"Thank you for this information," said Near. He released the button and sighed.
A third robbery. On the third night. He wondered how L did it. How could he keep his reputation for solving every case, if he continuously tackled cases like this? Three robberies in three nights, and not a scrap of evidence to show for it. The only thing he'd heard about that had any similarity to this was the Los Angeles BB Murder Case.
But that was different. The perpetrator was from Wammy's House, an equal with L. One of the most intelligent people on the planet. But these robberies couldn't possibly have been caused by Matt, or Linda, or Cabra…
The door creaked open and revealed Watari's tall figure.
"Yes, Watari?" Asked Near, angry for the intrusion.
"Near," began the elderly man, clearing his throat. "This note was found beside Cabra's bed this morning."
Near took the scrap of paper, recognizing the boy's messy scrawl.
Azuki and I have decided to live together. This is farewell. Don't try to find us; it will only end in misery. My thanks is extended to Watari for the education and hospitality.
- Cabra
Near handed the snippet back to Watari.
So Cabra left Wammy's House. That clinches it.
Azuki lay on the soft, white bed sheets, gazing up at the high ceiling. Her hands ran lazily over Cabra's bare torso.
"I'll get some water," whispered Azuki, pressing her lips to her boyfriend's cheek. "Stay right here."
She stood up and pulled on a large, red robe.
As she descended the length of the grand staircase towards one of the several kitchens, she thought she heard voice.
No. It must have been her imagination.
But as she stepped over the threshold, Azuki noticed a small figure crouched over the clean, white floor. A small assortment of plastic toys were spread out at Azuki's feet.
"Near! What are you doing here?" She was astounded that she'd been located at all, let alone so quickly. And why Near, of all people? The two did occasionally exchange polite small talk, but there friendship hadn't ever amounted to anything.
"Under L's instruction, I've been chasing a bank robber who has failed to leave a scrap of evidence at the scene." Near talked at the floor, as though he were not paying any attention to the teenage girl at all.
Azuki tried to force some words out of her throat, but her mouth was as dry as sandpaper.
Near looked up. "I know whom it is. Watari has agreed to let you leave the orphanage on the condition that you assist me in the capture of the culprit. The fact that I was able to find you in the space of several hours and enter this humble abode without your knowledge should provide a big enough incentive."
"Well," began Azuki, finally finding her feet. "What do you want me to do?"
"You needn't do anything. In fact, I only want you to be at a certain building tonight at midnight. You are not to tell Cabra of this. If you are there at midnight tonight, you and your partner are free to leave Wammy's House as you had planned."