These characters belong to Alliance and I have borrowed them just for a
while. No intention of keeping them, at least not forever. 

M/M Graphic Content 

Rating NC-17 slash  

RK/BF/RV 

WARNING: If male to male bothers you then please move on. This story did
not have time to be beta checked, mistakes are all courtesy of me but I
hope you can still enjoy it. Also, my stories can be posted anywhere that
anyone see's fit to post them, course, it would be nice if you dropped me
a post and let me know about it so I can pass the info on. 

Thanks 

Hope y'all like it. 

maria jackson 

THE BUTCHER CAME KNOCKING 

"Good morning Benny and how are you doing today?" Vecchio greeted him as
he sat behind his desk rummaging through his morning mail. 

Fraser dressed in a pair of pre-washed jeans and a light green sweater
stood before his partner and smiled. He removed his Stetson before
greeting him."Well good morning to you, Ray. I am doing well, so kind of
you to ask. And you?"  

Vecchio smiled "Feelin' good Benny, really good. Where's Stanley?" 

Fraser made himself comfortable in a chair as he sat across from Vecchio.
"Well . . . I was going to ask you the same question Ray. I was hoping he
was here." 

Ray leaned back into his chair and glanced up at his ex-lover Benny. "What
happened to him Benny? Did you misplace him?"  

Fraser shook his head and smiled sheepishly before replying."No, I did not
misplace him but I haven't seen him this morning and I thought. . . . Well
maybe. . . . "	

Vecchio studied his partner and asked. "You two have a spat Benny? Weren't
you with him last night?"  

Fraser swallowed hard and ran a thumb nail across his eyebrow like he
always did when he was nervous. It was hard to discuss his relationship
concerning the other Ray because the Italian still harbored bad feelings
about the Mountie choosing Kowalski over him. Fraser stared at the Stetson
in his hands before replying. "W-we spent the evening together . . . . and
then he received a call from his father requesting his presence because
his car wouldn't start. . . . . It was um. . . . It must have been around
8:30 after we. . . . after we dined. I haven't heard from him since Ray."
Fraser looked up to see Ray staring at him. He noted that the statement
hurt Ray because his smile faltered. 

Ray grabbed the phone and reached over handing it to Fraser. "Well here,
call his mom. Maybe he spent the night at her place."  

Fraser could hear the bitterness in his partner's voice as the Mountie
looked at him. He shook his head. "Ray would have called me by now, Ray.
Even if he were upset with me he would have called me . . . .or at the
very least, he would have been here at his desk this morning. It is not
like him to disregard his job merely because he is upset with me."  

Ray grimaced upon hearing the Mountie talk about his and Stanley's
relationship. That was the last thing he wanted to hear about today. He
grabbed a file and added sarcastically "Oh, so I guess you know him pretty
well don't you, Benny? So maybe he'd be here early this morning begging
for your forgiveness for staying out all night, huh?"  

Fraser flinched at the sarcasm but understood his partner's anger."No Ray,
he would not have to beg for forgiveness because there is nothing to beg
to forgive. We did not have an argument . . . I'm concerned because it's
not like Ray to be absent from his duties here at the precinct."  

Ray felt guilty at having hurt the Mountie, after all, they were still
friends. And friends is all they could ever be because Fraser insisted
that he was in love with the blonde-haired detective who called himself
Ray also. He knew he shouldn't be attacking the Mountie but he just
couldn't help himself. It was Kowalski that he should be hurting because
he just couldn't stand the blonde. He reached for the receiver and dialed
the phone while glancing up at Fraser. "Benny. . .I'm sorry, don't know
what came over me. . . .just hold on a minute." 

Fraser shook his head. "It is understandable Ray, maybe I deserve it." 

Ray could see the worry in those soft blue-grays and pain probably because
of the shit he just threw at him. "No. . .no, Benny, you don't deserve any
more pain. I'm the one who got what he deserved. . . . .Hello? What do you
mean hold? Hold for what? Hello? Hello?"  

The statement bothered Fraser because he was the one tormented by the
guilt of having to choose between both Ray's. He had loved Ray Vecchio at
one time but things had not worked out and he was fortunate enough to have
found love with Ray Kowalski. He didn't know how many times he had
apologized to his partner and he felt he had to do it one more time. "Ray.
. . .Ray, I'm sorry it had to end like it did. . . . I am sorry things did
not work out between us. I never meant to inflict any kind of suffering on
you."  

Ray could barely summon up a smile before responding. "Not your fault
Benny, don't go blaming yourself for something that was beyond our
control. Hello Frannie? Frannie, have you seen Kowalski here this morning?
. . . No? Did he check in?. . . . No?. . . .well, can you get me Damien
Kowalski's phone number please?. . . . . There isn't one?. . . Ok then,
how about an address?." 

Fraser interrupted. "I forgot to mention that they haven't connected a
phone yet, Ray. I know where they live though so I'll just go and check
there myself."	

Ray shook his head and hung the phone up . He got to his feet and grabbed
his coat. "Nah Benny. I'll drive you over to their place and we can find
out what's going on. . . .. It's the least I can do for a friend and . . .
. we're still friend's aren't we, Benny?'  

Fraser smiled and tried to be a little more cheerful although he was
really beginning to worry."We are most certainly friends, Ray."  

Ray gave him a half-hearted smile and turned away not wanting the Mountie
to see his pain. 

Lieutenant Welsh stopped them in the hallway. "Detective Vecchio,
Constable Fraser and where is Detective Kowalski?"  

Ray mumbled to him over his shoulder as he headed down the hallway. "He's
downtown on a case Lieutenant. Fraser and I are going to go and join him
now. We'll be back a little later." 

Welsh looked at them head out. "He had better be on a case Detective
Vecchio and you had better be working on it too!" 

"Yes Sir!" 

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

Fraser was very quiet as Ray maneuvered the Riviera around some trash on
the deserted road that lead to Mr. and Mrs. Kowalski's home.  

"Hey Benny, I'm quite sure that he's ok. He probably met up with an old
friend, got wasted and crashed out at his mom's house or something."  

Fraser glanced at Ray then shook his head. "No, that is very unlikely Ray.
He would not do something like that. As I said before, he would have
notified me if there were going to be some changes. He understands how
important it is for him to call me."  

Ray felt the remark dig into him like a knife in the chest. His thoughts
immediately raced back to the time he hurt Benny with his phone call. Not
that it was deliberate on his part, but he wasn't able to tell Benny
goodbye and this is what broke up the relationship. He couldn't tell the
Mountie that he was going undercover and would probably never see his face
again. Their intimate relationship was fairly new at the time that he
received the news about going uncover. The thoughts slammed into him again
like a nightmare.//Why didn't I tell him good-bye?! All I did was call him
to tell him that I wouldn't be by to pick him up upon his arrival from
Canada. Just like that, like if he didn't mean a thing to me. And now. . .
.why didn't I tell him?//  Leaving Fraser behind haunted him every single
day. It was the price he had to pay for the sake of his job, well not
true. . .he had left Fraser behind because he couldn't handle a gay
relationship. Of course, he never told Fraser this because he still loved
him regardless of his fears. * What a fucking idiot I was! What a moron! I
lost a friend and lover all in one day because I decided I needed some
space! Because I was afraid to be labeled gay! Worst yet, I lost him to a
bigger moron by the name of Stanley Kowalski. That skinny, puny, good for
nothing guy who only cares about himself. What the hell does Benny even
see in that wimp with the funny looking hair?"	

Fraser stared at Ray who seem to be miles away contemplating on something.
It had to be bad because Ray wore a scowling expression. "Ray? Ray, are
you okay? You know you don't have to do this for me and I do understand
that this is quite awkward for you."  

Ray shook his head jumbling up those awful thoughts and glanced into those
beautiful worried blue-grays. He knew that he would do anything for
Fraser. When those huge puppy eyes looked at him it would melt his heart
and he was putty in the Mountie's hands. "Nothing's wrong Benny, I'm just
fine. I was just running some ideas through my head but. . . .it's you
that I'm worried about. Why didn't you go check with his mom in the first
place?"  

Fraser sifted in his seat and turned away. He tightened his hold on the
Stetson as he stared at it. Then he glanced at Ray for a few seconds and
replied. "Well, I didn't want to worry anyone needlessly Ray because at
first, I thought he would be in the office early this morning. . . . But.
. . .Of course, that proved otherwise. And. . . and Ray does not allow me
go over to his parent's house. You see, his mother was very understanding
about our . . . .our relationship, she's a very dear person, Ray. But Mr.
Kowalski on the other hand. . . . well, he did not take too kindly to our
relationship. When Ray divulged information about our relationship to his
father, he. . . . . well, he seemed to. . . . Ray and Mr. Kowalski ended
up screaming at each other. Then Ray had enough and said that we should
leave." 

Ray felt sorrow for the man that he was still in love with. He knew if he
found Stanley right now, he'd let him have it for worrying Benny so much.
The idiot was probably crashed out in some motel, with some bimbo after he
fucked her all night. But then that would be great news for him because he
could have Benny back. That is all he wanted since he returned and that
was to get the Mountie back with him. "Benny, I'm sorry to hear that his
father doesn't accept you but there's some people like that around and
your just going to have to get used to it." Ray wondered if Stanley was
having second thoughts about being in a relationship with the Mountie.
Maybe Stanley couldn't handle being in a gay relationship also. He looked
over to Benny. "Stanley should have had more sense then to tell his
parents about your relationship if he knew his father would react this
way."  

Fraser didn't like anyone attacking Ray. Some how he always felt
over-protective when anyone said anything bad about the man he loved. "It
was not Ray's idea to confront his father about our relationship Ray. .
.he did it because I requested it. Ray was dead set against his parents
knowing about our relationship and had gone so far as to warn me about the
consequences, but I insisted that they should be told." 

Ray glanced at the Mountie then back at the road. This had been Ray's
biggest fears also. He was afraid Fraser would have insisted on telling
his family, his mother about them being intimate and he couldn't do that.
No matter how much he loved Fraser. 

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

They arrived at the Kowalski's place and Ray noticed Stanley's father
sitting on the front porch swing reading a newspaper.  

Damian noticed both Fraser and another detective step out of the Riviera
and crunched the newspaper making a beeline inside the house.  

Within a few seconds Barbara came flying out, offering sweet smiles while
wiping her hands on an apron."Benton! Oh Benton dear, it's so good to see
you! Where's Stanley, Benton?" She rushed over to hug and kiss Fraser on
the cheek. 

Fraser flinched at the question, disappointed that Ray was not here. He
smiled cheerfully and returned the hug, while kissing her on the top of
her head. 

Ray noticed Fraser wince when she had asked about Stanley's whereabouts
but he had covered it up quickly by smiling and embracing her. Ray stepped
in and interrupted them not allowing Benny to reply. "He's on a case and
we were going to be in the area so he asked us to stop by and pick up his
wallet. Said he dropped here last night after fixing the car."	

Fraser was relieved that Ray had stepped in because he couldn't lie to
her.  

She reached up smiling and patted Fraser's cheek. "You need to put on a
little more weight dear! I have some coffee and cake would you two care
for some? And as for his wallet. . I don't think he left here but I'll go
and check." 

Ray shook his head and added. "No, we really don't have time for coffee
right now Mrs. Kowalski. . .what time did you say Ray left here
yesterday?" 

The question worried her and she glanced at Fraser. "Benton? Did you two
have a fight dear?"  

Fraser smiled and shook his head. "No ma'am. We have not engaged in any
arguments lately."  

She sighed and smiled relieved with his reply. "Well. . . . they stopped
working on the car around 10:30. I remember that because Stanley said that
he needed to stop by the store to pick up some french bread before it
closed at eleven. Something about some special breakfast that Benton was
going to. . . " She caught herself and stopped talking realizing that the
other detective with Benton might not know about their relationship. She
chatted a little longer and then they left. 

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

They drove back in silence as they both wondered what to do next. 

Ray turned to Fraser and added. "Benny. . . . Benny, I know it's none of
my business and you might not want to hear this but maybe he just needed
to get away for a while. I mean, since I came back he hasn't really
adjusted to having me around you know."  

Fraser shook his head. "No Ray. . .this has nothing to do with you and I
am sure of this because we had already discussed my previous relationship
concerning you. Ray was fine with this."  

The Italian didn't like the fact that they had discussed him behind his
back. That Fraser had discussed their relationship, probably all the
intimate details they had once shared and now Fraser was sharing all this
information with Stanley? This angered him. "God, I hope you didn't tell
him about how we fucked Benny! I mean that is between you and me! Maybe he
got jealous and just left Benny? I mean, come on and face some facts here!
Any guy hearing about some ex returning would have to get a little jealous
of the competition and probably head for the hills!"Ray glanced at the
Mountie realizing he had gone a little too far judging by his expression .


Fraser looked at his partner and gave him a god awful stare. It was the
kind of stare that could melt an ice burg. Fraser's jaw stiffen and his
lips tightened. "Ray. . . he did not leave me. . . . . .Ray would not
abandoned me and head for any *hills* as you say. He happens to love. . .
.would you please drop me off at his apartment and I'll wait there for him
there. Thank you kindly for your help Ray." 

Ray had not intended to upset Benny but lately that is all he seemed to be
doing. He was hurting so badly himself not being able to get Benny to
return so he kept picking on him . "Oh god Benny, why do I keep doing
this?! I didn't mean what I said, come on, you know that I didn't mean to
hurt you okay? I'll help you search, just tell me his favorite hangouts
and we'll both go take a look, okay?" 

Fraser's steely eyes softened a fraction at a time and his body relaxed.
He told himself he had no time for arguments about his past. He just
wanted to find Ray. The hours were passing by quicky and there was still
no sign of Ray yet.." 

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

Ray felt the chill around his face and looked up again at the thick rope
that secured his wrists tightly together. The way the rope gripped his
wrist reminded him of those cowboys that roped cattle in the movies. It
had been thrown over a beam in this abandoned warehouse and then fastened
to his wrists. He looked around for any movement in the dark warehouse but
it was as quiet as a cemetery at night. He realized that if he stretched
his feet a little he could actually feel the tip of his shoes touch the
floor but it caused him a great deal of pain up the sides of his ribs, so
he stop trying . His fingers had gone numb hours ago but he didn't know
how many hours because he couldn't remember how he got here. He closed his
eyes and conjured up the last few hours in his mind. //Okay, okay now
let's go over this again Kowalski. . . . . Dam! How long have I been
hanging here? Let's see, I left my mom's around 10:30 cause I was gonna
stop fer the bread Ben wanted. . . . and, of course, I didn't bother to
call Ben cause I was headed home. I mean, there was no reason to call when
I was gonna be home within thirty minutes. Okay, I got inta my car and
didn't check the back, bad mistake, cause when I drove out some idiot
jumped out of the back seat and stuck a gun ta my head. He must'ave done
something ta me to get me here at this abandoned warehouse, but I don't
remember if he knocked me out or drugged me? I do know my head was
throbbing when I woke up and found myself hog-tied to this beam. Now my
head and face are throbbing somewhat awful so he had ta have hit me. God,
let's not even mention the pain shooting up the sides of my body.// Ray
recalled that he had at first screamed for his captor to come confront
him, to show his face but did not receive a reply. Then he had yelled for
help but that was useless and stupid. "Shit! This hurts like fuck! Get me
outta here you fucking moron!" Ray yelled to on one in particular. He
remembered that at one point he had screamed for Fraser but there was no
way the Mountie was bound to hear him because he didn't even know where he
was. 

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

Ray and Fraser left the third bar now and no one had seen Ray Kowalski
since yesterday afternoon. "Okay, where do we head to next Benny? What
other joints does he hand out at?"  

Fraser was feeling alarmed by now as he stepped into the car. "I cannot
think of any other place he would go to, Ray. The only other place left is
the lake, but I doubt that he would be there right now."  

Ray gunned the engine. "Well it doesn't hurt to take a look Benny."  

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

Ray's sides were aching really bad now. The pain was intense and felt like
someone was pressing hot coals against his ribs. The muscles were being
pulled and stretched like a rubber band stretched beyond their limits,
feeling as if they would snap or break at any minute. And to matters worse
he was desperately thirsty. The dryness in his mouth made it hard to
swallow and it reminded him of that one time he ate several bags of flower
seeds on an overnight bust and forgot to buy a drink. His parched throat
had been a horrible experience then like it was now. He wanted to know the
time so he looked up at the watch on his wrist. But that proved futile
because he couldn't turn his hands in any direction since they were asleep
and he didn't have his glasses on anyway. Ray turned to look out of the
small broken windows surrounding the upper edges of the building and could
tell by the brightness outside that it was around noontime. Inside the
building was dark, cold and it smelled mildewed, sort of like old rust
sitting around for too long. Ray closed his eyes to focus better on his
lover Fraser. //Knowing Ben, he's probably already searching fer me. He's
kind of funny when I don't call or show up on time.// Ray remembered the
first time he lost his temper at Ben because the Mountie had jumped on him
for being late in getting home. Ray remembered yelling and screaming at
him and accusing the Mountie of being a nosy, nagging house-wife. But Ben
had only been worried about him, the Mountie had broken down and cried
after the fight because Ray had forgotten to notify him about a two day
stakeout and the Mountie had been worried sick. Ray had felt like the heel
that he was and had spent days apologizing and trying to make up to his
wonderful lover. The thought made him smile now because he had to promise,
promise mind you, to keep his lover informed of his daily activities at
all times . Ray shifted a little and yelped at the new pain that shot up
both sides of his body. He thought about his lover again and remembered
how he had scolded Ben on a dozen occasions because he hated being watched
all the time. But truthfully, he had to admit that he enjoyed the
attention plus the worried look on Ben's face at times. The Mountie was a
nagging wife, but Ben really cared about him and Ray loved him all the
more. Just thinking about Ben and his eccentricities made Ray smile and
thank his lucky stars that Ben loved him in return. Then a nagging thought
sneaked its way into his brain. * Vecchio is back! God, Oh God, how I hate
that Italian moron! He thinks he's so suave, sexy and sophisticated but
all he is, is a moron! He thought that he could just return and reclaim
everything that he left behind. What an idiot! Well, he can have his
stinking job back, plus his fucking name and his damn reputation but he
sure as hell can't have Fraser back! There's no way in hell he'll take
Fraser from me!" Ray looked around in the darkness of the abandoned
warehouse frantically hoping to find a way out and get back to his lover
Ben.  

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

Ray pulled the Riviera over to the curb in front of Stanley's apartment
and parked. "Are you sure you don't want me to file a missing report,
Benny? I mean, the man is missing and he is a cop."  

Fraser shook his head as he sat beside his partner and replied. "No Ray,
that will not be necessary. He will probably be home for dinner later this
evening. I have to get inside and feed Diefenbaker and I'll notify you
when he arrives. Thank you kindly for your help Ray. Your friendship and
help means a lot to me."  

Ray smiled and nodded while remembering the times when he used to drop
Benny off at the Consulate and he would reach over to kiss him goodnight
or goodbye. *Now, why can't it be like that again Benny? Why can't it be
more then this friendship thing that you keep insisting on having between
us?! I miss that beautiful face on my pillow and that beautiful voice that
used to tell me how much you loved me while fucking me. All those sweet
words that you used to whisper in my ear, and now . . . now they are all
gone! How did all this mess get started in the first place Benny? Was I
that stupid to walk out on you?! //  

 "Ray? Ray are you all right? Did you come up with a . . .  

"No Benny, I was just. . . never mind, just call me when he gets in ok?
I'll be waiting for your call Benny." 

Fraser smiled and that smile alone brought back a lot of good memories for
Ray.  

"I will keep you informed about any further developments, Ray. I really
have to go in now and feed Dief, good night." Fraser stepped out of the
car and hurried away. 

Vecchio watched him leave and sighed deeply thinking about how much he
missed Benny Fraser. //Oh how I miss you Benny. You closed the door to
your heart and I'd wish you'd let me in!// 

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

Ray stared up at his hands and wondered how long a person's hands could
survive without circulation going through them. Then he heard someone
stirring but couldn't make anything out in the dark. He yelled. "He-e-ey!
Ok, now that yer here come on over and tell me why the hell ya have me
tied up like some kinda piece of meat? Who are ya anyway and whaddya
want!. . . . He-e-e-ey! Come on man, talk ta me or are you such a chicken
shit!" Ray heard him shuffling, heading over to him as if dragging a leg
or something but couldn't make him out. 

The stranger stepped up to him and then kicked him in the knees.  

"Ow-w-w-w! Fuck You!" Ray yelped in pain. 

Then suddenly, without warning the ropes were cut and he fell to the
ground like a sack of potatoes. He let out a loud muffled moan when his
body hit the ground with a loud resounding thud. "Oomph!" Ray knew he
couldn't even make a dash for it because everything on him was either numb
or hurting.//Dammit! He knows I can't run off cause I'm one big hurt!// He
let out another yelp when the stranger yanked at the rope and tied it
around a pole. He left him enough rope to allow him to move around though.
 

"What the fuck do ya want and what am I doing here?! Hey! Get over here so
that I can see yer ugly face ya moron!" Ray was faced down unable to turn
around and yelled at him as he writhed in pain. Being released hurt even
more then being tied up because the blood was trying to crawl back into
his arms and hands and he kept writhing around like a giant worm. 

The stranger only grunted and flipped him over on his back. 

Ray screamed in pain at the agony of his ribs being kicked at.
"A-a-r-r-r-r-g-g-g-g-h-h-h-h! Damn mother fucker!  

The stranger threw water onto his face and Ray gasped as the water came
pouring down fast on him. He started coughing and choking and thought the
stranger meant to drown him but then the water stopped just as sudden. Ray
watched as the hooded person placed something that resembled Dief's dog
bowl with water within his reach and turned to leave. Then as an
afterthought he threw Ray a sandwich wrapped in foil paper and it landed
right beside the bowl. 

Ray was left yelling obscenities at him as he shuffled away. 

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

Fraser cooked a wonderful meal of spaghetti and garlic bread then he
glanced at the clock and waited for the chime to strike five thirty. He
went and sat at his usual chair on his usual spot in the dinning room and
waited for Ray to come home. In a few more minutes Ray would be officially
missing for twenty four hours now but he still had hope. Fraser glanced
over at Diefenbaker who stared at him knowing full well that his pack mate
was going to reprimand him as always. Fraser shook his head and scolded
him. "Now Diefenbaker. . . .Ray should be arriving any minute now and you
know how he hates for you to scattered your food around the floor like
that. He hates it when he steps into your food so get it off the floor and
back into your bowl Diefenbaker. And do it now!." 

Diefenbaker glanced at his meal then back at his pack mate and decided to
ignore him as always. He looked away and laid down next to the food on the
floor.	

Fraser was appalled by his behavior and scolded him again. "Now, you
listen Diefenbaker! You need to start doing your share of work around here
because heaven knows I am trying my patience with you! You are aware that
this is Ray's apartment and we are merely guests that are staying here at
his request? Now, where is your bowl Diefenbaker? I've already warned you
about hiding it!"  

Dief closed his eyes and ignored him.  

Fraser was about to scold the wolf further but heard a small tap at the
front door and quickly pulled off his apron hurrying to greet Ray. Smiling
cheerfully he swung the door open and added, "Ray? Did you forget your ke.
. . . Oh!" 

Barbara stood in the hallway smiling and holding a covered dish.  

"Mrs. Kowalski! Why it's so good to see you here, please do come in . . .
. here let me take that." Fraser took the covered dish off her hands and
made his way to the kitchen as she followed behind.  

"Benton dear! Haven't I told you to call me Barbara.. . . .now, where is
Stanley? Isn't he home yet Benton or is he going to work late?"  

Fraser got busy making tea for her then guided her to a stool. "Ray should
be here any minute now Mrs. . . .Barbara, so please, just sit back and I
will serve you some tea."  

She sensed something was wrong with her lovely future son-in-law because
her mother's instincts told her so. "Benton? Benton honey. . . what is
going on? I can tell that you are worried about something. Did you and
Stanley have a fight? I know how temperamental and irrational he can be, a
boy at times, but he's got a good heart, my Stanley does and he loves you
so very much, Benton."	

Fraser served her the tea and his smile wavered as he sat by her. "Mrs.
Kowalski, Barbara. . . . Ray and I did not have an argument but your
instincts are correct in assuming that something is amiss. . . Ray seems
to have disappeared. He didn't show up to his office this morning, which
is rather unusual for him, and I thought that maybe he spent the night at
your house. That is why Detective Vecchio and I went to your house hoping
to find him. Last night. . . . Well, he didn't come home and he hasn't
called which is unlike him. I am getting very concerned and I think it is
time to involve the police"  

She had been anxious since the Constable and the detective had come to the
house early this morning and this news scared her. She had known something
was wrong because she knew Stanley would not allow Benton to drive around
with that detective that came to her house earlier. Stanley had already
told her of Benton's affair with Detective Raymond Vecchio. "So where is
Stanley, Benton?"  

Fraser ran a knuckle across his eyebrow and added. "Well, I really don't
know ma'am, but I am really worried now." 

"Benton, sweetie, is Stanley jealous of you and that other Detective
Vecchio? The one who returned and took back his name and his job back?" 

Fraser glanced at her, then shook his head as he blushed. "No, no Mrs.
Kowalski. . . . Ray and I already discussed my uh. . .previous involvement
with Detective Vecchio and we settled it out between us. He was rather
upset and did yell at times but we resolved this matter. I know that he is
not missing because of anything that I have done. . . because. . . . I
have done nothing wrong. I love Ray, Mrs. Kowalski. . . .I am very much in
love with Ray." 

Barbara smiled and patted his hand. "Yes, you do love him sweetheart and
he loves you so very much too. A mother knows when his son is in love and
my son is in love with you. Now, what do we do next?" 

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

Ray grunted in pain as the sensations in his fingers and arms were
returning slowly. He could feel the pins and needles in his limbs and
wished desperately for his body not to move. The thirst had returned and
had become unbearable so he finally stuck his face in the bowl and
reprimand himself for not drinking it earlier. The water was refreshingly
cold, it was pure heaven as he gulped at it greedily nearly choking on it.
Resting his face in the dirt he was gasping and coughing for several
minutes trying to catch his breath. Then he glanced past the bowl and
remembered the sandwich. Looking at the wrapped sandwich he decided that
he needed to eat to keep his strength up. Stretching and reaching over for
it he managed to grab it between his teeth and pulled it closer to
himself. He tore into the foil in record time and managed to eat it
without choking on it.	

Ray's mind was in turmoil and he knew he had to figure out a way to escape
before his red coated lover would decide to come and rescue him. Fearing
for Fraser's life, he mumbled softly to no one around, "God, I hope my
hero isn't foolish enough to come here alone. Oh God, please keep Ben away
from here. Please, if he has to come, don't let him come alone!" Ray
scooted closer into the pole to release some of the tension on his wrists
and laid his cheek on the ground trying to plan out an escape. // I gotta
get out of here. My arms and hands seem ta be waking up and that's good.
Escape is my first priority and returning ta Ben is the other one.// Then
again he remembered about Vecchio being with Ben. Ben would have told
Vecchio by now that he was missing because he had been missing a whole day
now and the only logical thing for Ben to do was report his disappearance.
Ray sighed knowing full well that Vecchio would be hitting on Ben by now
with the Mountie being vulnerable at this time. Ray knew that Ben was
always in control, always had answers and plans but when it came to him,
when it came to the blonde-haired detective, Ben was a marshmallow. If Ray
was in any kind of danger, Ben would not hold up too well and this is what
worried Ray right now. That is why he had to find a way himself, and get
out of here now. His mind raced with thoughts and worries about getting
out of here. // I have'ta get the hell outta here! That fucking, damn,
idiotic Italian is probably seducing him this very minute while Ben is
venerable.// Ray realized they had only been together, intimately, for
five months and then the real Detective Vecchio returned. Ben's ex-lover
had returned and had made no bones about wanting his ex back. Ray
remembered going into shock the night Ben told him about his relationship
to Vecchio. At first he had been stunned by the news then he was very
angry and jealous and they had a big fight over Vecchio. But in the end
they had managed to get it all out and put it behind them until now. . .
now that the Italian moron returned thinking he could come back for his
ex-lover with no problems. "Ha! Well think again Vecchio cause the Mountie
is mine! He's in love with me and yer history Romeo! Thank God Ben
realized that you didn't love him! I'm just happy that he loved me and I
love him! God, I have'ta get the hell outta here now!" He was angry now
for being such an idiot and getting himself in this situation so he
thrashed around like a fish caught on a fishing line. He finally realized
that he wasn't helping himself so he stopped. //Okay! Okay! I hav'ta cut
this shit out! I gotta remain calm, cause I know that's what Ben would be
telling me ta do. I have'ta think of an escape plan and get the fuck outta
here so I can go and kick my jailer in the head and Vecchio too!" Ray
grunted as he eased his face back down on the ground. 

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

Fraser and Mrs. Kowalski presented their concerns to Lieutenant Welsh.	

The Lieutenant agreed that it was highly unlikely for Raymond Kowalski to
just wander off without notifying someone. Raymond Kowalski was now
officially missing for the last twenty-eight hours.  

Ray entered the bull room and noticed Fraser and Mrs. Kowalski in Welsh's
office. He headed toward the Lieutenant's office and knocked. 

Welsh motioned for him to enter. "Come on in Detective Vecchio, we seem to
be having a missing detective on our hands. Seems Detective Kowalski has
not been seen by anyone for the last twenty-eight hours. We're going to
need everyone available working on this case Detective Vecchio so get
Detectives Huey and Dewey to help you out. Mrs. Kowalski, this is
Detective Vecchio, one of Chicago's finest."  

She glanced at him and smiled. "Hello, Detective Vecchio." 

Ray smiled and nodded at her then shifted his gaze to Fraser displaying
mild annoyance. "Excuse us Lieutenant, but I need to talk to Benny."  

Fraser nodded and turned to Mrs. Kowalski, "Would you please excuse us? I
will be right back."  

As soon as Ray closed the door behind Fraser, Ray grabbed the Mountie by
the upper arm and whispered a little upset with him."Why didn't you call
me and tell me that you were going to report this? I thought you trusted
me, Benny? I am trying to help you!"  

Fraser stepped back a little as he caught Mrs. Kowalski eyeing him. He did
not know how much Ray had told her about his relationship to this Ray. He
also didn't want her to get any wrong ideas about his loyalty to her son.
"Ray, you are well aware that I have to go through the proper channels so
Mrs. Kowalski and I decided it was time to notify the Lieutenant about
Ray's disappearance."  

Ray scoffed "And you couldn't call and tell me that he didn't come home
for dinner? You had to by pass me and tell the Lieutenant first, knowing
full well, that I wanted to help you too? We're supposed to be friends, am
I correct Benny? Or maybe you're too afraid that Stanley will find out
that you came to me first and it would make him jealous? I haven't stopped
caring about you Benny and it's true that I can't stand Stanley Kowalski
but I'm not gonna stand by and watch you hurt either! If you worry about
him, then I worry about you!"  

 Fraser stared at the floor, embarrassed by the accusations because they
were all true. He held the Stetson behind him clasped in both hands and
breathed a little heavily trying to hide his tears. He took a deep breath
and set his eyes on those green ones that were staring at him in anger.
Calmly, he remarked. "You do not understand the situation Ray. Raymond
Kowalski is so unlike you, under that macho, bravado that you see is a
very sensitive and vulnerable person. You do not want to see what a
wonderful man Ray really is because you are so busy being bitter. You and
I are aware that we did not have a solid, intimate relationship Ray. You
think I did not know how uncomfortable you were being my lover? Being
labeled gay? I knew this Ray, you didn't have to tell me because I knew
already. . . . .What we do have is a solid friendship Ray. Yes, Ray
Kowalski would be jealous knowing that I came to you for help but he would
understand that finding him is your job. I intend to find him Ray, with or
without your help because I am in love with him."  

Ray felt that knife pierce his heart again at the mention of Fraser's
unyielding love for Stanley. He stared at the Mountie totally
disillusioned by the man he used to know and love. Of all things he didn't
need to hear now was how much Fraser needed Stanley or how much Stanley
needed Fraser. 

Welsh stepped out and interrupted them. "Excuse me gentlemen, but it's
getting late and I already called for reinforcements. I need for you to
get on this right away, Detective Vecchio,. You too Constable Fraser, you
go ahead and go with the detective and keep me informed of any new
developments." 

They both nodded and Fraser turned to acknowledge Mrs. Kowalski. "Let me
accompany you to your car ma'am. The investigation is underway and we'll
find him . . .Barbara."  

She smiled and patted the Mountie's cheek as he wrapped an arm around her
waist and guided her out of the bull room. He reassured her that he would
find Ray and bring him home safely. That he would not quit till he found
his man. 

Ray watched them walk away and felt his heart break into pieces once
again. 

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

Ray licked his lip feeling for the sore spot where the butt of a gun must
have landed. Feeling the swollen lip he snarled "Who the fuck are you!" He
eased his head back down on the floor, this time facing up and closed his
eyes thinking about Fraser again. He licked his lip again and then smiled
remembering how Fraser always complimented his full-lower lip especially
when they were being intimate at night. Fraser loved teasing his lower lip
by taking it between his teeth and nipping at it sometimes a bit too hard.
He would yelp and that would make Fraser smile making those blue-grays
glitter with happiness. Ray would pretend to scold him, telling him to
quit doing that cause it hurt but Fraser would coo and compliment that he
couldn't help himself. That Ray's lower lip was so tempting and juicy
looking, yes, Ben had said juicy looking, and Ray had laughed and let him
keep nipping his lip after that. 

Ray stirred when he heard his captor shuffle in. He turned his head to
watch the shadow enter. Then he yelled. "H-e-e-e-e-ey! Ya mother-fucking,
yellow-bellied, moron! Why don't cha come and talk ta me! Come on and show
yer face!"  

The stranger came closer and closer to him until he stopped right in front
of Ray. Then he kneeled and glared into Ray's blues with his black,
smoldering, angry eyes.  

Ray could not make out his face because it was late at night now and the
warehouse was pitch black. But his skin crawled when the man croaked out a
greeting. 

"Well, hello Stanley. And how are you doing today?" 

This shook Ray up and sent goose pimples all over his body. The fact that
this stranger knew him. Not only knew him but knew his first name. No one
outside of the precinct knew Detective Vecchio had returned so he was
still Detective Vecchio to the outside world. // Jesus Christ, he knows my
name? He didn't call me Vecchio, he called me Stanley! . . . and that
voice! That voice sounds so familiar. . . . so familiar!"  

The stranger inched his way in closer then Ray jumped when he saw the
flicker of light and realized he had just flicked on a lighter.  

Ray studied the deformed face but still could not recognize him. 

A vicious, crooked grin spread across the man's face as he snarled "You
fucking bastard! You don't even remember me! Now, I'm insulted! All these
years that have gone by and all I could think of was you while I sat in
prison. I kept wondering how things would have been different if you
hadn't stumbled into my hiding place. You got lucky Stanley, you weren't
even looking for me and just managed to stumble into my place. Then you
got awards for capturing me! You got a commendation for my arrest and you
were all over the news and papers! And all because you stumbled into me!
Did you think that I would forget you Stanley? Did you?!"  

A horrific thought crawled across Ray's mind and then he felt the Reaper's
ice cold hand gripped hold of his brain making the hair on the back of his
neck stand straight up in fear.  

The fear in Ray's eyes told the stranger all he needed to know and the
grin seemed to spread even more in that monstrous looking face.  

A mind-numbing, torturing horror had stationed itself into Ray's brain and
he could only compare this fear to the time when he was around ten and
fell off the roof of his mother's house. In horror, Ray had watched as the
ground was reaching up really fast to make contact with his face and his
scream got caught in his throat. Stanley Raymond Kowalski knew who this
creature was, not his name because that was not important, but the fact
that this creature had butchered five cops. This raving lunatic was on the
*most wanted fugitive list* for butchering five cops in the surrounding
areas where Ray used to be stationed at. Ray closed his eyes tightly,
forcing back the sandwich that threatened to make it's way back up into
his throat. His mind now allowed thoughts to enter. // Oh dear God! What
have I gotten myself into!// 

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

The silence in the car was as quiet as the cemetery at night. Ray drove
aimlessly and morosely staring only at the street while gripping the
steering wheel tightly.  

Fraser, feeling uncomfortable with the tension turned to look at Ray.
"Ray? Ray you do not have to do this. I know how uncomfortable this has to
be for you. I know that my presence does not help you in anyway, maybe it
would be best that I should ride with Detective Dewey."  

 Ray swallowed hard trying to force the pain down and glanced at the
Mountie. "Benny.. . . you're right about this killing me. Having to sit so
close to you and not touch you is killing me. I want to talk. . ..we need
to talk. . . . .when I was here with you, we made promises to each other.
At the time I didn't take those promises too seriously but then again, I
didn't expect to be transferred anywhere. I thought that you and I would
had a really long term relationship and there was no danger anything or
anyone coming between us. . . . And I also didn't expect for either of us
to live long enough to fulfill those promises anyway, with the kind of job
that we have. . . . .. Ok, so I got a new job to do that was away from you
and . . . .and I came back and you moved on. I thought after leaving you
that I too, had moved on but . . . .When I returned and saw you again,
well it just sort of all rushed back to me. I thought we could start all
over again but I had no idea you had fallen in love with someone else! It
just threw me for a curve Benny. Ok, so now you're in your cozy little
relationship and I'm the idiot looking in. I can understand how you got
lonely Benny but I still want you back! It's true that I made a mistake
about my identity, about being labeled gay but it doesn't matter now! I
have gone beyond that!"  

Fraser had been watching him speak, focusing on the pain behind those
Italian greens and took a deep breath before he replied. "Ray. . . .Ray I
don't know how else to apologize to you for causing you so much pain and
misery. You, of all people, should know that I am not a scholar with words
of the heart when it comes to love but it pains me to see you hurt. I am
deeply, touched and flattered that you still . . . .love me, but I regret
that I do not share your sentiments. We made what you called, and I quote,
"pillow talk" promises Ray. But as I recall you once saying that all those
promises that we made, were merely pillow talk that would fade away when
the morning ray's of the sun would shine on us. Well Ray, the morning
Ray's of the sun did shine on us. 

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

Ray finally found his voice and breathed out his shock, "T-the B-Butcher!"


The laugh that escaped the shadowed man boomed out in a high-pitched,
sinister roar. "Oh Stanley! You remembered who I am! I am so honored and
flattered that you can still remember my name! Well, now that we have our
salutations out of the way guess what I brought in honor of our gathering?
Well, you don't have to guess because it will be my pleasure to show you!
Here, just let me light up these candles and we can all take a look at
what the Butcher man brought his favorite detective in the whole world!"
The butcher reached behind him grunting with eagerness and dropped a large
satchel bag besides Ray's face.  

Ray jumped away but the dirt still speckled up on his face when the
satchel hit the dirt.  

Ray watched in horror as he tipped the bag upside down and emptied it of
its contents. He groaned deep inside, scared shitless as his eyes locked
on his instruments..  

The Butcher laughed in delight watching his nemesis freeze in fear. He set
about picking up each razor sharp knife and placing them on a nice, white
towel besides him. Picking up each knife tenderly and carefully as if they
were made of precious gold and whispering under his breath. "I brought all
my most prized and favorite ones for you, my friend." 

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

Fraser held the cigarette butt up to Diefenbaker's nose again as they
stood outside Mrs. Kowalski's house. Dief sniffed at it then barked and
took off.  

Fraser watched him sprint across the field then ran to Ray's Rivera with
Ray on his heels. "Let's go Ray! Dief knows something!"  

They jumped into the car and Ray peeled off in pursuit of Dief.  

It was difficult to keep up with the wolf but then Ray was disappointed
when Diefenbaker lead them back to Stanley's apartment. "Oh great! He
brought us back to Stanley's apartment! Of course we know Stanley lives
here Diefenbaker!. . . Now what Benny?" 

Fraser stepped out of the vehicle and rummaged in his pants for his set of
keys. "Come on Ray, maybe Diefenbaker found something inside." ' 

Ray had reservations about entering the enemies territory. He didn't want
to go in and be reminded that this was the new place Fraser was hanging
out now on his spare time. Fraser was already inside so Ray stepped in
hesitantly and stopped at the doorway. He heard Fraser calling him and
headed to the living room. It was clean with everything placed in its
proper place. But his eye caught certain things that belonged to the
Mountie. His bedroll was rolled neatly in one corner. His blanket was
spread across the sofa as if someone had slept there, maybe two someone's.
He heard Fraser calling to him from appeared to be the kitchen so he
hurried over and froze as he stared into the bedroom. The bed had not been
made up yet and there was clothes laying on the floor. Ray recognized one
of Fraser's t-shirts lying crumpled next to Ray's tennis shoes. When he
glanced up he saw Fraser's red serge tunic hanging nicely on a hook in
Ray's opened closet. The one thing that made him psychically sick was the
fact that someone's, which was more then likely Stanley's, underwear lay
thrown on top of the Mounties shiny, brown boots. The sight nauseated him.


Fraser came up behind him and noticed Ray's discontented face. It was a
mixture of hate and disgust. "Ray?" 

Ray turned and stared at him enraged by what he saw. "Are you living here
with him?"  

Fraser stared at him then nodded, not in shame or embarrassment but merely
stating a fact. "I make my residence here Ray. I just relocated last
month."  

Ray felt that ever present knife in his heart go in deeper. He snorted out
a reply totally disgusted with himself and with his ex-lover. "Benny. . .
.Oh God ,Benny how could you do this to. . . .never mind, just forget it.
. . .Benny, Dief just smelled Kowalski's scent, he's just wasting our time
so let's go out in the streets to look for him." 

Fraser's patience was coming unraveled a thread at a time. He had hoped
Ray could put his personal feelings aside and concentrate more on finding
Ray but that did not seem to be the case. "Ray. . . Ray please, We should
investigate around this area for possible evidence. Diefenbaker would not
lead us astray, only to follow Ray's scent. He brought us here for a
reason. "  

Ray frustrated by the lack of sleep, food and mostly sex grabbed Fraser by
the wrist. "Look Benny, I know you want to find him but I'm just saying
that we need to stick to our leads before they go cold! I don't think
Stanley is in here and I don't think his captors came here either! Now
let's go!"  

Fraser tensed up immediately when Ray grabbed him. He saw the anger and
frustration on his partner's face and that enraged him. He could not
understand why Ray was letting personal feelings come between their
investigation In a fit of anger he yanked his hand away "Fine! If being
here makes you uncomfortable just say so Ray so that I can resume the
investigate on my own!"  

Ray watched the tears form in Fraser's eyes and again his heart was
treading where it shouldn't be. He stepped forward and embraced the
Mountie. "Hey. . . come on Benny, I 'm sorry! I realize this hurts you and
I don't mean to hurt you."  

Fraser refused to break down and cry in front of Ray. He didn't want pity,
he wanted help. He tried to move back from the embrace then he felt Ray's
hand cup his chin and they stared at each other, Ray with those hurting
dark green eyes into Fraser's hurting blue-grays. Within seconds the
Mountie felt Ray's lips press into his hungrily, pushing his tongue past
Fraser's lips and into his warm mouth.	

Fraser was stunned, receiving this kiss like a slap in the face. Enraged
and offended he pulled away quickly. "That was totally uncalled for! Why
did you do that! I thought we understood each other Ray! I thought you
understood what Ray means to me!" 

Ray watched as the Mountie panted in anger and he shook his head. "Aw come
on Benny, it was just a kiss." 

"No Ray, it was not just a kiss, it was an insult! Obviously your
definition of friendship differs from mine! It is obvious by your behavior
that you do not care for Ray's life but I do! My intentions of friendship
were honorable, Ray! Why would you jeopardize our friendship or my
relationship? . . . . Get out of here Ray! Just leave me alone! Please
leave me alone!"  

Ray's eyes glared with hatred and he turned away, storming his way out the
front door.  

Fraser felt totally lost, he was alone and confused. He retreated to the
window and watched as Ray practically run to his car, revved the engine
and sped off. That kiss was the final straw, the last thread supporting
his sanity snapped loose and he lost it. The tears streamed down his
cheeks and then he fell to his knees and sobbed. The sobs came easily
after the first one and his body jerked with each wail that poured out of
him. Sobbing fiercely on his knees he cried out in anguish."Oh God Ray I
need you! Where are you?! I need you to come and hold me and stop this
torturing pain! I need your arms embracing me making me feel loved and
secure again! Oh Ray. . . Ray where are you?! You're breaking my heart and
you promised that you would never do that! You promised that you would
never hurt me! What am I going to do if I can't find you Ray?! I'll die
without you, I'll die without you, Ray! OH RA-A-A-A-AY!" He wrapped his
arms around his body, hugging himself tightly then cried in loud painful
sobs while chanting Ray's name between each painful sob. Then he leaned
forward placing his forehead on the floor allowing his tears to slip into
the floorboards. "Oh Ray!<sob> Oh Ray! Oh Ray!"  

 The knock at the door dragged him out of his confinement of loneliness
and pain. Wiping his face with his hands he went to the door expecting Ray
to be apologizing again. But instead Mrs. Kowalski appeared, smiling at
first, then her face dropped seeing her future son-in-law drenched in
tears. "Benton! Oh God Benton what has happened!?" She reached up and
embraced him, smoothing the hair on the back of his head down. "Benton
tell me!" 

Fraser wrapped his arms around her and dropped his face into her shoulder.
The sobs returned as he was unable to suppress the tears. "I don't know
what I'm going to if. . . " Then his body stiffened and he quickly stepped
back when he noticed Mr. Kowalski standing farther out in the hallway.
Fraser straightened up and wiped at his face before remarking rather
hoarsely. "I would like to apologize for my behavior, Mr. Kowalski, Sir..
. . . .both of you, please come in."  

Barbara glanced at her husband then back at Fraser and tucked him back
into an embrace. She patted his back and added. "Don't you dare apologize
sweetheart. You cry all you want! I know exactly how you feel."  

Fraser and Mr. Kowalski stared at each other then Fraser gave her a tight
squeeze before inviting them in again. "Please come in. . . . Mr.
Kowalski, please come inside."	

He nodded nervously and passed Fraser going inside to find his wife
sitting on the couch. He made his way in and sat by her.  

Fraser followed and sat opposite them. "Can I get you some tea perhaps?" 

Damien shook his head and asked."So Constable Fraser, have you heard
anything on Stanley?" He already knew the answer because of Fraser's tears
which were shed, no doubt, due to the disappearance of his son.  

Fraser composed himself and replied "No Sir, but I have some leads. Would
you care for something to drink Mrs. Kowalski?"  

Barbara stood up. "I will make us some tea dear and you sit and tell us
what new leads you have." 

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

The Butcher stared and admired all his new knifes and blades that he had
bought especially for Stanley. His eyes glimmered and the grin never left
his face. 

Ray was shaking deep inside but knew he had to keep his bravado up if he
intended to come out of this alive. He forced himself to look into his
captor's eyes and demand his attention. "Okay, Okay so you got me here,
now whadda ya gonna do about it? You gonna chop me up inta little bitty
pieces and feed me ta the fish? Or maybe I'll be the chop suey huh? Yer
not even gonna give me a chance ta fight back are ya? Hell, even I gave
you a chance to fight back Butcher man!"  

The Butcher's smile faltered for a second then it was back up flashing
like a bright neon sign. He reached out and kicked Ray in the knees again.
 

This time Ray, did not give him the satisfaction of crying out. 

"Tough little shit aren't you Stanley Kowalski? Well Stanley, now I'm
going to tell you what you wanted to know back then! Now you get to hear
all the gory details you wanted to know when you interrogated me. I want
you to know how I tortured them, how I made them bleed and squeal like
hogtied little piggies! I want you to feel it Stanley! I want you to feel
every single cut I carved into your body because I am going to enjoy
carving you out like the turkey that you are!"	

Ray felt that he was going to puke. Suddenly, he really didn't want to
hear all details now. His body shuddered and he looked away from those
fiercely angry. black eyes.. "Oh God, please help me! He is really gonna
kill me!" Ray prayed silently, "Fraser! Oh Ben, please come and get me!
Please find me! Oh Fraser. . .Ben, I love you." 

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

Fraser divulged all he knew about the investigation to Ray's parents as
they sat around the dinner table drinking tea and coffee. Then it suddenly
dawned on Fraser that Diefenbaker had lead him here earlier before all
hell broke loose with his emotions. "Oh Dear Lord! I just remembered that
Diefenbaker had some important information, maybe a lead! Please excuse me
Mr. and Mrs. Kowalski! Dief! Diefenbaker come here!"  

Dief jumped off his pack mates bed and pattered his way to the dinning
room where his other pack mate stood by the table. He glanced at his other
new pack mate's family then up at Fraser. 

"Diefenbaker, you know something! You were trying to tell me something was
amiss in the kitchen!  

Dief barked and darted out to the kitchen.  

Damien and Barbara looked at each other not understanding what was going
on as Fraser dashed after his dog/wolf.  

Fraser stopped when he saw Diefenbaker sniffing at his food. "What is it
Dief? Your food? What is wrong with your food Dief?" Fraser kneeled down
and scooped the scattered food up from the floor and smelled it. Nothing
seemed to be wrong with it. He licked it and again nothing seemed to be
wrong with it. "There's nothing wrong with your food Diefenbaker. . .and
where is your bowl? I already told you. . .." 

Dief started barking incessantly. 

"Your bowl? Where is your bowl? He took your bowl! The perpetrator was
here and he took your bowl!" 

Dief danced around then stopped. Then he dashed out of the kitchen and
Fraser again bolted after him. He followed Dief to the bedroom. 

Barbara and Damien gave each other curious looks again. 

Fraser rummaged through the closet as Dief sniffed around in it. He
noticed that none of the clothes were missing. Since Fraser had moved in
he had re-arranged just about everything and it had enraged Ray. He
recalled Ray yelling and screaming at him on one of those espousal
arguments after Fraser had done some spring cleaning. 

 //Lookit! Lookit all this cleanliness, Fraser! How the fuck am I supposed
to find anything in this tidy house! This isn't the fucking Consulate,
Ben, this is our home! Hell! Dammit Ben, you even messed up the
arrangement of my dirty clothes! How am I supposed ta know which one is a
little dirty or a lot dirty?! You just went and hung it all up! I'm gonna
have a cow Fraser!//  

Fraser smiled even now remembering the conversation."Now Ray, you are
overreacting because you cannot have a cow. A human being having a cow
would be anatomically impossible because there . . ."  

"Fraser!"  

"Yes Ray?"  

"Just shut up and don't move my clothes again!"  

"Understood!. . . . But Ray. . . . the scent of your body in fresh clean
clothes drives my hormones insane and makes me want to make hot,
passionate love to you."  

"It does?. . . .uh. . .Okay, you can uh. . . . hang my clothes but . . .
but leave my remote alone, okay?" 

"Yes of course Ray. . . .Understood." 

Fraser smiled then his eyes fell on the empty box in the corner of the
closet. He noticed Ray's gun thrown right beside it and a cigarette butt
right next to it. He picked up the butt and whiffed it recognizing the
smell as the same one on the Kowalski's property. The man was obviously a
smoker and he had been here looking for something or probably just hiding
in the closet waiting for Ray. Fraser looked at the gun again and
recognized it as Ray's. It was not the one he carried in his shoulder
holster but the one he stuffed into his boots. He stared at it for a
second or two then took it and slipped it into his pants pocket. The
Mountie was backing out of the closet when he caught the aroma of Ray's
cologne drifting off one of his shirts. He reached for the shirt hanging
on a hook next to the closet and brought it to his nose inhaling deeply
the faint scent of vanilla, musk and Ray. The shirt embodied the inner
essence of Ray and it made Fraser want to cry again. He placed it back on
the hook and turned to Diefenbaker who was back on the forbidden bed, the
bed Ray forbid him to sit on. Fraser added. "Diefenbaker. . . .let's go
find Ray. We'll find your bowl and we'll find Ray."  

Diefenbaker barked and ran out of the room. He waited by the door and
danced circles around waiting for Fraser to open it. Fraser hurried into
the living room where Ray's parents waited and excused himself. "I need to
check up on a new lead and I must run now. Could you please call the
Lieutenant and let him know that I might have found something.." He then
hurried out the door with Dief on his hills.  

They ran outside and down the alley but Dief was way in the lead now. 

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

The Butcher had left him alone again and for that he was grateful. Ray had
tried desperately to get free of his restraints but it was useless. His
hands had finally regained their feel but he was still captive and scared
fearing of what this guy had in store for him. The sun had risen an hour
ago and his captor had gone to get breakfast. If he had his calculations
correct he would now be missing for the last thirty seven or eight hours.
But it felt more like years instead of hours. 

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

Fraser was winded when Dief finally came to rest near a large empty field
with an abandon building quite some distance away. They had run through
nearly five miles of the bitter cold until the sun broke through the
clouds and warmed it up a fraction. Fraser was gasping for air while
holding on to his knees and the wolf waited patiently for him. "Dief?. . .
. Dief is. . . is Ray. . . .up there?" 

Dief barked and whined. 

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

Ray knocked at Stanley's apartment again. He was surprised when Mrs.
Kowalski opened the door. Then he saw Mr. Kowalski coming up behind her.
"Oh! I was looking for Benny. . . I mean, Constable Fraser. . .is he
here?" 

"No Detective Vecchio. He said he found some leads and ran off with his
dog about half an hour or more." 

Ray panicked. "Where did he ran off too? Did you see where he headed to
ma'am?" 

They both shook their heads. 

Ray left extremely upset that Fraser had not called him once again. They
were definitely going to have to sit down and talk this whole mess out as
soon as he could find Fraser. . And Stanley. Ray jumped into his Riviera
and radioed for back-up. //Damn you Benny! Why didn't you call me?! Why
couldn't you wait for me!? Why did you have to take off by yourself and to
go looking for him?! I know I acted like a jerk because I am a jerk! But
I'm a jerk whose in love with you Benny! I still love you, you damn
idiot!!" 

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

Fraser arrived at the warehouse and crept around staying close to the
ground while searching for a way in. He then started up the side of the
wall trying to get on the roof. The building was old and rusted but it was
still slippery because of last nights flurries. Once on the roof he laid
down for a minute because his body was sore and tired. He then crawled
around looking for an opening or a window. Fraser managed to stand up and
walk around carefully nearly falling twice because the aluminum roof had a
nice fine sheet of ice on it. At one time his foot gave way and he fell on
his stomach then started slipping down. The Mountie saved himself by
digging his nails into some rusted spots on the aluminum roof and remained
perfectly still listening if anyone had heard him fall. When no one came
he got up again and continued his search. The Mountie finally found some
broken windows and peeked in. His heart did a somersault when he saw Ray."
Oh thank God, I found him!" His heart raced and for once the Royal
Canadian Mountie Police panicked and almost fell off when he saw blood all
over Ray's shirt. Fraser could not even think straight as he saw that his
lover's frail body was not even moving. Then his breath got caught in his
throat when Ray stirred and Fraser could breath again after that. He
thanked God for that sign and sat back to contemplate on his next move.
Before he had climbed the building he had sent Diefenbaker for help. 

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

The Butcher came back and kicked Ray again. "Hey! Wake up, cause I brought
you some breakfast. It's supposed to be your last meal and it's a
delicious bologna sandwich so here, enjoy! That's what they fed us all the
time so I thought it only fitting." 

Fraser watched, he had seen the stranger appear from one of the side walls
and threw something at Ray. His heart almost shot out of his chest with
rage. Anger, hate and rage were all new to him but watching how this man
was treating the man he loved it made those feelings come easy.  

Ray stared at the sandwich but was by no means hungry at all. "I'm not
hungry." 

The Butcher grunted and sat by him. He reached for the sandwich, tore off
the foil and stuffed it into Ray's mouth.  

Ray started coughing as the Butcher jammed and jammed the sandwich into
his mouth. 

Fraser wanted to close his eyes or even look away but his eyes refused to
budge. In fact his eyes squinted and his jaw tightened as he gnashed his
teeth. His heart raced again and his breathing was ragged. 

The Butcher stopped shoving the sandwich in and sat down to eat his.  

Ray turned his head sideways and coughed it all out. Once the sandwich was
out, up came his dinner too. His body jerked as he retched over and over
again.	

The Butcher ignored him and continued eating.  

Ray stopped throwing up and rested his head back on the ground closing his
eyes. Then he whispered under his breath. "Okay God. I'm ready. . ..tell
Ben I love 'im." 

The Butcher growled "What the fuck did you say!"  

Fraser's anger consumed him like a raging fire and he loathed this
horrible animal inflicting pain on the man he loved! The anger mixed with
panic seemed to overwhelm his mind as he caressed the gun in his pocket.
His hands were shaking and trembling badly and his eyes were anchored on
Ray, his Ray who was suffering and being tormented. The Mountie fought
desperately trying to keep focused on a rescue plan but his emotions
wouldn't allow him to. His jaw tightened as he shut his eyes and let the
thoughts over come him. // I'm going to kill him! I have the gun and I am
going to kill him!" 

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

Ray manage to find Dief or Dief found him and barked incessantly trying to
get Ray's attention. 

Ray thrust his head out of the car and called to the wolf. "Dief!
Diefenbaker, where's Fraser!?"	

And Dief shot off like a bullet.  

Ray gunned his engine and followed. 

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

Fraser's eyes were now transfixed on the shiny cutlery the stranger had
arranged around one side of Ray. He had not seen it earlier because his
eyes were drawn to the blood on Ray. Now he understood that this man meant
to butcher Ray. He watched as the man duct taped Ray's mouth to stifle the
screams and pain he intended to inflict on his lover. Fraser held his
breath and decided now was the time to take action. Any form of action.
"We are to remain calm if we intend to get through this predicament!
Maintain your head Constable and do not under any circumstances loose
control of your objective! Rescuing Ray is my main objective."	When he
sat up he noticed Detective Vecchio's car up ahead about a good mile away.
In the horizon he noticed the flashing lights of police cars headed their
way. Thank God he heard no sirens. 

Then his ear caught a muffled moan or scream and he quickly looked down
again. Squinting to adjust his eyes to the darkness below he caught a
glimpse of the knife the Butcher held in his hand as he ran it across his
lover's chest. The man was laughing low and fiendishly as he cut straight
red lines across Ray's chest. Fraser realized those red lines the stranger
was drawing across Ray's chest were his lover's blood seeping out of those
cuts and for the umpteenth time the Mountie lost that grip to logical
reasoning again. Immediately standing up, he saw Ray followed by Dief
sprinting towards the building but still a distance away and their eyes
locked for a few seconds. Vecchio froze when he saw Fraser just standing
there staring at him. Then the Mountie disappeared in the next second.	

"Benny-y-y-y-y-y! No-o-o-o-o-o-o--o!" Ray ran forward again but the
building had swallowed Fraser up. 

Fraser had dropped himself into the cracked window and was on his way
down, glass was flying everywhere as he landed on the Butcher and Ray
knocking the air out all of them, including himself. Upon his descent he
heard Vecchio screaming outside. 

The Butcher regained his composure quickly after Fraser had landed on him
and had not released the knife that he held in his hand. 

Ray was winded for a second because Fraser had landed mostly on the
Butcher but now he stared horrified for Fraser.  

Welsh, with the other officers arrived in time to hear a shot ring out
from inside the building.  

Vecchio, who had run back to his car for his gun, now ran blindly into the
closed doors ahead of him calling out to his ex lover. "Benny-y-y-y!
Benny-y-y-y! Are you okay?!"  

And everyone else followed. 

It was chaotic when everyone ran in and the first thing that the Italian
detective noticed was Fraser pointing the gun at the Butcher while Dief
had his teeth wrapped around the man's neck.  

Ray trained his gun on the man kneeling before Fraser and glanced up at
the Mountie. "It's okay Benny, put the gun down, I got him!"  

They all noticed Fraser had not budged. In fact he seemed frozen with
Ray's gun trained between the man's eyes.  

Vecchio stepped in closer to pull Fraser back but noticed the look on
Fraser's face and it scared him. It was the glare of an enraged, crazed
animal. Or better yet, an enraged lover. "Benny? Benny, give me the gun. .
. . .Come on Benny, give me the gun!" 

Fraser would not move, he would not budge. Even though Ray, his Ray needed
him he wanted to get rid of this monster first. He growled "NO! I-I can't
Ray." 

Ray inched in a little more. "Come on Benny, give me the gun! You don't
want to kill him Benny. . . He isn't worth it!" 

Fraser's hand was shaking and his heart was pounding but he just couldn't
move. "No Ray. . .your wrong. . . . I do want to kill him." 

Ray stared horrified unable to help because no one had released him yet.
Everyone had frozen afraid to do anything that would surprise the Mountie.


Ray took another step forward. "Benny" but Fraser cocked the gun. So he
froze like everyone else.  

Now, Ray moaned loudly on the ground, and that caught Fraser's attention
as he turned to face his lover, lowering the gun. 

Ray reached over and grabbed the gun as Fraser dropped it.  

Within seconds the place was surrounded again with police and squad all
around.  

Welsh had the Butcher in handcuffs and let Huey and Dewey lead him away. 

Fraser knelt quickly beside Ray, grabbed a knife and carefully cut the
ropes off his lover's wrist. 

Vecchio watched as Fraser took hold of the blonde head carefully and
placed it in the crook of his elbow as he proceeded to remove the duct
tape from Ray's mouth.	

Fraser was gazing into those baby blues lovingly making sure he was being
really careful not to cause his lover anymore pain as he removed the tape
carefully. 

Vecchio heard Fraser cooing words of comfort. "Oh Ray. . . you're going to
be fine, Ray. I'm going to make sure to take really good care of you from
now on. . . . .we'll get home and I'll doctor every single cut on your
body." 

Ray looked into those blue-grays adoringly and smiled knowing he was fine
now because he was in Fraser's arms. Everything was just fine now. Ray
mouthed. "I love ya Ben." because his throat was parched. 

Fraser wrapped his arms around Ray's head and mumbled incoherently. "Oh
Ray, I am so very sorry that I didn't come for you sooner! I am so sorry
that I took so long! I should have known something was wrong earlier! I
should have gone looking for you that night! I. . . ."	

Ray broke away from the embrace and reached up to cover Fraser's mouth.
His throat and mouth hurt but he had to reassure his lover that he was
really fine now. His voice cracked. "Sh-h-h! I'm ok Ben. I am really fine.
. .I knew you'd come fer me. . I knew you would." 

Watching them, Welsh bellowed "Okay, everyone out! We are messing up the
evidence in here! Vecchio and I will handle this till the forensic people
arrive! Everybody out!"  

They all went out except the Lieutenant and Vecchio. 

Hearing Ray's voice cracking up tore at Fraser's heart and again he broke
down and cried bitterly. "Oh Ray! Oh Ray! Oh Ray!" He hugged Ray's head to
his chest and rocked him as he sobbed into his blonde hair.  

Vecchio stared at Fraser relieved that he was fine but brokenhearted by
the sight of them together.  

Fraser finally stopped crying and got up helping Ray up to his feet. Now
Ray embraced him and now he cried on the Mounties shoulder. Fraser held
him tight to his body and caressed the back of his hair and back. 

Vecchio and Welsh heard Fraser trying to comfort Ray.  

Then they heard him say, "I would have searched the ends of the world for
you Ray. You know that I would left no stone unturned until I had you back
safe in my arms again! You know how much I love you Ray. You know I do."  

Vecchio looked to Welsh and then walked away. 

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

The paramedics made their way around the mess and transported the
detective and the Constable to the nearest hospital.  

Ray, of course declined to stay at the hospital overnight, much to
Fraser's dismay and argued with every nurse and doctor that treated him.  

"Fraser don't do that, I already told ya that I'm not staying in this
hospital so take my pants outta that closet! Honestly, the cuts don't even
hurt!" The abrasions and slashes were treated with antibiotics and band
aids but he did require some stitches on the bigger slashes on his chest.
His lips received some butterfly's and there were plenty of tests and
x-rays before his parents were even allowed to see him. 

Ray's mother begged and pleaded until Fraser managed to sneak her in just
to reassure her that Ray was fine and being a problem to everyone.  

When Ray's parents were finally permitted to visit him, Fraser decided an
exit was in order. 

Ray saw him sneaking out and called out to him. "Ben? Ben where are you
going?! Please don't leave me Ben. . . .. Please stay here with me."  

Fraser glanced at Ray's father who was standing close to the bed Ray was
on then he glanced at Ray.  

Barbara smiled at him and begged him to stay.  

Fraser shut the door and went to sit at one of the chairs. 

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

Hours later, Ray was finally released. 

Welsh, Huey, Dewey, Vecchio, Frannie and some other friends were around to
make sure that Ray was really fine. After they all made sure he was well,
they all departed their separate ways.	

The Kowalski's, followed Benton and Ray quietly down the hallway heading
to the entrance. 

Fraser, hands clasped behind his back for obvious reasons leaned over and
whispered. "Who's taking us home Ray? You do realize that your car has
been impounded?"  

Ray frowned. "Oh yeah. I forgot that my car is in the impound. I guess mom
will give us a lift home."  

As if on cue Barbara hurried up to them. "Stanley! Stanley, I'm going to
take you home with me so that I can look after your injuries dear." 

Ray looked over to his dad then back to his mom "No mom, if Ben isn't
welcomed at your house, then I can't go home with you. He saved my life
today and I will forever be grateful to him. Besides, don't worry mom, Ben
will look after me, I'll be fine mom, really I will."  

Fraser noticed the pain in Barbara's eyes and quickly turned to Ray
adding, "Ray, maybe you should go home with. . . ." 

Ray shook his head. "No Ben. . . . .I wanna be with you tonight. We'll be
fine mom!"  

She was on the verge of tears and she threw a pleading look to her husband
begging for help. Her eyes were brimming with tears.  

Damien knew that look, it was that look that said, "you need to talk to
your son and make him come home with us! You need to forgive him because
he is your son, Damien! He is my baby! and then the tears would come and
fall and never stop. He stared at her another minute, pulled up his pants,
cleared his throat and walked over to his son. "Son, why don't you and
Constable Fraser come over for lunch after you two get cleaned up a
little. You know your mother would love to cook for you and Constable
Fraser."  

She held her breath waiting for her son's reply. 

Ray looked at his dad then looked at Fraser and asked. "How bout it Frase?
You wanna have lunch at my mom's?" 

Fraser cleared his throat then smiled, that nice warm smile that could
melt butter, and then nodded. "I would love to."  

Ray now looked at his father. "Well that would be great dad! Frase and I
would love to go! Let's go home Frase." 

Fraser nodded and flashed Ray his most dazzling smile before turning to
look at Mr. Kowalski. "Thank you kindly for inviting me Sir, I am honored.
Would my red serge tunic be sufficient?"  

Ray laughed then reached over and hugged him briefly being careful not to
hurt himself. "Je-e-s-s-h-h-h! Frase! We're not gonna go visit the Queen
or anything like that! Your jeans would be. . ..uh, sufficient. Hey mom,
give us a lift, seems I misplaced my car somewhere!"  

Smiling happily she walked over and wrapped an arm around them both
hugging them tightly. "I love my two boys!"  

Ray laughed then yelped. 'Mom! Watch it! Yer hurting me!" 

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

Once, finally alone at their apartment, Ray locked the door and quickly
took Fraser into his arms. It seemed like years since he had kissed this
beautiful man and that is what he wanted more then anything at this
moment, well that, and sex would be nice too. Encircling Fraser into his
arms and being very mindful of his injuries he captured his lover's mouth
with his own. 

Fraser eased away a little. "Ray. . . Ray, he hurt that beautiful lower
lip that I love so much. Let me lick it for you." 

Fraser started licking it over and over again and Ray thought he would
pass out with that wonderful sensation. Then Fraser stopped and whispered.
" I don't want to hurt you. . . . let me help you bath first and. . ." 

Ray was too horny and pulled him forward, plastering his lips to Fraser's
slipping his tongue deep into his lover. He felt Fraser lean into him and
the kiss and even heard his Mountie moan with pleasure. Ray wrapped his
arms around him and nipped at those soft lips, wanting to devour his
lover. Then he broke the kiss hearing Fraser gasping for air. "Frase. . .
I'll go find some clean towels and you get the water ready." 

Fraser smiled and nodded. "Yes Ray." 

Ray kissed his chin and left to get fresh towels from the dryer.  

Fraser prepared the bathtub with warm water and peach bubble bath. He
placed a towel across the window to make the room darker then lit some
candles that he placed on the bathroom sink. He prepared the salves and
oils for Ray's injuries and quickly disrobed waiting for Ray.  

Ray came in a little miffed that he could not find the towels because
Fraser had probably rearranged them somewhere new and forgot to tell him.
"Ben? About this cleaning. I couldn't. . . . .O-o-o-o-o, This is so
se-x-x-x-xy!" Watching his partner naked while sitting on the bathtub edge
and testing the water send a throb to his dick. "Oh God Ben, you look so
good!" He pulled off his shirt, unzipped his pants and got out of them
quick then hurried over to the tub.  

"You get in first Ray, then I'll ease in beside you." 

Ray nodded hurrying in ready to have his Mountie on top of him. "Ow-w-w!
This water is fucking hot Ben! You wanna cook us or somethin'!"  

Fraser smiled "Ray! . . . . Language pleas-s-se!' 

Ray smiled when Fraser eased into the tub and into Ray's waiting arms as
the detective wrapped an arm around him and cuddled. He whispered into
Fraser's ear. "I'll show ya language Fraser. Come closer and I'll tell you
what I'm gonna do to you."  

Ray whispered into Fraser's ear.  

Fraser gasped and blushed. "Ra-a-a-ay! Can you really do that?!"  

Ray laughed and reached over for one of those wonderful tongue kisses. He
sucked on Fraser's tongue and caressed it with his own.  

Fraser maneuvered Ray on top of him then ran his hands down to his
slippery butt caressing them with both hands.  

The kissing intensified as Ray spread his legs open to mount his Mountie. 


Fraser felt Ray's hard erection sticking him in the abdomen and moved his
own hard erection into Ray's crotch.  

Ray grinned when he felt the Mountie's super hard one on his crotch and
whispered. "Is that fer me?" 

Fraser grinned in return and nodded yes. "I missed you Ray. . .we missed
you and we're both happy to see you." 

Ray laughed then reached down to kiss him again. Their tongues dueled and
their bodies slipped and slid together, grinding and pumping into each
other while moaning and gasping between kisses.  

Fraser grasped Ray's upper arms and reached up to his ear to whisper.
"Fuck me Ray." 

Ray nearly let his load go at that invitation and was more then ready to
do that. "Oh yes! Yes Ben." 

Fraser raised his knees and parted his legs while grasping hold of Ray's
upper arms and running that hot tongue all inside of Ray's warm mouth. 

Ray settled between Fraser's legs, used the oils Fraser had brought for
lubrication and slipped a finger into his lover.  

Fraser moaned and pushed down into that finger.  

The next one slipped in just as quick and again the Mountie moaned pumping
into those fingers. 

Ray crushed his bruised lips into the Mountie's moaning mouth and slipped
in the third finger and now his Mountie was really moaning and that was
more then Ray could bare so he slipped out his fingers quickly and
positioned himself and his cock on that inviting tightness. 

"Oh Ray!" 

Ray pushed in and the Mountie bucked up feeling himself being opened for
his partners entrance. 

"OH Ray!" 

Ray grasped hold of the Mountie's shoulder and pushed himself all the way
in and his partner who was moaning loudly and grunting. Ray reached over
and caught him in another bash of frenzied, hot kisses. 

Now Ray was pumping in fast and hard with Fraser's hard cock being pounded
between their bodies. Now it was Ray moaning and grunting with each thrust
that he shoved into the Mountie's body. 

Fraser gasped, then moaned loud as his seed shot out into the warm water.
His body jerked and shuddered with each release and he held on tightly to
Ray. 

Ray saw that wonderful look of ecstasy on his lover's face then let his
load shoot up into that hot, tight channel. Ray was gasping and moaning
with each delicious spurt of seed that left his body. Feeling drained and
exhausted he let himself drop onto his lover and whispered. "God! Oh thank
God fer pain killers! Oh God Benton, I love you." 

Fraser reached over and kissed his wet blonde hair. "I love you too, Ray."


Ray rested his head on Fraser's neck and smiled. "Told ya that I could
fuck you under water, Ben." 

Fraser smiled. "Yes, you most certainly did Ray." 

After their bath, Fraser toweled Ray carefully, licking his injuries along
the way. A small lick behind his ear, a lick across those soft bruised
lips, one more across a hard nipple, another one across the really long
cut across his chest, well that cut really needed several licks. Then
Fraser licked his lips again and whispered. "That poor lower lip really
needs more attention Ray." and again those licks came one after another.
Before long they were in each others arms and then on the floor ready to
go again. 

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

After their sexual rendevous Fraser knew he had to tell Ray about the
other Ray kissing him. "Ray? Ray there is something that you need to
know." 

Ray was looking for socks in a drawer. "What Frase?" 

Fraser hesitated a little then added. "Detective Ray Vecchio kissed me." 

Ray stopped what he was doing then turned around slowly and stared at
Fraser. "What?" 

"He kissed me. . .when I was searching for you he kissed me." 

Ray stared at the Mountie as he was getting jealous by the second. "And?
Did you kiss him back Ben? Did you?" he demanded to know. 

"No Ray, I did not. . .I made it perfectly clear that I am in love with
you and I told him to leave the apartment." 

"He kissed you here!? Here in our apartment?! What were you doing here in
our apartment with him Ben? Why did you bring him over?!" 

"Ray. . ..Diefenbaker brought us here because he smelled your captors
scent. But nothing happened Ray. . . I asked him to leave immediately! Are
you angry Ray?" 

"Of course I'm angry Fraser! But not with you Ben. . . .just. . . just
don't do it again. . . . I mean the kissing. . .and don't bring him here
again okay?" 

"Yes Ray. . .It won't happen again Ray, I promise." 

"Okay. . . okay now let's finish getting dressed here." Ray went back to
looking for his sock and mumbled. "God I hate Vecchio!" 

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

Ray was putting on his sock and trying to ignore his lover. 

Fraser was reprimanding him as always. "Could you please move a little
faster Ray, it is not fashionable to be late to appointments especially
for your own parents lunch." 

Ray humpf and slowed down deliberately.  

"Ray? Ray would you stop staring at me and please hurry! Will this jacket
do or should.. . . ."  

Ray had had more then enough and snapped. "Hey! Don't be blaming me for
being late Fraser cause it's all your fault, you wanted to do it again." 

Fraser looked to him "Pardon me? And you couldn't refuse Ray? You couldn't
say no Ray?" 

"No!" 

"Well, you just said it right now." 

"Yeah, but I can't say no to sex. . . .only to yer nagging." 

"Ah. . . .am I nagging you Ray?" 

"Yes!" 

"Ah. . . .so I am to blame for making us late because you couldn't say no
and I nag?" 

"Fraser!?" 

"Yes Ray?"  

"Would you please shut up" Ray smiled lovingly then blinked at him.  

"Understood" Fraser smiled in return. 

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

Barbara greeted the boys at the door after Ray paid the cab driver.  

Ray headed straight for the kitchen because he was starving after all that
sex. He left Fraser to fend for himself.  

Fraser was ushered into the living room by Barbara and was left alone with
Mr. Kowalski. He sat on the couch across from Ray's father and held his
Stetson with both hands. He smiled politely and added. "Thank you kindly
for inviting us to lunch Sir. It is a pleasure to be here."  

Damien glanced at him nervously once in a while, attempted to smile once
or twice and didn't know what to say to Fraser. "So Constable. Have you
and Ray thought about children?" 

Fraser ran a knuckle across his brow then pulled at the serge's neck. "Uh.
. .Children, Sir? Is it a little warm in here, Sir? I feel a little. . .
.perhaps you should ask Ray. . . . about children. . . I'll just. . . .
I'll go get him for you. . .Ray?! . . .Ray! . . . . .RAY!" 

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

It was evening when they left the luncheon. Ray had bowered his dad's car
to get them home. He glanced at Fraser and smiled. "Hey? What do ya think
Ben?" 

Fraser straightened up and started chattering "It was a magnificent lunch
Ray, especially that red concoction your mother prepared then dipped it
into that sauce. I really should get that recipe for us Ray. I especially
enjoyed your mother's artistic creations of salads, But I must say, I was
somewhat. . . .well, Oh dear, how should I put it?. . . . I was somewhat
taken aback with your father's candor when. . . . "  

Ray cut in. "Benton, would you please speak English and tell me what the
hell you are trying to tell me without all the other gibberish?" 

Fraser stopped talking and stared at him. Then he sputtered "Well, I know
where you get your temper from! Fine, if you must be so crude, your father
wanted to know how I intended to support you and our children, Ray!"  

Ray's mouth dropped opened in shock then he blurted out laughing. "Oh my
God! Oh my God, you have got ta be kidding me! Did he really ask. . . .
.yer kidding me right? You. . . support me and our kids? And who's gonna
have the kids, me or you? Ha. . .that is funny! No wonder you ran inta the
kitchen. . . . Hell, we both know I have to support ya, Ben. . . ." What a
laugh!"  

Fraser turned to look at Ray giving him the wide-eyed Mountie look "Excuse
me but did I hear you correct? Need I remind you that I do have a job Ray
and that I am quite capable of supporting my own needs. I do not need
anyone to. . . . "  

Ray stifled a laugh then looked over to his lover who was chastising him
as always and threw him a kiss.  

Fraser stopped in mid-sentence and stared at him.  

Ray smiled and sneaked his tongue out running it slowly across his bottom
lip. 

Fraser blinked once, twice then smiled. 

Ray smiled in return because this always worked. Fraser would always shut
up after Ray would flirt with him. Ray bit his bottom lip and watched for
Fraser to. . . .and there it was, right on schedule. Fraser would blush,
smile and look away. 

Ray grinned and looked away too. He loved it when his Mountie would blush.
 

Fraser smiled then added. "But I am not going to give you children, Ray! I
simply cannot afford children on my measly paycheck!" 

Ray cracked up laughing.  

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

They arrived at the station and Ray headed to talk to the Lieutenant.  

Fraser walked over to Detective Vecchio's desk, like he had done dozens of
times before, and stood in front of it..  

"Ray, could I have a word with you in private please?"	

Ray looked up and stared at him for a few seconds. He looked over to the
Lieutenant's office then got up. "Sure. Let's go to my office."  

Fraser followed him outside to his car and both got in.  

Ray was tense not knowing what to expect from the Mountie. He stared
straight ahead gripping the steering wheel tightly afraid that Fraser was
going to cut off all ties with him.  

Fraser held his Stetson in both hands and looked at Ray. "First of all, I
would like to apologize for all the pain and anguish that I have caused
you, Ray. I realize that it is hard for you to understand my actions or to
start to forgive me but I want you to try. Our friendship means a lot to
me if you will just give it a chance. Try to understand that I. . . .that
I am with Ray now. I want to thank you for all the help you have given me
and for always being a good friend to me. You have always been here for me
and I will be forever grateful to you."  

Vecchio noticed Ray step out of the of the station and looked around. He
did not bother to look at them sitting in the Riviera but instead walked
to his car. He didn't get in his car but sat on the hood, obviously
waiting for Fraser.  

Vecchio looked toward Benny, his good friend, his partner, and at one time
his lover, and smiled. "Benny. . . .Benny, I will always love you no
matter what you tell me. I was a fool to let you go Benny, and I realize
that now but nothing you can say will change my mind. I can wait. I can
wait for a very long time, Benny." 

Fraser's heart sank and he shook his head. He didn't want to keep hurting
his friend and partner but it seems that, that is what Ray wanted.  

Ray saw the hurt behind those beautiful blue-grays but he couldn't help
it. He wasn't ready to let go of the Mountie.  

Fraser took a deep breath and turned away. "I have to go Ray. . . .Ray is
waiting for me."  

Ray smiled and nodded. "Sure thing Benny. . . .. You go home and take it
easy because we've all had a very long day. I'll see the both of you
tomorrow morning."  

Fraser stepped out of the Riviera and glanced over at Ray. "Good night
Ray." 

Ray nodded. "Night Benny." 

Fraser walked over to the GTO and Ray opened the door for him.	

Vecchio watched as Fraser buckled in.  

He noticed Ray reached over and caressed the Mountie's cheek with his
fingers.  

Fraser leaned into those fingers and smiled. Then he reached over and
kissed those fingers. 

Ray smiled as Fraser kissed his fingers then looked away to start the GTO.
 

Fraser glanced up to look at Ray still sitting in the Riviera watching
them and turned away reaching for Ray's hand, squeezing it.  

Vecchio smiled and waved at them as they pulled away. He leaned back and
started the car talking to himself. "Don't worry Benny, I can wait for a
very long time." and he drove away. 

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

Fraser squeezed Ray's fingers and added. "Ray?" 

"Yes Fraser?" 

"About our kids?" 

"What about our kids, Fraser?" 

"Maybe you can get a second job. . . .perhaps, moonlight?" 

"Moonlight, Fraser?! . . . .Fraser?" 

"Yes Ray?" 

"We're not having kids! Hell, I can barely support you!" 

"Understood Ray. . . but you need to explain it to your father.. . .Ray?" 

"Yeah?" 

"Could we uh. . .could we keep trying to have kids?" 

Ray glanced at Fraser with a puzzled look. "Trying to have kids? In what
way?" 

Fraser grinned and ran his tongue across his bottom lip. 

"Jesus! You nearly made me wreck the car! Don't be doing that!" 

Fraser smiled and loved it when Ray blushed. "Could we keep on trying?" 

"Hell yeah! I'm all fer trying that! In fact. . .let's go try to make some
now!" 

comments welcomed: Droopy_Jack@excite.com