IRIS

11. IRIS

Iris Rodríguez was a 27 year old graduate student in the school of social work at the local state university. She had a bachelor's in social work from the same institution, and was in the process of starting her capstone project in community organization, which included a field needs study of the community surrounding her school.

She was an only child, both parents deceased, and lived alone in an apartment near her university.

That's what her profile said.

In reality, she was an FBI agent looking into the backdoor dealings of one Yang Jeongin. That survey she was conducting was actually part of her investigation into The Chopping Block. That night, she'd hit the jackpot by being present during that altercation, and being led by the handsome bartender through the back, where she was able to witness the gambling ring Jeongin ran with her own eyes.

This is why she tried to stay behind while the fight broke out, and why she wanted to stop it in the first place. She was supposed to silently alert her team to raid the Chopping Block and grab everyone who was illegally gambling in the back. Unfortunately, bullets started flying, and the plan was a bust.

[The morning after the brawl]

Iris walked towards the door of an office inside the local university. On the outside, the name plate read Professor Bahng. She knocked.

"Good Morning, professor. It's Iris Rodríguez. May I come in?"

"Yes, come in."

Upon closing the door, she identified herself.

"Good morning, Special Agent in Charge.

Agent Sánchez reporting in."

"Good morning, Special Agent Sánchez, what were you able to discover?"

"There's definitely gambling going on in the back of The Chopping Block. I saw it, but the bartender, Seo Changbin, "rescued" me from the melee that happened last night, and I wasn't able to take good pictures with my glasses. I need to get back there somehow, and I think the bartender is my way in.

He walked me home, and was looking at me the whole night. I think he likes me. He has no clue I'm an agent, and the background check Jeongin ran came up clean, so nobody suspects a thing. We set a date for tonight."

They both look at her vibrating phone.

"Oh, he's actually texting me now."

"Respond. Maybe he'll give some information that can help us."

"Yes, sir."

She responded, and her face couldn't hide her happiness when she learned he had the day off. Agent Bahng knew that face well.

"Sir, he has the day off. I'll tell him my classes were canceled, and meet him. Maybe he'll have some intel we can use today."

"You want Risa or Lucy to come with?"

"No, sir." She said that a bit too excitedly, causing her supervisor to raise his eyebrows.

"I mean, he thinks it's a date, so it would be weird."

"Fair enough. Carry on, Special Agent. Good work! Stay safe, and don't fall in love!" He closed his eyes as soon as he said those words. He knew he was out of pocket.

She turned around, looked him dead in the eyes. "Sir?"

He knew he was wrong, but he couldn't stop himself. "You look way too pretty, and seem very excited to meet him. Be careful, Iris. He's part of the investigation."

"Permission to speak informally sir?"

"Granted."

"Chan, I know you're looking out for me, but his background check came back clean! He's not involved, just stuck with a bad job."

"You like him! You already fell for him, didn't you?" His face went blank. There was a hint of jealousy in his voice.

She didn't deny it. "I promise I won't blow my cover, and will keep him safe as well."

"Is this why you spent so much time with him last night?" He could barely contain his anger.

"How did you...?" She looked confused.

"How the fuck do you think?" He slammed the file folder he had in his hands.

"I was your back up last night, remember? The one you forgot to check in with, then had to hear from Lucy and Risa you were safe, and with him?"

"If you knew, then why did you pretend you didn't know? What the fuck Channie?"

"Don't call me that." His face was red.

"Are you... fucking jealous? Is that it? After 5 years? It better not be. You have no right after fucking around while you were with me."

He took a deep breath, knowing she was right.

"Full disclosure, sir? I kissed him!!"

He couldn't believe his ears, and if looks could kill, she'd be dead.

"You what? Iris!!" His tone was furious.

"Fuck off, Christopher!"

He punched down on his desk, making her jump. "Agent Sánchez, I think it's time for you to go."

"Sir, yes, sir." She said sarcastically.

He sighed, and his voice returned to its professional tone.

"Agent Sánchez, wait. For whatever reason, DEA was present at the scene last night. They were quick, too. They took your car before we could. I'm going to reach out to a buddy of mine over there, Lee Minho, to see what's up. Keep your eyes peeled for anyone who seems out of place. I'll let you know what I find out, A.S.A.P. If they have intel, we might be able to work together. Maybe they already have an agent inside."

"Yes, agent Chan. Thank you." She said seriously, and slammed the door behind her.

He covered his face with his hands and talked to himself. "What the fuck are you doing Christopher? Get it together! She's your junior now, and you fucked this up! Why did she look so beautiful in that dress, though? How could you cheat on her? You asshole!? You're so stupid for letting her go!"

He accepted his fate, and decided to call his friend at the DEA.