Chapter 59: Politics

At noon the meeting adjourned. Kim Hyeok talked briefly with a couple of the detectives as the others filed out. Then they too departed, and only Ryu Deok remained, still sipping his tea. 

Kim Hyeok sat on the corner of his desk and waited, watching the captain. Ryu Deok was a big, thick-necked, gray and big bellied, but still formidable, like an aged but untamed bear. Kim Hyeok knew he would speak when he was ready and not before. Deliberation was his style in speech, in movement, in planning an arrest or composing a memo. Everything about him was slow except his mind.

"So let's hear it, Kim Hyeok," Ryu Deok said finally. "How's it really coming? No pep talks, please."

"We're following up every possible lead," Kim Hyeok replied. "My people are running themselves ragged. But a case like this...." He spread his hands. "It's not normal police work. You know that. Captain."