I'd lost track of how many days I'd been locked up. I didn't even know what day it was anymore. The only thing I could tell was that it was light outside.
Everything I'd learned so far was simple—I was trapped, with no way out. I'd searched the room more times than I could count, looking for a crack, a loose board, anything. But there was nothing. Being a hostage was, if I'm honest, boring as hell. I could probably recite every detail in this room with my eyes closed.
But I couldn't take it anymore. I needed to get out. I wanted to see my mother so badly. I refused to accept that this was my future.
My mother always told me I was brave and strong, but right now? I didn't feel either. Not after what happened with Kang. After he left me, I was trembling, shaking with fear—and I hated feeling weak. That night, a part of me thought I was going to die. I had to get out, because if I didn't, death was the only outcome. These people weren't just criminals—they were ruthless murderers. They weren't people to mess with. And I had.
The door opened sometime in the afternoon, and a cold shiver ran down my spine the moment I saw who it was.
"Neoui abeojiga jeonhwa haess-eo." (Your father called.)
I frowned. "I didn't know you could speak Korean."
He grinned, stepping inside. "There are a lot of things you don't know about me, Maggie."
"Clearly."
I watched his every move, tensing when he stopped at the edge of the mattress.
I peered up at him. "Why are you here? You're obviously not here to fuck me—you haven't made a move. Not yet, anyway."
"I'm not here to fuck you." He cleared his throat. "Like I said, your father called."
I frowned again. "Wae nae abeojin jeonhwa haess-eo?" (Why did my father call you?)
A beat.
"Why...you? Of all people?"
Another pause.
"I asked you a question. Answer me."
He sighed. "He's been keeping in touch with me."
Why would my father keep in touch with him?
"Wae?" (Why?)
"Because he knows you're here with us. I told him myself."
Silence.
I studied him carefully. "It's you, isn't it?"
He didn't flinch.
My jaw dropped. "You're my father's informant, aren't you?"
"Ye." (Yes.)
I scoffed. "I'm surprised."
"Were you surprised it was me? Do I play my part perfectly, or should I be less mean?" he asked, amused.
I ignored him. "Since when?"
"Yug gaewol jeon-e." (Six months.)
A man like him working for my father? Brave—or maybe stupid. Yet, not once had my father mentioned this in his letters.
"What the fuck is my father doing?" I muttered.
"His job."
I stood up, kicked the mattress in frustration. "Then where the hell is he? I can't take this anymore!"
"Patience. He's waiting for the right time, Maggie," he said softly.
I glared at him. "So, what are you exactly? Some kind of spy?"
He half-shrugged. "I guess you could call me that."
"A spy." I shook my head, chuckling bitterly. "Do you realize you're betraying your father's organization by working both sides?"
He nodded again. "Ne ihaehaessseubnida." (Yes, I understand.)
My eyes widened. "And you're okay with that? Betraying your own brothers?"
He rolled his eyes. "If I wasn't okay with it, I wouldn't do it, Maggie. But I'm looking out for you. You may not believe it, but I'm always close by, just in case. I'm not like the others."
"But what are you really doing?" I asked. "You're not exactly helping—I'm still here."
He paused.
"Well?"
"I'm the reason you're still alive."
"What?"
"If it weren't for me, you'd be dead by now."
I frowned, confused. "I don't understand."
He put his hands in his pockets, glancing toward the door. "Everyone wants you dead because you know too much."
"Dead?" I whispered.
He nodded. "That's why I came—to warn you."
"Warn me about what?"
"I've been told there's going to be a test tonight," he said.
I hesitated. "A test?"
"Ye." (Yes.)
"What kind of test?"
He sighed. "Tonight, one of my brothers will come to visit. You'll have to do whatever he asks."
I scoffed. "You mean... rape me, right?"
He said nothing.
I shook my head in disgust.
"Maggie, it's a test to see if you have what it takes to be a dutiful prostitute, part of the organization."
I laughed, but it came out hysterical and raw. "A prostitute? No fucking way."
His voice sharpened. "Then you die. That's what they want. Everyone here knows how violent you are."
I laughed harder.
He continued, "That's why you have the test. But if you show violence, they'll kill you."
"So, that's it? Spread my legs or die?"
His face softened. "Ye." (Yes.)
I scoffed. "I won't do it."
"Why?"
"Because this isn't who I am!" I shrieked.
"There is no other choice. You must do this."
I shook my head violently. "I'm not doing it. Just get me out of here—please!"
His voice rose. "I can't. It's out of my hands."
"Please!" I begged.
He grabbed my shoulders firmly. "Look, I know you hate this. But if you want to survive, you have to go through it. You're strong. You can do this."
I couldn't speak.
"Trust me. It's the right thing."
"Is it?"
"Your father wouldn't want you dead, Maggie."
My eyes welled up at the mention of him.
He went on, "Li Wei wanted you dead because you're too violent, and because you know too much. But someone—anonymous—persuaded the Dragon Head to give you this chance."
"And nobody was going to tell me?"
He shook his head. "I'm afraid not."
I exhaled slowly. "Thank you for warning me."
He smiled gently. "That's why I'm here. To watch over you and report back to your father."
Another pause.
"Is he...?"
He finished, "Doing well?"
I nodded. "Yeah."
"Yes, he's fine. But he's beyond furious that Li Wei has you."
"I'm glad he's okay," I murmured.
"Every time we talk, he wishes he could speak to you."
I sighed. "It's better this way. Hearing his voice would break me."
He smiled, then headed for the door. "Good luck, Maggie."
"Gomabseubnida," (Thanks. I'm going to need it.) I whispered.
He paused, hand on the doorknob, then turned back. "And don't use any violence."
I nodded.
"It's for your own good."
"I know."
He glanced at me, ready to leave, but I stopped him.
"Wait."
"Yes?"
"Just because you work for my father doesn't mean I like you. I'll never forget what you and your brothers have done to me. Ever."
He sighed. "I never expected you to forgive me."