Bleeding Darkness

Chapter 10

The next day, I asked Mr. Nam to set up a meeting with the tenants. While he was away, Vincenzo handed me a cup of coffee and said, "Drink. You'll need it." I said, "Thanks, Vin. Can I call you Vin? Your name's too long." Vincenzo said, trying not to smile, "Fine. But only when there's no one else around." I smiled as he patted my head softly.

Just then, Mr. Nam came back and Vincenzo and I awkwardly moved apart. Mr. Nam said, "They're ready. Also, the hearing is today evening. The tenants are ready to help. We'll make a plan later, Vincenzo." With that, we left to the dance studio.

I greeted the tenants nervously and walked to the front of the room, everyone quieting down. I cleared my throat and said, "I know some of you may be wondering why Jang Hanseo attacked me. And I have a logical answer for you. It's because I'm an Italian mafia. Like Vincenzo. I always have been and didn't tell you because I wanted to keep you safe. I'm sorry." 

The tenants started comforting me and accepted what I had told them almost instantly, much to my surprise. Vincenzo said, "Now that that's done, we have another problem. Jiyoung and I have the hearing today as you all know, so I'd like to ask for your help." The tenants agreed enthusiastically and we dispersed. 

First, we went to Mr. Tak's place where we asked for matching suits to be made. Next, we stopped for a short lunch at Chef Toto's restaurant. Unfortunately, it tasted just as bad as Vincenzo had said. Then, we got a briefing on any tricks Jang Hanseok might pull from Miri and Mr. Ahn. Finally, while the tenants gathered in the dance studio again to chat, Vincenzo and I stood outside, talking.

Vincenzo said, "Jiyoung, you don't need to do this. I know it must be hard to be in the same room as your uncle's killers. Especially after the stunt they pulled with you." I said, pushing away my nervousness, "I could say the same for you, Vin. It's a miracle you haven't killed them after what they did to your mother." 

Vincenzo came over and gently hugged me. I sighed, resting my head softly on his shoulder. I said, "Again, I was supposed to be the one comforting you. Yet, you're the one who always comforts me." Vincenzo laughed softly and said, "You being here is enough comfort."

Just then, I heard murmurs and I turned slightly to see the tenants peeking through the windows. They ducked out of sight when I turned to them and I heard whispers of, "Did she see? No, no, she didn't. But look! Vincenzo has never been this close to anyone else, not even Chayoung. Aww, Jicenzo....". 

Vincenzo said, sighing, "They're watching us, aren't they?". I said, "Yes. They think that the great Vincenzo Cassano himself has gone soft." Vincenzo pulled away and said, smiling, "Maybe it's a good thing he has." Vincenzo patted my head softly which earned 'oohs' and 'ahhs' from the tenants.

Vincenzo called, "You all aren't good at being stealthy, are you? Come on out everyone, we heard you a long time ago." The tenants came out, mumbling excuses. Mr. Nam said, "It's time for the hearing." Vincenzo said, "Ok, we'll go change into the suits." With that, we separated.

15 minutes later, we were standing inside the courthouse, wearing matching pinstripe suits. When the hearing started, Choi Myunghee said, "Your Honor, the lawsuit filed against Babel Pharmaceuticals is a ploy of Mr. Cassano and Ms. Lee. They threatened a key witness to commit perjury and give false evidence. This can be considered as an obstruction of justice. We call the witness to the stand." 

Kim Daemyung, the witness, came to the stand. As he gave his testimony, I smirked triumphantly at Choi Myunghee as the witness gave the proper statement. Vincenzo said calmly, "Actually, they're the ones who committed perjury, Your Honor. They threatened our witness and hid important documents. Here are the records of Mr. Jang's paper company." 

And with that, Jang Hanseok rose from his seat, pale. Jang Hanseo, sitting next to him, barely managed to hide his grin. But to my surprise, Choi Myunghee said, hiding her anger, "That is the next reason why we call another witness to the stand." 

And Paolo Cassano, the head of the Italian Mafia, entered the courthouse.