New York City M.N. Murder Case
Chapter 10: Naomi Misora
A light laugh caused the world's greatest detective to look away from his tower made up of matchsticks. He tilted his head to the side in interrogation.
''L never asked you to talk to Mello eleven years ago,'' Elena Cabestan declared in an amused tone as she spun her chair around to glance at the white-haired boy.
Near lowered his gaze on the floor. ''Indeed, he didn't.''
Cabestan learnt forward, resting her elbows on her knees. ''Then why? Why did you go to your worst enemy's bedroom?''
''As I told Mello back then, I wanted to talk to him, that is all.'' The new L repeated emotionlessly, just like a broken record.
''I know you wanted to talk to him,'' the lawyer rolled her eyes. ''You're avoiding my question, L.''
The detective looked up. ''Am I?'' He blinked at her.
''Yeah, you are.'' Elena sighed in exasperation. ''I asked you why you wanted to visit Mello in his room. I want to know why you wanted to talk to him. Why would you want to talk with your rival who never held anything towards you but a boundless hatred?'' She emphasised this last word as if she hoped it would trigger something in Near's mind.
But the latter simply reached up to add a match to his tower.
''I cannot answer that question,'' he said flatly.
''Oh come on, L!'' The professor exclaimed, spreading her arms in irritation. ''Don't start again! I know this is very private and personal! I know this is none of my business, I know this is none of my concern! But you want me to help you! You asked me to involve myself in your business and Mello's in order to solve that case! Yet, you still don't want to—''
''I don't refuse to answer you because I don't want to, Miss Cabestan,'' L cut her off sharply.
''Then...why?''
Near put his hand down on his bent knee as he stared at the floor blankly.
''I can't answer your question simply because I don't know the answer.''
The criminologist widened her eyes in shock. She was speechless. Never had she heard L, Near, the world's greatest detective, said that he didn't know. She stared at the younger man in silence. Then she turned her chair towards her computer desk. She placed her hand on the mouse. As she focused on the glistening screen, she smiled to herself.
If you don't know, then the answer is obvious, L.
Emotion.
That is the reason.
The reason why you wanted to talk to Mello eleven years ago.
The reason why you gave up on your pride to ask for help on that case.
The reason why you want to understand Mello.
The reason why you want to find him.
You don't know it yet, L, but you care for Mello far more deeply than you think.
She sneaked a glance above her shoulder. The crouched silhouette was busy whirling a strand of hair around its spidery fingers.
Very well, Near. Since you can't admit it to yourself, then I'll have to force you into facing the truth.
That's why you hired me, didn't you?
You need someone to introduce you to the world of feels?
Fine, then I shall be your guide.
But I need someone else to help me with that task...
The only person who can make you feel emotions.
Mello.
A firm knock on the door.
Lidner's eyebrows furrowed slightly. She looked down at her black watch. 1:20pm. She rose from her seat and walked towards the apartment entry. She opened the door slightly to discover an apparently very concerned Elena Cabestan.
''Elena, what—'' She interrupted herself as the other woman pushed the door wide open and got in, passing by Lidner's frame without waiting for any sort of invitation.
''I need to talk to you, Hal,'' she said matter-of-factly as she turned to face the former C.I.A. agent.
''Well, I am not inviting you to come in,'' Hal grumbled as she shook her head dismissively. She closed the door behind her and followed Cabestan in the living room area.
''What do you want to talk about, Elena?'' She asked wearily as she settled herself in the red sofa, right in front of the law professor who took place in a large black leather armchair.
''Near and Mello.'' The criminologist let out in a sigh as she crossed her legs.
''Of course,'' was Lidner's dry statement as she folded her hands together. ''What is it about Mello and Near that you wish to talk about?''
''Actually, I discovered something quite...interesting,'' Cabestan began in an enigmatic voice.
Hal Lidner arched a quizzical eyebrow. Elena smirked at her as she leant forward, as if to share a dark secret no one should know of.
''Near cares deeply for Mello,'' she announced. ''But now, the question is: how much does he care for him? I need to find the answer to that specific question before I try anything else.''
''And...how are you going to proceed?'' The blonde asked hesitantly, already suspicious of Cabestan's ideas.
''I have a plan for that, but it's kinda risky and twisted. But it might work. In fact, I would say it has approximately sixty percent chance to work.''
''Oh please, Elena,'' Lidner chuckled. ''Now you start speaking like him.''
The french woman laughed lightheartedly. ''Well, maybe spending almost all my time with that weirdo caused him to rub off on me!''
''I suppose. So, what is your plan?'' Hal cut the joke short.
''Yes, my plan.'' Elena regained focus on the serious matters. ''Basically, my plan consists in testing L's affection towards Mello.''
Lidner frowned in confusion. ''And what kind of test will that be?''
At her greatest surprise, a smug smile graced the criminologist's red lips. ''That, I can't tell you yet. I'm just warning you, Hal. What I am about to do during the following days might change a lot of things, especially for L, so I need you to be very attentive to L's behavior because that will give us the answer we seek.''
''But what is the answer we seek, exactly?''
Elena's defiant smile widened as she stood up and looked down at Lidner, her hazel eyes shining with mystery.
''L's feelings,'' she explained eventually. ''That's the answer we need. And once we have that, we'll be able to carry out the plan to the next step.'' She scoffed as she spotted Hal's inquiring gaze. ''Testing Mello's feelings towards Near, of course.''
She circled the rectangular coffee table to place herself right before Lidner who was still sitting in her comfy red velvet sofa.
''But why testing Near's feelings before Mello's, you may ask.'' The SPM agent nodded in agreement as the lawyer went on with her explanation. ''Well, that's because it's far more easy to understand Mello's emotions than Near's. And from what I've seen so far, Mello's affection towards Near is more than obvious.''
Lidner gaped at her in awe. ''But Mello had made it very clear that he hates Near more than—''
Cabestan shook her head, interrupting the older woman in her attempt at contradiction. ''It doesn't matter. Hate is a kind of affection. It's just a negative one. Love, hate, it doesn't matter. It leads to the same thing in the end... Obsession.''
For once, Hal Lidner was reduced to silence.
That is the very first time I hear someone wording it that way. You surely have an odd way of analyzing emotions, Elena Cabestan. But that is the reason why you have caught Near's attention in the first place, isn't it?
''So the probability that Mello does have a special affinity for Near is quite high. There would be almost no reason to prove it since I am already certain of its existence. Thus, we need to prove Near's affection before, because the chances are less likely. Moreover, if the test doesn't work out and if we don't get the answer we're looking for, we'll still be able to use Mello's feelings in order to bring Near to admit his. I mean, all we'll have to do is tell Near about Mello's feelings towards him, and it should create a reaction, one way or another, because Mello is the only one who can provoke any reaction out of him. And then, we'll have all the proofs we need. But if we were to do it the other way around, it would not work because Mello would never let himself be manipulated by the mention of Near's affections towards him for he would never believe it without a proof. Whereas...'' Elena paused as a confident smile tugged at her scarlet lips.
Lidner looked up at her, blue eyes locking with brown. She smiled as understanding finally strucked her. ''Whereas we would have no problem manipulating Near into believing Mello holds an affection— whatever it is— towards him because Mello is far more demonstrative than Near, and Near has absolutely no clue about human emotions anyway.'' She supplied as she followed Elena's reasoning.
''Exactly.''
''But there is still something that I don't quite understand, Elena...'' Lidner said quietly as she looked down, lost in thought.
''Which is?''
''Why are you doing this?'' She glanced up at the golden-haired woman. ''Why are you trying so hard to understand them both? After all, you're only paid to understand and find Mello and yet, you're trying to understand Near, Mello, their past, their feelings, their desires, their emotions, everything. It was as if you were trying to...reconcile them. Bring them together. But you know it is a vain cause. So why?''
As Cabestan crossed her arms on her chest, pursing her lips, Lidner stood up to stand at the professor's level.
''What I mean is, after all, it is none of your business. You could focus on your job and let them handle their disagreements on their own. But no. You're involving yourself more than you should. You're helping them resolving their conflict. Why be so engaged in that cause that isn't even yours? Why, Elena?'' Hal pronounced each word almost desperately as she took a step towards the lawyer who never averted her eyes, even when their faces were barely a few inches apart.
''Because...'' Elena whispered as she reached up to brush her fingertips against the other woman's cheek. ''I once saw what a screwed relationship could do to a young, beautiful man. That extinguished, hollow glint in his eyes, that cold, empty, mournful tone in his voice, that weariness and apathy in his every moves...'' A mirthless sneer contrasted with the gleam of sadness in her eyes.
''He hid it so well that probably no one ever noticed, not even his girlfriend. And it was making it all the more pitiful. I am an expert. Deciphering emotions within those who hide it the best, that's my job. So I noticed. I knew how to listen to the silence, I knew how to see through the ice façade and how to read between the lines. He never admitted it, but he was broken. That sight never left my mind since then. The sight of misery and remorse. Even now, some nights, I can still see it when I close my eyes. And it reminds me of one thing.''
She withdrew her hand as she lowered her gaze, curling up her slightly trembling fingers around Lidner's collar.
''I never want to see that again. Never.'' She breathed.
Then she seemed to tear herself off of her memories as her indifference mask was put back on her stony features.
''That is why.'' She raised her head to meet Hal's blue eyes. ''It was too late for that man. I couldn't do anything for him. But now I can. I can do something for L. I can do something for Mello. I can help them. I can save them.'' Her bright eyes lightened as a glint of determination filled the warm almond orbs.
''I won't let them destroy themselves. I will repair what I couldn't repair. It's not too late for them. But they will never make it by themselves, we know it, we know them. They are too proud, too stubborn, too obsessed...'' She shook her head as her grip on Lidner's blazer tightened.
''They will never face the truth, unless we make them. And that's exactly what I'm gonna do. I know nobody ever succeeded in that task before, not even their idol, L, nor their common enemy, Kira, but I don't care. I can, and I will.'' She pulled on the black fabric, drawing Lidner's face even closer.
The former C.I.A. agent could do nothing but stare at the younger woman in utter admiration and bewilderment, speechless. She couldn't help but think that fiery side of the french woman was only making her even more attractive.
''No one succeeded because no one had the means to do so. But I do. No one was willing to lose themselves into that impossible challenge. But I am. I will do the impossible,'' she murmured against Lidner's lips.
''I will bring Mello and Near together, whatever it costs.''
''L, I got the listing of all the thirteen year old girls who live in New York, except from the Queens, Bronx, and Brooklyn as you said, and whose initials are N.M.'' Rester declared triumphantly as he entered the headquarters.
Gevanni, Lidner and Cabestan spun their wheel chair around in unison to face the other SPM agent. Near didn't even raise his head from his Legos.
''How many potential victims does this make, Rester?''
''Sixty-nine.''
''Hm, interesting...'' All the eyes turned towards the voice who spoke so blatantly. The owner of the voice, however, only smirked.
''How is it interesting, Miss Cabestan?'' L asked in genuine curiosity.
Lidner hid her face in her hands. Damn, Elena. Do you never shut your mouth?
Rester and Gevanni shot a reproachful glance at the criminologist, as if to say, ''Don't you dare explaining that to him and crush his innocence once again, you mad woman!'' In response, Cabestan smiled innocently.
''Oh, nothing, L. Really.'' She waved her hand. ''I was just thinking aloud.''
''Alright.'' Near placed another Lego brick on his construction. ''Rester, did you ask for the listing of the children whose home are situated on the imaginary circle arc which passes through all the previous crime scenes and whose center is the SPM headquarters?''
''Yes, L.'' The commandant nodded. ''I did as you asked.''
''Very well. Miss Cabestan, where do you think Mello will strike next? What place could become the fourth murder scene, according to you?''
''Hm...'' The french woman clicked on her mouse, displaying a New York map on her computer screen. ''I would say the next crime will most probably occur in Staten Island if we follow the circle arc, because it's the only main district where Mello didn't strike yet, and its habitants are a little bit more rich than those from the Queens. So it would match Mello's modus operandi. I suppose there's at least one potential victim living there, isn't it?''
''I agree. We know Mello only strikes in the area situated on the circle arc including the three first murder scenes. He chooses his victims following a criteria of both crescent age and life conditions. Therefore, Staten Island would be the perfect place because of its location and its wealth.'' L stated in his deadpan voice. ''Moreover, we now know that there is precisely one thirteen year old girl whose initials are N.M. living in Staten Island.'' He placed a Lego brick thoughtfully on his already high tower. ''Consequently, Miss Cabestan, you are going to pay a visit to that child and protect her in case Mello had planned to target her. So you will go to-'' He stretched his hand up without bothering to gaze above his shoulder to check if his move had received acknowledgement. ''Rester, please.'' The blonde man held the stack of paper towards him. Near grabbed it and read through the potential victims' names. ''Natalie Morin's house.''
Elena froze in her seat. She swallowed hardly.
Of course. This girl is french. This can't be a coincidence. It's a direct provocation...towards me. Mello knows I am french, so he will kill that kid just to affect me. I am sure of it.
''You leave now, Miss Cabestan.'' Near's plain voice interrupted her train of thoughts.
The lawyer rose from her chair and walked towards the white-haired detective crouched on the floor. She kneeled in front of him.
''L, according to Mello's modus operandi, when will he strike next?'' She inquired quietly.
Eventually, Near looked up, allowing his bottomless dark orbs to lock with Cabestan's. ''He strikes every thirteen days. The last time he struck was...thirteen days ago.''
Elena gritted her teeth. ''I see.'' She put her head down.
''Rester, please.'' The young detective called again, reaching up. The older man put a small card in his hand which Near grasped in his skinny fingers and gave straight to Elena.
The criminologist frowned as she took the card and examined it.
F.B.I. Naomi Misora. She smiled as she read the perfect printed dark letters. Of course. I inherited of my predecessor's name. The former L's truthworthy agent.
She straightened up as she hung the card to her black jacket. ''Okay, L. I will be your Naomi Misora.'' She said smoothly.
Near gazed up as a tiny smirk crept across his blank face. ''Thank you, Miss Cabestan.'' Then he focused back on his Lego construction as he spoke coldly. ''Lidner, Gevanni, you will both go to one of the potential victims' house. Lidner, you will go to the second one, Gevanni to the third one on the listing. Rester, you will call the F.B.I. director on my behalf. You will tell him I need his full collaboration in order to catch a dangerous serial killer. You will ask for the deployment of 65 agents who will be sent to the 65 remaining victims' homes. Then you will drive to the fourth victim's house on the list.'' He added another brick to his tower, as his pale lips opened once again.
''Miss Cabestan, please take the car key which is on the desk, right next to Gevanni's computer.''
Elena did as she was told while all the SPM members already went about their business. Commandant Rester was sitting in front of a screen, busy making all the required phone calls. Lidner and Gevanni had both found and stored their missions' location and were heading towards the swinging doors.
''Miss Cabestan, since the probability that Mello will attack Natalie Morin is about ninety-eight pourcent, I will ask Rester to summon help once you arrive there.'' Near said neutrally. ''Some armed F.B.I. agents shall join you in your task, so you can rest assured that you won't be harmed in the process.''
The young woman smiled slightly and, without bothering to turn around, she responded calmly. ''Thank you, L. But that won't be necessary.''
I know Mello will be there, L. I know the risks. But I can't allow some F.B.I. agents to ruin my plan.
She couldn't see as the detective's eyes widened in puzzlement. ''Alright, do as you please.''
Cabestan nodded as she followed her colleagues' steps.
''Good luck everyone,'' came L's final line.
But he got no answer.
The three agents exited the working room. Gevanni went in the elevator without another word, but Hal Lidner stopped in the middle of the corridor and turned towards the french lawyer.
''Elena, I hope you know what you're doing...'' She began, her voice lower than usual.
The younger woman took a step forward and pressed her hand on Hal's cheek. ''It's okay, Lidner,'' she answered in a soothing voice. ''Someone has to do this. I have to do this. I am not afraid, and you shouldn't be either.''
''But, Elena, you know it is highly probable that Mello will attack Natalie Morin, so why didn't you accept the F.B.I. help? This is dangerous, you don't know Mello, you don't know what he's capable of. He has been a mafia leader, he handles many kinds of weapons, he—''
Elena Cabestan cut her off as she leant forward to brush her lips against the blonde's cheek. ''Don't worry yourself, Hal,'' she whispered against her skin, warm breath stroking her ear. ''If everything goes according to plan, I should be back in a few days.'' She pulled back slowly under Lidner's shocked gaze. Before she could leave, Hal grabbed her hand and held it tightly in hers.
''Elena, what did you get yourself into?'' She asked, almost desperately.
The criminologist winked at her as she bent her head to kiss the older woman's knuckles in a graceful gesture.
''Nothing that I can't handle, darling.''
She let go of her hand while she took a step backwards.
Hal gasped in confusion as she pressed her own hand against her chest. Before she could say a single word, Elena Cabestan had vanished into thin air.
The former C.I.A. agent sighed deeply as she pushed the elevator button.
Elena, what is your plan?
In the working room, L was watching the camera screens in silence. He saw Elena Cabestan placing a soft kiss on Lidner's cheek and then on her hand, but he couldn't quite figure out why she was doing that at that very moment. What were the two women talking about? Why did this look like a goodbye?
Hal Lidner then walked inside of the lift and disappeared from his sight.
He reached up to twirl a white lock of hair around his index finger as he eyed his Lego construction blankly.
''L, what is happening between Lidner and Cabestan?'' The steady voice of the commandant Rester interrupted his contemplation of his toys.
''Rester.''
''Yes, L?''
''Do I look like I understand how women's hearts are working?''
''Uh...well, not really, but—'' The agent sputtered.
''Precisely. From now on, please refrain from asking me such foolish questions.'' He ordered coolly.
Rester averted his gaze, clearing his throat. ''Yes, sir.''
Then he left, ready to fulfil his mission of surveillance of the fourth Mello's potential victims.
As he was finally alone in the dark room, Near sighed. He raised a hand, then he flicked his finger on the Lego tower. The construction fell apart on the cold ground.
Miss Cabestan, what are you playing at?
Mello...
What are you up to?
She arrived at the doorstep of a small, pretty mansion made of grey stone. A traditional Staten Island architecture. She took a deep breath and knocked on the door. She heard light and hurry footsteps, and the wooden door opened to reveal a young girl with ebony hair and saphir blue eyes.
Elena Cabestan smiled warmly as she held her false badge towards the child.
''Hi, I am part of the F.B.I. I am here to protect you.'' The young girl was staring at her wide-eyed. Then an idea crossed the lawyer's mind.
''Tu parles français? (Do you speak french?)'' She asked in french. The girl nodded shyly. ''Très bien. (Very well.)'' She spoke softly as she kneeled before the potential future victim. ''Tu es en danger, Natalie. Je suis du F.B.I. On m'a envoyée pour te protéger. Regarde mon badge. Je m'appelle Naomi Misora. (You're in danger, Natalie. I am part of the F.B.I. I have been sent here to protect you. Look at my badge. My name is Naomi Misora.)''
''V-Vous êtes là pour me protéger? M-Mais...qu'est-ce qu'il va m'arriver? (Y-You're here to protect me? B-But...what's gonna happen to me?)'' The dark-haired kid stuttered in fear, her little hands shaking.
''Rien tant que je suis ici. S'il te plaît, Natalie, laisse-moi entrer. Je dois vérifier que toutes les issues sont correctement fermées. (Nothing as long as I'm here. Please, Natalie, let me in. I have to check if all the exits are correctly locked.)''
Hesitantly, the child stepped aside, letting the woman enter her house. The criminologist flashed her a soothing smile. Natalie Morin locked the door once the visitor was inside the hall.
''Merci, Natalie. Maintenant pourrais-tu m'indiquer où se trouvent toutes les portes et fenêtres dans ta maison? (Thank you, Natalie. Now could you please tell me where are all the doors and windows in your house?)'' She turned towards the young girl.
Natalie walked passed her and headed towards the end of the corridor which seemed to lead to a grand living-room.
''Suivez-moi. (Follow me.)'' She said. When she reached the spacious room, the girl froze.
''Natalie, qu'est-ce qu'il y a? (Natalie, what's wrong?)'' Elena's heart skipped a beat at the sight of the motionless child.
''L-Les baies vitrées... Elles...elles n'étaient pas ouvertes tout à l'heure! (T-The bay windows... They...they weren't opened earlier!)'' Natalie muttered in dread.
Cabestan gasped in shock as she spotted the curtains floating in the air, the glass wings completely pulled aside, letting the fresh evening wind penetrating the house. A chill rolled down her spine.
''Natalie, recule. (Natalie, step back.)'' The french woman murmured as quietly as possible, her brown eyes still fixed on the opened windows. ''Reste près de moi et écoute tout ce que je vais te dire. Je connais la personne qui est entrée chez toi. Si tu fais tout ce que je te dis, il ne t'arrivera rien. Surtout ne panique pas et ne crie pas, peu importe ce qui arrivera. Je maîtrise parfaitement la situation. Mais tu dois me faire confiance. (Stay close to me and listen to everything I'll tell you. I know the person who entered your house. If you do everything I say, nothing will happen to you. More importantly, don't panic and don't scream, no matter what happens. I am in perfect control of the situation. But you need to trust me.)''
Very slowly, the young girl moved backwards until her back hit the golden-haired woman's chest. At lightning speed, Elena grabbed Natalie's shoulders and shifted the child behind her as she took a firm hold on her tiny hand.
She let her badge fall on the ground.
She took a few cautious steps forward until she arrived at the middle of the room, surrounded by huge black and white chairs and sofas. Suddenly, a small black object caught her attention.
A check piece laid on the glass table. Alone.
The White Queen.
The criminologist frowned slightly. What does that mean? Another game, right?
She sighed deeply.
I am done playing.
And so is Near.
She pressed a hand against her ear where a headset was covered by her large curls.
''L, Mello is here.'' She whispered.
[Well done, Miss Cabestan. Now you will—]
She didn't even let him finish his sentence as she ripped the earpiece off her ear and threw it towards the opened windows. The black device landed on the grass in the garden.
She bent her head to the side in order to talk to the young girl who was still clutched to her.
''Quand je te le dirai, tu courras vers la fenêtre et tu t'enfuiras par le jardin. Tu as compris? (When I'll tell you, you will run towards the window and escape through the garden. Do you understand?)''
Natalie Morin nodded her head in silence. Cabestan turned around with the child still pressed to her back to face the entry of the living-room.
''Quit playing and show yourself, Mello.'' She called loudly, her voice deadly cold.
A tense silence overwhelmed the dark room enlightened only with thin rays of the New York setting sun coming from the windows behind her.
Then a hoarse, low voice came from the opposite side of the room.
''Finally I meet you, Naomi Misora.'' The voice said with pure irony.
How does he know my cover name? She wondered as she tried to see something, anything, in the darkest part of the room. Finally she managed to distinguish a slender figure wearing what looked like a thick black coat. The hooded silhouette held a small white card which reflected the red dying sunlight.
Of course, he picked up my badge.
''The pleasure is mine, Mello.'' She replied dryly.
Another silence took over the room during which Natalie's body stiffened and curled up against the young woman's back even tighter.
''Let Natalie Morin go, Mello.'' She offered eventually. ''You know this is not about her, nor about any other child. This is about you and Near. Killing that girl won't make things any better, and you know it. So stop it now, before it's too late.''
I need to divert his attention so Natalie can escape. But how...?
She was interrupted by a typical 'click'. She raised her head slowly to discover a black gun pointed at her in the grasp of a thin gloved hand.
Perfect. She thought bitterly.
''It's already too late. I can't go back.'' A husky growl emerged from the darkness.
Right. So I need to find something to say. Like now. Something that will catch him off guard. Something that will tickle his curiosity enough to make him forget about Natalie, but without angering him. If I attack him directly, he'll just pull the trigger, and that's definitely not an option. So I need something enough disturbing to pin him in place...
But what could do the trick?
What could I say...?
She smirked shamelessly.
Of course. I need to exploit his only weakness.
I need to talk about the only taboo subject.
Near.
She felt a small hesitation emanating from the figure dissimulating in the dark. Mello was probably confused to see her so confident despite the rather problematic situation she was currently in.
She tightened her grip on the young girl's hand to warn her that she had to get ready for something was going to happen in the next few seconds. The child shook her hand in return. She had understood.
Very well. Now go ahead, Elena. Tell him the most destabilising thing you can think of.
''Of course you can go back.'' She affirmed steadily. ''Just come with me to the headquarters. You risk absolutely nothing. L doesn't want to hand you over to the police anyway!'' She laughed sarcastically. ''L would rather die than give you to the police, actually.''
''W-What? Near doesn't want to bring me to justice?!'' The man inquired throatily, though disbelief and distrust could be easily heard in his voice.
He obviously didn't believe one single word that left the lawyer's clever mouth, but at least he was intrigued. That was all Elena Cabestan was waiting for. She had won.
''No, he doesn't.'' She shook her head. ''He didn't admit it explicitly, of course. But he always words it the same way: ''All I want is to find Mello.'' ''I don't want to catch him, I want to understand him.'' ''Mello is not like any criminal, I don't want to bring him to court.'' See? He doesn't want you to be arrested, he doesn't even want you to get a trial!'' Cabestan purposely added a hint of disdain in her already mocking voice.
''Bullshit! Near wants Justice more than anything, he would never do that!'' His voice was getting more loud and threatening, but also more hesitant.
That's it, Mello. Forget about Natalie Morin. Forget about Elena Cabestan. Forget about Naomi Misora.
Think about him.
Only him.
Near.
His dark eyes. His white clothes. His white locks. His white hands. His pale skin. His pale lips...
''You really think L wants Justice?'' She snorted. ''Come on, Mello! You're more clever than that. L wants nothing other than win. Just like his predecessor, right? Childish and hates to lose, uh? The first L was no better than you, and neither is Near. Just think about it. After all, he doesn't have to get you arrested to win. All he has to do is to catch you and...keep you for himself.'' She saw Mello's whole body tense at those words. Her smile widened as she added slyly. ''Yes, it's that simple. That's his victory. That's what Near really wants. You.''
''W-What did you just say?!'' The man sputtered in a raspy voice. He lowered his hand very slightly, but that was enough for Elena.
She yelled with all her strength. ''Natalie, COURS! (Natalie, RUN!)''
The young girl reacted immediately. Her hand left Cabestan's and a few seconds later, the teenager had disappeared behind the curtains.
A howl of pure rage and frustration made itself heard right next to Elena's ear. She gasped as she felt cold metal pressed against her temple. She sighed, shutting her eyes.
''You tricked me, you bitch!'' Mello spat spitefully.
Yeah, now he may be a little mad... But at least, the girl is safe. And if everything goes according to plan, he won't shoot me.
''I'm sorry, Mello,'' she apologized almost genuinely. ''I had to save the girl. I couldn't let another child die pointlessly. But we both know you weren't there for Natalie Morin, were you?''
''Oh, really?'' He rasped. ''And why am I here then, Elena Cabestan?''
''You're here for—'' She paused as she looked down at the table where the tiny white chess piece still stood, untouched. ''For...''
The Queen.
Alone.
Without the other pieces.
Why?
Because he doesn't have the other pawns.
Because...
Of course!
Someone has the other pawns.
Near.
Near has all the pawns, except for the Queen.
Mello stole his Queen.
It's all symbolic, of course, but...
Her eyes almost popped out of her head as she suddenly realized the true meaning of all this macabre scene.
''The pawn.'' She said quietly. ''You're here for the pawn.''
''Very well, Cabestan!'' Mello slowly bent down without looking away from his hostage. He retrieved the pawn which he held in his skinny gloved hand. He glanced down at the pawn for a second. The criminologist could see half of his face hidden under his black hood. Blonde bangs, blue empty eyes, and a great, tortuous scar spreading from his forehead to his neck.
He has been seriously burnt. Why am I not surprised?
Mello gazed up, cold blue eyes locked with bright almond. He smirked joylessly.
''You're the pawn, Cabestan.'' He stated darkly as he seized her forearm sharply. ''And you're coming with me.'' The man dragged the lawyer towards the house entry, still pressing his weapon to her head. She didn't even try to struggle.
When they arrived outside, she spotted a huge motorcycle parked right next to the doorstep. Mello slid a hand beneath his coat and took a pair of handcuffs out of his pockets. He tied his left hand with Elena's. He pulled on the chain until they reached his vehicle.
He grabbed a helmet which he placed on the woman's head roughly. He put on his and then settled on the motorcycle seat. Without a word, the professor followed him obediently and sat behind him.
He stretched a hand above his shoulder. In his gloved fingers, right before Elena's eyes, was the white pawn.
''Looks like Near just lost his Queen...''
The engine hummed loudly, the motorcycle started right away.
Author's Note:
Thank you for reading!
Yes, Elena is in deep shit. And no, I am not sorry. xP
Next chapter: Near's reasoning leads him to a disturbing conclusion, while Mello tries to get Elena to talk about Near.
Please follow and review if you like that story, it would mean a lot.
Bye bye, humans!
C.