Chapter 1
"Remind me again why we're up here in Toronto?" Ray asked.
Detective Ray Kowalski of the Chicago P.D. was at the wheel of his black GTO driving southbound on Yonge Street. In the passenger seat was his best friend and running buddy, Constable Benton Fraser of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Fraser's trusted companion, Diefenbaker, was riding in the back.
"Inspector Thatcher is the guest of honour at a function, commemorating her intelligence work with CSIS," Fraser replied.
"The Ice Queen's being honoured," Ray blinked in disbelief. "You'd think they'd do it at the big governmental conference hall thingy."
"That's a common misconception, Ray," Fraser explained. "While Toronto is Canada's largest city, its nation's capital is Ottawa; about another 4-1/2 hour drive east of here. And while the National Congress Centre is there, CSIS for some reason felt it was better to host the event at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre."
"Which still doesn't explain why you asked me to drive you and Dief for 12 hours to this thing when you could have easily flown here in a fraction of the time," Ray complained.
"Well for some reason Air Canada has become real sticklers about allowing pets to travel on their aircraft. Plus throw in the fact there's no guarantee we'd be on the same flight, this was the only way to make sure we'd arrive together," Fraser reasoned.
"I better be reimbursed for the gas money then," Ray demanded.
"Don't be silly, Ray," Fraser reassured, "I'll pay you as soon as I get my next stipend."
The GTO approached an office tower where a bunch of police cars were stationed outside of. The commotion caused Dief to bark in an attempt to get Ray and Fraser's attention.
"Perhaps we should investigate," Fraser suggested after noticing the gathering.
"Fraser, the police are already there," Ray attempted to rationalize. "They're probably interviewing witnesses as we speak."
Fraser, never one to listen to Ray's reasoning, opened the car door and leapt into action with Dief following close behind.
"Fraser!" Ray called out, but to no avail. The Mountie and wolf bolted into the office tower. Ray begrudgingly parked the GTO and followed them inside.