Chapter 3

Ray woke up the same way he had done every morning, with a kiss from his prince charming back from his run.

Ray opened his eyes slowly, "Morning Ben".

Ben brushed his lips to Ray's again, "Morning Ray, did you sleep well"?

Ray stretched, "I slept very well. Well who wouldn't after I had wild Mountie last night".

Ben turned red all the way to the tips of his ears, "Ray really. We better get read soon if we are to pick up Ray Veccico".

Ray pulled Ben into another kiss, "Ben no problem, give me two minutes".

Ray jumped out of bed and got ready. Ben showered before heading for the airport.

On the way in the car Ray asked, "Ben how are we going to play this"?

Ben tugged his ear, "I'm not sure Ray. We just won't be over friendly in front of him until we tell Ray".

Ray tapped the steering wheel, "Ya, ya that sounds like a plan. Did you put away the photos of us together"?

Ben patted Ray's thigh, "Yes Ray I did".

Ray continued to drive, "Good, good. What about the wedding album, you hide that"?

Ben again patted Ray's thigh, "Yes Ray, it's in the press safe don't worry".

Ray parked up the car and they made their way into the arrivals terminal to wait for Ray Veccico to arrive.

Ray noticed Ben twitching nervously, "You alright Ben"?

Ben stood with his hands behind his back, "I'm fine Ray".

Ray playfully bumped Ben's shoulder, "You nervous about seeing Veccico"?

Ben smiled sideways at Ray, "Perhaps a trifle yes Ray. I haven't seen Ray Veccico properly for three years. Well only very briefly last year, you remember"?

Ray watch the board announcing the arrivals, "Ya I remember Ben. It was our first night of our being married properly Ben".

Ben's face showed that he did indeed remember, "Indeed it was Ray. I'm still very appreciative of your patience with that Ray. I'm so very glad that you understood".

Ray bit his lip, "Ya well I love you Ben. If I love you it means I can wait Ben. It was worth the wait wasn't it"?

Ben's hot breath ghosted Ray's ear, "Indeed it was Ray".

Ray could feel his arousal growing, which was not good in the middle of a crowed airport.

Ben smiled smugly knowing what he had done.

Ray mouthed with his face flushed, "Your going pay buddy".

Passengers started making their way out pushing their luggage on the trolleys that carried them. Ben watched anxiously for Ray Veccico to come through.

It didn't take long and there he was carrying only one bag. Looking sunned from the Florida sunshine.

Ray Veccico's face broke into a huge smile on seeing Fraser standing there all dressed in his red serge.

Ray Veccico took Fraser in his arms, "Benny so good to see you".

Ben tightened the hug, "It's good to see you to Ray. It's been far too long".

Veccico stood back and shook Kowalski's hand, "Kowalski".

Ray Kowalski gave a strong hand shake, "Veccico".

Ben shook his head hoping someday they would actually get along.

Travelling back in the car Veccico chatted like crazy.

Veccico watched Ben the rear view mirror as he spoke, "Benny how is life at the consulate. Is the Dragon lady giving you hell or what Benny"?

Ben chuckled, "Ray Inspector Thatcher treated me fine when she was my superior officer".

Veccico turned too looked at Ben, "What do you mean was you superior officer Benny; did you get a new one"?

Ben rubbed his brow, "No Ray Inspector Thatcher is still works there".

Veccico frowned Ben as usual spoke in code, "Then what's up".

Ben smiled, "Ray I was promoted to Inspector yesterday".

Veccico's face lit up, "Benny that's fantastic. It's about time. How did it happen"?

Ben relaxed into the seat, "Ray the new head of the RCMP felt I should have made Inspector by now, so he made it possible".

Veccico couldn't help show his delight on his face, "Benny I'm really, really happy for you".

They all made it back to the apartment in one piece and Veccico put his bag on what he was told was Fraser's bed.

Veccico looked around, "Benny you sure it's ok I stay here. Where will you sleep"?

Ben came into the room, "We are sure Ray. I'll sleep on my bedroll in Ray's room. I've done it before when my sister visited".

Veccico sat on the bed, "Thanks Benny. Ma sure will be surprised won't she"?

Ben put his hand on Ray's shoulder, "Your mother will be delighted to see you Ray".

Ben and Ray Kowalski had to go into work for an hour or so. Before they did they all sat and had a bit to eat with Veccico.

Ben and Ray Kowalski asked before leaving, "Will you be ok for a while sorry about having to go in to work"?

Veccico waved a hand, "Don't worry I'll be fine. I might get some sleep while you're out"?

Happy with the knowledge that Veccico will be fine they headed to work.

Veccico plodded around the apartment. Something wasn't right. Veccico couldn't put his finger on what.

Veccico decided to write a speech for his mother so went looking for a pen and paper. Veccico opened the press and came across a photo album. What was inside shocked him to the core.

The photo's showed lots of people he didn't know but there was lots of just Ben and Ray Kowalski together in very intimate poses. Written underneath one with the two of them was, 'On our wedding day'.

Veccico shouted into the air, "What the fuck".

Seething with anger and confusion Veccico sat at the kitchen table with the album in front of him, waiting for Ben and Ray to come home.

Somethine that evening Ben and Ray arrived home coming through the front door. They came face to face with a very angry looking Ray Veccico.

Veccico pushed the photo album towards them, "Do you want to explain what the fuck this is about"?

Ben and Ray Kowalski in unison said, "Oh dear".