Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Family Ties ❯ Chapter 20 ( Chapter 20 )

Disclaimer: I don't own the G Boys, I just borrow them from time to time and return them a whole lot happier. I do own the plot line and any other characters that appear here that are not in the Gundam Wing Universe; please do not take them without permission. Written for pleasure not profit.

 

Warnings: Angst, sap, fluff, violence, Mpreg.

 

Rating: NC 17

 

Pairings: 1x2x1, 3x4x3, 5xS, HxOC

 

Summary: Sequel to Chimaera. Life in the Maxwell -Yuy household has undergone some big changes when Duo brings Keitaro home from the hospital. Hilde's wedding is approaching and the guys find there's more to this baby business than they thought. Struggling to raise a child, work at Preventer and keep the home happy is certainly a trial for both guys. Add an assassin's threats to prominent government officials' lives and both men find their lives are suddenly changed. Just how far will one go to protect the ones he loves?

 

Dedication: to all my lovely readers out there who enjoyed Chimaera and have since begged, threatened, pleaded, bribed and blackmailed me for a sequel. ^_^

 

 

 

 

"Family Ties"

 

January. 2007 ShenLong

 

 

Chapter 20

 

Duo looked over the police report again and frowned. "I know the police do the best they can with the resources they have, but this isn't anywhere near as concise as I would have expected."

 

"I agree," Wufei stated. "From reading this, it looks like they haven't done much at all.”

 

“Let's see,” said Une and picked up her copy. “According to forensics, the bullet used to kill the guard and the perpetrator both came from the same gun. The gun was found at the scene in the hand of the perpetrator. No prints other than those matching the perpetrator, guard and a few other techs and guards were found at the scene. From what has been discovered in the database by the police forensic tech, it would appear the perpetrator was uploading a virus into the database with the purpose of disabling and destroying files throughout the mainframe, thus rendering the ESUN pretty much useless as all data relating to the ESUN, peacekeeping and the like is stored in that mainframe. Fortunately, the virus didn't get past the many firewalls and security in place to do much in the way of damage. Thinking he'd gotten away with his crime, the perpetrator then committed suicide.” Une finished reading her 'condensed' version and looked expectantly at her agents.

 

“I don't swallow it,” said Duo. “To start with, the guy had no gear with him, and to hack a system, even to upload a virus would be far easier with your own gear. Plus, if he was uploading a virus, where's the disc he used?”

 

“I agree,” said Heero. “Whilst it is easy enough to hack into a system directly, having your own gear would make it quicker and easier. Also, to plant a virus, he would need to have a disc of some sort, especially if he was intent on planting a virus that would do that kind of damage. At least, that's always been my experience with computers.”

 

Une wasn't about to argue with that logic. She was well aware of both Yuy and Maxwell's ability to upload viruses. She made a mental note to check on that information.

 

“If you were uploading a virus with the specific intent of disabling an entire system, surely you would wait until you were completely sure the virus was in and doing its job before shooting yourself?” Wufei scratched his chin.

 

“The position of the body and gun. They don't add up either,” mused Duo as his mind recalled the scene.

 

“How so?” asked Une.

 

“The way the body had fallen; the angle the bullet would have taken when discharged and the resulting fall of the body do not line up. I couldn't be completely certain unless I view the exact positioning, but from what I remember, if the guy shot himself like that, his arm, gun and body would have ended up in a slightly different position.”

 

“Why is there no mention of the security tapes?” Heero asked.

 

“I assume the police either haven't checked them yet, or the scene is there and that's what they have based their findings on as well,” replied Une. “But it is strange they haven't mentioned them. I'll contact Clarke and see what he has to say.”

 

“I don't believe for one minute he was hacking the system to upload a virus. There's more to this,” Duo said quietly. “And the only way to find out what he was up to is to check the system ourselves.”

 

“We don't have the jurisdiction to do that, Agent Night. This is still a police case.”

 

“Then it needs to become a Preventer case,” Duo growled.

 

“You know I can't take over from a police investigation without solid evidence that there is a threat to either ESUN delegates or the peace itself.”

 

“Yeah, I know,” groused Duo.

 

“But I will be asking about those tapes. Once I know more, I'll inform you all and we will decide then which steps to take. Does anyone have anything else to add?”

 

“Have they got a positive ID on the perpetrator?” Wufei questioned.

 

“Not yet, that I know of. They were trying to identify him from DNA, fingerprints or dental records.”

 

“I see.”

 

“Okay. Thank you all for your input. I will let you know once I have further information.”

 

Clearly dismissed, the three agents left Une's office and headed back to their own.

 

“I still say the answer to all this is in that database. And I'm convinced there was a third person involved,” Duo muttered as he walked back to his and Heero's office.

 

“I'd like to know what's on those security tapes,” said Heero.

 

“Yes, it's strange they haven't mentioned those in their report,” mused Wufei.

 

“Guess we will know soon enough. Best get back to work.” Duo opened the door to their office and stepped inside, Heero right behind him. Once they were inside and Wufei had left, Duo wrapped his arms around his lover and proceeded to kiss Heero senseless.

 

So lost in the unexpected kiss, Heero didn't notice Duo's nimble fingers as they dipped into his jacket pocket and relieved him of his cell phone. Panting slightly as the kiss broke, Heero gave his lover a questioning look.

 

Seeing the look, Duo just shrugged. “Hormones,” he offered by way of explanation and leaving a slightly bewildered Heero still standing in the middle of the office, Duo went back to his desk, sat down and continued with his work.

 

* * *

 

Nolen approached Farrow, a look of anticipation on his face. “What have you found?”

 

“I've done my best to piece together what Cropp was trying to send through. It's still quite fragmented, but there's enough to safely say he was definitely onto something. Unfortunately, there isn't enough here to say for certain what exactly he had found. Here, you take a look.”

 

Nolen leaned close and read the screen, Farrow passed over the mouse so he could scroll down when necessary. Reaching the end, he gave a grunt. “Bastards! I knew they were undermining and skimming in some way. You sure you don't have anything further? Anything to say or hint at where this was going?”

 

“Unfortunately, no, I don't. I'm guessing that Cropp did though but was taken out before he could confirm.”

 

“Okay.” Nolen stepped back and thought for a moment. “Any chance you could hack in from here?”

 

“It's extremely unlikely, especially since someone's on to us. I'd say they will have extra measures in place to prevent a system hack again. I can try though.”

 

“That's all I ask. Give it a shot and see if you have any luck. I'll contact the others and bring them up to speed.”

 

“Right on, boss.”

 

Nolen departed, leaving Farrow to do what he did best and headed back to his office to contact the rest of his group.

 

* * *

 

“I don't like it,” Richards said with a frown.

 

“It's all been taken care of. You worry too much,” replied Wainright and poured himself a brandy. He handed a brandy balloon to his fellow senator and took a seat.

 

“I know, but I can't help thinking what was this guy up to? Why was he trying to get into your data banks? What was he after?”

 

“Zaheer has removed any and all traces of what he was doing. All the police will find is a man determined to destroy the database for the ESUN.”

 

“He must have come from somewhere. Who was he?”

 

“I don't know yet. I have people working on it. Look, just rest easy, stay calm. All this will blow over soon, until it does we will just have to suspend operations, or at least slow them down a touch. It won't make any difference to the end result, it may just take a little longer to get there.” Wainright drained his glass.

 

“The Preventers were there.”

 

“I know.”

 

“What the hell would they be doing there?”

 

“I have no idea. This has been handled by the police, Preventer will not become involved.”

 

“How can you be so sure?”

 

Wainright sighed. He was getting a little tired of Richards. “Let's just say I have many friends in high places.”

 

Richards looked up sharply. “You've bought off the police?”

 

“No, not exactly,” chuckled Wainright. “Suffice to say the superintendent and I share a common bond.”

 

Richards frowned. He was really beginning to dislike this more and more. In the beginning it hadn't seemed too difficult, but now, now that they were getting closer to their goal there were a lot of unforeseen variables coming into the equation - and that made him uncomfortable.

 

“You're not getting cold feet, are you, Richards?” Wainright's voice held a sharp iciness to it.

 

Swallowing, Richards turned to meet the gaze. “No. I'm just not too sure about this person that tried to hack your files. Guess you're right though. Best to lay low for a bit and let it all blow over.” Richards stood. “I'd better be going, the wife is expecting dinner guests.”

 

“I'll see you out.”

 

* * *

 

Duo rubbed his weary eyes and took a glance at the clock. There were only another couple of hours to go and he could return home to see his son. The mild cramping in his gut was returning so he thought he'd trot off and see Sally. "Back soon," he called to Heero who raised his head and gave a questioning look. "Just gonna see Sally for a tick," he said in reply to the unspoken query.

 

Heero nodded and continued with his work. Duo slipped out of the room. Once Duo was gone, Heero glanced around and then with his mind made up, he grabbed his jacket and slid his hand into the pocket. He fished around and came up blank. "What?" he growled and checked the pocket again. "Where the hell is my cell?" Grabbing the jacket from the hook, he proceeded to go through all the pockets, turning out keys, a nutrition bar, ticket stub, bits of lint and a handkerchief; but no cell phone.

 

Heero frowned and patted down his trouser pockets, shirt pockets and then checked the drawers to his desk. Still no phone. He ran through his memory, when he'd last used the phone and where he'd been on the off chance he may have left it somewhere - and came up blank. He'd last used the phone when he'd visited the men's room to call home and check Keitaro. He was sure he'd put it back in his pocket. With a grunt, he decided to go check the toilet anyway, just in case he'd left it there.

 

Duo explained to Sally that the cramps were still affecting him and whilst he was no wimp when it came to pain, he didn't see why he should suffer with it when there were perfectly good painkillers to be had that wouldn't compromise him. Sally gave him some tablets to take and assured him all was okay and that the cramps should settle soon enough. Feeling a little better, Duo detoured by the lunch room on his way back to the office to get a coffee and make a call to Quatre.

 

"Hey, Q-man."

 

"Duo?!"

 

"Yeah, buddy, it's me."

 

"Good to hear your voice. How are you, and Heero and Keitaro, of course?"

 

That was Quatre for you, ever the polite one. "We're all fine. What about you and Tro?"

 

"We're good. I'm hoping to come earth side soon for a bit of a break and catch up with you all."

 

"That would be great, Quat. Any idea when?"

 

"Not yet, but I'll be sure to let you know once we have the details finalized."

 

"You know you're always welcome to stay with us."

 

"Thanks, Duo. Now, what is it you're really calling for?"Duo chuckled. "You remember sending me through the information on Sandrock Construction?"

 

"Yes. If I remember correctly, it didn't show anything up either." Quatre frowned.

 

"No, it didn't. Everything checked out fine."

 

"In one way, that's good to know, but I guess it doesn't help you much. Still got that gut feeling?"

 

"Yeah," Duo sighed. "Look, Quat. I hate to ask this but I need some more help."

 

"Sure, Duo. Anything at all, you know you only have to ask and if it's in my power to do so I'll help wherever I can."

 

"Thanks. Relena managed to get me a copy of a disc with all the relevant information on it pertaining to the colony rebuilding projects, particularly the L2 colony. Again, it all checks out but I'm still not convinced. Relena said that the biggest donors to the cause were Sanq, the ESUN and Winner Enterprises."

 

"That's correct. WEI has donated quite a lot to the cause."

 

"Would it be possible for you to send me through a copy of what WEI has donated? Relena's doing her best to get me copies of the donations from Sanq and the ESUN. I quite understand if you don't want me prying into your financial affairs..."

 

"Duo, it's fine. I've nothing to hide and I'll be happy to send you through a copy. I'll get onto it right away for you."

 

Duo breathed a heavy sigh of relief. "Thanks, Quat. I owe you one."

 

"No problem. I'll send it through the usual secure channels once I have it."

 

"That will be great." They chatted for a couple more minutes before Duo hung up and collected his cooling coffee, walking back to the office deep in thought. Once he entered, he pulled up short and blinked. Heero's desk was a mess. "Um, Heero?"

 

A brown, messy head appeared over the edge of the desk and gazed at him.

 

"Errr... What are you doing?"

 

"I can't find my cell phone," Heero growled.

 

//Oh shit!//

 

"I could have sworn it was in my pocket. When I went to get it out, it was gone.”

 

“Ah. Umm, Heero?”

 

“Hai?” Heero grunted softly. He had an idea of what was coming by the tone of Duo's voice.

 

“I, ummm. That is, I borrowed your cell.”

 

“Excuse me?”

 

“I have your cell phone. I borrowed it earlier and I guess I forgot to put it back. Sorry?” Whilst it wasn't the complete truth, it wasn't a full on lie either, so Duo figured he was pretty safe.

 

“When did you take it, and more importantly, why didn't you ask me?”

 

“Ah. It was a spur of the moment thing. I needed to make a call and couldn't find my cell so I borrowed yours.” Duo hoped Heero wouldn't question any further as he was running out of options to twist the truth. “Here it is.” Duo fished in his pocket and handed over the small appliance. “What did you need it for anyway?”

 

“Aa,” Heero went quiet.

 

Considering he was bordering on the edge as it was, Duo decided not to push the issue. He already had a good idea that Heero wanted the cell to call home and check on Keitaro. Duo wasn't sure how many times Heero had rung already so he'd pilfered the phone and checked the call register. Right now he was up to fifteen calls. While he knew he was cheating to a point, he was damned if he was going to lose this bet! Now all he had to do was stick to Heero like glue for the remaining hour and a half of work and make sure he didn't call home and he would be sure to win the bet.

 

“Any word from Une?” asked Duo as he sat down and stirred his computer back into life.

 

“Nothing as yet,” replied Heero and began to tidy up his desk. He slid the cell into his trouser pocket, a little surprised that Duo hadn't continued to question him; his surprise though soon turned to suspicion, but he remained quiet.

 

“I guess she will let us know as soon as she has anything.”

 

“Hai.” Heero finished putting everything back in the desk drawers and took his seat once more.

 

Behind his screen, Duo smirked.

 

* * *

 

“Thank you, Rufus,” Wainright said as the elderly butler announced the arrival of Zaheer. The butler departed leaving the senator and his bodyguard to their meeting.

 

“What have you managed to find out?” asked Wainright as he settled into the leather chair behind the desk.

 

Zaheer sat opposite his boss and lowered his eyes. “Not a lot at this stage. The ID and other things I removed from the body stated he was a computer tech with the ESUN.”

 

“Really?” Wainright's voice held a touch of surprise.

 

“Yes, but when I went into the records, I couldn't find any trace of him there. I also checked the address on his driver's license; it's a pet shop.”

 

“Interesting.”

 

“I'm working on cracking the security codes to the laptop he had with him, but it's taking a while. Once I can get into that I should have a lot more information.”

 

“Good work. See what you can do in regards to getting into his system. Meanwhile, see if you can't trace him through his name or anything else you found. I want to know who sent him and why.”

 

“Will do, boss. If that's all, I'll get back onto it now.” Zaheer stood.

 

“Thank you, Zaheer. Keep me posted.”

 

Zaheer left, Wainright rested his elbows on the desk top and cradled his chin against his fists. “Who were you? What the hell were you after?”

 

* * *

 

With Heero bathing Keitaro, Duo went through to the kitchen to wash the dishes from dinner and make them all a hot drink. Just as he was finishing, Nurse Brown entered. Duo handed her a cup of tea and grabbed his own coffee. “Heero still bathing Keitaro?” he asked as he pulled out a chair and sat down.

 

“He's finished and dressing the baby now.” Nurse Brown took the offered mug and sat down too.

 

"I believe you owe me twenty dollars," Duo smirked.

 

The nurse sighed. "You'll get it. You nearly didn't win though, after all, he did make eighteen calls and I was very surprised he didn't make the twenty or so he usually does."

 

"Guess he's starting to settle down a bit and finally trust that Keitaro's going to be fine with you watching him."

 

The nurse rolled her eyes. "I should hope so! I've been looking after infants for longer than either of you two have had hot dinners."

 

"Well, for your sanity's sake, I'd say he should start to cut back a lot on those calls now."

 

"I hope so. The baby is perfectly fine with me and I would never let any harm come to the child if I can prevent it. He really doesn't have anything to worry about," stated the nurse.

 

"I know that and you know that, but it's Heero we have to convince." Duo thought for a moment. "I'll have a word with him and see what I can do to get him to stop calling home so often and checking up on you both."

 

"Thanks Duo. I'd appreciate that. It's not that I really mind, I know he's only being protective of his son, but sometimes the calls come at awkward moments, such as when I'm trying to settle the little one to sleep, or maybe bathing him. I can't just drop everything and answer the phone. If I don't he continues to call until I do pick up and by then he's practically frantic." The nurse gave a sigh.

 

Duo snickered. "He does tend to be a little over protective at times, but like I said, I'll speak with him."

 

With Keitaro safely tucked into bed, the three watched a little television before retiring for the night. Duo managed to have his little 'talk' with Heero and Heero reluctantly had to agree with his husband.

 

"Nurse Brown is perfectly capable of looking after Keitaro, Heero. She's not going to let anything happen to him so you don't need to be constantly calling home to check."

 

"I know and I'm sorry. I can't help this feeling of anxiety though and it helps to soothe my fears if I call and check."

 

"Come here," Duo said softly and opened his arms to Heero. They cuddled close, Duo running his fingers through Heero's bangs as the Japanese man rested his head on Duo's chest.

 

You have to relax and trust others, Heero. Nothing's going to happen to Keitaro, not with Nurse Brown on watch."

 

"Hai, you're right." Heero relaxed into the touch.

 

Neither man could have possibly known just how wrong they were about to be proven.

 

~ * ~

 

tbc...