Mr. Jung Private Eye

Dinner with a Criminal

The mansion was just as it had been the day before. The gates were still golden, the plants needed trimming and the assistant waited for you as you pulled up. He stood pin straight in his place, his hands behind his back and his head held high. Hoseok greeted him with an overly friendly grin.

"What a lovely morning it is old chap'" he greeted. You gave him a side-eye and tried to withhold the laughter in your chest. "Old chap'? He really was trying to be Sherlock Holmes.

"Good morning, Dr. ____, Mr...Jung," he greeted in return, pausing at Hoseok's name as if he had been struggling to remember it. Hoseok's lips twitched.

"Can you show us to the office, sir?" you asked, subtly taking the lead when you noticed Hoseok tense.

"Right this way," He turned sharply and lead you down the hallway. After a moment of silence you piped up again, voice laced in casual curiosity.

"I've been meaning to ask, " you started. "This...statue of the Moon's has been in their family for generations. Has anyone thought to have it looked over by a professional?"

"Professional?" he shot a shrewd look over his shoulder.

"Someone who could assess it's value," Hoseok explained.

"Ah," said the assistant before settling his gaze back towards the hallway. "No," he intoned and left it at that. But you were not the type to give up so easily.

"And why is that?"

"I don't see why that matters," he said.

"Forgive us for our curiosity sir," you said, voice dipping sympathetically. "But you see it is in our nature as investigators to inquire about everything that catches our attention,"

"Well, if you must know," sighed the man. "Master Moon was quite attached to it before he passed, he knew that the monetary value was of little importance. To him, it was priceless. It was his history," he explained, the first lick of emotion you had seen from him was discernible in his tone. "Madam Moon has grown just as attached after his passing,"

"I suppose the whole family must be very rooted in their family history," you hummed.

"...Right," said the assistant. He said no more until you were in front of the office.

"That must be difficult for you, sir," said Hoseok. "I've taken a good look around the mansion and it looks like it needs some...work. Am I right to assume that the Madam might be a little low on funds at the moment?" the assistant gave him a sharp glare.

"I don't see why that is any of your business," he snapped.

"I am employed by her just as you are," said the investigator. "Is it not natural to be concerned about your pay?"

"Not," sneered the assistant. "If you have any integrity. Madam Moon will give you what you need. She is a righteous woman, you should be glad to be in her presence,"

"Of course we are," you soothed. Hoseok met your eyes, and you knew you were thinking the same thing. That little speech didn't sound like someone who would steal a precious item from their master for money.

"The Madam is attending to other matters but you may look around in the meantime," said the assistant shortly before disappearing entirely.

Transitional Scene G

Once he was gone, you turned to give Hoseok a look.

"You weren't very subtle there," you smirked.

"Subtlety isn't my specialty," he shrugged.

"Well at least we learned a couple of things," you leaned against the desk and looked up at Hoseok.