L's investigation of Kira had only just begun. He was still residing in England, though by the way the investigation had started out, both he and Watari knew they wouldn't be residing in Winchester much longer.
He had, just the day before, come to the conclusion that Kira resided in Japan- in the Kanto region, to be exact. His time left in England was limited, and he and Watari were preparing to leave for Japan the following morning.
Speaking of Watari, L hadn't heard a peep from the older gentleman in hours, though probably resulting from his own actions. L had always been a bit of a loner, though not particularly by choice. His investigations took top priority in his life, he sat a bit oddly, and his voice was almost constantly a monotonous draw. Whenever possible, he investigated alone, in a cold, dark, bare room. Just him, his computer, and of course- his sweets.
The clock on his laptop ticked to 1:00 am, and he gave it a quick glance before going back to typing. His expression was mostly stagnant as his fingers tapped across the keyboard. Occasionally, he would press his thumb to his mouth and use his free hand to scroll, but shortly after he would go right back to typing. His movements were rather predictable.
Finally, after what seemed like an hour, he stretched- figuring that he should really go on to bed... But then, there was a knock.
"L." It was Watari.
"Yes?" L responded, his voice just above a mumble. Watari entered then, still dressed in his suit- just as proper as ever.
"We have... A bit of a dilemma." He stated simply, his voice leaving a hint of worry.
"Do we?" L questioned, typing once more. "And what might that be?" His gaze was fixated upon his computer screen as he nibbled on a rather large brownie.
"There is an officer downstairs. He wishes to speak with you."
L chomped on the remainder of his massive brownie in one fell swoop, his cheeks full. "Really?" He asked between bites, his voice muffled, "Well, that's not unusual, even considering the timing." He mused, finally swallowing all that was in his mouth as he stood. "I'm assuming their visit somehow pertains to the Kira investigation? Am I correct?"
Watari swallowed. "I'm afraid not, L."
L walked past him, pressing his thumb to his lower lip. "Then what might it pertain to, I wonder?"
"I... I believe it would be better suited for the officer to explain the situation to you, rather than myself." Watari commented, following closely behind L- who walked hunched over, his hands buried in his pockets.
"I won't lie to you, Watari, the fact that you've said something so vague makes me-"
"Good evening. I apologize for visiting you so late... Or, rather, early." The officer interrupted as L reached the bottom of the stairs. He showed L his badge. "My name is David Powers, Police Chief. If you could, I'd advise you sit dow-"
"I was planning on it." L interrupted David, now, already mid-crouch. The officer nodded, sitting on the couch opposite the one L was crouching over. "Please, go on." L advised, as Watari left to fetch some coffee for the two men.
David nodded, taking off his hat. "At approximately 9:30 pm this evening, there was a report of a car accident called into our station. It involved a young woman named Hannah Calamia, does that name sound familiar to you?"
L pressed his thumb to his lower lip. "It does." He finally responded, plopping a multitude of sugar cubes into the coffee cup Watari had just placed before him. "That's... Rather unfortunate to hear. I'm assuming she's not alright?"
The officer shook his head. "Unfortunately, no, she isn't. She didn't make it. Which happens to be the reason why I'm here."
L took a sip of his coffee, squinted harshly at it, and then placed four or five more sugar cubes in it. He sipped at it again, then sat it upon the table before him. "I'm very sorry to hear that, but Hannah and I hadn't seen each other in over three years. Almost four, actually. So, at the risk of sounding... Detached from the situation, I have to question why you've come to visit me. My condolences to her family."
The officer sighed then, leaning his elbows against his knees. "She had a child with her. The child is alright, miraculously- no injuries. Before Ms. Calamia succumbed to her injuries, she claimed that the child... Is yours."
The spoon L had been holding to stir his coffee slipped from his fingers, falling to the floor with a "clang!" that most certainly felt louder than it actually was. His mouth fell slightly ajar, his eyes as wide as saucers. Then, regaining his composure, L picked the spoon up off the tile flooring and absentmindedly placed it back in his mouth, making David cringe. "Is that so?" L finally questioned, doing his best to seem somewhat indifferent. "I apologize, I'm not sure how to respond."
Watari was quick to place a hand on L's shoulder, his stern presence calming L's inner freak out. "L, I don't mean to pry into your personal affairs... But is there any possibility that her claims could have some truth to them?"
L stood then, rubbing his bare feet against one another. "There is a possibility." He finally admitted, though (strangely) he gave no explanation as to what the probability was.
"We could always run a DNA test if you have any doubts." Watari reassured him, and David nodded in response.
"That's true, and-"
"That won't be necessary." L stated, raising his hand as if to shew off the very idea. "Did she have any next of kin?"
"What?" David questioned, standing as well.
"Did Hannah have any next of kin... To look after the child?" He questioned, just as monotonous as he typically was.
"No." David responded, solemnly. "Being that you are, presumably, the child's biological father, the responsibility to care for this child technically falls to you. If you wish to forfeit that responsibility, the child will be placed in an orphanage, or perhaps foster-"
"That's unacceptable." L responded, staring out the window beside the front door. Despite the darkness, he could see another officer sitting in the police car in the driveway. "I won't forfeit my responsibility."
"L, please take care to remember that, since you're working on the Kira case, you can't-"
"I'm entirely aware, Watari. We'll discuss the specifics later on. As for right now..." He turned to David, "I'm sorry, I failed to ask- is the child a boy or a girl?"
"A girl."
"Interesting... And just how old is she?"
"Three years old." David responded, and L nodded.
"That... Sounds accurate." He commented, looking out the window still. His expression, though often expressionless, seemed... Solemn. "I would like to see my daughter."