The Tenth Case (13)

I take a deep breath, steeling myself for the confrontation. Then, I step out of my car and approach the two women quickly before they can separate.

"Ms. Lee Hong-sook? Ms. Min-ji?" I call out, causing both women to freeze in their tracks.

They turn to face me, shock and fear evident on their faces. Min-ji recovers first, her expression morphing into anger.

"You followed me? What kind of police are you?" she spits out, her voice trembling with rage.

I hold up my hands in a placating gesture. "I apologize for the deception, but this is a matter of utmost urgency. Ms. Lee, I really need to speak with you."

Hong-sook takes a step back, her eyes darting around as if looking for an escape route. "I told you on the phone, I have nothing to say about Kim Su-chul."

"Please," I implore, "I wouldn't have gone to these lengths if it wasn't critical. Lives could be at stake here."