The Inspector Is Getting Promoted! [EN]: Chapter 106

Prosecutor, You’re Going Places – 106

Rivalry (2)

“The Public Security Department will take it?”

Chief Prosecutor Seo Gi-woong turned his head, feigning surprise. “Really?”

“Yes. This serial murder case targeting women threatens public safety and disrupts order. It’s best handled by the Public Security Department.”

Seo Gi-woong’s fist clenched at the man’s smooth, almost too-reasonable voice.

But the man wasn’t finished. “Besides, the Special Investigations Department is swamped these days, isn’t it? The Public Security Department, on the other hand, is a bit light on cases. We could handle this quickly. Trust us; leave it to us.”

*I’m so dumbfounded I could laugh.* This is blatant provocation.

To snatch a high-profile case that could significantly boost one’s career. And not subtly, behind the scenes, but right here, with everyone watching, while I’m staring daggers.

Other chief prosecutors looked uncomfortable at his audacity, exchanging glances but remaining silent. No one intervened.

Of course, I had no intention of letting him steal the case.

There’s nothing more infuriating than being robbed in broad daylight.

“It’s more appropriate for the Special Investigations Department to handle this case,” I countered immediately.

“The Public Security Department’s primary duties are counter-espionage, labor disputes, dissidents, political matters, elections, and terrorism. That’s what ‘public safety and order’ encompasses. You shouldn’t stretch its definition like this.”

The atmosphere instantly chilled. Everyone held their breath, focusing on my words.

“The Special Investigations Department handles cases with significant social impact and the potential for major breakthroughs. This case belongs with us, or at the very least, the Criminal Affairs Department. It’s not a Public Security matter.”

Even after I finished, Chief Prosecutor Kang Joong-sik, the viper, maintained his sly smile. “Regardless of the original intent, isn’t it true that the Public Security Department ultimately maintains public safety and order?”

He’s trying to be difficult. *Has this rude bastard finally lost his mind?*

I fought the urge to grind my teeth. “The Special Investigations Department has built considerable expertise in serial killer cases, starting with the Arbiter case [likely a previous, well-known case]. The Public Security Department lacks that experience.”

“That may be, but this time we also…”

Chief Prosecutor Seo Gi-woong cut him off. “Now, now, calm down, both of you.”

He attempted to defuse the escalating tension.

The chief prosecutors beside me subtly patted my thigh under the table, urging me to calm down. I could hear their hushed whispers: “Be patient.”

*How can I be patient?*

I clenched my fist and took a deep breath.

Chief Prosecutor Seo Gi-woong reviewed the case file again, a frown creasing his forehead.

“Hmm.”

After a moment of consideration, he turned to the chief prosecutors from the Criminal Affairs Department.

“What about Chief Kim?”

Chief Kim Myung-won of the Criminal Affairs Department shook his head, waving his hand dismissively. “Ah, we’re swamped with cases these days…”

“How about Chief Kang or Chief Go?”

“We also…”

“I have a major case in the works myself…”

Chief Prosecutor Seo Gi-woong seemed to be trying to pass the case to the Criminal Affairs Department to resolve the dispute, but they all declined, citing their heavy workloads.

In this situation, volunteering for the case would mean making enemies of both the Public Security and Special Investigations Departments.

Ultimately, the choice remained between the Special Investigations Department and the Public Security Department.

Chief Prosecutor Seo Gi-woong made his decision and turned to me.

“The Special Investigations Department will handle this case. The Public Security Department will get another good case soon, so concede this time.”

The viper shrugged, barely concealing his disappointment.

“Understood.”

“Chief Choi, as you proceed with this case…”

He spoke casually, as if offering advice, but I barely registered his words.

The serial murder case was mine, as planned from the start, but I was still seething from the earlier challenge.

I hadn’t expected that viper to openly confront me in front of everyone.

*I didn’t like his eyes from the beginning… Is he trying to start a showdown?*

“Let’s conclude the meeting for today. Everyone, return to your departments.”

Chief Prosecutor Seo Gi-woong ended the meeting and rose from his seat.

I sighed deeply and stood up.

“Hoo.”

The unpleasant feeling lingered. I glared at the viper before getting up.

He was still smiling slyly.

Chief Kang Joong-sik met my gaze, flaunting his audacity.

“We’re a bit slow these days. Sorry if I offended you. I just wanted to solve it quickly.”

“I’ll prove we’re faster and more thorough,” I retorted sharply, turning away.

Chief Prosecutor Go Seong-hyun, who had been collaborating with me on a separate case, cautiously approached with his documents.

We had planned to discuss it after the meeting, but given the current tension, meeting now would be counterproductive.

“Senior, let’s postpone our discussion about the planning case. I don’t think we can talk properly now.”

“Oh, yeah. I was going to suggest that anyway,” he nodded, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

As I left the conference room, the chief prosecutor of the Economic Crime Investigation Department, a member of our faction, approached me.

“Chief Choi, are you alright?”

“Ah, yes. I’m fine.”

“That viper is always looking for a fight. Don’t worry about it; just forget it.”

Other chief prosecutors from Line 1 [political faction] also approached, comforting me and gossiping about the viper.

But their words barely registered. All I could see was Kang Joong-sik’s twisted smile as he exited the conference room.

*I can’t let this bastard get away with this.*

***

“Deputy Chief Lee.”

“Yes, Chief.”

“The serial murder case has been transferred. Take charge and handle it swiftly.”

Deputy Chief Prosecutor Lee Doo-hyung tilted his head, questioning. “Wasn’t that case supposed to be assigned to Prosecutor Jang Ha-young and then sidelined?”

I glared at him. “Just follow my instructions. Why are you questioning me? You’re not usually like this, Deputy Chief Lee.”

“I’m sorry.”

Startled by my sharp tone, Deputy Chief Lee Doo-hyung bowed his head.

Seeing his reaction, I suddenly realized I was overreacting.

“Haa.”

I sighed and ran a hand through my hair. “I apologize. This case has become a bit sensitive.”

“No, I understand. I’ve heard the story. You have every reason to be upset.”

“Who did you hear it from?”

“From the deputy chief of Criminal Affairs Department 2.”

“If you heard it from him, it’s probably spread everywhere.”

“Yes, most likely.”

It seemed the confrontation with the viper in the conference room had already become widespread knowledge.

With so many eyes watching, this case needed to be resolved quickly. I had to prove that my department was superior to the Public Security Department.

“Assign two or three more skilled prosecutors, including Prosecutor Jang Ha-young, to expedite the process. Set aside your current cases and prioritize this one. Understood?”

“Yes, I will.”

“I’ll also review the case data periodically and report any significant findings.”

“Understood.”

He took the case file and asked cautiously, “Are you going to let the viper get away with this? If you don’t address his behavior, he’ll definitely overstep again…”

“No.”

I steepled my fingers, my eyes hardening. “Until now, I’ve ignored his antics because they haven’t directly affected me. But I can’t stand by when he invades my territory and openly declares war.”

“Then…”

“I have to knock him down a peg.”

I clenched my fist. “I have to show him he messed with the wrong person.”

Deputy Chief Lee Doo-hyung swallowed hard, visibly nervous.

I twisted the corners of my mouth into a grim smile and stood up. “Then, good luck with the work.”

“Understood.”

I handed him the case and immediately went outside to call Prosecutor Jung Hyun-woo.

A prosecutor who had been targeted by the viper in the Western District Prosecutor’s Office and subsequently transferred to the Busan District Prosecutor’s Office.

He answered before the dial tone rang more than a few times.

“Chief, hello.”

A welcoming voice.

He seemed touched that I hadn’t forgotten him and had called him first.

“Yes, Prosecutor Jung. How’s the work going?”

“Please wait a moment.”

He seemed to be in a crowded area, so he moved to a quieter location before continuing. “There were a lot of people around, so I moved to a quiet place.”

“Yes, please speak.”

“I’ve managed to become close to the members of Chief Kang Joong-sik’s faction, and I’ve gathered compromising information on about half of them.”

It had only been a few months since his transfer to Busan, but his progress was remarkable.

It seemed that being sent to the provinces had fueled his determination.

“What about Chief Kang Joong-sik and the High Prosecutor General?”

“I haven’t found anything concrete yet. They’re surprisingly clean… Please be patient. I’ll figure it out as soon as possible.”

“Yes. Continue with that… I have one more request.”

“Just tell me.”

“Among the members of Chief Kang Joong-sik’s faction who are scheduled to come to Seoul next year, target the one who would be easiest to turn.”

After a moment of silence, Prosecutor Jung Hyun-woo carefully lowered his voice. “Are you suggesting that I make him betray Chief Kang Joong-sik?”

“To be precise, I’m talking about recruiting someone who will act according to our instructions.”

This was the reason for my call.

Viper Kang Joong-sik.

I was also investigating his background through Yoon Seol-ha, but I hadn’t yet uncovered any weaknesses.

If I couldn’t find anything, I would be at his mercy.

To reverse the situation, I needed to find his weakness.

No, if there was no weakness, I would have to create one.

“An insider is likely to know Chief Kang Joong-sik’s weaknesses. We have to exploit that.”

Prosecutor Jung Hyun-woo was taken aback by my unexpected words.

“But that’s not an easy task… It may be difficult on my end.”

“I’ll provide all the support you need. And Prosecutor Jung…”

I coldly lowered my voice. “As I said before, I’m not negotiating with you.”

Silence hung in the air.

“As I said before, I need someone who will do as I say.”

Immediately, his polite voice came through the phone.

“I’m sorry. I think I overstepped for a moment.”

“So, what’s your answer to my request?”

“I’ll do it somehow.”

“Good. I’ll support you with whatever you need, whether it’s money or manpower. Just let me know.”

“Understood.”

“Prosecutor Jung, please be as careful as possible. It’s important to carry out my instructions, but it’s even more important to remain undetected. If the viper catches wind of your activities while you’re in the Busan District Prosecutor’s Office, it’ll be difficult for me to protect you.”

“Yes. I will prioritize safety above all else. Even if a problem arises, I will handle it so that it doesn’t harm you, Chief. Don’t worry.”

“Good.”

If things continued this way, I could trust him.

“I look forward to working with you in the future.”

“Please trust me and leave it to me.”