When Red Means Danger

014

"And the defense didn't see this loophole?" Jungkook asked.

"The defense gave up right after they had the case," Jimin replied, "There's a witness and object evidence. That would be so hard to disprove especially that their respondent is uhhh... kind of mute."

"So there was no reinvestigation in this matter?" Jungkook fired another question and Jimin answered by slowly shaking his head and pursing lips. The former then sighed and scratched the back of his neck as he re-examined V's files before mumbling, "If not for Dahyun, he would have had surely gone to jail without getting a fair trial."

"You're working so hard on this Kook. I thought you were trying to make her drop V's case," Jimin commented.

"I promised Dahyun. I promised I'd help her," Jungkook whispered. He then let out another long sigh before adding, "She's become too involved that she herself doesn't know how to back out."

"But dealing with a psychopath is dangerous," Jimin commented seriously as his brows furrowed, genuinely showing concern for the twins.

"I know," Jungkook replied before closing the folder and throwing it back to Jimin. The two met gazes before the former added, "That's why we have to work harder."

"You should thank me for loving both of you or else I wouldn't get my hands on this case," Jimin muttered as he scanned the folder and Jungkook smirked in return.

"I'll thank you once this is all done," Jungkook promised. He then sat back on the swivel chair before saying, "I have to meet the witness and the police officers who got V, as soon as possible, while you have to get the re-examination of evidence roll faster."

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"I'm telling you that I have authority over this case and that gives me the right to interview the witness," Jungkook argued.

He had found out where the safe house for the witness was located, but since she was in a witness protection program, the security was heightened that even he, Jungkook, was finding difficulties in breaking in.

"I understand Sir," the guard replied with the same stern look, "But as I've said, Miss Im is undergoing a therapy and it would be better if you just look back at her statement rather than make her restate everything."

"I only have a few questions," Jungkook retorted, "And I need to hear it for myself."

"Please. Just read her sworn statement."

"Is she there?"

When the guard wasn't able to reply quickly, Jungkook had guessed that the witness was actually in the house but was making excuses not to meet him. In desperation, he pushed the guard and shouted, "This involves my sister! She might be in danger if I don't do anything with this case!"

"Please do leave Sir," the guard bellowed pushing him backwards.

"Can you at least give her my contact number?" he asked, getting a calling card from his pocket. Handing it to the guard, he added, "She might change her mind and you can contact me in this number - " 

"There's no need," a voice had interrupted their conversation, and turning, Jungkook found what he was looking for. The female witness signalled the guard to let him be and she, afterwards opened her door for Jungkook, "Come on in."

Jungkook bowed both at the guard and at the witness before proceeding to the house. It was nearly empty with a few necessary appliances and equipment here and there. He was then gestured to come to the dining room and was presented with a glass of water and a pack of biscuits.

"I'm sorry. That's all I can offer," she whispered.

"No, it's okay. I don't intend to stay long," he replied. He then extended his hand and introduced himself, "I'm Jungkook. I'm the newly assigned officer to reinvestigate the case of V."

At the mention of the name, he saw her flinch but then she quickly averted her gaze to a corner and replied, "I'm Im Yoona but I guess you already know that. Please sit down. I want to get this over with."

Jungkook nodded, retracting his rejected hand and he watched as Yoona took some pills before taking the seat before him.

"I needed those to calm myself," she commented after seeing the questioning look on his face. She tried to force a small smile before saying, "You can start asking now."

"How are you?"

Yoona gave out another beam before answering, "Finding it hard to move on, but as long as know I am safe, I think I can start anew."

"How... how long have you known the family?"

"Honestly speaking, I've never become involved with them. Not until lately, that is. They have just moved to the apartment a week before the incident. I see the members every now and then but that's it. Maybe the only person I knew is Yoo Dong Geun, the head of the family. He seemed like a warm man."

"I understand," Jungkook nodded. After a long moment of hesitation, he finally asked, "Could you... could you tell me what you saw at the day of the crime?"

There was a long silence and Jungkook could only watch as Yoona's grip on the glass tightened. She was taking deep breaths to calm herself down. He wanted to help her, but he didn't know how. Fortunately for him, Yoona relaxed after taking a gulp of water. Her gaze then was fixed on the table as she started re-narrating.

"I saw him. H-He stabbed the girl multiple times and I can't forget the look on his eyes. It was evil," she shook her head. "No, he was a demon dressed in a black shirt. The blood even spilled to his face, but he didn't mind. I-I remember too. I remember the look on the girl's eyes. She was about to cry, begging for help."

Her voice started shaking as she continued, "But I-I couldn't do anything. I-I was too scared, so I ran. T-The police was there to hear me out but then there was an explosion, and a very big fire followed after. It was already too late. No one could be saved. I couldn't save the girl."

She has made it so detailed that the male could imagine the scene unfolding right in front of him, but he had to listen cautiously and at the same time, take down important notes. He had to find a loophole, somewhere, somehow but what caught his attention was the sudden shift in the emotion of the girl's eyes. At first, it was full of pity, sadness and fear, but now, only anger was evident in her eyes.

"But unfortunately, that man survived," she uttered with fuming eyes, "He should have died together with the building he burned. That kind of man doesn't even deserve to live."

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AN: The next few chapters would center on the re-investigation. Hang-on tight! Please don't forget to vote!