The Hunt

12

The drive back to my house was uncomfortably silent. Jimin said his car stereo wasn't working, but made no attempt at small talk.

When Jimin pulled into my driveway, I didn't wait for the car to stop before I unbuckled my seat belt and opened the door.

"Goodnight," I said and exited the car as quickly as I possibly could, eager to escape the awkwardness.

I didn't look back when I heard the engine turn off and a car door shut, but I did pick up my pace on my way to the front door. Unfortunately, I missed the lock and dropped my keys. Jimin scooped them up and unlocked the door for me.

"You didn't need to walk me to my door," I said knowing that wasn't his intention.

"I'm coming in for bit. We have some details to go over." Jimin brushed past me and into my living room.

I let my head droop in defeat and followed him into my house with a sigh. Damnit.

I slipped off my shoes and placed them on the rack near the front door. "I have work in the morning, so..."

"It won't take long." He took a seat on the couch.

I sat at the other end of the couch and turned to face him.

"When are you off work tomorrow? Taehyung and I will pick you up after you get home and we'll go to the scene of the murder. It's been about eight days, but you may be able to pick up a scent. I'll bring something of JiHoon's if you think that will help."

Technically, I was available at any time during the day. I worked from home doing freelance graphic design and digital art projects. I was working on illustrating a children's book, but my deadline was a few weeks out. And the corporate safety manual job was almost finished.

"I should be available after 4:00 pm."

He nodded, "We'll be here at 4:30."

I waited for him to continue, but Jimin just stared at me. His dark brown eyes burned into mine. I held his gaze as long as I could, but I looked away first. It was just too unsettling.

"Ask your question," he quietly demanded.

Ah crap. Which one should I ask first?

I cleared my throat and tried to arrange my thoughts.

"Namjoon offered a two year delay in my marriage, is that something you guys had discussed? The Park Family is okay with that?"

Jimin raised one eyebrow, apparently, that wasn't the question he thought I would ask.

"We did not discuss it beforehand, and my family does not know."

"I'm assuming JiHoon's little brother is a few years younger? How old is he? How old was JiHoon?"

"JiHoon was 24. The family elders were going to give him until he was 26 to find you, so the two year delay isn't that big of deal."

Jimin slowly ran his fingers through his hair before uttering the words that filled me with dread.

"JiHoon was an only child."

Ah shit. Shit. Shit. Shit.

I knew that was coming. But I didn't want to believe it, and was hoping that JiHoon had a younger brother.

The thought of having to tell my future children that the first time their parents met was when daddy kidnapped mommy made my head hurt.

I swallowed my pride and asked, "Tell me about the current heir. How does he feel about all of this?"

Jimin let his gaze dance around the room, taking in everything, which wasn't much as I liked to keep things fairly sparse in case I needed to suddenly move.

"Lost. He feels lost." Jimin's gaze settled on his hands. "He'll be a fair husband if that's what you're worried about."

"I assume the entire Park Family hates me, new fiance included."

Jimin straightened up, "Helping find JiHoon's killer will help endear you to them."

"And you?"

Jimin smirked, stood up from the couch, and walked to the front door.

"Like I said, I'll be a fair husband."