Title: Scotland Yard
Sequel: to The Measure of my Love (part 4 of The Ruler of my Soul
series)
Author: Kim Riley a.k.a. MYSTIC
Pairing: C/P
Rating: R language and m/m
Summary: Just how far is Tom willing to go for his man?
Archive: Please, just let me know where.
Feedback: Yes please! Mysticmcknight@hotmail.com

"Scotland Yard"

Lt. Commander Tuvok, Commander Chakotay, and Captain Janeway
waited patiently in the Doctors office for the results of the autopsy
report on the former Lt. Carter.

"He was shoved into a barrel of floor cleaner?" Janeway asked.

"Though I doubt that was the method used to do away with Lt.
Carter, it was the intended method of hiding the body, most likely
till another way was found. Had I not been on my scheduled area sweep,
it is very likely that we would not have discovered the body for some
time if at all. The likely hood is that who ever committed this crime
would have found another means of disposing of the body and we would
be left with a mystery," Tuvok stated.

"Well, I want the culprit found," Janeway ordered. "This is
completely unacceptable. I can't have a murder running loose on
board."

"Any indication of who or why?" Chakotay asked.

"None at the moment, Commander. But I have just started my
investigation. I have my team questioning those who knew Lt. Carter
and I am compiling a detailed account of his last day of his were he
was. This should provide me with some place to start," Tuvok replied.

The EMH walked in. "Well, to put it simply, his neck was
snapped in two."

Janeway and Chakotay steeled themselves at hearing the
brutality that someone on board was capable of showing. "Any DNA
traces?" she asked.

"No, Captain. Who ever did this, was quite aware that the
basic compound in the standard floor cleaner we use has an acid base,"
the EMH replied. Seeing that this wasn't clear enough, "Basically all
traces of any outside DNA was eaten away by the chemical leaving no
trace. I can tell you that Lt. Carter has only been dead for only four
hours."

"Four hours," Tuvok repeated. "Then the crime is still
relatively fresh. If you will excuse me, Captain. It is a known fact
that the odds of catching the criminal is higher the closer to the
actual time of the occurrence. Since this only happened four hours
ago, I should be able to track Lt. Carter's movements well enough to
compile a list of suspects," Tuvok stated then with his customary nod
exited out of sickbay.

"Who could have done this?" Janeway asked, her concern running
deep as she paced the Doctor's office.

"Obviously someone strong enough to snap the human neck in one
blow," the EMH replied.

"One blow?" Chakotay inquired.

"Yes. There were no signs of a struggle and no other signs of
damage to his body other then the killing blow," the Doctor stated.
"There is little else I can tell you. I will make the body ready for
the proper procedures. If you would excuse me," he said then exited
his office.

"I knew this was going to be a difficult week, but this.this
was never considered on for the agenda," Janeway said. She turned to
Chakotay, "Help Tuvok as best you can. Get to the bottom of this as
quickly as possible."

"Then what?"

Janeway stared at her friend and First Officer, 'I don't know,
Commander. But the person has to be punished for this crime. I know
the brig isn't the best place to hold someone for the next seventy
years.but.?"

"I understand," Chakotay stated as he placed a concerned hand
on her shoulder. "I'm going to check out a few things. I'll see you
later," Chakotay said as he left.

Janeway rubbed her temples, for she had one hell of a head
ache and knew, just knew that things were going to get worse long
before they got better.


**************

Tom was pacing in front of his closet. He was upset that
Chakotay had cancelled lunch. He knew it had to do with the
conversation he and the Captain had had this morning. He had tried
contacting the Commander's quarters but he wasn't there. He checked on
his location and found he was still working or on ships business. But
Tom also knew that Chakotay had also made a habit as of late to visit
the bar to do a bit of socializing.

With this in mind, Tom was pacing his closet wonder what he
should wear. He had once shot tonight to capture Chakotay's attention.
Even if Chakotay was his mate, he was still a bit shy on the matter,
and it didn't help that the Captain was turning up the heat against
him. // Damn, bitch! She can have anyone on the ship! She just better
leave Chakotay alone! // Tom moved and got himself a drink of water to
cool his anger.

Then he turned back to his closet. He chose his blue shirt,
the one that made his eyes glow, and his tight dark jeans. He wanted
Chakotay to know what he was getting. With a grin he got dressed and
placed on his boots that rounded off the outfit nicely. He was
brushing his hair when his door chimed.

"Enter," Tom said as he walked out to the living room, still brushing
his hair.

He was surprised to see Dalby storm in.

"Why Paris? Why did you do it?" he demanded, his eyes fixed
with anguish and anger.

Tom looked at the man confused, "Why what?"

"Don't play games with me, Paris. I know you did it! He may
have been a big mouth, but he didn't deserve this!" he yelled.

"Kevin, what are you talking about?" Tom asked again, not
understanding the situation.

"You son-of-a-bitch! How can you stand there and play
innocent. I know you killed John! I may not be able to prove it, but I
know you did it!"
Tom was floored. "John's dead?"

Kevin Dalby couldn't take anymore of Tom's innocent routine
and jumped him. The two men went crashing down to the ground, but Tom
was in control of himself and was easily able to out maneuver the
angry man. "Kevin, stop this!" he shouted.

Dalby lunged for Tom again, this time the two of them wrestled
on the floor, not taking notice to the door opening.

"Stop this at once!" Came the commanding voice of the First
Officer.

Both parties stopped. Dalby shoved Tom away as he got to his
feet. Tom followed a few moments and tucked in his shirt.

Chakotay started at the two men. "Just what the hell is going
on here?" he asked.

"Kevin's upset," Tom replied, not really wanted to get the
other guy in trouble.

Chakotay looked at Dalby, "Why are you attacking Tom?"

Dalby glared at the young pilot then looked away, intent on
staying quiet.

"I want answers or no one is leaving here," Chakotay stated.

"Commander." Tom started, not sure of this situation. "Did
something happen to John Carter?"

Chakotay then knew, "Dalby, why would you attack Tom? What
reason would Tom have to hurt Carter? The matter in the mess hall."

Kevin's anger was too much; he couldn't hold it anymore. "John
was going to file charges of homosexuality against Pairs here. John
was concerned for you reputation Commander. I believe Paris found out
and.killed him!"

Chakotay was stunned. He then took a few deep breaths to keep
in control of the situation; "Do you have any proof?" He asked
flatly.

Kevin nodded no, "if I did, I'd have given it to Tuvok
already," he snapped. "I just know."

"What you think you know and the truth are two separate
things, Lieutenant. I suggest you remember that in the future. Now,
under the circumstances, I don't thing Lieutenant Paris is going to be
pressing charges. If you have any information you deem relevant to the
case, give it to Mr. Tuvok and leave things in the hands of those
charged with dealing with it, understand?"

"Yes, sir," Kevin replied.

"Kevin," he said in a more understanding tone. "I know John
was your friend. But you can't take matters into your hands. John had
a big mouth and had a few enemies. You can't assume you know what
happened. Go back to your quarters, take the rest of the day off and
take the time to grieve, okay?" he said as he placed a supportive arm
around the other man and walked him to the door. "If you want to talk,
just let me know, okay?"

Dalby just nodded, a few tears falling down his face. "Thanks,
Commander," he said softly then left.

After the door closed Chakotay turned to Tom. "Are you okay?"

"Chakotay, I don't know anything about what happened to John.
In fact, till Kevin came in here making accusations, I didn't even
know anything was wrong," he stated, his concern clear on his face.

"I believe you, Tom. But."

"But will others," he replied. Tom moved and sat down on his
sofa and let out a frustrated breath. "I can't believe this."

Chakotay moved to the replicator and entered his own code in
and got two drinks for him and Tom. "Tom, we need to talk," he said as
he moved and sat down next to the young man.

Tom took the drink gladly, "yes, yes we do."

"If what Dalby says is true, you will become the prime suspect
if Tuvok doesn't find anything else to link to Carter's death."

"Cha, I didn't do it," Tom insisted.

"Tom, I said 'I' believe you. But that won't change the fact
that what Kevin said could and will make a good motive for you to have
done it. I.I just want to know what you were doing after you got off
shift today, okay? Perhaps we can establish that there was no way you
could have done it."

"Cha, I was here.waiting for you to get off work," Tom stated,
feeling a blush fill his cheeks. He was pleased to see that
Chakotay's were a bit red too. "You cancelled lunch. I, I wanted to
see if you would then join me for dinner or a drink or something?"

"You were here the entire time, waiting for me?" Chakotay
asked a bit in disbelief and flattered.

"Yes. I'm sure the computer can verify that. I kept at it
often enough to." Tom was quiet, he had embarrassed himself enough for
one evening.

Chakotay felt a shy smile creep to his face. Tom was pursuing
him.openly, just like the Captain said he would do. Then her words
returned. "Um, Tom. About.us," he said, feeling far from sure footed
in this matter.

Tom slid closer to the big man, " Cha, look me in the eye and
tell me you don't feel it. That you don't feel that we belong together
and.and I'll back off."

//That's simple, // Chakotay thought, till he looked deep into
Tom's blue alluring eyes. It was mere seconds and he was hopelessly
lost. "I.I." he tried to say, but all he really wanted to do was kiss
the man before him senseless.

"You can't say it, can you," Tom said, his voice low and husky
as he moved closer to Chakotay, leaning in close so their lips were
almost touching. "That's because you know. You know you belong to me
as I belong to you," he whispered as he then placed a soft kiss on
Chakotay's lips.

Tom felt strong arms wrap around him as his mouth was
passionately assaulted by the other man. He loved every second of it
and wrapped his body around Chakotay's. If things went well, they
would both be in the bedroom consummating their relationship again.

Just then the door chimed again. Tom and Chakotay sat back
from each other, panting hard. The fact that each wanted the other was
clear on their faces. The chime rang again. Chakotay stood up and
moved to the replicator to get another drink as Tom wiped his mouth
and smoothed his clothes. "Enter," he stated as calmly as he could.

Tuvok stepped in. He raised a brow seeing the Commander was
already here. "Lieutenant Pairs. I would like to ask you a few
questions if I may."

"I already spoke to him," Chakotay said, having reposed
himself completely.

"You have become aware of Lt. Carter's intent to file charges
against Mr. Paris?" Tuvok asked a bit taken back, since he just
learned of this himself.

"Yes. I.I saw Kevin Dalby and we talked. I then talked with
Tom here. Though he was alone, he says he was here the entire time and
he genuinely appeared to not know about John's death when he was told
about it," Chakotay stated evenly.

"Have you checked the computer for tampering?" Tuvok asked, no
accusations in his tone.

"Not yet. But I will. John had a lot of people angry with him.
I'm sure Tom isn't the only one. Besides, from what Kevin said, Tom
had no idea what John was going to do."

Tuvok took all this into consideration. "I will also check the
computer to verify Mr. Paris' location. I will also continue on with
the other leads in this case." He then turned to Tom, "I still may
wish to speak with you on this matter later," he stated.

"Of course," Tom said easily.

Tuvok stood there a moment then gave a nod then exited the
room.

Tom got up and moved to Chakotay, "Wow, I'm impressed. You
were so flustered a moment ago, I thought for sure, Tuvok would be
able to figure what we were doing in here," Tom grinned.

"And have you in more trouble? I don't think so," Chakotay
stated, his dark eyes narrowing toward Tom. Then without a word he
dropped the glass and grabbed Tom into his arms and they resumed the
deep kiss. Then after a few minutes and the need for air, the kiss
was broken and both men were once again panting heavily.


Tom looked deep into Chakotay's dark smoky eyes, the desire
was pure and Tom wanted it all. "Take me," he whispered.

Chakotay was just about to grab Tom up when his com badge
beeped.

"Janeway to Chakotay."

Tom saw the struggle on his mate's face, and knew he had to
help him, for he felt the same way. He pushed Chakotay away, slowly
and then moved behind him and rubbed his shoulders to help the older
man breathe and relax.

"Janeway to Chakotay."

"Yes, Captain." Chakotay said, he breathing now under control.

"I'd like a full report on what you and Mr. Tuvok has
discovered in this matter in my ready room in thirty minutes."

"Aye, Captain," Chakotay said, then closed the channel. His
eyes went back to the beautiful blond still rubbing his shoulders
helping him to relax. "Later?" he asked hopefully.

"Always," Tom replied, indicating that he was willing to give
himself whenever the older man wanted him. The two shared a quick
kiss and Chakotay left.

Tom moved to the sofa feeling good. He sank on the sofa, //he
knows he's mine, // he smiled to himself feeling satisfied. Then his
thoughts turned to John Carter. //I wonder what really did happen to
him? //


***************

The three officer's sat in the Captain's ready room going over
the evidence in regards to the murder of Lt. John Carter.

"You checked the computer?" Janeway asked.

"Yes. I and Commander Chakotay both verified that the computer
was not tampered with. Mr. Paris was in his quarters the entire time
as he has stated. The last person to see Lt. Carter alive was Mr.
Dalby and I find no evidence or motive for him to have committed such
an act against his friend," Tuvok stated.

"So, where does that leave us?" she asked, not happy with the
way things were going.

"I'm afraid no were," Chakotay said. "There is no evidence.
There is no real motive, for as I have explained, there was no way for
Tom to have known about what Carter was planning so there could not be
any retaliation. There are no other leads at the moment. I hate to say
this, Kathryn. But we could have another Sunder on board."

Janeway shivered at the thought of another mad man running
lose. "I sure as hell hope not. Well, rule out all the obvious and
whatever is left."

"Has to be the answer," Chakotay finished for her with a
smile. He saw that Tuvok didn't get it. "Sherlock Holmes. Scotland
Yards greatest Detectives."

"I am familiar with Sir Connan Doyal's writings. But since
Sherlock Holmes is a fictional character, one can not contribute that
he was Scotland Yards greatest Detective."

"Flawless as usual, Mr. Tuvok," Janeway said with a small
smile. Then sat back in her chair, "But what is elementary here,
gentlemen is that we have a murder on board Voyager. I want them
found. And let's hope this is an isolated incident."

After a bit more conversation, Janeway dismissed them, but
asked Chakotay to stay a moment. She got another cup of coffee and
some tea for her friend. "Commander, I know you have a lot on your
plate as it is. But I wanted to ask, have you handled.this thing with
Tom?"

Chakotay took his tea with ease, "Not to worry, Kathryn. Tom
and I have come to an understanding on the matter," he smiled.

Janeway sat down relaxed. "Good. For a moment there I was
concerned I would have to play the heavy. I may not agree with the
regulations, but I can't just keep snipping off regulations just
because I don't like them."

"Why not?" Chakotay asked, his manner calm. "We're possibly
out here for the next seventy years. The restraint people could live
with back home and now are drastically different. It is.unfair and
wrong to expect them to hold up to them. Take you and me for an
example. Do you really expect to live the next seventy years.alone? I
don't know about you, but I do want to have a family some day,
Kathryn."

Janeway sat up, taken a bit, but not surprised of Chakotay's
point of view. "It's not like I want to be alone.it's.it's
regulations. It's all we have keeping us together out here in the
middle of no were."

"That's right. The middle of no were. We have had to adapt to
many things, Kathryn. Perhaps on of the things that need to be adapted
is the regulations in regards to relationships. Kathryn, seventy
years."

"We could find a way home tomorrow," she replied.

"Or not."

"I understand where you're coming from. But." she sat back and
sipped her coffee. "I can't just go around changing regulations. At
least not over night. It's too soon," she added.

"Too soon for what?"

"To admit that we really will be out here that long," she said
softly.

"I see," Chakotay replied softly. Then after finishing his
tea. "Kathryn, the flow of change is already upon us. Either we change
with it or we get bowled over. The choice is ours," he said as he
stood to leave. "Good night, Captain."

"Good night, Commander," she said. Then she continued to sit
on the sofa, thinking about all that has happened and what the future
will bring.

TBC in "One Foot in the Grave"