"So, in other words, your unit leader disappeared while investigating Zhou Xingzhe, and now his service weapon has ended up in the hands of the Yakuza. That's why you suspect—"
Before Jack could finish his sentence, the two detectives from the Northern Police Department were already tearing up.
Ma Seok-do patted their backs in a show of comfort. "Since their leader was conducting an off-the-books investigation, it involves officers from another precinct. And now that they're leaderless, they want to stick with me for now."
Jack thought for a moment before looking up at Ma Seok-do with a smile. "Since this case was originally handled by Captain Zhou Xingzhe, and since your men got attacked on his turf, isn't it reasonable for you to visit his precinct and request access to the relevant case files?"
Ma Seok-do grinned, his thick lips curling into a smirk, his face carrying a menacing air. "Yeah, we can just say we're curious."
—
Geumcheon was a district in Seoul, a key transportation hub with multiple highways and major railways running through it.
It was in Geumcheon's jurisdiction that Ma Seok-do's colleagues had been ambushed on their way back from Incheon.
At this moment, Jack, Ma Seok-do, and the two Northern Police detectives were sitting in their car in the Geumcheon Police Department's parking lot, discussing their plan.
"This is Zhou Xingzhe's file. Everything we have on him is in here," Hwang Dong-kyun, from the Narcotics Division, handed a folder to Jack before hesitating and glancing at Ma Seok-do.
"Hyung-nim, are you sure it's a good idea to storm into another precinct and demand to review their case files?"
"Relax. I never say anything unpleasant," Ma Seok-do replied nonchalantly.
As a former subordinate, Hwang Dong-kyun knew full well how "tactful" Ma Seok-do could be. He forced a laugh, clearly unconvinced.
Meanwhile, Jack flipped through the thin file and returned it to Hwang Dong-kyun. "This Captain Zhou Xingzhe's promotion rate is pretty unusual. It doesn't align with the typical seniority-based advancement system in the Korean police force."
Hwang Dong-kyun nodded grimly. "Apparently, all the credit for taking down the White Shark Gang was attributed to him, so he was promoted twice in a row."
"Connections in high places?" Jack mused before glancing at Ma Seok-do. "If promotions were purely merit-based, Hyung-nim here should at least be a deputy commissioner by now."
Over the past few days, Jack had gotten along well with Ma Seok-do. The guy had a rare blend of generosity and boldness for a Korean officer, and he loved boasting about his past exploits.
Hwang Dong-kyun made a wry face. "That's… hard to say. Hyung-nim's level of collateral damage is legendary. When we worked together, the higher-ups were constantly stressed over the civil compensation payouts."
Ma Seok-do scowled. "Aish, what are you saying? That's all rumors! It was the criminals who caused the damage! I was already being careful!"
After some laughter, they returned to the topic at hand. Hwang Dong-kyun adjusted his expression and continued.
"Anyway, I did some digging. Captain Zhou Xingzhe doesn't seem to have any special connections, but everyone says he's very generous with his money."
"Hmm, he definitely looks wealthy. He wears the same suit brand as I do," Jack remarked, pointing out the window.
The others followed his finger and spotted three men approaching the police station entrance.
Leading the way was Zhou Xingzhe himself—tall, sharp-featured, and exuding a strong presence. He carried himself like a proper big shot, walking with an air of authority.
If criminal leaders typically fell into one of two categories based on appearance, then Ma Seok-do and Zhou Xingzhe were complete opposites—polar opposites, even.
One was the type whose mere face instilled fear, while the other commanded respect through sheer presence, charming clueless young women in the process.
"Looks like a Hong Kong triad movie character," Jack thought to himself. Zhou Xingzhe was like a budget version of a middle-aged Ekin Cheng, especially with that awkward mid-length, side-parted hairstyle.
"I can't go in with you. Keep an eye on Hyung-nim. We're here to probe, not to trash the station," Jack warned, directing his words at Hwang Dong-kyun.
If Ma Seok-do hadn't insisted on coming along, Jack wouldn't have brought him. He was worried that the guy's temper might blow their cover.
Since last night, Jack had received multiple phone calls—from Prosecutor Kim Joon-ho, the Korean National Police Agency, the U.S. embassy, and the FBI's New York office.
Even Jubal, who had just landed in New York, called to check on the shooting incident.
Luckily, Jack's reason for opening fire had been purely to save lives. Although there were no security cameras at the scene, the Yakuza thug's gruesome head wound was evidence enough.
And while this was a cinematic world, Korea wasn't so absurdly overpowered that they could summon the U.S. ambassador just to make him kneel before the Taegukgi.
Instead, the officials had taken a respectful approach, merely asking if the FBI agent was injured—while subtly hinting that they'd appreciate it if he kept things "low-key."
"Okay," Hwang Dong-kyun said.
Before he could say more, Ma Seok-do yanked him out of the car, grumbling, "I'm known for being both intelligent and brave."
—
Fifteen minutes later, Ma Seok-do stormed out of the Geumcheon Police Station, cursing under his breath as Hwang Dong-kyun desperately tried to hold him back.
"How'd it go?" Jack asked, opening the car door for them.
Ma Seok-do didn't get in. Instead, he pulled a business card from his pocket and turned to head back. "Damn it, I gave them the wrong card."
Hwang Dong-kyun shuddered and quickly latched onto Ma Seok-do's arm, practically hanging off him. "Hyung, don't go back! They're not gonna call you anyway!"
"Aish, that's not the point! I accidentally gave them the business card for the unagi restaurant! I still need to place a group order later!" Ma Seok-do looked genuinely frustrated.
"I got it, I got it! If we find our unit leader, I'll treat everyone to unagi for a whole week!" Hwang Dong-kyun promised, sweating bullets.
"Aish, forget it." Ma Seok-do flicked his wrist, effortlessly tossing Hwang Dong-kyun into the car. The detective landed on the seat, dazed and confused about how he even got there.
Jack watched Ma Seok-do settle into the passenger seat and chuckled. "So, how'd it go?"
"Exactly as we expected—denied." Ma Seok-do was still fuming, while Hwang Dong-kyun leaned forward from the back seat.
"They rejected us outright, citing jurisdiction. They claimed the case was still under investigation and didn't even have a single photo of those Yakuza members. It's been years, and they expect us to believe they never took a single picture?"
As he spoke, his eyes turned red. "Hyung-nim asked if they had any info on our missing leader, and they hinted that he was the one with something to hide."
Jack nodded thoughtfully. "You didn't reveal your actual department, right?"
Hwang Dong-kyun quickly shook his head. "Of course not. We followed your instructions—I introduced myself as a Wide Area Investigation officer."
"So, it's highly likely that the Yakuza's protectors are Zhou Xingzhe and his men," Jack analyzed.
"They took down the White Shark Gang, only to replace them as the Yakuza's new partners. That's why the Yakuza can smuggle and sell drugs locally. If any local gangs tried to interfere, Zhou Xingzhe, as a police officer, would handle them."
"Any other discoveries?"
Hwang Dong-kyun shook his head.
Suddenly, Ma Seok-do, who had been quiet until now, lifted his head, eyes blazing with fury. "I think they were the ones who attacked my brothers."
"One of Zhou Xingzhe's men had an arm injury. I noticed it when I shook his hand. Zhou himself had a cut on his forehead. He claimed it was from a suspect resisting arrest, but there was no bruising—just a scratch, like from broken glass."
______
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