Zero Encounters

Dear Family

       After the shocking relevation, Zero bowed her head and obeyed Captain Lee's orders. The room was left in disbelief, all trying to brush off what had just come out of her mouth while she left to talk with her informants. Inspector Choi tried to swallow his words, but they were bursting at the seams. He knew Captain Lee would bite the bullet and bury the truth until the very end, but he wanted him and Zero to know they have a whole team behind them to support them through a difficult time.

"The reason why Zero has been ensuring Song Hwesung doesn't get parole every year is because - "

"Inspector Choi." Captain Lee grabbed the man's arm. He looked at the Inspector with such intensity, almost pleading him not to speak, but it was too late.

"You said no more secrets. I think the team should know this at the very least and not misunderstand her." He pulled away from his grasp, "She was this bastard's adoptive daughter." He blurted and Captain Lee eyes fell to the ground, desperately trying to focus on something other than his voice. His efforts to conceal the truth came crumbling down in a matter of seconds. No words came to mind and he didn't know whether he should stay or go. "I ask you all to listen with an open mind and heart as we didn't want to keep this from any of you."

"We're not upset, right?" Minhyun looked around at the puzzled faces. He glanced over at the Captain with concern and tried to urge everyone else to agree. "It's a difficult thing to talk about and Zero probably didn't want to tell us because of what she's gone through, right?"

"Zero has lived many lives and one unfortunate lifetime was with this man. Kangho's father and I worked this case on the Gangnam faction many years ago. Zero led us to Hwesung who we later arrested for counts of extortion and child abuse. He had illegally adopted Zero, making fake documents so that he would receive money from the government and later taking in runaways. He had at least five other children he made documents for to receive money. He'd beat them and force them to steal or package substances his faction would supply in from the docks." Inspector Choi balled up his fists, "He abused his son to the point he was in ICU for months until we reunited him with his mother. Zero has mentioned another girl, but we spent months searching, but couldn't find her. I'm almost certain this bastard is lying, Cap."

"And the other runaways? Zero?" Hyesoo asked with a pit in her stomach. Her nieces and nephews came to mind which broke her heart.

"Zero..." Captain Lee hesitated. He didn't think he'd ever have to repeat this story to anyone, "Zero gained Hwesung's trust with how well she worked. She attempted to run away a few times, but ultimately returned for the other children. She planned their escape the night of Hwesung's arrest and managed to reunite three with their families while placing the rest in orphanages."

"Amazing..." Minhyun leaned back with a deep sigh. "I didn't think she would get this cooler."

"That means we have to put in a hundred and ten percent or more!" Hyesoo shook Minhyun's shoulder. "We'll get this guy."

Captain Lee looked over in surprise. All this time, he thought the team would think of her differently from hearing this story. He had imagined they would pity her or be upset with what they've heard.

"How do we help her?" Jisung asked quietly and gripped the hems of his jacket. "This is Hell for her, isn't it?" He couldn't describe the feeling in his chest. He didn't know if he should feel sad for her or angry. He felt a reassuring squeeze on his shoulder and Inspector Choi smiled.

"Stay focused and we'll work through this together. Right, Kangho?"

"Y-Yeah." Captain Lee answered with relief. He was glad he met and chose the right people for his team. He wouldn't have it any other way.