[Fanfic] In the Dark {Chapter 1: It's Official}
Title: In The Dark {Chpt. 1: It’s Official}
Author: Roxy (lady_monochrome)
Pairing(s): MinJae, YunJae, YooSu, HoSu, Yunho x Boa (It’ll make sense later on.)
Length: Chapter 1 of 15 (subject to change)
Word Count: 3,372
Genre: AU, Drama, Mystery, Suspense, Psychological
Rating: R
Warning(s): Serial murder, explicit crime scenes, fucked up sociopathic individuals, drug abuse and prostitution (and just a tiny hint of het for those of you who deem that a warning.)
A/N: This story contains murder crime scenes, serial killing and detective work that may not be suitable for all readers. *lol?* If you like detective mystery novels (or watching the FBI files, 48hrs Hard Evidence or such things as that xD NO! Not CSI damn it!!) I assure you that you’ll like this story. If you can’t take it then please proceed with caution. You’ve been warned. (I know you people at dbsk_hardcore can take it. In fact this is nothing for you guys.)
Summary: Young, Detective Shim was awarded in his short successful career with a major crime investigation. A series of murders have been terrorizing the citizens of Seoul and it’s up to him, and his team, to solve the crime before more people could fall victim to the vicious killer. But in the process he gets the help he needs from the most unlikely of characters.
“In the dark;
In the darkness you will find
Dirty little secrets we all hide
'Cause we all have a darker side
A place we keep where no one else will find”
Secrets by Good Charlotte
------------------------------------------------------------
In the Dark: Chapter 1; It’s Official
It had been a very long night for the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency (SMPA). This was the third case in less than a month. It was absolutely clear to them that they had a serial killer in their hands. All the signs were there, they were positive. And not only was this a recurrent killer, but a mental case as well with a very distinctive, not to mention disturbing, trait to his work.
The big, bustling city of Seoul, South Korea had fallen in a wave of terror as news of the serial killings hit all the major TV stations.
-“The three separate murders are believed to be connected to the same killer. No suspect has been identified as of yet. The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency advises the citizens to stay alert and avoid dark, desolate places at night.”
Detective Shim switched the television channel and settled on the sofa with his heated leftovers. He had enough of the murders for one day. With his mp3 player in hand he proceeded to eat and listen to his favorite music so he could relax. “We’ll catch you bastard.”
Life in the big city was spent in a hurry. People ran everywhere; they always had somewhere to be and something to do. Police detectives had it double; they were the ones that had to clean up the messy results of when people crossed the thin line between a normal life and a life of crime. Because wherever the money flows there’s bound to be people striving for it without success. Some people stay humble, others… they resort to illicit activities to earn their bread.
According to some economical research in 2008 Seoul was on the list of the top five most expensive cities in the world alongside places such as in Russia, China and Japan. Yeah you guessed it, three countries with a strong criminal culture. It was no surprise that under all the glamour lay a vast underground world where people’s regard for the authorities was slim to none. It was up to the SMPA to keep this world separate from the average citizens to the best of their skills.
Crime couldn’t be stopped. It could only be contained. Like a spreading virus.
Shim Changmin had learned that the hard way. His short years of experience as a city cop had thought him just the necessary to know how the streets worked. As he quickly ascended to detective he also came to the realization that there was no way to stop crime but to keep it at bay so it wouldn’t blow out of proportions. Still Changmin never lost hope and always fought to keep optimism in his job as did the rest of the Homicide Detective Squad. They were confident in their abilities and they knew they had what it takes to catch this new risen serial killer.
The last victim was a woman, 31 years old, 5’4”, brown eyes, and black hair, name Kim Jikyung. She was an exotic dancer at a club close to the murder scene. Only one family member came forward to identify the body. It was her younger brother Kim Jaejoong whom also stated that he would do anything to help the detectives in their investigation; full cooperation is the right term. She was the third victim. The first two were a female prostitute and a male one. Up until then they had treated the cases as disjointed murders but when the third victim came around the signs were more than evident.
The first victim was found in the little wilderness that covered small parts of the city. She was bled to death; several cuts to her wrists were all the evidence that was left on her. The second victim, the male, was also found in the wilderness, this time he was in an upright sitting position, leaning on a tree, both wrists slit in various places, bled to death. In his hands he held a single white lotus flower. That’s exactly how they found the third victim, Kim Jikyung. All three bodies were found stripped naked, their skin bathed and perfumed. The last two victims even had their hair neatly combed.
Whoever was committing the murders was certainly a sick individual.
People often think that what happens in movies is much too farfetched to happen in real life but the truth lay in the fact that reality was much stranger than fiction. There were many strange cases that Changmin had dealt with in his five years as a homicide detective. But so far he hadn’t received a serial killer case and he was getting the whole package with psychopathic behavior and everything.
Switching between the channels Changmin found yet another News cast this time presenting the latest press conference with the new candidate for Mayor of Seoul, Jung Yunho. He was a dashing looking man who had just hit his thirties. Handsome, young, talented, smart and experienced, not to mention he had a ton of followers due to his excellent work as a legislator in the National Assembly. He was well on his way to a sure victory that year. But Changmin didn’t like him much; might just be his discrepancies with the candidate about how he wanted to deal with the police force in the city.
-“During his press conference, legislator and mayoralty candidate Jung Yunho expressed deep concern for the recent brutal murders in the Kangso district. He stated that he had full confidence in the police force to quickly asses the problem and eliminate this threat from the streets of Seoul. Let’s hear it.”
- “The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency is equipped with only the cleverest of minds. I can assure you fair people that our detectives will solve these terrible murders and put the threat behind bars in no time so that our people can live in peace and know they’ll be safe in the streets of Seoul.”
“Kkkhh… That cocky bastard. If I ever see him at the department I’ll personally give him a piece of my clever mind.” Finally shutting off the TV Changmin cleaned up and headed off to bed. It was 12:17am.
His sleep was anything but restful. Images of beautiful, doll like women bleeding from their wrists and eyes, clouded his dreams. Nightmares haunted him. There were shadows following him, monsters in the dark that didn’t reveal their faces. Strange voices called out to him.
Changmiiin~~ Changmiiin~~ Changmin~~ CHANGMIN!!!
“AAH!” Changmin awoke with a start from his own dark slumber. His brow was beaded with sweat, his chest heaving to provide proper oxygen for his accelerated heart to pump it all over his body.
4:46am.
“Damn it…” Since his alarm was supposed to wake him in 14 more minutes anyway Changmin decided to get off bed. Heading to the shower he tried to wash away all the stress and all the fear before he ever set foot on the department. Detectives were human, just like any other average Lee. They had fears, they became anxious, perhaps even more so than an average Lee. This was his first serial murder case and he hoped it would be the only one in his life. One thing he knew though and it was that the image of the victim’s bodies will remain with him for the rest of his life.
♫♪Warning!! Warning!! It’s the BOSS!!~~ Warning!! Warning!! It’s the BOSS!!~~ ♫♪
Changmin’s phone rang out from his night stand, so loud he could hear it all the way in the shower. ‘Why is that man calling already? Give me a break man!’ Quickly finishing his shower the young detective dressed for work and dialed his boss. “Yes Chief! What’s the news?”
“We have a man down here at the station that wants to speak with you. His name is Kim Jaejoong. He says he may have something for your investigation so get your ass down here as soon as humanly possible.”
“Kim JaeJoong? The third victim’s brother? I’ll be right there sir.”
--------------------
5:47am
“Good morning Mr. Kim. Sorry for making you wait.” Changmin was at the station sooner than he had anticipated but what really surprised him was seeing this person so early in the morning.
“No! It’s ok. I’m sorry for bothering you so early. I need to go work at 7am so I thought I’d come around here before that… You know how it is… Life continues.” His face was a sad portrait. There were dark circles under his eyes, his skin looked pale, his eyes had a tinge of red and his overall appearance was simply frail.
“I understand. Trust me.” The detective’s appearance wasn’t far behind either. “Is there something I can help you with Mr. Kim? Maybe you’d like some coffee; I could sure use a cup… or three.” The last comment broke a smile on Jaejoong’s lips making his face light up for the briefest of seconds.
“Thank you. I’d like that. Coffee sounds good.” Two cups of strong coffee were promptly served alongside two small sandwiches from the break room.
“Please eat.” Changmin offered one of the sandwiches to the man across his desk who didn’t hesitate to accept. A few minutes of silence went by; only the slurping of their coffee could be heard at odd intervals.
“None of our family members wanted to do with her. After she became an exotic dancer I mean.” It was Jaejoong who finally broke the silence. “She didn’t really care for a normal profession or office hours. Her thing was to be adventurous and free. During the day she did whatever she wanted, sleep in and all. During the night she became a woman free of taboos and morals… even when she was actually considered a taboo in herself. Stripping for a living, you know all that jive.” Looking out the window Jaejoong’s eyes watered and he couldn’t hold back a small sob.
“Hey it’s ok.” Standard phrase, but he was only trying to sooth the man. A small box of tissues was pushed across the desk. “Here. Use as many as you need.” All some people wanted, when they visited spontaneously like that, was to feel reassurance in the investigation. They would often pour their hearts out, as if making sure the detectives were aware of how much the victim was being missed, how much pain they were enduring for the loss, and, without knowing it, putting a lot more weight onto the investigator’s shoulders.
“Th- Thank you.” The victim’s brother blew his nose clear of liquid and breathed in deep. “I’m so sorry Detective Shim. I just really want that bastard to pay for what he did. She was only trying to live her own life you know…” One long, strained sigh. “But I didn’t come here to cry… Sorry about that. I just wanted you to know that I will do most anything to help in the investigation. Whatever I can do to help, I want to do it.”
Also very typical in the most attached of victim family. “Thank you Mr. Kim. I assure you that our team is working non-stop on the investigation. If there’s anything you may know, if there’s anything you can remember that may lead us to a suspect do let me know. Anything at all. As insignificant or as farfetched as it may appear. You call me on my personal phone and let me know.” Taking one of his presentation cards from the desk Changmin highlighted his cell phone number and handed it over to Jaejoong. “And I mean it Mr. Kim. Anything at all; please call. And if there’s anything I can help you with don’t hesitate to call either.”
---------------------------
On his way out Jaejoong overheard two detectives talking about the serial murders. He stood behind a wall pretending to drink water from the tank that was placed on that very corner.
“Looks like up until now it’s been only prostitutes and such.”
“Yeah so I’ve heard. Maybe this will end up being an undercover job. Might have to send someone in to try and become a victim.”
“It’s scary to think about that. No matter how experienced a cop you are it’s a very dangerous position to be in.”
“Tell me about it. We’re talking about a psycho here. It ain’t gonna be easy that’s for sure.”
“Ppfftt yeah. This case will either make or break Shim. He better be on his hinges and-”
Jaejoong didn’t need to hear any more. He was already getting ideas.
-------------------------
The entire day after that, Jaejoong spent it thinking of ways to bring the killer down. He thought of what he would do if he ever came face to face with the man that killed his sister. His work became sloppy.
“Mr. Kim!! It’s the third time today! Pay more attention please!! We need these to be neat and perfect for this afternoon’s executive meeting. Please focus.”
“Yes Mrs. Ryang. I apologize.” Jaejoong’s boss walked away muttering something along the lines of ‘shouldn’t have let him come back so soon.’ Everyone around the office seemed to look at him in the same way. As if they all pitied him. He didn’t want their pity. He didn’t want anything to do with anyone in that office for that matter. Finding a job in such a populated city wasn’t easy and that was just the one that fortunately hired him. Jaejoong would be lying if he said he had never thought of following his sister’s footstep to make better money. “Hhhmm…”
---------------------------
“My name is Kim Jaejoong. I’m in dire need of extra money and I was told this was the best way to get it. I’m not bad looking and I exercise often. There might be something for me in this business.” Right after work, purely on a whim, Jaejoong found himself walking down the dusty, club littered, back allies of the city. His feet walked on automatic bringing him to a place that didn’t seem half as rat filled as the rest of the street.
The Black Dahlia was once an exclusively heterosexual gentlemen's club but somewhere along the way they started employing male dancers to cater to the homosexual crowd. Now-a-days the club is frequented by straight and gay males and females alike. Jaejoong had heard his sister talk about it before. It seemed like the right place to him.
“I will agree with you. You are very good looking… and your looks are ambiguous. That certainly will attract people to you. Are you gay or straight?” A slick looking man behind a very expensive looking desk was shamelessly eyeing him from head to toes, his eyes lingering in certain points of interest.
“I’m gay. What’s it to you?”
“Oh, feisty and everything. I like you already.” He smiled, a perfect row of teeth gleaming eerily under the low lights of the club’s office. “Just seeing where I could place ya. Or what kind of crowd you’d work up the best. Usually straight guys are a bother to me. So it’s perfect that you’re gay.” One last look over all of Jaejoong’s features and he stood up, reaching his hand over for the beautiful man. “The name’s Park Yoochun. If you’re serious about this then I might have a place for you in my club.”
Jaejoong stood also and shook the hand that was offered to him. “It’s a pleasure Park Yoochun. If you’re serious about giving me the spot then I’ll gladly take it. You won’t be disappointed.” He finished with a wink of his eye and his all too famous flirt smile.
Oh yeah, Yoochun liked him.
Two intertwined hands in a firm shake seal the deal. Seals their fate.
--------------------------
“WHAT?!” Detective Shim couldn’t believe his ears. “No, no, no. You’re kidding me!! Mr. Kim. This isn’t necessary. You’ll only be putting yourself in danger! I can’t allow this! Not for the sake of the investigation. I’m not risking another innocent person in this whole thing.”
The Homicide Division’s conference room was full with the entire task force team dedicated to the serial murder case, including the head chief of department. Jaejoong sat somewhere in the middle of the table alongside Detective Shim who strongly opposed the idea of using the victim’s sibling as an undercover.
“What if I told you I took the job just because I wanted to and now if you need any info I’ll be your point of contact? I’m doing it anyway.” He sure as hell knew what he was doing and there was no point in dissuading him. Whether they directly accepted his help or not, Jaejoong would go ahead with his own plans and contact them whenever he had any information.
The head Chief was looking directly at their confident. His eyes were studious with the numerous years of experience telling him many things about Jaejoong’s resolve. “Well then. In that case there’s not much we can do but kindly ask for your help Mr. Kim.” Everyone turned to their senior officer. “Since you’re already in, keep us posted on any highly unusual behavior or any rumors regarding the killings.”
“What?! Chief! You can’t be serious! You’re just gonna condone this?! You know full well what could happen if this goes on!” Changmin was out of his wits. He couldn’t believe the department would be willing to just use a person like that.
“Shim! Control yourself! Mr. Kim is merely offering inside help in his line of work. Anything that can stop this murderer is helpful to us. So shut your mouth and do your job! From now on you’ll be assisting Mr. Kim. So Mr. Kim whenever you might know anything or if you need help at all, you contact Shim. No one else. You hear me?”
“Yes. I understand. And please call me Youngwoong from now on.”
Everyone filed out of the conference room to continue their individual work. Changmin was the only one left behind with ‘Youngwoong’. “This is reckless Mr.Kim.”
“Youngwoong.”
“Right! Youngwoong…” Although let down by the man’s actions he also felt a strong admiration for him. Few people could do what he was doing and he had to give it to him, it was a very smart move. With him already in the line of work there was no reason for the department to refuse his help. Instead of being an undercover he was actually just an inside informant. “Are you sure you want to do this Youngwoong?” Jaejoong only nodded his head, full resolve in his features. “Well then whenever you call me use my alias; Choikang. Don’t EVER say the word detective to me over the phone. That’s very important. You want to keep a low profile so don’t even HINT at you knowing any of us detectives or ever being here. Also… Don’t tell anyone about your sister. It’s better to be known as the new face rather than…”
“Chill Choikang. I’ll be fine. I’ve dealt with many difficult things in my life. Plus… This is for Jikyung. I’ll be alright. I have you in speed dial. So whenever I’m in trouble you’re just one button away from rescuing me. You’re my new hero Choikang.” With a wink, a smile and a pat to the detective’s shoulder Youngwoong stepped out of the Police Department to face his new life. For the sake of his sister’s murder, and secretly for his own sake, he walks a path only few dare to take. Knowing full well of the dangers ahead he walked with his head held high, simply waiting for fate to catch up with him.
“Jikyung… Wherever you may be now… Just watch me. I’ll make you proud.”
-----------------------------
2:58am
“You’re heavy mister. How can a fat person be a prostitute seriously? But don’t worry handsome. I’ve purified you. You are a pure human being now.” A black, leather, gloved hand placed two, pale and frigid hands over equally white thighs. Right between both hands a single white lotus flower was laid. “That’s for you. It kinda matches your skin don’t you think?”
3:15am
With one last pat on the cadaver’s head the mystery man stalked off into the darkness of the foliage and into his car. Speeding off after another night of adventure he sang along while listening to one of his favorite American songs.
♪Haaaaaaave you heard the news that you’re deeaad?
No one ever had much nice to say.
I think they never liked you anyway!!♫
----------------------------------------
Foot notes: The song in the last part is Dead! by My Chemical Romance
NEXT CHAPTER
Author: Roxy (lady_monochrome)
Pairing(s): MinJae, YunJae, YooSu, HoSu, Yunho x Boa (It’ll make sense later on.)
Length: Chapter 1 of 15 (subject to change)
Word Count: 3,372
Genre: AU, Drama, Mystery, Suspense, Psychological
Rating: R
Warning(s): Serial murder, explicit crime scenes, fucked up sociopathic individuals, drug abuse and prostitution (and just a tiny hint of het for those of you who deem that a warning.)
A/N: This story contains murder crime scenes, serial killing and detective work that may not be suitable for all readers. *lol?* If you like detective mystery novels (or watching the FBI files, 48hrs Hard Evidence or such things as that xD NO! Not CSI damn it!!) I assure you that you’ll like this story. If you can’t take it then please proceed with caution. You’ve been warned. (I know you people at dbsk_hardcore can take it. In fact this is nothing for you guys.)
Summary: Young, Detective Shim was awarded in his short successful career with a major crime investigation. A series of murders have been terrorizing the citizens of Seoul and it’s up to him, and his team, to solve the crime before more people could fall victim to the vicious killer. But in the process he gets the help he needs from the most unlikely of characters.
“In the dark;
In the darkness you will find
Dirty little secrets we all hide
'Cause we all have a darker side
A place we keep where no one else will find”
Secrets by Good Charlotte
------------------------------------------------------------
In the Dark: Chapter 1; It’s Official
It had been a very long night for the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency (SMPA). This was the third case in less than a month. It was absolutely clear to them that they had a serial killer in their hands. All the signs were there, they were positive. And not only was this a recurrent killer, but a mental case as well with a very distinctive, not to mention disturbing, trait to his work.
The big, bustling city of Seoul, South Korea had fallen in a wave of terror as news of the serial killings hit all the major TV stations.
-“The three separate murders are believed to be connected to the same killer. No suspect has been identified as of yet. The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency advises the citizens to stay alert and avoid dark, desolate places at night.”
Detective Shim switched the television channel and settled on the sofa with his heated leftovers. He had enough of the murders for one day. With his mp3 player in hand he proceeded to eat and listen to his favorite music so he could relax. “We’ll catch you bastard.”
Life in the big city was spent in a hurry. People ran everywhere; they always had somewhere to be and something to do. Police detectives had it double; they were the ones that had to clean up the messy results of when people crossed the thin line between a normal life and a life of crime. Because wherever the money flows there’s bound to be people striving for it without success. Some people stay humble, others… they resort to illicit activities to earn their bread.
According to some economical research in 2008 Seoul was on the list of the top five most expensive cities in the world alongside places such as in Russia, China and Japan. Yeah you guessed it, three countries with a strong criminal culture. It was no surprise that under all the glamour lay a vast underground world where people’s regard for the authorities was slim to none. It was up to the SMPA to keep this world separate from the average citizens to the best of their skills.
Crime couldn’t be stopped. It could only be contained. Like a spreading virus.
Shim Changmin had learned that the hard way. His short years of experience as a city cop had thought him just the necessary to know how the streets worked. As he quickly ascended to detective he also came to the realization that there was no way to stop crime but to keep it at bay so it wouldn’t blow out of proportions. Still Changmin never lost hope and always fought to keep optimism in his job as did the rest of the Homicide Detective Squad. They were confident in their abilities and they knew they had what it takes to catch this new risen serial killer.
The last victim was a woman, 31 years old, 5’4”, brown eyes, and black hair, name Kim Jikyung. She was an exotic dancer at a club close to the murder scene. Only one family member came forward to identify the body. It was her younger brother Kim Jaejoong whom also stated that he would do anything to help the detectives in their investigation; full cooperation is the right term. She was the third victim. The first two were a female prostitute and a male one. Up until then they had treated the cases as disjointed murders but when the third victim came around the signs were more than evident.
The first victim was found in the little wilderness that covered small parts of the city. She was bled to death; several cuts to her wrists were all the evidence that was left on her. The second victim, the male, was also found in the wilderness, this time he was in an upright sitting position, leaning on a tree, both wrists slit in various places, bled to death. In his hands he held a single white lotus flower. That’s exactly how they found the third victim, Kim Jikyung. All three bodies were found stripped naked, their skin bathed and perfumed. The last two victims even had their hair neatly combed.
Whoever was committing the murders was certainly a sick individual.
People often think that what happens in movies is much too farfetched to happen in real life but the truth lay in the fact that reality was much stranger than fiction. There were many strange cases that Changmin had dealt with in his five years as a homicide detective. But so far he hadn’t received a serial killer case and he was getting the whole package with psychopathic behavior and everything.
Switching between the channels Changmin found yet another News cast this time presenting the latest press conference with the new candidate for Mayor of Seoul, Jung Yunho. He was a dashing looking man who had just hit his thirties. Handsome, young, talented, smart and experienced, not to mention he had a ton of followers due to his excellent work as a legislator in the National Assembly. He was well on his way to a sure victory that year. But Changmin didn’t like him much; might just be his discrepancies with the candidate about how he wanted to deal with the police force in the city.
-“During his press conference, legislator and mayoralty candidate Jung Yunho expressed deep concern for the recent brutal murders in the Kangso district. He stated that he had full confidence in the police force to quickly asses the problem and eliminate this threat from the streets of Seoul. Let’s hear it.”
- “The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency is equipped with only the cleverest of minds. I can assure you fair people that our detectives will solve these terrible murders and put the threat behind bars in no time so that our people can live in peace and know they’ll be safe in the streets of Seoul.”
“Kkkhh… That cocky bastard. If I ever see him at the department I’ll personally give him a piece of my clever mind.” Finally shutting off the TV Changmin cleaned up and headed off to bed. It was 12:17am.
His sleep was anything but restful. Images of beautiful, doll like women bleeding from their wrists and eyes, clouded his dreams. Nightmares haunted him. There were shadows following him, monsters in the dark that didn’t reveal their faces. Strange voices called out to him.
Changmiiin~~ Changmiiin~~ Changmin~~ CHANGMIN!!!
“AAH!” Changmin awoke with a start from his own dark slumber. His brow was beaded with sweat, his chest heaving to provide proper oxygen for his accelerated heart to pump it all over his body.
4:46am.
“Damn it…” Since his alarm was supposed to wake him in 14 more minutes anyway Changmin decided to get off bed. Heading to the shower he tried to wash away all the stress and all the fear before he ever set foot on the department. Detectives were human, just like any other average Lee. They had fears, they became anxious, perhaps even more so than an average Lee. This was his first serial murder case and he hoped it would be the only one in his life. One thing he knew though and it was that the image of the victim’s bodies will remain with him for the rest of his life.
♫♪Warning!! Warning!! It’s the BOSS!!~~ Warning!! Warning!! It’s the BOSS!!~~ ♫♪
Changmin’s phone rang out from his night stand, so loud he could hear it all the way in the shower. ‘Why is that man calling already? Give me a break man!’ Quickly finishing his shower the young detective dressed for work and dialed his boss. “Yes Chief! What’s the news?”
“We have a man down here at the station that wants to speak with you. His name is Kim Jaejoong. He says he may have something for your investigation so get your ass down here as soon as humanly possible.”
“Kim JaeJoong? The third victim’s brother? I’ll be right there sir.”
--------------------
5:47am
“Good morning Mr. Kim. Sorry for making you wait.” Changmin was at the station sooner than he had anticipated but what really surprised him was seeing this person so early in the morning.
“No! It’s ok. I’m sorry for bothering you so early. I need to go work at 7am so I thought I’d come around here before that… You know how it is… Life continues.” His face was a sad portrait. There were dark circles under his eyes, his skin looked pale, his eyes had a tinge of red and his overall appearance was simply frail.
“I understand. Trust me.” The detective’s appearance wasn’t far behind either. “Is there something I can help you with Mr. Kim? Maybe you’d like some coffee; I could sure use a cup… or three.” The last comment broke a smile on Jaejoong’s lips making his face light up for the briefest of seconds.
“Thank you. I’d like that. Coffee sounds good.” Two cups of strong coffee were promptly served alongside two small sandwiches from the break room.
“Please eat.” Changmin offered one of the sandwiches to the man across his desk who didn’t hesitate to accept. A few minutes of silence went by; only the slurping of their coffee could be heard at odd intervals.
“None of our family members wanted to do with her. After she became an exotic dancer I mean.” It was Jaejoong who finally broke the silence. “She didn’t really care for a normal profession or office hours. Her thing was to be adventurous and free. During the day she did whatever she wanted, sleep in and all. During the night she became a woman free of taboos and morals… even when she was actually considered a taboo in herself. Stripping for a living, you know all that jive.” Looking out the window Jaejoong’s eyes watered and he couldn’t hold back a small sob.
“Hey it’s ok.” Standard phrase, but he was only trying to sooth the man. A small box of tissues was pushed across the desk. “Here. Use as many as you need.” All some people wanted, when they visited spontaneously like that, was to feel reassurance in the investigation. They would often pour their hearts out, as if making sure the detectives were aware of how much the victim was being missed, how much pain they were enduring for the loss, and, without knowing it, putting a lot more weight onto the investigator’s shoulders.
“Th- Thank you.” The victim’s brother blew his nose clear of liquid and breathed in deep. “I’m so sorry Detective Shim. I just really want that bastard to pay for what he did. She was only trying to live her own life you know…” One long, strained sigh. “But I didn’t come here to cry… Sorry about that. I just wanted you to know that I will do most anything to help in the investigation. Whatever I can do to help, I want to do it.”
Also very typical in the most attached of victim family. “Thank you Mr. Kim. I assure you that our team is working non-stop on the investigation. If there’s anything you may know, if there’s anything you can remember that may lead us to a suspect do let me know. Anything at all. As insignificant or as farfetched as it may appear. You call me on my personal phone and let me know.” Taking one of his presentation cards from the desk Changmin highlighted his cell phone number and handed it over to Jaejoong. “And I mean it Mr. Kim. Anything at all; please call. And if there’s anything I can help you with don’t hesitate to call either.”
---------------------------
On his way out Jaejoong overheard two detectives talking about the serial murders. He stood behind a wall pretending to drink water from the tank that was placed on that very corner.
“Looks like up until now it’s been only prostitutes and such.”
“Yeah so I’ve heard. Maybe this will end up being an undercover job. Might have to send someone in to try and become a victim.”
“It’s scary to think about that. No matter how experienced a cop you are it’s a very dangerous position to be in.”
“Tell me about it. We’re talking about a psycho here. It ain’t gonna be easy that’s for sure.”
“Ppfftt yeah. This case will either make or break Shim. He better be on his hinges and-”
Jaejoong didn’t need to hear any more. He was already getting ideas.
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The entire day after that, Jaejoong spent it thinking of ways to bring the killer down. He thought of what he would do if he ever came face to face with the man that killed his sister. His work became sloppy.
“Mr. Kim!! It’s the third time today! Pay more attention please!! We need these to be neat and perfect for this afternoon’s executive meeting. Please focus.”
“Yes Mrs. Ryang. I apologize.” Jaejoong’s boss walked away muttering something along the lines of ‘shouldn’t have let him come back so soon.’ Everyone around the office seemed to look at him in the same way. As if they all pitied him. He didn’t want their pity. He didn’t want anything to do with anyone in that office for that matter. Finding a job in such a populated city wasn’t easy and that was just the one that fortunately hired him. Jaejoong would be lying if he said he had never thought of following his sister’s footstep to make better money. “Hhhmm…”
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“My name is Kim Jaejoong. I’m in dire need of extra money and I was told this was the best way to get it. I’m not bad looking and I exercise often. There might be something for me in this business.” Right after work, purely on a whim, Jaejoong found himself walking down the dusty, club littered, back allies of the city. His feet walked on automatic bringing him to a place that didn’t seem half as rat filled as the rest of the street.
The Black Dahlia was once an exclusively heterosexual gentlemen's club but somewhere along the way they started employing male dancers to cater to the homosexual crowd. Now-a-days the club is frequented by straight and gay males and females alike. Jaejoong had heard his sister talk about it before. It seemed like the right place to him.
“I will agree with you. You are very good looking… and your looks are ambiguous. That certainly will attract people to you. Are you gay or straight?” A slick looking man behind a very expensive looking desk was shamelessly eyeing him from head to toes, his eyes lingering in certain points of interest.
“I’m gay. What’s it to you?”
“Oh, feisty and everything. I like you already.” He smiled, a perfect row of teeth gleaming eerily under the low lights of the club’s office. “Just seeing where I could place ya. Or what kind of crowd you’d work up the best. Usually straight guys are a bother to me. So it’s perfect that you’re gay.” One last look over all of Jaejoong’s features and he stood up, reaching his hand over for the beautiful man. “The name’s Park Yoochun. If you’re serious about this then I might have a place for you in my club.”
Jaejoong stood also and shook the hand that was offered to him. “It’s a pleasure Park Yoochun. If you’re serious about giving me the spot then I’ll gladly take it. You won’t be disappointed.” He finished with a wink of his eye and his all too famous flirt smile.
Oh yeah, Yoochun liked him.
Two intertwined hands in a firm shake seal the deal. Seals their fate.
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“WHAT?!” Detective Shim couldn’t believe his ears. “No, no, no. You’re kidding me!! Mr. Kim. This isn’t necessary. You’ll only be putting yourself in danger! I can’t allow this! Not for the sake of the investigation. I’m not risking another innocent person in this whole thing.”
The Homicide Division’s conference room was full with the entire task force team dedicated to the serial murder case, including the head chief of department. Jaejoong sat somewhere in the middle of the table alongside Detective Shim who strongly opposed the idea of using the victim’s sibling as an undercover.
“What if I told you I took the job just because I wanted to and now if you need any info I’ll be your point of contact? I’m doing it anyway.” He sure as hell knew what he was doing and there was no point in dissuading him. Whether they directly accepted his help or not, Jaejoong would go ahead with his own plans and contact them whenever he had any information.
The head Chief was looking directly at their confident. His eyes were studious with the numerous years of experience telling him many things about Jaejoong’s resolve. “Well then. In that case there’s not much we can do but kindly ask for your help Mr. Kim.” Everyone turned to their senior officer. “Since you’re already in, keep us posted on any highly unusual behavior or any rumors regarding the killings.”
“What?! Chief! You can’t be serious! You’re just gonna condone this?! You know full well what could happen if this goes on!” Changmin was out of his wits. He couldn’t believe the department would be willing to just use a person like that.
“Shim! Control yourself! Mr. Kim is merely offering inside help in his line of work. Anything that can stop this murderer is helpful to us. So shut your mouth and do your job! From now on you’ll be assisting Mr. Kim. So Mr. Kim whenever you might know anything or if you need help at all, you contact Shim. No one else. You hear me?”
“Yes. I understand. And please call me Youngwoong from now on.”
Everyone filed out of the conference room to continue their individual work. Changmin was the only one left behind with ‘Youngwoong’. “This is reckless Mr.Kim.”
“Youngwoong.”
“Right! Youngwoong…” Although let down by the man’s actions he also felt a strong admiration for him. Few people could do what he was doing and he had to give it to him, it was a very smart move. With him already in the line of work there was no reason for the department to refuse his help. Instead of being an undercover he was actually just an inside informant. “Are you sure you want to do this Youngwoong?” Jaejoong only nodded his head, full resolve in his features. “Well then whenever you call me use my alias; Choikang. Don’t EVER say the word detective to me over the phone. That’s very important. You want to keep a low profile so don’t even HINT at you knowing any of us detectives or ever being here. Also… Don’t tell anyone about your sister. It’s better to be known as the new face rather than…”
“Chill Choikang. I’ll be fine. I’ve dealt with many difficult things in my life. Plus… This is for Jikyung. I’ll be alright. I have you in speed dial. So whenever I’m in trouble you’re just one button away from rescuing me. You’re my new hero Choikang.” With a wink, a smile and a pat to the detective’s shoulder Youngwoong stepped out of the Police Department to face his new life. For the sake of his sister’s murder, and secretly for his own sake, he walks a path only few dare to take. Knowing full well of the dangers ahead he walked with his head held high, simply waiting for fate to catch up with him.
“Jikyung… Wherever you may be now… Just watch me. I’ll make you proud.”
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2:58am
“You’re heavy mister. How can a fat person be a prostitute seriously? But don’t worry handsome. I’ve purified you. You are a pure human being now.” A black, leather, gloved hand placed two, pale and frigid hands over equally white thighs. Right between both hands a single white lotus flower was laid. “That’s for you. It kinda matches your skin don’t you think?”
3:15am
With one last pat on the cadaver’s head the mystery man stalked off into the darkness of the foliage and into his car. Speeding off after another night of adventure he sang along while listening to one of his favorite American songs.
♪Haaaaaaave you heard the news that you’re deeaad?
No one ever had much nice to say.
I think they never liked you anyway!!♫
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Foot notes: The song in the last part is Dead! by My Chemical Romance
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