Chapter 3

The next morning Ray was dropping Fraser off at the consulate on his way to work. Pulling up outside Ray glanced at Fraser, "So Frase you still coming in later"?

Fraser picked up his hat, "Of course Ray. I'll be by for lunch and then I can stay for the rest of the day".

Ray nodded happily, "Good, good I'll see you then buddy. Have a good day don't let the ice queen bite or Frannie will get mad".

Fraser blushed high around his collar, "Ray".

Ray laughed, "Go on buddy or your going to be late".

Fraser shook his head, "I'll see you later Ray".

Ray watched Fraser bounce up the steps to the consulate. It was so good to see Fraser happy. He'd through so much this made a lovely change. Francesca was perfect for him. She was kind caring loving and had a genuine heart of gold.

As soon as Ray entered the bullpen he saw Francesca's smiling face. She was clutching a single long stem rose smelling its sweet scent.

Ray wondered over chuckling to himself, "Who is that from Frannie"?

Ray knew but still waited to hear her answer.

Francesca's voice was dreamy, "Oh Ray it was Ben, he had it delivered to my mail box over there before I got to work. Isn't it just perfect? I must find something to put it in, will you hold it please".

With that she trusts the rose into Ray's hands and ran off to find something. Ray chuckled at thinking, 'Frase you romantic you'.

It wasn't long before she came back, "Thank you Ray. How was Ben this morning"?

Ray sat on the edge of her desk, "Frase was fine Frannie. He had the same dreamy look on his face as you do".

Francesca's face lit up with delight, "He did, is he coming in today Ray"?

Ray nodded, "Ya he is he is coming in for lunch then staying for the rest of the day. So we can work on that stupid case on my desk".

Francesca frowned, "Ya I heard about that, how is it going"?

Ray sighed running his fingers through his hair, "Not well Frannie. We just can't figure out who is behind it. It's driving me nuts. If I don't figure out soon I'll explode".

Francesca put her hand on Ray's knee, "Ray you'll figure it out. You and Ben you always do so don't worry about it".

Ray covered her hand with his, "Thanks Frannie I hope you are right. I'd better go and get on it then".

Ray had his head buried in notes not realising hours had passed and there stood Fraser in all his red glory at his desk.

Fraser clasped his hat in his hands, "Ray you alright"?

Ray took off his glasses, "Ya Frase just trying to figure out who is behind this drug and weapons thingy"?

Fraser sat at Ray's desk, "Ray you eaten at all yet today"?

Ray pinched the bridge of his nose, "No, no not yet".

Fraser stood back up, "Come on lets get some lunch. Unfortunately Francesca is unable to join us as she has to work".

Ray looked over at Francesca and saw that she was pilled high with files, "Ya pity, you two going out again soon"?

Fraser smiled a glorious smile, "Yes Ray we are going out tomorrow night. Francesca has to meet a friend of hers tonight".

Half way through the day Fraser got a sudden splash of cold water on his face. Startled he sat back in his chair.

Fraser saw that Ray was holding a bottle of water and laughing hid head off.

Fraser wiped his face, "Ray".

Ray put the bottle of water down on his desk, "Frase I just thought you might need cooling off there buddy. Frase the way you were looking at Frannie all day you aut to get a room".

Fraser turned deep red, "Ray I don't know what you're talking about".

Ray folded his arms, "Ya riiight buddy. You're looking at her like a dog in heat".

Francesca chose that moment to come over and wrap her arms around Fraser, "Hiya Ben".

Fraser stuttered, "F-Francesca".

Francesca looked at Ray and frowned, "Ray what did you do to Ben"?

Ray mockingly put his hands to his chest, "Me, me Frannie would I do something? I'm hurt I'm really hurt Frannie how could you think that"

Francesca stood with her hands on her hips tapping her foot, "Ray".

Ray smiled a huge grin, "Ok, ok you got me. I ah just cooled him down Frannie. Frase was looking kinda hot sitting there"

Francesca became concerned, "You hot Ben. You want a glass of water or something"?

Fraser's face flushed even more, "No I'm fine Francesca thank you kindly".

Francesca heard Ray bark out a laugh, "Now what mister"?

Ray leaned forward on his desk, "Frannie not that kind of hot".

Francesca thought for a moment then gave Ray a sharp look, "Really Ray you shouldn't tease Ben like that. I'll catch you tomorrow Ben Files are waiting".

Francesca kissed Ben on the cheek muttering as she went back to her files, "Lazy can't put their own files back men".

Ray and Fraser got back to some serious work going over more of the case files.

Ray sat back setting his gaze on Fraser knowing something was wrong, "Ok Frase you going to tell me now what it is you not telling. And before you say it's noting Ray. I know there is something if your mood or the air around you is so thick I could cut it. So spill or I'll keep talking until you do so what is it going to be Frase"?

Fraser dropped his head and sighed. He really didn't want to bring this up. It wasn't that serious until now.

Ray waited, "Well".

Fraser took a deep breath knowing Ray's reaction was not going to be good.

Fraser started, "Well Ray I think I'm been watched. I've received notes both here and at the consulate one today at the apartment. I found it when I went home before coming here".

Ray sat forward mad as hell that Fraser only brought this up now, "Notes what kind of notes"?

Fraser reached into his pocket and pulled out the notes and handed them to Ray.

Ray read through them. Ray's eyes widened as he took in what the notes said. They had threatening message on them a lot had death treats.

The last note made Ray gasp out, "Shit Fraser what the hell. This is about Frannie and you".

Fraser nodded sadly, "I know Ray". Fraser cursed his Mountie mask that he'd been wearing all day. He had hid it well expect from Ray.

Ray wondered how Fraser didn't seam upset over everything when he first arrived must have been that dam Mountie mask. Ray knew he'd be the only one to push through it eventually. It was like an automatic reflux with that man. He knew that Fraser tried at times to turn it off.

Ray reached out his hand and covered Fraser's, "We're on It Frase don't worry we'll find out who this is and put them away".

Fraser locked eyes with Ray, "Thank you Ray".