The signs had always been his friends helping him, comforting him. They had never failed him, but now a man had shown up lying and he didn't know why. Who was Near? Why was he really here?

That was all Jacob could think of, not caring about his psychology class. He was nervous and worried and the only thing that could calm him was playing outside. His thoughts led to the possibly sinister plans Near held in his (maybe) deep dark mind. He was terrified of the man. Maybe he planned to kill them all. Maybe he wanted to take over the orphanage and make them his slaves. The endless possibilities... What if he was after him?

This paranoia the ten year old held was something he always had. Since infancy he depended on his keen skill for observing body language and facial expressions. During his life of being passed around by countless stangers the only thing to ensure his well being and comfort was being able to read those around him. Up until age five he was a silent communicator. He had been at Wammy's for about three years and in his ten he he had never felt so trapped. Near was almost unreadable. He felt anything could happen now.

Zac held the "L" files in his hands reading and rereading each sentence making sure nothing was missed.

"I'm practically L without the official title. I should just have it and put poor Near out of his misery."

Despite what Zac thought he wasn't really angry with Near. He just hated the lack of respect Near showed for the responsibility. He knew Near didn't care for it or even his life. In fact Zac concluded Near was preparing for his death. Because Near had chosen him to assist in the cases and lately solve them all, he deduced Near had chosen him. For what other reason would he have for choosing him already before seeing the others, especially the kid ahead of him, number one? Zac figured Near knew they were young and thought he wouldn't live long enough for them to become whatever he deemed a decent age. Maybe it was the age children were able to leave and live on their own.

It didn't really matter, did it? If he wanted to die than he should do it. Accomplish what you want. That's the way Zac thought. As long as he was L. There was nothing else for him to do. If Near were to die he would miss him but you can't force someone to live or love a life.

Near began to start another puzzle on his desk while trying to explain to a girl why she couldn't just end all of her classes at age nine.

"I hate the teachers here." She whined.

"It does not matter. You must attend all given classes. You are dismissed."

She pouted and walked out of the office. This new job isn't what he thought it was going to be. The children were slightly more annoying than expected. He still hadn't been working on any cases, Roger had told him they were being taken care of. Near wasn't sure if he believed him or just didn't care anymore.