Hotaru worked with Near as L recovered. She kept L's life a secret, to protect him from Kira.
"Near this is awful just awful." Hotaru said, pacing again. "Mello's kidnapped Soichiro Yagami."
"That is not awful." Near said. "It could be our way in. To see how Kira reacts to such a personal attack."
Hotaru sighed. "I don't like it."
"You are being emotional again." Near said.
"L would never do it like this." Hotaru said.
"I am not L." Near reminded her.
Hotaru headed back to her bedroom. "I know."
She sat down on L's bed, reporting the news to him.
"You were right." L said. "Even I wouldn't allow the Chief to be compromised like this, and not the Death Note either."
"Even though he's Light's father," Hotaru said. "And might make him vulnerable?"
"Especially that," L responded from his bed, wincing. "He's backed into a corner and might react by killing recklessly just to feel powerful again. No, this is no good. You have to let me...nn..."
L grasped his stomach.
Hotaru pushed him back down. "Not yet L. Soon. Just a few more weeks."
L sighed. "Then I have one request. You will soon be seeing Chief Yagami. Give him my message."