The Ninth Case (8)

The interrogation room feels suffocating, its stark walls closing in as I face two stern-faced Internal Affairs officers. Seo sits to the side, his expression a mask of professional neutrality. The senior IA officer, Detective Kang, begins the questioning, his voice crisp and unyielding.

"Detective, walk us through the events following your departure from the scene with Detective Pyo."

I take a deep breath, trying to organize my thoughts. "I was driving Detective Pyo to the hospital. En route, I noticed suspicious movement in an alley. Given the circumstances of our operation, I felt compelled to investigate."

Kang's partner, Officer Jung, interjects sharply. "Without backup? And abandoning an injured colleague?"

Seo shifts in his seat, looking like he wants to speak up, but he restrains himself, maintaining his impartial stance.

I wince at Jung's words. "I... I made a split-second decision. I believed I might lose a crucial lead if I delayed."