A/N: Sorry this took so long. For some reason my muse wants to work on a different story so the updates on this one are taking longer than I'd like. And I'm headed to Florida for vacation soon so I'm not sure how long the next update will take. Sorry in advance. But if anyone's still reading this one, I hope you enjoy!

Chapter 37

"The L2 colony has suffered for many years. It is time that we, as a unified nation, begin to take care of the colony and help it to become everything it can be. The colony itself needs several upgrades to be on par with the other colonies. The weather simulation system needs to be refurbished. Many of the buildings have been allowed to become run down. There are many that need homes. There is no reason that anyone should be without a home. We've been working so hard here on Earth to make sure that homelessness is eradicated that we have forgotten those left to fend for themselves in space. We need to create jobs in order to help the economy improve and to help the less fortunate get back on their feet. We need to increase the police and Preventer presence to make the colony a safer place, not only for those who live there, but for those who wish to visit. An increased tourism market will be a great help to the economy. Once the main improvements are underway we will be able to pinpoint other areas in need of work. These improvements may seem daunting at first but I assure you, there is nothing that we can't do if we are only willing to work at it."

Duo glanced at Heero from the corner of his eye. Heero was busy scanning the crowds for potential threats. They'd made sure to leave a hidden camera to watch the car. This was the perfect opportunity for another note to be left. Duo turned his attention back to the crowds as well. He was looking for familiar faces. Part of him hoped to find Whitaker's lackey, but part of him hoped they'd given up on recruiting Relena. He knew it was wishful thinking, but it would be nice if it happened.

Relena finished her speech and started answering questions. Duo kept one ear on the questions while he scanned the crowds again.

"Miss Peacecraft, have you considered the possibility that those on L2 have no desire to change their lifestyles?"

Duo wanted to jump in with an answer, but bit his tongue. Of course people on L2 wanted better lives! Duo narrowed his eyes as he searched for the man that had asked the question. Those who tried to run L2 under the table wouldn't want things to change. It would mean that drug dealing, gun running and whore houses would be shut down. They could argue that these things brought money in for the colony but the reality was that if the illegal practices were gone, the colony had a chance to be prosperous. Duo had run the numbers himself on several occasions. L2 had the potential to rival L4 in wealth if things were run properly.

Relena answered the question, though Duo didn't hear the answer. He'd pinpointed his target and had set his mark. He would have a friendly chat with the man as soon as the conference was over. His gut told him the question wasn't as innocent as it was meant to sound. After answering a few more questions, Relena closed the conference and Duo let Heero escort her to the waiting cars. He disappeared into the crowds and tracked down his quarry.

Duo swore to himself as the man he was tailing got into a car. Duo was able to get the license plate number and he decided that would have to do for the moment.

He made his way back to Heero and Relena, disappointed that he hadn't gotten a positive ID on the suspicious question asker.

"Where did you disappear to?" Heero demanded.

"I was trying to ID someone," Duo answered. He knew Heero was mad he hadn't said anything, but there hadn't been time.

"Was it Whitaker's guy?"

Duo shook his head. "No. Someone else. The guy that said the people on L2 didn't want better lives. I think he might be trying to stir up trouble."

Heero grunted. "We'll look into the security feed when we get back to Relena's. When we got to the car there was another message."

Duo grimaced. "Right. Let's get back and check out this note."

"I'm sorry, Wufei. That's all I can dig up."

Wufei frowned as he scanned the report Quatre had just handed him. "It's okay, Quatre. This whole thing is one colossal mess. I can see why the Preventers didn't pick it up before. Everything seems to be legal."

"And it would be," Quatre agreed, "except that none of those people exist."

"So, in all reality, we could seize these properties as abandoned?" Trowa suggested.

Wufei thought that over. "That…is actually a good idea."

"Would we need a warrant?" Quatre asked.

"I'm not sure. I'll have to look into the logistics of such a seizure. It should be fairly straight forward except for the possibility of these people claiming 'Squatter's Rights.'"

Trowa scowled. "Those outdated laws really need to be expunged."

Wufei nodded. "I'll see what can be done about it. Maybe Une can pull some strings or something. Until then, I'll need you two to continue gathering whatever information you can find. Une has given me another case to look into. I don't think it will take me long to wrap up."

"Why would she give you another case when she knows you're working on this one?" Quatre asked with a frown.

"Because it's a simple investigation and it's a formality, really. A teenager committed suicide and the parents won't leave the cops alone. They think there was foul play and insist that we look into it. From the police report it looks like the girl was a victim of cyber bullying. I'm going to look at the girl's computer history and see if there's really anything that can be done other than charging whoever bullied her. It's a sad case, but there's not much else I can do."

"I only hope it's enough to put the parents at ease," Quatre said. "I can't imagine what it must be like to bury your child."

"Well…I don't think her bullies will end up with more than a fine and community service," Wufei said with a frown.

"I don't think there's a 'fair' punishment in a case like that," Trowa commented. "On one hand, a girl is dead because of the behavior of someone else. On the other, can you really sentence kids to hard time for being insensitive? I don't think the victim's parents are going to be very happy with the outcome."

"Bullying is cruel, but until people start caring about something other than themselves, it isn't likely to go away," Quatre said quietly.

"Too true," Wufei agreed. "If we're done here, I'm going to get started on that other case. The sooner I get it done the sooner the parents can get on with their grieving process."

Wufei left and Quatre looked at Trowa. "Any word from Catherine on how the girl's doing?"

"The girl's been sick. Cathy talked to Sally and Sally said she didn't think it was serious. I haven't heard anything else."

Quatre nodded. "I suppose we should have expected that. It isn't like she was healthy to begin with."

Trowa's eyes hardened. "No, she wasn't. We can't let Chase get away with this."

Quatre was a little surprised at the feelings Trowa was exuding. Aside from the anger at Chase, there was determination but also a hint of something Quatre wasn't quite sure what to call. It felt a bit like affection, but at the same time, protectiveness and a smidgen of longing. He didn't dare call it love. It wasn't strong enough…yet. Instead of saying anything about it, Quatre nodded his agreement and got to work. Quatre wasn't sure if Trowa was aware of his feelings just yet and a small part of him hoped he was misreading the Heavyarms Pilot. It would complicate things.

Torvald left his trailer and headed for Cathy's. He had told her he would be glad to sit with the girl again. He was glad he'd had the chance to meet her earlier. She seemed like a sweet girl. He wanted to show her that she was safe here. After all, he was the biggest and strongest member of the circus. If she wasn't afraid of him she should have no reason to be afraid of anyone.

"Torvald!"

Torvald turned towards the voice. "Ah! Mr. Manager...good evening!"

"Torvald, I need your assistance please."

Torvald frowned slightly. "Will it take long? I am supposed to help Cathy. It is almost time for her to go on."

The Manager sighed. "Cathy will just have to make do without you. We've got a situation that I'm hoping you can diffuse."

"Oh. Okay," Torvald agreed dejectedly. He really had been looking forward to sitting for Cathy. He wanted to see if he could get the girl to talk the next time she woke up. He thought it might be a nice surprise for the knife thrower to come home to.

"Come." The Manager started walking and Torvald followed. "We have a full house tonight. In fact, I've decided to add a second show this evening."

That surprised Torvald. Normally, additional shows were announced in advance, not last minute.

The Manager was still talking. "Unfortunately, some of our audience members are not happy about having to wait for a later show so I want the side show going during the first performance to keep them occupied."

"Why must I—"

"I know the rest of the show would do fine without you for one performance," the Manager interrupted. "However, some of those waiting for the show have been drinking and I would like you there in case they get out of hand. Do you really think Millie and Melody would be able to handle a drunken brawl?"

Torvald shook his head. No, even though their schtick was a martial arts routine, the conjoined twins wouldn't be able to handle drunks. Their routine was more for show than anything. He still felt awful about having to go back on his promise to watch the girl for Cathy. What if she woke up again and was afraid she'd been abandoned? What if she panicked and ran away? Or worse, what if she panicked and hurt herself?

"Torvald, head to the tent and keep an eye on things. I just need to have a short word with Johnson and then I'll be heading back to the Big Top."

Torvald nodded. "Yes, sir." He started to walk towards the smaller side tent when an idea hit him. "SIR!"

The Manager stopped and turned to look at the strong man. "Yes?"

"Would you have Johnson come speak to me when you are done? I have something I wish to ask him."

The Manager nodded. Torvald smiled and made his way to the tent.

"Dear Miss Peacecraft, we are greatly distressed that you have not yet responded to our offer. We would like to make one last offer with the added bonus that you inform the Preventers on your staff that they are no longer necessary. We will be more than capable of providing protective services while you are in our employ. There are many members of the community that would enjoy having you in our company. We await your answer."

"And they've left a phone number. How convenient," Duo remarked as he read the note over Heero's shoulder.

Heero nodded. "I'll trace the number if you'll watch the tape and see who left this."

Duo nodded and brought up the video. At least this one was only about an hour long and since he and Heero had placed the camera themselves, nobody would have known it was there to tamper with it.

Duo watched the screen as he fast forwarded the feed. He slowed it down every time someone approached the vehicle. About ten minutes into the tape, he paused it with a whoop.

"GOT 'EM!"

Paul Johnson hesitated before knocking on Cathy's door. She had specifically asked Torvald to help with the girl, but Torvald had asked him because he couldn't. What if Cathy wasn't happy with the new plan? Paul hated the idea of Cathy being upset.

He shook his head. "Get it together, man!" he muttered to himself. "She's not gonna bite your head off."

He knocked and a moment later the door opened.

"Hello, Paul. What can I do for you?" Cathy asked as she stepped aside so Paul could enter the trailer.

"The Manager asked Torvald to stay longer with the Side Show so he asked me if I'd sit with the girl while you did your act."

"Well, thank you. I hate the idea of leaving her alone just yet. She was going to come and watch tonight but when I went to get her she was asleep. I didn't have the heart to wake her."

Paul nodded. "So she's feeling better than?"

"She seemed to be doing well earlier." Cathy glanced at the clock. "Oh! I'm sorry, I've got to go. If she wakes up make sure to tell her I'll be back as soon as I can so she won't get upset. She might just hide in her room, which is fine. I'm trying not to push her to be social just yet."

Paul nodded. "She'll be fine, Cathy. Go. Have a great show and let me handle her."

"Thanks again, Paul," Cathy said as she headed out the door.

Paul fixed himself a cup of coffee and sat at the kitchen table. He had no intention of waking up the girl if he could help it. He'd screwed up with her already by yelling at her the first time he'd seen her. He knew that it was unlikely she would warm up to him any time soon. He wondered if she would even help with the horses now. The Manager had told him that he thought animal therapy would help the girl to heal and Paul had agreed to let the girl help him. He wasn't sure she would be able to do anything but feed the great beasts, but he supposed it would have to do. The girl would probably be better off working with the dogs. They were smaller and would be easier for her to handle. Paul decided he would try the girl with the dogs first and let her work up to the horses.

Somewhere in the trailer a door shut and Paul's senses went on full alert. Trowa would skin him alive if anything happened to that girl. He tried to act natural as the girl wandered into the kitchen. She was definitely surprised to see him and Paul inwardly cursed at the terror that flashed in her eyes.

Paul decided to at least try to set her at ease. "Hello," he said, forcing his tone to be companionable. "Catherine should be back as soon as her act is over."

The girl nodded and took a step back, her body tense. Paul could tell she was about to run.

"I'm sorry I startled you the other day."

The girl stared at him for a moment before nodding and giving him a small shrug.

Paul watched her in return. "You really don't talk, do you?"

The girl shook her head.

Paul grunted and immediately regretted it as the girl flinched. He decided to push on before she turned tail on him. "The Manager said as much but I didn't believe it."

The girl and Paul both jumped at a loud knock on the door. In a nanosecond the girl was gone. Paul cursed under his breath as he went to find out who it was.

"Ah, Johnson. I can take from here if you like," Torvald greeted him with a grin as he opened the door.

Paul scowled. "Dammit Torvald, you scared her back into hiding with all that banging on the door you did."

Torvald's face fell. He hadn't meant to frighten her. He was about to apologize when he noticed the girl peeking around the corner at him. He couldn't help but smile at her. "Ah, Kirimek! See Johnson, she is not scared. We are friends, yes?"

The girl thought that over for a moment before stepping into the doorway. Torvald was so glad he hadn't really scared her off.

"Are you hungry, Kirimek?"

The girl responded with a nod. Paul frowned. Cathy hadn't said anything about feeding the girl. What would she eat?

Torvald kept himself from chuckling at Paul's confused expression as he walked past the animal trainer and went to the freezer. There wasn't very much of the girl's shake left, but he supposed it would suffice for now. Cathy could make more when she got back. He got a spoon and put it in the frozen shake before handing it to the girl. The girl didn't make eye contact as she dug at her frozen meal.

"So, Kirimek, are you choosing today to begin talking?" Torvald prodded gently. He hadn't given up his idea of convincing her to speak.

She shook her head. Torvald was sad, but he supposed it wasn't unexpected. She wasn't ready yet and he was afraid pushing her would only make her fear him.

"Why do you call her that?" Paul asked, bringing Torvald out of his musing.

"She has given me nothing else to call her," Torvald told him. He thought that much was obvious.

"Well, what does it mean? Cathy won't abide you calling her anything mean."

Torvald frowned. "It is not mean," he said, his feelings a little hurt. "Kirimek is a word in my native tongue. It means 'Hush'." Torvald thought it was rather clever of him. The girl didn't make any noise, with the exception of screaming, but he didn't think fəryad, which meant 'scream', was nearly as nice. "You should probably have checked with Cathy before you started using it," Paul told him with a frown. "She's responsible for her and if we go around making things harder for Cathy, she won't let us help anymore." Torvald was about to say his piece on the matter when he saw the look on the girl's face. She was looking down as she ate a bite of her shake, but there were tears running down her cheeks. So instead of telling Paul what he thought about giving the girl a nickname, Torvald motioned to her. Paul looked at the girl and swore under his breath. The girl looked up just then, the light glinting off the wet lines down her face.

"Are you alright?" Paul asked gently.

The girl nodded, making Torvald frown. He reached out and wiped away a tear as it dripped down her cheek.

"This would suggest otherwise," he said softly. "Did we upset you?"

The girl shook her head.

"Maybe you do not like me calling you Kirimek. I am sorry." Torvald had thought his nickname for her was perfect. He hadn't thought that she might be troubled by it and it upset him because he'd been so careless.

The girl frowned and shook her head.

She did not want his apology? He furrowed his eyebrows as he tried to figure out what she was trying to tell him. "Do you…want me to call you Kirimek?"

A shy smile graced the girl's face and she gave him a tiny nod.

Torvald was elated. Nicknames were a sign of endearment so that must mean that she was accepting him as a friend for her to allow him to give her such a name.

"Well that's progress anyway," Paul muttered. He wondered if he ought to report it to Trowa. Then again, Trowa hadn't exactly requested updates and the girl being here was supposed to be a secret. He decided that if Trowa asked him directly he would share the information but that it wasn't worth the risk to volunteer the information over the phone. What if Trowa's line was tapped? He would give away the girl's hiding spot and possibly screw up the entire investigation.

The girl yawned.

Torvald felt the girl's forehead and frowned. "You seem a little warm. I am thinking it is time for you to sleep now. You will feel better in the morning."

The girl had finished her shake so Torvald took the glass from her and turned to wash it in the sink. He glanced over his shoulder as she walked out of the room.

"Good night, Kirimek. May you sleep sweet."

The girl didn't acknowledge that she'd heard, but Torvald wasn't worried. He just knew in his heart that she was going to get better. It would take time and patience, but she would get better.