Equus

“Equus”

Chapter 52

“Finally!” Williams' face lit up with excitement.

“What?” Henry asked from his own desk.

“Morris' hunch was right. That woman, Marion Archer, she certainly isn't all she claims to be.”

“Are you going to tell me what you found or leave me in limbo here?” Henry asked, his frustration evident.

“Yeah, sorry. It seems our Miss. Archer has quite the record. Going by this, I think it's a safe bet to say that Mr. Graves has paid her for her services in posing as his fianceé.”

Unable to hold his curiosity any longer and getting more and more annoyed with his sergeant for not telling him what was going on, Henry stood up and crossed the room to look at the screen, He let fly a low whistle. “Well, shit. She has been a busy woman.”

The police file on one Marion Archer - or Candy Love as she was more commonly known as - was quite extensive. Several charges for solicitation, indecent exposure, having sex in a public place, fraud, theft and extortion were amongst the more common charges.

“I think we really need to bring this woman in for serious questioning, Sarge.”

“I agree. I'd better call Morris first though and let him know what we have. Hopefully we're in time.” Williams reached for the phone. “Fingers crossed we can get Judge Harris to put a temporary hold on proceedings whilst we look into this new evidence.” Henry nodded in reply, he was still too busy perusing the list of misdemeanors.

* * *

Not guilty...

The words echoed through Duo's mind. He blinked, unsure if he'd heard correctly. Although he'd known it would come down to his word against Stefan's and that he didn't stand much of a chance in getting a conviction, a tiny part of him had hoped fervently that Morris would be able to pull a miracle out of the bag and get a Guilty verdict. To have his worst fears confirmed really knocked him for six. The room began to swim and his vision blurred.

Heero was livid, barely managing to contain his rage. That bastard! He was guilty, they all knew it, but there wasn't a damn thing he could do about it now. Turning to look at how Duo was taking the news, Heero's anger quickly changed to concern at Duo's pale face. “Shit, Duo? Duo? Talk to me, please?”

“I don't feel so good, Heero,” Duo whispered.

Morris slumped in his chair, the desperation and desolation that accompanied a loss overwhelming him. He knew deep inside though that Harris really hadn't had a choice. Given the lack of solid evidence the law dictated that the accused must be given the benefit of the doubt. Hearing Heero's concerned voice through the confusion in his mind, he switched his attention to his client and noted Duo about to pass out.

Just as the darkness was invading Duo's senses, Heero managed to shove Duo's head between his knees. Morris shifted to assist and between the pair of them they managed to keep Duo on the seat and barely conscious.

Bremner smiled broadly and jumped up to shake his client's hand. Stefan was still standing in mute shock; it was taking a while for the words to sink in. Dropping to his seat Stefan accepted the congratulations from his lawyer, a smirk slowly crossing his lips. Marion simply sat in her seat and let everything go on over her head

Harris banged his gavel down to try and restore order.

A cell phone began to ring and Morris, realizing it was his, grabbed it from his pocket. With an apologetic look at the judge and noting the caller number, there was no way Morris was going to miss the call. If Harris wanted to charge him with disrupting the court or whatever, let him. “Morris,” he answered, the noise still going on around him.

“Morris, it's Williams. What the hell is going on down there?”

“Ah, the judge just returned a not guilty verdict.”

“Fuck!”

“Williams?”

“Sorry. I'd hoped I would have been in time, seems I'm a bit late. Damn it all.”

“What news do you have?” Morris needed to know, there was a slim chance he could still win this case.

“That woman, Marion Archer? Your hunch was right. She's a prostitute, better known as Candy Love and has a list of charges and convictions as long as your arm. Morris, you need to get Harris to halt the proceedings pending further investigation into this woman.”

“It's a little late for that, I just told you, Harris has just handed down his verdict.”

“Morris, you know as well as I do we can have this case reopened with this new evidence. Put Harris on the phone and let me speak to him.”

“Okay.” Morris dropped his arm, only then noting that the court room had gone silent and all eyes were fixed on him, especially Judge Harris who was glaring. He swallowed. “Ah...”

“Mr. Morris, surely I shouldn't have to remind you that it is against court procedure to take a phone call whilst this court is in session,” Harris snapped.

“No, your honor. I am fully aware of court protocol, but that new evidence I mentioned earlier? It has come to light. Your honor, if you could spare a moment to speak with the person on the phone, I'm sure you will agree that it is of vital importance to this case.” Morris stepped forward and handed the phone over to the judge.

“This is highly irregular, Morris,” Harris grunted but took the phone. “Judge Harris speaking.”

“What's going on?” Duo whispered, sitting back up rather carefully. He was still feeling a bit on the woozy side and sipped gratefully on the glass of water Heero handed him.

“Williams just called with some new evidence. That woman, the one saying she's Mr. Graves' fianceé? Seems my hunch was right,” Morris informed them both.

Both Heero and Duo's eyes widened considerably. “But isn't it a bit late? The judge has already handed down his verdict.” Heero stated.

“That's true to a point. Under the law though, if a person is found not guilty or even guilty of a crime, should new evidence surface, evidence that is strong enough to challenge the verdict, then the case can be reopened and a retrial take place. But I have to warn you, it can only happen once. After a retrial, that's it, the resulting verdict stands and no further retrials can be ordered unless there are extreme extenuating circumstances.”

“Then we'd better hope that whatever it is that Williams has found is strong enough to convict Stefan,” Heero muttered.

“It will be,” Morris replied. “If Harris does order a retrial, I'll make damn sure the evidence sticks and the not guilty verdict is overturned,” he promised.

Bremner and Stefan were looking a touch concerned as Harris spoke on the phone. Bremner had a few hasty words with Stefan who shrugged his shoulders. He didn't have a clue what new evidence had been found and frankly, he didn't care either. He'd been found not guilty and was already making his plans to take Yuy to court on those assault charges and take the bastard for everything he had. He'd show the pair of them that they shouldn't have fucked with him.

Concluding the call, Harris closed the phone and sat it on his desk. He took a moment to think through what had just been said to him. He needed to make a decision and he had to study things carefully first. There was only one shot at a retrial and if he went ahead and ordered one and this evidence wasn't watertight, then there wouldn't be another chance. The information he'd been given though certainly put a new spin on things. Mind made up, Harris banged his gavel down hard, startling everyone in the court room. “It has been brought to my attention that there is more to this case than what we have heard. I realize that I have just handed down a verdict of not guilty and for the moment that verdict stands. However, given the strength of this new evidence and under the power of the law, I am scheduling this case for a retrial...”

“What?! No, you can't!” Stefan blurted out.

“I assure you, Mr. Graves, I can and I am. Bremner, control your client otherwise he will be in contempt of court.”

Bremner put a restraining hand on Stefan's arm and had a few words in the man's ear.

“As I was saying, this case is ordered to go to a retrial. The date will be set for two weeks today, that should be more than enough time for this new evidence to be compiled for presentation to the court. This case will reconvene Tuesday the twenty-fourth at ten o'clock.” Harris slammed the gavel down.

“All rise.”

Everyone stood up as Harris briefly stopped to have a word with the bailiff and then left. Once the judge had departed, all hell broke loose.

“I don't think I can go through with all of this again,” Duo stated flatly.

“Doctor Maxwell, you won't have to give evidence again, all that has been said and done so far will remain that way, this is why the court has a transcript of each and every case. There won't be a repeat of what you've already said. The retrial is for the new evidence to be brought forward and if necessary any and all witnesses in this case can be recalled to the stand for further questioning, but you won't be required to resubmit your statements.”

“What is this new information and how can you be so sure it will change the judge's mind and have a conviction of guilty?” Heero asked. “I really don't want my partner to have to suffer through anything more, he's already gone through more than enough.”

Morris quickly informed Heero and Duo of what Williams had briefly told him on the phone. “I will be going directly to the police station from here to confer with Williams in regard to this matter. I need to see what this woman has on her criminal record. I dare say that Williams is already on his way here to arrest the woman and take her in for questioning. I want to be there when he does.”

“You will keep us informed?” Heero questioned.

“Of course. I'll speak with Williams and get back to you both tonight to update you. Either myself or Williams will keep in touch with you and let you know how things are coming along. I'll also book another appointment with you both the day before the retrial so I can completely brief you on all that will be happening so you know what to expect.”

“Thank you, Morris,” Duo said quietly.

“No thanks needed, Doctor Maxwell. I promised you a conviction and come hell or high water I’ll have it for you.” Morris gave the kindly vet a warm smile. The commotion on the other side of the court room broke into their quiet moment.

Stefan was outraged. “I was found not guilty,” he stormed to Bremner who was doing his best to pacify the man. “He can't do this, there's no new evidence he's just stalling.”

“If there is no truth to this new evidence then you have nothing to worry about,” Bremner informed his client. “We will just have to wait and see what it is they wish to bring up.”

“I still don't see why I have to go through a retrial,” Stefan snarled and aimed a glare in the direction of Heero and Duo.

“Come on, I think we should leave,” Bremner stated, wanting to get his client out of the court room before he could create a further scene.

Stefan moved out from behind the desk, Marion standing and going to move with him when the bailiff stepped forward.

“I'm sorry, Miss. You cannot leave the court just yet.”

“What?! Why not?” Stefan demanded.

“The police are on their way here and they wish to speak with Miss. Archer,” the bailiff told Stefan.

“Why? They have no reason to,” Stefan fired back, his temper beginning to rise.

Fortunately for the bailiff, Williams and Henry arrived at that point. Entering the court room, the two police officers walked directly to Marion and stopped in front of her. “Marion Archer?” Williams asked.

Marion looked a little pale and warily replied. “Yeah? What do you want?”

“Miss. Archer, you are requested to accompany us back to the police station for questioning.”

“On what charges?” Marion asked suspiciously.

“Prostitution, fraud and bribery,” Williams stated with a gleeful smile. “Ma'am, if you would follow me.” Williams put a hand on the woman's arm and began to steer her from the court room. Bremner watched with his mouth open and a confused look on his face.

“They can't do that!” Stefan snapped. “Bremner, stop them,” he demanded.

Turning his attention back to his client, Bremner spoke. “I'm sorry, there's nothing I can do. The police do have the right to take anyone in for questioning. I suggest we follow along though, she does have rights and if she wishes, I can be her legal representation and be there throughout the questioning.”

Stefan's anger flared. “I suggest we get moving then,” he snarled and stared pointedly at the door. Bremner began to follow the police officers and woman from the court room, leaving Stefan to follow.

Duo, Heero and Morris had all watched the arrival of the police and subsequent exchange between parties in total silence. As the officers began to leave, Morris grabbed his papers and began to put them into his briefcase so he could head for the police station and sit in on the questioning.

Moving towards the door, Stefan paused at the desk where Heero and Duo still sat. Giving both men a hateful glare, he lowered his voice. “I promise you, you will regret this. No one fucks with me. Watch your backs, you fucking queers.” Before either man could reply, Stefan was out of the door.

Duo sat in mute shock, the words slowly sinking in. Heero wasn't much better, his brain trying to process what Stefan had just said.

“That asshole,” Heero hissed and clenched his fists at his sides. As much as he would have loved to have gone after Stefan, he didn't, Duo didn't need anything more to worry about.

“Heero?” With Duo calling his name, Heero turned to look at his partner. “That sounded like a threat to me,” Duo continued once Heero had his attention on him.

“Hai, it did.”

Morris had only caught part of the conversation, but his brow furrowed in thought. “What exactly did he say?” he asked.

Heero repeated Stefan's parting words. “I still say it sounded like a threat.”

“I would agree with you there, Mr. Yuy. I really think you should let the police know.”

Heero sighed. “I guess so, although I don’t think there is much they can do.”

“I think you'll find you're wrong there. They can put a restraining order out on him and not just for this threat he's just made. With the retrial scheduled, neither party should have any contact whatsoever with each other. I can see about getting one organized whilst I'm at the station if you wish?”

“You wouldn't mind?” Duo asked, a touch of relief in his voice.

“Of course not. I'll have one done up as soon as I get there. I'll get Williams to drop you off a copy if you wish?”

“Thank you, I appreciate it,” Duo replied.

“Not at all, gentlemen. Now, if you would excuse me, I need to get to the police station and get all this new evidence. I'll be in touch once I know what we have and I'll contact you in regards to the appointment prior to the retrial.” Morris picked up his briefcase.

“Thank you, Morris, for everything,” Duo said as he stood and shook the DA's hand.

“No need for thanks, I'm here to help you and uphold the law. I only wish I could have gotten that guilty verdict today instead of us having to go through the retrial.”

“We do appreciate everything you've done for us, Morris. We will wait to hear from you.” Heero also shook hands and once the DA had departed he took Duo by the elbow and guided him from the court room and out into the fresh air.

“Now what?” Duo asked as they stood on the steps to the court house.

“I'm going to take you home and pick up something for dinner on the way. Once we're home I promise you a hot shower, dinner and a relaxing massage afterwards,” Heero said softly.

A small smile graced Duo's features. “I think I'd like that.”

* * *

With Duo lying face down on the bed wearing just his boxers and a relaxed smile, Heero decided to bring up the subject of their weekend away again. Drizzling a little more oil along Duo's spine between his shoulder blades, Heero set the bottle down and proceeded to rub the oil into Duo's skin using long, deep strokes of his hands.

“Mmmm, you have about a hundred years to not stop doing that,” Duo murmured. “Feels so good.” He sighed and let his body melt into the mattress a little more. Heero's hands were strong and yet gentle at the same time. They carefully worked the knots from his muscles, eased the stiffness from his tense shoulders and generally reduced him to a mindless puddle.

“Duo?”

“Mmm hmm?”

“Have you given any thought to where you would like to go for the weekend?”

Duo cracked open an eye. “We're still going?”

“Of course. I promised I would take you away for the weekend once this trial was over and I'm not about to break that promise.”

“What about Stefan and his threat? Besides, the trial isn't over yet.”

Heero could feel the tension he'd just worked so hard to get rid of returning to Duo's shoulders and back. He worked his hands and fingers even harder to prevent those muscles from tensing any further. “I know the trial isn't over per say, but it's close enough to it, and I really think we could both do with a little vacation. I'm not worrying about Stefan either; Morris said he would get a restraining order put on him and from the call I had earlier, that order is being served on him tonight. Besides, he won't know where we're going.”

Sighing, Duo knew Heero was right. “There is a little place I'd been thinking about...” Duo filled Heero in on the place he'd seen advertized some time ago. “It's on the edge of a lake, up by the Blue Mountains. There's cabins you can hire but you need to take all your own linens. There's fishing and hiking trails, swimming or you can just laze around the lake and cabin if you want.”

Heero didn't miss the catch in Duo's voice as he spoke. “Then that's where we will go,” he said firmly.

“You sure? It's a little on the expensive side.”

“I don't care. Besides, I still have all the prize money I've won on Shini this last season and that's what I was planning on using. You deserve to be spoiled a little, Duo. Please, let me?”

“Okay.” Duo raised himself slightly and turned over. Reaching for Heero he pulled his partner down and sealed their mouths in a loving kiss. “I love you so much, Heero. Thank you.”

“It's my pleasure, Duo.”

* * *

The next day Heero made inquiries regarding the cabin Duo had mentioned. After speaking with the owner of the place, he booked a cabin for the coming Friday night through to the Monday. He figured they could leave Friday afternoon and return home on the Monday afternoon. Given the outcome of the trial and the pending retrial, Heero had also contacted Doctor Jay and the man had booked them both in for a session on the Thursday.

The phone had run hot the previous evening with their friends all calling to see how things had gone at the trial. Patiently, Heero fielded the calls and let everyone know what had transpired, the not guilty verdict, Morris' hunch and the ordered retrial. As expected, Hilde had been seething over the verdict and it took Heero a while to calm her down over the phone. She had been all set to go after the slime-ball as she called him with her scalpel and castrate him – without anesthetic.

Wufei had also been angry over the verdict, but he chose to keep the anger to himself, simply stating that justice would win out in the end – and if it didn't he would accompany Hilde and hold the man down for her. Heero hadn't been able to hold the chuckle at Wufei's words. He was touched by just how much their friends obviously cared for his partner.

June had arrived at the stables early on the Wednesday and gave Heero a hand with the stable work. Heero still felt guilty about the woman helping out, but she wouldn't listen to him and carried on doing the lighter things that she could manage in her pregnant state. She'd told Heero to make the most of it as once the baby was born she wouldn't have much time at all for herself or Orion.

As June filled the water buckets, Heero let her know what had happened at the trial, the judge's verdict and the DA's hunch.

“I didn't know he was engaged,” June said with a thoughtful frown on her face. “He never once mentioned anything at all about a girlfriend or fianceé.”

“I wasn't aware he had one either,” Heero replied as he raked the sawdust level in Zero's stable.

“It isn't exactly something you keep to yourself. You already know I'm married,” June said with a chuckle and wave at her stomach. “If it wasn't already obvious, I'm also expecting. Carl has brought his girlfriend here several times too. I know Frank doesn't have a girlfriend at the moment, he says he hasn't got the time for one as he's too devoted to getting Jester through the ranks. Surely if he had one, Stefan would have mentioned something about her.”

“That's what I would have thought too. Morris seems to think she's what he calls a ring in. He thinks that Stefan paid her to pose as his fianceé and as such give him an alibi of sorts.”

June snorted. “It wouldn't surprise me, no woman in their right mind would have anything to do with that sleaze.”

“I did hear something about her being a prostitute,” Heero muttered, a little embarrassed to be talking so frankly with a woman about such things.

“That would be about the only way he could get laid, bastard.”

“June!” Heero stared at the woman, shocked at the words.

June just shrugged her shoulders. “Tough shit. Are you still planning on taking Duo away for a few days?” she asked, turning the hose off and winding it up.

“Hai, I am. I've made reservations for a cabin out at the Blue Mountains.”

“Ohh, nice.”

“Are you sure you are still okay to do the horses with Carl for me whilst I'm away?”

“Of course. Carl did say he would be coming to help so between the two of us we will be fine and so will the nags. Stop worrying.”

“Zechs said he would feed them all in the mornings so you don't have to get here too early.”

“I know, I know. We've already discussed it all. I'll come over in the mornings to put them out, do the waters and make up the feeds. Carl will come in the afternoon to do the stables and the pair of us will bring them in, rug and feed them all. Heero, the horses will be fine, you take Duo away for a few days and just relax and enjoy yourselves. He really needs the break and so do you. When do you leave?”

Heero gave June the details of their proposed vacation, the woman making a mental note. With the stable work all done, Heero went to fetch Wing, the first of the horses he planned on working that day.

*

Duo returned to work on the Wednesday and much to his relief, Catherine and Hilde didn't 'mother' him; they did let him know how they felt about the result of the case and insisted that whatever the DA had as far as new evidence went would result in a guilty verdict. Their positive attitude did go a long way to boosting Duo's confidence. Knowing there wasn't anything he could do in regards to the retrial, he put all thoughts of Stefan aside and immersed himself in his work.

Thursday afternoon saw both Duo and Heero back at Jay's for another therapy session. Jay had been informed by the DA of the findings and knew that Duo would be raw from the verdict – hell, he was damn angry himself! Whilst he understood how the law worked, he still couldn't help but feel that based on the medical evidence, the judge should have found that asshole guilty. The fact that a retrial had been called and the rough outline of the new evidence, Jay felt positive that a guilty verdict would be returned this time around.

Most of the session was spent with Duo alone, Jay getting the young vet to talk about how he felt, the emotions that were running through him and his thoughts on the retrial. Duo opened up completely, trusting Jay with his most vulnerable feelings and knowing that he needed to be open and honest if he were to ever overcome this.

Jay's soft words and encouragement did a lot to help soothe Duo's troubled mind and after their session he felt much more in control of himself. Jay's confidence that a retrial would see Stefan pay for his crimes also helped to boost his morale quite a bit. Understanding that a retrial would not have been ordered if the police, Judge and DA weren't confident in their new evidence, Jay knew there was a good and strong reason to hope for the result they wanted and let Duo know as much.

Seeing a little of the old spark returning to Duo helped Heero more than anything else ever could. Heero let Jay know how he was coping with everything, even admitting to needing to replace the punching bag yet again. Jay chuckled at that, but agreed it was by far better to replace a punching bag than have any further charges being laid against him. Heero let Jay know he planned on taking Duo away for a couple of days, telling the doctor all about the place he'd booked when Duo had admitted he'd always wanted to go there. Jay agreed that a few days away would do wonders for the pair of them and wished them both the very best. He also insisted they make another appointment when they got back.

* * *

“I have given you both mine and Duo's cell numbers if you need to contact us. I've also written Zechs' and Hilde's numbers on the blackboard in the feed room in case any of the horses get hurt and need vet treatment. There's a list of the feeds they each get on the blackboard too. Zechs will be looking after Smokey for us and feeding the horses in the mornings...”

“Heero, stop stressing. Carl and I have it all covered,” June said in her 'patient' voice. “You two get going and enjoy your vacation, everything will be fine here.”

Heero smiled and then gave a sheepish look to the woman. “Sorry, I tend to get a little worried.”

“June, ignore him, he's always like this whenever we've gone anywhere and had to leave the horses in someone else's care. You should have seen him when we went to London for the Olympics. Poor Trowa and Quatre, he was on the phone to them just about every day,” Duo teased and gave a wink to the woman.

“I was not!” Heero said in his defense, realizing a moment later that Duo was simply baiting him. Secretly he was pleased though, it showed the old Duo slowly but surely returning and for that Heero would suffer any amount of teasing.

“Go on, get going otherwise you won't make it to your destination before midnight,” June said with a chuckle.

The pair got into Henrietta, Heero driving and Duo navigating. With a last wave to June, they drove out of the drive and onto the road to take them to their vacation destination.

~ * ~

tbc...