Chapter 4

Ray Veccico sat at the table tapping his fingers, "Well I'm waiting, what the fuck is this"?

Ben kept his voice as steady as possible, "Where did you find that Ray"?

Veccico turned his glare on Ben, "I found it in the press Benny. I found it when I was looking for a pen and paper to write a speech for Ma".

Veccico now turned his anger on Kowalski, "What the hell did you do to him Kowalski. Benny was fine before I left"?

Ray Kowalski took off his coat, "First of all Veccico I did noting to Ben. Ben is fine thank you very much. But your right you do deserve and explanation. We were going to tell you after your mother's party anyway".

Ben now joined them at the table and began, "Ray I'm so very sorry that you found out like that. Ray and I were married and also had a binding ceremony two years ago now".

Veccico's anger now flared up, "You married two years ago. You married him while he was using my name, MY NAME. Were you fucking him as well huh Benny"?

Ben flinched at the venomousness of Ray Veccico's words and tone. Ray Kowalski knew that Ben had to answer himself for his own peace of mind.

Ben couldn't hide the hurt that passed over his eyes, "Yes Ray we were married while Ray was using your name. Ray was always Ray Kowalski to me never Ray Veccico. Our sexual relationship did not start until you were home safe and sound. I know you may not believe me but it is true".

Veccico sat back with a disbelieving look on his face, "You really want me to believe that Benny. That you dated were married for a year before you had sex is that what you are telling me"?

Ben took his Ray's hand in his, "Yes Ray that is what we are telling you".

Ray Kowalski took over now, "Veccico do you honestly think that Ben or I would endanger your life like that for sex. There is more to a marriage then that. If you really think that Ben would do that to you then you must not think him a very good friend Veccico".

Veccico just sat there and starred at them both. Suddenly standing grabbing his coat, "I got to get out of here before I get sick. Don't wait up".

Veccico left slamming the door.

Ben and Ray still sat hand in hand, "Ben you ok"?

Ben sighed heavily, "I'm fine Ray. I'm sure Ray will come around in time".

Ray hoped that would be true because Ben treasured his friendship with Veccico.

Ray Veccico didn't come home until nearly six in the morning stinking of booze just as Ben was leaving for his run. Veccico did not talk to him just went straight into the bedroom and shut the door in his face.

Ben met up with his Ray in town later that day to start picking up the party decorations for Ma Veccico birthday party.

Ben and Ray stood outside the jewellery shop where they had ordered a watch for Ma Veccico to be engraved, "Ben why don't you pick up the watch and I'll run across the road and pick up the decorations we ordered".

Ben's eyes sparkled when he looked at Ray, "That would be fine Ray".

Ray was just at the other side of the road when he heard an almighty crash. Ray looked and to his absolute horror where his Ben had been standing in front of the window now had a car. The car was almost all the way in the shop window. The glass was everywhere, people screaming and smoke coming from the engine of the car.

Ray's heart was pounding out his chest as he raced across the road looking around wildly for Ben. But Ben was no where in site.

Ray got the attention of one of the women, "Ma'm did you see a good looking tall man standing here"?

The woman talked through her sobs, "H-he pushed me out of the way. H-he got g-got hit by the car. Oh my god he is he".

Ray looked at the tangled mess of the car and hoped and prayed that his Ben survived it. Ray went over to the driver of the car and could smell the booze before he even got to him. Ray ordered the security guard who came to help to not let him out of his sight.

Ray made his way into the shop to see his Ben nearly all the way pined under the car. Only from his chest up was visible.

Ray dropped to his knees caressing Ben's face, "Ben, Ben god Ben don't you move ok. Can you hear me Ben"?

Ben's eyes opened and looked pained, "Ray, Ray what happened"?

Ray tried to keep his emotions in check, "Ben you were hit by a car. Help is on the way. They are going to get you out. Where do you feel the pain Ben"?

Ben groaned in pain, "My chest hurts Ray and the car is crushing my legs Ray and it's so very cold".

Ray took off his coat and put it over Ben, "There you go is that any better Ben"?

Ray heard a familiar voice behind him, "Ray what happened"?

Ray turned to see Detective Huey, "Drunk driver lost control and hit Ben".

Before Huey could reply the paramedic's came in and took over. Ray had to move back to let them work as there was not much room.

The female paramedic spoke softly, "Hi sir we are going to look after you. My name is Jane and that is Colin. Stay still and we'll see about getting you out of here alright. Can you tell me your name"?

Ben croaked out, "Ben, my name is Ben".

Jane smiled, "Ok Ben try and stay calm".

Colin shone his flash light under the car and visibly paled.

Ray saw this, "What's wrong".

Huey pulled Ray back, Let them work Ray, they will help Fraser".

Colin whispered to Jane, "The right leg is already severed. The left is hanging on but to badly damaged to save. If we want to get him out alive it has to go".

The paramedics hated these calls. These were the ones that changed people's lives and the kind that stuck with you when you go home at the end of the day.

Jane turned to Ray, "Sir what are you to Ben".

Ray was shaking, "I'm his husband, what's happening please is Ben going to be ok"?

Jane sat him in a chair, "I'm sorry sir we have to move fast. I don't mean to sound like I'm rushing but. Ben's right leg has already been severed and in order to get Ben out alive we have to take the left it's to badly damage to save as it is".

Ray left out and unearthly cry of pain at the same time as Ben, "OH GOD NOOO".

Colin had explained it to Ben, "I'm so very sorry Ben but we have to move fast".

Ben remained not talking. Ben was in to much shock to speak. Just let out cries of anguish.

Huey grabbed Ray before he fell off the chair, "Ray what's wrong, what are they doing to Fraser"?

Ray's voice was shaky, "J-Jack B-Ben h-he lost his legs. They are cutting off his legs. His right is already gone. Jack what are we going to do? Oh god Ben just got promoted. Everything was finally going right for him".

Ray watched as if it was a movie going on in front of him. The paramedic's going under the car and knowing what was going on almost killed him. Ray watched helplessly as tears and cries of pain came from Ben. Ray moved as if it was someone else's legs carried him as Ben was put into the ambulance. Ray left a shocked Huey to deal with the aftermath.

In the ambulance Ray held Ben's hand as if it was a lifeline. Everything was a blur voices sounds people were not a blip on the radar to him.

Before Ben was whisked off to surgery Ben had a chance to talk to Ray, "Ray I love you, my sleeping beauty".

Ray kissed Ben as If it was going to be the last time, "I love you my prince charming".

Ray watched as Ben disappeared through the doors. Now Ray collapsed to the ground pain and fear taking over.

Ray came around sometime later, "Hi Sir your back with us".

Ray frantically looked around him, "Ben where is Ben"?

The nurse calmed him down, "Ben is still in surgery. Is there anyone I can call for you or would you like me to bring you the portable phone"?

Ray nodded and chocked out, "Please".

The nurse brought Ray the phone, "Thank you".

Ray picked up the phone and dialled. The phone was answered on the third ring, "Veccico".

Ray Kowalski's voice was strained, "Veccico I know you probably hate us right now but there has been an accident. You need to get to county and fast".

Veccico was frantic, "Kowalski is that you. Is it Benny? How badly is he hurt"?

Ray Kowalski pinched the bridge of his nose, "Veccico I don't want to tell you over the phone. Just get down here. I'm in the ER for now but I'll be in a private waiting by the time you arrive".

Veccico sighed, "I'll be there as fast as I can".

Ray Kowalski hung up and let his head fall back, "Oh god Ben please be alright". Ray let the tears fall freely now.

Veccico raced to the hospital frantic to what could possibly have happened. Veccico Prayed that his last conversation was not going to be him shouting at him.