A/N: The Maggie involvement is months earlier than the show, yes. But in the show she had already been suspended for not doing what's asked and rocking the boat. This was just earlier in her attempts to catch them.

Francesca Vecchio and Margaret "Meg" Thatcher were both seated on the plane next to each other as they waved toward Ray and Fraser, who were watching the small plane take off.

Frannie said to Meg, "This is much better than when me and Ray flew into Inuvik."

"Why is that?" she asked curiously.

"Something about balance and weight. They had me behind Ray because I weigh less and we couldn't sit next to each other. You and me, we're almost the same size. So I guess it's easier left and right and we're in the middle and the luggage is in the back. Which means we can catch up."

Meg had actually come to like Francesca. When she wasn't chasing her man, the younger woman could be a delightful conversationalist. And Meg was not as stoic as she made herself appear. And so, just to poke fun, she said, "It is starboard and port."

Frannie was confused. "What?"

"You said left and right – on ships, boats, and airplanes the proper terms are port and starboard."

"Why does that matter?" she asked with a tone of minor annoyance.

Meg put on a serious tone and said, "Port and Starboard, Fore and Aft. If the pilot needs us to adjust we have to be prepared to follow directions quickly. I just wanted to ensure you were prepared."

As the Canadian woman spoke, in front of them the pilot smirked to himself. He recognized the game of "play with the Americans." He sometimes engaged in the same game to amuse himself on a long flight. But as the passengers were women, he probably didn't want to listen too carefully, so he adjusted his headset so that they would need to yell to get his attention.

When he was younger, listening to attractive women talking had been a source of fascination – men enjoyed these things. And then he had heard a discussion regarding menses and related complications. He had avoided listening to women talk together since that time.

Finally Francesca looked at Meg and said in a slightly accusatory tone, "You're pulling a Fraser on me."

"What do you mean?" Meg asked innocently.

"You're going on and on about things when it doesn't matter. He does that when he wants people to be distracted. You're doing it for something else."

Meg smirked at her even as she said, "Of course not. I just know that these matters are important to understand."

Frannie finally let out a short bark of a laugh. "You got me good. I'll have to plan payback."

The two women fell into conversation. "So what did you two do up in Tutoyaktuk?" Francesca asked.

Meg looked at her. "Well done! Most people not from the area mispronounce that."

Frannie grinned. "I know. But saying it wrong won't make a difference here. You know me better than most and I don't have to act cute or play it stupid with you."

"You are a far more perceptive person that I had formerly realized."

She shrugged. "My act works for me."

"Well, Ray's insight was most efficacious." At Frannie's slightly confused look she said, "Successful in a good way." Frannie nodded. "Benton was feeling a bit spiritually soiled at the loss of his subordinate and feeling somewhat responsible. Hence the sweat lodge."

"Sweat lodge?"

"It is something the Inuit picked up from other First Nation peoples. During the incident last year with the masks that were displayed and the attempted theft, Benton's friend Eric and another member of his people had arranged for a sweat lodge ceremony in Chicago for him. Your brother, I believe, also experienced it. As it is meant to be cleansing, they performed a similar ceremony there."

"Did you do that?"

"No. Women are not traditionally a part of such ceremonies."

"Sexism," Frannie said with disgust.

Meg sighed. "I would have enjoyed it, I believe, but one must respect local traditions and culture."

Frannie said, "They've got saunas at the YMCA for women to use. If you want a sweating experience– we've got a few days before we're due back to work. We can pay for a single visit rather than a monthly fee."

Meg mused, "I have not had a good sauna for several months – the spa weekend I took."

"Spa's are great – letting other people take care of everything. But they cost a bit. There are cheaper ways to enjoy things like that."

Meg mused, "And in such circumstances I am unlikely to run into Diplomatic personnel from other embassies. Such things would be considered beneath them."

"There's nothing wrong with the Y. It's cheap and clean and anyone can use it. It's community oriented but you don't have to get involved if you don't want to. It's nice."

Meg thought about it. "It is possibly just as well that women are not involved with sweat lodge ceremonies. Some of the things they burn and breathe are quite strange. A clean sauna sounds much more what I would enjoy."

"Like I said, we're still on vacation. We can spend a day without worrying about our men, our jobs, or other obligations. A girls' day out."

The two enjoyed talking and occasionally napping. This flight was several hours. And they would have to transfer at Edmonton to a larger plane to take them on to Chicago. This whole trip would take twelve hours and they wouldn't arrive until late evening, near to midnight.

The two discussed plans. While Francesca Vecchio loved her family, to be sure, she wasn't scheduled to return until two days later. And so Meg offered to allow her to stay at the apartment.

Meg and Frannie would call to check in by phone, to the Consulate and home respectively and then with the police station, after they woke up. They would then enjoy themselves for their remaining free time.

Abigail, the temporary Civilian Aide, came to Welsh's office. "Can I help you, Ms. Lowe?"

"Something strange, Lieutenant." She looked at her note. "A Detective Vecchio called from Canada. He works in this precinct, correct?"

"Yes. What has he gotten himself into now?" Welsh had a bad feeling.

"He asked me to look up information on three individuals for a possible case he is working with a Corporal Fraser on." She looked up from the note. "Corporal Fraser?"

Welsh sighed. "The Mountie that Vecchio usually works with."

"I see. He left a phone number to reach him at once I have gotten the information."

"That's good at least."

"Should I do as he asked?"

"You might as well. Experience tells us that it's better to just let them work rather than ask too many questions. Do as he asked – and then tell him that I expect a report as to what they're doing when it's convenient."

"Convenient?"

"Yes – convenient for me, make certain he understands that. Guy goes thousands of miles away – and he's not even with the Mountie – and then he hooks up and gets involved in a case. This is just like him. I really shouldn't be surprised."

"All right. I will pass on the information and your order."

"Good. Anything else?"

"No, Lieutenant."

He waved her off. "Carry on."

Constable Turnbull was at his desk when the call came in. "Canadian Consulate, Constable Turnbull speaking. How may I direct your call?"

"Constable, this is Corporal Fraser."

"Sir! How can I assist you?"

"Write down these names and review what information the RCMP database has as regards their history and locations." He listed off the names. "Once this is completed, call me at the following phone number to inform me of what could be determined." He gave the phone number. "Please handle this expeditiously."

"Of course, Corporal. And the Inspector?"

"She is completing her leave and will inform the Consulate as to particulars when she wishes to."

"Of course, Corporal."

"I will expect to hear from you quickly."

"Yes, Sir."

"Carry on, Constable." Click.

Later that day the CA told him Vecchio was on the phone. He closed his office door and picked up the line. "Detective. What's this about a case in Canada?"

"Sorry, L T." The line was a bit noisy – he didn't want to ask where he was calling from. "Me and Fraser are with another Mountie hunting down the Torelli brothers on a murder they're suspected of."

"Torelli? Where have I heard that name?"

"They're persons of interest in a bank job last year in Chicago. I figure we catch them, we can get the Mounties to question them about that too. Possibly close a case that the Feds gave up on."

"And tweak the Feds' noses a bit."

"Yeah. Hope that's not a problem."

Welsh sighed. "Okay, Detective. Since this is your time I won't get too upset. If you're gonna be delayed, you gotta call in."

"Can do!"

"And your travel partner?"

"She'll be back on time. She left with the Ice Queen back to Chicago. They'll be in late tonight but I don't know if she's planning on ending the vacation early. You gotta ask her if she calls in or shows up."

"Okay. Well, good luck detective. If I'm gonna let you put yourself out there, I want results."

"You got it, L. T."

"Goodbye, Detective." He hung up the phone.

Fraser and Ray looked up from the notes they had written and both looked at each other and then at Constable MacKenzie. "We have the information."

"What did you find out?"

Fraser paused. Ray just said it. "There's information that your deceased husband had been involved with the two brothers."

"No! I cannot believe that."

Fraser said with sympathy, "I am sorry, Maggie. But that is what has been reported to us."

"When?"

"Not recently, to be certain. The information is over two years old."

"I do not understand. Casey was one of the most decent men I have ever met. I would not have married him if that were not the case."

"I understand. Perhaps your relationship caused him to reevaluate his place in the world. But it remains true that he had a past."

Maggie MacKenzie was a bit heartbroken at the information. But she still wished to get his murderers caught and prosecuted. She gathered herself, putting the emotions aside for the moment. "So. What is our next step?"

Early the next morning Welsh got a call from Thatcher. "Leftenant Welsh. This is Inspector Thatcher."

"Good morning, Inspector."

"While I am not back at my duty station, I wished to inform you that I have returned to the greater Chicago area along with Francesca Vecchio. We are going to complete our respite here while no one is expecting us. She wished to inform you. I also have a report as to Detective Vecchio."

"He and the Mountie are on a case, chasing two bank robbers suspected of murder."

"How did you know, Leftenant?"

"They called in yesterday to ask us to look up information."

"I see. Have they reported progress?"

"They were on the trail with the other Mountie. Or so I was told. They didn't say how long but they seemed to expect it to be handled quickly. Or at least it better be."

"Understood, Leftenant." She paused. "Well, if you wish to contact me or Ms. Vecchio, you may call me at my residential number. Do you have it?"

"Yes we do."

"Very good, Leftenant. I will inform you when I return to duty and can be expected to complete my normal liaison functions."

"Thank you, Inspector. Enjoy the rest of your time off and tell Ms. Vecchio to do the same."

"Thank you, Leftenant. Until then." She hung up.

Welsh hung up his phone and sat back. 'Vecchio and Fraser are off doing God knows what and I'm sitting around waiting for a phone call. Business as usual, I suppose.' He sat up and went back to what he had been doing.

Mark Torelli looked out the back window toward the jeep that was following them. They had a head start but they couldn't afford a mistake. "Why can't that bitch get a fucking clue and leave this alone?"

Michael, who was driving, said, "This is Richmond's fault for getting involved with a cop."

"Well, we took care of him."

"But now we've got that same cop interfering with our business and cutting into profits by spooking our associates."

Mark flashed an angry look before he got it under control. "And she's picked up another Mountie with her. Or is it two? I think I saw three in that jeep."

"We've got to shake her. I say we get clear and then get out of Canada where she has no jurisdiction."

"Where to?"

"We still have friends in Chicago. We'll call them."

"But we have to ditch them first."

"Okay." Mark started to feel excited. "What's the plan?"

Ray looked at the jeep after the three of them had made their way to the road. It was in a ditch, on its side, with the front wheel snapped so that it no longer aligned. Ray, Fraser, Maggie, and Diefenbaker were standing on the road twenty feet from the vehicle.

After Ray stared for a long moment he cursed. "Damnit! I rented that car. I paid for it. Out of my own pocket! And now look at it. It's stuck in a ditch with a wrecked wheel and we're S-O-L!"

Maggie asked curiously in a quiet voice, "S-O-L?"

Fraser answered just as quietly, "Chicago, or perhaps more general American, parlance: The vulgar form for Feces out of Luck."

"Ah."

Fraser raised his voice to a normal level. "Ray. Perhaps you should take comfort in the fact that we all survived the experience with no physical damage. It will be a minor matter for the vehicle to be righted and repaired. I am certain the cost will be minimal. Did you purchase insurance?"

Ray gave him a nasty look. "Of course I got the insurance. I've spent too much time with you and I always get the insurance now."

"You see?" Fraser said happily. "The matter will be easily taken care of with no further out-of-pocket expense. There is no reason to get upset."

Ray looked incredulous. "Do you not see that we're out here alone and that the bad guys are getting away? Is that not obvious to you?"

"Ray," he said in a slightly admonishing tone. "There is no reason to be worried. I am very certain that we should be able to obtain conveyance. This is a well-maintained road and I am certain that there is sufficient use of it that we shall not be stranded for long." Fraser saw something in the distance and said, "Just look right over there!"

Ray looked where he was pointing. "That's a horse and buggy. Why the hell is there a horse and buggy?" The vehicle was coming from around a short hill down a dirt road nearby.

"Well, Ray, we have crossed over into Ontario. That leads me to believe that those are most likely members of the local Amish community."

Ray was confused. "Amish? Don't they live in Pennsylvania or something like that?"

Fraser dropped into his educational tone. "While the vast majority of the Amish community do, in fact, reside in the United States around the state of Pennsylvania, there is a small Amish presence within the Canadian province of Ontario."

"But it's a horse and buggy. How can they help us?" Ray whined.

In that slightly admonishing tone Fraser said, "While the Amish are insular, they are a charitable people." In a more reasonable tone he continued, "I am quite certain that, having seen us, they have concluded that we need assistance. All we have to do is to accept it. It should not take more than, oh, two hours to find services to assist in recovery of the jeep and to help make further travel arrangements."

Maggie, who had been listening, volunteered, "We also need to determine where our suspects are going."

"Well, their American connections are within Chicago. It is most likely there which they heading to. Once we cross the border, Ray will be able to act as a police officer again and take the lead in completing our efforts to apprehend them."

"Good, then," she said cheerfully. "Let us get our things from the jeep to prepare for the buggy's arrival."

Ray looked at the two Mounties in disgust.

The three law enforcement officers, and one wolf, crossed over the US/Canada border from Canadian Highway 11. By sheer chance, the nearest airport was Falls International which was two miles from the border.

And, as luck would have it, the last plane scheduled for the route would soon be leaving for Chicago. That airport did good service for those who wished to travel to Chicago after driving over the border.

And so four hours after getting across the border, they were landing in Chicago.

Ray had forced Fraser to provide Diefenbaker's license which showed he was registered in Chicago, thus negating the intent of the law as far as quarantine. As far as US law went, this was not an international flight and the animal was not being transferred across the border.

Fraser was a bit nervous at the idea but went along because – well, the wolf was unlikely to have any troubles and the quarantine would be extremely inconvenient.

Maggie just kept quiet.

And so it was 11:00 on the night before Ray was due to return to his job and Fraser was due to return to his post that the four arrived.

Ray immediately called Frannie and Fraser called Thatcher.

Twenty minutes later the two arrived in separate cars.

Frannie, after making certain they were out of sight of anyone who could watch them, immediately hugged Ray and kissed him.

Thatcher approached this differently. "Corporal Fraser. Report!"

Fraser and MacKenzie stood at attention under the stoic mien of Fraser's superior officer as he detailed the situation, suspects, pursuit, and current state of the case.

When he was done she said, "Very well, Corporal. It is obvious that you will not be able to return to duty at the appointed time tomorrow morning. You will arrive at the consulate at 7:30 am and obtain Sergeant Frobisher's agreement to continue holding your position until the matter is stable. I expect this to be accomplished by the end of the day. Constable MacKenzie and you may then assist Detective Vecchio in locating and apprehending these individuals. Understood?"

"Yes, Sir," Fraser said in a very proper tone.

"Good. Dismissed." Fraser relaxed, Maggie relaxed, and Thatcher relaxed. She smiled at Fraser. "Cutting it a bit close, aren't we, Ben?"

He gave her a small smile. "The exigencies of the situation." He stepped forward and embraced her, giving her a kiss. "I have to say that you are looking very well, even better than when we parted days ago."

She smiled. "Francesca and I decided to complete our vacation. We had a sauna, some time under some tanning beds (more for me than her as her skin tone needs less) and other than that had a very relaxed time."

Fraser, still holding her, turned to the watching Americans, who were also standing together. "Thank you, Francesca, for spending time with Meg."

"Oh, it was fun spending time without you two lugs. We had a blast and talked about all kinds of things." She smirked at Fraser.

Fraser looked worried. He asked Meg, "If I could ask …?"

"Girl talk, Ben. That is all you need to know."

"Understood."

The two separated. "Constable, Maggie I suppose because technically we are all off duty and you are family, as you are just arrived and I am certain that you have not made arrangements, we do have a living room. And while I am certain our couch is too soft, as Ben can attest and assuming you are similar to him in preferences, there is sufficient floor space for your bedroll. You would have to deal with the wolf in the same room. Would you like to come stay with us?"

"That would be wonderful, Sir. Thank you."

"It is Meg off duty. While I expect you to act with propriety outside of our home going forward, I have yet, technically, to retake command of the Consulate and you are his family member after all, even if that is not general knowledge."

"Of course, Meg."

"Good." She looked at both. "Get your things."

Frannie and Ray got in her car and they made their way back to his apartment.