The group was listening to Light's newly found idea about Kira supporting the financial group Yotsuba, showing us from a little digging and comparing he did that a good number of the latest death were very beneficial to Yotsuba and they happened to take place within the fifty days Light and Misa were confined.
"Though if that's the case…"
"Right, Ryuzaki, it means Kira can kill in different ways!"
It went on like this for a while, passing around the printouts and pointing out computer screens as others double-checked the work. I hated to admit it, but it was brilliant work for the seventeen-year-old, it reminded me of someone when they were that age.
I didn't realize Mogi and Yagami had walked in until Matsuda greeted them, causing me to turn around in my chair. They carried a heavy look on their faces and it was bringing down the fresh excitement from moments ago.
"Kira has started bribing politicians, the director has informed me that the task force is to return to our normal jobs."
I wasn't too stunned, knowing full well once you mixed politics, some doors were going to get closed in your face.
"Mogi and I have talked it over on the way here and we decided to resign from the NPA to keep working on the Kira case."
The silence was choking everyone, even myself who didn't have a horse in this race. It was oddly simple, throw away all the work you've done and keep your job, or leave and resume chasing ghosts till something sticks.
"In a few hours, I won't be Chief anymore, but, you all have your own families and lives to think about. Take your time to make a decision."
"I believe the best possible outcome is for everyone to go back to the NPA. I started this alone and with the aid of Light and Miss. Petrillo, I should be able to see the end of this."
I looked over at L, sucking on cherries and pulling out the stems and pits from each as he spoke.
"No, Ryuzaki, at least think about our feelings. Everything we've given up and done to be of use and assist you."
"I understand, but I used the task force to keep an ongoing connection with the police, and I have no use for civilians. Nonetheless, I'll consider it."
"I'm quitting too, Ryuzaki, my dad will be disappointed but who cares," Matsuda added.
Every one of the task force voiced their resignation, everyone but Aizawa, who I noticed had at some point balled his fists up at his sides. This was becoming a painful thing to watch, and I was about to turn my chair around when one of the screens in front of the table beeped to live. A gothic letter L popped up as Watari brought up the fact that L had set aside money for each member in case something like this happened.
I couldn't help but look at L with an unpleasant cover on my face, as Watari asked why L hadn't mentioned it before.
"I don't remember asking you anything, Watari."
I recognized a test when I see one, and L was notorious for pulling things like this. I crossed my arms in my lap to keep from throwing a kick, as everyone stared at the back of L's head.
"Fine, that makes my choice easier. I don't like Ryuzaki and I don't like the way he does things."
Aizawa turned on his heels and walked to the elevator on the other side of the floor, his shoes clicking the only thing audible. Each footstep make my heart quiver, and before I knew it I was on my feet yelling stop.
"Is there anything for me, Watari?"
The man was hesitant for a minute, telling me in the silence that my share was larger than the others. While the money would be nice, and to find out just how much I was worth to L was tempting, I offered it up.
"Give it to Aizawa, add it to his."
For a minute, I thought I saw a sight quiver in his lower lip, and it was when I realized it was no use anymore.
"See, Aizawa? Now you don't have to pick." Matsuda squeaked out, and I couldn't help but feel he might have not been on the same page as everyone else.
"Keep it, I'm gone."
It felt like everyone was burning a hole into his back as he disappeared into the elevator cart. I didn't know about the others, but a flick of heat flamed my cheeks. Turning around to face L, who had moved on from fruit to chocolate, and the acidic taste of bile burned my throat.
"Ryuzaki…"
"Don't, Miss. Petrillo, I needed to know who was here for the long haul, just like me."
There was a lot I wanted to say about it, too many thoughts flooded my brain and tongue. Like, how could he use someone's else family against him when he had children? Of course, I didn't dare bring that up right now but something needed to be said.
"Watari, split my trust with everyone else."
L never looked at me and I never turned away from him, hoping the heat and dislike I was radiating burned into him. Now, I'd rather cut out my tongue than take any money from him. I wanted to fight with him, God only knows, and if it had just been him and myself I would have. So, instead, I excused myself to the lady's room up on the next floor.
A splash of cool water made things a lot better, sighing as I patted dry with the small cotton hand towel. The soft fluffiness brushing against my cheek seemed to lift away the angry coloring, returning the pigment of my skin.
"This is why we don't get involved with L, Violet, nothing but trouble."
Even though I was speaking to myself, it still felt like it was falling on deaf ears.
Not wanting to keep them waiting any longer, I slipped my jacket back on and went back down. As soon as the elevator door opened my eyes met two new bodies standing around, one being a tall well-dressed man and the other being a slim female with shoulder-length blonde hair to me.
"Welcome back, Miss. Petrillo, you came just in time." L side glanced at me, causing the two visitors to mimic his actions.
"This is Aiber,"
He had a sharp jawline and five o'clock shadow to frame his light face, with an expensive suit and firm handshake I got the nerve-wracking feeling I was being sized up just a bit. Mr. Aiber put on a flirty smile but he wasn't the type of man I'd let break my heart.
"And this is Wedy."
She held out a white-gloved hand to take into mine, but I hesitated. I didn't need an introduction for her as I'd been following the criminal for years, her dossier sitting on my desk in Washington. It had been a while seen the two of us had been in the same room and her hair used to be brown, but I knew who she was.
While it wouldn't be far-fetched to assume L had a red right hand in this situation, I met Wedy and faced off with her after he left, there wouldn't be any reason for him to set this up, so I counted him blissfully ignorant.
I finally took her hand, feeling her fingertips rest on the inside of my wrist, which was fine because so was mine on hers. The thought of catching Weby and turning her over to the FBI lit a fire under my feet, plant a few bugs on her bike, and grease myself back into the United States Government's good graces.