On the day of Seonghwa's court appointment to get his inheritance settled and prove his innocence to the detective bureau, Hongjoong realised how quickly time had passed. He hadn't seen Seonghwa since the visit last week, and though the widow had often followed him into his dreams and occupied his mind during his showers, there had been no more contact ever since.

Hongjoong had arrived in the office early upon Yunho's instructions. In his best suit and with his trilby fidgeting between his fingers, Hongjoong awaited his boss outside the building.

Today, Seonghwa's fate would be decided. Unless evidence of his criminal activity was at hand, the widow would gain the fortune of his late husband and run free to seduce another. Apart from personal investigations, the detective bureau would have no more rights to shadow him.

Hongjoong was torn. His sober mind knew that wasn't right. Knew what Seonghwa had done and what gambit he played. Why he seduced Hongjoong and why he hid behind his beautiful farce.

But could he bear locking him up? Was it wise to go against him?

While Hongjoong gnawed on his lip, Yunho made his way outside. He was accompanied by Wooyoung Jung, the chief officer of the police. When he tipped his lid at Hongjoong, the detective nodded.

"Say the word and Park wears some pretty new wristbands. We will make sure he carries no artillery inside the courtroom," the young copper offered. He left first to wait in his bucket. Yunho had a license but wasn't allowed to drive after his injury. 

Gathering Hongjoong with a nod, Yunho followed. He trusted Hongjoong's responsibility. Though Hongjoong handed in nothing so far, this was his opportunity to burn what he knew. Recite everything Seonghwa had told him.

The drive to the courthouse was tense. Wooyoung grumbled at someone violating traffic laws, but he didn't have the time to hop out and brandish a ticket. Soon, they halted before the towering building and Hongjoong held the door for Yunho.

The chief detective sent him an uplifting grin. 

"Time to burn a widow."

Everyone knew. Hell, the judge probably also knew and simply had no evidence to frisk Seonghwa. And the charming widow used that to his advantage.

Inside, various journalists and guests already filled the benches. Yunho greeted a few people and kissed the hands of their female counterparts. Some of Albert May's coworkers attended, either fond of his widowed spouse or looking to overlook the rightful inheritance of money. From how Hongjoong judged Seonghwa, he knew a lot more about business than he let on. 

Hongjoong lingered in a conversation with a newshound. By now, hiding his identity had no more worth, but if he wanted to conceal the ace up his sleeve, he shouldn't be seen with the bureau yet.

Wooyoung loudly complained about how rigged this hearing was.

When the room suddenly fell quiet to the click of heels on the ground, Hongjoong stiffened. The elegant steps sauntered through the massive double doors and the newcomer chuckled when most assembled people turned their heads.

"Please, continue your conversations," that velvety voice hummed and whatever light blazed in Hongjoong before lit back up. He blushed, remembering how sensual that voice could be, but shuddered at its drawl all the same. 

Seonghwa wore black pants today, similar enough to those of a suit to make him look formal, yet airy enough to accentuate his feminine qualities. His blouse was black and its frills tucked into a rose on the left side of his neck. A black fur jacket hugged his shoulders and his purse valued many times Hongjoong's rent. 

Today, Seonghwa's hair was pushed from his features. Impeccable lipstick matched the twinkle of his earrings and the wedding ring on his gloved finger. The judge kissed his hand and Seonghwa smiled with a polite courtesy as he greeted him.

Hongjoong tugged on his tie. The air felt stifling all of a sudden, and he wasn't the only one who kept glancing back at Seonghwa. Most eyeballed him in jealousy or contempt, but Hongjoong's heart somersaulted at every peek.

Perhaps one more coffin nail with Yunho before the trial began. 

Seonghwa didn't make a round for needless greetings. He found his chair and placed his bag on it before he left for the restroom to check his makeup. The hushed whispers regained volume after his departure, but suddenly, he was everyone's topic. Hongjoong wormed out of his conversation when the slander tasted foul in his mouth. 

Just as he was on his way to his seat, however, the click of heels warned him a moment too late. A light hand fell onto his arm and Hongjoong immediately knew whose it was.

"Mister Kim," Seonghwa smiled down at him, full of teeth. Hongjoong shuddered at his gaze from cunning eyes, at its graceful authority. His memories heated his cheeks. Had he become such a slave to that twinkle?

"I hadn't expected to meet you here," Seonghwa continued, and Hongjoong plastered a smile onto his face.

Everyone was watching their exchange. If Hongjoong wasn't careful, the tides could turn on him.

"I had to attend." He brought out and his kiss against the back of Seonghwa's hand made the widow grin.

"Of course. Shall we drink with Mister Jeong after this?"

Stiffly, Hongjoong nodded. Depending on the outcome today, he would never have to explain himself to Seonghwa. Never had to watch that grace turn into ire. 

Seonghwa departed with another grin and his fingers trailed off Hongjoong's arm slowly, leaving goosebumps in their wake. The peeper exhaled. Yunho met his eyes and Hongjoong shook his head before the two made for their seats. The judge called for the trial to start.

"In this brief trial, we will discuss the inheritance of the recently passed Albert May. I ask everyone's cooperation and patience," the judge grumbled, not one for needless pleasantries.

Hongjoong's first court case. But the topic of the trial was entirely different from his assignment.

"After the tragic passing of Albert May, we must settle his fortune, estates, and all other possessions. No will is available."

The ranks whispered. Wouldn't Seonghwa have prepared one with his shrewd arrangements? Or did he have no time and Albert died before he was supposed to?

But Seonghwa acknowledged in his seat. He cradled a white handkerchief between his fingers and dabbed at his eyes.

"Mister May's spouse, Seonghwa Park, is present today. Mister Park, can you confirm there are no children, legitimate or otherwise, fathered by your late husband?"

It was a protocol question to ask, even if it sounded absurd for a same-sex couple.

Seonghwa nodded. He looked lonely in his chair, and Hongjoong tried to concentrate desperately. 

"In that case, all inheritance naturally goes to the legally wedded spouse of the deceased. No cuts other than tax should apply. Can you confirm?"

Seonghwa nodded again, and a sob spilled over his lips. He wiped at his eyes.

"M-My apologies, My Lord. The wound is still fresh," he whimpered and even the court's strict and aged features were helpless before the miserable widow.

"Of course. Your tears are excused."

He turned to move on and picked up another document.

"I have been informed Mister Park is currently being investigated by the police. May the corresponding person make a statement on their findings? We shan't proceed until all conjectures are cleared."

The judge searched the room with his eyes, and Seonghwa peered through teary lashes. No surprise crossed his features, as if he had known.

Hongjoong made eye contact with Yunho.

This was their moment. Before that hammer fell, Hongjoong could object with everything he had gathered. San's medical records, all the letters, Yunho's suspicions, Seonghwa's affair with him and everything he had given away about his true purpose.

Hongjoong could point out their findings to the judge, exposing his identity and Seonghwa's murders. Or he could affirm those were all misleads of the bureau's paranoia and cover for the terrifying vamp and his glistening tears.

Chose now:

Expose Seonghwa -> go to chapter 25

Cover for Seonghwa -> go to chapter 24