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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 62

“Hey Quatre, Trowa,” Duo greeted as he brought the wheelchair to a stop by Quatre's land-cruiser.

“Duo, it's good to see you. How are you? Is everything okay?” Quatre returned with a frown at the wheelchair. “Just how badly were you injured? Is there anything we can do to help?”

“I'm fine,” Duo chuckled. “It looks a lot worse than it is. I have some burns to my calves so I've got to stay off my legs for a couple of weeks to give them a chance to start healing up properly, that's why I need this contraption to get around. My hands also suffered burns so I can't use a normal wheelchair either.”

“Are you sure you should be out of the hospital?”

“Yes, the doctor released me and I have his instructions which I'm following. Please, don't you start mothering me too,” Duo said with a huff.

“I wouldn't dream of it,” Quatre replied a little affronted. “Who has been trying to mother you?”

“All the females of the species,” Duo sighed.

Trowa stepped around from the passenger side. “You might want to take advantage of it while you can, looks like you won't be able to do much yourself for a while so why not let their motherly instincts run wild?”

“You might like it, but personally I can do without the suffocation,” Duo groused. “How are you, Tro?”

“I'm well thank you. Ah, Heero, how are you?” Trowa turned to the rider who joined them.

“I'm as well as can be expected, thanks,” Heero replied. “Hello, Quatre.”

“Heero! Good to see you. I'm so sorry about what happened, I sincerely hope that you and Duo both make full recoveries, and the horses too. I also understand you have identified the person responsible? If that's the case then the law should really throw the book at them.” Quatre paused to take a breath before continuing on, getting to the real reason for his visit. “Duo said you might have a case for me regarding this fire?”

“We would both appreciate it if you could take a look at the evidence. Catherine seems to think there are grounds for a cruelty charge. I really don't know, which is why Duo asked if you wouldn't mind taking a look and see what you think.”

“I'd be happy to. If you're free now, shall we go and see?”

“Of course. This way.” Heero turned and began to walk towards the cottage, Trowa fell into step beside him whilst Quatre walked with Duo.

“How are you both really, Heero?” Trowa asked.

Heero gave a soft sigh. “We're coping okay. It's not easy seeing all you've worked so hard for go up in flames, and to nearly lose the one person dearest to you... well...” Heero had to swallow the lump in his throat. “I haven't had a chance to thank you and Quatre yet for all you did on the night of the fire, looking after the horses and such while Duo and I were in hospital.”

“Forget it, Heero. We wouldn't be much of a friend to either of you if we couldn't help you out when something like this happens. I know you'd have done the same for me if I was the one who needed assistance.”

“Hai, I would, but even so, it was very kind of you both to help out. We both appreciate it.”

“Just try not to have any more fires and that will be thanks enough for me,” Trowa replied with a smile.

“Believe me, I don't want to see another fire in my life!”

Duo had similarly been thanking Quatre, the blonde waving off the thanks and stating – like Trowa had to Heero – that it was friends helping out friends. That gave Duo the perfect opening to ask Quatre the question he'd been saving up.

“Quatre?”

“Yes?”

“Do you think I could ask a really big favor of you?”

The blonde Inspector tilted his head. “Of course. If it's in my power to help you out, you know I will.”

“Well, it's just that with both Heero and myself limited in what we can and can't do given our injuries, I was hoping I could get you to do a little grocery shopping for us, only if you have the time though.”

“Is that all?” Quatre laughed. “For a moment there I thought it was going to be something really difficult. Of course I can, I'd be happy to, Duo. Are you sure that's all though? Do you need a hand with laundry? Cleaning, things like that?”

Duo shook his head. “Thanks but that side of things is already under control. Zechs is going to assist us in the evenings and Hilde and Catherine have kindly said they will take care of the cleaning, laundry and other things for us until we can fend for ourselves again.”

“If you want to make out a list of things you need, I'd be happy to go shopping for you. I can do it this evening after we've taken a look at this evidence if that's okay for you?”

“That would be great if you can spare the time. Thanks.”

The four entered the cottage, Heero disappearing to fetch the laptop and leaving Duo to entertain their guests.

“If you guys would like some refreshments I have tea, coffee or sodas in the fridge, but I'm afraid you'll have to get them yourselves,” Duo offered.

“Thanks, Duo. I could go a cup of tea,” Quatre said.

“I'll make us all a drink,” said Trowa. “What would everyone like?”

With orders for two coffees and one tea, Trowa set about making the beverages. Duo 'parked' his wheelchair at the kitchen table, motioning for Quatre to take a seat. Heero returned and placed the laptop on the kitchen table, booting it up. Once everyone was seated and had their respective drink in front of them, Heero brought up the recording and fast forwarded to the point where Stefan entered the stables.

“Watch it from here and tell me if you think there are grounds for the R.S.P.C.A. to get involved,” Heero said and turned the screen around so Quatre could see it better.

Both Trowa and Quatre watched the drama before them unfold on the little screen. As the minutes ticked by, Quatre's face began to change. His normally placid eyes began to swirl with emotion, his angelic face darkened with anger. Trowa's features similarly changed, the anger he felt clear in his one, visible green eye.

“I've seen enough, turn it off, Heero,” Quatre stated, his voice thick. Silence filled the kitchen for a few moments before Quatre cleared his throat and spoke again. “Heero, after seeing that I would agree with Cathy. I'm sure there are grounds for the society to prosecute this man. I will need to take the evidence back to headquarters and let my superior officers take a look, but I'm one hundred percent certain that we can file charges of cruelty against this guy. It's obvious he started the fire with the intention of seriously injuring, if not killing those horses. He knew those stable doors were bolted, he knew those horses had no way of getting out. He closed the main door behind him to seal off any exit those horses may have had if they had been successful in breaking out of their stables. The society takes matters like this very seriously and I would be very surprised if they don't pursue this.”

Heero handed over a disc. “I was hoping you would say something like that. Here, I've already made a copy of the recording for you.”

“Thank you. I must say, you're very efficient.”

Heero shrugged. “Let's just say I want this bastard to go down and the more charges I can hit him with, the harder he will fall.”

“Aside from the society prosecuting, I'd like to get my hands on that bastard. How dare he try to harm my nephew!”

It took both Duo and Heero a moment to figure out what Quatre was going on about. Seeing the confusion on both faces, Trowa mouthed the word 'Shinigami' at them and reality dawned.

Quatre continued on, oblivious of the understanding smiles. “I'll make a start on this tonight when we get back home. I'll do up a preliminary report to take to my superiors and show them the evidence. Once they decide which way they intend to proceed, I'll get in touch and let you know.”

“If you don't mind me asking, what sort of charges would the society be laying and the resulting fines if he's found guilty?” Heero asked.

“Just off the top of my head I'd say he'd be hit with something along the lines of aggravated cruelty which can result in fines of up to fifty thousand dollars and even a jail term of four years, plus court costs,” Quatre replied.

“Quatre, you just made my day.”

* * *

Once Anderson returned to the police station he set to work on compiling all the evidence he had to date in relation to the fire at the Salsbury Stud and Jumping Stables. O'Hallahan gave him a hand and between the two of them it didn't take long. O'Hallahan disappeared to the forensics department to see if there was any news at all regarding the items they had brought back in from the stables for testing whilst Anderson chased down Williams and Henry.

“Any luck?” Anderson asked when the fire chief returned.

“Yes and no,” replied O'Hallahan. “Forensics have finished going over the remains of the electrical box and found nothing at all wrong with it so that can be completely ruled out as a cause of the fire.”

“Good. After the evidence from the cameras Yuy had installed I didn't think there would be a chance in hell that the electrical box was at fault, having forensics confirm that, there's no way that this Graves fellow can use it as a form of defense.”

“As for the match stub, they're still awaiting the results from the lab for any DNA. They hope to have a result within the next twelve hours.”

“That's better than nothing then.”

“How did you go with the other officers and the DA?”

“I have a meeting with the two officers in half an hour. I did manage to contact Morris but he's unavailable until tomorrow.” Anderson flicked through the paperwork he currently had. “Once I've spoken with these other two officers I'll see the chief and get a warrant for this guy's arrest. We can bring him in and formally charge him before questioning him.”

O'Hallahan smiled and rubbed his hands together. “Oh, I love it when everything starts to come together.”

*

“What exactly does Anderson want with us?” Henry asked as he walked alongside Williams towards the section of the police station that the detectives worked from.

“He said something about a tie in to the Maxwell rape case,” Williams replied. “He didn't elaborate, just said he needed to speak with both of us and to bring along all information we had in regards to the case.”

Henry rubbed at his chin. “I really hope it's something we can use. Although the confession we got from that Marion Archer and evidence to back up her confession should be enough to see that bastard found guilty this time.”

“Well, we will know in a minute or two,” Williams said as he pushed open the doors to enter the detective section of the building. Approaching the reception desk, he smiled to the female officer behind.

“Can I help you?” the constable asked.

“Yes. A Detective Anderson asked for us to meet with him in regards to a case. Sergeant Williams and Constable Henry.”

“One moment, please.” The young constable moved back to pick up a phone and dial a number. “Detective? I have a Sergeant Williams and Constable Henry here to see you.” She paused for a moment. “Okay, I'll let them know.” Placing the receiver back down, the female officer turned back to the other two. “Detective Anderson will be right out. If you wouldn't mind taking a seat for a moment?”

“Thanks.” Williams moved across the small foyer to where a row of seats waited and sat down. Henry followed.

Within a couple of minutes a middle aged man appeared on the other side of the reception desk. “Sergeant Williams?”

Williams stood. “Detective Anderson?”

Anderson opened the small door and stepped out into the reception area and shook hands with his fellow officer. “Thank you for coming over and bringing the files with you. If you would follow me I'll be able to fill you in on what I have.”

Williams and Henry passed through the door and followed the detective along the hall, around a corner and along another corridor until Anderson stopped outside a door. “I think we will be comfortable in here,” he said and opened the door, admitting the two officers.

Chief O'Hallahan stood up and offered his hand to the two officers as they entered. “Fire Chief O'Hallahan,” he said.

“Sergeant Williams and this is my partner, Constable Henry,” Williams replied as he shook hands and stepped back for Henry to do the same. He couldn't help but be curious as to why the fire chief was present, but he knew he'd find out soon enough. Both officers took a seat, Williams placing the file on the table. Anderson sat opposite, a large folder in front of him.

“Gentlemen, I believe you are currently involved in a rape case, specifically a case of a Stefan Graves raping a Doctor Duo Maxwell, correct?”

“Yes, that's right,” Williams replied.

“Last Monday evening, a Mr Heero Yuy's stable complex was burnt to the ground. Fortunately no one was killed, although several horses suffered injuries and so did four people including Mr. Yuy and Doctor Maxwell.”

“Shit!” Williams blurted.

“Are they going to be okay?” Henry asked.

“Fortunately, yes, they will. They both have burns but the hospital has released them and expects them both to make a good recovery.”

“Let me guess,” Williams began, putting two and two together. “You suspect it could be this Graves fellow that is responsible for the fire?”

“Oh, it's more than that, Sergeant. We know he's responsible.” Seeing both sets of eyes widen and Williams' mouth opening, Anderson pushed on. “We have irrefutable evidence it was him. Mr. Yuy had a couple of security cameras installed in the stable complex and luckily for us, and him, they were both working on the night of the fire. They recorded everything.”

“Well, that's a bit of good news, I mean it's bad about the fire and all, but at least you have something to work with which is a bit more than we did,” Williams said with a glint in his eye.

“The recording clearly shows a person entering the stable complex and proceeding to the feed room. We have already established that the feed room was the ignition point for the fire. Several minutes pass before the person is once again walking through the stable complex. This time the camera picked up on his face and clearly shows it is this Stefan Graves. We have had a positive ID of him from four people. Williams, I believe there was a restraining order taken out against this Graves fellow for a threat he made when the rape case ended and was ordered to retrial – correct?”

“Yes, that's right. I didn't hear the actual exchange of words, but Morris did. He was the one that asked us to put a restraining order on him and we did.”

“It's our theory that this Graves fellow knew he wasn't going to get off the rape charge a second time and so he decided to extract a little of his own revenge and set fire to the stables. If both you and Henry could spare the time, I'd like to go over the rape case with you and also involve you in this case of Arson.”

“Anderson, we would both be more than happy to help you out,” Williams grinned. “I really want to nail that bastard.”

“Good. Here's the file with what we have so far...”

*

The officers worked together for the remainder of the afternoon, Anderson giving Williams and Henry all the information he had and showing them the disc Heero had copied off for them. In return, Anderson went through the entire file relating to Duo's rape, the court transcripts and the result followed by the order for the retrial. Williams also brought with him the new evidence they had in regards to Marion's confession.

After sifting painstakingly through all the evidence they had between them, a list of charges was compiled. The forensics section called and Anderson went to see what the lab had turned up in relation to the match stub. After fifteen minutes, he returned with a smile on his lips.

O'Hallahan raised an eyebrow. “Good news?” he asked.

“Oh yes. Gentlemen, we just hit the second mother lode. The lab managed to get enough DNA off the match stub to confirm the identity of the person that lit it. It is a perfect match with our Mr. Graves.” Anderson smiled at Williams and Henry. “Thanks to you guys and the evidence you managed to get regarding this rape; by that I mean the semen that was collected from Doctor Maxwell to confirm the rapist, that DNA is now on the data base and the lab could match the DNA from the stub to it perfectly. I think it's time to let the chief know and get our warrant organized for this guy. I'd like to go out and arrest him first thing tomorrow morning.”

“That is great news,” Williams grinned. “Any chance we can work with you when you interrogate the bastard?”

“You can't actually sit in whilst we question him about the Arson charge, but I'm more than happy to have you sit in the anti chamber. You can still see and hear everything that goes on through the one way window. Once we have him in there and start questioning him, I'm betting he will break down and confess to the fire. I'm also sure he will confess to the rape of Doctor Maxwell too. Once we get to that point in the questioning, I'd be happy to have you in the room as that is really your case.”

Understanding where the detective was coming from, Williams nodded. “Sounds good to me. Once you have him in custody, would it be okay for me to notify Doctor Maxwell and Mr. Yuy of what is going on?”

“Of course. Actually, that would help me out quite a bit as I'd like to start questioning this bastard as soon as possible. The less time he has to think about things, the better our chances of getting a full confession in minimal time.”

“Great.” Williams stood up and shook the detective's hand. “Thanks, Anderson, not just for all your work, but for including us in on the case.”

“My pleasure. I hope we can get a good result for all concerned.”

Henry shook the detective's hand whilst Williams spoke briefly with the fire chief. “Thanks, Detective. I know we will see this slime ball go to jail for this.”

“That's my intention,” grinned Anderson. “Now, if you will excuse me, I have a chief to see and a warrant to print off.”

* * *

“I'll get it,” Heero called out and walked into the lounge room to answer the ringing phone. “Maxwell Veterinary Practice. Yuy speaking, how can I help you?”

“Mr. Yuy? It's Helen Campbell from the Salsbury Times. I believe there was a fire at your stables which resulted in the loss of the stables and injury to several horses and people? Would you care to comment on that?”

Heero sighed. Looked like it hadn't taken the press all that long to get wind of his misfortune. “Look, Miss. Campbell, I don't wish to appear rude, but I am not at liberty to discuss this matter right now as there is an ongoing police investigation into the matter and until such time as the investigation is complete I cannot say anything.”

“I quite understand that you can't comment on things that are still under investigation, but could you confirm that there was a fire? That injuries were a result of that fire to human and horse?”

Knowing that the press would get their way sooner or later, Heero relented a touch. “At this point in time all I can say is that yes, there was a fire, yes, it completely destroyed the stable complex and during the course of the fire and attempts to release the horses trapped inside some minor injuries were experienced by human and equine. Now, if you want any further details I suggest you call the police department as they are investigating the fire and I don't think they would be too happy to have too much information released at this stage.”

“Thank you, Mr. Yuy. I will contact the police department and rest assured, we won't print anything that could undermine any investigation at this point. Once the all clear is given though, could I request an interview with you?”

Heero growled softly. “Actually, I'd prefer not to, I have a lot going on right now and even more so once this investigation is over. Thank you.” Heero hung up before the woman could say anything else.

“Who was it?” Duo asked as he puttered into the lounge room, Smokey ensconced in his lap once more.

“A reporter from the Salsbury Times,” Heero said, a touch of anger in his voice.

“Didn't take them long.”

“No, it didn't.”

“What did you tell them?”

“Not much, just what Wufei suggested, that at this point in time there is a police investigation underway and I'm not at liberty to speak about it as it might interfere with the investigation. I also told her if she wants any information she'd better ring the police. She also asked for an interview once the police had finished.”

Duo raised an eyebrow, a soft smirk on his lips. He was all too familiar with Heero's dislike of the press. “And?” he prompted.

“I told her no, I wouldn't be available for an interview as I'm too busy.”

Duo laughed. “Way to go, Heero. I'll bet they won't leave it at that though. Knowing the way those journalists can be, I'd say they will be beating down the door anyway.”

“If they set one foot on the property I'll have them arrested for trespass,” growled Heero.

“Good luck. Oh, what do you want for dinner? Quat did some shopping for me and he's put it all away. There's several microwave meals there so you can take your pick. I thought it best to have tea early as Catherine will be stopping by after evening consults to change the dressings.”

“I'll come and have a look.”

*

“Thanks, Catherine, for doing this,” Duo said as he lay on his stomach on the bed, a towel under his legs whilst Catherine cleaned the burns and applied the ointment the hospital had sent home with Duo to them.

“It's my pleasure,” Catherine replied, placing the burns dressing over the wounds and securing with a bandage. “They aren't as bad as I feared they would be,” she commented.

“They still sting like a bitch at times,” Duo replied as he wormed his way over to his back and pushed himself up to a sitting position.

“Did they give you any pain killers to take?”

“Yeah, but I really don't want to take them unless absolutely necessary.” Duo managed to swing his legs around so he was sitting on the bed.

“Here, I'll give you a hand back into the wheelchair.” Catherine assisted the vet and with minimal fuss, managed to get him back into the chair. “Maybe just take them at night so at least you can get a good night's rest,” she suggested and set to the task of cleaning and dressing Duo's hands.

“That's not a bad idea,” Duo replied. “I think I'll try that.”

Duo's hands were soon cleaned up and redressed, Heero's were next and once both men had been attended to, Catherine left after promising to change the dressings the following morning before consults. Zechs had fed Smokey and remained with the pair whilst Heero managed to take a shower. Duo still wasn't able to shower and suffered through a bed bath provided by Heero. Not that he objected to his lover washing him, it was just that with Heero's hands hampered by his own injuries and having to be contained inside a sort of watertight 'glove', the wash down was more like a lick and a promise. Duo would be happy once he could take a proper shower again.

With both men sorted out for the evening, Zechs left for his own home after gaining the promise that should either man need him during the night, they would call. After watching a movie together, the pair headed for bed and their first good night's sleep since the fire had happened.

* * *

Stefan placed his mug of coffee on the kitchen table and grabbed the paper. Sitting down, he spread the paper out in front of him and began to peruse the contents. Sipping on the coffee he turned the page and paused. The headline caught his eye and he lowered his cup so he could raise the paper a little to read the article easier.

A frown creased his brow as he proceeded to read the article. It wasn't very long and there wasn't a whole lot of details either.

“Local Show Jumping Stable Burnt To The Ground”

'Local Show Jumping personality and Dual Olympic Gold Medalist, Heero Yuy returned home on Monday evening after a weekend away to find his stables on fire and the horses trapped inside. The Salsbury Times understands that several horses suffered injuries due to the fire along with a few people who risked their own lives to save the horses. It's not known at this point how the fire started or the extent of the injuries to horses and humans.

Mr. Yuy shot to fame when he represented Australia at the London Olympics and returned with two Gold Medals for the show jumping competition. Since returning from London, Mr. Yuy bought a property in Salsbury and started his own business; taking in other peoples' horses to train and jump for them. Combined with a stud on the side, the business has been prospering and Mr. Yuy is a well liked and respected member of the Salsbury community.

Police investigations are continuing into the cause of the fire.

A sneer had started to form on Stefan's face as he read the article a second time, which soon changed into a lazy smile. His little present in Shinigami's feed bucket may not have worked, but this, this was even better. Stefan wondered for a moment just how the fire had managed to start; then with a jolt he recalled the matches he'd used to see which feed bucket was which.

“That bastard deserves it all anyway,” he muttered to himself. “Serves him right.” Just as Stefan picked his coffee up again, the doorbell rang. Placing the cup back down and mumbling about the inconvenience of the door, he got up and went to answer it.

Opening the door, Stefan blinked and stood frozen in shock for a moment.

One police officer and another man in a suit stood outside. Stefan recognized the officer, but not the other man.

“Mr. Stefan Graves?” asked the man in the suit.

“Yeah, that's me. Why?”

“Mr. Graves, my name is Detective Anderson from the Salsbury police department arson branch. I have a warrant here for your arrest.” Anderson thrust the paperwork under Stefan's nose.

“For what? I haven't done anything!”

Williams stepped forward and took great delight in spinning Stefan around and slapping a pair of handcuffs on him.

“Mr. Graves, you are charged with Breaking a Restraining Order and Arson. I require you to come back to the station to answer some questions,” Anderson said, a gleeful smile on his face.

Stefan paled. “I want my lawyer.”

~ * ~

tbc...

AN: The information regarding charges, fines and jail terms for the various crimes were researched and taken from the criminal court web site here in West Aussie and also the R.S.P.C.A. web site
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Equus