Nightmares are hard to forget

(final part)

Linda could not deny having some amount of difficulty in concentrating on her job that night. Her encounter with Fraser had shaken her to her core, and then there had been Peter's confession. On the top of that, her new boss though that she was a psycho.

On the other side of the balance, that nice woman Cheryl had put nothing but good words regarding her job with the small children. Linda explained to Cheryl that she could not teach anyone, for she herself still went to school, but she could entertain the children. The kids loved her, and the feeling was mutual. Little Donovan even took an extra effort to behave when Linda was there.

The girl felt a lot of pressure. Everything needed to be perfect, because she needed that job, for her and the child. She would have to take care of her own child for the rest of her life, and she would have to do it by herself. Linda knew so little about religion, but Ma Vecchio had taught her to pray. Sometimes Linda did that. She prayed to have strength to be the best mother she could be to Ben's child.

"Linda?"

She was startled to see Mr. Jose in the ladies' room. She stopped scrubbing the floor on her hands and knees and straightened her back. "Yes, sir?"

"Are you almost done? I'd like to talk you for a second."

"I can go now, if it is urgent."

"No, it's nothing serious. Please come to my office after you are done."

"Yes, sir."

When he closed the door, Linda sighed in dismay. Probably Mr. Jose noticed she was distracted, and now she was in trouble. She hoped he was not going to fire her.

"I actually have good news, Linda," he said after sitting her in his office. "The mattress to your bed arrived this afternoon, and the bed is coming tomorrow. They were both donations from the Red Cross." Mr. Jose was smiling. "It means you will soon have a place to sleep."

Linda smiled shyly. "Yes. I am almost done cleaning the room, too. I cannot work there tonight, though."

"I told you it can wait until after the painting. There is no rush. Major restoration is almost done, and it took less time than I had imagined. In less than two weeks, you can move here, if you want."

"That would be nice. I will miss Mrs. Emerson, though. She is a nice lady."

"Yes, she is. Do you like it at the House of Passage?"

"It is very nice, yes. But I got used to living on my own, and I enjoyed having my place."

"I can understand that. Are you OK? I mean, in health. Are you having any reaction to the cleaning products?"

"None whatsoever. But then I have never had before, so it is no surprise."

"What did the doctor say?"

"Sir?"

"The doctor for the prenatal exams." Linda was at loss. "You did go to the centre's specialist to check the baby, didn't you?"

"No, sir, I am sorry."

"Well, in that case, I insist. It is important to go through prenatal exams, Linda. The doctor will be here by Thursday. I will set an appointment to you."

"But Mr. Jose, I help kindergarten on Thursdays."

He was very gentle. "Don't worry. I will warn Cheryl that you will not be able to go this Thursday. She will understand. Linda, I must insist on that. It is important for the baby, and I know how much that baby is important to you. So let's take good care of it, OK?"

She smiled at his attention. "OK. Thank you, sir."

"Don't mention it. Now we are done, Linda. So, are you going home, now?"

"Yes, sir. I was hoping to finish this floor, but the AAA meeting is running a little late on room 206, so I will clean it tomorrow."

"Don't worry. You have been doing a terrific job, Linda. This place is shining like it never did before."

The girl blushed. "Thank you, Mr. Jose."

The Latino man smiled. "I am still waiting for you to call me just Jose, Linda."

"I am sorry, sir."

He shrugged and just shook his head. "Well, keep up the good work. And good night."

Linda respectfully went out of his office and put away the brooms and buckets before taking her coat and heading out. She was surprised to see Peter's car in the street. He went out of the vehicle and waved at her. "Hi, Linda. I was awaiting for you."

"Me?"

"I noticed you left without dinner, and wondered if you'd like to have a late snack with me. My treat, of course."

"Sorry, Peter. I have to get back to the house of passage until ten o'clock, or I will be locked out." She shrugged apologetically. "Rules."

"I know the rules. I am asking you to skip your curfew. It is important for you to eat properly. For the baby."

"But then I won't have a place to sleep, Peter."

"You can sleep at my place." Linda looked at him, alarmed. "My roommate had to travel suddenly. You can sleep in his room. Or in mine. I will take the couch." Before Linda could protest, he pointed at the clock. "Besides, you can't say no now: see, you have just missed curfew."

Peter was right. It was five past ten already.

"Peter!" Linda was trying hard not to get mad. "You did it on purpose. How could you do that?"

"Hey, hey, calm down. I did not mean any harm. Besides, Linda, I don't want you to be alone tonight."

"Why is that?"

"You went through a lot today. You might need a friend." Linda stared at him, her green eyes stating confusion. "Please let me take care of you, Linda. You don't have to be alone in such a hard time. I want you to know that."

Linda stared at him, and wondered how she could say what she had to. "But Peter, I can't... I am sorry, Peter, I just..."

He touched her arm. "I know you still love him." Linda could hear the pain in his voice and her heart ached for this man. "Maybe you will never stop loving him, but I want you to know I am here. I am willing to be by your side as long as you allow me, including taking care of you and his baby as if it were mine."

Linda felt a small tear rolling down her face. Peter smiled sadly and used his finger to gently swipe it. "Oh, I did not want to make you cry. You are a gentle girl, Linda. Now let's just have some dinner, and not talk about any of this, OK?"

She nodded and he stared at her in a jocular way, making a funny face. "Hey, where is my smile? I want one, please, please pretty please with a cherry on top. I promise I will be a good boy if you smile to me." Linda couldn't contain her laugh at his goofiness, and he cheered exaggeratedly. "Woo-hoo! Yes! Good, now let's eat. I am starving, woman!"

So Linda gave up complaining, because Peter was really a charming and persuasive man. They went to a small diner and had turkey salad with spaghetti. Linda found the combination exotic.

They went to Peter's, a small apartment at the Northside not far from downtown Chicago. Linda was very intimidated at first, and shyly entered the place, noticing it was simple.

"It is a boy's place", Peter shrugged apologetically. "Gus, my roommate, is not an organised guy at all. I have to keep reminding him to clean his stuff. So, I apologise in advance if you find any mess lying around."

"You have a nice place, Peter." Linda avoided looking at him, and found out she was shaking. She was so afraid he would try anything.

Somehow, Peter noticed her reaction and read her thoughts. "Linda, you don't have to worry about me. Look, I will take the couch. You are safe here."

She smiled and blushed. "OK, Peter. And thank you for that."

He smiled and went inside the bedroom, his voice muffed. "I will get some clean sheets and a heavy blanket. I get so cold during the night, don't you?"

Linda raised her voice to answer. "Yes, sometimes I do."

"You should remember it when you move to the room in the community centre." Peter returned to the living room, bringing the sheets. "You will need something to heat that room."

"Yes, I haven't thought about it. Thanks for the tip."

With Linda's help, Peter transformed the couch into a sleeping place. "Well, here we are. Would you like to drink some tea before going to bed?"

"No, thank you. I have to work up early tomorrow. Kindergarten will be waiting for me."

"Oh, I see. All right, then I guess we'd better turn in. Would you like anything to sleep in? Sweat pants, T-shirts, anything?"

"No, thank you. I am wearing a T-shirt under the pullover. Thank you." Linda blushed. "Thank you, Peter. Good night."

"Sleep well, Linda."

She went to his bedroom and closed the door, then sighed. He was true to his word, and she felt safe. She even felt some remorse. Peter was a gentleman, and she should be ashamed to think that he would take advantage of her.

But she could not help to think that she never knew anyone as gentle as Ben. Ever. Even though Peter was surely a very nice man, only Ben was a true gentleman.

* * *

It did not take a rocket scientist to imagine that Linda's sleep soon be plagued by nightmares that night. She woke up panting, short of breath, sweating, in a strange bed.

It took Linda a few good seconds to reassess her bearings. Then she remembered where she was and why.

Oh, dear, was she confused, ever. She looked at Peter's alarm clock, and it read almost two in the morning. Linda was surprised she had slept at all, lest that long. Pregnant women slept a lot, she heard Cheryl say.

Still she was in a lot of pain. She remembered the nightmare that woke her up and a pang ran through her belly.

The dream was set at night. There was a child, a beautiful boy with Fraser's features, around the age of four, crying angrily at her. He was in her arms, hitting her with tiny little hands and surprising strength: "I don't have a father and it is all your fault! I hate you, I hate you!" Linda was crying, guilt cutting through her as her own son struggled to be away from her.

In the dark, quiet room, tears ran silently through her cheeks. Linda knew that scene was quite possible in the future, and she would have no answer that could satisfy a fatherless four-year old child. Nothing would compensate the whole life the child would have to live without a father.

Linda cried as silently as she could, but a sob raked her body every now and then. She curled herself, her mind's eye fixed on Ben's expression as he recognised her that afternoon in front of the Consulate. It had been such a fleeting moment.. She did not have the opportunity to see his eyes clearly, but she wished it had been love shining from the clear blue-grey spheres that hypnotised her so much.

How could she live without ever seeing those eyes again, or their owner? The thought pierced her heart like a spear. And the child... it would not be fair to the child.

Maybe it was best not to have the baby after all.

Linda entertained the thought grimly. If she had and abortion and Ray ever found out, he would never forgive her. Probably, neither would Ben.

Then Linda realised how much she missed Ray as well. She knew Ray would be there for her. He could help her. Ma Vecchio would also help her with the baby, telling her things about being a good mother.

But she could not have the Vecchios around, because Ben would be there, too. What if she skipped town and tried to raise her baby away from everybody? She needed documents, though. Perhaps Mr. Jose and Peter might help her do that.

And if they did that, Linda could start over in place away from Chicago. Then she would be truly alone. Completely alone with a child in her hands. Was it worth it?

Oh, my baby, I am so sorry. Child, I don't expect you to forgive me, but please never forget I am trying to be the best mother I can.

Linda suppressed a whimper, but the tears kept coming. She tried to contain the sobs, but some slipped against her will.

A noise startled her. "Linda?"

In an impulse, she jumped from the bed and tried to hide her body in a little ball by the corner of the room. It was Peter, she knew, but she was so ashamed.

Strong arms wrapped her lovingly, and Linda cried even harder, feeling comforted amidst so much pain. She let herself be led to the couch on the living room, and there she still clutched to Peter, weeping in his arms for long minutes.

When Linda finally calmed down a bit, he produced a box of Kleenex and she blew her nose. "I am sorry, Peter."

"No need to explain." He had kept the lights turned off, so she could not see the smile. "Are you better?"

Linda was honest in her answer. "Not really. I think I won't have the baby, Peter."

Instead of having a harsh reaction, Peter just kept caressing her. He waited a few seconds before asking, his voice soft and flat. "Is that what you want?"

"No. But I may not be able to take care of the child by myself."

"I said you don't have to be alone, Linda. I meant it. I know it is your decision to have or not have the baby. But I will help you if you let me."

"I wish I could talk to Ray. I miss him."

Peter got quiet for a few minutes. "Is that what you want?"

"I am not sure", Linda admitted. "I just wish, that's all. Besides, I don't even know if he would talk to me. He may be mad because I ran off."

"Are you afraid your friend might be mad at you?"

"Yes. I think Ray is very angry." Linda dried a few stubborn tears. "I am not even sure he is trying to find me."

Peter sighed. "Well, he is."

Linda tried to look at him. "Ray is angry with me? How do you know?"

"No, I meant that he is looking for you." Surprised, Linda backed from his embrace and looked at him. Peter admitted, embarrassed. "Your friend came to see me, and said you were missing. I didn't say anything because I didn't want to upset you. You said you didn't want to talk to him, so I lied to him." He stopped while Linda gathered her thoughts. "If you want, I can call him."

"No." Linda thought better, than winced. "Actually, I don't know if I want to talk to him. Was he nervous?"

"Yeah, a bit, I guess."

"Was Benny with him?"

Peter sighed. "You do love him, don't you?" Linda could hear the pain in his voice. "You'd go back to him if he asked you."

Linda averted her eyes. "I won't lie to you. I love him, and if he asked me to go back to him, I would."

"It figures." Peter sighed again, then shrugged. "I had hope, but... Well, I am not giving you up, Linda. Not unless you push me away. But I don't want to pressure you, either. Look, I can talk to your friend Ray if you want."

Linda felt tears coming up again. "I am sorry, Peter. You have been so good to me, and I'm not strong. I'm so confused."

Peter took her in his arms again, and she wept once more, damping the T-shirt he wore with tears. She stayed like that for a long time, and he whispered nothings in her ear, rubbing her back, shushing her. It took him over an hour, until Linda cried herself to sleep in his arms.

Peter sighed with relief and allowed himself to sleep, too.

* * *

"Man, you sure got lucky last night, huh?"

The shout woke Linda up in the cruellest way. She was still enveloped by Peter, both on the couch, and raised her head, heart pounding inside her chest.

There was a man inside the living room, sneering at them in the most unpleasant way. The thin man had huge ears, wide scary eyes, horrendous teeth and a decidedly unfriendly aura.

Peter seemed angry at the way he barged in. "Gus! We have guests!"

"So I see. Pretty one, too." He eyed Linda as if she were a cut of prime beef. Instinctively, the girl coiled. The man asked in a lecherous manner, "Aren't you going to introduce us?"

Reluctantly, Peter said, "Linda, this is Al Guzman, my roommate. Gus, Linda spent the night in my room."

"That is not what I see." The man was practically undressing Linda with his eyes.

Although not dressed improperly, Linda tried to cover herself, blushing. She noticed it was already morning, and the sun was out. "Oh, dear. I gotta go now." She hesitated to move, staring at Guzman, whose hungry eyes had been fixed on Linda. She forced herself to be polite, even though she didn't like Peter's roommate. "It was nice to meet you, Mr. Guzman."

The skinny man was headed for his room and winked maliciously at her. "Yeah, babe, see ya around."

Linda sighed when he disappeared and scrambled to get her things together. "Sorry, I really have to be early at the centre."

"I will drive you there."

"There is no need, Peter. Thank you." Linda got ready quickly ran away as fast as she could without being impolite. But she was getting way too much confused.

* * *

After such a bad night, Linda was sleepy all day long. She took care of the kids in the morning, then went back to the HOP and helped Mrs. Emerson with some chores, as usual.

The caretaker was worried about her, and Linda told the lady that she missed curfew last night because she was working late. She did not want Mrs. Emerson to think she was Peter's girlfriend, for that was not true.

At nightfall, Linda was back at the centre for her usual job of cleaning. She had checked the schedule, and she knew there were no meetings that night, so she could clean the classrooms anytime.

Actually, Linda went to the small back room that one day would be her abode. She usually did that at nights, and ended up cleaning something. It was rough job, because it was heavy residues from the ongoing restoration. That night, though, Linda had a surprise. She walked in the little room and found the bed and mattress Mr. Jose told her about the day before, plus a big rug. Linda beamed. Her dream of having a place of her own seemed to be becoming true.

Linda looked around, knowing full well that she would be spending a lot of time alone in that place. The bed could be moved, and Linda imagined where could she put a crib.

Suddenly, she had a terrible thought: she might not be able to live there after she the baby was born. Mr. Jose might not want her and the baby there. Maybe he imagined that she would put the baby for adoption. If so, what was the point of cleaning that room and making it liveable?

In that case, what was the point of her job?

Ultimately, what was the point of anything if Benny was not there?

The thought slipped unchecked through her brain and before Linda could help it, she was on her knees, crying silently again. As she shed buckets of tears, she wondered if she would ever stop crying in her life.

The released tension and the restless night took their load on Linda. She felt so tired and depressed that she could not help but lie down on the mattress to rest for a while. Her intention was to take a hold of her feelings, control herself and do her job for the night.

She had no intention whatsoever to fall asleep in that room. But her battered body needed a rest and jumped at the first chance available. So she slept.

A noise woke Linda, and she startled fully awake. Instantly, all sleepiness fled her body as she realised she had fallen asleep. She looked at her wristwatch. It was past eleven.

Oh, dear. What a shame.

She had missed curfew again, and very probably now she was locked into the community centre. Linda knew that she was in deep trouble, but she had no idea of how much trouble she really was.

Linda got out of the small room and heard her footsteps echoing in the huge empty building. The sound gave her an eerie sensation, so she tried to be as quiet as she could. Elroy the watchman was probably outside, she thought. Well, at least he knew her and would not mistake her for an intruder. Still she walked as quietly as she could around the empty building.

That was the reason she heard the faint voices coming from the west wing of the centre.

Linda got intrigued, because she knew there were no meetings scheduled to be held that night in the centre. So she followed the noises very carefully. They might be burglars or something, and Ray had warned her that such people could be dangerous. But she had to confirm that so she could tell Elroy and he could call the police.

Linda approached the room with ultimate care, in stealthy motion. The voices were near enough to be distinguished. She could hear words.

"The time is right!"

"No, it isn't. We need more planning."

"It is now or never, man! We are doing so good."

"Out of sheer luck! The Feds are on the case, you know that."

"We need the American people's attention, so we gotta make big noises. Those three firecrackers you call bombs didn't raise enough attention!"

Bombs? Linda got closer, and saw a light from the second room. She tiptoed there, and found the door closed. The men inside, however, were talking quite loud, so she could hear everything they said as clearly as if the door was open.

"The Canadians are still investigating the explosion. They think it might be from separatists from Quebec."

There was general laughter in the room. Linda thought there might be at least four people in there.

"Humpf! They are French-speaking amateurs! We have a real cause, a real fight! We have to defend motherland at any cost. Taking American lives is the next logical step. We will only be taken serious attention from the media by spilling American blood in their stupid American soil!"

"Then why hit the Canadian?"

"The Mountie could identify Olezabal. Dudley-Do-Right spotted the suitcase with the bomb that Loezabal left at the mall and went after Olezabal, but he escaped the damned Mountie".

"What about the girl? She is getting too close to us."

"The girl claims she has not seen anything. Besides, if she is this close to us, that means she is not close to the police. And this way we can control her."

"I still don't like it. What do you say, Chief? Can we trust her?"

Linda recognised Mr. Jose's voice. "I can vouch on that. She cannot identify anyone, and she is ignorant about everything. She speaks the truth, and she has no idea about the organisation, yours or ours. Besides, she is a little wacko and she is on the run, too. Even if she knew anything, no one would pay her any attention."

"We should take her anyway. Give the Mountie something to sweat about. He is nuts trying to find her."

"We don't take hostages, man. You know that. That is the reason we should strike now. Let's get back to the point. The next hit is very important. I say now is our best opportunity."

"Olezabal, we are talking about the Chicago Stock Exchange. Security there is tighter than Fort Knox. How do you expect to plant a bomb in there without anyone seeing?"

"We go inside as stockbrokers, and detonate it at the exact time that the market closes. It must be done this week."

"Then Thursday is our best option."

"So Thursday it is."

A pause.

"Remember, gentlemen. Motherland is counting on us. We are doing it for our beloved Euskadi. A free Euskadi. All Euskadi. For Euskadi."

"Euskadi."

"Euskadi."

"Euskadi."

The shouts degenerated to a general chant, or loud cheer, repeating that word. Linda repeated it tentatively, "Euskadi." She would have to find out what it means.

Linda took the opportunity to get away from the door. She moved as fast as she could to the front wing, then stopped to catch her breath and collect her thoughts.

They were probably the group responsible for the bombing in the mall and in the Canadian Consulate. The FBI was after them, and they were planning to explode the Chicago Stock Exchange on Thursday.

Linda was mortified to find Mr. Jose involved in that. He had been so nice to her; it was hard to imagine him as one of the bad guys. She wondered if he might have been forced to do that.

She had to warn the police. They were talking about killing people, and she had to prevent that.

Then another thought terrified Linda. If they found her, her life might be in danger.

She looked around, trying to think fast. An idea occurred to her. She had to get a hold to Ray. It was not midnight yet, so she might have a chance to reach him at the station.

As quietly as she could, she went inside Mr. Jose's office to use his phone. She picked up the device and hid under the desk. Then she carefully dialled the familiar number to the 2-7 precinct.

"Chicago Police. Twenty-seventh precinct."

Linda whispered, "Detective Ray Vecchio, please. It is an emergency."

"Just a moment."

Linda waited nervously, feeling the seconds ticking and her nerves shaking. Then she heard the familiar voice. "Vecchio."

A wave of relief flooded her. "Ray, thank God." Her voice was shaky and she was still whispering.

"Who is this?"

"Ray, it's me, Linda."

There was a veritable shriek at the other end of the line. "Linda! Oh, God, Linda, where are you? Where have you been? Want to give me a heart attack?"

She struggled to be heard over his excitement. "Ray, listen to me, please. Ray, please, hear me out."

"Linda, what is it?"

"Ray, there is going to be another bomb attack. You gotta stop it."

"I can't hear you well, Linda. Speak louder, please?"

She hissed, "I can't talk louder. Listen to me." She pronounced the words clearly and very slowly, so he could hear the words better. "The men who put all those bombs are planning to strike the Chicago Stock Exchange Thursday. Did you hear that?"

"The Chicago Stock Exchange?"

"Yes. It will be on Thursday. They want to kill people, Ray. You have to stop them."

"How do you know that, Linda?"

"I heard them planning it. That is why I cannot speak louder. They might hear me."

"Do you know who they are, or what do they want?"

"They said they were doing that for Motherland. Then they said a word I never heard before."

"A word?"

"Euskadi, I guess. Yes, it is Euskadi. They repeated it several times. I don't know what it means."

Ray found a notebook. "What's the word again?"

She spoke it slower. "Euskadi. They said they are doing this for a free Euskadi. I don't know what they want, Ray, but I know at least one of the men."

"Can you identify him?"

"Yes. He said another name, but I don't remember. They said they were trying to kill Benny because he can identify this other man. They're still here. You can come right now and arrest them."

Linda heard Ray's breathe catch. "You are with them?"

"Yes."

"Now?"

"Yes!" Linda was impatient with Ray.

"Look, Linda, you are in great danger. You have to get out of there now. Tell me someplace near so I can pick you up."

"Now?"

"Get out of there. Get out - "

Before Ray finished the sentence, the line went dead. "Ray? Can you hear me?"

No answer from the other side of the line.

But an omnious voice came from above Linda's head.

"Oops. Looks like it is no time for phone calls." Linda looked up to the underbelly of the desk and started shaking really hard.

Oh-oh.

Suddenly, the desk that hid her disappeared and she was dragged to her feet with extreme violence. Linda felt her body being held with force, restrained powerfully although she was not resisting.

"Especially calls to the police."

The light was turned on and she was face to face to no one else than Al Guzman, Peter's horrible roommate. She must have paled terribly, because the ugly man grinned evilly. "I see you remember me. We are going to have such a good time, pretty babe."

Linda was so scared that she was actually panting with fear, and she darted her eyes around. There were at least two more men restraining her, both with their eyes zeroed on her, mean expressions on their unfamiliar faces. The world began to whirl slowly and she felt like fainting.

"How much did you hear? What did you tell the cops?"

Her voice would not come out. She was so scared that her voice failed. Guzman grinned. "Well, honey, if you don't talk, we can play it the other way, then."

In a swift motion, he struck her so hard in the face that she staggered back, a sea of searing pain on her jaw as she let out a yelp of pain, surprise and horror. A second blow made her black out, plunging into darkness.

* * *

"Linda? Linda, can you hear me?" Ray was shouting in frustration. "Linda!" He crashed the phone down and shouted a string of expletives.

Lieutenant Welsh heard the noise at the quiet station, and came out of his office, fuming. "Vecchio, control your temper!"

"Sir, I need local Phone Company ASAP to track a call I have just received. It was from Linda, and she might be in danger."

"Linda? You mean our Linda?"

Ray nodded, "I think she ran into our mad bombers."

Welsh ran to the nearest telephone. "Then don't just stand there! Go at it! And get Big Red here on the double. He is probably at the Feds. Damn Canuck has not given them a minute of peace since he found out they were on this case."

Ray smiled. That was right. Benny was making sure the Feds got a good steaming sweat.

By the time the Mountie and his wolf arrived at the precinct, Ray had already the location of the phone from which Linda called him. The cop did not even let the Mountie open his mouth or get his hat off his head.

But something bothered him on the piece of paper he got on his hand.

"This cannot be right."

"Why is it so, Ray?"

"It says here that the phone is on a community centre by the West Side. It is a neighbourhood association of some sort that gets help from various NGOs. The place must be closed at this time of the night." Ray grabbed the coat and they headed to the exit, wolf in tow. "I told you we'd find her, Benny."

Ben could not hide his anxiety as they walked towards the precinct exit. "Is it true you talked to her?"

"Yes, buddy, I talked to her myself. She was alright by then." Ray moved towards the parking Riv.

"What did she say?"

Ray opened the car. "It wasn't much. Somehow she had run into the bombers. Said they were the ones who tried to kill you at the Consulate, and now they are planning to hit the Stock Exchange next Thursday. She can identify at least one of them, but she doesn't know who they are."

They got inside the Riv and Ray left the station's parking lot into the Chicago night, as Benny asked. "Could she tell you what they are trying to achieve?"

"They are surely terrorists of some kind. She said they repeated they were doing this to free something or someone called Eusadi. No, that's not the name. Wait. " He grabbed his notebook. "No, it was Euskadi. Yes, Euskadi was how it sounded to me. I had to write that down, because I don't know what it means"

Ben felt a knot in his stomach. "Oh, dear. I think I know."

"You do?"

"It is the Basque word for Basque Country."

"So they are foreigners."

"Not only foreigners, Ray. They are separatists. Have you heard of the terrorist group called ETA?"

"Sure. Everybody has. They blow up politicians and police officers in Spain to form a new country."

"Precisely. ETA stands for Euskadi Ta Askatasuna, which means Basque Country and Freedom."

Ray widened his eyes. "Euskadi... is the same Euskadi?"

"Certainly. They want their own country because they have their own language and costumes. In Canada, we have a similar situation in Quebec."

"Wait a minute. Are you saying these people are blowing up things here, in Chicago, because they want their own country somewhere in the middle of Spain? That doesn't make sense."

"Maybe they are just trying to get some media attention. Remember the Bolt Brothers and their Fathers of the Confederation group."

"But don't they get enough media coverage in their own country? Why are they doing this in Chicago?"

"I can only speculate at this point, Ray. But they might want to get international attention. The best way to ensure this is to hit an American target."

Ray snarled, "I said it once and I say it again: I hate tourists." He looked at Ben, "You know what it means, don't you?"

"Are you referring to the fact that now the Department of State and the CIA will be involved in this case besides the FBI?"

"No. I wanted to say that it means that Linda is in a whole new lot of trouble, and I am not sure she knows how much trouble that is." Ray took his cell phone and called the precinct. "Lieu, I got some news. And it is not good."

* * *

He was an ageing black man, and very easy going, Ray figured. Not the kind who would be involved with international terrorists with an on-going separatist fight in Europe for over 30 years.

Elroy, the watchman at the community centre, shook his head. "No, the building was empty tonight, and not a sound was heard, except for some movers."

"Movers?"

"Yes, voluntaries. They were from the Red Cross, I think. Anyway, the administrator was with them, so I figured everything was legit. Being voluntaries, they come at the strangest hours you might think."

"So everything was normal?"

"Pretty much." The man shrugged. "I guess the new cleaning lady had finished her job even before the movers got here. I didn't see her out."

Ray shoed him a picture of Linda. "And do you know this girl?"

The watchman nodded. "Sure, she is the new cleaning lady. The one I was just talking about. She has the night shift."

Ben asked him, "So she has been here?"

"Yeah, every night. Lovely girl, too." The watchman looked at both cops with alarm. "Don't tell me she is a criminal! Is she in trouble?"

"She might be in danger, yes, but no, sir, she is no criminal. Is there a phone inside?"

"Sure. At administration."

"Do you mind if we take a look?"

"No. Let me open the door for you." He did that, shaking his head. "I'd hate to see anything bad happening to that girl, you know? She always looks so sad, but she is very polite. Such a nice girl."

"Yes, she is," Ben agreed with a sad smile and a pain in his heart. "Thank you kindly."

They went inside the building, their footsteps echoing in the huge hallways. In the office, Ben showed Ray the plaque that held the administrator's name. Ben repeated it, "Jose Itxuaga. Is that the administrator? Is he from other country?"

The watchman nodded, "Yes, that is him. I thought he was from South America, but he said he is European. From Spain."

Both men exchanged looks. Ben confirmed, "Itxuaga sounds like a Basque name."

Ray used the handkerchief to check the phone, as Dief furiously sniffed around. The cop said, "Yes, the number matches with the call we got in the precinct."

Ben turned to the night watchman. "Did you see the movers? Do you know what they moved?"

The man answered. "I saw them putting a lot of boxes in a car. There was a big old rug, too. And those voluntaries were bad at the job. Two of them carried the rug, and let me tell you, they were so clumsy they looked like they were hiding a body." The watchman laughed, and Ray turned pale.

Ben asked the next question, "How many were they?"

"Four or five. They finished their job half an hour before you arrived. You almost caught them".

"Do you have any idea where they took the material? Is there a place where they keep things from the centre?"

"No, I am afraid you will have to ask the administrator."

Dief barked twice and Ben nodded. "Dief says she has been here, Ray." The guard watched the wolf with a whole new approach.

The detective turned to the man and asked, "What times does the administrator comes in?"

"In the morning I guess. You can talk to him then."

Ray shook his head. "Sorry, that's not good enough. Do you have a home number, a cell number or something like that?"

The man thought for a while. "I have only an emergency number, if that is what you are asking."

"Exactly!," exclaimed Ray. "Thanks".

"I gotta go and get it."

Fraser smiled. "We appreciate it. Thank you, Elroy. You have helped a lot."

Dief began tracking the minute they walked out the building. It was their best hope to find Linda, and Ray knew that. Every minute it took was a minute closer to Linda's death.

***

Noises. Confusing and mixed noises assaulted Linda's brain as she struggled to regain full consciousness. A wave of nausea raked her body as her nostrils filled with a damp scent.

She opened her eyes and looked around. It was dark and dusty, and she was so dizzy it was hard to see anything at all. When she tried to move, she found out her wrists were tied in the back. She was tied to a chair, and her arms and back hurt like hell. Her face also hurt.

Linda finally started to distinguish the noises, as they turned into different voices. Only then she could remember most of past events. Before the cold reality sunk in, she heard, "Well, well, well, look who finally got up. Hello, sleeping beauty."

She raised her head and saw Al Guzman's horrendous face grinning at her. In an impulse, Linda cringed. He laughed.

"Looks like you are not sociable yet. That will change, honey, let me assure you."

"Enough." The authoritarian voice came from a source least expected: Mr. Jose, a man from whom Linda had received nothing but gentleness. Yet now he was sided those people, who planted bombs in malls and hurt Benny.

Mr. Jose raised from his chair and stood against Guzman. "Leave her alone."

The ugly man went ballistic and ran to meet the Hispanic eye to eye, snarling. "Don't tell me what to do! If it was up to me, she would be toast by now."

"She might be useful."

"You know, I am surprised at you guys. When we first met about this association, I thought it was clear that you don't take prisoners."

"That was back in motherland. You were hired to work for us, so don't try to dictate anything here. I am still in charge, despite your self-proclaimed Army of America's Liberation."

Guzman poked a finger in Jose's chest. "I am trying to keep us alive, señor! Remember that! I always thought we should start this operation in New York, not Chicago!"

"Enough, I said!" Jose seemed irritated, and Linda winced. "Bickering will get us nowhere. We need to think this new situation. But first we need to know how much the cops know."

Linda felt both of them staring at her and began to shake. Jose approached her, in a voice deceivingly amiable, "Linda, I am so disappointed in you. I wished to protect you since the beginning, but now it is no longer possible. I am sorry."

His tone did not reassure Linda. "What are you going to do to me?" She shivered.

"It depends on what you have done before. What did you tell the police?"

"Nothing, "she whimpered. "I don't know anything."

"Linda, Linda," he shook his head. "Now I am trying to be reasonable here. Please return the favour."

She breathed in deep, then realised it was useless. Maybe they could spare her if she gave them what they wanted. So she said, "I know nothing else beyond the bomb on the Stock Exchange. I told them to prevent it. People might get hurt."

"You don't understand, do you? These people must die for a greater good. We are doing this to save our land." Jose took a deep breath, as if to calm himself down. "I don't want to see you hurt, Linda, but I won't hesitated to do that if I must."

The girl broke out and pleaded, "Why are you doing this? Can't you just let me go? I promise not to tell, Mr. Jose. You know I keep my promises."

Guzman laughed out loud at her innocent question. "Ha! Is she for real?"

Jose spun and came down hard on the other man. "Shut up! I am getting tired of you and your amateur people. I did some research, and guess what I found out? You are known to the cops!"

"I struck a deal with the Feds!"

"And how come they are chasing you now? Huh? Besides, I have come across the information that her cop friend knows you personally! Ray Vecchio arrested you two years ago. If Linda identifies you, he certainly link things!"

"She doesn't even know me!"

"How hard it is to know Adolf Guzman, big leader of the American Militia?!"

"Army!"

"Like there in a difference! We are in a fix here, mister, and it will take a lot of work to get us clean again. The cops are after us."

"They don't know where to find us. The call was not long enough to be traced."

"There is no guarantee." Jose sighed. "I better show up at work and find out exactly in what kind of trouble we are."

Guzman was still wired. "You know whose fault this is, don't you? It's that wimp's you call friend!"

Jose's eyes shone in fury and despise. "You stay away from him. And from her, too. I will handle it my way. You are quick to point blame because you fear that some of it may fall upon you."

"No! It is his fault! His entire fault! I told him the girl was trouble, and she had to be wasted! She insisted we should befriend her, make her trust us. Looks like I turned to be right! Did anyone listen to me? Did any one apologise? Nooooo -"

Jose chastised him, "Watch your mouth." Guzman shut up, grumpy, and went to the other side of the room, away from Linda. The girl sighed without a noise.

Then Jose walked around Linda and said. "I expect you to work with me, Linda. I helped you so much before, and now you could help me out in returned, uh? I will give you some time to think about it." He gestured to a tiny door Linda had not noticed before. "There are armed men outside this door. They don't speak your language, so it is useless to plea. And don't try any funny business. Their orders are to shoot first."

Linda watched as Jose dragged Guzman by the arm, the other man complaining. She sighed in relief, alone at last, savouring the fact that she had survived. The only problem is that she had no idea how long they would keep her alive.

She had to get away from those thoughts.

No. No fear. I have to be strong. I will be strong. For my child. Mine and Ben's. Child, be strong now. I will do whatever it takes to protect you.

Keeping that in mind, she waited.

It turned out that Linda was left alone for a lot of time in that dark place. Hours passed by, she could tell it from the pain in her body.

Her bounded wrists were sore, and it was very possible that they were bleeding. She could not move much, so she was getting all sorts of pain. Her face was also hot from the slaps he had received earlier, and the headache became a dull throb in her head. Her muscles were aching and she needed a bathroom presto.

Linda tried not to think much about what they could do to her. But she felt so alone, and so helpless. She knew she had slim chances of rescue, because Guzman had cut off her call to Ray before she could give him any information on her location. No one knew where she was.

Despite all Linda's proud thoughts and her willingness to save her child, it was clear that they would have killed her if Jose hadn't stopped him. They still might anyway. Guzman was the dangerous man around. It would be wise not to piss him off if she had any hope of survival.

Her mind turned to Ray. After that phone call, her friend probably was out of his mind by now, trying to find her.

Suddenly, the door opened, and Linda winced, blinded by the unexpected flood of light. From the silhouette in front of her, came a familiar voice gasping in surprise, "Linda!"

Her heart raced, and she could not believe her ears, "Peter?"

"Oh, God, oh, Linda!" Peter rushed to her side and swiftly started to untie the ropes on her wrists and ankles. "What have they done to you?"

Linda could not help but fall apart. "Oh, Peter, thank God you are here. I am so scared."

"Wait, let me get you out of these." Peter finally freed her from all her ties, then wrapped her tightly in his arms. They ended up on the floor. "Oh, Linda, I am so sorry."

Linda clutched on him, her heart racing, her body trembling, sobbing, "I am so scared, so scared."

Peter caressed her tenderly, trying to soothe her. "Shh. You are safe now. I won't let them harm you."

She looked up at him, suddenly startled. "How did you find me?"

"Jose told me what happened. He wants to help."

"Jose?!" Linda flinched from his embrace. "Peter, he threatened me!"

Peter seemed mortified, not letting go of her. "Linda, you have to understand. Jose is my boss on this. He is worried about you. He has tried to protect you this whole time, but you called the police, and now he is afraid he might not be able to guarantee your safety. Why did you call the police anyway? You told me you did not want to talk to them!"

"What are you talking about? Peter, you - " Linda halted, her eyes growing with realisation. "Oh, no. You are with them. You are not here to rescue me, you are here to talk to me and to make sure I don't interfere with their plans!" She was so disgusted that she tried to break free from him, arms moving. "Let go of me! Stay away from me!"

"Linda, please, listen to me." Peter grabbed her and she ceased to resist. "This is not the time for that. You're in real danger. Do you realise it? You have to do as I say, if you want to live."

Linda felt so angry and sad. "You are with them, aren't you?" Tears rolled down her cheeks. "You lied to me."

"I wanted to make sure you were safe, Linda. They wanted to kill you, just like they tried to kill the Mountie. I could not let it happen." Linda stared him and he seemed to be so sad. "Please try to understand. I cannot say no to them. They are my adopted people."

"What do you mean?"

"They are Basques. I have lived there, too, and I understood all their claims. They are good people, Linda, driven to desperation by cold governments that don't care about them. Try to understand, that is all I ask."

Linda frowned. "But Peter, they are killing people. Innocent people. They tried to kill Benny!"

"That is the only language our enemies will understand: violence. We don't want to do this."

"We?" she repeated. "Are you really one of them?"

"Well, not technically. I just give Guzman shelter and base of operations. He is not a Basque, but he is a local, and he helps us to get money and set good targets for the cause. We give him weapons in return. He has his own fight, and we are merely temporary allies. There are other allies in other parts of America. We will only be heard if the Americans step in our cause. When we get the attention of the American people, then our cry will be heard all over the world, and we will become free, a free land."

Linda was still staring at him. "But what you are doing is wrong. Killing people is against the law. Ben has always told me that if you stop following the law then you also stop being reasonable and - "

Peter got angry. "It is too late for that now, Linda. I am trying to save your skin, so you'd better do as I say, if you want to live. These people are not joking." She tried hard to contain her fear, and he said, in a softer voice. "I am sorry. I am truly sorry. I hoped I could spare you this."

Linda nodded heavily, then looked at the dirty floor. She asked quietly, "Peter, can you be honest with me now?"

He held her unresponsive body. "Sure, Linda. I did not want to lie to you, believe me."

"When you helped me, what was your intention?"

He inhaled sharply. "I - I - Linda, you have to believe me. I never had any intention besides truly helping you."

"So you weren't just trying to keep an eye on me to make sure I wouldn't call the police?"

"Of course not. Jose wanted to do that, but I never let him. That is why he wanted you to move to the centre, you see. He wanted to keep control over you."

Linda finally looked at him. "So are you really trying to help me?"

"Yes." He used his finger to wipe a tear rolling down her cheek. "I will do anything to protect you. I mean it, and you can trust me."

Linda thought that she really wanted to believe him. How she needed someone to trust!

Peter took her hands in his. "All I said before is also true, Linda. I do care about you."

Linda saw in his eyes that he was not lying, and her heart sank heavily, because all she could think about was Ben. Her thoughts were shattered by the noisy arrival of Jose and Guzman.

Noisy was to say the least. Peter got up and confronted them both. A loud angry argument was held among the three of them, half in English, half in Basque. The guards came in from the outside, and Linda, now free from her bonds, scrambled to crouch by a corner of the room, away from the warring parties. But she kept an eye on the door. If they got involved in the fight, maybe she could sneak out when they weren't looking.

"Quiet!" shouted Jose, apparently with success. "This will get us nowhere!"

Guzman insisted, "I say we kill the little bitch now. I remember now this Vecchio guy who is friends with her. He set me up once, putting a fucking corpse instead of a real live hostage in the station. Yeah, I remember him and the Mountie. If she is friends with those two, I say kill her now!"

"NO!" shouted Peter almost jumping at his throat.

Linda cringed and hugged her knees, closing her eyes and swallowing a sob as the argument threatened to escalate again. Things were not looking good. How could she escape unhurt, for the sake of her baby?

She felt her arm being pulled and looked up. It was Guzman, and he pulled her hard, "On your feet, bitch!"

Linda cried out in pain and terror, but the man was yanked away from her by an angry Peter who yelled, "Take your hands off her!"

Guzman charged against Peter, snarling, "You touch me again, and I will blow your brains!"

Jose pulled Guzman, and scolded, "Quit it! Come with me. Let's settle some things straight right now!"

Guzman let the older man lead him out of the tiny room. Peter sighed and held Linda, who was petrified with fear. "It is OK, Linda. Calm down. I am here."

Linda tried to contain her sobs as he protected her with his body. "So scared." She babbled. "I am so scared."

"I am here. I won't let anything happen to you." Peter's voice was so gentle that Linda actually felt relieved for a second.

A short second, unfortunately.

Linda had not quite caught her breath when a shot was heard very near them, followed by another. Peter held her even tighter, and they watched as Guzman returned to the room, a gun in his right hand. Instinctively, Linda gasped and recoiled. Peter shielded her body with his own and turned to Guzman defiantly.

"What have you done?"

The short man was smiling in the ugliest way Linda had ever seen any living creature smile. But he seemed very satisfied to announce, "Jose cannot help you anymore. I have seen to that."

Peter stiffed his body. "This is outrageous. Jose was a very valuable commandant to this operation. I will report this directly to Madrid."

Guzman shook his hand, chuckling as he walked in his direction slowly. "You will do no such thing." His voice was low, menacing. "You are to blame for this screw up. You will take the fall. But first I will have the personal pleasure of killing the little bitch."

Linda cringed even more behind Peter, who put himself between she and the armed man. "Only over my dead body."

Guzman grinned, his gun raising. "Your wish will be my pleasure."

There were a serious of loud noises - more shots, Linda realised - and she saw Peter's body convulsing at least three times. Linda held her breath, her brain frozen until Peter slowly turned around to face her. His face was pale, his eyes filled with sorrow, his shirt tainted in red. "I... am... so sorry..."

She tried to catch him as his legs failed, and she finally became aware of three horrible wounds in his upper body. She shrieked as Peter fell upon her, and both of them landed heavily on the floor.

"NO!" She yelled, trying to hoist him, her own clothes soaking in the rich liquid. "Peter! Peter, please!"

"Too late, bitch." Guzman's tone made Linda look up at him and realise her days on this Earth were getting shorter by the second. "You will pay for what you made me do."

It was Guzman who rolled Peter's lifeless body to the floor and pulled her up, as she tried to beg, "No, please."

"Shut up, bitch! Let's have some fun now." He grinned evilly, making Linda shiver. "Say, bitch. Why don't we take a walk in the woods? Doesn't that sound fun? I know I am going to have some fun! Come on! Move it!"

Linda resisted as she was dragged out of that place, but she faltered and her legs stumbled, not really knowing how much longer she could resist.

* * *

Jasmine braced herself when she saw Constable Fraser going inside Inspector Thatcher's office. Fraser's recent tardiness had become sort of a habit and the Inspector had, in no uncertain terms, imparted her dislike of it. It seemed that, at that precise moment, the Constable was about to be chewed. The situation had all the indications that Turnbull had been removed from the top position on the Inspector's shit list.

The phone rang, and her mind was distracted from the poor Constable and his problems.

"General Consulate of Canada, Consulat Géneral du Canada."

"Listen to me: I have a message for the Mountie."

"A Mountie, Sir?"

"I mean the Mountie who is looking for his girlfriend. Tell him I got her, and she will be out of breath unless I get one million. Cash. You got 48 hours, or Mother Nature will swallow her up. "

"Sir, can you hold for a second?"

"No, you hold this message. Now. The girl's time is ticking away. I will call back with instructions."

* * *

Welsh got out of his office, instinctively knowing who would still be at the precinct at such wee hours. He walked towards Detective Vecchio's desk, where he and the Mountie still discussed the case. The wolf was around, of course, probably under Vecchio's desk.

"Aren't you guys going home some day?"

Vecchio snapped his head up, ready to lay down on his boss, then met the compassionate eyes that were staring at them. He sighed, "We are waiting on a lead."

"You'd rather think of getting some sleep, Detective. And you too, Constable. This is the third night I see both of you spending awake. Even the FBI guys are sound asleep in their hotel rooms now." Welsh never let any of them answer and pointed out softly. "Wearing yourselves out won't help Linda when we find her. Because we will find her, right?"

Both men smiled tiredly, and the Mountie answered. "Sure, sir."

"Good. That's all I wanted to hear." Welsh put on his jacket and asked, "Turn off the computer when you leave."

"Sure. Good night, sir."

They watched Welsh leave and Ray sighed, "You know, Benny, the Lieu may be right. We haven't had any real progress since the kidnapper called. Who knows, if we get a fresh start in the morning..."

Fraser nodded, then he shook his head. "I won't be able to get any sleep, Ray, I know it. You go home and rest. Diefenbaker and I will be here until morning."

"Got the morning shift at the Consulate?"

Fraser nodded.

Ray freaked. "Jeez, can't the Dragon Lady cut you some slack? Linda's been kidnapped, for Pete's sake. Officially kidnapped, with a call for ransom and everything!"

"Ray, we discussed it before. I am out of sick days and the Inspector is entirely within the scope of her duties to assign me my daily routine. She has been patient and complacent to release me a few hours early this week."

"Humpf!" was Ray's reaction. "If we had any guarantee that she had a real heart inside her chest..."

"Ray, please."

"All right, all right. I know I am being unfair to the fire-breathing lady. It's just that I am gritting my teeth here, Benny. That maniac said that in 48 hours Linda would be dead. It sounded as if there was a clock or some timer taking care of it."

"A timing device." Benny nodded. "Or it could be his estimate. And he could be wrong."

"Are you sure you know the voice? Was the tape was clear enough?"

"I am positive. I am pretty sure I have heard his voice before, but I'd rather talk to Guzman to see if it is the same man I encountered before."

"Alright, let's take one more look on what we have: Linda was taken probably four days ago, right after she called me, warning of the attack on the stock exchange they were planning. Our sources on the street know little or nothing about those ETA guys. The administrator of the community centre where Linda was working has been missing for days. He was friends with that Peter Wick guy, who by the way is also missing, and was described as Linda's best friend, probably a boyfriend, by everyone in the centre and in the house of unwed mothers she was living. Wick has a roommate that fits the description of a frantic nationalist lunatic that my alter ego Ray Stan Kowalski Vecchio arrested two years ago, a man named Adolf Guzman of the American Patriots Army. Guzman struck a deal with the dumbest people on Fedland and now is back on the streets, the psycho.We are trying to find a connection, maybe possible alliance, of both terrorist groups." Ray looked at Benny. "Did I forget something?"

"No", answered the Mountie in a disheartened way. "I guess not."

Ray's heart crackled at the amount of pain in Benny's voice. Both had been surprised at how fast Linda had settled herself, apparently with the intention of living a modest and lonely life. But Benny had been devastated to learn that she might have been befriended by that man called Peter Wick. Ray said quietly, "Benny, we will find her."

Benny looked at him quickly, eyes filled with pain. He nodded silently, swallowing tears.

Ray's desk phone rang.

"Vecchio." He listened quietly, then looked at Benny and frantically began to scramble his table. "Wait, I want to write that down. Both." Benny supplied the pencil and Ray scribbled on it. "Thanks, pal. I owe you one. Yeah, big time." He slammed the phone and got up, picking up his coat. "Come on, we have a lead. Actually, we have two".

"Dief!" Fraser grabbed his hat and was already moving as they headed to the door, the wolf following them quickly. "About the kidnappers?"

"About the place she might be held or his next target. It was a former Guzman pal. He suggested that a hit might be have been planned on the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, near Aurora, right outside West Chicago."

"This is outside Cook County. Do you have jurisdiction?"

Ray almost growled. "I can make jurisdiction if I have too, Benny." And Benny never doubted Ray could do what he said.

"This source may be correct", deduced the Canadian. "Fermi Laboratory houses a nuclear accelerator. It is part of a worldwide project in studying subatomic particles. Many of its critics say it is expensive and dangerous. An explosion at the particles accelerator would surely endanger years of theoretical research and millions of dollars in data alone, not to mention environmental damage. It appears to be a reasonable terrorist target."

The Chicago cop was getting anxious. "But I think we ought to check out Spring Lake Forest Reserve, though. The man said there was a rural property that Patriot Army of Guzman sometimes used as training ground. It is in Cook County, right at the farthest Northwest corner of it. Sounds to me as the ideal place to hide a person. You take care of the map." He took it from the glove compartment and handed it to the Mountie.

Fraser began a little while to fumble with it. "Maybe we should alert the FBI."

"Normally, I would laugh at it, but they might be come in handy this time. You take care of it."

Ray threw him his cell phone and the Canadian began dialling as they got on the Riv. The Italian's heart was racing. He knew this was it.

* * *

Linda seemed to be slowly surfacing from the depths of unconsciousness. Again. She had those lapses of consciousness and it was hard to guess how long had she been coming and going. Maybe it had something to do with the injection she had been given before....

Her body ached fiercely and yet somehow she seemed to be detached from it, since she could not move. Her environment was dreadful. There was nothing but silence and darkness around her, and there were different kinds of pressure against her sides. One, to her left, was hard and cold. The other one, to her right, was not so hard, and she remembered it being warmer. Now it was cooling. Far too long had she been lying.

The most remarkable feature of this new environment was undoubtedly the stench. It was a mix of sweat, urine, vomit, dampness and other putrid unidentifiable smells, making her stomach twist all over. Linda wondered if she might have been responsible for producing some of those smells herself. She was still feeling pretty sick, and hot, too. It was as though she could not breathe right.

She was feeling claustrophobic, too. Linda tried to raise her arm. It struck on a hard surface, and it hurt. She tried to move, and there was not space enough for that. It was as if she was inside a box.

A box?

Linda tried to think more about it, but another ebb of unconsciousness seemed to be approaching. In a very dispassionate way, she wondered if she was dying. Nothing ever had felt quite like that before. She hoped she was not dying. But her senses were too far for her to really care about it.

* * *

A booted foot kicked down the door of a rural property in Spring Lake, near Barrington Hills at Cook County. To call that place a rural property was a favour. It was a shack, or more likely, a dump. Carefully, Ray went inside, the FBI cars and choppers storming inside in the night. Flashlights and sirens filled the dark night, as the air crackled with radio signals from the assault squads.

"Team one, go! Team two, on the right! Go, go!"

They raided the farm from at least three different points of entry. And it was useless. The place seemed abandoned, even had the electricity disconnected. The only movement came from the agents and cops, whose numbers seemed to be increasing rapidly, and whose flashlights were the only sources of illumination. There were, however, a few signs of recent use.

So, it came as no surprise as one of them shouted, "There is a body down here!"

Ray and Benny rushed there. It was a male, Hispanic, in his late 40s, with two horrible gun wounds on his head.

"Benny, meet Mr. Jose Itxuaga," said Ray.

The Mountie crouched and observed the body with interest. "Ray, he has been dead at least for 24 hours. Possibly more than that."

Ray pointed at the floor. "He was not killed here. He was carried to this point, too." He followed the blood trail. "It comes from that door."

It was the basement door. They went downstairs and then found two more bodies, both Hispanic. There was so much blood in the floor and walls that they had to be careful not to slip. FBI teams were swarming all over the abandoned house and it became clear that forensics would soon take over the crime scene investigation.

Benton Fraser was not a man of hunches. The foundations of his police work laid on his skills, his judgement and the facts. That was not, however, his main focus at that particular moment.

He pulled Ray aside from the growing confusion of cops and agents, in a nervous way, "Ray, we ought to leave this place immediately."

"Benny, what is it?"

"I - I am growing restless, Ray. Linda is in big trouble, I can feel it. We have to find her now."

Ray's green eyes widened, because his friend was never going to joke with something like that and he was about to answer him, when a loud bark interrupted him. Fraser swiftly turned around and Dief did it again, jumping and whining, barking and yelping. Ray had never seen the wolf so agitated.

"What's with him?" asked Ray. Dief streaked up the stairs. "Hey!"

Fraser was already following the wolf. "He picked up a scent, Ray!"

FBI agents tried to stop them, and Ray spat, "Come with us!"

By the time they were out of the house, Dief had disappeared in the darkness. Ray ran to catch up with Fraser, as the Canadian studied the black outdoors. "Where did he go?"

Fraser just pointed at the blackness surrounding them. "There."

"Can you see him?"

"No. But he is on a track. He won't give up. We have to follow him."

The FBI team that went after Ray arrived just in time to see the Italian cop fuming. "We can't see squat here! How are we supposed to find him? Good ol' plain Super-Mountie night vision?!"

A FBI agent jumped in. "Are you talking about the dog, sir?"

Both cops looked at him. "It is a wolf." They said at the same time.

The agent, a red headed young man called Karp, seemed surprised, but went on, "If it is very important, we can locate him with the chopper."

No sooner said than done. In a matter of minutes, Ray and Benny were up on the air inside a fully equipped Black Hawk, helmets with radios and eyes glued on the ground as the huge spotlight swept light throughout the woods.

Ray shouted, "Do you think they are down there with her?"

Fraser answered, "There must be a cabin or something, but they must be long gone. Remember, Guzman said that Mother Nature would swallow her!"

The pilot warned, "I can't fly any lower, or I will rip off some tree tops!"

Ray said, "But we can't see Dief through the tree tops!"

Agent Karp said, "Of course you can." He turned to the pilot, "Can you turn on the infra scans?"

"Sure!" The man flipped some switched and pushed some buttons. "There. It is on monitor two."

"Thank you."

A diminutive screen beside Ray lit up, and agent Karp pointed. "You can watch through this monitor. It will appear like an old video game, or one of those old Gulf War films from CNN."

Fraser watched, as a green light in the shape of a dog seemed to be stationary. Ray pointed, excited, "There he is!" Then he squinted, "What in the hell is he doing? He doesn't seem to be moving."

Fraser moved closer to the screen. "You are right, Ray."

The cop pointed to another part of the screen. "There is another green light near him. Here."

Agent Karp also squinted, then he checked some of the readings in the monitor. The young man seemed intrigued, Fraser noticed. "Is there something wrong?"

"No, this cannot be right. This second reading... must be equipment failure."

Ray did not understand. "What is it?"

Agent Karp was intrigued. "Well, according to these readings, there is someone alive, under the ground. Actually, barely alive."

Fraser felt his body stiffening and the hairs on the back of his neck standing. "Tell me, are these readings consistent with someone who might have been buried alive?"

The agent looked at him, then said, "Oh, God."

"It could also be described as someone swallowed by Mother Nature, right?"

Ray turned paler, his green eyes wider than ever. Suddenly, he began shouting, "Put this thing down! We gotta land now!"

"No!" yelled Fraser. He slid the huge helicopter's door open. The wind inside increased tenfold, and he had to shout, "There is no time for that!" He looked around. "I need a rope! A rescue cable! Anything!"

Agent Karp produced a cable from under one of the seats, as Ray tried to shout, "Fraser, are you out of your Canadian mind?! Jumping off windows and rooftops is one thing, but this is insane! Even for you!"

Fraser had already put the rope around his waist, and tied a hook to the chopper's door as he instructed the pilot, "Get down as low as you can!"

The pilot shook his head, "It is too dangerous!" He smirked, "Besides, what you wanna do, anyway? Jump?"

"Yes!" The Mountie was already poised on the open door, his body half way out in the air. "I will take the risk! You don't have to wait for me. I will disengage the cable when I reach ground, then I will give it a sharp pull so you will know I have landed. Just don't miss the location!"

Ray was trying to push him back inside. "You are crazy, Fraser! You can't do this!"

"Ray, if you are not going to jump with me, then stand back! I am going now!"

The helicopter circled a bit, threatening to chop off the top of the trees. The pilot then signalled, "This is as close as I can get!"

Fraser told Agent Karp, "Please release the cable slowly, and I will be landing safely."

The young man said very amusedly, "OK, sir. It is your funeral."

Ray asked agent Karp, "Can this cable hold both of us?"

The agent shrugged, "Of course it can. It can even hoist a small vehicle." Then he added, "Hey, you are not -"

Too late. The Italian had attached himself to the Canadian's waist, and said, "What are you waiting for, Benny? Let's go get Linda!"

They took off their helmets and felt the wind running through their hair, the noises deafening both of them, their feet just the tree tops. Suddenly Fraser shouted, "Just hang on, Ray!"

And off the helicopter they went, plunging into the darkness, in the forest near Chicago. First they merely hung above the trees for a while, Ray trying his best not to scream more than he had already done when they jumped off from the helicopter. Ray kept on latched at Fraser, trying not to realise that he had actually followed the crazed Mountie on the ultimate of his hare brained schemes. Ray should have known Fraser was never in his right mind where Linda was concerned.

Suddenly Ray felt the cable gently lowering them to the nearest treetop.

"Do you agree to land on a tree, Ray?"

It took a while until the man that was clasped on his wait could speak. "S-sure, Fraser."

When they were safe on a huge tree branch, Fraser disconnected the cable, and pulled it strongly, so Agent Karp would know they had landed. The Black Hawk made a turn and flew away in the darkness. Ray sighed noisily, then began to move those agile limbs as he descended the tree in the darkness.

Their landing on the ground was certainly not the most discreet one, for they could hear a distinctive barking not too far. Fraser said, "It's Diefenbaker!"

"Let's go!"

Both men ran through the night, guided by Diefenbaker's barks. They found him after a few minutes. As Fraser expected, the wolf was frantically digging the ground. Ray panted, "We should have thought about... bringing... digging tools... Maybe a shovel..."

Dief didn't stop digging, using both paws, but whined as Fraser kneeled on the ground, also pushing dirt. "She cannot be that deep."

Ray also fell on his knees, expensive Armani baggy pants forgotten. "There is a chance she is close to the surface. Linda! Can you hear us?"

Fraser never answered, his powerful arms turning into a pair of frantic digging tools, his heart racing, his brain frozen, his focus on only one goal.

Ray, however, tended to get very talkative in moments of great stress. "Maybe we can drill a hole in the box, let some air get through to her." He was moving his long arms frantically. "Linda! Linda, can you hear us? We are coming!!"

Bonk.

"Ray! Ray!"

"What?"

"I found wood, Ray."

"Where? Where?"

"Here. Dig there, too. Dief, go fetch the FBI." His voice seemed deceptively calm as he grabbed thewolf's head and pronounced clearly. "Go fetch the FBI, Dief. Go!"

The wolf gyrated softly before dashing away in the darkness.

"Oh, God, Oh, God, it is a box, Fraser, it is a damn coffin." Ray's voice faltered, then he took out the revolver on his ankle and banged it in the box. "Linda! Linda!"

Ray ceased to hit the wooden surface, but all he could hear was the hum of a car engine approaching and the echo of his own voice above the rush of blood in his ears.

Another light flooded them. It was a black van, followed by at least three others, all from the FBI. Ray turned to them and shouted, "We need a crowbar, or an axe! We need it now!"

Fraser was pounding his fists on the heavy wooden bars, trying to split them, mindless of splints and the blood on his dirty arms. More lights illuminated their digging site. Suddenly, two tools pierced the wooden bars, and what seemed to be dozens of hands tore them apart.

When they finally breached the box open, a repellent stench rose from the pit and it was so appalling that it drove at least three FBI agents away from the place, one of them with dry heaves. Ray was one of the few who dreaded to get closer, but he had to put a hand over his nose.

Despite the number of people involved in the operation, no one but Fraser pulled Linda's still body from her coffin. She was reeking as much as her place of incarceration. The Canadian's touch was on her not a gentle one, but a frantic touch, one that sought reassurance. He gathered her in his arms and felt her light weight and her skin cold. Colder than usual.

"Oh no. Oh no. No, please. Please don't be dead." Ben began to rub frantically her arms. "Linda, please, react."

Ray was at his side. "Benny, she might be in shock. I don't think she is breathing."

A young dark-haired FBI agent dressed in a bullet-proof vest with the initials of his agency ventured coming closer to the pit of foul stenches and asked, "Is she alive?"

The Italian hissed, "Yes, barely. Where are the medics?"

"On their way." The man shouted to other teams, "We've got a live one!"

Ray noticed that Fraser seemed to be unaware of his surroundings, still rubbing Linda's arms, his own skin a bit pale. "Benny?"

Only then the Mountie looked up at his friend. Ray could have sworn he had rarely seen so much pain in those clear eyes. "She is so cold, Ray."

"CPR, Benny. Try some CPR."

Half dazed, half-crazed, Fraser put Linda on the ground. Ray tried not to look at the dirty, abused body and watched as Benny began massaging her chest, stimulating her heart and lungs. Then, as gentle as only Benny could be, he pinched her nose and began mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. After a few applications, Ray watched her chest rise. "It worked!"

Benny pulled back and observed, alarmed. "She is so weak that she cannot even cough." He rested his palm on her forehead, visibly trying to contain his shaking hand. "She is still cold."

"We'll take care of her, Benny." Ray took his coat and wrapped her around it. A whine reached his ears. "See, Dief is here. Paramedics are coming." The sirens were getting stronger, indicating Ray was right.

Benny took Linda in his arms once more, as one agent called Ray aside. "She needs more heat. Dief!" And the wolf draped itself over her body. Linda had the heat of both Fraser's body and Dief's to warm her up. But she was still motionless. Fraser never noticed Ray was gone.

Ray came back, head shaking. "They also pulled out a corpse from the coffin. It was Peter Wick's, as we feared. Dead for at least 48 hours, it seems." He stepped aside as the paramedics arrived.

A young man asked, "Where is the patient?"

"Over here", said Ray, as two other took a gurney from the back of the ambulance. "I think she is in shock."

The medic saw Fraser and the wolf by Linda, and approached carefully. "Sir, please, we can take care for here."

"She's so cold", was Fraser's answer.

"We have a blanket." The man said softly. "Please, sir, let us help her."

Ray said, "Benny, he's right. Let them do their job and help Linda."

With obvious reluctance, Fraser carefully handed the unconscious girl to the EMT and all others appeared instantly to help him.

Fraser was impassive, his eyes glued on Linda. Ray gently put his hands on the Mountie's shoulder. "Benny? Benny, did you hear what I said about Peter Wick?"

"I heard you, Ray."

The medics quickly put Linda on gurney and whisked her away back to Chicago by helicopter, Benny in tow. Ray closed his eyes, his emotions mixed up. It seemed, once again, that Linda's life was in her hands. It was up to her to live or die, only this time Ray was not sure about her choice.

* * *

Linda opened her eyes and found a totally changed environment around her. She still could not move, and she was yet in some sort of lethargy. Actually, Linda could not remember much, but at least she knew things around her were not the same.

There was light. As a matter of fact, there were a lot of lights above her head, flying in a rapid succession. She saw one person, a man dressed in white, and he seemed to be shouting in alarm. He was also running beside her. It was puzzling. Linda could not hear him, but she could feel the tension. He was nervous, in a hurry.

She wondered if she could be dead, because reality was different now. It was as if she was not really in the scene, only watching things happening around her. She could not hear, nor speak, nor move. Still, she knew what was happening around her - or at least part of it.

Ben appeared suddenly, staring at her in anxiety and pain. Her name was on his lips, but she could not hear him. She was pretty sure now that she was dead indeed, because it could not be really Ben. It was a hallucination, an apparition, or something like that. She was sad that she was not able to tell him that she was sorry for being dead, and that she would still love him for all eternity.

As sudden as he had appeared, Ben disappeared. Linda, however, was still seeing those lights passing her by, and she realised that place was awfully similar to a hospital. Was it possible that the man she saw earlier was a male nurse? Was it possible that maybe she was alive and somehow she had been brought to a hospital?

Another light, a strong one, was flashed directly into her eyes, a doctor appeared very close to her face. She recognised the man: he worked in the same hospital she used to work. What was his name? She could remember, but she pondered what that man was doing there. Linda wondered if that meant something. But she could not think at that moment. Besides, that strong light was annoying because it hurt her eye. She wished she could complain.

Linda was getting so confused and tired. She closed her eyes and welcomed the darkness and oblivion that engulfed her.

* * *

Ray patted Benny's back and tried to calm down his friend as both of them sat on the uncomfortable plastic chairs of the waiting room of the hospital where Linda worked. If anyone told him two weeks ago that he would be the one to calm Fraser down, he'd laughed his head off.

Now he was not laughing.

The Mountie had been irascible, demanding to be in the ICU with Linda. Dr. Lennyard had already tried to make him understand, but the Canadian seemed deaf and dumb to anything that kept him away from Linda.

"Benny, you have to calm down."

"I am calm, Ray," he insisted, his voice cold as an iceberg. "I just want to be with her. Is it that hard to understand?"

"But nobody will let you a mile near her if you get in a snit." Ray was amazed at how calm he appeared. "They are doing the best they can, and we would just be in their way. So siddown, buddy."

Sighing, Benny ordered himself to obey. And he did. For two minutes.

Dr. Lennyard came through the parted doors and Benny immediately rose. The psychiatrist motioned him, "I have news". Ray stood up, too. "First of all, the good news. The baby seems to be in no danger at all, even though we still have to keep an eye on its respiration rate."

"What about Linda?"

A cloud covered the doctor's features. "She is still not breathing right, Detective. But she is in a far better condition than we first predicted. There are some cuts and bruises, but no sign of extreme abuse or sexual assault of any kind. As far as we have determined, she is severely drugged, dehydrated and underfed. In addition to that, all of her wounds are infected. She began to suffer from insufficient oxygen for the past 12 hours or so, and her lungs are not working as well as they should be. There is also a persistent fever that worries the doctors. She is in a respirator now, just to be on the safe side."

Ray did not quite believe it. "But you said the baby is fine. How can she not be?"

"It's the wonders of nature, Detective. In a situation like this, the mother's body instinctively will divert all its available resources to the foetus, no matter how scarce they might be."

"So, if she were not pregnant, then she would be better?"

"It is hard to tell."

Benny, quiet until then, finally spoke - in a strange voice, "Is there a choice involved?"

"I beg your pardon?"

"The baby and Linda. Is there a choice of who should live?"

Ray's eyes widened at the thought. The doctor reached out and touched the Mountie's shoulder, his voice soft. "No, Fraser. They are not competing for survival."

"So she is going to be all right?"

"There is no reason to expect anything but a full physical recovery."

Ray sensed a hidden meaning in the doctor's words. Fraser might be too disturbed to pick it up, but Ray had to ask, "But could there be any other type of complications?

The psychiatrist shrugged. "It could be too early to tell, but we all know Linda's medical history. She might react with a post-traumatic syndrome, or a mild stupor. Anyway, I think she is much more structured now, and I am not expecting anymore catatonia episodes or psychological relapse, not to mention major breakdown. Linda can deal with what happened to her, especially since you are here to help her."

Ray relaxed, "So she is going to be all right?"

Dr. Lennyard sighed heavily. "I have no doubts she will be fine for now. However, a little further ahead, the pregnancy might trigger Linda's memories or feelings towards her own family, her mother and her childhood. It's not uncommon for pregnant women to deal with those issues, but Linda's case is pretty acute. I will need your help on that, Fraser."

"I will do whatever I can, sir." The Canadian was pale.

Seeing this, the doctor tried to lighten up the mood, "But I may be worrying pretty much ahead of time. Right now, Linda should recover fine and in no time."

Benny let out a breath he never realised he had been holding. "May I see her?"

"In a few hours." Dr. Lennyard added, "I am sorry, but she needs the time. The doctors are optimistic, and they plan to take her out of the respirator as soon as possible. You both look like you could use some time off, too."

"Doctor - "

"No, Fraser, I mean it. Even if she was free to have visitors, I could not let you in." The doctor looked up and down at the two friends. "Neither of you could walk into a surgical centre like this."

Only then did it register to Ray what the psychiatrist was talking about. Both Fraser and he looked like something the cat dragged in the house after two weeks of digging. They were covered in dirt, not to mention mud and other unmentionable material.

Benny seemed to have the same insight, for he blushed furiously. "I better shower, then."

The doctor smiled in sympathy. "It would be greatly appreciated."

Ray groaned. "Geez, it means we are stinking, Frasier. Come on, we are disgusting everyone. I will take you home." He began to drag the Mountie. "Thanks for everything, Doc. Will we see you when we get back?

"Sure."

The cop tried to get Fraser by his arm, but the Mountie had his feet planted, and he looked expectantly to the psychiatrist. Ray called, "Benny?"

Dr. Lennyard smiled at the Canadian, and said, "Don't worry. I will call if anything happens."

Fraser smiled back with sincerity. "Thank you." Only then did he allow Ray to drag him out of the hospital.

* * *

In a few hours, there was visible improvement in Linda's condition. She had not recovered consciousness, and she was not expected to do so in at least 12 hours after she was taken off the respirator. Fortunately, though, Linda's lungs restarted to function the minute she was unhooked to the machine.

It had been a big victory. Breathing on her own, Linda was able to respond much faster to the medication that could break her fever. Her chances of survival were improving steadily.

Fraser had been granted a few minutes with her - from behind the glass, though, because she had been isolated, due to the risk of infections. It hurt him that he would not be able to hold her hand. He was even more concerned because she was still unconscious. The doctors said there was no reason for that, except that maybe her body was still trying to recover from such abuse. At least she was also recovering from dehydration and lack of nourishment.

Ray approached him as he was in the waiting room. "Hey Benny." He tried to smile. "Any change?"

Benny shook his head. "No, Ray." The Canadian was a mess. He had not slept at all for the past five days, first searching for Linda and now tending to her. It was starting to take its toll on him, although he would never admit it. Ray just shook his head and sighed loudly. The hospital's waiting room was becoming awfully familiar, he thought grimly.

"I've stopped by the station. There has been no sign of Guzman so far. The FBI believes that he has left the country. He has been positively identified by a lot of people at that community centre who said he and his gang often went there, and talked to that Jose fellow as well as Peter Wick. These two hung out with Linda a lot, according to witnesses. Many of them said Peter was Linda's boyfriend." Ray saw Benny wince at that. "Benny, it's not like they were really dating or anything. Linda would never do that to you. We still don't know the whole story, Benny. Linda would be the one to tell us everything."

"She has not waken up yet." The Mountie seemed devastated, and Ray was not sure why.

"Hang on, Benny. The Feds and the CIA are on it, since it is a case of international terrorism. They are greatly interested in everything we find. We will find out the whole story. Don't worry."

"Mr. Fraser?" A young nurse approached them. "You said you wanted to know when Linda might be transferred. She is being taken to her new room now."

Benny's heart seemed to regain its beating rate. "A room? Where?"

"Follow me, please."

Both of them were on their feet before the nurse had answered. "Where is she?"

"How is she?"

"Can we see her?"

"What did the doctor say?"

The nurse smiled as they followed her and merely opened the door of one of the rooms in the third floor. "You can see for yourselves, gentlemen. I will call the doctor now and you can talk to him."

She closed the door and left, but neither noticed. They were inside the room, eyes zeroed on the figure laying still on the bed, hesitant footsteps approaching the bed.

Ray didn't realise it, but he actually tiptoed towards the bed. Linda was now cleaned, her hair had been washed and everything. There was an IV on her left wrist and a tube from her nostrils, as well as a machine monitoring her vitals. She seemed so fragile and vulnerable that Ray though she might shatter if he made any loud noise. The cop looked at Benny, who was at his side. The Canadian was pale, worn-out, his eyes glued to the thin form lying before him. If anything, Benny looked as fragile as Linda.

The door opening started both Benny and Ray. Dr. Wilson, the neurologist, smiled. "Good evening, gentlemen. I see nurse Frakes guided you right."

"Good evening, sir." Benny greeted him. "How is she?"

"She is on the road to recovery, as you can see for yourself. Linda still has an infection to fight, and there are bouts of fever every now and then. Nothing that should be taken care with medication and lots of rest. She is sleeping naturally now. If she becomes restless, though, we will have to give her sedatives. She needs to breathe as normally as possible. If everything goes right, it is quite possible she might wake up in the morning."

"We were concerned that she was still unconscious, " said Ray. "It's been almost 24 hours. Shouldn't she be up?"

The doctor explained. "We needed her calmed down and serene enough to monitor the baby without interference. The child's heartbeat was irregular at the arrival, and we needed to know if it had stabilised. Fortunately, a few hours in the oxygen mask and all danger was averted. That tube on her nose is still pumping more pure oxygen in her body, just for the baby's sake." Dr. Wilson cocked his head. "We alerted Mr. Fraser abut the baby's condition and he and Dr. Lennyard authorised the procedure."

Ray turned to his friend. "You didn't tell me that." His tone was dangerously close to accusation.

Benny tried his best not to blush. "I did not want you to worry, Ray."

The cop sustained his patented "we will talk about it later, pal" glare and Benny turned to the doctor, "Is there any objection to my staying in the room?"

"Of course not, Constable. You had made your point quite clear since she arrived." Benny blushed, and the doctor said, "Actually, I consulted Dr. Lennyard, and we both agreed that - "

Another interruption came from the door. Two orderlies entered the room, wheeling a hospital bed. One of them said, "Here is the extra bed you ordered, Doc."

"Thank you, Frankie. Please put it near the patient." Ray stepped aside so the orderlies could obey their instructions, then they left. "Mr. Fraser, you can stay as long as you like with her. Dr. Lennyard authorised it fully."

Only Benny's relief could match his smile. "Thank you kindly, Doctor."

"You are kindly welcome, Mr. Fraser, but I strongly advise you to get some sleep pronto. She wont be waking up any time soon, and you really could use some rest, from what I see." Benny nodded, and the doctor consulted his watch. "I 'have to see some other patients now, but I will stop by before I leave the shift."

"Thanks for everything, doc." Ray said as the neurologist left the room. And Ray waited until the door closed to turn to Benny in barely contained anger. "You said the baby was alright."

Benny refused to be chastised. "The doctor has just confirmed that. I don't know why you seem to be upset."

"You hid it from me. The baby had been in danger and you hid it from me."

"Well, Ray, I am sorry, but in the end the situation rectified itself. Let's put his behind us, please. Forgive me."

Something in Benny's voice convinced Ray that what the Canadian was really trying to tell him was "Please I don't have the energy to argue with you now, Ray." The message was received, and Ray shrugged. Besides, he knew that when Benny used words like "rectify", he would not answer any of Ray's questions.

Both men turned to watch Linda. She still had not moved, had not wakened. In silence for a few minutes, they just observed her serene face, flawed only by the small tube that came out of her nostrils.

Benny came closer. Her skin was still pale, but not as ominously grey as before. He shuddered, remembering her condition as he pulled her out of that hole in the ground. The image lasted only a minute, the pain in his heart stung harshly.

Gently, as only he could be, Benton Fraser bent and kissed her front, feeling her cold skin.

"I love you," he whispered.

Benny felt a soft touch in his shoulder, as his friend grew closer to him. "She will be fine, Benny. We won't let anything happen to her."

Simple words. True words.

Those words triggered an immediate response from Benny's body. Overcome by tension and guilt that had been building inside of him since Linda's disappearance, not to mention the lack of sleep and control, Benny succumbed. A sob escaped his lips, and his whole body shook.

Benny did not recall moving at all, but he found himself nestled in warm Italian arms, a soothing hand rubbing his back as he poured out his feeling wetting his best friend's silk shirt. Benny knew he was making a spectacle of himself, as his father would point out. Yes, he wished he could do as his father would like and control himself. But he just did not have the strength to do so. Nor did he care. He just wanted to let it go. And Benny would be forever grateful for Ray, because his friend would always be there to catch him in times like these.

* * *

A moan.

Late at night, it could have slipped by unchecked.

But not to Mountie ears.

"Linda?"

Benny was sitting at the chair by her side, and Ray had gone home. He moved closer to her, and saw her body shaking. More like shivering. Her features were contorted as though she was in pain. "Linda, please."

When his hand touched her face, he realised she was cold, and sweaty. She shivered even more. It probably was another bout of fever. She might get delirious. Quickly, he took out the blanket from the extra bed they brought to him, covered her body with it and tucked it under her body. No progress. So he scooted his own body on the bed next to her, bringing his arms around her to keep her body warm and stop her tremors.

Benny had done that out of instinct, never thinking about the effect such proximity would do to him. It was overwhelming. He almost felt intoxicated to have her near him again. Of course, she shivered and smelled like hospital products, not her favourite fragrance as she once had. His heart clenched in pain at the times in the last few days which he thought he might never have her this close again. There was no price to this sensation. Holding her, protecting her.

There was nothing else he would like to do in his whole life. Damn, he wanted so bad to do that his whole life long more than anything in the world. That moment he knew that without Linda his life seemed barren and worthless. She was the sun that kept his life bright, that enlightened and warmed his days. He wanted to grow old with her, surrounded by all that light and warmth she irradiated naturally every time she smiled.

It ached him endlessly that she might not want that anymore. He was truly scared that Linda might not want him back. Not after all the things he said to her. Besides, the investigation showed that she sought shelter with a man called Peter Wick. More than one witness described that man as a potential boyfriend. Could it be possible?

But how could Fraser blame her? She thought he had broken up with her. He did not even give her a chance, wrapped up in his own fears, in his own walls. But Linda had brought down those walls, hadn't she? He never realised, but Linda had torn those walls down, brick by brick. And now he was exposed, hurting. He had brought those walls back up on his own, and Linda did as he wanted her to: she went away. And if all those people were telling the truth, that lucky man, Peter Wick, was pretty quick to recognise what a treasure she was, and he wasted no time in grabbing her.

Since his memory returned, Benny had been so intent in finding her that there had been no time left to check these feelings. Now they were coming back at him tenfold. With a vengeance. Guilt and fear ate his heart.

He'd better shut his feelings in the back of his heart for now, he told himself as he felt Linda's breathing rate steadying. It seemed she was calming down, her features not so tortured as before. The doctor order her some natural sleep, as well as Ben.

Once her breath was stable and deep, he could relax. Basking in the unique sensation of sleeping with Linda and feeling her safe in his arms, Benton Fraser felt his sleep finally hitting him.

* * *

It was dark yet, but Linda felt sunshine all around her. There was warmth and a feeling of safety. She felt so good that she considered keeping her eyes shut forever. But she reconsidered it, and wondered about that cosy sun around her.

She opened her eyes, looked up and saw Ben asleep. He was gently holding her in his arms. She froze

In that moment, Linda knew she was dead. Actually, she was dead and in Paradise.

Her thoughts were still confused, she knew the real Ben was far away, so it must be some alternate reality. It was a hospital, but it could not be real. Nothing could be real. She could not be in Ben's arms. Not for real. The real Ben did not want her around. The only way she'd be in his arms would be in some sort of Paradise, maybe the one Ray's mother told her about many times.

Such a Heaven could not be bad at all. Eternity in Ben's arms was a perfect definition for Paradise, in Linda's dictionary.

She looked up once more, a faint smile in her lips. She was almost startled when blue-grey eyes were staring her back. Linda felt her cheeks warm. "Hi."

"Hi Linda". His voice seemed amused.

She looked at him with curiosity. "I hope you are not dead, too. Just because I am dead, I hope it does not mean you have to die, too. I would hate that."

Ben was still staring at her. "Linda, you are not dead."

"I must be dreaming, then. Because you are not real."

"I am real. You are in a hospital."

Linda was too confused to be shocked, but her voice failed. "H-hospital?"

"Yes. Do you know why you are here?"

"No, I..." She looked once more at him, as if trying to find the answer in his eyes. "I am so... confused...."

"Do you remember what happened?"

"I..." She looked at the ceiling, her eyes unfocused. "I recall an explosion. My God, it was a bomb. And you were hurt. There was a man... He helped me... He seemed so nice, but... Oh, my God, Benny. He is dead! He was shot while trying to save me, Ben! He is dead! And that horrible man... He wants to kill me!..."

Benny tried to shelter her in his arms. "Linda, please. It is all over now."

But Linda seemed trapped in some particular nightmare, trying to fight him, the monitor beeping loudly. "No! He is trying to kill me!" She tried to push him away, and IV flew from her wrist, blood oozing from the wound. "He is going to put me in that box again! A box! So dark, so dirty!"

"Shh, Linda, no one will harm you. Please, darling, please listen to me. It's over, my love."

As she kept fighting him hysterically, Benny made no progress to calm her down, and two nurses stormed in, certainly alerted by the vital signs monitors. Ben was separated from her, and she was retrained long enough to receive a mild sedative in her bloodstream. Ben kept calling her, so she would not feel alone. He was peripherally aware of the medics working on her, his focus on her tormented face. In a few seconds, she succumbed to the medication.

After that, Ben realised the nurse was asking him questions. He told her what happened.

"She will rest until morning, Mr. Fraser", The nurse smiled. "I suggest you do the same."

How on Earth could he do that?

* * *

When morning arrived, Ben knew he had to go to the Consulate. The weekend was over. Duty called. So he had to drag himself away from Linda, his heart torn to leave her, despite all the reassurances from the medical staff that Linda would have the best care ever.

As Ben feared, Linda woke up when he was not there. Fortunately, she was not alone.

"Oh." She turned to her side and found Ray's smiling face.

"Hi, ragazza".

Her heart lit up. She smiled feebly. "Ray". He came close and took her hand into his.

"How do you feel?"

"Confused. Am I dead?"

"No, you are not dead. Came close, but you are not."

Then she tensed. "My baby. What about my baby?"

"Don't worry. The baby is fine. Seems to be one tough cookie. And so are you."

Linda sighed, feeling sleepy. "I am tired. Don't recall much. What happened to me?"

"You have been away for almost two weeks. Do you remember that?"

Linda shook her head. "A bit. I remember the bomb at the mall. Benny was bleeding in my lap.... He could not remember me... Then he - he asked me to leave." She fought the tears. Lost the fight. "It... hurt so much...."

Ray sighed and stroked her hair gently. "You could have talked to me. You know you can always talk to me."

"I wanted to help Ben. I was hurting him, so I had to go away. Leave completely." A tear fell down her cheek. "I am sorry, Ray."

"Don't worry about it now, kid." He kissed her head gently. "Later you will have to answer some questions. The FBI wants to talk to you about the phone call you gave me. They need information on those men."

Linda sighed and grimaced as she tried to sit up. "You mean Peter and Jose's friends. They are dead. I know. But I don't know much. That man... Gus, I guess, he was the one who... oh, God... Ray, it was horrible. I thought... I thought I was dead."

"Now you are safe." Ray held her hand tight. "Let's talk about something else, then. Ma has been insisting to visit. I had to tell her about the baby. Please don't hate me for that."

Linda smiled and wiped the tears. "It is OK, Ray. I miss her. I really do."

"She said she might stop by later. Are you up to it?"

Linda nodded. "I will love that, Ray. I missed her a lot. She is going to be a grandmother, and I may need some advice."

"She will be glad to know that." Ray played with Linda's nose the way he sometimes did with his nephews. She smiled at him fondly, and he kissed her nose. "You will be fine, kid."

"Ray... I am getting tired."

"Then rest some more, sweetie. I won't bother you anymore."

"Ray... please stay here."

"I ain't going nowhere."

Linda blushed. "I... I have no right to ask anything from you. I am ashamed I walked out on you. You must be so mad at me."

"I said don't worry. And I am not mad at you."

Linda turned her head, embarrassed. "I think I dreamed of Benny... I wished he was not so mad at me, either."

"Benny? Linda, he is not mad at you."

"He is not?"

"No."

"How can he not be?"

"He is angry at himself, Linda. You know how he gets. "The passionate Italian rolled his eyes, seeking comfort in the ceiling. "I wished sometimes I could smack some sense into both of you, though." Ray sighed sadly. "He is worried sick about you, and in the worst Fraser mood of all. He has not slept in days, he has been endlessly nagging the doctors, and even Diefenbaker is afraid to put up with him. I tell you, Linda, he is just driving everyone insane over you."

Linda could feel the medication working on her. "I think we need to talk, then". She was having trouble to keep her eyes open. "Later".

Ray smiled. "Of course, sweetie." He kissed her forehead once more as she shut her eyes. "Rest well. I love you".

Linda thought to answer, but darkness engulfed her before she could pronounce the words.

* * *

The beautiful angel fallen to Earth was staring at her. Still pretty groggy, Linda turned her head and smiled dreamily. "Ben..."

He moved closer to her, took her hand, kissed it and then whispered. "You have a visitor".

Linda turned her head and her heart filled with joy. "Oh, Ma."

"Bambina." The old Italian woman was smiling tenderly at Linda.

"Ma, how good to see you." Linda was really touched. She sat up tentatively, shrugging the sleepiness away. "I missed you so much".

"Raymondo told me. I am just glad you are well now, bambina. I was worried about you. We all were"

The girl felt ashamed. "I am sorry for everything that happened, Ma. I didn't mean to worry anyone."

"Of course you didn't." She was smiling. "And Raymond told me you made a grandmother out of me. Is it true?"

Linda blushed, trying not to smile. "Yes. The baby is fine. I wanted to tell, but everything happened so fast, I just could not.... I am sorry." She looked at Ben when she said that. He kissed her hand still in his and just smiled reassuringly.

Ma Vecchio followed the exchange with satisfaction. "Well, that is senseless now. I mean, the baby is here, and I am sure the both of you will take care of it very well." She looked at Linda. "But I would be glad to help, if you need."

Linda reassured. "Oh, Ma, I need you. Your help will be much appreciated."

"I am very happy for you, ragazza. A bambino is a blessing from God. I just want the very best for you and Benito."

A nurse came in, and smiled. "Oh, it is nice to see you awake, Linda. You look so much better. How do you feel?"

Linda said, "I'm afraid I am still a little sleepy."

"That is fine. Now I am sorry to ask everybody to leave. I have to examine you. It won't be long, though."

Ben kissed Linda's forehead, and Ma said, "We will be right outside, bambina."

Linda was left with the nurse, who seemed to be very happy with her readings. The girl was still a bit uncomfortable near Fraser, but she knew they'd soon be talking about everything that came to pass in no time. Ma's visit, as nice as it was, postponed it a bit.

Then another thing came in the way.

"Ray!"

"Hi, sweetie. How do you feel?"

"Everything seems to indicate I am better, Ray. Just a bit sleepy."

"Yeah, you are still sleeping a lot. But listen, I have talked to Dr. Lennyard, because I am here on official matter. You have to make a statement to the FBI. There is still a lot they don't know. Maybe you can help them out."

"I don't know much, Ray, but I will do whatever I can do to help".

"Cool. Are you up to do it right now?"

Linda thought for a second. "OK. I can do it. Will you be here, too?"

"If you want me."

"Yes, please. And Ben, too. I need you both with me, Ray."

Ray kissed her hand once more. "Of course. I will bring him."

It took a few minutes, but Linda saw herself surrounded by cops in her hospital room. Despite Ray's protests, the FBI had sent agents Ford and Dieter to interrogate Linda. She knew these agents had a past with Ray and Ben regarding former cases. Now, however, they were polite and very tactful to her.

Ford conducted the questioning and Dieter took notes. "We appreciate your seeing us in such short notice and while still recovering, Miss." Linda smiled nervously, holding Ben's hand more tightly than she wanted. "You don't have to be nervous. All we want is information about those men who did this to you."

"As I told Ray before, I don't know much, but I will help you anyway I can."

"That's all we want. Now, would you please care to clarify your relationship with Jose Itxuaga and Peter Wick?"

"I met Peter during the bomb incident at the mall. He helped me when the explosion hurt Ben. After that, Peter visited me at the hospital. A few days later, we met once more at the mall. He took me in, helped me get a job and a place to live. His friend, Mr. Jose, was the man who employed me. Sorry, I don't remember Mr. Jose's last name."

"No problem. So, in short, Peter Wick befriended you?"

"Yes, that is correct."

"Did you know about his links to this terrorist organisation?"

"Not at that time, no. Actually, I never knew until a few minutes before he was... killed."

"Did you see it happen?"

Linda remembered the awful scene. "Yes, sir. It happened in front of me." She tried to avoid the tears. "As a matter of fact, Peter died trying to save me."

"I see." The man watched as the Mountie caressed Linda's hand, and tears fell from her face. "When did you realise the men you called friends were terrorists?"

She sniffled a bit, her voice betraying her crying. "I was cleaning up the community centre one night. I had lost track of the hours, because I was not feeling good and ended up napping for a while in an isolated room. So I guessed nobody knew I was there. Then I heard voices in one of the classrooms. At first I thought they might have been burglars, so I was very quiet to go there to see what was going on. I had no intention to sneak up on them, either. Then I realised it was a meeting of some kind."

Ford nodded, "You said it was a meeting?"

"Yes. There were five or six men. I could not see them, because the door was closed, and I did not want to risk opening it. I heard Mr. Jose's voice, and I also heard them talking about bombs, and about Ben. They said they tried to kill Benny because he could identify someone called Ole.. Ole Tall... I don't remember the name they said."

"The name is Olezabal", clarified Ford. "He was wanted for the attack the mall. Constable Fraser made a positive ID of him. But he is dead."

Linda widened her eyes. "Oh, no."

"Yes, that is right. It seems Guzman is cleaning his tracks. There is a strong possibility that he is trying to leave the country."

Ben asked, "Could he come after Linda? Does she need protection?"

"Well, we managed to keep her out of media, so he might think she is dead. At any rate, the man is certainly miles away, so she is in no danger."

Linda struggled to breath properly, so scared she had become at the possibility of Guzman coming after her. Ray brought her a glass of water and she took a few sips. Ford asked, "Please go on. What else did you hear in that meeting?"

"They also talked about me. They were concerned that I might know something, and Mr. Jose assured them I did not know anything, and was not going to the police. But they said they were going to attack the Stock Exchange, so I knew I had to do something. So I sneaked out as quietly as I could and I called Ray. That was when they caught me. Then I recognised Peter's roommate, Al Guzman. I had only met him once, so I did not know him too well. He hit me and I lost consciousness. They took me to another place, and there... Guzman killed Mr. Jose and Peter."

"Did they mention any names, any places?"

"Peter told me they were allies, and they had another fight in America. He told me they did not want to kill people, but it was the only way to get what they wanted for those people in Spain."

"What else did he say?"

"Peter said a lot of things I don't understand, about those people in other countries who also planted bombs and had a sort of war. I was also pretty scared at the time. I didn't know if he would kill me." She shuddered, and Benny gently kissed the top of her hair.

Ford pressed her, "Can you remember something specific? Even a small thing might be of tremendous help.

Linda tried hard to replay their last conversation. "What I remember is that Peter told me Guzman set targets and gave them information, and in exchange they gave him weapons. He mentioned he would report Jose's death directly to Madrid, but he had said there were allies like that in other parts of America, too. He did not say where or who they were, though." Linda sighed. "I am sorry I cannot be of any more help."

"This fits with our investigation so far, so we actually appreciate your help, Miss." Ford raised, and Dieter closed his notebook. "We will be in touch for some other questions."

Linda nodded. "Sure."

"I hope you get better soon." Linda thanked them and they left.

Ray said, "You were fine, Linda. There might be more questions, you know."

"I know. It is OK, Ray." She smiled at him, "Thanks for everything."

"Hey, no problem. I did not even get to yell at those guys."

Ben asked Linda, "Do you feel tired? Would you like to rest now?"

Her grip on his hand tightened a little bit. "Please, Ben, stay. I miss you."

Ray cleared his throat, "I, uh, will clear things up with the FBI. You guys take care."

He also left, and Ben and Linda finally found themselves alone. All of a sudden, they were too self-conscious of each other. Linda could not stare at Fraser, but she said, "Thank you."

"For what?"

"For... staying." It was a whole different meaning to the word, and Linda could only hope that Ben would know what she meant.

Ben came to her side, and asked gently, "Do you want to talk now?"

She raised her head and looked at him, finally. There was so much misery in those clear eyes she loved. She couldn't postpone it much longer, even though she did not quite feel up to it. It wouldn't be fair to Ben, and there was nothing more Linda wanted at that moment than to dispel the feeling of distance between them.

"Of course," she lied with a smile.

"May I propose something instead?", Ben watched her intently, blinking in a way only he could do.

Linda arranged her covers. "Sure, Ben".

"Why don't we just let it go?", he asked softly. Linda looked at him inquiringly. "We both feel bad about everything that happened in the last two weeks, and talking about it feels like opening an already bleeding wound."

"Ben, what are you saying?"

He sighed and got closer to her, eyes exuding love. "Let's just concentrate on our love. Please, let this all stay behind us. Of course, we can talk about it, if you really want, but I really don't think it would help in anyway." He sighed, then his voice trembled a little as he could not face her anymore, an unbelievable pain spreading through his heart. "All I need to know is if you still want me, after... everything that happened. I will understand it, if you say no."

Linda grew pale. "No, Ben, never!!" She awkwardly flung herself in his arms. "No, no, don't you ever believe something like that. I love you more than anything in my life, Ben, I could never live without you. I still don't know how I was gonna convince myself that I could."

Ben wrapped his arms around her, all pain melting in his chest, and unbelievable joy invading his body. "Oh, Linda, my love. I thought... I thought..."

She caressed his hair and held him a little tighter. "Shh... It is over now. We made it through, right? And now, Ben, if you don't mind, I am more concerned with other things."

Ben drew back to stare at her face. Linda saw his eyes turn glossy with tears. He seemed intrigued. "Other things?"

Linda's eyes twinkled. "Our baby. I have given this a lot of thinking, Ben. I want to be a good mother, but I don't know much about it. I will need a lot of help." She looked at him intensely, pleading.

He melted in her eyes. "Of course I will help you, dear."

She smiled and felt genuine relief. "Thank you."

"So", The Canadian wrapped his arms around her again, "you better now take good care of yourself and our baby."

"Ben," she looked into his eyes, "he is really alright, isn't he? I mean, our baby is fine?"

Ben smiled at her and brushed his lips on hers. "Yes, he is. I can assure you .The doctors said he is very strong. Ray said the kid is a fighter - just like his mother." Linda reddened suddenly, and Ben actually felt himself falling in love once more. "You look much better, you're not sleeping as much, your IV will be going out tomorrow, and as soon as you start regular meals, you will be headed home. The doctors told me that."

She sighed, content to be against his solid warmth again. "I missed you, Ben. It was hard."

Ben took a long breath and dispelled the pain brought by the memories of those times apart. "It is over, my love. It is over and in the past. We must concentrate on that."

Linda raised her head and looked up at him. That was the face that had been on her dreams, bringing a mix of pain and love in those lonely nights at the House of Passage. She drowned in his eyes, which were now beaming at her, and realised her heart melting away. She had never said so much a true thing when she stated she could not live without Ben.

Ben felt his world narrowing to those two points of green staring at him in blatant adoration, and understood that the Universe was once again in order. As if he had never known before, he truly experienced his love for Linda. So he bent slowly, brought her closer to his, pressed his lips to hers and once more felt bountiful peace. How he missed those lips, the warmth, the gentleness that Linda emanated, her unique scent. Having her so close again was making his head dizzy and his body way too happy.

It had been such a long time since they could truly be this close that Linda felt her heart melting as her lips complied to Benny's. The distance and the yearning vanished from her heart as her body was held in the arms of the man she loved much more than her own life. The kiss deepened, and her body started to respond in ways not suitable nor beneficial for someone already in a hospital bed.

They both had to surface for air after a few minutes of exploring the depths of each other's mouth. Their eyes met and they blushed, to realise they were thinking the same thing.

Benny's cheek had that lovely shade of pink Linda loved so much. "Er... I guess old habits die hard. Every time we are this close, I just..." He sighed. "I mean... I really want you, Linda."

"And I want you, too, Ben." Linda whispered. "I wish we could be home now."

He kissed her again. "Well, we just need to be patient. I wonder if I can..."

"Oh, Ben..." Linda melted in another kiss.

A small knock on the door made them split all of a sudden. A nurse came in and smiled, "Hi, here we are again, Linda. How are you?"

She tried not to blush so much and answered, "I am fine, thank you."

"And I have a feeling you will be even better to know what I came here for," said the nurse. She showed Linda a small plastic cup. "This is your medication. I am here to take you off the IV."

The door opened again, and it was the doctor. Linda beamed, "Dr. Lennyard, come in."

"Hello, Linda. I am glad to see you so well." The doctor smiled at the man. "It's nice to see you again, Fraser."

They shook hands. "Thanks for coming, doctor. But I actually never had a chance to talk to Linda."

They exchanged glances in a sort of nervous expectation and the girl felt there was something she did not know. "Talk about what, Ben?"

"Well, Linda, I..." He flushed, then inspired deeply and held her hand. "I have asked Dr. Lennyard for your hand."

"My hand?"

Ben took one of Linda's hands in his and dropped on one knee and looked deeply in her eyes. "I know I have already asked you to marry me, and you felt it was not the right time. I am absolutely horrified with the perspective that you may say no again. But I have come to realise that the fear of you turning me down a third time is nothing compared to the fear I felt of you not wanting me anymore. I don't want to feel it again, Linda - ever.

"You have shown me happiness and companionship, something I had never deemed possible in my solitary life. Now I am addicted to it. I can't live without it, because I can't live without you. I've come to realise that I can only be happy if you are with me, by my side, until forever comes. I know that one single man is not entitled to have all the happiness available in the world, but I am asking for it anyway.

"Linda, you have already honoured me in having our baby. In doing so, you made one of my most cherished dreams come true. This, alone, should be enough to make me feel a lucky man. I guess I am selfish, because I want more, and I ask for what I don't deserve. Please, my love, would you make my life complete and accept to be my wife?"

Linda heard Fraser's words with her heart beating ever fast, and her eyes watered seconds after he began to speak. She had never heard such beautiful words. Not only that, Linda heard the question she most wanted to answer yes. Twice before she had to say no. But now there was no reason for her not to do that. "Oh, Ben... Of course I will marry you.."

The smile in the Mountie's face could light every tiny little corner in Canada for 30 years. He stood up to take Linda in his arms, his heart threatening to burst in blissfulness.

Dr. Lennyard chuckled, "I told you third time is always the charm, Fraser."

Fraser looked down at Linda, who was smiling to him. She was glowing. It looked as if she was surrounded by light, an angel smiling just for him. Then Fraser took her hand once more and said, "Now let me do something I have wanted to do for a long time."

"What is it, Ben?"

He took a small ring from his pocket and gently put it in her fourth finger. "I want you to have this ring. Now, I want you to bear it as a symbol of our commitment, and until the day you become Mrs. Fraser."

A tear of happiness fell down Linda's cheek. "Oh, Ben", she whispered.

Benny's eyes were twinkling, furiously blue, and Linda thought she could drown on them. Ben bent to reverently kiss her hand and he whispered, "I want you to know that no man in the face of the planet will ever be happier than I am at this very moment."

Linda was so touched. She raised her hand, touched his cheek gently and murmured, "I am also very happy. I love you."

They kissed deeply and the doctor politely cleared his throat. They broke the kiss, blushing furiously. Dr. Lennyard found that so cute he couldn't help smirking.

"Well, Linda, I am very glad - and proud. I realise how important this must be for you. Now I want you to keep in mind that you will be out of here real soon to take care of your wedding and your baby." The couple beamed at the psychiatrist, still having a hard time hearing those words. "Of course I made no objection to your marriage, Linda. There are some legal aspects that we will have to expedite, of course, but nothing that cannot be arranged."

Linda smiled. "Thank you so much, doctor."

Gravely, the psychiatrist reminded, "But this marriage can only happen if you are well enough to walk down the aisle. So, I want you to focus on your recovery. I want you to walk as much as you can, and start eating solid foods right away. You still look a little pale, and you have run a fever, but nothing that could compromise your health. Your wounds are healing nicely, and I want you to catch some sun, too."

"That is nice." Linda looked at Ben, and he was smiling.

The doctor caught their attention once more. "I heard you had quite a morning, with a full police cross-examination. How do you feel now?"

"Just a tad tired, doctor," she answered.

"You also need to take care of the baby. I will ask a nurse to get you to Dr. Schroeder right now. He is already waiting." He turned to the Mountie. "Fraser, why don't you go with Linda?"

The Canadian obviously was taken by surprise. "Well, I..."

"I told Dr. Schroeder he could expect the anxious father, too. It is possible that you might get a chance to hear the baby's heart beat for the first time." He leaned in, and lowered his voice as if giving some serious advice. "The experience is truly unforgettable, and I don't think you should pass the opportunity."

The Mountie looked down at his now fiancée and saw huge pleading green eyes bestowed towards him. But he had made his decision even before Linda's silent request. "Of course I would not miss it for the world."

"Good!" Dr. Lennyard clapped his hands. "I will instruct the nurse right away. I will stop by later, then, Linda."

"Thank you, Doctor." She blushed. "For everything."

"Don't mention it. And congratulations to both of you."

It was a new experience for Linda to have Ben by her side when the doctor examined her. Dr. Schroeder was a man of his sixties, and he told them about the importance of fatherhood as Linda took plenty of water for the ultrasound.

Ben was so nervous that Dr. Schroeder's words merely droned out. His baby. He was going to hear his baby's heart. His and Linda's baby. And it was much more than he could have ever expected. Now that Linda had agreed to marry him, he was feeling totally invigorated.

The doctor was still talking. "And you still feel morning sickness?"

"Somewhat," Linda asked. "It doesn't happen every day, but then I have not been eating much here in the hospital."

"What about your sleep?"

"I have been sleeping a lot, but I guess it is the medication."

He checked her medical files and nodded. "Yes, I guess you are right. But even after you stop taking it, if you feel a bit sleepy, don't worry. It is very common to someone in your condition." He smiled and looked at both of them. "Are you interested in checking out the baby's sex in advance?"

Linda was caught by surprise. "Can you really do that? I have heard about it before, but I thought it would take a while. "

"Actually, it will be possible only in a few months. Right now, your baby is still very small. We can't see much of it. But I would like to know so I won't accidentally spill the goods when the time comes."

Linda consulted Fraser with a look, and he lifted and eyebrow. The Mountie shrugged. "We never discussed it before, doctor. Could we get back on you about hat?"

"Of course," said the doctor. "There is still plenty of time. Well, how about we check out the baby's heart right now?" The doctor called the nurse to help with Linda move to another bed, right in the middle of a bunch of machines. Linda saw Fraser sit by her side and felt so comforted that he was there. For a fleeting moment, she remembered that, a week ago, she was totally sure that this was a scene she would never witness in her life.

Dr. Schroeder brought her back to the present. "Well, Linda, now I am going to put some of this gel on you, and you may feel it a bit cold. Try to relax."

Linda nodded and sat back on the table. A screen came to life by her side, and the cool gel made his debut on the girl's lower abdomen. The nurse was around as the doctor handled the equipment, and Linda was getting nervous. Somehow Ben sensed it and kissed her hand. They exchanged looks, and Linda felt really cared for. Amazing what Fraser's presence did to her.

Suddenly, there was a noise that filled the room. It was a rhythmic sound, set in a fast pace. Linda realised that she wouldn't be able to recognise it as a heartbeat if the doctor hadn't told her before what to expect.

"Ah, now you can hear it", Dr. Schroeder was smiling. "Sounds like a real screamer".

Linda was surprised. "This is it?"

"Yes. Please notice that his heartbeat is much faster than an adult's is because he is a small busy little bee, having to grow so fast. Let's see if you can see him in action."

Ben felt the pressure on his hand increasing. It was Linda, her own heart racing as she realised that she was listening to her son. He would be lying if he said he, too, was not also very touched by that perspective. Besides, the heartbeat of the small little creature was so accelerated, so filled with life. They had made another life.

Dr. Schroeder pointed to the screen. "Here. There is our little bee."

It was not a sharp image. Linda followed the doctor's fingers and found out a small, almost unnoticeable bundle at the end of a curve, and there was a sort of thread coming out of it. Dr. Schroeder words droned out of Linda's ears, as he explained the functions of placenta and chord, or other words Linda still did not know. It was so much, and she was so happy.

"Are you OK, Linda?"

Fraser's question brought her back to reality. She felt embarrassed. "Yes, Ben. I am just... overwhelmed."

He smiled at her and bent to gently kiss her forehead. Dr. Schroeder was looking at them with a dreamy smile. "That is only natural. It is such an emotional moment when parents get to hear their baby's heart beating for the first time."

Linda smiled, embarrassed. "Yes, that is how I feel."

"It is strong and steady, as it should be," guaranteed the doctor. "Your baby is fine, Linda."

She felt tears rising, her nose stinging. "I am glad, because I feared..." She could not go on and lowered her head. Ben wished he could hold her in his arms, but he gently rubbed her arm to assure her that he was by her side.

Dr. Schroeder said, "It is OK. I think you have not been told about those mood swings."

Linda wiped her tears and looked at him, "Mood swings?"

"Yes. You can get dressed while I tell you a little about your hormones."

So she did, and Dr. Schroeder took her arm as they slowly walked back to his office, gently explaining why Linda sometimes felt so sad, or sometimes so happy. "Everything is linked to this hormones. Your body produces these substances to keep the baby and yourself safe during your pregnancy. You also may find yourself sleeping a little more than usual these days."

Linda nodded. "Actually, I do. But I thought it was because I was worried, or sick."

"No, you are not. You are pregnant, not sick. For instance, have you felt extremely unhappy in the past weeks?"

"Yes," she said, and a pang of loneliness swept through her chest. "It happened sometimes. I thought I was going to die, or worse. I wanted to be strong for the baby, but I was so sad."

"It is quite natural, and it is a result of your new hormonal condition. Besides, you went through some very traumatic experiences recently. Go easy on yourself. Everything is all right, and you seem to be recovering extremely well. From now on, we will monitor the baby's growth and health, so I expect you here at least once a month. But if you feel any discomfort or any doubts, you come back here. I will have the nurse hand you some literature about your condition. That should help ease your mind."

"All right, doctor. Thank you."

"And congratulations on a very healthy child. To both of you."

They both thanked the doctor a lot, and they went back to Linda's room, Benny gently helping her as she slowly walked through the busy halls, greeting co-workers. She was informed lunch would soon be in her room, and it made her wince.

"I wish I could sleep a little."

"You can sleep later," said Ben gently. "Now you must eat something. Remember what Dr. Lennyard said about nutrition. It is important to the baby. Besides, Ray's mother will be back shortly and she won't be happy to know you are refusing food."

He helped her get back in the bed and Linda sighed, tired, sinking in the mattress as the tray was put in front of her. Ben fidgeted, then said, "I have to tell you now, Linda: I won't be able to be with you tonight. The Consulate will be hosting a reception for a delegation of foreign diplomats, and I am required to be there." He looked pained. "I am sorry."

"Oh, Benny, you don't have to apologise. As Ray would say, Canada needs you." Both chuckled. "Do you have to go now?"

"In a few minutes. Why don't you eat now, then you can enjoy Ray's mother company."

"All right, Ben." She looked at the tray in dismay, but realised she was getting hungry. The food would do her good.

Ben was still fidgeting. "Er, Linda, I guess there are some decisions we have to make."

Linda agreed, "You are right. We have a lot to talk about, Ben. That is why I want to leave this hospital as soon as I can."

"I can't wait, either. Even Diefenbaker is getting very impatient."

"I miss him so much. You do tell him that they don't allow wolves in hospitals, don't you?"

"Of course I do, but you know how he gets."

Linda smiled, then she remembered something. "Ben, can you do me a favour when you go to work today?"

"Certainly."

"Could you please tell Turnbull I apologise for lying to him? I treated him so badly the last time we met, and he was so nice to me. I cannot forgive myself."

"He does not think any ill of you. As a matter of fact, he felt very guilty and he asks me daily about your health. So does Meg. She might volunteer to stop by. Do you mind?"

"Of course not. I would love seeing her." Linda sighed, then shrugged. "Now I guess I better start eating." She picked up her fork and started to nibble on the food. Ben smiled, relieved. Everything seemed to be getting back to normal.

A soft knock came from the door when Fraser was practically coaxing Linda into finishing her meal. A delighted Italian face met the scene with sheer enthusiasm.

"Bambina! How nice to you see you eating." Ma Vecchio wrapped her arms around Linda, then looked around. "Very nice job, Benton. And no more of that annoying IV, either. That is so good. How do you feel?"

"I am tired, Ma. But the doctor said it is because I am pregnant."

Ray's mother kissed her cheek soundly. "You look so good. I am very happy."

Ben picked up his Stetson and said, "Well, I better go now. I don't want to be late for work. Both of you must have plenty of things to talk about."

"Don't worry, caro," said Ma Vecchio, sitting on a chair next to Linda's bed. "I will take good care of her."

"I know that, Ma. Thank you." He turned to Linda. "I will see you tomorrow, then."

"Have a nice reception. And please give my best to the people at the Consulate."

"They will be delighted." He kissed her lightly. "I love you."

"I love you more than forever." They kissed once more and Benny left. Ray's mother observed his departure with interest.

"He loves you very much, too, bambina."

Linda smiled sadly, putting away the tray with food. "Yes, I know. I love him very much, too." Suddenly, she felt a pang in her chest and she avoided the older woman's gaze, lowering her voice. "Sometimes I feel I don't deserve it."

Mrs. Vecchio took her hand, "Don't say such a thing. Of course you deserve each other. What made you say something like that?"

The words went out like a cascade, and they came with copious tears. "I ran away and I don't feel good about that. I was gonna raise our son alone, and he would never know it, and I would never know that he had his memory back and - " Finally, Linda gave up trying to talk so much and just wept, hiding her head in her hands, sobbing, her heart in shreds. Mrs. Vecchio sat on the bed and hugged the girl, who latched on her as if she was the last thing on earth. The Italian lady whispered sweet nothings to Linda, trying to calm her down.

"He did not even want to talk about it, Ma," Linda sniffled. "He must be so disgusted with me!"

"No, Linda, Benito is not disgusted with you. But you want to talk about it, right?" Linda nodded, still having a hard time talking. "So talk to me. I am your Ma. I will listen to you."

"Ma, I was very scared." Linda could hardly talk, still between tears. "So, when that man came up to me and offered to find me a place to stay and a job, I thought he was sincere. I really thought that he as a friend." The girl curled herself on Mrs. Vecchio's lap, trying to stifle the tears. "I mean, he was so nice."

"Who was that man you are talking about?"

"His name was Peter Wick, and he had a business at the mall. He was there when the bomb went off, helped me when Ben was hurt, and everything. But he knew that I was taken, so I never assumed anything else between us. He introduced me to a very nice nun, who took me in a shelter for a night. It is out at the western part of town, Ma, and they do a very good job. We gotta help them maintain the shelter."

"I can talk to Father Biehan about it later, dear", Ma said, still caressing Linda's hair, cascading on her lap. "Did you stay in the shelter all this time?"

"No, Peter found me a job at the community centre. It was such a nice place, Ma, where the kids play, and doctors help people who cannot afford a clinic, or have AAA meetings there, you know? There was a man who took care of everything there, called Jose. He said I could even live there, if I cleaned a small room on the west wing."

"So, you were getting a new life. You were moving on."

"Yes. I really thought that Ben did not want to see me again, that he was out of my life for good. But even when I was making plans, I was so sad to be leaving all of you, Ma. All the time I was very afraid that Ray would find me. If he did, he would take me back, and I thought that Ben did not want me anymore. Being around Ben would be too painful, and that was the reason I left in the first place. Peter said Ray asked him about me, and he lied to Ray. I don't think Ray ever liked Peter."

"This Peter man really looked after you."

"Yes, he did. He took me to a nice house where they help unwed mothers or pregnant teenagers. I felt safe there. But then..." Linda started to shake. "Peter told me he was in love with me. He also said that he knew I loved Ben, and he would respect that. I was shocked, especially because he told me that he would help me raise my child. I told myself he was such a nice man to suggest to raise another man's kid."

Ma Vecchio carefully asked, "But you were only friends... right?"

Linda raised her head and looked straight into Ma's eyes. "Of course. I could not be anything else to him, because I love Ben more than anything in the world. I told Peter that, and he said he understood, and he did not get mad at me. I know some people thought he was my boyfriend, but that was not truth. I would never cheat on Ben, Ma. And I never led Peter on or anything. I told him that I loved Ben. He understood everything, and said that he wanted to help me anyway."

"He seemed to be a very respectful man."

Linda curled herself once more to Ma's lap and said, "Then I heard on the news that the Consulate was attacked. They did not say if anyone was hurt, and I was so worried. I had to find out if Ben was hurt. I tried to call by phone, but Jasmine recognised my voice. So I go there. I did not want them to see me, but Ben did. He was on duty guard, and he saw me on the other side of the street. I ran so fast, and so far, and I did not know where to go, so I dashed to Peter's store at the mall. He took me in his apartment that night. He was very nice, a real friend. And I was sad, I missed Ben so much..." She had to stop talking, a knot in her throat.

Tears fell on Mrs. Vecchio lap, and she patted Linda's head fondly. "It is all right now, bambina."

"Then it all happened, and I still don't understand a lot of it. All I know is that suddenly, there were strange people at the community centre, and they were talking about bombs. I immediately warned Ray, but they caught me while I was on the phone. Then they took me away somewhere very far away, and then started hitting me, and -" Linda sobbed loud. "Peter was with them! Oh, Ma!"

The girl wept for several minutes, and Ma was there to support her. When Linda recovered, she went on with her tale. "Still he died for me, Ma...! He took the shots that were meant for me! Then there was that terrible man, Guzman. He killed Mr. Jose, and Peter, and he said I deserved punishment. He..." She sobbed twice, then took a deep breath and went on. "He took a syringe and shot me with some drug. Then he put me in this box, and put Peter inside, even though he was dead! Then I did not see anything, I guess. I do not remember much, but the smell... and the cold... and the dark... I thought I was dead, Ma. I thought I had already died."

Linda shivered to remember those feelings. Ma rubbed her arms, and whispered, "It is all right. You were afraid."

"I was sorry about Ben's child. I even apologised to my baby for being dead."

"Well, Linda, cara, you are not dead, and now you have to think about the future, not the past."

"Still, Ma, I think I don't deserve Ben because I can't help to think about Peter."

"What do you think about him?"

Linda seemed to be puzzled, and very confused. "He saved my life. The only ones who did that to me before were Ben and Ray. When Peter died in my arms, I was so scared and horrified. And I liked him like a friend, a good friend. I know I have to think that he was a bad man, but somehow I keep remembering that he took care of me, not that that his friends were trying to hurt innocent people."

Ma caressed the girl's hair. "He always treated you so nicely, and took such good care of you. You were fortunate to have such a friend, Linda."

"But he was a terrorist! He helped plant bombs, maybe even that one in the mall! Innocent people got hurt. Some were killed in that country."

"And that is wrong. But Linda, let me tell you something that I believe. The Church says that you have to hate the sin and forgive the sinner. Peter did something wrong, but you must not hate him because of that. Remember: hate the sin, but not the sinner. Because Peter had a lot of good in him, and he showed his good part when he took care of you with nothing in return."

Linda heard those wise words, still sobbing. "I am sad he died. I feel Ben might think I have betrayed him."

She grabbed the girl's cheeks in her palms and made her look straight at her. "Linda, cara, listen to me." Linda sobbed once or twice, but the green eyes, reddened by the weeping, focussed on the old face. "Benton loves you very much. Now this weeping is something very common in pregnant women. Take it from me. Don't worry that little head of yours."

She sniffled and wiped the tears way. "I will try. Thanks Ma."

Mrs. Vecchio smiled. "That is what mothers do. Now you take a good nap. I will be right here."

Linda curled herself once more and it was not long before she fell right into blessed oblivion.

***

At that same night, incredibly as it seemed, Linda was getting so much trouble to sleep. Ma had left and Ray made her company. They talked for a while, and Linda was amused about the latest news on the Vecchio family.

At night, however, sleep seemed illusive, no matter what she did. Ray noticed her restlessness and gently asked, "Do you need something?"

"I cannot sleep." Linda said.

"Do you want me to turn on the lights?"

"No, I like it that way." She sighed. "I got so many things on my mind, Ray."

"You're worried about something in particular?"

"There has been a lot of changes in my life. There is the baby. This is a huge change."

"You have nothing to worry about. I am sure you will be a terrific mother. And I will the proudest uncle." Ray took her hand. "Benny is so happy, too."

"It seems too big a job for me, Ray. I don't know if I will be able to do it."

"We will all help you in anything you need. You know you can count on us. Now stop brooding over these things and get some sleep. The baby needs the sleep, too. It was a very exciting day."

"I guess you are right, Ray." Linda smiled. "I love you."

"I love you too, sweetie. And I am right here. You can sleep now and give my future nephew or niece some rest, OK?"

"Good night, Ray."

He tucked her in. "Good night Linda."

Although she settled down, it seems she was not to sleep that night. Not even an hour later, an orderly came in, with a tray. The man did not turn the lights on and tiptoed to the nightstand. Ray raised and the guy whispered, showing the needle. "Medication."

Ray said, "Do you really have to do it now? She has just fallen asleep."

"Oh, I am sorry. It has to be now." Linda thought she heard his voice before, but he was whispering, and she could not be sure.

Linda said, "I was not really asleep, Ray." She sat up and asked. "Are you going to shoot me in the arm or backside?"

He put the tray next to her and began to prepare the needle. "You can choose what suits you best, honey."

"In the arm, then." Linda asked, "Have you come here before to give me some medication? Your voice seems familiar."

"Really?" The orderly was looking up at the needle as he held it towards the light. "I wasn't sure if you'd recognise me."

Then Linda saw part of his face in the light. And she instantly recognised the man.

It all happened so fast.

"NOOOO!!!!!" Linda tried to jump out of the bed as the man ran after her, and she screamed, "NOO!!! Stay away from me!!"

After a few seconds of hesitation, Ray's cop training made him instinctively bring his gun to his hand, but Linda was totally trapped by the man, who used her body as a shield and had a gun to her head. She was crying, "No, Mr. Guzman, please!!!"

Ray tried to maintain his gun held high, his brain furiously putting the pieces together. It was Guzman attacking Linda. The man hasn't escaped the country, as those stupid jerks at the FBI thought, but in Linda's hospital room, obviously looking for payback. He must have known she had no special protection.

"You shoot me and she's toast, man!" Guzman's voice sounded firm. "I mean it! Now drop your piece down!" Linda was still crying, and he spat, "Shut up, bitch!"

"Calm down, man", Ray said, putting one arm up and still aiming at him with the other. Linda was sobbing quietly. "Let's talk about it, huh?"

The man did not let him finish. "Drop it now! I'm gonna kill her, pig!!"

"Let's talk -"

His voice got louder. "Drop it! Now!! NOW!!"

"Ok, OK!" Ray put his arms up and said, "I'll put the gun down".

"Now!!"

Slowly, Ray did as he was told. Guzman ordered, "Now step away from it!"

Ray obeyed, thinking that by now, all the noise must have attracted some attention. "You won't get away with it."

"Of course I will. I got her!" He turned on the light and his gun now was pointing directly at Ray. The Detective knew Guzman was a very disturbed man, but he could not help to think that he looked even worse face to face. And he seemed angry. "Hey! Who are you? Where's Vecchio?"

"I am Vecchio." Ray felt confused.

"No, you are not. I know Vecchio. I've even bit part of Vecchio's ear off when he tried to bring me in! He is a short dude, blond hair. You are not him!"

Ray paled. He remembered reading that file about how Stanley Kowalski used Fraser's help to arrest Adolf Guzman, in a case that almost made him go to Internal Affairs because of a scumbag named Guy Stanck. The story seemed confused, but the bottom line seemed to be that Guzman now wanted Kowalski. Ray thought fast. "Well, I am obviously not who you want, so why don't you let the girl do, OK? I will tell you where he is and let her go."

That made Guzman stop. "Do you know where Vecchio is?"

"No, but all it takes me to get his address is a phone call."

"Why would you tell me?"

"I want you to let her go. Besides, I don't care too much about the man."

Guzman eyed him, trying to assess whether he was telling the truth. "OK, make the call."

"There is a paid telephone by the end of the hall."

"NO! Make the call here!" He pointed to the phone beside the bed. "Here! Come on!"

Damn. Ray walked slowly towards the phone, Linda's quiet weeping breaking his heart. He picked up the phone and announced, "The line is dead. Security procedure, as I predicted. " He turned around. "They know you are here. You can't escape."

Guzman was getting even more agitated. "Fuck!" He held Linda tighter, and the girl cried out, Ray tensed. "We will all get out of here! I'll go with you to that paid phone. You go first, hands up! Come on! Move!"

Ray was held at gunpoint as he slowly got out of the room, Linda and her captor right behind. As he imagined, the floor had been cleared, and there was not a soul in sight. But he knew that there must be snipers at strategic points. Maybe some uniforms were called, too.

As Guzman peeked out of Linda's room, a voice on a loudspeaker said, "You, with the hostages! Put your gun down and your hands on the air before you get hurt!"

Guzman fumed. "No way!"

He fired his gun once to the left side. Linda screamed in terror, and Ray was grabbed by his shirt and brutally shoved back inside the room, where he fell on the bed, painfully making contact with metal. Linda tried to escape Guzman's grip during the confusion, as he was locking the door. She succeeded in slipped from his grip.

The man's got even madder - if that was possible. "You sneaky little bitch! I will kill you this time!"

Linda ran quickly away from him and went to Ray, who was on the floor, trying to get his gun back. Guzman went after her, but Ray got up and before he could lung towards Guzman, the terrorist fired once in Linda's direction, missed the shot, and ended up pointed the gun to Ray's nose, making the cop freeze. During the scuffle, Linda screamed, and moved behind Ray, cringing as she sought shielding from her friend's back.

For a moment, all three stopped. Linda was behind Ray, her body protected from Guzman by Ray's. The cop was face to face to Guzman, who had the gun practically on his nose. The terrorist was furious, and panted, "Showdown, cop: you are both dead!!"

Fierce pounding on the door revealed that there were three or more men trying to crash it down. It was the police, Ray knew. "You can't escape, Guzman. Surrender now."

Feeling trapped, their captor was freaking out, and he turned to the nearest target for all his frustration and anger. "You bitch! This is your fault! All your fault! I should have killed you the first time I ever laid eyes on you!" Linda coiled even more. "Now I am gonna correct that mistake". He cocked his gun.

The pounding on the door almost made Ray's words disappear, "Over my dead body."

Guzman laughed. "Another one!" He levered his gun at the Italian, and shrugged. "So be it! It's no skin off my back, cop!" The murderer fired once, twice, three times, Ray's body convulsing hard at each shot.

Linda could hardly hear her own piercing shriek when she saw Ray's body hit the floor with a loud thud. She also could hardly realise that her second scream was very different. Something must have also happened to her eyes, because she suddenly saw nothing but red, her arms got a life of his own, and her mouth yelled at Guzman, who suddenly was a lot closer to her face, crumpled in pure wrath. Those arms that Linda could not control slapped Guzman's gun away and her whole body charged against the terrorist.

The man received punch after punch of a raging Linda that also used her momentum to shove him against the wall, making the bed and the nightstand with the phone fly around, all objects hurled in every direction. She was furiously spilling tears and her mouth was shouting words like "You will never hurt Ray again!" or "Get away from Ray!" at each powerful blow her fist delivered in any part of Guzman she could reach as the man was held against the wall.

Suddenly, Guzman's body ceased to respond to her punches and scurried to floor. Linda still felt as if someone else was doing those things, that she was just watching a movie in front of her. It seemed that this movie also had a bad sound, for there was so little she could hear.

Barely noticing how much her hands hurt, she picked up Guzman's gun, and turned her attention to Ray's limp form. Still with the gun in her hand, Linda knelt beside the Italian detective, eyes blurred, face wet with tears. His eyes were closed, and he had a few scratches on his face, but Linda did not notice that. She held Ray against her chest fiercely, weeping in desperation.

Linda detachedly saw when the door went down and a lot of cops swarmed in. She seemed oblivious to that for a moment. But when they tried to tug her away from Ray's body, she held him even tighter and shrieked, "Nooo!!! Stay away from him!!!"

Someone screamed, "She's got a gun!"

Her name was called again and again, but Linda never let Ray go of her arms, screaming for those people to go away as she backed down against the wall. Ray was heavy, and she had to drag him away from them. Facing the intruders, holding Ray's limp body in her arms, she looked like a trapped animal, ready to do anything to protect its offspring.

"Nobody will hurt Ray again!!! I won't let it!! Ray!!!!" Linda was totally out of control, despair and anger lashing out in such a way those people backed off a little. But between her sobs and her panting, above the hysteria, she recognised a voice. It was a voice she loved beyond anything she knew in the world. A voice that spoke directly to her heart and held her very soul.

"Linda, please. Hear me."

Linda swiftly turned to her left. Her heart swelled as the face she loved seemed to focus in her bleary world. She whimpered, "Benny... Benny, look... Look! Look what he did to Ray!"

"Linda, Linda, please listen to me." Benny approached cautiously, his hand held out. "Linda, I want you to hand me the gun."

"Gun?" Linda looked at the gun in her hand with curiosity. "I didn't notice I had one."

"Then let me have it, please Linda."

"Yes, Benny, of course." She held out the gun and her face crumpled again. "Oh, Benny...! Ray... He is... Oh!!!" She began to weep again, holding Ray's body tight against hers, almost unable to breathe.

Fraser slid the gun on the floor towards the officers, who were trying to get closer and closer. As he also got closer to her, he called, his tone soothing, the same he used to deal with fretful horses. "It is OK, Linda. Come with me. Everything is all right. These people won't hurt you. They're here to take care of you and Ray. You have protected him so well. You can let go now."

There was a prick in her arm, but Linda didn't feel it. Reluctantly, Linda looked at Ray's face, her tears streaming out in her already wet cheeks. It was so serene, and peaceful, like he was going to wake up at any minute. "Ray..."

Like magic.

Ray's lips twisted and he took a sharp intake of breath. Linda cried out, "Ray!"

The cop's legs moved feeble, and he also moaned. Loud.

Linda was screaming, "He's alive!! Somebody please help him!"

A voice on the back said urgently, "We've got another live one here!"

Suddenly, everything went into confusion. Fraser snatched Linda away from Ray, then two paramedics came in quickly, opening up Ray's clothes to assess the wounds. Linda tried to protest, but her voice died down as one of them hollered, "Bullet-proof vest!"

Distracted by the information, Linda was unprepared when another sting caught her arm. She yelled in surprise and looked up at the nurse who was handling the syringe. "What is this?" Linda turned to face Fraser, "Benny!"

The Mountie held her, still soothing her gently. "It is all right, my love. Everything is all right, now."

Linda tried to say something else, but felt her senses slipping away rapidly as the medication spread through her body. Linda went limp on Fraser's arms in a matter of seconds. The paramedics took Ray away as Fraser finally let out the breath he was unknowingly holding.

***

"No one was in there, so no one actually saw it. But I don't think there is another explanation," Lieutenant Welsh finished his explanation. "Amazing as it seems to be, Linda really punched the lights out of Guzman."

Huey gawked at his boss. "That is amazing."

"It is not uncommon in an extreme situation that a person performs tasks of great strength due to the extra surge of adrenaline," Dr. Lennyard agreed. "I have known that girl practically her whole life. And I have never seen Linda in such fury frenzy before. She went out of control when she thought Detective Vecchio was dead."

"How's Vecchio, by the way?" Detective Huey asked.

"He has just been released. His family has already gone, too. He ought to stay out of the streets for at least two days, because of the bullets' impact on the vest. Orthopaedics still don't know if he cracked a rib. It was a miracle that he had a vest on."

They were on the hallway, and Fraser came out of Linda's room. He joined the group and sighed, "She is still asleep."

Dr. Lennyard nodded. "That is expected. Fraser, I don't think she will go into a breakdown. She was extremely scared, but not to this point." He turned to the police officers. "Gentleman, I think you won't be able to talk to her so soon. Even though she was given a mild sedative due to her pregnancy, it will take a while until she wakes up. I suggest you try coming back in about -" The doctor was going to look at his wristwatch, but stopped when he saw who was running up to them. All other officers turned their heads to see the new comer, who was coming in their direction as fast as he could.

"How is she?" Ray seemed pale, but anxious. "Is she all right?"

Lieutenant Welsh greeted. "And hello to you, too, Detective. It is nice to see we don't have to schedule a funeral will full honours after all."

"I am sorry, sir," said Ray. "But I have been hearing some stuff, and frankly, a lot of it sounded so unbelievable that I had to come here and see things for myself."

"Well, then believe it anyhow, because it's true," said Huey. "Linda kicked Guzman's ass."

"You are pulling my leg." Ray turned to Fraser. "Benny, Mounties don't lie. Tell me what really happened."

"Essentially, Detective Huey is correct, Ray," confirmed Fraser. "Linda seemed to have engaged in fierce physical combat with Guzman during a particularly strong bout of hysteria."

Ray's jade eyes turned as big as saucers. "Get out."

Fraser shrugged. "Mounties don't lie, Ray. You said it yourself."

"And how is Guzman?"

Welsh answered, "I just spoke to the hospital he's been taken to. He will be OK, but he will be knocked down until tomorrow at least, because has a concussion, and his face will also need a bit of reparation."

Ray was even more awed. "A concussion? How did Linda give him a freakin' concussion, for cryin' out loud?!"

Fraser said, "Apparently, he was thrown against the wall and it connected strongly with the back of his head." The Canadian seemed a bit restless. "I am afraid that she is going to be very upset about it, Ray."

Dr. Lennyard laughed softly. "No, Fraser, it's fine. We better let her know it is a good thing that she is able to defend herself and her friends from bad people. It will build her confidence."

"Or scare her to death, and frankly I don't know which would be preferable", confessed Ray sarcastically.

"Are you alright, Detective?", asked Dr. Lennyard. "I understand the impact of bullets, even with the vest, can be really painful."

"Yeah, Doc, you can say that again. I was knocked out for a few good minutes. It did not help that he shot me at blank point." He groaned. "Lieu might have been speaking too early about that funeral thing."

"Cut it, wise ass," said Huey. Then he grinned. "Now, my fellow officer, you are going to give me your statement right now." He put his arms around Ray with a treacherous smile. "Let's go talk over there."

"You want to take my statement here?"

"Lieutenant's orders. Unless you wanna do it downtown", said the detective suggestively. "Thought you might prefer not to leave the hospital."

Ray blinked at him. Then he nodded, "Over there is just fine."

Welsh had to laugh at his so very predictable detective.

***

Linda opened her eyes, the bright light making her squint at first. After a few seconds, she risked opening them again, and was rewarded with a smiling face above hers.

"Ray," she cracked.

"Hey," he said softly. "Welcome back."

She cleared her throat and gingerly tried to sit up.

"Easy, easy," said Ray. "How do you feel?"

"Thirsty." Ray got her a glass of water and helped her drink from a straw. She looked around, "Where's Ben?"

"At work. He will complain that he's never here when you wake up."

Linda smiled, then sighed heavily, resting her head on the pillow. "Oh. Ray. I just had the weirdest dream."

"Really?" Ray asked casually, putting the glass back on the nightstand. Do you remember it?"

"Vividly. It was horrible. I dreamed Guzman had found me here, at the hospital." Linda looked anguished. "You were in here, too, but he had a gun, he... he held me as a hostage and..." The girl stopped, as if losing her line of thought when she looked at the nightstand. "Ray... I am not sure that it was a dream..."

Ray came close to her. "No, ragazza, it was not a dream."

"No. It has to be." Linda seemed shocked. "Ray, I remember seeing you dead." She winced, tears threatening to blur her vision. "You were dead in my arms." A pang swept through Linda's chest at the memory. Few things ached as much as the perspective of losing Ray.

The Italian looked at her, and talked in a soft voice. "I had a vest on. I am all right."

Linda sighed, relieved. "I don't remember the end very well. What happened to Guzman? Was he arrested?"

"Yes", Ray smirked, "After you beat the crap out of him."

"What?!"

"I said that you punched the lights out of him." Ray was smiling now.

Linda did not respond. "Ray, do not mock me, please. This is not funny. That man scares me a lot."

"I'm not joking. You did that."

"How can it be so? Look at me. Guzman may not be tall or heavy, but he is strong, and he is a man. How could I do such a thing?"

"Dr. Lennyard explained that things like this can happen in extreme situations." Ray took Linda's hands and showed her the bruises. "How do you think you got these?"

Linda could not contain her surprise. "Oh my. It is so hard to believe."

"You pushed him against the wall, and it knocked the breath out of him, too. That helped. It prevented him from punching you back, gave him a nice concussion and rendered him totally unconscious."

"Oh, god", Linda gasped, pale. "He is going to be very mad at me."

"Mad?" Ray laughed. "I am not sure he knows what hit him. That ought to teach him some respect."

"Does Ben know?"

Ray nodded. "He wanted to be here when you wake. He was the only one who could come near you as you held me."

"Yes, I remember holding you. And then what happened?"

"When the police was able to get inside the room, you wouldn't let anyone near me. Only Benny could get close, because you also had taken Guzman's gun. That was why everyone was so careful to get near you. But after you gave away the gun, Benny could peel you away from me. And only then they found out that I was wearing a bullet-proof vest."

"Oh, Ray, a gun?" She looked at him, her eyes wide. "I hate guns, Ray."

"I know that, Linda."

"And how are you? You don't look hurt."

"I am a little sore at the ribs, but nothing more serious than that." Ray smiled. "You save my life. I am so proud of you."

"Proud? Ray, I assaulted a man!"

"And packed a pretty good punch, too," he nodded.

"Ray! It's not funny. And there is nothing to be proud about this. I am scared."

"Guzman won't ever mess with you again. That's what you have to be proud about. You don't have to be afraid of him anymore."

"No, Ray, I am afraid of me. I was never a violent person."

"And you are not. You just had a gut reaction, protecting an injured person. It was a self-defense thing. It just shows you how much you really care about me."

"Oh, Ray," she said tenderly. "You are my best friend. There is nothing I wouldn't do for you. You know that."

"I know. I am just touched that it came out to strongly, Linda." He kissed her bruised hands. "You know that I will always be by your side, no matter what."

Linda put the palm of her hand on his find. "Yes, I know, Ray."

"I was so worried when you just took off without talking to anyone first. I would have listened to you."

"I am sorry, Ray." She felt her face burning with embarrassment. "I know you'd be there for me, but... I couldn't be near Ben. I couldn't bear it if he didn't want me near him. I am sorry."

Ray shrugged, sighing. "Strangely enough, I understand. It was really scary to see Benny like that. It took him a lot longer to recover than the first time. For a while, I was afraid that Benny wouldn't return to his old self. I wondered about you and your kid, out there alone. Of course, even if he did not get his memory back, Benny would not have abandoned you. You know Benny would never do such a thing, no matter what."

Linda shuddered slightly. "But I wouldn't want him to be with me only for duty, Ray. He'd never complain, and he'd provide for us till the end of our lives. But he'd never be happy, uncomfortable. That was one of the reasons I left. I want Ben to be happy more than anything in the world. I couldn't stand to be by his side knowing he was miserable because of me."

"I knew you'd say something like that. That is the reason that I was going to ask you to marry me."

Linda's heart raced. "Marry you?"

Ray nodded. "I wanted to marry you and give the little fellow a daddy. I figured that if Benny's memory didn't come back and he asked you to marry him, you'd say no, but the kid would still need a father, right? So, I thought I could be the father to him. You know I already love both you and the bambino, so it would be little more than a piece of paper. Ma would have been thrilled, too." Ray half-smiled at the thought. "But then you took off before I could say anything, and... well, the rest is history."

Linda was so moved that the tears started to stream in her faces before she could even find her voice again. "Ray..."

"I am sorry I did not have a chance to tell you about this", Ray said. "I just wanted you to know. And you know that if anything happens, the offer still stands, OK?"

"Ray, I am... I' m so touched," she said, struggling to fight the tears. "I really want to apologise for all the trouble I caused you and everybody else. I knew you'd be worried about me. You could be mad and angry at me, but you'd be worried, too. I never doubted this."

Ray bent to kiss her forehead. "It is all water under the bridge, now. No need to talk about it. You are all right, the little buckaroo is all right, and you will be Benny's beautiful bride, as it should be." He wiped her tears of happiness. "Everything is going to turn out fine, Linda. Now let me bring Dr. Lennyard. He wanted to see you as soon as you woke up". He wiggled his eyebrows expectantly, and lowered his voice, "I heard him pronouncing the word discharge."

"Really?" Linda's eyes sparkled. "I am going home?"

"He wants to see you first, then he wants to talk to Benny. Dr. Schroeder needs to check on you, too." Ray smiled. "I feel like a secretary, telling you your schedule for the day."

Linda laughed softly, "Oh, Ray... I can't wait to get home. See Dief and everything."

"By the way, you don't know it but we are in a major disguising operation for your discharge."

"Operation?"

"To avoid media hounds. So far we've been able to fend them off, but they're hungry to see the pregnant woman who was held hostage by international terrorists and knocked out a very bad guy." Ray took on Linda's wide eyes. "Yes, they are talking about you."

"I figured that much". Linda winced. "But I wish I don't have to talk to them. They frighten me a little."

"Don't need to tell me. Those guys scare the hell out of me. But you don't need to worry. We will manage to get you out of here unscathed."

"Of course you will. I love you, Ray."

He kissed her hand. "And I love you, too, ragazza." He changed his expression and shot her an evil grin. "Of course you know what's waiting for you as soon as you get home."

Linda thought for a second, "Finding a new job?"

Ray shook his head, "Planning a wedding."

"Plan?" Linda was confused. "What kind of plan do we need to get married?"

"Plenty of plans, Linda. You have to choose a gown, and Benny has to decide if he wants to marry on suit, tux or in his gala uniform.Both of you need to choose a church and a place for a reception. If you want to marry in daylight, you need flowers for the church and the reception, but if you choose night time, then there is a possibility to fill the church with candles, and that is nice. It is starting to get chilly at night, so if you get married at night, you might want to have a reception in doors. There is also a guest list, and the invitations to choose, fill and send. You guys will need to take care of all the paper work, and changing your names in documents and stuff, so the marriage is legal. Also you need to choose who will be the wedding parties, and what sort of outfit are they going to wear."

Linda widened her eyes. "There is more than one?"

Ray laughed softly, "No, I mean people who gets assignments for the wedding. You know bridesmaids, maids of honour, ring-bearers, who is gonna walk you along the aisle."

"Oh, Ray. It seems so many things. How are we going to get all of this done?"

"I can start things right now. I will reserve Saint Michael's at the first occasion, and talk already to Father Biehan."

"But we are not Catholics. Neither Ben nor me."

Ray's enthusiasm restrained a little. "Oh, that might be a problem. Do you guys at least want some sort of religious ceremony at your wedding?"

Linda thought of the visits she had made to the church and her talks to Father Mulcahey. They were so comforting. "I do, Ray. I think Ben won't oppose to that."

"Nice! I will talk to Father Biehan."

"Maybe he can invite Father Mulcahey to say some words. I like him very much."

"Yes, he is a swell guy. I will see what I can do on that." Ray said, "Frannie will be nuts to tell you stuff about wedding procedures and protocols, or whatever the name they have."

Linda seemed worried. "Ray, it seems to be such a big task. How are we going to do everything on time?"

"Don't worry, kid." He gave one of his most luminous smiles. "Everything is gonna turn out fine. You will see."

A nurse came inside. "Nice to see you wake and so well, Linda. I have a meal coming for you, but first you should see your visitors. They have been waiting for you to wake up. Dr. Lennyard gave special permission to visit."

"All right, then."

She left, and then the special visitors came in. Linda was thoroughly surprised at the three people that came inside her room.

"Oh, my God. Cheryl?!"

The kindergarten teacher from the community centre, who had come along with two of her pupils, smiled at Linda. "And look who I brought with me."

"Donovan! Mindy!"

Ray thought those were the cutest kids he had ever seen - his own nephews and nieces excluded, of course.

"Hello, Miss Linda."

"Hi, Miss Linda."

The children were obviously itching to get closer, and Linda said, "Why don't you guys come up here and sit one my bed. Don't worry. My disease won't catch on you."

The two little bundles of joy immediately climbed on her bed, with Ray's help. Linda asked Cheryl, "But how could you get in? They don't allow children in the hospital."

"Your doctor, Dr. Lennyard, gave us special permission. We were worried about you. And there was no way to stop the kids once they knew you were sick. We had to make a draw to see who would come."

"That is so sweet," said Linda. "But now tell me: did you guys win or lose the draw?"

The joke was well-received, and the kids said between giggles, "We won!"

Donovan looked at Ray and asked, as usual, "Are you Linda's husband?"

Ray's cheek coloured heavily, "No, I am a friend of Linda's."

Linda said, "Ray, I want you to meet Donovan, Mindy and Cheryl. They are from the community centre where I was working. This is my good friend Ray Vecchio. He is a police detective, too."

There were muted "Ohs" from the two children, whose little eyes lit up in excitement. Cheryl said, "I am afraid you won't leave this room until you show them your badge, detective." She extended her hand, and he shook it. "Nice to meet you. Thank you for taking care of our Linda."

Ray flashed her one of his most brilliant smiles. "I was just doing my job, Miss."

With amazement, Linda realised that Ray was flirting with Cheryl - and that the girl was responding in a very positive way. Linda was glad.

Donovan wanted to know, "Miss Linda, are you still sick?"

Smiling, Linda took the little boy's hand gently. "Just a tad, Donovan. But I expect to be out of the hospital really soon."

Mindy chirped in, "We all miss you. Everyone does: Heather, Jason, Ricky, Joey..."

"I miss everybody as well. I hope you are behaving yourselves. Miss Cheryl is taking care of you without me, and you better not give her a hard time."

Cheryl said, "They are good kids, you know that. They also know that they can't stay long. It was the deal we made with your doctor."

"I am very glad you came. Please tell everybody how I miss them, OK?"

"We will," Donovan nodded, and Mindy did the same. Then the little boy asked, "When will be back?"

Linda lost a bit of colour and looked at Cheryl, then at Ray, who shrugged. Evidently, they haven't thought about it. So, Linda turned to Donovan, and answered sincerely, "I don't know yet, Donovan. But I hope I can see all of you again pretty soon."

"OK," the boy smiled, then leaned to kiss her in the cheek. "I will be waiting."

"Me, too," said Mindy, and hugged Linda. The girl was touched.

Ray said, "They are really sweet kids."

Cheryl nodded, "They are adorable. Linda helped me take care of a whole bunch like that."

"She is very good with kids," agreed Ray, smiling at her. "You seem to have a gift, too."

"Thank you," said the girl, smiling.

A soft knock made Ray excuse himself and open the door. "Hey, Benny."

The Mountie stood by the door and looked at the visitors. "Hello, Ray."

Ray said, "Some of Linda's friends from the community centre have dropped by."

Donovan looked at him and whispered to Mindy, "Wow! He is a Mountie."

"How nice," Fraser said to the newcomers, nodding, and politely turning to the lady, extending his hand. "I am Benton Fraser, Linda's fiancé."

"I am Cheryl Wicket." They shook hands. "Linda, you didn't tell me you were engaged. Congratulations to you both."

Linda blushed. "It was very sudden."

"Do you plan to get married soon?"

"Yes, as soon as possible, actually. Before the baby is born, so I can take care of it."

"So double congratulations" Cheryl said, excited. "I knew you had a baby coming, but never knew you were engaged."

Once more, Linda blushed almost purple. "Like I said, it was really sudden. We are still planning on everything."

"I am very happy for you, Linda."

Mindy said, "Are you going to wear a gown, like Cinderella?"

The blushing just grew redder, to Ray's amusement. "Well, Mindy, I still haven't decided on that. Do you think I should dress like Cinderella?"

The little girl widened his eyes. "Sure! I would like to have a gown like that someday."

Linda noticed that Ben was still by the door. "Ben, please come in."

The Mountie looked embarrassed. "Actually, I brought a special visitor for you, but I didn't realise you had already some."

"Please, Ben, let him in, whoever he is."

A cheerful and loud woof came before the incoming wolf, a visit that made Linda even happier. "Oh, Dief! How I missed you, buddy!"

The wolf climbed her bed unceremoniously, almost managing to knock little Donovan down in the process. Not only that: he wiggled his tail happily, licking all over Linda's face, as she tried to scold him, "Watch out, Dief! We have guests!"

The animal whined a bit and went down to the floor, as the children awed at him. Linda made the proper introductions, "Dief, these are my friends Donovan and Mindy, and their teacher Cheryl. This is Diefenbaker, and he is a wolf from Canada."

The children also climbed down the bed and after Linda's reassurances, petted the wolf. Cheryl also did that, and Dief showed that he liked the attention.

Linda looked up at Benny, "Thank you for the surprise. I missed Dief so much."

"He wouldn't leave me alone. He begged, begged, begged and nagged me for days. I had to bring him."

Linda smiled, her heart singing with so many friends around her. She looked at Benny, and thought she had never seen him so lovely. Fraser took her hand tenderly and kissed her forehead, flooding her very soul with warmth and love.

A little away from the gathering, the Mountie saw his father in his red uniform, standing near the window, behind Linda. The ghost of Robert Fraser nodded and exchanged silent smiles with his son. Young Fraser turned his eyes once more to the woman that held his heart and lightened up his existence. Now that she was carrying his child, he felt pride and joy unmatchable to any occasion he could remember.

Ray also observed the display before him, his flirtation with Cheryl forgotten for a moment. The scene before his eyes touched a spot deep inside his Italian heart, a place filled with light and happiness. He wondered if there was some way to crystallise that moment, when he felt palpable joy, and when nightmares were merely a bad memory, a shadow at the back of the mind, almost gone.

And that was the way everything should be.

The End