This took way longer than it should've done. And it's short. I'm sorry!
I own nothing.
"We're off the case."
Maes and Riza stared at him in shock. "We're what?!"
Roy scowled. "Haruko thinks we're wasting time. He's given the case to Archer."
"He gave it to Archer? Why?"
"Archer volunteered for it, apparently."
"Archer volunteered for..." Maes frowned. "Why? What's this case got that would interest him? He's a greedy bastard, why would he- Oh." Maes grimaced. "Oh, damn."
"What is it?"
Maes gave Roy a serious look. "Remember we thought Archer was taking bribes, but never found any proof? And remember how strangely he was acting when he heard Dante Bolton was dead?"
Roy's eyes widened. "You think she was bribing him." he murmured in realisation.
Maes nodded. "I've been sure somebody was, I just never found any proof... but it makes sense. He's been more irritable lately, and if she's dead, she's not paying him anymore..."
They were interrupted by Edward. "Whoa, hold up. Are you saying the case has been taken up by someone on Dante's payroll?"
Maes grimaced. "I've had suspicions, but never any evidence. However, the way he's reacted to Dante's death..."
"He can't take the case! If he finds out- He's not going to listen to our side of the story, he's just pissed because he's lost his income! He can't take the case!"
"Ed, there's nothing we can do! And besides, he hasn't got any proof, he'd have no reason to suspect you."
"Except the fact that you suspected us!"
Maes opened his mouth to say something, and shut it again in the realisation that Edward was right. Archer would have all the files related to the case, and once he found out the Elrics had been questioned, he'd know that they had a link to the case.
Riza was torn. Technically, the boys were guilty... but there was no way in hell they deserved a life sentence, and that would be exactly what they'd get if Archer and his goons were allowed on this case. She had joined the police force because she wanted to protect people.
Archer just wants his pound of flesh, a voice whispered. That's not justice. Archer will lock them up for killing the woman who was bribing him- a woman who has hurt hundreds of people, who has murdered and stolen and who was trying to kill them.
She made up her mind.
"Don't worry," she said. "We'll do everything in our power to help you."
Edward's head shot up to face her, and in his eyes she could see desperation, fear, and a tiny, cautious spark of hope. "What about your jobs?" he asked.
"I signed up to protect people," said Riza resolutely, "And that's exactly what I'm going to do. I'm sure Roy and Maes feel the same way."
Maes nodded. "I do. You boys were scared and in danger, and what happened wasn't your fault. Roy?"
Roy raised an eyebrow. "You really think I'd throw them to Archer and his dogs?"
The Elrics smiled with relief- but then Alphonse frowned. "But... what if you get found out? It's perversion of justice, isn't it?"
"And letting Archer take the case isn't?" Maes shook his head. "As far as we're concerned, you're innocent. We'll do whatever it takes to prove that, okay? So don't worry."
Riza gave them all a small, kind smile.
"Don't worry, Envy, Edward, Alphonse," she said. "We'll do everything we can."