The Tenth Case (15)

I take a deep breath, forcing my racing heart to slow. Kim's eyes are wild, the knife in his hand trembling as he holds it against Min-joo's throat. The little girl whimpers, tears streaming down her face.

"Kim," I say, my voice low and steady. "Let's talk about this. You don't want to hurt Min-joo. I know you don't."

Kim's grip on the knife tightens. "Stay back! I'll do it, I swear!"

I take a small step forward, my hands raised in a non-threatening gesture. "I believe you care about your daughter, Kim. That's why you came for her, isn't it? To protect her?"

Confusion flickers across Kim's face. "You... you don't understand. They'll take her away from me!"

"No one's taking her, Kim," I say, inching closer. "We just want to make sure she's safe. You want that too, don't you?"

Kim's eyes dart around wildly. He presses the knife closer to Min-joo's skin, causing her to cry out. "Don't come any closer! I'll hurt her, I swear I will!"