Chapter 1- I am L

"This is…mmf…interesting" I mumbled, mouth full, eyes fixed unblinkingly on the news. The main two reporters were back on the screen to close out the night's news. I wonder…perhaps my prediction is off? "The texture of these is quite odd Watari. Where did you get these?"

"Hmm? Sir, I believe those are complimentary scented tea candles left there by the hotel. I would most certainly advise against eating any more of them."

"I see." Still watching the television, I figured I'd take just one other small bite before putting the candles down. "A scented candle. Yes, that would explain the chalky texture I suppo-"

The news cut out suddenly, leaving a dark grey screen behind. My toes quivered. This was it. I knew this would happen, or rather, I knew that there was an eighty four percent probability of this happening. Text flashed across the screen. Just two words in a large, red, cursive script with plenty of unnecessary flourishes. A custom script, most likely coded by same individual who had just achieved the nearly impossible task of hacking a public television station.

"Hello, L".

A sharp intake of breath from Watari came from the other side of the room. My mind was racing. Interesting. So you have caught on to the fact that you are being investigated and succeeded in finding my name, and are now attempting to scare me off with this display of power. You are just as intelligent and capable as I had suspected. Good.

The news came back on after a short black screen. The news reporters were panicking and yelling in confusion, and when they finally realized the broadcast was back on, they blushed scarlet and scrambled to regain some semblance of composure. I turned the TV off. There was no need to watch the embarrassing confusion.

I opened my laptop and connected to the free hotel Wi-Fi.

"Sir?"

"Yes, Watari?"

"Did you not say that this suspect you are investigating is a hacker of remarkable talent and that there was a very high chance that every single device we own is already under surveillance?"

"Mmm…well I'm not exactly investigating her, and she isn't quite what I would call a suspect. She's more of an asset to a case I could use her talents on than a suspect. But yes, Watari. She is, in fact, a hacker of incredible skill amongst other things."

"She, sir?"

"Yes, Watari. She. I had my suspicions, and they have been confirmed by the message she sent me tonight." Well, seventy-three percent confirmed. Certainly good enough to refer to her in her proper pronoun. Fonts are a frustrating thing to code. It is a remarkably feminine trait to spend such time on the appearance of the message. After all, it was only two words.

My laptop was secured to the extent of my abilities, certainly, but I knew it wouldn't be even close to enough to keep her out of this call. I made the call to the ICPO headquarters where they were currently having a meeting in which they were discussing a small change in the international waters laws.

"Hello friends. As some of you know, I am L.

There was quite a lot of murmuring amongst the gathered, largely due to new members who had never heard of L before. You would think that they would be notified of me so I wouldn't have to waste time on this but I suppose short of telling them to, the ICPO won't change their habits of poor efficiency any time soon.

"Can whoever is presiding over this meeting please step forward to speak for the ICPO?" I said, and after some commotion a man I guessed to be about thirty-five with sharp features and wavy brown hair to his shoulders stepped forward. "My name is Seth, and I am authorized to at least partially speak for the ICPO".

"Yes, that's nice. Let's get to the matter at hand, shall we? I presume you are all familiar with the streak of seemingly impossible burglaries that have been happening in Korea, China, and especially in Japan?"

Seth responded quickly and with some surprise in his voice. "I...yes, I think it's safe to say everyone here has been made aware of this case, the objects stolen have been of considerable importance to the countries involved. Why do you ask?"

"What can I say, Seth? I've been bored and I've decided to entertain myself. I would simply like to inform you that I am working the case and share some friendly advice. There is an antique bronze wine vessel originating from the Shang Dynasty located in the Jilin University's archaeological and art museum in the Jilin province of China worth a considerable sum of money, not to mention the importance of the piece on a more sentimental level to the Chinese people. It is on public display from Wednesday to Saturday under very high security. It is my belief that that vessel is the next target for our thief, or at a minimum one of the next targets. With what we know of our suspect, we can safely assume that the crime will be committed on one of the display days. The suspect is quite the attention seeker; I believe they would find the crowd exciting. I would recommend fortifying security. Perhaps you can even catch our thief."

As I spoke, the members of China present at the ICPO meeting nearly fell out of their chairs. It was comical, really. I placed a hand over my microphone. "Watari, would you be so kind as to get me coffee and a plate of cookies? With sprinkles, please. Thank you Watari." Removing my hand, I spoke again. "Are there any questions?" The ICPO members were still. "Well then, have a pleasant evening. I hope I didn't disrupt your discussions too much."

I closed my connection to the ICPO off, satisfied with how that had gone. Watari came into the room with my coffee, sugar cubes, creamer, and a platter of cookies. Watari is a wonderful man, I must say.

"Thank you Watari. Now, would you be so kind as to prepare a thing or two for our trip to China? I do believe our thief has taken the bait."

Downtown Shanghai

I couldn't help it. I cracked a grin. This was too easy. Maybe L isn't all he's cracked up to be. This vessel.…. Why, I think that sounds exquisite, L. And quite convenient as well, seeing as I'm already in China. I really must thank you for your consideration.