Perfect Mission Chapter 21 - Counterattack (4)

Chapter 21 – Counterattack (4)

 

Mortar drove a mid-size SUV, packed with various gear, but notably lacking firearms. Other items could be explained away if discovered, but firearms were non-negotiable and guaranteed a trip to the police station. Of course, he could kill anyone who found them or find another way out, but that was a short-term solution, ultimately leading to life on the run. He stopped at a safe house, retrieving a Sig Sauer P226 pistol. He wouldn’t usually need a gun for ordinary targets, but this was potentially Gorilla, requiring thorough preparation.

“Good.”

This was for the best. His attempt to eliminate Gorilla “naturally” with a truck proved too naive for a target of his caliber. A bullet to the face was much more efficient. This whole mess stemmed from trying to eliminate an unknown enemy with a car without even seeing his face.

Mortar started the car and called the bald man.

“It’s me.”

[And?]

“He’s buying the house. Caused a scene at the agency, got the address. I’m on my way.”

[What if the agent talks?]

Mortar smirked.

“He won’t. I reminded him of certain… unpleasant consequences.”

[Your methods are risky. One slip-up, and you’re dead.]

“No choice. He was signing the contract. Couldn’t let him vanish with the money.”

The bald man was silent, seemingly in agreement.

[…Clean it up. No traces.]

Mortar grinned, pleased.

“Don’t worry. Squeaky clean.”

[Don’t get cocky and die. Remember who you’re up against.]

“This is Mortar. I’ll deliver Gorilla’s head personally. Just wait.”

[Take Shorty with you.]

“Shorty” wasn’t a child but an agent’s codename.

“Don’t you trust me?”

[Don’t be stupid. Take Shorty. Gorilla’s dangerous, even for the two of you.]

Mortar’s lips twisted. He couldn’t agree. Gorilla’s impressive record was just luck and being in the right place at the right time. Mortar believed he could have achieved the same, given the opportunity.

But he didn’t express his resentment.

“Understood.”

His sullen tone was the only hint of his defiance. He hung up and slammed his fist on the steering wheel.

“That son of a bitch… I’ll rip his fucking mouth apart. You’re dead, you hear me?”

Venting his anger at the bald man, he calmed down and contacted Shorty. He had to pick him up.

 

***

 

Yoon Gyeongsik, following the mysterious man’s instructions, was utterly bewildered. He’d registered a business license, anticipating some illegal activity, but he only rented a car. Then, expecting some grand scheme, he was merely told to view a property. He’d been so nervous, anticipating danger.

He’d seen enough dramas and news to guess what might be coming. Buying a homeless person’s ID for a burner phone was common knowledge, not a secret. A frontman for a pyramid scheme? Or maybe setting up a fake business, taking out fraudulent loans, pocketing a fee, and vanishing?

He’d expected something along those lines, but the reality was absurdly mundane. The same went for the real estate agency. He was given an address, told to view the property, express interest, and then someone would show up and cancel the deal. All he had to do was feign resistance and acquiesce. Why bother with a business license and a rental car for such a trivial task?

“What the hell am I doing…”

He was driving to another address provided by the mysterious man. Stopped at a red light, his gaze fell on his phone by the gear shift.

‘Just one call…’

His wife and children must be frantic. One call to reassure them…

He shook his head.

‘No, stay focused.’

He touched the 50,000 won bills tucked inside his shirt, steadying his resolve. If it were a life-changing sum, he might have considered it. But he was 300 million won in debt. 100,000 or 200,000 won wouldn’t even make a dent in the interest. He had to focus on repaying his debts and returning to his family. And for that, he had to follow the man’s instructions…

‘What’s he planning?’

The light changed, and he focused on driving. He had no time for distractions.

 

***

 

Around 6 p.m., Hanam-si, Gyeonggi-do.

“Almost there.”

Shorty, in the passenger seat, was the fake detective from Seunghwawon. His codename wasn’t a reflection of his height. At 173cm with a lean build, he’d earned the nickname, which became his codename, during his mercenary days.

“Is that it?”

They arrived at the address. It was a construction site for two- and three-story villas. The entire area was under construction, with a few shipping containers at the specified location.

“Something’s not right.”

“He could be hiding on site.”

“That makes sense, but… why list his house for sale then?”

“9.6 billion won, remember?”

“Ah~”

Shorty agreed. That kind of money was worth the risk.

“Doesn’t look like many people are there. Shall we go?”

They were to eliminate any civilians with Gorilla, so they had to plan their approach. Even the reckless Mortar knew this warranted caution.

“Hmm… let’s do a quick check.”

“Okay.”

Shorty opened a map app, searched, and made a call.

“Yes, hello. Do you deliver? Two jjajangmyeon and one tangsuyuk? The address is…”

At this hour, with dusk approaching, there shouldn’t be anyone around besides the site manager, but they couldn’t be sure.

They waited for fifty minutes, and a delivery scooter arrived. The delivery driver parked, approached the container with his delivery bag, and knocked. Someone opened the door, and the driver went inside, emerging a while later.

“See his face?”

“No.”

“Go check it out.”

“Okay.”

Shorty got out of the car and moved quickly and stealthily, using the blind spots created by the container’s small windows. Despite his seemingly casual movements, he was fast.

He intercepted the departing delivery driver, spoke to him briefly, and returned.

“Only one person inside.”

“Let’s go.”

They checked their weapons, got out of the car, and approached the container. Dusk had settled while they waited for the delivery, and the streetlights had come on. While not ideal darkness, it was sufficient.

They approached cautiously. Shorty held a knife, and Mortar drew a silenced pistol.

Shorty slowly turned the doorknob. The heavy metal door took time to open, but their expressions remained unchanged. They exchanged glances, Mortar nodded, and Shorty pushed the door open, entering quickly.

And then…

!!!

Shorty’s eyes met Yoon Gyeongsik’s, who was slurping jjajangmyeon. He hesitated for a split second, then lunged—

Thud!

In slow motion, Mortar watched as half of Shorty’s head exploded.