The next morning L was up early, watching cartoons of all things on television whilst kicking his legs.

"Never thought I'd see you watching cartoons." I said "Breakfast is ready."

"Tatiana, suggested that I watch this show, its called...Spongebob Squarepants...the opening theme is quite catchy if I do say so myself. However the characters are quite dull-witted."

"That's what makes it funny L."

L jumped off his bed and headed to the table. "If you say so Mr. Whammy. By the way you know, today is Monday. Are you going to work?"

"Yes, but I don't have to be there until 1."

"Will you be back in time to go to Spitzer's tonight?"

"Yes. But what exactly are we going there for?"

"I told you yesterday. To make sure that everything goes smoothly."

"So basically you're checking to see if the police will show up, but if they don't then what will you do?"

"I've thought of this. I have a plan."

"Let me guess, you want US to apprehend the suspect?"

"Yes. If need be."

"L, in case you haven't noticed I'm no spring chicken."

"And you're no dead rooster either." he replied.

I took L outside in the yard with two catcher's mitts and a baseball. I gave one to L and told him to stand on the other side of the yard.

"Now the key to being a good catcher is keeping your eye on the ball." I instructed.

"Yes, yes." said L impatiently. "I understand the concept of hand-eye coordination."

"Ok then."

I threw the ball gently towards him. L caught it with both hands.

"Good job! Now throw it back to me." Since L was so little I moved a bit closer to him, so he wouldn't have too far to try to throw.

L twisted his little body, swung his arm and threw the ball as fast and as hard as he could. The ball whizzed past my head, just barely missing my face and went straight into the back window of the house, shattering it.

"My...you have...quite the arm there L." I said.

"Thank you." he smiled cockily.

"Have you ever played tennis before?"

"No. I haven't."

I stretched and went into the garage. I pulled out a box and set down in front of L who had followed me.

"I think this game will be perfectly suited for you, L."

I set up the net and handed L a racket.

"How do you play?" he asked.

I explained the point system and terminology.

"Understand?"

"Seems simple enough." he replied.

"Ok then, let's play."

It was my serve. I bounced the ball a bit and threw it gently into the air, barely hitting the ball with my racket. L was at a severe disadvantage so I called myself trying to take it easy on him. He frowned at my weak serve and hit the ball as hard as possible with his rack, sending the ball, once again, whizzing past me.

"15 love." he said.

"I was trying to take it easy on you."

"Don't."

We played tennis up until noon. We were both sweaty and tired.

"That...was...fun...Mr. Whammy." said L, panting.

"It..was...I'm sure that when you get older, you'll be able to beat me." I replied, smiling.

"Yes, I knew you would beat me, but I'm glad we played."

"It's almost time for me to get to work, I'd better get cleaned up."

"Who's coming to babysit?"

"A local teenage girl."

"I see. What time will you be back?"

"Around six. What time do you want to head to the store?"

"7:00. He usually strikes around the 8 o'clock hour. I want to get there as early as possible."

"Alright then. Behave yourself, eh?"

L smiled. "You know I will."

"Dinner is in the fridge. No cake until after you eat."

"Ok."

I pulled into my driveway, exhausted from work. The babysitter, Jenny came and opened the door for me.

"Hi, Mr. Whammy! Me and L were just playing with puzzles!"

L was sitting on the floor looking very bored as he put together a 3 piece children's puzzle. Jenny turned around and ran up to L, patting him on the head.

"Yay! L is so smart! Yes, he is! L's such a smart handsome man!" she squealed.

Jenny picked L up and hugged him tight. His face turned red with embarrassment. She set him down and turned to me.

"Thanks for letting me babysit him! He's soo cute! He looks like a baby panda!" she gushed.

I laughed nervously. "Oh...yeah...well here you go, will you need a ride home?"

"Oh no, I can walk!" she turned around again before heading out the door. "Bye bye, Baby Panda!"

L waved halfheartedly at her as she bounced out the door. I closed the door after her and set my stuff down.

"I take it you didn't have a good time?"

"She was better than the old woman and shoe. Ditsy as hell and sickeningly enthusiastic, but quite an improvement. Plus, she called me cute." L smiled at this last statement.

L was staring out the window watching the buildings zoom by as we headed towards Spitzer's.

"Mr. Whammy, are you armed?" he asked suddenly.

"Yes, I am."

"Good. I was worried about that. But what will I do for protection?"

"You, little boy, will stick with me and I will be your protection. Genius or not, there is no way in hell I would ever allow you to carry a gun."

"As a detective, I will eventually need to learn to use firearms as well as learn some type of martial art."

"And you will, when you're 21."

L frowned a bit at this.

"Where is your gun, Mr. Whammy?"

"I'll tell you no such thing."

"In the glove compartment, right?"

How did he guess? I was so surprised I couldn't say anything. He smiled at me in the rear view mirror.

"I guessed correctly."