Z Is For Zoo

″That looks great on you, Bro. It just needs a little tweaking around the sleeves and the pant legs to be the perfect fit. Mario can do that for you in no time.″

Ray turned to stare at himself in the full length mirror in the dressing area. He had to agree, the navy blue wool suit did him a lot of favors. Still, it was a bunch of money for a single suit. He used to be able to buy three for the price of the one he was wearing. ″Are you sure, Frannie? I mean, I thought the other one worked just as well and it was half the price.″

″Don’t be cheap, Ray. That shade of brown is not your color. Stick with the blue or gray. This one looks really sophisticated.″ She held up a finger. ″Wait here. Let me grab something to convince you.″

Frannie Vecchio ran over to the accessory aisle in her brother’s store Style. She’d been working there as manager since she’d relocated to Whitehorse after his wedding to Rainie Crow back in June. Ray had to admit he’d never in a million years bet on that shift in reality. In his mind Frannie would always be living with her mother back in Chicago. But apparently she had other ideas once she met Sergeant Drew Jolly at Vecchio’s wedding. The couple hit it off like gangbusters and were engaged and living together. So, Frannie got her a Mountie after all. For some reason, Ray found that incredibly amusing.

Frannie came back and held a maroon silk tie up to his neck. ″See, now that works. It makes you look very professional. This is the one. You need the shirt and tie, too.″

Ray checked himself out again and realized that it really did look right. He could just imagine himself dressed up taking Ben out to a nice restaurant instead of a diner. Of course in reality it was more likely that he’d just wear it to testify in court, but still it was nice to dream about taking his partner out on a date. ″You’re right. I think this is the one.″

″Of course it’s the one. I’ve got great taste and I’m never wrong. Now, wait here while I get Mario to do the measuring. He can get it altered by this afternoon. You can pick it up before you go home after work.″

Ray teased. ″God, you’re bossy.″

″That’s how things get done. Now, wait here while I get Mario.″

As she walked away, Ray called to her back. ″Thanks, Frannie.″

The small brunette beamed. ″You’re welcome.″

In that small moment, Ray got a flash of intuition and realized that he saw something different about his pretend sister. She was literally back lit and glowing, her face and body just slightly rounder than ever before. He smiled to himself. He’d bet money that Frannie Vecchio soon to be Francesca Jolly was going to be a mama. He wondered if she knew yet. Surely she did, but she’d not said anything. That surprised him. Frannie had a hard time keeping anything secret, especially such great news. Then again, she’d kept his identity under wraps while he pretended to be Vecchio. So, she was a lot better at keeping things to herself than she pretended.

Mario Branetti came back to the dressing room with Frannie. ″Good morning, Mr. Kowalski.″

″Call me Ray.″ He’d told the older man the same thing every time he came in, but the guy was persistent. He was old school and polite to a fault to the customer. Still, Ray could be stubborn, too. ″Mr. Kowalski is my dad.″

″I understand.″

Frannie interrupted. ″I’ll leave you in Mario’s capable hands. See me before you leave and I’ll give you the tab. You can either pay it now or when you pick up the suit.″

″I’ll pay you as soon as he’s done.″

″Good.″ Then she walked out of the dressing room.

Mario, who was sixty if he was a day, was on his knees with his measuring tape. Ray wondered why he couldn’t just use the measurements from before. This was the third suit he’d bought since the store opened and they all had to be altered to fit. The length of the sleeves and pants were always too short on a standard suit. But he just went with being measured again because it only took a minute or two.

As the older man stood up, it gave Ray a chance to get a closer look. He had dark eyes, a narrow face and nose and thin lips. He was bald on top of his head, but had black hair peppered with gray all around the crown. Ray had to admit that he had a pleasant voice, very low and mellow. He reminded Ray of those servants in old time movies who just moved along in the background, never really wanting to draw attention to themselves.

″Just hang up the suit and leave it in here, sir. I’ll get it as soon as you’re dressed.″

″Sure, okay. Thanks.″

″You’re welcome, sir.″

″It’s just Ray.″

″Yes, Ray.″

The older man left and Ray shook his head. He had no doubt in his mind that the next time they met, Mario would be back to being all formal again.

Ray quickly changed back into his own clothes. It was a no court day, so he wore jeans, thermal top and a blue wool cable-knit sweater over that. It was December again and he missed the milder temperatures of summer. He was back to cocooning himself with as much cotton and wool as he could to stay warm. It wasn’t always easy. He sat on the chair and pulled on his boots, thinking that at some point he either had to have the right one resoled or to replace the pair all together. He’d do that after Christmas.

Ray walked to the check out counter where Frannie was waiting with his bill. She handed it to him. ″I like that sweater.″

″Ben gave it to me.″

″He’s got good taste.″

″Yeah, I know.″

Ray whistled at the amount of the bill. Even with his twenty percent discount, it was more than he ever paid for a suit. The cost of inflation and just general cost of living in Whitehorse made everything more expensive. ″How do people afford to dress nice?″

″I know it’s a lot, but it’s quality. That suit will last for years.″

″I know.″ And he did, but it didn’t mean he didn’t want to say ouch when he felt the pinch of how everything cost so much more than it used to. Ray finished writing out his check and handed it to her. ″You need ID?″

″Naw. I know where you live.″ She laughed at her own joke. Again, that smile filled the room.

Ray couldn’t help himself. ″You look happy, Frannie, happier than I’ve ever seen you. Things are good between you and Drew, huh?″

Her expression softened. ″They are. He’s such a great guy, Ray. It’s weird. I never thought I’d find someone who suits me like he does. Who knew I’d have to come to the great White North to find someone kind and decent?″

″Well, I could’ve told you they grow ‘em special up this way.″

Her laughter tickled his heart. Then he couldn’t keep his mouth shut and spoiled it all. ″Congratulations, Frannie. I’m happy for you.″

″Thanks. I can hardly wait until the wedding next month.″

″Yeah, it’s just in time.″

Frannie cocked her head slightly to the right. ″Just in time for what?″

Ray leaned in and whispered. ″For the baby.″

″Baby?″

Fuck. Ray stood a little straighter. Did he get it wrong? ″You’re not pregnant?″

She blushed bright red. ″Why in the world would you ask me something like that?″

″I just thought...″

″That I was fatter?″

Well, fuck. He needed to get his foot out of his mouth and fast. ″It’s not that. You glow.″

″Glow?″

″Yeah. They say women glow when they’re pregnant and you’re glowing like crazy.″

Her brown eyes suddenly got wider and then she came around the corner. She grabbed his arm and drew him back away from where others could hear their conversation. ″You can see that?″

″Yeah.″ There was no use on playing it off as a mistake. He’d stepped in it, might as well finish it. ″It looks good on you.″

″Jesus, Ray. I’m late. I was thinking of taking a test.″

Ray decided to double down. If he was wrong, he was wrong, but he knew deep down he was right. He couldn’t explain it, but he just knew the truth. ″Then I would do that quick and start picking out names.″

″Oh, Lord.″ Then she did something he never expected. She just started crying. He reached out and drew her into a hug. ″I’m sorry. Is this not good news?″

She spoke through the sobs. ″I’m not married.″

″But you’re going to be. Besides, who cares about that stuff anymore?″

She lifted her head, big tears streaming down her face. ″Ma does.″

Ray reached into his pocket and got out some tissue. He’d started carrying them for people who lost it during questioning. She took them all and then wiped her face. ″Frannie, just move up the wedding. It’s not a big deal.″

″It’s a very big deal. You just don’t move up weddings. We’ve already made all the arrangements and sent out invitations. Besides, I haven’t told Drew yet.″

″You don’t think he’ll be happy?″

″No, he’ll be happy, delighted even. He’s been talking about starting a family right out of the gate. I’ve been the one dragging my feet.″

Not enough apparently, but Ray had enough sense not to say that out loud. ″Married, not married, having a healthy baby is the main thing. You should go to the doctor and get checked out.″

″You think so? It’s not too early?″

″Not if I can tell just from looking at you.″

″Jesus.″

The waterworks started again and he held her just in time for Vecchio to step out of his office to see it.

″What’s all the commotion? What’s going on?″

Frannie pulled away, her face all red and blotchy. ″None of your beeswax.″ Then she ran off to the restroom, still sobbing like crazy.

Vecchio stared daggers at Ray. ″What the hell did you do, Kowalski?″

″Nothing.″

″You had to do something. Frannie’s doesn’t cry like that for nothing.″

Which wasn’t exactly true. Ray had seen her in tears on more than one occasion. It nearly always had something to do with Vecchio being undercover, but her brother didn’t need to know all that. ″Listen, you should talk to her about it. I was just getting a new suit.″

Vecchio wasn’t buying it. ″Why is it whenever you come in here lately, you’re stirring up trouble?″

″Beats me.″ Ray thumbed toward the door. ″I should be going. I’m on my lunch break.″

″You better not have done something stupid and hurt my sister.″

″Never. Let her come to you in her own time.″

″Don’t tell me how to handle Frannie. I know how to deal with my own sister. Jesus.″

Ray lifted both hands in surrender. He knew better than to get any more involved in family business than he needed to be. ″Tell Frannie I’ll get the suit right after work.″

Ray grabbed his heavy coat and wool cap at the door before heading out to go back to the office. He walked against the wind, which gave him a little more time to think about the idea of his friend Frannie being a mama. It made him smile. He knew without a doubt that she’d be a good one. Plus, that meant that Veccho’s daughter Benita would have a younger cousin to play with. It was all good in Ray’s book.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

″And you’re sure about this?″

″I am, sir.″

Ben put the papers down on his desk, frowning and upset about what he’d just read. There was someone who was capturing, but sometimes killing, protected and monitored wildlife around the area. The report mentioned the loss of a mountain lion, badgers, bears, wolverines and wolves. There were scores of others that were involved in various scientific studies that had also vanished. The monitors had stopped sending signals right before the wildlife disappeared. There were some carcasses found, but most were simply gone with no visible accounting of how they were taken or where they might have gone.

″This is disturbing.″

″It is, sir.″ Warden Liam Fergus stood at Ben’s desk as he explained his mission. ″I’ve been working this case for the last six months. This is not an isolated incident of one or two animals. It’s dozens. It’s my belief that there’s an organized crime ring operating throughout Western Canada, which includes the Yukon and the Northwest Territories as well as Manitoba.″

Fergus was in his thirties, had reddish brown hair cut short, bright blue eyes, and was medium height and weight, what Ben would call average. However, his expression was anything but average. It was intense and he seemed highly motivated to push forward with his investigation. ″There’s even a report of at least three polar bears going missing in the far north, sir. You know how low their numbers have recently dropped. Those bears in particular were pregnant females, too. It’s very concerning.″

″I can see that, Warden. You’ve done a good job of documentation. The question is, how might we help you?″

Fergus pulled out a chair and finally sat down at the desk. He kept his voice low. ″One of the men who has come up repeatedly in our investigation lives in Whitehorse.″

″His name?″

″Frank Bailey.″

Ben straightened. He knew the name, knew it well. Bailey had been reported for animal abuse of his sled dogs by other mushers. Unfortunately, Animal Welfare officers investigating those reports had never been able to make any serious charges result in more than minimal results. It was incredibly frustrating to Ben and other officers that animal abuse charges were very difficult to prove to a court. He’d seen some sickening evidence given but the owner was often released with simple fines, no jail time or restrictions. He thought it was shameful how little protection the law gave to the animals that owners were supposed to care for. They were often treated simply as property, no more valuable than renewable cleaning or food supplies. Get rid of one, buy another. It wasn’t right, but it was the law.

″I know Bailey. He has a sled dog breeding and training compound about forty minutes out of town. What makes you think he’s involved?″

″I don’t think he’s only involved. I think he’s the ringleader. Every time I find a trail to follow, he’s at the end of it.″

Ben leaned in slightly, even more interested. ″But you don’t have enough evidence to prosecute or convict?″

″I can’t even get a warrant most times. For some reason, he’s apparently Teflon. Nothing sticks. He’s got protection somewhere.″

Ben had also run into many roadblocks when going after animal abusers. He repeated himself. ″So, what’s your plan and how might I help?″

″Fish and Wildlife has limited resources, nothing like what’s available to the RCMP. I’m hoping you can find a way to assign additional men for surveillance of Bailey. We’re expecting another possible shipment of restricted animals in the next week. If we can follow him or see him do something connected to receiving these animals, we might be able to get a warrant.″

Ben’s frown deepened as he realized what the man was truly saying. ″Another? Are you suggesting that Bailey presently has some of these animals on his property?″

″That’s what we’re thinking. He keeps them until they get shipped out to zoos across the world, but mainly to America. Just a month ago, we’ve tracked at least three exotics to a private zoo in the US.″

″How did you do that?″

″Just luck really. One of the keepers found the tattoos we used when we first tagged and recorded their movements. She was able to find their numbers in a wildlife database of missing animals and reported it. We’re in the process of having them returned to Canada, but we’re getting push back from US authorities as well as the owner of the zoo. The owner, Robert Treat, is apparently very wealthy and, as they say, has friends in high places.″

Ben asked, ″And the keeper who reported it?″

″Susan Hanover has disappeared. We’ve not been able to contact her and get a statement.″

″Oh, dear.″

″I know. I’m worried about her safety, too. Her family has no idea where she might be, or at least that’s what they’re telling my people. If she could testify that those animals came from Bailey, we’d have enough for a warrant for sure.″

″I agree.″ Ben knew Inspector wouldn’t be happy if he agreed to the surveillance without his approval. However, he wasn’t confident that Paris would agree it was their duty to do so. Still, he had to try. ″Let me talk to my superior, Inspector Paris. I can call you by the end of the day and let you know where we stand.″

Fergus stood and extended his hand. ″Thank you. I look forward to working with you.″

″I can’t promise that will happen, but I’ll do my best.″

″I understand.″ Once Fergus released Ben’s grip, he added, ″You’ve got an outstanding reputation, Sergeant Fraser. You stand up for those who need it. You believe in conservation and being good stewards to the land. I know you’ll do whatever you can to make sure we find the people responsible for these heinous crimes.″

Ben didn’t know what to say, so he stayed silent and simply nodded. As Fergus walked way, Ben knew that he had to find a way to help the young warden. If Paris forbade him in helping with the case, he’d have to find another way. He needed to make sure that people kidnapping or killing the protected animals were stopped and brought to justice.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

Ray put the folder down and pinched the bridge of his nose. He really needed new glasses. It was bad enough he couldn’t half see distance, but it was frustrating as hell not to be able to read what was in right in front of his face. He was getting old and having to get stronger glasses only reminded him of that fact. It made him sore that Ben was still eagle-eyed as ever. Not that it was a competition, but for some reason it still galled him just a little that he was aging a lot faster than the Canadian.

There was a knock at this door. ″Come in.″

The newest member of their team entered. Glen Whitefeather was thirty-five, married to Renee and had three kids all under the age of eight. How he didn’t look wrecked every day he showed up to work amazed Ray. He might not be bushy-tailed, but he was always bright-eyed. ″Got the latest update on the Finch witnesses. There are eight names and I’m halfway through the list. I should be finished with the rest by end of day tomorrow. If I had help, I’d get them done by noon instead.″

Finch was a serious criminal case that Gus had taken on without consulting Ray first. If he had, Ray would’ve nixed it, but it was too late now. They were stuck with it. Finch ran a local bar, the Golden Cup. One of his waitresses had been assaulted outside the club after it closed. He’d had a history of harassing the woman and giving her a hard time for weeks before. The evidence against him was pretty persuasive. Gus would have his hands full trying to convince a jury that he didn’t do it. Hell, he’d have a hard time convincing Ray the guy wasn’t guilty as sin.

″What kind of help do you need?″

″Hilary said she was working on the Neidermyer case. That’s not going to court until after the new year. Finch’s is due to start in a week. I was hoping I could borrow her for this.″

″If she’s willing, sure. If not, then just take the time you need. Tomorrow end of day is soon enough. I’ll do the interviews after that. It’s not like the info is likely to change between now and then.″

″Sure, okay.″

Instead of leaving right away, Whitefeather hesitated like he had more to say. Ray asked, ″What?″

″I was just wondering about Buddy Frank.″

″What about him?″

″I haven’t seen him in a couple of days. Is he out of the investigation loop or what?″

Or what was the answer, but Ray wasn’t sure how much he should say. He took a chance that it wasn’t too soon to tell what was going on. ″I’ve got Buddy doing some IT security work.″

″IT security work?″

″We’re thinking about expanding our business into security. He’s been looking into what that would entail if we installed security cameras and networks for local businesses. We’ve already done a couple of new stores. It’s looking promising.″

Whitefeather smiled and nodded. ″That’s cool. That’s a booming business, very lucrative on its own, but that takes him away from the investigation side of things.″

″For now. But if we decided to expand into that on a regular basis, it’ll be like a different branch to the company. He’s the one doing the test run for that right now.″

″Buddy’s our expert?″

″He is.″

″But he’s just a kid.″

″But a smart one. He’s the one who installed all the equipment in the office as well as put in the firewalls on the computers, whatever the hell that is. He’s also the one who put up the cameras in the hallways.″

″I knew he did the cameras, not the computers. Cool″

″And if this pans out, I’ll hire some more help for both things, the security as well as the investigations. It’s early stages right now. I’m not sure if we’ll stick to it or not.″

Whitefeather seemed satisfied with his answer and motioned toward the door with his head. ″Thanks for clearing that up for me, Boss. I’ll talk to Hilary, see what she’s willing to do.″

″Later.″

Once Whitefeather left the office, Ray’s phone rang. Busy, busy. He picked up. ″Kowalski and Moody. Kowalski here.″

″Ray, it’s Ben.″

Chuckling, Ray leaned back in his desk chair. Like he didn’t know his own partner’s sexy voice. ″I know who it is. What’s up?″

″I just wanted to check that you’ll be home on time tonight.″

Ray had promised months ago to stop working such long hours, but he’d slipped back into putting in a couple of hours extra most nights since the rush up to Christmas hit. It was like everyone wanted to clear the decks for the holidays, so there were trial dates moved up and the courts were packed. Plus, working to do the security expansion with Buddy took extra paperwork and hours, too. Still, he owed it to Ben to try harder not to spend so much time on the job. ″I bought a new suit. I need to pick it up, but I’ll try to leave on time. Why?″

″I’ve got something I need to ask you about.″

″Any clues?″

″Do you remember me discussing the Frank Bailey case?″

″The guy who neglected his dogs?″

″He’s the one, yes.″

He remembered the details of that case, ugly stuff. It reminded him of why he hated dealing with abuse cases, kids and animals. They were his weakness. They made him half-crazy and gave him nightmares, especially when the perps didn’t get the punishment they should get. ″What about him?″

″I need your help, Ray. I need more background on the man.″

Ben rarely asked him for help with his cases, not since they’d moved to Canada. Ray’s heart raced as he thought about the implications that his partner was asking now. They might actually be working together again. ″You need me? Why?″

″I’ll tell you more tonight after supper.″

″After supper? Not during?″

″No, Ray. What I have to say and share, well, I fear it will ruin your appetite.″

Well fuck. ″I’m not going to like what you tell me about this guy am I?″

″Not likely.″

″I’ll be there. You can count on me, partner.″

″I knew I could.″

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

Ray parked the truck, fed the meter and raced into Style. He didn’t have time for chitchat. Ben was waiting at home and he needed him. There was no sign of Frannie. Vecchio was at the counter instead. ″Hey. I came for the suit.″

They were alone in the store, so Vecchio waved and called over at his tailor. ″Mario? You got Kowalski’s suit done?″

The older man didn’t shout back, but simply nodded. He grabbed a suit bag hanging on the rack. He walked over and handed it to Ray directly. ″If it’s not to your liking, sir, please return it and I can make adjustments.″

″I’m sure it’s fine. Thanks.″

As Mario went back to his station, Vecchio shook his head. ″The guy never loosens up.″

″But he’s great tailor.″

″The best.″

There was an awkward pause, so Ray filled it. ″I should go. Ben’s waiting at home.″

″Sure, but I wanted to tell you that your boy dropped by earlier.″

″My boy?″

″That Buddy kid. He said he needed to do some kind of update to our system.″

Ray glanced around at the cameras located at different corners of the store. ″How’s your security working out?″

″Great. It’s caught enough shoplifters to pay for itself. The kid knows what he’s doing.″

″I’m glad.″

″And I’ve been thinking, you should think about branching off from this whole investigation deal and just do security. There’s plenty of need for it. I was at the last city business owner’s meeting and several guys wanted the name of who does mine, so I gave them your name.″

Which explained why there’d been such a big uptick in people calling for his services. ″I appreciate that. But for right now it’s just part of our legal business. So far all my security customers are also on Moody’s client list. I’m still pretty big on doing the investigation part, too.″

″I get that. It’s hard to give up being a detective, but you should think about it. You don’t want to stretch yourself too thin by trying to do both. You need downtime, too.″

Ray didn’t really need the guy’s advice, but he could tell Vecchio wasn’t trying to be condescending. He seemed really interested and concerned. ″I appreciate that. Look, I need to go. I told Ben I wouldn’t be late.″

″Sorry. Didn’t mean to hold you up.″

″No, it’s fine. Tell Fannie I’m sorry I missed her.″

Vecchio blinked several times before he answered. ″I will.″

Instead of leaving, Ray had to ask. ″She’s okay, right?″

″You already know how she is. She told me what you said. She did one of those tests and it confirms it.″

Ray did a little fist bump in his head. ″She still needs to see a doctor.″

″Which is where she is now. She’s a little upset as you can imagine.″

Ray couldn’t really imagine his friend being upset about that. Frannie had always talked about wanting kids. But maybe it was different thinking about it and it really happening. That was true about a lot of things. So, Ray simply said, ″I hope she’s okay. It’ll work out.″

″Yeah. It will or it won’t.″

″Now who’s being negative?″

″It’s not your sister who’s pregnant.″

″I don’t have a sister unless you count yours.″

″Which I don’t.″

″Listen, she’s going to be a great mum. I mean, you both had a great role model for it.″

Instead of agreeing and being all smiles, Vecchio’s serious expression got even gloomier. ″You think so? You think Ma is going to be happy that Frannie’s pregnant without being married first?″

″Hey, she’s not the first.″

″Or the last, but that’s not the point. And who do you think Ma’ll blame for it?″

″Not you?″

″You bet it’ll be me. She’ll find some way to blame me. You ever heard of Italian Guilt? Nothing like it and it’ll be aimed right at me for not protecting my little sister from sex before marriage.″

Ray was way out of his depth. Italians were just weird sometimes, or at least this group of Italians. ″She’ll be married next month. It’ll be fine.″

″With both her new grand kids living thousands of miles away? We’ll never hear the end of it.″

On that note, Ray gave up. ″I’ve got to go. I’ll talk to you later.″

″Sure. Okay. Enjoy the suit. It’s our top line and a great choice.″

Ray bit his tongue not to say anything about the top of the line price. He rushed out to the truck, turned on the engine and raced home to Ben and the wolves.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

″Well, this is ugly as fuck.″

″It is.″

″And what’s Paris’s excuse for not giving this Fergus guy more men to stop this bullshit?″

″He says it’s out of our purview.″

Ray closed the file that Ben showed him after supper. He didn’t want to think of the graphic pictures of dead and injured animals. He leaned back and shook his head in disgust. ″Sounds more like passing the buck. I thought you guys were all gungho about protecting wildlife. Why not just let a couple of guys do a stake out to find out if Bailey is the guy running it?″

″I said much the same thing, Ray, but he wouldn’t be persuaded. I fear without strong evidence against Bailey specifically, we’re on our own. Fergus has only a five person team. They’ve not been able to find enough hard evidence to get a warrant.″

″What do you think it would take to get one?

″Well, proof that he’s got a protected or monitored animal on his property would be an excellent start. Or if we found records of animal exchanges would also help.″

″And you can’t get either of those things without a warrant.″ Ray could see why such a catch-22 situation would be frustrating for his partner. Ben was all about the direct approach and everyone doing the right thing. That was great when it worked, but a ball buster when it didn’t. ″Okay, what do you need from me?″

″I was hoping you could do more digging into his Bailey’s background and his known associates. We need to find out if he’s the one making the actual deals or exchanges.″

″Have the U.S. authorities given any information on what they’ve found about those people who might be receiving the animals?″

″Only in the case of the three animals that were reported by Susan Hanover.″

″You mean the keeper who disappeared?″

″Yes. There’s been a block on the return of the animals pending review by an international judge. As far as Warden Fergus knows, little else has been reported to us. It’s possible that the U.S. is doing their own investigation, but we have no way to know that.″

″Got it.″

Ray reopened the file and scanned through the preliminary report again. It was pretty sparse considering it’d been going on for six months. He would’ve expected a lot more. ″There are some names here. I could dig deeper and try to find some more. You say they’ve been working on this for six months? Seems like what they have is pretty slim in terms of connections and suspects. Sure, they’ve got all the data for the missing animals, but the rest of it is paper thin.″

″I know. It’s disappointing. That’s what I need from you, Ray. If I’m not allowed to do this officially and Inspector Paris won’t let me assign any of my men, you’re my last hope.″

Ray formulated a quick plan. ″Okay, I’ll do the checks, get as much info as I can on Bailey and anyone who’s working with him, but to get what we really need, I should go inside the camp.″

″But that’s dangerous.″

″I’ve never met Bailey. You said he breeds and sells sled dogs, right?″

Ben got there before he said it. ″You want to go undercover as a buyer.″

″I could pretend to want a dog, maybe even a whole team, but I could feel him out for other possibilities. I might be able to sneak back in later and get pictures.″

″It’s too risky.″

″Breathing is risky some days.″

″I know, but you sneaking in as you call it isn’t legal.″

″Neither is killing or stealing valuable animals. I mean, I might not get what we can use to arrest him, but it could give us a chance to know exactly what he’s up to. It’s a starting point, not an end game.″

″I can’t let you go in without back up.″

Ray shook his head. He couldn’t have that. ″You can’t go in with me, Ben. You’d lose your job if you got caught.″

″What about you? You could get arrested for trespass or worse.″

″Well, then it’s a damn good thing that I’ve got a great lawyer on standby.″

″Do you think we should tell Gus the plan?″

″Nope. He’d advise against it.″

″Which is probably wise.″

″We’ll just have to play it by ear, Ben. I won’t do anything illegal unless I have to. But first things first. Tomorrow I’ll do a complete background check using all our resources. I’ll track down every known associate I can. He has to be getting the animals from other people in the ring. I’ll also want to talk to some of the people who’ve made complaints or reported him. They might know more than they’re saying. The more information I have, the better we are before I try to actually meet the guy or infiltrate. You’ve just become my number one client.″

Ben reached out and took Ray’s hand. ″Thank you.″

Ray grinned. ″You want to know the terms for my retainer?″

Ben closed the folder and stood up, drawing Ray to his feet. As he led him to the bedroom, he teased. ″I believe I can guess.″

″Smart Mountie.″

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

″So what case is this?″

″It’s personal.″

Buddy Frank lifted his head from reading the folder and raised an eyebrow in surprise. ″Personal?″

Ray explained. ″Yeah. It’s off the books. I’m paying out of my own pocket.″

″I see.″

″Yeah? What do you see?″

″That it’s important to you. So, this Bailey guy is suspected of animal abuse and selling exotic animals, eh?″

″That’s what the reports say. I need everything you can get on his rap sheet, his known associates, his business history, background, family...″

Buddy raised a hand in a stop motion. ″I get it, Ray. You want the whole package.″

″Yeah. Everything you can find might help me nail this guy.″

″I’m assuming this is for Fraser.″

″You assume correctly. The Wildlife Service has asked for his help.″

″And he’s not doing it officially.″ It wasn’t a question.

″His boss says it’s not their job.″

Buddy rolled his eyes. ″God, I hate red tape bullshit like that. Some guy is possibly selling our animals to the highest bidder and he can’t be bothered to help stop him?″

″Which is why we get pulled into it. I’m going out to talk to one of the men who reported Bailey, a Bear Bodette. He’s a local musher and he’s worked to get Bailey banned from competitions. I want to know what he knows.″

″Is he the one who sent in the pictures of the skinny huskies and the two dead dogs in the kennel?″

″He is.″

″Sounds like a good place to start.″ Buddy stood up and held up the folder. ″I’ll get on this right away, but I have a question first.″

Ray sat back and studied the serious features of his main investigator. ″What?″

″It’s about the security part of the business. If we’re going forward with it, I need help. I can’t keep doing both. I either do the IT security or I stick to investigations.″

Ray was afraid that would happen. He’d been pushing Buddy pretty hard the last month or so. ″I’ve been putting a lot on you and I’m sorry about that. You got someone in mind to take over the IT security part or do you want to stick with that and I’ll hire a different investigator?″

″I have a better idea. I thought I could run the security division. I’ve got a couple of people from school who are real tech guys. They’d be perfect to do the physical installations that I’m doing. I’d just have to manage their work, be sort of the IT boss, but then I’d still be able to keep doing the investigations for the majority of the time. Once I get it set up, it should pretty much run itself. These guys are good.″

″That’s still a big responsibility, Buddy. Plus, hiring two more bodies might be beyond the budget.″

″Shouldn’t be. We’re bringing in good money with this part of the practice. I thought we’d pay them a base salary, but then give them a commission for each job they do. Once we get established well enough, we could revisit and make them regular employees.″

Ray realized that it would definitely be in their favor to set up the pay scale that way. He chuckled. ″That business class you took last semester is paying off.″

Buddy shrugged. ″It makes sense to put some of what I learned into practice. Anyway, you want me to contact them so that you can meet them or do you trust me to bring them on? I could get started on that list of new customers you gave me yesterday by this afternoon. I just have to make a call.″

″I don’t need to meet them, not right now. But you do need to run this past Gus and get him to set up contracts.″

″I was hoping you’d say that. I’ve already written up the proposal. I’ve got one for you and copy for Gus.″

″Sounds good.″

″As for stopping this Bailey guy, I’ll do my best. I hate people who abuse helpless creatures. Anybody that would hurt an animal would hurt a person.″

″That’s been my experience.″

″You run across shit like this in Chicago?″

Ray flashed on several bloody scenes, but the one with the dead toddler with his butchered Golden Retriever got the spotlight. ″Yeah. More than once.″

Buddy cocked his head. ″Sorry. I didn’t mean to bring up bad memories.″

Buddy often saw more than he wanted him to see, but Ray waved it off. ″Forget about it. Get to work and let me know what you find on Bailey as fast as possible. I want to move on this quick.″

″Got it.″

Buddy left his office and Ray picked up his phone to call Bodette. He had a feeling the guy was the key to getting what he needed to take down Bailey. First stop? Musher’s Way to get some answers.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

″It’s about time somebody takes this seriously.″

Bear Bodette was a giant of a man who wore denim and thermal as he sat across from Ray in his small one bedroom house. He still wore his fur hat, but it didn’t begin to contain his wild curly chocolate brown hair. It was long and all over the place. He probably hadn’t had a haircut in years, or a shave. His beard was as unruly as the hair. His ruddy skin was thick and leathery, no doubt from the battle against freezing cold, wind and sun. The man obviously had never used sunscreen or moisturizer in his life. His eyes were an icy blue, a clear bright blue that Ray had never seen before he came to Canada.

Bear’s voice projected in the tight space. He talked loud like someone who might be hard of hearing. Even with the door shut and located hundreds of yards from the kennel, Ray could hear the constant sound of barking. Maybe listening to that nonstop for years took a toll on the man.

Ray decided to speak a little louder just in case. ″Tell me about Bailey. Why’d you report him?″

″That bastard starves his dogs. How does he expect them to run without food? They need fat and protein. He gives them scraps and grain if he feeds them at all. He doesn’t clean up after them, either. His kennels are filthy.″ Bodette put his cup on the table and leaned forward. ″When I went over to complain about the condition of his dogs in his last race, I arrived without an appointment. That’s when I saw the dead dogs that he hadn’t gotten around to burning yet. I’d bet money there were others. He’s got a lot of unaccounted for registered dogs on his tally sheet.″

″How did you manage to get pictures?″

″I always carry a disposable camera. I take pictures of my own dogs to show off to the other mushers. We’re a close knit group. Bailey shows up and he gets everyone’s back up. He’s a braggart, but he doesn’t do right by his animals.″

″Why do you think they couldn’t get the charges to stick?″

″He lied about the dogs dying of some kind of animal attack. But he burned the bodies before the Animal Welfare people could collect them and get a necropsy done.″

″Necropsy?″

″It’s an autopsy for animals. Most places will have one done if there’s an animal that dies. I’m sure they’d have found they were starved, probably full of worms, too. He doesn’t treat them for parasites because it’s expensive.″

Ray knew from experience that an owner had to stay on top of that or it could cause all kinds of issues for the animals. They did preventatives for both Dief and Yuki every month. ″So why don’t the other mushers put pressure on him to do the right thing?″

Bodette got up and refilled his coffee cup. He held up the pot. ″You want a top up?″

Ray shook his head. The coffee was too strong for his liking. Just a couple of sips had him buzzing under his skin from the extra caffeine. ″No, I’m fine.″

Once he was resettled, Bodette finally answered. ″You have to understand something about mushers, Ray. Can I call you Ray?″

″Sure.″

″Thanks. Mushers are an independent lot. We don’t like to have others in our business and we don’t usually poke our noses into other’s either. Until we come together for a competition, we pretty much stay to ourselves.″

″But if he’s abusing his animals, that should be an exception.″

″I agree, which is why I reported it. But the others, well, they don’t want to get involved. They think I’m overreacting. They figure if Bailey wants to pay the fees to race, it’s up to him to have his dogs in tiptop shape or not. He’s the one losing money. To me it’s about more than the money.″

″Seems short-sighted on their part.″

″True, but that’s the way it is.″ Bodette drained his cup and then slammed it on the table. ″Now, Ray, what can I do to help you nail this son of a bitch?″

″Tell me all you know about his operation. This isn’t just about his dogs. We believe he’s capturing and trading endangered or protected species to private zoos.″

Bodette’s eyes narrowed and he flashed a twisted grin. ″I knew it.″

″Yeah?″

″I heard strange sounds the last time I was there. He said it was the TV, but I swear to god it was a roar and some growling.″

″Like a mountain lion or a bear?″

″Could be. Listen, if he’s doing what you’re saying, we’re talking big money, and I mean big bucks. He’s not going to want to lose that kind of revenue stream.″

″Which is why I need every bit of ammunition I can to get to prove that he’s got animals he shouldn’t have on his property. We bust him for that, then we can make sure his dogs are taken care of, too.″

Bodette studied him for a long moment and then nodded. ″Well, I guess you should start with knowing that Bailey’s not the worst of it. He’s got a right-hand man that does all his dirty work. The name is Alex Vanicek. He’s a Czech Canadian and a real hard guy. He showed up about a year ago and everything has gotten worse for the dogs since then. I don’t get scared easy, Ray, but I’ll admit that this guy is not someone to turn your back on. I know a criminal when I see one.″

Ray jotted down the name. He didn’t remember Vanicek being in the files as more than a simple employee, which was an oversight on the part of that Fergus guy. ″I’ll check him out. What else can you tell me?″

Instead of answering, Bodette got up and went to his desk, which was covered with mountains of papers and folders. He went right to one folder at the bottom of a pile and handed it to Ray. ″You could start with the layout of his camp.″

Ray opened it and there were several papers with plans for different buildings listed. ″You make this?″

″Last time I was there, I committed it to memory. I knew he wouldn’t let me back on the property, not after I filed a report and tried to get him kicked out of our musher’s association. I drew it up as soon as I got home. I didn’t see inside all the buildings, so I can only guess what’s in some of them. But I tried to show where everything was.″ Bodette pointed at a building toward the back of the compound far from the kennels. ″That is where I heard the roar.″ He moved his finger to another building nearby. ″That’s where there were growls. I knew it wasn’t some fucking TV.″

″When was this?″

″It was over a month ago, so if he had animals, they’re likely gone now. Still, he might have others.″

Ray stood up and held out a hand. ″Thanks, Bodette. I appreciate all your help.″

The bigger man shook hands. ″Call me Bear.″ As soon as he let him go, he walked over to the door. ″Let me see you out.″

As they went together to Ray’s truck, the barking dogs were deafening. Ray yelled over the din. ″How do you put up with that?″

″Put up with what?″

″All the noise.″

″That’s music, Ray. They’re singing for their lunch, which is late. I need to get on that.″

The guy’s expression didn’t change. He was serious. All that barking would drive Ray crazy. To each their own. ″Well, thanks again, Bear.″

″Be careful how you go, Ray. Bailey might threaten to sue you, but Vanicek? He’s a mean bastard and won’t think twice about shooting you if he sees you where he thinks you shouldn’t be.″

″Got it.″

″Good luck.″ The man turned and walked back toward the kennels and the barking got even louder. He even heard some howling. Thank god his animals didn’t make all that racket.

Ray got in the truck and headed back to his office. He wanted to see what Buddy had found. Then he needed to come up with a workable game plan to get the evidence he needed without getting arrested or dead in the process.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

Ray studied the arrest record of one Alexander Vanicek. Like Bodette suggested, it was extensive and not isolated to just bad acts in Canada. He had arrests and convictions across Europe, Canada, Costa Rica and America. Considering the severity of some of the charges, Ray saw that the guy hadn’t really spent that much time incarcerated. If Ray weren’t an ex-cop, he’d have been shocked. The fact that a man who’d shot and beaten people hadn’t ended up behind bars for longer didn’t surprise him at all. Vanicek no doubt had plenty of plea deals and a good lawyer.

The question he had was not why the guy was walking around free, but what was he doing for Bailey. Was he purely an enforcer and guard or was he more? He was also curious as to why Vanicek didn’t show up in more detail in the Fergus report. Sure, Bailey might be the front guy, even the brains, but Ray had no doubt that Vanicek was more than an ugly mug with a gun. In the Fergus report he was simply listed as a regular employee, nothing more. Ray didn’t believe that for a second. Bailey wouldn’t hire a man like Vanicek to clean kennels or do paperwork. There was much more to their relationship. He needed to find out what that was.

A knock came at the door of his office right before it opened. Gus Moody stepped in and closed the door behind him. ″Ray, we need to talk.″

Ray noted the tight expression right off the bat. It must be something serious. ″Yeah? What brings you upstairs?″

″I’m worried about your involvement with Frank Bailey.″

Frowning, Ray leaned forward. ″How do you even know about that? I haven’t written it up yet.″

″You’re using company resources, I know about it.″

″I’m not using resources without paying for them, Gus.″

″I know that and I appreciate it. We all have our pet projects. It’s just that I know Frank Bailey.″

″He’s not one of our clients. I checked first.″

″I know he’s not. He did ask at one point, but I refused to take his case. I don’t do animal abuse cases. I referred him to someone else. But I do know the man and I’m afraid you investigating him puts me in an awkward position.″

″I don’t see why. He’s not a client, so he’s fair game.″

″Maybe, but I need to know the whole story. What’s going on? Why are you having Buddy investigate him?″

″Buddy didn’t say?″

″He said to ask you. While I appreciate his discretion, he does work for me, too.″

″Yeah, but he knows this is personal for me.″

″How so?″

Ray gave him a quick summary of what was going on and what he’d found out for himself so far. ″That’s just with one day’s investigation, Gus. I plan to find out more. If he’s doing what we suspect, he needs to be stopped.″

″By the authorities, not us.″

″That’s true, but they’re not stepping in. It’s down to us to get more evidence so they can actually do something about it.″

″But not by breaking the law.″

″I don’t plan to break the law.″

″I hope not.″ Gus stood up, looking a lot less tense than when he came in. ″But if you get caught doing something you shouldn’t, Ray, you know the part about remaining silent and calling your lawyer, right?″

Maybe Gus knew him better than he thought. Ray smirked. ″I do.″

″I just hope I don’t get a phone call like that, Ray. Try to take these people down without doing anything you wouldn’t do as a cop.″

Ray thought of all the things he’d done while undercover and knew that gave him a lot more leeway than Gus ever imagined. ″Wouldn’t dream of it.″

″Good. And while I’m here, I wanted to say I like the idea of hiring the tech guys to help with the security expansion. Clever call.″

Ray gave credit where it was due. ″That’s all down to Buddy.″

″He’s a smart kid. I’m glad he was able to figure out that we needed more help.″

″I’m just glad I can keep him as an investigator. Sparks and Whitefeather are good, but Buddy’s better despite his age. He’s fast, but he’s still thorough. He’d make a great cop if he ever decided to become a Mountie.″

″I agree. You taught him well. Though they’re all a good team.″ Gus stood up. ″Thanks for explaining what was going on with the Bailey thing. I was worried.″

″Don’t be. I’ve got it under control.″

Gus nodded and then headed out. Ray stood up and walked out to see Cheri typing up a report. ″Where’s Buddy?″

″In his office. I think he’s finishing up that private thing for you.″

″Thanks.″

Ray knocked and walked in to see Buddy typing like crazy on his computer. He didn’t even look up as he spoke. ″I’m almost finished. Give me a minute.″

″Sure.″ As Ray stood there, he scanned the office. It was pretty bare compared to his own, not a lot of personal items with the exception of two pictures. One was of an older lady, Buddy’s deceased grandmother and the woman who raised him. The other was of his girlfriend Dana. Ray had to admit, he never expected that romance to last, but it had. In fact, Buddy had moved out of Cheri and her mum’s rental and was living with Dana instead.

Ray scanned the bookshelf on the side wall near the window, noting the titles of Buddy’s textbooks and private reading material. There wasn’t a novel to be found. They were all books about business, technology, history and the law. Heavy stuff and not something Ray would even attempt to read.

″I’m done.″ Buddy pushed another button. ″I’ve sent it by email over to your computer, but I’ll print out a hard copy, too.″

″Great. Give me the gist of it.″

″Gist of it is that Frank Bailey is a douchebag who should never be allowed to own a stuffed animal much less a real one. He’s owned over a hundred dogs in the last two years and more than fifty have,″ Buddy made quotes in the air. ″Died of natural causes, freak accidents or animal attacks.″ The young man shook his head in disgust. ″The guy must be the unluckiest guy on the planet with his dogs or a real bastard. I vote for the second.″

″Bodette said the same thing. He says he starves them. But I don’t get it. Why neglect animals if you’re selling them or raising them to race?″

″There’s big insurance money in dead dogs.″

″Insurance money?″

″Thousands for the right bloodline.″

That was news to Ray, but it made sense. He’d seen more than his share of insurance fraud cases over the years. ″Okay, that explains the dogs. What about the other, the zoo animals?″

″That’s harder to track. If you look through his accounts, there aren’t any big sums unaccounted for. He’s got other accounts, but I couldn’t get access.″

″Okay. What about a guy named Alex Vanicek?″

Buddy’s face lit up and he turned back to his computer. He scrolled back and brought a picture on screen. It was the same one Ray had seen. Vanicek could’ve been the poster boy for Thugs Are US. He had a shaved head, hard black eyes and a jagged scar down his right cheek. ″Ugly son of a bitch. Joined up with Bailey about a year ago. Started as a regular employee, but quickly moved up to be manager of his breeding compound.″

″I saw that. He’s got a long rap sheet.″

″Yeah, I know. I get the feeling he’s the guy you need to avoid the most. According to what I saw, he’s got the day off on Thursday.″

Ray grinned. Things were looking up and going in his favor. ″Tomorrow is Thursday.″

″I know.″

Great minds. ″I think I might take the day off tomorrow.″

Buddy leaned against his desk, all business. ″You need to be careful, Boss. Vanicek might not be on the job, but that doesn’t mean he’s not on the property.″

″It’s still our best chance to get a look inside the compound. I plan to go in as a buyer.″

″What if he recognizes you? I mean, your picture’s been in the news a few times over the last year.″

″Not on the front page. Besides, I plan to wear a disguise.″

″What kind of disguise?″

Ray took his black glasses out of his pocket and slipped them on his face. ″I’ll add a fur hat and some old clothes. I’ll be Ray Connor from Alaska, an American wanting to break into the mushing game.″

Buddy wasn’t impressed. ″You’re not Superman, Ray. I don’t think ugly ass glasses are going to hide who you really are. I mean, you’re married to a Mountie for god sakes.″

Ray took off his glasses and pretended to be insulted. ″You think my glasses are ugly?″

″You’re missing the point, man.″

Ray could tell Buddy was seriously concerned for his safety and needed more convincing. ″People see what they want to see, Kid. It’ll work. I’ve done this kind of thing plenty of times before back in Chicago.″

″Maybe, but I think you should talk to Fraser about it first.″

″I plan to.″ And he would, but he wouldn’t mention everything he planned to do. There was no reason to freak out Ben any more than him going undercover would do anyway. ″I’ll be fine.″

″If you say so.″

But the Kid’s didn’t sound all that convinced. Ray had to admit, he knew the feeling.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

″I don’t like it, Ray. This plan concerns me. There are too many unknown variables.″

″I’m just going in and asking for a tour. He’ll think I’m an eager buyer. If I play it right, he’ll think I’m a mark, a beginner he can take advantage of. I’ll play to his greed to make a buck.″

″And if he recognizes you?″

Ray shook his head. ″He won’t. You’re the singing Mountie. It’s your picture plastered in the news, not mine.″

″But you’re known around town. People often greet you by name.″

″That’s mainly because I’m with Dief. Even if he’s seen me walking the wolf, I’ll be dressed differently and won’t have the wolf with me. Like I told Buddy, people see what they want to see. Bailey will just see an America wanting to buy his dogs.″

″What if he asks for ID?″

Confession time. ″I have that.″

Ben pulled away slightly and stared. ″You have a false ID?″

Ray shrugged. ″I had it made for an op in Chicago before the Vecchio gig. I just kept it.″

″Using a false ID is illegal.″

″If I’m using it to defraud somebody, yes. But I’m just using it to investigate this guy.″

Ben considered his words for a few moments. ″It’s a fine line.″

″I’ll only use it if he asks for it. Otherwise, I hope he takes me at my word. I have to convince him I’m there for the dogs and some instructions. While I’m on site, I’m hoping to see more.″

″I might be less concerned if it weren’t for the added problem of this Alex Vanicek person. When you gave me his name, I ran a background check on him. He’s got an extensive history of violent crimes.″

″I know, but he’s off on Thursday.″

″And if he’s there anyway?″

″Then I’ll be extra careful. I swear, Ben, I know what I’m doing. I’ve taken down drug kingpins and gun runners. Those are a lot scarier people than a dog breeder.″

Ben was still nervous. ″But he’s more than that, especially if he has Vanicek working for him.″

″Maybe. But I still have to try. I plan to go in the morning. If I’m not back by lunch, you’ll know to come looking.″

″That still gives time for something horrible to happen.″

Ray reached over and cupped the side of Ben’s face. ″Trust me. It’ll be fine.″

″I do trust you, Ray. I just don’t trust Bailey or his men.″ Then Ben covered Ray’s hand against his cheek and turned his head. He kissed the palm gently and whispered. ″I couldn’t stand it if anything happened to you, Ray.″

″Nothing’s going to happen except that I might take down a scumbag. Now, let’s stop talking about tomorrow and live for the moment.″ Ray captured both sides of Ben’s face and kissed him. He wanted his partner to forget about danger and believe only in loving and being with Ray. When Ben moaned into his mouth, he knew he was moving in the right direction.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

″Ray Connor out of Alaska? This license says you’re from Chicago.″

Ray had a ready answer. ″Me and the little woman moved north last year. Bought a place over in Hyder. I needed to breathe real air instead of fumes. We wanted to get back to nature. You know what I’m saying?″

″I do.″ Bailey handed Ray his license. He was a medium-sized man dressed in jeans and layers of flannel. Clean-shaven, he wore his ashy brown hair cut short. He looked like a regular business man. Could’ve been a banker or a teacher for that matter. He was nothing special. Bailey asked, ″So who told you about my dogs?″

″I read about them.″ Ray pulled out an article he’d copied from a newspaper that Buddy had tracked down in the library. He held it out to Bailey. ″It says there that you’re the rising star for breeding good mushers. My wife and I are interested in starting our own team and maybe even starting our own breeding program. I thought I’d check you out, so I drove in.″

″All the way from Hyder, Alaska? That’s a hell of a long drive.″

″Yeah, so if I look a little worn out, it’s because I drove overnight to get here early this morning. I’ll book a room in town to get some sleep before I head back.″ Ray pushed his glasses a little higher on his nose. ″So, you got any dogs ready to sell or am I wasting my time?″

″I wish you’d called first. You took quite a risk driving all that way on the off chance I’d be willing to sell an animal to a man without references.″

″Well, I’m just looking. If I buy, I might want a breeding pair. Or if I’m impressed, I might want a whole team.″

Bailey stood a little straighter. Ray could practically see the dollar signs adding up in the guy’s eyes. ″Do you have any idea how much one of my dogs goes for much less the cost of a team?″

″I’m figuring a lot, in the thousands. I’ve got the money. I made a bundle on the market before I left Chicago. Plus, I sold off a lot of properties. That doesn’t mean I want to waste it. I only buy the best, which is why I’m here to see what you’ve got.″

″Even if I were to sell you dogs, would you have the facilities to house these animals? They’re not pets, Mr. Connor. They’re working dogs. They have specific needs.″

Ray grinned, thinking Bailey was buying into his plan. ″I know that. I also know that I’m willing to pay you to help me set up my own kennel.″

Bailey’s eyes widened in surprise. ″Really? You don’t have breeders in Alaska to help with that?″

″Sure, we’ve got breeders, but I haven’t been that impressed so far. That’s why I’ve come to you. I’m dead serious about anything I do. If I like what I see here today, I’m sure we can work out a lucrative deal between us. You help me set up the place in Hyder and supply the dogs and I make you rich.″

″Do you have any training on how to mush or breed animals?″

Ray flashed on the mushing lessons Ben gave him last winter. He’d picked up on it surprisingly quickly. ″I do, but only with hired teams. I’ve also got a couple of husky hybrids at home, so I know how to handle big dogs in general.″

Bailey shook his head. ″I don’t do hybrids. They’re too headstrong and hard to train.″

″I’m not planning to breed them. I want purebreds for my program just like what you have.″

It took a few seconds, but Ray saw when the hook set. Bailey gave him a hungry smile, one that said he was more than happy to overcharge Ray and take him for every buck he could get. Ray had seen that expression on his targets far too many times not to recognize it.

Bailey beamed and said, ″Then we might have a great business opportunity. Walk with me.″

Moving together, Ray once again heard barking. The kennel wasn’t as loud as it had been with Bodette’s place, but it was certainly stinkier. Even in the cold air, the smell was stronger than he expected. He stood outside the chain link and saw individual dogs tethered outside their igloo houses. Each one was separated so that they couldn’t interact.

″Why are they chained up like that? They’re already behind the fence. Can’t they just be free?″

″You’ve got a lot to learn. They’ll fight tooth and nail for food and territory. I’ve had animals killed when they’ve gotten free. So, that’s why each one has its own space.″

″You’re right. I do have a lot to learn.″

The dogs barked louder and yanked against their chains as Ray and Bailey got closer. Ray raised his voice to be heard. ″How many dogs do you have right now?″

″Around fifty. Excuse the mess. The grounds people haven’t been in yet. We normally don’t leave them this dirty.″

Ray should hope not, but he wasn’t convinced. Bodette had talked about the filthy conditions Bailey kept. Ray also noticed that while some of the dogs looked okay, there were several that were way too skinny or had big bellies. He couldn’t tell if they were pregnant or worm-infested. Either way, they didn’t look healthy. ″So how much food do you go through with this many dogs?″

Bailey shrugged. ″It varies. I can get you some articles on how much to feed them. I’ll tell you what, Ray, let’s go inside my office and have some tea or coffee. I can give you some figures on what you can expect to pay for what you’re asking.″

Ray took a chance. ″If you don’t mind, I’d like to stay out here and just look over some of your dogs. You can bring the papers and figures out to me.″

″It’s awfully cold out.″

″I live in Alaska. I’m used to the cold.″

″Don’t go inside the kennel.″

″I won’t. I might move around the edge to see some of the dogs at the back.″

″If you’re sure.″

″I am.″

Reluctantly, Bailey agreed and moved away. He stopped and added, ″Shouldn’t be long. Maybe fifteen minutes at most.″

″Take your time. I’ve got all day.″

Bailey relaxed slightly. ″Okay, sure.″

Once Bailey went inside the building across from the kennel, Ray went into action. He’d brought one of the mini cameras from the office. He snapped pictures of the dirty cages and sick dogs. Then he headed to the back of the compound. He didn’t run, but he moved swiftly. He took as many pictures of the buildings as he could. Toward the back there was the building Bodette had marked as suspicious because of the animal noises. But Ray didn’t hear anything. He tried the handle and it moved. He went inside and the vile smell hit him like a living force. A huge grizzly lifted it’s massive head and let out a roar. The bars of the cage between Ray and the bear suddenly seemed way too little to do the job of protecting him if the bear decided to charge. He quickly took more pictures and then stepped back out of the building. He was in a hurry to get back into position before Bailey returned. He had the proof he needed. He just had to hang in a little longer.

Ray hadn’t gone but a few steps when he heard an unfamiliar voice behind him. ″Stop before I shoot your ass.″ Ray froze. ″Who the fuck are you?″

Fuck. He had to play it cool, stay in character. ″Ray Connor. I’m buying some dogs.″

″Put your hands on your head and turn around slowly.″

Ray followed directions. He wasn’t the least bit surprised to see Alex Vanicek standing there aiming a rifle at his gut. The guy looked even scarier and hardcore in real life than he did his picture. Double fuck. Ray gave an excuse about why he was there. ″I was looking for the facilities.″

″Bullshit. You’re a cop.″

″I’m not.″

″But you’re not a customer, either. So who are you?″

Ray had to decide whether to play out the lie or tell the truth. He went with the lie. He’d never get out alive if Vanicek had any clue about who he really was. He knew a killer when he saw one. ″Like I said, I’m looking to buy some dogs. I want to start my own team, maybe even start a business.″

″You’re a liar.″

Ray decided it was time to really bring out his undercover game face. He had to go with his gut and do his tough guy persona. ″Look, fuckhead, I drove over twelve hours to get here to talk to your boss. I mean, who the fuck are you anyway and how dare you point a fucking gun at me like this? I don’t give a shit what you have in these other buildings. I just want to get some dogs. Is this the way you Canadians treat people? If it is, it’s shitty customer service.″

Bailey trotted up beside him, his face twisted with real concern. He spoke to Vanicek. ″Alex? What’s going on?″

″I caught him in with the bear.″

Alarmed, Bailey turned to Ray. ″I told you to stay at the kennels.″

″I was curious. You’ve got the dogs up front, but you’ve got all these extra buildings. I wondered why. If you’re going to build my business, I’d like to know what that would entail.″

Vanicek snapped. ″Well, it doesn’t entail you poking your fucking nose in where it doesn’t fucking belong.″

Bailey actually shushed him. ″Shut up, Alex. I’m sure it was just a simple mistake.″ He turned back to Ray. ″You can put your hands down. Alex, put away the gun before you do something stupid.″

Vanicek kept the gun aimed at Ray. ″What do you know about this guy? He could be anybody.″

″I saw his ID. He’s American and he wants some dogs. You really do overreact sometimes.″

″And you’re too fucking trusting.″ Vanicek finally lowered the rifle, but he didn’t get rid of it or walk away. He stared daggers at Ray. He nearly growled the words. ″You fuck us over and I’ll feed you to the fucking bear. Got it?″

Ray pretended to take the warning seriously, but he didn’t have to pretend that hard. ″Got it. I’m not interested in the bear. Didn’t see or hear a bear. Fuck the bear.″

That actually made Vanicek crack a smile. ″Remember that.″ Then he spoke to Bailey. ″Don’t let him out of your sight again, partner. I’ll be checking on Susan.″

As he walked away, Ray had to ask. ″Who’s Susan?″

″She’s one of our breeding bitches, but don’t worry about it. What you need to do is never walk around without me again. Understand? Alex is over protective.″

″Yeah, I could see that.″

″I’m really sorry about that.″

Ray studied Bailey carefully. He could see the guy was actually sweating despite the freezing wind. If he didn’t know better, Bailey was afraid of Vanicek. Maybe they had it all wrong. It wasn’t Bailey in charge at all. He tried a new tactic. ″Listen, can I call you Frank?″

″Sure.″

Ray put an arm around the guy’s shoulders. ″Let’s go talk in your office. I don’t know about you, but I’m freezing my ass off. Plus, my nerves are shot. You got anything stronger than tea or coffee?″

Bailey’s tense muscles relaxed. ″I do, Ray. Whiskey okay?″

″Whiskey would be perfect. Lead the way, Frank.″

Ray knew without a doubt, he needed to drink and run before heading out to call for backup. He was sure Bailey lied about Susan being a dog and if he lied there was a reason. Ray suspected that the Susan that Vanicek mentioned might be Susan Hanover, the missing American handler. If that was the case, he feared he needed to move as quickly as possible without raising suspicion. He knew he could fool Bailey, but Vanicek was a different ballgame.

Once they were in the warmer office, Bailey went to a cabinet and took out a bottle of Jack Daniels. He poured a healthy amount into two glasses. He handed one to Ray. He lifted his own in a toast. ″To doing business together.″

Ray went along with it and took a sip. Then he got serious. ″Your guy is wound up a little too tight for my liking, Frank.″

″Alex is okay. Like I said, he’s just protective.″

″And paranoid.″

″Maybe, but he has his reasons.″ Frank went over and poured himself another drink. ″The thing is, he helps me run the business. I was failing before he showed up. He’s saved this place. He saved me.″

Ray heard something in the tone of voice. If he didn’t miss his bet, Bailey and Vanicek were more than business partners, a lot more. He had to step carefully. ″Yeah? How’d he do that, Frank?″

″He showed me a way to make a lot more money other than with just the dogs. It’s been good for us. I know he’s rough sometimes, but I couldn’t do this without him.″ He finished his second glass and filled it again. He got a folder off his desk and handed it to Ray. ″Here are the figures you asked for. I’ve also included the pictures and pedigree for the dogs I’m willing to sell.″

Ray took it, glanced through it pretending to pay close attention. He made all the right noises. ″Looks great.″ He put the glass down. ″I’m going to go to town and check into the hotel. I’ll call the wife and tell her what you’ve said. If it’s okay, I’d like to come back tomorrow morning and inspect the dogs I’m interested in. I want to pick at least two before I go back home. I’ll need to make arrangements about getting the kennel set up before I transport them.″

″I’m going to need a deposit.″

Ray was prepared for that. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a big wad of cash. ″This should work as a placeholder.″

Frank’s eyes bulged in surprise. ″How much is that?″

″A thousand down. I can pay the rest tomorrow after I go to the bank. That will also be in cash. You’re okay with American dollars, right?″

Bailey drained his whiskey before he answered. ″Absolutely.″

″Good. I’ll call you after I talk to my wife.″

″Sure. There’s just one thing, Ray.″

″What’s that?″

″You can’t tell anybody about the bear.″

Ray flashed a grin. ″Bear? What bear?″

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

″They’ve got a full grown grizzly bear, Ben. More importantly, I think they might have Susan Hanover. We need a warrant and lots of people out here as fast as possible.″

″Susan Hanover? The American woman who went missing? Are you sure?″

″Vanicek mentioned taking care of Susan, so yeah, pretty sure. But I saw the grizzly with my own eyes.″

″Did you get pictures?″

″I did. We need to hurry, Ben. If they do have Hanover, she might not have a lot of time left.″

″I’ll make the request immediately. You should come into the station. You can give the film to the lab for quick processing and you can give a statement about what you saw and heard.″

Ray was torn. He really wanted to go back to the kennel and search for Hanover himself, but he knew that wasn’t practical. Ben was right. His part would be turning over the evidence that would shut down those fuckers. ″I’m on my way.″

Ben lowered his voice. ″I’m glad you’re okay, Ray.″

″Told you I would be. Now, get the warrant and burn their asses.″

″Understood.″

Ben hung up and Ray put away his cell phone. Ray started his truck and pulled back on the highway. He hadn’t gone but about five miles before he noticed the Jeep Cherokee racing up behind him. Fuck. He still wore his glasses so he could tell it was Vanicek behind the wheel. The guy must have somehow figured out who Ray was.

Ray punched the gas and raced ahead. At that speed, he’d be to the city limits within ten minutes. Surely Vanicek wouldn’t come after him there, not with cops around every corner. Ray drove as fast as he dared. The Jeep went even faster, moving in beside him. Vanicek swerved to push him off the road, but it didn’t work. Ray managed to get ahead enough to avoid the collision. Vanicek tried again and once more Ray was able to avoid wrecking. The race went on until Ray made it just past the mile marker than put him inside the city limits. The Jeep slowed down and pulled off the road. In the rear view mirror, he saw Vanicek get out of his vehicle and pound the hood.

Ray knew they were on a timeline. Vanicek would warn Bailey and take off. They needed to hurry. He didn’t worry about the bear as much as Hanover. It was one thing to go to prison for poaching animals, another for kidnapping or worse.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

Susan Hanover was a mess to look at. Her long brown hair was filthy and tangled, her face cut and bruised. She was gaunt and hollowed out. Despite her rough condition, her dark eyes blazed bright with determination. She sat at the interrogation table wrapped in an orange blanket from the medics. She’d refused to go to the hospital and wanted to make a statement instead. Ray stood behind the observation glass and admired her fire. He didn’t know many people who could’ve been held captive for over a month and come out on the other side without being a nervous wreck.

Ben sat across from her and pushed a large cup of hot chocolate across the table. ″This should help warm you.″

″Thanks.″ She took it and held it to her mouth with both hands. Ray noted how her nails were torn and covered with dirt and blood, but her hands were steady and not shaking. She’d fought like hell when Bailey had tried to move her from her prison before the Mounties showed up. A battered Bailey was in the next room waiting to be interviewed.

After Hanover drained the cup, she put it on the table and smiled. ″I haven’t had hot chocolate in a while. Appreciate it.″

″You’re very welcome. You’ve been through a harrowing experience, Ms. Hanover. I need to question you about that.″

″Call me Susan. It might be easier if I just gave you a run down from my own perspective, Sergeant. Then if you still have questions, you can ask. But first, did someone call my mom to let her know I’m okay?″

Ben nodded. ″We did. She’s making arrangements to fly in as soon as possible. Weather permitting, she should arrive late tomorrow afternoon.″

Susan’s eyes got shinier as tears formed, but she didn’t cry. Her voice choked up just a little though as she told her tale. ″Vanicek came after me soon after I reported the animals to the authorities. I was leaving work and he grabbed me in my car. Had a gun and made me drive to a local mall where we transferred vehicles. He warned me if I made a sound, he’d shoot the nearest innocent person. I believed him. We went to the airport and took a private plane to Whitehorse. We drove the rest of the way. Once we were at the compound, I met Frank Bailey. I don’t think he had a clue about what was going on or what he was doing. It was Vanicek calling the shots. Bailey was upset that he’d brought me there.″

Ray could tell that Ben was dying to ask questions, but he managed to stay quiet as she continued. ″The last month has been a real slog. They kept me in the back shed and only fed me once a day. I don’t recommend that as a diet plan. It was freezing most of the time and I had no shoes unless they needed me for something. I got really creative in trying to stay warm. But the funny thing was that they had me doing work with the animals, too. While I was there, I saw them handle not just the grizzly bear you guys found, but a couple of wolves and a cougar. They seem to really like the big predators.″

″But I have to say the last week or so, it’s been getting scarier. Vanicek was getting antsy. I heard him arguing with Bailey about getting rid of me before anybody found out. Frank Bailey might be scum, but he’s the only reason I’m still alive. If he hadn’t stopped him, I’ve got no doubt that Vanicek would’ve taken me out and put me down like he does the dogs that don’t perform or get too sick to breed. Bastard is a psychopath.″

Ray watched as she closed her eyes, shuddered and pulled the blanket a little higher around her neck. She was reliving some part of the horror of her ordeal. Ben’s soft voice filled the quiet. ″I’m sorry you’ve gone through this.″

″Thanks.″ Susan straightened and took a couple of deep breaths to calm herself. ″So, what else do you need to know?″

″Before I start, I must ask again if you’re sure you’re not in need of medical treatment.″

″I’ll be fine as soon as I can get a shower and clean clothes. A few band aids, a good meal and some sleep and I’ll be fine.″

″You’re very resilient.″

″I’m lucky is what I am. Vanicek kept me caged, but he didn’t violate me physically. He could have and there would’ve been nothing I could’ve done. But like I said, I’m lucky. I’m not his type.″

″Not his type?″

″Bailey’s his type if you get my drift.″

Her statement confirmed Ray’s suspicion. The men were a couple. Ben kept his expression neutral. ″You’re suggesting that Vanicek is gay.″

″I’m not suggesting. I’m saying it. He and Bailey are together. Vanicek pushed Bailey around about most things. But every now and again, Bailey would stand up to him. Like I said, if Bailey hadn’t forbid him from hurting me, I’d be dead.″

″You’re sure about this?″

″I was there for over a month, Sergeant Fraser. I heard and saw them together. They did more than fight and weren’t subtle about it. So, yes, I’m sure.″

Ben cleared his throat and moved on to a different subject. ″How were you able to see the animals when they were brought in?″

″I’m a vet tech. I was told to knock them out and give them a quick exam so they could be certified as sound before they were shipped to wherever they sent them. I refused to examine the grizzly. I had no way to know how much sedative it would need before it would be safe to examine him.″

″So you could testify that they were selling protected and endangered animals.″

″I can and I will. Just like I can testify that I found the documents in my boss’s office that showed that he got his zoo specimens from Vanicek and Bailey. That’s why I was kidnapped. They wanted to stall the case. Without me there was no way to prove that my boss knew the animals were illegally trafficked. He could destroy the paperwork and plead ignorance.″

″Which is what he did.″

″Figures. He’s a rat as bad as Bailey and Vanicek. They wouldn’t be in business if there weren’t a market for what they sell.″

″Agreed.″ Ben paused before he asked, ″Do you think your boss, Mr. Stewart, was involved in your kidnapping?″

″I don’t know. I don’t think so, but I can’t be sure. It was never mentioned while I was locked up.″ Susan leaned in a little and asked, ″What’s going to happen to the bear and the dogs now?″

″Animal welfare will take custody of the animals.″

″Do you think the grizzly will be released?″

″Eventually, but not right away. It’ll need to be examined and tagged again before being released.″

Susan settled back in her chair, the energy quickly draining away as the adrenaline from her rescue ran out. ″I always loved animals, especially dogs. But I have to say after listening to them barking nonstop for nearly a month, it’s good to be in the quiet again.″

″I can well imagine.″

″I hope they’ll be able to find homes for the ones that aren’t destroyed.″

″They’re evidence. They won’t be destroyed.″

″Well, that’s good. Maybe they’ll finally get a good life.″

″One hopes so. Is there anything else you’d like to add?″

Suddenly uneasy, she said, ″Vanicek. I heard he got away.″

Ray saw how hard it was for Ben to admit the truth. ″He’s still at large, yes.″

″Well fuck.″ She glanced up and blushed. ″Sorry about my language, but now what? How am I supposed to feel safe with him on the loose?″

″You’ll have security with you until he’s arrested.″

″And if he’s not?″

″He will be.″

Susan shook her head. ″You can’t be sure of that.″

Ben put both his hands on the table palms down. ″Susan, he will be found. The borders are closed and the noose is tightening.″

″I almost believe you. I want to believe you, but the man terrorized me. You can understand why I might be afraid.″

″I do understand, but I assure you that we’ll make every effort to capture him. In the meantime, you should go to the hotel and rest. All the costs are on the service.″

″And my security?″

″I have a team waiting just outside the door. You’ll be safe. I promise.″

For the first time in the interview, Ray noted the real fear in her eyes. ″Please, Sergeant, catch him. I won’t ever relax if he’s free.″

Ben stepped around the table and helped her to her feet. ″I’ll do my very best, Susan.″

″Thank you.″

When the door opened, there were two Mounties waiting, a man and a woman. As they led her way, Ray came out of the observation room to meet Ben. He could tell what his partner was thinking. He worried about her recovery. ″She’s a strong woman. She’ll be fine.″

″She’s been through so much, Ray.″

″It’ll be easier once you guys catch Vanicek.″

″There’s still no sign of him.″

″He’s gone to ground. You need to talk to Bailey. He’ll know where he is.″

″If they’re lovers, I doubt he’ll betray him.″

″Don’t bet on that.″

″You don’t think he’ll protect him?″

″He might, but wear him down, make him realize what he’s facing because of what Vanicek did with the kidnapping and he’ll change his tune. He’s the weak link.″

Ben cocked his head slightly to the side. ″I wish you could help me interview him.″

Ray had the same wish, but knew it wouldn’t be allowed. ″Look, you’ll do fine. Press him on being in the mess because of his partner. But also, let him know how dangerous it is for Vanicek to be out there alone. It’s pretty much a shoot to kill order because he’s armed and dangerous. I don’t think Frank wants his lover to get taken out because he’s too stubborn to surrender. Convince him he’d be better off telling you his location first so you can get to Vanicek before he gets shot.″

″I can try.″

Ray lowered his voice. ″I’d kiss you for luck if I could.″

Ben blushed a bright red. ″And I’d let you.″

″Now, get in there and get this done.″

Ben nodded and headed to the interrogation room where Bailey waited to answer for his crimes.

Ray couldn’t wait to watch the show.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

Frank Bailey sat in the chair across from Ben. He wore a gray jail sweatsuit and had an ice pack held over his right eye. He was going to have a hell of a shiner. He also sported scratches on both arms. ″That woman attacked me.″

″According to Ms. Hanover, you held her against her will for over a month.″

Bailey shifted uncomfortably in his seat. ″No comment.″

Ben opened a folder and lined up several pictures of Hanover, her cage and then the grizzly bear on the table. ″We have her testimony that Alex Vanicek kidnapped her, but you worked as a unit to keep her falsely imprisoned. Do you deny it?″

″No comment.″

″And the bear? It’s illegal to have a grizzly bear in your possession without a special license and permission.″

″No comment.″

Ray stared through the window and could see the frustration building. If he were in the room, he could shake Bailey up, make him answer with more than some lame no comment bullshit. Instead, he had to trust that Ben would find a way to push Bailey hard enough that he’d give up and tell the truth.

Ben gathered the pictures and put them away. ″Ms. Hanover did credit you for keeping her alive.″

″She did?″

″She did. She said it was Alex Vanicek who threatened to kill her, not you. She said you stopped him from acting. Is that true?″

″I didn’t want to hurt her. I just didn’t want her testifying against us.″

″Testifying to what?″

Bailey hesitated but finally just went with it and admitted the truth. ″About the animals we sold. Look, Sergeant Fraser, I’ll admit that I might catch animals I shouldn’t and sell them to collectors with private zoos, but I draw the line at killing a person.″

″That works in your favor, Mr. Bailey.″

″I hope so.″

″What would help even more is if you told us where your partner might be.″

″I don’t know.″

Ben leaned in and spoke earnestly. ″You might not be sure, but you must have some idea.″

″I don’t.″

″With his record, he’s considered armed and dangerous. If he’s found and refuses to surrender, it might come to a tragic end.″

Bailey’s eyes went wide with fear. ″Are you saying your men will kill him?″

″That would depend on Vanicek. We know he has weapons. A confrontation would not be to his advantage.″

″But you have to find him first. He’s safer if you don’t.″

Ben’s voice took on a harder edge. ″We will find him with or without your help. All ways out of the province have been sealed. All means of public transport stopped. There are roadblocks all around the city and throughout the province. We’ve put out notices to the public with his picture and ID. Someone will see him and report him. At this time, the charges include kidnapping, not murder. But if he should harm anyone while trying to escape, that would be a terrible tragedy. He’d spend his life in prison, that is if he survived long enough to get there.″

Bailey’s face paled and his lips thinned. ″I honestly don’t know where he is.″

″But you have some idea about where he might go.″

Bailey shook his head. ″I can’t.″

″You have to for his own good.″

″He’d never speak to me again.″

″He’d never speak to you again if he’s dead, either.″

Bailey actually whimpered and then closed his eyes. ″There are two possible places.″ He rattled off two addresses. ″If he’s not there, I have no idea where he might be. He can’t know I told you.″

″I’ll do my best.″

Bailey opened his eyes and stared at Fraser. ″Don’t kill him.″

″That will depend entirely on him, Mr. Bailey.″

″That’s what I’m afraid of.″ Then a grown man wept.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

″I shouldn’t feel sorry for him.″

″No, you shouldn’t.″

Ray put his coffee down on the table. He’d just given his final statement and signed off. He was sitting with Ben in the break room. ″It’s just he was so pitiful. Makes you wonder how a guy ends up like that.″

″I’m sure his pathology of low self-esteem and lack of moral code developed long before he met Alex Vanicek.″

″Yeah, probably.″ Ray didn’t used to be such a softy for the lowlifes. He’d put a lot of pathetic people away for a lot less than Bailey. Most of the time, the cases came along so fast and furious that he hardly had time to think about it or have any sympathy for their sad lives. Plus, that was before he started working for the defense and heard more sob stories than he could shake a stick at. Which reminded him of something he needed to do. ″I should call Gus and update him on what’s happening.″

″You should.″

″Any word on the squads that went out to the addresses Bailey gave yet?″

Ben glanced up and raised an eyebrow. ″You’ve been by my side this whole time, Ray. Did you hear an update given?″

Well that was bitchy as hell. Ray checked his smartass response. They didn’t need a blow up at the station. Besides, Ben had acted a little out of it ever since the Hanover interview. ″What’s wrong?″

″Nothing’s wrong. Everything’s going well. It’ll be better when Vanicek is in custody.″

Ray leaned in and kept his voice low. ″There’s something else bugging you. What is it?″

Ben shook his head. ″I don’t want to talk about it, not here. Maybe later.″

″Talk about what?″

″About how angry I am.″

″With me?″

Ben met his gaze. ″No, Ray, not with you. You helped save Susan Hanover and bring this whole case together. Warden Fergus had six months working on this and got nowhere. You go in and bring these men down in a matter of days.″

″But that’s a good thing.″

″It is, but...″

″But what?″

″Why did we get roadblocks at every turn within the system?″

″And that’s what you’re mad about?″

″Partly, yes. If you hadn’t gone in, Susan Hanover might still be captive or worse. This whole operation has been going on for some time, but nobody within the system wanted to see it, wanted to provide adequate resources or to take the time and investigate. I just find that incredibly frustrating.″

″I get that. But it’s always been this way.″

″Has it?″

″Sure. Think back to Chicago. How many times did we have to color outside the lines to get anywhere?″

Ben’s brow creased in confusion. ″Color outside the lines?″

″Bend the rules, throw away the book, run our own play?″

Ben’s face lit up with understanding. ″That’s exactly what I’m talking about, Ray. It shouldn’t be that way. I realize there need to be rules and limits, but sometimes they hamper rather than help enforce the law.″

″Sometimes, yeah, but not always. Just be grateful that it worked out this time.″

″I am grateful, but I’m also annoyed and a bit angry. Fergus only had five people to cover a territory larger than the western half the United States. It wasn’t nearly enough. There should’ve been a lot more support.″

″I get that and agree. But it is what it is.″

″What does that even mean?″

Ray heard the edge to the voice so he kept his answer simple. ″We can’t change the world. We can only do the best we can with our part of it.″

″Acceptance of a flawed system doesn’t see an adequate response, Ray.″

″Maybe not.″ Ray scrubbed his whiskery face with both hands, the fatigue doing a good job of making him too fuzzy-headed to think straight for such a heavy conversation. ″Look, we’re both tired. Let’s table this talk for later. I should probably head home and check on the animals.″

″I can’t leave yet. Ezra and Drew Jolly are both on the hunt to find Vanicek.″

″I get that. How about I go home, take care of the dogs and then come back to keep you company? We could have dinner after they lock his ass up. You can leave the questioning until tomorrow.″

″I can’t. If they bring him in, I’m doing the interrogation. Also, we’ve got notice that FBI officials are flying in to work on the case. They’ll be here sometime tomorrow. I need to write up the reports before they arrive. I’ll be working quite late.″

″All the more reason for me to come back after I feed the critters and get cleaned up.″

″You should stay home and rest.″

″I should, but I won’t. I want to be here when they bring that asshole in. I’ll bring you some sandwiches when I come. Any preferences?″

Ben stood up. ″Surprise me.″

″Your wish is my command.″

As Ben walked out of the break room, Ray got up and tossed his empty cup. Inspector Paris stepped into the room and glanced around. As soon as he saw Ray, his lip curled and his whole posture straightened. It was obvious that the man didn’t appreciate the fact that Ray did what his men couldn’t or wouldn’t do. It’d been a little frosty between them since their first meeting, but he was Ben’s boss, so Ray played nice. ″Inspector.″

″Mr. Kowalski.″

″I was just heading home. Any news on Vanicek yet?″

″Not yet.″ Paris cleared his throat like it was hard to say what came out next. ″I wanted to thank you for your role in saving the American woman.″

Ray bit back saying someone had to. Instead, he simply said. ″You’re welcome.″

″However, I wanted to say that the next time you decide to go undercover, I’d appreciate having it cleared by me first. Your operation wasn’t officially sanctioned.″

Ray smirked. ″Last time I checked, I don’t work for you.″ Before Paris could argue and say anything else, Ray kept going. ″Look, I took a chance. If there had been nothing to find, great. We got lucky this time. But I wouldn’t have had to do a thing if you’d pitched in and given Fergus some help like my partner requested. I thought you guys were supposed to work together on this kind of thing.″

″Normally that would be the case, but we’re incredibly short-staffed right now. I’ll admit that I didn’t take Warden Fergus’s concerns as seriously as I should have. Still, doing what you did put you in danger. You’re a civilian and your involvement is not something I would normally support.″

Ray kept his cool, but told the truth as he saw it. ″I was a cop for close to twenty years. For fifteen of those years I was a detective. I went undercover on a regular basis. I might be a civilian now, but I know what I’m doing.″

″I’m sure you do, Mr. Kowalski. I’ve seen your record. It’s impressive. However, as I said, in the future please check with me before you do anything quite so risky again.″

″Let’s hope there won’t be a next time.″

″Agreed.″

They stood there staring at one another for a long awkward pause. Finally Ray said, ″I need to go check on our animals.″

″Then good evening.″

Ray grabbed his coat and wool cap from the chair. He couldn’t get out of the room fast enough. Something about Paris always put him on edge. Maybe it was because he always reminded him of those stickler commanders back in Chicago who made it harder to be a cop. Or maybe it was because he just wasn’t Lt. Welsh. Sometimes it was easy to forget that in the cop world, Welsh had been one in a million. They’d been lucky to have him for a boss. As he made it to the car, Ray decided he should make sure to mail out those Christmas cards first thing in the morning. The one to Welsh would get the first stamp and a big thank you message.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

Ray fed the dogs first before going inside to take a quick shower and change his clothes. He needed to shed the persona of Ray Connor and be Ray Kowalski again. He finished dressing in jeans and gray blue sweater. He pulled on his boots just when he suddenly heard Yuki’s distinctive barking. It wasn’t a playful sound, but an alarm. Then there was a sharp yelp. Fuck. Ray grabbed his gun from his shoulder holster on the bed and ran out of the bedroom to the front of the cabin. Looking out the window, he didn’t see Dief anywhere, but Yuki was on his side on the ground. He was lying very still, too still. Double fuck.

Ray fought down the instinct to run out and check on his dog. Instead, he scanned more carefully to spot who had hurt the animal. But he didn’t see anyone. He heard a stomping on the front porch and he aimed at the door, holding his pistol steady with both hands. Then there was a long quiet and Ray kept still, waiting and ready. The door slammed open as Vanicek kicked it in. He held a rife up and prepared to fire as he stepped inside. Ray shouted. ″Stop or I’ll shoot.″

Before either Ray or Vanicek had a chance to get off a round, Dief was already there, growling. He leaped and landed on the intruder’s back. He had him face down and pinned flat out on the floor. Ray raced over, grabbed the rifle away and put his own automatic to the man’s head. Dief stayed put, his teeth bared. His growl meant business and gave Ray chills. ″Move and you’re a dead man.″

″Fuck. Get him off me.″

″Not likely. Did you kill the other one?″

Vanicek’s breathing was labored and his words came out hoarse. ″Used a tranquilizer gun.″

″If you hurt him, I’ll let the wolf eat your face off.″

Vanicek remained silent, but Ray saw that he was shaking as Dief sniffed at his neck and ran his bared teeth against the skin. He saw the man’s involuntary shudder. Ray petted the wolf and motioned for him to stay.

Ray stepped over to the phone, all the while holding the gun on Vanicek. It only took a second for Ben to pick up. Ray interrupted his thanks for calling Mountie Land greeting. ″Vanicek is here. I can bring him in or you can come get him. Take your pick.″

″He’s there?″

″Yuki’s been shot. He says it’s a tranquilizer, but I haven’t had a chance to check him yet.″

″Then stay there. I’ll have a team on its way immediately.″

″Thanks.″

The line disconnected and Vanicek pleaded. ″Please get him off me.″

″I don’t think so. I think it’s only fair you be scared out of your fucking mind after what you did to Susan Hanover.″

″Come on, man. Get him off.″

Ray decided to take pity even though the guy didn’t deserve it. Besides, he needed to check on Yuki. He retrieved the spare handcuffs from the kitchen drawer. Then he motioned for Dief to release the man so that he could secure his hands from behind. He jerked him to his feet and then dragged him outside. He shoved him into one of the wooden porch chairs.

Then he motioned a command to Dief to guard him. The wolf took up a position right in front of Vanicek, giving him the worst wolfie stink-eye Ray had ever seen. The man didn’t dare move a muscle.

Running down the steps, Ray went over to the still form of Yuki. He saw the dart in his white fur and removed it. The animal was breathing but very slowly. Ray picked him up and carried him to the porch and past the wolf to his blanket inside. He hoped all the younger dog needed was a nice nap. Growing angrier, Ray stormed back to the porch. ″How much of that shit did you give him?″

″Not enough to hurt him.″

″It better not.″

For the first time, Ray realized he was outside in the cold with no coat. He jerked Vanicek to his feet again and took him back inside. He not so gently shoved him in the kitchen chair. While he did that, Dief went over to lie beside the unconscious youngster. Ray could never be sure how much dogs cared, but he was willing to bet it was more than anybody realized. They acted almost like people. In a lot of ways they were better than most people.

Pissed off, Ray snapped. ″If something happens to my dog, I’m going to let the wolf take care of you. Nobody will find anything but your fucking bones.″

″I could’ve shot him with a bullet.″

″And you’d be dead now if you did.″

Vanicek didn’t say anything to that, just swallowed hard. Ray asked, ″So how did you find me?″

″I saw your plates when you left the compound. If you were from Alaska, you’d have Alaskan plates. I took down your license and ran it. The address came up here. Your name’s Kowalski, not Connor.″

Fuck. Ray knew he should’ve rented a car when he went to see Bailey. That was a mistake he wouldn’t make again. ″So you show up here to kill me?″ Vanicek didn’t answer, so Ray pushed harder. ″You might as well tell me. It’s not like you can be in much hotter water than you are now. They’ll have you for kidnapping and a host of other charges.″

″I wasn’t going to kill you.″

″Pull the other one.″

″That’s why I had the tranquilizer gun. I was going to take you as a hostage and trade you for Frank.″

Ray smirked. ″There’s no way that would work. They’re not going to trade me for somebody they already have in custody. Your best bet was just to turn yourself in.″

″I’m not going back to prison.″

″Sorry, but that ship’s sailed.″

″What? Why are you talking about ships?″

Ray rolled his eyes. ″I just mean you’ve got no choice. You’re going to go to prison for a very long time. Just hope it’s in Canada and not the US.″

Vanicek actually nodded in agreement. ″That’s true. I’ve been in both and Canadian jails are far superior to American.″

″I don’t doubt it.″

Vanicek hesitated and then asked, ″Is Frank okay?″

″He’s as good as can be expected.″

″He won’t do well in prison.″

″Well, he’s got no record. Maybe they won’t be as hard on him as they are with you.″ Ray took a gamble and made a suggestion. ″If you really care about him and want to help him, confess. Don’t let the trial drag out. Tell them the truth about your involvement and minimize his. He might get released before he’s old and gray.″

″You think so?″

″That’s how it works in the US. Deals rule. I figure it’s the same here.″

″Why would you care?″

″I don’t, not really. But I think you’re right about Frank. He won’t do well in prison. Whatever you can do to shorten his sentence, you should do it.″

Before Vanicek said anything Ray saw a movement over on the blanket. Yuki was waking up. Thank god. He let Dief watch over his son and turned his attention back to Vanicek. ″You’re a lucky man, Vanicek. The wolf could’ve killed you, but didn’t.″

″I don’t feel very lucky.″

″No, I guess not.″

Ray heard sirens getting closer. Ben and his team made record time. Ray leaned back against the counter, his gun still trained on Vanicek and simply waited for the Mounties to do the clean up job.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

Three in the morning and Ray was bone-tired, but too wound up to go to bed. Ben was sitting beside him on the sofa and being way too quiet. He wore his overly concerned expression, the furrowed brow and thin lips. He was more wound up than Ray and that was saying something. It’d been a tough day of big arrests and close calls all around.

Finally, Ray broke the silence and said, ″Yuki’s going to be okay.″

″He doesn’t seem to have had any ill effects from the ketamine. The vet did say we should keep a close eye on him in case there was a delayed reaction.″

″I know, but he’ll be fine. We’re lucky Vanicek didn’t shoot him with a bullet.″

″I know.″

″In fact I’m lucky to have Dief as a guard wolf. Do you realize this is the second time in six months that he’s saved my ass? First there was Cash Carver and now this.″

″I’m well aware. He’s always been an excellent protector.″

″He deserves a medal.″

″I don’t think a wolf has much use for a medal, Ray.″

″Another T-bone then. I’ll even throw in a doughnut or two.″

Ben finally cracked a smile. ″Probably more apt and appreciated.″

″We should go to bed.″

″I don’t think I could sleep, not yet.″

Ray let his head fall back against the cushion and closed his eyes. It helped stop the sandpaper sensation that fatigue always caused. ″When do the FBI show up?″

″Their flight should arrive around two in the afternoon. They’re going to want to take over the case by arguing jurisdiction. The kidnapping took place in America. The animals were trafficked there, too.″

″But Hanover was held here and the Bailey’s compound is here. The animals are Canadian. You think they have a case?″

″I’m sure they think they do, but Grimm is fighting it. I fear he might not have the final word.″

Ray turned his head and stared at Ben. ″Why’s that?″

″Inspector Paris and Ezra have both said that the provincial government is sending their own lawyers. Whether they’ll support maintaining the case here or letting it go, that’s yet to be decided. It’ll depend on how much they want to please the U.S. government.″

″You’re saying this could be some kind of international incident if Canada tries to keep it?″

″Something like that, yes.″

Ray let out a sigh. ″Well, it’s out of our hands. I hope it goes through Canadian courts, but as long as they’re prosecuted, I don’t really care.″

″Well, you should. If they take the case, you’ll be asked to testify which will mean traveling to Montana to do it.″

″Montana? Shit. I didn’t think of that. That would be annoying.″

″Very. But that’s where Robert Treat has the trafficked animals and where Susan lives.″

″Montana, huh? What the fuck is in Montana?″

″I don’t know much about that particular state, but it’s often referred to as Big Sky Country. It’s on our border but it’s still about a ten hour flight from here to Billings where the federal court case would likely be..″

Ray didn’t want to imagine making that flight to the middle of nowhere to testify. It was early days yet, way too soon to worry about it. ″I wouldn’t want to make the trip, but if I do, I do. I’m not going to put a lot of thought into it until we know for sure.″

″That’s a wise way to look at it, Ray.″

″In other news, have you heard from Vecchio recently?″

″No, why?″

″I was just wondering if he had any news to give?″

Ben chuckled. ″I believe you’re referring to Francesca’s pregnancy.″

″I might be. How’d you know?″

″Drew Jolly told me. He’s thrilled as you can imagine. Why didn’t you tell me you knew about it?″

″It wasn’t my news to give.″

″That’s fair. Francesca will make a wonderful mother.″

″I think so, too, once she gets over the shock.″

″The shock?″

″Of being pregnant before the wedding.″

″Oh, I see. Oh, dear. I hadn’t really considered that. Ma Vecchio might be unhappy with that. She’s very traditional.″

″I know, but Frannie and Drew are tying the knot in less than a month. Maybe they can hold off telling her until after the wedding.″

″Perhaps. I’m glad for them though.″

″Yeah, me, too. It’ll be great for Benita. It’s good to have cousins. I had a couple close to my own age growing up and that was fun.″

″I never did.″

Ray checked out Ben again, saw the little flash of pain. It reminded Ray about how lonely Ben must have been as a kid. ″That’s tough.″

″I suppose, but I didn’t know any differently.″

″I guess.″ Ray reached out and took Ben’s hand. ″Let’s go to bed. I know you’re still revved up, but you need some sleep. You’ve still got to finish those reports in the morning and I’ve got to get back to work. Gus gave me some slack for yesterday, but we’ve got some big cases coming up before we take Christmas break next week. I need to check on their status.″

″I’m still wide awake. Why don’t you go ahead? I’ll join you shortly.″

″You’re sure?″

″I am.″

Reluctantly, Ray moved to the bedroom. He did a quick pre-bed bathroom routine and then climbed in under the covers. It felt so wrong, so empty to be there without Ben. He lay there for nearly fifteen minutes, tossing and turning and decided to get up. He walked back into the living room to see Ben sitting cross-legged on the floor next to the wolves. He had his head down on Dief’s back.

″Ben?″

His partner didn’t move, but whispered. ″It was so close, Ray.″

″Aw, Ben.″ Ray moved in beside him and wrapped an arm around him and pulled him close. He resisted at first, but then relaxed slightly, his shoulders super tight. ″I’m okay.″

″But if he’d had a gun with bullets, you could be dead.″

Ray kissed the top of Ben’s head. ″But I’m not. Come to bed and let me show you how alive I am.″

Ben lifted his face to Ray’s and kissed him hungrily. Ray had just enough blood left in his limbs to stand and pull Ben to bed to follow through on his promise.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

A cold front moved in overnight and it took an extra thirty minutes to make it to his office. Ray stomped the snow off his boots as he hung up his coat and hat. ″It’s wild out there.″

Cheri looked up from her typing. ″I’m glad I don’t live out in the boonies like some people.″

″On days like this, I agree.″

Ray tried to fix his flat hat hair, but it did little good so he just gave up. He asked, ″Anybody else here?″

″Everybody’s here. Hilary and Glen are finishing a report.″

″And Buddy?″

Cheri blinked and then glanced back at her typing. ″He’s in his office.″

Ray knew something was up. He stepped closer, but lowered his voice. ″What is it?″

″You should talk to him. It’s not my place.″

Well fuck. That meant something must be going on. Ray knocked the edge of her desk with his fist. It was too early in the morning to deal with drama. ″Okay then. Do I need armor?″

″You’re a tough guy. It should be okay.″

Ray braced himself and tapped on Buddy’s door. It took a second longer than usual for Buddy’s voice to answer. ″Come in.″

Once inside, Ray closed the door and saw his young investigator standing at the window watching the snow come down. His arms were crossed and his shoulders tight.

Ray said, ″Good morning.″

″Is it?″

So that’s how it was. ″What’s wrong?″

″Nothing. Everything.″

″Well, that’s clears things up.″

Buddy didn’t turn around, just kept staring at the bleak winter morning. ″What is it with women?″

″I take it you and Dana had a fight?″

″No fight, not really. I just don’t understand how she thinks.″

Ray noted for the first time that the picture of Buddy’s girlfriend Dana was gone from his desk. That wasn’t a good sign. ″What happened?″

″Things were going so great. I love her and I asked her to marry me.″

Ray had a nasty feeling about her answer. ″And she said no.″

Buddy turned around then. ″What am I supposed to think, Ray? I asked her to commit and she said she’s not ready. She doesn’t know if she’ll ever be ready. Apparently marriage is too old-fashioned. She needs to be free. What the fuck, man? What does that even mean?″

″At least she was honest with you.″

″Honest? She’s not been honest this whole time. I thought she cared about me, about us, but apparently not enough to say yes to marriage.″

″Look, I’m sure she loves you. But people have different views on the whole marriage thing. It’s not for everybody. Plus, you’re both still young.″

Buddy pulled his chair out from his desk and sat down. He picked up a small black box and opened it. Inside was a diamond engagement ring. It must have taken all his money and then some. ″I really thought this was the real deal, Ray.″

″It might be. Not every couple has to be married.″

Buddy shook his head. ″No, I should’ve known something was wrong. In all the time we’ve been together, she’s never once said she loved me. That should’ve been a clue that we weren’t on the same page.″

″I’m really sorry, Buddy. So what now?″

The young man finally looked up. Ray could tell from the bloodshot eyes, he’d not slept nearly enough or at all. ″I moved out. Cheri and her mom let me move back in.″

″It’s over with Dana just like that?″

″I can’t stay if she doesn’t love me enough to commit. I want to be exclusive and she’s not sure she even wants that much. So, what’s the point?″

Ray wasn’t sure what to say. He’d been there, done that. ″It’s a rough time. I know what it’s like to have your heart stomped. I wish there was something I could tell you that would make it easier, but there’s not. It’s just something to get through.″

″I know.″

″If you want, you could take the day off. Get your head together.″

″No, I’d rather work.″ Buddy slipped the small box into the desk drawer. ″Which reminds me, I got information on two more businesses that want to hire us to set up their security cameras.″ Buddy handed him a folder and told him the name of the two stores. They were independent shops located downtown.

″This is great.″

″It is. Harvey and Becky think they can get them set up by the weekend.″

″Harvey and Becky?″

″Our two new techs.″

″Do they work out of this office or what?″

″Gus had me set up quarters down in the basement. They’ll store the equipment there so I figured they could work there, too. There’s really not enough room anywhere else.″

″Sounds like you’ve got things under control.″

Buddy’s expression darkened. ″When it comes to the security side of things, yeah, but I’ve got some serious news about the Finch case.″

″I thought Hilary and Glen were handling that.″

″They are, but Hilary came to me with some concerns. This is a bad case for us, Ray.″

Deep down, Ray feared that Buddy was right. He hadn’t liked the case from the moment Gus had taken it on. ″What’d you find?″

″Enough evidence to sink a battleship.″ Buddy handed Ray another folder. ″You need to talk to Gus. Convince him to do a plea deal or something. This Finch guy is guilty.″

Ray flipped open the folder and scanned the pages. He frowned. ″Who’s Joe Reacher?″

″He’s a witness who just came forward. The Crown didn’t give us his name until yesterday.″

″While I was gone.″

″Yeah. He confirms the victim’s account about Finch following her out of the bar. He says he saw the guy hit her.″

″And he’s just coming forward now?″

″Didn’t want to get involved.″

″What changed his mind?″

″Says he heard Finch bragging about getting off and calling the victim names. Finally decided to step up and do the right thing.″

″And we’ve vetted the guy?″

″Not yet, but I’ll do that today. We’re late on this. The trial starts tomorrow.″

″You gave this info to Gus already?″

″I did, but he didn’t say anything. He’s hard to read sometimes. You should talk to him.″

Ray closed the file and nodded. ″I will, after I do the interview with Reacher. I want to talk to the guy myself.″

″I’ve got an interview set up for this afternoon right after lunch.″

″Good. Email Reacher’s address and info. You focus on the security jobs while I’m gone.″

Before Ray turned, he had to check. ″Are you sure you’re okay to work? You could take off. I wouldn’t hold it against you.″

″I just need to stay busy.″

″I get that. Even so, let me know if you change your mind and think you need time off.″

″I will. And thanks.″

″For what?″

″For listening.″

″Hey, it’s part of the job title of Boss.″

Buddy turned on his computer and Ray left. He walked into his own office and sat down. Listening to Buddy talk about his break up reminded him of how it was after Stella kicked him to the curb. He flashed on that crushed, heartbroken pain that lingered for far too long. He hoped that Buddy wouldn’t suffer like he did and that eventually he’d get lucky to find someone to make it right again.

Resisting the urge to call Ben, he decided he should instead go downstairs and talk to his business partner about the fuck up that was the Finch case.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

Ezra Crow paced several times before he finally stopped in front of Ben’s desk. ″This is bullshit, Fraser.″

″It’s not settled yet.″

″Might as well be. Grimm’s not fighting hard enough to keep this case. If he lets the American’s take it, it’ll be completely out of our hands. It’s our animals those men were killing and selling.″

″But Susan Hanover is American.″

″But she was held here by two Canadians. I don’t like the idea of the US trying our citizens. They might be bastards, but they’re our bastards. They need to pay for what they did in our courts, not theirs.″

Ben agreed, but he tried to remain neutral and see both sides of the argument. ″Regardless of what either of us believe, we have no say in the decision. It’s as Ray would say above our pay grade.″

″I get that, but you of all people should be pissed about this, Fraser. Ray was the prime mover in this case and he could’ve been killed. They’re acting like he wasn’t even involved, well, except for the attempted murder charge.″

″You don’t have to remind me of how big a part Ray played in bringing these men to justice or how close he came to being killed.″

Ezra must have heard the sharp tone because he suddenly straightened. ″I’m sorry. I know I don’t have to remind you. Yesterday had to be very difficult for you.″

Ben rubbed his right eyebrow and he fought down all the negative feelings and fears he had about how close Ray had come to danger once again. Try as he might, it became more difficult every time it happened. ″I’m very proud of Ray.″

″But it’s still not easy knowing someone you love is putting it all on the line.″

″No, it’s not. But he’s a brave man.″

″You can say that again. He’s impressive. He must have been a hell of a cop back in Chicago.″

″He was.″

″It’s a shame we can’t hire him. Hell, I’ll bet Fergus and his group wish they could hire him, too.″ Ezra leaned in. ″How’s Ray doing? Any aftereffects from all that went down yesterday?″

Ben found himself smiling as he remembered the passionate lovemaking from earlier. Ray always seemed to be incredibly aroused whenever he had a close call. ″No, he’s fine. He took it in stride.″

″Well, that’s good.″ Ezra took a big breath. ″When do you think we’ll know if we’ll lose the case?″

″I have no idea, but even if they take part of the case, they can’t take all of it. We still have to deal with the animal abuse charges. Animal welfare has taken custody of the huskies. Several of the mushers in the area have stepped in to foster some of them. Once they’re checked by the vet, they’ll be allowed to take them. Those that are too ill, well, some might have to be euthanized.″

″That’s a damn shame, too.″

″I agree.″

″Well, I guess I should get back to some of this paperwork. The rest of the world goes on. I’ve still got some schedules to finish. With Drew going on his honeymoon next month, I have to fill that gap. Right after the holidays makes it hard to get subs.″

″If Drew and Francesca had a Christmas wedding, it would be worse.″

″That’s true. Anyway, I should get on that. Any suggestions on how to get more people to sign up for overtime?″

″More money would be my guess.″

″If only. Budget is the B word and the bane of my existence.″

Ezra stood up and walked back to his desk. Ben returned to his own paperwork. He’d finished all that was needed for the Bailey and Vanicek case, but there were dozens of other cases that needed sorting. At least he had a computer to do it on. Despite Ray’s raging against technology and how it was ruining police work, Ben found the opposite to be true, well, when it came to documenting at least. He could get his reports typed and saved much faster. For that, he was grateful.

Ben worked nearly thirty minutes before he saw Inspector Paris walk in his direction. ″Sergeant Fraser, Staff Sergeant Crow, see me in my office, please.″

Ezra and Ben exchanged curious glances, but hurriedly followed their commander into his office. Once the door closed, Paris didn’t sit down, but turned. ″I’ve got good news, or bad depending on your perspective.″

Ben frowned in confusion. ″In what way, sir?″

″We’re keeping the Bailey and Vanicek case. That means that it’ll be up to you and Crow here to oversee the investigation. You, Fraser, will coordinate and liaison with Animal Welfare and the Canadian Wildlife Service. It’s a big job, a huge job, but I have faith that you can handle it. Make sure to delegate and record everything. The provincial government is putting a lot of faith in you and your ability to handle this and work with the Crown office to get appropriate convictions.″

Ben said, ″That sounds like good news to me, Sir. What’s the bad news?″

″It’s a lot of work involved beyond your regular cases. I am, however, allotting and approving what I hope are enough overtime and resources to help do this successfully.″

Ezra smiled. ″I’m glad to hear it, Sir. This will be a good way to warn off others who want to poach or kill our animals.″

Paris added, ″Or kidnap Americans and bring them to our soil. Believe me, Crow, this wasn’t an easy case to keep. The FBI fought hard to steal it from us. You can thank Grimm that he was able to keep it. Now, let’s make sure that we do everything to make this case a winner.″ Then Paris turned to Ben. ″And you can tell your partner how grateful we are, Sergeant. He did a good job and according to Grimm, Vanicek is confessing and taking the blame for most of what happened. He says it’s because of what Mr. Kowalski told him.″

″Which was?″

″That I don’t know. He wouldn’t say. But he must have been convincing. From what I know about your Ray, he’s can be extraordinarily persuasive.″

Ben once again had a rush of pride about his partner. ″That’s very true, sir.″

″Dismissed.″

As Ezra and Ben left Paris’s office, Ezra asked, ″Do you know what Ray told Vanicek to get him to confess?″

″I have no idea.″

″Well, whatever it was, it makes our life easier. Merry Christmas to us. Now it’s just sweeping up the mess and making sure everything is neat and tidy.″

Ben nodded in agreement. He could do tidy.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

″What are you doing out here for so long?″

Ben sat in front of the kerosene heater and continued to whittling. ″I’m working on Benita’s Christmas present.″

Ray sat on the edge of the table and picked up one of the assortment of carved figures piled there. ″What are all these?″

″What do they look like?″

Studying them carefully, Ray smiled. ″Animals. You’re creating a zoo of wooden critters.″

″Critters, yes, zoo, no. These animals will be wild and free.″ Ben held up the unfinished block in his hand. ″Polar bear.″

Ray sorted through the ones that were finished, wolf, fox, rabbit, bob cat, moose, caribou, and an eagle. ″These are great. You going to paint them?″

″I’ll sand them, but no wax or paint. She’s still at the stage where she puts everything in her mouth.″

″That makes sense.″ Ray watched in fascination as his partner shaped the wood like magic. Ben didn’t use a pattern, just did it free style. ″How do you do that?″

″Do what?″

″Carve it with no guide. You don’t even look at a picture.″

Ben stopped and put the block in his lap. ″It’s hard to describe.″

″Try.″

″It’s like I can see the animal in the wood as I carve away the bits. My grandfather taught me.″

″It’s a neat trick. I couldn’t do it.″

Ben shrugged. ″I enjoy it.″

″If you ever wanted to give up being a Mountie, you could be an artist.″

Ben chuckled. ″I can’t imagine.″

″I can. You’re good at this stuff.″

″Thank you kindly.″

Ray sat there, mesmerized by Ben’s clever hands. After a few minutes of quiet, he asked, ″How long do you plan to stay out here tonight?″

″I’ll finish this piece and come in soon. Why?″

″You’ve been out here ever since dinner.″

Ben stilled and looked up. ″I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to neglect you.″

″You’re not, but I still don’t see why you can’t do this woodwork inside. You could whittle into a box or something.″

Ben cocked his head to the side and explained. ″I find it peaceful out here.″

″But not in the cabin with me?″

″Ray, if you want me to work inside, I can do that. It’s just that it can be dusty and a bit messy.″

″I don’t care.″ Ray swallowed hard. ″I know you like being out here on your own, but nighttime is our time. We both work really hard all day and I just like the idea of us being together in the evenings even if we’re not talking or doing anything in particular.″

Ben stood up and gathered his things. ″I didn’t think about it like that, Ray. Let me clean up here and I’ll walk inside with you.″

″I hate to crimp your style.″

″There’s no crimping. I’ll just work by the fire.″

″You’re sure?″

Ben turned off the heater and grabbed a couple of blocks of wood and his tool pouch. ″Done. Let’s go inside while we can still see the path.″

″Yeah, it’s snowing like gangbusters.″

″From the forecast, it’s supposed to snow at least six more inches by morning.″

″Well, if nothing else comes of it, we’ll have a white Christmas.″

Ben smiled as they walked outside the workshop and he secured the door. ″Indeed. It’s lovely.″

″It’s freezing.″

″But it’s still lovely.″

Ray shook his head in amusement. ″If you say so.″

As they walked the path to the front of the cabin, Ray linked his arm through Ben’s. ″I love you, you know.″

″I know. I love you, too.″

″Let’s go to bed early tonight.″

Ben chuckled. ″Are you saying you want to play with my wood?″

Ray cackled. ″You bet.″

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

Warden Liam Fergus sat with Ben in one of the conference rooms set aside for the joint investigation. There were several stacks of folders set out on the table as Ben explained what he’d discovered so far. ″Thanks to a plea agreement, Frank Bailey has agreed to give us access to his accounts and his records. He lists all the people in the trafficking ring. These lists have been sent to the FBI in the States. There’s an Agent Forest who will be coordinating with you once they create the investigation team through their own U.S. Fish and Wildlife Department.″

″I’ve not heard from him yet.″

″I just spoke to him this morning and gave him your direct contact information. I’m the liaison officer between Canada and the U.S. at the moment. Inspector Paris and Crown prosecutor Grimm thought that would be the best approach. I can, however, ask them to change that over to you if you would prefer that.″

Fergus shook his head. ″No, working with you on this would be my honor. You and your partner did more in the last week than we did in the last six months. I’m impressed.″

″That’s down to my partner. He’s very good at this sort of thing, going undercover and getting cases resolved quickly. Are you aware of his background?″

″I am. He was a decorated detective in Chicago. I actually talked to Inspector Owens who’s my direct superior about the possibility of us hiring him as an independent consultant.″

″Really?″

″Yes, but apparently he’s not a naturalized citizen yet and so it’s a no-go I’m afraid. I’d love to have him teach us some of his undercover techniques.″

″Ray already has a job and owns his own company, but I’m sure he’d be flattered by your interest.″

Fergus wasn’t done. ″Even if we can’t hire him full-time, do you think he might be interested in maybe giving us some pointers? We’ve had people come in from other provinces for training, but to be honest, I haven’t been all that impressed with their methods. They don’t seem to be that effective.″

Ben had to admit that it filled him with pride that someone else recognized Ray’s tremendous talent to be able to go in and do things that others couldn’t. He had the ability to read people like nobody else Ben had ever met. He could also improvise quickly, which was vital in tricky situations that often occurred in undercover situations. He, as Ray would say, could think on his feet. It had served them both well in Chicago. ″I can ask him, but it would have to be approved by your superior.″

Fergus frowned and then shrugged. ″It was just a thought. I doubt Inspector Owen would go for it. He’s such a stickler about only using Canadians. I’d never say this to him, but he’s a little bit of a bigot. He doesn’t like Americans much.″

″How is one a little bit of a bigot? You either are or you’re not.″

″Then I guess he is, but don’t quote me. To be honest, he was a bit miffed that it was your partner who broke the case and not us.″

″Because Ray’s American?″

″Yeah. He said we should’ve done it instead. Believe me, if I could’ve done it, I would have. I tried. I told him it was nearly impossible with only a five person team.″

Ben could tell that Fergus was downhearted about not being able to do what Ray had done. Perhaps he was embarrassed. ″You did the groundwork. It was your team who pinpointed Bailey and Vanicek’s operation. Without that, Ray couldn’t have done what he did.″

″But we didn’t pinpoint Vanicek. Sure, we zeroed in on Bailey, because he was the front man. We totally missed the Vanicek connection. That’s down to your partner.″

″I suppose that’s why it’s called teamwork. What one person misses, the other doesn’t.″

″That’s a good way to look at it.″

″We’re just very lucky that Vanicek decided to confess and that Bailey is cooperating. This job of tracking down the customers who bought the animals that they sold, it would be nearly impossible otherwise.″

Fergus’s expression grew darker. ″Even with the lists, it’s difficult. Most of the animals are in the States. That means we can do very little until the Americans track them down. I’m not sure how much of a priority that is to them. Then we have to worry about them returning them to us. I don’t care if they want to prosecute the culprits in the U.S. courts, but those animals need to be returned to the wild here, not there.″

Ben sighed in frustration. He knew what Fergus was saying. All the animals that had been trafficked would be difficult to get back. Even when, or if, they returned to Canada, it’d be an arduous process to have them checked for health or other issues before being released in the wild. ″Having been in captivity for so long might have made their integration back into their native habitats problematic.″

″I know. Many won’t be a fit state to go back to the wild. Animals like the wolves who were stolen from packs will likely have to go to sanctuaries. It’s very unlikely that they could go back to their pack and be accepted.″

″Or be accepted by another pack.″

″Exactly.″

″It’s not a good situation.″

″And the polar bears? If we find those, well, the cost to do health checks, tag them again for monitoring and transport back to the arctic, it’ll be exorbitant. They’ll likely end up in zoos. It’ll be Canadian zoos, but a zoo is still a zoo.″

Ben saw the distress the discussion was causing the young warden. ″We’re getting ahead of ourselves, Fergus. We have to find them first and the rest will only occur after a long procedure. I’ve found that the government, whether it be Canadian or American, moves very slowly in such international matters.″

Fergus shook his head and stared down at his hands. ″Face it, Fraser. We’ll be lucky to find them alive much less get them back.″

″I have faith that we’ll get some of them back.″

″I hope so, but I’m not holding my breath.″

″I’d have to agree that not breathing for such an extended period might not be the best course of action.″

Fergus lifted his head and saw Ben’s small grin. ″It’s good to have sense of humor.″

″I’ve found it can help lessen the stress in a difficult inquiry.″

″Listen, I appreciate everything you’re doing to keep this organized. I’ve moved to Whitehorse temporarily until Inspector Owen feels we have good handle on the case.″

″Do you have a place to stay?″

″I’m staying at the Holiday Inn for now, but I thought I might rent a furnished house or apartment for a month or two. Problem is, most real estate places don’t do short term leases even when it’s for a government employee.″

″I might be able to help you with that. I’ll call my real estate manager. She can sort something out for you. It should be a lot more comfortable and a lot less expensive than staying in a hotel.″

″You have a real estate manager?″

″I do. Buck Frobisher, who was a friend of the family, left me quite a bit of property when he passed.″

″Cool. Then I’d appreciate your help.″

″We’ll be working together closely over the next month or so. Besides, you deserve to have a place of your own, especially this time of year.″

Fergus’s expression got even more solemn. ″Being away from home at Christmas is going to be tough.″

″You can’t go home over Christmas? I doubt we’ll get much done during the actual holiday and it’s on the weekend this year. You could take a few days off.″

″I could. I probably will, but my family is in Yellowknife. Flights aren’t cheap.″

″Make it your Christmas present to yourself.″

Fergus finally smiled. ″I like the way you think.″

″Thank my partner. I used to be dull and not the least bit enthused when it came to the holidays, Christmas especially. But Ray loves Christmas and he’s shown me that it’s about more than presents and bright lights. It’s about connections. Take the leave and be with your family.″

″Thanks, Fraser. I think I will.″

″Good. Now, let’s finish some of these files and I’ll call my property agent before you leave for the day. She’ll contact you and get you settled.″

″I appreciate it.″

″My pleasure.″

And it was. Ben had to admit, he liked helping people. If he could make Christmas better for someone else, he’d done a good thing. Ray had taught him that the best thing about Christmas was the giving. It was a lesson he treasured as much as he found joy in learning about true love from his partner.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

″This is rotten, Ray.″

″What Finch did is rotten, Gus. Did you convince him to take a plea?″

″I did not.″

″So, what now? You’ve seen Reacher’s statement. No matter what other witnesses go on the stand, there’s no way a jury will hear that and let Finch off.″

Gus sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. ″And you’re positive this Reacher is legit?″

″I am. I went over everything Buddy did in his background. It’s clean as a whistle and then some. The guy’s never even had a traffic ticket. Plus, I interviewed him myself. He’s the last person I’d want to testify against me. I believed every word because he’s earnest as hell.″

″I could attack him for waiting until the last minute to come forward.″

″You could, but that wouldn’t win you any favors with the jury. They’ll think you’re a bully.″

″I know.″

Ray noticed the dark circles under his partner’s eyes, the thin lips and the grim expression. ″Are you okay? You look tired.″

″I am tired. I should never have taken this case. I knew deep down he was guilty.″

″Then why take it? I wondered about that since the first time you brought me the file.″

″Finch was a friend of my sister’s in school. She asked me to take it.″

″Sister? I didn’t know you had a sister.″

″Cecilia. She lives in Toronto. I turned him down the first time, but he called her and she called me.″

″Sounds like a tough spot.″

″You have no idea.″

Ray couldn’t remember the last time his partner looked so down and worn out. He was usually all grit and gravel, smooth, but able to handle whatever came his way. ″Then tell me.″

Gus shook his head and waved him off. ″It’s just family stuff.″

″Believe me, I know about families. They can be hard to deal with.″

Gus glanced up and met his gaze. ″You still haven’t heard from your parents?″

″Got a letter from Mum about this time last Christmas. She had to sneak past my dad, but nothing since. So, tell me about Cecilia.″

″There was a lot of drama when I came out here. My dad was always determined that I’d follow in his footsteps and take over his business, but I just couldn’t. Cecilia felt abandoned. I’d always been a buffer between him and her, or at least as much as I could be.″

″A buffer? Was he abusive?″

″Not in the traditional sense. But nothing was ever good enough. Praise was an alien concept. So, I tried to take the brunt of that, but when I left, she became the main target.″

″That sucks.″

″It does. Cecilia isn’t like me. She’s sensitive.″

″Don’t kid yourself, Gus. You’re pretty sensitive yourself.″

Gus chuckled. ″Yeah, maybe. Anyway, when she called me and asked me to take Finch on as a client, I went against my better judgment and did it.″

Ray didn’t like it, but it made the situation clearer. Gus was usually pretty good at picking clients who deserved better representation. That’s why the Finch thing was so odd. ″Well, it makes sense now that you’ve explained it.″

″But now what? Finch refuses to take a deal. Despite all the statements against him, he’s convinced he can beat the charge.″

″Like he beat the woman.″

″Indeed.″

″I don’t know what your alternatives can be, Gus. You have to try to defend him, but I don’t see you winning unless you can somehow get Reacher’s testimony excluded. Even then you’ve got the victim herself. She’s very compelling. And you can’t bully her on the stand or you’ll lose the jury for sure.″

″I know all this, Ray, but what am I supposed to do?″

″Go back and give a reality check to your client. Or I could go talk to him.″

″And tell him what? The same thing I did?″

Ray had held back a vital bit from Gus and knew his partner would be pissed. ″I did a deeper, second background check on Finch.″

″You what? I didn’t ask you to do that.″

″I know. But something’s not right with this guy. I found out that he’s got a record under a different name in Ottawa. There’s a conviction for assault. He got a year in prison five years ago.″

Gus leaned forward. ″Explain that. How could you find out about it if it was under a different name.″

″Fingerprints. His are on file.″

″Are you telling me that you were able to access fingerprint data from another province?″

″I’m not telling you that, but hypothetically if it were true that Finch committed a similar crime under the name of Beechum, what would you say?″

″I’d say fuck, that’s what I say. Why didn’t you tell me this sooner?″

″I was hoping it didn’t matter. We can’t use it.″

″Of course we can’t use it, not if you hacked a database.″

″I didn’t hack anything.″

″Then Buddy fucking Frank did.″

″Hypothetically, maybe.″

Gus sat back, his fist in front of his mouth. His face had gone red as he sat there and Ray waited. He wasn’t sure if Gus was getting ready to process or explode at the information. Finally, more composed, Gus spoke quietly. ″First of all, you need to tell Buddy to never ever do that again. If he got caught, we could both be in serious hot water.″

″Got it.″

″And second of all, if we know this, then Grimm knows this.″

″But he hasn’t said anything about it in discovery. Do you think he’s holding back and going to spring it on you in court?″

″I can’t think of any other reason not to disclose it.″

Ray didn’t much care for Grimm and his tactics, but he could see why the guy would want to use that previous conviction to show a pattern of behavior for Finch. ″So what are you going to do?″

″I’m going to go back to Finch and let him know that I know. With this information and Reacher’s testimony, well, I can’t see this coming to any conclusion except a guilty verdict. It’s up to him as to what he wants to do.″

″If he’s got any sense, he’ll take a plea.″

″I just hope there’s a plea still on the table.″

″There usually is. Even if they’ve got a slam dunk, they’d much rather deal than do a trial, especially this time of year.″

″That’s true. Christmas shouldn’t have anything to do with it, but I know from experience that prosecutors want the courts cleared as quickly as possible when it’s a holiday.″

″I know.″

Gus nodded. ″I keep forgetting you were married to a prosecutor.″

Ray went with humor to avoid thinking about that time in his life. ″I keep trying to forget that myself.″

″Not easy after fifteen years.″

″Longer if you count us dating from the time we were thirteen.″

″Thirteen?″

″I told you about that.″

″The whole bank thing. You never said you dated since then.″

Ray shrugged. ″As soon as I saw her, she was it for me.″

″Until she wasn’t.″

Ray’s heart tightened a little at the echo of pain he sometimes got when he remembered the ruins of his marriage. ″Yeah, until she wasn’t.″

″Sorry. I shouldn’t have brought that up.″

″It’s okay. In the end it turned out to be the best thing that ever happened. At the time, it didn’t feel that way, but eventually I found the right person.″

″Fraser.″

″Yeah, Fraser. Now, let’s leave Memory Lane and get down to the brass tacks. You have to tell Finch he either takes the deal or Grimm’s going to bury his ass so far under the prison, he won’t see daylight again until he’s old and gray and maybe not even then. Grimm’s had a hard on for this case since the start. Now, we know it’s for good reason.″

″I’m going to do my best.″

″Good luck.″ Ray stood up from the chair across from Gus and stepped to the door. ″I’m heading back upstairs. Ring if you need me.″

″I’m serious, Ray. Talk to Buddy. No more hacking.″

Ray gave a thumbs up. As he walked back to the spiral staircase to go back to his floor, he had the quick thought that he hoped Finch didn’t take the deal. If he got sent to prison for eight years instead of five, it wouldn’t hurt Ray’s feelings one bit.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

″Come on, Ray, don’t be mad.″

″I’m not mad, Buddy, but you can’t be hacking again. I could lose my private investigator’s license and Gus could get suspended and investigated by the legal bigwigs.″

Buddy Frank’s eyes got a little wider in surprise. ″Really?″

″Really.″

″I’m sorry, Boss. I thought I was helping out. I’d never do anything to get either of you in trouble. You’ve both been really good to me.″

″I get that and you’re a hell of a computer whiz to do what you did, but you can’t do it again. Got it?″

″Got it.″

Ray was satisfied that Buddy got the message, so he decided not to take it any further. Instead, he needed to talk about something else. ″In other news, I need to meet the new kids on the block.″

″New kids?″

″The kids in the basement. What were their names again?″

″Harvey and Becky. They’re out on a run. They’re installing the cameras and setting up the security systems for Joe’s Warehouse.″

″The place that sells discount stuff out by the highway?″

″Yeah. They called early this morning for help. They even agreed to pay extra to make it a rush job. The guy I talked to said they were getting robbed blind and needed cameras set up as soon as possible. Christmas brings out the best in people, eh?″

″That’s the truth. When I was in Chicago, it was our busiest season for criminals. Petty and violent crime went up triple digits. If it wasn’t tacked down in the store, there’d be someone to steal it.″

″And the violent crime part?″

″Murders, rapes, assaults, you name it. People get crazy this time of year.″

″Whatever happened to a time of good will to men?″

″Don’t ask me. When it comes to a lot of the public, I’ve got little faith that they’ll do the right thing.″

Buddy frowned and asked, ″But you love Christmas, Ray.″

″Yeah, I do.″

″But you just said...″

″I know what I said, and thank god there are some good people out there trying to do the right thing. I like to focus on that, not the other. Besides, I like the time off and the food and all the goodies that come with it.″

Buddy nodded, but didn’t say anything. Ray thought about their earlier conversation. ″You going to be okay this Christmas without Dana?″

The answer came too quickly. ″I’ll be fine.″

″I know it’s tough when you break up.″

″I’ll get through it. Cheri and her mom invited me to be with them on Christmas again this year. It’s not what I had planned, but they’re good people.″

″Yeah, they are, but if that falls through, let me know. You could always come to Christmas dinner out at the cabin.″

″I appreciate that, but I’ll be fine. The more I think about it, the more I think maybe it was a good thing I asked and found out how she really felt about marriage. It would’ve been a lot worse if I’d stuck around and realized the truth years down the line.″

″That’s a pretty mature way to look at it.″

″If nothing else, she taught me a lot about myself. I have to thank her for that. It’s still pretty sore right now, but I’ll figure it out.″

″Good. Now, when will the whiz kids be back?″

″Whiz kids?″

″That’s what I’m calling them for now.″

Buddy snorted in amusement. ″Harvey will like that. They should be back by around four, right before you head home.″

″Good. When they show up, let me know. I’ll go down and introduce myself.″

″They could come up here.″

″They could, but I’m curious about what it’s like in the basement.″

″Sure thing.″ Buddy stood up and hesitated. ″I’m really sorry for the hacking, Ray.″

″I know. If I didn’t think you were sorry, I’d fired you.″

″You’d fire me?″

″Not if I didn’t have to, but I’ll promise this now, Buddy. I like and respect you, but you do something like that again, you can’t stay on the job here. Got it.″

Buddy swallowed hard and then nodded. ″Got it. It won’t happen again. I promise.″

″Good. Now get out of my office and get some work done.″

″Sure thing.″

As soon as the door closed behind the young man, Ray sat back and took a deep breath. He hated giving Buddy such a hard time, but Gus was right. He should’ve never have let the kid go that far. If Ray lost his license, he’d be back to square one with trying to figure out what to do with his life. Plus, it’d be a major setback in trying to become a Canadian citizen. The government wanted people who could earn their keep and pay taxes, not somebody who broke the rules. He couldn’t risk getting kicked out of the country. Sure, he was considered a permanent resident because he was with Ben, but he’d heard stories of how they could revoke that status if he got in trouble with the law. No way did he want to risk that.

Keeping his nose clean was about making sure that his life with Ben was safe and secure, but also forever.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

″Welcome to Style.″

″You say that to all the customers, Frannie.″

″I do, but you’re special, Ray. How can I help you?″

Ray eyed her up and down. She was still glowing and getting rounder. It’s only been a few days since he’d seen her, but he could tell she’s put on a pound or two. Her face was fuller and the buttons on her dress front barely held together. Frannie had always been stacked, but pregnancy was really doing her a lot of favors in the boobs department. ″You look good, Frannie.″

She blushed, her cheeks pinked up. ″Thanks. I’m feeling pretty good.″

″No morning sickness?″

″Knock wood, not so far.″

″That’s good.″

″So what brings you in, Ray?″

″I wanted to check on you, but I thought I might also do some Christmas shopping.″

″For Fraser or someone else?″

″Mainly for him, but I’ve got a few others to buy for.″

″You got a list? I could help?″

″A list? You been talking to Fraser or what?″

Franny rolled her eyes. ″It’s not a sin to be organized.″

″That’s just not me, Frannie. I like to be free and wing it. I see something I like, I buy it, not check off a list.″

″Well, we got some new stock in. Sweaters, ties, boots. We’ve got some seasonal stuff, too. I guess you should just sort of look around and if you need help, call me.″

″Sure.″

Frannie walked back to the service desk and Ray headed over to the accessories. There was a cashmere scarf in Mountie red. He picked it up and knew right away that Ben would be getting it under the tree. There were other less expensive scarves, fine wool of different colors and designs. He picked up a dark aqua one with a matching hat for Buddy. The kid needed something warmer and less threadbare than the ones he wore that Ray knew for a fact came from a charity shop.

Ray stepped closerIt to the jewelry counter and stopped short. There were several tie pens, some gold, some silver. He saw a gold one with an enameled maple leaf. It was perfect. He waved Frannie over. She went behind the counter and asked, ″Which one?″

Ray pointed at the maple leaf. ″That one.″

″That’s a special order. The guy just got it, but then decided he wanted something else. We only put it out here this morning.″

″I guess that’s a sign that it was meant to be mine. You got a box for it?″

″Sure.″ Frannie found a nice red velvet box and put the pin in it. ″He’s going to love it.″

″I hope so.″

″You see anything else you like while I’m over here?″

Ray spotted a silver money clip with a place for a monogram. ″If I get this, can I have it engraved with initials in time for Christmas?″

″Sure. We’ve got a jeweler we use. We can have it done by tomorrow.″

″Good. I want that engraved with GM.″

″GM?″

″For Gus Moody. He’s my business partner.″

″The lawyer?″

″Yeah. I know he doesn’t like using a wallet. This might be what he needs.″

″It’s a nice gift. Let me get the form to fill out. I need to know what font you want to use. I’ve got some samples to look at. It’s over at the desk. Wait here and I’ll get it.″

″Okay.″

As she walked away, Ray turned to see some silk underwear on display. He loved the idea of buying some of those boxers for Ben, but there was no way he could do it with Frannie at the till. He’d never hear the end of it. Guess he’d come back when Vecchio was handling the sales.

Frannie returned, paper in hand. ″What are you smiling about?″

″Just thinking of all the fun I’m going to have this Christmas.″ And he was. He could just picture Ben wearing those silk boxers and better yet not wearing them at all.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

Ray put all the gifts in a box at the back of the closet. He’d wrap them as soon as they put up the tree on Saturday. He already had a fave tree picked out. He quickly changed into casual clothes and headed out front to bring in some more wood for the fire. With all the snow they’d had that week, they’d been going through more logs than usual. He’d no sooner filled his carrier than he saw Ben’s Jeep pull into the drive. The garage door opened and his partner drove inside and parked.

Instead of going inside alone, Ray went over to walk with Ben. ″Welcome home, partner.″

″It’s good to be home.″

Yuki hopped around Ben legs, begging for attention. The young dog greeted him like an eager kid while Dief didn’t make a fuss but did walk by his side. Once they were both in the cabin, Ray shut the door and put away the logs while the dogs settled quickly by the fire. Ben had already started the water for hot tea. Then he took off his coat and hat before storing his gun. Ray could tell that Ben was tired by his unusual pinched expression. ″Tough day?″

″Long day.″

″Would a kiss help?″

Ben didn’t speak, just walked over and let Ray wrap him in a warm hug. They kissed and took their time. Ray could actually feel Ben relax in his arms. He finally pulled away. ″There’s more where that came from once you get changed.″

Staring into Ray’s eyes, Ben whispered, ″You’re too good to me.″

″You deserve it. You’re good to me, too.″

″Because you deserve it.″

Ray gave him another kiss before pushing him toward the bedroom. ″Now go change and the tea will be ready when you get back.″

″Understood.″

Ben went to clean up and Ray poured himself another cup of coffee. He doctored it with a little sugar. He’d actually been cutting back on sweetening his drink, using a little less each day. He wanted to get to where he could drink it black at some point. He wasn’t there yet, but he was getting there.

Once the water boiled, he poured it over the teabag and waited. Maybe they’d get a teapot so that they could make a whole pot of tea at a time instead of by the cup. He wondered why they’d never done it that way.

Ben finally emerged from the bedroom wearing jeans and a blue flannel shirt over his Henley. He’d also changed his uniform boots for his Mountie boots. He usually only wore those after work if he was going hiking. Ray lifted an eyebrow. ″You planning on going somewhere?″

″I thought we could go out and scout for a tree before supper.″

″Actually, I’ve already got one picked out.″

″You do?″

″I do, but you could check it out. You might have another one in mind.″

Ben walked over and picked up his tea cup. He dipped the bag up and down a few times before putting it on a saucer to use for the next cup. Ray asked, ″How come you don’t use a teapot?″

Ben shrugged. ″I don’t know. I’ve just always done it this way. Actually, I used to use the loose tea. The teabag is just more convenient.″

″Yeah, I know. No twigs floating around with the teabags.″

″That’s true.″

″But seriously, how come? They’ve got some nice ones at the store.″

″I don’t see the point of changing tried and true methods.″

Well, that was another potential present down the drain. ″It was just a thought.″

″On the other hand, it might be an improvement.″

″You think so?″

″It might be worth a try.″

Ray should’ve known Ben would figure out his ploy. ″So you’re saying if you got one for Christmas, you’d at least try to use it?″

″I would.″

″But if you didn’t get one, it’d be no big loss.″

″Also true.″

″Nix the teapot then.″

″Ray, whatever gift you give me, I’ll treasure.″

″I know, but it was just a thought. You’re not a thing person, so it makes shopping hard.″

″A thing person?″

″Yeah. You don’t have a lot of things.″

Ben frowned almost like he was offended. ″I have things.″

″I know, but not that many, not compared to me. I’m just saying that it’s sometimes hard to buy for you.″

″I see what you mean. Well, suffice it to say that whatever you get me, I’ll appreciate it. Though I have to tell you, Ray, when it comes to Christmas, I enjoy the giving more than the getting.″

Ray cocked his head and smiled. ″Yeah? Me, too. But that doesn’t mean you’re getting out getting stuff. I just haven’t figured out what stuff that is yet.″

″Really? Then what are those boxes in the back of the closet?″

Ray sighed and shook his head in frustration. ″You didn’t look did you?″

″Of course not, but it’s not a good hiding spot. It’s too tempting.″

″I know. You just have to promise not to peek.″

″And you have to do the same. No matter how tempting, you have to promise you’ll not cheat and look at your presents ahead of time.″

″It’s not cheating if I just happen to look in the bag or box.″

″It is when you know you’re not supposed to.″

Ray pretended to complain. ″But that’s half the fun.″

″In that case maybe I should go check out those boxes in the closet.″

Ray held up his hand in a stop motion. ″Okay, okay. No peeking. I promise.″

″And I promise the same.″

″It’s not going to be easy though. You give me the best presents. Though I have to admit, you’re going to have a hard time beating the garage.″

″That was rather a mutual gift.″

″But a good one. I’m not sure how you’re going to top that.″

Ben lifted an eyebrow and smiled. ″We’ll see.″

Ray was suddenly curious as hell. What did Ben have up his sleeve? God, the man could be so frustrating. Still, he knew he’d love whatever it was.

″So, you want to go check out our tree in the snow and ice or get some more of that loving I promised?″

Ben chuckled. ″You have to ask?″

″It’s only polite.″

Ben took his hand and lifted it to his lips. ″Then loving it is.″

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

Ray leaned back against the pillow braced by the headboard. He was sweaty and stinky and hoping for even more fucking before the night was over. He watched Ben towel off from his shower in the doorway. ″That was fun.″

″It really was.″ Ben put away the wet towel and began to dress. ″What would you like for supper?″

″More of what we just did is off the table?″

Ben snorted in amusement. ″Ray, Ray, Ray. I think I need to recharge before we do anything else.″ He pulled on his jeans and sat on the edge of the mattress still shirtless. He walked his fingers up from Ray’s bellybutton to his right nipple. ″We can make love later after we eat.″

Ray captured the roving hand and brought it to his mouth. He kissed each finger as he gazed into Ben’s eyes. When he’d finished, he spoke quietly. ″I love you.″

″I love you, too.″

″I was talking to Gus today and he mentioned Stella.″

″Really? In what context?″

″Just that I was married to a prosecutor at one time.″

″I see.″

Ben went to pull his hand away, but Ray held on even tighter. ″No, you don’t. Just mentioning her name used to send me into a tailspin. Made me think of all the pain and loss. But today it was just a little twinge, nothing like it used to be. That’s because now I have something I never thought I could have, true love. I know you love me for me and not the me you want me to be.″

His partner squeezed Ray’s hand. ″I do love you for you, Ray.″

″I know you do. I never really thought about how important that is before you. I thought pleasing the other person would be what kept us together. But it’s not. We both have to pitch in, both have to do the work to make sure the other person knows how much we love them.″

″And we do that.″

″We do. Thank you for that.″

Ben took his turn at kissing their joined hands. ″You’re welcome. Now, what would you like for supper?″

″What are the options?″

″Moose stew or spaghetti.″

″So, leftover vs. fresh. I’ll take the spaghetti.″

″Excellent. It won’t take long. You can get a shower if you want and I’ll change the sheets.″

″I don’t know why you want to change the sheets. We’re just going to mess them up in about another hour.″

″Always the optimist.″

Ray hooked the back of Ben’s neck and drew him closer. He whispered against his lips. ″Realist. Let the food wait.″

Ben kissed him and then stood to get naked a lot faster than he’d gotten dressed.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

″You look quite fetching.″

Ray straightened the knot in his new maroon tie and did a little spin to show off his outfit. He was wearing his new blue wool suit that had set him back more money than any suit he’d ever owned with the exception of his police uniform. ″I should look like a prince for what this thing cost.″

″Whatever you spent, it was worth it.″

If he’d been prone to blushing, Ray would’ve been scarlet, but he wasn’t. He was, however, pleased that Ben noticed. ″Frannie helped me pick it out.″

″She did a good job.″ Ben stood at the counter ready for work having his morning tea. ″So, why are you so dressed up?″

″I’ve got court most of the day for two different cases. They’re trying to clear the schedule before court goes on recess next week.″

″Well, you’ll no doubt be very impressive and professional-looking wearing that outfit.″

″I hope so. I’ve noticed if I dress up, the jury tends to vote in our favor. Then again, we’ve got this one case where I don’t think it’ll matter what I wear. It’s a stinker.″

″Want to talk about it?″

Ben and Ray had an agreement that they rarely discussed the details of cases. He didn’t want to start making exceptions, not for Finch. ″No, not really. I’m hoping that the client will take a plea deal once he sees how strong the Crown’s case is. Gus is working on him to see reason.″

″Speaking of cases, Liam Fergus is moving to Whitehorse for the next few months. We’re working together to resolve the Bailey/Vanicek case.″

″Fergus, the kid warden?″

″He’s not a kid, Ray. He’s almost thirty.″

″Looks like a kid. I’ve got socks older than him.″

Ben ignored the jab at Fergus’s youthful appearance. ″We’re working together to try to get the stolen animals returned from the States. It’s going to be a rather lengthy and arduous process. I gave him a deal on one of our furnished apartments in the downtown building. I hope you don’t mind.″

″I don’t mind. We give all service people discounts.″

″Good. I just wanted to check.″

Ben finished his drink and turned to wash the dishes. He spoke with his back to Ray. ″Good luck in court today. I know how tedious court days can be.″

″You’ve got that right, but it’s only for today. What about you? You dealing with Fergus or doing your own work?″

″I’m working with Fergus along with my regular duties.″

″No wonder you were tired when you got home yesterday.″

″It is rather like doing double duty, but it’s satisfying work. I don’t mind.″ Ben dried his hands and then walked over to the gun box. He removed his weapon and strapped it on. They’d been in Canada for over a year and Ray still had trouble with the vision of his partner wearing firepower. Eventually he’d get used to it. Maybe.

Ray slipped on his black dress coat and kissed Ben quickly. ″Have a great day. Try not to work too hard.″

″And good luck on the stand.″

Ray gave him a quick thumbs up. ″You betcha.″ Walking out to the garage, Ray glanced back to see Ben letting the dogs out to run free. He locked the front door and both animals headed out to the woods to do some exploring. When they got cold enough, they’d come back to the shed. Ben had insulated it to make sure they had shelter and warm beds. It was easier to do that than try to take both Dief and Yuki to work where they’d both be bored. Keeping them inside the cabin all day wasn’t feasible, either. Both animals seemed to enjoy their newfound freedom. In fact, Dief acted years younger after they’d gotten Yuki. Ray was glad they kept one another company. He hated to think of Dief being lonely all day. It was a win-win for everybody.

Climbing in the truck, Ray started it up and waited for Ben to get in the Jeep. They always took turns letting the other go first out of the garage. It was Ray’s turn, so he pulled out and headed out to the highway. He knew it would be a long day, but he had to admit that watching Gus work the legal system gave him faith in how things worked out for the best.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

Ezra came around the corner and walked to Ben’s desk in a hurry. ″You’ve got a phone call on line two from Ontario.″ Then he leaned in and spoke in a hushed tone. ″It’s Chief Superintendent Knox himself.″

Relieved, Ben didn’t have time to ease Ezra’s curiosity. He’d been hoping for Knox’s call for a few weeks. ″Thank you.″

″No problem.″ Ezra reluctantly left and allowed for some privacy.

Ben picked up his phone and punched in the number two. ″Sergeant Benton Fraser.″

″Fraser, I hear you had some excitement your way. Cracked a big international exotic animal trafficking ring. Excellent work from all accounts.″

″You can thank my partner for most of that, sir.″

″Oh, I know that, too. I’ve seen the reports. It makes what I’m about to tell you all that more exciting.″

″And what’s that?″

″When you contacted me about helping to process Ray’s naturalization request faster, I wasn’t sure if I should interfere. But this just makes it clear that we need more men like your Kowalski. I put a phone call in to a few people and pulled a few strings. He should be able to set up the interviews and test during the first of January. If that goes well, and I’m sure it will, he could be sworn in as a Canadian citizen as soon as February. That’s about a year sooner than usual.″

To say Ben was thrilled was putting it mildly. He had hoped to have Knox intervene to speed up the procedure of Ray getting his citizenship in less than the normal two years. However, he’d never expected that much of a difference. ″I don’t know what to say, sir.″

″Just say thank you.″

″Thank you.″

Knox laughed. ″I owe you, Fraser.″

″In what way, sir?″

″I let you down on that whole starting a new liaison program business. I figure this is one way to make it up to you. Plus, my sister Amelia pushed me on this. She seems to think Kowalski is going to make a hell of a Canadian.″

″Well, I appreciate that, sir. I think he will, too.″

″Besides, I wanted to share my good news.″

″What good news is that, sir?″

″I’m being promoted to Assistant Commissioner soon.″

″Congratulations, sir. That’s a great honor.″

″Thanks. The thing is, Fraser, once that happens, you might be hearing from me again early next year. I swear, I’m going to get that liaison program started at some point whether people fight me on it or not and I’ll need your input. I can be a stubborn son of a bitch when I have to be.″

″I think determined is a more applicable term.″

Knox’s laughter roared through the phone. ″Oh, I like that. Determined. That’s me. At any rate, I wanted to tell you that there’s movement on your request. There’s an immigration officer in Whitehorse by the name of Emily Tenant. See her as soon as possible. She has a packet of papers for you to pick up from her office. She should be able to help you with any other questions you or your partner might have about the process. She’s an old friend of mine. You can trust her to treat you right and get you through this whole business personally.″

″I can’t even say how much this means to me, sir.″

″Keep that in mind when I ask you to help get my program off the ground, Sergeant. Meanwhile, Merry Christmas. Consider this my gift to you and your partner. Dismissed.″

The phone disconnected and Ben hung up, nearly overwhelmed with gratitude for such a generous move by Knox. It was exciting news. Ezra came over. ″Was that really the Chief Superintendent?″

″It was. He’ll soon be Assistant Commander.″

″Wow. Okay, can I ask what that was about or am I being too much of a buttinski?

″It’s about the future.″

″How’s that?″

″If everything goes right, Ray will be a citizen by this time next year.″

Ezra’s worried expression quickly brightened. ″Yeah? That’s great.″

″It really is.″

″I’m glad Knox could help. That process always requires more red tape than it needs to have.″

″Ray’s always worried that they’ll revoke his permanent citizenship. If he’s naturalized, I’m hoping that will ease his anxiety about the matter.″

″It should. Once a Canadian, always a Canadian. That’s just terrific news, Fraser.″

″It’s not a sure thing yet, but it’s a lot closer than before.″

″It’ll be fine. Ray will pass his interviews with no problem. I’m sure you can help him study for his test.″

″I can, yes. He’s better with oral tests than written, but I’m sure it’ll be fine. I got him a pre-test packet from immigration last summer.″ Ray had finally passed after several tries. Ben was sure it would be easier once he did some more studying about Canada.

″That’s great. So are you going to call and tell him?″

Ben shook his head. ″No, it’s a surprise, so please keep it to yourself.″

Ezra smiled and then did a locking motion with his lips before throwing away the key. ″He won’t hear it from me.″

″Thank you. Now, have you seen Warden Fergus? I need to go over some details on one of the files.″

″I think he’s in the conference room you guys took over.″

″We really need a regular office.″

″Well, if you find one empty, let me know and I’ll request it. Right now that’s the only space open.″

″I don’t like that it can’t be secured properly. The lock is broken.″

″I agree. I’ll talk to Paris this afternoon. We might be able to move someone around.″

″I don’t want anyone to loss his or her space.″

″Don’t worry about it. We’ll figure something out. If nothing else, I’ll have a lock fixed and get extra keys made.″

″That seems the most efficient plan.″

″I’ll talk to Paris and let you know before you leave.″

″Thank you, Ezra.″

″No problem. If you guys are going to be working on this for a while, you need your own spot. Besides, you deserve something for all the extra time you’re putting in.″

″It’s an important case.″

″It is, but if I’m honest, it should be in the hands of the CWS, not us.″

It was true that the Canadian Wildlife Service should be primary on the case, but Ben was happy that they were being supplemented by the RCMP. ″The CWS doesn’t have the budget and resources we have. This is a massive case that has far-reaching effects on our animal conservation laws. We need to be involved. I don’t want any criminals involved to fall through the legal cracks as it were because we weren’t thorough enough. Fergus is a good officer, but he can’t do it alone.″

″He’s young and inexperienced, but he tries. I’ll give him that. I just think it’s odd that he was put in charge of this and only had five officers on his team. It seems like a rather puny attempt to handle what was obviously a serious investigation.″

Ben leaned back and nodded. ″I’ve thought the same thing.″

Ezra then said something else that Ben had considered. ″It’s almost like the people above Fergus didn’t want him to succeed.″

Ben pursed his lips. ″It’s a thought.″

″A disturbing one.″

″Indeed.″

Before Ezra could say anything else, Fergus walked in. ″Staff Sergeant Crow, I was hoping I could borrow Sergeant Fraser for a while. I’ve got a file I have questions about.″

Ezra grinned. ″I think he’s free.″ Ezra turned to Ben. ″Are you free, Sergeant Fraser?″

Ben stood up and straightened his uniform. ″I am.″

″Good man.″ Ezra slapped him on his shoulder and then walked away.

Fergus stared after him and then asked, ″Is he always so happy?″

″Not always, but overall, yes. He’s got a positive attitude I admire.″

″Me, too. Sometimes it’s hard to keep a smile doing this job.″

Ben studied the young man and saw the dark circles around his eyes and his strained features. ″It’s a difficult case.″

″Animal cruelty is always hard. I’ll admit that I’m having trouble sleeping.″

″I understand.″

Fergus met his gaze. ″Do you?″

″I do. Cruelty in general, whether it’s against animals or people, is disturbing. However, one must focus on how we help stop such activities and bring people who commit those crimes to justice.″

″It just feels like sometimes we’re always showing up late to the party.″

″Excuse me. What party?″

″It’s an expression. We’re always too late to keep it from happening. It’d be nice to show up early for a change.″

″I agree, but one must learn to live with accepting that we do our best and that has to be enough.″

Fergus frowned and shrugged, obviously not convinced. ″I guess.″

Ben put his hand on his shoulder and squeezed for reassurance. ″We’ll get those animals home, Fergus.″

″I hope so, but I’m not sure it won’t be too late for a lot of them.″

Unfortunately, Ben agreed, but he didn’t say that. In fact, watching Fergus turn to walk back to their conference room office, Ben grew more than a little concerned about the young man’s mental health. He’d have to make sure to keep him under closer observation. He remembered his early years and how difficult it was to deal with the constant assault on his optimism and belief in the goodness of people. Over the years, he’d learned to shield himself from the reality that not all people had even an iota of integrity. Even so, he knew that there were enough of the right-minded sort who made the fight for justice worth it.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

″Hey, Kowalski, you’re looking sharp. Is that one of ours?″

Ray glanced down at the suit peeking out from under his unbuttoned dress coat and nodded. ″Yeah, Frannie sold it to me.″

″She did good. She’s got an eye for what works, I’ll say that.″

Ray glanced around Style and saw the tailor and a saleslady, but not Frannie. ″Where is Frannie? I’m supposed to pick up a money clip I bought yesterday.″

″She took off early for a doctor’s appointment.″ Vecchio reached under the counter and brought up a black velvet box. ″I’ve got your item here. It just got back from the jeweler.″

″Is she okay?″

″She’s fine. It’s just a follow-up.″

Vecchio opened the box and held it out to Ray. ″Check it to make sure it’s what you want.″

Ray studied the block letters on the engraving. They looked great, very stylish. He was sure Gus would like it. ″It’s fine.″ He closed the box and put it back on the counter. Then he held up his finger in a wait a minute motion and went over to retrieve a four of packages of the single pair silk boxer briefs, two in black, two in navy. He put them down in front of Vecchio and got out his wallet to pay cash.

Vecchio chuckled as he wrote out his ticket. ″You’ve got good taste, I’ll say that much.″

″They’re for Christmas.″

″I’m sure he’ll enjoy them, though probably not as much as you will.″

Ray’s cheeks heated in embarrassment. He thought getting razzed by Frannie would be bad enough, but he was wrong. ″Look, I don’t need a running commentary about my love life.″

That brought Vecchio’s head up and he lost the smug smile. ″I was just teasing. Rainie tells me all the time that I go too far. Sorry.″

Ray shrugged, thinking he was being too sensitive. Why should he care what Vecchio thought about what he did with his own partner? ″Being around cops for most of your life, you lose your manners sometimes.″

″That’s true, but I don’t have that excuse anymore.″

″Forget about it.″

Vecchio slipped the underwear into a Style shopping bag along with the money clip box. ″You got time for a quick coffee? I just made some fresh in the back.″

Getting off half an hour earlier than usual because of court, Ray wasn’t due home right away. He could risk it. Plus, he was thirsty. ″Sure. I could do coffee.″

″Come in the back then.″ Ray called over to the clerk straightening some sweaters. ″Elaine, watch the counter for me.″

″Sure thing.″

Once they were in back office, Vecchio poured the drink and handed a mug to Ray. ″There’s cream and sugar there if you want it.″

Ray grabbed one sugar pack and doctored the coffee before taking a sip. ″Good blend. Smooth.″

″I treat myself when I can. Got it off the internet. I can get you a bag of the stuff if you want.″

″Sure, that’d be good.″

Vecchio motioned to the chair in front of his desk. ″You guys coming for Christmas dinner this year?″

″I don’t know. Did you ask Ben? He’s the one who makes the schedule.″

″Haven’t had a chance to talk to Benny. I thought I should ask before you guys made other plans.″

″No other plans that I know about. I’ll ask him tonight and let you know. Is Frannie going to be there this year?″

Vecchio shook his head, suddenly more serious. ″No. She and Drew are flying to Chicago to talk to Ma about the wedding and tell her about the baby.″

Ray suddenly wanted to be a fly on that wall. It was sure to be an interesting conversation. ″Wow, that’s brave.″

″I know. Drew pretty much insisted. He doesn’t want Ma to think bad about Frannie.″ Vecchio sat back in his chair and rubbed his chin a few times. ″You know I have to admit that he’s a pretty decent guy. It’s a nice change from the guys my sister usually picks.″

″Well, he’s a Mountie. What do you expect?″

The mood lightened slightly and Vecchio grinned. ″You’ve got a point. But I’m not sure he knows what he’s up against with Ma.″

″It won’t be that bad. He’s planning to marry her daughter and give her a grandchild. Plus, the guy’s Catholic himself so he doesn’t even have to convert. I’m not sure what more she could want really.″

″For them to move back to Chicago for a start.″

″Well, that’s not going to happen. She should be happy that Frannie’s happy.″

″You’d think that, but Ma has a way of turning on the guilt like nobody’s business. Anyway, that’s why they won’t be there this year. Maybe next year and then we’ll have two little rugrats to play with.″

″Looking forward to it.″ Ray drained his cup and put it on the sink next to the coffee maker. ″I’ll call or have Ben call tonight and let you know about Christmas, okay?″

″Okay. I’d really like you guys to come. The thing is, Rainie’s kids are staying in Yellowknife this year. I want it to be a good year for her despite that.″

″Did they say why they weren’t coming?″

″She didn’t tell me what they said, but I’ve got a feeling it has to do with her being with me.″

″You don’t know that.″

″No, but you get a feeling about stuff. She doesn’t want to talk about it and I figure that’s partly because she doesn’t want to hurt my feelings. Her eldest in particular is a real pain in the butt. He’s still not sold on her being with a white guy.″

″That’s tough.″

″So, anyway, my point is that it’d be good to have good people around her. Plus, Little Bennie wants to see her uncles.″

″Unless Ben surprises me, you can count on us.″

″Good.″ Vecchio stood up and came around the desk. He buttoned his suit jacket. ″Let me walk you out.″

″I know the way.″

″I know, but I need to get back to work anyway.″

″Got it.″

Once they were back in the main store, Ray saw that there were about five customers in line to check out and about that many more browsing. ″You got a rush going on.″

″They come in patterns. Right after work and at lunch hour. Saturdays are full the whole day. Plus, it’s almost Christmas.″

″Well, at least it’s good for business.″

″Absolutely. See you later, Kowalski.″ Vecchio walked up to the counter to help the harried clerk and turned on the charm. ″Hello, ladies, it’s so nice to see you shopping in Style. What great taste you have.″

As Ray walked out and toward his parked truck, he thought that Vecchio had done good at starting his own business. He’d found a gap in the market for the area and filled it. Good for him.

Climbing into his truck, he put the bag with his gifts on the seat. He was tempted as hell to give Ben the boxers early. In fact the more he thought about it, the more excited he got. He started the truck and shifted gears to get home as fast as possible and let Ben decide if he liked soft undies as much as Ray did.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

It turned out that Ben liked the silk underwear so much that he messed up one pair before putting on another. He stood in the kitchen wearing nothing but black silk boxer briefs and heating up stew.

Ray sat at the table and admired the view. ″Those really suit you.″

″They feel wonderful.″

″They look wonderful, too.″

Ben turned around and smiled with amusement. ″I’m glad you decided to give them to me early.

″Not as glad as I am.″

Ben chuckled and then got down the dishes to set the table. He put a bowl in front of Ray and at his own place. He moved around smoothly like it was the most natural thing in the world to walk around almost naked in the middle of winter. ″I’m not complaining. Love the show, but aren’t you cold?″

″Not at all. We’ve got a fire blazing and a furnace going. If anything, it’s too warm in here.″

Ray sat there in a wool sweater and jeans and still felt the chill. ″We must have totally different thermostats.″

″Thermostats?″

″You know that thing that lets you feel the cold or not?″

″Do you by any chance mean metabolism?″

″I guess. I just know that I stay cold whenever we’re not doing it unless I’m right in front of the fire.″

Ben served up the moose stew. ″It’s strange that you should feel cold so much.″

″Why’s that?″

Ben put the biscuits on the table and then sat down to eat. ″You’d think that with the way you burn calories and stay so slim that you’d be quite warm.″

″Maybe it’s just because I wasn’t raised in an igloo.″

″I wasn’t raised in an igloo.″

″Barn then.″

Ben smirked. ″It was a cabin, but I supposed since we kept the livestock inside on the coldest days, it technically might be called a barn.″

Ray laughed and pointed his spoon in Ben’s direction. ″See? I told you. You’re used to this kind of weather. You were literally born to it. Me, I’m taking a while to adjust, that’s all. It’s better this year than last year even though it’s colder temperature wise.″ Ray ate a few mouthfuls of the stew and then grabbed a biscuit. He put some butter on it and then ate a bite. After a few chews, he said, ″I talked to Vecchio today.″

Ben stopped eating. ″And?″

″We’re invited to Christmas day again this year. I told him we’d go.″

Ben nodded. ″I was hoping he’d asked. I’m looking forward to Benita opening her presents.″

″Me, too. I bought her some really cute outfits this year. She growing so fast though, she’ll probably only get to wear them a few times before they’re too little for her.″

″Children do seem to go through outfits very quickly.″

″Speaking of kids, Vecchio said that Drew and Frannie are flying back to Chicago to see Ma.″

Ben wiped his mouth. ″I know. Ezra told me that he approved Drew’s two week leave. I’ve had to scramble to cover some of his shifts.″

″Are you going to need to cover any?″

″Just one shift on the 27th.″

″Well, that sucks.″

″We’ve got a severe staffing shortage and several people have gotten leave for personal reasons. It’s not unusual this time of year. At least I’ll have off Christmas eve and the day itself. For that I’m grateful.″

″Yeah, me, too. You think them flying back is going to help Ma accept the whole getting pregnant before marriage thing?″

″I think once she meets Drew Jolly, she’ll realize he’s a man of honor. Francesca could do far worse and has. Her first marriage was not a good one. Her husband was abhorrent and committed adultery on multiple occasions.″

″So Drew’s a bit of an upgrade.″

″Indeed. Perhaps meeting him in person will help ease her anxiety. At any rate, it’s down to Mrs. Vecchio whether she wants to accept their relationship and be included in their lives and see her grandchild. She might be quite traditional in her views, but she’s not a stupid woman and she loves her children. I’m sure she’ll do the right thing in the end.″

″I hope so. I’d hate to see Frannie lose her mum over this.″

Ben reached over and captured Ray’s hand. ″Mrs. Vecchio isn’t like your parents, Ray. She’ll want to be part of their lives.″

Ray nodded, but he couldn’t help but be a little depressed about his own loss. ″I just wish things could’ve been different with Mum and Pop.″ His eyes stung and he lifted his head and met Ben concerned gaze. He squeezed Ben’s hand. ″I made the right choice picking you. I don’t care what they said or did. They could’ve had a son and a great son-in-law. It’s their loss.″

″I’m sorry they did that, but I’m thrilled that you chose to be with me. My life would be empty without you, Ray.″

Still holding on for dear life, Ray stood and pulled Ben toward him. He kissed him hard before pulling back. ″Want to fuck up another pair of boxers?″

″Absolutely.″

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

″So Finch took the deal?″

″He did. One day in court was enough to convince him he’d be far better off with a deal than a conviction. I’m just glad Grimm was still willing to offer it.″

Ray agreed. ″Yeah, Finch is lucky that it’s Christmas and Grimm wants time off as much as the rest of us. Finch got a gift he didn’t deserve.″

″He’ll still serve five years in prison. It won’t be an easy time.″

″Tell that to his victim. She’s serving her own kind of sentence, one she doesn’t deserve, either.″

Gus nodded in agreement, but didn’t say anything more about the case. Instead he closed the folder and changed the subject. ″Did you talk to Buddy about the hacking situation?″

″I did. He won’t do it again.″

″How can we be sure?″

Ray shrugged. ″We have to trust him to keep his word. I don’t think he realized how serious it could be if he got caught.″

″It’d ruin any chances of going into law.″

Ray knew that Buddy had once talked about going to law school, but he’d thought the kid had changed his mind and was leaning toward sticking with the investigation business. ″He talked to you about that?″

″He did. He’s got a sharp mind. He’d make a good lawyer, but it won’t be easy for him. I told him the company would pay for his college for now, but we’d have to wait and see about the law school.″

Ray made a rash decision. ″Listen, if I get a vote, I’m all for it. It’d be a good investment for the firm.″

″Do you have any idea how long it takes to be a lawyer?″

Ray smirked at the irony of such a question. ″Once married to a lawyer, remember? I know exactly how long it takes and how much it costs.″

″I keep forgetting about that part of your history.″

Ray often wished he could forget a good chunk of it, too, but he didn’t say that out loud. Instead he simply said, ″I know it’s expensive.″

″How did you two afford it on a cop’s salary? Did you have to take out loans and go into debt?″

″Stella came from money, Gold Coast money. Her folks were loaded. I don’t think we could’ve done it without that. It’s a competitive field and scholarships are hard to come by even when you’re good. She was very good, but she was also lucky.″

″Sounds like it. A lot of young lawyers graduate with a mountain of debt if they don’t have someone to help out.″

Ray was suddenly curious about how Gus paid for his law degree, but then decided it really wasn’t any of his business. He got back to the subject at hand. ″If Buddy really wants to tackle that kind of study, I’m all for supporting him through the company books. We could ask for a year’s commitment after passing the bar or whatever you guys call it.″

″We call it being called to the bar. Once he takes exams and some classes, he’d have a supervised work period before he’d be sworn in.″

″Which would be perfect. You could be his supervisor.″

″I could be, but we’re getting way ahead of ourselves, Ray. He’s still got a long way to go before he can take the LSAT and go to a law school. He’s got to finish basic college first.″

″He’s speeding through that. He’s already done twice the number of classes in less than half the time. That’s with working full-time, too. He’s a hard-worker and I think that should be rewarded.″

″I agree, which is why we pay him better than any of the other employees. But paying for law school? That’s a lot of money. I’m not sure about committing to something like that. I’ll have to think about it.″

Ray decided right then if Gus was against funding Buddy’s education through the firm, he and Ben would do it through their own finances. That was one of the joys of actually having real money. He could support worthy causes and that’s how he saw Buddy.

″Well, Gus, you know where I stand.″

″I do, yes.″

Ray reached into his pocket and pulled out a wrapped box. ″In other news, I’m off all next week through the twenty-eighth, so I thought I’d give you this now.″

Gus took the box with a smile. ″You didn’t have to do that.″

″I wanted to.″

Unwrapping it carefully, Gus opened the box. He flashed a big grin when he pulled out the money clip. ″This is perfect.″

″I know you said you didn’t like using a wallet.″

Gus checked it out carefully, rubbing his fingertips over the engraving. ″This is real silver. Very nice.″

″I’m glad you like it.″

″I do, thanks.″ Gus put the clip back in the box and got out an envelope from his desk drawer. He handed it to Ray. ″I’m not sure if you’re going to like it.″

Ray took out two tickets. ″How could I not like it? Season tickets for the Huskies? It’s great. Ben’s going to love this.″

″I know you guys go to the games sometimes. This will make it easier.″

″That’s true. Thanks, Gus.″

Ray put the tickets back in the envelope, folded it in half and putting it in his pocket. ″Do you and your wife have season tickets?″

″I do, but Ana’s not a fan. My seat is right next to yours and Fraser’s.″

″That works. We can cheer them on together. The more the merrier when it comes to sports.″

″I agree.″ Gus teased, ″Now, I guess I should get back to work. Unlike some people, I still have to work a few days longer before I take my Christmas break.″

″Hey, you could take off, too.″

″I could, but we still have a couple of cases to clear up. Have a good break, Ray. You deserve the extra time off.″

Ray was relieved that Gus understood why he needed the extra days. ″Thanks. Merry Christmas.″

″Merry Christmas.″

Walking out of the office, Ray headed to the back and went upstairs to his own space. He had a few things to close out before leaving. First things first, was to pass out all the gifts he’d gotten for his favorite team, a pink hand-painted scarf for Chloe and wool scarf, sweater/hat set for Buddy and gift cards for the newbies.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

″But Christmas isn’t until next weekend and the office doesn’t close until Wednesday.″ Cheri pushed a loose strand of her lavender hair behind her left ear and straightened the hand-painted silk scarf around her neck. It had tiny pink butterflies on it and it suited her pale complexion. ″Why are you taking off so early? You hardly ever take time off from work unless it’s to do more work.″

″Hey, who’s the boss here?″

The young receptionist blushed. ″Sorry, Ray. But it’s going to be hard to get anything done without you here to crack the whip.″

Ray had to grin at the description of his management style. ″Crack the whip? If anything, I’m too easy on you guys.″

″I’m just saying you keep us on our toes and focused. Without you here to guide us, we might not get a lot done.″

″I have faith in you people to get the work done without me looking over your shoulders the whole time. You’ve got the list of the cases to work on. And if anything does happen that you need help with, you can always call.″

″But seriously, Ray, why the days off?″

Ray pushed down the tiny spike of annoyance at being questioned. He knew she was young and curious. Hell, he’d probably be asking the same thing if the roles were reversed. Plus, it wasn’t a big secret, at least not to anybody in the office. ″I’m just going to be working around the cabin and getting ready for Christmas.″

″You already get next Thursday and Friday off. I mean, it’s just not like you to take any down time.″

Ray decided to tell her the real reason. ″Look, I know it’s not a big deal, but every year, Ben tries to make me something special. I thought this year, I’d try to make Ben something he’ll like.″

″You mean like make something by hand?″

″Yeah.″

″Like what?″

″You sure are a nosy parker.″

″I work for a detective. It wears off on a person.″

″How about this? I’ll tell you after the holiday when I come back to work.″

″Why wait? I won’t tell anybody. I promise.″

″I know, but I want to wait. Now, fair is fair, what are you doing special on the days you get off?″

Cheri didn’t hesitate. ″Sleeping.″

″Sleeping?″

″Yeah. I want to do nothing but sleep for at least two whole days and then do nothing but Christmas stuff with Mom for the rest of the time off. It’s going to be fun.″

″Sounds good.″

Ray leaned in and lowered his voice. ″And Buddy? Is he going to be with you and your Mom for the holiday?″

She patted Ray’s arm. ″Don’t worry about him, Ray. We’ve got him covered. We won’t let him mope in his room for too long.″

″Good to know.″

Cheri crooked her finger and motioned for Ray to move closer. When he did, she whispered. ″He’s better off anyway.″

″Why do you say that?″

Cheri glanced around to make sure they were alone. ″Dana was cheating.″

Ray’s heart squeezed a little tighter in sympathy. ″You’re sure?″

″I am. I saw her kissing another guy.″

″And Buddy knows?″

Cheri shook her head. ″No. I didn’t tell him.″

″You don’t think you should?″

″Why kick him any harder when he’s already down?″

Ray straightened, hoping like hell Buddy never found out the truth about his ex-girlfriend. It was bad enough to break up because of the marriage thing, but a totally different thing when it came to cheating. ″You’re right.″

″I usually am.″

Ray chuckled. One thing he liked best about Cheri was her confidence. ″I need to head out and I guess I’ll see you after the break.″

″Thanks again for the scarf, Ray. It matches my hair.″

″As soon as I saw it, I thought of you.″

She giggled and returned to typing. Ray grabbed his coat and headed out. He had several stops to make before going home. First stop was the hardware store. He had a long mental list of home improvement projects to do, but mainly he had materials to buy for Ben’s gift.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

Ray had just finished unloading all the supplies into the workshop when he heard Ben’s Jeep arriving home. He quickly covered the wood, but left the other things he’d bought out in the open. A few minutes later, Ben peeped inside the door. ″Ray? What are you doing out here?″

″I bought some things we need for fixing up the bathroom.″

Ben stepped inside the door and the animals greeted him. He petted them both, but Ray saw him scanning the things in the pile. ″Are you sure you shouldn’t just call Calvin to come do the work?″

Ray pretended to be insulted. ″You don’t think I can handle replacing a drainpipe or a mirror?″

″I didn’t say that, but he does do this sort of thing for a living. Plus, he’s on a retainer to do repairs.

″For our rentals. Besides, I used to do this stuff all the time back in Chicago.″

″If you’re sure.″

″I’m sure.″

Ben eyed the covered pile at the very back. ″What other projects are you planning?″

″Never you mind, Mr. Nosy.″

Ben’s eye’s sparkled, enjoying the game they played. ″Ah.″

″Ah is right. Don’t you dare peek, either.″

″Understood. With that in mind, why don’t you finish up out here and then join me inside? I want to change and clean up. I bought some soup and sandwiches from Sam’s for supper.″

″What kind of soup and sandwiches?″

″Chicken noodle with ham sandwiches.″

″One of my favorite combos.″

Ben smiled. ″I know.″

″I’ll be inside in just a few minutes.″

″Don’t take too long. I’m hungry.″

″Yeah? Me, too.″

As Ben walked back to the cabin, both the wolf-dogs followed him, tails wagging. They’d already been fed, but they knew that Ben would likely give them treats, too. Greedy beggar dogs. Ray stared at his partner, took a deep breath and figured he was suddenly hungry for more than soup and sandwiches.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

″You know as much as I love cutting our own tree, Ben, buying one would be a lot quicker and easier.″ Ray blew on his hands to warm them up before slipping his gloves back on. His feet were numb and he was freezing his ass off.

Ben was busy working on the base of the large white pine. ″This would go a lot faster if you’d stop complaining and hold the tree before it falls.″

″Doesn’t look like it’s going to fall any time soon. What’s the hold up?″

His partner stopped sawing and stood up. He held the blade up and frowned. ″I think this thing is defective. We need a sharper one.″

″Or we could just pick a smaller tree with a smaller tree trunk.″

Ben shook his head. ″This one is perfect.″

″For a mansion maybe.″ It also wasn’t the tree Ray had picked out, but one Ben chose. ″I’m not even sure it’ll fit in our corner.″

″It’ll fit. It just needs some shaping up.″ Ben cocked his head to the side slightly as he studied the width of the bottom branches of the tree. ″It does have a larger spread, but we could cut those limbs off and use them for garland or wreaths.″

″We don’t need that much for garland or wreaths. Let’s just go with a smaller tree.″

Ben ran his fingers over the branch, not quite ready to give up the fight yet. ″But it’s a lovely tree.″

″It’s a great tree, but it’s too big for our space. Let it go.″

His partner finally nodded. ″You’re right. Where’s the tree you wanted to cut?″

Relieved Ben could see reason, he grinned. ″Not far from here.″

Ray pulled the sled and Ben walked beside him with the saw. The dogs were bouncing around in the snow like it was already Christmas. Ben said, ″I think once we get it inside, we should have the hot chocolate before we put it up.″

″I can go with that. In fact, we could actually have hot chocolate both before and after.″

″Hedonist.″

″If that means I like to treat myself, then I’ll cop to that.″ Ray chuckled as he nudged Ben’s side. ″And tell me you don’t like that about me.″

Ben confessed, ″I do, indeed, like that about you.″

Once they reached the smaller tree, Ray studied it and grinned. ″Now, this is the tree that will fit perfectly in the corner by the front window.″

Ben brushed away some of the snow around the bottom and lifted the lower branches to get to the trunk. He went to town and it took little time for the tree to topple. Ray pulled it onto the sled and secured it before Ben stood up. He wiped off the snow and admired the result. ″I think from now on, I’ll leave the tree selection in your capable hands.″

″Works for me.″ Walking together back to the cabin, Ray pulled the sled behind him while Ben picked up several dry branches for kindling. ″Once this is up and we have our treat, we need to get the gifts wrapped.″

″I don’t have all my gifts done yet.″

″Me, either, but what we do have, I want to get wrapped. I thought I’d work on the sink tomorrow sometime.″

″I’d prefer that you wait until Monday while I’m at work.″

″You afraid I’ll mess it up?″

″No, but I can think of better things to do with our time together than you doing handyman work.″

It’s was Ray’s turn to say ah.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

They’d used the red and gold glass ornaments and the silver garland from the previous year. The multi-colored strands along with Ray’s chili lights made the globes all sparkle. Ben’s hand-carved yellow star was on top. He’d also whittled some smaller pine cones to be added to the tree to give a bit more of a rustic flair. They’d put all the presents they had so far under the tree. Ray lay back on the sofa, his bare feet propped up on the arm and admired the result. It was impressive and very cozy. He closed his eyes as he listened to the crackling fire. At moments like that one, he sometimes felt like he was dreaming. He’d never imagined he could live such a perfect life.

Ben came in the front with the dogs and took off his coat. As the dogs settled in front of the fire, he held up a bundle of letters and a small package. ″We’ve got mail.″

″Cool.″

Ray sat up and Ben brought the goodies to him. ″I think they’re mostly Christmas cards.″

″Probably. Who sent us a package?″

Ben shook his head. ″It’s got no return address.″

Curious, Ray tore away the paper and opened the small box. Inside was another small box and a folded piece of paper. Frowning, he opened the box first to find a gold picture frame. In it was a photo of his parents standing behind him at his high school graduation. Ray still wore his cap and gown and everyone was smiling, even his dad. ″Jesus.″

″What is it?″

Ray handed the frame to Ben and then opened the letter. ″It’s from my mum.″

″I see.″

Eyes misted, Ray found it difficult to read the words. He gave it to Ben. ″Read it to me.″

″Are you sure?″

″I’m sure.″

Ben’s voice took on a somber tone. ″Dear Stanley, I was cleaning and found this picture. You father made me put it away after you left the country. I thought you’d like to have it for Christmas. I’m sorry things are like they are, but I’m not allowed to let you know where we are or give you our number. Even so, I still love you, Son. All my love and Merry Christmas, your mother.″

Ray didn’t know whether to cry or be pissed. He settled on wiping a tear away and being glad his father wasn’t anywhere near him. How dare he keep his mother from at least being able to call him. What if something happened to her? What if something happened to Ray? Who’d let her know? What a fucking mess.

Ben refolded he paper and put it back in the box. ″I’m sorry, Ray.″

″Not your fault.″

″I wish things were different.″

″Yeah, me, too.″ Ray sighed and picked up the framed photo and stared at it. ″I remember this day. It was a good one. Mum and Pop actually showed up to cheer me on. Dad was so proud that I’d graduated. To be honest, it was touch and go for a while there because I barely passed senior English class. Still, he made it to the ceremony and then we all went out to a steakhouse.″ Another tear spilled over and Ray brushed it from his cheek. ″It was a good day. Those didn’t come along that often.″

″It was thoughtful of your mother to send it to us. Would you like to display it?″

The answer came easier than Ray expected. ″No, not yet. I’m not ready. Every time I look at it, I’ll think about what an asshole Dad is.″

Ben took the frame from Ray’s hand and put it back in the box along with the letter. ″I’ll put this away for now until you are ready.″

″Thanks.″

Ben left the room for a few minutes while Ray stared at the fire. All the good feelings he’d had earlier had vanished. He hated that, hated that he’d let his father once again ruin a precious moment in his life. He had to stop doing that.

Once Ben returned, he sat next to Ray and took his hand. ″Are you all right?″

″Sure. I guess, well maybe not yet.″

″It’s difficult when we think our parents have let us down.″

″There’s no thinking they did. They did.″

″True.″

Ray decided then and there not to let worrying about his parents take up one more minute of his time. ″Fuck that. Let’s open the other stuff we got.″

Ben handed him a thick envelop. ″I think this one is from Mrs. Vecchio.″

Ray opened it and found a card with Madonna and Child. It was all embossed and golden. ″Pretty.″ He read the sentiment. ″May God bless your union and Merry Christmas.″

″See. Ma Vecchio still loves us.″

″Yes, she does.″

″She doesn’t care that we’re a couple of men who love one another and she’s even more Catholic than my parents.″

″Ray...″

Ray held up a hand in a stop motion. ″It’s okay. I’m putting that behind us.″

″It’s difficult.″

″It’d be harder if he were here and I had to keep from decking his ass.″

Ben handed him another card. ″This one is from Lt. Welsh.″

Ray took it and opened it. It was a card that had a bloodhound wearing a Christmas wreath around his neck. It made Ray chuckle. ″Looks like Welsh.″

″What? The dog?″

Ray held it up for Ben to see more clearly. ″Yeah. You don’t see the resemblance?″

″It does rather favor him if I close one eye.″

Ray read the message. ″Hope you two are keeping warm and staying out of trouble. Happy Holidays.″ Typical Welsh.

The last card was from Turnbull. It was an exterior picture of the Consulate with the blonde constable on guard duty. The inside message was, ″I hope you’re enjoying Canada as much as I miss it. Merry Christmas. Yours truly, Renfield Turnbull.″

Ray stood up and put the three cards on the mantle. ″I miss those guys.″

″Would you like to go visit sometime?″

Startled, Ray turned and stared. ″You mean fly to Chicago to check out the old neighborhood?″

″We can afford it. I could take time off. It could be a fun visit.″

Ray flashed on the last time he’d gone back to a precinct after he’d left. He felt completely out of place. Nobody had time because they were all too busy to even stop and have a beer for old time’s sake. Ray might move on, but crime never stopped. He had no doubt it’d be the same with Welsh and the others. Plus, while Ma Vecchio would fix them great food, he didn’t really see the point. They really had nothing in common anymore. His life was in Canada, not Chicago.

″Nah, not unless you want to go.″

″Only if you do.″

Ray sat back down and took Ben’s hand. ″Well, I don’t, but thanks for the offer.″

″May I ask why you don’t want to visit?″

Staring into searching blue eyes, Ray kept it simple. ″My life is here with you. Chicago is the past. You’re the present and the future.″

Ben must have liked that answer, because he leaned in with a kiss. All the warm feelings from earlier flooded back. Ray pulled away slightly. ″Let’s take this to the bedroom.″

Standing, Ben pulled him to his feet. ″I love you, Ray Kowalski.″

Ray kissed him and then took him to bed to prove it.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

Sunday flew by and when Monday came Ray wondered what possessed him to take off and stay at the cabin alone for the whole week while Ben had to work. He should’ve just ordered something already made, not try to make it from scratch. But it was too late. He’d made the commitment so he had to at least try.

Ray stood in the workshop with the heater going and had the plans spread out on the table. He was usually good with diagrams, but written instructions not so much. That’s how it was with motors. He wasn’t sure if it was the same with woodwork. Still, he had the materials, the tools and the measurements. He could do this.

He picked up the first piece of lumber and used his ruler to mark off the lengths he’d need. Then he’d cut and piece them together. Once that was done, he’d do the sanding, staining and waxing. Ray knew that Ben preferred a natural look over painted furniture.

After that he rechecked the measurements one more time. He’d learned the hard way when he’d tried making something before that it was far better to measure twice instead of cutting once. Wood was expensive.

Once he was satisfied he had things right, he sawed each piece carefully. He had the sides and top done before getting the shelves cut. It took a lot longer than he thought it would, but then again, didn’t everything?

Despite the cold, he was sweating. Ray turned off the heater and decided to take a break. He’d put the pieces together and get it sanded in the afternoon before he quit for the day. He walked inside and saw the light on the answering machine flashing. Fuck. He checked his cell and saw he’d missed the call there, too. Next time, he’d have to take his cell to the workshop. He pressed the play on the answering machine.

″Ray, it’s Ben. I thought we could have lunch together since you’re off today. Call me back if you’ve got time.″

The machine said the message had been left an hour earlier. Problem was, Ray was all sweaty and covered with sawdust. Did he have time to shower and get to town? If he hurried, he could make it. He picked up the phone and dialed. Ben answered with the whole Mountie jargon. ″Hey, Ben. I didn’t get your message until just now. It’ll take me at least an hour to clean up and get to town. Can you take your lunch a little later, around 12:30?″

″I can. Why didn’t you hear the message?″

″I was outside.″

″And you’re just now coming inside?″

″I was in the workshop.″

″Ah, I see.″

″And I’m not telling you what I’m working on.″

″Of course not. That would ruin the surprise. I’ll meet you at Sam’s at 12:30.″

″See you there.″ Suddenly hungry, Ray looked forward to seeing the man who he was working so hard to please.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

Ray rushed into the diner and saw Ben in their usual booth by the back window. He took off his wool hat as he made his way there and slid in across from his partner. Ben was already drinking hot tea. Tonya, the waitress, brought over his coffee. ″I’ll have your food out in just a few minutes.″

Ben explained. ″I ordered for you. I’ve only got about forty-five minutes.″

″That’s fine.″ Ray looked up at the young woman. ″So, what am I having today?″

″The special.″

″Which is?″

″Vegetable soup and a grilled cheese.″

″Sounds good.″

As she walked away, Ray turned his attention to Ben. ″Sorry, I’m late. I had to get cleaned up and then there was a slow down on the way in. Some truck went off the road about ten miles out of town.″

″I’m just glad you were able to make it. I should’ve said something this morning before I left.″

″That’s okay.″

″Ray, you should carry your cell phone with you when you leave the cabin. We’ve talked about this.″

″I know. I just forgot.″ Ray pulled off his coat and put it on the seat beside him. ″I’ll try to do better.″

″I appreciate it. I worry when I can’t reach you.″

″I get that.″

Before they said anything else, Tonya brought their food. Ben got a turkey sandwich with some vegetable soup. It all smelled delicious. Ray had skipped breakfast and was starving. He ate the corner off his grilled cheese and picked up his spoon. ″I’ll make sure to keep it in my pocket from now on.″

″Thank you. I fear I have a rather vivid imagination whenever you’re out of touch.″

″Meaning you’re the king of worry warts.″

″Not the king. Perhaps only a prince.″

Ray chuckled. ″Don’t kid yourself. You rule the world on that stuff. But it’s okay. I worry when I can’t reach you, too. Enough about that. Tell me about your morning so far.″

Ben’s expression grew serious. ″It’s not been a great morning. We got word that one of the men who procured several animals from Bailey and Vanicek got wind of the investigation. They euthanized all the animals.″

Ray stopped eating and put down his spoon. ″Euthanized? As in killed them?″

″Yes.″

″Fuck.″

″Indeed. They apparently tried to destroy the evidence, but the raid on the Colorado compound found the bodies before they were burned.″

″Well, that sucks. I wish they could’ve done the raid a little sooner.″

″Agreed. We lost a polar bear, a breeding pair of arctic foxes and several aquatic animals such a river otters, seals and beavers.″

″And they killed them all?″

″They did. Warden Fergus was quite distraught.″

″He’s taking it pretty hard, huh?″

″He is. I tried to send him home earlier today in order to compose himself, but he refused. He wants to make sure we have all the paperwork in perfect order so that we can prosecute the men responsible for such a heinous act.″

″Good for him.″

″I worry, Ray.″

″About Fergus?″

″He’s not handling this assignment well. He’s taking it far too personally. He’s become quite obsessive.″

Ray studied his partner, thinking about the times Ben had done the same thing, gotten too involved in a case. He could think of times in his own history when he’d done something similar. ″Just shows he cares.″

″I know he cares, Ray, but he needs to learn to be more objective. This particular offender is only one of dozens we have to prosecute. With such a massive case, we can’t afford to get so emotional without serious psychological damage.″

″You’re afraid he’s losing it?″

″I am.″

″For an animal lover, it’d be easy to do. I know a few times when both of us were in the same boat.″

″Which is why I recognize it and how dangerous it can be. We’ve both had similar experiences. Still, I’m at a loss at how to help him.″

No longer hungry, Ray pushed his half-eaten food away. ″What do you want to do about it?″

″I’m not sure what I can or should do.″

″Do you think he should be removed from the case?″

″It’d probably be best for him, but I don’t have any grounds to do it.″

″And he’d resent you if you tried.″

″No doubt.″ Ben finished his tea. ″I’m sorry. I’ve spent all our time talking about my own worries.″

Ray reached over and took Ben’s hand. He gave it a quick squeeze before releasing it and pulling back. ″We’re partners. We share what’s bothering us. That’s why we work.″

″I know, but I you’re on vacation. You’re supposed to be enjoying your time.″

Crossing his arms, Ray leaned against the table and leaned in. ″I’m fine. Don’t worry about me. You need to talk to Fergus. Let him know that he can talk to you about how he’s feeling. You should also let him know that you’re concerned about him. I don’t know if it’ll do any good, but I know a friendly ear can go a long way in making this kind of thing bearable.″

″Who did you talk to when you were young and just starting out?″

The words were ashy in his mouth despite their truth. ″Sam Franklin. Before I found out that he was a crook, I thought he was a friend. When I first became a detective, dealing with some of crime scenes were rough. I mean, how do you keep going when you’re walking into homes where there are whole families slaughtered or little kids with their throats slit? I’d have nightmares about it. I wasn’t sure if I was cut out to hang in there. It was Sam who put it in perspective for me.″

″What did he say that helped?″

Ray swallowed hard as he played the memory over in his mind. It was so long ago, but it was clear as day. ″We were in a bar after we’d just arrested a guy who’d killed both his parents because they caught him stealing drug money. I was sick about it. But Sam said that no matter how bad it got, we had to be there to find justice for the victims. Who would do it if we didn’t? And he was right. But to be fair, not everyone has the stomach for this stuff.″

″You never told me this before.″

″I told you he was my best friend for a long time. That’s why it hurt so much when I found out what he’d been doing and what a lowlife he turned out to be. It was like, how had I missed that? I lost trust in my own judgment.″

″I can understand that.″

″But back to the point, Ben. Fergus is just starting out. He really feels for the animals, but whether it’s a polar bear or a toddler who’s abused or murdered, someone has to do the job to bring the perps to justice. It’s not easy. He really needs to figure out what he’s willing to suffer to do this gig. If he can’t handle it, he should find out now before he gets too traumatized by the whole thing. Believe me, he wouldn’t be the first cop to leave the job or find a different assignment. It’s not a sign of weakness to realize the truth. It’s being strong if you ask me.″

″How so?″

″It takes a lot of guts to admit the truth about yourself. Not everyone can build that protective wall we have to build in order to keep from going crazy. Better he find out now than later. He doesn’t have to do the field work. There are other paths to take and still help the animals.″

″You’ve given me a lot to think about.″

Ray motioned toward Ben’s food. ″It’s getting cold.″

″I’m not that hungry anymore.″ Ben eyed Ray’s uneaten food. ″Seems I’m not the only one.″

″I ate enough. It’s not like I’ll starve.″

″I feel the same way. So, what do you plan to do with the rest of your day?″

Ray teased, ″Oh, a little of this and a little of that.″

″That sounds terribly nonspecific.″

″That’s because I’m a wild and crazy guy. I’m a free man to do what I want when I want while I’m on my own.″

Ben grinned. ″Oh, really?″

″Yes, really. So, don’t even try to pry it out of me. I’ll never tell.″ Ray paused, ″Well, until Christmas.″

Ben chuckled. ″I love you, Ray.″

″Good. You can pay for lunch.″

″I’d be delighted.″

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

Instead of going back to the cabin right after lunch, Ray went to the local bookstore, The Mother Lode. It wasn’t like Ben didn’t already have a stack of books, but he could always use one or two more. Once inside, he spotted Jack Dorsey, the owner. ″Hey, Jack.″

A little over six foot and around one-eighty, Jack had black curly hair that he wore long enough that it gave him a bit of a wild, outdoorsy look. His dark eyes were sharp and he nearly always wore a smile unless he was reading. The guy was certainly not like any bookworm Ray had ever seen. But then again, Ben had taught him not to judge a book by its cover.

″Hey, Ray. Where’s Fraser?″

″Working for a living.″

Jack put the colorful best seller he was holding back on the display stand and walked over. There were only a few people in the store, so Ray got personal service. ″What can I do for you?″

″I was wondering if you’d gotten any new books in on the Franklin Expedition.″

″Sadly no. I would’ve called if I had.″

Ray had hoped that there’d be something new published about Ben’s favorite topic. ″That’s too bad.″

Jack held up a wait for it finger. ″It is, but I might have something better. I just got it in early last week. It’s a new history of Arctic tribes.″

Ben loved that sort of thing. ″Sounds like I should check it out.″

″Follow me.″

Jack led Ray to the history/social studies shelf. The owner selected a book, handed it over and Ray read the title out loud. ″Inuit: Glimpses of an Arctic Past by David Morrison and Georges-Hébert Germain.″

Ray then read the back panel to himself. ‘A look into the history and culture of the Inuit people, possibly drawing on archaeological and ethnographic sources’. Big words made his head hurt. ″Looks a little technical.″

″It’s not exactly written for a lay person, but Fraser’s read things a lot more scientifically detailed than this.″

″Have you read it yet?″

″I read the first few chapters, but it was a bit of a slog.″

Ray handed it back. ″I think I’ll just look around to see what else you’ve got if that’s okay.″

″Sure. I love a good browse. Just shout and let me know if you need any help. Remember I can order anything that’s available if you don’t find it on the shelf.″

″Thanks.″

As Jack walked away, Ray scanned the titles in that section. He knew all the books that Ben already had on the subject. But he saw one title he didn’t recognize, The Arctic Sky: Inuit Star Lore, Legend and Astronomy by John MacDonald. It was brand new, too. It had an interesting blue cover with star charts on it. As he flipped through the pages there were different sections about how Inuit lore was similar to other aboriginal tribes across Europe and Asia. It sounded right up Ben’s alley. He loved that tribal history shit.

Before heading to checkout, he grabbed the other book, too. Might as well go all out. Winter was long and Ben loved a good book in the evenings. As he walked up to the counter, Jack saw the Star book. ″Oh, I forgot about that one. It just came out last month. I should’ve said.″

″It looks interesting. I think he’ll like it.″

″I’m sure he will.″ Jack rang up the purchase and asked, ″Would you like me to wrap those? It won’t take long and the money donated is going to support the local homeless shelter and food bank.″

″Sure.″ Ray gave him another ten in cash and then sat down in the reading circle to wait. While he was there, he saw three women come in, all chatting as they headed to the back to the romance section. He closed his eyes and blocked out their conversations. He visualized finishing the bookcase, step-by-step. He decided then and there, he might need some help with the rest of his home improvement plans. He got out his phone and made a call. Once the guy on the other end answered, Ray said, ″Hey, Calvin, it’s Ray Kowalski. You busy this afternoon?″

Their property manager and general handyman asked, ″Is it an emergency?″

″No. I just need some help with a rusty bathroom drainpipe and putting up a new mirror. I’ve got the supplies. I just need your expertise.″

″If that’s all, I could be out there first thing tomorrow morning. I’m working on the apartment downtown right now. There’s a toilet that needs replacing.″

″Tomorrow morning would be great. Thanks.″

″Cool. I’ll be there around nine.″

″I appreciate it, Calvin.″

″No problem, Boss. Later.″

Once the man hung up, Jack was back with the books wrapped in pretty blue and white snowflake paper with silver handmade bows. Ray whistled. ″Where’d you learn to wrap like that?″

″Practice.″ Jack slipped them into the carrying bag. ″Merry Christmas, Ray. I hope he enjoys the books.″

″Yeah, I hope so, too, and Merry Christmas to you.″

″You know, if you want, I could call if we get anything in about engines and our new monthly edition or Ring World should be here later this week, most likely tomorrow.″

″That’s okay. I’m sure we’ll be back in sometime while I’m on vacation.″

″Sure thing. Later.″

As Ray walked out and got in the truck, he put the bag on the seat beside him. He figured if he got the shelves together that afternoon, he’d spend the next day sanding and staining. He could do the waxing on Wednesday and the follow up coats the rest of the week. Easy peasy. He could do this.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

Ray looked at the crooked shelves and shook his head in frustration. He muttered to himself. ″I don’t think I can do this.″

He’d followed the diagram, making sure to measure and use the level. He wasn’t sure where he went wrong exactly, but there was definitely something wonky. After a long think, Ray decided that he needed to break it apart and start again. Maybe he’d missed a step or maybe the wood was warped. He still had time to get it right.

His cell rang and he picked it up. It was Buddy. Thank god. He needed a distraction. ″Hey, Buddy. What’s up?″

″Where’d you put the Colgate file?″

It took a second to place the case, but then he remembered. ″Hilary should have it.″

″Well, she doesn’t. She says she never got it.″

Ray sat down at the table and ran his mind back over the last day of work. He was sure he’d put the file in the pile of pending cases. ″Colgate? That’s the case where the neighbor vandalized the car and garage, right? Our client is suing for damages.″

″Yeah. I need the list of witnesses and their depositions to prove it was the neighbor and not some random asshole. I can’t find it anywhere.″

Fuck. ″Did you check my office?″

″First thing.″

″I don’t guess there’s any way to go into my computer and reprint it?″

″Well, we could reprint some of it, but the depositions are spread out among Hilary, you and me.″

So reprinting it was a last resort. ″When’s the case going to trial?″

″First thing tomorrow morning they’re having day one of testimony. Gus said he’s hoping it finishes Wednesday. If not, there will be a continuance over the holiday.″

There was really nothing for it. ″Okay, listen, I’ll come in. If Hilary doesn’t have it, it’s in my office somewhere. I can find it.″

″I’ve looked everywhere, man. It’s not there.″

″Give me time to get to the office. If I can’t find it, then we’ll have to get it reprinted. Might take some overtime.″

″I sure as hell hope not.″

Ray didn’t want that, either. Nobody wanted to do overtime during Christmas week. ″I should be there in less than thirty minutes. Tell the others to keep looking and call me back if you find it.″

″I will.″

As soon as Buddy hung up, Ray glanced at his failed woodworking project and threw a blanket over it to hide it. Why couldn’t Ben like motorcycles or something with an engine? It’d be a lot less of a headache.

Ray grabbed his coat and hat and turned off the heater. He went to the garage, climbed in the truck and then headed back to town for the second time that day. So much for saving gas on his vacation.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

Ray frowned when he approached the outside door to his second floor office. It was too quiet and the lights were off. That wasn’t right. He didn’t draw his pistol, but he unbuttoned his coat and undid the safety strap on the holster. He put his hand on the doorknob and stood to the side as he slammed the door open. Once he did, the lights came on.

″Surprise!!!″

Ray came around to see his team standing there all smiles. Glen held a big cake with a little Christmas tree candle on top. Cheri stepped forward and kissed his cheek. ″Merry Christmas, Ray.″

Snorting to himself, Ray couldn’t help but grin. ″So you lured me here to eat cake?″

″And drink punch.″ Buddy handed him a paper cup of the sickly sweet orange drink made from ginger ale and orange sherbet.

Everyone else in the room including Gus had a cup already. Ray lifted his in a toast. ″Merry Christmas!″

Everyone drank and Gus stepped forward. ″They had this planned before they found out that you were taking off this week.″

″They did, huh?″

″They did.″

Ray had to admit that it touched him that they thought of him like that. People didn’t throw a party for any old boss or someone they didn’t like.

Cheri handed him a Christmas tin with a fat Santa on the lid. ″My mom gave me her recipe. It’s her jam cake you liked so much last year, but I made it myself.″

The thing weighed at least ten pounds, but if it was anything like the one he’d had before, it’d be worth every calorie. ″Thanks, Cheri, and thank your mum for me.″

″She wanted to be here, but she took an extra shift at the store today.″

″Well, tell her I’m sorry I missed her.″

Ray turned to Buddy. ″Just so we’re clear, there’s no missing Colgate file.″

Buddy’s cheeks pinked up slightly. ″No. It was just a ruse to get you here.″

″You were pretty convincing.″

″Sorry about that, but Cheri made me do it.″

″It’s okay.″ Ray slapped Buddy on the shoulder and then watched as Cheri cut the Christmas tree cake. She handed out slices to Hilary and Glen. Buddy and Gus came next and then Ray. She handed him the slice with the most icing. ″My mom made this one. She knows you love chocolate.″

Ray put his cup down and grabbed a plastic fork. He took a bite and the chocolate sweetness of the icing washed across his tongue. Ben would kill him for spoiling his appetite, but he didn’t care. It was delicious. ″Your mum should start her own bakery. This is great.″

″I’ll let her know you said that. She’ll be thrilled.″

Gus laughed. ″While you’re here, I’ve got something to tell you. Let’s go into your office for a minute.″

Ray gobbled the rest and threw away his empty plate and fork. Once inside, he closed the door behind him. He could hear lively Christmas music starting in the background. Brenda Lee was singing all about rocking around the Christmas tree.

Ray focused on Gus. ″So, what’s up?″

″We got our quarterly profits in. We doubled what we did this time last year and that’s not counting the security profits.″

Ray was glad to hear it. He’d taken a chance, a real leap of faith, by buying into the business instead of remaining an employee. Turns out trusting his gut paid off. ″Well, that’s great news.″

″It is great news, but our accountant wants to know how to include the security work you’ve taken on.″

″I don’t get the question. Why not just include it in the quarterly profits?″

″But you started that on your own.″

″With company resources. So, it should go into the company pot.″

″You’re sure? You don’t want an extra slice of profit?″

″I’m sure. We’re partners, Gus. It was just an experiment to see how it would work with what we already do. Turns out we’re filling a need in the market. But any profits should all go together.″

″I just wanted to check before I talked to her about it how to file it.″

Ray thumbed at the door. ″Sounds like everyone’s getting to the good part. Is that all?″

″I just wanted to say that you should get the profits deposited into your personal account by tomorrow.″

″Good. Now, can we go dance or what?″

Gus chuckled. ″Dancing works.″

Ray teased, ″First dibs on Cheri. She knows how to cut a rug.″

Gus frowned in confusion. ″Cut a rug?″

Ray rolled his eyes. Canadians, jeez. ″It means she dances great.″

″Ah, got it.″

As Ray opened the door, the music blasted louder. Not only were his people there, but Gus’s team had migrated from downstairs. Everyone was dancing and laughing. ″Now, this is a party.″

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

Ray slipped back into his office to grab his coat and hat for a quick getaway. He turned to see Buddy blocking the doorway. ″Hey, Kid. This has been fun, but Ben’s waiting at home. He’s going to think I’ve been kidnapped.″

″No, he won’t. I called him right after I called you. I told him what we were up to. So, he knows you’re at a party.″

″Well, that’s good, but I still need to go.″

Buddy held out a package. ″Not before I give you this.″

It was a small gift roughly wrapped in thin red paper with reindeer on it. ″You didn’t have to do that.″

″I know. It’s nothing big. Just a token.″ Buddy motioned his head at it. ″Open it.″

Ray ripped the paper and inside was a small box containing a black cord. He frowned, not sure what to do with it. ″What is it?″

Buddy explained. ″It’s a phone charging cord for your truck.″ He pulled out the cord and showed Ray one end of it. ″This part goes into your lighter socket. You put the other end into your phone. Then you can charge it while you’re driving. No more dead cellphone.″

Ray had to admit he didn’t even know that they made something useful like that. ″Cool.″

″You’re always forgetting to charge your phone, so I thought if you did it while you’re driving to and from work, it’d be easier to remember.″

″It’s just what I needed, Buddy. Thanks. I’ll use it on the way home now.″

Buddy smiled. ″I’m glad you like it. I’ve got one for myself. To be honest, I didn’t know what to get you. If it’s something you want, you buy it, so it’s hard to get something I think you’d like.″

Ray studied the young man and could hear the underlying tension. ″Look, Buddy, you don’t have to buy me anything. I mean, you’re right. I don’t need much and you should save your money for yourself.″

″It’s just I wanted to get you something to show how much I appreciate what you’ve done for me. You gave me a job after I quit the store and you’ve given me raises and bonuses. You’re even paying for my college. The least I can do is get you a gift to show you how much that means to me.″

Ray put his hand on Buddy’s shoulder and gave it a gentle squeeze. ″I know you appreciate it, Buddy. You’re a good worker and an even better person.″

″Thanks.″

″And I appreciate the charger. Now, Merry Christmas to you and get back in there and enjoy what’s left of this party.″

″It’s kind of winding down already.″

″Well, it was fun while it lasted.″

″Yeah, it was. Anyway, Merry Christmas to you and Fraser. I’ll see you on the other side of the holiday.″

″Yes, you will.″

Once Buddy left, Ray thought back over the time he’d hired Buddy for his assistant. The kid had come a long way from when they’d first met. He’d turned into someone Ray could count on and call a friend. None of that would’ve happened if Ray hadn’t take a chance on a young store clerk who was good with computers. He’d trusted his gut and once again it had turned out more than okay.

Walking out the door, he waved goodbye to all the others in the office who were still dancing and laughing, enjoying the first party of the season.

In his truck, Ray plugged in the charger and then attached his phone. It might come in handy one day. Even if it didn’t save his life, it’d would remind him that he’d made a friend for life in Buddy Frank.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

″I’m glad you enjoyed the office party, Ray.″

Ray settled on the sofa after the welcome home kiss and leaned back to watch the fire. Ben had all the lights off except for the ones on the tree. It was downright cozy. ″I still should’ve called.″

″Buddy called. It’s fine.″

″You’re sure?″

″I am. I could fix you something to eat if you’re hungry.″

″I’m not.″ Ray rubbed his belly, which ached more than he wanted to admit. He knew what all that sugar did to his system, but he still overdid it. It was Christmas. ″I ate too much cake and drank too much punch. I’m stuffed.″

Ben came and sat next to him on the sofa. He sipped his hot tea. ″You can make coffee if you want it.″

″I’ll be up all night if I drink it this late. Besides, I’m riding a sugar buzz as it is.″

″So, I take it you had a good time.″

Ray let his head fall back against the cushion and closed his eyes. ″I did. It was nice of them to do it and include me.″

″You’re a good employer, Ray. They wanted to show their appreciation.″

″And they did. Speaking of appreciation. Cheri’s jam cake is on the counter. I’ll have a slice of that for breakfast tomorrow morning.″

″Cake for breakfast?″

″Why not? It’s better than a doughnut.″

″Good point. I will admit it was an excellent jam cake last year.″

″And I know it’s not cheap to make. So, again, nice gesture.″

Ben didn’t answer, just sipped his tea. Ray opened his eyes and turned his head to stare at his partner. ″You okay?″

″I’m fine. Just a little tired.″

″Another hard day?″

″I fear that as long as we’re working on the Bailey/Vanicek case, we’ll have a whole series of long hard days.″

Ray reached over and took Ben’s hand in his own. ″Sorry I can’t do more to help.″

″You did more than enough, Ray. You actually helped us arrest them.″

″I know, but it’s not done yet, not when the animals are still out there at the mercy of those who bought them.″

″I know.″ Ben squeezed Ray’s hand and then released it. He put the empty tea cup on the side table. ″I’m going to ask Inspector Paris about adding more people to the inquiry. I don’t think Fergus and I will be enough. We need more people to handle the paperwork and communications with the Americans. There are multiple agencies involved and it’s sometimes difficult to talk to the person in charge without long delays.″

Ray knew all about red tape especially when it came to the feds. It made everything harder. ″What about Fergus’s boss? Can’t he add more people, too?″

″He could, but I’ve not heard back from him about my request.″

″You’d think he’d be more than happy to add more people to get it done faster.″

″Well, even with more people, it’ll not be a fast resolution. We’re really reliant on our American counterparts to do their jobs first. It definitely slows the process that we’re forced to wait.″

Ray could believe that. Animal crimes were never front burner crimes in the States. Plus, because the crimes were spread out and in different states, that meant there was nearly always a pissing contest between state and federal authorities about jurisdiction. Ben already knew that, so Ray didn’t need to say it out loud. ″Sounds like a major headache.″

″Indeed. But we will persist. It doesn’t help that the holiday delays progress. I thought it was bad here in Canada, but in America it’s like the country shuts down completely for several days at a time. First there’s Christmas and then New Year’s. It’s very frustrating. Crime doesn’t stop because of some arbitrary celebration.″

″I know that’s right. If anything, some crime gets worse.″ Ray flashed on all the domestic runs he made while in uniform as well as when he was a detective. He got to a point that he really hated Thanksgiving and Christmas. People could be real bastards to their families and didn’t he know it.

″Ray, are you all right?″

″I’m fine, why?″

″You just got very quiet and serious for a moment.″

Ben always could read his moods even if they only flickered. ″I was just thinking about some of the more lively holiday roll calls I handled over the years. It wasn’t exactly a good will to men kind of thing. People get crazy this time of year sometimes.″

″I have noticed the increase of domestic disturbances.″

″That’s definitely one thing I don’t miss about being a cop.″

Ben asked, ″Do you still miss any part of it?″

Ray smirked. ″How can you ask that? You know I do. I miss working with you.″

″And I you.″

″But we both knew when we took off from Chicago that our lives would change. It hasn’t turned out too bad, but I still sometimes wish I was running around a dark alley or two with you by my side.″

Ben chuckled. ″We did have some good times.″

″Yep, you had me working cases in all kinds of wild and dangerous ways. It definitely kept things interesting.″

Ben cupped Ray’s cheek and whispered, ″Would you like to explore some of those interesting ways in the bedroom?″

″I thought you’d never ask.″

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

Calvin was short, about five foot six and weighed two hundred pounds. He was bald and a bit paunchy, but was still muscled enough that he could handle all the handyman projects that Ray and Ben needed for their rental properties. It only took him about an hour to replace the drainpipe and help Ray hang the new mirror over the sink.

As he washed and dried his hands, Calvin asked, ″Anything else you need done while I’m out here?″

Ray knew it wasn’t completely part of Calvin’s job description, but it couldn’t hurt to ask. ″You know anything about woodworking?″

″What kind of woodworking?″

″I’m building a bookcase for Ben for Christmas and it’s crooked.″

″How crooked?″

Ray wanted to say crooked as fuck, but went with something family friendly. ″It’ll likely fall down if you put a book on it.″

Calvin chuckled in amusement. ″Let me see it and I’ll figure it out.″

″I want to do it myself, but I need to know what I did wrong. It’s out in the workshop.″

″I’m happy to help, Ray. Let’s go.″

Calvin followed Ray out to the building where he took off the blanket to show off his project. While Ray turned on the heater, Calvin examined it and checked out the diagram. ″Your problem is that you need clamps.″

″Clamps?″

″You don’t have clamps?″

″I didn’t think I needed any.″

″You can’t just slap those wood blocks on with glue and expect them to stay in place until the glue is completely dry. They’ve slid out of position. When it’s cold like this, it takes longer to dry, likely two days instead of one. That’s why you need the clamps to make sure they’re secure.″

″I thought that’s what the nails were for.″

″Well, they are, but the wood glue gives it extra strength. Those shelves will be holding a lot of weight.″

Ray really hadn’t thought of it that way. ″I guess that makes sense.″

″It’s not a big deal. You’ll learn as you go along. Let me write down a list of the size and style of clamps you need.″

Calvin pulled a notebook from his pocket and did just that. Then he turned back to the shelves. ″First thing to do is take it apart and lay out each board. You’ve got to measure those support blocks exactly at the same position on the side boards.″

Calvin drew a picture that showed Ray how to apply the clamps to hold the blocks in place before the bookcase was even assembled. ″Once they’re all dry, you’re good to go. When you put the thing together, lay it flat on the table to make sure it’s squared off before you use the first nail. This diagram doesn’t show it, but you also need to cut two longer boards to crisscross the back to support the frame. Or you could put a whole piece of board on the back. It’s up to you. But you need something to keep it square.″

Calvin once again resorted to drawing it out for Ray. He did some quick math and then wrote the length of the boards Ray needed to cut. ″You use thinner pieces for that.″ Again, Calvin quickly wrote out some details and instructions.

As he handed the paper to Ray, he said, ″I made something similar to this for my kid Jamie.″

″I really appreciate this, Calvin.″

″No problem. If you want, I could take it and finish it myself. I could bring back by Friday so you could wrap it.″

As tempting as that was, Ray shook his head. ″That’ a great offer, but like I said, I want to do this myself. Ben’s always making stuff for people, so I thought I’d try my hand at it.″

″Well, it’s a good first effort. Just stick with it. It gets easier with practice. You’ve also got to have the right tools. Go buy the clamps and you should be able to get this done in time for Christmas.″ Calvin picked up the stain. ″Good choice, just be sure to sand everything before assembly and be sure to clean off the saw dust before you stain.″

″Can’t I stain before I put everything together?″

″I wouldn’t, not if you’re using glue. Like I said, take it one step at a time. I’m sure Fraser will appreciate the effort.″

″I hope so.″

″Oh, he will.″

″How can you be so sure?″

Calvin shrugged. ″Just a guess. When my wife or Jamie do something special for me, it means the world. I still have a clay mug my son gave me. It’s looks like a glob, but he made it for me with his own hands in art class when he was seven. I’ll have that thing until the day I die. I’m not saying Fraser will be that way with this bookcase, but you get my point. People like the personal touch.″

Ray shook Calvin’s hand. ″Thanks for all the tips.″

″You’re welcome. Now, I have a railing to install back in town. I’ll see you later, Ray.″

″Be sure to put the invoice for the bathroom work on our bill.″

″You bet. Merry Christmas.″

″Merry Christmas to you, too.″

As Calvin climbed into his van and drove off, Ray glanced back at his bookcase. He hoped like hell he could make it look better than a glob. He turned off the heat and headed to town to pick up clamps and more wood just in case he fucked up what he already had. He was going to build the fucking thing even if it killed him.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

The clamps did the trick and by Friday morning, Ray was sure he’d built something that didn’t look like shit. Following Calvin’s instructions, everything came together a lot easier. He just needed to add the last layer of wax to seal the stain and he could proudly say he’d made something that would not only hold books but didn’t look half-bad, either. Woodworking didn’t appeal to him like fixing an engine, but Ray was glad that he hadn’t thrown in the towel. His efforts paid off and he couldn’t wait to give it to Ben.

As he picked up the rag to do the last coat, his cell phone rang. Ray saw the display, but didn’t recognize the number. He answered, ″Kowalski. Who’s this?″

″This is Taylor Whitting.″

″I’m not interested.″

″I didn’t say anything about what I wanted yet.″

″Whatever you’re selling, I’m not buying.″

″I’m not selling anything, Mr. Kowalski. I’m Alex Vanicek’s lawyer.″

Ray’s mood went dark. The fucker had a lot of fucking nerve to call him after what his client did. ″Then I’m definitely not interested.″

Before Ray could click off, Whitting pleaded, ″Wait. Please, listen.″

Ray took pity on the guy. Besides, he was curious. What the hell would he want with him? Nothing he could say would help Vanicek’s case, just the opposite. ″Okay. You’ve got two minutes. Better make it good.″

″Thank you. I appreciate that.″

″Tick tock, Mr. Whitting.″

The man spoke faster. ″Mr. Vanicek is asking to see you.″

Ray was suddenly even more intrigued. ″Why does he want to see me? I got his ass arrested.″

″I know, but for some strange reason, he trusts you.″

″Well, that’s one of us. I don’t trust him. He nearly killed my dog with ketamine and was going to do the same to me.″

″I understand your hostility, Mr. Kowalski, but I really think you should meet with him.″

″Why should I? What could he possibly have to say that would interest me? He’s made a plea deal, right?″

″He has, but he’s thinking of retracting it if you don’t help him.″

Changing his plea would throw a wrench into Ben’s case and might fuck up his investigation. Fucking criminals really knew how to mess with people. Even so, Ray had to admit he was curious as to what Vanicek thought he could do to help him out of his mess. He was pretty much cooked for the next twenty years. ″What does he think I can do that you can’t?″

″I’m not sure. I just know he’s threatening to go to trial, which I think would be a huge mistake for him and a major headache for the Crown. It would also open him up to international prosecution. I really think you should talk to him. It won’t take but an hour or so of your time.″

Ray wasn’t happy spending even a minute of time with Vanicek, but if it would keep him from retracting his plea, he’d be willing to do it. ″When?″

″Thank you. I appreciate this.″

Ray repeated himself. ″When?″

″This afternoon at two. I’ll arrange it with the detention facility.″

″I’ll be there, but tell your client not to expect a lot of sympathy and to keep any sob stories he might have to himself.″

″I’ll tell him. I’ll see you at two, sir.″

The phone went dead and Ray closed it out. He needed to go inside and clean up. He’d worry about telling Ben about the call once he knew what the fuck Vanicek was up to.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

″Thanks for seeing me.″

Ray studied the man across from him. He looked a lot rougher than the last time he’d seen him. He sported a black eye and a fat lip. He hadn’t been inside that long and only in jail, not prison yet. It was going to be a rough couple of decades. Not that Ray had any pity for the guy. He’d done enough to deserve whatever he got in terms of a sentence. Still, he didn’t like the idea that a guy couldn’t serve his time without being battered even in Canada.

″What happened to your face?″

″Just a disagreement about whose food I had on my plate.″

Ray could just imagine the little power play over food between prisoners, the old guard versus the new. It was always a bid for dominance from the start.

″Got it. So, what do you want, Vanicek?″

″I need you to do me a favor.″

″That’s rich. Why in the fuck would I do you a favor?″

″Look, I know I fucked up, right? And I’m going to pay for it. But Frank isn’t like me. They’ve got him in solitary which helps, but he’s not going to make it in a place like this.″

″He should’ve thought about that before he started abusing his dogs and selling protected animals.″

Vanicek leaned in against the table, his voice tight and his eyes desperate. ″But that’s on me. I convinced him to get involved. He wanted nothing to do with it.″

″He’s an adult. That excuse doesn’t fly.″

″Listen, his lawyer is shitty. I need you to ask your buddy Moody to take Frank’s case.″

Ray sat back like he’d been punched. ″You what?″

″He’s your partner, right? He’s good, one of the best criminal lawyers around. Everybody says so. I need you to have him get Frank a better deal than five years. He won’t make it that long.″

Ben had told him the details about the case, so Ray knew that wasn’t an easy fix. ″The deal’s already been signed. He’s getting five years.″

″I know, but the deal doesn’t say where he has to serve it. There are minimum security places he could go to. His lawyer’s a putz. He needs someone better to fight for him. I’ve got money. I can pay for it. I just need you to convince Moody. He won’t take my call.″

″For good reason. There’s a conflict of interest since I was involved in the case that got you both arrested.″

″But Frank wasn’t involved in me coming after you. He didn’t know a thing about it.″

″Which is why he only got five years and not twenty.″

″I know, but you need to do this, Kowalski. If I revoke my deal, it could take months for this thing to go to trial. I’ve even had some American cops saying they’d try me in the States for the kidnapping charge for Susan Hanover. You’d have to testify. It’d be a big hassle. I don’t think you want that.″

″So, now you’re trying to blackmail me?″

″Not blackmail. I just want you to have an incentive to get him a decent lawyer. He might be stuck with the five years, but he doesn’t have to do hard time like I will.″

Ray thought about it and hated the idea of putting Gus in that position. Still, the idea of Vanicek making everything a big pain in the ass didn’t play right, either. ″What if I ask and he says no? He’s not inclined to take cases where he knows for sure a guy’s guilty.″

″I just need your word that you’ll ask him and try your best to convince him to take the case. If he still says no, then I’ll ask somebody else. I know Frank and me will never be together again, but I don’t want the reason for that to be that he was murdered or went crazy in prison. I want him to be able to do his time and then get out and move on.″

Ray knew Vanicek was a crumb, a real slimeball, but he also knew that the guy loved Frank Bailey. He loved him enough to put his own welfare in jeopardy. He might despise the man and his crimes, but he did respect his devotion to his boyfriend.

Against his better judgment, Ray took a deep breath and then nodded. ″I’ll ask. I’ll call your lawyer with his answer. Don’t expect him to say yes, but I swear I’ll give it my best shot.″

″That’s all I ask. Thank you.″

″Don’t thank me. I’m doing this to keep you from fucking up the case.″

Vanicek smiled for the first time during their meeting. ″Whatever the reason, I appreciate it. We both know Frank won’t last a month in a regular prison.″

Ray hated to admit it, but he had to agree. He’d just never say that to Vanicek ″I think you should stop worrying about Frank and start looking out for yourself.″

Vanicek pointed at his own bruises ″What? This?″ Then he laughed. ″This is nothing. You should see the other guy.″

Ray really didn’t want to.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

″Ray? What are you doing here?″

″Can I come in?″

Gus opened the door to his house a little wider. ″Sure, sorry.″

Ray wiped his feet on the welcome mat before going inside. He took off his wool hat and just held it. ″I should’ve called first, but I was in a hurry.″

″What’s going on?″

″We need to talk.″

Gus must have seen something serious in his face because he didn’t argue. Instead he motioned to a door. ″Let’s go into my study.″

Once they were behind closed doors, Gus sat down. He was in casual clothes instead of a suit for a change. He looked good in jeans and blue cardigan sweater. It suited him. ″So, what’s wrong?″

Ray stared out the window to the side garden that was now all snow-covered. Come summer it would be full of bright red and yellow flowers. Gus’s wife had a green thumb. Ray pulled his attention back to his partner. ″I talked to Alex Vanicek about half an hour ago.″

″Vanicek? Why the hell would you be talking to him?″

″He had his lawyer call me. He wants you to represent his partner Frank Bailey.″

Gus frowned in confusion. ″I thought he made a deal already.″

″He has, but Vanicek is worried about where he’ll spend his time. He doesn’t think he’ll do well in prison.″

″I’m not sure what that has to do with me.″

″He wants you to be his lawyer and get his sentence done in a minimum security facility.″

″Ray, that’s down to the lawyer he already has to argue.″

″Vanicek doesn’t think he’s up to the task.″

Gus hesitated as he assessed the situation. ″And he thought you could convince me to do the job instead?″

″He did.″

″Why? What did he use to convince you to do that?″

Ray moved to the chair in front of Gus’s desk and sat down. ″He’s threatening to take back his confession and go to trial.″

″That would be a huge mistake.″

″I agree, but he’s willing to do it to help Bailey.″

″Why?″

″They were partners.″

Gus still didn’t get it. ″But why would he put himself in legal danger to help this guy?″

Ray had never mentioned that Bailey and Vanicek were more than partners in crime. ″They were lovers.″

Gus’s eyes went wide in surprise. ″Fuck. For real?″

″For real. He’s afraid that Bailey won’t do well in prison and from the short time I was with him, I think he’s right. Bailey might have done shitty things but he’s emotionally fragile.″

″Being gay doesn’t make him more vulnerable than anyone else.″

″It’s not about him being gay, Gus. It’s about how he handles things. He was in a near panic before he was even arrested. And from what Vanicek tells me, it was Alex who ran the show, not Bailey.″

″He could be lying about that because of their relationship.″

″He could be, but I don’t think so. I’ve got a feel for things like this. I can tell when someone’s lying and Vanicek is seriously worried about Bailey. I know it’s a big ask.″

″A huge ask.″

″And I know it’ll be a pain in the ass, but could you at least think about it?″

″About taking on Bailey’s case?″

″Yeah.″

″Not Vanicek’s?″

″No, not Vanicek’s.″

It took a long minute before Gus finally answered. ″Does Bailey know that Vanicek is looking to oust his lawyer?″

″He didn’t say, so I don’t know.″

″Well, first things first, if I do this, I’ll need to talk to Bailey’s lawyer and see the score there. Then I’ll talk to Bailey. I need to see the details of his plea agreement.″

″But you’ll try to see if you can get him a minimum security placement?″

″I will, but only as a favor to you.″

″I appreciate it, Gus.″

″You should. I don’t normally take on a client like this.″

″I know. But as much as I hate what Bailey did, I don’t want him to end up dead in prison.″

Gus’s expression grew more serious. ″You really think that’s a possibility?″

″Vanicek does and from what little I know about the guy, yeah, I do.″

″Then I’ll do what I can, Ray. I can’t reduce his sentence, but I can see about a mental health assessment. Hell, his lawyer should’ve already asked for it. We’ll go from there.″

Ray stood up and held out a hand. ″Thanks, Gus.″

His partner shook his hand. ″Don’t thank me yet. I might not be able to pull this off.″

″Well, if anyone can, you can.″

Ray walked out of the house and got in his truck. He hoped like hell he’d done the right thing. He also hoped like hell that Ben felt the same way.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

″You did what?″

Ray sat at the table in the station break room and held the hot coffee cup with both hands. ″You heard me.″

″I did, in fact, hear you. I’m just not sure I understand why you would do such a rash thing.″

″I have my reasons.″

Ben sat down across from him. He put his tea down between them. ″I’d like to hear them.″

″Bailey wouldn’t get off. He’s still going to serve his time.″

″I should hope so after what he’s done. Some of the animals in his care have died because of his neglect. Then there are the animals that have died because of being sold. He’s responsible for that.″

″And he’ll pay for that. But we both know how tough regular prison can be and I don’t want to be responsible for the guy cracking up or getting hurt. You’ve met him. You know he’d be easy prey in one of those places.″

″Perhaps, but I’m not sure why that’s our concern.″

″I don’t know about you, but it’s my concern because I helped put him there.″

″That’s not true, Ray. His own actions put him there.″

Ray could see the tension in his partner’s face. He was definitely not happy about what Ray tried to do. ″Maybe that’s true.″

″There’s no maybe about it.″

″Okay, listen, the real reason is selfish.″

Ben raised an eyebrow. ″Selfish? In what way?″

″If Vanicek changed his plea, it’d be a mess. You’d have more work. I’d have to testify. I want this thing over and done with.″

″What Vanicek did with that threat is tantamount to extortion.″

″Maybe, but if by getting Gus to check out the case makes Vanicek stick with the plea deal, it’ll be worth it.″

Ben sipped his tea and Ray waited and then waited some more. Finally, Ray asked, ″Are we okay?″

″Of course we’re okay. It’s just I wish you’d called me before you agreed to see Vanicek on your own.″

″What? You’d want to come with me?″

″The man shot our dog and almost took you as a hostage. I don’t like the idea of you seeing him alone.″

Ray reached over and touched Ben’s arm. ″He was in chains and under guard. He’s not a threat to me now.″

″I know that logically, but…″

It wasn’t a big stretch to finish that sentence. ″It still gets to you emotionally.″

″Yes, Ray, it does. I wasn’t there to protect you.″

″But it worked out.″

Ben lifted his eyes and gazed at Ray. ″I don’t want you seeing him again if he should ask.″

″I doubt he’ll ask.″

″I don’t. He’s a manipulative bastard.″

Ray snickered in amusement. ″You said bastard.″

″I did and thought worse pronouncements on his despicable character.″

Ray’s amusement eased and he leaned in a little closer. ″I won’t see him again without you as an escort. Promise.″

″Good.″

Ray whispered. ″I wish I could kiss you.″

″I wish you could, too, but we’ll both have to be satisfied with the prospect of delayed gratification.″

″Is that a fancy way of saying we’ll get down and dirty later?″

″It is.″

″Good. I can go with that.″

″I thought you could.″

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

Ray woke to smell of bacon and cinnamon. He smiled to himself and realized the day. It was Christmas eve and Ben was making breakfast.

Rolling out of bed, Ray hit the can and washed up quickly. He grabbed his thick plaid robe and headed to the kitchen. Ben was dressed in jeans and a blue flannel shirt over his Henley. He looked better than the bacon smelled and that was saying something. ″Hey, handsome.″

Ben blushed. ″Good morning, Ray. Merry Christmas eve.″

Ray moved in from behind and wrapped his arms around Ben’s middle. He kissed him on the side of his neck. ″Merry Christmas eve. Whatever you’re cooking, I want some.″

″The buns are nearly done.″

Ray released Ben and grabbed a piece of bacon, munching on it while he poured himself a cup of coffee. He sugared his drink and then sat down at the table. ″Why’d you get up so early?″

″There’s a lot to do today and, frankly, I worked up an appetite last night.″

Ray chuckled and his cheeks warmed as he thought about all the sexual antics that went on well past midnight. Holiday sex was some of the best sex ever. ″You could’ve worked it up even more this morning if you’d stayed in bed long enough for me to wake up.″

″I realize that, but I really was hungry. I’ve already had some toast.″

Ray knew Ben really must have been starving to eat without him. ″Hope you saved room for the rest.″

″Never fear. There’s still plenty of room left.″ Ben put the cinnamon rolls on a rack to cool while he finished making the scrambled eggs to go with the bacon.

Ray glanced around and didn’t see the dogs. ″Where are Dief and Yuki?″

″I let them out to run for a while. They were being quite obnoxious about wanting the bacon.″

″I’ll bet.″

″It’s not good for them.″

″It’s not good for us, either, but it’s so good.″

″Indeed.″ Ben divided the eggs onto Ray’s plate and then his own. Then he moved the bacon dish to the middle of the table for them to share. ″Do you want toast?″

″No, this will do. I’ll have a roll after I finish.″

″Of course.″ Before he sat down, Ben quickly frosted the buns and let the white icing melt over them.

Once he was at the table, he grabbed the last of the bacon. Ray admired how Ben went to town with his food. ″You really were hungry.″

″I don’t usually let myself get so hungry. I tend to overeat when I do.″

″I’ve never seen you overeat.″

″Of course you have. I’ve often overindulged on many special occasions. Of course, I pay for it later with having to walk and exercise more.″

″I guess, but your overindulging doesn’t really look like it compared to others.″

Ben drank some of his orange juice, a rare thing on their table. ″I suppose it’s all relative. I try to keep my weight down, but it’s not easy if I eat more than I should. I don’t get nearly as much activity now that I’m working at the station. It’s harder to burn off calories from a desk.″

″I get that. I don’t work out nearly enough, either. In fact, I’ve been thinking...″

″Oh, dear.″

″Funny guy. But seriously, I know we get exercise working around here, what with walking the dogs, cutting wood and whatnot, but I’m not sure it’s enough. Glen Whitefeather was telling me about his gym. He works out three times a week and the guy is super fit. Says they even have a boxing ring.″

Ben finished the last of his bacon and eggs before wiping his mouth with a napkin. ″What are you suggesting?″

″I’m thinking it wouldn’t hurt to check it out. Glen says it’s close to the office and the station, sort of midway. He also said the membership fees are reasonable. We could work out before coming home or go on the weekends.″

″It’s definitely something to consider. Perhaps we can check on it next week.″

″Good, because I called and got us visitor passes for Monday at lunchtime. I hope you can make it.″

″I think I can manage.″ Ben chuckled and stood up, taking his plate to the sink. He got two saucers down and served a roll on each one. He handed one to Ray before he sat down again. ″What’s the name of this place?″

″Chancy’s Gym.″

″It’s certainly worth a look-see.″

Ray bit into the soft warm bun and closed his eyes. The rich heat of the cinnamon washed across his tongue reviving memories of his childhood. He flashed on all those holidays in the past when his mother would bake him his favorite treat. He actually felt her arms around him, her fingers teasing back his bangs, her sweet kisses on the top of his head as she’d say she loved him. She always called him Stanley even then, even after everyone else had switched to Raymond or Ray. Suddenly his eyes stung with the grief of losing his mother.

Ben’s hand rested on his forearm. ″Ray? Are you alright? You’re crying.″

Ray opened his eyes and left the past to see the present. ″My mum always made these for me every Christmas. I was just thinking how she’ll never do that again.″

″Aw, Ray, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you.″

″You didn’t. I love the rolls. It’s not about the rolls.″

″I know.″

″What do you know?″

″I know you miss your mother.″

″I’m a grown man. It shouldn’t bother me this much. It’s normal to move on.″

Ben sat back, but never looked away. ″It might be normal to move on once you’re grown and your mother is deceased. It’s not normal for someone to cut you out of their lives because of who you love. I’m sorry that she did that.″

″My father did that.″

″But she has, too.″

God, how Ray hated to face that fact. ″You’re right. It’d be easy to put the blame all on Dad, but she has a choice, too. She chose him. I get that, because I chose you and I’ll never regret it.″

″I wish there were a way that your parents could accept you.″

″It’s not about me anymore. It’s about us. If they can’t accept the us in the equation, I don’t need them. Does that make me sad? Yeah. But it also pisses me off. And that’s the thing. I’m tired of being mad about it. I’ve got to let it go. It’s Christmas eve and I don’t want to be mad about anything. I also don’t want to be sad, either. I just want to love you and enjoy the day. I don’t think that’s too much to ask.″

″I don’t think so, either. I love you, too, Ray.″

″Good.″ Ray stood up and grabbed another roll. ″Now, let the mutts in and let’s start a fire, light the tree and just be cozy. Want to?″

″I want to very much.″

″Great. Greatness. You do the fire and I’ll light the tree and call for the dogs.″

″Excellent.″

Ray grinned and thought it was more than excellent. It was perfect.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

It was nearly two in the afternoon before Ray bothered to shower, shave and get dressed. He was putting on his boots when he heard the phone ring and Ben yelling from the living room. ″Ray, there’s a call for you. It’s Gus.″

It wasn’t the first time Ray regretted having the bedroom phone removed earlier in the year. He’d thought it was a good idea at the time, but not so much at the present. He’d actually argued with Ben about it, but he had to admit when he was wrong and take it like a man. Ray hurried to get the call and griped. ″We really need a phone in the bedroom.″

Ben handed him the receiver with an I-told-you-so grin. ″I agree. I’ll get on that next week.″

Ray admired his partner’s restraint and took the phone. ″Kowalski.″

″Ray, it’s Gus.″

″Hey. What’s the news?″

″I talked to Bailey’s lawyer and he’s fine about letting me poach the case.″

That surprised Ray. Most lawyers who weren’t court-appointed or pro bono didn’t like losing out on the fees. It could run to big money. ″Really?″

″Yes. To be honest, I have to agree with Vanicek’s assessment. The man is new and not up to the task of dealing with a case of this magnitude.″

″Did you talk to Bailey directly?″

″I did and I also read the deal that was struck. He’s not just getting five years of prison time, but another five years of closely supervised probation and that’s only if he’s got good behavior for the first five. Otherwise, the whole ten years will be behind bars.″

That was news to Ray. ″Really. That’s not what I heard.″

″I know. First thing Monday, I plan to file for a mental health assessment. I don’t want him transferred to a regular prison until that’s done.″

″Then you agree that he’s vulnerable.″

″Which is why he’ll stay in solitary for now. At least his lawyer had enough sense to call for that as a stipulation until the transfer.″

″When is the transfer supposed to happen?″

″Not for another month.″

″So he’s in solitary confinement for another month?″

″He is.″

Ray knew it was for Bailey’s protection, but he couldn’t imagine being stuck in a cell like that with no human interaction except with guards for days on end. It would be like torture. ″That’s rough.″

″I know, but it’s to keep him safe from the general population as well as so the guards can watch him more closely.″

That was like a big red flag. ″Are you suggesting he’s on suicide watch?″

″It’s in his file that he tried to hang himself the first night he was there, so, yes.″

Well, fuck. ″I didn’t know that. I don’t think Vanicek knows it, either.″

″Nobody knows except the jail officials, the doctor and his lawyer.″

″So, why the hell hasn’t the mental health assessment already been done?″

″I asked that myself and according to the jail doctor, a Dr. Aaron Banks, he doesn’t think it was a ‘real’ attempt. He wrote it off as attention-seeking. What an asshole.″

″Sounds like it.″

″Anyway, I thought I’d update you on what’s happening. I’ll get an evaluation report and use it to make sure he’s got the best environment for his sentence. He’s cooperated with the authorities and given them access to all his files. There’s no reason for him to be put at risk. He’s got no previous record for violent crimes unlike his partner and his case is separated from Vanicek’s.″

″You sound like you’re ready to go in and fight for a better deal.″

″I might be. This is an interesting case. I wish I’d gotten it sooner. Right now it’s Christmas and I’m frustrated that I can’t get much done short of an emergency and I sure as hell don’t want to get a late night phone call that Bailey’s tried to off himself again or worse.″

″I feel the same way.″

″Anyway, that’s my update. I’ll see you when the office opens again on Wednesday. I’ll have a better handle on what’s happening by then. Merry Christmas to you and Fraser.″

″Right back at you to you and Ana. Thanks again for doing this, Gus.″

″You’re welcome.″

Once he hung up, Ray turned to see Ben watching him carefully. ″What?″

″I take it Gus is taking over the Bailey case?″

He knew Ben didn’t approve of giving Bailey any special treatment, but he needed to make him understand why he asked for Gus’s help. ″Did you know that Bailey tried to hang himself?″

Ben shook his head, his expression even more serious than before. ″No, I didn’t know that.″

″Gus is going to ask for a mental health assessment.″

″It sounds like it should’ve already been done.″

″He’s going for a second opinion. The guy’s a mess and he made a lot of mistakes, but he deserves decent treatment.″

″I don’t disagree.″

″I’m glad.″ Ray stepped closer to Ben. ″I don’t really want to think about Bailey or the case. But I have to ask, what about Fergus?″

″What about Fergus?″

″How’s his mental health? I know you’re concerned about him. Does he have a place to go for Christmas?″

″He does. At my suggestion, he flew home to Yellowknife to be with his family.″

Ray nodded in approval and relief. ″That’s good. Maybe it’ll help get him some perspective.″

″I hope so. We’re supposed to get two more officers to help us with the case on Monday. That should ease the workload.″

″That’s good. You didn’t tell me that.″

″I didn’t know until right before I left yesterday. Inspector Paris informed me at the last minute.″

Ray grinned. ″And we had other things to do and talk about when you got home. Works for me.″

″Indeed.″ Ben gently touched the side of Ray’s face. ″We need more wood for the fire. Would you get it from the porch, please?″

Ray thought it was an odd request. Ben usually got the wood in, but he went along with it. ″Sure. I can do that.″

At minus twenty degrees, even going out on the front porch required a hat and coat. Ray got bundled up and went outside with his tote. He filled it to the brim and figured he might come back for another load just to be safe. Inside, he stacked the wood carefully by the fire. Then turned to see Ben coming from the bedroom carrying a large package. ″Trying to be Santa and slip that under the tree?″

Ben smiled and shrugged. He walked over and put it toward the back, leaning it against the wall. ″I wanted to surprise you.″

″Like I wouldn’t notice it? It’s bigger than all the rest.″

″I was planning to distract you.″

Ray dropped the tote and stepped closer. ″Distract me, huh?″

″Yes.″

″I can go with that. Distract away.″

And Ben did for the rest of the afternoon.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

Christmas eve, Christmas eve, Christmas eve. Ray chanted that in his head. It was his favorite day of the year. Even so, he felt a bit edgy. They’d just gotten back from checking out the lights in town, something they’d started doing the year before. He was still stuffed from the great Christmas dinner and dessert. It was nearly time for opening presents. The problem was, he still had no idea how to get Santa to bring the bookcase he’d made in from the workshop.

Ben settled on the sofa beside him and put a hand on his shoulder. ″Ray, what’s wrong?″

Leave it to Ben to zero in on his worries. ″Nothing’s wrong. Everything’s perfect.″

″Then why are you being so reticent? At this point you’d usually be excited about us opening our presents.″

″I am excited.″ Ray decided to come clean. ″There’s just one problem.″

″What problem?″

″I made you a present and it’s too big to wrap. It’s also still out in the workshop. I wanted to surprise you, but I can’t figure out a way to do that.″

″You made me something?″

Ray chuckled and rolled his eyes. ″Like you didn’t know that already.″

″I suspected, but I actually thought you’d given up on such a project.″

″Well, I didn’t. And now I don’t know how I’m going to give it to you. I should’ve figured it out already, but I haven’t. I suck.″

″You don’t suck.″ Ben smiled and cupped his cheek. ″I have a suggestion.″

″What?″

″Why don’t we open the gifts that are under the tree and then we can go out to the workshop to view your masterpiece together?″

Ray decided then and there, he had to lower Ben’s expectations in a hurry. ″Listen, it’s no masterpiece, nothing like you can do. It’s a first attempt, okay, so you’ve got to figure that it’s not perfect.″

″It’ll be perfect for me. You made it yourself.″

″Guilty as charged.″

Ben smiled and kissed Ray on the cheek. ″I’m looking forward to seeing it.″

″I hope you’re not disappointed.″

″I won’t be. But for now, let’s forestall the reveal and open the rest of our presents. I’ll play St. Nick.″

Ray corrected him. ″It’s Santa.″

″Semantics. He’s based on the same mythological representation of good will.″

″Mythological? You saying Santa’s not real?″

″He’s as real as we want him to be.″

″Then he’s pretty real.″ Ray sighed and added, ″We need as much representation of good will as we can get these days.″

″Indeed we do.″ Ben got up and sorted through the presents. He left all those for the Vecchio’s under the tree to be delivered the next day when they went for Christmas dinner. All the others he delivered to Ray on the sofa with some spill over to the chair by the fire. Both dogs were intrigued but followed Ben’s hand order to stay put. Yuki whined, but Dief was an old pro about being the audience to humans and their presents. It helped that Ray gave them both a big bone to chew on while they watched from their places on their rugs.

Ben held out the smallest gift. ″I had Ray special order it for you.″

Ray ripped the paper to find a jewelry box. He opened to find a tie pin with an enameled Champion Spark Plug on it. ″Oh, my god, where’s you find this?″

″It was in a catalog. I ordered when he first opened the store. I immediately thought of your tattoo. I wouldn’t normally buy you a tie pin, but now that you’re wearing more suits, I thought it fitting.″

″I love it. Thank you.″ Ray kissed him on the cheek and gave him the tie pin he’d bought. ″I got this at Style, too.″

Ben grinned when he saw the Maple leaf. ″How fitting. Thank you.″

″Every time I see one of those, I think of you.″

″As well you should since it’s a national symbol.″

Ray grabbed another present and gave it to Ben. ″It seemed everywhere I looked, I saw something you might like.″

Ben opened the red cashmere scarf and lifted it from the box. ″It’s beautiful.″

″It’s the same color as your dress uniform, Mountie Red. I know you mostly wear the blue now but I kind of miss the red.″

His partner wrapped the wool around his neck. ″I love it. I love you. Thank you.″ He leaned in for another kiss which Ray gave easily. If he were honest, the kisses were great gifts on their own.

Ben handed him another present, one that was in an obvious shirt box. Ray ripped it open and pulled out a new wool pullover sweater, heather blue. It was his favorite color except for the red Ben wore. ″Love it.″

Then he gave another kiss before giving Ben a box he’d added at the last minute. Ben opened it and smiled. ″Pemmican?″

″Not just any pemmican. Rainie told me that her cousin Eddie made it and it’s made with caribou like they used to do in the old days.″

″Then I’m sure it’s wonderful. The old ways are the best and it’s difficult to find.″

″Tell me about it. I was just lucky that I was complaining to her about it and she told me about Eddie making it for the family. I guess I got included in that because we’re friends with Vecchio.″

″Thank you, Ray. It’s very thoughtful.″

Ray gave him one more present. ″Here. These kind of go with what’s out in the workshop.″

″Really?″ Ben opened the gifts and read the titles. ″I’ve not read these.″

″Jack at the bookstore said they’d just come in.″

″This is wonderful, thank you. I’ll examine them closer later.″

Ben then handed him the biggest of the presents. Ray teased. ″This is the one you were trying to sneak in.″

″It is. I just finished it.″

Ray’s hands stalled at ripping the paper. ″You made it?″

″I did.″

″Well, it doesn’t feel like a statue of David or a moose.″

″It’s not.″

Ray was glad of that, but he didn’t want to say it. Statues didn’t do much for him. He finished unwrapping and then opened the box. His eyes went wide as he realized what he was seeing. ″Oh my god. A chessboard?″

″And the pieces.″

Ray pulled out the board where he could see the checkerboard pattern of wood, dark and light. It was smooth and well crafted. ″Wow, this is beautiful.″ Then he pulled out the first piece, a light wood pawn, probably oak, and the others pieces including the king and queen, all carved and polished. They were in the representation of wolves in different positions. ″These are incredible.″

″My own design. Of course, Diefenbaker and Yuki will likely both try to take partial credit since they were the models.″

″This is amazing. I love it.″ Ray leaned in and hugged Ben before going back to looking at each piece. ″Beautiful. I’ve never seen anything like this.″

″I’m glad you like it.″

″I love it. Help me set it up on the table.″

They took a break and set up all the pieces on the kitchen table. Ray stood there and admired it. ″We’ve got to play a game later, do a test run.″

″That’s the idea, yes.″

″This makes my gift look really lame.″

″Not at all. I’m sure whatever you’ve made is wonderful and heartfelt.″

″Heartfelt anyway.″

″But before we go outside to see it, I have one more gift.″ Ben went to the pile and brought over another square box, one a little larger than the shirt box. ″Open it.″

Ray expected another sweater. Instead there was a Stetson just like the one Ben wore with his uniform. ″What’s this?″

″It’s your big hat.″

Still confused, Ray didn’t get it. ″My big hat?″

″It’s the big hat you’ll need for what else is in the box.″

At the bottom of the box was a bright red folder. Ray read the title out loud. ″Canadian Citizenship: Applications and Forms.″

Ben finally explained. ″Chief Superintendent Knox helped me advance your citizenship application. I’ve filled out most of the final forms. You just have to sign them so I can turn them in. An immigration agent here in Whitehorse has scheduled a meeting for two weeks from Monday. After that, you’ve got the test and you could be sworn in by February.″

Ray couldn’t believe it, but he finally got the joke. He put the hat on his head and grinned. ″I’ve got my big hat and I’ve got my Mountie. I think that pretty much makes it a done deal that I’m going to be a Canadian.″

″Soon.″

″Very soon. February is right around the corner.″ Ray pulled Ben into his arms and kissed him like crazy. Then he pulled back. ″I’m going to be a Canadian, finally.″

″Yes.″ Ben returned the kisses and gave as good as he got.

Ray got so warmed up, he nearly forgot that there was one more gift. ″We still need to go out to look at your last present.″

Ben pulled back, his voice breathy. ″Why don’t we wait on that while we celebrate your hat?″

″I can go with that.″ Ray took off his hat and put it on Ben’s head. ″My hat is your hat.″

″And my heart is your heart.″

Ray couldn’t have said it any better, so he didn’t. He answered with more kisses and a trip to their bedroom.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

Epilogue: Christmas Morning

Ray lay on his side with Ben in his arms. They’d spent most of the night making love off and on. All his muscles had that easy sluggishness that came with good fucking with the man he loved. Ben licked his nipple. ″Merry Christmas.″

Closing his eyes, Ray soaked up the sensation. ″Merry Christmas to you, too.″

″I love the bookcase. It’s perfect.″

″Not perfect.″

Ben kissed his chin. ″Perfect.″

″I’m glad you like it.″

″I like it very much. It’s just the right size for the bedroom.″

During the night, they’d brought the thing in and put it against he wall. Ben had eagerly put his books on the shelves. Ray had to giggle when he realized he was putting them in alphabetical order by author. ″You should’ve been a librarian.″

″If I hadn’t been a Mountie, I might have been. My grandparents would’ve been happy for me to take their place.″

Ray sighed and thought about what that might have meant for both their lives. ″I’m glad you decided to join up and not do the bookmobile routine. I know you love to read, but not as much as you love justice.″

″Very true.″

″Plus, we would’ve never met.″

Ben nibbled on Ray’s ear. ″Also true.″

Ray chuckled. ″If you’re trying to start something, you’re going to have to wait a little bit. I’m not as young as I used to be.″

Ben slipped down and rested his head against Ray’s chest. ″I’m a very patient man. I can wait.″

″You know if I fall asleep at Vecchio’s today, I’m blaming you.″

″You have every right, but you can’t deny that we had a lovely time.″

″We had a fucking great time.″

The rumble of Ben’s soft laugh tickled Ray’s skin. ″Yes, yes, we did. It seems every year our Christmas gets better.″

″You bet.″ Ray hugged Ben a little tighter against him. ″So when are we due at Vecchio’s?″

″Not until noon.″

″What time is it now?″

″Nine.″

″Nine? We never sleep this late.″ Then Ray corrected himself. ″Then again, we’ve not exactly been sleeping.″

″Not unless we’ve been making love in our sleep.″

″Can a person do that? Make love while he’s asleep?″

″He can actually. It’s called sexsomnia.″

″You’re kidding.″

″I’m not. It’s a rare condition, but it can happen.″

″Wow, well, no thanks to that. I want to be awake and with it when we do it.″

Ben lifted his head from Ray’s chest and kissed him. ″I’m awake. You’re awake.″

Ray grinned. ″We sure are. It seems a shame to waste the opportunity for more holiday sex.″

″Absolutely. I have every intention to have holiday sex with you at every opportunity.″

″Well, Merry Christmas to me then.″

″And me.″

″You’ve got it. Love you.″

″Love you more.″

Ray sank down and let Ben take his time to deliver more Christmas cheer. It was the best Canadian Christmas ever.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&The End

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