Chapter 3: The Excursion

The next morning, Ray and Fraser were driving down to the airport. Dief had been dropped off at the Vecchio household. Traffic was clear, and Ray saw this as a sign.

He figured that this trip would give him what he needed: it would relieve the distress he had, and bring him back as good as new. That's what vacations do. Ray just needed a quick fix.

Looking over at Fraser, he noticed the Mountie was quietly humming a tune under his breath while watching the scene outside pass away.

If Ray didn't know any better, he would think that Fraser was looking forward to the next few days. But then again, who really knew what the Mountie thought at any time? Even after all of those Inuit stories, the Detective really didn't know too much about Fraser's personal life, that is, until recently.

Just look at what happened in the Victoria situation. After the unfortunate occurrence, Ray proved his loyalty on that little trek they took up north: he stood by Fraser's side no matter how difficult it became. And he would do it all again.

Knowing and caring for someone are two different things, Ray concluded.

Hopefully, in this case, Ray could interconnect those two when it came to Fraser. After all, he would have the time, and maybe give some of that time to the Mountie. The Detective was tired, and needed a break from his restless and exhaustive thoughts.

As they turned into the airport's parking lot, Ray spirits lifted a little. He couldn't wait to get to Florida.

"Would you like the window seat, Ray?"

"Not this time, Benny. I had an incident once."

The partners were on the 747 commercial airplane that was taking them down to Miami Beach. Fraser sat down next to the window as Ray plopped himself into the seat right of Fraser.

"An incident? What kind of incident?"

"Wouldn't you like to know."

"Actually, Ray, I would."

"Look, I told you I had an incident here, where we are sitting now. This is not the time or the place. So give it a rest, would ya?"

"If that's what you want."

The Detective shifted in his seat. "I still say we should've flown first class. These miserable seats are already giving me a cramp."

"We saved over $150 U.S. dollars taking this commercial flight. You will be more than comfortable when we arrive in Florida," Fraser stated.

"You would think after skimping out on vacations that you would make this one count."

"It's always a good idea to save on expenses. You could put that money to other use."

"You mean like room service?" Ray smiled mockingly.

Fraser gave the detective a pointed look before peering through the window.

"Look at that snow dump. We chose a good time to go," Ray said as a matter-of-fact.

"November does seem to be an efficient time to go on a holiday before the Christmas Break rush."

"Yeah, yeah. All I know is that I'm getting some fun in the sun."

"Technically, it is still hurricane season."

This time Ray gave Fraser a pointed look.

Instead of responding, Fraser placed his only piece of luggage, which was a carry-on, in the space below his own seat.

Ray grimaced. "Did you even pack for this trip!"

Fraser looked questioningly over at the detective. "Of course I did."

"Do you have a bathing suit?"

Fraser's mouth opened in response, but stopped in thought as he was uncertain how to reply.

"Well, you can get one down there with your extra dough. They have a ton of those kinds of shops down there. We could probably even get one with a Canadian flag on it if you want," Ray chaffed.

A minute later, the pilot of the flight was welcoming passengers aboard.

As they lifted off moments later, Fraser looked over at his friend. Ray's eyes were squinted shut and he had a hand over his mouth like he was about to vomit.

Before Fraser could react, Ray relaxed from his tense state and smiled at the Mountie. "Thought I was sick there for a moment, did ya?"

Fraser kept from rolling his eyes and looked away. "Glad you're feeling better, Ray."

Side note: Thank you all for your reviews so far. I'm glad you are reading my story!