The Hunt

76

A sly grin spread across Hyukmin's angelic face. "Yes."

"Great. My brother is here and I would like to get some truthful answers from him, if you don't mind." 

Hyukmin was on his feet in the blink of an eye, grinning ear-to-ear. "Of course I don't mind!" 

Under different circumstances, Hyukmin's giddy excitement that the prospect of hypnotizing someone would have been cause for concern. But, I had lost all of my patience at that point and it seemed like the best option. Quick and easy. 

Practically skipping with glee, Hyukmin followed me into the living room and took a seat next to Sehyun. 

Sehyun's eyes grew wide when he realized what was going to happen, then he shot me a dark glare. "Right. Why would you trust me?" he grumbled under his breath, but turned to face Hyukmin. "Go ahead." 

"Ugh, it's not as fun when they're willing," Hyukmin pouted. 

"Hyung, you know it's kind of creepy when you say stuff like that, right?" Namjoon gently informed Hyukmin. 

"Look, I have to find the humor in my work or I'll go crazy," Hyukmin said, his tone suddenly serious. "I use humor as a coping mechanism." 

Rolling his shoulders, he turned his attention back to Sehyun. "Just relax and breathe normally. It won't hurt if you don't fight it." 

"I know how it works. This isn't my first time," Sehyun muttered. 

"Great! Look into my eyes and listen to the sound of voice. Let all of the other sounds fade away as you focus on my eyes. Let your shoulders relax. Good." 

Hyukmin continued with his spiel and Sehyun's eyes started to close as he head bobbed forward a little. 

*****

"That was bizarre," Jin said in a hushed tone, bringing me out of the daze I had slipped into. 

Sehyun looked over at me, a confused expression on his face. "Well? Did that clear things up?" 

"Huh?" 

Nothing happened yet.

Next to me, Namjoon cleared his throat and shifted to angle himself toward me. "You see, Waffles, you were watching Hyukmin while he was hypnotizing Sehyun, and you're really not supposed to do that..." 

"I put both of you under at the same time! It was awesome!" Hyukmin exclaimed, bursting with excitement and pride. "I am that good!" 

Hyukmin stood up from the couch and quickly walked over to where I was sitting. He lowered his gaze to meet mine and rested a hand on my shoulder, giving a light squeeze. 

"Your family has some serious trust issues. You guys really need to work that out. Maybe try family counseling?" With a warm smile, Hyukmin walked toward the back of the house. 

An assassin thinks my family has issues. That's just great. 

"So... what happened?" I asked looking between Namjoon and Jin. 

"Sehyun was telling the truth. Yoongi confirmed that the shell company used to pay Roxy is linked to your brother Jaehyun," Namjoon began, but paused giving me a look of concern. "There's more, but you don't look so good. Are you feeling okay?" 

Jin was suddenly kneeling in front of me, pressing his wrist to my forehead. "You look pale, but you don't seem to have a fever. You should lay down." He gently took my arm and tugged, urging me to get to my feet. "I'll help you to your room." 

I was about to tell them that I felt fine, but decided against it. What if they are just trying to get me away from Sehyun? What if he's dangerous? 

Jin guided me to the stairs and helped me navigate them. Once downstairs, he leaned in close to my ear. 

"Yoongi is still checking into the money trail, but it looks like your brother Jaehyun is part of the group behind JiHoon's murder. Sehyun mentioned the name of a company Jaehyun had wired funds to and it's the same shell company that paid Roxy." 

I nodded, hoping there was more information, but Jin didn't continue. He looked at me again with concern. 

"You really should lay down." He frowned and ushered me to Jimin's room. "Have you been drinking enough water? Are you getting enough protein in your diet?" 

As if to confirm Jin's suspicions, I stumbled a few steps and caught myself against the door jamb. "I'm fine," I sighed and opened the door. 

"I'll make you some tea." Jin said and pulled the door shut behind me. 

******

Just an FYI- I'm working with my neurologist to get my symptoms under control. I'm still experiencing daily headaches and it does make writing difficult. I think I wrote this part three or four times. I'm trying to get things back on track, but it is taking more time than anticipated. Please bear with me! Thank you!