Still not my characters but I do love them.

Chapter Two- Fury

"Do I really get to pick out the tree?" Rebecca asked.

"Yes. We actually need two--one for Ray's home and one for the squad room and the party," Fraser said with a smile and axe in hand.

The girl clapped her hands together excitedly.

"Except we can't take all night because it's getting late," Vecchio said as he tried to warm himself. Fraser gave the detective a sidelong glance and Vecchio raised his arms in apology.

It did not take Rebecca long to find the perfect tree for the squad room or Vecchio's home, but the detective looked at the second tree skeptically.

"Are you sure you want that one? It's missing some limbs or something like that. I mean it looks like the Charlie Brown tree."

Rebecca looked up at him. "It seems very sad and no one else would buy it."

Vecchio shook his head. This was his life…Mounties, orphans and Charlie Brown trees.

"It's a fine selection Rebecca," Fraser said as he tied it on top of the other already on Ray's car roof." She beamed up at him as she got in the car.

oOoOo

They decorated the tree at Vecchio's house. It was loud and chaotic but Rebecca enjoyed decorating the tree and eating dinner with the Vecchio gang. Fraser sat and watched. He and his mother decorated few trees. He actually could only remember one time…the last Christmas they had together. His grandparents decorated a few but most often true Christmas trees were not available. So this sad little tree was indeed special as it reminded Fraser of those cherished but simple times but also sad as his mother and father were not there for the majority of them.

"Hot chocolate Benny?"

Fraser blinked out of his reverie "Ah thank you Ray."

Vecchio sat across from Fraser in the adjoining chair. "That little runt tree doesn't look so bad after all.

"No," Fraser said with a slight smile, "It does have a certain charm."

"Yeah and what is even more charming Benny is my whole family is going to be gone."

"Really?" Fraser was intrigued.

"Yeah. House all to myself again."

"Why are they leaving Ray? I thought family often spent Christmas together."

Vecchio leaned in close. "They do buddy. Ma and the whole broad are going down to Florida to visit my father's brother and his family. They do it every couple of years."

Fraser nodded then looked confused. "But aren't you going Ray? You seem to have a lot of aunts and uncles in Florida"

Vecchio scoffed. "Me. Naw, no way. I hate this uncle and can you imagine traveling with them?"

Fraser looked out toward the living room, children running around, Francesca and her sister arguing. "I see what you mean."

Mrs. Vecchio approached and offered Fraser and Vecchio some fresh baked Christmas cookies.

"Thank you Mrs. Vecchio," Fraser said taking one. "I normally would take one for Diefenbaker but I am guessing that he has had plenty by now?"

Vecchio's mother cocked her head to the side but then reached her hand and squeezed Fraser's cheek. "How can I resist him Benny just like I can't resist you."

Fraser grinned then looked down slightly embarrassed at the affection. "Of course ma'am."

She set the tray down. "I am so glad that my Ray is staying behind to keep you company during Christmas. "

Fraser frowned in confusion and looked to Ray whose eyes were wide and seemed to be trying to communicate something to him. "I am not sure what you mean ma'am."

"Oh I just would hate that you would be here all alone during Christmas time. You are like family to us so I am glad Ray has decided to stay behind….you know since you have no one else here."

"Ah well, actually ma'am…"

"Maah. Leave Benny alone. He doesn't like to talk about it…"

"Ray…." Fraser said slowly.

"No of course not Benny. But you are welcome anytime you understand?" Mrs. Vecchio said sweetly as she patted his hand.

Fraser sighed and he shot a piercing glance at Vecchio before settling a charming one on Vecchio's mother. "Yes ma'am thank you."

Vecchio relaxed as his mother walked away to start rounding up the kids. He looked sideways at Fraser and could see the Mountie's jaw flex in annoyance. It was only a few seconds then he heard his friend sigh and saw his head drop.

Fraser was like a priest. He could just look at you or worse yet look disappointed in you and it brought forth all kinds of feelings of guilt that weren't there before and sometimes a spontaneous confession.

"I'm sorry Benny," he finally said. "I just didn't want to go and she gave me grief and I really…well I really did not want you to spend Christmas alone. That's the truth."

Fraser looked at the little tree. What Vecchio didn't know was that maybe he wanted to be alone. Although staying back for Fraser was a good excuse to not go to Florida he knew the detective was truthful about wanting to celebrate Christmas with Fraser. He turned and looked at his friend.

"I don't like being part of a lie Ray even only a partial lie."

"I know, I'm sorry"

"And you should have asked me if I wanted any company. Maybe I would have preferred to go to Florida with you," Fraser said the last part with a hint of a grin.

"Okay Benny. Next time. But believe me you would not want to go to Florida at least not with us," Vecchio said relieved. There confession made and sin absolved. "So we should be getting Rebecca home. Party is tomorrow."

"Yes…quite right."

oOoOo

"We will see you tomorrow Rebecca," Fraser said. "Ray said he will pick you up from St. Michaels after your party there then off to the squad you go."

"Thanks Mr. Benton, Thanks Mr. Ray," she said giving them a kiss on the cheek.

Fraser stood up and moved his head from side to side to get a crick out of his neck as they walked toward Fraser's apartment. "Do you think Rebecca will like the gift I bought her? I am use to making gifts and I am not sure about how to purchase women's clothing."

Vecchio shook his head. "She is not a woman and you showed it to my sisters. What did they say?"

"Well they said it was beautiful. A perfect dress for her to attend church in."

"And you got her some shoes fit for a princess."

Fraser opened his door and they walked in. "Well the doll with a matching outfit was very generous on your part Ray. You really didn't have to do that."

"Well you and I are her sponsors at the squad so I had to get her something."

Fraser squinted his eyes slightly as he studied Vecchio. Why was his friend so reticent to accept praise for genuine decency? Vecchio looked at Fraser almost as if he could tell what the Mountie was thinking. "I have a reputation to uphold and if anyone asks my sister picked it out."

"Understood."

oOoOo

"So they didn't need you at the consulate this morning?" Vecchio asked as they drove toward the station, "Someone else guarding the door?"

"Yes. We have a temporary constable who is passing through on his way to Washington, D.C., and he volunteered to help with duties for the next couple of days." Fraser straightened his tie. He was wearing his regular duty uniform since today he had no official duties.

"So another poster boy for Canada today then huh."

Fraser stopped fixing his tie as he became self-conscious. He could see Vecchio grinning and realized his friend had set a small trap. He resisted the urge to sigh as he decided to play along. He was going to protest and allow his friend to poke some fun when they heard a scream. Fraser's head whipped to the right. A man appeared to be attacking another man.

Vecchio had seen it and was calling it in as the car came to a screeching halt. Fraser was out the door before Vecchio had put the car in park.

Sikes heard the screeching tire, looked up and saw the hat. Damn it! He thought. He started to run but hesitated as he dropped the wallet. It was a mistake.

Vecchio watched Fraser leap over a box and then place a perfect tackle on the assailant. Vecchio recognized the guy immediately and quickly ran to help Fraser as the man was trying to swing widely. Vecchio stepped on the man's hand and made him release the knife and with Fraser's help got him handcuffed.

"Benny you okay?"

Fraser looked up and Vecchio tried not to look annoyed. No wrinkles, no sweat, not even breathing hard. "Yes Ray. Fine," the constable said calmly.

"Okay, I'll sit on this guy why don't you check on the victim? I already called for help and back-up."

Fraser nodded curtly and ran back to the scene.

Vecchio watched Fraser leave. Sikes struggled underneath him. "Get off of me cop."

Vecchio knew better. He had seen Sikes eyes briefly and the guy was high. It was taking all his weight to keep the man subdued. He could use Fraser right now but the victim looked like he needed assistance.

Hopefully help would not be far behind, and he was glad to hear sirens not too distant.

"Hold on sir," Fraser said assessing the man lying on the ground. The woman next to him was hysterical. Blood was jutting out of the man's leg. Fraser did not hesitate and placed his fingers in the wound. The man cried out but Fraser ignored the man's struggles and the woman jerking at his jacket and he clamped down. He saw a squad car pull up and he cocked his head to guide them toward Vecchio. He could hear a slight struggle but soon saw Sikes being lead away. Vecchio knelt down beside him and Fraser heard the detective gulp.

Vecchio could see what Fraser was doing. He had seen wounds of all sorts before but he had never actually had his hand in one. He looked at Fraser in amazement. Calm, nonplussed but focused. What didn't Superman know? "Hey Frase. Need help?" God I hope not.

Fraser nodded. "Would you please help this woman?"

Vecchio looked around Vecchio and saw a woman crying hysterically and pulling on Fraser's other arm. Fraser leaned in closer to Vecchio. "She may be his spouse but I can't let her pull me away. He was stabbed in the artery." Vecchio nodded. He could do that. The woman was unwilling initially but Vecchio finally coaxed her to leave Fraser's arm alone.

Fraser kept his grip tight while he calmed the man who remained conscious. A crowd had gathered and he tried to ignore them and keep his attention on the victim. The pulse was steady and although Fraser could feel warm blood trickle between his fingers it was not spouting as it had before. It must have only been a minute or less, but it seemed longer when he finally heard the ambulance sirens.

"What happened?" the EMT said as he looked at the victim on the sidewalk.

Fraser looked up. "Femoral artery was pierced, but not severed by a seven inch serrated knife. He himself knew that pain but had been fortunate that the wound although deep had missed bone and artery.

"How long until you applied pressure?" the EMT asked again as he further assessed the patient as his partner began an IV.

"Approximately 30 seconds?" Fraser was glad that he and Vecchio had subdued Sikes quickly. The EMT looked at Fraser again. "I need you to come with us. I don't want pressure to be taken off. Can you do that?"

"Yes," Fraser said as he turned around to Vecchio. "Ray…"

"I'll follow behind you and call in to the squad to let them know."

Fraser nodded and followed as they lifted the patient. People were clapping and as usual Fraser was oblivious to it as he was focused on maintaining the pressure. Vecchio assisted the now calm woman into the ambulance.

oOoOo

Fraser followed them all the way to the operating room that was ready to go since the EMT crew called ahead. Masked clothed medical personnel surrounded him, and the patient was unconscious connected to a ventilator. A tall man next to Fraser turned to him, "You saved this man son. On the count of three you can release the pressure and step out quickly."

Fraser nodded then did as he was told on the count of three. A nurse was waiting for him and handed him a towel to wipe his hand then showed him where he could wash. When he stepped outside the operating room Vecchio was waiting.

"Hey Benny. Everything okay?"

"Yes. Hector is going to be fine." It did not surprise Vecchio the Fraser had learned the man's name in the short time he had been helping him.

"That's good. How about you? You okay?"

"Yes Ray. I'm fine." That seemed to becoming a standard answer. Vecchio looked Fraser over. Clean hands, no blood even on the uniform. Amazing. But was Fraser really okay with all that just happened. He had his hand inside a man's leg, or at least fingers inside a man's leg. "Well, what you did is kind of amazing Fraser. I mean I know you are use to saving people's lives all the time, like Superman or something and well you act like it's nothing."

Fraser shrugged. "Ray its just part of what we do. I'm sure you would have…"

"No Fraser. I don't think so…Maybe take a bullet for someone and it would have to be a very special someone, but not put my finger…well you know."

Fraser looked at Vecchio. "Actually no I don't."

Vecchio sighed. "Jeez Fraser. You had your fingers in someone's leg clamping down on an artery."

Fraser raised is eyebrows but said nothing as he turned to leave.

Vecchio felt like he was going to burst. He put a hand on Fraser's shoulder and the Mountie turned around. "Benny, doesn't anything bother you?" He was thoughtful a moment. "You've done this sort of thing before haven't you?"

Fraser closed his eyes briefly. An image of an Inuit teenager who had been accidently shot by a hunter flashed in his mind. He remembered what that boy's beating heart felt like against his hands as he tried to stop bleeding in a nearby artery. But help never arrived and Fraser felt that heart stop. He opened his eyes again and saw Vecchio staring at him. "Well, um yes. I have." With that Fraser turned and headed out the door.

Vecchio sighed he saw that brief haunted look in Fraser's eyes and then the shield went up and Fraser made it very clear that he did not want to talk about it. He rarely talked about anything and only briefly. Vecchio shrugged mentally. It was not like Vecchio himself spilled the beans much, but Fraser was always or almost always under complete control.

Vecchio met Fraser at the car. Diefenbaker was jumping around excitedly. "Yes we will make the party. You know it's quite pathetic that all you can think about is food right now. I really don't understand how you don't get sick."

The dog jumped around some more and lightly nipped Fraser's gloved hand. Vecchio swore that dog new when something was not quite with Fraser and acted ridiculous if necessary, but it worked and the Mountie was smiling again when Vecchio reached the car. The detective felt a pang of guilt. Fraser had been fine and only thought of whatever flashed in his eyes because Vecchio had to pry. "Ready for the party?"

"Yes," Fraser said, "We need to go get Rebecca?"

"No. Elaine picked her up already. Everyone is just waiting on us."

"Oh…then you should drive expeditiously Ray…but within appropriate traffic laws."

Vecchio smiled. "Of course Benny. I always do."

oOoOo

There was a slight cheer when Fraser and Vecchio arrived. "Great you could finally make it Constable," Welsh said patting Fraser on the back. "Good job out there. I hear the guy is going to be okay?"

"Yes sir."

"Good well, we had the kids start eating but the party can officially start now that you and Vecchio are here."

Fraser raised his eyebrows. The usually gruff lieutenant was actually quite jovial. It was not that he could not be jovial from time to time, but he had appearances to maintain with his men. Fraser thought him quite a patient man despite his exterior presentation at times especially given how often he and Ray got into a bit of trouble from time to time.

"Thank you leftenant."

Fraser felt tight arms around him and he looked down. "Hello Rebecca," he said, "I hope you have been having fun."

"We have. We ate and were waiting to open presents and play games."

"Well," Fraser said as she led him away, "Mustn't keep anyone waiting any longer must we?"

"No we shouldn't," she said. "You were helping someone weren't you Benton."

He sat on the chair she guided him to. She was looking at him intently in a way that almost made him uncomfortable. "Well yes, Rebecca I was helping someone."

"I'm glad you are back. We have a game that we want to play."

"Okaay," he said cautiously. "What is it?"

"Well we have to blind fold you." She didn't tell him about her dream, or how she worried about him. She saw him grin slightly as she blindfolded him. He was not sure what possible game during Christmas could involve blindfolds but it must be some sort of American custom.

Welsh looked at Vecchio. "Do you think we should rescue him?"

Vecchio looked at Fraser, still blindfolded and looking like a decorated Christmas tree. "Did we get a picture?"

Welsh smiled. "Plenty."

"Yeah I guess we should then. I actually don't think he's eaten all day."

Welsh looked at Vecchio. "Is he okay?"

"You know Fraser. Nothing fazes him."

Welsh said nothing but he often wondered what got to the Mountie. Nothing ever seemed to break into that serene peacefulness that seemed to be at the core of the Canadian.

"Okay kids, time to let the Constable go, and get ready to open gifts. Go see Miss Elaine over there," Welsh said placing a hand on Fraser's shoulder. He leaned in and whispered in Fraser's ear. "We'll get you out of this in a second. You have been a good sport through all of this."

Fraser nodded and Vecchio heard a muffled reply. Somehow the kids had managed to cover his mouth. Vecchio smiled as he removed it the scarf. "Ah thank you Ray. This really is a peculiar game Ray. I am unaware of this custom. Who suggested this game?"

Welsh grinned. "I think Huey and Louie were in charge of games this year constable."

"Ah well," Fraser said as the blindfold was removed followed by the blinking lights around his shoulders and torso. "I hope the children enjoyed what appears to be making me look like a Christmas tree."

"Oh I think they enjoyed it alright as did most everyone else."

Fraser grinned but said nothing. He did not mind. He learned that allowing one to be part of the games and even the center of well-intentioned jokes meant that you were part of the community. He stood and turned around and saw the children chatting excitedly while their sponsors were handing out gifts. "Ray," Fraser said as he stepped out of the last piece of Christmas decoration.

"Right Fraser." They headed over toward the Christmas tree. Fraser found his gift and smiled as he handed it to Rebecca. She said nothing but quickly tore open the box. She gasped as she pulled out the light blue dress and then the black shiny shoes. She held it up and tears welled in her eyes.

Fraser looked to Vecchio then back to Rebecca. "Um I'm sorry Rebecca. I was not sure if …"

"It's beautiful Benton," She said with a smile as a tear streamed down her face. She always clearly annunciated his name. "Blue is my favorite color and I have never…I have never had a new dress of my own."

Vecchio saw Fraser swallow hard just as the girl squeezed the Mountie around the neck. She pulled away and gave him a small kiss on the cheek. "It's the most perfect gift ever. I'll be like a princess."

"Right you are there," Fraser said softly, "Indeed a beautiful princess with beautiful blue eyes." The little girl melted and gave him another hug. "Just like yours," she whispered in his ear.

Vecchio cleared his throat. "The squad has something else for you," he said handing her the box. She grinned broadly as she tore it open. She gasped again and then squealed with glee as she squeezed Vecchio around the neck. "I can't believe it. A doll dressed just like me!" She was jumping around excitedly. Vecchio looked at Fraser and winked.

Fraser was focused on Rebecca and the other children when he heard shouting from the entry of the bullpen. It took him only a second to see what was happening. He made brief eye contact with Vecchio. Vecchio saw the look in Fraser's eye and turned around quickly. Sikes saw Fraser immediately. "You! You did this!"

"What is he doing here!" Welsh shouted as two policemen came running in through the doors. "We were moving him…" one managed to get out. It happened in a brief second. Sikes shoved one of the policemen as the officer tried to grab him and managed to take the officer's gun. He waved it around. "You did this!" Sikes shouted again at Fraser as he aimed the gun at the Mountie. Fraser raised his hands up. The wild look in the man's eyes had not left him.

"Sir, you don't want to do this. There are children here." Fraser looked around. All the kids were frozen behind someone in uniform, yet it was still dangerous. "I am sure we can come to an agreement."

"Agreement? You put me in here and my lawyer tells me I can go away for a long time…what sort of agreement can we come to!"

"You do not want to make this worse sir. Harming anyone else won't be good for anyone including you. I am sure you would not want to hurt any children." Fraser had stepped a little closer. He saw Rebecca behind Ray Vecchio and sighed inwardly. Ray would keep her safe.

Sikes said nothing but kept the gun aimed. He looked wildly around. Realizing there was no easy way out of this he said, "Nothing matters to me right now you freak of a cop. You and that partner of yours. I really don't care, but there is no way you can make my life hell anymore." In slow motion Fraser saw the finger start to depress on the trigger and simultaneously Rebecca was running for him. He heard Vecchio shout "No" just before the gun went off. Fraser reached for Rebecca and his weight carried her to the ground.

Before Sikes could get another round off, Huey and Welsh along with two other policemen had subdued Sikes.

Fraser got to his knees and held the little girl. He watched in horror as a red circle started to form around her chest. He placed his hand on the wound and looked back at Vecchio. The detective put his hand on Fraser. "Help is on the way Benny," Vecchio looked at Rebecca and smiled. She was still holding the doll. "We will get you fixed up soon Becky okay?"

Rebecca placed her hand on Fraser's. He held her close and tried to hide his fear from her. "Benton. You are safe," she whispered clearly.

"Yes Rebecca I am. Don't talk now. Help will be here soon." He could feel her heart beating fast and weak, and he hoped she could not sense his heart breaking.

"I had a dream that I saved you. An angel told me in my dream that I would save you," she continued.

Fraser swallowed down the lump in his throat and he pinched his eyes together tightly before opening them again. Despite his efforts, his voice cracked. "It will be okay Rebecca."

She put her fingers on his lips. "Don't be sad. You made me a princess Benton. The angel told me I would be happy. I'm not afraid. I can see them now coming for me."

Fraser could feel his breathing getting faster. "No," he whispered. "You must not …"

Her fingers were on his lips again. "Can a princess have a little…kiss from her prince." Something inaudible escaped his lips as he brought her closer. She put her hands on his face again. "You made me happy Benton." He kissed her on her cheek and she smiled. He looked in her eyes and smiled back then felt her last breath on his cheek. He held her tightly. This cannot be happening. This cannot be happening. We were just opening gifts! He felt a hand on his shoulderm and he looked back at Ray whose eyes were watery. "Benny," was all Vecchio said.

Fraser looked around briefly. All the other children had been or were being shuttled out. He felt as if he was in another world until Sikes voice broke in. "I told you to get your hands off me! Who the hell was she anyway…nobody. Nothing to nobody!"

Vecchio watched Fraser's eyes change from near despondent to blue fury in an instant. Oh shit, Vecchio thought. He saw Fraser gently lay Rebecca down and before Vecchio could stop him, Fraser had jumped up and was heading toward Sikes. It took seconds--the Mountie was like a tiger or maybe a wolf. Fraser jumped over one desk on top of another and bulled himself through the men holding Sikes and grabbed the man's throat. Vecchio watched Fraser squeeze the man's throat with his left hand actually lift the man off the floor. The detective blinked to make sure he was seeing it correctly. Sikes wasn't big, but he wasn't small. Fraser had the man against the wall and all Sikes could do was bug out his eyes and impotently grab at Fraser's hands. "She was somebody to me, you son of a bitch," Fraser growled with barely contained fury.

-------

Fraser rarely said more than an oh dear and when he did you knew something was up,. I think particularly of the pilot episode when he confronts Gerrard while back in Canada. I hope to explore more of what he contains in the next couple of chapters. Thanks for reading.