Best Laid Plans

Disclaimer: All recognizable characters are the property of Tsugumi Ohba, Takeshi Obata, and Viz Media. I don't own them; I just examine all their possibilities.

Chapter 8: Well intended wake-up call

November 21, 2004

Tokyo

8:32 a.m.

"On November 16, three deaths were reported for that day. On the 17th, five people were reported. On November 18, that number was four. On November 19 that number was only two, and four people were reported on November 20," Matsuda said, trying to sound as concise and official as possible. This was almost a step up for him.

Various sighs and nervous shifting went around the room. Aizawa looked a bit perplexed. The Chief, however, got a small smile. Mogi just kept his focus on Matsuda. Ryuzaki just kept his focus on his tea. Light sat at his desk with his arms crossed, looking down at the keyboard.

"All of the victims were criminals, and really bad criminals at that…or rather the crimes they were accused of were pretty heinous," Matsuda continued. "Six were on death row for multiple murder, two were in prison for rape, two were suspects in an armed robbery that killed three people, one was accused of molesting children in a day care, three were well known as high-ranking Yakuza, two were accused of selling heroin around a school, and two were gang members killed a rival's mother."

Ryuzaki continued to gaze into his tea, not saying a word. An uncomfortable silence followed.

"Oh, and all of them were in Japan," Matsuda said. "Most in Tokyo but a few in and around Kobe, Kyoto, and Nagano.

Eyes turned again to Ryuzaki, though Light just kept looking at his desk. L picked an Oreo off his plate and nibbled delicately around the side. The silence continued, though Light drummed his fingers on the desk.

"So what are everyone's theories on this," L said between nibbles.

The question drew some more confused expressions.

"All I know is there have been fewer and fewer killings," Soichiro said. "That in itself has put my mind at ease, though that is no reason to rest. There is a greater pattern here."

"I had a thought," Matsuda said raising his hand. "Maybe the Fourth Kira is a professional. Not like a professional killer obviously, but, you know, like a salaryman or someone who works in an office. Maybe he can do the most killings on his vacation, but then when he's back to work he can't kill that many people. Maybe he's married and has children, so he needs to keep it even more a secret."

"Matsuda does bring up a good point," Aizawa said. Matsuda managed to squeak out "Really?" as Aizawa continued. "This is a rather obvious drop off in the killings. It wouldn't be far-fetched to guess we might be dealing with someone who caters his killing schedule to his job."

"Though as we learned from Ryuzaki's earlier theory that Kira was a student, Kira changed his patterns to spite us," Soichiro said. "Unless he is using this to throw us off again, or look in the wrong direction."

"Hence why it's a dangerous theory and if we follow it we'll be playing right into Kira's hand," Ryuzaki said, taking a sip from his cup.

Light's harsh sigh drew everyone's attention.

"The sudden change in killings is meant to lead us off course," L said, turning his gaze directly to Light. "Look for some kind of pattern, which Kira can and will use as a distraction. Low numbers now will mean high numbers later. It is likely he might even set up a few decoys who might look like the perfect candidate, whether he writes their names down to control them or sets them up the old fashioned way. Though I am curious to see if there is some kind of mathematical reasoning behind these numbers."

"So why did you ask for our theories in the first place," Light snapped. "You obviously wanted to just go with your own theories, why bother asking us?"

L rolled his eyes and added another sugar cube to his tea.

"Simply assessing the common mindset and looking for some general ideas," L said. "Do you have anything to contribute?"

"And how do I know I wouldn't get shot down like you just did with everyone else," Light said.

"Light all points are valid," Soichiro said.

"And Ryuzaki was just disagreeing with all of them, right," Aizawa piped in, voice dripping with sarcasm.

L just stirred his tea, looking down at the swirling clouds of cream and sugar and not at everyone else.

"Ryuzaki just had some really interesting points, and I am curious about the calculation one," Matsuda said with a nervous chuckle. "Too bad I wasn't that good in math class, but I would be interested in hearing what calculations you can use."

"Yeah, Ryuzaki, figure out your calculations while everyone else does your grunt work," Light said.

Soichiro slid up from the couch and walked over to Light, putting a hand on his shoulder.

"Light if something is bothering you, it would be more productive to speak on it directly," Soichiro said to his son.

"Yes Light-kun, you have been rather quiet for the past few days, is there anything you care to share," L said in an even tone.

"I'm getting a little tired of spinning my wheels, that's all," Light said. "More people die while Ryuzaki keeps us cooped up here and listening to himself think."

"Listen Light, all of us are frustrated; it's only understandable," Soichiro said. "Yes, we thought everything was finished before, but now we know we are even closer to Kira. Is it Misa? Are you worried about her?"

Light looked over at L, who stared forward seemingly trying to avoid eye contact.

"Of course I'm worried about her," Light said, "I'm very worried about her, but that's not the point. Ryuzaki just keeps twisting his theories, shoots all of us down, and people are still dying. But then Ryuzaki probably sees this as just a game."

"Yes, Light, this is all one big game," L said. "Kira is playing this game with us and the game needs to be played with him. This isn't a new concept, you've known this since you've been with us."

"He's right, but I understand your frustration," Soichiro said. "Just remember Ryuzaki is only working to find the best possible solution and he will need all of our input. If a little grunt work is needed to finally catch Kira, I will gladly do it."

"And all of us end up slaving away for Ryuzaki's theories," Light said, sitting up in his chair and directly glaring at L. "That would be all well and good if Ryuzaki's theories were doing something, but so far we've just hit a lot of dead ends and I'm getting sick of it."

L put his cookie down and picked up another one, eyes turning to the side to look at Light for a moment before getting back to what he was doing.

"No, I can't blame you at all," L said.

"And what the hell is that supposed to mean," Light said. "No, I shouldn't bother. You can never say anything plainly. You have to spin your little web while we get caught in it. We're just test subjects to you; all of us, least of all Mogi and Matsuda who you've pretty much imprisoned. How about Misa? How has she played into all of this."

Light wanted nothing more than to see Rem's reaction to this, but he had to keep his focus.

"Ah, so it is all about Misa," L said, giving Light a sideways glare.

"If you were actually listening to me earlier Misa is just a small part of this, but while we're on the subject what are your plans with Misa," Light said. "I'd bet money that you're not just leaving her alone in her apartment. He probably has a hundred surveillance cameras all over her. How do we know you haven't just locked her up out of spite?"

It was a roughshod move, but it could be effective if played right. Light knew he had only one shot to get this right. He knew he was sounding like a raving lunatic right now, but if it put even an ounce of doubt on L that was all he needed. Ideally, Rem would listen to this and get some idea Misa was in danger. She might not kill L right away, but it would put her eye back on him. Even if this slipped by Rem's notice, the suggestion could put the rest of the Taskforce even more on edge.

Light subtly looked at the other Taskforce members and saw all eyes up front. Rem was too far off to the side, Light could only hope she was going off somewhere to write L's name down.

"And if you've actually been listening to me all along, I have told you any contact with Misa right now is dangerous," L said, tone tensing. "She is bait for Kira's trap. Even if I saw any reason to detain her, which I don't, I would not do so anyway unless we were closer to Kira. If the Fourth Kira, or Kira, or even Kira's Shinigami is watching her, going even near her would be plain stupid whether to detain her or set up surveillance cameras."

"Yes, yes, you keep saying that, but at what point were any of us supposed to start trusting you," Light said.

L suddenly looked up, putting a fingernail between his teeth in a silence that spread through the room. Light took another look around, seeing everyone still rapt in attention to L…including Rem coming into view in the corner. Her mouth was slightly open and she gazed intently at L.

Come on Rem, just get it over with. By know you've figured keeping this man alive puts Misa in danger.

L's head dropped down and he let out a hard sigh. He reached into his pocket and pulled out his cell phone, pressing several buttons.

"I didn't want to do this, but if it's the only way I'm going to keep the peace right now I have no choice," L said.

"Wh-what are you doing, Ryuzaki," Matsuda asked.

L entered another combination of numbers and pressed one last key. He pushed his chair around to face Light directly.

"I'm going to do this once and once only," L said to Light. "Contacting Misa right now is dangerous in the extreme, however if a conversation is kept short and carefully worded the hazard level drops considerably. The only one I trust to carry out such a conversation is you, Light-kun."

Light's eyes widened.

"What?" Light squeaked out.

L extended his hand and opened it to show his phone.

"That number is untraceable and there are no voice filters programmed at the time being," L said. "I also programmed it so all conversations will be aired over the audio system in this room, also after the call is connected it will disconnect exactly 75 seconds later. Keep the conversation mundane. Act as thought you have just been busy and have not had a chance to call her. Say nothing at all directly about the Taskforce, where we are, who is here, how many people are here, any information about the investigation whatsoever. Say what you need to say and tell her you are busy and can't stay on the phone long. If the conversation steers into forbidden territory, I will tell you to cut it off. If anything goes directly over that line, one push of a button and I close the connection."

L's finger hovered over one key on his keyboard to emphasize the point.

"Why are you doing this," Light said.

"Like I said, to keep the peace," L replied. "Now get it out of your system."

Light was slightly taken aback by this move. He had a feeling Ryuzaki might try this, but he dismissed it earlier. If Misa was captured, L would know any strain in her voice or change in her usual tone would alert the Taskforce something was going on. He could have had Wedy or some other crony on the other end behind a voice filter to sound like Misa, but any change in her speech patterns would also raise suspicion. Light made the conclusion that L would never allow this if Misa was imprisoned, nor would he volunteer the opportunity and open himself up for accusations that he staged the call.

Light reached over and took the phone from Ryuzaki's hand. This probably wasn't staged, but nothing with Ryuzaki was ever certain. Light opened the phone and dialed Misa's cell number.

He had to play this cool. He needed to communicate somehow to Misa not to say anything about any part of their plans, but L probably wanted this to happen. Then again if Misa started flapping her lips, Ryuzaki would know exactly what happened and then Rem would have no choice but kill him. Ideally she would be able to write everyone's name down before dying, creating enough of a distraction so Light could start writing a few names down on the scrap in his watch. The Taskforce's notebook — Light's notebook — was locked away behind access codes held one-by-one by all of them.

No it was a fantasy scenario. Rem would probably die after writing one name down. Then again L probably had a feed directly to the police and Light could eventually be caught. If Misa did start talking about anything sensitive, it would be a disaster. He would just have to steer the conversation, all she wanted was to hear his voice anyway.

He held the phone to his ear, hearing the dial tone in stereo over the phone and over the speakers. This might get distracting, but Light reminded himself to keep the conversation forward and pay attention to her speaking style and tone of voice.

The tone stopped and a sudden silence and static indicated someone picked up.

"Hello?" Misa's voice said, chipper but slightly groggy. It was early in the morning and she was probably sleeping later.

"Hello Misa," Light said.

"Light!" she screeched. "Oh, I missed you, I missed you! I was so worried!"

"I'm so sorry Misa, I let myself get too busy," Light said, looking over at Ryuzaki and seeing him staring at him; finger poised over the button. "This still can't be a long call, I need to be somewhere shortly. I just wanted to hear your voice again."

"Ooh you're so romantic," Misa said. "Just hearing your voice just made my whole day, no my whole week, how about month. I love you so much, Light! Oh and that new modeling agency is working out so well. I have so many jobs!"

So L actually did put her in contact with a new modeling agency.

"I'm so happy to hear that, sweetheart," Light said. "I have such hopes for you. But Misa I'm sorry I need to go now. I promise you'll hear from me again soon."

"Oh that would be wonderful, and I'll tell you about my new red nightie too, the one with the black lace," Misa said.

"Can't wait to hear about it," Light said, suddenly tensing and looking around the room. "I love you too Misa, talk to you soon."

Light pressed the red button and lowered the phone. That certainly sounded like Misa and it sounded like Misa was happy and comfortable wherever she was. If she was detained she would sound a lot tenser. It could have been a stand-in; L used professionals who would study Misa intently. It would have been a perfect performance, or maybe that actually was Misa. That was the most likely explanation, though he couldn't be too careful.

The fact she didn't mention anything about the notebook was troubling at first, but explained quickly: Misa understood the situation without him having to say anything. Misa probably suspected that any phone calls could be monitored. She really was a bright girl.

Light handed the phone back to Ryuzaki, who took it without taking his eyes off him.

"Satisfied?" L said.

Light slowly nodded. He could still call L out for having a stand-in or staging the call, but it was fuel for later. If he continued on his course, he would only exhaust his resources and get himself blocked from the investigation. It was best to play nice for now and set his course soon.

"I can't thank you enough," Light said with a relieved sigh. "I'm sorry for my outburst. I guess I've been more overwhelmed by this than I thought."

"Strong emotions will do that, it was only inevitable" L said.

L folded his phone and put it in his pocket.

"This isn't happening again," L said pointedly. "I allowed this once because I felt there was a little leeway given the situation. Kira might already know who you are, but a brief phone call giving away nothing would not raise too much attention. I trusted you to say the right things, Light-kun, and you did not disappoint. However, any repeat performances will not be so smooth and will not go unnoticed."

"I completely understand," Light said.

"I would hope so," L said.

He turned his chair around and went back to his computer. Light caught the message loud and clear: he had been warned.

"Though I don't think Matsuda's theory of the Fourth Kira being a professional is that far fetched," Light said, picking up a thread to move on.

8:38 a.m.

Misa felt the phone drop out of her hand and onto the bed. She thought to pick it back up, but didn't bother. Her skin tingled and her heart raced; if this were an anime she would be seeing hearts floating up to the ceiling.

He called, she heard his voice again. Misa let out a small squeal and put her hands to her face. He called just like he said he would, and he made good on his promise sooner than she thought.

Misa looked up, seeing Ryuk looking down at her curiously.

"That was Light, wasn't it," Ryuk said.

Misa excitedly nodded her head, though the action made her dizzy. She actually managed to fall asleep a few hours ago. The sudden phone call woke her with a scream, but the sudden jar was worth it for Light.

"He made good on his promise," she said.

She wanted to read the text again, but remembered it deleted itself as it always did but she had already memorized it. It came three days ago:

Misa,

You might be getting a call from me soon, though it will have to be brief. Act like you're hearing me for the first time in a while. If I call, don't mention anything about any of our plans or messages until I specifically say it's safe. There will be more time for conversation soon.

XOXO

"What a thoughtful guy," Ryuk said.

"I know!" Misa said.

Thoughtful enough to call her during one of her lowest weeks. How could she stay mad at him now? The messages, after all, were just ways to toughen her up and start seeing some different perspectives. A few days ago she dared think he was doing to just to torment her. The sound of his voice made it all worthwhile.

Misa looked up and saw the light by her bed was still on, but she didn't feel like turning it off right now. She must have put it on before going to bed. The past few nights she didn't want to sleep in the dark, but at least she didn't put her radio on to distract her. She slept fine for at least a few hours without it. At least she didn't remember any nightmares.

Misa had her reminder of why she should continue. He called her despite how she had been more careful about who she killed. She couldn't just write their names down on a thought lately; she had to do extensive searches on how bad their crimes were or what their background was. Light just called her so he probably wasn't mad. This just gave her more fuel to do better than she had been.

Misa managed to pull herself up to a sit. She looked over at her mirror, immediately wanting to cover up her messy hair and red eyes. If she didn't get some sleep soon, she would end up looking like Ryuzaki; that was a terrifying thought.

A little more sleep would do wonders, but so would a nice walk. Misa slowly pried herself out of bed to throw some clothes on.