Disclaimer: Neither Death Note nor the coffee is mine, but I wish it was. (I'll leave which up to your discretion)
I wasn't stupid. I was probably the total opposite of stupid. I planned everything out perfectly. If it wasn't for that stupid ex-boyfriend, ex-partner in crime, ex- everything, I would be sitting pretty and never have been found by L. Yes L. The L. The L that's so famous he only has one letter for his first name. I ran into him once before that accursed day, he actually looked pretty cute in a disheveled, above it all kind of way.
I remember that day well. I had gotten back from fencing a particularly expensive piece and was planning on heading back to my current hotel room to anonymously deposit the money. It was my first time in Los Angeles so I wasn't completely up to speed on where the least popular yet still drinkable coffee shops are. I always had caffeine after successfully fencing a piece, ironically enough it helped me calm down. I finally found a place that sold coffee that didn't taste like dirt. To my dismay, there were people there. Not a crowd, but still enough people to recognize my face if in some cruel twist of fate, I missed a camera. I decided it would take too long to find an abandoned coffee shop in L.A. so I walked up to the register.
"I want the strongest thing you've got with the most chocolate you can fit in it and I want it fast. The name's Arianna. Please and Thank You." I took the time to check out the people in the shop. There were the obvious L.A. Barbie doll types, a couple of grungy tree huggers, and an old guy who looked like he was babysitting someone my age. They were hidden in the corner so no one could really tell that the young dude was sitting like a complete freak. He was staring at files and a laptop sat on the computer. I hated laptops, too many ways to have photographic evidence. The guy was cute though, too bad the old man was in the way or I might have gone to talk to him.
"Mr. Ryuzaki, your order is ready." The old man went to retrieve the piles of candy and cups of tea. I took the chance and walked up to the open seat at his table.
"Is this seat taken? I've been walking all day and there are no other open seats." I gave him one of the killer smiles I used to get blueprints from uptight security guards.
His eyes flashed up, looked at me for a second, and then he turned back to the papers in front of him. The old man came up behind me and politely said, "Miss, not to be impolite, but we are working very hard and cannot be disturbed."
I raised my eyebrow at him, "What is so important that I can't sit down for two minutes until my coffee is ready. I was up all night and need my coffee. So please move your papers so I can sit on that comfy chair and sit down."
Both men looked appalled at my outburst. The cute guy smiled a little and said, "I guess it isn't too much of a problem, please sit. My name is Ryuzaki, and yours?"
Before I could answer the coffee lady called my name, "Arianna, your coffee is ready."
"By the way that barista looked at you, I'm assuming your name is Arianna," that small smile crawling back onto his face.
"Ya, but you can call me Ari, everyone does. So, you have yet to answer my question. What is this case about?"
Ryuzaki shifted his eyes downward in thought, "A thief broke into the museum down the street."
"Really?" I pretended to act interested, "And what did they steal?"
"One of the numerous priceless paintings," This guy wasn't letting up.
"I just came from there, and all the paintings were there in their frames. Seeing as you are obviously avoiding the true topic of this case I am forced to assume you have unofficially taken a serial murder case under your wing and do not wish to befoul the mind of an innocent young girl."
Ryuzaki seemed surprised to see I could see through his lies. "You do not have the clearance to receive information on this subject."
Damn. "Well that's too bad. If it is a serial murder case, don't let any agent talk to weird people, most criminals like to look back at their conquests." I decided that because I had my coffee and imparted my words of wisdom I would leave. As I was getting up from the table a phone started to ring. Being the impatient, nosy genius I am, I looked down at the caller ID. Naomi Misora. I'd have to remember that name.
A/N: I love the idea of a criminal talking to L. Hopefully I will be posting again soon!