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Her heavy footsteps echoed through the empty corridor. Dawn light was gradually filtering through the low hanging clouds above. She could see lights flickering on in some of the units as she passed by, faint commotion heard through the front doors.
As she neared their apartment, the feeling of being watched assailed her. She looked around surreptitiously, but saw no one within her immediate vicinity. Her senses were on alert, but everything was quiet.
She passed by the unit nearest them, on the opposite side, and the warning bells in her mind rang louder, but at a glance nothing was amiss. She forged on, exhaustion and the promise of succour behind their front door pushing her the few steps forward. She fumbled a bit with the keys, but had the door closed behind her in less than a minute.
As she stepped into the living room, the door to their bedroom opened.
“Good morning, glad you are back,” Kwon Joo said in her always soothing cadence.
She quirked her lips and moved to encircle her waist, giving her a peck on the lips and cheeks, “Good morning to you too, beautiful.”
She received a beatific smile in return, “I will prepare breakfast while you have your shower.”
She nodded in acquiescence, and reluctantly released her hold.
Breakfast was simple, but cosy.
She was listening to Kwon Joo outline their plans for when the both of them would be off when she finally slotted in, “That man is back. You know what this means.”
Kwon Joo looked at her, a pensive look on her face.
“You saw him?”
“No. But I trust my instincts. I am certain we will see him when we step out in a while,” she stated, glancing at the wall clock.
“It’s getting late. I will tidy up. You should get ready. I will accompany you to your car,” she offered readily.
“Thank you,” Kwon Joo stood up and left for the bathroom.
She was done with the dishes when Kwon Joo came out from their bedroom, dressed up and ready to go.
“You are right, I heard him,” Kwon Joo confirmed her suspicions. They gazed at each other for long moments but Kwon Joo turned and moved towards the entrance. “Let’s go.”
As they had anticipated, they saw the door of the unit across from theirs opened as they stepped out.
An immaculately dressed man appeared from behind the door, and a low, husky drawl greeted them, “Good morning, Senior-Inspector Kang, Detective Kang.”
She ignored him, but Kwon Joo, well-mannered to the end, answered, “Good morning, Representative Mo.”
In time, the shock would wear off, she was sure, but for now, every encounter with him could still make her blink twice. It was uncanny how much he looked like Choi Yoon. They could pass as identical twins. Yet, aside from physical appearances, she knew they were nothing alike.
Choi Yoon was family, but this man, a hazard.
He monopolized Kwon Joo’s attention the short distance to their cars, and she took the opportunity to further observe him, cataloguing whatever clues she could. Alas, it was fruitless.
They arrived first at his parked car, and he moved away. He went inside his car, but simply sat immobile, not showing any signs of starting his car.
She brushed against Kwon Joo as they neared her car, and said softly, “Message me after your arrival.”
Kwon Joo nodded and replied warmly, “I will take care. Go back and sleep. See you later.”
After sending Kwon Joo off, she turned to go back up. As she passed by that man’s car, she received a salute, and then heard the car engine being started up. She did not acknowledge him and it was not until she was back in their apartment did she exhale a sigh.
That man was proving to be a major headache.