"Can you arrange an external meeting with this Dan Tto? Iâd rather not go into the complex if I can help it."
Namdong Industrial Complex was one of Incheonâs most dangerous areas. Even for Soo-ah, a former police officer, her visits there could be counted on one hand.
The only times sheâd entered were when crimes from the complex spilled into the surrounding areas, requiring police reinforcements from outside jurisdictions. Even then, going deep into the complex was rare. Her first and last deep entry had been earlier this year, escorting Go Muyeol.@@novelbin@@
"Given the location, that would be difficult."
"Of course. The moment those Namdong Complex criminals step outside, itâs essentially an immediate death sentence. It makes sense. I was just asking on a whim."
This dynamic stemmed from an unspoken agreement between the Namdong District Police Station and the Namdong Industrial Complex.
The deal was simple: âWe wonât storm the complex to arrest you, so long as you donât come out. If you do, youâll be eliminated.â
While some additional incentives and payoffs circulated during this arrangement, the fundamental goal was to confine the criminals within the complex.
The criminals benefited as well. Though they couldnât leave, they avoided prison and could continue living their lives, which led to the area becoming a growing magnet for miscreants.
"What is Master currently doing? He mentioned entering negotiations with political figures this week."
"Heâs already spoken with the Prosecutor General, and about an hour ago, Representative Kim Eun-ji set foot on the artificial island."
"Starting strong right from Monday. Then we canât afford to fall behind. Rumors have likely begun to spread already, so we need to secure the land held by this Dan Tto before others catch wind of it."
If Soo-ah could absorb Dan Ttoâs 18% share, she would control nearly 90% of the Namdong Industrial Complexâs land. Including the overseas-owned portions, the total would reach 95%.
The missionâs completion was tantalizingly close.