn't argue her way out of this one; Jisoo knew she had feelings for Jennie.

"Before you do anything stupid, Lisa, please understand this; she would not do the same for you. Don't forget what kind of person she is."

Lisa knows that Jisoo is referring to Jennie's diagnosis and she presses her lips together in a thin line to stop herself from admitting that she wholly and truly believes that Jennie would do the same for her.

Jisoo studies Lisa's face intently, searching for any signs of deception. She remains silent for a few agonizing moments before finally speaking. "Lisa, I want to believe you, but the evidence against you is mounting. Until we have a clearer picture of what happened, I'm ordering you to stay in the country. Do you hear me, detective? You are under investigation and are under strict instructions not to leave Seoul."

"Okay," Lisa says quietly, still not meeting Jisoo's eyes. 

Jisoo sighs and stands. "I really hope you don't make this any harder on yourself, Lisa."

Lisa had a funny feeling that Jisoo already knew that she would be making things harder on herself.

"Everyone clear out," Jisoo instructs everyone else. "We're done here."

The team disperses with Jisoo's mind already in motion. She knows that Lisa's connection with Jennie runs deep, and she is convinced that Lisa's feelings for Jennie have compromised her loyalty. 

Turning to the remaining team members, Jisoo issues her instructions quietly with a composed demeanor. "I want two officers to closely monitor Lisa. Follow her discreetly but do not intervene, even if she attempts to leave the country or make contact with Jennie. Our goal is to track their movements and gather evidence that will help us locate and apprehend Jennie."

The officers exchange glances, surprised by Jisoo's instructions but trusting in her judgment. 

Jisoo approaches the assigned officers, her voice low and confidential. "Remember, document every interaction, every location Lisa visits, and any potential leads she might provide. We need to be patient and let her unknowingly lead us to Jennie."