“Bak Gyeong has been a significant asset on the local balance sheet,” Ruel noted.
Sevastyan held his ground. “All investments reach the end of their profitability.”
Bai Hui spoke again. “Your report suggests a surgical ejection of Bak Gyeong. What did you have in mind and how far would the incision need to be taken?”
Sevastyan inclined his head towards Bai Hui. “A suicide would place the entire incident into the category of a single, unfortunate scandal around a single individual. The matter could be closed and Gang Junseo’s allies would have their justice. There would be no need for them to pursue further investigation or action.”
Yekta spoke. “Elaborate on Gang Junseo. The records show you tracked him to Chicago and confirmed his presence in Richard Reevesworth and Damian Sathers’s residence. What is their relationship?”
“Gang Junseo is romantically involved with one or both men. As shown in my report, Richard Reevesworth was prepared to spend significant relationship and financial capital to force the South Korean government to find and turn Gang Junseo over. ”
Yekta pressed Sevastyan. “Are you aware that Gang Junseo gave an extensive oral interview and polygraph test to both US and South Korean authorities yesterday, January fourth, US time, concerning his abduction? We’ve received a preliminary report on the content.”
Sevastyan answered Yekta without hesitation. “I was made aware and have read what has been obtained. The summary appears to be limited to the time between December twenty-fourth and December twenty-seventh. He implicates no one other than Bak Gyeong. There is still good evidence to believe the incident can be isolated as long as all links are cauterized. If the Yadro can obtain a full transcript, that will go far toward creating a threat assessment.”
Ruel returned to the conversation. “Your role in driving him away from the burning house was mentioned.”
“As expected.”
“Are you not afraid of your cover being blown?”
“Gang Junseo perceived me as helpful to his cause at the time, even if he is uncertain as to what or who I am. It gives us room to manipulate the situation as necessary.”
“Creating such a lever on the spur of the moment shows remarkable foresight,” Bai Hui mused. “Prescient of you.”
“Not prescient,” Sevastyan demurred. “I’m deeply aware of the power structures in that area and the global connections to the region. In a situation that appeared black and white, my actions merely bought our allies in South Korea time to negotiate Richard Reevesworth back from the line he’d taken and introduced a shade of gray for future use.”
There was a long silence. Sevastyan let his words stand as they were. Let them grapple with what he’d provided them.
Ruel spoke. “Considering this shade of gray is tied to your person and your knowledge of the situation, we abide by our tentative decision to post you to Chicago or whatever location Gang Junseo may move to next. We expect regular reports. This situation is your highest priority.”
“Understood,” Sevastyan inclined his head. “Do I have authority to proceed with the clean-up in Seoul?”
“We are working directly with the management in Seoul. Consider your authority limited to following Gang Junseo.”
“If that is all, I have a plane on standby for Berlin. There is one matter of importance I have to close before my return to the States.”
Yekta nodded. She would know what delivery Sevastyan was making, and it was in her own interest that he complete it. “Before you go, we have one concern.”
Sevastyan waited.
“Your property, here, was acquired from Bak Gyeong, wasn’t he? The idol catamite, before he was ruined?”
“He was.”
“Dispose of him, or leave him behind,” she ordered.
A fissure of cold ran up Sevastyan’s spine. “No.” There was no possible future that included willingly leaving Rei in their hands.
Yekta lifted her chin. “You dare?”
Sevastyan widened his stance. “Your demand is tantamount to stealing. My tithe is more than paid.”
Yekta’s voice took on a harsh edge. “Sevastyan Antonovich, your property is a liability. Your loyalty to the Merchari could be in question.”
Ruel joined her. “We can compensate you the value of one pleasure slave.”
Sevastyan let a nasty smile cross his features. If he had to, all three directors would be dead before the invisible guards tucked in the corners of the room could finish him. “You can give me the price of a new slave, yes, but not the years of my life spent training this one to my exacting requirements.”
