Passion and Power

Chapter 13

"Oh. FUCK!"

Minji felt Hanni jolt at the sound of her furious voice so close to her. It must have been a shock for her to hear such an angry growl, especially right after what had been such desirous growls Hanni had been hearing. It was angry and aggressive, as adrenaline shot through Minji. She pulled away from where she had Hanni pressed against the window.

"I...please. Forgive the intrusion. I'm afraid I need to deal with this or we won't ever be left in peace."

Moments later Minji returned to Hanni and wrapped her in a soft throw blanket from behind, then kissed the side of her cheek.

"Make yourself comfortable on the couch." She said, still with authority in her voice and trying to keep her frustration out of it.

Hanni nodded, catching her breath. "Don't worry about me, Minji. Go deal with your mother, I'm fine."

"I promise. I will make this up to you." Minji said in a very even, clear tone. Then she marched to the kitchen landline and speed dialed security.

"Hi, Ms. Kim." Her security guard said sheepishly.

"Hello..." Minji said coldly..."Please put my mother on the line."

"Mother. How dare you..." Minji was immediately cut off by her mother's voice.

"Minji...I had no choice, I...can I please come up? I don't want to discuss this in the building lobby, in front of your security."

Minji was surprised to hear her mother actually sounding contrite. Even so, she cut her off.

"Mother! I really don't care what story you've concocted to be here, but I'm a grown woman, and you can't just..."

"It's Taehyung!" Jihyo broke in with a harsh whisper.

"Whatever it is...it can wait. It's 4:00 in the morning. And how much trouble can he get into at the mental institution?" Minji demanded.

"That's just it. He isn't there anymore!"

"What?! Mother." Minji took a deep breath. "He isn't supposed to be released until the end of the month."

"That is my exact point. He has not been released. And he is not there. Do you understand my meaning?" Jihyo said in a loud whisper.

"You're telling me that he... escaped!?"

"Precisely. Please, Minji. I don't want to discuss this in your building lobby on a security phone. Let me up right this minute!"

Minji looked longingly over at the soft form of Hanni curled up on the couch, snuggled into the blanket, ruffled brunette curls barely visible over the arm of the couch.

"Minji! The authorities are searching for him. I'm afraid...he might get hurt." She said in a harsh whisper. "I need your help. You know him better than anyone..."

Minji moved the phone away from her face. "FUCK!" Hanni immediately sat up on the couch and looked worriedly over at Minji.

"Sorry." She apologized to Hanni and reluctantly got back on the phone.

"OK, Mother. Just, wait there. I'll call for you soon."

Minji slammed down the phone and made her way to the couch where she knelt by Hanni's side and took her hand.

"Hanni, I..."

"It's OK, Minji. I heard...I think I understand..."

"Yes... After Taehyung's very public meltdown they ordered him to spend 90 days in a mental institution. And apparently...he is no longer there."