Shadows of Truth

Seojin sat in her car, gripping the steering wheel as the city's neon lights reflected off the windshield. The meeting with her former mentor, Park Kyungmin, was set to take place in a small, unassuming tea house downtown. Despite her calm exterior, her mind was a storm of doubt and apprehension.

Was Kyungmin the same man who had guided her during her early years as a detective, or had he succumbed to corruption like so many others? She didn't know which answer would hurt more.

In the passenger seat, Jiwon glanced at her. "You don't have to do this alone," he said.

"Yes, I do," Seojin replied, her tone resolute. "If Kyungmin is innocent, I can't risk him being dragged into this mess. And if he's guilty…" She trailed off, her grip tightening.

"Call the moment something feels wrong," Jiwon said, handing her a concealed microphone. "We'll be listening from here."

Seojin nodded, slipped the device into her jacket, and stepped out of the car.

---

The tea house was quiet, the faint aroma of brewed leaves mingling with the warm air. Seojin spotted Kyungmin seated at a corner table, his posture relaxed but alert. He looked older than she remembered, with streaks of gray in his hair and lines etched into his face.

"Seojin," he greeted her with a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "It's been a while."

"It has," she replied, sitting across from him. "I wasn't sure you'd agree to meet."

Kyungmin chuckled. "For you? Always. You were one of the brightest detectives I ever worked with. I'm proud of how far you've come."

Seojin studied him, searching for any sign of deception. "You've kept busy too. Your name comes up in surprising places."

Kyungmin's smile faltered, but he recovered quickly. "I've been consulting here and there, trying to stay useful in my old age. What about you? Still chasing the bad guys?"

"You could say that," Seojin said, her tone pointed. "Though some of them are harder to catch than others."

The air grew tense as Kyungmin's gaze sharpened. "Why don't you tell me why you're really here, Seojin?"

---

Seojin leaned forward, lowering her voice. "I'm investigating the Lee syndicate. Your name came up in connection to them."

Kyungmin's expression darkened, but he didn't deny it. "You're walking a dangerous path. The Lee syndicate isn't something you can fight alone."

"Then help me," Seojin pressed. "If you're innocent, prove it. If you're involved, tell me why. I deserve the truth."

Kyungmin sighed heavily, running a hand through his hair. "You always had a strong sense of justice. It's one of the things I admired about you. But the world isn't black and white, Seojin. Sometimes, to survive, you have to make compromises."

Seojin's heart sank. "So, it's true. You're working with them."

"I didn't have a choice," Kyungmin said, his voice tinged with regret. "The syndicate isn't just a criminal organization—they're a force of nature. They control everything. If I hadn't cooperated, they would've destroyed everything I care about."

Seojin stared at him, her mind racing. "What did they make you do?"

Kyungmin hesitated before replying. "I gave them information. Names, operations, intel on investigations. But I never hurt anyone, Seojin. I swear."

"That doesn't make you innocent," Seojin said coldly. "You betrayed the people who trusted you."

"I know," Kyungmin said, his voice breaking. "And I'll carry that guilt for the rest of my life. But if you're here to arrest me, you should know—I've kept records. Every transaction, every deal. It's all documented."

Seojin's eyes widened. "Why would you keep evidence against them?"

"Because one day, I hoped someone like you would come along," Kyungmin said, his gaze steady. "Someone who could finish what I couldn't."

---

Before Seojin could respond, the tea house door swung open, and two men in suits entered, their eyes scanning the room. Kyungmin stiffened, his hand inching toward his jacket.

"They've been watching me," he whispered. "You need to leave. Now."

"And let them kill you?" Seojin whispered back. "Not happening."

The men approached their table, their demeanor calm but menacing. "Mr. Park," one of them said, his tone polite. "We need to have a word."

Kyungmin stood, his expression composed. "Of course. Let me just settle my bill."

Seojin rose as well, but Kyungmin shot her a warning look. "Stay out of this, Seojin. Please."

Reluctantly, she backed away, slipping out through the side door as the men escorted Kyungmin outside. Once outside, she activated the microphone. "Jiwon, they've got Kyungmin. We need to follow them."

"We're already on it," Jiwon replied.

---

**End of Chapter 11**

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**Thoughts for Readers:**

- Do you think Kyungmin is telling the truth, or is he manipulating Seojin?

- What could the syndicate's next move be, and how will it impact Seojin and Jiwon?