Adult-FanFiction.org : Gundam, Beyblade, DBZ, FMA

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
- 60
- 61
- 62
“Equus”

Chapter 61

“Stefan?” Treize questioned, clearly not connecting the dots right now.

“I should have known that bastard would pull something like this,” Heero snarled, completely missing Treize's question.

“Stefan is the prick that attacked me,” Duo said in a quiet growl. “This time though, he will be going down. There is no way he can refute this evidence.”

“Ah.” Treize didn't say anymore, he was well aware of Duo's situation and didn't want to dredge up any further memories for the vet.

“You need to call that detective, Heero. Not only does he need this for evidence, but there's still the matter of the re-trial too,” Duo said.

“Hai, I will in a moment. I want to see what else if anything is on the recording,” Heero replied, eyes still glued to the laptop screen.

Once more the three men stared intently at the footage. They watched as Stefan slipped out of the stables and peace seemed to reign once more. Unfortunately, the camera didn't quite pick up on the feed room door, but it wasn't long before tendrils of smoke could be seen invading the stable area. Heero watched in horror as the full situation of the fire was played out on the screen. The smoke began to thicken, the horses all becoming restless. He watched as Zero started to pace around his stable, then looked like he started neighing. The cameras didn't record sound, which was unfortunate in one respect and a blessing to Heero in another.

Zero continued to pace, as the other horses all became more and more agitated and the smoke thickened further. A soft glow appeared in the corner of the camera's range. “That must be when the fire really began to take hold,” Duo muttered.

On the screen, Zero began to kick out at his stable door, the other horses all appearing to be calling out to each other in fear.

“Shit, I can't imagine the terror they must have been feeling,” Heero said, a twist of guilt in his voice.

Seconds later the doors to the stable block opened and Treize could be seen running into the stables. Heero hit the pause button. “I don't know how much more there is on here, but if the timer on there is any indication, the cameras lasted for about another fifteen minutes. I'm going to call Detective Anderson.” Without another word, Heero left to place his call.

Duo rubbed a bandaged hand across his face. “Christ, what a mess,” he said.

“At least we know who is responsible now. It was a good idea of Heero's to put those cameras in, irrespective of their original purpose.” Treize looked thoughtful. “I think I'm going to take a leaf out of Heero's book and have some installed at my place, not that I think for one minute that someone would try the same thing, but they are a good idea and a sound investment.”

“That they are,” Duo replied absently. “What I wouldn't give to catch hold of that low life prick right now. I'd lay into him so hard that I'd force his teeth that far down his throat he'd need to shove his toothbrush up his ass to clean them.”

Treize blinked and gave Duo a funny look. “Remind me never to tangle with you.”

A sheepish grin followed Treize's comment and Duo apologized. “Sorry if my words offend you, but that asshole deserves to be burned at the stake himself for what he's put those horses through.”

“I happen to agree with you, Duo.”

Heero returned from making his call, the grim look still on his face. Duo raised an eyebrow in question as Heero sat back down.

“Detective Anderson is on his way. He's bringing the fire chief with him.”

“Good. I hope they throw the book at him,” Duo growled.

“You hope who throws the book at who?” The three men turned to see Zechs standing at the back door, Hilde and Catherine behind him.

“Come in,” Duo said and motioned for them all to enter.

The three came in and made a beeline for the two injured men, the women fussing over the pair and asking all their questions at once. Heero and Duo managed to fend them off and answer some of their queries at the same time.

“We can talk more a little later,” Duo said, “I want to catch up with you both and the treatment you're currently giving Zero, Shini and Nataku. I'll also be able to fill you in on our side of things.”

Understanding that there were more pressing issues at stake right now, neither woman pushed the issue. Zechs got the conversation back to his original question.

“Who do you hope gets the book thrown at them?” Zechs asked again.

“We've managed to find out who set fire to the stables,” Heero informed them.

“You did? How? Who?” Hilde exclaimed.

“If you remember, I installed a couple of security cameras a while ago when we were having the problem with Wing getting out of his paddock and stable.”

“That's right, you did. I'd forgotten all about them,” Hilde said with an expectant look on her face. “I take it they were still working?”

“Hai, they were.”

“And?” Hilde demanded.

“Here, take a look for yourself.” Heero reset the recording to a minute before Stefan entered the stable block and turned the laptop screen so that Hilde, Zechs and Catherine could see the recording for themselves. Silence fell over everyone as all eyes watched the drama unfolding.

“Why that fucking asshole!” Hilde snapped. “I should castrate that bastard, fry his balls up and feed them to him.” Looking up, Hilde noted all four men had their eyes firmly on her, a collective look of shock on their faces. “What?”

Zechs swallowed. “I never took you for a violent person,” he murmured.

“I'm not – usually. It's when I see things like this that it makes my blood boil. It wasn't bad enough he had to attack Duo, then get away with it, he has to try and murder innocent animals too?! He deserves everything he fucking well gets, and I make no apology for my words.”

“Forget pissing you off, Duo, remind me never to cross that woman,” Treize whispered to the vet.

Duo couldn't help the snicker.

“Hilde, what did you just say?” Catherine asked with a frown.

Hilde looked warily at her girlfriend. “If you want me to say I'm sorry for what I think...”

“No, no I don't,” Catherine interrupted. “Just repeat what you just said.”

“Errr, I said it makes my blood boil to see things like that?”

“Not that part, the rest of it.”

“The bit about him attacking Duo?”

“No, the rest of it.”

“That creep set a fire to murder innocent animals?”

“Yes, that bit.”

“Ummm, excuse me for being ignorant, but what the heck are you going on about, Cathy?”

The four men were all wondering the same thing, their heads swiveling back and forth between the women as they exchanged words.

“By lighting that fire, he intended to harm innocent animals, namely horses. Forget the fact that they are all worth a lot of money, his intent was to harm or cause death. To me that is an act of cruelty and I think Quatre should be informed. With that evidence there on record, not only does it prove he started the fire so Heero can get a conviction against him, but Quatre should also be able to file charges of cruelty against him on behalf of the R.S.P.C.A.”

“Cathy, you're one smart woman,” Duo said with a huge grin. “I'll go give Quatre a call and see if he can do that.”

Catherine looked smug. “See, I'm not just a pretty face,” she stated.

* * *

Quatre was most interested to hear what Duo had to say in regards to the fire and promised he would call around later that afternoon after work to see the footage for himself. Then he would be able to make a properly informed decision and take the proposed charges back to his boss and go from there. He'd also be bringing Trowa with him so they could catch up on all the events and see how their friends were recovering.

While Duo had been making his call, Heero had been busy making a couple of hard copies of the recording. He knew the police would require one and didn't fancy his laptop being taken in and used as evidence, especially as he needed it for other work for himself. He would also be able to give Quatre a hard copy and retain one for himself. In the event that the recording got wiped from the hard drive, at least he would have back ups of it. Heero wasn't expecting the recording to get wiped, but as Duo pointed out, with him around, if he got too close to the machine it was likely to completely reformat itself!

Heero conceded the point.

With the men busy, Catherine and Hilde took charge of the kitchen, checking out what remained in the pantry and fridge and making lunch for everyone. Treize found himself in charge of the beverages once more, Zechs pressed into buttering slices of bread which Hilde and Catherine then filled with various fillings.

“Lunch is ready,” Hilde announced just as Duo rolled back into the kitchen, Smokey still in his lap and determined to stay there.

“Thanks, Hilde,” Duo said and maneuvered the chair to the table.

Whilst they ate lunch, Heero and Duo brought everyone up to speed with their current state of health and the doctor's orders. Duo asked if the girls would mind helping out around the house with their laundry and cleaning, offering to pay them both extra for the work. The women were only too happy to help and waved off the offer of payment, stating they wouldn't feel right taking money for helping a friend in need.

Zechs was similarly thanked for having agreed to look after them both when they needed it too. Quatre didn't know it yet but he would be approached in regard to doing a little shopping for them both once they caught up with him that afternoon.

Just as lunch was finishing, the sound of a car pulling into the back of the cottage was heard, Zechs going to the window to see who had arrived. “It's the detective,” he announced.

“We'll do a quick clean up and leave you guys to the police,” Hilde said as she stood and began to collect the plates.

“Thanks, Hilde, but you don't have to go,” Heero stated.

“No, no, it's quite okay. I've got a couple of animals booked in for surgery this afternoon so I need to get started on those. Catherine will assist me and we will come back after that to do these dishes and then treat the horses before evening consults.”

“And I've got a call out to a cow that's cut itself,” Zechs said.

“I need to head back to my stables too and see about working a couple of these horses. I'd best be going if you guys don't need anything else?” Treize stated.

“We will be fine, thanks,” Duo replied.

Zechs let the detective and fire chief into the kitchen as all the others departed and went their own ways to continue with the daily 'grind'.

“I hope they didn't all leave on our account,” O'Hallahan said as he watched the mass exodus with an amused smile.

“Nah, everyone has work to do,” Duo informed.

“That's okay then. For a moment there I thought we'd scared them all off.”

The detective and fire chief took a seat by Heero and the laptop. “As I said on the 'phone, the cameras were still recording and they did pick up on the perpetrator entering the stables. Unfortunately the way they are set up meant they didn't catch him going into the feed room and actually setting fire to the stables. They do clearly show his face when he left and there was no way that anyone else could have entered the stables and set that fire,” Heero informed the detective. “I've also made a hard copy of the recording for you to take with you.”

“Thank you, that's most efficient. You also said you both recognized the perpetrator?”

“Hai, we did. His name is Stefan Graves. He was a client here up until a few weeks ago when he attacked my partner, Doctor Maxwell. That case has been to court and he was found not guilty. However, the judge ordered a re-trial which is in a week an a half's time as new evidence came to light, evidence that will see a guilty verdict announced.”

Detective Anderson looked thoughtful. “Depending on the evidence here and going on what you just told me, we might be able to combine the charges and just have the one court date for all of this.”

“You can do that?” Duo asked.

“I can't see why not. I'm guessing if this evidence here is as cut and dried as you say, once we charge him with the offense, he will most likely break down and confess to the other one too. Do you happen to remember who the investigating officers are on the other case?”

“Yes, I do. I can give you their details if you like?”

“I'll get them after, first I want to see what has been recorded.”

“I'll start the recording off from where Zechs came in and checked the horses over for the evening before retiring for the night,” Heero said and pressed a few keys on the keyboard.

The recording began to play, Anderson and O'Hallahan watching intently. They noted the time shown on the small screen when the perpetrator first appeared and the time when he reappeared. A total of seven minutes had passed. When the person walked back into the camera range again, they could clearly see his facial features despite the grainy image. They watched as he departed, keeping an eye on the time until the first wisps of smoke were seen on the screen.

“You can stop it there, Mr. Yuy.”

Heero brought the recording to a stop, grateful he didn't have to sit through watching his horses in distress yet again.

“You say you know this person, that he was a client of yours?” Anderson asked.

“Hai, he used to keep his horse here and had lessons from me. When he attacked my partner he was told to remove himself and his horse from the property. The officers in charge of my partner's case were present on the day to escort him on and off the property.”

“Here's the contact details of the officers handling the case,” Duo said and passed over a piece of paper. Whilst the three had been watching the recording, Duo had fetched the card Williams had given him. “Sergeant Williams and Constable Henry from the Salsbury police department. The lawyer acting on my behalf at the first trial and also the upcoming second trial is the DA; Andrew Morris.”

“Thank you, Doctor Maxwell. I will contact both of them as soon as I get back to the station.” Anderson turned back to Heero. “Mr. Yuy, I know the questions I'm about to ask you are going to seem pretty stupid given the evidence, but it's protocol and I have to ask them. I will have another officer call around later today to take complete statements from you both if that is convenient?”

“If he could call ahead that would be good as we're both gonna be quite busy this afternoon, Detective,” Duo replied for both of them.

“No problem. Look, I'll have him call around tomorrow morning, around ten if that would be better?”

“That would be perfect, thank you,” Heero said.

Detective Anderson removed a note book and pen from his pocket. “Right, you say you recognize the person on the recording. Can you tell me his name, please?”

“Stefan Graves, he agisted his horse with me,” Heero replied.

“Mr. Yuy, why do you think this person would commit such a crime as Arson against you?”

“I believe it is a case of revenge.”

“Revenge?”

“Hai. Mr. Graves attacked my partner, I caught him in the act and I lost my temper which resulted in the trading of blows. Mr. Graves was escorted from my property and told never to return. My partner pressed charges of rape against Mr. Graves and the case went to court. Mr. Graves was found not guilty at first, however there has been further incriminating evidence brought forward, evidence that proves Mr. Graves was lying under oath and was guilty of the charges against him. The case has been ordered for a retrial and I believe this is the reason Mr. Graves set fire to the stables, an act of revenge.”

“Excuse me, detective,” Duo said, a thoughtful look on his face.

“Yes?”

“If I recall things properly. A restraining order was taken out against Mr. Graves. He was not to come within so many meters of Heero, myself or the property.”

“I see. Can you recall exactly why the restraining order was placed on him?”

“Yes. He made a threat at the end of the trial. I don't remember the exact words he used, but it was something along the lines of 'Watch your backs, I promise you will regret this.' Morris was also present when he said those words and he was the one that suggested the restraining order.”

“Looks like we will be adding another charge to the list,” Anderson said. “I will be sure to contact Morris and see what he can remember of the threat.”

“Do you by chance have any contact details for this Mr. Graves?” O'Hallahan asked, changing the topic slightly.

“Hai, I do. All my clients are required to fill out paperwork when they move their horses here. I still have his paperwork on file. I'll go get it for you.” Heero stood up and left the kitchen.

“Do you think you will be able to combine the two offenses?” Duo questioned.

“I'm pretty sure we will be able to do that. I'll contact the officers that are handling your case as well as the DA. I'll let them know of our investigation and the link between them. I'm sure we will be joining forces and bring this idiot to justice before he can do any further damage to anyone or anything.”

“Here you are, chief.” Heero handed over the paperwork on Stefan.

“Thank you.” O'Hallahan took a look over the paperwork, noting the name, address and contact numbers.

“I think that will be all for now, gentlemen. Thank you for your hospitality and assistance.” Anderson stood up, O'Hallahan following behind him.

“If you don't mind me asking, what are the charges you will be bringing against him?” Heero questioned.

“At this point in time I will be charging him with breech of a restraining order and Arson. The Arson charge alone if he's convicted could see a jail term of fifteen years. The rape of your partner carries a maximum jail term of twenty-five years. As for the breech of a restraining order, he could see anything from six months to five years.”

“The longer that bastard is behind bars, the better if you ask me,” Duo muttered.

“The courts see Arson as a very serious crime, more so if there are injuries or death to humans involved. I think it's a safe bet to say that this Mr. Graves will be going away for a very long time.”

“Thanks, detective, you just made my day,” Duo smiled.

Anderson gave a chuckle. “I'll be in touch with you both tomorrow. Now, I'm off to the station to correlate all this information and let the chief of the department know so I can get a warrant for this guy's arrest. Good day to you both.”

Heero and Duo saw their guests out and once they were alone, both let the weariness of the issues at hand show on their faces.

“I don't know about you, but I could do with a nap after all that lot,” Duo stated with a yawn.

“Same here,” Heero replied. “How about we take a nap for about an hour, that way we will be up and refreshed so you can go with Zechs and Hilde when they treat the horses and I can catch up on the horses in general?”

“That sounds like the perfect plan to me. Now all I have to do is convince Smokey here to vacate my lap.”

It took a little persuasion, but eventually Smokey grudgingly gave up her position on Duo's lap, Heero managing to lift his partner to their bed so they could take their nap.

* * *

The afternoon was just as busy for both men as the morning had been. Duo watched the treatment of the three horses with an eagle eye, not that he distrusted Zechs or Hilde, he had every confidence in their skills. He was more intent on seeing the injuries close up and noting what the other vets were doing in regards to their treatment. He agreed with everything the pair were doing and happily discussed everything that was going on with the equines. Having gotten a good look at Nataku's injuries and hearing from Zechs the actual extent of those injuries, he was of the same opinion as the other two in relation to the mare's future. Unfortunately, it would be a waiting game, no one could say for sure if she would ever be a show jumper again, or even be able to be ridden.

Wufei and Meiran had shown up to discuss Nataku's treatment and hear the general consensus on her future. Heero had offered to buy the mare back from Wufei if it turned out that she wouldn't ever be able to be ridden or jumped again. Wufei had been touched by the generous offer.

“You are an honorable man, Mr. Yuy and whilst I respect that and understand your offer, I'm afraid I would decline. Nataku has become more than just a horse to myself and Meiran; she's part of the family now and I couldn't part with her at all. If she can jump again then that will be wonderful, if she can't then that will be fine too. I'm sure I could secure a service to one of your two stallions for her and maybe breed myself a foal that could carry on her legacy.”

“If she can't be ridden again then I would be happy to give you a free service for her to either Shini or Zero,” Heero had promised. “In fact, regardless of what happens, I promise you a free service to either stallion when the time arrives that you wish to breed from her.”

“I can't accept that,” Wufei returned. “That is far too generous.”

“You can and you will,” Heero replied, an amused look on his face. “After what that mare did to save Duo I think it's a small way to say thank you.”

Meiran didn't give her husband the chance to refuse, she could see what it meant to Heero to be able to do this and the man did have his pride too. “Thank you, Mr. Yuy, that is most kind of you. My husband and I humbly accept your very generous offer and hope that you will continue to have Nataku remain in your care be it in the jumping capacity, and or when she becomes a mother.”

Heero gave the woman a grateful smile. “It will be my pleasure to continue to look after her for you.”

June and Carl arrived at the stables to assist with the general chores and were pleased as punch to see both Heero and Duo back home. The pair suffered through the usual fussing that seemed to come from the female species, reassuring June that they were both healing up well and would be back to full capacity in no time at all.

With everyone except Frank present, Heero decided to let the others know what they had discovered regarding the fire. Zechs and Hilde already knew about Stefan and his starting the fire so they continued on with the stable chores whilst Heero brought the others up to speed. Needless to say both June and Carl's faces showed nothing but shock when Heero told them it was Stefan who had lit the fire. Wufei wore a look of pure fury while Meiran was bewildered.

“But how could anyone who is supposed to love horses do something like this?” Meiran asked.

“I knew he was a bit strange, but I never thought he would go to these sort of lengths,” Carl muttered.

“I wouldn't have picked him for being the type to do this either. Guess it just goes to show that you can't judge a book by its cover,” June said as she digested the news.

“If I ever get my hands on that excuse for a human being I promise there wouldn't be much of him left! This is nothing but a blatant attack of revenge. I sincerely hope the police department are going to charge him and throw the book at him.” Wufei was outraged, but he didn't bring up Stefan's attack and rape of Duo, he wasn't too sure just how much the others knew of that incident and he wasn't about to drop his friends into the thick of it either.

“The police have been informed and have a copy of the recording as evidence. Detective Anderson from the Arson division is currently putting all the evidence together and will be paying Stefan a visit very soon to arrest him and charge him with Arson,” Heero told them. “I expect to hear from him in the next couple of days as to what the procedure from here will be.”

“Well, I for one am glad he's been caught so to speak, the sooner he's off the streets the better for all of us,” June stated firmly. “You will keep us informed of the case, won't you?”

“Of course. I'll let you all know what is happening as soon as I do.”

“Thank you, Heero. Now, if there is anything at all we can do in regards to helping with the investigation, just let us know.”

“I will.” Heero was touched by the offers of assistance from his friends. “I will be in contact with my insurance company tomorrow to put in a claim for the stables. I know there was some gear inside the inner tack room and I would appreciate it if all of you could go through your gear and let me know if anything of yours was lost in the fire so I can get it replaced. I will also be speaking to them in regards to the treatment of the horses.” Heero turned to Wufei. “I'm pretty sure my policy will cover the cost of the veterinary treatment for Nataku so you will not be out of pocket.”

“The practice will cover the costs of the treatment for now and once Heero has heard back from the insurance company I will deal with them in regards to the bills, payment and such,” Duo added.

“Thank you, that is most kind,” Wufei replied.

A car was heard coming down the driveway and Heero went to the stable entry to see who it was. “Quatre is here,” he told Duo.

“Ah, right. I guess I need to get going and speak with him then.” Duo bid the others good bye and managed to get his wheelchair to turn around and putter towards the stable entry.

“I need to speak with Quatre too. We think we may also have grounds to charge Stefan with cruelty to the horses in starting this fire,” Heero informed them all.

“Good. I hope you can. Good luck,” June said.

“Yeah, good luck, Heero. I'll see you tomorrow,” Carl smiled.

Taking his leave, Heero quickly caught up to his partner and the pair went to greet Quatre.

~ * ~

tbc...
- 60
- 61
- 62
You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.
Report Story

Equus