GCT 41

I don’t know which organization he belongs to, but for a strikingly handsome man with strong alpha traits to stand out that much, he must be a boss-level figure. He had the same aura as Laura Crawford, who rose to stardom playing the role of the high priest in the movie <Murmillo Under the Sun>.

“Hey, why are you watching him?”

Recalling the past of an actress who had once captivated an era, Peter Gibson flinched and spoke.

“Oh, no. It’s just… he reminds me of someone.”

“You seem to have the leisure to think about other things?”

Yohan grabbed Peter Gibson by the collar, pulled him up, and sat him upright, then tapped him on the head. Thwack. Startled by the unexpected attack, Peter Gibson hiccuped.

“Damn it, really. One thing after another.”

As if he had no choice, Yohan pulled out the gun he had carelessly tucked into his waistband and pointed the muzzle at Peter Gibson.

“Wa, wait a minute!”

“Wait for what.”

As the gun barrel pointed at his head, Peter Gibson stomped his feet and finally began to give Yohan the answer he wanted.

“I, I remembered. I remembered. Really.”

“Just saying it won’t do, will it?”

“I’m sorry…”

“Forget it, just talk.”

“I, I don’t know the details either, but… they said they were starting a de, delivery. They pretended to be on the same side as me, saying this was the only thing they had left to do.”

“So… a delivery?”

“They, they didn’t say exactly if it was a bomb… but after hearing that, I briefly thought that it might not end with just the mansion in Malibu. Ah, and both of them were alphas.”

Peter Gibson gulped and continued speaking.

“They were wearing masks, so I couldn’t see their faces properly, but they were definitely alphas.”

“Alphas?”

“Yes. Alphas.”

“How do you know that.”

“Maybe they were nervous, but I could smell a little bit of their pheromones. Seeing as they couldn’t control it well, it seemed like their traits weren’t that strong. It was faint, too.”

“And?”

When Yohan demanded something more, Peter Gibson’s lips twitched as he tried his best to squeeze something out. It seemed the gun was truly frightening.

“A, and…”

“Yes?”

“Just a moment. Let me think… So.”

As if he hated waiting, Yohan brought the gun a little closer to Peter Gibson’s head.

“Th, that’s right! Come to think of it… th, their way of speaking was a bit odd. Should I say they sounded like those hate-filled people you see on the news…? Like lunatics who kept talking about alphas this and that at the end of every sentence… you know what I mean?”

“Are you introducing yourself?”

“N, no. Wh, what I mean is, like alpha supremacism.”

“Ah.”

Listening to Peter Gibson, the thought suddenly occurred to Yohan that this might be a hate crime like the one he had seen before. The era of using different bathrooms based on one’s traits was long gone, but people with trait-supremacist ideologies still existed. It was probably because the only thing they had to show for themselves was their biological trait.

“Yes. It felt like that. Also, I don’t know if this will be helpful but… he had a tattoo that looked like a lightning bolt.”

“Harry Potter this time?”

“Not his forehead, his wrist. His wrist. And it wasn’t just one person; both of them had two lightning bolt tattoos crossed in an X on their left hand, so I thought it was unusual.”

At Peter Gibson’s words, Yohan made a fed-up expression. It wasn’t some friendship tattoo you would see at Comic-Con, so he couldn’t figure out for what reason they would get something like that. However, given the tendency of criminals to get unusual tattoos to feel a sense of belonging, running it through the database might turn something up.

“I don’t know why they live like that when they were born alphas… But why are you asking what kind of guys they are?”

Yohan looked at Peter Gibson with a pathetic expression, as if wondering why he was only asking that now.

“Thanks to their tattoos, I seem to get free hints every time, so I wanted to thank them.”

“What?”

Yohan clicked his tongue at the sight of Peter Gibson staring at him with a stupid face, perhaps unable to distinguish a joke because he was high on drugs.

“I’m trying to find out who made the bomb.”

“…”

“With IEDs, the scale of the explosion changes depending on the materials you use. With that kind of power, an expert must have made it… But as it happens, I heard that you were involved with these guys.”

“Ah. I see… Who would say such, a thing… haah…”

“But you, even though I didn’t say much, you just spilled everything about why you were involved with them? Are you sure you really didn’t know anything?”

“Yo, you told me to talk. So I… just told you everything I knew.”

Extremists with alpha supremacist views had always existed. As times changed their voices grew quieter, but so too did those who acted out more radically, occasionally protesting or making their presence known. Still, to act this radically? If they wanted to make a statement, they should have targeted somewhere other than a private home.

“Anything else?”

“I don’t, I don’t know. Really!”

Lear, who had been keeping his mouth shut, interjected. He disliked the culprits’ actions for various reasons, but the thought that they might have done it because they disapproved of him marrying a beta made him on edge. Of course, there were many things he didn’t understand.

Motive is the most important thing in terrorism, and while he didn’t know whose decision it was, the culprits’ actions were ambiguous for people who idolized alphas.

Although Lear was Laura Crawford’s grandson, he wasn’t famous, nor was his house in the middle of the city. It wasn’t as if Lear had contact with those kinds of people, nor did he stand before the public to campaign for human rights.

Lear’s insides churned with frustration as he couldn’t think of anything no matter how hard he tried. Amidst that, Yohan drove Lear even crazier.

“Taeoh, what do you think?”

Normally, he would have asked Lear for his opinion, but since they were in the middle of their first marital spat, Yohan glanced at Lear and then asked Taeoh. It was a clearly intentional act. And Taeoh was terribly unperceptive.

“I don’t think we’ll get anything out of him. Looking at the house… it doesn’t seem like he would have made a bomb. Since his hands are shaking from the drugs, he wouldn’t have been able to do any precise work.”

At Taeoh’s words, Yohan finally noticed that Peter Gibson’s fingertips were trembling. And Peter Gibson, perhaps thinking this was his chance to get out of the situation, nodded his head wildly and inserted himself between the two of them.

“Th, that’s right! Besides, I really don’t know anything about that stuff! They probably just delivered it, and someone else made the bomb separately, right? They said so themselves.”

Yohan let out a deep sigh and spoke to Taeoh as if he had no other choice.

“For now… I think we’ve gotten all we can get. Should we get out of here?”

“Yes. Let’s do that. I’ll make a request regarding the tattoo. I hope it shows up in the database.”

Seeing Yohan and Taeoh getting along so well, Lear became even more sarcastic for no reason.

“That’s it?”

“Why?”

Yohan raised an eyebrow and scanned Lear from top to bottom. He wondered what he was displeased with now.

“After all that trouble waking that guy up, it doesn’t seem like you found out much of anything.”

“I didn’t expect everything to be revealed at once, and we need to get to the branch office soon.”

“Then, what are you going to do with him?”

At Lear’s question, Yohan looked at Peter Gibson, who had a face like he was about to cry. The sight of him acting pitiful without knowing his place was pathetic, but it seemed wrong to just leave him there.

“I have a way.”

Yohan gestured with his head for Lear and Taeoh to follow him out. At that gesture, Peter Gibson thrashed his legs, which were tied to the chair and didn’t move well. He listed all sorts of demands, to be untied, to be taken along. However, Yohan didn’t even bat an eye and walked out of Peter Gibson’s house, taking out his cell phone.

“What are you doing?”

“Calling 911.”

“…”

“Let’s leave the rest to the LAPD.”

While dialing 911, Yohan barely suppressed the urge to give Lear a thumbs-up, a wink, and even a blown kiss, and quickly turned his body away.

Lear was dumbfounded but didn’t stop following closely behind Yohan.

“I sent you the file.”

“A file? What file?”

Yohan, sitting in the passenger seat, glanced at Lear, who was driving, with an indifferent expression.

“You said you were curious about the tattoo.”

“Ah.”

“Take out your phone.”

At Lear’s words, Yohan wondered when he had found and sent something like that.

“I searched focusing on right-wing hate groups.”

Yohan took out his phone and opened the file Lear had sent. It was about a person named Emily Lowen, who was only twenty-three but had multiple assault convictions. Her trait was, naturally, alpha, and she belonged to an organization called the Freedom Warriors. Three years ago, in West Hollywood, she had served a sentence for beating someone to a pulp just for bumping shoulders with a beta male, and she was released around the same time as Peter Gibson.

Peter Gibson hadn’t mentioned Emily Lowen, but Yohan thought there might be a connection between them.

“Freedom Warriors…”

What a shitty name they chose. It was no wonder they proudly spewed hate with tattoos like that on their wrists.

“Wouldn’t it be worth stirring things up a bit? To see what they’re thinking, who ordered them.”

Yohan didn’t answer Lear’s question and just stared at the screen, then handed his phone to Taeoh. Taeoh was amazed at how quickly the results came out, before he even had a chance to look into it himself. It was a little surprising that a person with a face befitting Hollywood was acting like some psycho quartermaster.

“How on earth did you find this?”

“There are many ways. Don’t you just need to move your hands a little quickly?”

“…”

“If Agent Joo’s house had been blown up and he had almost died, he would find this kind of thing without a second thought, too.”

Yohan looked dumbfounded at Lear’s words. He thought, for someone who wouldn’t bat an eye at his house being blown up, he sure could say such shameless things.

“Besides, I also wanted to be helpful to our Agent Crawford. Isn’t this kind of thing a partner’s domestic support?”

“What are you talking about.”

Unable to listen anymore, Yohan tapped Lear on the thigh. Thwack. In that instant, Lear quickly grabbed Yohan’s hand and said.

“Honey. I told you to save this kind of provocation for home, didn’t I? Oh, right. We don’t have a home anymore, do we? I keep forgetting that fact.”

“What are you talking about? We’re not the only ones here, so… come on.”

When Yohan tried to pull his hand away, Lear squeezed it even tighter and said.

“Don’t be shy. Since we’re newlyweds, everyone will understand this level of affection.”

Yohan felt a sudden wave of fatigue wash over him.

“Enough, just focus on driving.”

“I thought you were trying to handle the gear shift for me.”

“Don’t you ever get tired?”

Lear didn’t back down at Yohan’s words and instead interlaced their fingers, saying.

“What’s good is good. I’m trying my best in my own way, too. Because I don’t want to fight with you forever.”

“Oh, were we fighting? I thought it was one-sided bullying.”

“There can be a difference of opinion, but you shouldn’t say it like that. If I had my way… ha, forget it.”

“What do you mean, forget it. Say it.”

Taeoh was uncomfortable with this whole situation. What on earth were they doing in someone else’s car… If he had known this would happen, he shouldn’t have handed over the car keys so meekly. No, even if he had, would he have seen something he shouldn’t have? He sighed and pressed his body as close to the car seat as possible, looking out the window. He was at the point where he wanted to tell them to let him out up ahead so he could catch an Uber or a taxi and go on his own.

“If I had my way, I’d want you to not jump into this investigation right now and quit being an agent immediately, but.”

“…”

“Because I love you. I want you to do the work you love most.”

Yohan’s lips parted at Lear’s words. Lear didn’t stop, continuing to speak in a serious voice as he drove.

“Yohan, honey. As long as you don’t leave me, I want to do things your way. But today, you keep getting on my nerves. Well, I understand, though. Given the situation.”

Just as Yohan’s heart was about to soften, slightly moved by Lear’s words, the young master’s characteristic rudeness made his brow furrow even more.

However, Yohan held back for now. As Lear said, a lot had happened today. He, as the elder, exercised his patience and made a face that said, “Go on, keep talking.”

“I was quite hurt by the things you said and did to me, but I tried to act like it was nothing and focus on the present.”

“That’s hilarious.”

“I’m not laughing at all.”

“Are you going to keep getting on my nerves when you know that’s not what I meant? This is why I can’t let you out into society and have to keep you by my side like this.”

Lear finally loosened his grip on Yohan’s hand slightly and sped up.

“Honey, what you’re saying is a little strange, don’t you think? Besides, I’m only helping out of necessity because of the slow-as-hell FBI system and our agents’ needs… You should be precise with your words.”

“I, if you’re not where I can see you, I don’t know what you’ll do, that’s why.”

“Why are you stuttering?”

“My tongue got a little twisted because I’m so pissed off.”

Yohan’s face turned red. He glared daggers at Lear, who was pettily picking on every little thing.

“Anyway, if you weren’t my husband, Yohan, I wouldn’t be here doing this. Even if you begged me for help, I would have just snorted. You may not know it, but I’m an incredibly amazing person, more than you can imagine.”

“What, did some organization put a bounty on your head?”

“You seem to keep forgetting that you’re married. Don’t you know that means not just me, but you are also in danger now? We’re now in a relationship where we’re inevitably tied together as a pair.”

“Hah, honestly. What on earth did I forget? I’m diligently wearing my wedding ring and I changed my last name. I know perfectly well that we’re married and legally bound, okay?”

It was unclear whether they were fighting or being affectionate, but one thing was certain: Lear and Yohan were making a scene. Taeoh seriously considered opening the door of the moving car and jumping out.

‘Will it hurt? It probably will hurt…’

Taeoh rested his chin on his hand and looked out the car window, then opened the glass window slightly. Even amidst all this, Lear and Yohan’s argument continued.

“The way you think of it so casually is what makes me anxious. You know it doesn’t just end with wearing a ring and changing a name.”

“Is your rut approaching? Are you suddenly going to give a lecture on married life? You’re my husband, not my counselor.”

“Yohan, what I mean is.”

“Let’s stop.”

Yohan turned his head and looked out the window. Lear also stopped talking and began to focus on driving.

‘This is really, uncomfortable.’

Taeoh thought that if he had to choose between the two of them being affectionate or fighting, he would rather they be affectionate. The air in the car had grown so chilly that even breathing felt cautious.

‘I want to go home quickly.’

And so, the three of them arrived at the branch office in a very uncomfortable situation. As it was late at night, there were few people around. Seeing the cars in the parking lot, it seemed to be just a few people on night duty and the security guards protecting the branch.

“It’s time for the shift change. Let’s hurry.”

After getting out of the car, Yohan glanced at his watch and said they should hurry, taking the lead. In that moment, Lear and Taeoh’s eyes met. Seeing his already cold expression freeze over, Taeoh held up both hands in denial.

“I don’t know what you’re thinking, but I’m not interested.”

“I didn’t say anything.”

“I’m just being moderately professional, and I just want to finish this job quickly and rest. I have no interest in married beta men either.”

“And so?”

“It’s just… that. So, I hope you two, who must be tired enough as it is, don’t waste your emotions needlessly and make up quickly.”

Lear was dumbfounded.

“My husband was like that at first, too. He didn’t have a speck of interest in alpha men.”

“What?”

“I’m just… saying you shouldn’t needlessly interfere and meddle.”

As Lear walked past him, Taeoh wanted to throw his hands up and scream “What is wrong with you?” or “Are you crazy?”

He couldn’t understand why he was being so sensitive, but since he had no choice if he wanted to solve the case quickly, Taeoh hurried his steps.

“Be careful and check your surroundings. It’ll get tiring if other people see.”

“Don’t worry. I plan on being demure, just as someone wishes.”

Yohan clicked his tongue once and glanced at Lear. He saw a handsome face with a deeply furrowed brow. Among it all, he thought he shouldn’t be swayed by the violet eyes staring at him, and Yohan quickly turned his head away again.

‘What was I thinking, with someone like that… Hah, just you wait.’

Crossing the empty corridor, they arrived at the office used by Aisha’s team. It was cluttered with not just computers but all sorts of equipment, making the space look smaller than it actually was.

Lear looked around once, scanning the area, and asked Yohan.

“Should I start right away?”

“Yes.”

A place for dismantling and assembling equipment was clearly visible right in front of them. Lear sat down in a spot cluttered with things and took out his own laptop along with Sheridan’s broken cell phone.

Yohan and Taeoh quickly disassembled the phone and pulled out the core memory. Then they connected it to the laptop and started digging through Sheridan’s information.

To an observer, it was impossible to tell what was what, but the man who looked the least familiar with machines among the three began to handle the work swiftly with a serious expression.

They were quietly focused on their work for a long while when it happened.

“What are you doing here?”

The silence in the room, where nothing but the sound of Lear moving could be heard, was broken. The three of them stopped what they were doing and turned their heads at the same time.

“Aisha?”

Yohan clutched his chest and let out a deep sigh. Aisha still had a look of incomprehension on her face.

“What is it?”

“Why are you here at this hour…”

“I left something behind… Anyway, this is sobering me up fast.”

Aisha said, blinking her large eyes. At that, Yohan clicked his tongue and approached her, intending to go outside to talk.

“First, let’s go out and talk.”

“What are you doing? What’s going on? Wait—”

Sensing some suspicious movement, Aisha pushed Yohan’s arm away and spoke.

“I don’t know what you’re plotting.”

After glaring once at Taeoh, who was standing in a corner as quiet as a mouse, Aisha approached Lear’s side.

“First, let’s watch for a bit.”

Yohan bit his lower lip and looked at Lear. Now that things had come to this, Lear had no choice either.

“I’m reviving the core memory to recover the data.”

“I know this is quite a delicate job, and there aren’t many people at Quantico who are good at it.”

“Things are different when it’s your own business, aren’t they?”

Aisha raised her eyebrows slightly, making a face that acknowledged his point. At that sight, Lear spoke in a gentle voice.

“May I resume what I was doing?”

“Yes. Go ahead.”

As soon as Lear received Aisha’s permission, he began to finish what he was doing.

“Wow…”

Aisha watched what Lear was doing and marveled in spite of herself. Reviving the phone’s core memory to recover everything that was on Sheridan’s broken phone was amazing enough, but his speed was insane.

“Crazy… What on earth have you been doing with your life until now?”

“I did a lot of things, starting in middle school.”

“…”

“After that, there are some things I did to raise business capital. Though I have no intention of explaining in detail inside an FBI building.”

“I’m not particularly… curious. Anyway, I thought this when I first saw you, but when you said you were marrying Yohan, I thought you were truly extraordinary. To think that you, of all people, decided to get into that kind of relationship with Yohan.”

Lear shrugged his shoulders, then shifted his gaze to Yohan and said to Aisha.

“Instead of that, please tell me a bit more about what an incredible person our Agent Crawford married. I’m sure Agent Patton already knows, but I think a little more explanation is necessary.”

Aisha cleaned out her ear on the spot and looked at Yohan with sharp eyes.

“What, what is it.”

“You two are really… putting on a show, huh?”

“…”

“Yohan, I think you married well.”

Lear, with a slightly satisfied face, mouthed the words “Did you hear that?” toward Yohan, who was glaring at him.

At that sight, Yohan, instead of cursing, bit his lower lip lightly, released it, and spoke.

“Stop with the nonsense, did you find anything?”

At Yohan’s question, Lear turned his head back to the monitor and began to look through Sheridan’s phone.

“Besides his grandmother and father, there’s someone he talked to the most?”

“Who is it?”

“That is…”

Lear, feeling the gazes of the three people staring intently at him, looked back at the monitor once more and uttered an unexpected name.

“Emily Lowen.”