(Disclaimer: Due South and its characters are property of Alliance Communications Corp., CBS, and CTV.  Lyrics for 'What's It To You' are copyrighted by Songs of Hamstein Cumberland, April Music Inc., kids Music, and Giant Records.  No infringement is intended.  Original story and characters by Krissi Strahl.  Email: torch_reporter@fortress-of-solitude.net  Comments are welcome.)

 

          Fraser had just gotten home from a movie with Ray.  ^Who knew that a movie called Mafia would be that funny!^ he thought as he chuckled to himself coming in the door.  It felt good to be home.  ^This is one of the few places I can really relax.  Well, here and when I'm on guard duty at the Consulate.^

 

          While getting ready for bed, Fraser heard his new neighbor playing a guitar.  "Sounds like Ms. Lonehart is trying to write her song again, Dief," he said to his wolf as he pick up his own guitar and played the same bluesy country riffs he heard coming through the thin wall that separated the 2 apartments.

 

          After about 2 hours of trading licks, Fraser heard his neighbor say, "Oh well, maybe I'll finish it tomorrow after work.  I also want to talk to Benton and thank him for his help when I moved in.  I just hope I can get home in time to bake that pie."

 

          ^Pie?^ Fraser thought. ^She doesn't have to thank me with a pie.  I was more then happy to help.  That's just the kind of person I am.^

 

***

 

          The next night, Fraser was welcomed home with the aroma of baking apples and cinnamon.  ^Mmm, that smells wonderful.  How did she know that apple is my favorite?^

 

***

 

          ^He's home.  I hope he'll like the pie.^ Ashton thought, as she shot a glance at the cooling pie on the counter.  Mustering her courage, she whispered to herself, "OK Ash, it's now or never."  Picking up the pie and some plates, she headed to the Mountie's apartment.   "Benton, are you home?" she said, knocking on his door.

 

          "It's open. Come on in Ms. Lonehart."  Fraser had already changed out of his brown field uniform and into a blue flannel shirt and a pair of jeans.  He was waiting for Ray to pick him for a night on the town.

 

"I'm sorry.  I didn't know you were leaving so soon.  I can come back later," Ash said after looking him over.

 

          "It's OK, Ms. Lonehart.  I'm not leaving just yet.  Is that an apple pie in your hands?  It's my favorite."

 

          "Yes it is.  This is just my way of saying 'thank you'.  Moving to a big city like Chicago is a huge change for me.  I'm used to a more country setting," Ash said.  She was feeling homesick for the West Virginia hills where she grew up.

 

          "As was I, Ms. Lonehart.  I grew up in the Yukon and Northwest Territories, but I learned to adjust to city life.  I'm sure you will too," Fraser said smiling nervously.

 

          Diefenbaker looked up at Ash and whined.  He liked her and had stayed with her the first few days she was in town.  Now she came with something sweet and he hoped to sneak a taste when Fraser wasn't looking.

 

          "Hi Dief," said Ash, slipping the wolf a doggie cookie.  He took the cookie and swallowed it in one gulp.

 

          "I wish you'd stop bringing him treats.  You're spoiling him," said Fraser, looking at Dief as to say, "You know better than that."

 

          "Sorry, Benton.  I was just thanking him too," Ash said, setting the pie down on the counter.

 

They heard a voice coming from the window.  "Hey, Benny!  You ready to go?"  It was Ray.

 

          Fraser went over to the window and  yelled, "Come on up, Ray.  There's someone I'd like you to meet."

 

A few minutes later, Ray walked in the apartment.  Ash was dishing out 3 slices of the pie.

 

          "Hey Benny, who's your lady friend?"

 

          "This is Ashton Lonehart.  She just moved in next door a few weeks ago.  Ms. Lonehart, this is Ray Vecchio, my partner on the Chicago PD."

 

          "Hi Ray.  Just call me Ash, everyone else does, that is, except  Benton, " said Ash, holding out her hand.

 

          "Nice to meet you, Ash," Ray said, shaking her hand.  He was surprised to find she had such a firm handshake.  "So Benny, where to tonight?"

 

          "Hey, I'm performing tonight at the Ole' Hickory Inn.  I'd love it if you'd come watch me.  I'll pay the cover charge," said Ash, hoping at least Fraser would take her offer.

 

          "Well, I, hmm, that is," Fraser said, stumbling over his words.  He never was good with women, especially with the ones that asked him out.

 

          "We'd love to," said Ray, seeing the 'help me' look in Fraser's eyes.

 

          "Great. Let's have some pie, then I'll go get ready and we can leave."

 

          "Sounds like a plan to me," said Ray.

 

          Ash passed out the pie to Ray and Fraser then waited for them to try it.

 

          "Wow, this is great.  Even Ma can't make apple pie like that," said Ray with his mouth full.

 

          "I agree with Ray.  This is the best pie that I've had since I left Moose Jaw," Fraser said.

 

          "Thanks guys," said Ash, blushing.

 

          After everyone was finished, Ash gathered her dishes and went home to change into her stage outfit.  She was back 5 minutes later, wear a black cowboy hat, a faded denim shirt, equally faded pair of blue jeans, and some well-worn cowboy boots.  "OK, guys.  Let's get going," Ash said.

 

***

 

          When they got to the club, Ash handed Ray and Fraser each $2.00 for the cover charge, just like she promised.  "I'll see y'all later," she said, heading for the backstage door.

 

          As soon as Ray and Fraser walked in, Fraser spotted 1 of his co-workers from the Consulate.  “Turnbull, what are you doing here?" asked Fraser.

 

          "Sir, I didn't know you liked country music," the younger Mountie said to Fraser. 

 

          Ray felt weird seeing Turnbull outside of the Consulate.  He'd never seen him out of uniform.

 

          "My neighbor is performing tonight and she invited us to see the show.  Her name is Ashton Lonehart."

 

          Turnbull looked like he had just got the wind knocked out of him.  "You know Ashton Lonehart?  Can you introduce me to her, please?"

 

          "I don't see why not.  She's been so nice to Ray and me."

 

          Ray chimed in, "Hey guys, I found a table for us.  let's go before someone else takes it."

 

***

 

          Backstage, Ash was a bundle of nerves.  She never felt comfortable going on stage. And now that Fraser was out there in the audience, she felt even worse.

 

          "Sami, why did I invite Benton?  I feel a special bond with him, but he doesn't seem to be picking up on the same vibes.  Am I being too subtle with this?"

 

          "Ash, we've known each other since high school.  You've never been good at showing your feelings.  Why don't you just go to him and say 'Benton, I think we're soulmates.' and get it over with?" Sami said, giggling to herself.

 

          "I can't.  I'm afraid of what he'll say or think.  Besides, for the kind of guy he is, he's probably already has someone in his life."

 

"How will you know if you never try?  Pull him aside after the first set and tell him.  What's the worse that can happen?"

 

          "Sami, you know how backwards I am around guys?"

 

          Sami nodded.

 

          "He's just as bad, if not worst, around women.  I took him a pie today and, until his friend showed up, he acted like a caged mountain lion."

 

          Sami laughed.  All she could picture was a mountain lion in a cage wearing Fraser's dress uniform.  She stopped when she saw the look of desperation in Ash's eyes.  "Don't worry about it, Ash.  How bout we start out tonight with 'What's It To You'?  Maybe Benton will know you're singing it to him."

 

          "That's an idea.  Let's do it."

 

          ***

 

          "So when is Ash coming on?" Ray asked.

 

          "From what the sign outside said, about a minute," said Turnbull.  He was still flustered from meet up with Ray and Fraser.  This is the first time the 3 of them were ever is a casual setting together.

 

          "And now, direct from the hills of West Virginia, Waters and Lonehart!" the announcer said over the PA.

 

          Ash sighed.  ^Time to go on stage.^  She gave Sami a nervous smile and walked up the barstool that was waiting for her.  While scanning the room for Fraser and Ray, she noticed another man sitting with them.  ^Who's that with them?^ she wondered as she was fixing the strap lock on her guitar.

 

          "This song is for 2 guys who've showed me nothing but kindness since I moved here last week.  You know who you are."

 

*What's that

I hear angels singin'

Telling me to make my move

Listen to it

Their voices ringin' baby

If you feel it get in the groove

 

Love is the rhythm of two hearts beating

Poundin' out a message steady and true

Talk to me baby tell me what you're feeling

I know what love is what's it to you

 

Time's up

Train's a leavin' baby

Are you ready to take that ride

Get on board

Don't keep me waiting baby

Say you're willing to cross that line

 

Love is the rhythm of two hearts beating

Poundin' out a message steady and true

Talk to me baby tell what you're feeling

I know what love is what's it to you

 

I'm sure your heart is telling you true

I gotta know what love is to you

 

Cause to me it's the rhythm of two hearts beating

Poundin' out a message steady and true

Talk to me baby tell me what you're feeling

I know what love is what's it to you

 

Love is the rhythm of two hearts beating

Poundin' out a message steady and true

Talk to me baby tell me what you're feeling

I know what love is what's it to you

 

I know what love is what's it to you*

 

          The cheering and whistles that came from the crowd always calmed Ash down.  With one song, she declared the bond she felt with Fraser, and broadened the horizons of her music career.  ^I think I'm going to like Chicago.^

 

          The set was over 4 songs later, and Ash went looking for Fraser and Ray.  She found them off to  the right of the stage, near the door.  Turnbull automatically tensed up when he saw her.  So did Fraser.

 

          "Hi guys.  So, what do you think?" Ash asked them.

 

          "I thought it was great.  Why didn't you tell me you had such a good voice?" said Ray.

 

          "I like to let my music prove itself to other people," she said.

 

          "I loved it, Ms. Lonehart," Fraser said. "Oh, I'd like you meet Constable Renfield Turnbull."

 

          "Glad to meet you, Constable.  Everybody, this is my partner in song, Sami Waters." said Ash.  Sami gave a shy little wave.

 

          "Hello Ms. Waters," Fraser said, giving her a nod.

 

          "So, how do you two like Chicago so far?" asked Ray.

 

          "Like I was saying to Benton earlier, it's a big change from Limestone.  But we're surviving," said Ash.

 

          "Speak for yourself, Ash.  At least you had that wolf living with you for the first few days.  I, on the other hand, was all alone."

 

          "And whose fault was that?  I kept saying 'Come live with me', but no, you had to get your own place."

 

          "Ladies, we came here for a good time, not to hear the two of you fight.  Turnbull, you look like you want to ask them a question," Fraser said.

 

          "Yes, I do.  I'm a songwriter of sorts, and I was wondering if try one of my songs at your next performance."

 

          "We're not making any promises, Constable.  But if you make a tape and give it to Benton, we'll at least give it a listen," said Ash.

 

          "Yeah, who knows?  Maybe we can take it to a studio and record it for our demo.  If that's OK with you, Turnbull," said Sami.

 

          Turnbull looked more bashful then before.  "I would like that," he said, hanging his head.  He was drawing circles on the floor with the toe of his boot.

 

          Just then, the club owner came up behind Sami and said, "I hate to break this up, but next set starts in about a minute."

 

          "Thanks," said Sami, who was pulling on Ash's arm to get her away from Fraser and back on stage.

 

***

 

          After the concert, Fraser was helping Ash load her equipment in Ray's car.  "You know, you don't have to do this," she said, struggling with her rather large guitar amp.

 

          "It's my pleasure, Ms. Lonehart," said Fraser, taking the amp from her and gently placing it in the trunk.

 

          The trip back to the apartment building was quiet.  Dief had placed his head on Ash's lap.  She scratched his ears and thought about her new friends.  ^Turnbull's kinda goofy, but that's OK.  I like that.  Ray and Benton are complete opposites.  I can see why they're friends.  And Benton, I've never met anybody quite like him.  I just he'd let me get closer to him.^

 

***

 

          As soon as Ash got home, the cell phone her mother bought for her started ringing.  "Hello?" she asked.

 

          "Hi Ash, its Mom.  How are things in Chicago?  Good, I hope."

 

          "Everything's fine, Mom.  I finally got settled in my apartment and made some friends tonight.  Oh, and get this, my next door neighbor is a Mountie."

 

          "A Mountie?  As in Royal Canadian Mounted Police?"

 

          "Yeah.  Pretty cool, huh?  And guess what?  He has a wolf."

 

          "A wolf?" Ash's mother said in horror.

 

          "Don't worry, Mom.  Diefenbaker is a nice wolf.  He stayed and protected me for the first few days I was here."

 

          "I can't help worrying, Ash.  I'm your mother.” 

 

Then, a tingle went up Ash's spine.  "Mom, I've got to go.  Tell Dad I love him."

 

          "OK, sweetie. We love you too.  Bye."

 

          Ash looked over her shoulder and saw an old man in a Mountie dress uniform.  "Who are you?" she asked him.

 

          "Sergeant Robert Fraser, RCMP," said the spirit.

 

          Ash's eyes bugged out.  "Benton's father," she said under her breath.

 

          "Yes.  I've noticed you've taken a liking to my son."

 

          "What woman in Chicago hasn't?"

 

          "Benton likes you too, but he has a hard time showing his feelings."

 

          "Believe me, sir.  I've noticed.  And you've probably noticed I have the same problem.  I've felt a connection with Benton ever since he told Dief to stay and protect me that first night.  It's nice to know someone cares that much for me.  The song I'm writing is for him."

 

          "Why?"

 

          "Well sir, music has always been a creative outlet for me.  It's my way communicating with my heart, and telling people how I feel.  I'm hoping I can say with my guitar what I can't say to him with words."

 

          "I see.  Should I tell Benton of our conversation?"

 

          "No.  Let everything come as it will.  I'll tell him if the right time comes."

 

          "Very well, Ms. Lonehart."  And with that, Fraser Sr. disappeared.

 

          Shortly after he left, another ghost appeared before Ash. This time it was her grandmother, Nadine Lonehart.  "Grandma, what are you doing here?" asked Ash.

 

          "I heard that you found that special someone tonight," Nadine said and sighed. 

 

"It's not like that.  I feel a bond between Benton and me, but it's nothing romantic.  It's more like we're soulmates.  You know, cut from the same cloth.  The only thing is he won't let me get any closer than we already are.  He's afraid.  Why, I don't know."

 

          "I do," said Nadine.  "He's been betrayed before by a woman he loved.  I believe her name was Victoria Metcalf."

 

          "Well, that explains a lot of things, including a few of the ties in our bond.  Remember what happened between Tom Bundy and me?  He's one of the reasons I left home.  I hope I never see that scum of a man again," said Ash.  She was clenching her fists tightly.

 

          "Calm down, honey.  I'm pretty sure you're not going to see Tom anytime soon," said Nadine as she faded away.

 

          As Nadine left, a sense of peace fell over Ash.  She knew Tom wouldn't hurt her anymore.  And if he tried, she had someone to turn to for help.

 

***

 

          Fraser sat on his bed and read a few pages from his father's journals.  He was hoping to talk to his Dad that night for he needed some advice.  "Ms. Lonehart is trying to get to know me, but I'm afraid let her into my life.  There's this bond I feel between us, and it's driving me insane."

 

Fraser Sr. appeared, looking on as his son poured his heart out to anybody who would listen.  "Ms. Lonehart feels the same bond, son.  And from what I can tell, this bond is strong.  I overheard her say to her grandmother's spirit that feels that you're both cut from the same cloth.  I believe she is right.  I can see certain similarities between you.  You both grew up in remote areas, both expert trackers, both cannot stand to see an innocent person suffer, and both cannot just stand by and not get involved.  She's a good woman, son, worthy of the Fraser family," said Fraser Sr.

 

          "Don't start talking about how you want grandchildren again, Dad."

 

          "I wasn't going to.  I was merely stating a fact," said the ghost with a hint of laughter in his voice.

 

          Fraser just rolled his eyes.  He knew that grandkids were what his father wanted most from him.  Changing the subject, Fraser asked, "Dad, why don't you show up as often as you used to?  I miss you."

 

          "After you solved my murder, I could finally rest in peace and let your life go forward.  I kept hoping you would transfer back to Canada, but we both know the reason why you were meant to stay."  Fraser Sr. looked at his son.  "Stop thinking about Victoria, Benton.  What little instinct I have left says Ms. Lonehart is not like her."  During that  last statement, Fraser Sr. slowly vanished.