(Matt P.O.V)
Finally in Los Angeles, and not a moment later than when I stepped into this state that I began looking for Mello. Near had helped me out a lot to be able to get here. And I liked his taste in cars.
A 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454. Now this was my kind of car. Newly restored, nice red paint, leather seating, and an engine that purred. All this, with a big red bow on the hood. The card on said bow had a simple 'N' on it. Near knew me well.
Of course, my new beauty of a car did not go unnoticed. Many car fanatics were gathered around this beast just to take it in. They were a little upset with me when I merely ripped the bow off, leaving it at the airport parking lot, and drove off almost right away. Oh lord, did this car want to GO!
I had to restrain myself from flooring the gas and just speed through the streets. I don't know how Near got a hold of this car, but I'd have to thank him for it at another date.
It was a little odd driving on the right side of the road instead of the left, but I overcame it. In all honesty I was too focused on where I could find Mello than my surroundings. I knew it was going to be a while before I got any hard evidence.
As soon as I found a hotel, had gotten my room, and was unpacked, I set up my laptop and began to call Near. Thankfully, he answered almost instantly.
Once again on video chat, I saw his pale form in front of me. "Hello again, Matt. I suppose you've called for details on where to find Mello?"
"If you have any. I've got nothing to work with right now, other than he's here in L.A."
"Well then, think like Mello for a change. It shouldn't be hard for you since you two were inseparable in your youth."
"The most I know is that Mello would probably go somewhere so secluded, it's completely off the grid. Less likely chance that someone will find him. Other than that, I've got nothing. So, have you heard anything going around then?"
"I'm currently in New York at the moment, so I doubt anything of Mello's significance would reach me. However, since he is part of the Mafia right now, I suggest looking into club scenes, or bars. Somewhere where his infamy will spread among other Mafia crooks. As for me, I have to look over some crucial evidence for the Kira investigation. So, we may be unable to speak for a time. I wish you luck in your search."
"Thank you, Near. For your help, and that car. I really don't know where you got it, but it's perfect."
Near actually cracked out a grin with a small chuckle. "Good. Now try not to crash it."
"Will do."
The video chat ended and I was alone again. However, I didn't plan to be so for long. I was going to find Mello… even if it killed me.
I was hoping to get information at the first place I visited, but that was a bust. The second place was the same deal. Not a word from the third or fourth place, either. No one either knew, or wanted to talk about Mello. One man openly ignored me the moment I had brought up his name, too. Had he really made such a big impact in Los Angeles? Man, I never believed for a second he'd go so far.
There was one place that was willing to talk about Mello. It was a small diner not far from my hotel. However, the most information they gave me was that he had helped them out with a huge 'problem'. Everywhere else? Nothing. It was beginning to look hopeless for me.
I took my new car out to the seedier parts of L.A to see if anyone would be willing to speak there. Nothing from them either, but I was given a tip about where to go for the answers I wanted. It was a small bar on the edge of the city, and a man named Carter would be able to help. I had wasted no time and sped there as fast as I could.
It was a small, run-down bar, with barely anything to its name. It was gross, grimy, leaky, and all kinds of repulsive. But, I went inside anyway. Not many people were there tonight, so I'd hoped I hadn't missed my chance.
I called over the bartender. He seemed polite enough… until we got to talking.
"Hey there! What can I get for you?"
I shrunk in a bit. I wasn't exactly the outgoing type when Mello wasn't around to encourage me. But I guess I needed the answers, so I straightened out right away.
"I'm looking for a man named Carter."
"That'd be me. What'cha want, young man?"
"I was told you could tell me where Mello was."
It was like being part of every bad western movie. Everything had gone quiet and many eyes looked right at me in either fear or distain.
The bartender leaned in toward me. "Look, goggles. You want my advice? Stay away from him. He's been causing more trouble here in L.A than you can imagine. He's put Ross on top of the charts! That man has riches upon riches thanks to that kid. So I'd just leave it. They don't need any more help."
I leaned on the bar then, getting a bit cocky. "I'm not looking to join him. Truth be told, I've known Mello since I was a kid. We were the best of friends. I heard he's popped up around here, so I came to visit. So just tell me where to find him."
The bartender, Carter, only stood still for close to three minutes before he finally sighed. "Wait here for another twenty minutes. Someone from Ross' gang will be here to pick up something from me. I'll tell them you want an audience with Mello. They may take you to him if you can provide some… collateral."
"So I have to pay to see my friend?" I rolled my eyes. "Whatever, as long as I get to see him."
True to his word though, two men walked in exactly twenty minutes later and picked up an envelope – possibly filled with cash – and were about to exit, when Carter announced my presence.
"Excuse me, umm, y-your honor?"
Your honor? Wow, Mello really made them feared here. That or they just had really big heads.
"What, what is it!? We're busy, and last time we were late Mello threw his coffee at us!"
Yup, this was definitely my Mello.
"I'm sorry, but this kid here wants to speak with Mello. He says he knows him."
The two men instantly looked at me. The lankier one only scoffed. "What do you wanna talk to him for?"
"That's between me and him. If you would please be so kind as to show me the way…"
"Quiet! There's no way you can see him, Ross would have our heads for bringing a stranger into our hideout!"
I sighed, bringing out a wad of cash. I counted out three hundred for each man and, holding up the money, simply stated, "Three hundred to take me there, another three hundred after I see him. This sound fair to you?"
Maggots. That's all they were. They jumped on this opportunity like it was a life force that guaranteed eternal happiness. It was disgusting.
In the end though, I got what I wanted. The men guided me to Mello's hideout without much trouble, but they demanded that they walk me in. Trust was an issue to them, I clearly saw, but I complied. As long as I got to see Mello, I didn't care what happened to me.
Though, I hadn't expected… I don't know what I expected. But it wasn't this, that was for sure.