Perils of Canasta	   Perils of Canasta

 by Mazeppa

  

 

 Disclaimer: No money made. No infringement intended.

 Author's Notes: Do not watch too much Discover Wings Channel.

 Story Notes: Extreme silliness; hovering saucers; questioanble Cold War
spending.

 This story is a sequel to: Perils 

 

 Perils of Canasta 

 "What's it like up there?" That's the question I got asked a lot in
letters from Mum or e-mails from Frannie or from Stella. So I wrote them
some funny stuff about life in Canada and how I was trying to fit in. They
were some pretty funny letters, if I do say so myself. Even Fraser smiled
at them. I know that they enjoyed reading about my mishaps in the letters,
but that wasn't what they really want to know. They wanted to know what
life with Fraser was like. The question hung there at the farewell party.
It was in everyone's eyes staring at us over the beers. Fraser was hip to
the curiosity but he played like he wasn't. No matter how anyone asked the
question of where I would be staying exactly, Fraser managed to answer it
without lying or really telling the truth. I did see a flash of
protectiveness now and then that told even thick headed Dewey that he
should stop pressing. So everyone shut up, but the questions remained. 

 I started writing a journal because of the letters. Well, mostly because
of the letters. Fraser wrote in his journal every night before we went to
bed. He seemed to like it when I sat beside him writing my letters. I
liked it, too. Something about sitting there beside him while we wrote our
thoughts down felt really cool. So one day when we were out shopping, I
picked up a leather bound journal. Fraser helped me pick one with lines
wide enough for my scrawl. Writing in it was easier than I thought it
would be. It's somewhere between a letter and an incident report. And I
found I liked writing about what we have up here. I want to remember every
day of it. So here goes. 

 I don't know how to describe what Frase and me have. It's easier to just
go with what pops into my head. I really got into the cuddling thing. It
was number two on my hit parade of things Fraser did to rock my world.
Number one was not the Big Deed. Not that I didn't enjoy that - a lot. A
whole lot. But I'll get back to that, because it deserves a lot of space.
It was kissing that was number one for me. Fraser was really into kissing
me. He'd kiss me until I was somewhere between melting and crazy before we
made love once we were finally alone together. But when we got back to
Inuvik for good, he got serious about the lip locks. He started his day
kissing me until my brain was mush, and he'd do the same before he went to
sleep. 

 Before I found work, Fraser'd come home for lunch to kiss me. He would
have lunch too. But he was more interested in exploring my mouth with his
tongue. The morning kisses were unbelievable. I would be barely awake when
he started dragging me under. I had to make him pull me into the shower
with him afterward or I'd be useless until noon. The lunch kisses and the
bedtime kisses included the scenting thing. Fraser would hold me still and
sniff my skin before the licking or sucking or kissing started. Don't know
why that turned me on so much. But it just drove me crazy how intense and
possessive he was about where I had been or who had been near me. 

 I've always loved kissing. Seeing how doing the Big Deed before marriage
was a mortal sin according to the Penguins, it was about impossible to get
a girl to go much further than frenching. Stella was no exception. So
making out was a favorite in my bag of tricks. But I was the one, being
the guy, doing the cornering and the pressing and the holding. Yeah, that
was old fashioned, but that's who I was until Benton Fraser came along.
When he would look at me so intently with those dark blue eyes, it was
impossible to do anything besides let him back me up against a wall or a
door then push my legs apart to make room for his thigh. I couldn't help
but tilt my head back and give him my throat to nuzzle or nip or suck
until I moaned for him. As soon as I opened my mouth, he'd take it with
his. 

 And I ate it up. I discovered that I loved being pressed against walls or
doors. I loved the full body press against the bed. Sometimes he would
hold my arms by the wrists away from my body. Other times, he would hold
them above my head. I'd give him attitude then -- make him work for it
until he'd take the kiss hard. I also loved the way he cupped my face with
those amazing hands for the gentlest of kisses. He undid me with each one
then put me back together. One time, I asked Fraser why he was so into
kissing me. I suppose there were still times when I just couldn't believe
that I was that lucky. I hadn't been sure if he heard me, because he kept
tonguing my throat and humming. Eventually, he pulled back to look at me
with the dreamiest of eyes. 

 "Because I'm finally allowed to, Ray," he replied in this mild tone. Then
he got back to making me forget what my name was. 

 Back to the cuddling. I know I've always been a touchy guy - in every
sense of the word. But I can't say the same about Fraser. He'd keep his
arms crossed at the small of his back in parade rest and carefully avoided
encroaching in anyone's personal space. Frannie would flip to see how he
is with me up here. Fraser was still Fraser. He was still very appropriate
in public -- though even there he was a lot warmer to the public than he
was in Chicago. But once we were alone in the cabin, he was all up close
and personal. After the supper dishes were put away, we'd watch a little
television entangled on the sofa. Fraser liked to have me plastered along
the front of his body as much as possible. That meant almost lying on top
of him. In bed, I couldn't tell you where he ended and I began. I don't
think I could sleep anymore without his heart beating against my back or
his warm breath in my ear. Sounds sappy but I don't think I've ever felt
so cared for and protected. 

 But it shouldn't be forgotten that we were still us. Fraser routinely
drove me up the nearest wall. He took way less risks than before. That was
a relief. But Mr. Logic and Mr. Instinct still had problems when weird
stuff came our way which happened far more often than I thought possible
in the middle of nowhere. More on that later, too. Suffice it to say that
Fraser didn't enjoy Inuvik for the peace and quiet. So when we have cases,
we have fights. We still push each other's buttons that way. Even as I
bang my head against the wall wondering how to shove some sense into that
beautiful skull, I'm glad we haven't changed the way we relate to each
other. Sappy again, I know. I guess what I'm trying to say is that no
matter what it looks like to other people - no matter how crazy it seems,
me and Fraser were happy as clams. We were the same as we were in Chicago.
Fraser said our lives seem to still face all sorts of perils. The
difference was that we were together. 

 I found my job a month after building on Bob Fraser's cabin. Fraser had
put in a modern bathroom and kitchen, but it was basically one big room.
It was cozy, but I knew it wouldn't work for the long haul. 

 "We need a real bedroom, Frase," I said. "One with it's own door to the
bathroom. We need the privacy." 

 That seemed to amuse him. "From Diefenbaker?" 

 "Hardy har har," I said. "At some point, we're gonna have your sister or
Frobisher or my folks or Vecchio and Stella on the front stoop and I don't
want to share a bedroll with any of them." 

 "I don't see that as a problem, Ray," Fraser said. "There are a number of
fine Inns here that could do with the business." 

 "That may be, but I know how family thinks," I said. "They'd all consider
it an insult not to accept our hospitality even if it means splinters on
the floor. We need a bedroom with a door that locks and some furniture
that folds out." 

 He looked puzzled for a while but finally shrugged. "You are the one with
the experience of having extended family." 

 "And if I'm wrong, we'll have room to sprawl." 

 Fraser helped me when he was between patrols, but I built the addition
pretty much on my own. That let the locals know that I wasn't as frail as
they thought I was and that I knew my way around tools. Fraser was
impressed, too. I still catch him looking at the room with an expression
that makes my eyes get prickly. Anyway, sometime after I finished that
project, I was at the auto parts store looking for stuff to fix Fraser's
snowmobile. That's when Mrs. Swenson who owned the bakery came over to me.


 "Mr. Kowalski?" She said in that way they had up here that made
everything sound like a question. 

 "Call me Ray," I said. 

 "I understand you fix things, Ray?" 

 I didn't know that, but whatever. "Okay." 

 "My grandson's red wagon is broken," she explained. "I was wondering if
you could see what you could do about it? Maybe for some bread?" 

 Alright. I was down with her breads. "Sure. I'll be by later today." 

 The job took only a few hours, but we got two loaves of bread and a dozen
muffins out of the deal. I picked up some extra butter and took some of
Fraser's stew out to thaw when I got home. I was surprised to find a
couple of messages from the locals with jobs to fix things. Some were
small but one involved rebuilding a truck engine for some reasonable
money. That felt good. I liked taking care of Fraser, but I also wanted to
earn my own keep. 

 Fraser was smiling when he came in. The cabin was toasty and smelled
great from the stew and the bread. I was against the wall a few seconds
later. He was barely out of his coat and hat and boots. Dief trotted by
snorting in annoyance. The wolf was not into displays of affection that
didn't involve him. 

 "You've been with an inordinate number of people today," Fraser murmured
against my throat. I felt him inhaling the hair at the base of my neck. 

 "Oh?" 

 "Eustace and Frank at the auto supply store," he continued tasting the
skin there. 

 I moaned in response. I tried to hold him, but he caught hold of my
wrists and held me still. He was scenting inside of my shirt along my
collarbone. 

 "And Mrs. Swenson," he said inhaling deeply. 

 "Mrs. Swenson was not in my shirt, Ben," I gasped. 

 "She had better not be," he replied smiling against my skin. "I can smell
the bread in the oven." 

 He was tonguing along my throat. 

 "God, Ben, please..." 

 Fraser raised his head. His eyes were dark and naughty. "As you wish,
Ray." 

 He kissed me then hard and deep releasing my wrists to pull me closer. I
let my hands wander to his hair. He growled as I ran my fingers through
the softness. It was still cool on the surface from the outside but it was
warmer close to the skin. I was just about at the point where my knees
would buckle. Dinner was going to be very late. But Fraser broke the kiss
then peppered my face with lighter kisses. He was going to let me go. 

 "Are you hungry?" I asked. My voice was hoarse. 

 "Quite," he replied. "Everything smells delicious." 

 He was staring at me when he said that. I swallowed hard. "Okay then,
let's chow down." 

 "So you fixed young Swenson's little red wagon?" He asked over tea after
dinner. 

 I shrugged. "The wheels were busted and the axel was bent and it needed a
new coat of paint. Just a few hours work. But it got all that bread -
literally. And I've got a new job." 

 "Oh?" 

 "I'm Inuvik's Mr. Fixit. Got some work all lined up before I even came
home," I said. 

 "That's delightful, Ray," Fraser smiled. God I loved it when he smiled.
"It means that you've made inroads with the community. I was certain you
would." 

 "How so?" 

 "You're very difficult to resist, Ray." 

 "That's me, Mr. Irresistible." 

 "You are, Ray," He said. His eyes were soft. "I was swept away very
easily." 

 I smiled at him shaking my head. "You, my friend, are unhinged. 

 "Maybe, but not about this," he said. "Shall we?" 

 I liked our new sofa. We fit on it together side by side and it folded
out into a queen-sized bed. We also have a settee that folded out into a
twin. Dief was under the impression that it was his bed. It was a lucky
thing to order the sofa bed and the bed. For those who were blind, they
could still believe Fraser and I were just close buddies. 

 "Anything interesting at work?" I asked after being arranged against his
body along the back of the sofa. He was absently holding my hand tracing
the contours of my palm and my fingers while we watch hockey. He was into
my hands. Said he used to watch them wondering how they felt. 

 "There was a bulletin to be on the lookout for Nasty Canasta," he
replied. 

 "What's a Nasty Canasta?" 

 "A career criminal who deals in all sorts of illegal merchandise for
cash." 

 "Like a fence?" 

 "More or less. He deals in almost anything of value no matter how large
or small," Fraser said. 

 "What's wrong with the criminal element up here? Why can't they have
normal names like Tony the Nose or Louie the Eye," I asked. "What's Nasty
after?" 

 Fraser chuckled at me. "In this case, it's the Avro Car." 

 "An all points over a car?" 

 "It's a special car, Ray. Almost one of a kind and top secret." 

 "Almost one of a kind?" I asked. "How can a car be top secret? Never
mind. That doesn't matter. When do they think it'll get here?" 

 "There is no evidence that Mr. Canasta is en route here," Fraser replied.


 "Let's see. A miscreant with a moniker of Nasty Canasta and a top secret
car and our luck," I said. "Where else would he be? How dangerous is he?" 

 Fraser shrugged. "His customers have been quite dangerous. He himself can
be as well if cornered. He doesn't want to return to prison." 

 "Promise me, Frase. No going off on your own. And I'm riding with you on
any patrols," I said. "No arguments. He probably has henchmen." 

 Fraser tightened his arms around me. He kissed the top of my head. "No
arguments from me, Ray." 

 I should have known better. Fraser wasn't fighting me. And he had plenty
of back up. So, I should have known we were missing something about this
Canasta that was probably very nasty. But I wasn't thinking about that
just then. Fraser's hands were moving on my body. I pulled myself up onto
him so I could look down on his face. 

 "Tell me what you want, Ben," I said. 

 He looked at me with a small smile that was all heat. "Ray, please." 

 I moved to just an inch from kissing him. "Please what, Ben? Tell me." 

 His eyes slid closed with a moan. So much of what he did to me was
without words. I dug that, but it really turned my crank to hear him tell
me what he wanted. At that moment, Fraser looked desperate. 

 "Ah, God. Ray," he moaned. His eyes were so dark when they looked into
mine. "I want you in me...now." 

 Oh yeah. I loved that. Loved how he opened up to me completely when we
did that. I would have been happy to let him do me forever. The way he
made me feel when I was filled with him and surrounded by him was ...I
can't describe it ...so much pleasure and ...joy. I would have been happy
only knowing that. But knowing he wanted me that way was almost too much.
The first time he asked was our first night home in the cabin. I was
trembling so much I didn't think I could get things were they were
supposed to be let alone last for more than ten seconds. Somehow it all
worked out. Fraser opened up to me and I was in the most intense tight
heat that I've ever known. His orgasm wrenched mine from me. He trembled
afterward and held me tight whispering my name over and over. It's just
incredible to have this amazing man that way. I never asked for it. Never
wanted him to think he had to give that to me, because he didn't. But it
was all the sweeter when he asked. 

 "Ray, please..." 

 I kissed him to give me time to calm down enough to do this. But the
hunger in his kiss almost ruined that plan. I tore my mouth away. 

 "Get naked in the bedroom," I whispered. If I wanted to give him the
attention he needed, I had to back off. Foreplay had to wait. I could tell
that he was so ready; all I need to do was push inside him. 

 I took a detour into the bathroom to take a breather. I figured a few
minutes in the cool air would keep me exploding on impact. That was a good
plan, but there was Fraser to reckon with. 

 He was waiting on the bed lit by firelight (Of course I built one in
there. Who knew that a chimney was such a pain in the ass to build? But I
knew it would be worth it). He was on his back with butt lifted up on
pillows and lord help me, legs spread and lubing himself. He gave me a
little smile then licked his lips. 

 "I know you're trying to help here," I whispered falling to my knees on
the bed then crawling between his legs. "But you drive me crazy." 

 I pushed his legs apart, removed his fingers from the slick opening then
shoved inside him. He moaned and his eyes slid closed for a moment. Then
they locked onto mine. God, the heat and the need. I had to move. I had to
see him come. My hips began their dance. My hand wrapped around his
erection and moved in counter rhythm. It was hard to remember to breath
having him like this - watching his face. I could fall into his eyes they
were so dark and intense. His moans and gasps were working me hard. I
wanted to kiss him so badly, but I couldn't or it would have been a very
short ride. I fought the waves of pleasure coming over me and pumped into
his heat until we were both drenched in sweat. Finally, I leaned over Ben
to kiss him. That hot mouth did it for both of us. He cried out my name in
the kiss then drenched my hand. Again I had to ear my mouth from his. I
had no voice when I came. Sometime later, I realized that I had been
cleaned and dried and was being cuddled. Fraser was watching me when I
lifted my eyes to his. 

 "Just bury me on the hill behind the cabin and make sure Dief doesn't wiz
there," I murmured. 

 He chuckled. "I think you'll live, Ray." 

 "Sorry for the lack of foreplay," I said. "Didn't mean to just pounce
you." 

 "That's what I wanted," he replied. "I'm usually not so provocative." 

 "Ben, I find your breathing provocative," I said making him smile. "But
that finger thing did it for me. I was thinking of tying you down so I
could slowly drive you crazy, but that may be too much for me...you all
helpless and hard," I stopped talking with that image in my brain. "See,
you drive me crazy and you're just lying here breathing." 

 "I have to admit that I'm glad to hear it," Fraser replied. "You have
much the same effect on me." 

 I smiled at him suddenly sleepy. My head dropped to his favorite place on
his shoulder and we drifted off. 

 The next day, Fraser went off properly geared in his Mountie Kevlar and
walkie-talkie. And he had his fancy new cell phone (I'm not happy when
tourists get in my way on the trails but I'm glad they caused cell sites
to be put up out here). I bought us a pair of phones that sent photos. I
had it in mind that he would send me pictures of himself during the day,
but it's usually the other way around. I would get a message on the phone
that said, "Show me." Not a text message. It was his voice in a soft, warm
tone. And I would send him a picture of me doing whatever I was doing at
the time. It was usually something sweaty and involved wood chips. His
photos to me always looked above board, but there was that twinkle in his
eyes or the slightest of smirks. It was so hot with the perfect uniform
and the perfect hair. The joys of technology. So, the upshot was that I
wasn't worried about him. He wasn't due to go on any extended patrols. 

 I was planning on working close to home in the early morning and then
checking on the repair jobs towards noon. Fraser thought he might be free
for lunch in town. I was down with that. I was properly attired in the
correct amount of layers. And I had my phone with me. So Fraser wasn't
worried about me. Not much anyway. I had my suspicions about the lunch
invitation. And there would probably be all sorts of reasons to keep me in
town until Fraser was free to come home. I wasn't going to kick over it. I
liked being close by when weirdness was heading into town. 

 I started feeling strange around about 10a.m. -- just a little prickly at
the back of my neck like I was being watched. That didn't figure. Everyone
in the area knew that I wasn't a lawman anymore. And we weren't anywhere
near areas where poaching would happen. But it was hard to really figure
whackos, so I decided to get myself into town. I couldn't harp at Fraser
about taking chances and then do it myself. So, I finished the inspection
of the snowmobile engine, put away the tools and parts then closed the
shed. 

 The first shot came when I got close to our vehicle. It was an all
terrain we bought from the RCMP when they got new ones recently. I
wouldn't need a road to get away from these characters and I wouldn't have
to go slow. But I didn't make it. The next shot was close to my feet a few
yards from the vehicle. I ran in the opposite direction and took cover
behind some trees. It was time for the cell phone. 

 "Corporal Benton Fras..." 

 "Frase, I'm getting shot at in front of the cabin," I said as the next
bullet struck the tree. 

 "Can you get into the cabin, Ray?" 

 There was an open path with no cover to either door. "No way." 

 "Where are you?" 

 "The line of trees south of the cabin. The shots are coming from the
woods to the north," I said. 

 "They have to be on the rise then," he said. "You've got some distance on
them. Make your way through the woods toward town. We're en route." 

 "I'll get lost Frase. I'm used to the trails," I said. The next shot was
above my head. I started moving. Zig zagging to the next tree then the
next. 

 "Use the phone, Ray. Send me a photo of where you are. I'll get to you,"
Fraser said. "Don't talk anymore. Voices carry out there. Send me a photo
ever 30 seconds." 

 "Okay." 

 Sucked not being able to talk to him. But he was right. It felt like my
breathing was echoing for miles. I know voices would carry. I was sure
there were two of them. The shots were coming from slightly different
directions. They seemed to be trying to force me further into the woods
away from where I needed to go. I kept my course toward town even though
one or two shots got really close. That was getting to me. I hated being
played like that. And I was getting tired. It's not good to do a lot of
running in cold like this. I think I'd been scampering around for a half
an hour when I had to stop to get my breath. While dragging the freezing
air into my lungs, I shot another photo. In the distance ahead of me, I
could hear people coming. Had to be Fraser. The time was about right. 

 I made a move toward the noise and another shot rang out. This one hit my
left arm near my shoulder. I felt a searing burn, and then I was going
down hard flat on my back. Of course, there was something on the ground
where I landed. My back was screaming at me. 

 "Ray!" Fraser shouted from nearby. He dived on me. That didn't help my
back and I had to worry about him being shot to death. I could hear Dief
whining. The Mounties with him opened fire in the direction I came. 

 "Find them! But don't lose sight of each other and stay in radio contact
with me," Fraser said. "Dief, stay!" 

 There was a chorus of 'yes sirs' and they were gone. Fraser rolled off me
and radioed into town for medics. He gently took the phone I was still
holding then put it in his pocket. He smiled but he was clearly worried. 

 "Where are you hit?" He asked very gently. 

 "Left arm near the shoulder," I said. "And I hurt my back when I fell." 

 "Can you wiggle your toes?" 

 "Yeah. I can feel everything," I said. "That's the problem." 

 He opened my coat and carefully exposed the left shoulder. "It looks like
a deep graze. Your coat and layers prevented real damage." 

 "Ah, jeez. My coat's messed up, isn't it? I just broke it in," I
complained. 

 Fraser smiled for real. I guess I must be okay if I'm still bitching.
"We'll have to lay in a supply of them." 

 "Hardy har har, Frase," I mumbled. But I smirked a little. It felt good
that he was with me. 

 Ten minutes later there was help. I was put on a stretcher and taken to
the road then loaded into a vehicle. I told Fraser he could go on with the
others to find the shooters, but he and Died stayed with me. 

 "Someone was trying to harm you, Ray," He said. "I have no reason to
believe that it won't happen again. I should stay with you." 

 I wasn't badly hurt. The arm got stitched. My back was a big painful
bruise, but not seriously damaged. I wanted to go home, but Fraser didn't
think it was wise. 

 "We live in a remote area and these miscreants have evaded capture," he
said. "While you're recovering, I think we should stay at one of the
Inns." 

 I was surprised at that. Fraser hadn't hid our relationship, but he
didn't broadcast it either. Taking a room together would end all
questions. Unless, I was assuming things. 

 "Will you be staying with me in the room?" 

 He smiled. "Of course, Ray. Don't be silly." 

 Okay, that was good. I wanted him to hold me, but I could wait until we
were in a comfy four-poster bed. Meanwhile, I had other fish to fry. 

 "What the hell is going on?" I asked. 

 "I have no idea. This sort of attack is very organized and seemed geared
at terrorizing you," Fraser said with a frown. "It makes no sense. On the
plus side, one of the constables spotted a vehicle rented by the shooters
parked irregularly. They're checking on that." 

 I thought for a moment fighting the urge to take Fraser's hand. "I'll
call Welsh to see if anyone with a big beef may have headed this way." 

 "That's a fine idea, but I can do that for you," he said. 

 I must have looked as loopy as I felt. The pain reliever was kicking in.
"'Sgood, with me. Can we go now?" 

 I should have felt guilty, but I was glad that Fraser stayed with me
while I was discharged from the clinic. We checked into the Salmon Run
Inn, the nearest rooms to the Detachment. In two shakes, I was in my
skivvies under a warm comforter in a big for-poster bed. 

 Fraser settled down next to me on top of the covers. He stroked my hair
for a moment just looking at me. There was relief and concern on his face.
Then he leaned down. 

 "Ray," he murmured. Then I was being kissed very gently. I sighed against
his lips. "I want you to get some sleep. I'll be back in a little while." 

 I nodded but tilted my head up for another kiss. He obliged me. "Gonna
get my clothes?" 

 "I don't imagine you'll be needing them much, but I thought you might
like your toothbrush and some other things," He said. "I'll make sure I
have an escort and I'll call Leftenant Welsh." 

 "Thanks, Ben," I yawned. "Come back soon." 

 "I will. Dief, protect Ray," I heard him say as I drifted off. 

 Something smelled great when I woke up. Frase was back and out of his
uniform. He had a tray in his hands as he came in and kicked the door
shut. I noticed our overnight bags were in the closet. 

 "Hey, you've been busy," I said. 

 "I took the liberty of fetching supper. You were fast asleep when I came
back with the luggage," he said. "Roast chicken, potatoes and vegetables
courtesy of Mrs. Thompson. She doesn't usually make supper for guests, but
she took pity on us." 

 "Smells great," I said. I shifted to sit up and hissed. Fraser
immediately set the tray down on a table and came to help me. 

 "Easy. Let me move you," he said softly. He gently sat me up against the
headboard on some pillows. It still hurt but not as much. "You can have
another pill after you eat." 

 "I'm good, Ben," I said. "Just sore. Really freakin' sore." 

 Fraser eyed me like he didn't completely believe me, but he didn't say
anything. The tray was placed in front of me. It looked as good as it
smelled. 

 "Thanks," I said. 

 He smiled. "My pleasure." 

 I was going to ask, but Fraser beat me to it by stripping down to
underwear and climbing into bed with me. The food was great and didn't
last long. I knew we were starving because we didn't waste time talking.
We just ate until the plates were clean. 

 "By the way, you found me from some random pictures of individual trees?"
I asked. 

 "I am very familiar with those woods, Ray," he replied. 

 "But individual trees?" I asked. I still thought he had on tights under
that uniform. "Nevermind." 

 "Leftenant Welsh sends his regards," Fraser said as he took the tray
away. "He's going to do some checking, but a cursory look found none of
your more dangerous adversaries had left the Chicago area." 

 "Oh good. So we've made new friends," I said. "It just makes no sense." 

 "I concur. But we're both tired and out of sorts. We'll have more clarity
in the morning," he said. "Let's get some sleep." 

 Fraser made me take another pill before checking in with the night shift
for any unusual activity. Then he locked up the room, turned off the
lights and returned to bed. He was very gentle and careful about arranging
me next to him. 

 "I miss the fire," I said. 

 "As do I," he replied. 

 "Did you bring the journals?" 

 "Of course," he murmured. "We can write in them tomorrow." 

 Fraser's face was inches from my own. I could see a lot of emotion in his
expression even in the moonlight. He had been shaken by what happened. I
think more than I had. 

 "Ray," he whispered. Then he kissed me with such love and relief and
relish that my eyes were prickling again. I moaned at the heat in the kiss
wanting so much more from him. 

 "Please, Ben," I whispered against his lips as he pulled gently out of
the kiss. 

 "Rest Ray," He said softly but he was very firm. "I want to nothing more
than to make love with you right now, but you need to heal." 

 He kissed me once more then settled behind me. His body was between me
and the door. Dief stood guard next to the bed. It was an unfamiliar
place, but it felt safe enough. I fell asleep. 

 As always, Fraser was right. I felt better in the morning. And over the
most amazing pancake breakfast, I came to a conclusion about yesterday. 

 "All those idiots managed to do was get you and me away from the cabin
all night," I said. 

 Fraser paused between forkfuls. "Do you think that was the plan?" 

 "I don't know the why, but I know that's what they were doing," I said.
"They were really good shots. If they wanted me dead, they could have done
that anytime. But they knock me out of commission instead." 

 "They didn't know how much layering you had on," Fraser said. His face
was thoughtful - working the angles. "The injury should have put you in
the hospital. And I would not have left you." 

 "Someone's been checking us out," I said. 

 "Undoubtedly. And that's something we can find out about," he said. "But
why draw us away from the cabin?" 

 "My bet is on Nasty," I said. "What do you have on him?" 

 "As I said Ray, he deals in stolen property; is suspected of bank
robbery, train robbery, cattle rustling and round dancing at a square
dance," Fraser replied. 

 "There's a law against that?" I asked. 

 "Well, it's an old law, but a law nonetheless." 

 I stared at him. "What's the plan?" 

 "I'm going to canvass the town and see if anyone has been taking undue
interest in us," he said. "You're going to rest." 

 "Frase, I'm good. I'll just put this wing in a sling and come with you,"
I said. "I'll behave myself." 

 Fraser sighed. Then, he nodded. "I confess that I'd rather have you with
me. As sound as this place is and even with the detachment nearby, I'd
rather keep you in sight." 

 "Greatness," I smiled. "I was going to follow you anyway." 

 "I know, Ray." 

 Fraser kissed me then over the breakfast tray. He kissed me when I woke
up. Long and clingy kisses that didn't have lust behind them. He just
wanted to connect. I was down with that. The shower was great too. He was
mostly cleaning and checking things, but I needed to feel his hands on me.
After he dried me, I even got scented. I guess I smelled the way I was
supposed to. Things got a little heated then, but he pulled away when I
winced at a sudden movement. Things got a little more heated over the
breakfast tray, but we had to get on our way. 

 As soon as we started walking, I started wondering if this was a good
plan. My joints were loudly reminding me that they'd had enough moving
from the day before. Luckily, canvassing in Inuvik was more of an ambling
thing. It involved a lot of sitting and occasionally a cup of tea. Dief
enjoyed the snacks offered at every other place we stopped. The locals had
heard about the ruckus and wanted to know if I was okay. My new customers
were concerned for me, so I had to chat them up. I even did some business
while we were gathering information. We weren't exactly in a rush. In
Chicago, this pace would have drove me nuts. But it was nice to see that
the locals thought a lot about me and Fraser. And I needed to sit down now
and then. Fraser didn't say anything, but I noticed that every time I
started to slow down, he would steer me to someone who would have us sit a
spell. 

 By lunch, we had enough answers. And I had enough tea though I was ready
for a salmon salad sandwich on Mrs. Swenson's crusty bread and a bowl of
vegetable soup. Fraser was a little quiet as he went over his notes. Dief
was sulking under the table. Due to the amount of snacking he did during
the morning, Fraser was not inclined to let him have lunch. 

 "What's up, Frase?" 

 He looked at me a bit puzzled. "Aside from some strange hooligans
inquiring about our lives, I'm surprised at how much our neighbors noticed
about us." 

 I shrugged. "Small town, Frase. The locals tend to watch each other as
part of their day. Local law enforcement and politicos are high profile
than most. Everything we are is right there for anyone paying attention.
I'm glad they're so cool with it." 

 "Yes, I am as well. Truly. It's just surprising." 

 "They like you. They like me," I said. "It's a good surprise, right?" 

 "Yes, it is," he said with more confidence. "I just hadn't expected
things to be this easy." 

 "I know we've got a high bar for weird crap, Frase, but these few months
been anything but easy what with all the cartoon villainy and carpentry,"
I said. That got a smile out of him. 

 "The chimney was rather trying," Fraser admitted. He had that straight
face but the eyes were laughing. 

 "I told you, Bob Villa would never steer a guy wrong," I chuckled. 

 Fraser sunk into his sandwich while I fiddled with my notes. It seemed
very clear that the yahoos shooting at me yesterday had spent the day
before chatting us up in different parts of town. They were smart enough
not talk to too many people. It was just enough to make sure the
information was accurate but not enough to make anyone suspicious. They
may be goofy but they showed some brains. 

 "So, let me get this straight. These miscreants wanted us away from our
cabin or out of the area, so they went after me. They knew you would
rescue me," "I said. "Okay, I get that. I'm freakin' Lois Lane. I'm Robin
the Boy hostage." 

 That got a rub of the eyebrow. "I don't think they saw you that way at
all, Ray." 

 "Well, why didn't they come after you? If I came to the rescue, it still
gets me out of the cabin," I said. 

 Fraser looked confused. "I was at a fully armed detachment with three
Constables. Their plan wouldn't have gone very far." 

 "Oh, yeah." 

 "You need to look at it another way," Fraser said. "They took great care
to make sure you had no cover or way to a weapon. They also maintained a
safe distance from you even though they were armed. It appears to me that
they thought of you as a substantial threat that they had to keep
contained. They also knew they would have to wound you to stop you." 

 I squinted at Fraser, but he had his warmest and most sincere expression.
"Okay, I'll buy that. Now what?" 

 "I'm sending one constable out to the cabin with a tracker to see if
anyone had been in the area aside from us," he said. 

 "You aren't going?" 

 "No. I have some research that I can easily do here. I'm also not
convinced that you are out of danger," he said. "I've seen enough of these
stories to know that often the villain will double back and attack the
same person when it's least expected. Don't you want me with you? 

 "God yes," I said. "But if you don't go, they win." 

 "For the time being that's how it may appear," he said. "But I'm
confident we will prevail in the end." 

 "Okay, what am I doing while you're researching?" 

 "I plan to research in out room on the detachment's laptop. You are going
to rest," he said as if that was going to be that. 

 I had it in my head to argue. He was bordering on being high handed. But
I wasn't sure how much farther I could go. My knees were unhappy and my
back was yelling at me again. 

 "Right you are, Frase." 

 I was glad I didn't kick about going back to the room. As soon as I got
out of my clothes and under the covers, I was out. 

 When I woke up, I was plastered alongside Fraser. He was sitting against
the headboard. The laptop was on his lap, but I don't know how he was
working. My head was on his chest and he had one arm draped across my
shoulder. 

 "Very good, Constable. If you would be so kind as to e-mail me that
report as well, I would appreciate it. Good night to you," he said hanging
up the phone. 

 "Hey, Ben," I said with a yawn. 

 "Hey yourself," Fraser said. He raised his arm so I could sit up. 

 "Sorry for crowding you," I said. "Hope you got something done." 

 "I didn't mind," he said smiling at me. "I only need a mouse and a couple
of fingers to find what I was looking for. Besides, I enjoyed your
nearness." 

 Wow, that sounded good. He looked even better. There was something
decadent about being in bed with him while he was in uniform. 

 "Er, Ben. Are you allowed to kiss me yet?" 

 "I'm still on duty, if that's what you mean," he said. "And Mrs. Thompson
is on her way up with the tray." 

 Seconds after I straighten up and sat back in bed, there was a knock at
the door. 

 "I have a lovely pot roast for you boys," Mrs. Thompson said with a
bright smile. She set the tray on the table. 

 "You are spoiling us," Fraser said. 

 "Yes, thanks," I said. 

 "It's a pleasure for me to have you here," she said. "Come along,
Diefenbaker. I have your supper as well." 

 Dief was down the stairs before our Innkeeper could close the door.
Fraser turned to me with a naughty gleam in his eyes. 

 "Well, look at the time. It seems I am off duty." 

 He was scenting me again. Inhaling me where my neck met my shoulder. I
guess dinner could wait. 

 "People like to touch you, Ray," he murmured against my throat. "They
touched you all day." 

 I gasped when he nipped at me at the hollow of my throat. "Ida noticed if
Eustace touched me there, Ben." 

 He laughed softly against my skin as he moved his mouth toward my chin.
His kiss was hotter than earlier. I felt hunger in it. He was controlling
it, but I felt it. The kiss deepened making me moan. I was hard in an
instant. 

 "That's it, Ben," I gasped when he pulled back. "Need you." 

 I felt him pulling back. Dinner was waiting. I was still hurt. Didn't
want to hear it. I slid my good hand into his hair and pulled him back
down for another kiss. This time he moaned. 

 "You are driving me crazy," he almost growled between kisses. He pulled
back so that his mouth hovered over mine. "Do you know how much you sigh
and moan when you're asleep? You were pressed against me all afternoon
touching me and sighing my name. I couldn't respond. I was on duty." 

 "You aren't now," I said. "You won't hurt me, Ben. You couldn't." 

 Fraser's eyes got a little wild looking then. During the next kiss, aside
from my mind turning to mush He managed to very gently move me so that I
was flat on my back. 

 "Don't. You. Move," he said. He stood and stripped out of his uniform. He
didn't even hang it up. He pulled back the covers and looked at me like a
starving man at a buffet table. 

 "I want to see you come," I whispered. "Don't make this about me." 

 "God, Ray," he growled at me. "You don't make things easy, do you?" 

 I smiled at him. "Never, Ben. Never." 

 Then that mouth was on mine again. I felt Fraser move up close alongside
me. One leg nudged mine further apart. I wondered what he was going to do.
I felt his erection along mine then his hand wrapped around them both. He
was smart to keep my mouth covered. I wanted to howl because he felt so
good. Frase must have felt it, too. He was making a lot of muffled, hungry
sounds. It was so hot Frase could take and give so much at the same time.
And he knew me. He worked me to orgasm easily. As I was coming I felt him
gasp and a second wave of wetness covered my stomach. We gasped through
several gentle kisses before he let me go. 

 "Who needs a pain pill," I smiled. 

 He blushed at that, but said nothing just looked at me with that warm
melt your bones stare he gets. I started to get up, but Frase stopped me. 

 "Wait, Ray," he said. 

 "Frase, I feel great. Stop fussing." I said. "And I gotta pee." 

 The Mountie was determined. "You'll pull something in your back. Just let
me help you get up." 

 I stopped whining and let him get me out of bed. I was still a bit stiff.
After food, I was going to have the hottest of showers. After I took care
of business and wiped down from all that good lovin', we settled into the
meal. Dief showed up scratching at the door then. 

 "I think he knew when we uncovered the food," I said. 

 "More than likely," Fraser said shaking his head. "If only he was as
industrious a hunter." 

 Mrs. Thompson scored again with the pot roast. Even a little cold, it
tasted great. "So, what's the word on the scout?" 

 "There has been a great deal of movement north of our cabin," Fraser
said. "A couple of vehicles, one a heavy truck have passed through the
area on some old service roads." 

 "There's something out there to service?" I thought we were on the
outskirts of any sort of civilization here. 

 "No, but there was supposed to be," Fraser said. "During the Cold War,
plans were made to put a military base here and other places in the
Territories. They got pretty far here before it was abandoned. There were
service roads all the way from Yellowknife that could accommodate big
trucks. There is even an airstrip that can accommodate military planes.
Maybe even a building or two. It's been unoccupied for decades." 

 "Any clue where the truck came from?" 

 "Yellowknife. There was a cargo plane three days ago," Fraser said. "It
claimed to have come from Edmonton, but that's proven to be untrue." 

 "And of course, its registry was false, so there's no tracing it." 

 "That's correct." 

 "When do we head out to the air strip?" 

 Fraser raised a brow at the word 'we' but didn't argue the point.
"Re-enforcements from surrounding detachments are en route. We'll leave in
the morning." 

 "Any way they were tipped off?" 

 "No," Fraser said. "Constable Murphy and Frank Redbone only went as far
as the service road near our property. They didn't want to risk going
anywhere near the base with just two men. We've kept a very low key on
this investigation." 

 "Yeah and I think I was meant to be taken out for a while." 

 "Exactly," Fraser said. "We'll get a good night's rest and tackle them in
the morning." 

 I was more than happy to forget about villains and schemes for Fraser and
me in the shower. He was intent on cleaning me of scents from the day and
soothing my bruises. 

 "They aren't that dark purple anymore," he said as I stood under the hot
spray. "They're more of a yellowish-green." 

 "Still hurts," I said with a groan as he massaged my back. 

 Fraser kissed my back between the shoulder blades. "I know. It will get
better." 

 We got lost in soaping each other and kissing for a while. The water and
his hands were making a big difference in how I felt. By the time we were
toweling down, I didn't feel like a 90 year old man. But I did feel like
more sleep. I knew I'd be out as soon as I hit the sheets. Fraser looked
like he was ready, too. That's when Dief whined. 

 Fraser sighed and looked at me sadly. "I'll be back soon." 

 I started pulling on my clothes as well. "I could use a little air." 

 He smiled at that lie. The air was frigid, but I went with him for Dief's
last pit stop at the cabin. Didn't feel right being snug in bed while he
shivered. Besides, it was better if we were both freezing when we got into
bed. So we bundled up quickly then quietly followed the wolf outside. 

 "Do not pick now for exploring," Fraser said as he did most nights. Dief
yipped then trotted away. Fraser covered his mouth. His eyes twinkled at
me. I winked at him. It had been months and we were still almost giddy
with it. 

 "So, tell me, Ray," Fraser said. "If a villain fails to deter the heroes
by putting one out of commission, what does he do next?" 

 I shrugged. "Could be any thing. He may try to get the goods out and get
the cash before he's caught. The heroes find his lair before the plan is
done and there is the big battle." 

 "Our plan." 

 "Right. Or, the heroes simply stumble into the fiends when they are at
their most vulnerable - like not in their bright tights," I said. Fraser
smiled then looked alarmed. 

 The next thing I knew my back was on fire and a hand was over my mouth.
Whoever had me was really big from the way Fraser was looking up. "Don't
move, Corporal," The man said. "Are you armed?" 

 "No," Fraser replied. "Don't be foolish, Mr. Canasta. We're steps away
from the RCMP office." 

 "True, but I've got this." 

 He wrenched my injured arm and I screamed into that meat mitt of a hand.
I tried to tell Fraser with my eyes not to give in. He saw what I meant,
but I could see him caving. I could also see him signaling Dief who had
come up quietly. The wolf backed away at the signal. Canasta didn't
notice. He was busy hurting me. 

 "Stop it!" Fraser whispered. He was furious. God, he was hot like that. I
wish I could have enjoyed it more but every nerve I had was screaming at
me. "Let him go. I will cooperate." 

 He threw me at Fraser. I had no breath to cry out. Fraser held me against
him. I hated that freak seeing anything about us, but I had to lean on
him. 

 "That's it, Ray," He whispered in my ear. "Relax. Let me take your
weight." 

 That helped. The pain was calming down a little. 

 "Yes, I had thought this was the problem," Canasta said. "It didn't
figure that a Horseman would be on guard duty in a room with one bed -
even for a partner. Knew there had to be some sort of attachment there.
That complicated things." 

 "I don't understand," Fraser said. 

 I didn't freakin' care. Where was Dief with the back up? 

 "Follow me," Canasta said. I heard a gun cock as Fraser righted me onto
my feet. We moved a short distance away to an all terrain vehicle. Canasta
tossed Fraser two pairs of cuffs. "You do it or I'll do it." 

 Fraser cuffed my hands in front of me. His eyes were pure murder. 

 "He's in the front seat with me," Canasta said. 

 Fraser helped me into the front seat then buckled the seat belt. Canasta
cuffed Fraser then pushed him in the back seat. Great, now we were a
captive audience to the villain's grand ramblings. 

 "I picked Inuvik because of the airstrip and the sleepy town that it
was," he said. "Nothing much happens here and the law enforcement here
wasn't known for being spectacular for some time. Fortunately, I checked
before initiating the exchange." "Okay, we get that you had to take me out
to get us away from the cabin," I said. 

 "But I hadn't planned on that intimate connection between you two. Your
neighbors are very discreet," he said. "Had I known, I would have attacked
you both in the cabin. Wounding a mate makes the survivor more dangerous.
Even now, I believe the esteemed Horseman is considering doing something
other than turning me in." 

 "You will face justice, Mr. Canasta," Fraser said. His voice was certain.
"But that will not preclude me from giving you a thrashing frontier
style." 

 Wow, Fraser was really pissed. Canasta wasn't impressed, but I couldn't
wait to see him whale on this guy. It was also great to know he didn't
think of me as Lois Lane. I relaxed against the seat and put my head back
on the headrest. I willed myself to relax breathing through the pain. I
had to get Frase to throttle back a little. 

 "What makes you think you're in the clear now?" Fraser demanded. "There
are still RCMP in town." 

 "Very conventionally trained, I'm sure," Canasta said. "I'm ready for
them. You two tend to be an entirely different matter. Too much of a wild
card for this operation." 

 I almost smiled. If he wanted to get rid of the freak factor, he should
have whacked us both when we weren't looking for it. 

 It took about a half an hour on the service road to get to the abandoned
base. All the while, Canasta never shut up about his exploits. I wanted
Fraser to read him his rights just to make, but my Mountie was just
listening. I could still feel the anger rolling off him. 

 The old base had a small office building and an airplane hangar. The
airstrip and walkways had been cleared of snow and ice. They probably had
bulldozer attachments for the ATVs. They had brought generators for lights
and heat. I saw one at the office building. The Hangar had lights on as
well. This car must be worth a lot of money to go through all this
trouble. 

 Canasta's goons were on me as soon as the vehicle stopped. I just relaxed
and allowed myself to be half carried into the hangar. Canasta brought
Fraser inside. We were then tied to the nearest chairs side by side. We
both tried the make it difficult to tie us tight and got punched in the
gut for our trouble. Apparently, these mooks were familiar with that
trick. Then they left us alone and closed the hangar doors. As I worked
through the new pain, I realized it was fairly warm where we were. That
was a plus. 

 "This is a pretty nice set up for a lair out in the middle of nowhere," I
said. 

 "I would call it more of a hideout, Ray," Fraser said. "Lairs are
generally more elaborate." 

 "Who knows this isn't elaborate? There may be underground compound," I
laughed. "Orange jumpsuits and all. They may still think the Ruskies are
invading." 

 Fraser smiled. "While some Cold War measures were questionable, I doubt
that they would have put such a complex here. The ground is too hard." 

 I wasn't so sure. This looked like just the sort of set up that would
have Blowfeld or some crazy Commie hating general underneath us. I tested
the ropes again. 

 "Not that I'm complaining, but why didn't the idiot just cap us and get
it over with?" I asked. "He knows we're trouble to the nefarious." 

 "Nefarious?" Fraser smiled. 

 I smiled. "Musta picked it up somewhere." 

 "I have no doubt that Mr. Canasta will kill us, but he'll wait until help
is closer at hand," Fraser said. His tone was grim. "He wants to torture
us with the promise of rescue before killing us. And he wants to
demoralize our back up for having gotten so close and failing completely.
He's a sicko, Ray." 

 I looked up at him. Threatening a suspect and now slang. He smiled at me.


 "I must have picked it up somewhere." 

 We began to struggle against the ropes. It was then I looked up and
noticed the other thing in the hangar. It was silver, sat as high off the
ground as an army jeep and was round. It had US Air Force and US Army
marking on it. 

 "Frase, what's that?" 

 He looked up in the direction I was and smiled. "That's the Avro Car,
Ray." 

 "That's not a car. It's a flying saucer." 

 "It may look like one, but it doesn't actually fly. It hovers and only a
few feet off the ground," Fraser said. "That was part of the problem.
Though the mechanics did help in the development of hovercraft like
hydroplanes, this design proved to be ineffective for military use. In
fact, that's why the Canadian company developing it abandoned it to the US
military for further development after pouring a great deal of money into
it." 

 At that point Canasta walked in. Fraser ignored him. 

 "The engineers never could work out the problems," he continued. "It cost
millions by the time the project ended." 

 "This was a Canadian idea?" I asked. "Somehow, I thought they had more
basic sense." 

 "Yes, it was," Canasta said. "And my buyer wants it back on home soil." 

 "Why?" I asked. "If no one knows this boondoggle is from Canada, why not
leave it that way? I would." 

 Canasta chuckled. He walked over to me. When he reached out, I expected
to get slapped. It was worse. He cupped my jaw and made me look at him.
"You really are quite engaging. No wonder someone like this repressed
lawman finds you so attractive. Maybe there will be time to find out what
else you offer him." 

 I knew he was only doing it to tick off Fraser. And I knew it was
working. My Mountie was completely still, but he was back to furious. I
fought not to move. Nearly bit my tongue off not to respond. I didn't want
to get hit again and I didn't want Fraser to have to watch me get raped by
this big jerk. 

 "You two have a lot of self-control and I can almost feel you
communicating to each other," he said. "There would be so much anguish in
tearing apart such a relationship." 

 I wouldn't budge. Didn't even blink. Didn't move a muscle even when I saw
the blur of white dart into the hangar and hide behind the saucer. He let
go. 

 "Perhaps I'll have to make time," he said. 

 I don't think I breathed until the door shut. 

 "We'll have to get free soon," Fraser said. "I am rapidly considering not
allowing Mr. Canasta to live long enough to face justice." 

 "Oh, no you don't," I said. "You ain't doing nothing that will drag us
apart. Where's the furball?" 

 Dief trotted out then. I swear that he kept staring at that saucer
sideways. He had a Swiss Army knife in his mouth. 

 "Give it to Ray, Diefenbaker," Fraser said. 

 He dropped it in my lap. Since I was tied with hands in front, I could
open it, wipe the wolf spit off and work on my ropes. Dief whined
something at Fraser. 

 "He determined that we often need a knife in these situations so he stole
Constable Murphy's after sounding the alarm with the RCMPs," Fraser said.
"Our back up is heading up the road." 

 I got loose then freed Fraser from the ropes. There was a pick like
attachment to the knife that I used on Fraser's cuffs. Then he freed me. 

 "Can we get to the back-up?" I asked. 

 Fraser shook his head. "There is no cover at all. They could pick us off
before he got off the base." 

 "We can't stay here. Nasty will be back to screw with your head again.
And his merchandise is in here." I said. I did not want that man's hands
on me again. 

 "We'll take the Avro car," Fraser said. "According to my research, this
model still works. It's used for research. Mr. Canasta wouldn't risk
damaging his property." 

 "Fraser, you can't fly a flying saucer,' I said. 

 "I studied the basics in my research. I'm certain I can get it off the
base and down the road. We just have to reach the forest," he said. "I am
not going to let him violate you." 

 Yeah and it helps that you'll be taking his other prize away, too. But
what else could I do? Trusting Fraser was what I did. He jumped into the
pilot's side and studied the controls. 

 "As soon as I get this started, you hit the control for the hangar doors
and get in," Fraser said. "You ride with Dief." 

 The wolf had a lot to say about that. He wasn't impressed with the design
of the saucer either. Fraser shushed him then put him in the passenger
side. Boy, if we lived through this, the 2-7 would have something to laugh
about for months. Fraser studied the controls for a little while. He mimed
the hand movements over the controls. Then, he nodded and flipped some
switches. 

 I could tell what the first problem was with using the thing in combat.
It was freaking loud. But damned if it didn't float. I hit the hanger door
switch then jumped into the seat with Dief. Canasta and his goons were
running out of the office as we cleared the doors. One goon aimed his
rifle at us, but Canasta knocked it away gesturing at the saucer. By the
time we got onto the road, they were in their vehicles and after us. 

 The saucer only went about 40 miles per hour. Canasta and his men caught
up with us in a few minutes, but they had to deal with the conditions on
the ground. Even with four-wheel drive, the excess speed was making
driving difficult on the ice and snow. And when they moved to cut us off,
Fraser moved the saucer further off the road for a while until they spun
out or got stuck. The problem was, the ride was wonky. We kept waffling up
and down. 

 "Is the ride supposed to be this shaky?" I shouted. 

 Fraser nodded. "That was one of the problems Ray." 

 I lost the rest of his explanations on aerodynamics and rubber skirting
over the noise the saucer made. We were halfway down the road toward town
when I was beginning to wonder when Canasta would just shoot us in the
head to make us stop. That's when I spotted the RCMP vehicles. Fraser
swung the saucer out to go around then landed behind them. We had half
dozen vehicles with a dozen heavily armed Mounties between Canasta and us.
That made me happy, but I was really glad that the saucer landed upright. 

 While, Dief and I struggled out of the seat and tried to stand upright
without falling over, Fraser took off like a shot after Canasta. He was
even ahead of the back up. I felt a cold knot in my stomach. My Mountie
ran like a man possessed. I didn't know if he had any control left. 

 "No, Fraser! NO!" I shouted knowing he could hear me. Then I started to
run. Most of the Mounties were engaged in a firefight with the goons
alongside of the road. Fraser had followed Canasta into the woods. By the
time I caught up with them, Fraser was giving him that promised thrashing.
He was bouncing the man off threes. Because of Canasta's size, he wasn't
badly bruised yet, but he wasn't putting up a fight anymore. I lunged
between them before Fraser could hit him again. 

 "NO! No more, Frase," I said wrapping my arms around him trapping his
arms at his side. He was breathing hard and still staring at Canasta with
murder in his eyes. I'd never felt such tension in him. "Please, Frase.
Ben, please. On me, later. Use that fire on me. Please, Ben" 

 It was slow, but he relaxed. His eyes dropped to mine. Then he rested his
forehead on my shoulder. 

 "I know you love me, Ben, but you have to stop trying to kill every man
that takes an interest in me," I said. "Otherwise, Eustace is a dead man."


 Frase chuckled. I let him go. His eyes were shining. It still rocked me
how intensely he cared. The back up Mounties arrived and took in Canasta
without comment on his condition. Fraser told Murphy to have the prisoners
taken to town. The Captain that came with the tactical squad continued to
the airstrip and intercept the buyer. No one questioned Fraser when he
said he was taking me home. His report would wait until tomorrow or the
day after. It took some effort to get Dief to stop barking at the saucer
and come home with us. 

 Mrs. Thompson had very kindly packed our things and sent them to the
cabin. She even sent a meal we could heat. Talk about a sainted woman. My
pain pills were there as well and I was never happier to see them. Fraser
had me take one before he scrubbed me clean in the shower. He was gentle,
of course, but very thorough. He washed my face especially carefully. 

 If Fraser was still fired up over Canasta when he got me in bed, it
didn't show in his touch. He kisses were deep and intense but not
bruising. He claimed my skin with his tongue and his mouth. Sometimes
licking, sometimes sucking and sometimes nipping my skin, but it was all
pleasure and no pain. He aroused me slowly until I was lying open for him
and babbling with wanting him. Even when he pushed inside me, he was
gentle and patient. He waited until I was ready to scream to pump into me.
He kept me still watching my face. 

 "Mine, Ray. Mine," He whispered. His voice was urgent. He wanted an
answer. 

 "Yes. God yes," I moaned. 

 Frase gave me a small smile. Then he hit that spot that made my eyes
cross and forget how to breathe. I kept my eyes open as I came. I watched
him love the way he made me feel. I watched him give up to the pleasure
and come. I still can't believe he's with me. 

 Later, we were in his favorite sleeping position but neither of us could
sleep. 

 "Can I get a picture of the saucer?" I asked. "The guys at the 2-7 will
never believe that." 

 "That should be fine. It won't be picked up for a few days," he said.
"Ray?" 

 "Yeah, Ben?" 

 "Am I too possessive? I admit I've never felt this way before about
anyone," He said softly. "Sometimes I feel out of control." 

 "No," I said right away. "I love that your love is so fierce." 

 His arms tightened around me. "I need you so much." 

 "I know. I need you." I said. "Just don't take down Eustace." 

 He laughed softly. "Good night, Ray." 

 "'Night, Frase," I said with a yawn. I wondered if anyone would believe
my journal or his. I wondered when the next loonie tune would blow into
town and turn our lives upside down. Then I remembered how lucky I was and
drifted off to sleep. 

 Read all about it! The Cold War cash cow called the Avro Car can be found
at : http://www.avroarrow.org/Avrocar3.asp 

End Perils of Canasta by Mazeppa: mazeppastrumpet@yahoo.com

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