THE DARKEST HOPE

Chapter 16

THE DARKEST HOPE 

Chapter 16

It wasn't hard for Jungkook to reach the joint that Jung Ho-seok and Namjun usually inhabited. He knew the place well, although in the past sturdily evaded it. The idea of actually joining their gang several times popped inside his head but he was afraid of such serious commitment, especially connected with dangerous activities. Surely, he would eventually give into the temptation to have a decent meal every day and actually join the group, but luckily his new job rescued him from that fate.

But today he had to visit the small bar in the back alley. He had to know what is going on. Was there any danger for the manor and his friends, he had to take that risk and actually show his face up before Namjun.

The place looked dirty and smoky. Namjun and Ho-seok were leaning on both sides of the bar sharing a bottle of alcohol. There was no one else in the place. They both raised their heads with surprise when he came in.

"Isn't it a little early for drinks, huh, boys?" Jungkook broke the silence. "Business seems little slow these days..." He looked around the empty tables.

"Jungkook, my friend!" Ho-seok brightly smiled at him. "Please, join us!" And he skillfully pulled close a bar stool.

"I hear you have a comfortable warm house at your disposal. Won't you share it with your friends?" Namjun went straight to the point. "What information do you have for us? How much can we make out of this place?"

"I already told Ho-seok, there is not that much there! If there was I would know by now..."

"What about the paintings? How valuable are they?"

"How should I know?" Jungkook felt how chills ran down his back. Namjun seemed too determined and hungry for anything of value. Jimin's paintings, he treasured them so much! "I doubt the paintings are of any value at all."

"And the basement, did you go there? What is in it?" Namjun's eyes were sparkling from excitement.

"No, I haven't, they said that I shouldn't go there...I could lose my job if they catch me there!"

"And maybe you could lose an arm or a leg or even a head if you don't go there!" Ho-seok was grinning pleasantly at him.

"Now, now, let's not scare the boy; we are all friends here, aren't we?" Namjun interrupted. "Forget about us, Kookie, we are just a couple of trying to survive poor souls. But think about yourself..."

"What do you mean?" Jungkook was getting more and more troubled by the vicious sparkle in Namjun's eyes.

"I mean, what are they hiding anyway? Aren't you a little curious? And why hide it from you? Don't they trust you? What could be the reason to have that door locked for you? Haven't you ever asked yourself these same questions?"

"No, I haven't. Not really." Jungkook answered honestly. "What about you?" Jungkook asked.

"What do you mean?" asked Namjun.

"What are you going to do? What are your plans for the manor?"

"Why do you ask?" Namjun was smiling; he could smell an offer coming.

"Maybe I want in. A share from the loot." Jungkook threw in the bait.

"So, that's why you are here." Namjun was grinning widely. That kind of behavior was much more familiar to him. He knew greed and knew how to address it. "Help us with the raid on this house and you will get your cut."