Chapter 10: The Tranquility

Ray got up the next morning, actually feeling refreshed. He went and checked on Fraser.

The Mountie was still soundly asleep, which was a little odd, because usually he would be the first one up.

Ray looked at the stove clock and squinted. 8:00! Was it really that early? Wow.

He glanced back at his sleeping friend, who was breathing slowly, positioned with slightly folded hands. I guess I'm not the only one around here who needed this vacation.

Ray took a shower and by that time, the Mountie was up.

"Good morning Ray. I see that you have risen before me."

"Looks like it, Benny."

"So," Fraser put on his best casual voice. "What time did you get in last night?"

The Detective just smiled. "Around midnight, I think."

The Mountie thought about this. "I see. Well, you look like you're feeling better today."

"I sure am, Fraser. I went to this bar last night. I only had one drink, but let me tell you, it sure was the key to everything."

Fraser didn't attempt to cover his confused expression.

"Never mind. Another time, Benny. So what do ya wanna do today?"

Being a little surprised, yet happy that Ray gave him the choice, the Mountie answered. "How about The Bayview Marketplace? It seems to be one of Miami's great shopping destinations."

Ray knew that the place Fraser was suggesting was probably off one of those itineraries. "Sure Benny. Clean up and let's hit the road. It's across the bridge to the main city, right?"

"That's correct. Thank you, Ray."

Fraser was happy to see that The Bayview Marketplace was fairly clear of crowds. Of course, it was not tourist season.

The marketplace was situated right on the waters of Biscayne Bay. The bay separated the mainland with Miami Beach. Half the shops were indoors, and the other half were right behind the building, situated outside. There were also a lot of restaurants, and salsa music was playing through the region. Right at the moment, there were a couple Cubans playing the music live.

The partners passed what they thought was a statue, until they realized otherwise. It was a being covered in clay, or rather a human acting as a statue. They stood a few feet away from the 'statue' while paying attention to the Cuban players for a couple minutes.

"Why don't we head up farther?" Fraser advised afterwards.

Ray nodded in response, and they passed the small group of people gathered around the Cuban musicians.

As they walked further ahead, the scene became more of a picture of paradise. The professional landscaping provided of a lot of lush trees and plants situated around the paths that took the visitors through the area.

Fraser and Ray went and sat on some large rocks at the edge of the mainland, the water just inches away from them. Fancy, slick boats and yachts went by. The sun was hanging over the whole setting, slowly easing to a higher temperature as it was gradually approaching afternoon. The waters of Biscayne Bay gleamed in the sunlight. As they were sitting at a lower elevation, the view of the bridge they crossed was above them, just to their left.

"So how did you like those shops, Ray?"

"Well, they were better than I expected. Not too much of those trashy tourist souvenirs."

"I see. So what did you purchase?"

"Oh yeah." Ray took his bought item out of his pocket and held it up. It was a pack of cards with the picture of the Art District Deco lights at night printed onto the set.

"That's very nice."

"Yeah, so did you see anything you liked?"

"Well, I don't know."

"Come on, what is it, Benny!"

"Well, uh…never mind."

"Fraser!"

The Mountie blinked, with a bit of an innocent expression.

"Okay, I'll let it go," Ray gave up easily. He sighed, and put his cards back into his pocket. The Detective looked over at the passing boats, and changed he subject. "You know what I would do if I had one of those?"

Fraser turned and looked at Ray.

"I would sail along Frisco bay." He grinned as he reminded Fraser of the time they sung "California Dreamin'" when they were in the woods up north. Unfortunately, they had no idea what they were singing and filled in most of the words themselves.

"I have to say, Ray. I looked up the lyrics to that song afterwards." Fraser smiled along with the Detective. "And there was no mention of San Francisco!"

Some silence lingered between them for a little while.

"You know what I just figured out, Benny?"

"What's that, Ray?"

"That we didn't solve one case or help anyone this time around."

"Actually, that is a little bizarre." There was a slight pause. "Well in a way, this vacation did help someone."

Ray looked up. "Who?" he asked quizzically.

"You."

Looking up at the Mountie's warm expression, the Detective gave a little smile.

For a few minutes, there was only quietness until Ray spoke up again.

"I guess we're heading back to Chicago in a couple days, huh Benny?'

"That is the plan."

"The truth is I can't wait to get back." Ray turned and continued to watch the boats pass, as his mind drifted faraway.

Fraser himself got lost in the little piece of bliss that they happened to be a part of.

Side note: If you've read this far, I commend you on your effort. I appreciate it!