What Price Friendship?

Author's Notes: This was actually the first DS story I ever wrote but I rewrote it to fit into my "happy little world"  after Ray comes back from Vegas. All standard disclaimers-----the Due South characters are not mine, they belong to Alliance.  Ray Vecchio is, as always, David Marciano.  The villian is my own creation. I do this for fun and definately not profit.  (In fact they might pay me to stop. haha)

By Teresa

"Well, Ray,. . . .ummm. . .it certainly is. . . .uh. . . ."

"Ugly.  Go ahead Benny and say it.  Won't hurt my feelings. It's probably the ugliest little bomb in Chicago."

On this lovely spring morning, Detective Raymond Vecchio and his friend Constable Benton Fraser were standing in front of Fraser's apartment building.  They both were gazing at the car that Ray was driving.

Fraser tilted his head to one side.  "Well, Ray, it is a nice cheerful color.'

"Go lean on it," Ray commanded.

Fraser was obviously puzzled.  "Excuse me?"

Ray grabbed his friend's arm and slung him toward the car. "I said lean on the car, Benny."

Puzzled but obediant, Fraser leaned against the car then smiled inquiringly at Ray.  Ray rammed his hands deep into the pockets of his long coat and scowled thoughtfully down his long fine nose at Fraser.  Finally satisified, he nodded and said, "Yeah, that bright, cheerful, blinding yellow paint job goes real well with that bright cheerful, blinding red coat of yours."

Fraser frowned down at his RCMP uniform.  Patiently he explained, "Ray, I have told you before that it is a tunic; not a coat.  The color is officially scarlett, not red."

Ray started toward the car.  Lazily, he said, "Scarlett or Red. Frankly, Benny, I don't give a. . ."

"Ray," Fraser chided, warningly.

"Hoot. . . ." Ray finished with a wicked grin.  "But, whatever, we're going to be late if we don't get moving."  He jerked open the driver's side door and slid behind the wheel.

Fraser opened the passenger's door but did not get in.  He pushed the back of the seat forward then faced toward the entrance of his apartment building.  He called out, "If you don't wish to spend the day alone. . .all by yourself. . .come on and get in. . .now."

From the shadows of the doorway, Diefenbaker came growling.  With a wary gait he stalked toward the little yellow car.  He stopped and sniffed at it suspicously.  The hackles bristled up across his burly shoulders as he rumbled low.

Disgusted, Fraser said through his teeth, "You are being difficult."

The wolf gave him a cold stare.

From inside the car Ray chuckled sympathetically.  "Aw, com'on, Benny. Cut Dief some slack.  I felt the same way yesterday when I first saw ol' Lemondrop."

Fraser rolled his eyes.  "Ray.  Please do not encourage him."  He then commanded, "Diefenbaker, get in.  Now."

With an "If-I-must" growl, Dief crawled gingerly into the back seat.  

"Thank you, " Fraser growled, as he slid into the passenger's seat.  As Ray zipped the little yellow car out into the morning traffic, Fraser asked the question that was bothering him.  "Ray, exactly why are you driving this vehicle?  Where is the Riviera?"

Before Ray could answer, there was a rustling of paper in the backseat. Fraser whirled about and stormed, "Dief! No. Leave that alone."

"Is he getting into my briefcase?",  Ray panicked.  The car swerved as Ray twisted around in an effort to see into the back.

Fraser looked quizzically at Ray. "No.  He's just finishing up whatever was in that paper bag."  Fraser reached back to retrieve the black briefcase. "I can move this up front where Dief won't bother it."

"Just leave the briefcase where it is, Fraser,"  Ray spoke so sharply, Fraser jumped. He let the briefcase thud back to the floor.

The look of hurt surprise in Fraser's eyes stung Ray.  Ashamed for snapping so harshly, he apoligized, "It's okay, Benny.  I forgot I locked that stupid briefcase.  Dief can't get in it.  And there's nothing in that bag but the scraps of my breakfast.  I stopped and grabbed a bite on the way."

Concerned, Fraser asked, "Is your mother ill?"   Fraser knew that Mrs. Vecchio would never let her son out of the house without breakfast.

Ray laughed.  "No, she's out of town.  In fact, my whole clan is gone. And to answer your earlier question--Ma and Franny took the Riv.  Marie and Tony and their brood took their big ol' station wagon."

Fraser was more than shocked.  Uneasily, he laid a hand on Ray's forehead and murmered, "No fever."

Ray knocked his hand away and grumped, "Com'on, Fraser.  Can't a man let his ma and sister borrow his car?"

"No, he cannot,"  Fraser said with pointed politeness.  "Not when that man is Raymond Vecchio and the car is the Riviera.  You must not have let them go very far away."

Ray shrugged.  "Well, it's far enough.  I sent'em all packing yesterday. In fact, I conned Angie into tagging along with Ma and Franny.  She's the only one in the bunch that I'd trust to drive the Riv. "   Ray fell silent, his gaze fixed on something other than the morning traffic.  "It's been real nice having the house all to myself.  I miss Marie and Tony's schreeching like I would an abcessed tooth."  He laughed, but there was an emptiness in the sound.   

Fraser turned to look worriedly at Ray.  A shadow had settled over his friend's face.  Looking about, Fraser sought  something that might lift the shadow. He thought of the briefcase and asked, "When did you start carrying that briefcase, Ray?  It is a relatively new one.  It shows some signs of scuffing on the bottom, and the handle. . . ."

A small smile played at the corners of  Ray's mouth as he said, "Benny, forget the stinking briefcase."

Fraser was about to question Ray further when the car swerved to the curb.  Ray loudly proclaimed, "All Mounties going ashore; get ashore!"

Fraser peered out through the windshield at the Consulate.  Sighing a little, he climbed out, calling back, "Well, I shall see you this afternoon."

He heard Ray grunt.  Peeking back inside the car in curiosity, Fraser asked, "Ray, what is wrong?'

Ray huffed out a long windy sigh.  "Benny, I won't be able to pick you up for awhile.  Maybe a week, or longer."

Fraser tilted his head.  With studied indifference he asked, "Ray.   Are you by any chance involved with another mob case?"  No matter that he tried to hide it, there was a hint of fear in Fraser's voice.

Ray caught that and laughed reassuringly.  "No, Benny. It's just this case I'm working on. . . .I'll be tied up. . . .you know how that goes."

"Perhaps I can help,"  Fraser offered.

Ray shook his head. "Not this time, Benny.  It's . . . .It's about wrapped up."

"And this case; dose it involve that briefcase?"  Fraser asked quietly.

Ray shrugged noncommitingly.

"And, " Fraser went on in the same tone, "If it's just about wrapped up then why will you not be able to pick me up for a week or longer?"

Before Ray could think of an answer, the Consulate clock began to chime. Fraser glared at it and muttered in annoyance, "Oh dear.  Look at the time."

"Yeah,"  Ray's relief was ill-hidden.  "You're late and so am I!"

Still Fraser hesitated.  "Ray, are you quite sure that you will not need my help?'

Ray seemed about to say something, but paused to look oddly at Fraser. He then said, "Yeah, Benny.  I am sure on this one."  But at Fraser's disappointed look, Ray quickly added, "But, I will call you if I should change my mind."

Fraser gazed sadly at Ray. "Promise?"

Ray grinned and nodded.  "Promise, Benny."

Fraser nodded.  He turned toward the Consulate, but glanced hopefully back.

Ray gave him a warning glare.

"Understood,"  Fraser said softly.  He slow footed his way into the Consulate.

From the backseat, Diefenbaker growled low. Ray scowled back at the wolf.  "I know what I am doing," he stated sharply. "Now, shut up."

Dief changed his tone to a pleading whine.  He reached up to paw Ray's shoulder.

"I am not arguing with a wolf," Ray said firmly.  "I don't want Benny's, or your, help on  this case. All I want you to do, is look after Benny for me till it's over with. Okay? Now, get to it."

Gurring and grumbling, Dief scrambled out of the yellow car. Ray reached over and slammed the door.  Alone he headed out to face his day. On the sidewalk in front of the Consulate, Dief sat and gazed after him.

*

"Ray told me he did not need my help.   I would dearly love to assist him, but as his friend,  I  feel that I should respect his wishes.  Now, please stop pestering me."

Fraser stood, hands on hips, in the middle of his apartment, glaring down at Diefenbaker. The big white wolf sat at Fraser's feet, glaring up at him.  A growl rumbled low in his throat.

Fraser snorted.  "No.  I am not being unreasonable.  Ray asked me not to help him.  I am merely doing as he asked."

Dief snarled slightly.

"Well, no,  . . ." Fraser said slowly.  "I don't always do what Ray asks."

Dief gave several accusing ruffs. Defensive, Fraser said, "Yes, it has been over a week since Ray told me that he didn't desire my assistance, but I am sure that he still doesn't. . . .I guess. . . .I mean. . .  . he did promise to call me."  Fraser finished triumphantly.

Diefenbaker cocked his head in an inquiring way.  He snorted as if he doubted his master's intelligence.  

Frowning, Fraser said,  "No, I have not forgotten that I do not have a phone.  But, Ray knows my landlord's number and the Consulate's number."

Dief rolled his yellow eyes as he barked a derisive laugh.

"I hate to admit it, but you are right.  Ray can be a little less than dependable at keeping his promises."   Fraser became thoughtful.   "Perhaps it wouldn't hurt anything if we were just to. . . ." he shrugged, ". . .drop by the police station.  We could tell Ray 'hello'. . . .or something. "   

Even as he was speaking, Fraser had grabbed up his leather jacket and was heading for the door.  

Dief came frisking victorously behind him.

Fraser shot his wolf a stern look.  "As good as you are at winning arguments, you should look into a career as a lawyer."

*

At that late hour the activity at the 27th precinct had slowed to a low buzz.  Everything in the bullpen was quiet and somehow desolate.  Fraser paused just inside the door to look about uncertainly. He looked at Dief and whispered, "Perhaps Ray is not even here."

Dief's black nose twitched.  With a confident wave of his curly tail, he trotted forward.  Fraser followed him through the dark maze of desks and file cabinets.

As they approached the corner where Ray's desk sat, Fraser saw a glow of light.  Eagerly, he and Dief rounded the last file cabinet only to find Ray's desk deserted. Yet the lamp on the desk was burning brightly in the surrounding gloom.  

Disappointed, Fraser looked around. Ray was not to be seen.  Fraser was about to call his friend, when his eyes riveted on the object lying open on the desk.

It was the black briefcase.  It was wide open.  Photos and papers were scattered about on the desktop.  As if mesmerised, Fraser moved toward the papers.  He was eager to read them.  But. . . . .

"No!"  Fraser jerked himself to a halt and then scolded himself soundly.  "Ray told me to forget about this case.  It would be wrong for me to read, or in any way, disturb these papers."  Reluctantly, he turned away.

Dief rolled his yellow eyes in disgust.  With a a woof, he reared up on his hind legs and planted his large forepaws squarely on some of the papers. Recklessly, he began rooting and nosing among the papers and photos.  Several sheets slid off the desk. Horrified, Fraser grabbed a handful of flying papers. With his other hand he snatched at Diefenbaker, sharply scolding, "No! Get down.  Stop that!"

The wolf eluded Fraser.  Gleefully, he snapped at the papers his master held.

Fraser jerked the papers out of Dief's reach.  As he did something on the paper caught his eye.  Unable to stop, Fraser finished reading the sentence, the paragraph and finally, the whole page.  When he finished, he hurried on to the next page and the next and. . . . .

Growling a chortle of satisfaction, Dief settled down on his haunches to watch Fraser read Ray's papers.

Fraser browsed quickly through the papers and photos; arranging them into neat stacks as he read them.Their contents were distastful, but he could not stop reading. There were detailed eyewitness accounts of drug deals, armed robberies, blackmail and even murder.  All of this was tied back to a man named Gerald Ashburn.

As Fraser laid the last sheet on top of the final stack, he shivered as if to shake off some nasty thing.  Gerald Ashburn was one wicked character, but Ray had the evidence to put him away for good.  Absently, Fraser began placing the stacks of papers back into the briefcase.  Tucked into a pocket in the lid of the briefcase were three computer discs.  Fraser picked one out then glanced around, looking for a computer.  

He froze as hot guilt flashed over him. Standing  just in the edge of the lamp light was Ray. Fraser knew he was in for it now.  He had been caught red-handed reading material that Ray had told him to forget.  And Ray's anger could be scathing. Desperately, Fraser tried to find his voice to ask (plead, if necessary) for forgiveness.

But Ray spoke first,  "So, Benny, now you know."  He didn't sound mad, just resigned.

Fraser stared at his friend.  In fact, Ray didn't even look mad.  He looked . . .well. . ..resigned.

Ray shook his head and chuckled dryly.  "Why did I even think I could keep a nosy Mountie out of my business?"   

Relived that he was not going to be shredded, Fraser finally found his voice.  "Why did you want to keep me out of your business, Ray?"  

Ray's reply was to ask, "You got everything back in the breifcase?"

Fraser slid the disc back into it's pocket and nodded.

Ray nodded.  He then snapped the lid shut and locked it.  He strolled over to the coat rack, shrugged into his long coat, then strolled back to the desk.  Swinging up the briefcase, Ray commanded,  "Heel, Fraser."

Fraser fell into step behind Ray, commanding, "Heel, Dief."

With a snort of contempt, the wolf trotted ahead of Fraser and Ray.  He led the way out of the police station.  

*

Not a word passed between Ray and Fraser until they were in the Vecchio kitchen.  As Ray rummaged out a plate of doughnuts and made coffee, he at last began talking.  Fraser sat and listened. "When Welsh called me into his office, he was acting so grim I figured I was going to get the boot.  Instead he dropped this beauty on me,"  Ray paused to kick the black  briefcase which was sitting under the table beside Dief. The wolf growled low.  Ray went on,  "I'm not sure that the boot wouldn't have been better.  However, Welsh explained that the case was nearly complete.  All I had to do was tie up a few loose ends and deliver it all to the state's attorney."  Ray threw himself down into a chair across the table from Fraser.   "Of course I had to ask Welsh why he was turning a nearly completed case over to me.  I thought that maybe it had something to do with the great work I did in Vegas,"  Ray said with a short bitter chuckle.

Fraser eyes went wide with questioning.  

Ray studied his coffee before speaking, "You've seen Ashburn's pics? Well, you know he looks like a typical businessman; medium height, thinning dark hair, kind of paunchy.  But his heart is as rotten as two week old road kill."  Ray's voice was ominous in the quiet kitchen.  "The dude who had this Ashburn case first was found in a full bathtub with a high powered, plugged in blow dryer floating beside him."  

Fraser's face drained of all color. Ray managed a chuckle.  "Aw, com'on, Benny-Boy!  That ain't going to happen to me."  Ray ran a hand over his bare scalp.  

Fraser was not comforted.

"Anyhow,"  Ray went on thoughtfully, "I decided then and there that Ma and Franny and  all the rest might like a little vacation.  It had been awhile since Ma had visited her 'little' brother, my Uncle Dolph, on his farm in Kentucky.  So, since he don't live as far away as Florida, I let her and Franny and Angie pack up the Riv and  head out.  Tony's out of a job again so I encouraged him and Marie to tag along.  I sent them all packing and went and rented homely ol' Lemondrop for the duration."

Fraser had picked up a chocolate doughnut, but was just staring at it. Ray went on.  "The other dude had no family in town or it might have been his Ma or sisters or ex-wife . . .or best friend. . . in that tub.  Since he didn't, Welsh figures that Ashburn tried to buy him off and when he refused. . . . ."   Ray shook his head.

Fraser nudged the briefcase with his toe. Ray grinned.  "The dude was a smart one.  He kept that old briefcase locked up in a safe deposit box at a bank, not even his own bank, under a woman's name.  Welsh had a heck of a time finding it.  And you know now that it was a good thing Ashburn didn't get his claws on it.  Welsh wasn't lying when he said the case was nearly wrapped up.  Mostly all that I've had to do was see a few people, and visit a few places to confirm the things in there."

Ray shrugged.

"Then, why. . . . .,"  Fraser's voice was soft, "did you not tell me about the case?  Even refused to be around me?  Ray, I am a police officer too.  And your friend."  Fraser's look was almost accusing.

Ray answered pointedly.  "True, Fraser, you are a police officer, but you're a Canadian police officer. Far as I know pondscum Ashburn ain't wanted in the Yukon."  His voice softened.  "And simply because you are my friend, I didn't tell you, Benny.  Even Ma and the fam don't know the real reason that I suddenly got so free with the Riv and my money."  Ray shrugged one shoulder and grinned.  "I figured that the less you knew the safer you would be.  I stayed away from you 'cause I couldn' afford to ship you back the the Great Frozen North."

Fraser gazed sadly at Ray.  "But if Ashburn had come for you, I would not have been there to protect you."

Ray smiled fondly at Fraser.  "Nope, but you would have been safe and I was happy just knowing that.  Still. . . "  Ray scowled at Fraser, "I don't feel good about you knowing about Ashburn. What possessed you to go snooping in my papers?"

Fraser gave Dief an annoyed glare.  The big wolf smugly thumped his tail against Ray's foot.

Ray snorted.  "I should have guessed."

"He can be quite persausive,"  Fraser muttered.

Ray grunted in agreement before speaking thoughtfully, "Well, I guess there is no harm in you knowing about Ashburn now.  In the morning, I am handing this whole Ashburn case over to Ms. St.Laurent and washing my hands of the whole mess."  With a grin of satisfaction, Ray dusted his hands together.

"Then, perhaps, inviting her out for a little victory party. . .for just the two of you?"  Fraser asked with a smile.

Ray chuckled shrewedly. "That thought came to mind."

Fraser shook his head.  "Ray!  She despises you."

Ray stood.  "I'm wearing her down,"  he said, with a wicked grin.

Fraser rolled his eyes as he also rose to his feet.

"Anyway," Ray went on, "I'll pick you up before I drop off this Ashburn mess."

Fraser frowned with concern.  "I was planning on spending the night here."

Ray snorted.  "Why?  I've been okay here alone."

Fraser was not convinced.

Ray gave a huffy chortle.  "I'll lock up the briefcase and then lock the doors and set the alarm;  just like I been doing.  Okay, Mother Fraser?"

"Well. . . ." Fraser spoke slowly, then brightened, "I believe that you will have Diefenbaker's company."  He was looking behind Ray.  Scowling, Ray turned about, then grunted.

Lying under the table, curled around the briefcase, was the wolf. Obviously, he had settled in for the night.

"I will feel much better knowing that he is here to protect you,"  Fraser said, as he turned toward the door.  

"Yeah, well, I'd feel much better knowing that he was protecting you," Ray grumbled, as he saw Fraser out.

On the back porch, Fraser paused to smile back at Ray.  "I am not the one in possession of that valuable briefcase."  And before Ray could argue further, Fraser bounded out into the Chicago night.

*

Fraser was more than halfway home when a strangled cry stopped him in his tracks.  

"Someone.. . . .help me. . . ."

Puzzled, he looked about to find the source of the pitiful cry.

"Help me, please. . ."  It was a man's voice that called out falteringly in the night.  

Fraser peered down an alley that was nothing more than a pitch black slit between two buildings.

"Sir?"  Fraser called out.

Cautiously, Fraser slipped down the alley.

He did not come back out.

*

Ray's temper was seething. He glared at the plate of doughnuts on the floor, the opened bag of cheese curls beside them and the soda fizzing a bowl.  He slammed the "Lassie" video down on the table and furiously demanded,  "Come'on, Dief! Give me the stupid briefcase.  I have to lock it up for the night."

The wolf never moved, except to lift his lip to show his canines.  His mucular body remained curled around the briefcase.

"Fine!"  Ray jammed his fists onto his hips.  "But if Ashburn comes gunning for that briefcase; guess who gets his furry hindend shot off?"   

Dief yawned widely.

Shaking his head in grudging admiration, Ray was about to step out of the bright kitchen.  Suddenly, down the dark hall the phone rang shrilly. Ray jumped a foot.

Grumbling at his fear, Ray strode down the hall to the phone by the foot of the stairs.  He jerked up the receiver and snapped, "Yeah?"

"Vecchio."  The voice on the other end was full of cold delight.

Ray's blood seemed to become ice.  His knuckles whitened as he clutched the receiver.  Yet, he was able to control his voice. With contempt he snarled,  "Ashburn.  What do you want?"

A chortle answered. "I just wanted to ask a question."

"Then call information," Ray spit.

Again a chortle devoid of all mirth. "Oh, I can only ask you, Vecchio. Tell me. . . .what do you think the life of one measly little Canadian Mountie is worth?"

Ray went rigid.  He felt as if an icy hand had suddenly clutched his throat.  A cold little chill rushed down his spine as his heart kicked into double time.

Ashburn's cold voice jarred him back.  "Well, Vecchio?  No ideas?  May I make a suggestion?  How about a black briefcase packed with papers, photos and computer dics?"

Before Ray could reply, a well-known voice cried out in the background,   "Ray!  Don't!"

Sickening, pounding thuds silenced that desperate voice.   

Ray groaned hopelessly.

"How about it, Vecchio?  Isn't that a reasonable offer?"  Ashburn asked jovially.  "If not, well, Constable Benton Fraser will die. . . painfully and slowly.. . . tonight."

"Don't you hurt him," Ray's voice was stiff with helpless rage."If you hurt him, I'll. . . ."  Ray let it hang, but the silence spoke volumes.

Ashburn laughed.  ''I wouldn't dream of it.  Especially if you meet me in an hour. . . ."

"Two hours,"  Ray demanded.  "Some of the stuff is locked up at my girlfriend's."

"Hour and a half," Ashburn countered.

"Okay," Ray snarled.

"You know the old ball field on the west side?"  Ashburn asked.

"Yeah," Ray said.

"There."  And the line went dead.

Ray slammed down the receiver.  Racing back into the kitchen, he yelled, "Deif, that rattlesnake has Benny."

Within a matter of seconds, Ray and a subdued Deifenbaker tore out of the Vecchio house.  They piled into the  ugly yellow car and roared off. Before a half hour had passed the yellow car was schreeching back into the Vecchio drive.  Ray and Deif tumbled out and raced into the house.  In one hand Ray carried a large manilla envelope.

Within another half hour, they were striding back to the car.  Ray was swinging the black briefcase in one hand.  Man and wolf got into the car and headed out into the night.

*

Exactly one hour and a half after Ashburn had issued his demands, Ray was parking the ugly yellow car on the old ballfield.  Beside him,in the passenger's seat,  Dief whined pathetically. Annoyed, Ray grumbled, "If you had of stayed with Benny to start with.. . . ."

The wolf's head drooped as his whimpers grew louder. Ray softened.  "Don't worry, Dief. We will get him back.  Com'on."

They stepped out into the ballfield.  Scattered outdoor lights made pools of brightness around the field's edge.  Distant city noises purred in the darkness.  Far to the east the sky was turning a faint gray.

Swinging the briefcase,  Ray strode out to the middle of the field. Alert and watching, Dief trotted beside him. The sleek form of a Cadillac materilized out of the shadows. It rolled almost noiselessly to meet them.  Ray and Dief stopped and waited tensely. The Cadillac stopped .  A well dressed, middle-aged man stepped out on the driver's side.  Smiling, he came toward Ray with a hand extended in a friendly greeting.

Ray ignored the proffered hand.  Sourly, he stared at it's owner. Ashburn dropped his hand, but not his friendly demeanor.  "Ahh, Vecchio. Promptness must be a virture your momma instilled in you."  His face lit up. "And you brought the famous briefcase!  May I?"  He stepped forward, reaching for the case's handle.

Dief's low rumble turned to a full throated growl.

Ashburn stumbled back and demanded, "Call off your dog!"

Ray chuckled sweetly.  "Now that's a problem.  He ain't my dog.  He's the Mountie's wolf."  Ray's voice turned to ice.  "And me and the wolf want to see him before we give you squat."  Ray's words were punctuated by Dief's growls.

Ashburn was amused.  "Vecchio!  You show an intelligence that I didn't expect.  So, your wish is my command."  He snapped his fingers loudly. The rear door of the Cadillac swung open.  Ray's face showed no change, but he felt his pulse pounding faster.  Slowly, Fraser stumbled from the backseat.  Head drooping, he shuffled toward Ashburn. As Fraser came alongside of  Ashburn, Ashburn once more snapped  his fingers. Fraser halted.  He lifted his head and managed to give Ray a sad smile.

Ray's statement still did not change, but his narrowed green eyes were flicking over Fraser.  He noted the bruises on his friend's face; his torn clothing and the tight hand cuffs and shackles that bound his wrists and ankles.  Ashburn had captured Fraser, but it had not been easy.

Fraser's smile faded under Ray's stony stare.  In a worried voice he said, "Ray, I am really, very sorry."

Ray's face softened into a reassuring grin.  Gently, he said, "It's okay, Benny."

Ashburn cooed,  "Oh, Vecchio!  You have a little pet name for your little Mountie buddy!"

A sharp ruff from Dief shut Ashburn up.

Ashburn stepped back a pace, then went on, "Well, I can see that you won't mind to give me that briefcase in exchange for him."

Fraser struggled a step forward, pleading, "Ray.  Don't.  I beg you."

Ray's answer was to drop the briefcase in front of Diefenbaker.  The wolf took the handle in his teeth.  Snarling, he carried it over and dropped it in front of Ashburn.  With hackles raised, he stalked back to Ray.

Ashburn knelt, opened the briefcase and glanced at the papers.  Ray eyed him with cold contempt.

Ashburn looked up with a mildly troubled face.  "I believe there were also some computer discs?"

White faced with desperation, Fraser called out, "Ray!  Think what this man is!  Don't give him the discs."

Ignoring Fraser, Ray pulled open one side of his long coat.  Pinned inside was a plastic bag containing three discs.  Fraser's head drooped in defeat.

"This is the deal,"  Ray stated.  "Soon as Benny is safe inside my little yellow chariot, the discs are yours."  Ray smiled a shark's smile.

In mock amazement, Ashburn stared at Ray.  "My!  Vecchio, you are so much more intelligent than I had thought."  He clapped his hands in mocking admiration.  He then bowed to Fraser and gestured pompously toward the yellow car.  "You are free to go."

Head drooped in despair, Fraser began shuffling toward the car.

"Hey? How about unlocking him?" Ray demanded.

Ashburn laughed. "All in good time, Vecchio."

As Fraser passed his friend he looked at Ray with a face full of humble gratitude and deep sorrow.  Ray smiled understandingly then jerked his head toward the car. Fraser returned a small, sad smile then continued on.

Ray stood looking coldly at Ashburn.  Ashburn stood smirking at Ray.  Dief was staring after Fraser.  At long last he growled softly and Ray knew his friend had made it to the car.

Ray jerked the plastic bag loose and handed it to the waiting wolf. Snarling, Dief carried it over to the open briefcase. He dropped the bag into the case, then turned to stalk away.  Suddenly, Dief stopped.  He sidled up to the briefcase and lifted high one hind leg.  Ashburn's mouth fell open in astonishment.

Proudly, Dief strutted back to join Ray.

Ray gave Dief a congratulatory slap as he said, laughingly, "Good boy." He then scowled at Ashburn, who was gingerly closing the damp briefcase. Holding out one hand, Ray demanded, "The keys?"

Ashburn stood up, hefting the briefcase.  He frowned in puzzlement.

Ray huffed furiously.  "Okay.  If you don't  give them to me you can give them to the wolf."

Dief yawned widely.  His white fangs glimmered.

Ashburn's face lit up.  "Oh!  Yes!  The keys for the Mountie's cuffs.  I nearly forgot."

Ray rolled his eyes.

Ashburn fished about in all of his pockets till he finally found the keys. "Here you go, Vecchio,"  he chortled as he flung the tinkling keys at Ray. Dief lept up.  Deftly he caught the keys.  He turned around and gently placed them in Ray's hand.

One last time Ray and Ashburn faced each other.  

Laughing, Ashburn held up the briefcase.  "It was a pleasure doing business with you, Detective. . . .or as I should say. . . .Mister Vecchio. Now, I will go home, light myself a big blazing fire and in a few hours this briefcase and all it contains with be like your career. . . . burned to ashes."  Victoriously swinging the briefcase, Ashburn sauntered back to the Cadillac.  Just before he got inside, he turned about to wink at Ray.  "I hope your Mountie proves to be worth it."    Laughing uproariously, he slid behind the wheel and headed out into the night.

For a long moment afterward,  Ray stood staring sightlessly into the shadows.  At last he shook himself as if waking from a long nightmare.  He scrubbed one hand over his bare crown, then down over his face as if to wipe off a clinging web.  He then looked down at Dief, who was looking expectantly up at him.

Ray nodded curtly.  Together they turned and raced toward the yellow car and Fraser.

Ray found Fraser sitting sideways in the passenger's seat. His shackled feet were out on the ground. Ray looked uneasily at his friend.  Halfway, he had expected Fraser to be out of his bonds.  Instead he sat with his eyes closed , his head drooping dejectedly.

Quickly, Ray dropped to one knee and began unlocking the handcuffs and then the leg-irons.  Carefully, he eased the tight bonds from Fraser's wrists. Gently, Ray began chaffing Fraser's cold hands.  As the circulation returned to normal bright beads of blood oozed out of Fraser's broken skin. He grimaced against the prickly pain.

Under his breath, Ray cursed Ashburn.  He then pulled off the leg-irons. Softly, he massaged Fraser's ankles.  Ray felt his anger boiling as his fingers felt his friend's swollen skin.

Yet Ray managed to calm himself enough to laugh, "Well, Benny-Boy, it's a good thing you were wearing your hikers.  I shudder to think what would have happened if Ashburn had of scuffed up your regulation boots!"  Ray then bundled up the chains and went to toss them into the trunk.  

When Ray came back to him, Fraser still sat in withdrawn silence. Uneasily, Ray laid a hand on his shoulder and asked, "Benny? You okay?"

Fraser looked up to Ray.  His eyes were huge pools of misery.  Softly, he asked,  "Why?"

Understanding his friend's meaning, Ray reached into the car and flipped down the sun visor.  He tapped a small fly specked mirror clipped onto the back of the visor.

Fraser stared sourly at his reflection.  With a scowl of disgust, he turned away, muttering, "That is not a good reason to ruin your career and life." Ray glared down his long, fine nose and huffed, "Fraser, you sure know how to make a guy feel good about saving your ungrateful hide."

Stung by Ray's sharp words, Fraser protested, "I am not ungrateful. Please, Ray, don't think that I am.  Ashburn let me know for a certainty that he would not have hesitated to kill me had you not handed over that briefcase."  Fraser shuddered.  Softly, Ray sqeezed his shoulder.

Fraser swiped a hand across his forehead, before continuing, "But still, Ray, I am deeply troubled over what you have done to yourself on my behalf. When Lieutenant Welsh and State's Attorney St.Laurent find out that you turned all that evidence over to Ashburn just to save me. . . . . ."  Fraser sucked in a long, shaky, breath.  "I am sure that the Lieutenant will personally strip you of your badge and boot you out into the street.  Ms. St.Laurent will, no doubt, have you prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law and see that you are incarcerated for the rest of your natural life."

Ray just shrugged off handedly and said, "Well, Benny, all that might happen, but all I can say for sure is that me and the wolf, " he nodded toward Diefenbaker, "feel like we made the right decision.  We're happy with it and all we ask is that you be happy with it too.  Or,"  Ray grinned wickedly,  "We might ask ol' Ashburn if we could trade you back."

Fraser brightened with sudden hope.  "Do you suppose he would?"

Ray thoughtfully scrubbed one hand over his bare crown.  "Sure he would. 'Specially if we'd let him shoot us both dead first.  Now, I don't know about you, Benny, but personally, I would far rather be without a job than without a life."

Fraser nodded in quiet agreement.  After a moment's silence, he said softly, "Thank you kindly for saving me, Ray."  He looked up and smiled warmly at his friend.

Ray returned the smile then lifted Fraser's feet into the car.  He let Dief leap into the backseat before slamming the door.  He strode around and slid into the driver's seat. As he turned on the yellow car's engine, Ray said, "Guess I'd better get you home and get them scrapes cleaned up.  Wouldn't do to throw everything away like I've done to save you only to let you die of gangrene."

*

The phone was ringing fiercely as Ray and Fraser entered the Vecchio's front door.  Ray stopped and glared at the phone in disbelief.  Fraser heard him mutter under his breath,  "Already?"

Aloud to Fraser, he said, "You know where the bathroom is upstairs.  Go on up and make yourself to home.  I'm sorry, Benny, but I better get that."

Fraser nodded then began slow footing his way on up the steep stairs. Ray watched him for just a moment, then turned around to snatch up the reciever.

A muffled but furious blast from the phone caused Fraser to stop. Curious, he turned about to peer back down.  Silent as a shadow he sank down on the steps and peeked down through the railing. Ray's voice came up to him, large with gloating.  "Soooo, you've sampled the goods already?  And you found my little message on the disc?"

Another enraged torrent poured out of the reciever.

Ray laughed outloud, causing another heated roar from the caller. Cold as steel, Ray's voice sliced into the blast.  "No.  You listen to me.  You want the real stuff?   Then meet me at the place I named."  He clattered the reciever back into it's cradle.

Instantly, he jerked up the reciever, hit a button and after a moment said, "It's on." before once more hanging up.

Ray then strode to a small closet under the stairs and jerked open the door.  He stripped off his long coat and jacket.  From the closet he pulled out a bullet proof vest and fastened it around himself.  He reached into the closet again and brought out his shoulder holster.  He strapped it on then unhooked the gun.  He slid his weapon out, checked to make sure it was loaded, then satisfied he jammed it back into the holster.  He did not fasten the gun in.  Quickly, he slid on his jacket and long coat. From his look-out on the stairs, Fraser had watched all this with cold horror.

Dief had been sitting by the phone table watching Ray.  Expectantly, he rose to his feet.

Ray shook his head.  "Not this time, Dief."

The big wolf whined pleadingly.

Ray grinned apologetically at him.  "No.  I need you to stay here with Benny.  And take him this note."  Ray scribbled something on the pad by the phone.

Disgusted, Diefenbaker took the slip of paper. Ray turned toward the door calling back, "I'll bring you back two dozen doughnuts, ok?"  With that Ray was out the door and gone.

Grumbling, Dief started up the stairs.  Halfway up, he was stopped by a strong, fresh scent.  Fraser's?  Dief's nose twitched with curosity.  He checked the next step. Nothing.  He backed down, sniffing and snorting.  The warm, fresh scent led down to the bottom of the stairs then. . . . .

Dief nosed toward the front door. No, the scent was cooler there.  He went back to the bottom stair.  The hot scent led down the hall toward the kitchen.. . . . .

Fraser had crept across the yard and almost to the back gate when something large, white and furry landed squarely on his back. In a tangle he and Dief crashed to the ground.  They rolled in a wild tumble of arms, paws, legs and teeth.  If he couldn't go with Ray, then Diefenbaker was going to make sure Fraser didn't go either.

But Dief's intent was only to hold Fraser down, not to injure or kill him. So the wolf was not using his full strength.  Catching his wolf off his guard for just one second gave Fraser an advantage.  He heaved hard against the wolf and sent him tumbling to one side.  Dazed, Dief lay and watched as Fraser scrambled to his feet and dashed triumphantly out of the gate.

With an 'Oh-no-you-don't!' ruff, Dief scrambled up to his own feet.  He tore out of the gate, flew down the alley and leapt onto the sidewalk.

To his relief, Fraser was standing there looking about desperately.  The ugly yellow car was gone.

Dief bounded up to Fraser.  His master turned a withering scowl on him. "You know where Ray is going, don't you?", he demanded.

Dief panted stupidly.

"Do not attempt to pull that 'dumb act' on me,"  Fraser said sternly as he shook a warning finger at his wolf.  "This is important.  Ray needs our help."

Dief lazily scratched his ear.

Furious with frustration, Fraser exploded.  "You. . .You . . .over enlarged. . . .hairball!"

Crushed, Dief sank down, whimpering pathetically.

Fraser rolled his eyes and clinched his teeth.  In a coaxing tone, he spoke to the dejected wolf.  "Dief, look, this is your chance.  You wished to accompany Ray.  Now you can go and blame it all on me!"  

Dief still drooped, but one amber eye slitted open.

Fraser hesitated, muttering under his breath about how much like mules wolves could be.   At  last, he recklessly said,  "Take me to the place where Ray is meeting Ashburn and I'll buy you a pound of fresh caribou."  

Dief's lips twitched. The tip of his tongue flicked out.  With gleaming eyes, he sat up and barked twice.

Fraser groaned, but Ray's life might depend on this.  Through his teeth, Fraser said, "Consider it done.  Two pounds."

Joyously, Dief lept up and raced off.  Grimfaced, Fraser pounded after him.

*   

Fraser had only guessed, but he was right.  Diefenbaker had been with Ray when he had made his plans.  He knew exactly where the meet was taking place.

The big wolf loped along, guiding the way.  Fraser sprinted behind.  It was a good thing that the pre-dawn traffic was still light.  Neither wolf nor man stopped for lights or veered  from their course.  

In just a little while they had reached their destination.  In a small well kept park, Dief came to a halt.  He smiled up at Fraser as he jogged up to join his wolf.  Fraser ignored Dief.  He was gazing intently about.  The park was one of many green oasises carved out of the concrete of Chicago.  A gentle slope of ground, set about with clumps of trees, rock walled flower beds and picnic tables ran down to the restless waters of Lake Michigan.  Through the park snaked a broad paved trail. But none of these things held Fraser's attention.  His steely gaze was fixed on a sleek gray Cadillac that was parked beside the trail just a few hundred feet below where he and Deif were standing.  When Ashburn slithered out of the Cadillac, Fraser saw red.  He flicked his tongue over his under lip.  

With cold purpose, Fraser strode toward Ashburn.  He had not gone many steps when he heard Ashburn utter a curse.  From under his coat, Ashburn drew out a high powered rifle. He braced against the Cadillac and took aim.

Fraser glanced to where Ashburn was aiming, then drew in a sharp breath. Bouncing down the trail was the ugly, little yellow car.  Ashburn's rifle was aimed steadily on the oncoming car.  Even as Fraser leapt forward, Ashburn began firing.  The yellow car swerved drunkenly as bullets strafed down its side.  Fraser landed solidly on Ashburn, knocking the rifle across the hood of the Cadillac.  Bucking and swerving, the yellow car rolled on down the trail and under the cover of a cluster of trees.

Fraser held Ashburn down against the hood of the Cadillac as he stripped off the man's belt.  Efficiently, he wrapped the belt around Ashburn's wrists and pulled the buckle tight.

Just as he finished, a gruff voice behind him said,  "Thank you, Constable.  We'll take over now."

Fraser turned around. He was surprised to see Lieutenant Welsh, Detective Huey and a squad of policemen surrounding him.  Gladly, Fraser handed Ashburn over to them. Then with a quick,  "Excuse me, please."  Fraser dashed off.  Heart pounding, he skirted around the cluster of trees.  Frantically, he was searching for the yellow car.

As Fraser rounded the trees, he saw the yellow car fish-tailing crazily on down the trail.  Even as he started toward it, it side swiped a concrete picnic table.  Smoke began streaming out of the car's rear end.  Like a ball in a pinball game, the yellow car careened on till it swiped another picnic table only to bounce up into the low rock wall surrounding a nearby flower bed. The car tipped wildly, then as the slope of the park pulled against it, it toppled over onto it's top and then rolled completely over once again. It finally came to rest upside down as the roiling smoke gave way to licking flames.

Numbed to the soul, Fraser skidded to a halt.  Glassy eyed, he stared down at the now brightly burning car as his lips soundlessly formed one word,

"Ray."

Fraser started to race to the car but his knees had become jelly.  He staggered wildly a few steps before sprawling out in the dew wet grass. He forced himself to sit back up.  But his world was revolving dizzily around the furiously blazing car.  An agony of nausea twisted Fraser's insides.  He tried to tear his gaze away from the fiery wreck but everything else had gone black.  He could only see the flaming car.

Into the midst of Fraser's despair there came a soft wet nose.  With a choking sob, he threw his arms around Dief's burly shoulders.  Gratefully, he buried his face into the wolf's fur.

Footsteps were approaching from behind him.  Fraser did not want to see anyone. . . not the Lieutenant. . .certainly not Huey.  Dully, he thought about running away but he knew his legs would not hold him.  He wanted to whirl about and yell at the approaching person to just leave him alone, but a throbbing knot in his throat kept him mute.  He buried deeper against Dief, wishing absurdly that he could become a flea and disappear into the wolf's jungle of fur.  

The person was now keeling beside Fraser.  Lightly an arm snaked around his shoulders.  A hand rested over a certain spot on his back.  Fraser shivered at the touch. Quietly an anxious voice asked,  "Hey, Benny?  You oaky?'

In shocked disbelief Fraser turned his ashen face up to the man who knelt by him.  Arctic blue eyes locked with olive green eyes.  "Ray?" Fraser whispered.

He cuffed Fraser across the chin as he laughed outloud.  "The one and only, Benny-Boy!  But what's eating you?  You look like you've seen a ghost," Ray asked archly.

Fraser was gasping between a laugh and a sob, but he wrenched control of himself before answering, "For a moment there,"  his eyes flicked toward the now smouldering car.  "I thought I had."

Ray grinned wickedly.  "Aw,com'on, Benny.  After I survived the stinking Iguana family, did you honestly think ol' Ashburn stood a chance of doing me any harm?"   He playfully punched Fraser's shoulder.

Fraser tried to laugh, but the emotional roller coaster he had been riding suddenly derailed.  The heaving sobs he had been fighting came pouring out in spite of him.  He turned blindly to cling to Ray.  Ray kept one arm tight around Fraser as he gently soothed him.

When Fraser had managed to get himself back together, Ray spoke scoldingly, "You really didn't have to worry over me, Benny.  I bailed out soon as the car was under the cover of the trees and . . . ."  Ray's voice dropped into a familiar whine.  ". . .I don't know what all I've broken." He rubbed his wrist and left ankle and grimaced in pain.  "So, I was sitting up there beside the trail waiting for you to come down the trail, the way any normal human being would come, but I keep forgetting you ain't normal."

Fraser rolled his eyes.

"Anyhow, like the moron you are, you went all the way around the trees; thereby forcing me to have to hobble all the way down here."  Groaning, Ray paused to rub his right ankle.

Fraser was all innocence as he asked, "Ray, if you were so badly injured, why did you not go assist the lieutenant in arresting Ashburn?  I am sure you were much closer to them."

Ray shrugged, "I might have been, but Welsh and the boys were handling things okay.  Besides, I thought that. . . maybe. . .I was needed more down here."  He grinned at Fraser who smiled warmly back at him.

Fraser titled his head in sudden curiosity.  "But Ray, how did the lieutenant obtain the evidence to arrest Ashburn?"

Ray answered simply, "I gave it to the lieutenant."

Fraser blinked in puzzlement.

Ray chortled.  "For once, Benny, I got you in the dark.  You see, when Ashburn called and so politely requested that I exchange the info for you, I haggled for an hour and a half prep time.  I told him I had to go get some of the stuff from my girlfriend.  What he didn't know was that I took the stuff to my future girlfriend. . ."

Fraser shook his head.  "Ms. St.Laurent."

Ray grinned.  "You know it."

"It would be more to your advantage if she knew it too,"  Fraser said, dryly.

Ray just laughed before continuing, "I buzzed her on the way over. Told her what was up. She called Welsh. They were both waiting for me.  I laid out my plan.  I was going to dummy up a bunch of stuff-----reports on old unrelated cases, some recipies from Ma, a few entries from Franny's dairy . . ."

"Ray!"  Fraser interupted in horror.  "Going into Francesca's dairy was not. .. . ."

Ray snorted.  "I keep forgetting you were an only child.   Anyhow, I was going to top off this mixture with a few odd misdemeanors Ashburn had commited way back when he was a small fish.  That would make it look passing real.  I planned to throw in two blank discs and one that I had programed with a nice little invitation for Ashburn to meet me here.  Supposedly, I would then hand over the real stuff.  In reality, the lieutenant was to organize a little surprise party in which Ashburn would be the guest of honor."

Fraser scowled thoughtfully.  "But, Ray, how could you be sure that Ashburn would even scan the discs after he had realized that the rest of the information was faked?"

Ray was extremely superior.  "I stuck a little note on that paticular disc that said,  'The answer to all your questions. Luv, Ray V.' "

Fraser inclined his head in admiration.  "I am impressed."

"Thank you,"  Ray said.  "So was Welsh.  So was Louise. They gave me the go-ahead, so, I handed over the real stuff to them.  Flew home and gathered up my mix, tossed it all into the infamous black briefcase and went and got you safely back."  Ray proudly punched Fraser's shoulder.

Fraser was quiet for a moment.  Slowly, he said, "So, in reality you didn't risk your career to resuce me by giving Ashburn the real information?"

Ray spoke in quiet thoughtfullness, "No, Benny.  I really didn't, but. . ."  

Fraser turned to look questioningly at his friend.

"I would have, if I had of had no choice. And with no questions and absolutely no regrets."

With a wide, warm smile, Fraser reached out to shake Ray's hand.  

Ray scrambled up to his feet and pulled Fraser up to his feet, also. Pointing off to the east, Ray asked,   "Ain't that a gorgeous sunrise, Benny? It's the prettiest one I've seen in awhile."

Fraser shaded his eyes and studied the glory of rose and gold.  He nodded in approval.  "It will do."

"It'll do?"  Ray exclaimed.  "Benny, there are times that I do not think you will do."  Shaking his head in exsasperation,  Ray began trudging back up the trail.  

Diefenbaker snorted at Fraser.  He then turned and trotted after Ray.

Fraser hurried after them.  "Ray.  Really!  You must understand.  I grew up in the Yukon and therefore I saw many lovely sunrises,"  Fraser paused to consider.  "Of course, the sunrises of early spring were the most beautiful coming as they did after six months of nearly twenty-four hour nights, because I knew that soon warmer weather would be coming and. . . . ."

"Yeah.  Yeah,"  Ray cut him off.  "It is getting hotter."  He shucked off  his long coat and jacket.  Without looking, he pitched them both backward. Deftly, Fraser caught them.  Automatically, he began picking off the leaves and grass that clung to the material.

"And this thing,"  Ray griped,  "is like an oven."  He slipped out of the bullet proof vest and tossed it back to Fraser.

Fraser trailed along behind watching his two best friends.  He smiled happily as he thought over what Ray and Dief had done for him.

Diefenbaker. A frown creased Fraser's forehead.  He jogged up the trail to join Ray.  

Eyeing Dief, who was well ahead of them,  Fraser said anxiously, "Ray, may I ask you a question. . . .in private?"  

Concerned at the worry in Fraser's voice and look, Ray stopped.  "Sure, Benny."

Fraser glanced once more toward Dief.  The big wolf had just trotted into the cluster of trees.

Fraser drew in a long breath, then quickly asked the question that was troubling him.   "Ray, do you know of any place in Chicago that sells fresh caribou?"

The End

These characters are not mine, I only borrowed them and promise to put them back when I'm done! Comments appreciated.