Disclaimer: I don't own Due South.

Why Can't We Be Friends?

Chapter Seven: The Colour of Your Skin Don't Matter to Me, as Long as We can Live in Harmony

Detective Jack Huey pulled up outside the apartment building.

"Looks about as fun as Fraser's building," he muttered.

Dief groaned in protest.

"Oh, what? Who are you kidding? Your place is a dump."

The wolf stared at him for a moment, then tilted his head to the side and looked away as though to say 'fair enough'.

Satisfied at his small victory, Huey turned back to the building in front of him. Just as he was about to get out of the car, he saw a very familiar mint condition 1971 Buick Riviera pull up into the car park. Huey breathed a sigh of relief.

"Finally."

He opened the door, but paused when he heard a whining from the seat next to him.

"What?"

Dief let out another grumble, looking over in the direction of Ray's car.

"Yes, that's Vecchio's car. And Fraser's probably inside, so why don't we just…?"

He made to get out of the car, when he heard another whine. "All right, fine. If you don't want to come in, that's okay with me. You stay here and guard the car." He put up his hands sarcastically, waving them in the air. "I'll leave it unlocked to give it some danger, okay?"

Huey got out and slammed the door behind him, leaving a wary Dief in his car. He made his way over to the Riviera and found the vehicle empty and the door wide open.

Now that's a bit unusual for Vecchio.

He looked inside the car cautiously, and, finding nothing, closed the door and made his way over to the apartment building, hoping to find some clue there.

Dief still whined in protest, and got to work opening the door with his paws. He had seen Debra get out of the car and make her way inside round the back of the building, and he didn't want Huey running into a dangerous situation.

After all, Dief was sort of fond of him.

Huey gave him donuts.

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Ray picked up the phone and dialled Elaine's number, trying to ignore just how much Frannie was thrusting her breasts in Fraser's direction as she spoke to him. If it were any other situation, Ray might have laughed at the incredibly awkward look on the Mountie's face.

"Civilian Aid, Chicago 27th Precinct."

"Hey, Elaine."

"Ray? Is that you?"

"Yeah, I-"

"Where have you been? We've got Huey and half the Precinct out looking for you!"

"What? Why?"

Fraser looked over at Ray's concerned expression. He turned back to Francesca, who was regaling him with a story about how she almost managed to fight Debra out of the house. He put up a polite hand.

"Um… excuse me, Francesca."

The Mountie walked over to Ray just as he put down the phone. He turned to look at him.

"There's a… situation at Teller's Bank. The guys in there want us to deliver some money. We'll have to deal with Debra later."

"I see. And… how are we going to get there?"

Ray paused for a moment, and then sighed. "Ma!"

There was a silence, and then his mother's disembodied voice came from upstairs.

"Yes, Raimundo?"

"We're going to have to borrow the family car, all right?"

"All right, Raimundo. But don't let Benton climb on it."

Fraser looked over at the detective, a confused look on his face. Ray smiled.

"I won't, Ma." He turned to look at him as he picked up the keys. "You won't, will you?"

"Of course not, Mrs Vecchio!" he shouted up the stairs, keeping his eyes on the grinning Ray. "I have to say, Ray, I don't particularly appreciate that you're telling your family I climb on everything."

"Well, you do."

"Not everything, Ray. True, I do use whatever methods I can to apprehend a criminal, but I don't particularly spend my free time jumping on things."

"It's just a precaution, Fraser. Like insurance against Mountie damage."

Fraser opened his mouth, and then closed it again. "I… see."

The two walked over to the car and got in. Ray grimaced at the odour that wafted up his nose.

"Ugh… baby smell…"

The Mountie in the passenger seat tilted his head up, taking a few short, sharp sniffs as though he were a dog.

He shrugged. "I find it rather refreshing."

"Why am I not surprised… you want to taste some baby poop while we're at it?" Ray mumbled, jamming the keys in and turning the engine on. "All right, let's go."

"Wait, Ray. Did Elaine say that they had sent someone to look for us?"

"Yeah, Huey, why?"

"Elaine would have given Huey the last address she sent us to, which would be-"

"The Chinatown apartment."

"And Debra already knows she can't go back to her new apartment, since we know where it is."

Ray's eyes widened. "…she could be in there waiting for him."

"I believe we should head there first, Ray."

"Do you? Do you really? Because I was planning on going to the bank first."

Ray pulled away as fast as the family sized car would allow, cursing the bad handling on the vehicle.

"Ray?"

"Yes, Benny?"

"There isn't really insurance for Mountie damage, is there?"

Ray sighed. "Yes, Fraser. Yes, there is."

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Huey put the key in the door and frowned. The door was already unlocked. Considering the owner of the building downstairs said he had the only key, this just caused Huey to worry even more.

Cautiously, he opened the door and stepped inside, looking around the room as quickly as he could as he entered.

The room was empty. He looked over to the left and saw the door to the next room slightly ajar, and made his way over there. Stopping at the door, he pulled out his gun and took a deep breath. He quickly turned and kicked the door open, holding his gun at the ready.

The bedroom was empty. He sighed and shook his head as he put his gun away.

"Jack, Jack, Jack…"

His phone rang, and he nearly leapt out of his skin. He thumped his chest a few times, trying to catch his breath.

Irritably, he picked up the phone. "What?"

"Nice to hear from you, too, Huey."

"Sorry, Elaine. Tense moment there."

"Right… anyway, we've found Ray and Fraser, and they're on their way over now."

Huey let out a sigh of relief. "Wonderful. I'm going to head back and-"

He didn't even get to finish the sentence before Debra struck him over the head with a plank of wood.

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"So… what acts are included in the Mountie damage insurance package?"

"Oh, for the love of- it was a joke, Fraser!"

"I don't think we should be joking at this juncture, Ray."

Ray sighed. "Right. You're right. Let's stop, shall we?"

"All right."

"Right."

They pulled up in the car park. "So there isn't Mountie damage insurance?"

"No, Fraser!"

"Oh. All right." Fraser peered over the cars. "There's your car, Ray."

"And there's Dief," Ray replied, nodding at Huey's parked car.

"That's Detective Huey's car, isn't it?"

Ray nodded in reply as he noticed the door was unlocked. He opened it, and Dief sprang out.

"What were you doing in there?" Fraser asked, and Dief let out a whine in response.

"I hardly think that's a good reason."

Dief groaned and looked over at the apartment building. Fraser followed his gaze.

"What? Already? That's a bit premature, isn't it? Didn't he see her get out of the car?"

The wolf barked once.

"I wasn't being sarcastic by asking you. I was more talking to myself than anything else. Really, you should stop being so touchy. You're seeing hidden meanings into everything I do, when I really don't mean anything by it."

Dief grumbled something uncomplimentary and walked ahead of them, going towards the building.

"And I heard that, too."

He didn't respond. Ray walked over to Fraser as they went into the building side by side.

"Problems?"

"Not really, Ray. I just think some of the more anti-social elements of Chicago are beginning to take their toll on him."

"Is that directed at me?"

"No, Ray."

"Okay, now I know you were talking about me."

"I wasn't talking about you, Ray. When I said 'anti-social elements', I meant 'anti-social elements'. If I meant you, I would have said you."

Ray considered the Mountie's sincere expression for a moment. "It is me!"

Fraser sighed. "All right, Ray. Sometimes you can be slightly… that is…"

"Anti-social? That's what you said, right?"

"I think we should talk about this at a later juncture, Ray."

"All right, but don't think I'm gonna just forget about this."

"I wouldn't dream of it, Ray."

Ray ignored Fraser's tone of voice and continued up the stairs. The two heard a gunshot and froze for a brief moment before Ray pulled out his gun and the two thundered up the creaky stairs.

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Huey winced as he felt the dull ache throbbing at the base of his skull. His hands were tied behind his back with duct tape, and he was lying on the floor, curled up in the corner, though whether his attacker had done that or he had, he wasn't sure.

"Detective Jack Huey."

Huey looked up and saw a woman stood on the other side of the room, the window to her back. All he could make out was the silhouette of her body, though he could see that she had his gun, and was playfully passing it between each hand.

"I've seen you around at the police station. You're always making fun of Ray. Teasing him. Hurting him."

"I don't hurt Ray. We're best buddies. Why, just the other day, we-"

"Shut up!" she yelled, firing the gun into the wall above Huey's head.

He closed his eyes to block out the cloud of dust that travelled over him.

"Don't you start lying to me. I'm the one with the gun. And I'm going to protect Ray from everything I can."

"Then you'd better get down to Teller's Bank. The guys inside are asking for Vecchio and Fraser to deliver some money to them, and I doubt Ray's going to be safe doing that."

She smiled. "We'll see, won't we? I'll just head down there before Ray has a chance and-"

She stopped mid-sentence as she heard footsteps coming up the stairs. She turned and ran to the window, some keys falling from her pocket and clattering to the floor as she went. She climbed out and landed on the fire escape, making her way down.

The door to the apartment flew open and Fraser appeared, closely followed by Ray.

"She went out the fire escape," Huey said, nodding to the open window.

Not needing any more encouragement, Fraser went out through the window, followed by Diefenbaker, who cast a brief glance back to check that he was in good health. Ray knelt and started untying Huey.

"Vecchio. She's heading down to the bank to stop the guys inside. Something about protecting you-"

"Yeah, I know. She's a real sweetheart. Tied up my sister and my Ma and threatened them with a knife."

"Are they all right?" Huey asked, hissing through his teeth as Ray quickly tore off the duct tape.

"They're fine. C'mon, let's go. Hey, my keys," he said, scooping up the keys that Debra had earlier dropped.

The two headed for the fire escape when they heard a car start. Ray and Huey looked over at each other.

"Wait. Have you got your keys?"

Huey patted his pockets. "She must have taken them while I was under."

"Wonderful."

The two clambered out of the window haphazardly and made their way down as quickly as they dared without the fire escape collapsing. Looking down, Ray saw Fraser climbing up onto his family's car. Huey's car sped towards the exit of the car park.

"You promised my Ma, Benny!"

"Sorry, Ray!"

The Mountie leapt from the car onto the top of Huey's, somehow managing to stay on top by spreading his arms out to either side. The car sped around the corner and down the street, closely followed by Diefenbaker.

Ray looked up at Huey. "You may not have a car by the end of the day."

He sighed. "I'd kind of figured that."

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"Excuse me, Ma'am?"

Debra ignored him.

"Debra, I know you can hear me. The windows are open."

"You shut up! Who do you think you are, always putting my Ray in danger like you do?"

"With all due respect, Debra, I don't think that's your choice to make. Ray is the one who decides to put his life in danger to help others. I have nothing to do with it."

"Do you really believe that?"

"Yes, Ma'am, I do."

"Then you really are as stupid as they say."

She closed the windows, and Fraser sighed, gripping the frame of the car harder.

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Welsh pinched the bridge of his nose. Elaine had told him that Vecchio and Fraser had called in to say they were on their way.

So where the hell were they?

These people, whoever they were, weren't going to wait forever. And he and some squad leaders had already discussed an elaborate plan that involved hiding tear gas in the bag of money. Vecchio and Fraser would duck for cover, and the police would go on, praying that none of the criminals inside was holding onto a hostage.

One hell of a plan, Welsh had to admit.

He growled at how out of control the situation was.

"Sir!"

He turned to see a uniformed officer holding a phone.

"Yes?"

"It's Detective Huey, sir."

Welsh sighed. "All right, give it here. Thank you, officer." He took the phone. "What is it, detective?"

"You're not going to like it, sir."

"Just tell me."

"Well… Vecchio has a stalker who stole my car. Fraser's on top of the car now, and she's coming to the bank at high speed."

"You're right. I don't like it. I don't really believe it, either."

"Sir. It's Vecchio and Fraser. These kinds of things are everyday occurrences for them."

Welsh could have sworn he heard a protest from Vecchio in the background, but chose to ignore it.

"Well, we'll keep an eye out. In the meantime, just tell Vecchio to get the hell down-"

Welsh's words caught in his throat as he saw Huey's car hurtling down the road at them, the brown uniform and Stetson of Constable Fraser visible even from that distance.

"Clear the area! Out the way!"

Police officers and civilians scrambled to move out of the way as Huey's car came crashing through the police barrier and up towards the bank.

With an almighty crash, the car smashed through the glass doors of the bank and into the lobby, Fraser still holding on for dear life as they went through. Debra lost control of the car on the smooth tiled floor, and Fraser began to deliberately loosen his grip.

The car came to a sudden halt as it came into contact with the front desk, and Fraser let go of the car, flying off to the side and into what he surmised was a body.

There was silence for a few moments as the dust settled, the sound of the car's engine now gone. Fraser pulled himself to his feet, and looked down at the person whom he had landed on. He was dressed all in black, and wore a balaclava.

"Oh. Thank you kindly. Now if you'll just come with me."

The Mountie picked up the dazed and semi-conscious criminal as the uniformed officers swarmed the building. The other criminals were so confused and shocked by what had just happened, they were easy enough to apprehend. One officer took the masked man from him. Fraser heard the pitter-patter of wolf feet and looked down to see Diefenbaker entering the bank.

"Well, thank you for you concern," Fraser said somewhat smugly.

Dief made a questioning noise.

"Oh, don't play the innocent with me. I saw you trying to keep up with the car behind me."

The wolf turned away from him in a 'whatever' gesture and walked out of the bank.

Fraser winced as he followed his lifetime companion out. "Oh, don't use that phrase. It's so… so…"

Dief finished his sentence with a bark.

"Exactly. American."

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Ray watched on with his hands in his coat pockets as he saw Debra being wheeled into the ambulance.

"Is she going to be all right?"

He turned to look at Fraser, who had just spent the last half hour making a report to Inspector Thatcher.

"Yeah, she'll be fine. They're going to treat her at the hospital and then take her back to the psychiatric ward. Hopefully they'll do a better job this time, huh?"

Fraser smiled slightly. Ray nodded over at the criminal who was now being loaded into a police van with his comrades.

"And him? What's his story?"

"He's the brother of the man we apprehended today at the grocery store."

"You're kidding."

The Mountie shook his head. "No. Apparently, he was robbing the store as well, he simply left before we arrived."

"So… all of this was because you couldn't keep you super Mountie skills in check?"

"Yes, basically."

Ray looked over at his friend in mock surprise. "Why, Benny, was that a joke?"

"I believe it was Ray, yes."

"It was pretty good."

"Thank you, Ray."

Inspector Thatcher approached them, flanked by Constable Turnbull.

"Well, as enjoyable as this was, I think we'll be heading back to the Consulate now. We have other important business to attend to."

Turnbull looked over at her. "Well, sir, I think the Canada costume for the parade can wait."

Thatcher immediately began glaring daggers at Turnbull, who seemed to shrink to half his size. Ray grinned.

"Canada costume?"

Thatcher sighed. "Yes… there's this… little… parade… thing going on… and they might have… that is, they sort of…"

"Asked you to dress as Canada."

"…Yes."

"Well, I think you'll make a lovely Canada," Ray said, his grin growing bigger by the minute.

A guttural growl emerged from Thatcher's throat, and she turned to Fraser. "Constable. I hope to see you at the Consulate bright and early tomorrow."

"Understood, sir."

The two turned and left, Turnbull looking slightly fearful for his life. Ray laughed.

"I don't think she's happy with him," Ray said, and Fraser shook his head.

"I don't see why. It's a perfectly nice thing to be doing."

"Oh. So you'd be happy dressing up as Canada, would you?"

"Well, in a sense, Ray, I already dress as Canada, as is reflected by my uniform."

"I see."

Ray turned and started to head back to the Riviera. "I still need to have this thing re-upholstered."

"Is that really necessary, Ray?"

"What?"

"Well, from what I could see, the leather didn't need re-upholstering."

"Would you stop? We had this conversation earlier this morning, and I told you, I wouldn't be going to get the car re-upholstered if it didn't need re-upholstering! What would be the point in getting the car re-upholstered if it didn't need re-upholstering!"

"Well… there wouldn't be, Ray. That would be pointless."

"Exactly. So could you just leave it at that?"

"Very well, Ray." The two walked over to the car in silence. "Incidentally, Ray… why were you so… out of sorts this morning?"

"Oh, that's right, I never told you…"

Dief leapt into the back seat and the two got into the car. Ray silently started it up. Fraser cocked his head slightly.

"Ray?"

"Yes, Fraser?"

"Well? Why were you so out of sorts?"

Ray grinned as he pulled out into the road and drove off into the city. "You're a detective. You figure it out."

"Well, technically, you're the detective, Ray. I'm a Constable."

"But that doesn't mean you can't do any detecting."

"Well, still speaking technically, I shouldn't in Chicago, since I'm not allowed to do so."

"Are you admitting you poke your nose where it doesn't belong?"

"No, Ray, I'm just-"

"You are!"

"No, I'm not Ray."

"I'm afraid you are, Fraser."

Fraser was silent for a moment. "You're becoming very good at this, Ray."

"Thank you, Benny. Chinese?"

"No. We had that on Tuesday. Perhaps… Mexican?"

Ray nodded. "Mexican it is."

He turned right and headed for the Mexican restaurant.

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The End.

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(A/N: Well… that didn't take me anywhere near as long as I thought it would, length wise. I thought there was at least another two chapters worth in there, but… I tend to go with what comes out, so… here you go.

Before I wrap up, I'd just like to thank the following for reading and reviewing:

Hhgbh – as always, your reviews on this and my other stories are very much appreciated, and I hope to see you reviewing my other attempts at stories as I churn them out.

Lins – I'm glad to hear that more people are getting back into Due South. Such a great show…

BethinSg – I'm still loving your story involving the new recruit at the Consulate. Those of you who haven't read it – READ IT!

Ruby Rosetta Red – Thank you so much for your kind words, and for boosting my ego more than necessary.

Peanuts107 – Thanks for your reviews – coming from a writer such as yourself, it means a lot. Hopes for an update on 'Ride Forever'…

Dr Ingram – I love your stories, particularly 'She Called Me Benton'. But I guess you already knew that from the review. Thanks for yours, by the way.

Maroonraspberry – Thanks for your kind words. They were greatly appreciated.

Nedfan – It was very heartening to see your interest in the story and the characters (oh yeah, the compliments were pretty good too).

Star-Stallion – I'm glad you liked the humour! I was really influenced by the third and fourth seasons and their trademark silliness while I was writing this, so that was most likely the source of it.

Camcalli – Thanks for your reviews, and for your honesty, like wanting more details about Debra. I still think I left her quite bare as far as character was concerned, but I was really going for a comedic feel rather than a dramatic one with this story.

Shadow dragon04 – Thanks for the reviews!

Bob Wright – Thanks for your reviews – as I've said to other writers, it's always good to receive reviews from those who also write.

Andi – Thanks for the kind words.

Eris86 – You seem to have become more and more ego-boosting with your compliments as the story went on, and all I can say is thank you, thank you, ten times thank you!

Every1 lies – I've been glad to have you on board, and I hope you enjoyed the story, as well as its conclusion.

Paramaniac – Glad you enjoyed Fraser messing with Ray – I think it's a guilty pleasure for him, like fast food without the fattening side effects.

AEM1 – Ah, the latecomer, eh? Boo. Just kidding. Seriously, thanks for your reviews, and I hope you enjoyed the rest of the story.

And an all encompassing 'Thank You Kindly' to everyone who read the story, and of course to the lovely people who made the show in the first place and don't sue hangers-on like myself.

Don't forget to review this chapter too.

"Thank you kindly.")