The Mafia Game (4)

"W-what did you say?"

"Why are you so surprised? You’ve already been surprised enough by now."

"No, of course I’m surprised! How could you possibly know Lorenzo’s location, which even the FBI and CIA don't know? And you said you provided massive amounts of intelligence on the Lorenzo family? How do you even know all that?"

"I am truly sorry, but I cannot answer how I know those things."

Yoon-gi had just observed Guster’s reaction and realized that Guster was genuinely worried about him. While he felt the need to share some information, he couldn't reveal everything. There were secrets that only he could possess.

'If it’s Guster-nim, he won't press me too hard. Of course, some level of conversation is necessary, but he’ll understand.'

In reality, Guster showed a look of disappointment toward Yoon-gi.

"You can't even tell me?"

"Yes. This is a matter I cannot speak of to anyone. However, it is information I can share in a limited capacity with exactly six people in the world."

"You can share it with six people?"

Guster’s expression grew even more disappointed.

"Yes, my grandfather, my maternal grandfather, my parents, Merrill, and finally, Grandfather. That is you."

"Didn't you say you could only share it in a limited capacity...?"

"Yes, and that is why I am telling you in a limited capacity right now."

"Hmph…."

Though he looked somewhat dumbfounded, Guster seemed to feel a bit better knowing he was one of the chosen six.

"I cannot tell you how I know right now. But as more time passes, I will surely tell you everything. Please trust me. Even if words are all I can offer, my feelings for Merrill and you, Grandfather, are sincere."

"I know that. I’ve seen enough to know... but... no, never mind. I have never seen you break a promise made to someone precious. This might be the first time that breaks, but at least for now, I want to trust you."

True to his personality, Guster quickly composed his feelings. He looked at Yoon-gi with eyes full of trust.

"Fine. It must be true that you know Lorenzo’s hideout. You aren't the type to lie about something like that."

"That is correct."

"However, you need to create a plausible story for how you knew. That’s the only way to avoid the suspicions of the FBI and CIA."

"I am aware of that as well."

"Do you have something in mind?"

"Yes."

"Good. Then let’s discuss the details. To make sure we don't draw their suspicion."

Upon hearing Yoon-gi’s plan, Guster was initially taken aback, but soon wore an expression that said, 'That’s actually quite plausible.'

"Boss! Get down!"

"Where am I supposed to hide! Damn it, that bastard Charlie!"

Finally, curses against Charlie erupted from Lorenzo’s lips. He had trusted him because he had done his job well until now. But this was the result. As soon as Charlie was caught by the FBI, Lorenzo’s hideout was exposed. As proof, agents from special forces, including the FBI, were swarming ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠in from all sides, and gunfights were breaking out in every corridor of the hideout.

Although the Mafia’s firepower was superior to other organized crime groups, it was woefully insufficient compared to special forces units entering with clear objectives. Ultimately, Lorenzo and his men decided to resist to the death. Even if they surrendered, it was obvious they would spend the rest of their lives in prison. It was the combined result of the influence of Joshua, the FBI Director who held a grudge against the Lorenzo family, and Guster, who wanted to leave no loose ends.

'Damn it! To think he’d spill the location this quickly!'

Lorenzo wanted to live if he could, even if it meant being alone. But there was no way out. Choi Deok-bae was wandering around the Mafia’s hideout with a satisfied expression. Finding the hideout in the first place had been Choi Deok-bae’s doing. He had relentlessly tracked the Mafia members who went out on search missions under Charlie’s orders, even mobilizing Johnson, and thanks to that, they had found the hideout.

While Choi Deok-bae was enjoying himself, the FBI Director was also cheering repeatedly.

"It’s finally the end!"

"We did it! We finally did it! The Lorenzo family has been eradicated!"

Joshua had finally avenged his younger brother. Because of this, the look in Joshua’s eyes as he gazed at Yoon-gi was filled with nothing but goodwill.

"Thank you so much. If it weren't for you, Yoon-nim, I would never have been able to avenge my brother."

"Don't mention it. If anything, I’m the one who is grateful. Thanks to you and the FBI, I’ll be able to sleep soundly starting tonight."

"Of course. Don't worry. We will hunt down the remnants to the ends of the earth and eradicate them."

Amidst the heartwarming conversation, Guster chimed in.

"What about the bounty?"

Lorenzo’s bounty was $3.5 million. To Yoon-gi, it was pocket change, but Guster had brought it up to help Yoon-gi in any way he could.

"Ah, don't worry. We will pay it within this week..."

"I will donate that to the agencies involved in this mission."

Joshua was shocked by Yoon-gi’s words, which naturally cut off his own.

"Excuse me?"

Joshua was so surprised that his mustache seemed to curl in a wavy shape.

"I received help from many people for this. The US military, the police, the FBI, and all the special forces personnel. If it weren't for them, I would have had to live in constant fear. So, I will donate the entire amount to the rehabilitation of those who were injured during this operation."

"My god..."

Joshua was genuinely impressed. No matter how rich the other party was, $3.5 million was not an amount one just casually threw away like this. Joshua had seen countless ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠times how most rich people donated to foundations under their own family names just for the sake of it. But donating to the agencies like this? And with such pure eyes? To Joshua, the man before him was absolutely sincere.

He could hear Choi Deok-bae snickering, but Yoon-gi ignored him and continued his act.

"I am grateful to the United States. If it weren't for America, I wouldn't be who I am today. So, I promise to provide consistent support to the FBI in the future. I hope that others, not just me, can live a comfortable life."

"My god..."

Joshua, who had been admiring him, looked at Guster.

"It seems you have welcomed a truly magnificent grandson-in-law."

"He’s a grandson-in-law who treats not just his character, but his lineage with absolute respect. You know where I’ve been living lately, don't you?"

At Guster’s reply, Joshua looked extremely envious.

"That is true. Will I ever have the chance to live in a place like that in my lifetime?"

"You never know. If Yoon-gi’s lineage and your lineage were to connect... and if you were to help with the work Yoon-gi does. Like me."

It was an inevitable desire for any human. Because Guster had touched upon it at the perfect moment, Joshua instinctively developed the urge to treat Yoon-gi well.

"I look forward to your continued favor."

Joshua bowed his head toward Yoon-gi. Yoon-gi also bowed his head toward Joshua.

"Likewise."

It was a truly perfect day. The suppression operation was over, the donation procedures were finished, and Guster, having returned to his grand mansion, was enjoying a rest in front of the large swimming pool with Yoon-gi. That was, until a phone call from Joshua ruined his mood.

"What? The CIA was digging into my grandson-in-law’s past?"

Mason, the Director of the CIA, twisted his face and lashed out at Joshua.

"No, what do you think you’re doing? Leaking CIA classified information? Do you even know what you’ve done?"

Mason was in his mid-50s. He looked a bit young because he had no mustache, but his thick, dark brown hair gave him a somewhat old-fashioned impression. However, his current lashing out was perfectly fitting for the director of an organization like the CIA.

"Classified information? If I know it, can it still be classified?"

It was an outdoor cafe with almost no customers. There, Joshua was enjoying a piece of French toast with a cup of hot black coffee. Unlike Mason, who was furious, he was quite relaxed.

"Damn it... I won't let this slide. I will definitely make you suffer for this..."

"Do you think Guster-nim will just watch that happen?"

Joshua had firmly sided with Yoon-gi, combining his gratitude for avenging his brother, the promise of support for the FBI, and his desire to become like Guster. That was why he had leaked the classified information that the CIA was digging into Yoon-gi to Guster. Naturally, Guster had flown into a rage, and Mason, having learned that it was Joshua who leaked it, had come running to him. Because it was Guster who had told him that Joshua was the one who informed him.

In the end, all Mason could do was come in person and vent his frustration like he was doing now.

"Damn it! Do you not understand the situation? Lorenzo’s location was something neither we nor you knew. Isn't it natural to be suspicious of the person who knew it?"

"Suspicious? Didn't you already hear the full explanation of how he witnessed it?"

"You expect me to believe that? I’d rather believe the story that someone shook hands with the President while walking down the street."

"I actually shook hands with him when I was young."

"What?"

"I said I did."

"……."

Because the person who had actually done it was standing right in front of him, Mason was left speechless.

"Then, may I leave now?"

Realizing that there would be no gain in dealing with Joshua anymore, Mason turned around without even answering.

'I have to verify it myself!'

A 'simple but certain plan' to break the other party’s statement formed ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠in Mason’s mind.

"I find this extremely unpleasant no matter how I think about it."

Yoon-gi, Guster, and Mason were sitting at a conference table. The head seat was naturally Guster’s, and Yoon-gi and Mason were glaring at each other.

"I apologize. However, I have no personal feelings. I am doing this entirely for the sake of the United States..."

"Are you implying I haven't worked for the sake of the United States?"

Guster’s mood was extremely unpleasant. Yoon-gi had shown through his actions that he would do anything for Merrill. Yet, that same Yoon-gi was having his loyalty to the United States questioned. Doubting his grandson-in-law was the same as doubting him. For Guster, who had lived his entire life for America, this was a great insult and offense, so the look he gave Mason was far from kind.

Even Mason’s justification was weak. No matter how flimsy the source of Yoon-gi’s information was, doubting him despite the successful operation was not something to be done so openly. The problem was that Mason’s misfortune was that he had no choice but to do it openly.

"Absolutely not. Who has dedicated as much loyalty to the United States as Guster-nim? I know that better than anyone. I just want to check a few things, lightly. If a few things are verified, I promise not to make an issue of it ever again."

"Hmph!"

Guster’s mood was still sour, but since Mason had even received permission from the White House, he couldn't oppose it indefinitely, so he asked in a displeased voice.

"So, how do you intend to verify this?"

"I would like you to follow me for a moment."

"So now you’re even telling us to come to the location you want?"

"I am truly sorry. But it is absolutely necessary."

Guster cleared his throat again and stood up, and Yoon-gi also stood up to follow behind him.

A short while later, they were guided by Mason to none other than the site of Lorenzo’s hideout.

'I can roughly guess how you’re going to test me.'

Yoon-gi’s excuse regarding Lorenzo, which he had aligned with Guster, was very simple. He had said, 'I remember seeing him in the past.' He testified that he had accidentally seen Lorenzo while traveling here and there for business in the past. To the counter-question of why he was reporting it only now, he had dismissed it by saying, 'I only realized now that the person with that face ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠was Lorenzo.' Because this was the first time he had been directly involved with the Lorenzo family. There was no need to make excuses for other information. Joshua had already fabricated all the data as FBI investigation results, so Mason couldn't even find a flaw.

Therefore, the only thing he had to do now was make an excuse for how he knew about Lorenzo’s hideout.

"It is not a difficult task. It is just a simple verification."

The dim evening visibility. Following Mason’s guidance, Guster and Yoon-gi got out of the vehicle, and Guster maintained a displeased attitude throughout, standing behind Yoon-gi without saying a word.

"Now, please pay attention to the people in front of you."

The person who appeared to be a CIA agent was a white man, commonly seen in the United States. And he was in plain clothes. About a minute passed? Mason spoke again.

"Please turn around."

Yoon-gi turned around, and it was only after a full 30 minutes that Mason spoke to him again.

"Please turn around again."

A very boring 30 minutes. However, to Yoon-gi, who had the existence of Choi Deok-bae, 30 minutes was not a long time; it only made Guster’s mood even more unpleasant.

"Do you think this is a reasonable test?"

Guster finally broke the silence. And rightly so, because in the area where Lorenzo was discovered, there were a whopping 30 people standing in three rows, led by the agent he had seen earlier. They were even white men with similar plain clothes and similar hairstyles. The distance was already so vast that even nomads wouldn't easily distinguish them, and now an absurdly difficult course had been added.

To pick out someone he had only seen for a minute from a distance, in dim lighting, among similar-looking people. Was this even possible? Of course, for Yoon-gi, it was.

"It’s the fourth person from the left in the second row."

"...Excuse me?"

Because Yoon-gi answered before he could even say anything, Mason was left with a blank expression. It was such a shock that he unintentionally ignored even Guster’s words. Even Mason couldn't identify the agent he had seen earlier from this distance. Even though it was a subordinate he knew well.

"Th-that’s impossible..."

Mason, who confirmed the answer with binoculars, had his hands trembling, and seeing that, Guster let out a roar.

"That is why I told you! My grandson-in-law’s words have no lies!"

The testimony that he had witnessed it by chance. Of course, Guster also knew that this testimony was not true. However, because Guster was uncomfortable with the situation where Yoon-gi was being doubted, he maintained his roar toward Mason on the outside, even though he was somewhat surprised on the inside.

"Th-there... can you really see them?"

Choi Deok-bae was standing with his hands on his hips, nose held high. Choi Deok-bae, as a capable individual who had passed the state examination, had also noticed Mason’s intentions just like Yoon-gi, and had informed Yoon-gi of the agent’s location before Yoon-gi even asked. Choi Deok-bae, who could move instantly to any person he had once made contact with, regardless of distance, didn't need to memorize the agent’s appearance; he could simply tell Yoon-gi the answer, and Yoon-gi could answer immediately.

"Didn't I say I could see them when I gave my statement?"

"No, that... um..."

Logically, the act of seeing itself made no sense. But since the other party said he could see, there was no way to find fault.

"I will remember the CIA’s actions regarding this matter very clearly. And I must protest to the President through the Pentagon as well. What on earth is this? Doubting a person who made a massive contribution to eradicating the Mafia? Is it because my grandson-in-law is Asian?"

At Guster’s words, which even dragged in racial discrimination, Mason felt like he wanted to die. If the other party were an ordinary person, he would have forcibly taken him to a hospital with influence to have his eyesight precisely examined, but since the other party was Guster’s grandson-in-law, he couldn't do that. However, Mason showed the indomitable tenacity of a CIA chief.

"By any chance, could you describe the features of the person in the second spot from the right in the third row?"

"You, until the very end!"

"I apologize. But I must verify this..."

Listening to Mason’s trembling voice, Choi Deok-bae once again relayed the information to Yoon-gi, and Yoon-gi began to recite it to Mason exactly as he heard it.

"One nose hair on the left is sticking out. And there is a small mole on the right earlobe. Ah, there is a small wound on the lip, and judging by the fact that the scab hasn't healed properly, did it happen today?"

Mason’s expression was one of pure shock and horror. Since it wasn't visible even with binoculars, Mason asked via radio if it was true, and a few minutes later, when the answer came back that it was true, he was left sweating and looking flustered.

"C-can you really see that?"

"As I said before, yes, I can."

Yoon-gi nodded. And at the same time, Guster’s roar fell once again.

"Have you been ignoring my words since earlier? I cannot stand this any longer. I don't even need to wait; I’m going to storm the White House right now. I will use whatever means necessary to cut the CIA’s budget..."

At the mention of the budget, Mason, whose mind snapped back to reality, bowed his waist to Guster.

"I am truly sorry! This matter was entirely my own arbitrary decision, so please, I beg you to punish me, not the CIA!"

"Ha! Since you, the head, took the action, the organization must take responsibility. I will sanction the CIA even if it means giving up everything else!"

"Please, I beg you. Aren't you a patriot, Guster-nim?"

"It is the CIA that has ignored my patriotism right now!"

There was no way for Mason to stop Guster, who was raging like a fire, but Yoon-gi could.

"Honestly, I am angry, but..."

As Yoon-gi opened his mouth, Guster stopped roaring, and Mason, feeling as if a light of salvation was shining down, turned his gaze toward Yoon-gi.

"In a way, it is because the CIA investigates without missing even people like us that we can live our lives in peace."

At the truly merciful words, Mason’s face was filled with emotion.

"Yes! That’s exactly it! Truly, I had no personal feelings at all!"

"However, it’s not that I’m not angry."

Mason’s expression turned gloomy again.

"I apologize..."

"Still, since you said you had no personal feelings, I will let it slide this time. But please acknowledge it now. I really only have thoughts for the United States. I have both Korean and American blood flowing through me, and Korea and America are allies. I will never do anything to harm the United States."

The eyes of a 17-year-old filled with purity and aspiration. Mason began to reproach himself for why he had doubted such a pure child, and even Guster, clicking his tongue at Yoon-gi’s acting, forgot about scolding Mason. It was a truly perfect situation. However, Yoon-gi didn't stop there and went one step further.

"If there is any information I can provide to the CIA in the future, I will actively cooperate. For the sake of America! Is there anything more important than this in the world?"

On this day, Yoon-gi completely shattered the future where the CIA and FBI would monitor him.

"Didn't you forgive the CIA too easily?"

"When I operate in communist countries, including the Soviet Union, in the future, just having the CIA not monitor me voluntarily is a huge deal. It’s important that the situation for misunderstandings doesn't even arise, isn't it?"

The reason Yoon-gi had coolly donated the bounty to the FBI this time. It was to avoid being suspected for his activities when communist countries opened up later. Of course, he already had Guster as a shield, but with that shield, he could only meet Soviet figures 'recognized by the United States.' However, that wouldn't yield much profit. To make proper profits, he had to meet Soviet figures that the United States considered 'dangerous.' The problem was that meeting such figures easily invited suspicion from the CIA and other US government agencies. But if he won the favor of government agencies, he could clear away a significant portion of such suspicion. And Yoon-gi’s thinking hit the mark. Joshua, the FBI Director, had informed Guster of the CIA’s actions, and Mason, the CIA Director, had also returned thinking he owed Yoon-gi a great debt.

"That may be so, but..."

Guster eventually sighed.

"It can't be helped. Since you say it’s fine. But it’s not good to show only a soft side. You know that, right?"

"Of course. You know how I responded to the producers and directors who broke our contracts, don't you? I do not trust someone who has betrayed me once."

"Hmm, thinking of that, I am certainly relieved."

Guster wore a satisfied expression. Just then, his phone rang.

"Hello?"

"Yes, Secretary Ryu. What is it?"

Having received the report, Yoon-gi nodded and replied to Ryu Geun-tae in a soft voice.

"Don't worry. I will return to Korea soon and resolve it."

Guster asked Yoon-gi, who had finished the call, as if worried.

"What’s the matter? It sounded like something serious."

"Ah, JSD is in a bad mood. I guess he’s unhappy about being deceived."

Guster’s brow furrowed at the answer.

"Shall I help?"

However, Yoon-gi shook his head with a smile.

"It’s within a range I can resolve sufficiently. JSD is no longer in my league. I can handle him easily."