Chapter 1

It had been an exhausting journey which involved a very long bus trip sitting next to a screaming baby and some live animals to a very bumpy plane trip.

Landing in McCarran international airport in Las Vegas Nevada she swept back her hair off her face. It was finally long again after changing it many times she finally felt that she could be herself again as no one seamed to be looking for her.

Stepping up to customs she smiled at the customs officer.

The customs officer returned her smile and asked, "Can I see your passport ma'm you her for business or please Miss Mason" after looking at the name on the passport.

Taking back her passport, "Maybe both not sure yet"

Waving her on she let out a breath she nearly forgot herself and said her name was Metcalf not Mason. She'd been a few names over the time she'd been on the run it was hard a t times to remember who she was at what time.

Settling into the taxi cab she instructed the driver to take to the Luxor hotel.

As they drove to the hotel they made polite conversation, "This your first time to Vegas"?

Nodding, "Yes I'm finally going to try and settle down"?

Cab driver chuckled, "And you chose Vegas, I'm Dave by the way"

Smiling and laughing back, "Ya I must be mad huh, I'm Victoria, Victoria Mason"

Looking into the rear-view mirror, "It's very nice to meet you Victoria, hope you find your fame and fortune here in sin city"

Watching the lights go by, "I hope so to, do you know of anyone looking to hire someone"?

As they neared the hotel he answered, "Actually I do my sister works in the Radamount Hotel and I believe that they are looking for new staff. When we get to your hotel I'll give you her number if you like"

Not believing her luck she filled with hope, "That would be great thank you"

They sat in silence for the remainder of the car journey to the hotel. At the hotel he gave her the card with the number on and told her to ask for Mara Rose.

After checking in Victoria stood looking out the window from what she could over the odd angles of the windows were bright lights and people buzzing about and enjoying themselves.

Victoria picked up the phone and dialled the number on the card. She was happy to have made an appointment for an interview for the next day. She actually had her interview with the boss of the hotel a Mr Langoustini.

Victoria had heard that name before but only by reputation as a ruthless Mafia boss. She didn't know that he owned and ran a hotel and casino so maybe this would work out very well.

All dolled up now she made her way to the hotel bar after a while it turned out to be a big mistake. There was some sort of convention going on and the place was littered with people in costumes one of which was a Mountie in full red serge.

Ben flashed in her mind. The look on his face as the bullet hit him as he attempted to get on the train. It still haunted her no matter what she did love him in some small way but the hate for him was much stronger.

She didn't know if he had lived or died on the train platform she didn't really care to find out. She had moved on now and hoped to find a rich gullible man here in sin city.

Sick of it all Victoria retired to bed and prepared mentally for her meeting tomorrow.

Back in Chicago Ben and Ray Kowalski got back to their house which they had bought together. Now in a committed loving relationship, Even though they were together for some time they were still in that honeymoon phase as Frannie kept telling them claming they were sicken-ally sweet.

Tay had made them a cup of tea and coffee before they went to bed laughing as he spoke, "Did you see Dewey's face I thought he'd pass out"?

Ben shook his head and tutted, "Really Ray Detective Dewey's wife was in labour in the middle of the squad room and too far gone to get to the hospital"

Ray could not stop laughing, "Ya but he couldn't even look down there to help and Cara is his wife. Lucky you delivered a few before so you could deliver the baby. Which I was very impressed with by the way"

Blushing at the complement, "Yes well Cara needed help"

Looking wistful, "The baby was beautiful though huh, Ben how could that beautiful little girl have been Dewey's child"

Sounding and looking astonished, "RAY really"

Laughing harder, "I'm kidding, I'm kidding lets go to bed so I can show you how proud I am of you Mr Mountie. Plus long day tomorrow of dam paper work and stupid interviews and I know, I know don't say it, it's your job Ray"

With a glint in his eyes Ben answered, "Actually Ray what I was going to say was get your cute little ass up that stairs so you can start showing what you wanted to show me"

Ray's mouth dropped open at Ben saying cute little ass and took off up the stairs with Ben chasing him. Laughing as they did lost in their love for one another unaware to what was about to happen.

Diefenbaker in the meantime rolled his eyes at his pack mates and headed to his own bedroom to watch his DVD of lady and the tramp dreaming of his long time love a great husky Maggie.