Title: Seven Deadly Sins (Night One)

Author: Birgitt Schuknecht

Fandom: due South

Rating: NC17 (slash)

Pairing: Vecchio/male

Category: drama/series/AU

Disclaimer: The characters used in the following story are not mine. I do not make any money out of this. It's written for fun and for the fans of the show.

Spoiler: none (This takes place before the pilot.)

By Birgitt Schuknecht.

Night One (25th of October)

Ira (Anger)

"Wow, Ray, that's the first time I can recognise the colour of your desk. What's got in you?" Elaine had silently made her way over to the Italian detective who stood in front of his desk, a wide smile of contentment on his face.

"Elaine, give me a warning next time, willya? Just right now the prospect of dying of a heart-attack is not very promising. You are talking to a man who has come to a turning point in his live. This is not the old Ray Vecchio."

"I can see that, Ray." Elaine's voice dropped considerably as she tried to ban the amusement that she'd felt only a moment ago from her voice. Despite his choice of words Ray had sounded serious, very serious. This was a rare thing. Ray Vecchio, for once not trying to keep her at a distance with a smart remark, but letting glimpse at his real self. Elaine decided not to let that opportunity slip apart. "Could the new Ray Vecchio explain what's the occasion? You never bothered to tidy up your desk before." Normally Elaine would have done this a bit slower but she feared Ray would shell himself again before she could riddle the puzzle he confronted her with.

A radiant smile lit up Ray's face like a boy on Christmas morning who'd just unwrapped the present he'd most desired. "I never saw the need for it. Never imagined that it could be... important... or of significance, you might say. All this... my desk... the paper work... the filing..." With that he pointed over to the cabinet and Elaine followed his gesture. Yes, he'd also had a hand at that. He continued, "I always thought of it as something keeping me from the real work. Ya know, something to pester me. Something for Welsh to get at me. Boring. Annoying. Pain in the ass."

Elaine nodded, grinning at the detective who waved his arms while he tried to drive his point home. Once again she wondered if he would go mute if they tied his arms. "I got the picture, Ray. What changed your mind?"

Ray's smile turned into a grin that nearly split his face. "Not what, Elaine. Who! I had a... discussion with a friend about this. In the end I had to admit that a well-organised workplace lets you see things that are right in front your nose and that a sophisticated filing system even helps to see connections between different cases."

"I see, Ray. Discussion with a friend. Interesting. What makes me think it was more an argument than a discussion?" Elaine studied the slender man before her. Ray had put his hands in his pockets by now and started playing with his keys. He refused to answer her and just kept grinning. "And what about your former credo that a good detective never relies on the benefits of paper work?"

"I dumped it." Ray's bluntness finally managed to make her laugh out loud. "Hey, Elaine. It's me. I'm an intelligent person. And if this makes me a better cop I go for it. Anything wrong with that?" He stopped playing with the keys of his car and looked at Elaine expectantly.

Elaine hesitated for a moment. This new Ray was quite disarming. Oh, the old Ray had had his charming ways. But still... this was different. There was something new about him. Something in this amazing green eyes. At the next moment Elaine suppressed the urge to slap her own forehead. Ignoring Ray's question she asked in a low voice, "Ray, are you in love?" She didn't want the whole squadroom to know. At least the old Ray wouldn't have had that. And she couldn't be sure about the new one.

"Strike!" He nearly yelled it. Several heads in their direction, just in time to see Ray Vecchio drawing a dumbfounded Civilian Aid in an tight embrace. "What are you staring at?" Ray shouted at them over Elaine's right shoulder. Although he frowned his voice didn't show the tiniest trace of anger, Elaine noted. "Never saw a beautiful girl in the arms of a gorgeous guy? Well, enjoy the show!" With that he released Elaine from his arms. He bent slightly forward placing a tender kiss on her mouth. "Okay, get on with your work. That's all you gonna see for now."

Elaine needed some time to recover from Ray's revelation, the embrace and the kiss. She stared at the detective's back since Ray had turned and was putting on his long, dark coat. After taking in some deep breaths she tapped on Ray's shoulder. "Do I know her?" Ray swirled around and took her right hand into his. He brought the back of her hand to his lips and brushed it lightly.

"No, Elaine. But I appreciate your interest..." He gave her another full smile and she couldn't help but return it. Ray's mood was quite infectious. He let go of her hand. "Maybe one day... but it's too early now. Not even my family knows yet."

Elaine couldn't believe her ears. "They don't know? And you're telling me?"

The detective took his car keys from his pocket, then he switched of the desk light. A shadow fell on the right side of his face. "You asked. And I am grateful you did. I was about to burst with it. Thank you, Elaine."

Without thinking she replied. "You are welcome, Ray. And I hope this will work out for you. For both of you." That got her a third kiss. This time on her forehead. For a second she wondered if she should tell him to stop it. This was getting a bit embarrassing. Though... it felt... nice.

"Thank you again, Elaine. Did I ever tell you that you are a wonderful woman?" With that he left her standing at her desk and made his way to Welsh's office door. Elaine felt the blood rising to her face and involuntarily cast her eyes down. Now this was embarrassing. She felt the looks of her colleagues but she was unable to face them. The shrill ringing of the phone on Ray's desk made her jump. She looked over to Welsh's office and just saw Ray disappear into it. With two steps she was at the desk and answered the call.

"Elaine? Where's Vecchio?" The man at the other end was nearly shouting. "Jack, no need to yell. I can perfectly hear you. Vecchio's in Welsh's office. He's about to leave."

"Get me through to the Lieu's ASAP." Despite her reprimand the detective still shouted. She sighed and made the connection. The phone in her superior's office rang once.

"Welsh." Elaine refused to be taken aback by the harsh sound of the Lieutenant's voice.

"Sir, here's a call for Vecchio. On two. It's Huey." She waited for Welsh taking the call, then put down the receiver.

***

Ray picked up the receiver Welsh handed him over the desk. "Vecchio."

"Ray, you better move your ass over here. We are at a restaurant, "Il sole e la luna". There has been a shooting. One guy dead, two severely injured. The dead guy has no ID with him. But Gardino found your card in his pocket."

"Hold your horses, Huey, I'm on my way. And stop yelling. What's all this about, anyway? I mean the guy can't escape even you two anymore." Ray almost chuckled. Even the prospect of a crime scene couldn't break his high spirits. He raised his shoulders in response to the puzzled expression on his superior's face.

Huey sighed audibly. "I'd preferred to tell you this in person... One of the injured guys is... well, let me put it mildly... an old acquaintance of yours. It's Zuko. He was shot by the dead guy before one of his goons could take him out. Maybe it's a mob thing."

Ray felt a knot twist in his stomach. He hadn't seen Frank Zuko in years. Well, that wasn't correct, he saw him on a regular basis in church. And on any social event in his own neighbourhood. They always kept a considerable distance between them. For the good of both of them. Luckily, the Zuko empire was out of his jurisdiction so there never had been a confrontation on a... professional basis. It seemed that finally fate had decided to ignore the boundaries of jurisdiction. The restaurant the shooting had taken place was only a quarter of a mile from the 27th precinct. "I'll inform Welsh." He killed the connection by placing the handle back on the phone.

For several moments he chose to ignore the gaze of his superior officer. Ray's buoyancy was gone now and he pondered over what he had just heard. Frank Zuko had been shot and the assassin was dead by now. Why didn't he just ignore the whole thing and wait till both sides had decimated themselves? Sighing Ray looked up. "Well?" Welsh brought him back to the matters at hand with that one short word.

"There has been an incident in an Italian restaurant. Probably a mob thing. Frank Zuko has been shot and the attacker is dead now." It was so easy to get this out. Much too easy. He should feel more concern for this case.

Welsh's face flushed a little. "And how do you come into this, Vecchio?"

Ray eyed his superior officer warily. "The dead guy had my card, Sir."

The other man let out a weary sigh and shook his head. "I fear there is no way to keep you out of this case, Vecchio. I just can order you to do this professional. Keep your personal feelings for Zuko out of this, Detective. If you screw this up I will have your ass. Understood?"

"That's an all clear on my side, Lieu. I want Zuko convicted as much as you do." Ray folded his arms behind his back, meeting the stare of Welsh without even blinking once.

"Don't you forget, Vecchio. As far as we know Zuko is the victim here. And now get going." Welsh gave Ray a final nod, then he returned to the files he had been working on.

"Yes, Sir." A second later he stood outside Welsh's office. Elaine came over to him.

"You okay, Ray?" Concern was clearly detectable in her voice. Ray gave her a what he hoped to be a reassuring smile.

"Just another case Huey and Gardino can't handle on their own. What else is new? I'll join them and wrap that little baby up in no time." Ray could see that Elaine wasn't convinced, but he couldn't change that. There was no time. "I'll be in later, if..." He hesitated for a second. "If there are any calls..." Ray broke off.

"Ray, get going. I am perfectly capable of taking messages for you."

The Italian nodded and smiled at her again. "Good girl. Thank you, Elaine." He could barely hide his nervousness. Then he turned his back on her, fumbling for his cell phone in his coat. While he made his way out of the precinct he already tipped in a number. When the connection was made he raised the phone to his ear.

When Ray came to his car, a green 1971 Buick Riviera in mint condition, there still hadn't been an answer. Ray wasn't surprised. It was still early. No wonder Mark wasn't home yet. They had an appointment at eight. Ray wished Mark wasn't so peculiar about cell phones. He just refused to get one, in total ignorance of its advantages. Maybe he should try once more to convince him. He brought the engine to life and pulled out of the curb. He concentrated on the matter that lay before him. This would probably keep him busy the whole night. Mark would kill him.

Ray smiled. He had met Mark in a bar when he was watching a basketball match. Mark's enthusiasm during the game had first drawn his attention and then fascinated him. He shouted and cheered and booed all the time, to the amusement of the other guests and to the anger of the owner of the bar. When one of the referees made what he thought to be a decisive mistake he threw a handful of peanuts at the screen. The owner gave him a final warning and Mark flashed the angry man a toothy grin before he took his drink and settled down at a table in the far corner of the room. It seemed that his interest for the game had totally vanished. Ray had surprised himself by joining the man. He had congratulated him on the performance and it took only the quarter of an hour until he felt he'd known Mark all of his life. They were dating now for three weeks and had seen each other about half a dozen times. They had become intimate after the third date and Ray knew he had fallen hard, very hard for the man. He still didn't know much about him, but being with Mark was so right that he didn't have many questions.

***

It took Ray only five minutes to reach "Il sole e la luna". He had been there before. It wasn't one of his favourite places to dine but it was in a convenient distance to the precinct and the food was okay. And Angelo, the owner, was a nice enough guy. It was not his fault that his pasta couldn't compete with that of Ray's mother.

Ray stopped in front of the building the restaurant was located in. He got out and passed two patrol cars and Huey's and Gardino's car. Two ambulances and the coroner's vehicle stood as near to the entrance as possible. When he was nearing the place he pulled out his badge and flashed it before the uniformed officers who were busy to get rid of the crowd of onlookers that had already gathered. The officers only nodded and waved him through.

The premise was a total chaos. It took Ray some time before he could make out the details. Upturned tables and chairs, glass and broken dishes littered the floor. Carefully he made his way to the middle of the room where Huey and Gardino were talking to Angelo. The Italian had difficulties to keep himself under control. He looked relieved when Ray joined them.

"Ah, Detective Vecchio. Please could you tell your colleagues that I am an honourable man. This..." he looked around himself in near panic, "I can't believe what happened here. Oh, madonna mia, this is going to ruin me. No one will come to a place where they have to fear to get shot by mobsters."

"Angelo, I am certain Detectives Huey and Gardino are fully capable of handling this. And no one will suspect you're part of this crime. Just tell them what happened. You help us and we can help you. And don't you worry about business. As far as I can tell this will only attract more people to your place."

The sparkle in the short man's dark eyes told Ray he had succeeded in calming him down. At least for the moment. He pulled Huey to the side. "Now, Huey, fill me in."

"Well, there's nothing much to relate here. Zuko and two of his goons had just sat down at a table at the rear end of the restaurant. It cannot be seen from outside. Angelo was taking their orders when the back door opened and the attacker ran in, his weapon already in his hand. He fired the gun three times at Zuko. He hit him and the man sitting at his right hand side before Zuko's other man shot him. He was dead on the spot. Hit him in the head with one shot." Huey nodded to his right side. "Zuko and his men are over there, the medics are still with them. I think their injuries aren't as bad as they first looked. Much blood, but no vital organs are affected."

Ray gave Huey a clap on his back and went over to Frank Zuko's group. The medics just finished bandaging the two injured men. The third man stood as he got sight of Ray and came over to greet him. "Ray. It's good to see you again. But what are you doing here?"

Ray ignored the outstretched hand. "This is my district, remember, Charlie? You got yourself killed around here, I will have the honour to deal with the mess. How's Frankie?" He and Frank Zuko had been friends when they still were boys. That was about twenty years ago. Now they were clearly fighting on different sides.

"He will be fine. The fellow was absolutely no hitman."

"I think that's why he's dead now, Charlie. Was it necessary to kill him?" Ray looked at the older man. He didn't expect an answer. And he didn't get one. Charlie had been Frank Zuko's right hand man from the beginning. He had already worked for Frankie's father. When Frankie had inherited the Zuko Empire, Charlie had been part of the inventory. A valuable asset. Ray left him standing and seated himself next to Frank Zuko.

"Ray, what a pleasant surprise. I should have known you'd turn up. Don't worry about me, I'll be as good as new in no time." The Italian beamed at the cop. His face was pale, but his eyes vivid. Ray couldn't hinder to admire the man's spirit. Or maybe this was some weird kind of shock.

"He must have hit you worse then you think, Frankie. What makes you think that I could worry about you?" Ray had no difficulties to give his voice an icy tone. Although there had never been an evidence, he knew that under the jovial and well-mannered surface Frank Zuko was one of the most reckless and cruel mob bosses of the whole of Illinois.

"Ray, Ray, Ray. Maybe I should point out to you that I was nearly shot by a lunatic. Face it, I am the victim here."

"Don't get any funny ideas, Frankie. And don't try to play any games with me. You know and I know that you're no more a victim than that dead guy over there. I will play this by the book, but if you think that'll keep me off your ass, you made your final mistake." Nothing had changed. Ray still had the involuntary need to challenge the mob boss; like it had been when they had been kids. "You know your attacker?"

"No, never saw him before. This must be a coincidence. I didn't even plan to dine here. It was just a decision of the moment. We were driving through this street and I liked the name of this place. I was just curious about the food." Frankie gave him a level stare.

Ray didn't buy his show for a second, but decided to deal with the business Zuko had had on his agenda later on. He called over to Charlie, "And what about you? You know the guy?"

"No, Ray, I saw him for the first time in my life. And for the last time in his life."

"Yeah. Sure. Whatever." Ray was furious and felt helpless. With an effort he reminded himself that Zuko and his goons actually were the victims in this case and that he could do nothing about it. Not yet, that was. He had orders to follow. He turned to the medics. "Will these men be fit to come to the precinct tomorrow morning?"

One of them nodded confirmation. "Nothing to worry about. They have to check with their doctors, but they will be okay now. We gave them painkillers and that should bring them through the night. As I understand this man," he nodded in Charlie's direction, "can drive them home."

"Thanks, guys." Ray turned to Frank Zuko again. "I'll see you first thing in the morning. We'll need your testimonies for the record. You know the drill."

"How should I know, Detective? I am an honourable citizen of this town and my dealings with law enforcement are well assorted. Just last Saturday I had lunch with the DA at my place." Frank Zuko's smile didn't reach his eyes. Ray knew when to hold himself back. He didn't always act upon this knowledge, but he did this time. He wouldn't risk to screw this case up just for the benefit of a smart remark that would infuriate Frank Zuko.

"I'm sure it was a pleasant occasion. See ya in the morning, Frankie." With that he stood and went over to the back door where a corpse lay sprawled on the floor. The Coroner who knelt beside the body looked up and raised himself, thereby blocking Ray's view. "Detective Vecchio. Zuko's bodyguard did a really good job. One shot and he was dead on the spot. You'll have my report first thing in the morning."

Ray nodded slowly. "Looks like a suicide to me, Doc. Or the deed of a lunatic. He only scratched Zuko and his man. Definitely not a hitman. Let me have a look at him."

The Coroner knelt down again and pulled the blanket back to uncover the dead man's face. Ray took a step closer and bent forward. His stare was attracted by the hole in the man's forehead and he shook his head slightly to break his look free. As he saw the dead man's eyes he stomach turned. Sweat broke out on his face and he gasped for breath frantically. His legs went weak and he nearly sagged to the floor. Just in time the Coroner jumped up to grab him at his arms and steadied him.

"Whoa, Detective, surely this is not your first corpse. You okay?" With the Coroner's help Ray stumbled over to one of the upturned chairs. The Coroner put the chair on its legs with one hand, the other hand holding a firm grip on Ray's arm, and then he pushed Ray down on it. The detective trembled and shivered. He hugged himself firmly and stared over at the still body.

Suddenly Gardino blocked his view. "Vecchio, you seen a ghost?" the detective asked him with a clear trace of amusement in his voice. Ray just looked up at his colleague, shaking his head. He saw Gardino's expression change in the fraction of a second. "Oh, Jesus, he had your card. You know this guy, don't ya?"

"Mark. It's Mark." And Ray's mind kept repeating it. It's Mark... it's Mark... Next thing Ray knew was that Gardino shook him by his shoulders. "Hey, Ray, snap out of it. Who's the guy?"

"My lover," and Ray broke of again. He couldn't any longer repress the urge to retch and jumped out of the chair. He didn't even make it half way to the toilets. He clutched to the back of chair, bent over it and threw up. After a couple of moments he straightened carefully, wiping his face with the sleeve of his coat. Then he felt Gardino's arms around himself and was led over to another chair. He still couldn't stop shivering.

Gardino knelt in front of him and searched for his eyes. Ray couldn't avoid his colleague's stare any longer. Then someone grabbed his hand and placed a glass in his hand. Ray turned his head. It was Huey who nodded at him. "Drink that, Vecchio." He eyed the colourless liquid suspiciously. "For God's sake, man, that's only water." He took a slow slip, then some more until the bitter taste in his mouth finally subsided.

Gardino tried again. "Vecchio, let me get this straight. The dead man over there is... was... your lover?" Ray chuckled humourlessly at the incredulous tone of Gardino's voice. No one knew. Not his family, not his colleagues. There never had been the need nor the opportunity to tell them. He never imagined to have a coming out like that. Then he remembered Mark's eyes again. His dead eyes. Still he had the impression they focused on him. He shuddered. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Huey walk away, only to return a few moments with one of the medics. A blanket was placed around his shoulders. It felt like a burden.

He swallowed hard and his first words came out shaky. "Right. Met him three weeks ago. In a bar. His name's Mark Simpson. I teased him about his surname. Told him it was quite fitting with that yellow hair of his."

"I'm sorry, Ray, but could you explain us what possible reason he had for this? Any connection with Zuko?" Gardino was interrupted by the medic.

"I think the detective is in no state to answer any..." Ray lost track of the starting discussion. Zuko. This was all Frankie's fault. Had to be. There was no way that he was an innocent victim while Mark was a lunatic killer. 'There must be. And I'll find it out.' He shrugged of the blanket and jumped from the chair, thereby pushing over Gardino. He ignored the cries of his colleagues and the medic and made his way over to Frank Zuko and his men. They stared at him, stunned, having witnessed the events of the last minutes.

Zuko made a step into Ray's direction. Ray welcomed him by hitting him in his face with his right fist, sending the other man down on the floor. Then he hauled him up again, grabbing at the lapels of his jacket. "You pay for this, Frankie. You killed him and now I kill you." He hit Zuko again full force but he didn't get another chance. Gardino and Huey pulled him back and pinned him on a chair. He struggled violently, but in vain. All he could do was yelling and that he did. "You killed him. I make you pay, Zuko. You'll have to watch your back for the rest of your life. You hear me, Zuko. You'll die for this."

Gardino turned to Zuko. "Get out of here, Zuko. Now!" Ray fought helplessly against his two colleagues and watched Zuko leaving. He let out a final scream before he finally sagged in the chair. Exhausted he closed his eyes. His mind felt like it was on fire. Burning with rage and anger.

End of Night One