Chapter 75 - Where Are You, Jiwon?

They pulled up in front of a large mansion. Ash parked the car in the driveway. They stared at the large house. The lights were out and there did not seem to be a single living soul in it.

"The place looks dark," Dasom commented. "Why are the lights off? Is he out?" 

"His car is here," Jinhyun pointed at the garage. He was right. CEO Ahn's Mercedes was parked in the garage. He loved that car and used it all the time for traveling. It was odd for him to leave it unattended.

"Let's go and check inside," Hyun Jung suggested. 

They stepped into the patio. Ash went forward and rang the bell. There was no answer. 

"Maybe he went out?" Dasom said. "With his wife?" 

"I guess you're right," Ash agreed. "The lights are off and there aren't any signs of life. They probably went out." 

He was about to turn back when Jinhyun spoke up. 

"Wait a minute," Jinhyun frowned. He walked past Ash and studied the door. 

"It's ajar!" he informed them. He pushed the door which opened easily. 

"Why will they leave their house unattended like this?" Hyun Jung questioned. 

"What if there's someone inside?" Ash asked. "A burglar?" 

Hyun Jung took out his gun. 

"Ash, pick up that shovel," he pointed out to a garden tool by the patio. "Ash and I will search inside the house. Meanwhile, you two wait here for us." 

"We want to come too!" Dasom protested. 

"No!" Ash said harshly. "You two keep a lookout. If we don't return in half an hour, call the cops." 

Dasom opened his mouth to argue but Jinhyun cut him off. 

"Just do as they say," Jinhyun advised. He turned to Ash. "We'll wait here till you guys come back." 

Ash nodded and picked up the shovel. 

"Stay behind me," Hyun Jung ordered as he pushed the door open. 

Pointing his gun forward, he led the way. Ash followed him closely, carefully scanning all the directions for an intruder. 

"The place looks empty," Ash said. "What if there is no intruder?

"Still, we can't take risks," Hyun Jung cautioned. They checked the open kitchen and the living room, but there was no one there.

"Let's check the bedroom," Ash suggested. Hyun Jung nodded and together they went upstairs. 

They slowly entered the master bedroom. The bed was unused and the clothes were hung neatly inside the cupboards. The washroom door was ajar as well.

"Doesn't look like anyone used this room today," Hyun Jung frowned. 

"The bathroom is empty as well," Ash informed him as he peered into it. 

"Is CEO Ahn not home?" Hyun Jung questioned. 

"Let's check his study," Ash suggested. Hyun Jung nodded and they quietly returned downstairs. 

"Hey, the light is turned on from the inside," Hyun Jung pointed out. 

"He's in there probably," Ash said. "Let's go and check." 

They tiptoed towards the study room. Hyun Jung quietly opened the door and stepped in. 

The room was dimly lit. The chair behind the desk was turned around; someone was sitting on it. Fresh ashes of cigarettes were sprawled over the ash can on the table. 

"CEO Ahn?" Ash called out. "We want to ask you something." 

There was no response. Ash and Hyun Jung glanced at each other. 

"CEO Ahn?" Ash called again. He stepped forward, cautiously touching the chair. 

"CEO Ahn are you listen-" 

He turned the chair around. The words froze in his throat. 

"What happen-" 

Hyun Jung too froze on his spot. Blood was gushing from CEO Ahn's chest. His head hung on his side, motionless. 

He was dead. 

…. 

Jiwon was wearing a black attire. He had a black face mask with him and was patiently waiting for the clock to strike 8. The camera outside the locker room will freeze for eight seconds. Thanks to Jiwon's rigorous training, covering a few steps within that time will be easy. 

He checked his watch. Fifteen seconds to go. Jiwon positioned himself behind the locker room's door, keeping an eye on the camera. This better work, he prayed. 

As soon as the clock struck 8, the camera froze in place. Jiwon darted through it, jumping out of the window next to the locker room. 

He landed on his feet. The first hurdle was crossed successfully. He wore the mask on his face and prowled through the grounds, avoiding any light. Finally, he reached the front gate through which many students were exiting. He took off the mask and blended in with the crowd.

With Ms. Sohee out of the picture for the night, Jiwon decided to enjoy the party to the fullest.

"You made it!" Junghyun exclaimed as he saw Jiwon approaching his car.

"Yeah," Jiwon said triumphantly.

"How did you convince Ms. Sohee?" Junhyung asked. "I thought she forbid you to attend."

"She's not here tonight," Jiwon shrugged. "What she doesn't know won't hurt her. Where's Hyun Jung?"

"He just texted," Junhyung replied. "He'll be a little late. He got called by a teacher regarding an assignment. He asked us to go ahead and he'll arrive later with Jumyeon."

"Cool," Jiwon said. "Let's go."

They got into Junhyung's car and drove off.

….

"Where is Jiwon and Junhyung?" Hyun Jung wondered out loud. He was at the party with Jumyeon. "Junhyung texted us to be here by seven. It's almost nine now!"

"I don't know," Jumyeon said, stuffing his mouth with chicken fries. "He asked us to go ahead. He'll bring Jiwon with him."

"I still don't see why we had to come here early," Hyun Jung frowned. "All of us could have arrived together."

They were at Junhyung's cabin. Almost everyone from their grade was there, enjoying the party's festivities. Loud music echoed from inside as the teenagers danced their hearts out. 

Hyun Jung was getting worried. Jiwon took a great risk by agreeing to attend this party. Hyun Jung was one of the few people who was well aware of the constant danger looming around Jiwon. The area they were in was also a known hub of the Cartel. 

Jumyeon, who had no idea about the danger Jiwon was in, said, "Relax Hyun! Have some chicken."

Hyun Jung politely refused him and kept his eyes on the door. Where are you, Jiwon? He wondered.