Chapter 12: Just About Time

"Ready to catch the suckers?" Ray grinned at his unofficial partner as he rose from his desk the next afternoon, closing up some files.

He had been catching up on some paperwork that Huey and Dewey had managed to pass off onto him this time. Kowalski flashed back to when he told Dewey that they all had to 'help each other out' around the station. He now scoffed when he thought about it - he really didn't think of the consequences at the time.

Snapping back to reality, he stepped toward the Constable. "Well? What's the matter?"

He waved a hand in front of the Mountie's face as the Mountie was staring off into a corner, thinking. Dief was right beside him in a sitting position, looking up at Fraser and panting.

"Nothing. We can go."

Ray decided not to ask as his adrenline started pumping for the meet at Grant Park. It was nearly 3:30 p.m., and the meet was deemed to be at 4 p.m.

The three walked out of the station and before entering the car, Kowalski suddenly thought of something. "Hey, didn't Thatcher come back today or something? A-ha! That's what's got you in a frenzy," he stated, proud of himself as he opened the car door and slid into the driver's seat.

Slow at answering, Fraser muttered, "Something like that." He subconciously moved the seat forward for the wolf to get into the backseat, and finally sat down himself into the passenger seat. He continued to be preoccupied, this time staring at the dashboard while deep in thought as crinkles formed onto his forehead.

Again, Ray decided to let it slide and started the engine, heading for Grant Park. They continued to drive for a few minutes.

"You know, son, maybe you should let your partner in on your brainstorming."

The Mountie started, and looked into the side mirror on the car, not risking turning around.

There, in a red uniform, sat his father.

Fraser opened his mouth to speak, but then clamped it shut.

The detective had been looking over at the Constable every couple minutes, and then at the sight of seeting him startled, spoke up. "What's going on, Fraser?"

"Tell him, son. Tell him."

"What I was thinking-"

Suddenly, Ray spun the car into their destination. "We're here!"

Fraser, also momentarily distracted, looked ahead at the park area.

The detective had parked the car a distance onto a side street that ran diagonal to Grant Park.

The Mountie looked at his watch: 7 minutes until meeting time.

Ray quickly got out of the vehicle. Fraser was about to follow when his father interrupted.

"You know, son, I always thought that the biggest criminals were brainless lunatics who had the dumb luck of getting away. That was what you were thinking, wasn't it? That you're onto something big."

"You knew what I was thinking?"

"You wouldn't believe the skills I've picked up in the afterlife. Just the other day, I-"

Ray suddenly tapped on the window impatiently.

The Mountie, giving one last glance at his father, cautiously stepped out of the vehicle and let Diefenbaker out.

The two law officials circled around to the west side of the park, upon Ray saying, "I'll lead, because anyone from a mile away can see that uniform." They manevoured closer towards the centre of the park, disguising themselves as they went along among the thicket.

The two law officials stopped behind a group of trees that were across from the monument of Abraham Lincoln. Farther up on the monument side was a track for runners and joggers that ran along the lake they call Michigan.

To their left somewhere near the middle was the Buckingham Fountain. To their right, father back, was the series of bridges that went over the train tracks.

"How are we going to hear anything?" Ray asked in a hushed tone.

Fraser further observed their surroundings. The park was fairly empty. There were some birds perched near the fountain; a few strollers on the track that were heading away from the park; and the occasional observer perched on a bridge overlooking the area. A homeless man, with dirty overalls and a long beard, was sitting on the ground between the monument and the fountain area.

The Mountie was about to answer when again, circumstances proved to be quicker.

"Hey, look over there," hissed Kowalski.

Fraser caught where the detective was looking and immediately saw a man in a dusty beige jacket bending over to speak the bearded homeless man. The homeless man looked suspiciously up at the other man and also slowly looked around. The man in the jacket was holding out his hand, most likely a couple of bills. The homeless man quickly grabbed what was in the other man's hand, stood up, and scurried off.

"This is it," Ray breathed.

The man in the beige jacket was coming into better view. He had mousy short brown hair and of medium size and build, though slightly taller than an average man. He looked around casually.

Fraser got the detective's attention and cocked his head to the left, signaling that maybe they should move closer.

Just then, another individual appeared near the Abraham Lincoln statue.

The two partners looked over in curiosity. They turned back towards the scene, staying where they were.

The individual, upon further inspection, proved to be none other than Dan Mitchell. He pretended to be reading the side panel of the monument, while the man in the beige jacket approached him.

"I wonder if Dan brought his two goons and if they're lurking around someplace." The detective waited for a response from his friend. "Well? Fraser?" Ray turned to see that he was alone. "Fraser!" He muttered under his breath, seething. A few seconds later he saw a flash of red and realized that the Mountie had gone to the other side of the park to get better hearing. Thanks for letting me in on the plan. But the detective admitted to himself that he knew what the Mountie was doing.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the park, Fraser had skillfully placed himself within a few feet of the two suspects, and was eavesdropping on their conversation.

"So, you have it?" Dan asked.

"Do you have yours?" the man in the beige jacket emphasized.

Dan nodded, peering over both of his shoulders out of habit. He slipped a hand into his pocket and pulled out a thick envelope that was obviously filled with cash. "Let me see yours."

"Hand it over and you will," the man in the beige jacket said in a controlling manner.

Fraser suddenly heard a shuffle to his far right towards the fountain.

Immediately, the three men turned to see what the commotion was.

The Mountie realized it was probably Michael and/or Peter as backup.

"What's this about?" The man in the beige jacket asked warningly, starting to lose his patience.

"Just some backup for the both of us. Don't worry, it's cool."

The man in the beige jacket continued to grumble. "Hand it over, now."

Just then the Mountie decided to make his move. "I don't think we'll be doing any of that."

The other two men spun around, Dan in surprise and the man in the beige coat in anger.

Fraser at once recognized who the man in the beige coat was, but didn't let on. "Both of you, put your hands up please."

The suspect that met with Dan scoffed. "Is this your idea of backup?" he said to Dan.

Dan studied the Mountie in frustration. "Believe me, it definitely wasn't."

During all of this Ray Kowalski was slowly approaching the group from the back with a gun.

Suddenly, Peter Roemer ran out of the trees yelling, "Watch out behind you!"

The two suspects turned and noticed that they were blocked.

"You idiot!" the man in the beige coat said loudly to Peter. "Now you're caught as well!"

"Not for long," Peter stated as he suddenly zoomed off.

The detective hesitated briefly but held his postion.

Out of nowhere, a wolf appeared and chased after Peter. Fraser also took off running right behind.

As they passed the Buckingham Fountain, Fraser Sr. was sitting on it, feeding some birds in a more casual outfit with a fisherman's hat. "Go get him, son!"

Peter managed to turn and headed towards the bridges. He slowed down briefly as he jumped up onto one and continued to run.

Diefenbaker was a few feet behind and Fraser continued to gain on both of them.

The culprit was temporarily delayed as the bridge came to a dead end due to contruction. Peter spun around and came face to face with Diefenbaker as the wolf pushed him down to the ground.

Fraser was on him seconds later.

Peter was a little dazed at the incident. "Uh, haven't I seen you before?" he said to the wolf.

Fraser just shook his head.

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A couple of police cars were in the area with their lights flashing.

The detective had called for backup and the cuffs were put on Dan, Peter, and the man in the beige coat.

The partners were leaning against the hood of Kowalski's car.

"So what information was Dan looking for exactly?"

The detective sighed. "Truth is, it was a scam. Dan thought that he could get in the blackmailing business and make the dough, but it turns out there was no information. Directions from the wrong sources led to Lori Glenworth's car."

"What about Michael?" the Mountie asked Ray.

"Ah, we'll get him one way or another. If we can't get one of these guys to fess up," the detective gave a pointed look to Peter, "we'll just catch him the next time."

Fraser nodded. "And who is the man in the beige coat?" He turned and looked at Ray, hiding an amused look.

Ray suddenly stood upright, walking towards the scene. "See, that's the thing..."

The Mountie walked with him.

"I know I saw that face before." The detective took a closer look and continued to peer at the man as he was put into the police car. "Oh my...Fraser!"

"Yes, Ray?" The Mountie continued to play innocent.

"That is the F.B.I.'s most wanted man!"

Epilogue

A few days later, Ray and Fraser were once again walking down a street of downtown Chicago. It was their lunch break, and it was very sunny out. Dief was also in tow.

"So you talked to Nicholson?" Kowalski asked.

"Yes, he seems to be doing quite well, and his sister feels safe."

"Good to hear," the detective acknowledged. He was walking in a stride, being proud of catching a big criminal and all.

"So," Fraser said casually, "paying attention to even the smaller crimes can be rewarding." His lips twitched into a smile.

Kowalski rolled his eyes but then grinned himself. "I get your point, Fraser. I guess it was worth it, although Colin messed himself up by getting involved in the first place."

A little off-guard, the Mountie turned to the detective. "You don't think it was right of him to try and help his sister?"

"Of course he should help his sister, there was just other ways of doing it. I mean, committing a crime is just wrong. Period."

"No grey areas?"

"Nope. It's either right or wrong, black or white..."

"Hmm," Fraser said, deeply considering his friend's point. "I'll have to think about that."

The End!

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Author's Gratitude: A special thanks to jessicajason and johnsparrow who's stuck with me through the whole story, as well as anyone else who happened to come across it. It's only my 2nd FanFic and hopefully I'll get better with each one. I hope you like the extra long ending! Thanks again :)