* * *

It was so painful that Linda was forced to wake up to see what it was. Still disoriented, she opened her eyes and struggled to rise. Bad thing to do.

First, her head was throbbing with pain, and the light from her left side was not helping any. Second, she forgot her legs were paralysed. Last, but not least, she was tied up. Both her wrists were tied up above her head and held to a headboard. There was also tape in her mouth, so she hardly could whimper. So tight was she tied that she could not move around much, or the ties would bite her flesh even more than they already did. It was getting painful just to lie still.

At least she was in a bed, and she could feel her legs and her feet still warm. Her head ached, her arms ached, her wrists ached, but other than that she was fine. At least physically.

She wondered where she could be. As far as she could see, it was a bedroom, fairly unimaginative in its decoration, totally uncompromising as to reveal its location. Linda was able to turn her head and see a telephone, a night lamp and some blank papers with some kind of a logo in the nightstand. She surmised she was in a hotel room. It would be nice if she could at least know whether she was back at the States.

Linda could not look around much, but she sensed Ray was near. Somehow she had to believe he was alive, or she would not be able to hold her emotions. Not for the first time, she missed Ben and entertained a fantasy that he might rescue her. It brought warmth to her heart and she sighed. Then she shook her head. No, Linda, back to reality.

Struggling from her bonds, Linda let out a muffled yelp of pain as the ties cut her flesh. She probably was bleeding. Then she heard moans below, to her right side. She moaned louder, and there was an answer. It had to be Ray. Probably tied and gagged as she was.

Then the door opened and all her thoughts fled away as three men went inside the room. Probably they were the same ones who brought her there, and that was the first time she could see their faces at all. At least in a lit environment. Linda wondered if her ability to recognise them would not put her life at risk. But then, she thought, her life was already in their hands. Hers and Ray's.

Linda saw as a man in a dark sweater approached her, looked down at her in such an intimidating way that made her quail. The man growled, "Well, well. Look who's awake. Sleeping Beauty herself." It was an American accent, Linda noticed.

There was a moan from her right side and the man kicked something in the floor, making Ray moan in pain. Linda fought back the tears and the trembling in her body as the man looked down and warned, "You don't wanna give me grief, cop. Remember that."

The man (who was the same one that hit Ray before) turned to her, and Linda's eyes widened in fear. He sat down on the bed right beside her and used a soft, deceiving smooth voice to warn her, "Now, kid, here are the rules. You be nice to me, I will be nice to you. You're not nice to me, and I'll kill your cop friend. Is that clear?"

Linda's eyes were glued to the man's black ones, and all she saw there was cruelty and hatred. There was a flash of anger as he repeated, baring his teeth, "I asked, is that clear?"

Linda nodded nervously. "Good". He grinned. It was such an ugly grin. "Now I wanna take that tape off your mouth. But you hafta promise me you won't scream. Actually, I don't wanna hear a squeak from you, or Vecchio's dead. Do you understand?"

This time Linda nodded quickly, eyes big as saucers.

"All right, then". The man leaned to take off the tape from her lips, a single motion that made Linda yelp in pain. In seconds she regained her composure and looked at the man. He seemed pleased that she was not screaming. She could follow orders, and that was good.

"Good girl, Linda. Do you know who I am?" She shook her head, unsure if her voice could function properly, since she was so nervous. "My name is Gino Carbonelli. We have a friend in common. Her name is Victoria."

Linda could not help shudder at the mention of that woman's name.

"I see you remember her", Mr. Carbonelli smiled. "Yeah, she sure makes lasting impressions. You see, she and I have unfinished businesses. I need to locate her, and I thought you might be willing to help me."

"But I don't know where she is."

"I figured this one out myself, kid. But like I said, I believe you might help me locate her."

Linda did not like the man and did not trust him. But she kept quiet, waiting to see if he could explain a little bit more what he meant. Instead, Carbonelli looked behind him and located his two henchmen. He gestured at the man who was near the door, and he went out. Carbonelli turned to Linda again. "Now, I guess you might be hungry, and I ordered some room service. You probably have guessed by now that we are in a hotel."

"Are you going to kill us?"

Carbonelli laughed softly. "Now, this I like, kid: honest and straight. No, Linda, I am not gonna kill you. If you were not crippled, I might even think of having some fun with you, but I need you to find that two-timing shady lady who has put us in this situation. Now, about Vecchio here, I am afraid I don't have much use to him. That is a problem, you see."

Linda felt all blood draining from her face. All her control fled her. "No... Please, don't do him no harm."

He chuckled and shook his head, smiling in a scary way. "Grammar, kid. Never forget grammar. You are using a double negative."

"Please don't harm him. I can do anything you want, but don't harm him."

The grin got wider. "So touching. Matter of fact, it touches me so much I may even decide to keep Vecchio alive". He shook his head, that scary smile. "See, I am starting to believe I can have fun with you, after all. In a different way, of course."

There were muffled sounds coming from the ground and Carbonelli kicked Ray again. "Lose the attitude, cop, or I might decide you will never be useful. Capicci?"

Linda wished so much she could see Ray. But she was tied up to the headboard, her arms were sore and her legs... Come to think of it, now her legs seemed to be feeling even more than before. Maybe it was because she was in a heated environment.

"Hey kid," Carbonelli interrupted her thoughts. "Don't you wanna ask any more questions?"

"Will you answer them?"

"Depends on the question."

She frowned and then candidly asked another direct question. "If you don't want to kill us, what are your plans? What do you want to do to us?"

"Fair question. You deserve an honest answer. Like I said, I got plans for you. I am trying to figure out what to do to Vecchio yet. But I thought you might wanna eat before we talked business."

Eat? Linda was surprised at the request. "I am not hungry."

Carbonelli looked at her. "Really? That's news. But it's been a while since you had something to eat. You can't recover from this... illness if you don't eat properly. Eat it anyway."

"I'm not sick. I was poisoned and now I am paralysed. That is what happened. It's got nothing to do with food."

"Look, kid, I'm Italian, and we think food is important. I guess Vecchio might have taught you that."

Linda looked at Carbonelli, trying to guess how he would react if she asked him something. He noticed her inquiring stare and got uncomfortable. "What?"

"I... I...", She forced herself to breath deep. "I would like to talk to Ray, please."

"Now why would I do that? What would you do for me?"

She answered the first thing that got through her brain. "I would eat."

Carbonelli laughed hard for some seconds, and Linda was alarmed and confused. Did she say anything wrong?

"I have to tell you, Linda: you are totally different from what I expected. I like you. I almost feel sorry for all this."

The man got back carrying a tray. The smell alone made Linda's mouth water. She discovered she was not only hungry, but she was actually anxious to eat anything else than Inuit food. Carbonelli looked at her. "I won't promise you anything. But if you eat, we might talk about it again. OK?"

Linda nodded eagerly, and tried to prop herself up, but could hardly move. Carbonelli took the tray, cut some pieces and presented the fork to her, saying, "Now open wide."

She was surprised, but accepted the food. It was nothing fancy - turkey and smashed potatoes. Nevertheless, after all that time eating raw seal meat or poorly boiled caribou, it tasted like a feast made in heaven.

Still, Linda was smart enough not to let Carbonelli know how much she was enjoying it. After a few mouthfuls, she tried to refuse, but the mobster forced at least two more rounds. Then it was washed with some ginger ale. Linda sighed, sated. She had never felt so good about food before.

Carbonelli seemed satisfied. "Now that is better, isn't it?"

"It was good food. Can Ray have any?"

"Don't worry. He will be fed."

Carbonelli turned to the henchman and said something in Italian. The man nodded and Ray began to make noises. Then the henchman stooped to pick Ray up, and the cop resisted. Linda got agitated, the ties bruising more of her wrists.

"What are you doing? What is going on?"

"There is no need to fuss," Carbonelli said. "I just asked Marco to get a comfortable bed to Vecchio in the other room."

The man called Marco lift Ray up, hunched him over his left shoulder. Linda saw Ray was tied on his hands and ankles. There were bruises in his face, and he was struggling as he was taken away. Her heart raced, and there were tears of fear flowing down her face. "No, please. Please don't hurt him."

"Hey, kid, don't worry."

The door to the other room was closed. "Ray! I want to be with him. Please!"

"We need to talk, he needs to get his dinner. There is no need to get alarmed. And if you make any noise or attract the wrong kind of attention, I might get angry with you." The last parted sounded like the threat it was, and Linda flinched, still crying. "Now, that is better. How about we talk some more?"

Linda's control snapped. "What do you want from me?" It was almost a shout, and she was crying out of control. She was also ashamed to be out of control. It was a sign that they had power over her.

Carbonelli smiled. Now he had her where he wanted. "I need you as bait. If I put you in the equation, I know Victoria will show up. Then I can get her."

"If you love her so much, why don't you tell the police all you know? They are also trying to find her."

"Love?" Carbonelli laughed hard again, and this time it was almost snarling. "I don't love that bitch. But she fled with my money. Actually, it was the Don's money. My luck is that he is a patient man, and he has been willing to give me some time. But my time is running out, kid. I need you as level to lure her."

Linda did not understand. "She won't come. She wants me dead. She tried that many times."

"I know. I helped her do it." Linda's eyes bugged out and her shaking got worse. "No, don't worry. I did not know what she was doing at the time. All I know is that she was obsessed with you. She followed you, knew everything about you, put a spy to befriend you. If my plan works fine, then she will come out because she is so focused on you."

"I don't know why you think that". Belatedly Linda realised it was not the smartest thing to say. If Mr. Carbonelli saw no use to her and Ray, they were both as good as dead already. "Look, Mr. Carbonelli, I'm trying to help you. It would be better if you told the police all you know and - "

He laughed. "Nice try, kid. But I have everything mapped out. You see, my plan is that I keep you under my wings, and turn Vecchio in. He goes to jail and won't bother us anymore. I use Vecchio and you to get to the Mountie. The Mountie tracks Victoria down and bring her to me. Easy, right?"

Linda turned white as the sheets of the bed she was lying on. "You can't do that. If Ray gets arrested...Do you know what they do to cops in prison?"

"He should have thought about it before he broke the law."

"But he did not break the law. He was charged of murdering me, but I'm alive."

"Honey, you forgot he took off after you? As far as I can see, he is guilty of resisting the arrest in Chicago, illegal entry in Canada, stealing the assistant DA's car and impersonating someone to use his credit card. He is in for big time in jail. But I have friends in Joliet. I can keep an eye on him and use him to make the Mountie find Victoria. If Vecchio does not get co-operative, he is dog food."

"No! You can't do that!" Linda became restless and her wrists were bleeding. "Leave Ray alone!"

Carbonelli warned, "You keep it down, girl, or Vecchio may not even make it to Joliet."

Linda forced herself to get still, pating, her wrists hurting and bleeding. In that moment, the door opened and another one of the henchmen came inside, greeting, "Boss."

Carbonelli answered in another language, and Linda realised it was very similar to the one Ma Vecchio used to talk to her sons, on occasion. So, it must be Italian.

The mobster and his colleague exchanged a few words, Carbonelli looking pleased. A small piece of paper exchanged hands, and Linda tried to realise what was going on. The henchman had brought some information that Carbonelli had obviously been expecting.

"There is something I am not quite sure," the mobster told Linda. "What do you know about Victoria and a couple?"

"A couple?"

"Yes, husband and wife. Young people. They live up north of the States with their small baby. Very cute child, you know? Anyway, Victoria kept an eye on them since the baby was born. She thought I did not know about it, and wanted to hide this from me. She always kept in touch with them, to see if the kid was alright, and if the baby was fine. Do you know anything about it?"

For a moment, Linda could not breathe. She was so pale Carbonelli thought she was going to faint. "Hey, kid, what's wrong? Are you sick or something?"

The words left Linda's mouth before she thought twice. "The baby... is mine... She stole it from me... with the help of a doctor... She sold them... the baby.... It is my baby..."

Carbonelli was horrified. "She sold them your baby?! Oh, kid, I am sorry. That is not nice, not nice at all. That bitch was really a snake. Putta!"

Linda's tears seemed to move the mobster. The big guy seemed to get his voice softer. "Look, I have the address of the couple that has your baby. I'm sure that if that putta finds out I located them, then she will appear. So after everything is over and I get the Don's money back, then I will let you have your kid. What do you say?"

Linda looked at him, trying to see if his face conveyed any sincerity. Her voice was weak and pleading. "Would you be willing to do that, Mr. Carbonelli?"

The mobster used the back of his hand to wipe some of the tears from her cheeks. "I am willing to do that, yes. No one should try to take away a son from his mother. But there are a few things I have to deal with first, and then we'll see how things turn out, OK? So, now you be a nice girl and keep your friend Vecchio company, alright?" He turned to the henchman, said some more few words in Italian, then explained it to Linda, "Sal will take you there."

Linda said, "Can these ties come off, please? I promise I won't do anything. I can't walk, I can't get away."

"Sorry, but no. You may feel tempted to free Vecchio, and this I cannot risk. Now you go."

She allowed herself to be picked up by Sal the henchman, not insisting in anything more because at least she would be with Ray.

The cop raised his head the minute the door was open and Sal brought Linda inside the room. He was still tied and gagged, and there was a bruise in his cheek.

The girl was laid on the bed beside Ray, but her tied hands were held to the headboard once more. Her arms ached at the strain, and Sal made sure her bonds were safe. The henchman stared at her, then looked at Ray and grunted before leaving them alone. Linda let herself sigh in relief.

"You are OK, Ray? I am fine, so don't worry about me." The cop was still tied, and he moaned a little, huge green eyes staring at her. "I can't understand you, Ray, so I guess I will have to do all the talking. OK, here is what Mr. Carbonelli told me. His plans are to send you to jail, and make Ben go after Victoria so he can get the money she stole from him. He wants to convince Ben by holding me hostage and also controlling you in a prison named Juliet, or something like that." Ray mumbled something and Linda shrugged. "I don't know what you are saying, Ray. All I know is that I am very relieved that he gave up the idea of simply killing you."

Linda watched Ray and she almost saw his eyes smiling at her. "I love you, Ray. But I want to tell you something Mr. Carbonelli told me: I think he has located my baby. You know, the one that was stolen from me. He asked about a couple that has a small baby, and I think it is the people who bought my child. He said I could have my baby when this is all over, Ray." Green eyes were bulging at her.

Linda lowered her voice. "And there is something else I wanted to tell you. Remember when I was out in the snow? Ray, I could feel my legs getting cold. This is really a good sign and I am sure that if Dr. Wilson could -"

The door opening interrupted her. She turned her head to see the henchman called Marco coming in the room. "Sorry to disturb, but the boss told me to check you out."

Linda tried to be nice. "We are fine, thank you."

The man closed the door, smiled and insisted. "I thought you would like me to check up on you. Since you will be staying some time, I think it would be nice to get to know each other."

There was something in the man's tone that frightened Linda, but she kept a polite attitude. "That is very kind, but if you don't mind - "

Marco was caressing her face, his grin totally feral, as Linda tried to avoid histouch. "Actually, honey, I do mind. We could have such a good time."

Ray struggled to move and moan, and was solemnly punched and thrown out of bed. Linda screamed on the top of her lungs, struggling as the man got aggressive trying to touch her body.

And that was when hell broke loose.

From the other room, came sounds of doors being bust, some gunshots, furniture breaking. Marco spun, hand already on the piece he was carrying as Linda screamed away. There were intruders in the hotel room.

The door to the room went crashing down, catching Marco fully in the face and knocking him out cold. In the door, Linda thought she was seeing illusions through her misty eyes. There was Fraser, gun in hand, pale as he saw her. For a second, time stopped.

"Linda...!"

It had to an illusion. She had never seen Fraser with a gun in his hand her whole life.

Then the illusion of Fraser put away the gun, checking to see if Marco was really out and came to her. On the other room, the shooting had finally stopped, but not the shouting. Not that Linda was listening, anyway.

Linda could not take her eyes away from the Mountie as he untied her from the headboard. Her wrists were burning and he took her gently in her arms. "Are you all right?"

She just looked in his face, shaking so hard, and her voice was so soft he thought he missed it, "Are you really here?"

"Yes, Linda, and it is all over now. Are you hurt?"

"No. I am fine, Ben. I am fine", she finally hugged him back, trying to breathe correctly. "Benny... Oh, Benny, Benny, I missed you so much..."

"I missed you, too." He kissed her forehead. "Oh, Linda, I missed you so."

More people came inside the room, police officers. Linda was startled. "Ray is here! He punched Ray!"

"Shsh", made Fraser, cradling her as if she were a little child. "They will get him right away. Everything is fine. Now we will get you out of here."

He picked her up in his arms and Linda felt his arms around her legs. But before she could say anything, Meg Thatcher burst in the room, looking thoroughly displeased. "Constable!"

"Yes, Sir?"

"I expect you to take care of the prisoners!"

Fraser put Linda back in the bed, suddenly looking tired and old. "Yes, Sir."

Linda was intrigued as he backed away from her, "Ben?"

He did not answer her. Instead, Fraser relieved the policemen who had picked Ray up, because the cop had also blacked out from the punch he received from the mobster. Fraser removed Ray's ties and gags, and the detective began to get his senses back. "Benny?"

"Yes, Ray. It's me. Now I am placing you under arrest."

Ray looked around and his eyes met Thatcher. Then he repeated, "Arrest?"

Eyes bulging out, Linda suppressed a squeak. Benny... arresting Ray?!

"Benny!... What are you doing?"

Ignoring her, Fraser drew a deep breath then recited, "By the powers that are vested in me by the government of Canada, I am placing you under arrest. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed to you without charge. Do you understand these rights?"

Ray did not answer immediately. He just looked at Fraser, knowing the pain his friend must have been feeling. The Dragon Lady was there, and Ray knew Fraser was being forced to do it. So, he faced his friend, and with infinite sweetness in green Italian eyes, he nodded, "Yes, Benny, I do."

It made a tear roll down Linda's cheek. Ray was handcuffed and the policeman took him away, as Linda watched. Fraser finally faced his superior and asked, "Sir, may I...?"

It took a few seconds, but Meg Thatcher nodded, some of her sharpness gone. "Of course, Fraser".

Linda was so overwhelmed she could barely react when Fraser picked her up again in his arms. Then she hugged him hard, as if she was afraid he could simply disappear.

That was how she felt it.

"Ben, is it snowing?"

"No, it is a spring day."

"Your back is wet."

Linda raised her wet hand to show him, and it came out red from his back. Bright red, brighter than she had ever seen. They both saw it. They both knew what it meant. "Oh no... Benny, please..."

Fraser's arms started to give way. So did his legs. He was turning green. "Oh, dear."

Linda yelled, "Meg, help! Benny is hurt! He is bleeding!"

Fraser never let her go as he fell on the floor, clutching on Linda to not let her go, landing on his posterior, Linda falling on his lap, both falling awkwardly on the floor. And there was screaming all around, a call for an ambulance and paramedics. Linda started to scream, too, especially after Fraser stared emptily at her, his eyes staring at nothing, struggling to say, "I love you..."

All Linda could do was shout, "Ben! Ben!"

He fell on the ground, senseless, she lost her balance and fell over him, her useless legs hardly able to feel his body beneath her. Paramedics had to peel her off him, and a mild sedative was given as they put her on a gurney and wheeled her away. She was still calling for him.

When the medication took effect, Linda was finally able to be still long enough to see that Inspector Thatcher had come with her in the ambulance. Linda's heart raced again, and she was dizzy, struggling not to lose her senses. "Meg, help me."

"Just stay calm, Linda. We are going to a hospital and they are going to take care of you."

"I am not sick! Ben is! Where is he?"

"He was taken first, because he needs more urgent care. He was shot."

Linda's heart cringed at the word. "I need to see him, please."

"I'll talk to the doctors. Now calm down."

That seemed to calm Linda a bit. Then she remembered, "What about Ray? Did you order his arrest? Why did you do that, Meg?"

"Linda, it is the law. He entered illegally in the country."

"So did I! Arrest me, too!"

"Look, Linda, I understand you're upset, but your case is different. You have been brought to the country. The native people have kidnapped you."

"No!"

The paramedic warned, "Ladies, this is an ambulance, and it has hospital rules. Please keep your voice down."

Linda winced at such polite intervention and did not dare to say another word till they got to the hospital. Then she asked, as she was taken out of the ambulance and felt the cold air hitting her face, "Where is this hospital?"

The paramedic rolled her inside the big building. "This is Mercy Hospital, the closest one we could get."

"But where is it? What place is this?"

"Yellowknife."

Linda had heard that name before. Fraser told her it was a town in northern Canada. Where was he? Her thoughts were interrupted when she was taken to a sort of infirmary room and a smiling doctor began to exam her. She looked around and realised she was all alone, all by herself. Linda suppressed the tears and bore the poking and the prodding around that doctor had to do, besides taking care of her bruised wrists. Good thing that the doctor was a nice one, and he gave her some more medication to relax.

After extensive conference with Inspector Thatcher and then with her doctor in an international call from Chicago, the Canadian doctor pronounced her as fit and as healthy as the circumstances allowed. He told a nurse to take her to an examination room, where she could be more comfortable. There came a RCMP officer, as she recognised by the uniform. Thatcher was with him, and she explained to Linda that her deposition was to be taken. Linda nodded and Thatcher left before the girl could ask her anything about Ben. Sighing, Linda endured the extensive inquiry the police asked her.

Actually, it would have lasted longer, but a nurse with an acute sense of timing interrupted the session, to Linda's undying gratitude. The seasoned nurse brought Linda water and some medication, because apparently Linda was refusing to rest.

"Nurse, could you do me a big favour?"

"Certainly."

"I would like to know about a Constable who was taken in shortly before I was. His name is Fraser and..."

"You are Ben's friend?"

Linda's eyes grew big. "You know Ben?"

"Sure. He used to patrol this area on occasion. See, this is not such a big town." She smiled. "I know he has been wounded. They were with him in the OR. I will ask around."

"I'd appreciate it."

The nurse smiled and left the room, and Linda began to feel sleepy. But she did not want to fall asleep, for she needed to see Ben. Or Ray, from which no one told her anything. At the same time, she was getting quite apprehensive. She fought the medication the best she could.

When the nurse came back, Linda was about to explode. "How is he?"

"He is recovering from surgery. The doctors told his superior officer that he lost a lot of blood but the bullet did not hit any major organ at all. He was very lucky, and he is a strong man, so he should recover in no time."

Linda sensed a tear rolling, one she did not realised was in her eye. "Thank you so much. May I see him?"

"I don't think it is allowed."

"I am going to see him. I need to see him. All I need is a wheelchair."

"Miss, you should also be asleep. Actually, I gave you a medication, and it should start to make its effect some minutes. So, just relax."

Linda tried to be nice to the nurse. "I really don't need that much sleep. All I need is Ben. Please, nurse, I don't mean to be rude or anything, but I have to see him. Could you get me a wheelchair, please?"

The nurse looked at her, in admiration. "You are very determined."

"I am not determined, I am... I am...", Linda struggled for the word, then she remembered the ring in her hand. "I am his fiancée." Linda blushed at the lie, but held the hand up so the nurse could see the ring. "So, I am sorry, but if you don't help me, I will do it by myself, even if I have to crawl to see him."

The nurse schooled her surprise and agreed. "OK. But there is a police officer at your door to protect you. I will have to ask permission from him, from the doctor and from Ben's officer."

"I understand. And I thank you once again."

It had to be cleared with a lot of people first, but finally, Linda was admitted to the ICU room where Fraser was recovering from surgery.

Linda remembered it had been months since she came inside one of those. This was very small, nothing much more than a corner where Fraser's bed was, and she parked her chair beside him.

His face was so pale that her heart cringed with apprehension. Linda looked at the figure in bed. She knew she was scared. Ben had never fallen ill, and she had never seen him so vulnerable. Normally, she would try to deal with her fear and dedicate herself to nurse him, take good care of him until he was on his feet. But without her legs, how could she?

It was a good thing that she could feel her legs, now. Maybe, in a short time, she could start using crutches. That should only happen if she could regain some movement in her legs. And that could only be accomplished by fierce physical therapy.

Linda had to take the wheelchair closer to the bed to take his left hand into hers. The other one was busy with the IV that granted Ben with all fluids he needed. She kissed the hand gently. "I love you, Benny", she murmured.

Linda put the hand back in the bed and rested her forehead near it, because the medication was finally kicking in her system. Maybe if she just closed her eyes for a minute or so...

"Linda?"

Her back hurt and Linda sat up groggily. Looking around, she realised she had fallen asleep near Benny's bed. Then she looked at the person who woke her up. "Meg?"

The Inspector brought the wheelchair around and whispered. "Come on. We need to talk and Fraser has to rest."

Linda stopped the chair before Meg pushed further. "No!", she whispered. "I don't want to leave him."

"We're just going back to your room, Linda. We won't be far. Now let's go before he wakes up."

Linda did not wait to get to her room to start the questions. "Have you seen Ray?"

Meg rolled the chair inside the room and answered, "Yes, and I assured him there is an American representative on his way to look at his case. He is entitled to diplomatic counselling, same as you. In your case, though, I was entrusted by my government to make sure you receive adequate treatment."

"I am great, Meg," Linda assured. "Just tired, but I want to stay with Ben. How is he?"

By then Meg had taken Linda inside the room and took a chair to sit in front of her. The Inspector had an inscrutable statement on her face as she looked straight in Linda's eyes. "Fraser has lost too much blood, and the doctors are worried. His condition is not what it used to be. Of course, he is a strong man, but since you were gone, Linda, many things had happened, and he... he just was not taking care of himself."

"Oh, no."

"So, the doctors believe that he will recover, but it may take longer than it might have been. He will be transferred to the RCMP medical facility in Ottawa as soon as he is able to travel."

Linda felt a cold hand holding her heart. It was painful. "Transferred? Can I go, too?"

Meg's face turned even more sombre than before. "Well, Linda, that's another thing we need to talk about. The doctors told me you'll be eligible for release tomorrow."

"I am fine now. I told you."

"I know. But as soon as you get released, you'll be on a plane with a social worker to get you back to Chicago as soon as possible."

Plane? Back to Chicago? But then I won't be with Ben...!"

"No, Linda, you will not. I am sorry, but there is nothing I can do. It is procedure, and the people who has authority over you recommended it to be done as soon as possible. You know Dr. Lennyard is very anxious to see you, and Dr. Wilson has already called twice. They are worried about your condition." She smiled. "They said the Vecchios are also worried sick about you, and they won't give them a moment of peace until they see you back in town."

Linda was still dumbfounded. After all she had been through, she would have to leave Ben behind? "Meg... Please, Meg... I beg you... I want to be with Ben, I need him so much..."

Meg could feel her heart breaking, and tried to explain. "Linda, the sooner we solve this, the better it is for everybody. Otherwise, it could be bad on those native people who took care of you. We managed to cut a deal with the provincial government so they would not face any charges. But you're on Canadian soil with no papers and you have not come of your own free will. It is hard enough as it is, but if you remain longer, there will be no way to avoid the kidnapping charges on them."

Linda avoided looking at the Mountie lady. She knew Meg was right. But she wanted so much to be with Ben. Meg went on, "Also, Dr. Lennyard was willing to drop any charges regarding illegal practice of Medicine - not that it would be any good anyway. Linda, what I am trying to make you understand is that you could harm a bunch of people if you insist on staying with Fraser, as cruel as it sounds. I'm not happy about it either, but I want to make sure you understand it. Do you, Linda?"

The girl was crying in silence, absorbing all the Inspector's words. "I understand. Is Ray going with me?"

"I think that this is going to happen anyway. His transfer involves a lit bit more bureaucracy, though."

"When are we going?"

"If everything goes right, it is tomorrow. Could be the next day, too."

Linda sighed. The next words were going to be hard for her to say, and she knew it. "Ok. I understand everything, Meg. I promise I won't give you any kind of trouble, and I will go with the social worker you mentioned. But until then, I want to stay with Ben all the time. Please tell me it is possible."

"I don't know, Linda. But you know I will do everything I can."

"Then do it. I need to stay with him, Meg. Please."

Her voice was soft. "I know. I will call the nurse so you can rest."

Linda tried to wheel herself out of the room. "No. No rest, and no nurse. Get me back to Ben, please."

"I'll do my best."

"Meg, why is there a guard at my door?"

"We are not sure Carbonelli was acting on his own. There may be other people interested in harming you, Linda. You need protection."

"I am not sure about it. He told me he was merely trying to see if Victoria would show up. I don't think there is other people involved."

"I read your statement to the police. But we can never be too sure."

"All right, then. Is the police going to talk to Carbonelli?"

"I am sure they already did. But why do you ask?"

Linda shrugged. "There is a lot I don't understand here, Meg. Ben was arrested for murdering me, and then Ray was arrested. Why would anyone do that?"

"We were trying to figure out that one ourselves. It seems your disappearance gave the perfect excuse for an ongoing scheme involving Internal Affairs and the FBI against the 27th precinct. They traced it back to a grudge involving Lt. Welsh and a very disgusting person named Brandauer."

Linda shook her head. "I don't know him. And I don't recognise the name, either." She yawned. "I am getting tired."

Meg stood up. "I will ask the nurse to get you in bed."

"No!" said Linda, a little louder than she intended. "I want to stay with Ben."

"He is probably recovering, Linda. You should be doing the same."

"Meg, I want to be with him." Linda asked quietly and firmly, though without hostility. "Please."

"Of course." The Inspector smiled. "I will see to it right away".

She left the room, and Linda wheeled her chair out. The guard standing near her door suddenly sprang into life, startling her.

"Miss, please wait in your room until a nurse comes to pick you up."

"I'll just get to that room over there", she pointed Ben's room. "There is no need to bother a nurse."

"Still, Miss, I have my orders. No one is supposed to get in or out of this room until Inspector Thatcher returns".

"I see," sighed Linda, obviously in a bad mood. "Guess I will have to come back then".

"I am sorry, Miss."

Linda wheeled herself in the room again, and tried to calm down to wait patiently until she was taken to Benny again.

It paid off. Not only did the nurse wheel her there, but she was also given a bed at Benny's side, so they could rest together. Linda knew this sort of privilege was granted only to married couples. It seemed that the lie about being Ben's fiancée had earned Linda official recognition as Ben's spouse. She blushed when she realised it, and told the nurse that it was not entirely true. The lady merely tucked her in the bed and smiled, threatening to return with medication if Linda did not get some sleep soon. The girl smiled back and took Benny's hand into hers.

Linda talked to him practically all night long. She told him of some adventures she had on native country, and many impressions on Canada, not entirely believing she was there. Benny, however, did not recover his senses. Linda longed to see the blue eyes cast at her, in a way that always made her heart swell with love. Carefully, Linda rested her head in Benny's chest, the sound of his beating heart making her sleep.

Then the dreaded hour came.

 On to part 7.