The Son-in-Law

Click—Boom—

Flames roared and the circuits crackled. As he crawled out from the overturned car, his vision swam. Beside the river, beneath the shroud of night, the city’s dense lights shimmered on the opposite bank, flickering like fire atop water, as if a colossal city floated there. The scene of prosperity stood in stark contrast to the park’s solitude and neglect. He remembered: more than a decade ago, he’d led the project for this park’s development.

“A failed venture, really…”

The wind swept by, and he sighed, staggering toward the glimmering water. Behind him, the car erupted in a thunderous explosion, flames leaping high, searing air surging at his back as if to engulf him. From above, the thrum of helicopter blades descended, followed by a blinding searchlight that swept his blurred vision. Voices shouted from the sky. Vehicles converged at both ends of the park—most of them police cars—lights flashing, chaos everywhere.

His head was still foggy. Blood trickled down his forehead; he wiped it away, clutching his overcoat. On either side of the river, hovercrafts and speedboats surged forth, determined to keep him from escaping into the water.

“Really… I’m no assassin…”

The suffocating encirclement—land, sea, and air—irritated him. His vision was indistinct, but his mind grasped the reality: luck would hardly favor him this time. The cold wind brought memories of insignificant things. This was the city where he’d grown up. Back then, it was a simpler place; from this bank, the city’s present, palace-like splendor was unimaginable