Passion and Power

Chapter 48

Minji quickly picked up the phone as Hyein connected her with the urgent call from the mental institution.

"That motherfucker." Haerin cursed under her breath as she listened carefully to Minji's side of the short conversation. It was enough for anyone to surmise what had happened. And just as Minji feared, Taehyung was already out.

"I tried to get the National Intelligence Service to take him. They said they would 'review' the case. Well it's too damn late now!" Minji growled as she slammed down the phone.

"How did he do it?"

"They're still trying to get to the bottom of it. Definitely some inside involvement, probably him bribing someone high up, as well as any number of lower level staff helping out. As always, they underestimated him. This time at least they had him in solitary. Doesn't matter. It wasn't enough."

"What do they want from you?"

"To warn me. And try to figure out whether I know anything, or was involved in any way."

"They think you helped him?"

"I'm definitely a suspect, based on what they were asking me. They tried to be subtle, but that much was clear."

"Well, they won't find any connection, so it will all be fine. But what about Jihyo?"

"Exactly. What about Jihyo?" Minji felt sick to her stomach at the thought of her mother being involved. "I have no idea. But I'm going to find out."

"How can I help?"

"Just...listen. I could really use a sounding board right now and there are so few people I trust."

"Of course. Always, Minji."

"And for the dirty work, I have Mr. Hwang, and my off-the-books clean up crew." Minji took in a deep, exasperated breath. "But I want to start with Hwang. If anyone can help, he can. He was critical to the coup at the Board meeting."

"Right. Should I clear out so you can get him started? He may feel more comfortable without me here."

"He is rather...awkward, around people." Minji agreed and Haerin got up to leave.

"Haerin?" Minji called to her before she opened the door.

"Minji, I know what you're going to say, and I'm not going to allow it."

"What? How do you know what I'm going to say?"

"Because I know you. And you're about to say that unless they capture Taehyung you're not going to Sydney."

"What? Haerin...how..."

"Like I said, I know you. And you're already deciding to do the most 'noble' and self-punishing thing you can think of. Because you're trying to make amends for something you had nothing to do with. Something your brother did, and maybe even your mother. You are forever trying to make right something that you didn't do. And can't fix."

Minji looked at her with wide eyes, shocked to realize how much Haerin saw. Even more than she saw of herself sometimes.

"And so, you are damn well still going to Sydney if they make it into the finals."

"Haerin..."

"I simply won't hear it, Minji." Haerin interrupted. "You're going."

When Minji failed to respond Haerin spoke up again. "Think how it would hurt Hanni if you changed your mind. She is so looking forward to it."

That seemed to bring Minji up cold, her eyes going wide again.

"Fine." Minji said, begrudgingly.

"Good. Now, no more of this ridiculous, masochistic behavior."