Paradise Lost 01

This is a story that my friend Leslie is writing and I got permission to put up up here! I'll forward feedback if you leave it.

Chapter 1

Meg Cummings smiled to herself as she drove her dads pickup truck to the supermarket. She was so happy to be leaving Ludlow. She hated living in such a small town. She couldn’t wait to go to California and start a new life. Her bestie Tina was going to let her be roomies in a beautiful ocean side apartment in Sunset Beach, a seaside community that to Meg sounded like heaven compared to two bit Ludlow. As she walked into the market she realized how different her life was about to become “Tomorrow at this time I will be looking out over the ocean” Meg couldn’t help but giggle as she thought of all the new adventures that she was about to embark on.

Ben Evans straightened his tie as he looked at himself in the mirror “Very dapper if I should say so”  At 32 years old Ben had accomplished what his parents back in London never thought he would. He was a self made millionaire and a very smart businessman. But with being a workaholic that meant he had no time for any kind of social life. Another thing his parents harp on. When are you going to get married and settle down? When will we be grandparents? He smiled to himself. It’s not like he wasn’t interested in dating and maybe even in marrying, it’s just that he hasn’t found the time to do so. He picked up his briefcase and as he opened the front door of his beach house he took a deep breath of the ocean air. How he loved this quaint little beach community “Oh Sunset Beach…just another day in paradise” He closed the door and headed to his car to go to the office.

Maria Torres looked over at her brother Ricardo “Didn’t you hear me Maria?” She took a sip of her coffee and shook her head “I’m sorry Ricky. I guess my mind is wandering today” Ricardo smiled. His younger sister was so beautiful and he was very protective of her. He looked at her with love in his eyes “So why is my little sis so preoccupied today?” Maria shrugged even though inside she knew exactly what was wrong with her. Of course telling her big brother about her day dreams would set his protectiveness of her off the radar. She gave Ricardo one of her joyous laughs “It’s really nothing…just work that’s all” As she continued to drink her coffee, she glanced across the street and watched as the reason for her preoccupation got out of his car and walked into the office building on the corner. Maria sighed deeply, a reaction that Ricardo noticed but decided to let it go, for now anyway. Maria smiled to herself ‘Ben Evans…….Ben……’ She got up abruptly “I’m sorry Ricky. I just remembered I have something to do” Before Ricardo could respond, Maria practically ran over to her car and took a deep breath “You need to get ahold of yourself “ She laughed as she got into her car and started the engine “You can’t do things like that in front of your brother” She pulled out of the parking lot and decided to go home to a nice hot bath and her day dreams of Ben……..

             TO BE CONTINUED

New header

In honor of my new Due South story I've made a new head-picture for the blog. The photos are snapshots I've made myself from an epiosde of Eastwick and the text is the chorous of the song "Voodoo" by Paul Gross and David Keeley.

Due South - Assignment Europe 05

Chapter 5 – The Canadian Consulate

Senior Constable Benton Fraser, that's what it said on the door to the small room, more like a walk in closet and it felt like home. Ben opened the door and went inside, his sister had kept the room just as neat and tidy as he did himself while she had had his position. Ben looked at his desk for his schedule and saw that he had guard duty from two pm to six pm, which meant he couldn't go meat Stine when she finished work at five. The next note on his desk was a more positive one, it was from Inspector Thatcher explaining that the Consulate had gotten more money and had decided to employ his sister part time. Stine and Ben had met with Maggie a few times and during the weekend that just had passed they had been out for dinner together.

Ben picked up the phone and dialed the Danish Consulate. After listening to some waiting music a voice came to the phone "Welcome to the Danish Consulate in Chicago how may I help you?" "Hello, this is senior constable Benton Fraser of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police at the Canadian Consulate. I'm wishing to speak to my wife Stine Fraser if it's possible" although his presentation was a mouth full he had said it with such ease that it hadn't been boring to listen to him. "Stine, det er din mand på linje ett" The receptionist let her colleague know her husband was calling. "Takk" it felt good to be able to talk Danish at work. She picked the phone up. "Hi" she said softly. "Hi" Ben said back "I don't want to keep you I just wanted you to know that I've got guard duty and don't get off until six" He hadn't stood guard in a long time. Soon after he had arrived in Copenhagen he had gotten new duties that released him of the guard duty. "So I can't pick you up tonight as I promised" Stine smiled at her end she had only seen other RCMPs on guard "Then I can come by and pick you up instead" she suggested "Or we'll meet at home" Ben said, he wasn't sure how he'd react if Stine would come before he finished. He had gotten wooed over and his photo taken with many women thru the years but they were all strangers. Although this would be a test. "Fraser, can I see you in my office" Inspector Thatcher stuck her head inside his office walking by "Sure, I'll be there in a minute" he answered with his hand over the mouth piece. "I need to get back to work. You do what you want tonight" he said when he returned to the call. "I'll see what I'll do" Stine repeated "Jeg elsker dej" she said in Danish "I love you too" Ben said and hung up. Efficiently he stood up, corrected his uniform and gather what material was necessary for a meeting with the Inspector.

“Sir?” Ben said after opening the door “Come on in Fraser” she motioned for the chairs in front of her desk “I'll be with you in a minute” she hated waiting on the phone. As the call wasn't that important she hung up the phone “Why didn't you get Turnbull to wait for the call to come thru?” Ben asked “He's on the guard” “Oh, maybe I should do it?” Margret held up her hand “It can wait Fraser” she said “I just wanted to go over the schedule for this week, have you had time to look it over?” Ben nodded “Of course Sir” “I hope you're OK with standing guard” she said “Of course, that's my duty”. The Inspector didn't know if she should treat her officer any different now that he actually was married, but again she was still his superior. “So, how did you find Denmark?” she asked him “Oh it was quite nice Sir” he answered “I should believe so” she added “and on that note I'd wanted to ask you if you know that the Consulate actually owns some apartments here in town, you can rent one of them if you like” “Thank you kindly Sir” Ben said “We've actually talked about finding a place, nothing fancy though” “Well admit it Fraser, compared to your place everything is fancy” she had been in his apartment once and having served in the RCMP she was used to the simple life but for her best officer to live like that, well it was his own choice. They talked a little about what official business was going on in the week and the week after and came to an end at the party “Now I don't want you to handle your own party, I've put that upon your sister” Thatcher didn't really trust Turnbull either.

Most Consulates where located in the same district actually not far from the police station of the 27th precinct. There were a few blocks between the Danish and Canadian and it took Stine about 15 minutes to walk there. Already in the distance she recognized the tall handsome man. He's really something out of the ordinary she thought and again thanked her lucky star to have met Ben. She hadn't seen this side of him yet and was mesmerized by it. Diefenbaker sat just as still by his side. She took out her phone and stood in front of them to take a photo, satisfied with it she made a mental note to have it developed. When she looked at her watch and saw it was only 5.30 pm she decided to go in and see if the inspector had a few minutes over, there were a few of her new colleagues she'd like to invite for the party next weekend. "Inspector Thatcher" she said when she saw the woman "Hi Mrs Fraser" she said out of the respect she was raised and trained by."Oh please call me Stine, Inspector" Margret who was tired after a long day and the lack of sleep the previous night looked at the younger woman "This is ridiculous isn't it? Us calling each other anything but our first name. I'd be happy if you'd call me Margret" she said. "That I can do" Stine smiled "Do you have a few minutes?" she asked. "Give me a minute to put these away" she showed some files. Stine exchanged a few words with the junior officer at the front desk. Ben had told her that Turnbull was very special in his way of talking. Five minuets later she sat down with Margret. "So what can I do for you?" Margret asked "Oh I just wanted to ask if it was OK with you that I asked a few colleagues to come next Saturday?" "But of course, just leave their names and addresses with me and I'll send them the invitation" Stine smiled happily "And I must ask. Have Benton asked you to invite the Vecchio's I mean all of them. I was there for dinner last week and felt very welcome" "Constable Fraser haven't requested anyone specific" Margret said with formality "But they are all invited along with several members of the 27h police precinct" “That's my Ben, don't want to be any trouble” Stine said. “As you are here, I might as well tell you” Margret started “That I've offered Constable Fraser to rent one of the apartments that the Consulate owns, it can't be easy to live in the one you are now” “It's OK, but it's much appreciated that we get a chance on another apartment” Stine said “Is there any chance we can look at them before we decide?” “Oh, of course there is, and I've looked into so they're allowing animals in the building too, I doubt Fraser want to live without Diefenbaker” Margret herself had gotten pretty attached to the dog. She looked at the clock and it was just two minutes before 6 pm so she stood up “Have you seen Fraser on guard before?” she asked “No” Stine shook her head “Come on then, I'll show you something spectacular” the both women went to stand on the stairs to the Consulate. At promptly 6 pm just as the clock on the church across the street started to sound Benton relaxed his whole body and took a step to the side. When they changed guards in the middle of the day there was a big procedure, but now it was just to step out, immediately he turned his head to right and flashed a smile, of course he had seen her coming, already down the street, but stood his ground and was satisfied with himself for passing the test. “Thank you Margret” Stine said “It was truly amazing to see, are you all this way when you get off a guard?” “Well... more or less, Constable Fraser here belongs to the ones that are more” Ben came towards the two women “If you don't have anything more to do inside Constable, you can take your lovely wife home” Margret said “Thank you Inspector Thatcher, I'll see you tomorrow” Ben looked at his dog “It's after six, you can stop now” but the dog just sat there “Well suite yourself, we're going home” he took Stine's hand and they walked back to the apartment talking about this and that “Margret said she had offered you us a look at some apartments that the Consulate owns” Stine said “Yes, she did this morning, do you want to look at them?” he asked her “Sure, it would be much easier than to go out and find some on our own” “It sure would” he agreed and held the door up for her as they came to their own building. Ben took out the key to see if there was anything in the mailbox, but it was empty “Did the two of you talk about anything else? I mean it seems you've become somewhat friends calling each other by first name” “Not really, we talked a little about the party next Saturday, I wanted to invite a few colleagues” Ben smiled at her “Of course you should”

Disclaimer/Copyright 2013 and forward: I don't own anything from the series Due South, it's just borrowed for your entertainment. This is my story though and I feel I own that.

Due South - Assignment Europe 04

Chapter 4 – Dinner with the Vecchio's

After the quick visit at the station Ray, Ben, Stine and Diefenbaker all got into Ray's car. Stan was to follow in his black GTO, where Francesca had been quick to offer her companionship. “Is there something going on between those two?” Stine asked curious, she really wanted to get to know Ben's friends and that without putting her foot in wrong. “Not that I know off” Ray answered, but again he didn't like to think of his baby sister that way. “So here we are” Ray said as he parked on the driveway to a big house in a nice looking neighborhood “Did you grow up here?” Stine asked “Yes I did” he said proudly “It's actually my house now, but my mother and sister, Frannie, still lives here too” “Can't be easy if you want to bring home a woman” Stine said “I mean...sorry...” Ray smiled slightly “I know what you mean Stine, and no offense taken, we're Italian and that's just how things are with us”

Stan had waited about 10 minutes after Ray had left before he started the car, he wanted to spend some time with Frannie. They had had an on and off relationship mostly in secret for a while now, he knew her soft spot for Fraser but as he came back married Stan knew his chances were good now. He parked the car next to Ray's on the driveway as so many times before and unbuckled his belt and turned to Frannie and without a word put his left hand around her neck and pulled her close for a kiss. He didn't mind a bit that the kitchen window was facing that way and probably some of the Vecchio's could see them, unless they were all busy fussing over Fraser and Stine. As they pulled apart he rested his forehead against Frannie's and looked her in the eyes. He was a bit scared about his feelings for this woman, this was something else than he ever had experienced before. As they walked around the house to the front door he put his arm around her shoulders thinking that now was as good time as any to be caught together. For once Frannie didn't squirm her way out of his 'embrace'.

Inside the house the sounds were high and happy. Mrs Vecchio had hugged Stine and in her broken English said it was about time at least one of the boys got married on the same time shooting looks at her son. Sofia who were named after their paternal grandmother was the older sister of Ray and Frannie were home with her husband and two children “I'm not getting any younger” Mrs Vecchio said “And I want more grandchildren” she had taken first Benton and then Stan in as her own. “Oh, I think we will wait a bit while more” Benton said and kissed her on both cheeks as he always did when he came for a visit. “Don't wait too long” she said with a longing in her eyes and again shot an evil eye at her son “It will happen when it happens Ma” Ray said and scooped up his nephew who were running by. No one noticed that Frannie and Stan had come inside and when he helped her out of her bedazzled jeans jacket he let his fingers run across the smooth skin of her neck. Frannie shivered in a pleasant way. They were all ushered into the dining room which held a big table with room for more people than they were at this time. The meal was loud except for when they were actually eating, or well the Italians spoke with their mouths more or less full too. “Are you OK?” Ben whispered to Stine at one time and she smiled at him and kissed his cheek “Yes, just a little tired, it's been a lot today” looking her straight in the eyes Ben suggested they'd try and cut the evening short. Mrs Vecchio slapped her son on the upper arm and nodded towards Ben and Stine “Look at those two, it won't take long before they have a little family of their own” “Ma....” Ray protested, although there were someone that he had at least one eye set on, but she was hard to reach. The Vecchio sisters got up to clear the table and in her usual helping manner Stine, although there were protests, joined the sisters in the kitchen “I've always been curious on what kind of woman would take Benny of the market” Sofia said and got a look from her sister “As you had a chance with your pushy way, no you stay with Stan, he'll be a good match for you” Frannie who usually didn't blush turned red as a tomato “Come on sis” Sofia said “You two been at it on and off for a good while now, don't you think I've seen how you two look at each other when you think no one sees” Frannie who also almost never was lost for words didn't have a come back for her sister. Stine just laughed and the girls looked at her “I wasn't wrong then, I got a feeling something were going on with the two of you back at the station,but Ray didn't know anything he said” she said “Well Ray's kind of blind when it comes to Frannie, unless it's just in front of him” Sofia said. After some coffee and dessert Ben and Stine made their excuses, politely said no to the offer of Stan driving them home and left. The fresh air was nice after being inside and the buzz of the city was soothing to their ears as well. “Where's Dief?” Stine asked “Oh, he'll catch up if he want to” it had happened more than once that Dief had stayed at the Vecciho house as he got other food than he was giving him. “So, how was your day?” Ben realized he hadn't had a chance to ask her yet “It was fine, kind of the same thing I did back home, but the pace at the Consulate is much slower” Ben knew what she meant, usually it was mostly paper work and of course his guarding duty he did, maybe that was why he liked to help Chicago PD out. “And you, what did you get up to on your own?” she asked curious “Oh, just another murder, but I believe we'll have the case wrapped up before the weekend” he said just as he had been a full member of the CPD. “So, this is what you do when you're not at the Consulate? Solving murders with Ray and Stan?” she said “Well, technically it first was Ray Vecchio and I, then it was Ray Kowalski, playing Ray Vecchio and I” he started the long story and Stine just listened to his voice. “So I guess from now on it will be Ray, Stan and I” he finished three blocks from their apartment. When they got inside Ben opened the window so if Diefenbaker were coming home he could come inside from the fire escape. The apartment didn't offer much of entertainment, he had a few books that laid neatly on the mantle of the fire place, an old record player that he had found with some records at a flea market, the small TV that he had borrowed from the neighbor and a radio. He did miss a few of the more modern things they had had in Stine's apartment, mostly now since they had been back it was a private bathroom. “What do you say about looking for another place to live” Ben suggested as they sat down in worn down two seat sofa. “As I said the other day, I don't mind living here. Although...” she didn't finish the sentence. “I will ask around tomorrow, it wouldn't go amiss with a bathroom of our own” he said “And a separate bedroom” Stine looked over at the bed in the corner of the room as she laid down and rested her head in his lap. “I don't own anything than what I got here” Ben said “But maybe you'd like a few things brought over from Denmark” he said softly and stroke her hair. It didn't take her long before she was fallen asleep.

“You've done good son” Ben looked around the room and found his father, or the ghost of him leaning against the fire place, poking at the unlit logs. “Oh, you say so?” Ben asked “Been a while since you were around” he said to his father “Well as I explained in Copenhagen, traveling isn't that easy when you're dead. I enjoyed the wedding though, it was a nice ceremony” It had been, the spring had come early to Denmark this year and the church had been filled with spring flowers, family and friends. Outside the sun had been shining all day. Ben had felt his father's presence but hadn't been able to talk to him. “Thank you kindly” he said “So” his father moved to stand in front of them “I guess I'll finally get the chance to be a grandfather after all” Ben blushed, firstly his father hadn't been around much when he grew up and secondly he didn't like talking about it. “I know, it will come when it comes, you've said so before. Maybe I should go talk to your sister instead” Fraser Sr said and went for the door but changed his mind and walked out thru the window instead.

Disclaimer/Copyright 2013 and forward: I don't own anything from the series Due South, it's just borrowed for your entertainment. This is my story though and I feel I own that.

Due South - Assignemt Europe 03

Chapter 03 – Meeting the friends

After Benton had showed Stine around the Consulate, there really wasn't that much to show, and he'd talked briefly with his sister who was on duty still a week before Benton re-entered his position, he took Stine downtown to the 27^th precinct. The sounds were so familiar to him and Diefenbaker who had come with him knew his way into the bullpen. Fraser greeted several people on the way in, all with the same politeness and 'Thank you kindly' on his return. The first person Benton saw was the last person he wanted to meet, the Civilian Aid Francesca Vecchio. She flew up from her chair and threw herself at him “Finally, welcome back Benton” she kissed his cheek. It was obvious to Benton that her brother hadn't told his sister about the news. “Thank you kindly Francesca” he said and freed himself from her. Everyone came up to him before he had a chance to say something so as Lt Welsh came out of his office and too welcomed him back Benton took Stine's hand for the big announcement “Thank you kindly everyone, it's nice to be back. I would like you all to meet someone very special to me” he paused. He looked around and pointed at “Ray Vecchio, Stan Kowalski, detectives Huey and Louis, Lt Welsh, Civilian Aid Francesca Vecchio” he introduced them “This is my wife Stine” Almost everyone dropped their chins in amazement. Ray and Stan were the ones who first came up to greet her “Welcome to Chicago Stine, sorry we disturbed you last night” Ray said “We simply didn't know Fraser had gotten married when he was away” Stan added. “You knew?!” Francesca almost threw herself at her brother who were prepared for this caught her by the arms before she could hit him. Not before long the buzz went around the station and everyone who knew Benton came to talk to him and meet Stine. It took them the best of two hours or so before they could leave and go back home, but not before they went by the store where of course everyone knew who Fraser was, not only because of his red suit, but because of his politeness, it had been the same in the neighborhood back in Copenhagen. It was an understatement that everyone was pleased to hear they were married and Stine felt welcome at once.

When they came back to the apartment they put away the groceries and Fraser opened the window, he didn't really like to be inside, but being inside had some perks he thought and pulled Stine close for a kiss “Do you know what we've not done yet” he said with his lips to hers and a naughty glimpse in his eyes as he steered her towards the bed. “Haven't we?” Stine teased “Not in America” Benton said and kissed her again.

The next morning Stine called the Danish Consulate on her cellphone to confirm that she had arrived in Chicago and was coming in for work the next day. She also checked that she'd be free the next Saturday for the party Margret was throwing them. As she hung up the phone she felt Benton's arms around her waist “Why don't you come back to bed” he nibbled on her neck “We don't have to be anywhere today” he said. After finally getting up around 11 Benton and Stine went outside for a walk in the nice late spring weather. They sat down at a café and shared lunch before they decided to go home for some more private activities. Diefenbaker who had been with them curled up on his blanket in front of the fireplace.

Diefenbaker and Ben walked Stine to the Danish Consulate the next morning and when steered their way towards the 27th precinct. On his way Benton managed to walk three older women over the street, let a smaller group of children pat and cuddle Diefenbaker and open a few doors for people who were on their way in or out of the shops. This was how he was brought up and later trained to do. At the police station he walked straight over to Ray and Stan's shared desk. As Ray Vecchio had returned to the precinct Stan has re assumed his given name, much to avoid the questions. Although sometimes he still answered when people called for Ray it had been his name for about two years. "No wife?" Stan asked "She started work today" Benton said with pride in his voice. "Hey there Benny" Ray said and patted him on the shoulder as he came out of the lieutenant's office "Hi Ray" Ben answered. "Thought you'd still be honey-mooning" Ray teased his friend and Ben for once had a quick answer "No. Wife's at work" "That means you can come along with us" he said and pulled on his trench coat as Stan got up to get ready to leave "Where are we going?" he asked "Welsh just got a call in. Murder down by the docks" Ray scratched Diefenbaker behind his ears "You wanna come" he asked the wolf. Within a few minutes the all got into Ray's green Buick '72. Benton was a bit surprised on how well the two detectives came along, they had been like cats and dogs when he had left for Copenhagen. As usual he looked around his own way and not like the Americans, together they then went back to the station. The murdered man was a known criminal and Ray and Stan weren't that bothered about him being dead, although Stan didn't look forward to the visit at the morgue, there were something about the dead bodies that made him uncomfortable. The coroner showed them the results and to his normal routine Benton dipped his finger and tasted on some stuff “No!!!” Both Ray and Stan said at the same time “And you'll...” Ray didn't finish what he thought to say and Stan left the room. “What?” Benton turned around to look at his friend “It's disgusting, is what it is” he just shook his head “Well I can tell you that he probably was killed at a place with a lot of petrol around” Benton said. “The old gas station we drove passed” Stan called from outside the doors “Let's go” Ray said and they all left the morgue.

After a long day with a lot of new impressions and routines to get into Stine came back to the empty apartment. She opened the fridge to see what she could make for dinner just as her cellphone rang and she answered with her name “Hi” she heard the warmth of her husband's voice “Hi yourself, have you bought yourself a phone?” she knew he didn't like these modern devices, well he didn't even have a land-line in the apartment “No, this is Ray Vecchio's” Benton said “So, you're out with Ray?” She asked a bit disappointed, she had thought they'd spend the evening together, but again Ben hadn't met his friends for a long time so if he wanted to go out with them it was ok with her. “As a matter of fact I'm with both Ray and Stan, we're on our way back to the precinct now” he had told Stine how he on his time off from the Consulate sometimes helped the Chicago PD out. “So you will be back soon?” Stine tried to get an answer “As a matter of fact...” Ben started “Ray got an invitation from his mother for us to come for dinner” he paused “Are you up for it?” he didn't get an answer straight away and was just to say that they didn't have to go when Stine agreed “Let me know the address and I'll meet you there” she said. “Or we'll pick you up, we should be there in a minute and half” “But I need to change” she tried and protest, but heard from the car that the guys were going straight from work.

Disclaimer/Copyright 2013 and forward: I don't own anything from the series Due South, it's just borrowed for your entertainment. This is my story though and I feel I own that.

Due South - Assignment Europe 02

Chapter 02 – Meeting Inspector Thatcher

Benton woke up the next morning to the smell of coffee and happily he stretched and with his usual efficiency jump out of bed. "Good morning" he said and walked the few steps over to kiss his wife like he had for the last five months, well they had only been married for one, but had lived together in Stine's apartment when work hadn't forced Benton to stay at the Consulate almost since they met. "Good morning Ben" Stine said and smiled at him. She couldn't believe how fast it all had gone since she had first laid eyes on him when he in his red formal uniform had stood two steps behind the Canadian Consult in Copenhagen, his back straight as a pole and hands on his back. She had been working with the Danish government, she still did as she had gotten a position on the Danish Consulate in Chicago. “I think we'll probably have to shop a bit this morning” Stine said. “I guess so” he agreed “There's nothing in the fridge is there?” he asked and got a look from Stine “Or in the cupboards, I know you've lived on your own, but some more plates and glasses wouldn't go amiss” Benton pulled her close and kissed her. At least he had gotten some curtains at the windows when Francesca stayed in his apartment for a few days when the family was threatened due to a case he and Ray worked on, but he thought maybe it was time to look for a nicer place, there wasn't even a proper bathroom in the apartment. He pulled away from Stine and sat down at the table “Maybe we should look for another place to live as well” he suggested as she sat down in his lap “Maybe, but this will do fine to start with” it was the simple things that made this man she loved so much. “So, I don't have to report to the Consulate until Wednesday, what shall we do today?” she asked “Well” Benton started “I need to check in with work and then I thought if you liked to that we'd go by the 27^th precinct and I'd introduce you to my friends there” Stine smiled at him “May I join you at the Consulate too, I'd like to meet your boss and colleagues too” Benton nodded his approval “And I think it's good to bond with another Consulate now when I'm going to work at one too” she added.

As usual Benton dressed in his red uniform, but with the less formal attribute and Stine had to admire him just as she always did, he looked smashing in red. She dressed in a simple pant-suit and was ready to leave. Out on the street Benton put his hat on and then took Stine's hand. On the other side of him Diefenbaker trotted nicely, smelling around as he hadn't been back much in this neighborhood the last six months. It took them almost 20 minutes which was four more than it usually took Benton to walk to work, but he had gotten into a bit slower pace when he was out walking with Stine, when he walked by himself he still kept his efficient step. Benton was a bit nervous, he didn't know how the Inspector would take the news about his marriage. They had kissed a few times, but it never lead anywhere, mostly because she was Benton's superior. They stood just beneath the steps to the Canadian Consulate as constable Turnbull opened the door to go stand on his post in front of the building. The guys greeted each other by last names and Benton introduce Stine to the junior constable. Since the post was to start at 9am sharp there were no time for small talk and Benton was happy about it, Turnbull could be a bit too much sometimes. “Fraser is that you?” he heard from the inspector's office as he closed the door. “Yes Sir, it's me” she came to the door “Oh, it's you” she said as she saw him “I thought it would be your sister” Benton's sister Maggie Fraser had been his stand in when he had been in Copenhagen “I'm here Sir” Maggie came out of the little closet that was the senior officer's office “I'm sorry” the inspector said “I didn't know you were already in” she attempted a smile. “Bright and early, needed to type last week's report” she said and with the same precision as he brother handed the report to the inspector. “Thank you kindly” the inspector said “Can I see you in the office” she turned to Benton “And bring your wife” Benton stood still and actually had a surprised expression on his face. As Benton closed the door behind them he looked at the inspector “Sir?” he asked. “Didn't you think I'd find out when your sister wanted the weekend off to go to Copenhagen, she said for your birthday but we all know your birthday isn't for yet another month” she extended her hand to Stine “Welcome to the Canadian Consulate, I'm inspector Margret Thatcher” “Stine Jensen...Fraser” Stine said as she shook the inspector's hand, she still wasn't very used to her new last name. “So, Mrs Fraser” “Please say Stine” “Stine, I heard you will work at the Danish Consulate” “Yes I will” Stine confirmed “I'll start on Wednesday” “I hope you will like 'the windy city'” the inspector said “I'm sure I will, miss Thatcher” Stine said “I think I'll go catch up a bit with Maggie” she added and left the two Canadians to sort out whatever needed to be sorted out. Neither Benton nor Margret knew what to say or who should start, Benton took a step closer to the desk the inspector stood behind “So...” he said “So...” the inspector parroted, no one of them really used to talk about feelings and maybe that was the reason they never gotten together. “Oh, this is ridiculous” she went on “we're both adults and we never promised each other anything” “That's true” Benton agreed. It took a few more minutes but then the ice broke and they talked more freely and after 15 minutes or so Margret asked Benton to go get Stine, as they again entered the office she asked them to sit down. “What I know want to talk to you about is that since I learnt about your marriage I've been thinking of throwing you a party when you came back here. Would you two agree to let us do that, I've already asked your sister” she looked at Benton “She's been in contact with some caterers” Benton looked at Stine “Why not, none of your friends just your sister attended the wedding, all my family and friends were there so I think it's a great idea” she then looked at the woman behind the desk “It's a nice gesture, have you thought about a particular date?” “How about the next Saturday?” Stine dug out a calender from her purse “That will do just fine for me” she had already a working schedule and no weekends were booked so far “That is if the Consulate hasn't gotten any new appointments since I got my schedule” “It would be much appreciated if you could look into that as quick as possible and get back to me” “I will have an answer for you this afternoon” Stine promised “Thank you kindly” Inspector Thatcher said and stood up “Why don't you show Stine around the Consulate” she suggested to Benton who too stood up, just as straight backed as usual “I might just do that” he said “Thank you kindly Sir for throwing us the party” “You're most welcome constable” she lead them to the door and then went back to her work.

Disclaimer/Copyright 2013 and forward: I don't own anything from the series Due South, it's just borrowed for your entertainment. This is my story though and I feel I own that.

Due South - Assignment Europe 01

I recently watched the TV-Series Due South again and then I found some nice fanfics on Fanficnet and got inspired to write a story myself. This is the result.

Chapter 01 – Returning to Chicago

Constable Benton Fraser of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police was laying half asleep satisfied in his bed. He was finally back home in Chicago where he had ended up some years ago on the trail of the murders of his father. The last six months he hand spent in Copenhagen, Denmark working as a temporary assistant to the Canadian Consult. In his half sleep he heard someone knock on a door and in his subconscious he knew the building wasn't very well isolated and it probably was at a neighbor's the knocking took place but then he heard “No Ray, it was today he was returning” “But were you sure of the time Stan?” “Yes, he should be home now” Stan answered and knocked again. Ben got up and opened the door “Welcome home” the two Chicago detectives said in unison all while Diefenbaker sneaked in and went around the small and sparsely furnitured apartment. Without getting an invitation the two men went inside “So, you're home and you didn't come by the precinct” Ray Vecchio turned to his friend “We thought for sure you'd show up” Stan Kowalski added. The dog who was a half wolf had now come to stop by the bed and sniffed around, in it laid another person who still was asleep, confused he looked up at Benton who finally had a chance to speak “Hello everyone” he knelt down to greet his long time companion “Have they treated you well” he said to the dog and got licked all over his face in return. Benton stood up and looked at the two men “How have you been?” he asked simply “We're more interested in how you've been” Ray Vecchio looked over Benton's shoulder “And who's that sleeping in your bed?” he caught a glimpse of something glimmering “You're dog... have you picked up another man's woman” he patted Benton on the shoulder, this was not a thing that was something his Canadian friend did. Stan Kowalski, who at one time had played is now partner who then had been working undercover to bust a big Mafia in Chicago, went around the two guys “Don't you you see the simple ring Ray, this isn't just any woman, Fraser have gotten himself a fiancée” In a manly way they both hugged and patted Fraser on the back “We'll leave you alone now, but you have to come around to the precinct tomorrow and introduce her to us” Ray said “Will do” Benton said in his usual efficient way although a bit sleepy as his body still was on European time. As he let his two friends out he held the door with his left hand around it, when they had gone he closed it and again patted his dog “Let me get you something to eat and a bowl of water before I return to bed”

Just before Ray and Stan arrived at the stairs, they had thru the years learnt not to trust the elevator, they both stopped and looked at each other before they turned back and knocked on the door again and almost before Benton had a chance to open it they both again in unison said “You're married?!” The detectives hadn't at first noticed the ring on Fraser's left hand as he had lent on the door. Benton slightly blushed. “Ben, what's going on” they heard a sleepy voice from inside the apartment “Nothing Stine, you go back to sleep” Benton said “Stine?” Ray asked “You've married a Dane?” Stan asked and the guys weren't doing anything to leave but they looked at each other and had a silent discussion if they were to leave or go inside and introduce themselves. Benton looked at the both detectives, when he had left for his assignment in Denmark they had been like cat and dog, vowing it would never work out working together, they were too much alike and now this. He ushered the guys into the hall “We'll be by tomorrow. Good night” Ray and Stan again started towards the stairs and Fraser stood looking after them so he was sure they leave this time “Congratulations” Ray turned around and said to his friend “Thank you kindly Ray” “Yeah, congratulations” Stan said as well “Than you kindly Stan” Fraser closed the door just as he felt a pair of familiar arms around his waist “So was that the famous detectives Vecchio and Kowalski?” Stine asked as Benton turned around to kiss her “Mmhm” he answered with his lips on hers. He took her face in his hands and deepened the kiss. Just as Stine put her hands under his t-shirt he felt someone poke his leg and remembered his dog. Reluctantly he pulled away from the kiss “There's someone I'd like to introduce you to” he said and took a step back “Stine, this is Diefenbaker, Dief, he called his dog with the shorter name, this is my wife Stine” he said with pride in his voice as Stine knelt down to the dog “Hello Diefenbaker, I hope we can be friends” she said and scratched him behind the ears.

Benton went back to bed. He had an early appointment at the Consulate the next morning and he knew from his trip to Denmark that the time difference wasn't the easiest to adjust. He put his arms around his wife and tried to fall asleep. Diefenbaker hadn't any problems to adjust to being home, he had trampled a few rounds on his blanket by the fireplace before he laid down to sleep, well as long as he could he had kept an eye on his human and the new woman; he didn't understand what wife meant would she leave in a couple of weeks like Veronica had or was this someone who Benton just would look at as the woman that was called Sir.

In the car back to the precinct the detectives had a lively discussion about Fraser. "Can you believe it?" Stan said "I mean as long as I've known him your sister have tried to get him to take her out in every possible way without success" Ray didn't like to talk or think of his little sister in that way but he had seen it for himself the first two years Benton had been in Chicago. "Nah, it's hard to believe but again when he takes the risk he goes all in" Ray was thinking of the time when Benton almost ran away with Victoria, it was the time he had shot his friend in the back as he thought he had seen a gun in her hand. "But again, sometimes I've had my doubts about him. How long has he and the ice-queen thrown eyes at each other?" Stan was referring to Inspector Margret Thatcher, Benton's boss at the Consulate. The guys were still talking about it when they came inside the police house Francesca noticed they didn't have the dog with them and stood on her toes to see if Benton came in behind them but to her disappointment he didn't. "So..." she looked at her brother and Stan "Where is he? Thought you'd bring him back here" Ray shook his head "He said he was tired, probably will come by tomorrow after he checked in with work" he didn't want to be the one telling his sister that Fraser had gotten married. "Is that it?" she asked and looked at Stan who she sometimes could see if he was lying "Yep, he was already in bed even we woke him up by the looks of it" Stan said truthfully. "Ok then" Francesca said disappointed but flashed a smile at the detective "But you're coming with me and Ray home for dinner aren't you?" she asked. Stan looked at the siblings "Wouldn't miss it" all since the second Sunday after Fraser had left and Stan had driven Ray home as Francesca with lot of dos and don't had been allowed to borrow Ray's car Stan had had dinner with the big and very loud Vecchio family. As he had grown up as an only child in a neighborhood with not too many kids around he loved all the fussing and on top of it all Mrs Vecchio was a divine cook, and he always got some leftovers with him home "You boys look too skinny" she said to him and Ray every week. Truthfully was that since he started to eat at the Vecchio's he had been forced to start exercising which he really hated. Although taking long walks with Fraser's dog weren't too bad, the half wolf was a real babe-magnet.

Disclaimer/Copyright 2013 and forward: I don't own anything from the series Due South, it's just borrowed for your entertainment. This is my story though and I feel I own that.