Chapter 227

EP.227 The Plan to Kidnap the Doctor

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In front of a mansion so grand that if it weren’t in the countryside, you’d mistake it for a Hollywood celebrity’s home.

The Doctor glanced at Yuria, who stood beside her, exuding an unmistakable agent vibe.

“Isn’t it strange? Just a while ago, you were just a prison guard, and now you’re living in such a luxurious house.”

Yuria, wearing a long coat, nodded.

“Yes. It’s definitely suspicious.”

“I feel like we’ll find some clues to an incident here. But it’s a bit scary…”

“Don’t worry. I’m here with you.”

“Thanks.”

The Doctor felt reassured by Yuria.

Her basic combat skills were unmatched on Earth, and she hadn’t shown any dissatisfaction during the investigation so far.

In fact, when it came to matters related to Tairat, she was laser-focused, which made her incredibly reliable.

With her by her side, the Doctor felt safe.

Thinking that, the Doctor rang the doorbell.

Ding-dong!

Not long after, a short static sound came from the intercom, followed by a man’s voice.

– Who is it?

“Is Mr. Fred Sinclair there?”

– That’s me… but no soliciting.

“It’s not soliciting. I came to ask you something.”

– What is it?

“I’m an agent from the CIA. You used to be a guard at Florida State Prison, right? I have a few questions about what happened back then.”

– …

After a moment of silence, an aggressive reply came.

– I’ll be right out. Wait.

Beep!

The intercom cut off, and just as the Doctor’s suspicions deepened, Yuria spoke.

“Judging by his tone, he’s probably coming out with a gun. Let’s take cover.”

“Where?”

“Anywhere. Behind the pillars should do.”

“Got it.”

The Doctor and Yuria hid behind the large pillars on either side of the gate.

As Yuria predicted, Sinclair burst out of the door, holding a 12-gauge shotgun.

“I saw you hiding behind the pillars on the camera! Come out with your hands up!”

Sinclair shouted.

The nervous Doctor yelled back.

“This is illegal! You could be arrested!”

“Trespassing is illegal! You don’t have a warrant! So this is self-defense, you bastards!”

“Let’s just talk! I’ll ask a few questions and leave quietly!”

“The Department of Justice already investigated and left! I’ve been cleared of any involvement!”

“Haah… this is insane…”

The Doctor sighed in frustration, then noticed Yuria was no longer hiding behind the opposite pillar.

Just as she tilted her head in confusion,

Thud!

“Ugh!”

A dull sound followed by Sinclair’s short scream.

Thump!

Then the sound of a body hitting the grass.

The Doctor peeked out to look at Sinclair.

Her jaw dropped.

Yuria had subdued Sinclair and was now pointing the shotgun at him.

It all happened in an instant.

“Open the door.”

At Yuria’s low, icy voice, Sinclair raised his hands and headed toward the iron gate.

As he reluctantly opened the gate, blood streaming from his nose, the Doctor apologized.

“Sorry about that. He had a gun… my agent was a bit rough.”

“Haah… damn. What kind of agent is that fast?”

“Well… she’s a trained agent.”

“Makes sense. CIA, right? Show me your ID. Let me check.”

The Doctor quickly pulled out a fake ID from her handbag and handed it to Sinclair.

After scrutinizing it, he sighed in resignation.

“Even if you’re CIA… can you really do this to civilians?”

“We were threatened. It’s a dangerous world, so we have to be careful.”

“Ha… what a mess. Fine, come inside and talk. Tell that agent to lower the gun, huh? Her glare is terrifying.”

“Alright.”

As the Doctor raised a hand, Yuria lowered the gun.

Bringing Yuria along was definitely the right move.

As she had just thought, with Yuria by her side, she was safe.

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The living room was filled with luxurious furniture.

The Doctor, sitting on the sofa, gave an awkward smile to Sinclair, who was holding a towel to his nose.

“Is your family out?”

“None of your business. Just ask what you want and leave. You’re suspicious because I’m the only surviving guard, right?”

Sinclair glanced at Yuria, who was standing behind the Doctor.

His defiant attitude seemed to mask his unease.

The Doctor stifled a laugh and asked,

“Right. When did you quit being a guard?”

“Before that bus accident.”

“Why did you quit?”

“Florida State Prison is a hellhole. Being around those crazy criminals made me feel like I was losing my mind too. I couldn’t take it anymore, so I quit.”

The Doctor couldn’t help but agree that the prison was a terrible place.

Even Jihyuk, who had a strong will, started to break down after being sent there.

Adjusting her glasses, the Doctor asked,

“How did you get this house? A guard’s salary wouldn’t be enough to live here. Your parents or wife weren’t wealthy, were they?”

“You even looked into that?”

“It’s basic for the CIA. We’re being honest with you, so we expect the same.”

“Haah… fine. My cousin does illegal stuff. This house was bought with his help.”

“What kind of illegal stuff?”

“You should figure that out yourselves. You’re the CIA, right?”

Sinclair threw the Doctor’s words back at her.

Yuria, listening from behind, slightly raised the corner of her mouth.

Good acting. At this level, he could be used as a pawn or, if necessary, a bullet shield.

But the master’s order was, “If the Doctor suspects Sinclair, eliminate him.”

It was better to keep watching for now.

“Understood. Do you remember Alex Song, who came in near the end of your time as a guard?”

“Alex Song…? Wait…”

Sinclair rolled his eyes.

He seemed to be trying to recall.

Watching him, the Doctor thought he might genuinely know nothing.

Finally, Sinclair spoke.

“Ah… that guy who left a few days after arriving? I remember the last name Song because there aren’t many Asians there. Why? Did he die with the guards or something?”

“I’ll ask the questions. How was his time in prison? Did anyone suspicious approach him?”

“How would I know? Being a guard isn’t a leisurely job where you can pay attention to every inmate.”

“What about the source of the drugs circulating in the prison?”

“There were plenty of sellers. I don’t know.”

“Did anyone suspicious approach you, Mr. Sinclair?”

“An ice cream truck came by the other day, and the guy inside was raising a pitbull. He was damn suspicious. Other than that, no.”

It was a sarcastic remark.

The Doctor let out a long sigh, sensing nothing unusual from Sinclair.

Feeling frustrated, she muttered,

“Wait… your face looks familiar…”

Sinclair squinted his eyes, making the Doctor flinch.

“What do you mean?”

“I’m sure I’ve seen you somewhere… or not? Your eye color is different… and your build seems different too…”

She had met him when she visited the prison as Jihyuk’s lawyer.

She thought he wouldn’t recognize her since she was wearing colored contacts and had changed her hairstyle, but he was quite sharp.

Of course, mentioning Jihyuk’s English name might have jogged his memory.

The Doctor calmly made an excuse.

“This is my first time meeting you, Mr. Sinclair.”

“Really…? Well… get out. If you want to know more, come back with a warrant.”

“Thank you for your cooperation.”

“Just leave already.”

The Doctor got up from the sofa and asked Sinclair a few more quick questions.

After hearing his annoyed replies, she left.

“No leads. I thought there’d be something…”

The Doctor sighed.

Yuria comforted her with a concerned look.

“I guess it was just a coincidence.”

“I have a hunch. There’s just no evidence.”

“What do you mean?”

“When I brought up the wealth, his focus didn’t waver, and he didn’t stutter. Even if he’s clean, it’s too natural for him to admit his cousin does illegal stuff to a CIA agent.”

Yuria let out a thoughtful “Hmm…”

She seemed to agree, but in reality, she was considering Sinclair’s fate.

The Doctor had a history of schizophrenia, so if this was just delusion, Sinclair should live.

If it turned from delusion to suspicion, it would mean death, but since the master left the decision to her… she’d let him live for now.

If they acted now, the Doctor might notice, and judging by his acting, Sinclair was a useful person.

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

“Yeah. Let’s book a flight. I need to go back to Korea for a bit.”

“To Korea?”

“From now on, I plan to investigate everyone Jihyuk had contact with. With our current equipment, it’s impossible to do it quickly, so I need the lab equipment. Hacking tools, of course, and in case of dangerous situations like today, we’ll need mini drones and jammers. And…”

“And?”

“I’ll need to check on Sehwa too. Can you subtly probe her?”

“You mean ask if she’s had any contact? I’ll be discreet.”

“Exactly. Also, bring the lab equipment secretly. It’s a bit awkward for me to do it…”

The Doctor was trying to find out too much.

This was evidence that she was starting to suspect the master, Jihyuk.

She needed to be stopped before she caused more trouble.

Since she was going back to Korea, they could catch her there.

It would be easier to hand her over to Jihyuk.

Yuria smiled and replied,

“Of course, Doctor.”

“I’m really glad you’re here… thank you, Yuria.”

“You can call me Yuri.”

“Yuri? Sounds like a Russian guy’s name.”

“It’s a girl’s name in Korea.”

“Both suit you. Let’s grab a bite before we head back.”

“Sure, I’m fine with that.”

**

[I’ll be in Korea by tomorrow afternoon. I’ll catch the Doctor with Sehwa’s help.]

After receiving Yuria’s message, I clenched the welding tool.

So it’s come to this. Why did you have to do something so unnecessary…

Jenny… this is your fault. Everything that happens from now on is on you.

But why bother with cooperation? If Yuria has the Doctor’s trust, she wouldn’t need to go through such trouble.

Well, she’ll handle it.

I deleted the message and focused on making the device when Adelle, who had been working for hours, staggered over.

“Jihyuk… I’m going home now… I need to unpack and see Silvia… Can you drive me?”

“Sure. Put on a cardigan. It’s cold outside.”

“I’ll be in the car anyway…”

“Just do it.”

“Okay…”

Adelle, dragging out her words, put on a turquoise cardigan.

I slung her bag over my shoulder and said,

“I just got an urgent call from the company. There’s a meeting tomorrow. It might go late, so I might not be able to meet you.”

“Fine. Then no gift for you.”

Adelle’s eyes sharpened instantly.

I broke into a cold sweat and muttered weakly,

“…It’s for the headquarters… Can’t you cut me some slack…”

“Just kidding. I’ll bug Silvia to hang out all day, so call me even if it’s late.”

Would Silvia even tolerate that in her current state?

She’d probably just try to avoid you.

“Got it. Thanks for understanding.”

At that, Adelle quickly walked over, stood on her tiptoes in front of me, and wrapped her arms around my neck.

Then she gave me a kiss full of affection.

Is this encouragement? Who taught you this? My heart’s racing.

This makes me feel like I can kidnap the Doctor with even more determination. Thanks.

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