Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Family Ties ❯ Chapter 56 ( Chapter 56 )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
“Family Ties”
January 2007 ShenLong.
Chapter 56
Having finished her call, Une stepped back into the doctors lounge, the conversation inside ceasing and all faces turned in her direction. “That was Agent Flame. They have the property secured and initial forensic evidence is currently being collected. Sally, there's another body on its way in, I'll need a full autopsy from you as soon as you can.”
“I'll add it to the list,” Sally muttered.
Une chose to ignore the sarcasm. “Good. Now, Margaret, you have an appointment with an operating theater, I believe?”
Margaret nodded.
“I'll leave you in Doctor Po's capable hands then. The rest of you are to go home, I don't expect any of you back here until tomorrow morning. Yuy?”
“Yes, commander?”
“I'm going to appoint a full, around the clock, guard on your home. I know you have excellent security set up but I'm sending a couple of agents anyway to assist the people you already have on the premises. I trust you to make the necessary introductions to your current staff.”
“Yes, ma'am.” Heero knew there was no point in arguing.
“Good, now get going, all of you.”
The agents, Sally, Margaret, Heero and Keitaro all left the doctors lounge. As they walked down the corridor each was lost in their own thoughts.
“This is where we will leave you, gentlemen,” Sally said as she paused at a branch in the corridor. “I need to get Margaret sorted out. Heero, I expect you to bring Keitaro in tomorrow so I can give him a full examination.” Seeing the Japanese man about to open his mouth, she quickly carried on. “I know I checked him over earlier, but that was only a brief examination to make sure he wasn't injured in any way. I'd like to check him thoroughly tomorrow.”
“Okay.” Heero was pretty sure his son was fine, but he couldn't argue with the doctor's logic.
“I will see you all tomorrow then. Goodnight, gentlemen.”
Heero stepped up beside Nurse Brown whilst the others were saying their goodnights. “Sally will take good care of you. I hope everything goes okay with your wrist and I'll be sure to stop by in the morning to see how you are.”
“Thank you, Heero.” The nurse paused and a frown crossed her face. “Are you going to be able to cope okay with Keitaro?”
Knowing the nanny was worried, Heero was quick to ally her fears. “I'll be fine, I did, after all, have the best teacher when it comes to raising children.”
The nanny blushed. “Oh, get away with you, Heero.” Still, she looked pleased by the compliment. “You look after that boy and I'll be back at work before you know it.”
“Rest and heal first,” replied Heero, then he did something totally out of character for him. He moved to stand closer and bent at the waist. “Thank you for looking after my son and keeping him safe. Thank you for being there for Duo too.” Before he could change his mind, Heero leaned in and pressed a kiss to the nanny's cheek. Pulling away, he blushed and quickly turned on his heel, leading the way out of the Preventer medical section and towards the elevators that would take them to the basement parking area and their cars.
Nurse Brown was stunned for a second, then she raised her fingers to her cheek and brushed them lightly over the spot Heero had kissed.
* * *
Entering the shuttle port, Duo kept his head low but his eyes were busy scanning around. There weren't many people in this section of the port, the main commuting section was further over, this part being used mostly for private transport. He had no doubt the men surrounding them would use their guns so he continued to play along, hobbling behind Duric and Farrow as they walked through the port and to the immigration desk.
Arriving at the desk, the newer guy that had joined them with Detective White approached the officer behind the desk. Duo strained his ears to pick up on the conversation.
“Good evening, officer. I'm Chief Inspector Carrol. I believe you have been informed as to our arrival and purpose for this trip?” As the man spoke he handed over some paperwork and also flashed his badge.
“Ah, yes, chief inspector.” The officer took the paperwork and glanced briefly at it before handing some of it back. “I take it those are the felons?”
“Yes, they are.”
“Rough looking trio. What are the charges?” the officer asked as he stamped the appropriate documents.
“Murder and armed robbery amongst other things. I'll be glad to see them in jail,” replied the chief inspector as he took the offered documents.
“I'm glad you're transporting them on a private shuttle then and not with civilians.” Whilst most criminals were transported on private craft, it wasn't unusual for some to travel on public shuttles, although they were the less dangerous criminals.
“Thank you. If that is all I think we should get aboard and get these felons where they belong,” said the chief inspector.
“By all means. Just go through these doors and follow the corridor down to gate fourteen. Your shuttle is waiting there for you. Have a safe trip.”
“Thank you.” The chief inspector turned back to the group and indicated for them to follow him.
As they proceeded down the corridor, Duo's brain was busy going over the information he'd just learned. It was even clearer now why Cropp's murder hadn't been given the investigation it deserved. Not only was the detective responsible for the investigation in with this gang, but the chief inspector too! Duo wondered exactly how deep the corruption in the police force went - and just who was behind all this.
Arriving at gate fourteen, the chief inspector and Sampson went to speak with the person manning the doors to the entry way to the shuttle. Duo glanced around, his hopes of escape plummeting.
Moments later a gun was pressed into his back and he was told to get moving. Shuffling along, he followed Duric down the small walkway and into the shuttle. Duo was pushed into a seat, the harness strapped on and then he was left alone.
He gazed out the window, watching the ground crew flitting around as the rest of the group all took their seats and prepared for takeoff.
The shuttle's engines rumbled into life and the craft began to make its way from the docking port, along the small runway and into position for the slingshot that would send them off into space. The engines began to pick up, the craft shuddering as the pilot held her still, waiting until he had enough energy to make the take off.
Then the craft began to move forward, building in her speed as she approached the ramp that would launch her. Reaching the base of the ramp, the chains engaged to the underbelly, adding even more forward momentum to the craft as both turbines and sling shot mechanism worked together to thrust the craft up and into the atmosphere.
Duo took another look out of the window as the shuttle fought the gravity of the earth, his heart heavy in his chest.
Would he ever see his son and husband again?
* * *
Sally looked carefully at the x-rays, noting exactly where the bones had broken and where they were rejoining. She frowned and then scanned the cat scan pictures. She wasn't happy at all. With a sigh, she turned back to the patient who was lying on the gurney waiting to enter the operating theater.
“Margaret?”
“Yes?”
“I've just looked at the x-rays and cat scan of your wrist. I can see where the break is and how the bones are starting to heal, but I've got a question for you and I want an honest answer.”
Margaret frowned a little. “Okay.”
“Tell me, are you experiencing any numbness in that wrist or your fingers?”
Lowering her eyes, Margaret spoke softly. “Yes, yes I am. More in the thumb and the first two fingers.”
“How long have you had the numbness?”
“I only really started to notice it about three to four days ago.”
“Thank you. I won't beat around the bush here. The way your wrist has been broken and the bones moved, the nerves have also shifted slightly. The bones have tried to heal again and in the process have trapped a couple of those nerves. Put bluntly, those nerves are being crushed and we need to liberate them as soon as we can. I don't know at this stage how much damage has been done to them and I won't until after the surgery and you're awake again. I have to warn you, Margaret, that there's a distinct possibility that the numbness could be permanent; nerve tissue doesn't regenerate as you well know. I don't expect it would get any worse, but there is always that chance that the nerves have been damaged too much and will continue to deteriorate.”
“I understand exactly what you're saying doctor. I had thought this would be the case. Just do the best you can once you have me in there and I'll be happy.”
Sally gave the nurse a smile and squeezed her shoulder. “You can be sure I'll do everything within my power to make this operation successful. Now, it's time to operate.” Sally gave the anesthetist a nod and he began to inject the anesthetic into the drip line. Within seconds the nurse was asleep.
“Right, let's get her inside and get started.”
The gurney was wheeled, Nurse Brown transferred across to the operating table and the surgery began.
* * *
Once home at the mansion, Quatre and Wufei took charge of the agents Une had supplied to add to the security detail. They introduced them to Harim and Raphael, leaving the Maguanacs to bring the agents up to speed with the current security system in place at the mansion.
Trowa had headed for the kitchen to start cooking them all a late dinner whilst Heero went up the stairs to the nursery, Keitaro still asleep in his arms. Laying the child gently in his cot, Heero went through to his and Duo's room, aiming for the bathroom where he turned the faucets on to fill the bath with warm water.
He needed a bath or shower himself and he also intended to wash all the filth from his son. Not comfortable with letting the babe out of his sight for any length of time, Heero decided to take his son in the bath with him. Whilst the water ran, Heero returned to his room and fetched a change of clothes from the dresser.
Turning the water off before the tub could fill too much, Heero checked the temperature and then went to get a fresh diaper for Keitaro and the child's pajamas. With everything set out ready, Heero went back to get his son.
Keitaro stirred and blinked open his sleepy eyes. Recognizing his father's face, he gurgled happily. Heero smiled affectionately and carried his son through to the bathroom where he undressed them both and climbed into the tub.
Keitaro seemed happy with this new turn of events and splashed away with his small feet and hands whenever he could. Heero let the child play for a few moments before picking up the wash cloth and beginning the task of cleaning both himself and his son. Once they were both clean, Heero sat and relaxed, letting the baby enjoy his splashing and simply absorbed the moment.
Having gotten his son back eased some of the pain in Heero's heart, but not all. Until Duo was safely back beside him a part of his heart would continue to remain an open, bleeding wound.
* * *
Trowa finished his cooking and began to plate the meals. He was almost finished when Quatre stuck his head around the door. “Need any help?”
“You could go call the others and set the table, it's almost ready,” Trowa replied.
The blonde head disappeared to do just that, returning within minutes, Wufei in tow and the pair began to set the table.
“Heero coming?” asked Trowa as he set the plates down on the table.
“Yes. He was just finishing off getting Keitaro in his pajamas,” Quatre said as he took his place. “Smells delicious.”
Heero appeared with Keitaro in his arms and walked across to place the baby in his high chair. Trowa brought over a small bowl of food and handed it to Heero who nodded his thanks. Sitting down, Heero automatically checked the temperature of the food before picking up the spoon and starting to feed the infant.
Once everyone had begun to eat, the talk started. The question that was foremost in everyone's minds was 'where was Duo?' and 'what was their next step to be in locating the missing man?'
All they had to go on was the nurse's description of two of the perpetrators and one dead body. They had no clue at this stage who the new people were, where they were residing and what they wanted.
Besides Duo missing, they also had the problem of the two missing senators; Wainright and Richards, not to mention the missing funds and the purchases made with those missing funds. On top of all that, the purchases had also gone missing.
“I feel like I'm really missing something here,” Quatre groaned and rubbed his aching temples.
“At this rate we will all be missing our sanity,” muttered Wufei.
“It's high time we got away from the 'missing' and did something about the 'finding',” Trowa grunted.
Heero wiped Keitaro's mouth, pleased to see his son's appetite was still healthy. “We need to take a step back from it all I think. Take a breath, then look at each problem separately. We also need the forensic evidence to help us in our cause and I can't see any of that being available until at least tomorrow afternoon at the earliest.”
“But, Heero, we can't just sit here and do nothing!” Quatre protested.
“I didn't say we were,” Heero replied.
“Then what are you proposing?” Wufei asked as he placed his cutlery on his empty plate. “Thank you, Barton. That was delicious.”
Trowa nodded at the compliment to his culinary skills and his cheeks tinged pink.
“Once Keitaro is asleep I intend to carry on trying to trace those purchased parts, see if I can't locate a delivery address or something for them,” Heero said as he began to clean up the infant and high chair.
“I'd like to know where those two senators have gone,” Chang muttered. “There's no way we will ever see them at the ESUN again.”
“I agree.” Trowa paused as he thought. “Anyone know where the senators live?”
“Their contact details should be in the ESUN personnel files I think,” replied Quatre. Most large companies have all their employees details on record and I'm assuming the ESUN would do the same.”
“Right. I'm going to put Keitaro to bed. Chang, you and I will use the main computer to see if we can find out where these parts were being shipped to. Quatre, you and Trowa see if you can hack into the personnel files in the ESUN database and get the contact numbers and addresses for those two senators.” Heero looked at his friends. “Okay?”
Two nods and a grunt signified the response. Satisfied, Heero picked up the babe who was finding it difficult to stay awake and took his son upstairs to the nursery. Changing the infant's diaper, Heero lay his son in the cot and covered him with the blankets. Keitaro snuggled into the warmth, a thumb finding its way into the tiny mouth and offering comfort to the child. Heero wound the little key on the mobile then released it. The soft sounds of a lullaby chimed out as the small figures began to turn.
Watching the child as his eyes grew heavy and finally closed, Heero couldn't help the lump in his throat or the warmth in his chest. He was so relieved and grateful to have his child home safely; and yet his heart still ached, a piece of his soul missing and would remain that way until Duo was once again in his arms. Turning form the cot, Heero walked over to the window and gazed out and up to the stars that twinkled brightly in the night sky.
“Where are you, Duo?”
* * *
Duo dozed for a while during the shuttle flight, their captors leaving them alone for the most part, only making their presence known when they handed out water bottles to each of the 'prisoners'. Duric and Farrow also slept, the three men obviously thinking along the same lines and getting what rest they could whilst they could. None of them had any idea where they were going or what awaited them at the other end.
When he fully awoke the shuttle was still traveling through the black void of space, Duo's internal clock telling him they had been flying for several hours. His stomach backed up his clock by announcing with a loud growl that it was hungry. His eyes glanced around but judging from what he could see of their captors, they wouldn't be getting anything to eat any time soon.
Young and Tewson were on watch, the others sleeping. Duo turned his gaze to the small window and the darkness beyond. The stars twinkled here and there, Duo's brain scanning over them and recalling his knowledge on stellar maps in an effort to try and learn where they were and where they could possibly be heading.
Figuring out the stellar pattern wasn't that hard once he'd located a couple of major stars. From what he could tell, they were on course for L2. With nothing else to do but stare outside the window, Duo let his mind wander over all that had happened recently and try to figure out the puzzle.
From what he could remember and what he'd managed to learn during his captivity, he knew the first group had noticed that L2 was lagging far behind the other colonies and as such had formed their group with the intent of forcing the ESUN to provide more funding. His own hacking into the databases had shown him that all monies donated to the rebuilding scheme did not add up and he was pretty certain that this second group had something to do with that. With no further facts at his disposal, Duo could only speculate on what this second group was after.
And the ideas his mind was giving him were not very nice ones.
Filing all the information he currently had into the recesses of his mind, Duo could only wait, hope and pray that he would be able to gather evidence, learn what was going on, somehow get what information and facts he could to Preventer and survive the experience at the same time.
Yeah, just another day at the office.
* * *
Sally gave a long sigh as she inserted the last stitch into the wound and swabbed the area. “That's the best we can do,” she said to the theater nurse. “We won't know how much feeling she will have in that hand and fingers until she comes around.”
“Well, it won't be for lack of trying on your part, Doctor Po,” the nurse replied, smiling beneath her mask. “Would you like me to finish off the bandaging and then get the plaster bandages ready?”
“If you could, that would be wonderful. I could use a few minutes break.” Sally stepped back to let the nurse in and do her work. It had been a long operation, three hours in fact and Sally's eyes were feeling the strain. It had been intricate and difficult to re-break the bones from where they'd started to knit back together and then extract the nerves currently being crushed by those bones - but she'd done it. Now all she could do was hope that the nerves hadn't been damaged too much and that Margaret would still have good use of her hand.
“We're ready for the plaster now, Doctor Po,” the nurse said.
“Okay.” Sally stepped back up and began the task of applying the plaster bandages to hold the wrist in its proper place to heal the right way.
* * *
Une sat behind her desk, mind swirling with thoughts until they all began to blend into one. Her eyes were heavy, mind fast becoming a ball of cotton wool and her body was starting to crash on her. Knowing the effects of the pills Sally had given her earlier were starting to wear off, she thought it best if she went home and tried to get a good night's sleep.
There wasn't anything more she could do at HQ for the moment anyway. Not until she had all the reports in from the various groups currently working on the cases. She knew that the team working with Chang on the L3 ambassador's murder wouldn't have any evidence on who the assassin was - but they already knew it was Agent Night. The team working on Jefferies' death should have something for her by the morning.
As for Agent Flame and the team out at the residence where Margaret and the child had been recovered from... She sincerely hoped they would have something concrete for them and soon.
With a sigh, Une dragged her weary body from the chair, picked up her purse and turned off the lights in her office. Stepping out she noticed the secretary had left, in fact, most of the staff would have gone home, leaving the night shift to monitor all that was going on. Checking her pockets, she made certain she had her pager and cell phone and then departed the office, heading for the elevator, her car and then home.
Hopefully, tomorrow would bring them a breakthrough.
~ * ~
tbc...