Chapter 7
Ray arrived back with Detective Dewey. Both very tired it had been a very long few days. Some of the family members got wind of what was happening and they tried to talk to him. They tried to get some information out of Ray and Dewey but the families wished them luck.
They had to bring the bullets to evidence lock up and sign off with Welsh as soon as they got back. Before they would be able to go home.
As Ray and Dewey walked down the hall towards the bullpen Frannie approached them.
Frannie smiled widely, "Oh Ray you must be so proud of Benton. He was so brave and he did so well".
Ray looked confused, "Frannie of course I'm proud of Ben. But what are you talking about he did so well and was brave what did he do"?
Frannie frowned, "You mean you don't know"?
Now Ray was worried, "Don't know what Frannie"?
Frannie bit her lip, "Benton he am. He got a confession out of Frank Dafoe".
Ray's eyes widened in shock and with a raised voice, "HE WHAT. How-how the hell did he do that? Where is Huey"?
Ray spun around and came face to face with Huey and his mother.
Ray glared at Huey he just knew that he had a hand in this. But he turned to his mother, "Mum what are you doing here. Who is with Ben"?
Mrs Kowalski soft voice, "Stanley dear your father is with Ben. And I was just bring lunch for the nice Detective Huey".
Ray nodded and not speaking. Just grabbed Huey by the arm pulling him into an empty room.
Standing up to Huey voice rose really loudly, "Ok now I know that you know so don't you dare say you don't. What the hell were you thinking letting Ben go face to face with that sonvabitch"?
Huey kept his voice calm, "Ray calm down. It was Fraser's idea ok. He wanted to draw him out. He knew it would be that last thing that Frank Dafoe would expect. And you know Ray he was right. It worked".
Ray now lost his temper and threw a chair across the room. All the emotions that he had kept in poured out. The anger and hurt he felt for Ben and the other victims came crashing out of him. There was no way he was going to lose it in front of Ben. Ben did not need this on top of his own pain.
Huey let Ray let his anger and frustration out Huey knew that Ray needed to do this.
Huey felt he could speak now, "Ray if it makes you feel any better I was there the whole time. And Ray Fraser kept his head the whole time. He showed no fear at all toward Frank Dafoe. He even said he felt stronger now about facing him in court".
Ray collapsed to the ground trembling holding his head in his hands. So Huey went and got Mrs Kowalski. Mrs Kowalski came in and Huey left them alone.
Going to her son putting her hand on his head, "Stanley dear come here".
Ray like a child held onto his mother, "Oh mum. What am I going to do? How am I going to help Ben through this"?
Soothing her son, "Stanley you'll be fine. You'll get through this. You're strong and you love Ben. That will help you get through this. Your father and I are going to help you both. We won't leave until you want us to ok. We are here for as long as you both need us"?
Still holding onto his mother Ray began to sob his heart out. It was so much to take in. who can cope with dealing with ten women's deaths. Ten kids. Nine men. Not only them but the family's left behind hoping you can bring this man to justice. And the guilt factor for Ben for been the only one to have got away from this man.
After awhile Ray settled as his mum wiped his face, "Sorry mum. I'm acting like a little kid".
Looking at her gentle boy, "No you are not Stanley. You are acting like someone who cares. Who loves wholehearted? You're acting like a good husband and my son".
Ray got himself together signed and off with Welsh. Before going home to Ben. Ray apologised to Huey for blowing up at him. But Huey told him he understood. That he would have acted the same if it had been his spouse that was hurting.
On the drive back to the apartment Ray's mum spoke softly, "Stanley dear please don't be mad at Ben. He did what he had to do. I know you son you would have done the same thing if you were in his shoes. Now tell me that you wouldn't"?
Ray parked the car in his spot, "Your right mum I would have. Doesn't stop me thinking how foolish it was though. I won't be mad. But I will ask him why".
Ray headed straight to Ben who was lying down on their bed with Diefenbaker. Ray paused in the doorway looking at the sleeping pair. Ray noticed the lines of strain and tear tracks on Ben's face.
Sitting on the edge of the bed Ray couldn't resist stroking Ben's hair. Ben's eyes fluttered open now gazing into the blues of Ray's.
Smiling up, "Hi Ray. When did you get in. how did everything go"?
Leaning down kissing Ben's forehead, "Just now Ben. Everything went fine. But what I want to know is what were thinking going after Frank Dafoe with out me"?
Sitting up now, "Ray I wasn't on my own Detective Huey was with me. Ray please don't be mad with me. I had to do this for Kate and the others".
Ray took Ben's hand lacing their fingers together, "Ben I'm not mad at you. In fact I'm proud of you. I just worry about you. But Ben please don't go it alone again ok. If you need to do something I'm here. I meant what I said in my vows Ben For better or worse in sickness and health until till the end of our days. Only I intend to keep going after that as well". Ray kissed Ben's wedding band.
Ben kissed him back, "I promise Ray I won't".
Ray sat at his desk he couldn't believe that they had the guy. Now Ray had the job of ringing the families to tell them so. Looking down at the list of names and phone numbers, Ray thought to himself it was going to be a very long and emotional day.
Picking up the phone dialling the first number. The phone was answered by a woman, "Mrs Lewis, this is Ray Kowalski I'm looking after your daughter's case. Just thought you'd like to know we caught the person responsible and he goes to trial in two weeks".
Mrs Lewis cried, "How, How did you catch this horrible person"?
Ray used a soft voice, "Ma'm my husband's first wife was one of the victims. And since my husband was the only living witness. And once he regained his memory he managed to bring him and get a confession out of him".
Ray didn't care what people thought he loved referring to Ben as his husband. All his friends didn't care. His work friends didn't care. And the new law which they were used to pilot it. It allowed married couples to work together and that made it all the better. They showed it could be done and it allowed others to do so as well.
Mrs Lewis cried, "You must be so proud of him. If I come to the trial. Would it be ok to thank him in person? If it's not to much for him"?
Ray answered proudly, "I'm sure he won't mind ma'm. He is sorry it took so long to bring this man in. he had blocked out the memory from shock. He only got it back when the case crossed our desk".
Mrs Lewis voice cracked, "You tell your husband I understand. It can't be easy knowing you're the only one to have lived. Tell him thank you for finally bringing him in Detective".
Ray smiled, "I will ma'm. And again I'm sorry for your loss and that it took so long. Goodbye now".
Ray hung up and started on the rest of the list. All the calls pretty much went the same way. Lots of tears and no one blamed Ben for taking so long. In fact they were concerned as to how he was copping. And if there was anything they could do for him.
Ray sat alone in the break room when someone caught his eye. Sitting in front of him all of a sudden was a man dressed as a Mountie but an older Mountie he had never seen before but kind a recognised.
The older Mountie spoke, "You know Yank you did well you know. I knew my son did well for himself this time".
Ray starred at the man, "Your-your Ben's dad".
Bob Fraser smiled, "Ah yes you would be correct son".
Ray's voice shook, "But-but your dead".
Bob Fraser nodded, "Yes I know son thank you for reminding me. And thank you for been there for Benton. You know I didn't think Benton would open his heart and love again after what happened to Kate. Meeting you has allowed Benton to open his heart again and if he hadn't that would have been a terrible thing".
Ray nodded, "Ben is good for me to sir. I do love your son. So you're not mad at me or anything are you"?
Waving a hand at Ray, "Nonsense Son. I know you love my son. No I'm not mad a t you. How can I be mad at someone who treats my son the way he should be. Look I've got to go the group of six are waiting for me. You look after him during this trial and look after yourself. I have grandchildren coming. So need you both healthy for that".
With that Bob Fraser vanished. Ray thought now I'm really over worked. Best get home now.
The two weeks flew and Ray had a few more visits from his dead father in law. Ray was actually enjoying the visits much to Ben's annoyance. Ray had loved hearing some Ben stories he didn't know about.
As they waited in the court house waiting for their time slot to be called. Ben paced like there was no tomorrow. Ray wanted to make him sit and talk. But his parents told him to leave him be. It was good to get his nervous energy out.
As the trial went on all the facts were laid out. The fact that Frank Dafoe's father had been a top guy in the army and turned out to be very abusive towards Frank it showed why he hated people in law enforcement and military personal. As none helped him when he tried to tell them what was going on. Even if he was known as the boy who cried wolf one to many times. Then it was the turn for the only living witness Benton Fraser to take the stand.
You could hear a pin drop as Ben spoke. He told every detail that he could remember. Stopping now and then to compose himself. Ray wanted to run up there and take him in his arms. And just hold him till all the pain went away.
The families of the victims sobbed as they listened. They knew some details but not all of what happened. Their hearts bleed for Benton Fraser. The guilt that he must be feeling would be terrible for been the only one to have lived. But they would make sure he knew that he shouldn't hold any.
Once everything was done and said. The jury left to make their decision.
Ben sat outside waiting to be called. He was been held by Mrs Kowalski. While Mr Kowalski talked to Ray.
Mr Kowalski hugged his son, "Raymond how are you holding up"?
Ray held onto his father, "I'm not sure dad. I just worry for Ben you know. He hasn't said a word. Only spoke when he had to on the stand".
Both looked to Ben, "Raymond I think he is just focusing on one thing at a time. So don't worry ok".
Mrs Kowalski held Ben's hand, "Ben dear how are you copping"?
Ben didn't answer just gave her a half smile and patted her hand. And kept a tight hold of it to keep his lifeline.
They were all surprised when the jury came back so fast. Now all sitting as the fore person stood to read the verdict.
The foreperson started, "We the jury find Frank Dafoe guilty on 19 counts of first degree murder and one attempted murder".
The judge then issued his sentence Frank Dafoe got life for each victim. Frank Dafoe would never see the light of day again.
Outside in the lobby of the courtroom Ray held Ben as they both shed tears. News and camera crews were trying hard to get a comment from them. But no one wanted to talk it was just too painful and raw. So they left it to the lawyers to speak for them.
Ben and Ray were approached by some of the families of the other victims. Mrs Lewis spoke for them all, "We want to thank you. For been so brave. We know this could not have been easy for you. And if it wasn't for you our sons, daughters and grandchildren may have never rested in peace. Thank you".
Ben's voice was shaky, "I'm so sorry ma'm that it took so long. I didn't. I really didn't remember. And if I had I could have stopped it sooner and I- I'm sorry"?
Mrs Lewis hugged him, "You've noting to be sorry about. You're just as much a victim. You lost your wife and child so don't be sorry. I hear you have a handsome husband now who loves you. You go live a happy life. You deserves it after all this".
Ben smiled wiping his eyes, "I do ma'm and I will. I promise".
The families now left with that weight off their chests. And Ben, Ray and the Kowalski's left and headed home. They had a lot of packing to do as they were moving in two days.
