Miho the Killer
Chapter 44: A Call

Chapter 44: A Call

It was on Wednesday that I received a call in the office.

"Good morning. JJ Systems. How may I help you?"

I have been in a slightly upbeat mood since Saturday. There were moments of slight - or not so slight - guilt that came and went, but lack of contact from Shin and any further communication with Kwon allowed me to briefly put them at the back of my mind and keep them behind the curtains.

"Good morning, Ma’am. Do you have someone named Ms. Han Sohee at your company?"

I should have been prepared for this, but my heart started to beat a little faster and I could only answer after a short pause, which probably wasn’t a good impression I wanted to make.

"Speaking. This is Han Sohee. Who’s calling please?"

"I’m Detective Choi from Gangnam Police Station."

Shin told me to expect this, so I recomposed myself and replied with a well-rehearsed hint of excitement in my voice.

"Oh, right! Have you found my bag?"

"Excuse me?"

"I made a report last week at your station that someone stole my bag near Seolleung Station. Thank you for contacting me again."

"Oh..."

"Yes?"

"That is not exactly what I’m calling for. But I will look into that incident shortly."

"Er, OK. Did you need me for anything else then? I was really hoping I could get my bag back."

"I’m sorry to hear that you had it stolen. I think it must be handled by another department. I will be sure to look into it, Ma’am."

"Thank you very much."

"The reason why I’m calling is regarding your acquaintance, Mr. Kwon Do Joon"

"Oh, right."

"When is the last time you’ve seen him?"

"May I ask what this is for? I think it was about 10 days ago or so."

"Nothing serious. But we have some ongoing investigations and it would be of great help if we could have you come in for an interview at your soonest opportunity."

I knew this was coming, but it still didn’t stop my heart from thumping to hear Kwon’s name come out of a police’s mouth, although it was just over the phone.

"Sure thing" At least I didn’t stutter.

"When could you come in?"

"What time does the police station close?"

"We are open 24 hours, Ma’am. If you could tell me when you’d be available I will be here, so feel free to choose any time - but the sooner the better."

"Right. Is this something urgent?"

"Yes, Ma’am."

"May I ask what this is for, again?"

"It would be more appropriate to discuss when you are here, Ms. Han."

"Right... I think... any time after 6:30 PM on weekdays is fine for me."

"Could you make it today?"

"Well... it’s a bit sudden. But yes, I can be there at 6:30 today."

"Excellent. Please look for Detective Choi Hakguen when you arrive."

"OK. I will do that."

"Thank you very much for your cooperation, Ms. Han. I look forward to meeting you."

"Thank you."

With that, the line went dead. I held onto the phone for a few seconds, listening to beep-beep, then hung up.

Mr. Hong from the next desk seemed to have overheard the conversation and asked me.

"Oh, Ms. Han - is everything OK? You were saying something about the police station"

Be calm, Sohee. Be calm.

"Ah, haha. Yes. I think it’s about the bag I got stolen last week."

"Oh, that’s right. That was a real bummer. Did they find it for you?"

"I think so. They just asked me to come first. Maybe they want to make sure it’s mine."

"I’m glad to hear that."

"Thank you, Mr. Hong. I will drop by there after work today."

"Great."

Mr. Hong gave me a thumbs-up, and we exchanged a smile and got back to work.

My mind was racing like crazy trying to think of what to say. I went over every detail between my first - and only - meeting with Kwon and this phone call just now. What if I slip up? I’m not good at these things. Heck, I don’t know how these things work at all. What is the best way to respond to each possible question? What questions would they ask first? Aren’t they experts in these things? Is this going to be a proper interrogation? Should I call a lawyer - but hang on, it would be weird as hell to seek legal advice when I supposedly don’t even know what they are calling for right? Actually, I probably shouldn’t call a lawyer under any circumstances. I have done nothing wrong. Nothing at all.

That’s right. I’m innocent. I had no hand in any of this.

All I did was meet up with a guy for a blind date after my university friend set me up. We had dinner once. He asked to meet up one more time, I couldn’t make it because it was too late. I contacted him again to meet, and he said yes and suggested Saturday. I had my bag stolen - an unfortunate incident. Why am I always the unlucky one? Beats me. It wasn’t my fault. That’s right. I am the unlucky one here. I got stood up. That Kwon bastard stood me up. I waited for like an hour and finally gave up and treated myself to a nice meal. He never even contacted me again after doing a no-show! I had to pay for my meal. Injustice! I’m going to the police and report this guy. I’ll tell them like it is.

Omit no details. Tell them everything as it happened. Do not try to lie. Do not try to pretend. I don’t know Shin. I don’t know Miho. None of this has anything to do with me. I’m just a poor girl who met a guy and thought something might come out of it but didn’t work out. I’m probably the victim here. There is nothing to fear for me.

I know nothing.

I know absolutely nothing.