thank you! anoher chapter here.

i dont own this photo. credit to the owner :) http://i2.asntown.net/h4/13/korean-celebrities/4/fashion-styles-at-Seoul-fashion-week/Hyomin-Qri.jpg

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Hyomin was again sitting in the diner near the police station. Since the case was assigned to her, she has been hanging out near the station for updates. Technically the trial hasn’t started but both parties refuse to be interviewed. She thought she would be able to talk to the star witness knowing that Ok Taecyeon is the type of guy who loves attention but, to her dismay, the prosecution wouldn’t allow it.

The diner was almost empty except for her and a couple of customers. She looked at her watch and it was almost lunchtime and she knew that later on it will be packed by policemen. Hyomin smiled, “Time to work.” If there is one reliable way to get information, it’s eavesdropping. If someone is being interviewed, they tend to put their best foot forward. But if they are talking with a friend or colleague, they tend to be more relaxed and honest. The police may not want to admit it but they always hand the information right into her plate.  

Lunch was almost over but all she got was someone talking about the game last night, relationship trouble, and trouble with in-laws nothing about the case. The police might have been told to keep mum about the case. She is thinking of a way to get new scoop on the case. Since the beginning, she has been reporting about the case, each and every update about it. Maybe that’s the problem, she is too familiar with the case or so she thinks. The public already knows what she knows.

“Detective Park, over here.”

Hyomin heard one of the cops called out. She looked at the door and saw the young detective. ‘Set of fresh eyes…’ Remembering the Chief of police’s words about Jiyeon, she realized that she needs to step back and look at the whole case again with ‘a set of fresh eyes’. Deciding to do research and investigation herself, the reporter quickly packed up and went to leave but not forgetting to smile at the new detective and saying a sweet “Bye.” After all, she loves teasing that new detective.

The case revolves around Patrick Kwang- the victim, Ham Eunjung- the suspect. Hyomin decided to start her own investigation in a different angle… starting from Ok Taecyeon – the witness. In just one glance, Hyomin can tell that he can never be trusted. How bizarre it is that people will rely on the words coming out from the mouth of a criminal to solve this case. Hyomin knew that she shouldn’t be judging the prosecution. Ok might be telling the truth. She needs to find out and she knew just where to start. She took her phone out and dialed a number.

“Kwonnie, how have you been?”

--

The day was about to end without anything happening. Jiyeon can’t help but feel uneasy. First, Park Hyomin did not pester her today which she finds odd. She thinks that reporter is up to no good. Second, the day has been quiet so far yet she can’t help but think that something is about to happen.

“Kid, come with me” Detective Cha called his partner. “There has been shooting in the Ham residences.

Jiyeon quickly stood up and followed her senior. That’s why she was feeling uneasy. “Gun shooting?”

“One of the neighbors called saying she heard a series of gun shots nearby. Mrs. Ham and Attorney Lee were inside the house when the attack happened.” Detective Cha explained while driving the car. “Both have been rushed to the hospital. Both are alive.”

“Who would have attacked them and why?”

Detective Cha shook his head and sigh. “The police are in the hospital making sure that no one comes near the both of them. For now, we need to look at the scene.”

It’s the first time that Jiyeon went inside the Ham’s residence. She feels sorry for the Mrs. Ham who only has her daughter who is suspected for murder. And then she was attacked in her own house. She looked at the pictures at the wall. Some of them were broken or have fallen because of the gun shots.

“Detective Park.” Detective Cha called Jiyeon to the kitchen.

There were broken plates, glasses, windows everywhere. And the wooden table was turn over.

“According to initial reports, Attorney Lee went to visit Mrs. Ham to talk about the case. She said, the lady requested to meet here at her house. They were in the kitchen when they were attacked. The lawyer turned the table over and she and Mrs. Ham hid behind the table. According to the neighbors, another car parked in front of the house where four armed men came down and began shooting. They didn’t recognize the car or the men. The neighbors were afraid to go out more so to walk near the house but one of them called to report the incident. Both ladies were injured and rushed to the hospital.”

--

Qri knew that things will never be the same for her after taking the Ham case. She knew that after the arraignment, her life will be hectic and chaotic. But she never expected this.

Knock. Knock.

“Attorney Lee, I’m Detective Park Jiyeon, may I come in?”

Qri gave a small nod.

“How are you?”

“I’m just thankful I didn’t get hit in the face.” Qri joked.

“That will be a tragedy.” Jiyeon smile and walked next to Qri’s bed. “I came here to ask about what happened earlier but if…”

“It’s ok. It’s better to ask me now while everything is still fresh in my mind.”

“”Arasso.” Jiyeon was glad to speak with Lee Qri. The lawyer seems like a nice person. “Why were you in the Ham residence?”

“I went there to talk to Mrs. Ham about the case. She is one of the witnesses.”

“Why didn’t you meet in your office?”

“Mrs. Ham insisted we meet in her house. It’s more like a request but I couldn’t say no.”

“Why?”

“Yes, I prefer to meet in my office to keep professionalism. If there is one person who is most hurt about this whole thing, it’s Mrs. Ham. The only person she is left with is being suspected of murder.”

“I see. Can you tell me what happened?”

Qri narrated everything what had happened in the Ham’s house. She told everything except the detail of their conversation. 

“Do you have any idea who might have done this?” Jiyeon asked.

“I don’t know. But I suspect it has something to do with the case. Haters maybe. I mean I have getting a lot of hate mails and threats. I kind of expected it since I know that I’m the second most hated person after my client.”

“We are investigating this. There are police in the hospital and outside your room and Mrs. Ham’s room to make sure that you are both safe.”

“Thank you.”

“What you did is a brave thing. I mean using the table to hide yourself and Mrs. Ham. If you need anything, call me.” Jiyeon said while handing her personal number to the lawyer. Lee Qri might be protecting a suspect but what happened to them earlier was not right.

Knock. Knock.

Both looked at the door. Then Park Hyomin walked in with the police officer following behind.

“I tried to stop her.” The police officer explained. They were instructed not to let any unauthorized person in especially reporters. The only authorized persons are family and friends and colleagues but never reporters.

Jiyeon was going to walk to Hyomin out when Qri said, “It’s ok. Let her in.” Jiyeon looked at Qri asking if she is serious to which Qri replied, “Thank you, Detective.”

Jiyeon let out a sigh and said, “I’ll be outside.” 

Hyomin walked passed Jiyeon next to Qri and flicked the lawyer’s forehead. “Ouch” The patient exclaimed.

“Pabo, you could have died there!” Hyomin exclaimed.

“But I didn’t.”

“Pabo.” Hyomin said while soothing Qri’s forehead which she hit.

Jiyeon saw the whole scene before she walked out of the room. She wondered what the reporter’s relationship with the lawyer is. She had never seen this side of the reporter. Jiyeon thought came to the hospital for interview or to get a scoop but it looks like they are friends.

The news came in reporting about the incident earlier at the Ham residence. “This is Jessica Jung for the Tonight’s News.”

Jiyeon can only laugh as the news anchor explained to the viewers that Park Hyomin caught a bad flu and needs to rest as the reason for her absence. Hyomin might have given that lame excused when the truth is Park Hyomin is inside visiting Attorney Lee.

Inside the room

“Hyomin ah, isn’t that your spot?”

“Ah.. I asked Sica to fill in for me.”

“Bad flu?” Qri asked while raising her eyebrow.

Hyomin faked a sneeze earning a laugh from Qri.

Qri look at Hyomin with a serious expression and said, “If they found out you’re here, you’ll get in trouble.”

“I can handle myself.”

“I’m not talking about your bosses, I know they couldn’t touch the most beloved Reporter Park Hyomin. I’m talking about your viewers.”

“Then quit.”

“Hyomin, you know I can’t.”

“Why?! Qri, it’s just ajob! You’re a great lawyer and you can choose your clients. You don’t need this case. Do you know that after you took this case, you’re the 2^nd most hated person right now. Only losing by 5 points against your client.”

“Wow only 5 points?”

“4.5.” Hyomin corrected. “But that’s not the point. Those men could have killed you. You could have been dead right now!” Hyomin couldn’t help but raise her voice that their conversation can be heard outside. Good thing no one is around that area except for a certain detective.

“I can’t do that.”

“Why?” Hyomin asked helplessly.

“You said it yourself. I’m a great lawyer. So I’ll be defending my client.”

Hyomin released a deep breath. She knew she couldn’t stop her friend. Qri has this determined look in her eyes. One thing is for sure, Qri believes in her client. She didn’t know why or how but she can see it in the lawyer’s eyes. “Fine. I’ll see you in court.”

It was passed visiting hours and Hyomin has to leave. “I’m covering the trial. So you better give me a one hell of a show.”

“You bet I would.”