The Last Case (4)

Han and I rush down the stairs, our footsteps echoing in the stairwell. As we enter the conference room, I stop short at the sight of Kang.

"Kang?" I say in disbelief. He looks haggard, with dark circles under his eyes and what appears to be a fresh bruise on his cheek.

Han looks between us, questioning. "This is Kang? The one who gave you the initial documents about Choi?"

I nod. "Yes. Retired Chief Superintendent Kang, this is Inspector Han. He's been leading this investigation with me." Turning back to Kang, I can't keep the concern from my voice. "Where have you been? You disappeared without a word.

"Had to go off the grid for a while," Kang says, sinking into a chair with a grimace. "I've been... gathering information."

"Without telling anyone?" I ask, unable to keep the hint of accusation from my voice.