Big Bang Fic Haunted by Water Chapters 8-9
Mar. 9th, 2010 06:26 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
cornerofmadnessHaunted by Water
Author –![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
cornerofmadness
Disclaimer- not mine, all rights belong to Ms. Arakawa
Beta –evil_little_dog & bob_fish
Artist – all the wonderful illos belong tobob_fish
Rating – overall NC-17 but mostly it’s R or less.
Genre- mystery, action
Pairings – Roy/Riza, Maes/Gracia, Roy/Maes, Roy/Maes/Riza/Gracia
Timeline/Spoilers – manga based, no direct spoilers except for Roy’s parentage and things that happened in Ishbal. So hmmm, spoilers for anything past chapter 50
Summary – crimes of today resurrect ghosts of the past. When Maes asks for Roy’s help investigating arson and murder, Roy never expected to have to face his past or that they would have to find a killer before Edward is targeted.
Warning – spoilers as noted above, all sorts of sex (Het, m/m, threesome), violence, off screen rape and murder of young teens, arson, Roy & Ed’s potty mouths.
Word Count -48,088
Author’s notes – this was very hard to finish in time. The plot was expansive. Thanks to everyone who helped me knuckle down and finish. Thanks especially toevil_little_dog, bob_fish and to enemytosleep for the encouragement.
Chapter Eight
“I don’t like the idea of you going alone.” Roy leaned on the files on his borrowed desk in the investigations department, his elbows almost in the pastry he bought for breakfast.
“I have no choice. Shanti found a family with a missing child,” Maes replied.
“So you’ve said,” Roy grumbled, noting Breda was only half-listening, chowing down on his donut and eyeing a piece of paper.
“It’s not like you or Armstrong can go to the tent city. You’re both very memorable. I’m average looking and I’m not an alchemist. Chances of anyone remembering me are slim. Besides, I’m not going in uniform. I’m undercover.” Maes spread his arms, showing off his brilliant purple shirt patterned with red flowers and matching purple pants.
“That’s not uncover. That’s easy to identify clothing for when your body turns up stuffed in a trash bin,” Roy sulked and Maes scowled at him. Roy didn’t care. Nothing would make him like this lame plan.
“I could go with him,” Breda said, setting aside the piece of paper. “I’m not accomplishing anything here. Armstrong and their team have plenty enough to handle things without me.”
“I’m all right with that,” Maes said. ‘But we should leave soon. If we’re late, they’ll probably rabbit.”
Breda followed Maes out. Roy couldn’t restrain himself. Ignoring Riza’s warning grunt to get to work, he had to see what Breda had been staring at so intently. Roy picked up the paper. A swing dance tomorrow night? He wasn’t expecting that.
“Busy, Mustang?”
Roy nearly whipped around right into Gran. How the hell did a man that big move so silently? “Actually sir, Hughes and Breda just headed out to talk to a possible family member of one of the victims. Hawkeye and I are planning to go speak to the person who owned the house that was burned the other night.”
“And that’s all the progress that you’ve made?” Gran’s moustache twitched as his lips gnarled up.
“Given what’s left of the victims and what ethnic group they belonged to, we have little to go on and no help from the victims’ families,” Roy replied.
“I guess you would know about how foreign people think.” Gran plucked the club flyer from Roy’s fingers. “You planning on going dancing, Mustang?”
Roy’s fingers moved against each other unconsciously. He wanted to singe the smug look off his superior’s face. “The flyer was on the desk. I was about to throw it out. We don’t have time for stuff like that.”
“Too bad. I was about to suggest you go,” Gran said.
Roy couldn’t rein in his surprise. “Really?”
“Yes. I’ve heard that taking a little time off for fun helps clear the mind.” Gran slapped the flyer across Roy’s chest. “At least in people of lesser breeding and more prosaic of intellect. Take your team.” With that, he walked back out of the room, leaving Roy digging in his pocket for his glove.
“That man is impossible,” Riza hissed in his ear.
“I wish I could…” Roy didn’t finish the thought. “Let’s go find Mr. Beckert. I hope Armstrong doesn’t intimidate the man.”
“His mere size will do that,” Riza replied far too reasonably for Roy’s mood.
Roy would like to have done this without Alex Louis for just that reason but neither he nor Riza were investigators. Well, they just wanted to ask Beckert if he had any idea that his old home had been involved in a fire. The man should have nothing to be afraid of.
The sergeant at the garage seemed so distressed that someone not from Investigations wanted to drive the vehicle allotted to the division that in the end Armstrong drove. Roy watched, fascinated, as the man managed to cram himself behind the wheel. He would have bet it was impossible for the large man to fit into such a small space. Riza took the spot behind Armstrong in the back seat. Roy sat next to her, too aware of her body next to his. Even in her uniform she was beautiful. He was taking her to that dance. Screw everyone. Gran had given him permission along with his insult. What the hell? The man wouldn’t think less of Roy and for his part, Roy didn’t give a damn what Gran thought.
The drive felt interminable long. Armstrong was nothing if not a careful driver. Roy was used to Havoc who had a tendency to slew around corners and making the car impossible to breathe in with all the smoke. Roy would sink down in the back side sometimes and pretend he was a kid again, trying to see how long he could avoid being touched by his mother’s cigarette smoke. Roy still didn’t really like the smell but he suspected that was a side effect of Chris catching him smoking and making him smoke the whole pack. Hypocrite. He’d been sick for two days.
Roy scanned Breckenridge as they approached up a long drive. It was the ivy-covered behemoth that he had been anticipating. He had thought about asking Armstrong if he had gone here but while Armstrong always went on and on about his family, if someone paid attention, they’d notice he never really gave out many details as if maybe slightly embarrassed to have come from such privilege.
A school administrator whisked them along to the nurse’s office, chatting amiably about stuff Roy wasn’t even listening to. He was too busy drinking in the ornate crown molding and marble floors for a school, no less. He couldn’t even imagine having so much money growing up and, in the back of his mind, he realized that if he were to have children now, they could afford to go to a place like this on his state alchemist salary. Even though he was quite wealthy by this time, Roy still lived in small base housing, almost seeing his income as blood money. It was hard for him to spend it.
“I’ll leave you to it. Are you perfectly sure that there isn’t something I need to worry about here?” the administrator fretted.
“Not at all. Mr. Beckert’s parents’ home was destroyed in an arson fire,” Armstrong replied. “We just need to talk to him.”
Seemingly satisfied with that, the administrator scurried off. Roy pressed ahead of Armstrong, since he was the ranking officer. The room was a typical school nurse’s office, antiseptic smell and a couple cots with stiff white bedding. Beckert swiveled around in his chair, turning from his table of tin containers full of tongue depressors, cotton balls and bandages. His pale face lost a few shades upon seeing them. It seemed an extreme reaction to Roy, no matter how imposing Armstrong was.
“Can I help you?” Beckert recovered himself. “What would bring the military here?”
“We have a few questions for you,” Roy said, noticing the furtive look in the man’s eyes returning. “I’m Colonel Roy Mustang and these are Major Armstrong and First Lieutenant Hawkeye.”
Beckert pointed to the child-sized seats dotted around the room. “Have a seat.” No one moved to sit. Beckert turned his gaze to Armstrong. “Armstrong, I think I remember having a couple Armstrong’s here.”
Armstrong inclined his head, his forelock bobbing forward. “My family have all attended Breckenridge for generations.”
That answered that, Roy thought.
“What sort of questions? I’m not sure what I could have done that would be of interest to the military.”
“Your parents owned a home on Spooner Street,” Armstrong said and the man jumped.
“They did but they’re dead. I had the house for sale for years but no one wanted to move into that part of town,” Beckert replied. “I moved out years ago.”
“You are aware of what happened there two nights ago, are you not?” Armstrong asked.
Riza nudged Roy’s arm, letting him know she thought something was up. Given the sheen of sweat on the man’s face, Roy had to agree but what could be so frightening about property rights?
“I know an arsonist burnt down the old place and now I don’t even have that left to sell,” Beckert sniffed.
“Where were you the night it burned?” Roy asked on a hunch.
Beckert’s heel tapped the flooring. “I’m sure I was home and before you ask, I was alone. I’m unmarried. What is the point of all this? I haven’t been over to Spooner Street in months, if not longer.”
“Someone died in the fire,” Armstrong said.
“I’m sorry to hear that. If vagrants were using my parents’ house to sleep in, I had no idea. That’s truly unfortunate. I’m a nurse.” Beckert waved a hand back at his medical supplies as if he thought they could have forgotten it. “I hate seeing anyone hurt, especially children.”
“We didn’t mention the victim was a child,” Roy said.
Beckert’s watery blue eyes slotted. “I was speaking in general.”
“I would have thought this job would be…stressful.” Riza touched her hair clip, fussing with it for a moment. “Children can be trying.”
“Oh, not at all. I love children. I wouldn’t have become a school nurse otherwise.” Beckert looked up at Armstrong. “You can check with my neighbors. Maybe one of them saw me. I’m not sure what else I can do to help you. I really don’t know what happened to my parent’s home and I do have work to do.”
“I think that answers our questions for now,” Armstrong said. “Thank you.”
“Any time,” Beckert replied and turned back to his work.
Roy waited until they were back in the car before asking, “Did he seem strange to anyone else?”
“Too nervous,” Riza replied.
“Agreed,” Armstrong said, easing the car back onto the street with the same slow, cautious speed he used to arrive at the academy. “I think he bears watching.”
“These men, the ones who rape kids…” Roy gulped, jumping at the feel of Riza’s hand close over his, half hidden in the folds of his uniform. “They like to be where they can see kids every day. A school would be perfect.”
“I’ll get someone assigned as soon as I can,” Armstrong promised.
Roy didn’t think soon was good enough but what else could be done? He allowed himself to relax a little, intertwining his fingers with Riza’s, not even caring if Armstrong might be able to see in the mirror.
* * *
Even though she clung to the shadows of a building, Maes spotted Shanti quickly. Breda, who had changed into civvies, hung back a little as Maes made his way over to his former ‘sister.’ With her were an older Ishbalan woman and a teenaged girl. Three sets of ruby eyes narrowed, spotting Breda.
“You didn’t say anything about having someone with you,” Shanti said, gesturing to Breda.
“Breda’s sharp. I wanted him to hear what they have to say.” Maes waved hand at the two Ishbalans. “It’ll be a help.”
Shanti grimaced then headed into a shabby park. Once, the park had been a place for kids to play and adults to relax. Mostly forgotten now as the city expanded and concentrated its interest elsewhere, the park had become seedy and was a gateway to the Ishbalan encampment on the outskirts of town. She gestured to a bench with uneven slats and the older woman sat down. Shanti looked back at Maes. “This is Maram and her daughter, Shula. They’re missing Maram’s only son, Rabi.”
“I’m sorry to hear it,” Maes said. “I’m Maes and he’s Heymans. He’s assisting me in trying to find whoever it is who’s been victimizing children.” Breda nodded, taking in the surrounding area almost as guardedly as Hawkeye might.
“Why do you care about missing Ishbalan children?” Shula asked.
“Because I can’t imagine a worse offense than hurting children,” Maes replied, taking a step to the side, bringing him into the shade, just in case the women weren’t here alone. “I’m a father and I couldn’t imagine the pain of my child going missing.” He saw the older woman relax but her daughter didn’t.
Maram reached behind her neck, fumbling with the clasp to the locket she wore. “I managed to keep this necklace from the time before the war. During a carnival here in town, my son managed to sneak in. Rabi got his picture taken in one of those booths that print out a strip. I cut one down to fit in here.” She offered the locket to Maes. Even as he reached for it, he shared a worried glance with Breda.
“What is it? Something’s wrong,” Maram said, depositing her treasure in Maes’ big hand.
“I didn’t tell them everything,” Shanti put in.
“The victims are dead, ma’am,” Breda said.
“And after they’ve been killed, their murderer set them on fire,” Maes tried to put it as gently as he could but there was no good way of saying those words. Maram swayed and her daughter steadied her. Maes thumbed open the locket and looked any how. The photo had been severely pared down but a bright eyed boy stared up out of the metal. “He’s a handsome boy, ma’am but no one could identify our victims’ faces.”
“Who would kill and burn children?” Maram whispered, clutching her robes.
“We already know one of them who’d do that. You know this two are military, Mama,” Shula jerked a thumb at the soldiers. “They probably know the man already, just putting on a show.”
“Flame,” Breda muttered.
“I assure you, we’re taking this very seriously. The man you mean didn’t do this. He’s helping us stop whoever is doing it.” Maes didn’t bother to defend Roy further. These women wouldn’t hear those words. “Is there anything distinguishable about your son? A broken bone? Anything different about his teeth? I’m sorry to be so blunt but I need something that the coroner would be able to find.”
“His tooth,” Shula said. “My dumb brother knocked his left eyetooth out two years ago. He and his idiot friends were daring each other to do…I don’t know what, whatever stupid things boys get up to.” She leveled a glare at Maes and Breda as if they would know these stupid things because they were male. “He landed on his face.”
“That will help,” Maes assured her. “I will do my best to find your son. I’ll have Shanti keep in touch with you. I think that will make everyone more comfortable.” He handed the locket back Maram.
Her hand closed over his, squeezing gently. “Even if my boy is dead, I have to know. Please find him.”
“Once I talk to the coroner, I’ll send word, I promise. Even if he’s not among the victims we have,” Maes said.
“That’s good.” Maram’s voice was that of the lost. She let his hand go, getting back to her feet. “Thank you.”
Shanti gestured for the two Ishbalans to follow her. She spared a look for Maes. “When Roy asked me to do this, I didn’t believe you two really wanted to help. I was wrong. If anyone can find this man and find Maram’s son, it’ll be you, Maes. You’ve always been good at it.”
“Thanks.”
“Sir, how old are your children?” Maram turned back to look at Maes. “Rabi is only eleven.”
“My daughter is a newborn.”
The older woman’s expression softened. “Such a precious age. And here you are, having to face head on all the ugliness that can happen to a child.”
“It gives me reason to carry on,” Maes assured her. “I don’t want anything like this happening to my little girl.”
“Keep her safe,” Maram replied. “I’ll be waiting to hear from you.”
“I’ll have something for you by tonight, I promise. Shanti, you know where to get that information,” Maes said.
Shanti nodded and herded her charges off. Maes glanced over at Breda.
“Knox’s?” Breda asked.
“Knox’s.”
* * *
“Are you sure the military doesn’t know about you?” Beckert hissed into the phone. He could hear the kids in the hall, going to their classes. It was dangerous to call from here but he had no choice. The military had frightened him and when he told Mudica, the librarian all but panicked. The man was currently stretched out on one of the student cots. “They were here.”
“You set fire to your own property. Of course they would find you,” Lauren Hograth said over the phone. “I don’t care if you were trying to get insurance money or whatever. It was foolish. We’ve concluded our business. Don’t call again.”
Beckert slammed the phone down. He knew Hograth was right. Using his mother’s place had been stupid. He was going to get caught. Still, he couldn’t help himself. Defiling that old bitch’s precious home had been amazingly satisfying. Beckert knew Hograth had the right idea; it was time to leave town. He couldn’t just run, though. He needed a job. To hell with it, he was a nurse. Finding work would be easy enough. “We should take our greatest desire here and then just leave town,” he told Mudica.
“Take a kid from here? I’m not about to do that.” Mudica sat up on the bed. “I’m done with this. They didn’t come talk to me. You’re on your own.”
Beckert didn’t bother to try and stop the man. Mudica was weak. He had more to fear from that man than he did the Hograths or the military. He allowed his mind to wander to the delicious bully, Billy Chapman. If there was ever a boy who deserved Beckert’s special attention, it was him. He intended to make the boy his doll before he left.
Chapter Nine
Riza glanced up from blanketed chicken that the caterers were putting on the plates. The loud sounds of gagging echoed in the house. Next to her, Gracia snickered, trying to cover it with a hand.
“I see our big brave soldiers are being defeated by a poopy diaper again,” Gracia said.
“Roy is probably regretting letting Maes talk him into helping.” Riza grinned. “It’s good for him. Roy says yes too easily.”
“Poor thing. I know it’s mean to make them do it right before dinner.” Gracia shrugged. “But there’s no controlling a baby.” She glanced out the kitchen window. “Or, apparently, the Elric brothers. They’re late.”
“Just by a few minutes. Don’t worry. Ed’s stomach wants filling and the idea that Roy’s paying for this is just gravy.”
Gracia beckoned for Riza to follow her. Riza thought she wanted to go relieve the men of diaper duty. Instead, Gracia paced in front of the fireplace in the living room. “Riza, are you getting any closer to catching this person? Maes doesn’t want to talk about it. I know he thinks he’s protecting me but I can see it turning him inside out. I just want to know a little of what’s going on. I know Maes is worried about Roy.”
Riza played with the back of her earring, debating on what to say. “Roy’s background is…tragic.”
“Maes has told me some of it.”
Riza nodded. “It’s been hard on Roy, dealing with this crime. He feels guilty about taking Maes away from you at night. Roy doesn’t mean to do that.”
Gracia caught Riza’s wrist. “It’s all right. I do understand.”
“Tell Roy that, Gracia. It would probably help him,” Riza said and Gracia gave the sniper’s wrist a squeeze. “I can’t say that we’re closing in on this person but I think maybe. I hope so. I don’t think Roy should stay much longer, but he won’t go, not if Maes needs his help and he wouldn’t want to look weak in front of Gran. I just wish Edward and Alphonse would get here.”
Roy stumbled down the stairs, waving a hand in front of his face. “That was the worst smell ever. How do babies manage that?”
Gracia laughed, going over to pat his shoulder. “That is a mystery for the ages. Did you abandon my poor husband?”
“Had no choice. She pooped all over his hand when he was trying to clean her up. I did the sensible thing and performed a strategic retreat. You might find him upstairs, still teaching Elicia new swears.”
Gracia’s shoulders slumped. “I’d better go rescue him.”
As she headed upstairs, Riza just shook her head at Roy. “Some brave officer you are. You’ll make a fine dad some day.”
Roy huffed at her.
“Didn’t living with the family that you did teach you anything about babies?”
“Yes, that I am unable to hold, feed and change them. I’m not so hot on bathing them, either.” Roy shrugged. “I have bedtime stories down pat though.”
Riza sighed. “I guess that’s something.”
A knock at the front door, interrupted her teasing Roy. He went to answer it. Stepping back, he let the brothers into the home. “About time.”
“Sorry, Bishop wanted to show us something before we left. That man could lose a race to a snail,” Ed huffed. “Did we miss anything?”
“Just a chance to help Maes change a diaper,” Roy replied.
“Glad I missed that.” Ed shuddered. “Is there anything we can do?”
“Run up and help Maes,” Roy suggested.
“Anything but that.”
“Brother,” Al sounded tired, as if he had said that a hundred times already today.
“Why don’t you just have a seat at the dining room table?” Riza suggested. “I’m sure dinner is about to start.”
The brothers sat down. Riza sat on the opposite end of the table, allowing room for the Hugheses to be between Ed and Roy. It would be better that way. Roy sat next to her but his expression, the accompanying body language said he was miles away. This distance between them, the lack of romantic closeness, was for the brothers’ sake. Roy trusted them but what they didn’t know, they couldn’t let slip. A tiny piece of her resented the Elrics had been asked to dinner and Riza knew that unfair of her.
Maes came back downstairs, slightly green-faced. He took his seat. “Elicia’s down for a nap…hopefully the whole night. Poor Gracia is getting so worn out. Where did she go?”
“Right here,” Gracia said, coming back in followed by the caterers. “Soup’s on.” She sat next to her husband as the caterers served bowls of steaming, fragrant, creamy soup.
Ed’s whole face pinched up. “Is this milk?”
Roy’s smug expression made Riza want to slap him. She should have gone over the menu. She should have known that Ed’s declaration of eating Roy sens-less would have had consequences. If Roy had built the menu around Edward’s dislikes, she really would slap him.
“It’s almond soup. Eat it, it’s rich and delicate,” Roy said in his most polite and irritating manner.
“Is this milk?” Ed reiterated, punctuating each word.
“No,” Roy replied. Riza knew it was only a partial lie. It was cream.
While everyone supped heartily at the unusual and delicious soup, Ed just chased it around the bowl with his spoon.
“Riza, Maes, General Gran said we were to take time off and go to that dance club Breda was looking at,” Roy announced.
Riza blinked. “What?”
“He said we of inferior intelligence need our time off.” Roy spread his hands expansively.
“He really said that?” Gracia gaped.
“He did.”
“Must know you,” Ed muttered, slapping his spoon in his soup until Maes reached over, stilling his hand.
“Brother, honestly.”
“So, if he values me so little, there really is no harm in escaping this horrible case in a few hours of dancing,” Roy said. “Riza, you and I can surely find someone to dance with there.” The look he shot her was hotter than the soup. “Breda, I think, has someone he would like to ask to the dance. Maes, Gracia, I know you don’t have much free time but would you like to join us for even just a little?”
“I don’t know,” Maes said, pushing his soup bowl aside. “Gracia’s worn out and where would Elicia go?”
“My mother would watch her for a couple hours,” Gracia said, startling her husband. “You’re right. I am worn out. I could use a little time out. I’m not sure I’m up for dancing but just to sit somewhere that isn’t this house would be nice.”
“All right then, tomorrow night it is. It’ll be good for us,” Roy said as the caterers came to take away the bowls and to bring out the blanketed chicken, which Riza realized that while oven roasted and smothered in bacon, sat in a sauce that was cream and wine. Roy really had planned the meal just to irritate Edward. She was going to spend the night dancing with strangers just to teach the man a lesson in being a brat. “Sorry, Edward, you’re too young to come have fun.”
“It’s more milk,” Ed grumbled, eyeing Roy as if considering sending a knife flying across the table at any time.
“Just eat your chicken, brother. It looks so good.”
At Al’s wistful tone, Ed blushed and set to eating.
“Ed, Al, have you found anything interested at the museum?” Gracia asked, steering the conversation to something the brothers could take part in.
“Some really neat books,” Ed said, “Nothing that helps us…yet but we’re going to keep looking.” He shot that at Roy.
“And I loved the glassware, I wish I could keep it.” Al sighed.
Gracia artfully kept the conversation light throughout the rest of dinner. Riza envied her that ability. She had never developed it. Her father hadn’t entertained and she had barely spent any time with her mother’s side of the family or with Roy’s family. Riza’s whole life had been about duty. She wondered if she had ever been social.
Dinner plates were whisked away and dessert cups replaced them. Ed’s face got even longer seeing the pudding.
“Now what form of milk did you find?” he mumbled, defeated.
“Ginger pudding with caramel sauce,” Roy replied, arching an eyebrow. He waved one of the caterers over, whispering something to him. “It’s my favorite.”
“Well, it smells delicious. You should try it, Ed,” Gracia said.
“I don’t like pudding.”
“It’s pretty spicy,” Maes said. “It doesn’t taste like milk.”
“That’s okay.” Ed pushed it away. “I’m full.”
Riza knew that was a lie. She wondered if Roy felt the least bit bad. The caterer came back with a huge slice of cake and he set it in front of Ed.
“I thought you might like golden spice cake better, Edward. If anyone else wants to trade in your pudding, there’s plenty of cake. I figured you and Maes could pick at it later, Gracia.” Roy smiled.
Ed favored Roy with a different flavor of glare. Riza wondered if that was the only expression he was capable of giving Roy, not that the elder brat didn’t deserve it. Ed tucked into his cake like he’d never seen food before but Riza had noticed, his complaining aside, there had been nothing left of his chicken but bones and all his vegetables had done a disappearing act.
“Thank you, Roy,” Gracia said. “You picked out a delicious meal.”
“Roy has good taste,” Maes put in, looking at Roy over the rim of his glasses. “Though occasionally one has to suspect he has hidden agendas.”
“Would I have a hidden agenda?” Roy reached for his wine glass.
“Yes, because you suck,” Ed said around a mouthful of spice cake.
“Occasionally he does,” Maes agreed, grinning at Roy. Ed seemed oblivious to the sparkle in Maes’s eyes but Riza noticed Alphonse’s helmet swiveling back and forth, as the boy observed the two men. Ed wasn’t a worry but they would need to watch themselves around Alphonse.
Roy sipped his wine. “This is me ignoring you both.”
Before Ed or Maes could retort, a siren echoed in the night then the phone rang. Riza felt tension yank at her spine as Maes lept up from the table. He spoke into the phone in short terse phrases so unlike him. He slammed the receiver down.
“Another fire.” Maes moved to kiss Gracia as Roy and Riza got to their feet. “Sorry, love, we have to go. Sorry to leave you here with the caterers. Boys, you watch out for Gracia and Elicia for a while then take a cab home and I mean that. Take a cab.”
“We can help you,” Ed protested.
“No!” Roy snapped then he held up a hand. “Sorry, but no. Edward. Do as Hughes asked, please.”
“I really would like some help here, Edward, Alphonse,” Gracia said and the boys consented.
“We have a car here,” Riza said. “We’d better hurry.”
“If I get there fast enough, I can help them extinguish the fire,” Roy said, hustling out the door. Riza cast an apologetic look back at Gracia and the boys. The expression of fear on Gracia’s face cut her. She nodded, hoping the woman would take that to mean Riza would do all she could to keep Gracia’s husband safe.
* * *
Roy scrubbed a hand over his head, feeling grit grind into his skin. His uniform bore scorch marks and his lungs felt like someone had scrubbed them with broken glass. Blisters popped up on the back of one hand where he’d gotten a little too close to his element. They had gotten to the fire in time. The sky lit up seconds before a deafening crack of thunder sounded making Roy jump. At least under the intact roof of the warehouse, he was safe from the rain but not from the sounds of it beating on the tiles, taking him back to those horrible nights living with Hograth.
Convinced all the flames were well and truly out and no hot spots were lurking, waiting to flare up, Roy returned to Maes and Armstrong. He couldn’t see where Riza had gone but trusted she was doing something needed. Roy only glanced down at the young victim at his friends’ feet. He didn’t want to see, to know, what had happened.
“The fire fighters got here before there was too much damage,” Maes informed him.
“This isn’t an Ishbalan child,” Armstrong said, forcing Roy to look again.
Enough of this boy’s face remained that they would be able to put out sketches, enough for the family to recognize him. Most of the fire had been concentrated lower, over the boy’s legs and genitals. Roy pointed to it. “Wonder if that means something.”
Maes nodded. “It could, given what this person does to these kids.”
“What is this?” Armstrong squatted down, reaching into his jacket pocket for a pencil. He poked at a piece of half melted metal. “There seems to be some sort of insignia. It reminds me of something.”
“We’ll have to take that with us,” Maes said then caught Roy’s arm, leading him away from the body. “You did your part, Roy. I want you to look around, tell us what you think about the fire then go home.”
“I can help,” he protested.
“I know what this is doing to you,” Maes argued.
“I’m not made of glass. I can-”
“Tell me about the fire, since it’s the only reason you’ve been asked to help. It’s all right to let investigations handle the rest.” Maes’s eyes narrowed then he whispered. “You’re as stubborn as Ed.”
Roy sighed, glancing back at the kid. “Accelerant was used this time but sloppier. He didn’t apply it evenly, as if he was in a rush. You might be able to identify that boy.”
“I hope so. All I could tell that family Shanti found was there were no boys with missing eyeteeth in the victim pool.” Maes shrugged. “I guess that’s something.”
“It’ll give that woman you met hope.” Roy turned slowly around, pointing out a few places in the warehouse. “Those are other hot spots. But again, he’s sloppier. Maes, I think you might be on to this guy.”
“What makes you say that?”
“The sloppiness. Like he knows he’s about to be caught and it no longer matters.”
Maes rubbed his bearded chin. “That could be. We have talked to a few arsonist and people with a history of child abuse and that nurse you guys spoke to.”
“He was strange. I think somewhere in that mix, Maes, is the person behind this.”
“You could be right.”
Roy studied his friend’s expression, surprised to find something lurking there. “What is it? Is there something you’re not telling me?”
“No,” Maes replied a little too quickly.
“You were never very good at lying to me,” Roy pointed out.
“Christmas found out that Hograth’s son is in town. We’re trying to find him now,” Maes whispered.
Roy stiffened, shoving Maes away. “When in the hell did you plan on telling me?”
“Once we had him and either eliminated him as a suspect or arrested him,” Maes said frankly.
A fresh layer of sweat broke out all over him. Roy felt his legs shake. “That isn’t fair, Maes.”
“Isn’t it? You didn’t need to know.”
“Says you.”
“Go home now, Roy. Please, just go. Let me handle this. You’ve done your part.”
Roy wanted to protest but if he opened his mouth now, he might say something he regretted. “I’m going to order Edward and Alphonse out of the city. I don’t want them here, not with this person here. Notice that young man is blond? Most Ishbalans are, too. Ed’s the right age and coloring for this freak.”
“I’m not arguing.” Maes put a hand on Roy’s shoulder. “If he gives you a problem, let me help convince him. Don’t just start ordering Ed around. You know in the end, he’ll listen to you.”
“Technically, he has no choice. I am his commanding officer.” Roy ran a hand through his hair. “But you’re right. You can sweet talk him better than I can.”
“That’s because you and Ed are too much alike and you irritate each other.” Maes offered up a faint smile. “Go on, go make sure they’re out of harms way. We’ll discuss the rest of our findings tomorrow morning.”
Roy consented to that, even though he really did want to help more. Maes was probably right. He wasn’t an investigator and this really was bothering him on a very deep level. Roy found Riza but she insisted on being the one to drive to the visiting officer’s quarters. Roy let her, collapsing down on the back seat. He stared up at the fabric where it tucked into the dome light of the car, letting the fears wash over him. Nick Hograth, the little prick had made Roy’s life almost as much a hell as his father had. To this day, Roy felt haunted by the sounds of water hitting the roof, reminding him of nights he’d rather forget.
The dark mood wrapped him up like a blanket, staying with him even after he and Riza went looking for the brothers. Edward and Alphonse were right where they belonged. Trying to rub the sleep out of his eyes, Ed answered the door in nothing but a raggedy t-shirt and his boxers. His loose hair obscured his face.
“What the hell do you want?” Ed grated out. The boy turned red, realizing Riza was right behind Roy.
“Sir, is something wrong?” Al asked.
“He claimed another victim. He’s killing almost every night now,” Roy said flatly, pressing into the room. He hadn’t ever really seen Edward this revealed. Yes, he had seen the boy before he got his automail but Roy hadn’t given enough thought to how extensive the metal was. No wonder Edward fought so far for himself and his brother. No matter, Roy couldn’t waver. “You boys are leaving until this is settled.”
“But we’re not done with our work,” Ed protested.
“We did promise Mr. Bishop we’d help,” Al said, less forcefully than his brother.
“You’re going. Edward, don’t make this order have to get nasty.” Roy turned away, seeing Ed’s anger rising. “Alphonse, I know I have no say over what you do and I know the person can’t hurt you like he could your brother, but I’d hope you’d accompany Edward on his next assignment.”
“We were so close to getting done.” Ed’s metal foot stomped, echoing loudly.
“Sir, can’t we have one more day?”
Roy glanced back at Riza who returned his gaze impassively. He sighed. “You can go back to the museum tomorrow and tell Bishop you’ll be back at a later date. It’ll give me a day to get a real assignment ready but you’re back here in this room right after dinner and you leave the next day. Fight me and you go at first light.”
“You’re an ass.” Ed glowered.
“I’m an ass and you’ll not end up part of a sex ring. I can live with that,” Roy said, turning to leave.
“This isn’t fair.”
“Edward, this counts as fighting with me,” Roy said wearily.
“Edward, this really is for the best,” Riza said, her low voice firm.
The boy’s shoulder’s slumped. “Okay, but we don’t have to like it.”
Ed shut the door behind them. Roy turned to Riza holding out his hand. “I’ll take the car keys and walk you across the courtyard to the woman’s VOQ,” he said. “No sense in you driving me a few blocks then coming back here.”
“They just don’t see the risks, Roy. Boys that age don’t.” Riza deposited the keys in his hand.
“I know. That’s why it’s up to us to protect them.”
Riza’s fingers brushed his lightly. “You know you’re doing the right thing here, Roy.”
He nodded but doubts remained long after he had walked her to her quarters and he had driven back to his. His small cottage felt even more closed in as the rain beat down on the roof. Maybe he should have gone home to the little apartment in his mother’s place but Roy kept telling himself he was an adult now. He shouldn’t be afraid to sleep in a new place. Still, he lay awake half the night, waiting to hear Hograth’s footsteps on the stairs.
on to chapter 10
Author –
cornerofmadnessDisclaimer- not mine, all rights belong to Ms. Arakawa
Beta –
evil_little_dog & bob_fishArtist – all the wonderful illos belong to
bob_fishRating – overall NC-17 but mostly it’s R or less.
Genre- mystery, action
Pairings – Roy/Riza, Maes/Gracia, Roy/Maes, Roy/Maes/Riza/Gracia
Timeline/Spoilers – manga based, no direct spoilers except for Roy’s parentage and things that happened in Ishbal. So hmmm, spoilers for anything past chapter 50
Summary – crimes of today resurrect ghosts of the past. When Maes asks for Roy’s help investigating arson and murder, Roy never expected to have to face his past or that they would have to find a killer before Edward is targeted.
Warning – spoilers as noted above, all sorts of sex (Het, m/m, threesome), violence, off screen rape and murder of young teens, arson, Roy & Ed’s potty mouths.
Word Count -48,088
Author’s notes – this was very hard to finish in time. The plot was expansive. Thanks to everyone who helped me knuckle down and finish. Thanks especially to
evil_little_dog, bob_fish and to enemytosleep for the encouragement.Chapter Eight
“I don’t like the idea of you going alone.” Roy leaned on the files on his borrowed desk in the investigations department, his elbows almost in the pastry he bought for breakfast.
“I have no choice. Shanti found a family with a missing child,” Maes replied.
“So you’ve said,” Roy grumbled, noting Breda was only half-listening, chowing down on his donut and eyeing a piece of paper.
“It’s not like you or Armstrong can go to the tent city. You’re both very memorable. I’m average looking and I’m not an alchemist. Chances of anyone remembering me are slim. Besides, I’m not going in uniform. I’m undercover.” Maes spread his arms, showing off his brilliant purple shirt patterned with red flowers and matching purple pants.
“That’s not uncover. That’s easy to identify clothing for when your body turns up stuffed in a trash bin,” Roy sulked and Maes scowled at him. Roy didn’t care. Nothing would make him like this lame plan.
“I could go with him,” Breda said, setting aside the piece of paper. “I’m not accomplishing anything here. Armstrong and their team have plenty enough to handle things without me.”
“I’m all right with that,” Maes said. ‘But we should leave soon. If we’re late, they’ll probably rabbit.”
Breda followed Maes out. Roy couldn’t restrain himself. Ignoring Riza’s warning grunt to get to work, he had to see what Breda had been staring at so intently. Roy picked up the paper. A swing dance tomorrow night? He wasn’t expecting that.
“Busy, Mustang?”
Roy nearly whipped around right into Gran. How the hell did a man that big move so silently? “Actually sir, Hughes and Breda just headed out to talk to a possible family member of one of the victims. Hawkeye and I are planning to go speak to the person who owned the house that was burned the other night.”
“And that’s all the progress that you’ve made?” Gran’s moustache twitched as his lips gnarled up.
“Given what’s left of the victims and what ethnic group they belonged to, we have little to go on and no help from the victims’ families,” Roy replied.
“I guess you would know about how foreign people think.” Gran plucked the club flyer from Roy’s fingers. “You planning on going dancing, Mustang?”
Roy’s fingers moved against each other unconsciously. He wanted to singe the smug look off his superior’s face. “The flyer was on the desk. I was about to throw it out. We don’t have time for stuff like that.”
“Too bad. I was about to suggest you go,” Gran said.
Roy couldn’t rein in his surprise. “Really?”
“Yes. I’ve heard that taking a little time off for fun helps clear the mind.” Gran slapped the flyer across Roy’s chest. “At least in people of lesser breeding and more prosaic of intellect. Take your team.” With that, he walked back out of the room, leaving Roy digging in his pocket for his glove.
“That man is impossible,” Riza hissed in his ear.
“I wish I could…” Roy didn’t finish the thought. “Let’s go find Mr. Beckert. I hope Armstrong doesn’t intimidate the man.”
“His mere size will do that,” Riza replied far too reasonably for Roy’s mood.
Roy would like to have done this without Alex Louis for just that reason but neither he nor Riza were investigators. Well, they just wanted to ask Beckert if he had any idea that his old home had been involved in a fire. The man should have nothing to be afraid of.
The sergeant at the garage seemed so distressed that someone not from Investigations wanted to drive the vehicle allotted to the division that in the end Armstrong drove. Roy watched, fascinated, as the man managed to cram himself behind the wheel. He would have bet it was impossible for the large man to fit into such a small space. Riza took the spot behind Armstrong in the back seat. Roy sat next to her, too aware of her body next to his. Even in her uniform she was beautiful. He was taking her to that dance. Screw everyone. Gran had given him permission along with his insult. What the hell? The man wouldn’t think less of Roy and for his part, Roy didn’t give a damn what Gran thought.
The drive felt interminable long. Armstrong was nothing if not a careful driver. Roy was used to Havoc who had a tendency to slew around corners and making the car impossible to breathe in with all the smoke. Roy would sink down in the back side sometimes and pretend he was a kid again, trying to see how long he could avoid being touched by his mother’s cigarette smoke. Roy still didn’t really like the smell but he suspected that was a side effect of Chris catching him smoking and making him smoke the whole pack. Hypocrite. He’d been sick for two days.
Roy scanned Breckenridge as they approached up a long drive. It was the ivy-covered behemoth that he had been anticipating. He had thought about asking Armstrong if he had gone here but while Armstrong always went on and on about his family, if someone paid attention, they’d notice he never really gave out many details as if maybe slightly embarrassed to have come from such privilege.
A school administrator whisked them along to the nurse’s office, chatting amiably about stuff Roy wasn’t even listening to. He was too busy drinking in the ornate crown molding and marble floors for a school, no less. He couldn’t even imagine having so much money growing up and, in the back of his mind, he realized that if he were to have children now, they could afford to go to a place like this on his state alchemist salary. Even though he was quite wealthy by this time, Roy still lived in small base housing, almost seeing his income as blood money. It was hard for him to spend it.
“I’ll leave you to it. Are you perfectly sure that there isn’t something I need to worry about here?” the administrator fretted.
“Not at all. Mr. Beckert’s parents’ home was destroyed in an arson fire,” Armstrong replied. “We just need to talk to him.”
Seemingly satisfied with that, the administrator scurried off. Roy pressed ahead of Armstrong, since he was the ranking officer. The room was a typical school nurse’s office, antiseptic smell and a couple cots with stiff white bedding. Beckert swiveled around in his chair, turning from his table of tin containers full of tongue depressors, cotton balls and bandages. His pale face lost a few shades upon seeing them. It seemed an extreme reaction to Roy, no matter how imposing Armstrong was.
“Can I help you?” Beckert recovered himself. “What would bring the military here?”
“We have a few questions for you,” Roy said, noticing the furtive look in the man’s eyes returning. “I’m Colonel Roy Mustang and these are Major Armstrong and First Lieutenant Hawkeye.”
Beckert pointed to the child-sized seats dotted around the room. “Have a seat.” No one moved to sit. Beckert turned his gaze to Armstrong. “Armstrong, I think I remember having a couple Armstrong’s here.”
Armstrong inclined his head, his forelock bobbing forward. “My family have all attended Breckenridge for generations.”
That answered that, Roy thought.
“What sort of questions? I’m not sure what I could have done that would be of interest to the military.”
“Your parents owned a home on Spooner Street,” Armstrong said and the man jumped.
“They did but they’re dead. I had the house for sale for years but no one wanted to move into that part of town,” Beckert replied. “I moved out years ago.”
“You are aware of what happened there two nights ago, are you not?” Armstrong asked.
Riza nudged Roy’s arm, letting him know she thought something was up. Given the sheen of sweat on the man’s face, Roy had to agree but what could be so frightening about property rights?
“I know an arsonist burnt down the old place and now I don’t even have that left to sell,” Beckert sniffed.
“Where were you the night it burned?” Roy asked on a hunch.
Beckert’s heel tapped the flooring. “I’m sure I was home and before you ask, I was alone. I’m unmarried. What is the point of all this? I haven’t been over to Spooner Street in months, if not longer.”
“Someone died in the fire,” Armstrong said.
“I’m sorry to hear that. If vagrants were using my parents’ house to sleep in, I had no idea. That’s truly unfortunate. I’m a nurse.” Beckert waved a hand back at his medical supplies as if he thought they could have forgotten it. “I hate seeing anyone hurt, especially children.”
“We didn’t mention the victim was a child,” Roy said.
Beckert’s watery blue eyes slotted. “I was speaking in general.”
“I would have thought this job would be…stressful.” Riza touched her hair clip, fussing with it for a moment. “Children can be trying.”
“Oh, not at all. I love children. I wouldn’t have become a school nurse otherwise.” Beckert looked up at Armstrong. “You can check with my neighbors. Maybe one of them saw me. I’m not sure what else I can do to help you. I really don’t know what happened to my parent’s home and I do have work to do.”
“I think that answers our questions for now,” Armstrong said. “Thank you.”
“Any time,” Beckert replied and turned back to his work.
Roy waited until they were back in the car before asking, “Did he seem strange to anyone else?”
“Too nervous,” Riza replied.
“Agreed,” Armstrong said, easing the car back onto the street with the same slow, cautious speed he used to arrive at the academy. “I think he bears watching.”
“These men, the ones who rape kids…” Roy gulped, jumping at the feel of Riza’s hand close over his, half hidden in the folds of his uniform. “They like to be where they can see kids every day. A school would be perfect.”
“I’ll get someone assigned as soon as I can,” Armstrong promised.
Roy didn’t think soon was good enough but what else could be done? He allowed himself to relax a little, intertwining his fingers with Riza’s, not even caring if Armstrong might be able to see in the mirror.
* * *
Even though she clung to the shadows of a building, Maes spotted Shanti quickly. Breda, who had changed into civvies, hung back a little as Maes made his way over to his former ‘sister.’ With her were an older Ishbalan woman and a teenaged girl. Three sets of ruby eyes narrowed, spotting Breda.
“You didn’t say anything about having someone with you,” Shanti said, gesturing to Breda.
“Breda’s sharp. I wanted him to hear what they have to say.” Maes waved hand at the two Ishbalans. “It’ll be a help.”
Shanti grimaced then headed into a shabby park. Once, the park had been a place for kids to play and adults to relax. Mostly forgotten now as the city expanded and concentrated its interest elsewhere, the park had become seedy and was a gateway to the Ishbalan encampment on the outskirts of town. She gestured to a bench with uneven slats and the older woman sat down. Shanti looked back at Maes. “This is Maram and her daughter, Shula. They’re missing Maram’s only son, Rabi.”
“I’m sorry to hear it,” Maes said. “I’m Maes and he’s Heymans. He’s assisting me in trying to find whoever it is who’s been victimizing children.” Breda nodded, taking in the surrounding area almost as guardedly as Hawkeye might.
“Why do you care about missing Ishbalan children?” Shula asked.
“Because I can’t imagine a worse offense than hurting children,” Maes replied, taking a step to the side, bringing him into the shade, just in case the women weren’t here alone. “I’m a father and I couldn’t imagine the pain of my child going missing.” He saw the older woman relax but her daughter didn’t.
Maram reached behind her neck, fumbling with the clasp to the locket she wore. “I managed to keep this necklace from the time before the war. During a carnival here in town, my son managed to sneak in. Rabi got his picture taken in one of those booths that print out a strip. I cut one down to fit in here.” She offered the locket to Maes. Even as he reached for it, he shared a worried glance with Breda.
“What is it? Something’s wrong,” Maram said, depositing her treasure in Maes’ big hand.
“I didn’t tell them everything,” Shanti put in.
“The victims are dead, ma’am,” Breda said.
“And after they’ve been killed, their murderer set them on fire,” Maes tried to put it as gently as he could but there was no good way of saying those words. Maram swayed and her daughter steadied her. Maes thumbed open the locket and looked any how. The photo had been severely pared down but a bright eyed boy stared up out of the metal. “He’s a handsome boy, ma’am but no one could identify our victims’ faces.”
“Who would kill and burn children?” Maram whispered, clutching her robes.
“We already know one of them who’d do that. You know this two are military, Mama,” Shula jerked a thumb at the soldiers. “They probably know the man already, just putting on a show.”
“Flame,” Breda muttered.
“I assure you, we’re taking this very seriously. The man you mean didn’t do this. He’s helping us stop whoever is doing it.” Maes didn’t bother to defend Roy further. These women wouldn’t hear those words. “Is there anything distinguishable about your son? A broken bone? Anything different about his teeth? I’m sorry to be so blunt but I need something that the coroner would be able to find.”
“His tooth,” Shula said. “My dumb brother knocked his left eyetooth out two years ago. He and his idiot friends were daring each other to do…I don’t know what, whatever stupid things boys get up to.” She leveled a glare at Maes and Breda as if they would know these stupid things because they were male. “He landed on his face.”
“That will help,” Maes assured her. “I will do my best to find your son. I’ll have Shanti keep in touch with you. I think that will make everyone more comfortable.” He handed the locket back Maram.
Her hand closed over his, squeezing gently. “Even if my boy is dead, I have to know. Please find him.”
“Once I talk to the coroner, I’ll send word, I promise. Even if he’s not among the victims we have,” Maes said.
“That’s good.” Maram’s voice was that of the lost. She let his hand go, getting back to her feet. “Thank you.”
Shanti gestured for the two Ishbalans to follow her. She spared a look for Maes. “When Roy asked me to do this, I didn’t believe you two really wanted to help. I was wrong. If anyone can find this man and find Maram’s son, it’ll be you, Maes. You’ve always been good at it.”
“Thanks.”
“Sir, how old are your children?” Maram turned back to look at Maes. “Rabi is only eleven.”
“My daughter is a newborn.”
The older woman’s expression softened. “Such a precious age. And here you are, having to face head on all the ugliness that can happen to a child.”
“It gives me reason to carry on,” Maes assured her. “I don’t want anything like this happening to my little girl.”
“Keep her safe,” Maram replied. “I’ll be waiting to hear from you.”
“I’ll have something for you by tonight, I promise. Shanti, you know where to get that information,” Maes said.
Shanti nodded and herded her charges off. Maes glanced over at Breda.
“Knox’s?” Breda asked.
“Knox’s.”
* * *
“Are you sure the military doesn’t know about you?” Beckert hissed into the phone. He could hear the kids in the hall, going to their classes. It was dangerous to call from here but he had no choice. The military had frightened him and when he told Mudica, the librarian all but panicked. The man was currently stretched out on one of the student cots. “They were here.”
“You set fire to your own property. Of course they would find you,” Lauren Hograth said over the phone. “I don’t care if you were trying to get insurance money or whatever. It was foolish. We’ve concluded our business. Don’t call again.”
Beckert slammed the phone down. He knew Hograth was right. Using his mother’s place had been stupid. He was going to get caught. Still, he couldn’t help himself. Defiling that old bitch’s precious home had been amazingly satisfying. Beckert knew Hograth had the right idea; it was time to leave town. He couldn’t just run, though. He needed a job. To hell with it, he was a nurse. Finding work would be easy enough. “We should take our greatest desire here and then just leave town,” he told Mudica.
“Take a kid from here? I’m not about to do that.” Mudica sat up on the bed. “I’m done with this. They didn’t come talk to me. You’re on your own.”
Beckert didn’t bother to try and stop the man. Mudica was weak. He had more to fear from that man than he did the Hograths or the military. He allowed his mind to wander to the delicious bully, Billy Chapman. If there was ever a boy who deserved Beckert’s special attention, it was him. He intended to make the boy his doll before he left.
Chapter Nine
Riza glanced up from blanketed chicken that the caterers were putting on the plates. The loud sounds of gagging echoed in the house. Next to her, Gracia snickered, trying to cover it with a hand.
“I see our big brave soldiers are being defeated by a poopy diaper again,” Gracia said.
“Roy is probably regretting letting Maes talk him into helping.” Riza grinned. “It’s good for him. Roy says yes too easily.”
“Poor thing. I know it’s mean to make them do it right before dinner.” Gracia shrugged. “But there’s no controlling a baby.” She glanced out the kitchen window. “Or, apparently, the Elric brothers. They’re late.”
“Just by a few minutes. Don’t worry. Ed’s stomach wants filling and the idea that Roy’s paying for this is just gravy.”
Gracia beckoned for Riza to follow her. Riza thought she wanted to go relieve the men of diaper duty. Instead, Gracia paced in front of the fireplace in the living room. “Riza, are you getting any closer to catching this person? Maes doesn’t want to talk about it. I know he thinks he’s protecting me but I can see it turning him inside out. I just want to know a little of what’s going on. I know Maes is worried about Roy.”
Riza played with the back of her earring, debating on what to say. “Roy’s background is…tragic.”
“Maes has told me some of it.”
Riza nodded. “It’s been hard on Roy, dealing with this crime. He feels guilty about taking Maes away from you at night. Roy doesn’t mean to do that.”
Gracia caught Riza’s wrist. “It’s all right. I do understand.”
“Tell Roy that, Gracia. It would probably help him,” Riza said and Gracia gave the sniper’s wrist a squeeze. “I can’t say that we’re closing in on this person but I think maybe. I hope so. I don’t think Roy should stay much longer, but he won’t go, not if Maes needs his help and he wouldn’t want to look weak in front of Gran. I just wish Edward and Alphonse would get here.”
Roy stumbled down the stairs, waving a hand in front of his face. “That was the worst smell ever. How do babies manage that?”
Gracia laughed, going over to pat his shoulder. “That is a mystery for the ages. Did you abandon my poor husband?”
“Had no choice. She pooped all over his hand when he was trying to clean her up. I did the sensible thing and performed a strategic retreat. You might find him upstairs, still teaching Elicia new swears.”
Gracia’s shoulders slumped. “I’d better go rescue him.”
As she headed upstairs, Riza just shook her head at Roy. “Some brave officer you are. You’ll make a fine dad some day.”
Roy huffed at her.
“Didn’t living with the family that you did teach you anything about babies?”
“Yes, that I am unable to hold, feed and change them. I’m not so hot on bathing them, either.” Roy shrugged. “I have bedtime stories down pat though.”
Riza sighed. “I guess that’s something.”
A knock at the front door, interrupted her teasing Roy. He went to answer it. Stepping back, he let the brothers into the home. “About time.”
“Sorry, Bishop wanted to show us something before we left. That man could lose a race to a snail,” Ed huffed. “Did we miss anything?”
“Just a chance to help Maes change a diaper,” Roy replied.
“Glad I missed that.” Ed shuddered. “Is there anything we can do?”
“Run up and help Maes,” Roy suggested.
“Anything but that.”
“Brother,” Al sounded tired, as if he had said that a hundred times already today.
“Why don’t you just have a seat at the dining room table?” Riza suggested. “I’m sure dinner is about to start.”
The brothers sat down. Riza sat on the opposite end of the table, allowing room for the Hugheses to be between Ed and Roy. It would be better that way. Roy sat next to her but his expression, the accompanying body language said he was miles away. This distance between them, the lack of romantic closeness, was for the brothers’ sake. Roy trusted them but what they didn’t know, they couldn’t let slip. A tiny piece of her resented the Elrics had been asked to dinner and Riza knew that unfair of her.
Maes came back downstairs, slightly green-faced. He took his seat. “Elicia’s down for a nap…hopefully the whole night. Poor Gracia is getting so worn out. Where did she go?”
“Right here,” Gracia said, coming back in followed by the caterers. “Soup’s on.” She sat next to her husband as the caterers served bowls of steaming, fragrant, creamy soup.
Ed’s whole face pinched up. “Is this milk?”
Roy’s smug expression made Riza want to slap him. She should have gone over the menu. She should have known that Ed’s declaration of eating Roy sens-less would have had consequences. If Roy had built the menu around Edward’s dislikes, she really would slap him.
“It’s almond soup. Eat it, it’s rich and delicate,” Roy said in his most polite and irritating manner.
“Is this milk?” Ed reiterated, punctuating each word.
“No,” Roy replied. Riza knew it was only a partial lie. It was cream.
While everyone supped heartily at the unusual and delicious soup, Ed just chased it around the bowl with his spoon.
“Riza, Maes, General Gran said we were to take time off and go to that dance club Breda was looking at,” Roy announced.
Riza blinked. “What?”
“He said we of inferior intelligence need our time off.” Roy spread his hands expansively.
“He really said that?” Gracia gaped.
“He did.”
“Must know you,” Ed muttered, slapping his spoon in his soup until Maes reached over, stilling his hand.
“Brother, honestly.”
“So, if he values me so little, there really is no harm in escaping this horrible case in a few hours of dancing,” Roy said. “Riza, you and I can surely find someone to dance with there.” The look he shot her was hotter than the soup. “Breda, I think, has someone he would like to ask to the dance. Maes, Gracia, I know you don’t have much free time but would you like to join us for even just a little?”
“I don’t know,” Maes said, pushing his soup bowl aside. “Gracia’s worn out and where would Elicia go?”
“My mother would watch her for a couple hours,” Gracia said, startling her husband. “You’re right. I am worn out. I could use a little time out. I’m not sure I’m up for dancing but just to sit somewhere that isn’t this house would be nice.”
“All right then, tomorrow night it is. It’ll be good for us,” Roy said as the caterers came to take away the bowls and to bring out the blanketed chicken, which Riza realized that while oven roasted and smothered in bacon, sat in a sauce that was cream and wine. Roy really had planned the meal just to irritate Edward. She was going to spend the night dancing with strangers just to teach the man a lesson in being a brat. “Sorry, Edward, you’re too young to come have fun.”
“It’s more milk,” Ed grumbled, eyeing Roy as if considering sending a knife flying across the table at any time.
“Just eat your chicken, brother. It looks so good.”
At Al’s wistful tone, Ed blushed and set to eating.
“Ed, Al, have you found anything interested at the museum?” Gracia asked, steering the conversation to something the brothers could take part in.
“Some really neat books,” Ed said, “Nothing that helps us…yet but we’re going to keep looking.” He shot that at Roy.
“And I loved the glassware, I wish I could keep it.” Al sighed.
Gracia artfully kept the conversation light throughout the rest of dinner. Riza envied her that ability. She had never developed it. Her father hadn’t entertained and she had barely spent any time with her mother’s side of the family or with Roy’s family. Riza’s whole life had been about duty. She wondered if she had ever been social.
Dinner plates were whisked away and dessert cups replaced them. Ed’s face got even longer seeing the pudding.
“Now what form of milk did you find?” he mumbled, defeated.
“Ginger pudding with caramel sauce,” Roy replied, arching an eyebrow. He waved one of the caterers over, whispering something to him. “It’s my favorite.”
“Well, it smells delicious. You should try it, Ed,” Gracia said.
“I don’t like pudding.”
“It’s pretty spicy,” Maes said. “It doesn’t taste like milk.”
“That’s okay.” Ed pushed it away. “I’m full.”
Riza knew that was a lie. She wondered if Roy felt the least bit bad. The caterer came back with a huge slice of cake and he set it in front of Ed.
“I thought you might like golden spice cake better, Edward. If anyone else wants to trade in your pudding, there’s plenty of cake. I figured you and Maes could pick at it later, Gracia.” Roy smiled.
Ed favored Roy with a different flavor of glare. Riza wondered if that was the only expression he was capable of giving Roy, not that the elder brat didn’t deserve it. Ed tucked into his cake like he’d never seen food before but Riza had noticed, his complaining aside, there had been nothing left of his chicken but bones and all his vegetables had done a disappearing act.
“Thank you, Roy,” Gracia said. “You picked out a delicious meal.”
“Roy has good taste,” Maes put in, looking at Roy over the rim of his glasses. “Though occasionally one has to suspect he has hidden agendas.”
“Would I have a hidden agenda?” Roy reached for his wine glass.
“Yes, because you suck,” Ed said around a mouthful of spice cake.
“Occasionally he does,” Maes agreed, grinning at Roy. Ed seemed oblivious to the sparkle in Maes’s eyes but Riza noticed Alphonse’s helmet swiveling back and forth, as the boy observed the two men. Ed wasn’t a worry but they would need to watch themselves around Alphonse.
Roy sipped his wine. “This is me ignoring you both.”
Before Ed or Maes could retort, a siren echoed in the night then the phone rang. Riza felt tension yank at her spine as Maes lept up from the table. He spoke into the phone in short terse phrases so unlike him. He slammed the receiver down.
“Another fire.” Maes moved to kiss Gracia as Roy and Riza got to their feet. “Sorry, love, we have to go. Sorry to leave you here with the caterers. Boys, you watch out for Gracia and Elicia for a while then take a cab home and I mean that. Take a cab.”
“We can help you,” Ed protested.
“No!” Roy snapped then he held up a hand. “Sorry, but no. Edward. Do as Hughes asked, please.”
“I really would like some help here, Edward, Alphonse,” Gracia said and the boys consented.
“We have a car here,” Riza said. “We’d better hurry.”
“If I get there fast enough, I can help them extinguish the fire,” Roy said, hustling out the door. Riza cast an apologetic look back at Gracia and the boys. The expression of fear on Gracia’s face cut her. She nodded, hoping the woman would take that to mean Riza would do all she could to keep Gracia’s husband safe.
* * *
Roy scrubbed a hand over his head, feeling grit grind into his skin. His uniform bore scorch marks and his lungs felt like someone had scrubbed them with broken glass. Blisters popped up on the back of one hand where he’d gotten a little too close to his element. They had gotten to the fire in time. The sky lit up seconds before a deafening crack of thunder sounded making Roy jump. At least under the intact roof of the warehouse, he was safe from the rain but not from the sounds of it beating on the tiles, taking him back to those horrible nights living with Hograth.
Convinced all the flames were well and truly out and no hot spots were lurking, waiting to flare up, Roy returned to Maes and Armstrong. He couldn’t see where Riza had gone but trusted she was doing something needed. Roy only glanced down at the young victim at his friends’ feet. He didn’t want to see, to know, what had happened.
“The fire fighters got here before there was too much damage,” Maes informed him.
“This isn’t an Ishbalan child,” Armstrong said, forcing Roy to look again.
Enough of this boy’s face remained that they would be able to put out sketches, enough for the family to recognize him. Most of the fire had been concentrated lower, over the boy’s legs and genitals. Roy pointed to it. “Wonder if that means something.”
Maes nodded. “It could, given what this person does to these kids.”
“What is this?” Armstrong squatted down, reaching into his jacket pocket for a pencil. He poked at a piece of half melted metal. “There seems to be some sort of insignia. It reminds me of something.”
“We’ll have to take that with us,” Maes said then caught Roy’s arm, leading him away from the body. “You did your part, Roy. I want you to look around, tell us what you think about the fire then go home.”
“I can help,” he protested.
“I know what this is doing to you,” Maes argued.
“I’m not made of glass. I can-”
“Tell me about the fire, since it’s the only reason you’ve been asked to help. It’s all right to let investigations handle the rest.” Maes’s eyes narrowed then he whispered. “You’re as stubborn as Ed.”
Roy sighed, glancing back at the kid. “Accelerant was used this time but sloppier. He didn’t apply it evenly, as if he was in a rush. You might be able to identify that boy.”
“I hope so. All I could tell that family Shanti found was there were no boys with missing eyeteeth in the victim pool.” Maes shrugged. “I guess that’s something.”
“It’ll give that woman you met hope.” Roy turned slowly around, pointing out a few places in the warehouse. “Those are other hot spots. But again, he’s sloppier. Maes, I think you might be on to this guy.”
“What makes you say that?”
“The sloppiness. Like he knows he’s about to be caught and it no longer matters.”
Maes rubbed his bearded chin. “That could be. We have talked to a few arsonist and people with a history of child abuse and that nurse you guys spoke to.”
“He was strange. I think somewhere in that mix, Maes, is the person behind this.”
“You could be right.”
Roy studied his friend’s expression, surprised to find something lurking there. “What is it? Is there something you’re not telling me?”
“No,” Maes replied a little too quickly.
“You were never very good at lying to me,” Roy pointed out.
“Christmas found out that Hograth’s son is in town. We’re trying to find him now,” Maes whispered.
Roy stiffened, shoving Maes away. “When in the hell did you plan on telling me?”
“Once we had him and either eliminated him as a suspect or arrested him,” Maes said frankly.
A fresh layer of sweat broke out all over him. Roy felt his legs shake. “That isn’t fair, Maes.”
“Isn’t it? You didn’t need to know.”
“Says you.”
“Go home now, Roy. Please, just go. Let me handle this. You’ve done your part.”
Roy wanted to protest but if he opened his mouth now, he might say something he regretted. “I’m going to order Edward and Alphonse out of the city. I don’t want them here, not with this person here. Notice that young man is blond? Most Ishbalans are, too. Ed’s the right age and coloring for this freak.”
“I’m not arguing.” Maes put a hand on Roy’s shoulder. “If he gives you a problem, let me help convince him. Don’t just start ordering Ed around. You know in the end, he’ll listen to you.”
“Technically, he has no choice. I am his commanding officer.” Roy ran a hand through his hair. “But you’re right. You can sweet talk him better than I can.”
“That’s because you and Ed are too much alike and you irritate each other.” Maes offered up a faint smile. “Go on, go make sure they’re out of harms way. We’ll discuss the rest of our findings tomorrow morning.”
Roy consented to that, even though he really did want to help more. Maes was probably right. He wasn’t an investigator and this really was bothering him on a very deep level. Roy found Riza but she insisted on being the one to drive to the visiting officer’s quarters. Roy let her, collapsing down on the back seat. He stared up at the fabric where it tucked into the dome light of the car, letting the fears wash over him. Nick Hograth, the little prick had made Roy’s life almost as much a hell as his father had. To this day, Roy felt haunted by the sounds of water hitting the roof, reminding him of nights he’d rather forget.
The dark mood wrapped him up like a blanket, staying with him even after he and Riza went looking for the brothers. Edward and Alphonse were right where they belonged. Trying to rub the sleep out of his eyes, Ed answered the door in nothing but a raggedy t-shirt and his boxers. His loose hair obscured his face.
“What the hell do you want?” Ed grated out. The boy turned red, realizing Riza was right behind Roy.
“Sir, is something wrong?” Al asked.
“He claimed another victim. He’s killing almost every night now,” Roy said flatly, pressing into the room. He hadn’t ever really seen Edward this revealed. Yes, he had seen the boy before he got his automail but Roy hadn’t given enough thought to how extensive the metal was. No wonder Edward fought so far for himself and his brother. No matter, Roy couldn’t waver. “You boys are leaving until this is settled.”
“But we’re not done with our work,” Ed protested.
“We did promise Mr. Bishop we’d help,” Al said, less forcefully than his brother.
“You’re going. Edward, don’t make this order have to get nasty.” Roy turned away, seeing Ed’s anger rising. “Alphonse, I know I have no say over what you do and I know the person can’t hurt you like he could your brother, but I’d hope you’d accompany Edward on his next assignment.”
“We were so close to getting done.” Ed’s metal foot stomped, echoing loudly.
“Sir, can’t we have one more day?”
Roy glanced back at Riza who returned his gaze impassively. He sighed. “You can go back to the museum tomorrow and tell Bishop you’ll be back at a later date. It’ll give me a day to get a real assignment ready but you’re back here in this room right after dinner and you leave the next day. Fight me and you go at first light.”
“You’re an ass.” Ed glowered.
“I’m an ass and you’ll not end up part of a sex ring. I can live with that,” Roy said, turning to leave.
“This isn’t fair.”
“Edward, this counts as fighting with me,” Roy said wearily.
“Edward, this really is for the best,” Riza said, her low voice firm.
The boy’s shoulder’s slumped. “Okay, but we don’t have to like it.”
Ed shut the door behind them. Roy turned to Riza holding out his hand. “I’ll take the car keys and walk you across the courtyard to the woman’s VOQ,” he said. “No sense in you driving me a few blocks then coming back here.”
“They just don’t see the risks, Roy. Boys that age don’t.” Riza deposited the keys in his hand.
“I know. That’s why it’s up to us to protect them.”
Riza’s fingers brushed his lightly. “You know you’re doing the right thing here, Roy.”
He nodded but doubts remained long after he had walked her to her quarters and he had driven back to his. His small cottage felt even more closed in as the rain beat down on the roof. Maybe he should have gone home to the little apartment in his mother’s place but Roy kept telling himself he was an adult now. He shouldn’t be afraid to sleep in a new place. Still, he lay awake half the night, waiting to hear Hograth’s footsteps on the stairs.
on to chapter 10
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no subject
Date: 2010-03-16 04:28 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-03-16 05:11 am (UTC)I really do think Roy is very concerned with Ed and Al. Ed is his charge and Roy feels responsible for all his men. that one is only 12 would only make it worse.
That said, yes it was hard not to make it look too shoutaesque which is the last thing I wanted given a) my Roy isn't thinking that and b) he's trying to stop pedophiles in this
no subject
Date: 2010-03-16 04:48 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-03-16 05:24 pm (UTC)But yes this was tricky and I'm sure some people will still read it slightly Roy/Ed.
As for Bobfish, I have no real problems with adult Ed/Roy. It's still not my thing since Ed is one I definitely don't see as being gay (anime Ed aside...) The shouta side of Ed/Roy does bother me but that said, if that's what people want who am I to stop them?