The Badger Inn ….
Meg unlocked her hotel room and sauntered in, nudging the door closed. A split second before it hit the jamb she heard a clatter. Turning, she saw the end of Ben's crutch.
"Margaret," his voice pulled her back to the door.
"Come in," Meg turned on the lamp beside her bed, revealing a plain room of off-white walls and a striped comforter.
"Are you alright?" she asked, glancing over him.
"Quite alright," he stopped there, staring at her with indecision on his face.
"Spit it out, Benton." Meg commanded. He blinked twice before speaking.
"Are you alright, Margaret?" She watched him turn his head to the side, studying her.
"What does he see when he looks at me?" Meg wondered. She suspected he saw every truth she tried to hide.
"I'm listening," Ben said softly as he edged closer to her on the clumsy crutches.
"Detective Vecchio is your friend." Meg's words rushed out.
"Yes, he is."
"He'll always be your friend," she continued. Meg's fingers began wringing the plastic fob attached to her hotel room key.
"Don't let me, us, come between you." She finally mustered, pulling the key ring loose from the fob. Ben laid his hand over hers, drawing her closer.
"Ray and I are fine, there's nothing to fret over." He stroked her cheek a moment before leaning in for a kiss.
"Both of us have limited relationship experience I suppose." Meg smiled as she leaned her forehead against Ben's.
They talked for a while before deciding to find Ray and Dief and buy diner.
Outside the Badger Hole sat a slew of local cars. Families and a few older couples crowded the tables and booths.
"Ah, a slice of Americana," Ray surveyed the room with satisfaction. He led them up to the order window below the menu board.
"I'll reserve us a table. Ray, would you order me something, please?" Ben motioned toward a small table in the back corner.
"Sure," Ray agreed with a shrug.
Meg watched Ben pardoned and excused himself between the tables. She wondered how much longer he'd have to wear the cast.
"You're up, Inspector," Ray's voice jarred her out of her thoughts. Quickly, she ordered a BLT and coffee.
"So, what's on the agenda for tomorrow?" Ray asked.
"I thought perhaps tonight we would observe the M …" Ray began shaking his head. "The, ah, the suspect's residence." Ben finished.
"Sheesh, Fraser, don't let the cat outta the bag." the detective leaned forward, "Who knows who might overhear."
"Yes, Ray, I'm sorry." Ben's 'sorry' rhymed with 'story', his one Canadian accent trait.
"Do we know where out suspect lives?" Meg wondered, trying to further the conversation.
"Yeah, Mrs. Reitman told me." Ray whispered her name.
"You seem to keep in close touch with, uh, the lady, Detective." Meg said smugly. In turn he sneered at her but didn't retort. Meg stored the information away for later.
"We'll have to rent or borrow a car, Ray, yours, while serviceable, is rather too – memorable – for surveillance." Ben suggested.
"Good idea, otherwise you might blow it up – again." That started a ten minute bickering session which Meg found enlightening and amusing.
After diner the trio headed out of town to find a car rental agency. They rented the cheapest economy car Ray's credit card would cover.
"Why is it every time we go on one of YOUR cases MY wallet takes a hit?" Ray complained loudly as they walked to the back row of the lot.
"I would gladly have paid, Ray, but all I have is Canadian currency." the Mountie explained.
"Yeah, yeah. Here, drive the Riv." Ray dangled the keys up for either Meg or Ben to drive.
"I can't drive, Ray." Ben stared at him blankly.
"Let me drive, Fraser," Meg snatched the keys from Ray. They dropped the Riviera off at the hotel before driving to the Mayor's house.
****