Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Family Ties ❯ Chapter 42 ( Chapter 42 )

Family Ties

 

January 2007 ShenLong

 

Chapter 42

 

Duo followed his captor up the stairs and through the house. As he walked he tried to glance around himself and take in the general layout of the place and any other points of interest that might give him some clue as to where they currently were. He didn't get much of a chance to see anything that might help him as he was pushed through a small door into the same room he'd had an audience with the 'boss' in before.

 

“What do you want now?” Duo snarled.

 

“Now, now, that's no way to speak to your host,” Nolen replied with a smirk.

 

“Host?” snorted Duo. “I think you have some serious issues with the correct definition of the word. You might find a dictionary to be of use.”

 

Nolen shrugged. “I don't really care,” he said, his tone one of indifference. Turning sharply in his chair, Nolen fixed Duo with a cold stare. “What I do care about is the length of time it's taking for the ESUN idiots to comply to my demands.”

 

“Surely you didn't expect them to seriously consider your threats?” Duo sneered. “I told you before, they won't bow down to terrorist tactics. You want more funding then you need to go through the proper channels.” Duo felt the trickle of sweat run down his back. He had a good idea of what this man wanted from him, and he really didn't want to have to go through with another assassination.

 

“I'm tired of hearing their excuses,” Nolen snapped. “They have until tomorrow morning to agree, if they don't, then I will have to remind them exactly how serious I am.”

 

Duo paled and felt the bile rising in his stomach.

 

Nolen turned to Duric and nodded. Duric approached Duo, a few sheets of paper in his hand.

 

Curiosity getting the better of him, Duo watched and kept his mouth shut.

 

“Those are the blueprints to the residence of the L3 ambassador...”

 

“No.”

 

“Let me remind you that you don't have a choice in this. You will do as you are told; if you ever want to see that child or nanny again.”

 

Swallowing the nausea, Duo gave the man a glare that would have rivaled one of Heero's and was pleased to note the man hesitate for a moment.

 

The cold stare chilled Nolen to the bone. He could see the hatred, the promise of a fate worse than death in those icy, violet orbs and he made a mental note to watch his back. “I suggest you study those blueprints, commit them to memory as the chances are, you will be paying the L3 ambassador a little visit tomorrow.”

 

Lowering his eyes in defeat, Duo took the offered blueprints. Glancing briefly at them, Duo raised his head a fraction and locked gazes with Nolen. When he spoke, his voice was calm, cool and sinister. “I said it before and I'll say it again; I will kill you. Just remember those words when Shinigami comes for you.”

 

A shiver traversed Nolen's spine, but he made no outward sign of his discomfort. “Take him back.”

 

Duric placed a hand on Duo's shoulder to spin the man around, only to have that shoulder slip out from underneath his grasp.

 

“Don't touch me,” Duo snapped and spun on his heel, aiming for the door. He needed to get out of this room and fast, before he threw up all over the man that was responsible for his current state of confinement. Somehow, Duo didn't think it would go down too well and would probably end up making things worse.

 

* * *

 

Hearing Chang's quiet words, both Heero and Quatre were over to the desk in seconds.

 

“Where was he headed?” Heero asked as his eyes scrolled down the screen, scanning the information.

 

It seems he was aiming for the files relating to a Senator Wainright,” Chang stated. “He's been in and out of most of the other files, only briefly flicking through, but when he's gotten to here, it seems he's gone in a lot deeper.”

 

“I crosschecked the list of files he's hacked against the list Une gave in regards to the rebuilding committee. The only files to have been hacked match with each member of that committee,” said Trowa.

 

“Are you sure?” Quatre asked.

 

“Positive. Only those members of the rebuilding committee have had their files touched, no one else,” Trowa replied.

 

“Based on Maxwell's hunch, I think I'm inclined to agree that something fishy is going on, and this only confirms that suspicion,” Wufei said calmly. “I'm betting this guy had a similar hunch.” Chang paused for a moment to type in a few more commands. “Ah, let's see what we have here.”

 

All four scanned the data as it scrolled across the screen.

 

“It's a list of all the purchases for the scheme,” Quatre stated.

 

“If memory serves correct, this is the same file that Relena gave Duo a copy of. You remember, all the incoming and outgoing,” Trowa mused.

 

“What's that?” Heero asked and pointed to another sub folder. Wufei duly clicked on the folder and another list of data appeared.

 

“It's a list of all the donations and incoming funds for the scheme,” said Quatre. “Wufei, can you scroll down?” Wufei obliged. “Thanks.”

 

The data scrolled down the screen, all eyes following rapidly. At the end of the spreadsheet sat a neat total for each column. Quatre scratched his head. “That doesn't seem right,” he muttered to himself.

 

“Where else did the infiltrator go?” asked Heero, half his mind on Quatre's soft words and the other half wondering exactly where the hacker had been headed.

 

Chang minimized the current window and returned to the main one, following the trail. “Huh?”

 

“What? What is it?” Heero questioned and craned his neck to see over Wufei's shoulder.

 

“It stops.”

 

“What do you mean, it stops?”

 

“Exactly what I said, Yuy. The trail suddenly stops. There's nothing more there.”

 

Heero grunted. “Let me take a look.” Chang moved aside and allowed Heero to take over. The Japanese man typed rapidly sending commands to the computer.

 

Whilst Heero and Wufei were trying to find where the hacker had disappeared to, Quatre was doing some deep thinking. He turned to Trowa. “Do you still have the disc with the information on it for all the donations WEI made to the fund?”

 

“Yes. It's around here somewhere,” Trowa replied.

 

“Can you find it, please? I'm going to grab my laptop.”

 

Trowa looked a touch puzzled but complied, locating the disc whilst his husband fetched the laptop. “Here,” Trowa said as he handed over the disc to Quatre.

 

The blonde fired up the laptop and inserted the disc, typing in commands and clicking on folders, locating what he sought.

 

Meanwhile, Heero hadn't had any further luck. Wherever the hacker had been going, they were unable to follow. It was like a brick wall had sprung up.

 

“I knew it didn't look right!” Quatre exclaimed, frightening the shit out of both Chang and Yuy.

 

“What?!” they both chorused in annoyance, turning their eyes to Quatre.

 

“Wufei, bring up the window again, the one with the spreadsheet and all the funds donated, please.”

 

Chang did as requested, Quatre leaning over his shoulder, practically breathing down his neck as he studied the figures.

 

“That's it!” he cried.

 

“That's what?” Heero growled, his impatience beginning to get the better of him. “What are you rabbiting on about, Quatre?”

 

“Take a look here,” Quatre said and pointed to the sub column of figures for the donations from WEI.

 

“Those are the donations your company made,” Wufei snapped, his patience having run out.

 

“Yes, that's correct - to a point. Take a look here.” Quatre brought his laptop over. “See here. These are all the donations that WEI has made to different companies and charities so far this year. I have to keep records of them all for the taxation department. Now, if you look at the donations file for the rebuilding scheme, see here, that's the total sum of donation for the first three months, that's for the next three and so on. The overall total is there at the bottom of the column.”

 

“I can see that. Where is this taking us, Winner?” Wufei was just about ready to strangle the blonde.

 

“Take a look at the figures in the other file, Wainright's one.”

 

“Well, fuck me,” Heero exclaimed.

 

“Fuck me, fuck me,” Barney chirped from where he sat perched on the bookcase.

 

Quatre stared open mouthed, Trowa snickered, Wufei was turning an interesting shade of red and Heero shot the bird a glare.

 

“Weiro pie,” Heero said pointedly.

 

“Pretty boy, give us a kiss,” Barney replied innocently.

 

Ignoring the bird and focusing back on the screen, Heero again compared the figures. “It doesn't add up.” He did a quick, mental calculation. “There's at least fifty thousand credits difference.”

 

Trowa whistled. “Shit, that's a lot of credits.”

 

“I'll bet if you check the other donations against the company records there will be discrepancies there too,” Quatre mused. “I'm sure I can obtain a complete record from Relena regarding Sanq's donations.”

 

“I suggest you contact Relena now and see if you can get that record as quickly as possible,” replied Heero. He turned back to the main screen and began to type. “I've got a hunch,” he said quietly.

 

Wufei raised an eyebrow. “Hunch? Care to share?”

 

“This brick wall, our perpetrator didn't stop here, Chang. My gut is telling me he went a bit further, but somehow, that 'further' isn't here now.”

 

“I see. How do you propose to find that 'further'?”

 

Heero gave a grin - it was positively evil. “Just a little program Duo and I cooked up during the war,” he replied mysteriously. “With OZ transmitting data and recording it to hard drive, they often deleted files and folders, thinking they had removed all evidence. Duo and I managed to create a program that enabled us to locate those deleted and missing files.”

 

“I think I follow.”

 

“The bug I'm downloading into the file system will scan around what I term the shadow files. Whenever a file is created the system automatically creates a backup file, which goes onto a secondary system. I term that the shadow system. Even when a person deletes a file from the main system it still remains on the shadow system. This bug will scout the entire shadow system and any files recently deleted it will pick up on and list them all for me.”

 

“You sneaky bugger,” Trowa commented.

 

“Duo's the one who should take the credit for it, he did most of the work on it,” Heero said softly, his voice wistful as he thought of his missing husband. The pain in his heart hadn't gone and wouldn't until his husband was back and safely in his arms.

 

The computer screen changed, a window opening where data flew across too fast for anyone to be able to read and follow.

 

“Now what?” asked Wufei.

 

“Now we wait whilst the bug does its job,” replied Heero and he stretched his arms above his head.

 

* * *

 

Quatre had slipped from the room, leaving the other three to continue their search while he made his call to Relena. Knowing the woman would be at the meeting with the ESUN heads, he dialed the number Une had passed on earlier. It only took a couple of rings before the call was answered.

 

“ESUN conference room. How can I help you?”

 

“Ah, it's Quatre Winner here. I need to speak with Relena Peacecraft, please.”

 

“I'm sorry, sir, she's in a conference right now.”

 

“I know she is, please let her know I'm on the phone and the matter is urgent.”

 

“I can't go disturbing...”

 

“Then get me Commander Une,” Quatre snapped, his patience running thin.

 

“Sir, she's also in the conference,” the woman replied a little snootily.

 

“Look, Commander Une gave me this number to call should I need to get in touch with her urgently. Now, I suggest you fetch either Commander Une or Relena Peacecraft, because if you don't the current problem they are having will blow up on them.” Quatre's voice was hard as he demanded to speak with either woman.

 

“One moment, sir,” came the curt reply.

 

Quatre sighed. People could be so difficult at times. Moments later, Une's voice came down the line.

 

“Quatre? You have something for me?”

 

“Not exactly, Commander Une. I really need to speak to Relena. We have unearthed something that could be a break in the case, but we need further evidence first and that's where Relena comes in.”

 

“Ah, I see. You wouldn't care to let me know what is going on?”

 

“At this stage, all I'm prepared to say is there's some truth to Duo's hunch, we're trying to chase down some missing funding.”

 

“Okay. Sit tight, Quatre, I'll fetch Relena.”

 

“Thank you.”

 

“Quatre, Une tells me you need my assistance?” Relena's voice came down the line a few moments later.

 

“Yes, yes we do, Relena. You remember Sanq donating a large amount of funds to the rebuilding scheme?”

 

“Yes, Sanq supports many charities and such.”

 

“Relena, could I trouble you to send through a copy of Sanq's records for donations made to charities and the like, including the rebuilding scheme? It's of vital importance to something we're working on and we believe it's all tied in to the current situation.”

 

“Of course, Quatre. I'll need to contact the Sanq treasurer, but I'm sure I can have a copy sent through to you in the next couple of hours.”

 

“Thank you, that would be most helpful.”

 

“I suppose asking what it is you're onto is futile?” There was a hint of a smile in the voice.

 

“Unfortunately, I cannot divulge anything at this stage. Rest assured though, once we have concrete proof, Une will be the first to know and I'm sure she will inform you straight away.”

 

“I understand. Good luck, Quatre and I'll contact the treasurer now. Can you give me an email address where it can be sent to?”

 

Quatre passed over the requested information and the call ended. With a thoughtful look on his face, he returned to the study and the other three men.

 

* * *

 

Nurse Brown looked up as the door opened and Duo was shoved inside. The door closed behind the man and Duo shuffled into their 'room', a scowl on his handsome features.

 

“What happened?” the nurse asked in concern. She noted the papers in Duo's hand and frowned.

 

With a sigh, Duo sat down on the grubby mattress next to the nanny and his sleeping son. He rubbed a hand over the stubble growing on his chin. “They have made their demands to the ESUN.”

 

“And?” Margaret asked, raising an eyebrow and knowing she wasn't going to be amused with the answer.

 

“As I told them, the ESUN isn't going to bow down to their terrorist tactics. They would achieve far better results by talking, not murdering. The ESUN have until tomorrow morning to comply.” Duo shifted, his voice a little unsteady.

 

“And if they don't?”

 

Duo flicked his wrist and tossed the papers to the bed. “The L3 ambassador is next,” he whispered. “Excuse me.” Duo suddenly got up and charged across the room for the chamber pot, emptying his stomach contents into it.

 

“Oh god, no,” Margaret cried softly and then turned her attention to the young man. “Are you okay?”

 

“I'll live,” replied Duo. “I think I may have picked up a bug or something.”

 

“I'd say it's the thought of what they want you to do,” the nurse replied and fetched Duo a glass of water. She studied him carefully from the corner of her eye, her brain telling her there was more to this than met the eye.

 

“Thanks.” Duo took the water and rinsed his mouth. With another sigh, he walked back to the bed and picked up the discarded blue prints. “I guess I'd better take a look at these.”

 

* * *

 

Trowa had disappeared into the kitchen to make them all some lunch whilst Quatre was busy with his call. The blonde walked back into the office to find Heero and Wufei still waiting patiently for the program to finish running. Trowa returned to call them all into the kitchen where a large plate overflowing with sandwiches sat on the table.

 

Wufei took a sandwich, as did Quatre. Heero simply stared at the plate, making no attempt to take one for himself.

 

“Heero, eat,” Trowa commanded softly.

 

Blue eyes gazed into green and Trowa felt his heart tear at the lost look he saw there. “Heero, you need to eat something. You won't be any good to anyone, especially Duo when we find him. You need to keep your strength up.”

 

“Barton is right, Yuy. If you don't eat your body will fail you when you need it the most,” Chang stated.

 

Reluctantly, Heero reached for a sandwich and began to eat, chewing and swallowing mechanically. He didn't taste the food, simply ate it to provide his body with fuel. Trowa and Wufei were right, he did need to keep his strength up; didn't mean he had to like it though.

 

The meal was a silent one, each man lost in his own thoughts, those thoughts all swirling around in circles but not finding any solutions. Once the sandwiches were all gone and the dishes cleaned up, they went back to the study to see if the program was finished yet.

 

Quatre had his promised email from the Sanq treasurer and immediately began to check the information. He compared the figures with those from the colony rebuilding fund and to his expectation, found the figures didn't match. His eyes lit up as he discovered yet another fifty thousand credits missing.

 

“Heero, Wufei? I think you should both take a look at this.”

 

Three men crowded around Quatre who began to point out the discrepancies between the figures and all agreed, a lot of money was missing.

 

“I think it would be a safe bet to say that if we were to check all the other donations listed here against the records of the companies that have made the donations, we will find even more money missing,” stated Quatre.

 

“It's obvious credits have been redirected; but where?” Trowa said.

 

“That's the million dollar question,” Quatre muttered.

 

The computer gave a soft beep and Heero was instantly back at the keyboard. His eyes scanned the information there. Behind him, Wufei whistled.

 

“That's a lot of files,” Chang said as he studied the list of deleted files the program had found.

 

With a grunt, Heero began the task of sifting through the files, removing those that weren't of any interest. Gradually the list shortened, Heero checking briefly into those that remained before either discarding them or putting them to one side.

 

Noting the time, Quatre disappeared to feed Miracle, the dog was moping around looking for her master and Quatre couldn't help but feel sorry for her. Whilst feeding her, he let his thoughts wander to the missing funds. Where were they? And what had they been used for - that's assuming they had been used for something other than the rebuilding. The niggling feeling continued as Quatre thought back to the colonies and the current work going on there. Now that he looked at it in more depth, it was clear that L2 was lagging behind. But why?

 

If the rebuilding scheme paperwork was correct, L2 should be further ahead with the construction than it currently was. A cold chill ran up Quatre's spine. Just as he managed to order his thoughts into something that made sense, he heard Trowa call out from the study and immediately he went back to see what had been found.

 

Having only a handful of folders left to go through, Heero began to check each one individually and in greater depth. The first couple weren't of any help, but when he delved deeper into the third, he hit paydirt.

 

“That's it,” he murmured.

 

“What?” Wufei and Trowa questioned and gathered around. Trowa called out for Quatre and the blonde quickly joined them.

 

Heero clicked on a couple of icons and typed a few commands. The screen flickered and then displayed the information.

 

“Shit!” exclaimed Wufei.

 

“I think we've found where the missing credits are,” Heero stated grimly.

 

~ * ~

 

tbc...