Don't Lose Faith PG    

 

Okay all, here is part three in my Ray/Christine saga. The first two
stories were "Just The Same" and "Love Never Dies" This was originally
intended to be the final part, but...well, once you get to the end, you'll
understand why I didn't end it just yet. 

Thanks to my beta readers - Nikki, Becky and Jay. And to my AOL buddies,
you guys have helped me in ways you'll never know <g> 

This story is rated PG. There is a NC-17 rated version out there, this
one's just been cut down a bit. 

The characters of Due South are property of Alliance and their creators.
I'm just playing with them. Please don't sue, you won't get anything -
maybe a few CD's if you're lucky. Please send all
comments/flames/chocolate Mounties and/or Chicago cops to Audrid@aol.com.
I gladly receive comments and candy, the flames I'll use in the next FK
war. Don't Lose Faith 

By: Melissa Roule 

Christine watched the lights of the Vecchio house recede and fade into the
night. When the limo turned a corner, cutting off her view, only then did
she turn around. David sat across from her, and with every passing street
light, she could see the smug smile on his face. His eyes never strayed
from hers, literally pinning her in her place. After a few moments,
Christine broke the contact. She looked out the window, letting the tears
fall freely down her cheeks. 

*Oh Ray* she thought to herself. *How are we ever going to get out of this
one?* Christine knew that now that David had her back, he would keep her
under lock and key. Little did she know, he meant to do that literally. 

All through the trip home, Christine found herself under the hawk like
gaze of her brother David. The long flight on the family jet was made even
more painful by the fact that David never let Christine out of his sight.
When she got up to stretch her legs, he got up too. When she went to the
bathroom, he was waiting outside for her. During one such excursion,
Christine just sat there and silently cried. She wept with fear, with
pain, and for Ray. She would never see him again. Never hear his laugh at
one of her jokes. Never see the passion and love in his eyes whenever they
were together. Never feel the warm comfort his embrace gave her. The tears
for Ray were the ones that hurt her the most. 

Christine was dragged to the present by a banging on the bathroom door. It
was David and he was quite angry. 

"What the hell are you doing in there?" he demanded. 

Christine quickly drew herself up to her full 5'6'' height. "Just a
second, David" she calmly called out. Splashing cool water on her face,
she sought to hide the puffy eyes and tear marks her crying had created.
Finally satisfied, she opened the door, ready to face her brother's wrath.
"Here I am David" she coolly replied. The fear and agony she felt were
pushed as far away as possible. David would truly be in control if he knew
those emotions raged through her. "For your information, I was using the
bathroom. I hope you don't mind" anger seeped into her quiet voice with
those final words. 

David looked at her with cold eyes. Christine looked back, totally amazed
that his eyes were so dark, like hers, yet were so different. She could
see no compassion, no love, nothing. 

Grabbing her roughly by one arm, David pulled Christine into the main
cabin. He threw her into a chair. "Don't move for the rest of the flight"
he told her. The tone of his instructions left no doubt that she should
obey, as much as she hated it. 

The rest of the long flight was uneventful, and all too soon the jet was
taxing on the runway. Christine was pulled from the jet to one of the
waiting cars. The silence that enveloped the cars seeped into her soul. It
smothered everything in her, leaving only a single burning ember. The love
for Ray, and the faith that one day they would be together. Christine held
onto that faith with everything in her. No matter what anyone did or said,
true love would conquer all. 

****** 

Christine's return to the Mercutio house had apparently become a public
affair. It seemed everyone and their brother had shown up to see the
return of the wayward daughter. Even though it was after midnight and she
was bone tired, Christine still held her head up. When David grabbed her
arm to lead her to the house, she roughly wrenched it away. Holding her
chin up, she made her way to the front door. From there, she entered the
main hall where it seemed her entire family was waiting. Her mother,
Elizabeth, stood at the front of the group. Upon seeing Christine, she
rushed forward, enveloping her daughter in a warm hug. 

Christine returned the hug as best she could. "Hello mother" she
whispered. 

"Oh my beautiful baby girl" Elizabeth gushed. "You don't know how we have
missed you. After you left, everything just fell apart" 

A slight smile crossed Christine's lips, a smile her mother didn't see.
"I'm sure you missed me mother, I missed you" she replied automatically.
All the while, her mind raced. *Did you really miss me mother? Or did you
miss the errand-runner? The baby-sitter? The fountain of knowledge that
you took for granted? You never appreciated me, but Ray did. He loved me
for who I was and who I am. He knew I missed you, because I did miss you.
Honest.* But those words went unspoken, never making it to Christine's
lips. 

David was less than impressed with the reunion between mother and
daughter. "Alright, enough of that" He took Christine's arm, leading her
up the stairs. "You'll have plenty of time to talk tomorrow" With a firm
grip, he lead her to her suite of rooms. The same set she had set foot in
not two weeks ago. Her vow to never come back here had been broken. 

Christine scanned the room. Nothing had changed. She turned to face David
as he led her into the sitting room. 

"You'll stay here until the wedding, which will be in one week. All your
meals will be brought to you and the family will visit" A smile of triumph
crossed his features. In his eyes, he had won. His wayward baby sister was
finally in her place. The disgrace of the family, with her free thinking,
was finally put to shame. If this family were to be strong, there would be
none of this type of nonsense. She would learn her lesson and be grateful
for the wiser, older brother. 

"See you in the morning...sis" David smiled before shutting the door.
Christine heard the click of a lock being slid into place. This room, once
her refuge had now become her prison. With a sob, Christine flung herself
onto her bed. The tears came freely now. All the tears held back on the
plane flowed down her face. Soon she fell asleep, completely exhausted. 

Though she was a prisoner in the house of stone, the one thing not locked
up were her dreams. That night, Christine dreamt of Ray. Dreamt of his
rescuing her on a white stallion. Dreamt of them galloping off into the
sunset to live happily ever after. Dreamt of a future together, a future
where they were free. 

****** 

The next day Christine was awakened by her mother's voice. "Good morning
Christine" her voice echoed through the small suite. Christine slowly
opened her eyes and sat up. The events of the night before had left her
tired, flat out exhausted. Sitting up, she pasted on her best smile. 

"Good morning mother" Christine grinned falsely. 

Walking further into the rooms, Mrs. Mercutio carried a silver tray
containing breakfast. She set it down before her daughter and sat on the
edge of the bed. "My beautiful baby girl" she smiled. "All grown up and
getting married. Your brother David couldn't have made a better match"
Mrs. Mercutio didn't notice the troubled look Christine's eyes. Instead
she went on, outlining the details of the grand wedding that was to come.
The marriage of the youngest Mercutio daughter was going to be an all out
affair. No expense was to be spared. 

Christine smiled gamely as she listened to her mother go on. She ate her
breakfast, allowing her mind to wander. She thought of the wedding details
she and Ray had made. They were so close to completing their plans. Then a
wrench had been thrown in the works. Christine had tuned out her mother's
words, but one statement had made her look up. 

"...I'm just so glad your brother got you away from that Detective Vecchio
fellow before you did something extremely foolish" Mrs. Mercutio patted
her daughter's hand, a reassuring smile on her face. 

Christine paled at her mother's words. *That Detective Vecchio fellow?*
she thought. How could anyone refer to Ray that way? The kindest,
gentlest, most wonderful man she had ever known and her mother had reduced
him to a few words. Christine was enraged, but a lifetime of keeping her
emotions in check kicked in, and the feelings never surfaced to her face. 

Instead, she got out a few words. "Foolish? Like what mother?" 

"Oh, I don't know. Getting married" Mrs. Mercutio laughed slightly. "Or
some other silly thing. You youngsters, always rushing into things like
that. Don't you know, parents know best? I've arranged all my children's
marriages, just like I helped in yours, and look at how happy everyone
else is. My marriage was arranged by my mother, just like hers by her
mother. It's tradition darling, and we aren't about to break tradition,
are we?" The last words were more of a statement than a question, yet
Christine was compelled to answer. 

"No mother" Christine answered quietly. She looked at her hands, clasped
tightly. The diamond ring Ray had given her still graced her long slender
finger. She hadn't taken it off, and now she planned to never remove it. 

"Good, now don't forget it" Mrs. Mercutio patted her daughter's cheek and
stood. She picked up the silver tray from Christine's bed, the meal having
been finished. She stood, ready to leave, but turned at the door.
"Remember darling, I love you and am doing this in your best interest" 

Christine smiled once more as her mother left. Once the door was shut and
locked, only then did she let the facade slip and fall. She was crushed,
devastated by her mother's words. 

"My best interest? Ha!" she whispered to herself in a sarcastic tone. If
her mother wanted to act in Christine's best interest, then she would let
her daughter go. Allow her to return to Ray where they could get married
and live happily ever after. But unfortunately, Christine had never known
when a mother and daughter's best interest were the same. 

****** 

The hours of the day dragged by for Christine. She paced the floor of her
quarters, never staying still for long. She picked up book after book,
discarding each one. She even ventured out onto her balcony, trying
anything to make the hours pass. Finally, the sun set casting the grounds
in darkness. Christine had finished her evening meal, courtesy of her
older brother David. Now she sat on her balcony, watching the night sky. 

"Oh Ray" Christine whispered up to the inky blackness. "I do miss you,
with everything in my soul" She looked down at the open sketch book in her
lap. The book was open to the latest sketch she had been working on, a
picture of Ray. Christine brushed her fingers across the page, careful not
to smudge the drawing. If she concentrated hard enough, she could almost
hear his voice in her head, reciting a poem she loved. A poem he had
memorized, just for her. 

Come away, come, sweet love 

The golden morning breaks 

All the earth, all the air 

Of love and pleasure speaks 

Teach thine arms then to embrace, 

And sweet rosy lips to kiss, 

And mix our souls in mutual bliss. 

Eyes were made for beauty's grace 

Viewing, rueing love's long pain 

Procur'd by beauty's rude disdain. 

The words echoed in Christine's mind, but it was her voice that recited
them. A soft sob interrupted her thoughts as tears flowed down her cheeks.
Hastily brushing them away, Christine shut her sketch book. With a final
look at the night sky, she wished upon each and every star. The same wish
for every one, a wish for Ray. She only hoped he was doing the same thing.


****** 

As Christine was making her wishes, back in Chicago Ray was doing the same
thing. He leaned on the back porch of his home, watching the sky. Its
velvety blackness reminded him of Christine's hair and eyes. The way her
eyes twinkled at him with love, the delicate shade of black that was her
hair. 

Ray shivered involuntarily. A dull ache had settled into his chest,
covering anything else he felt. The police department was working to help
him, but such a thing would take time. Time was one thing Ray didn't have.
He knew now that David had Christine back home, he would force her to
marry and soon. A week tops, perhaps a few days more was all he had to
work with. Ray knew he would have to work fast if he wanted to save
Christine from a terrible fate. All it would take was a lot of luck and
some help from some friends. 

****** 

Over the next few days, the wedding plans for Christine proceeded quickly.
She would be wearing her mother's gown, but the thing needed to be fitted
to her slender form. She stood still as a statue as the dressmaker fitted
the gown to her. Christine didn't even bother to look at her reflection in
the mirror. She didn't care anymore, just moved and turned when instructed
and tried not to think of what she was doing. 

Aside from the wedding gown there were other decisions that had to be
made. There were flowers to be chosen, bride's maids dresses to be made,
even the tuxedos had to be chosen. Christine watched from the sidelines as
her mother made all the decisions. From time to time Mrs. Mercutio would
look at her youngest child to see how she fared. Every time she was met
with a blank stare. Christine had turned off the part of herself that
cared. She felt nothing, her soul a black hole, giving nothing. 

Preparations were also proceeding at a rapid pace with Ray. He had decided
he would kidnap Christine back, even if it meant crashing a wedding. He
didn't care anymore. His talks with Lieutenant Welsh and the States
Attorney had bore no fruit. There was nothing they could do legally. Ray
had decided to hell with the laws, he was going to get his love back. Come
hell or high water, they were going to be together again. 

****** 

On one night before the wedding, Christine and Ray met again. They did not
meet physically, they met in their dreams. A wonderful, sensual dream. 

In it, Christine found herself in a moonlit field. Above her was a inky
black sky, stars scattered across it, the moon a bright presence. She
looked around her, feeling the soft night breeze stroke her face, her
hair. The strong scent of roses filled her senses although a single rose
wasn't to be found. Turning again, she saw motion in the distance. Unsure
of who it was, yet compelled to find out, Christine slowly walked towards
the figure. 

Ray too found himself in the same moonlit field. He turned, noting the
billowing grasses that surrounded him. Their rippling movement caused by
the breeze that ran across his skin. It's cool feel made him shiver a bit.
He looked up, seeing the starlit sky above him, the gentle breeze
scattering a few clouds among the stars. A rustle of movement to his right
drew Ray from his reverie. Someone was out there, moving towards him. Ray
crouched, scanning the field around him. When he was sure there was no
immediate danger, he began a walk towards where the sound had come from. 

From far off, Christine saw the distant figure crouch then begin to move
towards her. She still couldn't make out who it was, but the movements
were familiar. The swing of the arms, the slight sway to the walk, she
knew it could be only one person. Breaking into a run, Christine sought to
meet the person coming towards her. 

Ray caught the sight of Christine running towards him. He just didn't know
it was Christine. When he started down the final hill, he finally caught
sight of her face. He immediately knew who it was. He watched as she ran
towards him, the full skirt she was wearing billowing out behind her. Ray
began running, eager to meet his love. 

They ran towards one another, stopping only when they were approximately
five feet from one another. Both Ray and Christine stared at one another,
unable to believe what their eyes told them. Finally, Ray broke the spell
and spoke. 

"Christine?" he whispered in awe. 

"Ray?" she whispered at the same time, unable to believe it. 

He came toward her as if in slow motion. The haze of the moon cast a dark
shadow over her soft, billowing hair as it cascaded down her lovely neck.
A breeze blew, causing her to shiver, both with cold and with the hunger
for what only he could give. 

Ray came to a stand-still before her. Slowly, Christine reached up, her
delicate fingers resting on his cheek. 

"Is that you?" she asked, still unable to grasp the situation. 

"Yes" he whispered back. With one fluid motion he swept her into his arms,
placing a passionate kiss on her lips. 

Christine returned the kiss with everything in her. She felt Ray's hands
move over her back, searching for the zipper to her dress. As soon as his
fingers touched it though, the dress disappeared, leaving her completely
nude in his embrace. 

If either of them noticed this interesting turn of events, they didn't
say. They were so intent on each other, touching, kissing, caressing.
Christine brushed her hands across Ray's clothing, making it disappear
just as quickly as her dress had. The feel of his skin beneath her fingers
was the most wonderful thing in the world. She wanted to touch him, hold
him, never let him go. 

They made love in the soft grass, their bodies combining to become one.
Afterwards, Christine drew Ray towards her, wrapping her arms around him.
The heat from his body combining with the musky scent of his skin made her
slightly drowsy. Yet, she fought against the urge to fall asleep. She
wanted to be awake for every moment she spent with Ray. 

Ray too felt the same way. Rolling to his side, he pulled her with him,
holding her form close to his. Christine looked up at him with her dark,
shy eyes. They shone with love and the complete satisfaction that came
with their lovemaking. Ray found himself smiling down at her, brushing her
hair with his fingers. 

"Soon, my love" he whispered to her. 

"Soon" she whispered in response. 

Ray reached out to brush her hair again but his fingers passed right
through. In confusion he tried again, but to the same result. To his
horror, he watched as she began to become transparent and out of focus. 

"No" he pleaded, "please, no" His grip on Christine was growing weaker by
the second. 

Christine's eyes grew wide as she began to disappear. She reached out to
Ray but her hand passed through him. 

"Ray" she tried to cry out, but her voice was flat, one dimensional. 

She faded from his view, the last thing to disappear were her eyes. Before
it was complete, Ray heard her voice carried on the wind. 

"I love you" the wind whispered to him. 

"I love you too" Ray whispered back, though he doubted anyone heard.
Curling up on his side, he began to cry, praying for this wonderful dream
turned nightmare to end. 

****** 

Christine awoke in her bed, her body drenched with sweat. The sunlight
poured through the window, promising another beautiful day, but that
didn't matter to Christine. Instead, she rolled away from the window,
averting her eyes. As she did, she felt the bed sheets stick to her skin,
along with her pajamas. Giving a slight groan, she peeled herself from the
slick sheets and padded to the bathroom. 

As she looked at her reflection in the mirror, Christine gave a low groan.
She was a total mess. Her hair looked like a rat's nest, all tangled and
mussed. Taking a nearby brush, she began untangling the mess. As she did,
she studied her own face. She looked at how the harsh bathroom lighting
accented how pale she was. Made the circles under her eyes look like giant
bruises. Made her face appear gaunt and lifeless. 

*Like I'm dead* she thought to herself, brushing out the last knot.
Setting the brush aside, Christine stripped and stepped into the shower.
She washed her long hair, trying not to think of the day ahead. She tried
not to think that this day was her last day of freedom and tomorrow was
the wedding. 

****** 

Ray woke from his sleep with a start. He sat bolt upright in bed, his
heart pounding. Trying to regain his composure, Ray ran his hand across
his scalp and down his face. Only then did he notice how his body was
soaked with sweat. The thin material of his pajamas stuck to his skin,
making him feel all clammy. 

"Ray?" Frannie banged on his closed bedroom door. "You okay in there?" 

"Yeah, I'm fine" Ray answered back. Swinging his feet from under the
covers, he stood and opened the door a tiny crack. Outside, Frannie stood,
looking at him with some concern. 

"Geez Ray, you look like hell" It was true, he did look bad. His normally
olive skin was pale, he looked a little more gaunt than usual. 

"Thanks Frannie" Ray answered sarcastically. He opened the door more, and
brushing past his sister entered the bathroom. There he was able to catch
a glimpse of his reflection. Frannie was right, he did look bad. He was
tired, so very tired. These past nights had been spent tossing and turning
with disturbing dreams. That was when he did sleep. Sometimes, Ray found
himself unable to rest, instead staring into the darkness worrying about
Christine. 

*Christine* Ray thought with a shiver. *I hope she's alright* His plans to
rescue his love were complete. All there was left was to put them into
action. He had taken off, calling in to Lieutenant Welsh saying he was
sick. Welsh knew Ray wasn't really sick, but let him off anyway knowing
the detective wouldn't have shown up for his shifts. 

Quickly, Ray stripped off his pajamas and showered. After getting dressed,
he headed downstairs for breakfast with his family. As he ate, Ray's mind
raced ahead to the things he had to accomplish today. His flight was set
for that night and he still had to pack. If everything went well, he and
Christine would be back together tomorrow. 

*I just hope it isn't too late...* Ray mused. 

****** 

Christine spent her final day of freedom locked away in her room. If she
stepped out onto her balcony, she could see an army of gardeners preparing
the north lawn for the wedding. Curiosity had made her step out once, but
once she saw what was going on, Christine refused to look out her windows
again. 

In the afternoon, her mother had come to deliver the wedding gown. All the
alterations had been completed the day before. Now, the lace and satin
gown hung in her closet. Christine found herself staring at the dress, it
was actually quite beautiful, a white satin gown with lace accents. If the
simple sight of it didn't make her queasy, Christine would have admired
the gorgeous dress. She might even have worn one like it for her marriage
to Ray. 

As the evening wore on, Christine tried everything to take her mind off
the fact that tomorrow would be the first day of an interminable sentence.
She tried to read, write, draw, anything to keep her mind busy. It was
difficult, but she managed to wile away the hours. All too soon, it was
past eleven at night and Christine was dead tired. With a silent prayer
that tomorrow would never come, she slipped into her bed, falling into a
deep dreamless sleep. 

****** 

But alas, her prayer went unanswered and at long last the day of the
wedding finally arrived, much to Christine's dismay. This was a day she
had been dreading for so many reasons, one being that she would be
marrying a total stranger. Another being that she would never see Ray
again, a fact that ripped at her already wounded heart. 

A knock sounded on the door, pulling her to the present. Cowering under
her covers, Christine tried to hide from her overly cheerful mother,
grandmother and sisters. Yet try as she might, she could not hide. Her
relatives had all come to get her and themselves ready for the wedding.
They were not to be deterred from their task. 

With a flourish, Christine's mother pulled the silk sheets from off of her
daughter. Pulling her up, she gave Christine a hearty push towards the
shower. There she found a plethora of rose scented soaps and shampoos laid
out for her. Groaning inwardly, Christine showered using the scented soap
on her hair and body. By the time she stepped out, she was nauseous from
the strong scent. 

Christine dried herself off and began to towel dry her hair. Running her
fingers through the long strands, she remembered how Ray used to love to
brush her hair. He'd sit and do it for hours if she let him. Letting out a
sad sigh, Christine pulled on a pink robe and grabbing a comb began to
unsnarl her hair. 

"Oh darling, you don't have to do that. Let me" Christine's mother's words
startled her. Relinquishing the comb, Christine sat still, letting her
mother work. 

As she sat there, she took the first good look at her reflection. Dark
circles ringed her large eyes, her skin was much paler than normal. *My
god, I look dead* she thought. *A fitting look for today* 

When her hair was finally detangled, Chris' sisters moved in setting her
hair in hot rollers. The heat emanating from them burned her scalp but
Christine didn't say a word. The pain didn't affect her, it was merely
sucked into the black hole that already filled her. 

With her hair set and drying, Christine's sisters, mother and grandmother
left for their own rooms to get ready. They would be back soon, but
Christine enjoyed the brief silence, their overly happy voices grated on
her nerves. Deciding to take advantage of being alone, she walked over to
her bedside table. Glancing about her, Christine took a tiny key from a
hidden spot and unlocked the single drawer. There inside lay a single
photograph, a snapshot of Ray and her taken during a family picnic. They
were both so happy in that picture, neither knowing what lay ahead.
Christine gently brushed the glossy surface, it seemed like a lifetime ago
this picture had been taken. No tears fell this time, for she was beyond
tears, there was only the emptiness. With a deep breath, Christine placed
the picture back and locked the drawer. Hiding the key again, she returned
to her spot at the dressing table. 

By the time her sisters returned, Christine had begun to dress herself.
Out of sheer boredom she had sorted through the various undergarments set
out for her and had pulled on a few. The only thing left was for someone
to lace her corset up, a thought that made Christine smile. As her sisters
braced themselves for a tug-of-war with the laces, Christine held
perfectly still. At her mother's command, the laces were pulled. Christine
inhaled slightly and the laces zipped shut, cinching her narrow waist down
to 18 inches. A slight smile briefly flashed across her features at the
shocked faces around her. Bit by bit, the other articles of clothing were
put on, until all was almost ready. 

****** 

Two hours later, everything was ready. Christine looked like a china doll
with her flawless make-up and her raven hair styled perfectly. The fitted
bodice of the dress molded to her body, flaring into a full floor length
skirt. Underneath, she wore white heels. 

Holding her bouquet of roses like a shield, Christine looked as miserable
as she felt. The veil hid most of her blank expression, but nothing could
hide her body language. Every move she made spoke volumes, she did *not*
want to be here. 

As if reading Christine's mind, her mother came by and gave her a slight
tap on the back, a signal to stand up straight. Christine threw her
shoulders back, her spine already forced straight by the corset. With her
back straight as an arrow, she waited for the music to begin and her life
to end. 

****** 

Ray Vecchio, detective extraordinaire, watched the Mercutio house from his
perch outside the gates. As he held the binoculars to his eyes, a small
part of him was filled with glee. This spying business had long been a
fantasy for him, a child's dream. Now, he was playing out his dream roll,
ready to jump into action and rescue his damsel in distress. But he had to
get a glimpse of her first. 

Then he saw her, his beautiful Christine. Ray drew in a breath, she was so
gorgeous standing there in the sunlight. The beams played across her raven
hair and white dress. The veil she wore obscured the emotions on her face,
but Ray could read her actions very well. The way she stood, the way she
held her bouquet of flowers all spoke of how miserable she was. 

*Don't worry love* Ray thought to himself *I'll get you out of this*
Continuing to scan the yard, he looked for a way to gain access and save
Christine. 

****** 

Lost deep in thought, Christine almost didn't hear the wedding march
begin. She was drawn from her reverie by a tugging on her arm. Turning,
she came face to face with her brother David. 

"Ready sis?" he asked, a smile crossing his face. To the casual observer,
the smile on David's face would have looked like an older brother caring
after his baby sister. But Christine knew better. She saw the gleam of
triumph in his eyes. 

Not daring to open her mouth, lest she break down into tears, Christine
turned away from David. She was miserable enough as it was, she didn't
need to watch her brother gloat. Turning away from him, Christine looked
out over the crowd. Her eyes scanned the gathered crowd, searching for
Ray. She knew she wouldn't see him here, but she looked all the same. 

Taking a deep breath, Christine drew herself to her full height. She would
be strong, even though her heart was breaking, she wouldn't cry. Watching
the bridesmaids and groomsmen start down the aisle, a tiny flutter of fear
awoke in Christine's stomach. What if Ray didn't show up? What if he was
too late? Would she be able to stop the wedding? Tightening her grip on
the bouquet of roses, Christine knew she could. If Ray wasn't there to
stop the wedding, then she would stop it herself. No matter what happened.


The next person to walk down the aisle was Christine's mother, accompanied
by her brother David because their father was still in jail. Christine
would walk down the aisle by herself, a figure in white. With a slight
toss of her head, she began her descent down the aisle, heading towards
her destiny. 

****** 

As Christine strode down the aisle, Ray was busy working his way onto the
grounds. When he had worked for Mercutio as Jason Marciano, part of his
job was to know the intricate details of the grounds. Now that information
came in handy as Ray moved around the side of one of the buildings.
Stopping at a corner, he peeked around, trying to see just what the layout
of the wedding party and guests were. 

Beyond him, not twenty yards away, the rows of chairs began. Walking
between the two sections was Christine. Her head held high and proud. Ray
allowed himself a small smile at her bravery. 

"Hang on love" he whispered, "not much longer" 

****** 

The wedding march ended as Christine took the last few steps towards the
arch that was the altar. A part of her noticed how the arch was decorated
with green vines and flowers. It was actually quite lovely, and she might
have appreciated it if her mind wasn't occupied with other things. 

The old priest, Father Donne, smiled at Christine. He had known the young
lady all her life. He had baptized her, given her first communion and now
he was marrying her. Just like he had done for all the Mercutio children.
It was truly a happy day and the old man was glad he had lived to see it. 

"Dearly beloved" he began. "We are gathered here to join this woman and
this man is the bonds of holy matrimony..." Father Donne looked at
Christine then at the young man beside her, a thing even she hadn't done.
Smiling at the young bride, he continued giving the wedding sermon. 

Christine didn't hear the words Father Donne spoke. She turned her gaze
beyond the old priest, northwards towards the direction she knew Chicago
lay. *Chicago...a city where I was truly happy* she thought. A silent tear
slid down her cheek, falling from her jaw to land in the edge of her veil.
There the tear lay, glistening in the warm sunlight. 

The sermon continued and Ray lay in wait. In his lifetime he had sat
through many a Catholic wedding. The perfect moment to interrupt lay
ahead. All there was to do was to wait. 

****** 

The moment arrived and Ray was ready. When Father Donne spoke the words
"Now if there is any reason why this man and this woman cannot be married,
may they speak now or forever hold their peace," Ray waited a whole second
before stepping out of his hiding place and saying in a loud clear voice
"Stop!" 

All heads turned to face him except one. Christine didn't need to see who
spoke, she knew that voice so well. She knew every tone, every whisper as
intimately as she knew her own voice. It was Ray, her love and her savior.


The complete and utter silence that surrounded Ray's single shouted word
was eerie. The adrenaline rush coupled with the fear, making him feel
slightly nauseous. Swallowing the fear, Ray began to walk towards the
chairs. 

"This woman cannot marry this man" he stated simply. 

"And may I ask--" Father Donne began but David cut him off. 

"Vecchio" he growled, "what the hell are you doing here?" David stood, his
dark eyes flashing with anger at the detective. 

"I've come to get Christine back" Ray answered simply. He continued moving
down the aisle towards the altar. Christine turned to face him then, a
warm smile crossing her lips. Flicking his eyes to meet hers, Ray offered
a tiny smile back. "I love her and I want her for my wife" 

David's eyes widened in shock and disbelief. There was no way he was going
to let this happen. Not while he was Don of the Mercutio family. Drawing
his gun, he took aim at Ray and fired. 

****** 

At Ray's words to her brother, Christine dropped her bouquet of flowers
and pulled off her veil. She couldn't believe her ears. Here, in front of
her entire family Ray had professed his love and his intentions for her.
Her heart bursting with joy, she ran towards him. 

****** 

Three things happened at one time for Christine. She heard Ray's shouted
word of warning and the gunshot as one. At the same time, she felt the
pain blossom in her lower back. The feeling made her stop short, slightly
confused before she started her fall forward. 

The next seconds seemed to go in slow motion for Christine. The fall
seemed to take forever before Ray caught her. His hands gently cradled
her, applying pressure to the gunshot wound on her back. Looking up at
him, she heard the panic in his voice as he called for a doctor and an
ambulance. She could see that same panic briefly in his eyes as he turned
to her. 

"Don't be afraid" Ray whispered, holding Christine tightly to him. "An
ambulance is on the way" 

Christine smiled softly. Despite the massive amounts of pain it caused,
she reached up to him, gently caressing his cheek. "You're here. There's
nothing I fear" she answered, her voice so soft against the background. 

Applying pressure to her back, Ray held tight to Christine. He began
slowly rocking back and forth, whispering to her all the while. It seemed
to take forever before the ambulance arrived, but it finally did. Only
then did Ray relinquish his hold on Christine, turning her over to the
expert hands of the paramedics. 

He held her hand as they loaded her onto a gurney, following beside her
into the ambulance. He watched as the medics fed IV's into her slender
arm, pumping fluids into her body. When Christine squeezed his hand, Ray
leaned close to her. 

"I love you Ray" she whispered. "Never forget that" Then, taking a deep
breath, Christine closed her eyes and slipped into darkness... 

The End (Please refrain from flames, I promise it'll be okay in the next
part!) 

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