I Can Hear a Serial Killer's Voice in My Head

I arrive at the detention center, and as I approach the front desk, I flash my badge confidently.

"Detective Park Minjun, Seoul Metropolitan Investigative Unit. I need to see Lee Chunsik immediately."

The officer behind the desk, a stern-faced man in his fifties, looks at me impassively. "I'm sorry, Detective, but that's not possible at the moment."

I frown, leaning forward. "What do you mean, not possible? This is an ongoing investigation."

The officer sighs, clearly having dealt with similar situations before. "Lee Chunsik's trial is imminent. Due to the high-profile nature of the case and to ensure the fairness of the proceedings, no one except his lawyers are permitted to see him at this time."

I feel frustration building in my chest. "You don't understand. I have new information that could be crucial to the case. I need to speak with him now."

"I'm sorry, Detective," the officer repeats, his voice firmer now. "But the rules are clear. No exceptions."

I run a hand through my hair, trying to keep my composure. "Look, can you at least call your superior? This is important."

The officer shakes his head. "The order comes from above. There's nothing I can do."

I slam my hand on the desk, startling the officer. "This is ridiculous! I'm trying to uncover the truth here. You can't just shut me out like this!"

"Sir, I'm going to have to ask you to calm down," the officer says, his hand moving towards his radio.

But I'm beyond calming down now. The frustration of being so close to the truth, only to be stopped by bureaucracy, is too much.

"No, I will not calm down!" I shout, my voice echoing through the lobby.

Other officers are approaching now, their faces a mix of concern and annoyance.

"Detective, this is your last warning," one of them says. "Stand down and leave the premises, or we'll be forced to take action."

I know I should listen, should back off and try another approach. But the thought of Lee facing life in prison, of Choi getting away with whatever he's done, pushes me over the edge.

"You want to take action?" I snarl, stepping towards the officer. "Go ahead. But know that you're complicit in this. All of you!"

Suddenly, I feel hands grabbing my arms, pulling me back. "That's it. You're under arrest for disorderly conduct and interfering with an official investigation."

As I'm led to a temporary cell, I overhear the officers talking amongst themselves.

"Who's this guy's supervisor? We need to contact them."

"I think it's Inspector Han. You know, from the Metropolitan Unit."

The mention of Han's name sends a wave of shame washing over me. Han, who's always been there for me, who's supported me through this entire investigation. And here I am, once again, letting him down. The weight of my actions settles heavily on my shoulders as I'm locked into the cell.

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An officer approaches the bars. "You'll be released once we've checked with your supervisor. Sit tight."

I nod silently, sinking onto the hard bench. How can I push this investigation forward now? What move can I make that won't jeopardize everything I've worked for?

After what feels like an eternity, an officer returns. "We've reached your supervisor, Inspector Han. He'll be here in a few hours. We'll release you then."

I nod again, resigned to waiting. But barely an hour later, to my surprise, the same officer returns, keys jangling.

"You're free to go," he says, opening the cell door.

Confused but relieved, I step out. "What changed?"

The officer shrugs. "Orders from above. You're clear to leave."

Still bewildered, I make my way out of the station. Once outside, I pull out my phone and call Han.

"Han, I... I'm so sorry about all this. Thank you for coming to get me out."

There's a pause on the other end. "What are you talking about? I'm still on my way. I haven't heard anything about your release."

A chill runs down my spine. If Han didn't authorize my release, then who did?

I quickly end the call and rush back into the station, finding the officer who let me out.

"Who authorized my release?" I demand. "If it wasn't Inspector Han, then who was it?"

The officer looks confused for a moment, then checks his notes. "Oh, it was Senior Superintendent Choi. He called and ordered your immediate release."

The world seems to tilt on its axis. Choi. The man at the center of my investigation, the one connected to my father's past and Lee's present. He's the one who got me out.

As I stumble back out of the station, my mind is reeling. Why would Choi intervene on my behalf? What game is he playing?

Without hesitation, I pull out my phone and dial Choi's number. My fingers tremble slightly as I listen to the rings, each one increasing the tension coiling in my gut.

After what feels like an eternity, but is probably only three rings, I hear Choi's voice.

"Detective," he says, his tone smooth and unruffled. "Congratulations on your release. I trust you're feeling better now?"

I swallow hard, trying to keep my voice steady. "Senior Superintendent Choi... Thank you for your intervention. I..."

Before I can finish, Choi interrupts. "No need for thanks, Detective. I understand the pressures of a difficult case. If you'd like, you're welcome to come to my office. Perhaps we could have a chat."

This is it - the opportunity I've been waiting for, served up on a silver platter. But is it a trap?

"I... yes," I manage to say. "I'll be there as soon as possible."

"Excellent," Choi replies, and I can almost hear the smile in his voice. "I'll be waiting."

The line goes dead, and I'm left staring at my phone, a mixture of anticipation and dread swirling in my stomach.

I flag down a taxi, giving the driver the address of the police headquarters.

But underneath all the uncertainty, there's a sense of inevitability. This meeting with Choi feels like a necessary step, a pivotal moment in my investigation. Whatever he has to say, whatever game he's playing, I need to face it head-on.

As the taxi pulls up to the imposing police headquarters, I take a deep breath, steeling myself for whatever comes next. I pay the driver and step out, my eyes fixed on the building looming before me.

I take a deep breath before knocking on Choi's office door.

"Come in," his voice calls from inside.

As I enter, Choi looks up from his desk, a slight smile on his face. "Ah, Detective. Please, have a seat. How are you feeling after your... eventful morning?"

I settle into the chair across from him, trying to keep my nerves in check. "I'm fine, sir. Thank you for asking. And thank you again for your intervention."

Choi waves his hand dismissively. "Think nothing of it. We all have our moments of... overzealousness. Now, what can I do for you?"

I clear my throat. "Well, sir, I was hoping we could discuss why I was at Lee's detention center."

"Ah, yes," Choi leans back in his chair. "I must admit, I'm curious about that myself. Care to enlighten me?"

I take a moment to gather my thoughts. "To be honest, sir, I've been having some doubts about Lee's testimonies. I wanted to conduct some additional investigation."

Choi raises an eyebrow. "Doubts? What kind of doubts?"

"Well," I begin cautiously, "there are some inconsistencies in his confessions. The timing of certain events doesn't quite add up."

Choi's expression remains neutral. "I see. And these doubts... do they extend to Lee's involvement in your parents' case?"

I shift in my seat. "It's not that I don't believe the investigation, sir. As a police officer, I just want to ensure everything is watertight. We can't afford any mistakes in a case this significant."

"Hmm," Choi muses. "And you believe speaking directly with Lee would help clarify these... inconsistencies?"

"Yes, sir," I nod. "I think a face-to-face conversation could be invaluable."

Choi falls silent, studying me intently. The silence stretches on, becoming almost uncomfortable. Then, without warning, he reaches for his phone.

After making the call authorizing my visit to Lee, Choi turns back to me. "Well, Detective, you have your chance now. Is there anything else you need from me?"

I'm momentarily stunned by his cooperation. "I... no, sir. This is more than enough. Thank you."

Choi nods, a faint smile playing at his lips. "Very well. Keep me informed of your findings, won't you? And Detective..."

I pause at the door, looking back at him.

"Good luck," he says, his tone unreadable.

As I step out of Choi's office, I feel like I've just walked out of a surreal dream. The corridor seems too bright, too normal for the conversation I've just had. I lean against the wall, my mind reeling.

What just happened in there?

I run a hand through my hair, trying to make sense of it all. Choi's cooperation, his willingness to grant me access to Lee... it's not at all what I expected. It doesn't fit with the image of the man I've been investigating, the figure at the center of this complex web of secrets and lies.

Why is he helping me?

The question echoes in my mind, refusing to be silenced. Is this genuine assistance, or is there something more sinister at play? Could this be a trap, a way to lure me into a false sense of security?

I start walking down the corridor, my footsteps echoing in the empty space. Each step feels like it's taking me further into a fog of confusion.

What's really happening with all of this?

The pieces of the puzzle I've been trying to assemble seem to shift and change before my eyes. Choi's unexpected behavior has thrown everything into question. Is he truly involved in my parents' death and Lee's case, or have I been chasing shadows?

I pause at a window, looking out at the city skyline. The world outside continues as normal, oblivious to the turmoil in my mind. I press my forehead against the cool glass, trying to clear my thoughts.

One thing's for certain - I can't take Choi's help at face value. There has to be an angle here, a motive I'm not seeing. But what?

As I push away from the window and continue towards the elevator, I steel myself for what's to come. I have permission to see Lee now, a chance to get answers directly from the source. Whatever game Choi is playing, whatever the truth might be, I need to stay focused on my goal.

The elevator doors open, and I step inside. As they close, I take a deep breath. The meeting with Lee awaits, and with it, hopefully, some clarity in this increasingly murky situation.