Part 20 ~ Friday 13 May 1994

Ray wasn’t sure if he was superstitious, but Friday the thirteenth suddenly felt a whole lot more ominous as he witnessed Elaine show Frankie Zuko into the bullpen. It wasn’t just Ray, the whole of the room seemed to tense. Elaine came to fetch Ray, who was already on his feet heading in her direction.

“Is he in trouble?” Ray instantly asked.

“He just asked to speak to you, “ Elaine explained. “Nicely,” she added with a hint of the ironic.

Ray nodded and went to Frankie, aware that every set of eyes in the place was on them, and hoping he could take this somewhere as private as possible, as quickly as possible. Frankie though, greeted him with unbridled delight, and Ray only just avoided the Big Italian Hug in public.

One of the interview rooms was empty and, after beckoning Stan with a tilt of his head, Ray ushered Frankie inside. Stan casually stopped outside the door, apparently engrossed in the folder he was perusing, but conveniently preventing any potential eavesdropping from his curious colleagues.

Now in private, with Ray remembering his promise from weeks ago that he would at some point hug the living daylights out of Frankie, he did just that. Whatever Ray had expected in return, it wasn’t the heartfelt embrace that Frankie gave, almost as if he knew this had come from a memory of Joey beating his kid because of the harmlessly affectionate friendship he and Frankie had shared.

Or maybe it was just because Ray had charged in like the cavalry to save his life, and that after trying to put him behind bars for a decade.

They eventually parted and sat. Ray couldn’t help recalling the last time he’d seen Frankie, and it was relief to see him without the extensive damage, albeit still a little yellow around the edges. There was a fresh scar to the side of his left eye that he imagined would be a constant reminder of Charlie, and how close Frankie came to losing it all. Losing his life.

 “How are you feeling?” Ray asked.

“My body’s healed, my head… Pretty much totally fucked,” Frankie admitted without a hint of caution or embarrassment.

“You getting help?”

“Yeah, plenty. You?” Frankie gestured.

“I’m good. Generally. Getting used to waking up in a cold sweat every other night.”

“Sounds familiar.”

“At least we’re alive to not enjoy it.”

Frankie nodded slowly.

“Good to be reminded of that,” he admitted.

“And I try not to think about it,” Ray replied in the same sombre tone.

With a deep breath, Frankie regrouped.

“Speaking of being alive, is the Mountie around?”

“Nah, he’s back home.”

“I wanted to say a real thank you to him for that day.”

“I’ll pass it on.”

They studied one another in silence for a few seconds.

“Okay,” Frankie said, “here’s the thing…”

Ray braced himself as flashes of the old Zuko ways stirred. Extortion 101, pet cop, it was all buzzing through his head in an instant.

“The thing?” Ray prompted coolly, determined not to show a second’s weakness.

“When we talked before, at the hospital, you made a lot of sense, some of the things you said.”

That caught Ray completely by surprise.

“You mean…? You’re going to work with the state to…”

“Don’t be ridiculous. You know the kind of people I’ve had dealings with. I’ve just avoided one assassination attempt, I’m not in the market for any more.”

“Then what?”

“I’m retiring. Getting out of this business.”

“Retiring? You?”

“I have a lot of books to read.”

“Let me guess. You’re opening a library in Florida.”

Frankie laughed and shook his head.

“Dumbass.”

“Bonehead,” Ray automatically responded, an ingrained throwback to their childhood.

“Whose idea was the bus?” Frankie taunted.

Ray thought hard before chuckling to himself.

“Let’s pass on that.”

“Thought we might.”

“So… Retiring.”

“I’m going to invest in legitimate business, and find somewhere to live with twenty-four-seven security. Nice penthouse maybe.”

“And what happens to the Zuko empire?”

“Sorry, pal, but that’ll be your problem when the vultures descend on the corpse of my business.”

“What about Al, and Marco?”

“Al will carry on being Al and, let’s be honest, at this point I’m just paying him for being himself, and I’m happy to keep doing that. I’ll even offer him a corner of my new place to give your sisters a break. Marco will carry on being my accountant and financial advisor, just with the novelty of everything being legit.”

“Gonna pay your taxes?”

“I’ve always paid my taxes,” Frankie protested, followed by the shit-eating grin Ray knew so well.

“And you think this will work?”

Frankie shifted forward in his seat, suddenly full of enthusiasm.

“Ray… What do you know about the World Wide Web?”

“The what?”

“Yeah, to be honest, that’s about my level of understanding at the moment, but I’m told there’s plenty to be made when it all picks up.”

“Well, if you have money to burn…”

“I pretty much do. And I tell you what else, I’ll invest a few thousand in this web thing for you too.”

“Frankie…”

“You’re owed. Joey’s last pay packet,” Frankie clarified. “Plus a couple of grand thrown in to say thanks to the Mountie.”

“What if he says no?”

“Joey’ll get his backdated pay rise.”

Ray tried his best to look disapproving, but this whole scenario was too silly for words and he couldn’t keep a straight face.

“Get out of here before I arrest you for being a jackass.”

A few more pleasantries, reminiscences, and another hug, and Frankie was shown out of the department by Elaine.

Ray rolled his eyes. The World Wide Web. As if something that sounded so dumb would ever come to anything. Still, if Frankie wanted to waste his money investing for Ray and Benny, let him have his pointless fun.

Welsh appeared at Ray’s shoulder, curious and tense, waiting for bad news. But Ray quickly put him right, reassuring him ten times that this was on the level. As implausible as it sounded, Frankie Zuko was going straight.

“This will look good for you,” Welsh told him.

“I didn’t do anything, just…told him to get his head out of his ass,” Ray explained with a nonchalant shrug.

“Let’s get on top of who’s going to pick up his contracts.”

Ray nodded. Business as usual. It felt…very un-crooked.

He cheerfully made his way back to his desk, nodding a thank you to Stan for his guard dog duties as he got there.

“Did I just hear right about Frankie?” Stan asked.

“What? That information got to this end of the office faster than I did?”

“You can’t be surprised, it’s a hell of a coup.”

Ray moved closer and dropped his voice.

“Does it make up for— Y’know, anything?”

“You never lost your ‘good cop’ badge, Ray, you can stop scratching that itch.”

“You think?”

“Phone the Mountie, he’ll tell you.”

“Like he isn’t biased.”

“You forgiven Frannie?”

“There was never any doubt about that.”

“So…?”

Stan gestured a ‘there you go then’. Ray sighed and nodded, almost there but not quite ready to offer himself the same absolution. He hoped that one day he’d feel clean again, but meantime he just had to remind himself of the case’s advantages.

“I might call Benny.”

“That’s a start.”

“Thanks.”

“Okay?” Stan checked.

“Okay.”

“Okay.”

…

 “…and the oddest thing jumped into my head: ‘a man with no future will always run to his past’. I don’t know where that came from, I’d just zoned out for a moment. Carol said I looked like I’d seen a ghost.”

“Give her a raise for putting up with you.”

“But that’s how we caught the suspect. He’d returned to his old family home, which nowadays is nothing more than a ruin. He’s lucky we found him before he froze to death.”

“And this was all about…?”

“Fishing.”

“Fishing.”

“Illegal fishing.”

“Jeez, Benny, I wish I had your workload.” Ray listened keenly for a moment. “Where are you, at the airport? I hope. What’s the noise?”

“Turn around.”

Ray did as he was told, just as Diefenbaker ran up to say hello, giving the game away. He looked up to see Ben at the far end of the squad room turning off his cell phone, and his heart leapt with absolute joy and longing. As Diefenbaker greeted Ray, then the cookies in Ray’s unfortunately open desk drawer, Ray gave a brief introduction – “Stan, Diefenbaker, Diefenbaker, Stan”. Before Ray could follow that up, Stan nodded in Ben’s direction.

“Get outta here.”

“You okay with that?”

“So long as you don’t leave Chicago,” Stan warned, before breaking into a grin and nodding once again to where Ben was waiting.

With a squeeze of his partner’s shoulder, and announcing to no-one in particular that he was out for the day on enquiries, Ray grabbed his coat, urged Diefenbaker in the right direction, and followed Ben from the building.

Stan wandered after them, as far as the department door, happy and worried and…wondering if that was an actual wolf.

“That look really suits you,” Elaine told him after silently appearing at his side. “Nice frames.”

“What, these old things?” Stan casually dismissed his brand new glasses, inwardly elated at the compliment after days of Ray’s teasing.

“Very nice,” Elaine confirmed, just before Stan snatched up her hand and twirled her into his arms, waltzing her along the empty corridor, stopping just short of an audience.

“Thanks,” Stan said with a smile, and headed for his desk.

Elaine, completely dumbstruck, watched him go.

Then took a second look.

And a third.

…

The car ride to Ray’s apartment was friendly and neutral, all small talk, starting with family…

 “I’ve been to see the girls a few times. They’re okay, relieved it’s all over. Maria can’t believe we got away with it, and Frannie… She’s up and down, not always herself.”

“She still blames herself for Charlie’s death?”

“And then she feels guilty for grieving over the guy that shot her brother.”

“Is it worth my talking to her?”

“Al’s still the hero who saved me, that’s how it’s going to stay. But if you have any brilliant ideas…?”

Ben took a moment to think.

“On consideration, I don’t think we can help her, it’s something she needs to come to terms with in her own time. I doubt this is anything she’d like to, or would risk, discussing with a therapist.”

“Hell, no. Nothing will change the facts. It doesn’t matter who fired the last shot, the issue is that she fired the first. Sow and you shall reap, yada, yada.”

…and ending with a lesson on illegal fishing with dynamite, which Ben tried three times to convince Ray was a thing.

But the moment they were in private, the polite conversation ceased and the passion exploded. Clothes were scattered as they kissed their way to the bedroom, desperate after so long without intimate contact and each craving the feel and taste of the other’s body. Hitting the bed, they finally paused, panting for breath and gazing at one another as if neither of them could believe this was really happening.

 “I can’t put into words how much I’ve missed you,” Ben confessed, and that was all it took. Ray slid over Ben’s body and wriggled into a comfortable position, bringing their erections together with a mutual groan of pleasure.

“This much?” Ray asked, as he rolled his hips.

Ben’s head tilted back into the pillow and Ray couldn’t resist that smooth and perfect neck, running lips and tongue and teeth over it, not the slightest concern if there were marks left because Benny was his and, in the height of the moment, he didn’t care who knew it.

Ben squirmed at the sensation, moving to catch Ray’s mouth again, hands wrapping around the back of his head, fingertips raking through the buzz cut. Before long those hands were sliding down Ray’s body, enjoying every inch but appreciating the firm buttocks the most.

Encouraged, Ray ground down, sliding their cocks in the wetness of their pre-come, knowing from the state of their breathing this wouldn’t last much longer. He stopped and leant up.

“Did you have to be quite so irresistible?” Ray accused.

“Did you?” Ben countered.

“Oh, yeah,” Ray grinned.

Seconds later they were clinging to one another as their orgasms stole their minds and they gasped and humped their way to a very satisfying standstill. A few more languid kisses, and Ray rolled aside.

Sated and totally loved up, Ben lay admiring Ray so blatantly it couldn’t be ignored.

“Go on, say it.”

“You’re perfect,” Ben obliged.

“And you’re deranged,” Ray answered as lovingly.

“I love you so, so much.”

Ray swallowed hard and blinked away a deluge of emotion.

“I love you, Benny. You saved my life.”

“No, that day…”

“I’m not talking about what happened with Charlie. I’m talking about…everything. You saved my life. In every way. Thank you. I love you.”

Via a very sexy shower, they eventually made their way to the kitchen, passing Diefenbaker who, having drank his fill from the toilet bowl, now found the sofa very much to his liking. Ray made tea and coffee and stared at the vision of incomparable wonderfulness sat at his kitchen table. He was, after all, very biased.

 “No luggage,” Ray observed, finally feeling brave enough to address something that had been bothering him ever since Ben turned up. “That mean you’re staying somewhere else?”

“Yes. And before you panic, I have some news.”

“I am instantly panicking, so talk fast.”

“The Canadian Consulate here had a post for a Chief Liaison Officer open up.”

Ray perked up instantly.

“You here for an interview?”

“No.”

“Oh,” Ray said despondently.

“No need, the job is already mine.”

It took a second or two to sink in.

“You mean that?”

“Didn’t you wonder why Diefenbaker’s here?”

“Yeah, that’s right, Dief’s— Oh my God, I need to sit down.” Ray fell into the seat opposite Ben, who instantly took his hands and squeezed. “You’re actually here,” Ray murmured as if, despite the last couple of torrid hours, he still couldn’t quite believe his eyes, or his luck. “Properly here.”

“Phone calls are not enough. I need to be with you.”

Ben served the drinks while Ray gradually returned to the planet, waiting to fill him in on the details.

“So, who’s in charge?” Ray asked, once stabilised by a mug of the extra-extra-extra-strong brew that Stan favoured. “Is it still…”

“Inspector Moffat, yes.”

“The idiot?”

“Oh, yes.”

“Y’know, you could go for promotion. If he’s that big an idiot it wouldn’t be long before you’re running the place.”

“Not interested. I’ll have more freedom in my current position. Plus I’ll be required to carry out a substantial amount of liaising with the local police force,” Ben explained, managing to do so without a hint of suggestion.

Ray’s face broke into a slow smile.

“Liaising? That what we’re calling it now?” he laughed.

“Absolutely,” Ben confirmed in the same official tone, before pulling Ray to his feet and capturing him in a bear hug. For someone who had never been a hugger before April, he couldn’t get enough of them now. “Know what else?”

Ray edged them apart so he could see Ben’s face.

“What else?”

“I’ve been awarded a housing allowance, and I’ve found somewhere suitable. Quite modest, but perfect for say…”

“You and a wolf?”

“I was thinking more on the lines of…two and a wolf.” Once again Ray was left stunned by the turn of events, and Ben had no choice but to keep going with a somewhat edited version of the speech he’d worked on all morning. “Two and a wolf. The house is light, freshly decorated, there’s space for a study, plus it has a garden. Off-street parking. Guest room for Stan as Diefenbaker has apparently already claimed the sofa. Handy for the Consulate and the Station House, just a few blocks from North Octavia Avenue…” The carefully prepared spiel faded out into a protracted pause. Ben released his grip as Ray took a few steps back, expression unreadable.

Ben watched warily, suspecting he’d jumped the gun and made a bad mistake. A few seconds in and still no response, Ben had to ask,

“Ray… What are you thinking?”

Ray finally met his eyes.

“How many packing boxes I’ll need.”

Ben heaved a sigh of relief, grabbing Ray to him and muttering about the satisfaction of never having to let go again. Figuratively speaking, the pedant in him clarified, after all they had a move to organise.

“You’d do this for me?” Ray whispered against Ben’s neck.

“For us.” Ben considered. “For you.”

“You’re making all the sacrifices here.”

“Sacrifices? Did your detective brain not notice the life I was living before you arrived? You think I want to go back to that?”

“Does that mean you’re officially here to stay?” Ray clarified. “You don’t have to go back home at all?”

Ben huffed a short, humourless laugh.

“That wasn’t home, that was simply where I lived.”

“You must have stuff back there.”

“No. I hadn’t realised how few possessions I have that meant anything. Until now, there’s been nothing with any sentimental attachment. I brought the essentials with me, which turned out to be a wolf, several CDs, a photograph of an exceptional man collecting a bravery award, and a near empty bottle of aftershave.”

“My detective brain needs to know about your clothes.”

“Well, yes, my case is at the house, but that’s the mundane.”

“The fancy red suit isn’t mundane.”

“True. I enjoy wearing it, and you certainly enjoy removing it.”

They smiled their way into more kisses, and hands began to roam; it was only Diefenbaker’s rumbling intervention that stopped the pair falling back into bed.

“He’s right,” Ben said firmly, “I have to show you the house. Bring whatever you need for now, and we’ll spend our first night there.”

As Ben rambled on, assuring Ray there was bedding, and light bulbs, and the basics in the kitchen, Ray took a deep breath and slowly exhaled.

“Suddenly full of nerves,” he admitted with an embarrassed laugh.

“Moving too fast?” Ben asked gently.

A few seconds thought and Ray was shaking his head.

“No. I’m always like this when things change. Just give me time to fall in love with the place.”

“Three days?” Ben suggested.

“Something like that.”

Twenty minutes later they were ready to leave for their new home, Ben having made sure the purloined Afghan Whigs CD was safely in his pocket, and stealing the brand new, and completely heart-warming photo of the beaming Vecchio siblings that had been propped against the crystal bowl.

On their way to the apartment door Ray suddenly stopped, setting down his hastily packed duffle bag.

“Ray?”

“There’s something I need to do,” he explained, and went back to the bedroom.

He retrieved the box of photographs that lived on top of the wardrobe and dug down to the single picture of his father he’d felt obliged to keep.

He sank onto the edge of the bed and spent several minutes staring at it. For the first time he chose not to fight the waves of gut-wrenching, agonizing memories, allowing them to meet the light of day and be exorcised, feeling his skin prickle with fear as his father’s presence loomed over him from beyond the grave.

A grave his family had put him in.

The searing pain of the whole episode was quenched by Tuktoyaktuk’s frozen comfort. Better memories now: the rust in the snow, the giddy release of a lifetime of suppressed emotions, the first time he’d seen Ben, the first time he’d felt the kind of love he’d craved all his life.

“Thanks, Poppa,” he whispered, giving the face in the photograph an affectionate kiss that would have left the man in question sneering in disgust at his pathetic son. “You stuck that pin into the perfect place.”

He turned to the doorway, where Ben was leaning on the frame, observing with concerned interest. The photograph was offered and Ben casually took it. Without so much as a glance at the man it featured, he tore it into pieces, destroying the image and its malign power.

Ray watched with grateful approval. It was symbolic of what Ben had done for his entire life, rescuing him from a soulless past that he had no choice but to endure, and blessing him with the prospect of a fulfilling life with a happy future.

Without knowing how it was even possible, Ray fell more in love in those few seconds than he could have ever imagined.

“Thank you, Benny.”

“You couldn’t be more welcome,” Ben replied, and the sincerity within the words almost suggested that he’d read Ray’s mind and knew those thanks were about more than destroying the picture.

The sight of the decimated photograph being flippantly tossed into the air brought a smile from Ray, the cue for Ben to pull him to his feet, scattering the past with a joyful kiss that was all about the present, and a future neither could have dreamed of.

“Perfect cue for a fresh start,” Ben suggested.

“You’re right,” Ray agreed. “Almost always.”

Ben cocked an eyebrow.

“Almost? Something specific you have in mind?”

Ray laughed.

“Gotcha.”

“You certainly have.”

Ben held out his hand; Ray took it.

“Let’s go home,” Ray suggested.

“Let’s go home,” Ben agreed.

“Y’know, Benny, that business with Charlie…? You did the most heroic thing anyone’s ever going to do for me, and I slept through it.”

“Technically, Ray, you were unconscious.”

“Can’t you just take being a hero on the chin for a minute?”

“I simply don’t fit the heroic template.”

“What? With that hat?”

“By your own admission, you’re the Disney prince…”

They wandered, hand in hand from the room, ready to begin a new life, leaving behind the tattered remains of Joseph Vecchio without one further thought.

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