Phantom of the Opera chapter 10 by blackdragonflower
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L sighed and took a bite of cake from his strange perch atop a very comfortable chair. Matt was sitting to his right, Near to his left. The albino was staring at Matt and Matt was just trying not to let on about Mello or say something he may later regret. The redhead was surprised when L began to speak. "Hello Matt. It's been awhile since we've last seen, much less spoke to one another."
"Yes..."
"How have you been?"
How had he been? Matt was a little confused. Why would L ask how he'd been? If it was because he was concerned about one of his top three successors Matt could understand but the gamer knew that L was here on a case and his answer could lead to many things. So he simply replied, "Alright."
"Alright? Not good or bad?"
"It's a normal life. Some days are good others bad."
"Bad how?"
"The managers... Takada storming off in a hissy fit..."
"I see." Another bite of cake. "Well... I do not wish to take much of your time so I will try to make this brief."
"...?"
Near took his eyes from Matt and began to solve a complex sudoku puzzle. It didn't take long. L gave a smile to who use to be third in line for his title. "It is about the Opera Populaire's patron Light."
"Light?" With that Matt breathed a sigh of relief. But he still remained on his toes. The subject could change any moment. L was a master at rapidly changing the topic's conversations, especially when it could be used to catch his opponent off guard with the element of surprise.
"Yes. For a while I have been investigating many cases of identity fraud and theft. They are quite complex cases but I have finally narrowed down my suspects. I am sure that the patron of this opera house is the one committing these crimes. I see he's already at work here."
"Huh? If you don't mind me asking L, what are you talking about?"
"Miss Amane and the Prima Dona Takada are both very famous and by this time have some money backing them up no?"
"Yeah, I guess."
"The culprit of the crimes I have been investigating has been targeting women and women only. They have all been rich, or very well off and their ages range from twenty to the oldest of forty-six."
"Damn." Things were starting to fit together. At least, Matt thought he was starting to get it.
"...Yes... my thoughts exactly. It was usually not a case that I would cooperate in but I was interested in how clean the money was swiped away from said ladies and how quickly and effortlessly the criminal evaded police and hid himself away safely. He had disappeared some time ago until now when another event popped up... or rather very large sums of money were transferred from three high society women's bank accounts without a hitch."
With this said Near decided to speak, "Initially we thought it could have been the work of an expert hacker, much like you but upon further investigation and from information that our help reported we both have deduced that no hacking of the banks' systems had been cracked or tampered with in any way."
"So what do Amane and Takada have anything to do with that?"
"Isn't it obvious?" Near questioned with a tone that could imply, 'what are you stupid? Can't you tell?' as he played with a strand of white hair. "Takada is already in possession of fame and wealth. Amane is coming into wealth quickly with her string of performances going smoothly. What a perfect place to strike."
"How can you be sure that your suspect, the patron Light is the suspect though?"
"Have you seen how easily he blends with other humans, especially those of the female gender? He could easily get a woman wrapped around his finger and have them do whatever it is he wishes. And from what I've reported to Ryuzaki, he has been seen with Amane in various places in situations that are not exactly what one would call just that of 'friends'."
"I see..." Matt nodded then thought, 'Won't you need more proof then just that to base your suspicions on?' "So why are you telling me all this?"
The greasy haired L answered. "Because it would be beneficial if you, someone who is well aware of the opera house, and who has a good foot already in the door helps us. Since you were also trained at Wammy's you can break down and analyze people. You are of far better use than anyone else here. That is unless Mello is here also?"
"Mello?" Matt tensed. He knew it was going to pop up somewhere and now here it was.
"Yes. Mello." L placed his hands on his knees looking at the empty plate, which now sat on the table in front of them. "I keep track of where the three of you have been. I know all about Mello's connections to the mafia and about the explosion that he caused in Los Angeles. It was no coincidence that Jack Neylon died tonight, or rather Kal Snyder. Did you know he had connections to the mafia Matt-kun?"
"...No."
"Are you sure? Your body language says different. I would much appreciate it if you would help me to the fullest and be honest. I know you are keeping things from me."
"..." The redhead bit the inside of his lip and sighed. . Damn L being the greatest detective in the world. Matt knew he had no chance against the man, his idol. "What do you want to know?" Matt muttered.
"Thank you for cooperating with me Matt-kun. If anyone knew Mello-kun's positions or well-being I figured it would be you since you were always close. I'll tell you now that I do not intend to put Mello-kun in prison though he should be there for murder and I'm positive it was premeditated... I know he is quite upset since I did not choose him to be my successor but nonetheless I would still like to have his assistance in cases."
"What do you want to know L? I'm gonna have my head chewed off if we don't wrap this up soon. I'm pretty sure the managers will have something to bother me about because of tonight's performance."
"Firstly, Mello-kun was the one to kill Snyder correct?"
"You mean... Jack right?"
"Yes, excuse me, Jack." Matt was silent, which was pretty much a yes. "Alright then next question. Is Mello located in the opera house or somewhere close by?"
"Mello wouldn't like if I told you where he was."
"I see. Do you have contact with him then?"
"Yes."
"If I asked you too would you contact him for me?"
"Not right now."
"Ah." L chewed his thumbnail and sighed. "I do wish you would cooperate with me more but I will not pressure you right now Matt-kun. You've had a very exciting night." The world's greatest detective stood, hands in his pockets, and his back hunched slightly over. "Well then... Near will give you the number in which to contact us if you find out anything alright Matt-kun? If you do hear from Mello soon let him know that we are not here to take him in, as long as the killings stop. Thank you for the assistance Matt-kun. We shall be seeing you soon."
L's successor handed Matt a sheet of paper with a number scribbled on it, the handwriting very child-like in nature. Matt took it and watched as the two left. Once they were out of sight Matt let out an audible sigh. He needed to contact Mello, but he was probably going to be watched now. He'd have to be careful, more so then usual. How troublesome. "Damn. So much for relaxing."
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:-cough-: Yeah... Sorry for making everyone wait so long for this. I have no excuse for not working on this story and I totally own up to it. Well, yes, this is why Near and L are here at the Opera Populaire. It started with Light and his illegal womanizing ways. Teehee. Isn't Light so devious? If you're a Light fan and don't like this I'm sorry for disappointing you and I'm sure it might be a little out of character for Light to do this but, the family life he grew up under is different and this is slightly alternate universe in a world where Kira never existed. So yeah... :-grin-:
So yeah here's the situation about how Mello joined the mafia. I'm just going to sum it up here. L chose Near as his successor and Mello was upset and frustrated so he left. On his own he went into an investigation to bring down some mafia, got a few arrested, they found out he was the mole and they tried killing him. Unfortunate for them Mello had the place rigged with bombs and blew them up. I might have some small reference or flashback in future chapters to this event but I'm not sure. So, in case I don't here you go. I thought you would like to know.
Thank you for being so patient I don't deserve such kind readers like all of you! Any suggestions on things to improve would be much appreciated!
blackdragonflower (bdf)