Page 105 of Damian & Jun: Episodes 5-8
Jun scrutinized the map. Drawing it had been only a moment of nostalgia and longing, a desire to bend time and reach back for something lost.
“They can use it, can’t they?”
“They’re going to need to prove that you’re who you say you are, for your US identity.”
Jun sighed and pulled out his phone, taking pictures. He sent them off to Damian, Alice, and Pearsen before he could think twice about it. Even his fond memories were now weapons in a war he wanted to burn down.
If screaming and punching could fix things, he could have ended it all long before, but that wasn’t the war they were fighting.
Collin joined Jun on the drive back to the city. Artemis came with them, paws pressed against the window, mile after mile. Business hours were long past finished for the week in Seoul. Jun’s phone stayed quiet until Damien called when they were about an hour out.
“The Diplomatic Security Service is sending an officer to meet with you. I can put them off, but if you can, we should meet with them today. I’ve already called your criminal defense lawyer to be present. She can make it.”
Jun exchanged looks with Collin.
“Who’s the Diplomatic Security Service?”
“The part of the government that investigates passport and visa fraud.”
“That’s fast,” Collin said.
“Jun is a high-profile case.”
Jun closed his eyes, willing his hands to stay steady. “Let’s do it.”
“Want me to come with?” Collin asked.
Jun nodded. Collin offered his hand. Jun squeezed it, just once, and let go. It felt odd being touchy with someone he’d only known for a couple of weeks, but the support was welcome.
Damian met them at the reception of his office. “Everyone else is already here.”
Jun looked down at his black tracksuit and sneakers. Collin at least had on slacks and a leather jacket. “Am I dressed right?”
“They’re the ones who called the meeting now. I told them you diverted straight here.”
The DSS officer was a tall, blonde woman who looked straight out of Scandinavia. Jun held out his hand as he entered.
Damian made introductions. “Officer Eriksson, Gang Junseo.”
“Thank you for making it here. I understand you had another case developing this morning.”
Jun grimaced and nodded politely. Damian motioned everyone to the conference table. Collin hung back at the door.
“This is Collin Ryker,” Damian said.
“Family,” Jun said quickly. “I’d prefer he stay.”
Officer Eriksson cast a quick look over at Collin, then beamed. “Ah, yes. Mr. Ryker.” She extended her hand. “No problem at all.”
Jun shook hands with his lawyer. They all sat down together.
Officer Eriksson folded her hands together in front of her. “I’m glad you could meet. I had a meeting in the city earlier today, and I’m scheduled to fly out in a couple hours, so it's fortunate we could get this done now. I’m going to record this meeting.” She gestured to a device already on the table. “What is your relationship with Bak Sahyuk?”
Jun pressed his fingers together, mirroring Officer Eriksson’s earlier posture. “Bak Sahyuk is my biological father as best I know. He handed me over to my former manager a few hours after we met for the first time when I was nine. I haven’t seen him since.”
Officer Eriksson’s face remained impassive. “So, you weren’t aware that he has been acting on behalf of your name, your US legal name, Jun River, for the last sixteen years or so?”
“I became aware he was using my name last week when our private investigator found property under my name here in the US.”
