PTT - 19

“Boss, I think we hit the jackpot. I went through the phone... Oh, what? When did everyone gather here?” 

“What did you find?” 

“Well, it’s not too far off from what we expected. I cracked the password for the messenger app and checked it out—there are tons of chatrooms.” 

The one whistling as he entered was none other than Ray. He waved the phone in his right hand, drawing everyone’s attention naturally to him. 

“This thing is packed with secrets… There are plenty of chat logs that Cheon Sung-won intentionally deleted, but even with just what we’ve found so far, it’s enough to nail him. Some entire conversations were wiped clean, though. The fact that this app doesn’t back up to the cloud is a real headache.” 

Ray scratched his temple with the tip of his index finger as he continued his report. 

“Mostly, they were chatting about money laundering schemes with the Russians—how to inflate the prices of paintings, the process of funneling them into the mafia organization. It’s all in Russian, so I couldn’t understand everything, but running it through a translator gave me the gist.” 

“So, funding the mafia is confirmed?” 

“Yeah. Based on the chat content, it seems like he’s definitely involved with the mafia boss’s daughter, but… whether that’s the only reason…” 

“It’s not just that.” 

Baek Siheon, seated with a sharp expression while listening to Ray’s report, finally spoke. Loosening the knot of his tie slightly, he added, 

“According to our informant, Cheon Sung-won’s company is planning a major business expansion in Russia. Though we haven’t confirmed all the details yet, it’s possible they’ve struck an agreement with the local mafia underground. A mutually beneficial arrangement.” 

“…That’s highly likely. Such cases aren’t uncommon.” 

Rock, who had been silently listening, nodded in agreement. Yoo Raon, standing beside him, also adopted a serious expression. This level of case wasn’t something Special Team 4 should handle alone—it needed to be handed over to the international crime unit. 

As if reading her thoughts, Baek Siheon stood up. Taking off the metal watch on his left wrist and placing it firmly on the table, he looked directly at Ray. 

“Apply for an immediate travel ban on Cheon Sung-won through the prosecution. Since it’s urgent, they’ll expedite the process.” 

“Oh, right. But there’s something important I forgot to mention earlier…” 

Ray suddenly looked sheepish, as if he’d just remembered. 

“I heard that a vehicle registered under Cheon Sung-won left the hotel a little while ago. Guess he woke up already.” 

“…What?” 

“Ugh, brat. My head’s already killing me… Why are you mentioning this now?” 

Mabel, who had been resting her forehead on the table, sighed audibly. Siheon narrowed his brow slightly and checked the time. 

“How many minutes ago?” 

“When I left the data room… It’s been about five minutes since the car departed. So maybe ten minutes by now?” 

“…He must have realized something was off the moment he woke up. Especially since his phone is missing.” 

“This is tight. Apply for the travel ban and contact airport security as a precaution.” 

His command carried an undeniable authority—calm, clear, and firm without being overbearing. Ray quickly exited the command center after receiving the order, moving much faster than when he had entered. 

Siheon brushed his bangs back and turned his head. His deep-set eyes gleamed with intensity. 

“We’re leaving immediately. There aren’t many places Cheon Sung-won could be heading right now.” 

“The most likely destination is the airport, correct?” 

“Yes. He’ll probably think fleeing Korea is his best option. We’ll need to track the vehicle to confirm, though.” 

He reattached the black earpiece he had set aside earlier. Rock and Raon also prepared to move out. Siheon gently patted Mabel’s shoulder as she struggled to get up. 

“You’re in no condition to go anywhere. You’ve done enough. Rest while you wait, Mabel.” 

“I know, but sitting here doing nothing feels kind of awkward…” 

“We’re not limited to just the three of us. With airport security and the police involved, we’ll have more than enough manpower. Don’t worry.” 

“Nox is right. Please rest, Mabel.”

Though she rationally understood that she couldn’t join the mission, Mabel still looked apologetic for not being able to help. Sensing her guilt, Raon offered a gentle smile—a rare expression she seldom showed at the National Intelligence Service. 

“I’ll be back, Mabel.” 

“Ah, Yeon. Hold on a second.” 

“…Yes?” 

Baek Siheon stopped Raon just as she was about to follow Rock out. In such a time-sensitive situation, what could he possibly have to say? Before she could dwell on it further, a large coat was draped over her shoulders. 

“It’s still winter. It’s too cold to go out in just a knit sweater. You’ll catch a cold, and that would be a problem.” 

“…” 

It was Siheon’s bomber jacket, which had been hanging on the back of his chair. The oversized garment carried his warm scent. Unsure how to react, Raon blinked silently, only for him to chuckle softly before stepping out of the command center first. 

Wrapped in the warmth and lingering fragrance of Baek Siheon’s coat, an indescribably bittersweet sensation pressed against her heart. 

At that moment, Mabel, who had been watching their subtle exchange with great interest, teased her with a playful tone. 

“I’ve got a mountain of questions, but… aren’t you going, sweetie?” 

“Ah…! Yes.” 

“When you get back, we’re having a deep talk, okay?” 

Leaving behind Mabel, who leaned her chin on her hand with a mischievous grin, Raon quickly moved forward. Even as she hurried, she slipped her arms properly into the sleeves of Siheon’s coat. 

For a fleeting moment, it felt as though he were holding her tightly from behind. 

/// 

After checking the GPS in real-time, it was confirmed: Cheon Sung-won was indeed heading toward Incheon Airport. Though the situation wasn’t urgent enough to request a helicopter, Baek Siheon and the others had to travel by car. 

An hour later. Raon, the first to step out of the black van, stared at the airport building before her. The number of travelers seemed moderate, though it would have been twice as crowded if it were a weekend morning. 

Siheon followed behind her, checking the time before glancing alternately at Rock and Raon. 

“Yeon, search the second floor first. Rock, take the third floor. Airport security is… hold on.” 

At that moment, an unfamiliar male voice came through everyone’s earpieces. 

- This is the head of airport security. The target has been confirmed to have parked at Terminal 1. We’re currently tracking his location via CCTV. He hasn’t gone through ticketing or check-in procedures yet. We’ve also notified airline staff, so we’ll report any new developments immediately. 

“Understood. Thank you for your hard work.” 

Raon nodded slowly after receiving the report. Given the presence of unsuspecting civilians, they needed to secure Cheon Sung-won’s apprehension as quietly and swiftly as possible. Exchanging quick glances, the three split off in different directions. 

Passing through the automatic doors into the departure area, the bright interior stood in stark contrast to the outside. Travelers were gathered in small groups, eagerly preparing for their evening flights, completely unaware of anything amiss. 

They couldn’t disrupt the joy of so many people because of one criminal suspect. Raon moved stealthily, scanning her surroundings. Individuals walking alone became her primary targets of surveillance. 

‘If only he’d come to buy a ticket. But he’s no fool.’ 

By now, thanks to the head of security, Cheon Sung-won was already flagged throughout the airport. After glancing briefly at the cluster of airline employees, she headed toward the self-check-in kiosks. 

The weight of the taser tucked into her back pocket reassured her, ready for any emergency. 

She had been searching the vast space for nearly ten minutes. Despite the relatively quiet airport conditions, she expected to locate Cheon Sung-won quickly—but he was nowhere to be seen. 

‘Is this some kind of hide-and-seek?’ 

No significant updates came through her earpiece. Could he have pulled off a smokescreen and left the airport? Rational doubts began to creep in. 

Just as she considered contacting Baek Siheon, she spotted a man walking from the currency exchange booth. Wearing a black baseball cap pulled low and a dark windbreaker, he immediately caught her attention. 

And rightly so—it was none other than the same vulgar conversationalist from just hours ago. 

Fortunately, Cheon Sung-won kept his head down, hiding his face as he walked. Raon subtly scanned the area around her. Luckily, the currency exchange booth was deserted—no one else was nearby. She had to apprehend him here, as discreetly as possible.

She walked forward naturally. One step, two steps. With each stride, the distance between Cheon Sung-won and Raon narrowed.

It was crucial that he didn’t notice her presence and attempt to flee. A silent tension crawled up her spine, prickling her senses.

The moment she closed in enough to reach out and grab him— 

“…!”