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Equus	By : Deb Category: Gundam Wing/AC > Yaoi - Male/Male Views: 2855 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: I do not own Gundam Wing, it belongs to Bandai, Sotsu and associated parties. I do own the equines though, please do not take them without permission. Written for pleasure not profit.

Chapter List
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“Equus”

Chapter 23

Quatre was very thorough in his checking of the mare. He noted the injuries and photographed them. He asked Duo several more questions, making notes in his small book as he proceeded with his investigation. It upset the blonde inspector to see how the mare flinched and trembled when anyone made a sudden move around her.

Having decided he'd gotten enough evidence in the form of photos for now, Quatre managed to gently pet the mare without too much trouble. “Don't worry, girl. Things will take a turn for the better for you now,” he said in his soft tone. Turning to Heero and Duo, Quatre spoke again. “I'm so glad you did what you did, Heero and bought her from that person.”

“So am I,” Heero replied.

“I've finished with my preliminary investigation and won't need the mare any more for now. Thanks for letting me take my pictures, Heero.”

“No problem. I'll go put her back in the paddock for a while. I need to get back down to the other horses shortly as I've got a lesson to give and both Carl and June are going to be calling in later. That reminds me; Carl and June were also witnesses to the abuse Nataku suffered and I'm sure they would be willing to give statements to that effect if you need them to, Quatre.”

“Thanks, Heero. If you could let them both know that I will be investigating this case and if it is alright with them could I have their contact details please? That way I can get in touch with them and get statements in a day or two.”

“I'll be sure to tell them.”

“Duo? You said you also had evidence on your cell phone?”

“Yes, yes I do.”

“Good. Would you mind if we went back up to the cottage to view it? I'll need to download it from your cell onto my laptop for evidence that can be used in court for if and when we progress to that stage.”

“That's fine with me, Quatre, only you'll have to do whatever it is you need to as I wouldn't have a clue when it comes to computers and electronic gadgets like that,” Duo said with a sheepish look.

Everyone around all snickered at Duo’s admission; they were all well aware of Duo's 'problems' when it came to computers and electronics.

“Don't worry, Duo, I'll be able to handle it all without you needing to do a thing,” Quatre reassured with a smile.

“Good,” a relieved Duo replied.

Hilde and Catherine took their leave, Hilde heading back to the surgery as she was rostered on for any surgical cases they had that day. Zechs also left after promising Quatre he would write up a report on the mare for him and send it through to the Inspector's email. Heero led the bay back out to the paddock and left for the other stables to continue with his work there. Duo took Quatre back up to the cottage.

*

Sitting down at the kitchen table, Quatre hooked his laptop up and set to work. Duo produced his cell and Quatre began to download the evidence. Whilst they waited Duo made them a much needed cup of tea.

“Did you have any luck with the license plate number?” Duo asked, sipping on his tea.

“I did pass it on to the police and explained why I needed the trace. They were looking into it for me and I should have an answer this afternoon. Thanks for thinking about getting it, the evidence we have wouldn't be of much use if we couldn't get an address.”

“You're welcome. Originally I wasn't going to do anything about it, I actually told the guy I wouldn't report him if he let Heero buy the mare, but my conscience wouldn't let me stay silent.”

“Well, I'm glad you did speak up. Don't worry, it won't come back on you. When the society gets a report like this and of this nature, the details of the person who contacts us are kept confidential. Going on what you've already said, there would have been many people at that show that would have witnessed this act of cruelty and any one of them could have recorded the details and contacted the society.”

“Yeah, I guess you're right. It doesn't bother me though that I went back on my word – not in this case anyway. I can't help but hope he doesn't have any other animals in his care that he's abusing too.”

“That is something the society will be looking into, I can assure you.” Quatre gave the vet a warm smile. The laptop beeped.

“I swear, I didn't touch a thing!” Duo exclaimed.

Quatre laughed. “It's not anything bad, Duo, it's just letting me know it's finished downloading the evidence.”

“Oh, okay then.” Duo rubbed at the back of his neck.

Quatre worked diligently for a couple of minutes and then unhooked Duo's cell from the computer and handed it back. “Thanks.” He continued to work in silence for a few more minutes before turning the laptop slightly so Duo could see the screen. “I'll play that footage you took now.”

The pair watched the screen as it flickered and then settled. The images were a little on the 'jumpy' side as Duo hadn't held the cell as still as he'd thought, but the picture was still clear enough to make out facial details and see exactly what was going on.

Duo felt his blood heating again as he watched the scene unfolding. Quatre had to bite his lip and flinched when the whip struck the bay hide. His face became a grim mask as he fought the inner rage. The footage came to a stop with the still shot Duo had taken of the guy's car and float.

“Do you think you will be able to use it in court?” Duo asked when they had both recovered their composure somewhat.

Quatre's face was a grim mask. “Most definitely,” he told Duo. “This is a case of cruelty, no doubt about it and I will be sure to push for a conviction on those grounds. Thank you for being alert enough to record this, Duo. It will make the difference between a win or a loss; you can't refute video evidence.”

Duo let go a long sigh. “That makes me feel a whole lot better, Quatre.”

There was the sound of a cell phone ringing and Quatre fished in his pocket, pulling the gadget out a moment later and checking the caller ID. “Excuse me for a moment please, Duo.” Quatre got up and moved to the lounge room to take the call.

Duo picked up their empty mugs and rinsed them through whilst he waited for the Inspector to return. Quatre was only a minute or two before stepping back into the kitchen and scribbling down something in his notebook. Closing the cell, he sat again and began to shut down the laptop. Duo wandered back over and sat opposite.

“That was the police,” Quatre said after a few moments of silence. “They have traced the number plate and I now have a name and address for our horse whipper.”

Duo raised an eyebrow in question, knowing the blonde wasn't really allowed to divulge any details but hoping he would give him some information.

“I can't give you his address, but I can tell you his name is Leroy Saunders.”

“I understand and thanks,” Duo replied.

“No problem, Duo. I'll be on my way then as I need to get back to the office and start to compile this case. I'll also be paying our Mr. Saunders a visit to check on the welfare of any other animals he has in his possession. Whilst I can't give you specific details on the case, I will keep you informed of the basics.” Quatre stood and placed his laptop back in the bag.

Duo escorted his guest back to his car, thanking the blonde for his help and wishing him all the best in getting a conviction. Once he'd waved Quatre off, Duo thought he'd take a wander down to the stables and see what Heero was up to, plus bring him up to speed on what Quatre had told him.

* * *

Heero was in the jumping paddock setting the jumps at various heights when Duo got to the stables. Spotting his lover, Duo sauntered across to the paddock. “Need a hand?” he asked.

Heero gave his partner a warm smile. “If you want to help, that would be nice. I'm going to raise these three jumps by a couple of inches each,” Heero informed and pointed to the jumps. Knowing his lover hadn't just come down to help him out, Heero asked the burning question. “How did it go with Quatre? Did he look at the evidence?”

Duo filled Heero in on what had happened up at the cottage, letting Heero know that Quatre now had a name and address for the man in question and would be paying him a visit to check on the welfare of any other animals he may have. He also let Heero know that Quatre seemed pretty confident in regards to laying charges and having them stick.

“That's good then,” Heero said. “Once I see June and Carl I'll ask them if they are willing to give statements and if it's okay to give their numbers to Quatre for him to contact them.”

“I'm sure they will do whatever they can. I know June was pretty cut up to see how Nataku was being abused and once she knows I've reported this guy to the R.S.P.C.A. she will be more than happy to give a statement.”

“I'm betting Carl will do the same.”

“At least she's out of that situation now. Any idea on when you plan to approach Wufei with this suggestion of yours for him becoming Nataku's new owner?”

“I thought I'd give her a week or so to settle down first. Once I know Quatre is going ahead with the case and it's okay with him for me to do so, I'll approach Wufei with the idea,” replied Heero.

“Smart thinking.”

“Ah, there's Stefan now,” Heero said as he looked up from slotting the cup into place on the last of the jump wings.

Duo gave a glance out the corner of his eye and spotted the other man entering the paddock leading his horse. “If you're okay now I think I'll head back on up to the cottage, I've got a few things I need to do,” Duo said, trying to keep the scowl from his face. He really wasn't all that comfortable around the other man.

“I'll be fine, “ Heero replied, completely missing Duo's discomfort.

Striding across the paddock, Duo gave Stefan a curt nod as he passed, a small shiver passing down his spine when Stefan nodded back with what Duo could only describe as a lustful look on his face. Shaking his head, Duo tried to push it from his mind.

* * *

June arrived at the stables a little later in the afternoon just as Heero and Stefan were finishing up with their lesson, Carl driving in a few minutes later. Both were keen to see Nataku and hear how Heero and Duo had gotten on with her the previous evening. Stefan caught snatches of the conversation and with his curiosity aroused, he had to ask what was going on.

Heero let Carl and June do the explaining whilst he just added a few words in here and there. Once the tale was told, Stefan let go a soft whistle.

“Seems like you guys end up in the thick of things regardless of where you are or what you're doing,” Stefan commented.

“Both Heero and Duo were wonderful,” June continued on, “You should have seen them stand up to that creep.”

“I can imagine,” Stefan replied, a small smile on his face.

“How is Nataku today, Heero? Did Duo manage to treat her okay last night?” Carl asked.

“She;s fine and seems to be settling down a bit. Still skittish which is to be expected and Duo treated all her injuries last night without too much fuss. That reminds me, Duo did contact a friend of ours who is an Inspector with the R.S.P.C.A. and he is going to be investigating this case of cruelty against the mare. I told him that both of you had also witnessed the beating the guy was giving Nataku when he was trying to get her onto the float. I hope you don't mind, but I said you would most likely be happy to give him statements to what you saw going on,” Heero stated.

“I'd be more than happy to give a statement,” June growled.

“Same here,” Carl said. “Anything if it will mean that asshole doesn't get to beat up on an innocent creature again.”

“Thanks. I said I would ask you and if it was okay with both of you, I'd pass on your contact phone numbers to him and he will get in touch with you in a day or two to get those statements.”

“Fine with me, Heero,” June said.

“Feel free to give him my contact details too.” Carl gave a genuine smile.

“Where is this new mare? I haven't seen an new horse in the paddocks or stables,” Stefan questioned.

“She's not down here yet. She's up at the surgery and will remain there until her treatment is finished, then she will join the rest down here,” Heero told the rider.

“Any chance we can see her, Heero?” June asked with a hopeful look in her eyes. “I brought her a couple of treats.” June held out a bag with some apple slices in it.

Heero couldn't help but chuckle. “Sure you can. She's out in one of the surgery paddocks right now and I don't know how hard she will be to catch, but you're more than welcome to come and see her.” Heero glanced at his watch. “Actually, if you have the time to wait a bit, I'll need to catch her and take her up to the stables for her treatment in about an hour before putting her in for the night. It might be easier for you to see her and give her those treats once she's inside and in the crush.”

“Sounds good to me. I don't have to dash off anywhere,” June said.

“I'm not needed anywhere for a while either,” Carl said.

“I wouldn't mind having a look at this mare either and I've got time,” Stefan stated.

“How about we give you a hand to bring all the horses in and feed up? If you want, I'm sure we can change all the rugs to free you up to get a head start on trying to catch Nataku, Heero?” June offered.

“But that's not...”

“Heero, take my advice and don't bother to argue with a woman, it won't get you anywhere. Believe me, I've tried several times with my girlfriend and she wins every time. Best to quit now,” Carl said with a snicker.

“In that case, thank you, your help would be appreciated.”

With no further argument, the four set about bringing the horses in, feeding up and getting them settled for the evening.

*

Duo glanced at the clock and noted more time had passed than he'd thought. He'd need to shift his ass as Heero would have Nataku in the crush soon. Checking the pot he had simmering away on the stove, he deemed the contents ready and turned it off. It wouldn't do to have their dinner burnt.

Looking out the cottage window, he could see the vacant paddocks further down and knew Heero must have brought the horses in for the night. That meant he'd be out catching Nataku if he hadn't already succeeded. Locating his boots, Duo slipped them on and made his way to the surgery stables, relieved that Nataku wasn't already in the crush.

Unlocking the drug room, Duo fetched the items he would need and set them up on the bench. He'd check the healing wounds and wash them down with Betadine again, another injection of antibiotic, a dusting of penicillin powder and a re bandage of the knee and Nataku would be all set for the night. Humming softly to himself, Duo didn't hear Stefan enter the stables until the man was right behind him and Duo thought he felt a hand brush fleetingly over his rear.

“Do you need any help, Doctor Maxwell?” came Stefan's husky voice over Duo's right shoulder.

Duo jumped, both from the words and the action – although he wasn't too sure the other man had touched him on the rear as it was such a soft and quick caress. “Stefan!” he growled. “Next time make more noise, it isn't wise to sneak up on a vet, especially when I have a needle and syringe in my hand,” Duo continued and spun around with said needle in his hand.

Stefan held his hands up in surrender. “Sorry, I thought you would have heard me,” he said.

“I didn't and next time you might just find yourself with a needle stick,” Duo stated, his voice a little harsh. “Where's Heero?”

“He's catching Nataku. Carl and June are on their way up too, they want to see how she is settling in.”

“And you?”

“I'm curious to see the mare after what I was told happened at the show yesterday.”

Duo backed up a little, putting some distance between himself and the other man. He really didn't trust him at all.

“Anything I can help with?” Stefan asked and sidled a little closer.

“No, thank you. I have everything ready that I'll need,” Duo replied and discreetly moved to the side.

Fortunately, Duo was saved from further 'dancing around' as Carl and June walked into the stable block. Immediately they began asking Duo questions about Nataku's injuries and what he was doing to treat her.

*

It didn’t take Heero quite as long to catch Nataku as before. He'd taken the trusty bucket with oats in it with him and although he still had to walk across the paddock to the mare, she didn't try to run away from him this time. Instead, she stood and watched him approach, her body taut and ready to move if necessary. Heero took his time and offered her the oats like he had earlier, holding some out on his palm which the bay eagerly took.

Gradually he moved closer until Nataku was eating from the bucket quite happily. This time when he clipped the lead rope on the halter, she flinched and took a couple of steps back, stopping quickly and looking at Heero.

“Easy, girl,” Heero cajoled. “I'm not going to hurt you. Here, more oats for you.”

Nataku stretched her neck out and took the oats, relaxing a little moments later when nothing bad happened. Once the oats were gone, Heero led the mare back to the gate and up to the stables where Duo would be waiting to treat her.

*

“Didn't take as long this time, Heero?” Duo asked as the rider walked into the stables and led Nataku into the crush.

“No, she seems a little more relaxed and trusting than before.”

“That's good.” Duo turned to fetch the betadine solution he had made up and almost collided with Stefan.

“Sorry,” Stefan apologized and moved to the side.

Duo's eyes narrowed but he let it slide and reached for the bowl and swabs. Whilst Duo cleaned the splits on the bay hide the other three had cautiously edged closer to the crush and the now trembling mare.

Heero remained by Nataku's head and spoke softly to the mare, Carl decided there was enough people around her head for now and stepped up beside Duo to offer his assistance there and check out the mare's injuries. The vet filled Carl in on what he was doing and accepted the offer to pass him things as he needed them. Stefan had taken a couple of steps back and looked the mare over, appreciating her lines and agreeing with Heero that she did have a good conformation for jumping. June waited until Nataku settled a little before moving closer to her head and offering her a couple of apple slices.

“I don't know if she's had apples before,” Heero said. “I do know she likes carrots though.”

Nataku sniffed at the treat on the woman's hand; it smelt sweet. Gently she lipped up the offered slices and crunched them up. The sweetness of the apple teased her tongue and had her salivary glands working overtime. Her eyes took on a look of pure bliss.

“I think she might like them,” Heero said in an amused tone as he watched the bay face.

“I think so too. Here, girl, there's more if you want them,” June said and offered her hand again. This time Nataku didn't hesitate, she reached forward and brushed her muzzle across June's palm, picking up the apple slices and savoring their taste. Once they had been chewed and swallowed, Nataku extended her head again, this time she rubbed her nose against June's arm as if thanking the woman.

Heero noticed and his eyes softened. “I think she might be starting to trust us not to harm her. I've not known her to show any sort of affection or acknowledgment since we brought her home.”

“Then that's good,” June replied absently. She fed the mare another slice of apple and whilst the bay was chewing on it, June carefully and slowly raised her hand, placing it between the mare's eyes and rubbing her forehead. “You're such a sweet thing.”

Duo finished with his treatment and watched as the other four made a big fuss of the mare. Duo could see a slight difference in her, she didn't flinch quite as much when someone raised a hand around her and her eyes appeared brighter.

Having decided Nataku needed some peace and quiet, Heero led her out of the crush and into her stable for the night. June, Carl and Stefan bade their farewells and left the two alone to settle Nataku. Once she was fed, Duo locked up whilst Heero pulled the door across and with their hands entwined, they walked slowly back towards the cottage, discussing the small improvements they had each noticed in Nataku.

Just as they reached the back door, Duo's cell went off and the vet fished around in his pocket for the thing. “Doctor Maxwell.”

Whilst Duo took his call, Heero opened up the door and stepped inside, giving Duo some privacy. Smokey was waiting for him and he took the cat through to the laundry to feed her, making a big fuss of her as he went. Returning to the kitchen, a bright eyed and smiling Duo was there waiting for him. Heero quirked an eyebrow.

“Good news, Heero.”

“Oh?”

“That was Quatre. He's been out to that guy's place, the one who had Nataku to check him out, but the guy wasn't home. Quatre did take a look around the property whilst he was there, just in case the guy was out back or something. It looks like I did the right thing though in notifying Quatre about his cruel streak. Apparently he's got a couple of other horses on the property and Quatre's not impressed with their state of health. He wants the practice to supply a vet to go back there tomorrow with him and do a complete health check on all the animals on the property. Once he's got a vet report he can decide what is the best course of action to take in regards to the animals still there. He's hoping the guy is also there so he can serve him with papers for cruelty against Nataku.” Duo gave a smug grin.

Heero couldn't help the grin that adorned his face either with Duo's words. “Who are you going to send?”

“I think it would be best if Zechs went. He is more experienced in the equine side of things, besides, I'd better not show up otherwise the guy will know immediately who was the one to report him.”

“That makes sense,” Heero said and wound his arms around Duo's waist. “I sincerely hope that Zechs finds enough evidence of cruelty to charge this guy with and prevent him from having a horse ever again.”

“I hope so too, Heero.”

~ * ~

tbc...
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Equus