Chapter 5
Ray Veccico raced into the hospital and headed straight to the reception desk, "Sorry ma'm I'm looking for my friend he was just brought in. His name is Benton Fraser and his partner Ray Kowalski".
The receptionist smiled up at him, "Sir you family"?
Veccico was frantic, "Look ma'm Fraser has no family here in Chicago I'm the closet thing please".
The receptionist spoke calmly, "Ok Sir, Mr Fraser is still in surgery. Mr Kowalski is in the private waiting room just there sir if you'd like to go in".
Veccico made his way into the waiting room. He found Ray Kowalski alone looking like death.
Veccico spoke first as Kowalski hadn't heard him enter, "Kowalski".
Kowalski lifted his head to show his tear stained face. His eyes almost swollen shut from crying.
Veccico sat down next to him, "Kowalski what the hell happened. Why is Benny in surgery"?
Kowalski looked Veccico in the eyes and the pain he was feeling clearly showed in them, "Ben he, we were picking up a watch we were having engraved for yer ma as a present. While Ben was picking that up I went across the road to pick up the decorations. That is when a car went out of control and hit Ben, pushing him through the window of the shop and trapping him underneath the car. The paramedic's came fast. They looked under the car they-they s-saw that his r-right l-leg had already been severed. T-then they said his leg was hanging on and to damaged to save. In order to get Ben out alive they had to take it. Ben lost his fucking legs over a drunk driver. What the hell are we going to do? How am I going to help him Veccico? Everything was finally going right for him".
Veccico sat frozen not believing what he just heard. Tears filled his eyes, "Oh god Kowalski. Was Fraser aware at what they were doing to him"?
Kowalski nodded with his head in his hands, "Ya, ya he was. Ben was just screaming and screaming".
Veccico didn't know what to do or say but a doctor interrupted them.
The doctor stepped in, "Mr Kowalski".
Kowalski jumped up, "Ya that's me is it Ben. Is he ok, please"?
The doctor sat down "Mr Kowalski, Mr Fraser is still in surgery and it's coming along very well. I just came in to see if you wanted that sedative".
Kowalski wiped away at his tears, "No, no I want a clear head for when Ben gets out".
The doctor smiled, "Very well Mr Kowalski. If you change your mind just let the nurse know".
Kowalski's voice was low, "Thank you".
The doctor left leaving them alone.
Kowalski was up now and pacing talking frantically, "Ok I'm going to have to buy a modified house. Get a wheelchair and modify the car. I'm going to have to leave my job get a new one so I can be there for Ben".
Veccico tried to get his attention, "Kowalski, Kowalski calm down. Did anyone contact his sister, Welsh or Inspector Thatcher"?
Kowalski stalled in his step, "Oh shit I didn't. Oh god I don't think I could phone them I barley rang you".
To Kowalski's surprise Veccico put his arm around him and sat him down, "Calm down Kowalski. I know I blew up on ya yesterday and I'm sorry about that. It will just take time to get used to the idea. Benny is going to need us both to get through this. I'll contact them ok. Do you want me to fetch the doctor for that sedative"?
Kowalski shook his head, "No, no thanks Veccico. Ben was so afraid of losing your friendship".
Veccico sighed, "That's never gonna happen Kowalski".
Veccico patted Kowalski's back and left to make the phone calls.
Veccico picked up the phone and dialled, "Welsh"
Veccico sighed deeply, "Hi sir, Veccico here".
Welsh's voice gruff as usual, "Veccico what's wrong, you sound funny".
Veccico half laughed, "You could say that sir. Fraser was hit by a car and driven through the window of the shop he was standing in front of. Sir Fraser lost both his legs. He is in surgery now".
Welsh gasped in horror, "What do you mean he lost both his legs, was Kowalski with him. Oh god he is the call Huey went out on I haven't heard back from him yet"?
Veccico rubbed his head, "Yes sir he was with him but he is shock at the moment. Fraser's right leg was severed in the accident and the other had to be taken in order to get him out alive. Could you contact Inspector Thatcher and his sister please? Make sure Huey gets that driver for it".
Welsh couldn't hide the pain he felt in his voice, "No problem Veccico. You look after Kowalski he may act tough but really he is very sensitive. How are you holding up"?
Veccico shifted his feet, "I'm fine sir. I'll take care of him. I must get back to Kowalski sir. I'll talk to you later bye sir".
Welsh sighed heavily, "Bye".
Veccico entered the waiting room to see the doctor giving Kowalski a sedative.
Veccico asked frowning, "What's going on, did something happen"?
The nurse took Veccico by the arm, "Mr Kowalski was having a panic attack. So we felt it best we give him something to calm him down. Mr Fraser is now in Intensive care. He came through the surgery very well".
Veccico rubbed his hand over his face, "Thank god. How long before we can see him"?
The doctor came over, "You can see Mr Fraser for a few minutes. Then I'm afraid you're going to have to go home. Mr Kowalski will need to sleep once the sedative hits, is there someone that can watch him"?
Veccico nodded, "yes I can watch him. I'm staying with them for awhile".
The doctor patted his shoulder, "Very good, ok you can go up now and see Mr Fraser. Then take Mr Kowalski home".
Veccico took Kowalski by the arm and led him to Fraser room. Kowalski agreed reluctantly to go home. So he could be there for Ben.
Veccico stalled outside the hospital room door, "Do you want to go in on your own"?
Kowalski shook his head, "No you can come in I don't I could stand up. That sedative is starting to kick in".
Veccico led Kowalski into the room to see Ben lying on the bed, Ben's body frail looking with machines and wires coming out of everywhere on his body. Over his legs was a cadge placed over them to protect his wounds from being touched by the blanket.
Kowalski took Ben's hand in his and held it to his heart. He saw that they had put back on his wedding ring round his neck. So He took it off and put it on his ring finger. Ray kissed the ring, "Now Ben, that's where it should be. Veccico is here. He is going to make sure we sure ok. You get better now and get home ok. I love you Ben".
Ray gently kissed Ben's lips as his tears flowed.
Veccico now spoke softly, "Hi Benny, I'm sorry for how I acted Benny. It was just a shock, I know you love each other I'm sorry. You get yourself home and don't worry I'll look after Kowalski until you come home".
The nurse came in and told them they had to leave. Veccico took Kowalski home keeping his promise to look after him not wanting to let Benny down.
Veccico got Kowalski home and put into bed. Diefenbaker instantly jumped up on the bed and put his head on his legs watching over his pack mate.
Veccico patted Diefenbaker's head, "Look after him Dief ok. Don't worry we will all look after Benny".
Diefenbaker whined in response.
Veccico went out to the sitting room and sat heavily on the couch. Picking up his phone he dialled the number. The call was answered right away, "Blazing lanes blowing alley Stella speaking"
Veccico smiled on hearing his wife's voice, "Hi Stella".
Stella immediately became concerned at the tone in his voice, "Ray what's wrong, did something happen"?
Veccico stifled a sob, "Oh Stella, its Benny. He was in an accident and Stella he lost both his legs".
Stella gasped, "Oh my god Ray. When did this happen, was Ray with him"?
Veccico now let his tears flow, "Ya Stella he was since they are married now. The accident only happened a few hours ago".
Stella's voice was sincere, "What do you mean they are married, since when. Ray how are they coping"?
Veccico had his head in his hand, "Two years Stella, they are married two years. They wanted to tell me before they told anyone else. Benny is in intensive care at the moment. The doctor had to give Kowalski a sedative because he was having a panic attack. So I brought him home. He is sleeping now with Diefenbaker. So it looks like my trip will be longer then we thought. Stella you should contact Alex to come in and cover ok".
Stella shed a tear for the pain her husband's voice, "Well I know Ray Kowalski and he would not have married Fraser if he didn't love him. You don't have to worry about him not been looked after. Ray you stay as long as you need to, do you want me to come up"?
Veccico sighed deeply, "Kowalski is a great man I know. He looked after my family very well. I know Benny he would not have given his heart to anyone just like that after Victoria. I just hope noting else happens my last conversation with him was me been angry at finding out they married while he was me, I'm ok with it now Benny deserves happy. Stella you stay down there because I don't know how long I'll be here"?
Stella could almost see the tired worried face on the phone, "Ok Ray, you look after yourself. Please give Fraser and Ray my best".
Veccico rubbed his hand over his head, "I will Stella, take care. I love you".
Stella smiled, "Love you to, take care Ray".
Both hung up the phone feeling the weight of the pain and what was to come resting on their chests.
Veccico now dialled another number, "Hi Ma, it's me Ray".
Ma Veccico squealed with delight on hearing her son's voice, "Oh Raymondo how are you my dear"?
Veccico smiled at his mother's voice, "Ma I'm fine, I'm here in Chicago. Can you sit down Ma; I have some bad news for you. Is Frannie and the others there"?
Ma Veccico sat down panic setting in, "They are caro right next to me. You're on that new loud speaker thing. What's wrong, did something happen"?
Veccico braced himself, "Are the kids out of the room"?
Frannie answered, "Ray they are at a neighbours playing, what's wrong Ray you sound terrible"?
Veccico knew this was going to hurt them deeply, "It's Benny, he was in an accident. He is alive but I'm afraid in the accident he lost both his legs. Kowalski was with them but he wasn't hurt but they had to give him a sedative for the panic attack. Did you know that they are married two years now"?
The cries of despair rang out and the sounds of their crying almost too much to bear.
Frannie sobbed heavy, "Poor Frase, just when everything was coming together for him. I thought they were together alright but I didn't know they were married. Ray is very good to him Ray; you don't have to worry about him there".
Veccico tried to sound calm, "I'm sorry Frannie I know how you felt about him".
Frannie sobbed, "Ray I never had a chance. Not if you could have seen them together. I'm ok with it. Is there someone with Frase at the hospital"?
Veccico chocked out, "The nurses are Frannie, we weren't allowed to stay".
Ma Veccico found her voice through her tears, "I'll pray for him caro. We'll be there for them both. Keep us updated and we'll go see him when we are allowed".
Veccico heard cries from the bedroom, "Look I have to, Kowalski is walking up. I'll ring tomorrow".
Hanging up Veccico made his way into the bedroom. Veccico saw that Kowalski was clutching one of Ben's shirts and sobbing his heart out, "Oh Ben, Ben I'm sorry I couldn't help you. Dear god let me be strong enough for him".
Diefenbaker moved close to him as if his presents would take some of the pain away.
Veccico moved to the side of the bed, "Kowalski".
Kowalski looked up his eyes swollen from crying, "I'm sorry did I wake you. Is there news is it Ben. Oh god did something happen to Ben"?
Veccico put his hand on his shoulder to calm him, "No, No news Kowalski. I just came in to see if you were ok. I heard you and thought you needed help".
Kowalski wiped his eyes, "Ray what am I going to do. How am I going to help Ben through this"?
The fact that he used his first name instead of Veccico showed the pain he was feeling, "You're not alone. I'll stay as long you need me. Do you want me to contact your parents and your brother for you"?
Kowalski put his head back on the pillow absently rubbing Diefenbaker's head, "I'm sure they'd want to know about Ben. I'm not sure I am strong enough to tell my mum and dad about our relationship"?
Veccico sat on the edge of the bed, "Your going to need them around them you. You only tell them what they need to know. The rest will follow ok. I told Ma, Frannie and the others I'm sorry it just came out I was upset. They seemed to have guessed ye were more then friends anyway. They send their love and prayers".
Kowalski kept rubbing Dief's head, "That's ok, thank you for doing that. Do you think that Ben will get through this? I don't think he can be a Mountie anymore only a desk job maybe but that will just kill him".
Veccico knew Kowalski was right "Benny will be strong with you at his side. Maybe he could teach other Mounties how to be the perfect Mountie".
Kowalski smiled, "Ya he could to that. He'd have to move back to Canada to do that".
Veccico nodded, "Would that bother you, if you had to move to Canada"?
Kowalski locked eyes with Veccico, "Not in the least. I take my vows and my love for Ben very seriously".
Kowalski drifted off to sleep and Veccico watched over him for awhile to make sure that was ok before heading to bed himself.
Kowalski woke a few times calling out to Ben then remembering what happen which made him cry all over again.
Meanwhile at the hospital the nurses were taking really good care of Ben to make sure that he was as comfortable as possible. Ben was kept sedated to make his recovery easier.
The next morning both Ray's sat at the breakfast table drinking their coffee.
Kowalski's hand held his hot mug, "Thank you for last night Veccico. Sorry for crying like a little kid".
Veccico sipped his tea, "No problem you needed to let that out. I rang your parents; they said they'll get here as soon as they can".
Kowalski just nodded all that was on his mind was Ben, "Thanks".
They went into silence as they left for the hospital just wanting to see Ben.
Kowalski stepped into Ben's room to see an empty bed. Kowalski's heart just about stopped.