Disclaimer: Ray Vecchio, Fraser and company do not belong to me. I just wanted to play with them for a minute or two – that's all. ;-)

This is the start of a fic that will contain many spoilers. Here are the ones I can think of at the moment. This story takes place between Flashback and Burning Down the House. Spoilers include Victoria's Secret, Letting Go, All the Queen's Horses, and The Deal. I will report any further spoilers at the beginning of subsequent chapters…

But enough of my rambling! Enjoy the show!

Prologue:

"Understood."

Without waiting for a dismissal – it would never come, anyway – Fraser turned and walked out of Welsh's office. He headed resolutely to Ray's desk, and took his customary chair in front of it. Removing his stetson, Fraser placed it calmly in his lap and contemplated his hands.

"Hey, Benny. You okay?" Ray's almost hesitant voice pierced Fraser's thoughts as he looked up at his friend.

"Fine, Ray."

There it is again, Ray thought, that same innocent expression that hides a world of pain. Thinking back, Ray remembered the first time he saw it. It was in the lunchroom, after Zuko's friends had beaten Fraser to a pulp. Fraser knew how upset Ray had become – how he blamed himself. Instead of admitting his own anger and pain, the Mountie had pretended like there was nothing wrong. But he hadn't been able to hide the hissing of his breath as he stood. Ray had known in that instant; his expression was just for show. Fraser didn't ever want to appear weak. Human, yes – weak, no.

That's why Ray was worried about him now.

"You heard what the Lieutenant said…" Ray sat at his own desk and placed his elbows on it, leaning forward. "Right?"

"Yes, Ray."

Vecchio looked down in barely hidden agitation. "And that didn't – I don't know – upset you in any way? Cause any… strong emotions to surface?" He looked in his best friend's eyes. He may as well have been staring at an empty room. "Do you want to talk about it?" He interlocked his fingers and waited.

"Ray…" Fraser blinked, breaking their eye contact as he looked down. "There's nothing to say. They found Victoria, and she's going back to prison." He took a halting breath as he stared at the floor. His voice became so quiet that Ray could hardly hear him. "She killed Jolly and tried to frame us for it." Now he hung his head. "It's where she belongs."

"Yeah, but Fraser," the Mountie looked up at him again, "She turned herself in." Ray shrugged. "That has to count for something."

Fraser leaned forward, his face earnest this time. "She doesn't mean anything to me," he said, perhaps louder than he had intended. "Not anymore." Ray sat back and sighed.

"Okay, Benny – okay." Fraser stood, and Ray followed suit. "You want me to drive you home?"

Fraser hesitated a moment, his hat in his hands. With a slight shake of his head he replied, "No thanks, Ray. I think I'd like to walk."

Ray nodded, and watched his best friend head slowly to the exit – Diefenbaker faithfully trailing behind. Once Fraser was out of sight, Vecchio grabbed his coat and his keys.

There was no way he was going to let his friend wander the streets of Chicago alone. Not tonight.

My first Due South fic. How am I doing thus far?