Page 213 of Scarbound

“No.” Ji-Woo breathed the word rather than spoke it. “No, that doesn’t make sense.”

“Did he tell you he was going anywhere?”

“No. He told me he was busy. We were supposed to meet Sunday.” Ji-Woo stopped. Duri heard movement on the other end of the line. “I called him yesterday.”

“And?”

“He didn’t answer.” Ji-Woo’s breathing became uneven. “But that happens when he works late. I thought…” He stopped again. “He always calls back.”

Duri said nothing.

“Three days?” Ji-Woo asked.

“Yes.”

“My brother would never miss work without telling someone.”

“I know.”

“Where are you?”

“At the Neon Peacock.”

“I’m coming.”

“Ji-Woo.”

“I’m coming.”

The call ended.

Duri lowered his phone. For several seconds, neither he nor Jun spoke. The bar continued around them as if nothing had happened. A group nearby burst into laughter. Glasses clinked. Someone called for another drink.

Duri stared at his phone. “Maybe he went somewhere. Maybe his phone died. Maybe he needed space. Maybe he’s with someone.”

“Would he miss work?”

Duri’s jaw tightened. “No.”

“Would he disappear without telling Ji-Woo?”

“No.”

Jun looked down at his whiskey. “That’s what worries me.”

Duri glanced toward the entrance. Then a thought struck him. “Have you spoken to Lee Chung-Hee?”

Jun didn’t answer immediately.

“What did he say?”

“He told me Noeul requested leave.”

Duri stared at him. “When?”

“Suddenly.”

“And you believed him?”