Secrets of the Rain

Shadows of Seoul

Chapter 1:

The navy blue van careened through Seoul’s night streets. Behind the wheel sat Kim Tae-joon, barely twenty-seven. A scar etched across his left cheek lent him a harsher look than his age suggested. His eyes, tight with tension, flicked constantly to the rearview mirror. Tonight was about survival.
Rain lashed against the windows, blurring the city lights into streaks of color. Tae-joon’s tongue darted out to wet his dry lips. Time was running out. In the back seat, Choi Soo-jin sat rigid with fear. Twenty-four years old, her elegant dress was crumpled, and red marks circled her wrists. She was the daughter of a powerful politician, and Tae-joon was acutely aware of how easily this night could spiral out of control.
Suddenly, two bright headlights appeared in the mirror, closing fast. Tae-joon’s grip on the steering wheel tightened. This wasn’t supposed to happen so soon.
“Hold on,” he gritted out, slamming his foot on the accelerator. The van surged forward, swerving into a narrow alley. A muffled cry came from the back. Their pursuers were still on their tail.
“Who… what’s happening?” Soo-jin’s voice trembled.
“Shut up,” Tae-joon snapped, yanking the wheel and sending the van skidding to a halt behind a wall of dumpsters. He killed the engine and lights. The rain now muffled the distant wail of sirens.
“Not a word,” he whispered, his gaze fixed on the rearview mirror as he reached under his seat. The click of a silenced pistol echoed in the sudden silence. He knew this night was far from over. And he was just getting started.