No Moral

“No, I’m just stating the truth,” the client said.

“You are clearly at fault here. Your blood alcohol level was on the low side, but you still consumed alcohol, and you did enough things to be mistaken for a hit-and-run. The moment you drove away, you lost their trust. Motor vehicle accidents are personal in nature, so the best you can do is opt for settlement. You can’t have that attitude, even more so when apologizing wouldn’t be enough.”

Settlement for prosecution cases couldn’t be solved purely by money, unlike civil suits. It needed more care and attention. Just a year ago, Yoonshin would have been consoling the parents as the child’s representative. Attorney Song knew this, so instead of asking other lawyers or taking this herself, she offered it to Yoonshin.

“I’m upset about a few things too. I didn’t drink that much, and I was driving slowly. Also, I went back, I personally reported the accident, and I tried to help the kid.”

“The parents of an injured child won’t see or hear that. Don’t feel upset. Someone was hurt because of your mistake. A child has a long future ahead, yet his body was damaged.”

“I’ll give them however much they want, within reason. I think this kid’s house isn’t very well off,” the client offered.

Yoonshin seethed silently. Not catching on, the man added, “Tell them I’ll give them double the amount they have in mind. There’s nobody who doesn’t like money.”

However, Yoonshin was still quiet.

“Mr. Attorney?” the client asked tentatively.

As long as Yoonshin was bound to this law firm, he already learned from Sehun that he couldn’t always take on clients with clean hands. When he finally got a handle on his feelings after recalling the older man’s low voice, he replied, “Anyway, I’ll try to meet with the other party. They might want an apology from you. If you ever have to meet with the family of the complainant, just do as I tell you. Let them get angry at you and let them hit you if they want to. Let them pull your hair out. They’ll be able to calm down then and maybe consider your position.”

“Do I need to go that far?” the man asked nervously.

“You drove under the influence of alcohol and committed a hit-and-run, but you weren’t expecting to do that much? Also, just know that I’m going to calculate the settlement amount considering the long-term effects of the accident.”

“O-okay. I’m fine with anything, so just help me deal with this as cleanly as possible. I’m destined for big things.”

“Something big—I think you’ve already done that,” Yoonshin muttered.

“Sorry?”

“I’ll do my best.”

After gazing at the man’s face for a moment, Yoonshin repressed his heavy sigh. Then, he pushed forward the retainer agreement for the man to sign.

* * *

Yoonshin, swaddling the documents in his arms, called someone at the window of his office floor. Perhaps it was because it was from an unknown caller, but the call’s recipient didn’t pick up after several rings. When they finally received the call, Yoonshin looked relieved and carefully introduced himself. “Hello, ma’am. I’m Yoonshin Do from Doguk Law. I represent the accused in the recent car accident. I called to ask if you could meet with me sometime soon.”

After listening carefully to the response of the other side, Yoonshin replied, “No way. I’m not calling to settle immediately. Your child’s recovery is first. Is he all right? He got a fracture when he’s not fully developed, so I was really worried.”

Yoonshin wedged his phone between his ear and shoulder and awkwardly reached out. He managed to open the creaky window, and the winter wind, as if it were waiting for a chance, blew into his face.

“Of course. I won’t bring any documents. Yes, I’m also fine with today. Oh… Then what time should I go? Thank you. I’ll let you know before I leave my office. Okay, I will see you then. Take care.”