There was a quiet joy in Linda over the next few weeks. She was very busy doing her exercises and physiotherapy. It also pleased her that sometimes Ben would be with her, but not just to watch and support her - he, too, needed some therapy due to his wound, and they did it together.

When Linda was pronounced fit for pool therapy, she insisted to have Ben with her. He got permission, and Ray was happy to play towel boy for them and their therapists, mindful of the Armani suit, of course. Both their therapists allowed them a few minutes of relaxing in the pool, and they got together.

Those were magical moments, and Linda almost felt in heaven. They kept on sliding through the water, their bodies weighing almost nothing, Ben's arms around her. Half-playing, half-caressing, their bodies kept in constant contact, and it was almost a reward to those tough exercises Linda was doing. After so much time apart, their bodies needed re-acquaintance and intimacy. Their love needed that, too.

But the exercises were paying off, too. It seemed she would be getting those crutches sooner than expected. Things never looked brighter, and all doctors agreed that the perspectives were excellent.

At first, the new medication frightened Ben a little. Linda would grow pale suddenly, and her breath would change, and he would put her in his arms gently. It was not often that she lost her senses, but if an attack happened during therapy, it would be stronger. She would get back to her senses in his arms, and then she would be all shy and apologise for causing him trouble. Ben found that endearing on the one side, yet it disturbed him somewhat. The inquisitive Mountie had searched for medical advice, and was told that it was an unavoidable side effect. He did not get conformed by the answer, but he let it go, because she seemed much better. Also, or maybe because of it, she seemed so happy and full of life that his heart melted.

They spend a lot of time together, yet they craved more intimacy. So they devised a plan. Later, they would not remember who had the original idea, but they both worked the final plan together. It turned out to be bold and daring. But they never thought about it that way.

There were other forces driving them to it...

Fraser went to the nurses' station and saw Patty on duty. With his winning smile, he said, "Good evening."

"Hello, Ben. How is our girl?"

"She is sound asleep. Isn't it time for her medicine?"

"Yes, almost. About you? Can't sleep?"

"Actually, I thought I could stretch my legs. It would give me the chance to stop by and offer to give her the next round of medication."

"Sorry, Ben. We discussed it before. Hospital rules are strict. Only personnel can administer medication to the in-patients."

"I know. It's just that... Linda is sound asleep now, and then she has to wake up to take the medicine, but after that she may not sleep again. I could let her sleep a little longer."

"I understand." The old nurse smiled in a sympathetic way. "But this is the last dose of the night. She can sleep straight till morning after that."

"All right," Fraser sighed, sounding compliant. "Well, I thought I could give it a try. Thanks anyway."

"Actually, Ben, if you wait up", she said, grabbing a tray. "I'll go with you right now."

Ben escorted the nurse to the darkened room and watched as Linda took her medicine. He smiled as Patty went out the door, nice and polite as always.

Linda sat up when she heard the door close. "Is she gone?"

Ben was still smiling, but there was an evil gleam in his smile as he nodded. "Yes." He also used the key to lock the door without turning his back on Linda.

Grinning nervously, Linda watched as he slowly grew closer to the bed. "Ben, are you sure? I mean, someone could walk in..."

"I've locked the door." He climbed up the bed and took her into his arms. "Linda, if you don't want this..."

She put her finger on his lips, silencing him. "Of course I do, Ben. I miss you."

Their lips met and the embrace deepened. As they hungrily explored their mouths, Linda could feel his heart beating fast next to her, their bodies slowly rising in temperature. Their breathing rate was also increasing.

Linda could hardly believe she had Fraser in her arms again. It seemed an eternity since they had such an intimate moment. This time, though, she could feel her blood travelling to her groin. She still had no motion in her legs, but she could feel a lot of pretty giddy sensations from her waist down.

Ben whispered in her ear, "We have to be very quiet."

Linda gasped, as his hands began pushing her hospital gown. She could hardly answer, "No promises."

Her fingers swiftly got busy unbuttoning his shirt, too, as he showered kisses on her neck. The shirt slid to the floor and Fraser helped Linda get out of the hospital gown. Finally, they were both bare-chest. The contact of skin against skin seemed electrical, and Linda trembled all over. Fraser pulled her closer to his body, his lips roaming over her full breasts as she gasped, trying to repress a moan of pleasure.

He gently sucked on a nipple, then came to the other as Linda panted, her hands on his dark pelt, her head thrown back in ecstasy. Her hands went to his belt, his zipper, and in minutes, he squirmed out of his tight jeans.

Ben relieved Linda of the last pieces of clothing and lay by her side, both of them naked, kissing hungrily in the large hospital bed. With a minimum of effort, Linda was on top of Fraser, kissing her way around that pale Canadian perfection of his biceps and chest. She could feel his need, hard and hot, pressing her thigh. And she could almost cry, just because she could feel it, after so long.

"Benny... I missed you so..."

Ben pulled her up and kissed her thoroughly. "I was going crazy without you..." He smiled with her lips in his. "Now I am crazy about you..."

Their mouths met again, and breathing through their noses brought a loud noise in the quiet room. Linda did not have that much mobility, but she managed to grab his manhood in her warm hands. Ben gasped, and Linda squeezed it gently through her fingers. She could feel herself getting wetter between her legs.

Linda began pumping gently his cock, generously lubed by pre-cum. It brought her immense relief that she could feel her desire building up inside her loins. The feeling was enhanced by the fact that they hadn't done it for so long. The last time they tried it she was unable to experience all the wonderful thrills that were taking over her body in that moment.

Ben moaned and bucked his hips tentatively when she took a rhythm in her pumping. Linda had to stop. Benny whimpered.

"We have to be very quiet," she warned. "Someone may hear us."

"Don't stop... please."

His voice was strangled and brought shivers to her body. While showering his neck with wet, loving kisses, Linda resumed her motion up and down his silken shaft, and felt it engorging between her fingers.

Suddenly, Ben attached his hips to hers, grabbed her using both hands on her shoulders and used his superior strength to flip them over, coming on the top of her. It was such a swift movement that Linda's yelp of surprise died in his mouth, and it was also so precise that she was not harmed in any way. She had to let his penis go.

Towering over her, sitting back on his haunches, Ben let his lust-filled eyes gaze all over her body. Linda felt so exposed and so open to him, and her heart was aching from both desire and love for this man. He leaned in to let his hands roam over her breasts, feeling her warm skin. She closed her eyes and threw her head back, his touch acting as a discharge in her body.

Gently, he spread her legs, and put them to rest over his. Then he lay upon her, his breath faltering as his throbbing cock felt the proximity of her humid heat. He looked up to huge green eyes expectantly fixed on him.

"Ben... Please..."

Unlike last time they have been together, now there was no doubt in Ben's heart. He guided his swollen manhood to her opening with loving gentleness and slid in. Linda held a sob inside her chest, tight with expectation to feel Ben inside her again. Ben felt her so tight, or could it be that he was too big, but the sensation was indescribable. Sheathed deep inside her, he let go a breath he did not know he was holding. So did Linda, sighing in pleasure, happiness and fulfilment.

Being able to feel all those things again was amazing to Linda. She wished she could move her hips, because somehow she knew Ben would not last long, either would she. They were both too excited, and nervous.

Such excitement was too much to Ben. Once he was inside Linda, his body reacted in full recognition to the woman who had won his heart. He tried hard to keep his control so he would not hurt her with his thrusts. But Linda's soft moans, escaping her lips against her will, spun him to another dimension.

Linda held to Ben tightly, not only because he was riding her like a madman but also in an attempt to prevent her from crying loud enough to wake the whole ward in the middle of the night. She was making a physical effort to contain her wailing.

So much, so soon. Ben felt the pressure building inside his loins and held his breath trying to prolong their pleasure. Linda could not do such things. There was much about her body she still had no control, so she bit her lip hard when she came, arching her body as she could. Her tremors and the muffled cries she managed to swallow sent Fraser fumbling over the edge. With a loud grunt and a final long thrust, he let his seed inside her, and that hurled her to a second orgasm. Ben let his body go limp over hers, and she embraced his hot sweaty body with love and tenderness.

Trying to recover her breath, Linda discovered she was having a hard time doing so because she was quite happy. She felt Ben's cheek near her heart and suppressed a happy sob, running her both hands in his silky hair. Tears escaped her closed eyelids.

Ben raised his head and saw Linda crying. He used his fingertips to gently wipe her tears, startling her. Huge green eyes stared at his, and she smiled, still unable to contain her tears.

"I am so happy..."

He smiled, too, in a tender fashion that melted her heart. "I am very happy, too. I missed you, too, Linda."

Her eyes shone. "Oh, Ben, please, hold me."

Together they stayed for long minutes, lost in each other's arms. Linda wished they were home, so they could spend the whole night like this. She knew, however, that they were pressing their luck. It was just a matter of time until some nurse came inside the room.

It seemed Ben was having the same thoughts. "I wish we could be like this the whole night long. But someone will come in at any moment..."

Linda shrugged. "The nurses have seen us holding each other before."

"Not naked, though." Ben reminded, and Linda suppressed a giggle imagining the scene. "You think that's funny?"

"Of course it would be, Ben. I would feel so embarrassed. And so would you. You'd get all red and then you'd stammer a lot."

"You are right. That is why," he sat up kissing her arm, "we must not fall asleep now." He jumped out of bed and Linda whimpered. He went in the bathroom and took a washcloth. Linda shook her head.

"We should change the sheets first."

"Good idea."

He put down the washcloth, moved Linda to his own bed, changed the sheets on her bed and then put Linda back. He half kissed, half-cleaned her body, as she kissed his.

When Linda was clean, Benny took her in his arms and said, "We really should get some rest."

"I guess you are right." She sighed. "But can you stay with me? I mean, in this bed?"

"Of course. I just want to get you dressed first."

Ben helped Linda get dressed, then settled her in his arms as they got ready to sleep. Linda's heart was soaring high. She couldn't wait until they could be once more together in their apartment.

After two weeks of medical leave and many protests from a fiercely protective Ma Vecchio, Benton Fraser took Diefenbaker and they returned to their apartment, making Mrs. Mutchnik practically squeal in delight. The Vecchio clan had already helped cleaning the abandoned apartment, so all they needed to do was plug the phone back, clean both dog dishes and take the dress uniforms to the cleaners. It was a chance for Dief to get a good walk, too.

Ray had insisted on Benny staying at the house so he could avoid feeling alone, because Linda was still at the hospital. Dr. Lennyard seemed adamant in not letting her go until she could move around in the crutches. Her first try would be next week, when Ben returned to work.

That was the only thing Ben did not look forward to go. Work. It would steal time away from Linda and this, in Ben's opinion, had been done too much in the last few months for his liking. He knew that, if he requested more medical leave time, inspector Thatcher would not deny it and he could be with Linda, but he would not feel good about it. The first few days away from her would be difficult, he knew it, but he would handle it. Missing Linda caused him more pain than that bullet. But there was something his keen eye was not amiss.

Discreet as always, Ben saw his Italian friend growing silent. Ray was getting gloomy. Of course, he hardly showed it in the visits to Linda, but at the house, he hardly ever spoke, and then he said he did not want to worry Benny with his work, because Benny was on medical leave and needed to recover. The Canadian frowned at that, but decided not to pursue the issue because he knew Ray would get upset. Ben knew one of Ray's cases involved Mr. Carbonelli, and it was not going anywhere. Maybe that was the reason for his friend's irritation.

"Hey, Benny."

"Hello, Ray." Ben's voice had a tone of amusement.

"What? Can't I visit a friend?"

"Of course you can, Ray. Come in. I just find it odd that you stopped by, considering we've seen each other at the hospital a few hours ago."

Ray went inside, carrying a small box. "Ma wanted you to have a nice dinner. She knows your kitchen is empty."

"That was very kind of her, Ray." Ben retrieved the container as Ray sat on the kitchen table. "Tell her I am grateful."

"Er... Benny, can we talk for a sec?"

Ben knew it would not take only a second. "Of course, Ray." He put the kettle to boil water and sat by his friend. "What do you want to talk about?"

"I gotta apologise to you, Benny." Ray seemed so sad and he looked at his hands on the table, twisting nervously. "I failed you and Linda, and now I am trying to make it up to you."

"Ray, what are you talking about?"

The cop sighed loudly and just uttered, "Your child. You baby. Yours and Linda's. I lost it."

The impact was so strong, that for a few minutes Ben did not register it. That was what happened when the Staff Sergeant told him his father had been shot, that was what happened when he was arrested for Linda's murder and did not know for sure if she was alive. Now Ray was telling him about his baby.

Fortunately, Ray saved him the obvious question. "Carbonelli spilled the beans and did not even ask for a deal for that one. He said he liked Linda and was pissed because that psycho bitch stole Linda's kid, so he'd give the information for free. And he did it."

Ray sighed again as Benny digested his words. There was painful silence for a few minutes, until the kettle whistled and Benny moved mechanically to prepare the tea. Ray watched him carefully. "Benny, I don't know how you feel about it. You never said anything, so I am asking."

The tea was in the pot. Benny looked at the wall and answered in a neutral voice. "OK."

"OK what?"

"Ask what you want, Ray."

"I just... I want to know how you feel about it, Benny."

There was a perfect Mountie mask in Benny's face. But Ray knew better than to get fooled and saw the way Benny's hands were trembling, and that he was looking at the table again. "I... am just surprised, Ray." His voice was different. "A little... confused, I guess."

"I ask because it's up to you how we handle this, Benny. You call the shots on this one."

"Why do you say that, Ray?"

"Because we have to know how to tell Linda about it."

Now it was Benny's turn to sigh. He looked at his lap, and remembered all the times that Linda mentioned the subject. She was beyond control and went hysterical at the mere mention of the baby. The whole episode had left her traumatised, and the scars were not even there yet - the wound would not heal.

"Why didn't you tell me about it before?"

"You were still recovering from a gun wound. At that time, it seemed easy to get the kid. But then - things got complicated. We may be headed to another complicated lawsuit, Benny. It might take years, and these family disputes are always so painful. I just want to know where you stand on this."

Carefully, Benny sat back down and poured tea. Finally, he looked up at Ray, his blue eyes gleaming in the small kitchen as he asked. "Tell me the situation."

This time Ray felt a little relieved. All this tension in the last weeks was taking its toll on the Chicagoan. He took a sip from his cup, and made a face when he realised it was tea. But it was warm and good, and he needed that.

Ray's tale began with a name and a city. All Carbonelli knew about the baby was that it had been sold to a couple who lived in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Their name was Kilshaw: Judith e Alan Kilshaw.

Following standard procedures, Ray ran a sheet on them, and realised he had stumbled across good law-abiding citizens. He was a rich man who inherited some family agribusiness and she had a fancy clothes shop in an elegant mall downtown. Also following standard procedures, Ray asked GB Police to help in a warrant.

Then they had disappeared. Friends and employees knew only they suddenly had taken a vacation somewhere down south. It had happened when Ray took a weekend off to go to Wisconsin and told everyone he was on a stakeout near Cicero. When he arrived there, and the PD arranged for the warrant, the house (or manor) was empty. The servants told the family had gone south.

Further investigation only increased hints that the Kilshaws had been tipped about police involvement. The servants confirmed Victoria had been a frequent visitor. She was identified as a social assistant who helped the Kilshaw couple to adopt the baby, Robert. They hadn't seen her in months, though.

Fraser cringed when he heard the name of the child. It was his father's.

"Now we are tracking them. South they did not go, because their beach house in Coral Gables, Florida, is empty. They did not leave the country, either, because we got that covered. There is an APB for all three of them."

"Why would they leave? What reasons do they have to get away?"

"Fraser, put yourself in their place. They most certainly know that this kid is not legal, or at least that that social worker was not kosher. Leaving suddenly before the police arrived is almost admission of that. They had the kid to lose, not to mention the scandal. I can even understand."

Fraser sighed, and realised he was tired. Ray drained his cup of tea and shrugged. "So, it's a case. I mean, not quite. Look, Fraser, what I want you to see is that this case is complicated, and we still need some serious tracking to do. They're on the run, but they have the kid. It'd take a long time and suffering to bring this kid back - if you want it."

"That is what you are really asking me, right, Ray?" Fraser gave him a sad smile. "You are asking me if I want to fight for my son."

"Don't get me wrong, Benny. I feel bad enough to know that I had them and they slipped, but I'm also thinking about Linda. You know that she flips every time the kid is mentioned. I mean, you should have seen the look in her eyes when she told me Carbonelli knew about the kid. Benny, she looked so alive, and she was glowing, and she -"

"Ray. Ray. Ray. Ray". Fraser put his hand over Ray's slender ones. "It is all right, Ray. We can do it. And we will."

"I'm telling you, Benny, it's your call. Or you can also tell that doctor of hers about it. He might give us a light on how to handle it."

Fraser frowned at that. He and Dr. Lennyard had long-term problems, mostly regarding Linda's well-being. The weirdest part is that both were worried about her.

Ray conceded. "I know you don't like him too much, but you gotta agree that talking to him is the best thing to do for Linda."

The Mountie let his head drop, then rubbed his eyes. "I suppose you are right in more ways than one. After all, not only is he her psychiatrist, but also her legal guardian."

"Yes, that he is. Like I said, Benny: it's for her good. Did she tell you about it? Has she asked you about it?"

"She used to mention it more often when I first arrived from Canada. After you told her that Carbonelli wouldn't disclose the information, then she rarely spoke about it. She knows I was on medical leave and that I was not working in the case."

"I have not told her any of this. I didn't want to raise her expectations, but I hate to make her feel as if I don't even care, you know?"

Fraser nodded. "I understand, Ray. I also appreciate what you are doing. I am sure Linda does, too."

The Italian shrugged. "That's what friends are for, Benny. Besides, do you see the way Linda looks every time she mentions the kid? It means so much to her. I'd hate to see what a long lawsuit would do to her. She's already suffered so much, Benny."

"I know. It is like an open wound." Ben sounded regretful. "One of many."

Ray put a hand on his friend's shoulder. "We will get over all of them, Benny. I'm sure all of us will."

Ben smiled, feeling his chest warming up at such wonderful friend. "Thank you, Ray."

"No problem, pal." Ray rose. "Look, I gotta run now. Do you want to go with me check on some of the Kilshaw's friends?"

"Sure. I have the morning shift tomorrow."

"Good. We can make interviews at night, so you don't miss visiting hours at the hospital. Take care."

"Good night, Ray."

Linda's first contact with the crutches took longer than expected. The therapists and Dr. Wilson agreed that first she must stand by herself in at least one leg. It implied many more exercises outside the pool. She tired herself easily, but she never hesitated. Anyone could see that Linda was highly motivated.

Dr. Wilson even said she might be overdoing it. Her muscles needed time to shape up, and Linda was speeding up too much. Dr. Lennyard found that suspicious.

"You look very happy, Linda."

"Things look great, doctor," she was smiling. "Dr. Wilson says I might get to the crutches in no time."

"It is good to see you so motivated. How do you feel?"

"I will be able to walk again, doctor. I need to."

"Need to? Why?"

"Everything depends on it. Things will only get going once I start walking. So I gotta do it as soon as I can."

"What kind of things will get going, Linda?"

"The future. Everything."

"Can't you be more specific? I can't see what you mean when say "the future".

"I mean all other things." She counted on her fingers as she enumerated the items. "When I star walking again, then I will be able to get a job, I can have my baby back, I can marry Ben - and this is just to mention the big things. In the little things, I will be able to walk Dief again, or cook, and take care of myself."

"Linda, many things you mentioned does not require the ability to walk. You and Constable Fraser can get married regarded of your paralysis."

"I know. But I want to do it on my own feet."

"You can also have your baby back without having to walk."

"But the child is already walking. How can I run after the little one in a wheelchair or on a pair of crutches?"

"Other mothers do it, Linda. You can learn from them."

"But I want to walk."

"And it is fine that you want it. I am just alerting you to do it for the right reasons".

"I think my baby is a good reason."

"Of course it is. It is a beautiful reason. But it can't be the only reason."

Linda smiled dreamily. "I can't wait till I have my baby in my arms. I have been dreaming about it."

"Really? Want to tell me about it?"

"No. It's nothing specific about it. I just have these dreams of playing with the baby, changing his diapers, feeding it. I know that it is older than what I picture in my dreams, but I feel so good having it in my arms. Benny looks so proud, too."

"It sure is a beautiful picture, Linda. But having a baby is a great responsibility. Are you sure you are up to it?"

She admitted. "Sometimes I think about it and I get scared. But Ben will be with me, and we can work it out together. Ma will be glad to help, too, I know she will. But it means so much to me to take care of my child."

"I need to ask you this, Linda. What if this beautiful picture of yours never comes true?"

"What do you mean?"

"Linda, what if you cannot retrieve your baby?"

"How?"

"What happens if for some reason you cannot have your baby back as you plan?"

Linda was surprised. "No, it won't happen". She though he might be joking. "No, Mr. Carbonelli knows where my baby is, and he promised me..."

"Linda, the man is a mobster. People like him have a reputation of not keeping promises, he has no special reason to keep the one he made you."

"But he was very upset when he heard what happened to me. Why wouldn't he keep his promise?"

"Detective Vecchio has explained to you that he has not been able to struck a deal that would enable Carbonelli to give the information."

"Ray will do it." Linda seemed near breaking point. "Ray will do the best he can."

"I'm sure he will. All I'm saying is that maybe you should open yourself to the possibility that retrieving your baby may not be easy or possible."

By the look in Linda's eyes, that was clearly a possibility she had not envisioned. She merely shut up and looked down. The doctor sighed.

"I'm not saying anything, Linda. I just don't want you to have an impact in case everything fails. OK?"

She stared at her lap, wordlessly. Tears started to flow in her silence, and Dr. Lennyard sighed. He knew he had struck a deep wound.

It did not take long till the Kilshaws were found. Actually, they were not hiding. Their names were picked up in a hotel downtown Pittsburgh. Ray immediately alerted the local police department to set up a surveillance team on them. They were not to approach, just to tag them night and day until the bureaucracy and Welsh could free him to get there.

"Canadian Consulate, Constable Fraser speaking."

"Benny?"

"Hello, Ray."

"How long will it take you to pack?"

A Canadian heart missed a beat. "You found them?"

"All three of them. We gotta take a short trip."

"I will let you know."

"Hi, Ben."

"Hello, Linda. Are you OK?"

"I am fine, Ben. I am waiting for you so we can go to the pool together today."

"I am sorry, Linda, I won't be able to make it. Ray has asked me to help on a case. We will be out all night. Do you mind?"

"Of couse not, Ben. I am glad you will be with Ray for a while. You guys haven't had hardly any time together lately."

Linda thought she heard Fraser gasp. His voice was sure different when he said. "I will be in touch, then."

"OK. Love you forever, Ben."

"I love you, too."

Fraser hung up. Besides the click of the phone, he could almost hear the sound of his heart breaking as he lied to he woman he loved.

More heartbreak was on Benton Fraser's way by the time he arrived in Pittsburgh later that night. The uniforms that tagged on the Kilshaws not only had the warrant issued, but they also reported they had no trouble at all: the couple did not leave the premises of the city's world-famous Children's Hospital.

That sent both Fraser and Ray at top speed to the hospital. When they asked for the Kilshaw, they were told they were Dr. Minardi's patients.

"Are you Minardi?", Ray asked an elder gentleman in an apron.

"Yes?"

The badge was flashed and he asked, "We are looking for Judith and Alan Kilshaw."

"Detective, if you are not friend or family, I would advise to try to get a hold of them later. It was such a terrible timing."

"What happened?"

"I am afraid their son did not make it. He died a few minutes ago."

It was strange hearing that, thought Fraser. He did not even know the child, never laid his eyes upon the kid, but the doctor's words send a wave of pain, and the Mountie staggered with force of the impact. Ray had to steady him. "Benny?"

The physician saw the man in dark hair blanch. "Are you friends or family?"

Ray answered with difficulty. "He is... family."

"Come this way."

Both followed the doctor, and Fraser silently dismissed Ray's help. The Italian was aghast. Of course it had occurred to Ray that the stoic Mountie would have feelings for his child, but that his legendary Fraser control would fail like it did was unthinkable to the cop.

The doctor took them to the hospital ecumenical chapel, a happy and illuminated place where all images were made of children, and infantile angels abound. There he gestured to a couple hunched in one of the seats, obviously in great distress.

Without a word, Dr. Minardi backed away, and Ray and Fraser approached the couple wearily. Ray could think of a dozen places that he'd rather be that moment. But he had to do it.

"Mr. Kilshaw?"

The man was in his late thirties, the woman was in her early thirties. They were young, attractive and obviously wealthy, and yet they now looked old. "Yes?", said the man, wiping his tears, never letting go of his wife.

"Mr. Kilshaw, I am Ray Vecchio and this is Benton Fraser."

Alan Kilshaw focused his eyes on both, and he seemed to pay particular attention to Fraser. "Do I know you? You look familiar."

Fraser seemed unable to articulate a word, so Ray took the initiative once more. "No, Mr, Kilshaw you don't know us. We came to talk to you."

"Please, sir", the man was ready to fall into pieces. "Can't this wait? We are grieving the loss of our child!"

Finally Fraser moved, tears in his furiously blue eyes, as he hissed, "I believe you are grieving the loss of my child."

Astonished, Kilshaw rose his head to look in his eyes. Then he realised why Fraser's face was so familiar to him. The young man grew paler and gasped. "Oh, dear Lord." He turned to his wife. "Jude, look at him."

The woman obeyed and, much more rapidly than her husband, she whispered, in awe, as her hand went to her mouth. "Oh, God! He looks like Bobby."

Fraser nodded, "I have reasons to believe I am Robert's father."

There was a silence as all those words sunk in. Ray asked, "Is there a place we can talk about it?"

Suddenly, Judith asked in tears and rage, "What do you want from us? The child is gone! Don't you know we have nothing more? We lost everything! If you wanted him back, you're late! It's too late! Too late!"

The woman could not say anything else, deep grief in her, and she burst into tears. The husband consoled her, then asked, still clutching to the crying woman, "Please, gentleman. Could we have a moment of privacy?"

"Of course," Ray took Ben by the arm. "Let's go, Benny."

They got out of the chapel, and stood outside the entrance, by the hall. Fraser felt Ray's hand on his shoulder all the time.

"Are you OK, Benny?"

"Yes, I - " Fraser was pale and shaky. "I guess - I - "

He closed his eyes and leaned against the wall, with a big sigh, unable to speak. Long Italian arms enveloped him suddenly. It was such a comforting embrace that Fraser did not resist. After a few minutes, they parted.

"I am sorry, Benny," said Ray, and he sounded as devastated as he looked. "I never had a child, but I feel the loss of your kid as if it were mine. Believe me."

Fraser fought back the tears. "Thank you, Ray." He cleaned his throat, then said. "I guess we better concentrate on the case. It is... the best venue of action."

Ray patted him on the back. "Yes, buddy. Whatever you say. I'm here for you."

They exchanged glances of quiet gratitude and reassurance, a trait they have always shared: some sort of telepathy, typical of great friendships. There was no need to speak aloud what they knew inside.

Dr. Minardi approached them in the hall. "I am sorry about your loss."

Fraser took the initiative. "Can you tell us what happened?"

"We did everything we could. The boy had a serious heart condition which we knew nothing about. I mean, his little heart simply was not strong enough. Too bad his disease has never shown any symptoms before. There might be ways to treat it. But we found out too late."

"How long was he here?"

"We fought the disease for at least two weeks. In the end, it was quite hard. We did everything we could. But the cause was a genetic malformation, probably drug induced."

"Drug induced?"

"Yes. Robert was an adopted child. We had information that the biological mother took a lot of drugs during the pregnancy. But it is only a theory."

Ray felt a pang in his chest, and Fraser just stared at the doctor, getting even paler. The doctor never noticed it, and went on, "I really wish we could have done more. They are just devastated. This child meant the world to them."

Quietly, Fraser tried to be polite. "I am sure you did your best, doctor, and I am really grateful for that."

There was an awkward silence. "So you two also came from Wisconsin?"

Ray answered. "Chicago. We drove here."

"Long haul. Well, I have other patients to see now. You can make yourselves at home and don't hesitate to look for me if you have any more questions."

"We might have to do that in an official capacity, sir," Ray made it clear. "Would you be willing to make a statement?"

"Of course. I just don't know why should it become a police matter."

"This kid was stolen from his real mother a while back. She was forced to take those drugs."

"Oh, no. What a horrible thing." The doctor's black eyes widened. "I understand. Well, I don't know what I can do to help, but I can make a statement, yes."

"We appreciate it, sir."

Dr. Minardi was gone when the Kilshaws stepped out of the chapel, hanging on to each other. Both looked shattered. Alan Kilshaw went straight to them. "Please, can't we do this later?"

"I am sorry, sir, this can't wait. We came a long way to see you."

"A long way?"

"We came from Chicago," Ray put his business card in the man's hand. "I am Detective Ray Vecchio, Chicago PD. This is Constable Fraser, from the Canadian Mounted Police. I believe we have much to discuss, and it would be best if we did it now."

The man was obviously puzzled by the two men, and then he sighed and turned to his wife. "Honey, we better do this."

The woman, with red puffed eyes, nodded, and Alan guided them. "We better go to the cafeteria."

"Maybe I should apologise for the way I treated you both before. I trust you will understand." Alan Kilshaw looked at the Styrofoam cup in front of him and sighed, his hand clutched on his wife's arm. "This is so hard."

"I understand", said Fraser. "Believe me, it is hard for us, too."

The young man looked at the Canadian, with a mix of emotions. He almost smiled ruefully. "God, you really look like him."

"Yes", agreed Judith, in a cracked voice. "It's like seeing Bobby becomes a man..." She was struggling not to start crying again, so he avoided looking at Fraser.

Before things turned too emotional and someone ended doing something regretful, Ray said, "I think the best we can do here is to gather facts. We are here on a case, and we have been trying to locate this child for a long time."

"Why? What do you want?"

"A crime has been committed, Mr. Kilshaw. This child was produced and kidnapped from her real mother."

That sent the couple in shock. "Produced? K-kidnapped?"

"Oh, Alan."

Ray exchanged glances with Fraser. It was obvious that the Kilshaws were not aware of everything that transpired. Alan made a nervous gesture, "Are you sure? I only ask because we adopted this baby legally. The whole process was made through a social worker from Child Services." It was easy to see that he was trying hard not to get into panic.

Fraser stated, "The mother was raped, then she taken away throughout the pregnancy period, and after that the baby was taken from her."

Judith was scandalised. "Oh, my God. Is she your wife?"

"Not exactly, but we have a stable relationship."

"We did not know that. Oh, geez", Alan was feeling nauseous.

Ray produced a photograph from his jacket. "Do you recognise this woman?"

Alan took the picture in his hands and showed it to his startled wife. "Yes, that is Mrs. Baylor. She is the woman from Child Services who handled Bobby's process."

It was a picture of Victoria.

"What did she tell you?"

"She said she knew a baby who could fit us well. Said the mother was a drug addict and the father had walked away on her, so she did not want the kid. But to let the kid go, the mother wanted a indemnity, according to her."

Fraser had his hands balled in fists and his knuckles were white at the sheer effort of controlling his emotions. Ray himself was flushed with rage, and tried to explain to the open-eyed Kilshaws. "That woman is wanted for murder and robbery in two countries. She was the one responsible for everything: the kidnapping, the drugs... Probably the rape, too."

Judith gasped, and Alan was right at the point of a nervous breakdown. "The doctor said that the drugs his mother took could explain the bad formation of his condition."

"Well, that was this woman's fault, too. She is a bank robber, a murderer and she is capable of doing anything for money. Benny arrested her once. In Canada, that is. She is wanted there, too."

Alan frowned. "Is that true? You are a Mountie?"

"Yes, I am. So was Robert's grandfather. His name was also Robert."

There was a quiet silence in the table of the hospital cafeteria. Alan lowered his voice. "Please, detective, you have to believe me. We did not know any of this. We took that woman for real, and we trusted her."

Ray asked, "Have you seen her lately?"

"No. She visited us for a while after Bobby arrived. We thought it was nice that she kept on checking on us. Come to think of it, she usually asked if strangers were around the house. She said the Bobby's mother was into drugs, so she might be in trouble with drug dealers. Then she said that she was going to be transferred. We tried to contact her the first time the illness attacked Bobby, but we always reached a wrong number. The last time we saw her was almost a year ago. I guess. Bobby wasn't even walking yet."

"So you really thought everything was legit?"

"I swear to you," said Alan. "I never even suspected." Fraser believed he was telling the truth.

Ray instructed, "Your best choice to avoid the possible charges is to work with the police to find this woman."

"Of course," Alan agreed eagerly. "Anything."

"Good", said Ray, trying to sound serious, but not menacing. "You have my card with my numbers from Chicago. I will try to make you give your statements without leaving Wisconsin. This is a federal case, and the woman in question is wanted by both the FBI and the RCMP, so there is a chance you will be able to give your depositions to the Feds. I am afraid we need to hear you both."

Alan looked at his wife, and she nodded wearily. Ray said, "I am sorry for these circumstances. But now I think you know who is really to blame for everything."

A few tears escaped Judith's eyes. "Thanks, detective." She looked up Fraser, and it was obviously painful for her. "Please, sir... Mr... I forgot your name."

"Fraser, Ma'am. Constable Benton Fraser."

"You know Bobby's mother?"

"Yes, ma'am."

"Tell me sincerely: did she ever want her son?"

Fraser felt his throat tightening, and then took a deep breath before he had a voice to speak. "Mrs. Kilshaw, her name is Linda. I can personally attest her distress regarding this subject. She was hoping to obtain custody of the child, and the news of his death will surely devastate her."

The woman studied Fraser carefully. She seemed satisfied with what she saw and said, "I am sorry for her, too."

Fraser schooled his emotions and replied, "Thank you."

Ray said, "Look, I know it is late, and you both are exhausted, but I insist on your going to give your depositions as soon as possible."

Alan reassured, "We will, detective".

"As distressful as it seems, a post-mortem exam performed by a coroner would also come in handy. This will add up in the charges against that woman. She may be held responsible for the child's death, too."

This time Alan merely had the strength to nod, and silently urged his wife to rise from the table. Fraser stopped them. "Please, Mr. Kilshaw, if I may be so bold..."

"Yes, Constable?"

Fraser seemed stricken and embarrassed. "I wanted to ask you a favour. It is personal, and you have every right to refuse it."

"I understand. What is it?"

The Canadian's voice failed and his eyes shone with unshed tears. "Do you have a... photograph of the child? I would like to see it."

It was Judith's eyes that filled with tears before she galvanised into action and searched inside her very fancy and expensive purse. "Of course."

She produced a leather wallet and from there came a small picture. Fraser took it in shaky hands, Ray craned his neck to watch it, too.

No doubt the kid was a Fraser. There was a dark pelt, the winning smile in round, soft childish features. Huge blue eyes staring at the camera held all Linda's expression. Fraser felt his heart almost stopping at the sight. He swallowed dryly and handed it back to Mrs. Kilshaw. "Thank you kindly." His voice was subdued.

She shook her head. "No. You keep it, Mr. Fraser."

His hands shook even more, and his voice was reduced. "I... I am very grateful."

Alan Kilshaw put his arm on his wife's shoulders and nodded to the two cops, then both walked out of the cafeteria without another word. For a while, Fraser stared at the picture, trying to handle his emotions. Ray put a hand on his shoulder and whispered, "Let's go, Benny."

Mechanically, Fraser nodded and let himself be led out. He found it difficult to focus while Ray made arrangements with the Pittsburgh local police and called the FBI for an update on the case. It was hard for him to identify his feelings.

Ray watched his Canadian friend with both weariness and grief. The cop had seen him go through some very difficult situation. He knew Fraser was not the hero some people imagined. He knew Fraser had flaws and weaknesses like any human being. Few times, though, had Ray seen the Mountie so open and vulnerable.

However, Fraser was not a man who was easily helped, either. Ray figured the best way he could help his friend was to provide him with information and facts, as many as he could, so they could find Victoria and make her pay for every hell she created. Ray was tired of finding bad things happening to Linda and seeing that each and every one of them had Victoria's signature.

The cop had never thought it possible, but for the first time in life he was totally scared. Scared that he might actually be capable of murdering someone and not feel guilty about it.

On to Part 10 .