It was time to confront the Death Note problem for real now. First L had just a slight suspicion that Mello was an owner of a Death Note, but now he knew for sure… he was going for full attack. He had already searched the room of Mello and Matt, so it would be pointless to try again.
A knock on the door announced his next plan had been set in motion.
'Come in,' he said.
The door opened and Matt shuffled into the room. L could clearly read of his stance that Matt felt very nervous.
It seems I was right and Matt really does know more about Mello's activities.
L gestured to one of the chairs in front of his desk. 'Please Matt, take a seat. I would like to speak to you about something.'
Matt gulped, but sat down. '… About what exactly?'
'What do you know about the Death Note,' L asked promptly.
Matt's eyes widened in shock and he felt his heartbeat going way to fast, like it was about to jump out of his chest. L cut right to case it seemed.
'I know almost sure that you know something about it, Matt,' L stated. 'Don't try to lie, I can already see the answer by your reaction.'
Matt's mouth felt dry and his voice seemed to stop working for a moment. What do I say? I can't lie, but if I tell the truth Mello will be in big trouble… I don't want my only friend in trouble. Maybe they take him away! But… then again Mello isn't himself anymore. That stupid notebook is like a curse. It changed him into someone I don't recognize.
L raised an invisible eyebrow under his messy hair. 'I'm waiting.'
Matt sighed in defeat. 'Yes, I know about the Death Note. I discovered it a while ago by accident… and Mello explained to me what it was.'
'Mello is the owner of the Death Note?' L asked.
Matt nodded. 'Yes, he found it outside after a game of soccer.' He glanced worriedly at the detective. 'I'm concerned about him. He's not who he was before all this. Just before I left our room it came up that he knew about the Mystery Murders too. His Shinigami's did those as distraction for you.'
L frowned. 'Did you say Shinigami's? More than one?'
Matt nodded. 'They said they were bored and dropped the Death Note.'
L stayed silent and thought about it, but he didn't say them out loud and kept it for himself. Then more questions followed and Matt answered all of them. Everything he knew, every piece of information was given to L.
L put his thumb between his lips. 'Since I have you as witness and the location of the Death Note I can take action. Thank you for your honesty, Matt. I know it's hard to betray your friend like that, but it is necessary for Mello's own good. That cursed notebook has to be destroyed.'
'What will be the consequences for him?'
L thought about it. 'Well… since it's possible the Death Note manipulated him, he can be seen as a victim. Nonetheless he needs to be punished for his deeds. I will have to think about it longer.'
'For now it's best for you to return to your room and act like nothing happened. I will report Watari on what you told me and get a few men of the staff working here. After a short time we'll be there and end this case.'
I've been gone for a long time… too long to get batteries, but maybe Mello is still in panic and won't notice.
'Hey, Mello. Isn't Matt gone for a long time only to get some batteries? Does he needs to go to town to get them or something?' Beyond questioned.
Mello's eyes fell on his alarm clock and he noticed Matt was already gone for half an hour. 'Yes… it's strange.' He turned to Light. 'He won't tell L, will he?'
'Considering the look of shock on his face moments before he left the room, I'm not sure…' Light said.
Matt is the only friend I have and he's my roommate… Mello thought. It would be very likely that L tries to question him about me. But then again… would Matt betray me?
'I think it's best to go look for him,' Mello announced. 'Just to be sure.'
He sneaked through the hallways, not trying to be seen by others in the house. Light asked him where he planned to look first and he answered it would be logically to search by L's office first.
The door to L's office was closed. Just like always. Mello crept closer and carefully looked left and right down the hallway to check. No one in sight apart from the two Shinigami.
Mello turned to the two and pointed at the door, then at his eye. Go look if Matt's in there. It would be pointless to linger any longer if Matt wasn't there.
They understood what he meant, of course, and put their heads through the wall to take a peek into the room. Almost immediately they jerked back and stared at the blond. He didn't like that look. Not at all.
'Matt's in there,' Light said.
'And it looks like he told everything,' Beyond added.
Mello's eyes widened in shock and he put his ear to the door to listen.
'… you as witness and the location of the Death Note I can take action. Thank you for your honesty, Matt. I know it's hard to betray your friend like that, but it is necessary for Mello's own good. That cursed notebook has to be destroyed.' L's voice sounded muted through the door, but not enough for him to understand every word.
'For now it's best for you to return to your room-'
Mello backed away from the door and sprinted back to his room. He didn't need to listen any further. Matt had betrayed him to L. His best friend had given up on him.
'What are you gonna do now?' Beyond asked. Both Shinigami followed him.
Mello ignored the question and kept his mouth shut. His eyes were narrowed with anger and he was fuming over his discovery.
If this is the choice Matt chooses then so be it.