Oh gosh sorry, I really thought this chapter had already been posted, oops. Oh well, it means there are two chapters to make up for my lack of updating for two weeks =]
I don't own Deathnote.
Chapter 28
L spent the rest of the early morning hours staring intently at the laptop screen that dimly lit up the room. He had to sit close to the bed where Light was sleeping courtesy of the handcuffs, it was very inconvenient. L didn't do any work for the case; instead he contemplated the unfolding of the day's events. If he was right, and he was pretty sure he was right, then Yotsuba would reveal all.
The following morning a very tired Jenny sat herself down next to Matsuda with a cup of coffee as he desperately searched for his obituary in the paper. He was outraged to see that he only had a few words. Matsuda's brush with death was the discussion topic most of the morning, nearly every sentence declared him an idiot or L's latest favourite: goof. Seeing L and Light chained together spoiled Jenny's happiness the following morning although it was nice to have a secret that only she and L knew. To everyone else, Light included, L had spent the night handcuffed to Light. Jenny felt sorry for Matsuda and spent most of the morning indulging Matsuda with sympathy she also bought attention to L and Light's paramedic outfits as a way of diverting the attention.
The faces of the eight Yotsuba suspects were illuminating the large screen on the wall; they served as a constant reminder of what was at stake. "Ryuzaki, if Kira's ability is possessed by all of those eight, can we still assume that none of them have the ability of the second Kira, the ability to kill just by looking at one's face?" Mr Yagami asked. Jenny had automatically assumed that they didn't because Matsuda was still alive.
"Well, if any of them could kill just by looking at the faces, then it would be highly unlikely for Matsuda to be alive still, even after faking his death," at L's response Matsuda finally realised that he'd had a very narrow escape.
Light was concentrating hard on the eight faces on the screen, "but we looked into the personal details of those eight and not one suspicious death emerged around them. We presumed that they were using Kira's ability to fulfil their self-interests as well as using it to contribute to Yotsuba's development, and I hoped that I could narrow down one suspect."
"Maybe Kira's power is not to be used freely by the individuals," L opened his mouth wide and shoved Ohagi into his mouth including the wrapper.
"Or perhaps they are being cautious not to give us a clue, in case suspicions rise around Yotsuba," Light and L were in their own little investigating world. No one could keep up with the quick thinking minds all they could do was listen and try to keep up.
"The eight of them have tagged along and are playing together in this. I think this Kira must be a blockhead coward who cannot do anything by himself," L mumbled through a mouthful of food. By now everyone had learned to ignore L's eating habits for the most part. If he wasn't so important Jenny would like to scold him for his bad habits.
The Chief or rather ex-Chief was the only one who interjected in their conversation, Matsuda tried but failed. L confirmed that Aiber and Wedy were concentrating on getting close to the Yotsuba employees and breaking the security system and told everyone that if things went well something interesting would happen on Friday. It was hard to take him seriously as he chewed on his mouthful of Ohagi before spitting the wrapper out. Jenny couldn't stand it any longer, "Ryuzaki, that was disgusting," she stood up and took the plate, still with one Ohagi, from him and handed it to Matsuda, "eat."
"Can you do that?" Matsuda asked. Jenny replied with a yes as L said no. Matsuda ate the treat anyway. Jenny sat herself down on the sofa's to read through a report, L was glaring at her from across the room. Everyone else had gone back to what they were doing leaving the pair unnoticed. Jenny raised her eyebrows at L, his eyes flicked to the half-eaten Ohagi in Matsuda's hand and then back to Jenny who childishly stuck her tongue out at him then returned to reading the report.
Aiber flew to Paris the following afternoon to put his own plan into action. It left the taskforce down by one member. Wedy was still in the headquarters in her own room. Jenny wanted to hear more stories but didn't want to intrude when she was working so hard on the case. Mogi was away dealing with his new role as Misa's manager. Jenny headed to her lab to spend an afternoon doing what she loved best. L and Light remained in the control room, bouncing ideas off each other.
They heard from Aiber the following afternoon, he had evidently been putting his plan into action and was intending to return to Japan the following day. The taskforce got an insight into L's life as they listened to the conversation, L had apparently saved his life twice and Aiber had worked for him since for fear of L turning in evidence. It wasn't surprising to hear that Aiber wanted to hand in a fake L to get an extra ten million to add to the five million Yotsuba had already given him. Wedy phoned shortly after fro the roof top of Yotsuba, a part of Jenny (her inner child) wanted to be up there with her. L left instructions that Wedy was to work with a spyware professional to set up bugs and cameras, everyone assumed this was the professional that Watari had used to investigate Light at the start of the year.
On the Friday the meeting was held proving L right, instead of seven there were eight which meant that one had been killed no doubt by Kira. The Yotsuba people were dressed in black suits and sat around a table like mafia bosses.
L didn't like what he was hearing; they were openly planning who to kill to ensure the brighter future of Yotsuba. Jenny was astounded and looked at L instead of the screen, he was staring up at the seven with a blank face but she knew better, something was going on in that head of his. As they watched the footage Matsuda made yet another blunder in finding it amusing that they were spilling everything, Mr Yagami soon corrected him. Jenny excused herself; she couldn't stand to listen to it any longer so she went to make L an ice cream sundae.
Light confirmed their worst nightmare, Yotsuba was indeed related to Kira and even had two more deaths lined up, L spoke up adding his two cents, "unfortunately, until those two whose names were mentioned actually die, it isn't sufficient." Jenny had to agree with him not that she liked it, if a death could be prevented then it should. She had just returned to the room with the ice cream treat, "If we observe the words and actions of those seven during and after the meeting, and watch closely the actions they will take until those two mentioned persons die then we will catch Kira, without fail." Needless to say that both Yagami's disapproved.
"We cannot do what you are planning to do, Ryuzaki, because your method is wrong!" Light shouted, Jenny glanced at Matsuda and both shared a grimace, it was inevitable that L's response would infuriate them even more.
L knew that both Yagami's would dislike his method but it was his decision at the end of the day. He narrowed his eyes and shoved another spoonful of ice cream into his mouth; he asked if they both felt the same although to anyone watching the scene it was clearly obvious. Here we go, L thought, 3,2,1, "I know what you are planning, you plan to let those seven kill somebody in order to get to Kira, but we won't let you do such a thing," Light ranted.
Jenny stepped up to defend L, "he hasn't said that he will definitely let it happen, there may still be other options."
"I haven't said it yet," L added.
"Oh shut up Ryuzaki, you aren't helping yourself," she snapped.
"But unless one of those two mentioned dies, we won't be able to arrest them, well, actually that is not important. What's important is that if we bust them now, everything will be ruined," L although he didn't have a plan made it sound as if he did.
Light attempted to get L to think about it but his attempt was futile, when L made his mind up there was no dissuading him. "So Yagami, do you think that it is alright to kill criminals?" L looked up at Light.
"I didn't mean that. Don't stray from the point," Light was outraged. Jenny was about to step in to deter an argument between the two when over the speakers they heard that the deaths would be occurring over the weekend and considering it was the end of the week that left them with very little time. Light and his father insisting that they should call one of the seven, L told them otherwise, it would give away their whole investigation. He didn't want to miss the chance to find out who Kira is and then catching him. Jenny really didn't like the idea of the investigation once again returning back to where it started, that had already happened one time too many.
"I can't believe I'm saying this," Jenny began, "but I agree with Ryuzaki, we need evidence, solid evidence." Jenny knew very little about legal preceeding but having listened to L she knew the evidence was needed and they were getting desperate.
"Jitsumi si right, the evidence is there to be found," L had moved on from his ice cream to a cup of tea.
"What makes you so sure?" Mr Yagami asked.
"Becauseā¦"
"Because Kira killed Lind L. Tailor and the FBI agents," Matsuda interrupted L, "Kira killed tailor who appeared on TV as L, and the FBI agents who were also pursuing Kira. This can only mean that the evidence exists, and if someone found that evidence, it will be solid ehough to bring Kira down. If there is no such evidence, it shouldn't matter who searches for it and there wouldn't be any point in killing Tailor or the FBI agents. That is what Aizawa told me, I finally came to understand what he meant a few days ago." Everyone was quite surprised by Matsuda's ability to talk sense; even L was a little surprised.
Jenny sat herself down in the chair next to L, sitting cross legged, "see Matsuda you aren't just good looks." Matsuda laughed and scratched the back of his head. For her comment she received a funny look from L.
Mr Yagami was insistent upon saving Mr Zenzai, one of the victims' lives, "of course," L said, "there is no other way. Saving a human life comes before pinning down Kira, of courseā¦"
After a brief discussion Light picked up the phone and called Reiji Namikawa head of sales at Yotsuba and declared himself to be L. It everyone in the taskforce intrigued, it was clear that Light could equal L in intelligence. Through Namikawa Light was able to postpone the deaths from occurring. L declared that if he were to die Light could be his successor. As he talked about himself dying Jenny found herself getting irritated as she nearly always did when he bought up such a topic in conversation. "However the first to suspect Yotsuba was Light perhaps we can say that you are more capable than I am," Jenny's irritation subsided as it dawned on her that L was merely playing a game. A game that they were very familiar with, a game where L tried to trick Light into admitting he was or had been Kira. As was always the case Light didn't admit to anything and L went on suspecting him.
L let Light reveal his thoughts to the taskforce; he didn't bother to stop Light and was surprised when Light spun his chair around, that he had not anticipated. Light aimed a well-aimed punch at L's face when L told him that he saw Light as a murderer, L was able to predict this and hit back with his foot which collided with Light's face. Matsuda stepped in to stop them.
"Ryuzaki!" Jenny marched over with her arms folded, "do you really need to behave like a five year old?" he didn't answer so she continued, "I don't blame Light for wanting to hit you when you openly tell him you think he's a murderer."
"It's okay Jitsumi," Light reassured her.
"No it isn't," she replied. She didn't care if L were to tell her that she was once again forgetting her place. L decided to let Jenny have her say, the last time he had called her on it she'd avoided him for days I could really do without the hassle, L stared up at Jenny, it was as if the pair were having a silent argument. It ended with L spinning his chair back around and Jenny turning on her heel to return to the report.
"We can't say for certain that Kira is one of those seven. If they are merely connected to him, then the murders of the criminals would not stop, even if we were to capture the men of Yotsuba. Rather, those seven would just be killed. If we are not absolutely certain that Kira is among those seven, then it is meaningless to capture them right now. And even if he were there right now, it is difficult to tell who Kira is. I believe that it is still too early to tell," L had felt the disbandment of the current taskforce was coming for quite some time. They would only follow is obscure methods for so long. It would leave just him and Jenny who would loyally follow him, that he was sure of. His small speech had been a last ditch attempt to keep them all working together but it was a futile so L turned to a new tactic and openly admitted that he planning on working on his own with Jenny's assistance. Light, Matsuda and Mr Yagami could work their own investigation but still use the headquarters.
Mr Yagami was concerned with the lives of those involved, even the criminals whereas L was purely and simply after Kira so he could finally put an end to the game. With the team dissipating Jenny knew that she really had to step up and if so becomes lackey, not that she wasn't already with her role of official sweet goods provider. L stood up to join report making the split final, at least they would all be working under one roof still. "Ryuzaki!" Light hollered. L had dragged Light across the room.
L ignored Light and walked passed Jenny, "Jitsumi." He only said her name which made it hard for her to realise that she was supposed to be following him. Hastily she dropped the report onto the table walked quickly to catch up with L. Perhaps L wants to see Watari, or maybe the lab but then what about Light, Jenny was still trying to figure out where L was going when she tripped over the chain connecting the handcuffs, her wondering mind had forgotten about that minor detail. She fell against L who toppled face forward dragging Light down as well. Luckily Light fell next to them not on top.
"Oh gosh, I'm really sorry," Jenny's face with bright red as she stumbled for an apology. L groaned slightly, he hadn't been prepared for that. Light had to stand up first; he offered his hand out for Jenny. L rolled onto his back and sat up. He wasn't mad at Jenny, he was well aware of her clumsy nature. This had been the seventh time she'd tripped over the chain.
"I won't need your hand, I can stand up on my own," L said to Light.
Light was annoyed, "I wasn't going to offer it to you anyway."
"So you are happy to see people struggle. Kira seems to share a similar tendency," L shoved his hands in his pockets and waited for a reply.
"What! You just said you can manage and would you have taken the help if I'd offered. This has nothing to do with Kira," Light gave Jenny a dirty look blaming her entirely.
"Are you alright Jitsumi?" L turned to his book loving girlfriend.
"Hmm yes, no damage done," she replied.
"I'm fine too," Light muttered as they set off down the corridor again.
The trio's destination was Misa's room. Jenny hung back hoping to slip away and make for her own room or at least wait outside. "Light! Is today a date-okay day?" Misa asked happily, "with Ryuzaki coming along of course."
"I bought Jitsumi," L stepped aside so Misa could see Jenny. Reluctantly Jenny stepped into the room and greeted the model.
"Ah is Jitsumi Ryuzaki's date?" Misa grinned from ear to ear.
"No but I was asked to come along," Jenny tried to clear the matter up. The last thing she needed was to once again start Misa up on her theory that L and Jenny would make a cute couple.
"That sounds like a date to me," Jenny looked to L for support but he seemed happy to let Misa think what she liked. He was there for one reason only anyway. "Misa do you love Light very much?" he bent down to the models level causing her to lean away from him.
"What? Um yes, very much," she defended.
"Yet you admire Kira as well, then between Light and Kira, whom would you pick?" L interrogated.
"I would obviously pick Light," Misa latched onto a very worried looking Light.
"Light wishes to capture him. Isn't that right Light?" Jenny rolled her eyes, must the two of them always say something to make the other mad. Misa acknowledged that if Light want to catch Kira then she supported it and would help the investigation for the sake of Light.
It struck Jenny that she was very similar to Misa when it fell down to love; both of them were willing to do just about anything for the one they loved.
"Ryuzaki, am I really necessary here? I haven't finished that report," Jenny asked before L could say anything else. It wasn't too late for her to escape.
"Yes," he didn't elaborate but then L never did.
"What are you planning?" Light asked.
"My own personal investigation. Please don't mind me. There is no time and I am in a hurry," now everyone was intrigued.
"Stop joking around. You can't just involve Misa in this and call it your own private investigation," Light was insistent.
"Well, yes that is true. I will contact Aiber and have him report as Eraldo coil to the seven that 'when investigating L, a line was found suggesting that Misa Amane may know him' and with Matsuda's stupid act, we already have a request to use her in a commercial," still Jenny see how she fitted into L's plan, she had a feeling she was only their so he wouldn't have to repeat himself later. "They will defiantly go for it. Kira's actions against the convicts stopped for two weeks. Right before that, Misa was confined by people. Misa's parents were killed by some robbers and those robbers were killed by Kira; therefore, Misa worships Kira. She came to Tokyo right before the second Kira appeared. It wouldn't be strange for Eraldo Coil to investigate immediately." L went on to explain other details of his plan.
Light was worried that Misa would be in danger; Jenny found it slightly romantic even if he didn't reciprocate Misa's feelings. It was exactly like something the hero would say in one of the many books filling the shelves in her apartment. L was more of an armchair hero than an actual hero but then didn't stop Jenny from admiring him any less even if he did only solve crimes for the challenge.
When L pulled out a piece of paper both Light and Jenny were surprised. Jenny figured that Wedy had worked with Watari to procure it. Misa was thrilled that she was going to be helping Light, her girly enthusiasm even lightened Jenny's mood. "Her love for Light is the greatest in the world," L said to them all. It made Jenny want to punch him in the arm; he was playing on the poor girl's feelings or the benefit of his own investigation. When she found out the truth, that Light didn't like her, she would be devastated.
"Misa may have thought wrongly of you until now, calling you a pervert, you understand me perfectly," it took a lot of effort on Jenny's part to stop herself from smiling too much, L understood her just not in the way she thought.
L turned away to return back downstairs, "yes, Misa you are indeed an excellent woman worthy of Light."
"That was overkill," Jenny mumbled as he stopped next to her. L blinked innocently.
Misa came bounding over and placed a kiss on L's cheek, "thank you Ryuzaki."
"I could fall in love with you," he told the model. It wiped the smile off of Jenny's face; she raised her eyebrows at L but didn't say anything. She didn't see any need for that statement. Misa decided that they would just be friends, right answer, Jenny thought before realising that now she was the jealous one. Misa stepped back over to Light although it was more like dancing than walking.
"You're unbelievable," Jenny muttered so only L could hear.
"Jealously is never satisfied with anything short of omniscience that would detect the subtlest fold of the heart," L responded when Misa spoke to Light, her voice was loud enough to cover his quiet murmur.
"George Eliot, I'm impressed," Jenny whispered back, "but I also think you picked up the book by my bed."
"Misa will never betray her friends; just leave it up to me. With our powers combined, the three of us are going to arrest Kira,"
"Um about that, it appears that Light is going to take a different approach from me and go with his father in this investigation, so it would be just you, Jitsumi and me," L was very crafty in involving Misa.
"You play dirty Ryuzaki," Light wasn't impressed but agreed nonetheless.
Jenny found it frustrating that in their little investigation she had no role to play, without the evidence there was nothing to analyse about from figures leaving the lab was sitting unused. She wasn't a qualified investigator which often left her with the same tasks as Matsuda. If L was being honest about concluding the investigation within a month then that would mean that she would have evidence to analyse and would finally get to be with L away from the Kira investigation. Until then she had to settle for brushing up on her skills in the lab and learning forensic techniques. She had acquired information on a forensic degree, Watari was arranging everything for her but until she started work on that there was very little she could do.
