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Family Ties	By : Deb Category: Gundam Wing/AC > Yaoi - Male/Male Views: 19194 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Gundam Wing/AC, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 124
- 125
- 126
Many thanks to everyone out there for reading and warm hugs for the kind reviews - I really do appreciate your feedback. Finally got these back from my beta so you guys get a couple of chapters.

Enjoy!

“Family Ties”

January 2007 ShenLong

Chapter 125

“How long will it take?” Duo asked. Having never been on trial as such before, he had no clue to how long the jury would deliberate on his fate.

“Hard to say,” Kerferd replied. “It all depends on how they look at the evidence, whom they believe the most. In this case, they are fully aware of the fact that you have admitted to killing the three people, but it is the circumstances relating to the murders that they need to look at. If all the evidence, the testimonies and facts have been presented well enough then they shouldn’t take too long to reach a decision.”

“Then you had better hope you did your job properly,” Heero growled softly.

Kerferd looked a little startled at the words and swallowed.

“I’m going to get some refreshments,” Wufei announced. “Would any of you care for some?” he asked, looking pointedly at Heero, Duo and Sally.

All three declined the offer and Wufei left. He needed to get out of the room for a little while, it was starting to become oppressive with the waiting.

Knowing there wasn’t anything more he could do and the other people in the room were otherwise occupied with their own thoughts or talking to each other, Kerferd returned to the makeshift desk and organized his papers.

Gilbert was quietly conversing with the technician, discussing different cases they had both been assigned recently. Une was talking with Sally, the doctor briefing the Commander on Duo’s current health status but keeping the pregnancy out of the conversation.

Duo was reclining on his hospital bed, Heero perched beside him and draping an arm around his husband’s shoulders. Heero’s free hand rested atop of Duo’s whilst Duo’s other hand was busy picking at the blanket again.

“Stop it,” Heero gently admonished.

“Sorry, I can’t seem to help it,” Duo replied and brought his hand back up and slipped it beneath the covers to rest across his belly. “What do you think they will decide?” Duo asked, his violet eyes looking lost.

“I don’t know, Duo,” Heero replied honestly. “Kerferd did a pretty good job in defending you and presenting your side of the case. I think they will be pretty hard pressed to convict you given the circumstances.”

“I don’t know, Heero. Yeah, I agree that Kerferd did the best he could, but that prosecutor, he was pretty insistent and did a good job of trying to discredit everyone.”

“But Kerferd questioned you again and also Wufei. I’m sure he managed to wipe away any negative thoughts that Rivers may have created. Don’t forget the judge also told the jury to disregard what Rivers was asking and trying to do.”

“I know that, but even you have to admit, the human mind is very susceptible to suggestion and it doesn’t matter if they were told to disregard it or not, the seed has been sown.”

Heero frowned, knowing that what Duo said was true. He just hoped with all his heart that the jury had listened to the judge and to the case Kerferd had presented.

“What will we do if I am found guilty and sentenced to jail?” Duo whispered.

“I won’t let that happen, Duo. I told you before, if the worst should happen, I’m sure that Sally will be able to come up with some medical thing to prevent you from being incarcerated.”

“Knowing Sally, she’d probably invent some disease that’s contagious or the like,” Duo snickered.

“Well, either way we’re about to find out,” Heero answered and nodded to the vid screen.

“All rise,” came the bailiff's voice.

The court room and hospital room alike all stood as the judge reentered and took his seat.

Wufei returned a moment later with a tea in hand, just as everyone was taking their own seats again.

“Please bring the jury back in,” Watkins requested to the bailiff, the man moving across the court to the door on the other side of the court room.

The jury began to file back in, locating their seats and sitting. The foreman of the jury remained standing and faced the judge.

“Has the jury reached a decision in the case of Agent Night?” the judge asked.

“Yes, we have, your honor.” The foreman glanced down at the piece of paper in his hand.

Duo sat up straighter in the bed, his body becoming taut and his stomach churning. These people held his fate in their hands.

Beside his lover, Heero was similarly on tenterhooks.

“Would you kindly read out the jury’s decision,” the judge requested.

“Yes, your honor.”

Duo bit his lip and squeezed Heero’s hand. Heero squeezed back, his heart thundering in his chest as dread filled his stomach.

“In the case of the murder of the L1 ambassador, we, the jury find the defendant, Agent Night, guilty.”

Duo felt the room start to swim.

“In the case of the murder of the L3 ambassador, we, the jury find the defendant, Agent Night, guilty.”

Heero felt faint.

“In the case of the murder of Senator Jefferies, we, the jury find the defendant, Agent Night, guilty. However...”

The foreman didn’t get to finish his words, the uproar in the hospital room drowning him out.

“That can’t be right!” Une cried.

“I won’t allow him to be locked away,” Sally growled.

“Injustice!”

“I don’t believe it,” Kerferd stated.

“They aren’t going to take you, Duo,” Heero stated firmly.

“No...” Duo whispered, a look of total shock on his face.

“Order! Order!” the judge yelled, banging his gavel down hard. “ORDER!”

Everyone shut up and turned back to the vid screen. Heero’s eyes blazed with anger at the foreman and jury. Duo remained in shock whilst Une, Wufei and Sally’s glares were almost enough to rival Heero’s.

“Foreman, will you please continue?” the judge asked.

“Thank you, your honor. The jury finds the accused guilty on all three charges of murder; however...” the foreman paused, swallowed and looked nervously around, waiting to be interrupted again. When it didn’t happen, he continued. “However, after hearing all the evidence presented, we, the jury, find that Agent Night was forced under circumstances beyond his control to commit the murders. It is the jury’s recommendation that the court show leniency, preferably by having the charges dismissed.” Having said what he wanted to, the foreman sat down.

The silence was deafening as the words sank in.

Everyone took a moment to think on the jury’s words, the final statement having registered and guilty looks began to appear on several faces for jumping the gun.

With the jury finding him guilty, but recommending the charges be dropped due to the circumstances surrounding the murders, Duo could only hope that the judge could do that. He looked towards Kerferd.

A smile had begun to form on Kerferd’s lips as the jury recommended the dropping of charges; now it was up to the judge. He saw Agent Night looking at him and had a pretty good idea of what was going through the man’s mind right now. He gave a nod in the agent’s direction and kept the confident smile on his face.

Rivers didn’t look too happy at all; unfortunately, there wasn’t anything he could do about it.

The judge banged his gavel down calling everyone's attention back to him.

“Agent Night, normally I would ask you to stand for the reading of the judge’s decision, but given your current state of health, that is not possible.”

“Thank you, your honor,” Duo said quietly, his violet eyes never leaving the judge's face. Try as he might, he couldn't read what might possibly be going through the judge’s mind.

“Agent Night, the jury has found you guilty on all three accounts of murder. Whilst you have already admitted to these murders, the circumstances under which you committed these murders are now known and as such the jury has recommended the charges be dropped. It is my job as a judge to see that justice is served in the fairest manner possible and it is with that thought in mind and the recommendation of the jury that I hereby hand down my decision.”

Heero’s hand tightened in Duo’s as he felt his lover beginning to tremble, offering his support and love in the only way available to him at the current moment.

“For the murders of the two ambassadors and one senator, I hereby sentence you to a total of four months home detention, after which you will be free to continue your life with no further prosecution in relation to these charges.” The judge looked squarely at Duo. “Case closed.” He slammed his gavel down hard and then stood up.

“All rise,” said the bailiff.

The judge departed and once he had gone, the hospital room once again exploded into a cacophony of voices. On the hospital bed, both Heero and Duo remained in stunned silence.

Kerferd approached his client, the smile still on his lips. “How are you feeling, Agent Night?” he asked.

“I – I’m not quite sure,” Duo replied honestly. “What does it all mean now?”

“The charges against you have been dropped in one manner of speaking, but the judge cannot let it go completely without some form of justice happening for the men that have lost their lives,” Kerferd began to explain. “The judge has done the next best thing and that is put you under house detention for a period of four months. Translated into plain English that means that for the next four months you will be confined to this hospital room and then your home. You won’t be allowed to leave your property unless prearranged and then only for medical reasons or in the case of an emergency. The justice department will require you to wear what is called a tracking device and they will check where you are via that device. Understand?”

Duo nodded that he did.

“I’ll leave you alone for a few minutes, I need to confer with the bailiff and arrange for the paperwork to be signed and the device collected and fitted.”

“Thank you,” Duo offered up as Kerferd left him to his thoughts.

Heero gave a soft sigh. “It could have been a lot worse,” he stated softly.

“You got that right. At least I’m not going to jail but being confined to the mansion,” Duo breathed. “Four months isn’t that long,” he added.

“Iie, it isn’t,” Heero mused, “and it should go fairly rapidly, especially considering your condition and that Sally wants you on complete bed rest. I suppose in one way it’s worked out quite well.”

Duo didn’t look too happy when Heero mentioned the complete bed rest part, but had to admit that it had indeed, worked out in his favor.

Sally, Une and Wufei came over to the bed to pass on their thoughts. Une was relieved it was all over and she hadn’t lost one of her best agents. Sally was also pleased with the result. At least now she knew Duo would have to stay put. Wufei could see where the judge was coming from and all things considered he thought that what the judge had done was the fairest option all around.

The bailiff finished his talk with Kerferd and Gilbert, the technician shutting down the equipment once they were done and starting to pack it all away. Gilbert left the premises to fetch the tracking device for it to be fitted to Duo’s ankle. Whilst they were waiting for Gilbert to return, Kerferd produced the ‘paperwork’ that the bailiff had sent through in regards to Duo and his sentence.

“I’m sorry to interrupt,” Kerferd began as he approached the patient’s bed and people surrounding it. “But I need for Agent Night to look over the paperwork and sign in the appropriate places. I also need someone to stand surety for him whilst the four month sentence is being served.”

Before anyone could answer, Heero got in first. “I’ll do it,” he said.

“Okay,” Kerferd replied. Looking to the Commander, Kerferd spoke again. “Do you have somewhere close by with a printer that I can connect my palm top to and print the documents off?”

It was Sally who replied though. “There’s one at the nurses station. I’m sure Wufei would be happy to show you where that is.”

“I will?” said Wufei who had only been listening with half an ear.

“Yes, you will.” Sally lowered her voice. “You will if you want to go to the movies with me next week.”

Wufei’s cheeks burned red for a moment before he turned to Kerferd. “If you will follow me.”

*

The papers were printed off and Kerferd returned with several copies in his hand. He passed over a sheaf of them to Duo for himself and Heero to read through. He gave the Commander a copy to look over as well, after seeing the looks the woman was giving him.

The documents were straightforward enough, simply stating that Duo understood the sentence handed down to him and outlining the details of his house detention. A tracking device would be fitted to his ankle and it was to be worn at all times. The device would allow the Department of Corrections to check exactly where he was at any given time of the day or night and should he breech the rules of his detention, then he would be immediately arrested and serve the remaining time of his detention inside a jail.

The paperwork that Heero needed to sign was the same as Duo’s but with the added extra stating that Heero was responsible for Duo whilst the man was serving his four months. He was also required to provide a large sum of money as a surety that Duo would serve his time. If Duo didn’t, Heero would lose that money and Duo would still have to serve his remaining time in a jail.

Both men signed in the designated places, Kerferd signing along with them and Gilbert, who had returned with the tracker, adding his autograph to the paperwork as a witness. Once the paperwork side of things was completed, Gilbert showed Duo exactly how the tracking device would work.

Duo had been given a case number which was entered into the Department of Corrections’ data base and loaded onto the chip installed in the small device. Duo’s other information was also loaded onto the chip, things such as the locations where he was to be confined and the dates of confinement. The chip would emit a signal at certain intervals and those signals would be picked up and monitored by the Department’s main computer. The computer could also request the device ‘check in’ at any time.

Once he was sure that both Duo and Heero understood the device, Gilbert went to fit it, only to be brought up short by Sally.

“I'll do it whilst you watch,” Sally stated. Seeing Gilbert about to protest, Sally clarified her reason. “Agent Night sustained a sprained ankle along with his other injuries and I don't intend for him to suffer any further. I would prefer it if I could fit the device, that way I know it's been done right and his ankle that's okay isn't going to suffer any harm at all.”

“Fine,” Gilbert replied and handed over the device, showing Sally how it opened and what to do to seal it around Duo's ankle so that it would remain in place until his period of detention was completed.

With the device in one hand, Sally managed to lift the blanket and sheet back from the side of the bed to expose Duo's good ankle. “Can you raise your leg a little for me, please, Duo?”

Duo complied, shuffling a little in the bed to raise his leg slightly. Sally reached for his ankle and gently settled the bracelet like device around it.

“Does that feel okay? Not too tight or loose?”

“That's fine,” Duo replied.

“Good.” With the device at the right tension, Sally snapped the item shut, effectively sealing it around Duo's ankle.

Gilbert moved forward to check that Sally had connected the tracker properly and satisfied, he pulled his cell phone from his pocket and made a call. Whilst he was waiting for the call to connect, he filled the others in on what he was doing. “I'm just letting the Department know the device is on the detainee and for them to activate it.” Gilbert turned back to his call and exchanged words with the person on the other end, all the time he remained beside Duo, his eyes watching the device on his ankle.

The tracker gave a soft beep and a green light began to flash. “Thanks, it's all working now,” Gilbert said and then closed his cell. Turning his attention back to Duo, he cleared his throat. “The device is activated and the Department has you locked into their data base. From here on, it will register exactly where you are at all times. Doctor Po?”

“Yes?”

“You will need to contact the Department when Agent Night is to be released from hospital so they can update the data banks accordingly. Agent Day?”

Heero focused his blue eyes on the man, causing Gilbert to shudder for a moment with the intensity of the gaze. “Yes?”

“I will also need you to contact the Department on the day that Agent Night is released from hospital.”

Heero raised an eyebrow.

“You will be required to contact us once you arrive back at your place of residence so the device can be updated and reset.” Gilbert paused for a moment. “Agent Night, once the term of your detention concludes, the green light will turn red and the locking mechanism will release, that will allow you to remove the device. I will warn you, any attempt to remove the device before the conclusion date will set off an alarm at the Department and officers will be dispatched to arrest you immediately. Do you understand?”

Duo nodded.

“If no one has any questions, I'll leave my card with you, that has the number on it you will need to call.” Gilbert handed over a card to Sally, Heero and Une. “I will bid you all good day.”

Once the man had left, everyone in the room heaved a sigh of relief and immediately began to talk amongst themselves.

* * *

Duo remained in hospital for another two weeks, much to his chagrin. Sally insisted he remain as she wanted to keep a close eye on the abdominal wound, not just to make sure it was healing okay, but she also wanted to monitor the progress of the baby as she was still a touch concerned over the closeness of the injury to Duo's womb and the growing baby.

The stitches were removed after ten days, the wound having healed up better than expected and Sally was finally able to give in to the braided man's pleas to go home. Duo's ribs had also settled down and he was now able to move around without needing the strapping. The bullet grazes to Duo's arm and hip had also closed up neatly and the ankle, whilst still tender, stood up to a little gentle exercise so there was no reason for Duo to remain in the hospital any longer.

Heero was also back to his usual self, his body's ability to heal itself in a short time serving him well. It was with a light heart that he went to the Preventer hospital for his final check-up and to pick his husband up.

“All is well, Heero. You never cease to amaze me with your ability to heal so well,” Sally stated as she gave the man his check over.

“Thank you.”

“You're welcome. I suppose you want to take that husband of yours home today?”

“Hai, if he's all cleared to leave,” Heero replied.

“Somehow, I don't think I dare not clear him,” Sally chuckled. “Come on, I'll go give him one last check over before I sign the release papers and you can take him with you.”

Pulling his shirt back on, Heero followed the doctor out of her office and through the corridors of the hospital to Duo's room.

Duo was trying hard to contain his exuberance, but it wasn't easy. It had been a while since he'd last been at the mansion and he was eager to go home and see Miracle and Barney again, sleep in his own bed, play with his son, snuggle with Heero and just soak up the atmosphere of the one place he could really call home.

“Due to the stress that's been put on your body and the weakened state of your abdominal muscles from the knife and your last pregnancy I want you to take things very easy, Duo. Your body is going to be under a lot more stress and strain with this baby as it grows and I'm concerned about tearing of the muscles or the uterus not being able to cope with another baby so soon after Keitaro.”

“I promise I won't do anything I shouldn't,” Duo said.

“I know you will,” Sally replied, her tone serious. “Duo, you are on complete bed rest, you're only allowed to get up to go to the bathroom, showering and occasionally to eat.”

“I'll starve if I'm only allowed to eat occasionally,” Duo quipped.

“You know what I mean,” Sally growled.

“Yeah, I do, no need to get all snarky. Can I go now?”

“You can get dressed whilst I talk to Heero and let him know exactly the conditions of your release.” With a meaningful look at Duo, Sally left the room along with Heero to give Duo some privacy to dress and explain to Heero what Duo was and wasn't allowed to do whilst at home. With Duo now dressed the pair stepped back into the room.

“I'll be calling around to the mansion every two weeks to check you over, Duo. It will be pretty much the same deal as when you were carrying Keitaro.” Sally paused and picked up a small bag, handing it over to Duo. “In there are your medications. There's the last of the antibiotics I want you to take, vitamins and iron tablets. If I think you need anything else I'll let you know and prescribe it when I come to do a check-up. Any questions?”

Duo shook his head, it all seemed pretty clear to him.

“I'll just make that call to the Department of Corrections to let them know you're going home with Heero. Meet me by the nurses station.” Sally left to make her call, Heero having already made his call earlier to let the Department know of the changes to Duo's residence.

“All set?” Heero asked as he fetched the obligatory wheelchair from outside the door.

Duo frowned as he looked at the wheelchair but decided against voicing his opinions, it wouldn't get him anywhere anyway. Keeping his mouth shut, he sat in the chair and allowed a relieved Heero to wheel him out of the room.

Heero was glad that Duo hadn't protested the wheelchair. It wouldn't have done any good as it was hospital policy. Duo would have only ended up exhausting himself, upsetting Heero and the end result would still be the same.

They paused at the nurses station where Sally was just hanging up from her call and she joined them to ride the elevator down to the basement car parking area and assist Heero to get Duo into the pickup.

“Take care, Duo. I'll be around for your first check-up in a week. If you have any concerns in the meantime, just call me.”

“Thanks, Sally, not just for this, but for everything,” Duo replied and gave the woman a quick peck to the cheek before settling himself into the seat for the drive home.

Closing the driver's door, Heero put his seat belt on and started the car up. Moments later they were out in the sunlight and heading for home.

The landscape rolled past, Duo taking the time to watch and savor it. Heero concentrated on driving, casting a glance from the corner of his eye from time to time at his husband and noting the soft smile on Duo's lips. Only when Duo's attention returned to the inside of the car did Heero break the warm silence. “Miracle is going to be over the moon to see you.”

“I know,” Duo replied happily. “Are Quatre and Trowa still staying?”

“Yes, they are. Trowa still has another two weeks before the cast can come off his ankle. His shoulder is much better and the cut to his scalp has healed up. I think he will be glad to have the cast off.”

“I know how he feels, although mine wasn't broken it was still a pain to deal with, Trowa must be getting really fed up with his by now,” Duo replied.

“Actually, he's not so much bothered by the cast, more Quatre's fussing over him.”

Duo started to snicker, then, unable to hold his laughter any longer, he let it go. It was music to Heero's ears. “Yeah, I can just imagine how Q-man must be hovering and mothering Trowa,” he managed to get out at last. “Trowa has my full sympathy. At least with Quatre fussing over Trowa he'll leave me alone.”

“I wouldn't bet on that,” Heero muttered and turned the pickup into their sweeping driveway.

~ * ~

tbc...
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Family Ties