Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

Episode 3.01: Burning Down the House

Ray shuffled while he waited in a modified time step. The guy who’d told him it would take awhile to transfer a call to Fraser hadn’t been kidding; he’d been on the line for at least five minutes now, waiting. Normally, it would have driven Ray nuts, but today was anything but normal.

Finally, he heard a click on the line, followed by a burst of static, and then Fraser’s voice came through.

“Benton Fraser here.”

“Hey, Fraser,” Ray said, and he couldn’t help but smile at the sound of his friend’s voice.

“Hello Ray! Is everything all right?”

“Yeah, no worries. It’s just – “ Okay, he could do this. “I needed to let you know I might not be at the airport to pick you up.”

“Ah,” Fraser responded, far too quietly, and Ray knew just what he was thinking.

Ray scrubbed a hand through his hair. “Hey, it isn’t like that! Don’t you even think that, okay? It’s just, there’s some stuff going on and I might not be there and it wouldn’t be buddies of me not to let you know.”

There was a pause, but Ray wasn’t sure if it was the connection or Fraser. “Then this doesn’t have to do with possibly avoiding a conversation?”

“Absolutely no.” Ray confirmed, then lowered his voice. “You have no idea how much I want to have that conversation.”

“Me too, Ray,” Fraser responded, and Ray could swear he heard the smile in the other man’s voice. Shit.

“Okay then,” he replied, leaning a hip at the edge of the table the phone was on.

“Ray, do you need me back sooner?”

“You asking personally or professionally?” Ray teased, hoping to deflect.

Fraser went right with it. “Well, I was referring to whatever case it is you’re working on, but…”

Ray laughed. “Nah, there’s nothing here you can help with.” He sobered up as he continued. “It’s a done deal, just crappy timing.”

He could hear the hesitation in Fraser’s voice with his next words. “Okay, Ray. Then I suppose I’ll see you soon.”

Ray closed his eyes as he answered, and did his best to keep his tone light. “Soon as I possibly can, Ben.”

Ray hung up the phone and moved to sit on the edge of the hotel bed. The agent assigned to “educate” him nodded her approval. Not that he gave a damn what she thought, but he gave her a tight smile in return. After all, she’d let him make the call. True, it had taken a lot of convincing, but she didn’t have to and they both knew it. Ray ran a tired hand over his face as he thought about how much things could change so fast…

Ray was working late, cleaning up some of his old paperwork of all things. But it beat going home to an empty apartment, and since Fraser was back in Canada for another week he might as well get something productive done. Besides, it’d be a kick to see the look on Fraser’s face when he came back to find Ray’s desk tidied up and his paperwork, well maybe not all done, but a lot better.

He was just about to tackle another pile when Welsh called him into his office.

“Close the door behind you, Kowalski,” Welsh said, and the combination of wanting a closed-door meeting in a nearly empty office plus the tone of Welsh’s voice had the hairs on the back of Ray’s neck standing on end.

Ray came in and sat on the couch, leaning forward and trying not to telegraph his unease as he waited to hear what was going on.

The lieutenant regarded him for a minute before speaking. “You’ve been doing good work, Ray. You and the Constable, you’ve been a good partnership, a good balance.”

“Thank you, sir.”

“It’s made the whole department look good. I just want you to know that.”

Ray went from uneasy to very, very worried. “What’s going on, sir? Has something happened with Fraser?”

“As far as I know, everything with Fraser is fine,” Welsh answered, then sighed deeply and looked past Ray for a few seconds before focusing back on him. “The call came down today. You’re going back under. Deep under.”

Ray blinked at the finality in Welsh’s voice. “You mean somebody asked if I wanted to do another undercover job,” he countered.

Welsh shook his head. “I mean you’ve been tagged. There’s nothing I can do about it. And before you ask, I tried.”

Ray sat back hard and crossed his arms over his chest. “I won’t do it.”

“Then you’re out,” Welsh replied harshly. “I’m sorry, Ray,” he went on, tone softer, “this is big – federal level big, and they want you.”

Shit. Federal. They could and would boot him out for refusing to go, no matter how good he was. Ray stood and ran his fingers through his hair as he started to pace. “How long?”

“You have a week before you leave, but unofficially you’re already gone. The Feds want the time to go over your cover. As for how long you’ll be under, I wish I could say, but apparently it’s all need-to-know, and I’m not on the list.”

“Well I sure as hell should be! They can’t just do this – I got a life.” He stopped. “I have to call my folks, and Fraser, and – I have people who are gonna notice if I’m not here.”

“You can’t.” Ray looked at him in shock. “What I do know is that this is no ordinary job – you look a lot like a guy they’ve been watching, and you’re going to replace him. So we have to pretend it’s business as usual around here, which includes acting like you’re not gone.”

Ray snorted at that. “That’s going to be a hard sell when I don’t show up for work.”

“Normally, yes. But the Feds have also arranged for someone to take your place while you’re working with them.”

Ray couldn’t believe what he was hearing. “Wait – there’s a guy who’s going undercover as me while I go undercover as somebody else? That’s the craziest thing I’ve ever heard.”

“Tell me about it.”

“If this guy looks enough like me to cover, why not make him do the Fibbie gig?”

“You’ll have to ask the FBI that question. You want my opinion, it’s because you’re so damn good at undercover.”

Ray sat down again, slumping over. “Dammit, why did this have to happen now? I have a life, I have friends – I was just starting to like being Ray Kowalski again. Why can’t this other guy just do the job instead of me?”

Welsh said nothing, and Ray raised his head just enough to look up at him. “Will you tell Fraser what happened? That I had no choice?”

Welsh nodded. “I’ll let him know whatever I can.”

“Thanks, Lieu.” Ray stood again and exhaled heavily. “I guess I better make sure my life’s in order for someone to take over.” He went to open the door and stopped, hand on the knob. “And thanks for trying.”

Ray shook himself out of the memory and ran a hand through his hair, actively not looking at his keeper. He’d done what he could; it was time to go.

***********

Fraser decided to go straight to the station when it became clear Ray was unable to meet him at the airport. Something had sounded off when they’d spoken earlier in the week. Fraser wasn’t sure what was going on, but instinct told him something was wrong.

“I know it’s a long walk, Diefenbaker, thank you,” he replied when Dief had balked at the trip. “Honestly, you’re acting like foot travel isn’t your normal mode of transportation. Unless there’s some sort of arctic wolf rail system hidden in the Territories, you should be used to this.”

Dief whuffed at him and Fraser just shook his head. “It isn’t as if Ray didn’t warn us this might happen. And no, I couldn’t take a cab, as well you know. Mr. Mustafi is one of the only drivers I know willing to talk a half-wolf as a passenger, and unless his schedule has changed, today is his day off. Besides, the walk will do us both good – help stretch our legs after the long flight.”

Dief whined, and when Fraser spoke again, his voice had lost its stern edge. “Ray would have been here if he could, Dief. You know that.” He picked up his duffel bag and slung it over his shoulder. “Come on. Let’s go see if we can’t find him.”

It wasn’t the hardest hike they’d ever had to take, not by a longshot. But by the time they reached the station, both Fraser and Dief were tired. The plane trip had been long, and while a big part of Fraser just wanted to go home and collapse for a few hours, he knew he wouldn’t rest until he’d seen Ray.

But it was as if the universe was conspiring against him, and Fraser was thoroughly disconcerted by the time he reached the bullpen. In his attempts to find Ray, he'd been directed and redirected throughout most of the station, and with each new suggestion, he became more uneasy. Jack’s reaction especially had him concerned; he’d looked at Fraser almost with pity.

So when suddenly a stranger came up and put an arm around him with a happy, "Benny! Buddy!" he was totally at a loss as to how to respond.

He extricated himself from the other man as politely as possible and asked, “I’m sorry, have we met?”

“Have we met?” the man laughed. “You get hit on the head again, Benny? Or did you come back from Canada wanting to be a stand-up comedian instead of a Mountie?” He was still smiling, but Fraser noticed it didn’t reach his eyes. “I’m your partner, Ray, funny guy.”

Fraser shook his head, confused. “I’m sorry, I thought you said you were my partner, but of course that can’t be true. I have a partner. Ray Kowalski.”

“Ri-ight,” the man drawled, and Fraser could hear a hint of impatience. “That’s me. Your partner. Stanley Raymond Kowalski.”

Fraser didn’t even try to hide his disbelief. “You’re Stanley Kowalski?”

“Only to my ma. You know that.” He stopped Elaine as she was walking by. “Hey, Elaine, you have that file for me yet?”

“Sorry, Ray. Just on my way down now,” she replied, then left too quickly for Fraser to ask her anything.

‘Ray’ started toward the break room. “Hey, you want something? Maybe they started stocking pemmican now.”

Fraser followed after him, grabbing a piece of paper and an inkpad as he went. There was something going on here, and he was determined to find out just who this man was. Because no matter what he said, he wasn’t Ray Kowalski.

Fraser started his investigation by trying to determine the man’s height, based on his own, while ‘Ray’ got a cup of coffee.

“Does Canada have different personal space boundaries?” he asked, looking Fraser up and down.

Fraser stepped back a pace. “Sorry.”

After that, it was easy enough to trick the man into giving him his fingerprints, though it got him a suspicious look.

‘Ray’ narrowed his eyes at Fraser as they walked back toward Ray’s desk. “Seriously. What’s with you? You did talk to Welsh, right?”

Before Fraser could answer that he’d tried but hadn’t really had the chance, Ray’s phone rang.

“Kowalski,” the man answered, giving Fraser a see, it is me look. He nodded and uh-huhed a few times, then passed the phone to Fraser. “It’s for you, Fraser.”

He took the phone automatically. “Benton Fraser here.”

“At the station first, I see,” said a voice he couldn’t identify. It seemed it was his day for unknowns. “That’s a shame. I was hoping to give you a warm welcome at home. If you hurry, maybe I still can.” Before he could respond, Fraser heard a click and a dial tone.

“What is it, something wrong?” the Ray-pretender asked when Fraser handed him back the receiver, frowning.

“I need to go my apartment.”

“I can take you,” the man replied, grabbing his suit jacket off the back of Ray’s chair.

Fraser wanted to protest, but honestly, whatever was going on, no one at the station was worried about it, so whoever this man was, he must be harmless enough. And he had a car. Ray’s car, as it turned out.

“This is your car?” he had to clarify.

All that got him was an eye roll and a muttered, “Give it a rest,” as they climbed into the car, Dief taking his normal backseat spot.

They were a few blocks away from the station when Dief decided to greet the imposter in his own way.

“Hey! No licking the driver, mutt!” he called back with a glare in the rearview mirror.

“You know he can’t hear you,” Fraser replied.

“I know he can’t or won’t hear you. No proof he can’t hear me, and unless he wants me to crash this car, he better lay off.”

Fraser twisted in his seat to better face Diefenbaker. “Best do as he wants for now. There’s no need to create a safety hazard.”

Dief whuffed a protest, curled up on the seat and closed his eyes. Fraser shook his head; he was sure this conversation wasn’t over.

Whoever this ‘Ray’ really was, he knew how to get to Fraser’s building. They had to park about a block away; the street was blocked by police cars, fire engines and ambulances. Part of Fraser was proud to see it; not so long ago, he was fairly certain this area of town wouldn’t have warranted such a turn-out. But anything good he felt was squashed flat as he saw it was his building that was on fire.

Fraser and Dief were out of the car as soon as it stopped, rushing toward the building. He didn’t look back to see if Ray was following, though he thought he heard him identifying himself as a police officer. It looked like the fire department had things fairly well in hand, and Fraser was immensely relieved to see so many familiar faces. He stopped to check on each one, feeling Ray’s eyes on him the entire time. But the other man made no move to talk to anyone beyond the authorities on the scene.

Once it was established that the fire was out, Fraser made his way to his apartment. The fire, he’d been told, had started on his floor, and even braced for it, the sight took him aback. First his father’s cabin, now this… Fraser sifted through the remains of his things.

“Damn shame, son,” he heard, and was too tired to even be surprised at his father’s appearance.

“Thank you for your concern, Dad.”

“Well, you read most of the journals already though, didn’t you? And I’m still here, so you didn’t lose everything.”

Fraser sighed. “You’re sorry because your journals were burned? What about the rest of my things? My home is gone – doesn’t that matter?”

“Come now, Benton, this was just temporary housing. Chicago isn’t your home.”

“It is now.” A flash of light caught his eye, and he bent down to retrieve a broken bottle. He sniffed at it, then wrapped it up and put it in his belt pouch.

“Maybe it’s a sign,” his father suggested.

“A sign?”

“That’s time to make some changes.”

Fraser looked up at that, but of course his father was nowhere to be seen. He started searching through the ashes again, looking up when he heard someone approach. It was Ray, tiptoeing carefully through the mess. Well, his partner or not, if this man was truly a detective, his help would be welcome.

“I don’t think this was an accident,” Fraser said as the fake Ray approached.

“Come on – this whole neighborhood is a fire hazard. I was talking with the firemen and their best guess is bad wiring.”

“I seriously doubt it, though I’m sure that’s what someone wants us to believe.” He pulled out a bottle from his belt pouch. “I found this.”

“So what? Your favorite aftershave got busted?”

“This isn’t mine, which you would know if you were who you claim to be. I think it was used as an accelerant.”

That earned Fraser a dubious look. “You really think this was arson?”

“Yes.”

“But why? There’s no way the insurance money would be good enough, not on a place like this.”

“I believe it was personal. The caller at the station wanted to wish me a warm welcome home.” He started walking back down to the ground level.

“That doesn’t sound so fishy.”

“I didn’t recognize the voice. And they made it clear that I should come here, and quickly.”

“Okay, maybe you have a point,” he acquiesced. “So what do you want to do now?”

“I think we need to make sure they don’t do this anywhere else.” Fraser stopped as he realized the next possible target. Oh dear. He started moving faster, changing to a run toward the car as soon as they’d cleared the building.

“Hey! Where are we going?”

“The Consulate,” Fraser called back.

***********

“This isn’t the way to the Consulate,” Fraser challenged.

“It’s a different way, maybe, but trust me, we’ll get there just fine.”

Fraser couldn’t help but add, “This isn’t your normal route.”

‘Ray’ rolled his eyes. “Well, I don’t normally watch my partner’s building burn down,” he shot back. “It’s a day for changing things up. Trust me, this is just as fast.” He stared intently at the road, and Fraser didn’t know what to add.

After a few moments, he asked if he could borrow ‘Ray’s’ cell phone.

“Knock yourself out,” he answered as he handed it over. “Maybe you’ll find somebody that wants to talk with you.”

Fraser tried Inspector Thatcher’s direct line, but there was no answer. Knowing he would regret it but having no other choice, he dialed the main number for the Consulate. The conversation he had with Turnbull was, as expected, equal parts unhelpful and frustrating, and he ended the call as soon as he was able. At least he knew there was no fire yet; Turnbull hadn’t sounded at all panicked.

‘Ray’ was chuckling as Fraser returned the phone to him. “What that guy lacks in catching clues he makes up for with volume. That was like the Canadian version of Who’s on First.”

“Turnbull is… well, Turnbull,” Fraser replied, trying to rein in his growing impatience.

***********

Ray had barely stopped the car before Fraser and Dief were jumping out of it. Again. Ray stayed back, waving to indicate he’d follow them in soon. He needed a minute before he had to deal with another round of whatever game Fraser was playing.

Bracing himself, he opened the door and walked into the Consulate. Turnbull was at the front desk, and gave him a wink and a thumbs up as he entered. Ray resisted the urge to roll his eyes at the man and kept walking, picking up the pace when he heard raised voices.

He got to Thatcher’s office just in time to see Fraser helping someone large, unnaturally blond, and very well-muscled off the floor. He was stammering out an apology to the man, and Ray was sorry he’d missed whatever happened. Thatcher cut a glance his way as he walked in, and Fraser followed her gaze.

“Ah, detective, glad you’ve joined us,” Fraser said, suspiciously glad to see him. “Inspector, you remember my partner, Ray?”

Ray nodded once and smiled at Thatcher in acknowledgement. “Inspector Thatcher, a pleasure to see you again.”

“Detective Kowalski,” she replied smoothly. Ray saw Fraser start at that, and hid a smirk at the reaction. “If you’re here for Fraser, he’s all yours. Please. Take him away.”

“Not a problem, glad to have your cooperation with the whole liaising thing, as always.” He gave her his most charming smile, which she completely brushed off. “Come on, Fraser,” Ray said. “Check the place out if you need to, but I think coming here was a bust.”

Fraser hesitated, then turned to Thatcher. “And you don’t need to know why I came in here?”

She sighed and crossed her arms. “Was it for personal or professional reasons?”

“Professional, sir. Of course, the arsonist seems to have taken a personal interest in me, but my reasons were and are entirely professional.”

Ray could just hear the resignation in her tone. “An arsonist.”

“Yes.”

“And you think they’re after you,” she went on, which apparently was Fraser’s cue to really let her have it with the details.

“Well, my apartment building did burn down today, which considering this is my first day back in the states, and the leading call I received, does make it seem likely.” Ray thought maybe he wanted to say more, but a look from Thatcher shut him down.

“They haven’t been here,” she stated.

“It doesn’t appear so, no.”

“But if you stay, they might come here.”

“Ah. Yes. I see your point, sir.”

“Good. Dismissed.”

Fraser nodded. “Understood.” He turned to Ray, gave him a look, then started to turn and say more to the Inspector, but a glare from her obviously made him reconsider. Ray hid a smile at Fraser’s discomfort as he started back to the car, Fraser staying behind for a minute to talk with Turnbull.

That smile was completely gone a few minutes later in the car, because, wow. One thing Ray could say about Fraser – subtlety was not his strong suit. Remembering bits he’d read about undercover work, he wondered just how the man had survived; his acting skills were non-existent. Not that he was trying too hard – he’d made it clear from the get-go that he didn’t even want to play along with this crazy scenario. Personally, Ray thought he was right – there was no way this was going to work. But that wasn’t his call to make, and Fraser pushing him wasn’t helping anybody.

He tried to be patient, joked around, worked on getting the guy to play along. Let the whole fingerprinting thing slide, even. But when Fraser tried to feed him putty to get a dental impression a few minutes after they left the Consulate, Ray was officially done.

Ray spat out the inedible bite and just gave into his frustrations. Enough was enough. "You gonna measure my dick next?" he snapped, glaring at Fraser as he bagged up the sandwich. Fraser looked up at that, startled, and Ray felt a twinge of triumph. The Mountie was ruffled - good. About time he got a little of his own back.

“Of course not, Ray. I’m sorry if you feel like my behavior isn’t what you’re used to.” His voice was even, and his tone gave nothing away, but it was all Ray could take.

“Okay, that’s it. I get it, okay? I don’t measure up to Kowalski – you can cut the crap now.”

And it looked like that had ruffled Fraser a little more. “You’re admitting that you aren’t Ray?”

Ray smiled. “Nope, just that I’m not Kowalski.” At Fraser’s now lost look, Ray sighed deeply. “Look, you said you talked to Welsh. What did he say that has you acting so crazy?”

“Well, we didn’t have much opportunity to talk, as he received an important call.”

“His accountant? Yeah, he’s been getting those all week.” Ray watched the road, then turned to Fraser briefly, eyes wide. “You mean he didn’t tell you?”

“Tell me what?”

Ray barked out a laugh at that and hit the steering wheel. “No wonder! Okay, let’s start this again.” He reached a hand out and Fraser took it, confused. “I’m Ray - formerly known as Vecchio, now going by Kowalski. Pleased to meet you, partner.” He tried to shake hands, but Fraser’s grip was non-existent.

He could feel Fraser’s stare as he drove, and could practically hear the wheels turning in his head. “Vecchio. You’re Francesca’s brother, the policeman in Florida.”

“Got it in one! But I trained here, did some of my beat work here. I’ve been gone long enough there’s a chance, or so somebody seems to think, no one will know me. And being Frannie’s brother, I know a lot of what’s what around the station already. We talk pretty regularly. So as long as you and I can get along, it should be a good fit.”

Fraser nodded, looking more at ease but still disturbed, from what Ray could tell with his focus split between the road and their conversation. “What is it? Come on, spit it out. I’ve only known you a couple of hours, but I can tell something’s bugging you.”

“I was just thinking… you’ve been to the Consulate before, haven’t you?”

“Yep,” he replied with a nod. “Last week. Welsh thought I should probably introduce myself, let Thatcher in on what was going on, that kind of thing.” He didn’t add that he’d gone in hoping that maybe somebody there could clue him in on why keeping Kowalski’s presence in Chicago active was so all-important, but it had been as much a mystery to her as it was to him. He also didn’t say that she’d only grudgingly agreed to keep up the charade as long as it ‘didn’t interfere with Constable Fraser’s Consulate duties’.”

“Ah, that explains it, then.”

“Yeah, she and your kook of a colleague already know what’s what. I guess you’re the only one that got left out of the loop.” Ray shot him a contrite look. “Sorry about that.”

“It’s not your fault.” Fraser was quiet for awhile longer, and Ray just concentrated on the road. “Ray, may I ask you something else?”

“Shoot,” he replied with a shrug. Somebody had to fill the poor guy in; might as well be him.

“Do you know where Ray Kowalski is? What his assignment might be?”

Unfortunately, that was one subject he couldn’t help with, and it was probably the only one Fraser really cared about. Ray shook his head. “Sorry. I do know it’s big – Federal level stuff, or else they wouldn’t have pulled me in from out of state. But the who and where, how long…Welsh might be able to give you more, but that’s all I’ve got. Well, and that and they wanted someone to keep his cover, so they called me in.”

“I see.” He was silent for awhile. “I don’t suppose he left any sort of message for me?”

Ray shrugged. “If he did, it wasn’t with me. But given his organizational skills there’s a chance it could be on his desk or at his place and I’d never see it. You think you could help me figure out his system, assuming he has one?”

“You’re staying at his apartment?”

“Well, it might look weird if I started shacking up with Frannie and Elaine, so yeah. Gotta keep up the illusion.” It got quiet again, and Ray thought about how Fraser must be feeling. He’d been so sure the guy had been messing with him deliberately, punishing him for Kowalski leaving, but now he knew better. To lose a partner like this had to suck, and everything Ray had read and heard pointed to them being a pretty tight pair.

“Listen, I’m sorry I don’t know more. And just because I didn’t see a message didn’t mean it wasn’t there. You know the guy a lot better than I do – you should do your own search.” He knew how lame it sounded, but Fraser looked better for hearing it.

“Thank you kindly, Ray.”

“So,” Ray said with a slap to the steering wheel, “what do we know about this arsonist? Do you really think it’s just you they’re after?”

“I was my building that was targeted.”

“Yeah, but most of the people with a grudge here wouldn’t hold it just to you, would they? I mean, you and Kowalski closed a lot of cases – could just as easily be someone after both of you.”

“That’s true.” Fraser frowned for a minute, then his face cleared. “There was one case, nearly two years ago. A performance arsonist by the name of Zoltan Motherwell.”

Ray nodded. “I remember that name. But he’s locked up, right?”

“He’s in an institution. But even if it isn’t him directly, he could be giving out the orders.”

“Okay, so tell me where to drive. We have a firebug to visit.”

Ray called in the request as he drove, so getting in to see Motherwell was easy enough. Motherwell eyed both Fraser and Ray warily when they entered the room, and had frowned when Ray was introduced.

“You don’t look like Detective Kowalski,” Motherwell said cautiously.

Ray resisted the urge to sigh. This was going to happen a lot; he might as well get used to it. “Yeah, well that’s what working with this guy will do for you,” he said with a gesture toward Fraser. “I get it all the time. So you gonna tell me what you know or are we going to keep bringing up sore spots with me? Because I have to tell you, that route will not help you.”

***********

Motherwell hadn’t known much, but they’d been able to get a name from him – Greta Garbo.

“What is it with you and crazy names?” Ray asked as they went back to the car. “Stanley Kowalski? Greta Garbo? Seriously, couldn’t it just be Joe Smith or something that we’re after?”

“The uniqueness of the name does make the individual easier to find,” Fraser pointed out. “And Ray didn’t go by Stanley.”

No making fun of the name; Ray filed that fact away. “Okay, so do you want to call this in and get laughed at, or do I get to do the honors?”

Fraser held out his hand for the phone. “It isn’t safe to split your concentration. I can call.”

He did, and somehow no one laughed, just said they’d look into the name and call back. Ray got the feeling that was something else he’d have to get used to.

“You bring out the nice guy in everybody you meet, Benny?” he asked after Fraser hung up.

“Not everyone, Ray,” Fraser replied. Ray got the distinct impression he was being teased.

“Okay, got it. You and I didn’t get off on the right foot. But hey, we were both a little misinformed, so I don’t think it counts.”

Fraser looked thoughtful. “What did Ray tell you about me?”

“Nothing.” Fraser gave him a doubtful look, and Ray shrugged. “Seriously. By the time I got here the Fibbies had him locked up so tight Houdini couldn’t have gotten him out. All I had was case files and what the other detectives and Lt. Welsh could tell me. And Frannie, of course. So I’d already heard of you before I got tapped for the job.”

Fraser didn’t say anything in response, just looked out the window. Ray watched the road, but felt it when suddenly Fraser tensed up. “What?”

“I think we’re being followed, Ray,” Fraser stated. “The van two cars behind us. I saw one like it near the Consulate, and at the Institution.”

Ray looked in the rearview mirror; sure enough, there was a beat up van a little ways back. “You sure it’s the same one? Pretty common vehicle.”

“Sure enough to be concerned.” He looked at Ray. “What if a place isn’t enough to be the next target? What if Garbo’s gotten more personal?”

“You mean personal like going directly for you?” His eyes widened and he gripped the steering wheel tightly. “You mean like they’re gonna blow up the car?”

“It’s a distinct possibility. She would have had time while we were in with Motherwell. The fact that we were there at all would have let her know we were getting close, and felt we forced her hand. If she rigged the car to explode, all she would have to do is follow us to see the results of her handiwork.”

Ray turned to him, a slightly panicked look on his face. “You’re not even a little freaked out by this. Is this a normal day for you?”

Fraser scratched his eyebrow as he answered. “I don’t know that it’s typical, but I suppose this kind of thing is known to happen.”

“Geez Louise. No wonder they had to go all the way to Florida to find you a new partner.”

“You just keep driving, Ray,” Fraser said, determined. He rolled down the window. “I’ll check and see if I can find the igniter on the outside of the car.”

“How are you going to -hey! What are you doing? You can’t-“ Ray gave up as Fraser climbed out the window.

“Except apparently you can,” he went on, shaking his head in disbelief. “Jesus, Mary and Joseph, they really weren’t kidding about you, were they? You really think you’re some kind of super-cop. I thought Welsh was joking when he said I’d have to watch out for you. I figured, hey, a guy leaves his own reprimands in his files, he’s a pretty careful guy. And yeah, there were a lot of kooky case files, but maybe that was all Kowalski. But no, if today is any indication, it’s you that’s the freak show magnet, and you’re like the head freak.”

Ray nearly crashed when suddenly Fraser was right there on the outside of the driver’s side window. “Why did I think this was a good idea? So what if things weren’t going so great in Florida? Maybe I was getting a little sloppy, letting the split with Ange get to me. But I could’ve gotten back into the swing of things there. But no, I had to be the bigger guy. Had to listen to my Lieu when he said, ‘Vecchio, they need you at home more than we do here.’ Had to give in to missing Gino’s East, and Crabs & Things. And now I’m here and I can’t even go to the old neighborhood because they might know who I am. And to top it off, I get partnered with a crazy man and his deaf half-wolf. This is the looniest deal I’ve ever been a part of!”

Fraser slid back in and Ray turned to him, hopeful. “You find it?” Fraser shook his head. “Of course you didn’t. That’s it - I’m pulling over!”

“No, Ray!” Fraser started, but Ray had already slowed down. As soon as he did, smoke started pouring in.

“Well, now we know where the igniter is,” Fraser said. “Decelerating again could trigger an explosion – we need to keep moving.”

“Dammit!” Ray pounded the steering wheel. “What are we going to do? The car’s going to blow up, with us in it!”

“Not necessarily, Ray.” Ray gave him a look of utter disbelief. “All right, it likely will explode. But we don’t have to be in it.”

“We don’t?” Ray replied, incredulous. “Is it going to drive itself now? Or wait, let me guess – the wolf can drive.”

Fraser shot him a look. “We need to get it somewhere safe, that is, somewhere where it won’t cause more damage.”

“Please tell me you have an idea.”

Fraser pulled at his collar, but went on. “The lake.”

“The lake,” Ray repeated flatly. “You mean Lake Michigan? You want me to drive the car, which may or may not explode on the way, into Lake Michigan.”

“Yes.”

Ray ran a shaky hand over his face as he drove. “You know, I lived in Florida for years, Fraser. And do you know what Florida has? It has beaches. Lots of beaches, near lots of ocean. And I went to them all the time. But not once did I ever feel the need to jump in. And now, here I am back in Chicago less than two weeks and you want me to voluntarily drive us into a lake that’s probably so polluted that swallowing any of it would kill us?”

“If you have a better solution, I’d love to hear it,” Fraser answered, tight lipped.

The thing of it was, he really didn’t, and he knew they were running out of time. “Hold on, and I hope you and the wolf can swim,” he replied, gritting his teeth as he accelerated. “We survive this, I should get a medal,” he muttered to himself. “Above and beyond the call of duty doesn’t even begin to cut it.”

***********

Of course, it wasn’t enough to drive into Lake Michigan. On purpose. As soon as Ray, Fraser and Dief had gotten back on dry land (and out of the mass of rubber ducks that were in the boxes Ray had crashed through), they found themselves at gunpoint. It had been Garbo in the van, just as Fraser had said.

Ray just stared as Fraser tried to talk her down. It was one thing to read about it, but to see the guy actually do it was unreal. And it wasn’t working; Ray could see it in her face, even if Fraser apparently didn’t.

He could see her tensing to fire, and shoved Fraser out of the way. As he did, a shot rang out and he was propelled back by the force of it hitting his chest. He heard more than saw the wolf jump Garbo, and shifted enough to see Fraser using whatever that rope thing was on his uniform to tie her hands.

“So what, you set them up, the wolf knocks them down?” he coughed out. Man was he going to have a bruise.

“Ray! You shouldn’t speak, and don’t try to move,” Fraser admonished as he moved to where Ray was sprawled.

“I’ll be fine, Benny,” he replied, unbuttoning the middle button of his shirt to reveal his body armor.

“You’re wearing a vest,” Fraser said, dumbfounded.

“Well, yeah,” Ray replied with a grin, reaching out his hand. Fraser took it and helped him stand. “Told you they warned me about you. Walking, talking, big red target with a tendency to find crazy cases. So I figured I’d play it safe.” He looked out at the lake. “Damn. I’m glad I left the Riv in Florida. When I read you were hell on wheels, I thought that meant you were a crazy driver, not that you totaled cars for fun.”

Fraser still looked a little shocked. “The Riv?”

Ray nodded. “Oh yeah. 1971 green Buick Riviera. Nature’s perfect car.”

Fraser nodded. “Ah. Well then, there’s something you and Ray have in common – an appreciation of automobiles.”

Ray took the statement as the olive branch it was. “Okay. I can work with that,” he said as he moved to search Garbo’s van. Luck was on Ray’s side; he found a cell phone, which he used it to call for back-up.

“Looks like she’s going to get to follow in her mentor’s footsteps some more,” he told Fraser when he got off the phone. “She has a record, and Huey and Dewey found a lot of very interesting stuff at her apartment, including a case full of that perfume you recognized.”

***********

It didn’t take long for back-up to arrive, and soon enough Fraser and Ray were back at the station. They hadn’t walked two steps into the room before Lt. Welsh called them over.

“Ah, Constable,” the Lieutenant started, once the door to his office was closed. “I see you’ve found your partner.”

“Yes, sir,” Fraser replied. “Ray was kind enough to fill me in on the details of his assignment.”

“Good, that’s good,” Welsh replied with a nod. “And I see you’ve already introduced him to your style of police work,” he said, gesturing to their still-damp clothing.

“He did indeed, sir,” Ray replied, before Fraser could. “And may I say, it’s everything I was told and more.”

“Yes, well, at least you had the benefit of some warning,” Fraser countered, rubbed the wrong way by Ray’s tone.

“Gentlemen,” Welsh stopped any retort with that one firm word. “Is there going to be a problem with this assignment? For either of you?”

“No sir,” Fraser answered immediately. “I’m sure we can work together.”

“It’ll be fine, sir,” Ray agreed.

“That’s what I want to hear.”

Fraser couldn’t take not knowing any longer. “Sir, is there anything you can tell me about Ray? That is, about Ray Kowalski?” He could tell by the look on the Lieutenant’s face that he wasn’t going to like the answer.

“I’m sorry, Fraser. The Feds were tighter than tight-lipped on this. If it helps, he tried to stay until you got back, but no dice. And he was as upset about it as you are now.”

Fraser didn’t even try to deny he was upset. “He was?”

“I’m surprised I don’t have a hole in my wall. He would’ve said no, if he’d had a choice. They just didn’t give him one.”

Fraser nodded. “His undercover skills are very impressive. I’m not surprised he garnered their attention.”

It got uncomfortably quiet then. Welsh looked down at the papers on his desk, then cleared his throat. “Anything else?”

“No sir.”

“Then if you’ll excuse me, Constable, I need a few minutes with the good Detective here.”

“Of course, sir,” Fraser nodded at both men and left. But once out the door, he felt at loose ends, suddenly felt overwhelmed by the events of the past few days. He needed to move, to be alone. He wanted to throw something, to rail at the unfairness of the situation. But instead, he calmly put on his hat and made his way toward the door. Before he got very far, Jack Huey stopped him with a gentle hand on his arm.

“Hey, do you have a minute?”

Fraser sighed. All he wanted to do was leave. “Of course.”

Jack nodded and led him to one of the interrogation rooms. Once there, he closed the door and leaned against it. “Okay, let it go.”

Fraser looked at him, confused. “Let what go?”

“Whatever it is you need to say, to do. I know how you feel, losing a partner suddenly, even though at least Ray’s still alive, just gone. It’s a nasty shock, and you have every right to be upset, maybe even angry-“

“Angry?” Fraser interrupted. “Of course I’m angry. This callous disregard for our partnership, our friendship, is appalling. I understand not letting him tell me over the phone, for security reasons. But not even a note, for God’s sake! It’s unconscionable.” He looked at Jack, anguished, and sat down heavily in a chair, suddenly drained. He slumped over, hat in his hands. “Not even a note, Jack. He’s just… gone.”

Jack walked over and put a hand on his shoulder. “I know. But look at it this way – at least there’s a chance you’ll see him again. He’s good at this, better than you know. You’ve seen him in action – you have to know he can do it.”

Fraser looked up at that. “I’m sorry, Jack. You’re quite right. It isn’t as if he’s died, just been reassigned. I shouldn’t have reacted like this.”

“Dammit Fraser, yes you should,” Jack countered. “I didn’t say that to make you feel bad. Losing a partner in any way is hard, and you two are one of the tightest partnerships I’ve ever seen. It’s got to hurt. I just wanted you to know that I get it. And if you need to talk, or just yell, or whatever the Canadian version of being pissed off is, I’m here.”

Fraser smiled at that. “Thank you, Jack.”

He shrugged and a small smile appeared. “Nothing less than what you did when Louis died. You and Ray, you got me through it. Just returning the favor. Speaking of which, you have a place to stay tonight?”

Fraser blinked at that, startled by the question. “I’m sure I can stay at the Consulate,” he finally answered.

“Or you could sack out on my couch. My place isn’t much, but there’s room for you and Dief for a day or two, until you figure out what you’re going to do next.”

“I appreciate the offer, Jack, truly. But Dief and I will be fine. There are suitable quarters at the Consulate. Besides, it will save me from hearing Diefenbaker grumble about the walk to work.”

Jack chuckled. “If you’re sure.”

“I am. But thank you.” His next words were quiet. “For everything.”

Fraser left the interrogation room feeling if not better, at least calmer than he had all day. Ray was still in Lieutenant Welsh’s office, and Fraser made his way to Ray’s desk. It looked different, neater, and Fraser couldn’t help but wonder if that was because his Ray had gotten it ready for his departure, or if this new Ray was more organized than the man he was impersonating. He noticed that the bottom right drawer was slightly ajar and went to close it, but it kept catching on something. Fraser knelt down to take a closer look, and pulled the drawer out to see what was causing the problem. He saw a glint of metal and reached for it, assuming it was a paper clip that had slipped down. Instead, he pulled out a familiar length of ball chain.

He stood and stared at it, unable to believe what he’d found. He was so engrossed that he didn’t hear Ray leave the Lieutenant’s office, or see him walk over to talk with his sister.

***********

“What’s up with the Mountie?” Ray asked, shooting a look in Fraser’s direction. “He looks like he’s seen a ghost or something.”

Frannie followed Ray’s gaze, gasping as Fraser held up the chain, and Ray edged over to her. “What is that?” Ray whispered.

“It’s Ray’s bracelet,” she answered just as quietly. “He never took it off. If he left it here, that’s a good thing, right? Like he figures Fraser will keep it safe for him?”

Ray watched as Fraser ran the thin metal chain through his fingers, then oh so carefully tucked it into the pouch on his belt. “He sure thinks so,” he replied.

Fraser noticed them and walked over. “Diefenbaker and I will be going now,” He said. “Good night, Francesca, Ray.”

Ray put a hand on Fraser’s arm as he turned to go, stopping him. “Hey, you want to go out, grab a bite or something? Celebrate the case?”

Ray saw the briefest flash of pain in Fraser’s eyes, gone so fast he wasn’t sure he’d really seen it. “Thank you kindly, Ray, but no. It’s been… it’s been quite a day.” He nodded at them both. “Good night.”

Ray watched Fraser walk through the door and thought about following him, then shook it off. If it were him, he’d need time to process all this stuff; better to give Fraser his space.

“So, Frannie,” he said, slinging an arm over her shoulder. “What are you and Elaine doing for dinner?”

Episode 3.02: Eclipse

Ray ignored the phone as he pulled on a black turtleneck. The machine could get it.

After four rings, the automated voice rang out. “We are unavailable to take your call. Please leave a message at the tone.” Ray was unsurprised to hear Lt. Welsh’s voice. Again. It was the third call Ray had let go to voicemail this morning, and he was betting if he checked he’d have as many on his cell. Sure enough, it started ringing. Ray made a face and left the phone on the kitchen counter, next to the morning paper. Walking over to the closet, he shrugged into a black leather jacket and pocketed his keys.

Ray slung the duffel bag by the door over his shoulder and left without looking back. He had more important things to do today than anything at the station.

***********

Fraser watched the dreamcatcher as it slowly twisted in his hand, the light catching on the beads holding the newly-added eagle feather in place. The phone rang, startling him out of his reverie, and he carefully placed the item on his desk before he answered.

“Canadian Consulate. Acting liaison officer Constable Benton Fraser speaking.”

He was greeted by a familiar voice. “Constable, good, I was hoping to get you and not your associate.”

“Lieutenant Welsh, how fortuitous. I was planning on calling you later. I was thinking about having a small birthday celebration for Ray, and wondered if it would be all right to hold it at the station? It could be a surprise party, which should be easy enough, as Ray likely won’t be expecting anything like this. I know it sounds strange, but since Ray’s birthday – Ray Kowalski’s that is – is coming up soon, this would, I believe help with the illusion that nothing has changed, that Ray is still here.”

“Except that he isn’t,” Lt. Welsh stated flatly.

“Well, no, of course he isn’t but I thought-“

Fraser,” the lieutenant interrupted. “Am I to take it by this conversation that Detective Kowalski is not with you?”

“Ray? No, I haven’t seen him since the day before yesterday.”

“Has he maybe called you? Told you he had urgent business somewhere?”

“No,” Fraser replied with a frown. “Sir, do you suspect foul play?”

“At this point, that better be what it is,” Welsh muttered darkly. “He isn’t answering his home or cell phone, and Ms. Vecchio says she talked to him last night after he left the station. But today, nothing. And he needs to be here, Fraser.”

“Is there a case he might be investigating that’s taking his attention?”

“Nothing that should make him ignore my calls.” Lt. Welsh’s voice got quiet. “IA is here, and they want to see him.”

“They want to see Ray?” Fraser asked, hoping the Lieutenant understood his meaning.

“They want to see Detective Kowalski,” the lieutenant confirmed. “We’re stalling them as best we can, but it doesn’t make him look good. I need him found, and I need him found now.”

“Of course, sir. I’ll get on it right away.”

“Thank you, Constable. When you find him, make sure to impress upon him the importance of returning my calls.”

“I will, sir.”

“And Fraser? You get him in here, and you can throw whatever kind of party you want.”

“Thank you, Lieutenant.” He hung up the phone quickly and grabbed his hat. “Come on, Diefenbaker,” he said, gesturing for Dief to follow. “We need to find Ray.”

He was almost to the door when he decided to reach over and grab the dreamcatcher to take along.

***********

Fraser was uneasy about going into Ray’s apartment, but he’d tried knocking, and calling out, and there’d been no answer. Beside him, Dief sneezed, and Fraser glared down at him.

“Yes, I know I have a key, but that was from Ray, not Ray. He has no idea I have it, and I should probably give it back, at least for now.”

Dief flicked an ear in a decidedly dismissive fashion.

“Oh all right, I’ll use it. This time. But only because Ray could be in there, unconscious or injured.” He pulled out the key, carefully opening the door after unlocking it.

A quick survey of the apartment found it empty, with no signs of forced entry or struggle. “It appears the only breaking and entering was done by us,” he observed, totally unsurprised when Dief ignored him to sniff out the kitchen, probably looking for dropped food. Ray wasn’t the neatest of eaters. Well, Ray Kowalski wasn’t. He’d no idea whether or not this new Ray had the same habit of eating at the counter.

The apartment looked a little neater, he supposed. More organized. It made the place seem slightly off, and Fraser suddenly felt like he was intruding, something he’d never felt here before. He and Ray had spent many nights here, working on cases over pizza, or relaxing on the couch watching a sporting event. Ray had been to Fraser’s apartment too, of course, several times, but more often than not they ended up here.

Ray had even gotten Diefenbaker food and water dishes, and a small bag of kibble. He’d claimed that it was because he was ‘tired of the mutt mooching off my dinner, Fraser,’ but considering the amount of food Ray still snuck Dief, he knew that was just bluster.

Fraser shook himself free of his reverie. Being here was harder than he’d thought it would be. He swallowed audibly, rubbing his eyebrow, and moved to the kitchen to get Dief and leave. As he approached he saw Ray’s phone on the counter next to a newspaper – today’s, he noted – and one look had him calling out, “Dief! I know where we need to go.” Grabbing Ray’s phone, he hurried them out of the apartment.

***********

They made it to the cemetery in decent time, Fraser having been fortunate enough to find a cab willing to take Dief. On the way there, he made a call to the station.

“Elaine, I need for you to look up a plot for me,” he started, glad to have gotten her. Elaine was efficient and able to keep a confidence, both of which would likely be useful today.

“Do I even want to know why you need this, Fraser?” she asked after he gave her the details.

“At this time, all I feel I should say is that it will help me get Ray to the station,” he responded.

“Give me a few minutes and I’ll get the info for you,” she answered with a sigh. “Where can I reach you? The Consulate?”

“I’m borrowing Ray’s phone,” he replied, which was true enough; he fully intended to return it to Ray as soon as he found him.

“Okay. This is me not asking. I’ll let you know what I find out as soon as I can.”

“Thank you kindly, Elaine. For everything,” he said as he hung up.

Elaine was as good as her word, and was able to not only give Fraser the information he needed, but a little more about the situation with Internal Affairs. Once at the cemetery, Fraser started toward the plot. He wasn’t too far along when a familiar voice spoke beside him.

“Off to find your new partner, then?” Fraser Sr. stated.

“Master of the obvious now, dad?” Fraser replied, letting the sarcasm through. “I’m almost surprised to see you here. I’d think you’d want to stay away from reminders that you’re dead.”

“No reason to get snippy, son. I just thought I’d check in, see how you were.” He looked past Fraser, and Fraser knew that wasn’t the only reason his father had decided to appear.

“And there’s nothing else, Dad?” Fraser pushed. “You just stopped by to say hello? Really?”

“Well, there is one thing,” his father admitted with obvious reluctance. “This new partner of yours, have you told him about me?”

“That you’re haunting me, you mean?”

“Not a very nice way of putting it,” Fraser Sr. huffed. “I prefer to think that I’m here to help you.”

Fraser let that go. “No, I haven’t said anything. Why?”

“No reason. Just, I was thinking maybe this time you might not bring me up.”

Ah. “Did it bother you that Ray knew when you were around?”

“I just think it would be better for all concerned if we kept our conversations between the two of us, that’s all. Nothing wrong with that.”

“I agree,” Fraser said, hiding a smile at his father’s look of surprise. “Of course, it would be easier if you’d time your visits to when no one else is around, you know.”

“Well, now, I’m not sure that can be helped. You need my guidance when you need it, not when it’s convenient.”

Fraser rolled his eyes, but before he could reply a shot rang out. He started running toward it, fear running through him. This was not good at all.

“You go that way,” he gestured to Dief, and Dief split off to take position. Fraser knew he would be easy to spot, but Diefenbaker could get the literal jump on whoever it was, if need be.

He didn’t notice that his father stayed behind, watching them run off with a satisfied nod.

***********

As it turned out things weren’t at all what Fraser had feared. The shooter turned out to be an elderly woman, her target the earth in front of her husband’s plot. Fraser apologized profusely for tackling her to the ground, and cautioned her on gun safety. In the middle of it he heard a snort, and looked up to see Ray watching them, arms crossed over his chest, the look on his face a mixture of amusement and annoyance.

Fraser finished talking with her, and she promised to stop by the station with a copy of the will to prove she was just following out her late husband’s wishes, as she claimed. It wasn’t how he’d normally handle such a situation, but given the urgency of Lt. Welsh’s orders, Fraser felt it was the best way to proceed.

“Only you would find a little old lady shooting her already dead husband, Fraser,” he said, shaking his head as the woman left. “It’s like you attract all the crazies.”

“I don’t think trying to follow her husband’s last wishes is a sign of insanity, Ray.”

“Of course you don’t,” Ray replied, rolling his eyes. “So since I’m sure this isn’t your usual beat, you want to tell me how the hell you found me?”

“You left a folded newspaper on the counter at the apartment,” Fraser answered, ignoring Ray’s frown at his words. “Once I saw the name, it was easy enough to ascertain where’d you’d be.”

Ray gave him a shocked look as what Fraser said sunk in. “You broke into my apartment?”

Fraser stiffened at that. “Of course not. I have a key. And I only used it because there was a chance you were injured or perhaps kidnapped.” He pulled at his collar, not meeting Ray’s eyes. “I can give it back.”

“Yes you can,” Ray agreed firmly, then his voice softened. “You really thought someone had snatched me?”

“It was a possibility.”

Ray looked like he was going to say something, but he visibly stopped himself, his eyes going cold. “Well, this isn’t a party – you aren’t welcome here.” His tone was final; Fraser ignored it, same as he had the frown.

“I’m sure I’m not, but here I am anyway. You’re needed at the station. Lieutenant Welsh has tried to contact you several times.” He blinked, remembering, and pulled Ray’s phone out of his belt pouch. “You left this on the counter,” he said, holding it out for Ray to take.

“I know that,” Ray replied, rolling his eyes as he took the phone from Fraser. He scowled at it and turned it off. “I am choosing to ignore him. They can get by without me for a day.” He waved a hand dismissively, and Fraser almost had to grit his teeth to get the next words out in a civil fashion.

“As a matter of fact, they can’t. Not today. Internal Affairs is there investigating an old case, and they want to see you.”

“You mean they want to see Kowalski,” Ray corrected.

“And as that is currently who you are, they need to see you,” Fraser countered.

Ray rolled his eyes. “Give me a break. Isn’t IA going to pick up on the fact that I’m not the guy they really want?”

“It doesn’t matter. They have to go along with the ruse, or risk exposing Ray and jeopardizing not only his life, but the case the FBI is building.”

“And not even IA’s ballsy enough to try that,” Ray finished with a shake of his head. “So why come after Kowalski now at all?”

“I don’t know,” Fraser answered. “It may be that they weren’t informed of the undercover assignment, and once at the station had to follow through to keep up the pretense.”

Ray narrowed his eyes. “You think it’s something else?”

“They could be trying to lay groundwork for when Ray returns,” Fraser answered carefully, rubbing an eyebrow with his thumb. “He isn’t the most careful with what he says, or whom he offends at times. I’ve no doubt he’s ruffled feathers with someone in Internal Affairs at some point.”

“Great,” Ray drawled out, voice heavy with sarcasm. “So what do they supposedly need me for?”

“I don’t know all the details, but apparently they’re having some difficulty reading Ray’s writing in an evidence log.”

Ray barked out a laugh. “No surprise there – have you seen the guy’s chicken scratch? It’s like some crazy combination of doodling, English and Sanskrit.” He gave Fraser a measured look. “So you just need me to go in and cover for Kowalski?”

Fraser felt himself bristle at the words. “Covering implies there’s something that needs to be hidden. I need – that is, Lieutenant Welsh needs you to come in and do your job, to be Ray.”

“But whatever it is IA is trying to pin on him, you don’t think Kowalski did it,” Ray pressed.

“No,” Fraser replied, voice firm with conviction. “I don’t.”

Ray shrugged and turned away. “Well, they want me so bad they can wait a day. I have plans. Which you obviously figured out, seeing as you’re here and all.”

Fraser watched Ray dig through the duffel bag. “I knew you’d be here once I saw the paper, yes. But I’m not at all sure I understand why you would possibly throw away your undercover assignment, risk Ray's life, and perhaps even ruin your career for this.”

Ray stopped and looked straight ahead for a long moment before answering. “A woman died because of Zuko. A woman who was important to me.”

“She was important to him too, Ray,” Fraser responded, then gentled his voice. “Irene was Frank Zuko’s sister after all. And it was an accident.”

Ray turned to look at Fraser. “How the hell do you know about that?”

“I took the liberty of looking at your official file, once I'd ascertained your identity.”

Ray looked at him suspiciously. “You break into my place, you look through my files… you’re not as squeaky clean as you want people to think you are, Fraser.”

“I’ve already stated that I didn’t break into your apartment. And as for the files, I felt there might be information there I would need.”

“You were checking up on me,” Ray stated flatly.

Fraser gave him a knowing look, but his tone remained patient and even. “I'm sure you were briefed on the cases Ray and I worked together before starting this assignment.”

“Fine, we’re even. Whatever.” Ray waved a hand at him dismissively and continued his search. “Then you know why I have to do this.”

Fraser shook his head. “As a matter of fact, I know nothing of the sort. What I know is that it isn't just your life you're risking.”

Ray sighed deeply. “You’re worried. Well, don’t be. Zuko hasn't seen me in years, Fraser. Trust me, I've changed a lot,” he rubbed his head. “If I do go out there to see him, he'll never recognize me.”

“But he'll know who you aren’t,” Fraser replied. “We - Ray Kowalski and I, that is - had occasion to meet Mr. Zuko on a case. He may not realize you're Ray Vecchio, but he'll know in an instant that you aren't Ray Kowalski.”

Ray stood up tiredly. “Is that all that matters to you, Fraser? Keeping Kowalski's cover? Because I don’t have to identify myself at all, you know.”

“Of course not, but it is a paramount concern.” He paused briefly, then decided to try another line of thinking. “And it matters to you as well. You're a fine policeman, Ray.”

Ray gave him a sidelong glance. “You sure about that?”

“I am,” Fraser replied with a nod. “And I know it’s hard, but you can’t blame-“

Ray cut him off with a snarl. “I can blame whoever I want, and you have no right to tell me otherwise, Fraser!” He turned away as he went on. “If Irene hadn’t been so upset that night, she wouldn’t have lost control of the car.” He wiped a hand over his face and gave Fraser a tired look. “How much of this do you know?”

“Just what was in the official files. But I’d like to hear more, if you want to tell me.”

***********

Ray moved to the steps and sat down, rubbing a hand over the back of his neck. “It goes back farther than the accident,” he started. “Hell, it’s pretty much the biggest story of my life.” Fraser just waited patiently, and when Ray realized that, he shrugged and went on. “Pop, he wanted me to make something of myself, you know?”

Fraser nodded. “It’s an admirable goal.”

Ray snorted. “Maybe for most kids, but not if they had my Pop. His idea of successful was for me to get in with the Zuko family.” He saw Fraser’s eyes widen slightly, and nodded. “Yeah, that’s the kind of a guy my dad was.” He sighed and looked down. “And I did. Work for them, I mean. Started when I was a kid, delivering messages, maybe a package or two. Nothing big, and I didn’t know what I was doing, but I don’t know if it would have mattered. Because all of a sudden, Pop was proud of me, telling me what a good kid I was, talking me up to his friends.” He shook his head. “I was a big name at the pool hall. But he finally cared, and I ate it up.”

He was quiet for a minute, grateful that Fraser didn’t ask anything, just let him be. “So, anyhow, the only downside that I saw at first was that it was the Zukos I was helping out.”

“You didn’t like them?”

“I didn’t like Frankie,” he clarified. “Never have, never will. Guy was a punk and a bully when he was six, and I haven’t seen anything to make me think he’s ever gonna change.” He shrugged. “So I did the jobs, but stayed away from Frankie and his gang. For awhile, it was pretty easy. I think Frank’s dad told him to leave me and mine alone, so he did. Which just made the job seem even better, especially when Frannie started growing up, getting noticed by boys.”

“May I ask what changed?”

“Irene.” Ray lost focus for a minute, remembering, then shook himself. “Irene Zuko, Frankie’s little sister. She’d been away at some boarding school, and to be honest even if she hadn’t, I probably wouldn’t have paid her any attention. I had enough girl stuff in my own house to want to talk to Frankie Zuko’s kid sister. But then one summer she comes home and bam! That’s it.”

He smiled softly and looked at Fraser. “I’m telling you, Benny, first time I saw her, really saw her, I was sure I was looking at an angel. Didn’t even know who she was, just knew I wanted to be with her. And the real kicker was she wanted to be with me, too. And I didn’t even care who her family was, didn’t make any difference to me once I found out.”

He blew out a long breath. “God, I loved her like crazy. Anyhow, the real irony of all this is that Irene’s the reason I became a cop. She made me want to be a better person. And I knew that there was no way I could stay with the Zuko family, do their dirty work, and still face her. I’m not sure she really knew what all was going on – it was like none of it could touch her. So I quit. For her, and for Ma – she worried more and more. Plus, once Pop died, a big part of why I was even doing it died too, I guess.” He looked at Fraser. “She made me want to be a better man. You ever feel like that about anybody?”

“I’ve wanted to change for someone, yes,” Fraser answered hesitantly. Ray filed that away for later. “Okay then, so you know. Anyhow, I quit doing odd jobs for the Zukos, and really started paying attention at school. Almost too little too late, but I figured I’d have a better chance of college, and making detective, if I showed I was serious. And I was.”

He smiled, thinking back on that simpler time. “Irene, sometimes she’d help me study, even if it meant chancing missing curfew. She was something else.” He let himself get lost for a moment, then shook himself and went on.

“So I graduated, and told my folks I wanted to go to the Academy, and try to take night classes on the side. Figured I could get the jump on things, start my beat work early. Irene’s dad, he had no trouble with the idea. I’m pretty sure he figured it was an easy way to get a cop on the payroll, cheap. Hell, he may have even greased the wheels, got my application approved – I don’t know. I never asked.”

“I’m sure you would have gotten in on your own merit, Ray.”

He shrugged. “Maybe. Anyhow, it didn’t matter, because he was wrong. About me, I mean. I didn’t want to give him an in – I wanted to get out and take Irene with me. And Frankie – he could see it in my eyes, knew exactly what I was planning. So he tried to convince his dad I was no good, to keep me and Irene apart.”

Ray looked down at his hands, twisting his fingers together slowly, trying to keep his cool. It was still hard to do, even after all these years. Especially today. Fraser stayed silent, his presence decidedly non-judgmental for once, and it was because of that that Ray went on with his story.

“So, what happened next was no big surprise. Frank was pressuring Irene to leave me, and trying to get anyone and everyone he knew on his side to convince her. He bad-mouthed me to anyone who’d listen. And I was fighting just as hard to keep us together. Which left Irene caught in the middle.” He stared at the wall in front of him for a minute before going on.

“That night… well, that night we fought. It was nothing huge, not a blow-out or anything. Just more of the same, but everything was really getting to her, and I just didn’t see how bad she felt. If I had, maybe… Anyhow, we argued, she left.” He sighed heavily. “It was the last time I ever saw her.”

Ray rubbed a hand over his mouth as he went on. “After she died, I just kind of stopped caring. I kept going to school, for awhile at least. And to work, mostly to keep my mind off things, and to be honest, putting away guys that worked for the Zukos, or somebody like them, made it hurt a little less. But not enough, and I started getting sloppy.”

He looked up at Fraser, but again, found no judgment on the man’s face. “I was just so damn angry, y’know? At Frank, at me, at the entire world sometimes, for being like it was. So I was taking it out on whoever was closest, usually perps. I know I wasn’t making any friends at the station either, but I couldn’t bring myself to care.”

He gave Fraser a wry grin. “It was Ma that finally called me on it. Man, she’s a little thing, but you do not want to cross that woman, believe you me. I was scaring the hell out of her, acting like I was, and one day she finally had enough, and thank God she did. She let me know in no uncertain terms, using a couple of words I didn’t even know she knew, that I had to stop acting like I was. If she hadn’t, well I know I wouldn’t still be a cop, I was screwing up that bad. She snapped me out of my funk enough to see how low I’d gotten. So we decided maybe what we all needed was a new start. A change of scenery. She talked to her brother in Florida, got everything squared away with him while I looked into transferring. Not surprisingly, my Lieu was all for it. Ma made out to everyone that the move wasn’t about me, that my uncle needed family around him, and everybody pretended to believe it.”

Ray leaned back and closed his eyes. It felt kind of good to have told the story, which kind of surprised him. “So now you know that I’m maybe not the guy you thought I was. Or maybe you already knew that stuff too. Whatever. But you also know that today’s the anniversary of Irene’s death, and that matters more to me than the job.”

He looked down at his hands, lost in memory, and waited for Fraser to say something. Fraser, of course, didn’t let him down.

“Why are you here today?” Ray’s head snapped up at that to face Fraser, who held up a hand, stopping Ray ‘s angry retort. Hadn’t the guy heard anything he’d said? “What I mean is, what do you hope to accomplish? I understand the importance of the date, but your purpose in being here just isn’t clear to me.”

Ray blew out an angry breath and calmed himself; the question actually was a fair one, he supposed. “Honestly? I don’t know. To watch the show, the crocodile tears Frankie will have, maybe. To confront the bastard, say all the things I always wanted to. Or maybe I just want to pay my respects when there’s nobody else around.” He shrugged. “Haven’t really decided yet.”

“You don’t believe he truly mourns the loss of his sister?”

“If he really loved her, he’d have let her do what she wanted to do, let her be happy.”

Ray watched Fraser consider that for a minute, then he nodded to himself and sat next to Ray.

“I have something for you,” Fraser said, and pulled a loosely wrapped package out of his belt pouch.

Ray looked down at the package, confused. “What’s this?”

“It’s a, well, it’s a birthday gift, of sorts.”

Ray frowned but went ahead and removed the paper. Holding up the item, he shot Fraser a puzzled look. “And I say again, what is this?”

“It’s a dreamcatcher,” Fraser explained. “When hung in your bedroom, it’s supposed to catch the nightmares before they reach you, letting only the good dreams filter through.”

Ray turned it over in his hands. “And you bought this for me?”

Fraser shook his head. “I didn’t buy it. I made it.”

“You made this,” Ray repeated, letting his fingers trail over the string webs within the circle, then down the long feather hanging from the bottom. He may never have seen one of these things before, but he could tell it wasn’t something you could just throw together. His eyes narrowed. “You made it for Kowalski, not me. What, he have a lot of bad dreams or something? You think he and I have that in common?”

If his tone offended Fraser, as usual he wasn’t letting it show. “I think everyone is haunted by something, Ray,” was all he said.

“That’s the truth,” Ray replied with a sigh, looking at the dreamcatcher again. Okay, so he made it for Kowalski, but he’d given it to Ray. That had to mean something, right? Ray stood up and grabbed his duffel bag. “Alright, you have me convinced. Let’s go.”

Fraser gave him a startled look. “Are you sure?”

Ray nodded decisively. “Yeah. If I really want to honor Irene’s memory, I need to respect what she wanted. And it wasn’t this. I can come back later, do this right. Like you said, they need me to be Kowalski, so that’s what I’m gonna do. So come on, Benny, let’s get out of here.”

Fraser frowned, the look so fleeting Ray almost missed it. “What?”

Fraser looked at him, confused. “I beg your pardon?”

“That look you just gave me,” Ray answered, waving a hand in Fraser’s direction as Ray started leading them toward where he’d parked. “The one like I just insulted the Queen or something. What’s that all about? You can’t be mad we’re leaving?”

“No, of course not.” Fraser hesitated, then apparently decided it would be best to just answer the question. “Ray, Ray Kowalski that is, never called me Benny.”

“What did he call you? Benton? Ben? Please tell me he didn’t call you Constable like Welsh does.”

“No, he was never that formal. Typically he called me Fraser.”

“I call you that sometimes. So just look at Benny as me adding something to the mix. I like it.”

“Be that as it may, if you’re wanting to be more like Ray-“

“Maybe I’m not – did you ever think of that?”

“No,” Fraser answered matter-of-factly. “I suppose that because, at the moment, it’s your job to be him. I thought we established that.”

“Yeah, but you know and I know that I’m no carbon copy of the guy.” Ray sighed as he unlocked the passenger door to let Fraser in. “Listen, are you going to call me Kowalski?”

“Certainly not.”

“Then I’m not calling you Fraser. Most of the time, anyhow.” He opened the trunk and tossed the duffel in. “End of discussion.”

***********

Once at the station, derailing IA’s investigation had turned out to be surprisingly easy. Of course, it helped that they seemed to have no idea that Ray wasn’t the Ray they were looking for. Ray and Fraser watched the men pack up their things and exchanged satisfied looks.

Fraser nodded toward the IA officials as they left. “Thank you, Ray. I’m not sure exactly what they hoped to do in there, but you stopped them very nicely.”

“Yeah, well, long as you’re sure they weren’t after anything legit,” he held up his hands to stop Fraser’s protests, “and you already said you were, so don’t start again. I’m just saying, it’s the least I could do, especially considering I have no desire to spend my time doing time for something neither of us did.”

“True. I just wanted to thank you.”

“You’re welcome, Benny.”

The hint of a smile played at the corners of Fraser’s mouth, and Ray couldn’t stop himself from grinning in response. Looked like the name was gonna stick.

***********

At the station the next afternoon, Ray stood back and took everything in. The party Fraser had arranged was like nothing he’d ever seen, and he found himself a little in awe of the guy’s powers of persuasion. A splash made him turn just in time to see Lt. Welsh bobbing for – was that a fish? Yeah, more than a little in awe.

He supposed the idea made sense – throw a party for Kowalski, and people would think he was still there. But considering that everyone in the room knew for a fact that he wasn’t Kowalski, Ray had to wonder just why Fraser had wanted this so bad. If he didn’t know better, he’d think maybe Fraser was getting a weird kind of payback for nobody letting him know about the switch-up when it happened.

Frannie walked over to stand next to him. “Hey, you should go out, be part of this,” she said, nudging him with her hip as she leaned against the wall next to him. “This is for you, after all.”

Ray sighed his response. “Yeah, I know. It’s just, all this crazy stuff,” he waved his arm to indicate the room, “it makes me wonder if Fraser’s even for real, you know?”

“Of course he’s for real,” Frannie replied with a frown. “Fraser’s the most honest guy I know.”

“And this doesn’t seem over the top or anything?”

She looked around and shrugged. “Maybe. But hey, I’ve never been to Canada. Maybe all their parties are like this.”

Ray sincerely doubted that. But before he could say so, Frannie gave him a shove. “I’m serious. Go talk to people. Have fun.” She gave him a wink. “It’s your birthday.”

“Okay, okay,” he held up his hands in surrender, and started over to the refreshment table, hoping that at least the food would be recognizable.

“Nice work with IA, Ray,” Dewey said as Ray was walking past him and his partner Jack.

He stopped and shrugged. “Just doing my part.”

Jack huffed out something under his breath that Ray didn’t catch, but the tone was less than pleasant. “I’m going to get some cake,” he said to Dewey, barely nodding at Ray as he left.

“What’s with him?” Ray asked, thumbing in Jack’s direction. “He’s acting like I ran over his dog.”

Dewey shook his head. “Don’t mind him. He just doesn’t like guys who come in to replace other guys, no matter what the reason. It isn’t personal.”

“Sure as hell feels personal.”

“Tell me about it. But he just needs time to get used to you. Trust me.”

“He can take all the time he wants. I’m not here to be his friend. I’m here to do a job.” He shot Dewey a look. “So Huey’s still not liking you as a partner?”

“He’s okay,” Dewey shrugged. “It’s not like he brings up Gardino all the time or anything. Hell, based on what I’ve read and heard I don’t know if they were all that great as partners. But I still get the feeling that as far as Huey’s concerned, I’m lacking something.”

Ray nodded at that. “I know the feeling. Hey, you ready to blow this joint? I haven’t had a decent meal all day.” He shot a dubious look towards the refreshments. “And I have serious doubts about the edibility of whatever’s over there.”

Dewey barked out a laugh at that. “Yeah, it didn’t look like a normal birthday spread. So, you really want to blow off your own party?”

Ray refrained from rolling his eyes. “You and I both know this isn’t really about me,” he replied. “So, dinner?”

Ray could see surprise, wariness, and finally something that looked like cautious hope flit across Dewey’s face before he gave a hesitant nod. “Sure. I know the best Italian place in town. Interested?”

Ray laughed. “Italian, huh? You’re setting your sights pretty big, thinking you can find something that beats my ma’s cooking.”

“You mean your Polish mom, all bigos and kielbasas?”

Ray slung an arm over Dewey’s shoulder and grinned. “That’s the one. Lead on.”

Episode 3.4: Strange Bedfellows

“Hey, Benny,” Ray called out as Fraser and Diefenbaker entered the bullpen. “Perfect timing – I have some paperwork I need your help with. And before you start with the I’m sure when they said we should liaison it wasn’t to fill out forms because I do those all the time for Canada speech, this is older case stuff Welsh gave me. And since it’s in Kowalski’s chicken scratch, it’s pretty much illegible. I am hoping you can translate it into English better than I can, or else I may never get a new case again.”

Fraser just nodded. “Of course, Ray. As it happens, I’d rather not be at the Consulate today, so this is fine.”

“What, Thatcher giving you a hard time again? Or is Turnbull on another cooking tear?”

Fraser gave Ray a look he couldn’t interpret and pulled at his collar as he answered. “No, it’s just, well there’s some construction going on nearby that’s quite distracting. At least I found it to be.”

“Only you would find the noise of this place better than hammering, Fraser,” Ray said, handing him a file.

“You’re sure that there aren’t any active cases we need to be working on?”

“Not today, buddy. Like I said, Welsh has me deskbound until this is cleared up, which means we’re both stuck here. Personally, I think he’s trying to avoid any more IA hassles, which is fine by me.” Ray stood and clapped his hands together. “I was just about to get a coffee – you want a water or anything from the break room?”

“No, Ray, thank you kindly,” Fraser answered, giving Ray an odd look.

Ray stopped short. He hadn’t spilled anything on himself, had he? He did a quick check and nope, that wasn’t it. “What?” he asked, holding out his arms. “You don’t like the shirt, is that it?”

Fraser fiddled with his collar. “It certainly is colorful.”

Ray smoothed over the front of his shirt. Yeah, it was kind of bright, but he had others that made this one look washed out. Still, it probably was the least subdued thing he’d worn around Fraser. “Yeah, my uncle down in Florida knows a guy – got a sweet deal on it.”

“Yes, well it’s just… if you’re really wanting to emulate Ray’s sense of style-”

“He has one?” Ray shot off.

“As I was saying,” Fraser went on, “if you’re wanting to dress like Ray, you need to know that he would never wear anything so bright. I believe he once stated that wearing flashy colors made him feel like a walking target.”

“And yet he was partnered with you,” Ray deadpanned, shaking his head. “Well I’m not doing the ratty t-shirts and jeans thing. If this isn’t a reasonable substitute, then maybe I’ll just have to start changing Kowalski’s style. Give him a little more class.” As Fraser gave him a dubious once-over, Ray glared and added, “I’ll have you know these shirts are the height of fashion in Florida right now.”

“Yes, well, considering the average age of the population there and all the factors that come with advanced age, I have no doubt you are correct.”

“Excuse me, did I just hear you insult my shirt?” Ray asked, eyes narrowed.

“Of course not,” Fraser replied, all innocence.

“I better not have, “Ray huffed. “Like you’re one to talk about loud colors anyhow.”

“If you’re referring to my uniform, it isn’t as if I had a choice.”

“Really? They only do the uniforms in red in the RCMP?”

Fraser tugged at his collar. “Well, technically not, but this is the compromise Inspector Thatcher and I have come to in regards to dress code.”

“Okay then. Mounties in glass houses do not get to throw stones. Or question my fashion sense. I’ll be back in a few.” He glared at Diefenbaker when he tried to follow. “No. You stay with Fraser. You’re banned from the break room, remember?”

Dief lowered his ears, his tail drooping noticeably, but Ray kept the stern look on his face, and finally the half-wolf seemed to get the idea, turning to rejoin Fraser.

Ray shook his head as he started walking again. “Now he’s got me talking to the mutt…” he muttered.

***********

A couple of hours later, they were farther along than Ray had expected. Fraser was pretty adept at reading Kowalski’s handwriting, or maybe he was just remembering the case himself. Ray didn’t care, as long as the work got done and Welsh got off his ass about it.

Ray was shuffling through the stack of files when movement at the edge of his peripheral vision caught his attention. He looked up and stopped, caught by the sight of a beautiful woman entering the bullpen. Ray frowned; something about her was familiar, but he couldn’t quite place it. He thought hard, then came up with it.

“Hey, isn’t that my ex?” Ray asked, nudging Fraser with an elbow. “The pictures in the file did not do her justice.”

Fraser looked over at her and Ray saw something flicker across his face, almost a look of distaste, before it settled into what he was starting to think of as Fraser’s Mountie Mask. He wondered what she could’ve done to get that kind of reaction – nothing he’d read covered it. She made Fraser nervous too – he was already rubbing an eyebrow.

“Ray,” he said, leaning in to speak softly, “perhaps you could go ahead to Interrogation Room One, and ASA Kowalski and I could meet you there.” He gave Ray a look, and understanding dawned.

“Right, it’d be weird to meet someone I’m supposed to have been married to. Good thinking, Benny.”

A few minutes later the interrogation room door opened.

“So what’s with the cloak and dagger, Constable,” ASA Kowalski was saying. “It isn’t your style at all. And I’ve got a court appearance I don’t want to be late for, so this had better be quick.”

Fraser closed the door behind him before answering. “I simply thought you’d prefer a private setting to meet the man protecting your ex-husband, rather than doing so in front of a room full of witnesses. Assistant States Attorney Stella Kowalski, this is Ray. Ray Vecchio, that is, though for now of course he’s Ray Kowalski.”

Stella’s eyebrows raised in disbelief. “You’re supposed to be my ex-husband? And people believe this?”

Ray smiled at her charmingly. “Hey, it’s all in the attitude.”

“It certainly can’t be anything else – you two are nothing alike.” She crossed her arms over her chest and looked him over critically. “You definitely have a different sense of style. Where’d they find you?”

“Florida. But I’m from here originally.”

“They brought in someone from that far away and still didn’t come closer to getting somebody that at least looked like Ray? That’s just crazy. And dangerous.” She glared at Fraser. “What were you people thinking?”

“They didn’t ask me,” Fraser replied, and Ray tried not to flinch at his tone. But he must’ve moved or something, because Fraser sent him an apologetic glance before going on. “But having worked with Ray - this Ray - I believe that he’ll do his level best to keep up the pretense, despite the obvious physical differences.”

“And you think that will be good enough?” she challenged.

He nodded, and Stella sighed, then turned back to face Ray. “Okay, so we’ve met. I don’t know how you think anyone is going to believe any of this, but I’ll play along.” She gave him a hard look. “Just remember, we’re supposed to be divorced. Constable,” she nodded, then left the room.

Ray turned to Fraser with a grin. “That is one hell of a woman, Benny.” He looked down at himself and frowned. “And I’m thinking maybe you’re right - a wardrobe change is in order.”

Fraser cocked an eyebrow at that. “Really?”

“Hey, I’m in Chicago again – I need to dress the part, right?” He could see by the look on Fraser’s face that he wasn’t buying the reason, but didn’t really care.

“Ah.”

“What is it with you and the ahs? Did Kowalski find that as completely annoying as I do?”

Fraser gave that some thought, then nodded. “Yes, I believe he did.”

“Great,” Ray responded with a grimace. “I find something we actually have something in common, and it’s that you make us both crazy?”

“Apparently.”

Ray threw his arms up in disgust. “This is my life.”

***********

Fraser left to take Dief outside, and Ray thought a break sounded like a perfect idea. Seeing his sister hard at work, he decided to go bug her for a few minutes to pass the time.

“Hey, Frannie,” Ray said as he leaned against the edge of her desk. “How’s the Civilian Aide thing treating you today?”

“Fine,” she replied, shoving him aside to pull a folder out from under where he’d parked himself. “Busy. What about you? Is it so quiet you have nothing better to do than socialize?”

“Jeez, forgive me for wanting to say hello to my sister,” Ray answered, leaning in to hiss out the last words. “This is the least suspicious place we can talk, you know.”

Frannie’s expression softened and she gave him a real smile. “Sorry. It’s just been a real busy day, y’know? I have no idea how Elaine didn’t end up killing somebody here. Nobody has any respect for what this job’s about.”

“We respect it, we just don’t have time to take care of stuff,” Ray replied easily.

“You look like you have time now. Want to help me file?”

Ray held his hands up. “Not a chance. I’m sure there’s a case out there somewhere to save me from filing.” But he grabbed the stack from his sister when she stood, and followed her to the filing room.

She smiled her thanks as she started putting them away. “So, you and Fraser getting along okay?”

He shrugged. “I guess. Not like we’re best buddies like he and Kowalski were, but I’ve had worse partners.” He’d tried to keep from sounding bitter, but the look Frannie gave him let Ray know he hadn’t succeeded.

“Be nice, Ray. He didn’t even get to say good-bye – of course it’s going to take him some time to get used to working with somebody else. It’s a normal reaction.”

“Maybe,” Ray conceded. “But normal’s the last word I’d use to describe Benton Fraser.”

“Why? I mean, I know he does stuff differently, all Canadian and polite, which I’m sure seems unnatural to you. But he’s a regular guy too, you know.”

“He’s living in his office” Ray countered. “That seem like a regular guy thing to you?”

“It’s just temporary though, right?” Frannie asked, eyes wide. “Until he finds a new place?”

“I don’t think so, Frannie. If I didn’t know better, I’d say he’s acting like he just got dumped.” He leaned in close and lowered his voice. “Just how close were he and Kowalski? There something you maybe didn’t tell me about?”

Frannie gaped at him. “They were friends, Ray. And yeah, they spent a lot of time together, but that was it.”

“You sure about that?” he asked, eyebrows raised. “Or is that your crush talking?”

Frannie smacked his arm. “I told you, that crush thing was over a long time ago. So shut up about it, especially here, okay?”

“Okay, okay,” Ray answered, rubbing his arm. “When’d you learn to hit that hard?”

“You just got soft, working on your tan down in Florida,” she teased, but he could see a hint of satisfaction on her face. She really was trying to get in shape, he knew. It looked like she was taking the whole becoming a cop idea more seriously than he’d figured she would. Ray didn’t envy the call she’d have to make to tell Ma. He winced inwardly – the one he’d get from their mother right after wasn’t going to be much fun either.

Ray set the files on top of the nearest cabinet. “Okay, you start insulting me, I think maybe you can finish these on your own. I need to get back to my desk anyhow.” He ruffled her hair and jumped back before she could hit him again, grinning as he left the file room.

***********

Ray met Fraser in the hallway, Dief slinking alongside him. “What’s with the wolf?”

“He’s just trying to make me feel guilty, Ray. Ignore him.”

“Guilty? For what?”

“For not letting him accost total strangers for food. He’s had his kibble, and I know for a fact that he’s snuck off with at least one donut since we got here, despite being banned from the break room.” Dief sneezed and Fraser rolled his eyes. “If the powdered sugar on your whiskers wasn’t enough proof, the drop of jelly on your paw is enough to convince any jury.”

Ray chuckled at the exchange. “And after that he thought he’d scam somebody outside out of their lunch?”

“More like begging the hot dog vendor, but yes, that’s essentially it.” He glared at Dief. “It’s ridiculous and unbefitting conduct, as is your sulking.”

Dief situated himself under Ray’s desk, his back to them both, and Fraser sighed. “You can pretend you don’t hear me all you want, but I see your ears twitch when someone opens a candy wrapper, so don’t think I’m fooled.” Fraser turned his attention to Ray, face contrite. “I’m sorry about that. These last few days he’s been insufferable. What would you like to work on next?”

“Honestly? Dief has the right idea - lunch. And not here, or hot dogs, even though that’s what got me thinking about food. You hungry?”

“I suppose so.” He crouched down. “But you’re staying here,” he said to Dief, who whined in response.

Ray shook his head at the exchange. “Okay, then. We’ll go out, get a bite, clear our heads and be ready to tackle more of this pile when we get back.” He grabbed his jacket off the back of his chair, and the two headed out.

***********

“Now that was what I call a good idea, Benny. It’s a beautiful day, we get out, get some air, some food, relax a little. And you know that waitress was totally flirting with you,” he said with a wink.

“I hadn’t noticed,” Fraser replied as they walked toward the car.

“How could you miss it? She wrote her phone number on the bill.”

“She seemed perfectly nice, but I’m not interested.”

“Not your type, huh? So what, you prefer somebody who can track a moose?”

“Don’t be silly, Ray. Moose are ridiculously easy to track.” He looked up at the sky as they reached the car. “The term lunch hour is one we’ve definitely taken some liberties with today. I hope Lt. Welsh agrees that our extended break was worth it.”

“Welsh won’t care. And I don’t know why you do either – it isn’t like he’s your real boss.”

“When I am acting in my capacity as Liaison, he most definitely is my superior officer.”

“Just blame me if he gets mad, then,” Ray shrugged.

“All right.”

Ray stopped in his tracks. “Wait, you’d really do that?”

“Well, this was your idea. And you did drive us all the way out here.”

“Yeah, but isn’t it against the Mountie Code or something to make somebody else the fall guy?” He shook his head. “I bet you wouldn’t make Kowalski take the heat.”

Fraser started to reply, then he looked past Ray and stiffened. “Gun.”

“What?”

“There’s a man with a gun. Come on!”

Fraser moved and Ray followed, pulling his gun out as he ran. They were able to scare off the gunman, who escaped. And both Fraser and Ray were shocked to see that one of the intended victims was Stella Kowalski. She was equally surprised to see them.

“Are you following me?” she asked, glaring at Fraser.

“Of course not. Our appearance here was completely a fortuitous circumstance.”

Stella frowned and looked like she was about to argue the point when the man with her put a hand on her arm. “Stella, they saved our lives. Why are you upset with them?”

Ray jumped in. “She’s just surprised because she knows us, Mr…”

“Frank Orsini. Alderman Frank Orsini,” the man clarified.

“Alderman Orsini, right. I’m Ray Kowalski. Detective Ray Kowalski. This is my partner, Constable Benton Fraser.”

Orsini’s eyes widened. “Kowalski? You’re Stella’s ex-husband.”

“The one and only.”

“Well, whoever you are, thank you. Like I said, you saved our lives.”

“Just doing our jobs.” Ray heard sirens. “And it sounds like company’s on the way to take your statements.”

***********

Filling in the officers who arrived took more time than Fraser had expected, in part because Detective Dewey seemed to have trouble believing Fraser could remember events with such detail and accuracy. Frustratingly, Ray had a similar reaction. It made for a somewhat tense ride back to the station.

***********

Fraser reached for the next file in the stack and suppressed a sigh. It shouldn’t bother him that Ray had doubts about his detective skills – after all, they hadn’t been partners all that long. Ray Kowalski had had a similar reaction when they first started working together. Still, he’d hoped that his record here would have negated that doubt with this new Ray. That it hadn’t stung.

They hadn’t been working long when Lt. Welsh entered the bullpen and called them into his office. “Gentlemen,” he said as they entered, “just who I was looking for.”

Following closely behind him was Stella Kowalski. Fraser was wholly unsurprised to see her frowning at him, and to a lesser extent, at Ray.

“Three times in one day – lucky me. Is there something the State’s Attorney’s office needs?” Ray asked smoothly as he closed the door behind them. “I’d be happy to assist in any way I can.”

Fraser barely kept from rolling his eyes at that; ASA Kowalski had no such need for restraint. She waved an arm in their direction as she faced Lt. Welsh. “Are you sure this is going to work?” The derision in her tone was unmistakable.

“The Alderman asked for the best; that’s what he’ll get,” he replied, taking her upset in stride as he faced Fraser and Ray. “It seems that little shootout you stopped wasn’t an isolated incident. Alderman Orsini has been getting death threats, and we’ve been asked to help with his protection. You two are officially his bodyguards until further notice. And Constable, before you ask, yes, I’ve already cleared the assignment with Inspector Thatcher.”

Fraser nodded. “Of course, sir. Do we have any leads as to who might be making the threats?”

The lieutenant glanced at ASA Kowalski, who sighed and nodded. “Nothing definite, but he’s been a big part of the Manor Point Project, and some people aren’t very happy about it.”

“That would be the new development project that will leave a great many people without homes, correct?” Fraser asked.

“It’s a renovation project for an area the desperately needs it,” she replied defensively.

“It all depends on who you’re talking to, I suppose,” Fraser replied blandly.

“Will your dislike of the Alderman make working with him too difficult, Constable?” ASA Kowalski challenged.

“Of course not. That would be unprofessional. I don’t know the Alderman well enough to like or dislike him, and I certainly wouldn’t judge him solely on what he supports politically.”

“Hey, maybe he can tell us why this is such a good deal,” Ray interjected, earning a glare from both Stella and Fraser.

Stella shook her head. “You don’t need to be bothering him, either of you. Frank’s a very busy man.”

Fraser didn’t miss the use of Orsini’s first name. Neither did Ray, who shot him a knowing look, but refrained from commenting.

“Don’t worry, we’ll keep him safe. We’re the best, remember?” Ray said, a hint of challenge in his voice.

ASA Kowalski gave them both a hard look before turning to Lt. Welsh. “Just see that you do,” she said, then left.

“You heard the lady,” Welsh said, and handed Ray a slip of paper with an address on it. “Here’s where Orsini is supposed to be tomorrow afternoon. It’s a public appearance, speech he’s giving. You two will meet him in the morning and go from there.”

“Can I just ask why the good Alderman wasn’t here too, sir?” Ray wondered as he put the address in his pocket. “Or why he won’t need us tonight? If he was so worried about being guarded, shouldn’t he have come along?”

“Ours is not to reason why, Detective,” he answered, looking pointedly at the door.

***********

Ray nudged Fraser with his shoulder as they left Welsh’s office. “So, Stella and the Alderman. You think it’s serious?”

“I think it’s none of our business,” Fraser replied.

“Of course it is. If we’re going to protect him, we need to know who he comes in contact with, what their angle is, if they’re suspicious. Not that I think she is, but she’s gotta be on our list, especially if she spends a lot of time with the guy.”

When Fraser just nodded absently at that, Ray knew he wasn’t really listening. Didn’t matter; it sounded like the two of them would have plenty of time to talk while they were guarding Orsini.

“Okay, so we should do some research before we meet with the guy tomorrow, seeing how my ex-wife wasn’t very forthcoming.” He sat at his desk and started typing. “Let’s see what we can find.”

They found plenty to interest them, including the name of the development project Orsini was currently backing, as well as the name of its most vocal opponent. Satisfied that they had a good course to follow the next day, Ray shut down his computer and offered Fraser a ride back to the Consulate. When Fraser didn’t even fight him on it, Ray figured it was time to see what was bugging his partner.

He waited until they were in the car to ask about it. “What’s been going on with you today?”

“What do you mean, Ray?”

“I don’t know, it’s like you’ve been weirder than normal or something.”

Fraser glared at that. “Thank you for your opinion on my behavior. It’s good to know you find me less than normal on a regular basis.”

Ray rolled his eyes. “You know what I meant. What’s got you so touchy?” He thought for a moment, then snapped his fingers and pointed at Fraser. “This is the week the shrink is at the Consulate, isn’t it?” When Fraser didn’t answer, Ray nodded and went on. “What, are you nervous about it? Are they gonna think being polite and helping old ladies cross the street and helping save the citizens of Chicago makes you a nutcase? Come on, Fraser! Yeah, you have your quirks, believe you me, but if nothing else, look what else they have to work with. I mean, Turnbull works there too, for crying out loud. The guy’s gonna take one look at him and decide that you talking to wolves is way less interesting than anything Renfield Turnbull could come up with.”

“That’s not very charitable, Ray,” Fraser said, but the words had less impact than they should, since Ray could see the barest hint of a smile on Fraser’s face.

“Maybe not, but it’s the truth.” Ray clapped Fraser on the shoulder. “Hey, how about I help you out?”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean I could help you practice, so you don’t have to worry. You know, I could throw words out, you say whatever comes to mind, that kind of thing. Like I say red, you say blue, you know?”

“Ah. Well, thank you kindly for the offer, Ray, but I’ve already had my evaluation.”

Ray waited, but Fraser didn’t say anything more. “And?” he finally said, flapping one hand at Fraser in a tell me what happened gesture.

“I don’t know. The psychologist wasn’t at all forthcoming. I suppose he wanted to speak to the Inspector first.”

“But you know it went okay, right?”

The look Fraser gave Ray was far from encouraging, but he nodded. “I’m sure things will be fine.”

***********

The next morning they met Orsini and a few of his team, including his assistant, Jerry. They also saw Stella leaving the Alderman’s house, but neither man commented on it. They spent the morning following Orsini and his men from meeting to meeting. Nothing exciting, nothing suspicious, other than the way it felt like Jerry kept trying to ditch them to speak privately with his boss. Something about the situation just didn’t feel right.

“I’m getting tired of this, Fraser,” Ray complained as they had to once again hustle to keep up with the man they were supposedly here to protect. “I mean, I get that they might have something confidential they need to talk about, but why have us here if they’re not going to let us do the job?”

“Ah, well I’m sure that the Alderman appreciates our presence. But you’re correct in thinking that there are things they’re trying to keep from being heard.”

“You think?”

“I know,” Fraser responded. “While I will admit that some of it has been hit and miss, I’ve heard several things this morning that make me think we have some research to do once we’re done with the Alderman for the day.”

“Seriously?” Ray asked, surprised. “Even with them so far away?”

“My hearing is excellent, Ray,” Fraser reminded him. “Sharper than they realize. Nothing I’ve heard is admissible, of course, but I see nothing wrong with it being a springboard for a more in-depth investigation.”

Ray smiled for the first time that morning. “Fraser, you keep on being our secret weapon. I knew this guy couldn’t be trusted.”

***********

After a lunch meeting, with Fraser and Ray seated several tables away, they went to watch Orsini address concerns about the Manor Point project. There was already a crowd gathered to hear him when they arrived, and Fraser and Ray stayed at the edges to try and get a better look around, see if anyone looked suspicious or familiar.

“Ray,” Fraser leaned in and nodded his head toward a man standing a little away from the rest of the gathering. “Isn’t that Damon Reese?”

Ray glanced over as unobtrusively as he could. “Yeah, I think you’re right. Wonder what kind of trouble he’s gonna stir up today. Word is he’s been the biggest thorn in Orsini’s side this whole time. Let’s go see what he as to say.”

But Reese was just as upset with recent events as Orsini, although for completely different reasons. He was the first to admit that he didn’t like the Alderman, but swore that he’d never do anything to actually harm the man, if for no other reason than it would do nothing good for the group trying to stop the Manor Point project.

“Right now, we’re the underdog,” Reese explained. “But with a little bad publicity we become thugs or worse. Not the image we want, and no way would we jeopardize what we’re trying to do here.”

Fraser believed him, and even though he didn’t want to, so did Ray, which left them back at square one for suspects. After checking back in with Orsini, they found out he was going home, then to a dinner date later that evening. Fraser and Ray made sure he got back to his place safely, then went back to the station to do some research before they had to meet Orsini for his date. Hopefully something Fraser had overheard would pan out.

They looked more closely into Manor Point, and everything Ray read, coupled with what Fraser had overheard, made him sure Orsini was nowhere near the honest politician he portrayed. But of course, that didn’t mean he still didn’t have to do his job and protect the guy. He dropped Fraser at the Consulate and went home to change, disgusted with the way the day had gone.

Ray was glad for the chance to clean up a little before dinner, and took a few extra minutes to make sure he looked his best. He had no doubt that if Frannie could see him she’d tease him mercilessly for ‘dressing to impress’ someone like Stella, especially since she was a) his supposed ex, b) part of his job, and c) involved with someone. But despite all that, he still made the effort, and felt not at all bad about doing so. After once last once-over, he went to pick up Fraser at the Consulate.

Ray just shook his head when he saw Fraser still in his uniform. “You couldn’t put on a suit? You’re gonna stick out like a sore thumb.”

This is formal enough, Ray. Besides, I haven’t had a chance to replace some of the clothing lost in the fire.”

“Have you even tried? I mean, you’re still living in your office, for crying out loud! Don’t you think you should maybe take a couple of days, get your life back in order?”

“My life is fine the way it is, thank you kindly.” Fraser’s tone made it clear that the subject was closed, so Ray decided to let it go. For now, at least.

“Let’s hope your Mountie shrink agrees with that,” Ray muttered. “Come on, we don’t want to be late.”

***********

Orsini and Stella were waiting for their table when Ray and Fraser arrived. “Ah, Detective, Constable. Here to keep us safe even at dinner – your dedication is commendable.” Orsini gave them a slick smile as they shook hands. “I have to say, Detective, you’re not quite what I expected, based on what Stella’s told me about you.”

Ray resisted the urge to wipe his hand on his pants; the guy was as oily a politician as he’d ever want to meet. He just smiled and shrugged. “What can I say? I’ve been undercover a lot – that can change a man.”

Orsini nodded sagely at that, and Ray was hard-pressed not to roll his eyes. “You know, a part of me felt very foolish arranging to have the two of you protecting me, but considering the day I’ve had, I think it was the best idea. Besides, it’s not just me I’m worried about,” Orsini moved closer to Stella, putting an arm around her shoulder in a not-so subtle move that, had she actually been Ray’s ex, would have had him mad in a second. “I have to say I’m impressed, Detective Kowalski. I’m not sure I’d be able to be so objective, if I shared the past the two of you had.”

Ray smiled broadly. “Hey, as far as I‘m concerned, we have a clean slate. It’s like we never met before today.” He saw Stella roll her eyes at the statement and his grin widened.

Ray could see by the look on Orsini’s face that he knew he was missing something, but he had to hand it to the guy – it didn’t make it past a brief frown. “I’ll just go see what’s keeping our table,” he said.

Stella watched him walk off, then looked Ray and Fraser over. “I see one of you at least changed for dinner.”

Ray spread his arms and gave her a nod. “I do know how to dress for the occasion.”

She gave him a small smile. “Yes, you do. Much nicer than that shirt earlier.”

Orsini came and joined them. “Gentlemen, I’ve gotten the two of you a table. Not too close,” he assured Stella, “but we’ll be in plain view. Will that work?”

“That should be fine, Alderman,” Fraser answered.

“Good, good. And order whatever you want. It’s on me – I insist. Least I could do for making you come out here tonight.”

True to his word, the table was near enough that Fraser and Ray could keep an eye on Orsini and Stella somewhat inconspicuously. Ray kept finding his gaze returning to Stella who, despite the romantic atmosphere, did not look to be having the best of times.

“Hey, maybe it’s a good thing Kowalski isn’t here, you know?” Ray said.

“Why is that?”

“Because I don’t care how long it’s been over, it’s never easy seeing your ex with someone new.” Fraser made an odd face at that, but before Ray could follow up their waiter came by to take their orders.

After he left, Ray asked Fraser, “So tell me, how well do you know Stella?”

He watched Fraser carefully consider his answer before speaking. “As ASA Kowalski works closely with the 27th Precinct, I’ve had several occasions to interact with her on a professional level. I’ve found her to be extremely capable and intelligent, and quite good at her job. “

“That’s it?”

“Well, I suppose I also found that she tended to lose objectivity when she worked directly with Ray. She could be uncharitable and at times adversarial. It was more than a little off-putting.”

Which was pretty hard-hitting stuff, considering it was Fraser talking. “So you don’t like her.”

“I didn’t say that, Ray. I don’t know her.”

“And since you were Ray’s partner, you never got the chance. That had to bug you, having somebody actually resistant to your charms,” he ventured.

“On the contrary. It’s refreshing, in a way.”

Not the answer Ray was expecting, but it felt honest. “Only you would like that a woman doesn’t like you, Fraser.” Ray looked over at Orsini’s table again. “I don’t get it. She and that guy, they just don’t fit. And him bringing her here when he knows there’s threats on his life, that just isn’t the way to do things.”

“She knows the risks as well as he does.”

“Maybe. Doesn’t mean she should take them.” He shot a glance at Fraser. “Do you think she’s involved in whatever Orsini’s doing?”

Fraser shook his head. “I doubt that. Her record is impeccable, and she isn’t the type.”

“See, that’s what I thought, too. Again, I don’t see how those two fit. Look, how about I distract her for a few minutes and you see what you can get out of him. He’s not gonna talk to me – I’m supposed to be Stella’s ex, after all. But you, all clean cut and honest and sincere – I bet you can get him to slip up.”

“I can try, though it seems to go beyond our duties.”

“You going to put our duty to one guy, a guy that I really don’t think is honest, above protecting Chicago as a whole?” He stood up, and Fraser joined him.

“Well, when you put it that way, Ray…”

***********

“Is there something you need, Detective, Constable?”

“Just thought I’d see if maybe Stella would like to dance. We used to go out a lot – she’s a terrific dancer.” Ray held out a hand, smiling. “What do you say, Stella? Want to take a spin around the dance floor for old times’ sake?”

Stella shook her head. “I don’t think it would be appropriate, Ray,” she answered with a glare.

Orsini smiled indulgently. “It’s fine with me if you want to.”

That seemed to decide something for her; Stella stood abruptly and took Ray’s hand, smiling tightly. Once they were dancing, she leaned in to whisper angrily at Ray. “What the hell was that?”

Ray let her anger roll off him. “Just keeping up the cover. And hey, if it means I have the prettiest woman here in my arms, that’s just a bonus.”

She glared at him a moment more, then relaxed a little. “You as smooth a dancer as you are a talker?”

Ray’s grin widened. “Try me.”

They danced for a minute, moving smoothly over the floor. Then Stella pulled back enough to look Ray in the eye. “So, would you be this cool and collected if I really was your ex-wife?”

“Sure,” he answered easily. “And yes, I know that because I have an ex, with whom I am still friends. Not like best buddies or anything, but she still comes to Ma’s for dinner twice a month.”

“That sounds entirely too healthy.”

Ray chuckled. “Believe me, it took a little time to get to that point. But the divorce was as much my fault as hers, and we were both willing to own up to that.”

She shook her head and smiled wryly. “Like I said, entirely too healthy. But I envy you that.”

“You and your ex don’t have it so easy?”

She sighed. “Nothing with Ray and I was ever easy. Not that it wasn’t worth it, at least for a while. But things were always complicated between us. The divorce didn’t change that.”

Ray pulled her just the tiniest bit closer to him, and smiled when she didn’t resist. It gave him the gumption to tell her what he’d been thinking since he’d first seen her with Orsini. “You’re going to tell me this is none of my business and you’re probably right, but I’m gonna say it anyhow.”

“What?”

Ray nodded toward the table. “Orsini. He’s not the right guy for you.”

She stiffened in his arms and started to step back. “You’re right – it’s none of your business. You don’t know either of us well enough to say that. Or are you just trying to stay in character, because that’s just the kind of thing Ray would say.”

Ray pulled her closer and turned them, making sure they didn’t get too close to her table. “I know his type. And I may not know a lot about you, but I know it isn’t yours.”

“And what is my type?” she challenged.

“Clean and aboveboard,” he answered. “Which Orsini is not. Fraser overheard him, and he’s going to screw the current residents out of their homes with this Manor Point thing, not keep the promises he’s been making.” She scowled at Ray, but let him go on. “Look, I know I haven’t been back in Chicago long, but I’ve known guys like Orsini my whole life. I’m not saying he’s trying to play you, because for all I know his intentions are completely honorable where you’re concerned. But if he isn’t dirty, I’ll eat my tie. And this is one of my favorites,” he ended with a grin.

Stella didn’t smile, but she didn’t stop dancing either, so Ray counted it as a small victory. Still, he knew it was time to change the subject. “So, how did the court date go?” She blinked in surprise and Ray elaborated. “You told Fraser you had an appearance. Just wondered if it went okay.”

“As well as could be expected, I suppose.”

“What was it? Murder? Robbery?”

“Divorce and spousal abuse.”

It was Ray’s turn to look surprised. “That doesn’t seem like the kind of case your office would normally take, am I right?”

“It isn’t. I’m helping out my friend, Diane Weston, whose soon-to-be ex is nowhere near as emotionally mature as you about divorce. He was controlling and abusive, and I’m pretty sure he still has no idea why she left him.” She frowned. “Dwayne even followed us out of the courthouse, tried to talk her into coming back to him. I thought we were going to have to get a policeman to make him leave. She was pretty shook up after that.”

“Good thing for her she’s got a friend like you to help her out.”

“I suppose. I just wish she would have let me help sooner.” The music ended, and Stella stepped out of Ray’s arms. “Thank you for the dance.”

“Anytime,” Ray answered easily as they walked back to her table. Champagne was being delivered as they arrived, and Ray had to hand it to the guy – he knew how to treat a lady.

Just as the waiter was about to open the bottle, Fraser stopped him, taking it and quickly throwing it overboard. Before anyone could question his behavior, a small explosion rocked the boat. Orsini, though obviously shaken, gave Fraser a look of respect. “That’s twice in as many days. I don’t suppose you’d consider a career change to private security?”

Rather than answering, Fraser turned and dove into the water. Stella and Orsini turned to Ray, who just shrugged. He had no idea why Fraser’d done that, but he was sure there would be a long explanation once he came up for air.

***********

There was; Fraser had wanted to retrieve what he could of the bomb before it got washed away, and as luck would have it, he’d been able to find the detonator. He took it back to the station, and Stella and Orsini gave their statements and looked over mug shots, but didn’t see anyone they recognized. Finally, Stella asked if she could go, and Ray offered to take her, since Lt. Welsh had already sent Orsini home.

“You didn’t have to walk me all the way to my door, you know,” Stella said as she got out her key.

“I kind of think I did.”

Stella gave Ray a stern look. “Listen, the only reason I agreed to this is that you aren’t actually my ex-husband. So don’t lay it on too thick, especially when there’s no one here to see the act.”

“Believe me, my reasons for doing this have nothing to do with pretending,” he replied, more seriously than he’d meant to, and Stella’s gaze locked with his for a long moment. The air got tense, and Ray couldn’t tell for sure if it was a good tension or not, so he grinned and deliberately worked on lightening the mood. “Escorting a beautiful woman to her door safely is one of the perks of being a cop.”

“Is it now? I don’t remember hearing about that particular perk before.” she asked, eyebrow raised and a wry smile playing at her lips. Ray was surprisingly relieved that she’d gone along with the mood shift.

“It’s a lesser known fact, that’s for sure,” he replied with a teasing grin.

“Well, then I guess I don’t need to thank you for making sure I got home. The job is its own reward, right?”

Ooh, she was quick; Ray liked that. “I guess that’s true. Take care of yourself, Stella. And if you need anything, you know where to call.”

“Goodnight, Ray,” was all she said as she opened the door. But she said it with a smile, so Ray was happy with how the evening had ended.

Well, one portion of it, anyhow. Ray was in no way tired, so he decided to see if Fraser wanted to do some more surveillance work, so he stopped by the Consulate. It was locked, of course, but Ray hadn’t grown up in the neighborhood he had without learning a few tricks, and the lock on the door was ridiculously easy to pick.

He was surprised Fraser hadn’t heard him; in fact, he hadn’t even known Ray was in the building, and had nearly jumped out of his long johns in shock when Ray had opened the door. Muttering something about chainsaws, he quickly got dressed, and the two of them went to follow the guy who’d thrown a bottle and him and Reese earlier that day.

Interestingly enough, the man, Joe Mendleson, met with Orsini’s assistant, Jerry. And when Fraser snuck up for a closer look at his car, he told Ray that the tire treads matched the ones he’d found the day someone had tried to shoot Stella and Orsini, right down to a nick in one of the tires.

They waited until Mendleson was alone, then Ray took him in for questioning.

A warrant found the gun used in the shooting, and Ray told the guy he could go down for attempted murder. That was all it took for him to start talking. According to him, the attempted shooting and disturbance at the rally had all been planned by Orsini and his assistant, to help make Orsini more sympathetic, and Reese and his opposition look bad, so that Manor Point would go through without a hitch.

The only thing he didn’t admit to was the bomb at the restaurant, but Ray didn’t think about that too hard. He had enough to get a warrant for Orsini’s arrest, and he was a man on a mission.

***********

Meanwhile, Fraser had stayed with Orsini, making sure to listen in on the man’s conversations as best he could while still trying to protect him. He was glad to see Ray arrive, as the Alderman had been complaining about the lack of a Chicago police presence. He stopped complaining when Ray told him why he was there.

“Fraud, conspiracy, and attempting to blow up a boat, and that’s just for starters,” he said with a grim smile. “Fraser, how about we escort these gentlemen to the station?”

***********

Fraser’s brow furrowed as he watched Orsini and his men being escorted to booking. “There’s something here that doesn’t fit.”

Ray gave him a look of disbelief. “You’ve got to be kidding me. We have these guys dead to rights. Tell me you don’t want to mess that up.”

“Not at all. I agree that Mr. Orsini and his associates are guilty.”

“Then what are you talking about?”

“I keep thinking about the attempt made on Orsini’s life at the restaurant. It doesn’t make sense.”

Ray gave that some thought. “He did seem pretty shaken up about it.”

“Precisely, and well he should. Had we not been there, he could have been seriously injured or worse.”

Before Ray could respond, Frannie walked up to them, holding out a piece of paper. “Hey, Fraser, here’s that list you wanted. You know, the serial numbers?”

“I asked for that list, Frannie,” Ray grumbled, grabbing the list before Fraser could look at it.’’

“Whatever,” she replied, rolling her eyes. “Not like you’d even thank me for getting it. Fraser here’s the only guy at the station who appreciates the work I do.”

“Thank you kindly, Francesca,” Fraser responded automatically, obviously trying to stay out of the argument.

“See?” Frannie said, waving an arm in Fraser’s direction. “You could learn from him.”

Ray ignored her. “Look at this, Fraser. This is what we got back on the detonator from the bomb.”

Fraser looked over the list. “According to this, a prototype was used. That would mean the detonator never left the factory.”

“Meaning it was an inside job,” Ray finished, and glanced over at Frannie, who was still there, watching them. “Don’t you have something to do other than harass those of us actually trying to work? Like maybe get an employee list for the place?”

“Look at the next page, Ray,” she shot back. “Already got it for you.”

“Very good thinking, Francesca. Thank you,” Fraser replied as Ray read over the list.

“You are very welcome,” she replied. When Ray continued to ignore her, she stomped off, muttering.

“So nobody on Orsini’s team worked there. Which means there’s somebody still out there who actually does want Orsini dead.”

“It seems the most likely scenario.”

“Yeah, unless” Ray’s eyes widened as he read. “Fraser, Orsini wasn’t the only one at that table.”

“You think that ASA Kowalski could have been the real target?”

“Yeah, I do. And that means she’s still in danger.” Ray grabbed his jacket and started toward the door. “Come on, I’ll explain on the way! And Frannie, see if dispatch can get someone to Stella Kowalski’s apartment now!”

***********

“Look at the last name on the list, Fraser,” Ray said as he pulled out into traffic. “Stella told me about a divorce case she was helping a friend with, real nasty case. The guy’s name was Dwayne Weston. That’s just too good a coincidence to be true.” He tossed his phone and wallet to Fraser. “Here. Call her, see if we can warn her. Her business card’s in my wallet, home number’s on the back.”

“She gave you her number?”

“I thought it would be a smart thing to have, considering how close she and Orsini seemed to be, okay?” Ray answered, exasperated. “Is now really the time to be judging me?”

“Of course not, Ray.” He tried the number. “No answer.”

“Well let’s hope that’s a good sign,” Ray said, pushing on the gas pedal.

***********

Stella let them in, glaring at both Ray and Fraser. “Come to tell me I told you so, Ray?”

“Came to save your life, is more like it,” he shot back. “Seriously, Stella. That bottle bomb at the restaurant – it was set by Dwayne Weston.”

“Diane’s ex? But why?”

“Because I want my wife back, and it’s her fault she left in the first place,” Weston said as he closed the apartment door. He had a gun trained on the three of them. “I wouldn’t try anything,” he warned and moved forward to set a bomb on the table.

Ray and Fraser exchanged a quick look, and Ray started talking. “Hey, buddy, I get where you’re coming from. I’m divorced too, you know? But you have to let go, move on.” He moved up a couple of steps as he talked.

“Get back!” Weston shouted, shoving the gun forward. “And you don’t know anything!”

“I know you don’t really want to do this.” Ray took another step forward.

“I said get back!”

Ray rushed him then, and got the gun away without trouble. “Fraser, the bomb!”

Fraser was already on it, grabbing the bomb from the table and running to the balcony. He held it until the countdown was almost to zero, then threw it so it would explode midair.

“Did you really need to wait that long?” Ray asked Fraser as he cuffed Weston.

“I had to make sure it wouldn’t hit anything, Ray.”

“I guess.” He turned his attention to Stella. “You okay?”

“Yeah,” she answered, wrapping her arms around herself. “Thank you for saving my life.”

“Another perk of the job, saving the fair maiden,” Ray quipped, and Stella gave him a small, but real smile.

“I’ll just see if back-up has arrived,” Fraser said. No one acknowledged the statement as he left.

***********

“You want to go grab a cup of coffee or something, maybe get out of here for awhile?” Ray asked Stella after Weston had been taken away.

“No, I’ll be fine. But thanks.”

“Okay, then. Guess I’ll be going. If I don’t leave soon, Fraser will walk himself all the way home.” He shrugged. “Take care, Stella.”

“You too, Ray.” Ray was almost to the door when she called his name. “Ask me another time. I might just take you up on the offer of coffee.”

Ray smiled. “I will definitely keep that in mind.”

He didn’t stop smiling for the rest of the night.

Episode 3.7: Mountie and Soul

Fraser gave Ray an apologetic look that was almost sincere, and Ray sighed heavily as he reached for his wallet to pay for their lunch. “Don’t tell me, you only have Canadian cash in your hat. Again.” He pulled out a few bills and handed them over. “How long have you been here now?”

“I do work in Canada. It’s perfectly reasonable.”

“Only to you, Benny.” He shook his head. “What would you have done if I didn’t have the money? I can’t always bail you out.”

“Understood.” Fraser looked upset for just the briefest moment, and a light bulb went off in Ray’s head.

“I missed something again, didn’t I?”

“I beg your pardon?”

“This,” Ray waved the money at Fraser, “with the money. It was another of those things you and he did, and I missed whatever cue I was supposed to have.” He glared at Fraser. “You have to stop doing that. Yeah, I’m him, but that doesn’t mean I know everything about him.”

Fraser lost all expression. Good, meant he was trying to hide something, which meant Ray actually got some kind of reaction. Now maybe they’d get somewhere.

“You’ll have to forgive me, Ray.” Ooh, the words were nice, but that tone was cold and snippy as hell and rubbed Ray the wrong way. “This is all still an adjustment for me, you know.”

“And it isn’t to me?” Ray shot back. “You think this is all fun and games for me, being home but not? Close enough to my old hangouts to see them, but I can’t go to them? The only people who know who I really am are Welsh, who is my boss and therefore doesn’t count, my sister, who I don’t even know if I recognize anymore, what with all the cop stuff, and you. My partner. Who seems incapable of cutting me any slack whatsoever. Who in fact seems to want to make me feel even less capable of doing this job right than I already do.”

Fraser looked stricken at that. His response was subdued and genuinely contrite. “I’m sorry, Ray. This isn’t easy for either of us, I know. I’ve been quite selfish to act otherwise.”

Ray couldn’t help but feel bad, even though really, he hadn’t done or said anything wrong. There was just something about Fraser that made you want to be nice to him. Damn. “It’s okay, Benny,” he finally said, putting an arm around Fraser’s shoulder. “How about we work on trying to figure out how to do this partner thing together, okay?”

Fraser nodded, and while he still didn’t look happy, some of the lines of tension left his face. “Okay, Ray.”

Ray grinned. “Great, because I have a lot of paperwork that I could use a partner’s help with.”

***********

Fraser put the file in the stack and looked around, frowning slightly “Ray, have you seen Diefenbaker?”

Ray checked under his desk and shook his head. “I thought he was next to you.”

“He was, but he appears to have slipped away.” He stood up. “I’ll be back as soon as I’ve found him. He’s already on probation at the Consulate – you’d think he’d try to be on better behavior here.”

Ray chuckled to himself as he watched Fraser walk off – that wolf got under Fraser’s skin like nobody’s business, and weird as that was, it was nice to see something got to the guy.

A few minutes later, movement out of the corner of his eye caught Ray’s attention and he looked up, expecting to see Fraser. Instead, it was a boy, maybe twelve or so, looking at Ray warily. Ray waited, but the kid just stayed silent and stared, so he finally prompted him. “Can I help you, kid?”

“I’m looking for Ray Kowalski.”

Ray gestured to the nameplate on his desk. “You got him.”

The boy frowned. “You ain’t him.”

“You want proof?” Ray asked, moving to take out his badge. The boy backed away at that and was turning to leave, when a voice called out, “Willie?”

“Big Red!” Willie relaxed noticeably as Fraser and a guilty-looking Dief approached. “Hey, I’m looking for Ray, and this joker,“ he gestured in Ray’s direction, “is no help.”

Dief bounded over to Willie, who immediately knelt down to pet him, still keeping his attention of Fraser.

Fraser rubbed an eyebrow as he answered. “Ah. Well you see, this is Ray. Not the Ray you’re looking for, of course,” he leaned in to add quietly before Willie could correct him. “Perhaps we should take this conversation somewhere less public.”

One they were in the interrogation room, Fraser continued.

“Ray, this is Willie Lambert. Ray and I met him on a case, and when I lived on Racine he helped with Diefenbaker when the need arose. He also took boxing lessons from Ray.” Fraser gestured toward Ray. “Willie, it’s a long, and somewhat classified story, but this Ray is my partner now.”

“Hey,” Willie greeted him non-enthusiastically.

“Hey,” Ray responded in the same tone.

Willie turned his attention to Fraser. “So you know where I can find him?”

“Unfortunately, no.”

Willie shook his head. “He ditch you, too?” he asked, disgusted.

“Ray hasn’t ditched anyone, Willie,” Fraser replied, giving Willie a look.

Willie’s eyes widened. “So this is a work thing, like he told me he used to do?”

“Yes.”

“Damn.”

“Is there something we can do to help?” Fraser asked, indicating himself and Ray.

Willie shook his head. “I don’t know. Ray, he was cool, knew how to keep things quiet, y’know?”

“I can do that,” Ray stated, and Willie just looked at him. “Trust me,” Ray sighed. “I can be your friend too.”

After a long moment and an encouraging look from Fraser, Willie nodded. “Okay.”

“Great. So what’s up, kid?” He tried to sound enthusiastic, and really he kind of was. At least it was a break from filling out forms.

Willie rolled his eyes and turned to Fraser. “You remember Levon, right?”

Fraser thought for a moment and then nodded. “He’s one of the older boys. I believe Ray mentioning he had a lot of promise.”

“Yeah, he’s good, no doubt. But there’s something going down that just ain’t right. He was sparring with Deron – he’s pretty good, maybe even better than Levon – and out of nowhere – bam! He knocked Deron flat, and the guy didn’t get up again.”

Ray whistled. “Sounds like a lucky punch.”

“More like unlucky. When I said he didn’t get up, I mean he still hasn’t. Dude’s in a coma.”

“From one hit? That seems unlikely,” Fraser commented.

“Try telling Levon that. Or anyone at the gym for that matter. See, Jamal was there – that’s Deron’s brother, and he didn’t take it too good.”

“So?” Ray asked. “Sounds like Levon can take care of himself.”

“In the ring maybe. But Jamal’s with the Rollin 22s, and that’s a whole different game.”

“Is Levon associated with a gang?” Fraser asked.

“You mean like is he back in with the Cabrinis?” Willie shook his head. “Naw, he’s stayed out. Ray drilled it into his head that the gang was no good for him and it stuck.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “Still stayed friends with a couple of them, though. And there were plenty of people from both gangs there when Deron went down. Levon was lucky nobody came after him right then and there.”

“Where is Levon now?”

“That’s just it – nobody knows. He went to ground when he found out Deron wasn’t waking up. Nobody’s seen him, and it’s getting ugly at the gym. That’s why I wanted Ray. He was always good about getting folks to chill.”

“We talking about the same Ray here?” Ray had to ask. “Because peacemaker is not a title I’ve ever heard used for the guy.”

Fraser shot Ray a look that was almost a glare. “Ray’s methods are often unconventional, but Willie’s right. He would have been able to talk to the people at the gym, keep things from getting out of hand, even if he had to threaten them to do it.” He straightened. “I don’t know that I’ll make a good substitute, Willie, but I’m willing to try. Some of the boys there know me, and they know I’ll be honest with them if nothing else.”

“Yeah, but what can you tell them that will help?”

Fraser looked like he was at a loss. “Well, I suppose I’ll know that when I see what the situation is. I’ll come by later to speak with whomever is there. Will that work?”

“Guess it’ll have to.” Willie replied with a shrug. “I’ll go back, see if I can make sure there’s somebody there for you to talk with.” He started to leave, but turned around with his hand on the doorknob. “Thanks, Fraser.”

“Don’t mention it,” Fraser responded. “And Willie, of you do see Levon, try to get him to come here. Not because he’s in any kind of trouble, but because we can protect him.”

Willie nodded. “I’ll do what I can, Fraser, but I ain’t making any promises.”

After Willie left, Ray asked Fraser, “What was that all about? You get all over me to make sure I’m keeping Kowalski’s cover, and then you tell a kid all about it?”

“Ray mentored Willie,” Fraser explained. “There’s no way he’d believe you were him. And as Willie already found out, it seemed to make sense to tell him what was going on.”

“Yeah, I guess. It’s just – is there anybody in this town Kowalski doesn’t know? Because just once, I’d like for someone to actually believe me when I lie about who I am.”

***********

They decided to start with witnesses to the fight itself, and were able to get in to see Franco Devlin.

“Don’t know the guy, but from what I’ve been able to find out, he’s pretty big stuff around here, almost a legend,” Ray said as he drove.

“I believe I remember Ray mentioning him once or twice,” Fraser commented.

“Yeah? Anything that will help us?”

“Only that he’s a good trainer, but that he’s unable to keep fighters once he’s trained them.”

“So what, he gets them all ready for the big time, then they ditch him? That can’t sit well with the guy.”

“Perhaps. Or maybe he’s happy doing what he does for the young men in the community.”

“You keep thinking that way, Fraser. Me, I’m gonna keep a suspicious eye on him.”

Devlin was all sympathy and concern when Ray and Fraser interviewed him, which just made Ray more suspicious.

“I’m telling you, there’s something about this guy I don’t like.”

“He showed concern for both fighters, and was extremely forthcoming,” Fraser remarked.

“That’s exactly what I mean. He was too helpful. Americans just aren’t like that, Fraser. Maybe you never have trouble getting statement up in Canada, but down here we always put up at least a little resistance.”

“It’s truly frightening that you think that way.”

“Yeah, well, it’s kept me alive on the job up until now,” Ray replied. “Where to next?”

***********

Ray was sorry he’d asked. “You sure this is a good idea?”

“Willie asked for our help, Ray.”

“Yeah, but here? On the 22’s turf?”

“Trust me, Ray, it will be fine.”

Fraser nodded in greeting to several people as they walked. “Hey,” one called out, pointing at them, “Big man’s dressed for work today!”

Fraser nodded at the man and Ray just stared at him. “They know you here, too?”

“Ray volunteered here, and I helped out from time to time.”

“I still don’t get how if this is one of Kowalski’s haunts, you think it’s a good idea for me to be here.”

“It may be best to simply refer to you as Detective,” Fraser conceded.

Ray rolled his eyes. “Great.”

***********

They started by asking around for Jamal; Deron’s brother hadn’t been seen at the hospital, and both Ray and Fraser thought it was a safe bet that he’d gone from his blood family to his chosen one. They were having no luck, but definitely attracted someone’s attention; before they knew it they were being “escorted” by four very tall, and likely very armed young men to meet with Denny Edwards, the leader of the Rollin’ 22’s. Ray gave Fraser a worried look as they walked, but Fraser was unconcerned, and even Dief seemed relaxed.

“You see, Ray. People are by nature willing to help.”

“Or they just want you to go away because you’re stirring up trouble, Benny,” Ray shot back quietly as they were taken into a room. “We’re gonna be lucky to get out of this with all our teeth the way you’re bugging everybody.”

Denny was seated at a table with two more men, and a young woman, all of whom looked at Fraser and Ray with suspicion and derision. Jamal was nowhere to be seen.

“So, you’ve been asking around for one of my boys,” Denny said.

Fraser removed his hat and nodded at the young woman, then Denny. “I take it you know who we are.”

“Yeah, I know,” Denny huffed. “Heard about a crazy dude with a wolf that likes to go around thinking he’s a one-man neighborhood clean-up crew. Haven’t been around in awhile, though. Some folks figured you gave up.”

Fraser winced inwardly but his voice was even when he answered. “I’m here now.”

Denny smirked. “That just means they at least got the crazy part right.”

“I would hope you’ve also heard that I’m honest.” Denny shrugged noncommittally, so Fraser went on. “I believe, as does my partner, that there’s more going on than meets the eye. That’s why we wanted to talk with Jamal.”

“You sure you’re not just saying that because you and your pals are buddies with Levon?” Denny countered.

“I’m saying it because it’s the truth.”

Denny eyed them speculatively. “You just don’t want a fight.”

“It would be in everyone’s best interests if there wasn’t, yes.”

“What about Deron’s interest?” Denny sneered. “You thinking about those? Somebody’s gotta pay for what happened to him!”

“I agree. And we’re looking into it, but if you interfere with the investigation, we may never find out who’s responsible.”

Denny shot up from his chair and got in Fraser’s face. “I know who’s responsible – Jamal told me everything that happened at the ring, and my boys backed him up. Or are you calling them all liars?”

Fraser didn’t even flinch. “Do you really believe that one punch was enough to put someone into a coma?”

“That’s what they said they saw.”

“And I’m not disputing them. But there’s more to this than outward appearances.”

“You sure of that?”

“We’re here, aren’t we?” Ray interjected, annoyance lacing his words. “Look, you have no reason to trust us except Fraser’s rep. But you also have no reason not to let us do our job. We’re on the same side with this.”

Denny and the others laughed at that. “Yeah, right. The 22’s and the cops, all buddy buddy. You want us to hold hands and sing songs next?”

“I want you to let us figure this out without anybody getting hurt,” Ray shot back. “I get where you’re coming from, believe me. Place I grew up, the rules weren’t so different as here. And that’s how I know there’s somebody pulling some strings in the background, trying to get away with something. If this were my turf, I’d want that person taken down, not some kid that’s been set up.”

Fraser could see that Ray’s point had gotten to Denny in a way his words hadn’t. The young man was still frowning, but he gave them a grudging nod. “Okay, then. You two can look around, see what’s what. I’ll let word go out that it’s cool to talk to you. But only to you two, got it? We don’t need this place crawling with cops.”

“Got it,” Ray replied with a satisfied smile. He turned to Fraser. “You ready to go find the real bad guy?”

Fraser inclined his head toward the door. “After you, Ray.”

Ray passed in front of him, and Fraser heard him chuckle under his breath as they left the building.

Once they were outside, Fraser complimented Ray on his handling of Denny.

“Ah, you just have to know what buttons to push, Benny,” Ray responded waving his hand to dismiss the compliment.

“Yes, and you knew exactly the right button. We should be able to make some real progress on the case now.”

“Not if we keep standing around here flapping our yaps. Come on, let’s go ask some questions.”

***********

A couple of hours later, they were no closer to finding out who might want to frame Levon. Ray was getting tired of walking, and of the dirty looks he was getting almost exclusively, and ready for a break, if not for the day, at least for long enough to grab something to eat, sit for a few. But of course, that wasn’t meant to be.

As soon as they rounded the corner, Ray could tell there was trouble, would have known even if it weren’t for the group starting to mill around the alley up ahead. Fraser had to have sensed it too – they exchanged a glance and sped up, moving purposefully toward the crowd. Fraser got there first by a few steps and Ray let him start on crowd control while he slipped past them to the alley. He bit back a curse when he saw the body. And there was no doubt that’s all it was now – the guy was obviously dead. Even worse, he knew who it was – Jamal, Levon’s brother. This was not good.

Ray pulled out his phone and called in for back-up, then gestured for Fraser to join him. When some of the people tried to follow, Ray pulled out his badge, knowing the move exposed his gun. He didn’t like the show of force, but he liked the idea of them contaminating the crime scene less. Crouching low but careful not to touch the body, Ray scanned him, trying to find some clue as to what happened.

He looked back to see that Fraser had followed his footsteps as best he could and was peering around the area, looking at the bigger picture.

“Anything?”

“Not from this angle,” Fraser responded. “How about you?”

“Not without touching the body, which I don’t want to do.”

“His face shows some significant bruising,” Fraser observed. He leaned in, voice quieter as he went on. “Ray, this is-”

Ray held up a hand to stop him. “Yeah, I know.” He sighed and pulled out a handkerchief and a pen, then used them to carefully examine what he could. “Looks like he put up a fight,” he said, indicating the swollen and bloody knuckles. “ But he was worked over by a pro.” He looked up at Fraser. “You still sure Levon had nothing to do with this?”

“I wouldn’t mind hearing the answer to that myself,” a new voice chimed in, and the people at the edge of the alley moved to let Denny through.

“I see bad news travels fast,” Ray remarked with a frown.

“I keep an ear out.” He got a step closer, then Fraser shifted just enough to let him know not to go any farther. Denny glared at him but stopped. His glare turned to a full-out scowl when he got a look at the body.

“Yeah, we know,” Ray sighed.

He looked at them both. “Thought you were gonna take care of this.”

“We are,” Fraser answered. “But you can’t honestly expect that we could have foreseen this. It had to have happened while we were talking with you.”

“Whatever. Just know your time just got a lot shorter. Folks hear about this, they’re gonna want to do something about it. Jamal had a lot of friends.”

Ray gave him a measured look. “Can you keep it under control?”

“For now,” Denny shrugged. “But it’ll heat up fast, and I don’t mind telling you that right here, right now, I don’t see that as a bad thing.”

“Just give us the chance you promised, Denny,” Fraser said. “That’s all we ask.”

Denny gave them a hard look. “Last anybody saw Jamal he was supposed to be getting Deron’s stuff out of his locker at the gym,” he commented.

Ray took it for the peace offering it was. “We’ll be sure to look into that. And if his stuff’s still there we’ll take it to the hospital. Give it to his family.”

“You do that,” he nodded, then looked from Fraser to Ray to the body and back to Fraser again. “You never answered the question. You still think Levon had nothing to do with this?”

“Yes. But if I’m wrong, I won’t hesitate to bring him to justice.”

Denny got in Fraser’s face, a finger poking him in the chest. “You better. Or we will.” Before he could say or do anything else, the sound of sirens became audible, and he backed away, face still contorted with anger. As the sound got closer, he and his gang slipped into the crowd.

Ray watched them go with a scowl, then started working on getting everyone out of the way so the paramedics and police could get where they needed to. He rubbed a hand over his head tiredly; it was going to be a long night.

***********

Once they were back at the station, Fraser went right down to the morgue, and Ray followed. Dief stayed behind, slinking under Ray’s desk when he saw where they were headed. Ray almost wished he could join him there; the morgue was not his favorite place.

Mort was already at work; Ray could hear him humming along with some classical thing that he turned down as soon as he saw them enter the room.

“Sorry, sorry,” he said with a smile. “Don’t get a lot of visitors down here, you know. The music keeps me company.”

“That’s quite all right, Mort,” Fraser replied. “It’s a lovely piece of music.”

“Yeah, it was really nice,” Ray added hastily when they turned to him. “So, hey, have you found out anything about cause of death we can work with?”

Mort’s smile didn’t dim in the slightest, and Ray was glad he hadn’t offended him by getting right to business.

“He was beaten to death, but I suppose you already surmised that. But look here,” Mort pointed to several darkened areas of the body. “The pattern of bruising indicates that the attacker knew precisely where to hit for maximum effectiveness.”

“Which makes Levon an even bigger suspect,” Ray said with a pointed look at Fraser.

“Or a target.” Fraser shot back.

“You really believe in this kid,” Ray said wonderingly. “Was he one of Kowalski’s favorites or something?”

“Ray didn’t work with Levon as much as he’d liked to have, and I only met him a few times. He was trying to make something of himself, stay out of the gangs and get out of a bad situation. But even if we’d never met, I’d still say he should have the benefit of the doubt. After all, he’s supposed to be innocent until proven guilty.”

“Yeah, I know, truth, justice and the Canadian and American way, I get it. But I’ve been around this kind of thing all my life, in one form or another, and I have to say, nobody’s as innocent as they want you to think.”

Fraser sorted through the items Jamal had been carrying when he was found, and stopped at a small pill bottle. “Mort, I know it’s too early for a toxicology report, but I’d – we’d be very interested in anything you find.”

“That’s just a diuretic,” Mort pointed out.

“I realize that, but I’d still like to see the report.”

“You suspect drugs were involved?”

“I think the results will be enlightening,” Fraser said, looking again at the bottle.

“Those wouldn’t have contributed to his death,” Mort observed.

“You’d be surprised,” Fraser replied, setting the pills back on the table.

Mort just shrugged. “I’ll have it to you as soon as possible,”

“Thank you kindly,” Fraser nodded.

“Yeah, thanks, Mort,” Ray said, starting to edge toward the doorway. Seeing a dead body at a scene was one thing; morgues creeped him out.

“What was that all about? Why do you think this is a drug thing all of the sudden?”

“I don’t think it’s a ‘drug thing,’ at least not in the sense you’re implying.”

“What then? And don’t get all mysterious and vague on me – I’m your partner.”

“I want to see if there are any traces of steroids in Jamal’s system.”

“Steroids?”

“Yes. And we should most definitely check with the hospital as well, see If Deron’s bloodwork shows anything.”

Ray shook his head. “You think this has to do with dirty fighters?”

“It’s just a theory, Ray.”

“If Deron’s stuff’s still at the gym, it might give us some answers.”

“That it might.”

***********

They collected Diefenbaker and Ray drove them to the gym. Devlin was there, and more than willing to let them check out Deron’s locker. Deron’s things were still there when they opened it. “Looks like Jamal never got this far,” Ray said.

Fraser wasn’t convinced. He held out Deron’s jacket for Dief to sniff. The half-wolf whined a little and sneezed, and Fraser nodded. “Exactly.”

“What? The mutt’s allergic to the jacket?”

“No, but he doesn’t particularly like soy sauce.” Fraser held the jacket out for Ray to see the stain.

“Is that-”

“Yes,” Fraser interrupted, startling Ray. Fraser never interrupted. But he rolled with it; if Fraser stopped him down there had to be a reason.

“Okay, so if it’s okay with you, Mr. Devlin, we’re going to take this stuff, get it to Deron’s family,” Ray said, saving his questions for when he and Fraser were alone.

“Of course, Detective.”

***********

“You really think Levon’s gonna be here?” Ray asked as they left the building. “I mean, he’d have to have been hit in the head pretty hard to think that’s a smart idea.”

“It might not be smart,” Fraser answered, “but it’s familiar, and he does have friends in the neighborhood, and an aunt.”

“Yeah, but when those friends know they’re being watched, just how loyal are they going to be? This is the least safe place the guy could go.”

“That’s why we’re here, Ray. To make it safe.”

Ray rolled his eyes and decided to change the subject. “Hey, what was that all about in there? What did you find?”

“Soy sauce, Ray. The same kind as was on Jamal’s clothing.”

“So they both like Chinese food. Big deal,” he shrugged. “I like Chinese food.”

“Yes, but what if that isn’t it. What if Jamal had been here, and had picked up his brother’s things?”

“What, and somebody else brought them back? Why would they do that?”

Fraser started to answer, then focused on something over Ray’s shoulder. “Ray – look.”

There was someone a few blocks down the road being chased by several other someones. They started running too, trying to catch up. The man being chased veered down an alley, and Ray swore as they lost sight of him. They got to the alley and saw that whoever the guy was, he was about to be caught.

Fraser started to move forward, but Ray stopped him. “I got this, Benny,” he said, pulling out his gun and firing two shots in the air. Everyone stopped and turned to see where the shots were coming from. Sure enough, one of them was Levon. Ray sighed; he should have known. When you were with Fraser, luck did seriously wacky things.

Ray and Fraser started forward again, and the pursuers scattered. Ray didn’t try to stop them.

“Man, I thought I was a goner for sure!” Levon said as they approached. “You guys saved my life.”

Ray holstered his gun and pulled out his cuffs. “Levon, I am placing you under arrest for the murder of Jamal Martin, and possibly the attempted murder of Deron Martin.”

“I didn’t kill anybody!” Levon protested. “I could never do that!”

“I’m sorry, but for now, this is how it’s gotta be,” Ray answered as he cuffed the kid. “You have the right to remain silent…”

Levon hung his head, shoulders slumped in defeat as Ray cuffed him.

“It’s for your own safety, Levon,” Fraser told him quietly. “It isn’t safe for you on the streets, especially with someone trying to implicate you in Jamal’s murder.”

“I know you can call whoever you want when we get to the station, but it was me, I’d make sure it was somebody who likes to talk,” Ray suggested as they put Levon in the back seat of the car. “The faster word gets out that we have you and not the 22’s, the better chance there is of this not turning into a gang war.”

***********

Ray and Fraser left Levon at the station with Huey and Dewey.

“We’ll take care of him,” Dewey said as Huey took him into an interrogation room.

“Please see that you do,” Fraser answered. “There’s a good chance he’s innocent.”

“Thanks, Tom,” Ray said, and jerked his head in the direction of the door. “Come on, Fraser, we have a package to deliver.” When he got no response, Ray turned to see that Fraser wasn’t next to him; he’d walked over to Ray’s desk and was looking through a file.

“I thought we had places to be,” he remarked.

“We do,” Fraser replied absently. “Ray, this is the toxicology report for Jamal.”

“And,” Ray prompted when Fraser just kept reading.

“And there was no trace of the diuretic in his system. Those pills had to belong to Deron.”

“So he took some pills, so what?”

“So, if he was using steroids, he’d need a diuretic to flush his system so that he’d pass drug tests.”

“That’s pretty slick thinking.”

“Yes it is,” Fraser agreed. “And I have to wonder if Deron was the one who came up with the idea.”

“You think it was Devlin,” Ray guessed.

“It makes sense. He needed a champion, and by all accounts Deron was the most promising fighter he’d trained in years.”

“Guy’s practically a local legend. You really think it’s him?”

“I don’t think we can discount him.”

“Okay, so let’s go to the hospital, see what the docs can tell us.”

***********

Deron was awake when they got to the hospital. Ray and Fraser went to speak with him after Fraser somehow talked a nurse into letting them see Deron’s chart. What they found was no surprise.

“Deron, the doctors found traces of steroids in your system,” Fraser told him. “Enough to cause disorientation and contribute to your coma, if not cause it outright. Were you feeling yourself in the ring that day?”

Deron looked away, refusing to answer.

“Look,” Ray chimed in, annoyance coloring his voice, “you don’t want to talk, fine. We can’t make you, and the docs would love the chance to kick us out, let you rest. But we’re trying to track down a murderer here, so if you know something, tell us.” Deron stayed silent, and Ray threw his hands up in the air in disgust. “Fine, have it your way. It’s just your bother’s killer we’re talking about here. And maybe we’ll find the guy on our own. Or maybe your buddies in the 22’s will. Or maybe an innocent man will go to jail or worse, because you refused to talk. You’re the one who’s gonna have to live with that, not us.” He started toward the door. “Come on, Fraser, we’re done here. This is just a waste of time.”

Fraser looked troubled, but followed Ray to the door. “If you think of anything, please -” he started.

“Come on, Fraser,” Ray interrupted. “This guy’s no use to us.”

“Wait!” Deron called out just as the door was about to close. Fraser opened the door, and he and Ray leaned in. “You two really on the up and up? I mean, you’ll go after the guy no matter who it is or who he’s connected to?”

“That’s our job, Deron,” Fraser said as he walked back in. “If they’re guilty, it doesn’t matter who they are. We’re bound by law to bring them to justice,”

“What he said,” Ray agreed. “So, what do you know?”

To neither man’s surprise, Deron admitted that Devlin had been supplying him with steroids, tried to help him bulk up. He insisted that he’d been planning on quitting them.

“Well, you have that chance now,” Fraser observed. “Rest up, then try again on your own to be the best.”

***********

From the hospital, Ray and Fraser went back to the gym to confront Devlin. He admitted to supplying the steroids, but denied knowing anything about Jamal’s death. Fraser saw Mason, Devlin’s assistant, flinch when the topic was brought up, and confronted him about it. He got swung at for his trouble, but between his boxing skills and Ray’s gun, they subdued Mason, and both men were arrested.

***********

Back at the station, Levon was freed, though he was cautioned to watch his step until word had spread about Devlin’s arrest.

The next day, Willie showed up at the station to thank Fraser and Ray for their help. Ray looked quietly pleased, and Fraser insisted it was just them doing their job, thanking Willie for bringing the matter to their attention in the first place. When it was time for Willie to head home, Fraser walked him out.

“So, Fraser, been awhile since we’ve seen you. Folks in the neighborhood, they thought maybe you’d moved back to Canada or something. Where you living now?”

“Actually, in a sense I have moved back to Canada.” At Willie’s confused look, he elaborated. “I live at the Consulate, where I work.”

“At your office? What’s up with that?”

Fraser rubbed an eyebrow. “It’s just temporary, until I find a suitable apartment.”

“Uh huh,” Willie’s tone made it clear he didn’t believe Fraser at all. “Well, I should probably go. Been nice knowing you.”

Fraser put a hand on Willie’s arm to stop him. “Wait. You make it sound as if you’ll never see me again.”

Willie gave him a look that said exactly that. “You mean I will?”

“Of course you will.”

“Yeah, heard that one before. Ray said he’d help too.”

Fraser frowned. “That isn’t fair, Willie. Ray didn’t abandon you. He was chosen for a very important assignment.”

“So important he couldn’t even tell anyone goodbye?”

“Exactly, “Fraser answered. “He couldn’t even tell me.”

Willie’s eyes widened at that. “No way.”

“Yes way. I promise you, Willie, Ray would have said something if he could have.”

“I guess so,” Willie grudgingly admitted. “Man, how come he couldn’t tell you?”

“I was out of the country at the time. Though I’m not sure it would have made a difference to those in charge.”

Willie’s eyes narrowed as he looked Fraser over. “You don’t believe he’s coming back, do you?”

Fraser was taken aback. “Of course I do, Willie. Why would you think otherwise?”

“Because if you really believed he was coming back, you’d have a place to live,” he explained. “You holing up at work, that’s just a way to keep from laying down roots. You used to be all for being part of the community, man. What changed?”

Fraser blinked in surprise. “I… I hadn’t thought of it that way, to be honest. And I’m not saying you’re right about my lack of housing. But you’re entirely correct in that I’ve been remiss in keeping in touch. I know at least a few of my old neighbors should still be in the neighborhood.” He thought for a moment, then looked at Willie. “Perhaps you could help me?”

“How?”

“Show me where they live now, so I can check in on them. The ones that wouldn’t mind, of course.”

“Sure, Fraser. I could do that.” He nodded slowly, and the hint of a smile played at the edges of his mouth. “There’s some folks, not all of them probably, but some who’d be glad to see you again.”

“Thank you, Willie. I think… I think I’d like that very much.”

“Maybe I can even get you to lighten up, sound more like a real person,” Willie added with a teasing grin.

“If anyone can get me to be down with my bad self, it will be you, Willie,” Fraser said, and smiled as Willie chuckled.

Episode 3.8: Spy vs. Spy

“Hey, Frannie,” Ray greeted his sister, leaning on the edge of her desk. “You had lunch yet?”

“I am not your gofer, Ray,” she shot back, still focused on the computer screen in front of her.

“I didn’t say you were,” he replied. “I was actually trying to ask you to lunch.”

She looked up at that. “Why?”

He leaned in to answer, voice quiet. “What, a guy can’t ask his sister to lunch?”

She considered that, then nodded. “Okay. Sounds good to me. Oh, and you’re buying,” she ended as she got her purse out of the desk drawer.

“Of course I am,” Ray muttered as he followed her out of the bullpen.

***********

“So, what’s this about?” Frannie asked once the waiter had taken their order.

“I already told you, I just wanted to take my sister to lunch,” Ray replied, irritated.

She leaned in, eyes narrowed. “Shouldn’t you ix-nay on the o-bray talk?”

Ray sighed. “Francesca, no matter, where I live or what name I use, I will always be your big brother. Deal.”

The waiter arrived with their drinks then, and both were silent until he left, Frannie watching Ray.

“Okay,” Ray conceded, “so maybe I just wanted something familiar, just for awhile.”

“You’re surrounded by familiar stuff,” Frannie pointed out.

“Yeah, but not as me. It makes a difference, more than I thought it would.” He took a long drink of his iced tea before going on. “I mean, on the one hand you’re right, I’m home, I know the streets, the neighborhoods, so that’s nice. But at the same time I can’t go to my favorite places without possibly being made. I can’t even go to our house without making elaborate plans, for crying out loud. I guess I never figured I’d feel homesick when I was actually in Chicago.”

Frannie placed her hand over her brother’s. “I guess I didn’t think about how hard some of that stuff might be.”

“Yeah, well, to be honest neither did I when I agreed to do this.” He frowned at his glass, then blinked and gave Frannie a small smile that was almost real. “So help me forget about it for an hour, okay? Let’s just catch up.”

Frannie took the change of mood in stride. “Sure, Ray. What do you want to talk about?”

“How about Elaine? How’s she liking the job now that she’s official?”

Frannie smiled. “She likes it a lot, no surprise, especially since she’s the only rookie to come in with an arrest already under her belt. The weird shifts are kind of hellish, and I don’t see her near as much, but it all works out.”

“So the roomie thing is still good?”

“Yeah. She’s got a little more distance to get to work, but no big.”

“And she still wants you to join the force too.”

Frannie shrugged. “She thinks I’d be good at it. And the more I work as a CA, the more I think she might be right.” She narrowed her eyes and gave Ray a suspicious look. “Why? Did Ma tell you to discourage me, too?”

“She doesn’t like it, and to tell you the truth, I don’t know that I do either,” Ray admitted, “But I get that it’s not up to us.”

Frannie looked surprised at that, then smiled softly. “Thanks, Ray.”

“As long as you’re doing it for the right reasons, and not just following after some guy or something -”

“Ray!” Frannie interrupted, reaching across the table to smack his arm. “I told you I was over my crush – quit making a deal of it.”

“Just kidding, Frannie. Jeez, lighten up,” Ray grinned. “Seriously, I’d say stick with the CA thing awhile longer, get a good idea of what working at the station’s really like and if you still want it, I’ll take your side, try to convince Ma.”

Frannie gave Ray an intent look, then relaxed, smiling. “Okay.”

“Okay. So, since you brought up being over your thing for Fraser, does that mean you’re seeing somebody else now?”

“It does not, and it’s none of your business.”

“Hey, I was just wondering if you had somebody around to help with the house. I mean, there’s all sorts of stuff that always needs fixing around that place, and if you had somebody who was taking care of it, I wasn’t going to offer my help.”

“Thanks but no thanks, bro. Elaine and I have gotten pretty good at the handyman stuff, and if we can’t handle it, we know how to use the phone book.”

The waiter returned with their order, stalling the conversation.

“Okay, so my turn to grill you,” Frannie said after their food was put on the table.

“Shoot,” Ray replied, waving his fork in her direction.

“You and Fraser getting along any better?”

Ray grimaced for a split second, then shrugged. “I don’t know. Every time I think we are, something happens to throw the fact that I’m not Kowalski in my face, and it feels like we go back two steps.”

“Give it time, Ray,” she advised. “Fraser and Ray were good friends, and I don’t think Fraser’s had a lot of those. This isn’t easy.”

“For either of us,” Ray added with a sigh. “And I know, Frannie, but you asked, so I answered. It isn’t like I’m quitting or anything, just… it’d be nice if something about this assignment was easy.”

***********

Ray walked Frannie back to her desk and kissed her cheek. “Thanks for coming out with me,” he said with a small, but sincere smile.

“Any time. Now let me get back to work,” she replied, smiling to take any sting out of her words. “This place doesn’t run itself.”

Ray saluted her with a grin. “Yes, ma’am!”

He was walking back to his desk when Dewey strolled into the bullpen and waved at him. Ray nodded a hello in response and met him at his desk.

“Hey, you just get back from lunch?”

“Yeah, me and Frannie grabbed a bite,” Ray answered, then glared at Dewey when Dewey gave Frannie with a less-than-respectful glance. “Don’t even think it,” he said, poking Dewey in the chest. “She’s out of your league.”

Dewey laughed and held up his hands in mock surrender. “Sorry, forgot about the protective brother thing. No thinking bad things about Frannie – got it.”

“That’s better,” Ray nodded, satisfied. “So, you and Huey have anything good going right now?”

“Nah, it’s been pretty quiet. How about you? What crazy thing has the Mountie got you doing?”

“Nothing, and don’t jinx it,” Ray replied. “It’s been normal, run-of-the-mill, no stupidly dangerous stuff, and I’d like to keep it that way, thank you very much.”

“Well, good luck with that,” Dewey replied, inclining his head toward the door. Ray turned to see Fraser and Diefenbaker walking in. “I’m gonna go find Jack. Don’t want to find out the hard way that Fraser’s crazy is contagious.”

“See you later, Tom,” Ray said with a grin as Dewey left. He felt Fraser staring at him and turned to face him, slightly annoyed. “What?”

“Lt. Welsh will be delighted to see how you and Detective Dewey have buried the hatchet,” he said, leaving Ray confused for a second until he remembered hearing about how Kowalski and Dewey hadn’t gotten along.

Ray narrowed his eyes. “You don’t think Tom and I should be friends, do you?”

“Nonsense, Ray. And good afternoon to you, too.”

“Hi, Benny,” Ray replied, shaking his head and chuckling. “So, how’s things at the Consulate?”

“Well, aside from receiving the wrong shipment of forms, which will set back some of my paperwork by several days, things are the same.”

“Thatcher sent you over because you don’t have enough to do and you’re making her crazy,” he interpreted.

“The Inspector thought my time could be better spent liaising,” Fraser clarified, cheeks slightly reddened.

“Well, then let’s see what we can find,” Ray replied, throwing an arm over Fraser’s shoulder. “But fair warning, it’s probably more paperwork.”

***********

Two hours later, Ray pushed his chair back from his desk and stretched. “I gotta take a break. My eyes are starting to cross and my back is killing me. How about you, Fraser?”

Dief whined before Fraser could answer, and Ray chuckled. “Look’s like that’s two votes for a change of scenery.”

Fraser looked at the clock and nodded. “Actually, Ray, I was thinking about walking over to the Senior Center.”

“Don’t tell me – another place you and Kowalski volunteered.”

“Just me, actually, though Ray’s been there. We had a case-”

“Yeah, I remember reading something about it,” Ray interrupted. “So what, you feeling the need for a visit?”

“I haven’t been there in some time, and I thought I should change that. You’d be welcome to come along – it’s near the park, and it’s a nice day for a walk.”

Ray shrugged. “Don’t know that I’ll go to the Center, but yeah, I could use some fresh air. I’ll at least go to the park with you.”

“Excellent!”

Just as they got to the edge of the room, Lt. Welsh called out to Ray. “Going somewhere, Kowalski?”

“Not if you need me here, sir,” Ray answered, stifling a sigh.

“That what I like to hear, Detective. I need to go over a few things with you in regards to your last reports.” He shifted his attention to Fraser. “No need for you this time, Constable. It looks like you were leaving.”

“I was, but if you need me, Lieutenant…”

“I’m sure Ray and I can get things ironed out just fine, but thank you.” Welsh quirked an eyebrow at Ray and went back into his office.

“Sorry, Benny. Duty calls.”

“Of course, Ray, I understand. If you get done soon, feel free to come and meet us.”

“Will do.”

***********

Fraser left the Senior Center with a smile. “They certainly seemed happy to see us, Diefenbaker,” he said. “And it was very nice for Gladys to have kept that sweater she made for you in case we visited again.”

Dief sneezed loudly.

“Language, Dief, really. And I promise that once we’re out of sight I’ll take it off, but there’s no point in being rude. It’s a lovely gesture and you should be appreciative.”

Dief snorted, and Fraser ignored him. “Come along. Lets see if we meet up with Ray along the way back.”

They followed the path through the park, and true to his word, Fraser removed the offending sweater from Dief as soon as they were a safe distance from the Center. Dief shook himself all over, and Fraser watched with amusement.

A little farther down the path they reached the chess tables, and Fraser was pleased to see Mr. Hanrahan was there, setting up pieces. Diefenbaker loped over to him, wagging his tail, and Mr. Hanrahan looked up with a smile.

“Well, look what the wolf dragged in!” he exclaimed, giving Fraser a sharp look. “Wasn’t sure I’d be seeing you again, after all this time. Thought maybe you’d found yourself a girl and had better things to do than spend your time with an old man like me.”

Fraser ducked his head in an attempt to hide his reddening cheeks. “I’m sorry about that, Mr. Hanrahan. Things since I returned from Canada have been, well, strange and busy, I suppose is as good a way to say it as any. I hadn’t realized just how distant I’d become until someone pointed it out to me recently.”

“Good for them,” Hanrahan replied with a decisive nod. “Not good for a person to wall themselves off from their friends.” He looked around quizzically. “Speaking of which, where’s your partner, Constable? Has he finally given up on trying to beat me at chess?”

Fraser rubbed an eyebrow as he answered. “Ray’s been, well, things have changed, and I’m not really at liberty to explain, I’m afraid.”

“Something hush hush,” Hanrahan concluded knowingly. “Say no more. If anyone understands that, it’s an old CIA man like myself.” He gestured toward the empty chair across from him. “Have time for a game?”

Fraser looked up at the sky and made a mental calculation. “I believe I do, thank you kindly,” he replied, and sat down to play.

“I see you’ve been by the center,” Hanrahan said offhandedly as he set up the pieces. “And you made Gladys happy. Dief laid down and put his head on his paws, and Hanrahan laughed. “Ah, the sacrifices we must make. How long did you make him wear that god-awful sweater?” he asked Fraser.

“Not long at all, despite the way he’s behaving.” Fraser answered. “I’m surprised you’re here alone.”

Hanrahan waved a hand dismissively. “Ah, most of them think I’m more of a joke than anything, you know that. Gets old after awhile.”

“I suppose it would. Have you had any contacts from the CIA lately?”

“If I had, I couldn’t tell you, could I?” he replied gruffly.

“I see your point,” Fraser replied with a small smile, and reached out to move a chess piece.

***********

“Thank you for the game,” Fraser said as he conceded the victory to Hanrahan, who started packing up the chessboard.

“My pleasure, Constable. But you’re out of practice. Get that partner of yours to play a game or two with you. He’ll keep you on your toes.”

“He’s certainly good at that,” Fraser agreed as he helped gather pieces.

“And tell him to stop by for a game when he can,” Hanrahan said.

Fraser had to swallow before he could get an answer out. “I’ll tell him as soon as I see him,” he promised. “Do you need any help getting back home?”

“I’m fine, don’t you worry,” he said, waving Fraser off. You take that half-wolf of yours for a good run, get him a treat or something. He surely deserves it between Gladys’s latest atrocity and then having to sit here with us.”

***********

Fraser had reached the edge of the park when he saw Ray walking toward him.

“Sorry about that, Fraser.”

“Not a problem. Did you get everything squared away with the Lieutenant?”

Ray huffed out a humorless chuckle. “Yeah, just some filing stuff that needed fixing. No big deal, otherwise I’d still be there. So you get to make your visit?”

“I did indeed, thank you for asking.”

Ray gestured to the bundle in Fraser’s arms. “And they gave you clothes? So I’m not the only one who thinks you wear the uniform too much? And don’t give me anything about how it’s different today because you’re wearing brown and not red.”

“This is Diefenbaker’s, actually,” Fraser replied. “And I’m on duty, today. It only makes sense that I’d be in uniform.”

Ray looked him up and down. “Yeah, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen you in civvies. Do you even have real clothes?”

“That’s just silly, Ray. Of course I do.”

Suddenly, Diefenbaker started barking, and started running. “What’s with the mutt?” Ray asked.

“Something’s wrong,” Fraser answered as he started running to follow. “I couldn’t quite catch what he said – his grammar is appalling when he’s in a hurry, but we need to follow him.”

“Of course we do,” Ray groused as he trailed behind. “Timmy’s fallen into the well, and Lassie there will lead us right to him.”

***********

Ray ran across the street just in time to see Fraser head into an alley. He got there soon after, and saw an old man on the ground, Fraser standing protectively near him, Dief at his side. There was a man standing there that must’ve decided he’d had enough, and started out of the alley, only to run into Ray.

“Out of my way!” the man grunted, pushing at Ray. Ray pushed back hard; the man hit the wall and fell to the ground.

Ray spared a glance at Fraser. “You okay?”

“We’re fine, Ray,” Fraser replied, carefully helping the old man stand. “You are fine, aren’t you, Mr. Hanrahan?”

The guy Ray had shoved was still down. Ray frowned and knelt to check him. “Must’ve banged his head harder than I thought,” he said, shaking the man. When that got no response, he checked for a pulse, then looked up at Fraser with wide eyes.

“Holy shit, I think he’s dead.”

***********

The man was dead, and Lt. Welsh was not happy about it.

“Tell me again what happened, Detective,” he said to Ray.

Ray sighed and tried to keep his cool. “Dief saw something, I don’t know what, you have to ask Fraser, and took off. We followed, and I was last to get to the alley. Fraser’s friend was on the ground, and the dead guy was trying to escape. He pushed me, I pushed back, and then next thing I know, he’s dead.”

“You didn’t hit him.”

“I didn’t hit him,” Ray confirmed. “I don’t even think his head hit the wall that hard when I shoved him away from me. Ask Fraser – he was there, he can tell you.”

Welsh raised an eyebrow. “Believe me, I will be asking the Constable several questions about this, because the man that’s in the morgue right now – not an American citizen. And the last thing we want is an international incident on our hands. Do I make myself clear?”

“As crystal, sir.”

“Good. Then send Fraser in, ask his friend if he knew the man, see if he can give us anything to work with, but be gentle this time, detective.”

Ray fought to keep from rolling his eyes. “I’ll just ask him some questions, sir.”

***********

Ray found Fraser, Dief and the old man in one of the interrogation rooms. Fraser looked up as Ray opened the door, relaxing when he saw who it was.

“The Lieu wants to see you, Fraser. I can stay here.”

Fraser hesitated for a brief moment, then nodded and stood. “I’ll be back shortly, I’m sure,” he told his friend as he left.

Ray watched him go, then leaned against the door after it was closed. “You doing okay there, Mr. Hanrahan?”

“As well as can be expected. And it’s H. Most everyone calls me that.”

“Fraser doesn’t,” Ray pointed out.

“That’s true enough.”

“Well, we didn’t get properly introduced what with all the craziness. I’m Detective Ray Kowalski.”

If he hadn’t been watching for it, Ray would have missed the brief look of surprise on Hanrahan’s face. “Good to see you again, yes,” he replied. “I almost didn’t recognize you in the suit.”

Ray hid his relief – for once, somebody was going with his cover, and he wasn’t going to question it. “Yeah,” he replied with a smile. “I thought I’d try for a more serious look, instead of the whole I shop at Goodwill thing I had going before. See how that works for me. So,” he went on, “and I’m sorry if this is something you’ve already talked to Fraser about, but did you know the guy who was after you?”

Hanrahan shook his head. “No, but I know what he was after.” He pulled a scrap of paper out of his jacket pocket and slid it toward Ray.

Ray picked it up; it was a theater ticket. “You think he wanted your ticket to the ballet?”

“It isn’t a ticket, Detective – it’s a sign.”

“A sign,” Ray repeated.

“Yes. It’s been over fifty years, but finally, I’ve been called back to duty.”

“With a ballet ticket,” Ray clarified dubiously.

“What did you expect, an engraved invitation?” Hanrahan answered, sounding exasperated. “This is the CIA – of course it can’t be obvious.”

“Ri-ight,” Ray drawled. “Of course it can’t. Hey listen, I should have asked, do you want some water or coffee or anything?”

“Some water would be good, thank you,” Hanrahan answered, and Ray had no doubt the old man knew Ray was just wanting to get out of the room for a few. Whatever. He took the out.

“I’ll be back in a minute. You just sit tight. And while I’m at it, I’ll see if the Lieutenant’s done with Fraser.”

Fraser was just leaving Welsh’s office when Ray got to the bullpen. Ray made a beeline for him, and pulled him aside, explaining what he’d been told. Fraser nodded along and Ray could tell it wasn’t just because he wanted to humor the old guy.

“You really believe this guy’s story?” he asked once he’d finished. “That he’s an agent waiting for activation?”

“This isn’t the first time he’s mentioned his affiliation with the CIA. Why wouldn’t I believe him now?”

Ray sighed. “There are so many reasons I could give, but the truth is, I think I believe him too.”

A surprised look crossed Fraser’s face. “Really? May I ask what convinced you?”

“He’s got you for a friend,” Ray replied, as if that explained everything. “That means that no matter how improbable the story, it’s almost sure to be true. And true or not, we need to come up with a plan, otherwise I get the feeling H will take matters into his own hands.”

***********

They got back to the interrogation room only to find that Mr. Hanrahan had gone.

“Diefenbaker, you were supposed to watch him,” Fraser admonished. Dief put his head on his paws and whined.

“You’re guilting the wolf when the guy basically gave the entire department the slip?” Ray asked.

“When you put it that way, it does seem a little ridiculous,” Fraser admitted. “But we need to find him before he does something foolish.”

“Wouldn’t skipping out on the police, who are protecting you, count as foolish?”

“Well, yes, but I’m sure he had good reason to leave.”

“Okay, so let’s get his address and make sure he’s safe. I already have one dead guy on my hands.”

Fraser frowned at that. “I’ll meet you at the car, Ray. I need to check something with Mort before we leave.”

Ray suppressed a shiver. “Not a problem – I avoid the morgue whenever I can anyhow.”

***********

On the drive to Hanrahan’s apartment, Fraser told Ray that he hadn’t been responsible for the man’s death; Mort had found traces of cyanide in his mouth. That combined with a number of other clues led Fraser to believe the man was Russian.

“I do not want to know how you know all that,” Ray said, holding a hand up to interrupt Fraser. “So this guy ate a poison capsule rather than get caught? I’m not sure that makes me feel better.”

“No, but it does tell us that we really do need to find Mr. Hanrahan quickly.”

***********

Hanrahan’s apartment was empty when they got there, and the landlady, Ruth, said he’d moved out. Fraser didn’t believe her, though he didn’t tell her that. He simply spoke with her, asking questions until Mr. Hanrahan revealed that he’d been hiding in her apartment. Fraser and Ray took Hanrahan aside and told him what they could about the case.

After a brief discussion they convinced Hanrahan that it was too dangerous for him to try and make the meet. Hanrahan reluctantly gave the ticket to Fraser, on the promise that he’d be told what happened afterward.

“And make sure you tell them about me, Fraser,” he insisted. “That I’m ready if they need me.”

“I’ll be sure to tell them should the subject come up, of course, Mr. Hanrahan,” Fraser agreed.

Ray clapped his hands together. “Okay, so you’re going to the theater, and I need to get back to the station, see if they’ve ID’d the body yet.” He looked down at Dief. “The wolf isn’t going with you, is he?”

Dief looked up at Fraser, then put his ears back when Fraser shook his head. “Oh, please, it isn’t like you’d be able to hear any of it. And you’ve never liked the ballet,” Fraser responded, then turned to Ray. “I’ll be taking Diefenbaker back to the Consulate first, unless you’d like him to go with you.”

“I’d like both of you to come with me, but since we don’t have time, I’ll just drop you two off at the Consulate.”

“Thank you kindly, Ray.”

“My pleasure, Benny. It means I don’t have to look at a dead body for a few minutes longer.”

***********

Fraser was glad that Mr. Hanrahan hadn’t insisted on going to the ballet that night, because it actually had been a meeting place for some kind of arms transaction. After a very odd conversation with the woman next to him, and a chase that had Fraser on stage at one point, he’d left the building, only to end up in the car of someone equally strange, and possibly as dangerous as those he was trying to escape.

The car pulled away from the curb before Fraser had even had a chance to close the door. He yanked it shut, barely keeping himself from falling out in the process. As soon as he was safely seated, he looked to the front seat, and the rumpled man driving more precariously than either Ray on their worst day.

“Not to sound ungrateful, but who the hell are you?” Fraser asked, flustered by the events of the past few minutes.

“Canadian,” the man grunted, rounding a corner at too high a speed.

Fraser regained his balance. “You’re Canadian?”

“I thought maybe it was a cover of some kind,” the man replied, which was still no help at all. “But now I think you’re really RCMP.”

“I am RCMP,” Fraser replied, befuddled.

“So you admit Canada is involved,” the man said, turning to face Fraser for far too long. Fraser gestured at the oncoming traffic and the man snorted and turned back around, swerving back into the proper lane at the last second. “No changing the subject – answer the question.”

Fraser thought back to what he’d been asked. “I have no idea what you’re asking. Involved in what?”

“Clever,” the man chuckled, “but it won’t work. You tell me what you know, not the other way around.”

“I’m only asking for a frame of reference,” Fraser protested with a frown. “How do you expect me to answer the question if I don’t know what you’re talking about? And why should I, when I don’t even know your name?”

The man turned around again, eyes narrowed. “It’s Pike, does that help?”

“Not really,” Fraser admitted, and the conversation went on from there, never getting more coherent, until finally Pike thumped the steering wheel in obvious frustration.

“This is worse than I thought,” he said, turning back to face the road just as Fraser was sure they’d be hit by oncoming traffic. The car swerved suddenly, pulling up next to the sidewalk. “Get out,” he told Fraser. “It isn’t safe, I understand that now. I’ll be in touch, possibly from Mexico. But you didn’t hear that.”

Fraser was all too glad to get out of the car, though he had barely started exiting before Pike started driving away. Fraser flung himself away to avoid being either dragged along or run over, then stood and brushed himself off. Looking around, he realized that at least Pike, whoever he was, had left Fraser within reasonable walking distance of the station.

***********

Fraser reached the station to find Ray still there, though he was less than happy about the situation.

“Soon as I got here, Welsh stopped me, all good of you to return, detective.” He rolled his eyes. “Then he tells me there’s people from Ballistics in IA who want to talk to me about the dead guy.”

“But you didn’t shoot him,” Fraser said.

“I know that, you know that, and as it turns out, even IA knows that, but they don’t have a shoved a guy to death section, so they sent over Ballistics.” He blew out a frustrated sigh. “And the fact that it was really poisoning didn’t seem to matter either, so don’t even ask.”

“Do they have any leads as to the identity of the man?”

“No, which is raising red flags, because there should be something, but it’s like the guy didn’t exist.”

“Well, combined with what happened at the ballet, I’d say there’s a lot more to this than meets the eye.”

“Wait, don’t tell me there really was something to that ticket,” Ray said, disbelieving.

***********

“You have got to be kidding me,” Ray said with a humorless smile after Fraser had filled him in on the evening’s events. “Now we have Russian accents and code phrases added into the mix? Don’t tell me, they were looking for Moose and Squirrel.”

“I assure you I’m serious, Ray,” Fraser replied with a puzzled frown. “And they didn’t mention wildlife at all. Why would they?”

“We have got to get you some American culture,” Ray sighed. “But right now, we need to figure out who the guy in the morgue is. FBI files were a bust, so I’m stumped.”

Fraser gave Ray a small smile. “Then perhaps it’s time for the RCMP to come to the rescue,” he said. “Do you think Francesca would mind me using her computer?”

***********

It didn’t take long for Fraser to find the information they needed in the RCMP files, which he shooed Ray away from once he saw that they were classified. Ray pretended not to sulk from across the room, and tried to sneak a glance at the screen every so often, but it was like Fraser had radar on him or something, and he never saw a thing. It was annoying.

“So the guy was KGB?” Ray exclaimed once Fraser found his file. “You have got to be kidding me!”

“I’m serious, Ray. And apparently, the woman at the ballet thought I was part of a group called the Colonels.”

“This just keeps getting crazier and crazier. I need to better tell the Lieu what you found.” Ray frowned. “Better yet, you tell him – he’s already mad at me. And he’s not gonna like this one bit.”

***********

That had been an understatement. After being reassured that Fraser had only used RCMP resources (and getting over his apparent surprise that their records were more up-to-date than the FBI’s), he gave Ray strict orders to stay out of the case, and told them both to leave. Ray expected Fraser to argue, but he merely nodded and left Welsh’s office without protest. Ray followed him, confused.

“I can’t believe you didn’t fight Welsh on that, Fraser.”

“Well, he didn’t forbid me to keep working on the case,” Fraser pointed out. “In any event, we have more pressing concerns. Based on what we’ve learned, I believe Mr. Hanrahan may be in danger.”

Ray thought about that. “Okay, so this isn’t the way we should probably do this, and I know I’m gonna regret it, but what if we take them to my place?”

“Your place, Ray?”

“Yeah. It should be safe, and it won’t be anyplace anyone would suspect.”

“I suppose that’s true enough…” Fraser trailed off.

“Okay, Fraser, what gives?” At Fraser’s confused look, he rolled his eyes and went on, trying to keep as much of the irritation out of his voice as he could. “You obviously don’t like the plan.”

“It isn’t that. It’s just that I don’t know that I feel comfortable using Ray’s apartment as a safe house, Ray,” Fraser said.

“And I don’t see where we have much choice,” Ray countered. “If you had a place, maybe we could take them there, but you don’t, and I’m betting Thatcher wouldn’t want us using the Consulate.”

Fraser grimaced. “No she wouldn’t. And she’d be right. It could cause an international incident.”

“Yeah, and I’ve already got that covered with the KGB stuff. So where you crash is out, and I don’t have many other places that I can use. We don’t know who to trust at the station, so we can’t use a regular safe house. There’s my old house, but then somebody might spot me or it might put Frannie or Elaine in danger, so it’s no good. That leaves the apartment.”

“I suppose you’re right.”

“Listen, I don’t know if this makes it better or worse, but it isn’t quite the same as last time you were there.”

“You’ve changed it?” Fraser sounded like he didn’t approve. Before Ray could respond, Fraser shook his head. “Of course you have. My apologies.”

“Hey, it’s nothing major, but I did put away some pictures, and clothes, just little stuff like that. It’s all safe in storage for when he gets back, okay?” Ray rubbed the back of his neck. “I just figured you’d notice and I didn’t want to throw off your game.”

“Thank you, Ray.”

“Okay,” Ray said, “So we have a plan. Let’s go get H.”

***********

Even though Hanrahan still refused to tell Ruth exactly what was going on, he insisted that she come with them, sure her safety was at stake as well, and between H and Fraser, Ray agreed. The drive over was quiet and tense. Even Dief was feeling it, looking up at Hanrahan and Ruth with sad eyes from the floor of the backseat.

When they got to the apartment, Ray went up first to check it out, then Fraser and the rest followed.

Fraser surveyed the room while Ray got Hanrahan and Ruth settled in. Ray watched him out of the corner of his eye, and just knew by the way Fraser was standing that he’d have something to say once they were alone.

“Okay, so you two should be fine here,” Ray assured them. “Fraser and me, we need to go check in at the station, but we’ll be back real soon, okay?”

Diefenbaker yipped and sat down near the couch.

“Excellent suggestion,” Fraser nodded. “Dief has volunteered to stay and help keep watch.”

Ray held back a chuckle; he was pretty sure Dief just wanted a comfy place to crash for the night, but he kept it to himself.

***********

“I see you kept a picture of Stella,” Fraser commented as he got in the car.

“Yeah,” Ray replied nonchalantly. “Made sense to keep it. Part of the cover, right?”

“Of course,” Fraser responded, tone just right to annoy Ray.

“Wait a minute. Are you seriously upset not at the stuff I changed but at something I didn’t pack away?” He glared. “You make no sense whatsoever, I hope you know that.”

“I think you should drop me off at the Consulate,” Fraser said, and Ray rolled his eyes at the change of subject. “I need to do more research on the Colonels.”

“More classified research that only Canadians get to see,” Ray clarified. “Fine, whatever. I’ll take you there. Tomorrow morning we can meet up at H’s place. I want to look over it again, now that we know KGB was involved.”

“Where will you sleep tonight?”

He sighed. “I figured I’d try the station. Maybe there’ll be a free holding cell I can crash in.”

***********

Frannie found Ray in a cell the next morning, banging on the bars to wake him up.

“Thanks a lot,” Ray groused, rubbing his sore neck. “What’d I ever do to you?”

“You want a list?” she shot back. “You have a visitor, time to get up.”

“Fraser does not count as a visitor.”

“Duh,” Frannie replied with a snort. “It’s a woman, says her name is Hanrahan.”

That woke Ray up completely. “Take her to my desk and give me a minute to clean up. I’ll be right there.”

***********

The woman in question claimed to be Hanrahan’s daughter, and everything seemed to be in order. She even had paperwork proving her identity. To be honest, if he hadn’t been working with Fraser the past few months Ray would’ve believed her in a heartbeat. As it was, there was this tiny feeling of doubt he was having trouble ignoring. But he escorted her to his car anyway, offering to drive her to her father.

Of course, Frannie calling and telling him Hanrahan’s daughter had died two years earlier proved his gut feeling right, but it didn’t matter, because by then he had a gun trained on him.

He blamed not trusting his instincts on a severe lack of sleep. That lack was also the only thing that explained his next move, which was to refuse to take the woman to H. She threatened to shoot, and he swerved the car to the curb. She was shaken up enough that Ray was able to escape the car, only to have someone pull up and demand he get in.

Not seeing a lot of options, Ray got in the car. As soon as he was partway in, the guy driving sped off without waiting to see if Ray was actually in the car.

He got himself situated and leaned over the front seat. “I’m betting your name is Pike,” he said with a glare.

“And I know yours is Ray Vecchio,” Pike replied, shocking Ray. “Now that roll call is done, we need to get down to business.”

“How did you know my name?”

“I know everything about everything,” Pike replied without a trace of smugness. “Things you know, things you don’t, things you never want to know.” He tapped his head. “It’s all up here.”

“Does that include how to drive like a sane person?” Ray wondered as Pike took a turn too fast, sending Ray sliding across the back seat and into the door.

“It includes knowing about Ray Kowalski,” Pike said, and Ray immediately sat up straight.

“What do you know?”

“I know he’s good at undercover. Good enough that the Feds took an interest a couple years back, started making sure he was picked for harder stuff. Tested him, and he passed with flying colors. I also know he bears a striking resemblance to Michael Straczynski, the Bookman’s right hand man.”

“The Bookman?”

“You wouldn’t know him – Vegas mafia. He’s not big, but he works for men who are.”

“And now Kowalski works for him,” Ray surmised.

“There was a shall we say, interestingly-timed accident that made it easy to slip Kowalski in, yes,” Pike answered. “Which left a vacancy here that had to be filled quickly.”

“Which is why they didn’t worry about how much I don’t resemble the guy I’m supposed to be,” Ray finished. “Jeez, what a mess.”

“That isn’t a mess. This is a mess,” Pike counters, pointing his half-chewed cigar at Ray. “I’ve been tracking Nautilus for years, and this is the closest I’ve come. Only you and the alleged Mountie keep showing up, and I have to wonder why.”

“If we’re in over our heads, blame Fraser. It’s like his super-power,” Ray huffed.

“Maybe,” Pike concedes. “Or maybe you two know more than you’re letting on.” His eyes narrowed in suspicion. “Get out.”

“What?”

“Get out of the car.”

“But it’s still moving!”

Pike swerved to the curb and screeched to a stop. “You have two seconds.”

Ray believed him, and got out, rolling as the car took off before he was completely out. Standing, he brushed himself off and started limping toward Hanrahan’s apartment.

***********

Fraser met him outside, and was surprised to see Ray on foot. “Where’s your car, Ray?”

“Had to crash it to get away,” Ray explained. “Once again, I am reminded why I’m glad that the Riv is safe in Florida.

“Get away?”

“Yeah. Somebody was trying to use me to get to Hanrahan. Showed up at the station pretending to be his daughter”

“His daughter died years ago.”

“I know that.” Fraser gave him a look. “Okay, I know that now. But I didn’t at first, and I was tired and her story sounded right, so I started taking her to my place. Sue me for trusting somebody. Your bad habits are rubbing off on me.”

Fraser ignored that, asking, “Can you describe the woman?”

“I can describe her gun in great detail. It made a real impression,” Ray responded.

“Really, Ray, you need to focus,” Fraser said, shaking his head. “She wasn’t holding you at gunpoint the entire time you were with her.”

“Fine. She was about this tall,” he said holding up his hand, “reddish-brownish hair, attractive, seemed nice until she wanted to kill me. How’s that?”

“It sounds like the woman I met at the ballet. Did she have a Russian accent, by chance?”

Ray rolled his eyes. “Give me a break, Fraser. I think I would have noticed that right off the bat.”

“Right. Sorry.”

They got to the hallway leading up to Hanrahan’s apartment, and Fraser stopped Ray with an arm across his chest. He pointed toward the door, which was slightly ajar.

They approached carefully, and after listening for a minute but not hearing anyone moving inside, they went in, only to find a body in the closet. Fraser recognized it as one of the men that had been at the theater.

“This is not good, Fraser. A guy poisons himself rather than risk arrest, then I get held at gunpoint, and now another guy’s dead… there’s got to be more to this than we know. H must either know something, or have something that several people want really bad.” He picked up the phone and called the station, then tried his apartment. After getting no response, he double-checked the code they’d agreed to use and tried again.

“We need to get to my place now, Benny. I think somebody may have found your friend.”

***********

Ray and Fraser rushed up the stairs, Ray with his gun drawn and ready. The door was closed, but not locked, and Fraser opened it carefully. After a few seconds with no response, Ray inched his way in, Fraser right behind him. The apartment was quiet.

Ray checked the bedroom and bathroom, but they were empty. He was moving toward the kitchen when Fraser called out to him in distress.

Ray rushed over to find Fraser kneeling next to Dief. “What happened?”

Fraser leaned over to sniff at the bowl by Diefenbaker. “He’s been poisoned.”

“You want I should call the vet?” Ray asked, moving to a stack of papers by the phone. “I know Kowalski kept the number here, just gimme a sec to find it.”

Fraser sniffed the bowl again, then looked over the contents carefully. “I believe he’ll be all right. He didn’t eat enough for it to be fatal.”

“You sure?” Fraser nodded. “Well, I at least need to call the station,” Ray said, picking up the phone. “They need to send out a team to dust for prints, the whole nine yards.”

Ray made the call. “All set. I’m going to do a little looking around outside, see if I see anything suspicious.”

“Thank you, Ray,” Fraser said, petting Dief’s fur gently. “We need to find whoever poisoned Dief and took Mr. Hanrahan and Ruth.”

“About that… Fraser, I didn’t see any sign of forced entry, did you?”

“No,” Fraser replied, then frowned as he thought. “And Dief wouldn’t have taken food from just anyone.” Ray tried to hide a doubtful look at that, and Fraser glared at him. “Not in a situation like this,” he clarified.

“If you say so,” Ray said heading out the door.

There was someone parked in the alley right behind his apartment, and when Ray started walking toward the car, the driver pulled away, narrowly missing Ray in the process. He pulled his gun and yelled out, “Police!” but they didn’t stop.

Ray fired a couple of shots, but it didn’t slow the guy down. When Fraser ran out of the building a few seconds later, Dief in his arms, Ray was watching the car turn a corner.

“We need to follow that guy,” Ray said, stepping into the street and pulling out his badge. “Police,” he told the first car coming toward him. “We need to use your car!”

***********

“I cannot believe I’m doing this,” Ray complained shortly after, leaning out the car window to watch Fraser sniff the asphalt. “There is no way you can be tracking the car I shot at.”

“Of course I am,” Fraser responded. “The trail is obvious, if you know what to look for. There’s gas leaking from one of the shots you took, flat tire marks, and here’s where they started driving on a rim, necessary since you shot out a tire.”

A car honked behind them and Ray glared back at them. “Police business!” he shouted. “Find another way around if you can’t wait!”

“Thank you, Ray,” Fraser said, standing up and pointing. “They went that way.”

***********

Much to Ray’s surprise, a few blocks later he spotted his car, parked by the dock. He pulled over, and Fraser checked on Dief, who seemed to be starting to wake up a little. Satisfied, they crept closer to the ships and cargo, sneaking around behind boxes, trying to find one or more of the suspects.

Following the sound of voices, they saw the woman that had met with Fraser and tried to abduct Ray. She and another man had semi-automatic rifles and were watching as crate upon crate was being loaded onto a ship. Pulling out his knife, Fraser went to a nearby crate and opened it. Out poured a multitude of rubber ducks; behind them were guns. Lots of guns. “Russian make,” Fraser noted. “This must be what the meet was all about.”

“Had to be more to it than that, Fraser,” Ray whispered back. “Otherwise, why bother making a grab for me to get to Hanrahan?”

Unfortunately, they weren’t as quiet as they’d hoped. Fraser and Ray looked through a slot between boxes just in time to see guns being leveled at them, and ducked before either could be hit. Ray returned fire as he and Fraser tried to find either a way to get closer to disarm them, or a better hiding place. Ray would be happy with either.

He ducked behind a wall of boxes to find Ruth, kneeling next to an unconscious Hanrahan.

“What happened to him?” Ray asked, scanning the area and hoping they’d be safe here.

“He wanted to be a hero,” she replied sadly.

“We get out of this, I’ll buy him a medal myself for bravery,” Ray said, inching around the corner just in time to see Fraser tackling the woman that had pretended to be H’s daughter.

“Didn’t think he had it in him to take down a woman,” Ray chuckled. “You two stay here. I need to cover Fraser.”

Fraser and the woman were still fighting, but at least she was now unarmed. Just as Ray got close, a voice called out, “I knew I’d catch up with you, Nautilus!”

Ray whirled around to see Pike behind a nearby box. “Who? What? Pike! How’d you get here?”

“I’ve been on her trail for years!” he answered. “Almost had you more than once,” he went on, recounting where and when he’d almost captured Nautilus.

But the woman denied being there, or even being Nautilus. And somehow, Fraser knew exactly who they were talking about. Ray was the only one confused, and it was pissing him off. He and Fraser were going to have a talk about partnership and communication after this was over.

Once a timeline had been established, and it was obvious the woman was too young to have been the person he’d been chasing for twenty years, Pike turned his suspicions to Fraser.

Between Pike and Fraser, the woman was distracted enough that Ray was able to come up behind her. For once, he was grateful for Fraser’s ability to get people to talk. She surrendered and he cuffed her.

“So if this isn’t Nautilus, whoever that is,” Ray said, giving Fraser a severe look, “then who is?”

“That would be me,” Ruth said, holding a gun on them all.

Fraser, of course, looked unsurprised. Before she could shoot them, Mr. Hanrahan came up to Ruth started talking to her. It didn’t look like it was working, though, and just as Ray was sure the old guy was about to be shot, Dief jumped in from out of nowhere and knocked Ruth down.

Ray grabbed the gun away while Fraser apprehended Ruth, praising Diefenbaker all the while.

“So, Pike, now that we found Nautilus, what are you going to do?” Ray looked up as he asked, but Pike was gone.

***********

“Every time we get a case, it just gets weirder and weirder,” Ray grumbled as he watched Ruth and the Russians being taken away by the Feds, who had mysteriously arrived minutes after Pike had disappeared.

“First we have an old guy who just happens to be your friend, one you haven’t seen in months and as soon as you do – bam! He gets involved in some kind of international spy thing. Then somebody tries to kidnap him. Then we try to keep him and his lady friend safe, only she’s the one we should’ve been worried about all along!” He glared at Fraser. “Have I missed anything?”

“There’s Pike-“

“Do not say that name aloud, Fraser. I do not want you invoking his presence or something. That guy’s a maniac.”

“Understood.”

“I’m telling you, Fraser. One day there’s gonna be an invasion of flying monkeys, or aliens or hell, let’s be a little more realistic, a nuclear sub’s gonna be hijacked, and I will be not at all surprised to find you right in the middle of things.”

Fraser’s mention of Pike made Ray realize something. “Hey, Benny, speaking of that guy who’s name I don’t want to hear. Well, he told me some stuff you should know…”

Episode 3.9: Asylum

Ray ran, the pain in his head making it hard to think. The shouting and gunshots didn’t help either. All he knew was he needed to get away, get somewhere safe so he could regroup, figure things out.

He tripped on uneven pavement and cursed under his breath, barely stopping himself from falling. This wasn’t good, running with no destination. He ducked into an alley for a minute, breathing heavily, taking stock of where he was. Think, Vecchio, where’s safe?

It came to him in a flash, and Ray was off again, this time with purpose. He didn’t stop running until he was through the Consulate doors, sliding on the slick surface and catching himself on the reception desk. “Fraser,” he panted out, “I need your help.”

***********

Ray had to say this for the guy - Fraser didn’t let much throw him. In short order, he had Ray in the Inspector’s office and after looking over Ray’s head wound and declaring that it didn’t look too serious, he’d started cleaning it carefully. Ray was too tired and freaked by the whole thing to do anything but let Fraser have his way. Fraser’s only concession had been to keep his questions to Ray to health-related issues, but Ray knew he was itching to know what was going on.

“The meet went wrong from the get-go, Fraser,” Ray started, once he felt a little more like himself. “Volpe was one of Kowalski’s contacts.”

“Surely someone would have told you that before letting you set up a meeting.”

Ray huffed out a sarcastic laugh at that. “Yeah, you’d think that, wouldn’t you? But nobody said a word, and the guy made me on sight. I was pretty much screwed from the minute he laid eyes on me.”

“May I ask why you went to meet with him in the first place?”

“Everything I heard led me to believe he’s a small-timer who’s been getting too big for his britches lately. It was just supposed to be me sussing out what’s what, no arrests, just intel.” He thought about it and frowned. “I was also told he called in wanting the meet, which now that I think about it means he probably called for Kowalski.” He shrugged. “Doesn’t matter now. He got angry and accused me of setting him up, I defended myself – verbally only, mind you – and the next thing I know, I’ve got this bump on my head and he’s on the ground.”

Fraser started dabbing some foul-smelling salve on Ray’s wound. “Do you suspect someone at the station?”

“Ow! Watch that stuff, Fraser - it stings! And it stinks.”

“That’s because it’s made from-“

“Never tell me,” Ray interrupted. “And to answer your question, I suspect everybody right now. Present company excepted, I guess. And Frannie. And Welsh and, aw hell, Fraser, I don’t know. My head hurts too much to think straight. Did you ever hear Kowalski mention Volpe?”

Fraser thought about it for a minute, then shook his head. “No. But if it was one of his contacts from a case prior to our meeting, or from when he was undercover, he might not have said anything. I do know that he didn’t use Volpe as a regular contact while we worked together.”

“That’s what I figured. This whole set-up stinks worse than that goop you’re putting on my forehead.”

“Ray, were you able to check Volpe’s condition? Is he still alive?”

“Not sure,” Ray shrugged, wincing. “I just know there were cops I didn’t recognize with their guns drawn, chasing me and I didn’t wait around to see why.”

“They were just doing their jobs, Ray.”

“Maybe. But my gut told me to run, so I did.” He looked up at Fraser, but the man’s face was unreadable.

“Why did you come here?” Fraser asked almost hesitantly.

“Truth?” Ray winced as Fraser touched a cotton ball to the cut on his forehead. “Because I got nowhere else I can go in this town and be safe. Not anymore.”

“Ah, I see,” Fraser replied, his voice even. “Well, I will of course help you as best I can.”

“Never doubted it for a minute, Benny,” Ray replied honestly, and from the corner of his eye he saw Fraser’s surprised smile at the statement. But really, it was only the truth. Fraser may be too believing, amazingly naÔve, and way too nice of a guy, but Ray knew he could trust him.

“Well, I think we at least need to let Lt. Welsh know what’s happened,” Fraser said after a minute.

Ray sighed, wincing again as Fraser finished with the first aid and put a bandage over the cut above Ray’s eye. “Yeah, we probably should. And maybe we can rule out the 2-7, or at least a good chunk of it. But that leaves a lot of people on the list.”

“Perhaps I could go in, do a little research.”

“I can do it,” Ray answered.

Fraser gave him a calculating look. “Ray, tell me again what happened today.”

“And I’m the one with a head injury,” Ray said, rolling his eyes but told Fraser the short version of his story. Fraser nodded, then, before Ray could respond, he had Ray in handcuffs and was reciting Ray his Miranda rights.

“Get these cuffs off of me right now, Fraser,” Ray ground out with a glare.

“I’m afraid I can’t do that, Ray,” Fraser replied cool as a cucumber, with just a hint of genuine remorse.

It did nothing to quell Ray’s anger. “This isn’t funny. Get them off.”

“It isn’t meant to be,” Fraser said, and Ray could see the stubborn set to his jaw. “You’re in Canada now, and I have to do my duty.”

“And your duty is to arrest your partner even though you have no facts, no evidence? What kind of crazy legal system do you have here?”

Fraser knelt so he was at eye level with Ray. “Think about it. You’ve just been arrested on Canadian soil.”

Ray frowned as he thought, then his face cleared as he got what Fraser was getting at. “Which means that if anyone out there wants me, they have to jump through hoops to get me.”

“I’m afraid so. The law is quite clear on matters of extradition.”

Ray smiled. “Benny, you are a genius.”

***********

It didn’t take long for Ray to revise his opinion. This is a stupid plan,” Ray announced. “I already hate being stuck here. How am I supposed to clear myself from the Consulate?”

“I told you I’d help, Ray,” Fraser responded.

“Yeah, but you’re still here,” Ray pointed out.

“Only for a few minutes more. Here,” he said, turning on the television, “perhaps this will hold your interest.”

The news was on, and they had tuned in just in time to hear Damon Cahill, candidate for State’s Attorney, making some very strong statements about justice being served in the Volpe murder, even if it turned out the police were implicated.

“Wow, that was fast,” Ray said, sitting back in shock. “He must’ve been at the station when the call came in.”

“Perhaps,” Fraser said, lost in thought. “Well, at least now we know that Mr.Volpe was murdered. That gives us a place to start.”

“My being framed wasn’t enough?”

“Well, yes, of course it is, but now we know the extent the individual framing you is willing to go. It seems like you running from the scene of the crime was the best course of action.”

“Like I said, instinct told me to run, and I’ve learned to trust my instincts.” He waved a hand at the TV screen. “That guy is just looking to revive his campaign, and lucky me, I get to be issue of the week.”

“His campaign isn’t going well?”

“Not according to Stella. And from what she’s said, it’s a good thing, too. Guy’s kind of a sleazeball.”

“Well, our first course of action to clear you is to gather evidence.”

“Again, hard to do from Canada.”

“Not if we start with you,” Fraser pointed out. “For instance, if Volpe was shot, there would be blowback, which you won’t have. “

“Except I do,” Ray said, “because I had to do some recertification at the range today.”

“Ah. Well, that does make matters more difficult.”

“And the inside job thing more likely.”

Before Fraser could respond, there was a knock at the Consulate door. “Stay here, Ray,” Fraser said, and Ray sighed and settled into the couch.

Fraser opened the door to see Huey and Dewey. “Welcome to Canada. How can I help you gentlemen?” Fraser asked, cool and polite.

“Do you know where Ray is?” Dewey asked.

“He’s in my custody,” Fraser answered.

“We’re here to take him in, Fraser,” Huey said apologetically. “Sorry, but it’s our job.”

“I understand, Jack,” Fraser replied. “And I hope you understand that I can’t hand him over to you. As I said, he’s in my custody.”

“I don’t think you understand your position, Fraser. We may not like it, but we’re here on official police business.”

“I understand completely. But as I said, Detective Kowalski is in my custody. I arrested him here, on Canadian soil. And as that is the case, I cannot release him to you. If you were to submit the proper paperwork, of course, the situation would be entirely different,” he finished reasonably.

“You’ve got to be kidding,” Dewey scoffed.

“I never kid about justice, Detective Dewey,” Fraser replied coldly, then turned back to Jack. “Do you have the necessary forms? If not, I would be more than happy to provide them.”

“I think we’re going to need them, Fraser,” Jack replied.

“Of course. If you gentlemen wouldn’t mind waiting here, I’ll be right back with everything you need.”

“Except Kowalski,” Dewey muttered.

“Exactly so,” Fraser said as he closed the door.

When he returned a few minutes later, Jack took the forms, leaning in to say, “Stalling for time? Slick move, Fraser. You need any help, let me know. You say the guy’s innocent, that’s enough for me.”

“Thank you, Jack,” Fraser replied just as quietly, giving Huey a tiny nod.

Fraser watched as the men left, forms in hand, and once they were gone he breathed a sigh of relief. He had the law on his side, but that hadn’t made the situation any less nerve-wracking.

***********

“That was pretty cool,” Ray said, watching Fraser from the doorway. “Except for the part where you actually gave them the forms so they could extradite me.”

“It’s part of my job, Ray. Besides, they have to be filed with the American Embassy in Ottawa, so it isn’t like they’ll be back in a few hours,” Fraser explained.

“Really? Ottawa?”

“Oh yes,” Turnbull chimed in from behind Ray, startling him. “And there’s precedent as well. Constable Fraser has matters well in hand.”

Ray felt a little of the tension he’d been carrying leave his body. “Okay, so if I don’t have to worry for awhile, I have more pressing concerns.”

“Like what, Ray?” Fraser asked.

“Like the fact that I’m starving,” Ray replied, rubbing his stomach.

“We have a well-stocked pantry for visiting guests,” Fraser replied. “I think in this instance you technically qualify for that status.”

“Great,” Ray said, rolling his eyes. “Bring on the putty sandwiches and pemmican.”

“I’d be happy to make you something, Detective Kowalski,” Turnbull offered. “I’ve been trying new recipes, and had some interesting results.”

“Or there’s always pizza delivery,” Fraser counter-offered.

“Pizza,” Ray immediately replied, afraid of what Turnbull might make.

Turnbull looked like he wanted to argue the point, but then thought better of it. He nodded. “I’ll go get the phone book.”

“You made the right choice,” Fraser said after Turnbull had left. “When Turnbull says his food is interesting, I can assure you he means in the Chinese interpretation of the word. Even Diefenbaker won’t try his food now.”

***********

Once the matter of feeding Ray was settled, Fraser agreed to go to the station and bring back Ray’s secret stash of files, and Ray promised not to leave the Consulate.

“Huey and Dewey are stationed outside the door waiting to arrest me if I step foot back on U.S. soil. I know I need to stay here,” Ray told him.

Fraser didn’t respond, searching Ray’s face for something. Finally, he nodded, satisfied that Ray would keep his word. “I’ll be back as soon as I can. Try to get along with Turnbull if you can, please. I’d consider it a personal favor.”

“I didn’t realize you liked the guy,” Ray said.

Fraser pinked slightly and looked over Ray’s shoulder. “It isn’t that. I’m afraid my reasons are entirely selfish. If he thinks you don’t like him, or he’s done something to offend you, I won’t hear the end of it. He’ll pester me for hours trying to find a way to rectify the situation.”

***********

Ray paced the room, trying not to watch the clock. He hated feeling trapped. “I have got to get out of here – I’m going nuts.” He started to move toward the doorway, but Turnbull stopped him with a surprisingly firm grip on his arm.

“Constable Fraser was quite clear, Detective. You have to stay at the Consulate. I’m sure he’ll be back soon with the evidence needed to exonerate you.” Turnbull smiled and gestured to the couch. “Until then, you’re more than welcome to watch curling with me.”

“Curling?”

“It’s quite an exciting sport, truly. Sure to take your mind right off of your troubles.”

***********

When Fraser returned, Ray nearly jumped off the couch. “Fraser! Finally!”

Turnbull waved him in. “Sir, you’re just in time!”

Fraser moved to stand behind the couch, and Ray couldn’t believe how quickly Fraser forgot everything but what was on the screen. When he joined Turnbull in yelling, “Sweep!” Ray was pretty sure he’d seen everything. He shook his head in disbelief, and suddenly Fraser seemed to notice him.

“Sorry about that, Ray, but I’m glad you got to see that too. What an exciting end!”

Ray couldn’t believe his ears. “They were pushing rocks-“

“Stones,” Turnbull corrected.

“Stones,” Ray went on, grimacing in disdain, “across the ice with a broom. Forgive me if I don’t think that’s the most exciting thing going on in my life at the moment.”

“You have a point, Ray. But you have to admit, curling is a fine sport.”

“I will admit no such thing. You know,” Ray observed, “just because that Mountie shrink declared you acceptable doesn’t mean I don’t think you’re nuts, Fraser.”

“Understood,” Fraser responded, unrepentant.

Ray shook his head, amused, then looked at Fraser and tried to hide his disappointment. “So I guess you weren’t able to get the files,” he said.

“The men investigating the case were quite adamant about my not taking potential evidence from the station,” Fraser said. “Or letting me too near any of your things, for that matter. Fortunately,” he went on, reaching into his pants, “your sister wasn’t watched as closely.”

Fraser pulled the files out, and Ray grinned. “You did it! That’s great, Benny! But please, don’t ever mention my sister while reaching into your pants ever again, okay?”

“Okay.”

***********

After looking at the files, Fraser decided the best course of action to take would be to meet with Gus Fillion, who Ray described as an old-school gangster-type. Ray wasn’t so sure, but it made sense. Fillion and his main rival, Eddy Herndorff, had been getting along too well lately, and Volpe was the only link that Ray or Fraser could see.

They were arguing whether or not Fraser should go alone when Turnbull came for Fraser. It seemed that Cahill and Lt. Welsh were at the door.

Fraser was wholly unsurprised to hear Cahill ask that he surrender Ray to their custody. He refused, politely, of course, and tried to explain Ray’s innocence, but even with Lt. Welsh vouching for Fraser’s honesty, Cahill wasn’t listening.

The law was on Fraser’s side, however, so they left empty-handed. Satisfied that they’d be left alone for awhile now, Fraser returned to debate strategy with Ray.

***********

“Don’t you have guest rooms or something?” Ray complained hours later, when Fraser offered to get the couch ready for him to sleep on.

“Well, there’s the Queen’s bedroom, but that’s only for honored dignitaries.”

“What if I promise never to tell anyone I slept there?” Ray asked hopefully. “Cross my heart and hope to die. Come on, Thatcher’s not here, and isn’t due back for a couple of days. I’ll help clean up, and she’ll never know.”

“I’ll just get you some bedding,” Fraser replied. “I’m told this couch is quite comfortable.”

Once in his office, Fraser opened the closet door, relieved to find not his father’s office, but just the clothes and extra bedding he’d been hunting for. He reached in and pulled out a blanket, almost dropping it when his father spoke up behind him.

“Of course it’s just a closet, son,” Fraser Sr. said. “You’d have a hard time explaining where you got an Inuit blanket from, considering you haven’t told this one about me yet.”

“I thought you didn’t want me to,” Fraser said, hoping his father hadn’t noticed how startled he’d been. “You didn’t seem to like that Ray knew about you.”

“That had everything to do with his attitude,” Fraser Sr. scoffed. “Maybe this new partner of yours would show me some respect.”

“Do we really have to discuss this now, Dad?” Fraser asked.

“Good to see you’re taking our earlier talk to heart,” his father went on, oblivious as always to his son’s discomfort. “Didn’t expect it, to be honest. You seemed pretty attached to the Yank.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Your new partner, son. It’s good that you’re helping him. Interesting plan, too.”

“He’s being set up, Dad. Of course I’m going to help. How I feel about him as a partner has nothing to do with that.” He gave his father a curious look. “I’m actually surprised you’re approving of this course of action. While legal, it is adhering much more to the letter of the law than its spirit. And there’s a good chance that I’ll have to resort to more devious measure before this is through.”

Fraser Sr. nodded. “I do understand, you know”

“You do?”

“Of course I do,” his father huffed. “You think you’re the only one to ever face an ethical dilemma? 1961.”

Fraser just gave him a confused look. “I haven’t read your journals from that year, I’m afraid,” he finally said.

“Wouldn’t find this there if you had. Had to do with Russians, a land dispute, and me being ordered to force a village of thirty-two families to move to an even harder life than they already had.”

“Did you do it?”

“Of course I did. Officially, at least. Unofficially… this doesn’t leave this room.”

Fraser had to wonder what kind of repercussions his father thought the RCMP could take that would reach beyond the grave. “Of course not,” he replied, trying to remain serious.

“Unofficially, I plotted out the land, got one of the young men from the village to move up there, and we built him a post office to live in and collect relocation checks.”

“What happened to him?”

“Well, I think he works at a record store in Winnipeg now, why?”

“What I meant was, what happened to the village?”

“Then you should have asked that. Be specific, son. The people of his village collected the checks, got themselves a lawyer and won a case fighting the relocation.”

“So you helped them despite your orders.”

“I did my duty to the people of the village. That’s who I was sworn to protect. You can’t do this job if you do it without letting what feels right enter the picture, son.”

This was possibly the most helpful conversation he and his father had ever had. “Thank you, Dad,” he started to say, but Fraser Sr. had disappeared, leaving him alone in his office.

***********

“Here you go, Ray,” Fraser said as he returned, handing Ray the bedding. “I suggest we both get some sleep. It will give us clearer heads and a fresher perspective.”

Ray nodded, then made himself ask, “Why, Benny? I mean, why are you doing all this? Why do you believe me?”

Fraser looked honestly confused. “Why wouldn’t I, Ray?”

“Is it really that easy for you?” Ray laughed ruefully. “I know your default setting is to help people, no matter how bad things look, but you actually believe me, and I don’t get it. If I really was Kowalski, sure, that would make sense, but… you don’t know me all that well.”

Fraser took a sheet from Ray and started making up the couch. “While it’s true that I hadn’t met you until recently, and yes, the fact that you’re having to live a deception really isn’t a point in your favor, I do feel like I know you.”

“You mean you read my record.”

“Yes, as well as hearing stories about you from Francesca. And I’ve worked with you, long enough to know that you didn’t do this. So of course I believe you.”

“So is this how it was with you and Kowalski? You meet the guy and bam! Instant trust?”

“What Ray and I have is…unique. He likened our working relationship to a duet.” He turned away, smoothing down the sheets. “That we were also close friends was a surprising, but welcome addition.”

Ray gave him a sidelong glance. “You think we’ll ever have anything like that?”

Fraser turned to face him. “You’re my partner. And I think… I think you’re becoming my friend.”

Ray stared at him, a little shocked. “Was that hard to say?”

Fraser raised his eyebrows, smiling wryly. “Not as difficult as it might have been a few days ago.” He looked at the now-made couch. “So, will Diefenbaker have to keep watch on you tonight?”

Ray thought about it for a few seconds, then shook his head. “Hey, you’re trusting me with a lot here. Least I can do is do the same for you.” He clapped Fraser on the shoulder. “Good night, Benny.”

“Good night, Ray.”

***********

Fraser nodded to Jack and Dewey, stationed across the street from the Consulate, and Jack gave him a tired wave in return. He could see Dewey watching the exchange with a puzzled frown. He felt a little sorry for them; they’d obviously been there awhile already. If they were still there when he got back, Fraser would stop and see if they needed anything. It wasn’t their fault they’d been assigned this duty.

Dief must have sensed his train of thought, or at least part of it. He barked at Fraser as they walked.

“It all depends on your behavior, Diefenbaker. You’re much more likely to get something from the diner down the street if you actually keep your focus on the task at hand and not on your baser instincts.”

Dief snorted at that.

“No, I don’t think I’m asking too much of you,” Fraser replied, “but if you really believe that, we can talk about your duties, of course. Just understand that it would be a complete renegotiation, not just you getting a few more treats for no more work.” Fraser was wholly unsurprised at the half-wolf’s lack of response. “That’s what I thought.”

***********

The time spent with Fillion was valuable only in that it gave Fraser more reason to suspect that Fillion’s rival, Herndorff, had more to do with the case than Fillion himself. True, he had to take that information with a grain of salt, seeing as the two were rivals, but it wouldn’t hurt to follow up on what Fillion had told him. If nothing else, Fillion seemed to keep very up-to-date on local goings on; he had known Ray was at the Consulate.

***********

Meanwhile, Ray had decided that promise or no promise, he had to get out and try to clear his own name. The trouble was how. He couldn’t just leave; he’d be arrested on sight. Ray started snooping around, trying to come up with something that would help. He couldn’t believe his luck when he opened a closet and found a spare Mountie uniform.

Perfect. Now all he had to do was find a way to distract Turnbull long enough to put the thing on and sneak out. And luck was on Ray’s side; not a minute after he thought that, the phone rang. It was the Dragon Lady, calling in to terrorize her people from wherever the hell she was. Ray almost felt sorry for Turnbull as he listened to him stammering on the phone. Almost. Ray rushed changing clothes and made his way to the front door. Time to give the disguise a try.

Holding his head high, Ray stepped out the door, walking purposefully. He didn’t spare a glance to Huey or Dewey, even though the need to look over his shoulder was getting stronger by the second. But after a couple of minutes with no one stopping him, Ray realized he’d really managed to get away with it.

“You are one slick SOB,” he chuckled to himself.

That was, of course, when he felt the gun pressed to his side.

***********

Ray woke up with a nasty headache, and tried to check it, only to realize he was tied to a chair.

“Ah, you’re awake,” he heard Fraser say, and Ray groaned, only half because of the pain. Of course Fraser was here. He made himself look up. Yep, there Fraser was, just as trussed up as Ray. They were in a warehouse of some kind. Ray had no idea where; once he’d been shoved into a car, they’d knocked him out.

“I see you decided to do some investigative work on your own,” Fraser said calmly.

“And I see you found out why not using back-up is a bad thing,” Ray responded, tugging at the ropes.

“It’s a decent disguise,” Fraser went on. “ Though I hope you realize that you’ve given me another reason to arrest you, Ray. Impersonating a Mountie is a serious offense.”

Ray huffed out a laugh at that; of course that’s what Fraser would be focusing on right now. “Tell you what – I make it out of this without getting killed or put in jail and I’ll write a formal apology. Think that would cover it?”

Fraser frowned. “Considering the extenuating circumstances, it might. But you’d need to apologize to Turnbull in person as well. And have his uniform cleaned, of course.”

Ray sighed. “Being arrested might be the easier way to go with this one. He’s just gonna give me a sad face and make me feel guilty.”

“Technically speaking, that’s because you are guilty, Ray.”

“Shut up, Benny.” He tugged on the ropes again “So, Fillion or Herndorff?”

“Fillion’s not smart enough to snag the two of you,” Herndorff answered as he walked up to the two of them, flanked by three of his men.

“He’s smart enough to be setting you up for this,” Ray answered. “That’s why I was coming to see you. I figured we could cut a deal.”

Herndorrf laughed, and Fraser leaned over to Ray. “I believe Mr. Herndorrf has already made a deal with the police. I can hear the sirens getting closer.”

“Sharp ears, Mountie,” Herndorrf said. “I’ll just be leaving the two of you here. Turning in Volpe’s killer is going to get me all kinds of favors.”

“That wasn’t me!” Ray protested, but Herndorff just laughed and left.

“Great,” Ray said as they were left alone. “So now what? Cahill’s going to make sure this all gets pinned on me and if there’s really someone on the inside helping him, I’m done for.”

“We’ll just have to make sure they don’t find you then,” Fraser said, watching the door.

“How are we going to do that? You have some trick for dislocating your shoulder to get out of the ropes or something?”

“I do, but that won’t be necessary. Diefenbaker will help us.”

Ray looked around. “The mutt’s here?”

“He should be soon. I believe he was following the men who brought me here.”

“Great. So now we’re stuck unless Rin Tin Tin comes to our rescue.”

“Excuse me?”

“Never mind, Fraser.” There was a clanging noise outside the door, and Ray called out, “Dief! In here!”

“You do remember that he’s deaf, Ray,” Fraser said.

“I still don’t believe it. And I have to do something. Dief!”

Sure enough, Diefenbaker came through the door. Fraser got him to bring them a knife from a nearby table, and moments later they were free.

Before they could leave, the police arrived, forcing Fraser and Ray into hiding. They took to the rafters, and Dief hid under a car. Luckily, no one thought to look up, and Fraser, Ray and Dief were able to make their way back to the Consulate.

***********

Later that evening, there was a knock at the Consulate door. Fraser opened it and was surprised to see Lt. Welsh.

“Sir, this is unexpected.”

“And does that mean I’m not allowed inside?”

“Oh! Of course not, excuse my manners. Please, come in,” Fraser answered quickly, opening the door.

“That you, Constable,” the lieutenant said as he walked in. “And Vecchio, you might as well come out and hear this too.”

Ray moved from his spot around a corner to face his boss. “Sorry about that, sir.”

“I can’t stay long,” Welsh said, facing them both. “I just thought that you’d like to know that Cahill has friends in high places.”

“How high?” Ray asked.

“High enough to put a rush on the extradition. He’ll be here at 9:00 a.m. tomorrow, and he’s planning on making a media circus out if it. He didn’t like you making him look bad, Constable, and it looks like he’s planning on returning the favor.”

“I see. Well, thank you for letting us know, Lieutenant.”

“You have anything you can tell me?” Welsh wondered.

“Yeah, that I didn’t do it,” Ray said. “There’s a leak in Major Crime, and it isn’t me.”

“Do you have any speculation you’d care to share as to who the leak is, Detective?”

Ray nodded. “It’s gotta be Kilrea. He’s been mixed up in the entire thing since Volpe was killed. I bet if you check you’ll find out he was even at the range when I was. He sees me, knows I’ll have blowback on my hands… perfect chance to get rid of Volpe for Herndorrf and frame me.”

“I’ll check the records at the range,” Welsh said. “Anything else?”

“What did the officers at the murder scene have to say, Lieutenant?” Fraser asked.

“I haven’t been given access to those report,” Welsh said with a sour look. “But I know who they were, and I can find out where they are right now. Not that I can follow up on such information, you understand.”

“Of course, sir,” Fraser replied. “Thank you.”

***********

Fraser went to talk with one of the officers, Officer Tibbett, and found out that they’d found Volpe and Ray through an anonymous tip. Unfortunately for the caller, Tibbett had recognized the voice as one of Cahill’s employees.

Fraser called the Consulate and told Ray what he’d learned, then called to order pizzas for dinner. They arrived at the Consulate just as he did, and Fraser paid for them, handing one to Ray before taking the other to Huey and Dewey, still stationed outside the Consulate.

“I’m afraid I don’t have any beverages,” he said as he handed a bewildered Dewey the box.

“That’s okay, Fraser, we have enough coffee here to last the night,” Jack said with a grateful smile. “Thanks.”

“I know you’re just doing your job, Jack, Detective Dewey,” Fraser replied, tipping his hat to them. “Good night, gentlemen.”

***********

“That was a nice thing you did,” Ray told Fraser as he entered the building. “Not everybody’d be that understanding.”

Fraser shrugged and took the pizza from Ray, leading him to the kitchen.

“Hey, we got an anonymous call while you were out,” Ray said with a grin. “Well, except I knew it was Frannie, but hey, you didn’t hear that from me. Anyway, Kilrea was on the range the day I was, even though he had no reason to be, since he’d done his qualifications the day before.”

“That’s good news, Ray,” Fraser said as he got out plates and paper towels.

“Yeah. Even better, it looks like there’s a tie to Fillion, too, some player they brought in from out of town for a big job. Welsh has somebody looking into it on the sly.”

Fraser just nodded and handed Ray a plate.

“What, no cloth napkins? I am offended,” Ray teased. When Fraser didn’t respond, Ray took a deep breath and blew it out. “Look, I’m sorry about today, okay? I just, I don’t know, got a combination of stir-crazy and a really-bad-feeling, and I had to get out. It isn’t that I don’t trust you, you know that, right?”

“I appreciate your saying so, Ray.”

Ray could tell that was all he was going to get. The meal was spent in a tense kind of silence as they watched curling. Ray tried to look interested, and hoped Fraser saw it as the olive branch it was.

***********

The next morning there was a crowd waiting to get into the Consulate. Fraser and Turnbull met everyone at the door, and insisted that each person leave any and all firearms at the desk. There was a lot of grumbling, but with Fraser backing Turnbull up and quoting the law at them, everyone seemed to do as they were asked.

Ray watched it all from a side room, surprised to see not only Cahill and the press, but Herndorff and Fillion there too, along with some of their men. It made for a very tense group.

Finally, Cahill had had enough, and demanded that Fraser turn Ray over to him. He handed over the proper paperwork with a flourish, a nasty smirk on his face.

“So if you’ll just hand over Detective Kowalski, we can let you get back to your business,” Cahill said.

“I’m afraid it isn’t that simple, Mr. Cahill,” Fraser replied, placing the papers on the desk behind him and picking up an envelope. “You see, there was a witness to the murder, and there’s a sworn affidavit in this envelope that will not only exonerate Detective Kowalski, but implicate someone here.”

He looked over everyone in the room. All were fidgety as his gaze stopped on each man as he spoke of their possible connection to Volpe and reasons for the murder. Finally, Cahill couldn’t take it; he grabbed the envelope from Fraser.

“This is evidence, and you’re obstructing an investigation!” he declared.

“To be completely honest, it’s a blank piece of paper. But it’s been very revealing, don’t you think?”

Cahill glared as he ripped open the envelope to see what was inside. “There’s no proof of anything, then.”

“Only in your actions.”

“No proof at all that I was involved,” he reiterated. Then everyone turned at a commotion in the hall. Inspector Thatcher appeared in the doorway and focused her irritation at Fraser.

“Constable! I expect an explanation of-“

She stopped as Cahill grabbed her, pulling out a gun he’d hidden and pressing it against her side.

“That’s a mistake, Mr. Cahill.”

“The only mistake is you not checking me better for weapons! If anyone tries anything, I’ll kill her,” he said as he started backing out of the room.

Cahill couldn’t see the look on Thatcher’s face, but Fraser could. He almost felt sorry for Cahill, who the Inspector disarmed handily.

As he was cuffed, Thatcher walked over to Fraser. “I expect a full report, by tomorrow morning, and this place had better be spotless.”

“Understood, sir.

***********

Fraser and Ray watched Cahill get taken away. “Well, it looks as if you’re free to go, Ray.”

“That it does, Benny, and I have to say, as helpful as it was to be in Canada, Chicago’s looking pretty good right now.” He started toward the door, then stopped and turned back to face Fraser. “Thanks. For everything.”

“Thank you for trusting me.”

Ray smiled. “Hey, what are partners for?”

***********

“You have no idea how nice it is to be able to go where I want, see who I want,” Ray told Stella as he took a sip of wine. “Just to get out of that Consulate. I mean, it’s nice and all, but I don’t know how Fraser can stand living there.”

Stella shook her head. “I’m sure he can give you all kinds of reasons why it makes sense to be there, and how wonderful it is. He might even believe them.”

And that was as good an opening as any. “So I’ve been wanting to ask, what do you have against Fraser anyhow? And don’t tell me it’s nothing – I’ve seen how you look at him.”

“How’s that, Ray?”

He chuckled. “Pretty much the opposite of every other woman around.”

She looked down and smiled softly as she twirled her fork in her pasta. “It really isn’t anything I can pin down.” She looked at Ray. “It’s just if something seems to be too good to be true it probably is, that’s all.”

“You think Fraser’s too good to be true? Because again, not the impression I get from you.”

“Ray certainly does.” Her brow furrowed in a way Ray couldn’t help but find endearing “From the way he told it you’d think Fraser walked on water.”

Ray shook his head. “He does do some pretty unbelievable stuff, that’s for sure, this past few days being a prime example. But as his partner I can tell you that him being some kind of white knight is definitely not the case.”

Stella leaned forward. “Wait a minute. You mean there’s actually some dirt on the Mountie?”

Ray rolled his eyes and snagged an olive from his salad. “Nah, the guy’s squeaky clean.”

Stella raised her eyebrow and smiled. “Come on, Ray – you can tell me.”

“Nothing to tell. I’m serious. Any black marks in his file are probably ones he put there himself. But he’s just a regular guy, is what I meant. He’s not a saint, unless being the most annoying person on the planet can get you nominated for sainthood – then he’s a shoe-in. He’s stubborn, and knows everything and nothing all at the same time, and he’s like a crazy-magnet. But he really does try to treat people the way he thinks everyone should be treated.”

“He’s really that… nice?” Stella asked dubiously.

“Most of the time, yeah.”

Stella sat back and took a bite of her dinner, a small frown on her face. “Well for a nice guy he almost got Ray killed a lot.”

“That’s the crazy-magnet thing. And the stubborn thing. And the believing everybody’s good until they prove otherwise thing, all rolled into one. But still, you gotta admit that Ray wasn’t the safest guy around either. I mean, I’ve read the guy’s file and some of the undercover jobs he took were dicey as hell.”

Stella gave him a cold look. “What are you implying? Ray’s a good cop!”

“I’m just saying that he did some seriously risky stuff way before Fraser entered the picture.” Ray sighed. “Believe me, I hear about him often enough to know just how good of a cop he is.”

Stella reached over to cover Ray’s hand with hers. “I’m sorry. It’s got to be really hard being in this situation, replacing somebody like this. How about we change the subject – anything you want.” Ray turned his hand under hers to squeeze it briefly in thanks.

“Sounds good to me. Because I may have to be somebody else, but that doesn’t mean I need him in my face 24/7. Besides,” he added, running a thumb over the back of her hand, “there’s another Kowalski that I find much more interesting.”