Entry #B-1: "B" [November 19, Video]

[dead_black_eyes]

[The man appearing onscreen this morning is haggard, somber, and distracted. Clearly, he's been awake all night, something he's been doing far too often lately, sitting curled in the middle of what appears to be a cleaned up but ancient school gymnasium's basketball court with his chin on his knees. A few feet away is a blue tarp hiding something sizable and lumpy.]

I know Albero's people are striking Espresso Yourself, early on the morning of Sunday, November 23, at 3:15 AM. They will be there to raze the building to the ground and they do not intend to take prisoners.

[He bites his lip, glancing away from the camera. The calmness he's affected since Anthony's death slips for a second, revealing something like fear. He swallows.]

I've been waiting for a pulse. I was hoping that maybe my other's experience and knowledge could help me, in this regard, but up to this point... it's been all quiet on that front.

[He rises slowly, moving towards the tarp and drawing it away from what it conceals. There are many pounds of dynamite stacked in the middle of his gym, along with several ominous looking canisters.]

I have dynamite and nitroglycerin. I think...

[He takes a deep, shuddering breath.]

I know we can kill a lot of them. Part of me really wants to, and I can't be the only one. But I know... I know that's not what we're fighting for, a criminal record of our own and another reason to be driven out of this city. So...

[He sits again, hard, on the floor, eyes and posture conveying a distinctly dazed quality.]

I think maybe it would be better to use this information to get the FBI on this and catch them in the act, with no blood shed. I'm prepared for both of these scenarios, but honestly... I don't know what's right. I'm so tired. I trust all of you, so... please help me make the right decision.

EDIT: I've been informed that Nick knows about another upcoming opportunity, a chance to hit the Mafia where it hurts. There's to be a meeting of higher-ups in the near future; further details are forthcoming.

Comments

[dead_black_eyes]

I'm not worried. It's keeping me going right now, if anything... as long as I know I can help, I know I've got some kind of purpose to drive my ambitions. Everyone needs that in their life.

[oncedevil]

Yeah, I guess you've got a point there. Unless they're not the ambitious type anyway. Just relax, yeah? It'll come.

[dead_black_eyes]

[Soft, humorless, slightly unbalanced laughter.]

Don't you know that telling someone to relax is the last thing that will get the job done?

[oncedevil]

[He rolls his eye.]

You wanna get it done right or get it done messy? Relax.

[dead_black_eyes]

I want to call Mack. He could get it done right.

[Mumbled. He's distressed enough that he doesn't care that he's saying this out loud.]

[oncedevil]

Mack?

[Who is Mack he's never heard of a Mack on the Network before.]

[dead_black_eyes]

That isn't his real name, but he's an old friend of mine.

[Technically true.]

[oncedevil]

An old friend with bomb expertise?

[Pointed look.]

[dead_black_eyes]

Not even, but if there's something I need he can usually find it for me.

[What are you going to do about it? L sees that pointed look and raises it by simply not caring.]

[oncedevil]

Like someone with bomb experience?

[That's okay because now he's got a bone.]

[dead_black_eyes]

Yes. I won't say he's never steered me wrong, but he's always been there and he's never ignored my calls. Even if he isn't Numbered, he's got my back. If I tell him that I have a need to relax, he'll get me there.

[oncedevil]

...

[Oh, don't mind him, just having a small epiphany. He frowns, brows creasing in concentration.]

Not that kind of relax, L.

[dead_black_eyes]

There's one kind of relax, just different ways of getting there. Lighten up.

[oncedevil]

Hah, when you're the one telling me to lighten up maybe I really need to listen....

[dead_black_eyes]

What exactly are you trying to imply?

[oncedevil]

That you're usually the serious one?

[dead_black_eyes]

Serious, but I never said I was strong.

[oncedevil]

What's that got to do with lightening up?

[dead_black_eyes]

I'm going to call him.

[oncedevil]

Giving up already? That's not like you.

[No accusations, no yelling, but an ample serving of disappointment. ]

[dead_black_eyes]

[If L truly didn't care what Tony thought about this, he wouldn't have said anything. It goes to show that he does, and it stings to hear that tone.]

Don't. You wouldn't say "already" if you knew how long I've been trying and how hard it is. Today it's too hard.

[oncedevil]

You've made a lot of progress, you really want to throw that out? But, what do I know. Not a damned thing.

[He's surprised L even told him, much less that his opinion matters in the least.]

...Still, if you'd rather have some company instead.

[He probably wants to be alone, Tony knows. But maybe it's worth trying for all the good it'll do.]

[dead_black_eyes]

[The progress is precious to L, and it's something he would mourn if he lost it.]

I have to get away from these weapons. I feel like I'm suffocating.

[...yes?]

[oncedevil]

[L's grown in leaps and bounds, Tony doesn't want to see him lose that all in one fell swoop. He's glad the man is willing to listen.]

Come over. We'll watch a movie and eat oreos, how's that sound?

[He's proud of you, L.]

[dead_black_eyes]

Yeah, OK. No porn this time, though... in fact, you pick the movie. I'll watch whatever you want.