Now all that's left is Kwon Taek Joo.
No, actually there was an unknown killer lurking nearby. Taekju sensed the man's presence without needing to turn back; it was as if a predatory gaze followed him, a beast hungry for its prey.
An irritating voice in his head kept nagging to him that the enigmatic figure he had glimpsed since his abduction may be one of the kidnappers.
Kwon Taek-joo closed his eyes briefly to clear his thoughts. His senses, temporarily frozen, gradually rekindled one by one.
Simultaneously, the ominous presence he had previously overlooked began to take shape. A shadow that eclipsed his own, an overpowering scent that stung his nostrils, and a chilling aura that seemed to still the air.
The man seemed about 200 cm (6 feet and 7 inches) thus way taller than me. Amazing how fast he can move despite his height.
He clenched the button tightly in his hand, knowing that even a psychopathic murderer like that man wouldn't be safe from an explosive device. In such close proximity, there was no guarantee Kwon Taekjoo himself could escape uninjured, but fleeing was not an option.
His plan was simple: catch them off guard and plant a bomb in their eye, nose, or mouth.
With that, he was ready.
Before he could act, his hand holding the bomb was suddenly gripped. The bomb slipped from his grasp and flew away, leaving him bracing for excruciating pain.
However, an explosion erupted from below the building, accompanied by scorching heat.
Kwon Taek-joo fell on the rough cement floor, and his blurred vision was fixed on two long legs and crocodile leather shoes.
He had seen them in a magazine not too long ago, their sleek design reminiscent of a crocodile. I think they cost about 4000 dollars. His taste is quite fancy for a killer.
The man suddenly gripped Taek-joo's neck, holding him down on the cold floor. His other hand was almost crushed by the murderer. Shit, how strong was he?
"Aaah, my hands are dirty, lend me your clothes, will you?"
Those were his first words, spoken in a voice less coarse than anticipated, making him seem unexpectedly young.
Damn it, he easily overpowered me. I was too tired to resist.
"Ugh, fuck."
Perhaps it was the hand that had gouged out a man's eye that needed cleansing. Despite his vague suspicions, he preferred not to dwell on it.
Losing his last remaining piece of clothing would leave him vulnerable, and in the biting cold, that could be deadly.
However, this killer had different plans. An object with a familiar texture touched his head – a Colt.
"...damn," Taek-joo muttered softly, his right arm immobilized, forcing him to use his left. With newfound determination, he began unbuttoning his shirt, though its stiff newness made it a difficult task.
Before he could unfasten the second button, the man yanked his shirt, sending buttons flying. After some time, something cold replaced the man's hand around Taekjoo's wrist.
A clicking sound followed as handcuffs secured his wrists. The other end clung to a nearby steel structure. His head still lay on the floor. As the killer silently moved away, he threw Taekjoo's shirt, tainted with blood and fluids, on the ground.
Taking a deep breath, the man exhaled slowly, as if savoring the moment. It felt as though he were savoring a cigarette, but the scent was different – richer, deeper, bittersweet.
Not long after, something blunt entered Taekjoo's line of sight – a handmade cigar, a remnant from the man's earlier smoke.
The man finished his cigarette and began to depart, leaving Kwon Taek-joo's restrained and helpless. It took a considerable amount of time for the man's receding back to disappear from his view.
As Taekjoo's nervousness slowly disappeared, he slumped to the floor, drained of strength. The chilling reality of his situation replaced the adrenaline-fueled fantasy of the encounter.
The frigid wind cut into his skin, making him feel as though his whole body would freeze and crack.
"Fuck," he groaned, pounding the floor in frustration. "UGH!"
Soon, the sound of sirens grew louder, drawing nearer. It was the wailing siren of a police car.
~~~~
Hours passed at the police station before they finally released Taekjoo. A passing officer handed him a thick, musty-smelling blanket. Despite the heating, an unshakeable chill seemed to haunt the station, making the blanket a necessity.
Kwon Taek-joo examined his throbbing wrist, now wrapped in bandages. The marks left by the murderer's grip were still visible. Oddly, he felt no pain during the medical attention.
The paramedics remained oblivious to his sprained wrist, a detail he had kept secret.He flexed his fingers wrapped in bandages and managed a chuckle.
It all seemed surreal – his abduction, the sudden appearance of the mysterious killer who saved him (if you could call that saving), and the pain of his wrist. I got caught by an absolute madman. If not for the police, I wouldn't have made it...
Was it even a person? An adult man's wrist had snapped like a twig in the murderer's grip. If Taekjoo was a weak and vulnarable man, that would make sense, but he wasn't. Plus it didn't align with the incredible physical strength the killer had demonstrated.
It was as if he possessed superhuman abilities. The officer in charge reappeared, breaking the silence. As Kwon Taekjoo sat down, the chair squeaked.
The officer seemed to view international contracts as a form of warfare, his eyes gleaming when he mentioned the enormous stakes involved. Kwon Taek-joo remained silent, impatient to leave for the hotel.
However, the officer continued to excitedly discuss the incident, expressing hopes that it wouldn't cast Russia in a negative light and vowing to uncover those responsible. His superior, who had gone for a meal, returned, delaying Kwon Taek-joo's departure.
"I have to go, but my luggage w-...," Taekju began.
"Oh, you mean the luggage in their car? I placed it over there. I made sure there were no bombs or trackers. If they tried to kill you once, I'm sure they would try again, so I'll drive you safely home. Oh, no need to be overly grateful for our small Russian consideration."
Kwon Taekju just looked at him.
The officer's words were dismissive, almost as if he were telling him not to bother with thanks. Kwon Taek-joo contemplated sitting in the back seat for a moment but eventually yielded to Japanese politeness, opening the passenger seat door.
As he sat down, something fell beneath him, and he retrieved a pair of stockings. The officer picked them up without hesitation and tossed them aside.
He then noticed other items scattered on the dashboard – breadcrumbs, paper cups, and... adult magazines.
"Ahem, I thought you were a big nerd, but it seems you have a taste for sports as well,"
the officer remarked with a hint of curiosity.
Kwon Taek-joo's physique, naturally developed through physical work, differed from the artificially enhanced muscles typical of desk-bound individuals. He shrugged in response, explaining that stamina mattered, especially during long periods of sitting.
The officer's eyes seemed to linger on him as they conversed, almost flirtatiously, and Kwon Taek-joo couldn't help but feel a bit uncomfortable.
Their departure from the police station was delayed due to a problem with the car's rear wheel, necessitating a replacement. During this time, Kwon Taek-joo contemplated taking a taxi, but the officer insisted on accompanying him, citing the need to protect a victim and witness.
They only left the police station after the tire had been replaced, and Kwon Taek-joo couldn't help but feel that the officer's goodwill was somewhat burdensome.
"When you reach your hotel, rest without worry. If sleep eludes you, a glass of vodka can do wonders. We will track down and punish those responsible for your ordeal. But earlier, you mentioned..."
The officer furrowed his brow, trying to recall Kwon Taek-joo's earlier statements.
"You mentioned there was another person besides those who perished at the scene. The one with the crocodile leather shoes, right? Did you say he had an unusual scent? He used his hand to gouge the other man's eyes and threw him from the building. Correct?"
Kwon Taek-joo repeated what he had witnessed at the scene, but the officer's interest seemed lukewarm. It was as if he wasn't particularly concerned about the sudden appearance of a killer in the heart of the city.
Instead, he appeared more interested in Japanese women. Throughout the ride, he inquired about whether Japanese women truly served their husbands like masters and whether the kimono's waist sash served only as a decorative rug.
His fascination bordered on obsession, and Kwon Taek-joo found it increasingly tiresome. Finally, the car arrived at a five-star hotel. The officer suggested Kwon Taek-joo change locations, as there was no telling when their assailants might strike again.
He even offered to provide personal security if needed, hah, I don't need to add more information. Or drink in return would suffice, the officer said.
Kwon Taek-joo, tired and drained, managed a weak smile.
"I'll consider it. I owe you a lot today."
"How kind of you. It's just Russian hospitality. No need to thank me."
Kwon Taek-joo nodded and turned to leave, while the officer wished him a final farewell, suggesting to call him when a drink with him was necessary.
Inside the hotel's lobby, a porter took his bag, and despite the courteous welcome, Kwon Taek-joo handed over his passport and credit card in silence. The staff members, their faces marked by exhaustion, hastened to complete the check-in process.
Soon, he had his room key in hand. He hesitated momentarily before heading to his assigned room. Turning back to the receptionist, he asked, "Are there any shops that sell handmade cigars around here?"
"We have a variety of handmade cigars available in our hotel shop, catering to various tastes. Just head to the back of the lobby. Here, a facility map."
The staff handed him a map, and Taek-joo followed their directions. Despite his fatigue, he couldn't shake the unease and decided to investigate.
Because once the mission began, he knew he wouldn't have the luxury of spare time.