New dS fic, A Winning Hand, Part 2/2

[mizface]

Part One



Fraser tried to visit Ray again over the next few days, but apparently Mr. Vecchio was keeping him quite busy, and every time he checked the garage neither Ray nor the limousine were there. They’d been able to wave at one another from a distance a few times, but that was it. “Well, it isn’t as if Ray is just here to be your friend, and at your beck and call,” he reminded himself. Still, the disappointment he felt was keen, and made his daily tasks seem more tedious than they should have been.

Perhaps it was for the best, he tried to tell himself. His desire to see Ray was likely not healthy, given its intensity. And the last thing he wanted to do was drive Ray away. Fraser hadn’t had many friends growing up, but even so, he knew this was different. There was an undercurrent of feeling he wouldn’t let himself name. Something that made his pulse quicken every time he saw the limousine, even from afar, or when he so much as remembered the smear of grease on Ray’s hands.

He recalled the image of Ray relaxing in the sun far too often for mere friendship to explain as well. And Ray in the garage, the warmth of his hand, the care in his voice… Fraser had taken to keeping the rag Ray had given him folded neatly in his pocket. If asked, it was so he could return it, an excuse he almost believed. Of course, all the justification and explanation in the world didn’t change the facts. The fact was that he’d let Ray get close without even meaning to. And that he wanted to let him get even closer, and anxiously waited the next time he’d be able to see him.

Fraser knew it wasn’t the safest of relationships to pursue, but he couldn’t help how he felt. On the other hand, he had no clue as to Ray’s feelings about homosexuality in general, or him in particular. They were friends, yes, with some common experiences, despite their different backgrounds. But was it more than that? It had seemed so, that day in the garage. There had definitely been a spark of something there. Speaking only for himself, Fraser wanted more. He just had to find a safe way to see if Ray felt the same.

It wasn’t until three days later that Fraser finally got to see Ray, almost literally running into him in the foyer.

“Whoa, sorry there, Fraser. Wasn’t looking where I was going.”

“That’s quite all right, Ray,” Fraser said, and couldn’t help but smile at the sight of his friend. Ray grinned back for a brief moment, then went businesslike again. “Listen, you got a minute?”

At Fraser’s nod, Ray took his arm and started them toward the door. Once outside, he stopped them a few steps down.

“I just wanted to ask you something. There’s no wrong answer, but you gotta be honest with me here, okay?”

Fraser tried not to look insulted at the thought he’d be less than truthful. “All right, Ray.”

“Okay, good. If you had your choice, would you be back with that family you’ve been with forever?”

Fraser wasn’t sure what he thought the question would be, but that certainly wasn’t it. “But I haven’t a choice. I gave my word to serve out a debt. My work is here now.”

Ray waved his hands impatiently. “But if you did?”

“I - well, of course it would be good to be in more familiar surroundings, I suppose. If you’d asked me on the drive that first day, my answer would have been to return to the employ of the Turnbull family.”

“You aren’t so sure now?” Ray’s voice was strained, as if the question hurt to ask.

Fraser decided to be bold. He put his hand on Ray’s shoulder, near the juncture of his neck, and squeezed lightly, his thumb nearly brushing Ray’s collar. “Every situation has a silver lining, and some hold more attraction than others.”

The look in Ray’s eyes spoke of similar feelings, and Fraser wished he’d say something, anything. His life was unsettled enough as it was without this uncertainty. Ray raised his shoulder briefly, the move bringing the back of Fraser’s hand into contact with Ray’s cheek, then moved away.

“Gotta go, Ben - errands for the boss man.”

Fraser nodded, and watched Ray get into the limousine and drive off before going back into the house. His hand still tingled where his skin had touched Ray’s, and he couldn’t help the smile hearing Ray speak his name had brought.

Later that afternoon came a knock at the door. Fraser went to answer it, and was stunned to see Renfield Turnbull.

“Fraser!” he exclaimed happily, as if surprised to see Fraser there.

“Mr. Turnbull! May I say it’s quite unexpected to see you.”

“I have a business proposition for Mr. Vecchio. Is he here?” Turnbull looked around as if perhaps the man might just appear at the utterance of his name, then whistled as he took in the surroundings. “Goodness, this is quite a step up from home. Must keep you busy.”

“My duties are somewhat different than when I was in your employ, but I would never compare the two, sir.” He hoped that would deflect the conversation away from what he thought of his new job. Having Ray ask about it was disconcerting enough. “Sir, if you would allow me to show you to the drawing room, I’ll see if Mr. Vecchio is available. If I might tell him the reason for your visit?”

“Just tell him it’s business, Fraser.” The he leaned in and lowered his voice. “But between you and me, I’m going to try and get you back. Father was furious with me when he found out.”

Ah. Well, this ought to prove interesting. “Very good sir. If you’ll just follow me.”

Once Fraser got Turnbull settled, he went upstairs to Mr. Vecchio’s private office. Unfortunately, Huey and Gardino were waiting on either side of the doorframe. Neither of them liked Fraser at all, for reasons he couldn’t discern.

Gardino’s disposition hadn’t improved from their first meeting, and Huey’s was even worse, though at least he seemed to understand how to dress. Fraser had hoped Dewey would be there, as he seemed the least unpleasant of the three bodyguards, aside from his propensity for terrible jokes. Fraser had heard he was a newer hire. He’d also heard Huey and Gardino taunting Dewey, and thought perhaps that kept him from bothering Fraser too much.

“Mr. Vecchio has a visitor,” Fraser said.

“Who’s here to see the Boss?” asked Gardino as he moved to block the door a bit more.

“I’m afraid that it isn’t up to me to tell you that. It’s solely the business of Mr. Vecchio, so if you won’t let me in, please let him know I’m here. I would greatly appreciate it.”

The two men looked at each other and laughed. “Greatly appreciate it - listen to the snooty talk, Louis,” Huey said with a sneer. “You think you’re better than us, Benny-boy?”

Fraser was saved a reply by the door opening and Mr. Vecchio coming out, pushing aside Huey and Gardino in the process. Fraser stepped back to avoid colliding with either of the two.

“What’s this I hear about somebody to see me, Benny?” His tone was mild, but Fraser could hear the anger underneath it, and was glad it wasn’t directed at him.

“Yes sir,” he replied. “Mr. Renfield Turnbull is here, sir. He says he has a business proposition of some sort for you.”

“Turnbull? The guy you used to work for? What could he have that I want?” The unspoken I’ve got you was clear, and Fraser worked to keep from reacting to the possessiveness of the man’s tone. He’d still not had a chance to speak with Mr. Vecchio, letting himself be distracted. It was a situation he resolved to rectify.

“I’m sure I couldn’t say, sir. Shall I escort him out, or do you wish to meet with him?”

Mr. Vecchio shrugged. “Sure, I’ll meet with the kid. Might be good for a laugh.”

“Very good, sir. I instructed him to wait in the drawing room - will that suffice for your meeting?”

“Sounds fine, Benny,” he said with a dismissive wave. “Don’t bother getting any kind of refreshments or anything like that, though - he isn’t going to be here that long.”

“Very good, sir. I’ll just go down and let him know you’ll be with him shortly, then.”

“You do that, Benny. I’ll be down after I have a few words with these goons about respect.”

Fraser made a strategic retreat. When Mr. Vecchio came down, he was alone, and true to his word, the meeting didn’t take long. Fraser didn’t dare ask how it went, but Mr. Turnbull left with a wink and a happy handshake, and Mr. Vecchio seemed very amused.

“I’ll be going out tonight, Benny, so don’t hold up dinner for me. And if I’m not back by breakfast, tell Ma I stayed at my place in town.”

“Very good, sir.”

Fraser was awakened from a fitful sleep early the next morning by a pounding on the door. He threw on his robe and slippers and rushed to answer, finger-combing his hair into place as he went.

He opened the door to find a grizzled, middle-aged man waiting, two uniformed police officers at his side, and a piece of paper in his hand. Several police cars were parked in the roundabout in front of the house.

Mustering what dignity he could given his state of dress, he asked, “May I help you gentlemen?”

The man with the paper snorted at that and moved to come in. Fraser hastily moved aside to let the officers in, but stopped them just inside the door.

“Again, how can I be of service?”

“I’m Lieutenant Welsh, Chicago PD, in case you haven’t figured that part out yet,” he stated as he flashed his badge. “You’re Fraser, right?”

“Yes, sir,” he replied, startled. “I’m the butler for this household.”

Lt. Welsh nodded and turned to his men. “I got this one, boys. You start upstairs.”

Before Fraser could protest, Lt. Welsh held out the paper. “This is a search warrant - covers the whole estate.”

Fraser looked it over carefully, and saw nothing out of place.

“If I might ask, sir, what prompted this search?”

“All you need to know is that if you come up clean, you’re going to need to find a new employer. Yours is about to be sent away for a very long time.” He looked at Fraser closely. “Listen, I know you haven’t been here long, but people say stuff in front of the help without thinking. Maybe you saw or heard something that could help us.” He gestured to a uniformed policeman who had just entered the room.

“Davis, you go with Fraser here to his room. Let him get dressed, then take him downtown. As a witness, Davis, not a suspect,” he emphasized. “Treat him right.”

The officer nodded, and Fraser had no choice but to return to his room and prepare to go to the police station. He heard the sounds of the rest of the household being awakened, and suddenly thought of Ray, who might have been with Mr. Vecchio the night before. He doubted this officer had any information, but perhaps the lieutenant would be able to tell him what, if anything, had happened to his friend.

As it turned out, he didn’t get the chance to ask. The lieutenant was nowhere in sight as Fraser was escorted to one of the police vehicles. He didn’t see Tony or Maria, but Francesca and her mother were there, holding each other and crying. The sight moved him to speak.

“I don’t know if it matters,” he said, startling Officer Davis, “but I truly believe those two women had nothing to do with anything illegal in which Mr. Vecchio might have been involved. I would hope they would be treated more like victims than criminals during this investigation.”

The officer gave him a sharp look, then jogged over to say something to the policeman nearest the Vecchio women. There was an exchange of words, and the other officer’s demeanor seemed less hostile when he went back to his charges.

“Thank you kindly, Officer Davis,” he said on the man’s return. Davis nodded in reply, and the two got into the nearest squad car.

The outside of the station was in chaos, surrounded by reporters and citizens alike, and getting in took a bit of doing. Fraser was jostled and jeered at and photographed, a flash momentarily blinding him. He let Officer Davis lead him by the arm into the station itself, which was at least as chaotic as it had been outside. The officer moved them through the crowded hallways with practiced ease, and Fraser was grateful to be taken to a quiet room to regroup.

A few minutes later, his eyesight was back to normal. He looked around the sparse room and wondered ho long he’d be required to wait. A soft knock on the door brought him out of his reverie, and he looked up to see Ray enter.

“Ray! What are you doing here?” By the look on Ray’s face, he was as surprised to see Fraser as Fraser was to see him.

“Aw, jeez, they didn’t tell me it was you in here.” He stuck his head out the door and yelled, “Thanks a lot!” then came and pulled up a chair next to Fraser. As he did, Fraser couldn’t help but notice the badge clipped to Ray’s belt.

He pointed to it as Ray sat down. “So, I see you’re not a chauffer after all.”

Ray had the grace to blush and look embarrassed. “Nope. Detective, undercover. I’m sorry I couldn’t tell you, Ben. Orders were that nobody was supposed to know.”

Fraser nodded, then realized something. “That’s why you hid from Stella, at the club that day. She knows who you really are.” It was all falling into place. Ray’s knowledge of him, his interest, the odd looks and comments, even his seeming desire to protect Fraser - all were likely an act. Fraser was just another way to obtain inside information on the Vecchios.

“Yeah, what I told you was true - me and Stella do go way back. She knows I’m a cop. Times I had to drive Vecchio to the club were the riskiest ones I had.”

“May I ask who you are? I’m assuming Ray isn’t actually your name,” he said, his voice flat.

Ray shrugged. “It’s Stanley Raymond Kowalski. But I do really go by Ray.” He leaned forward, the look on his face intensely earnest. “All that stuff we talked about - that was all truth. I only lied to you when I absolutely had to.” He looked closely at Fraser. “You believe me, right?”

By all rights, Fraser knew he shouldn’t. He’d been lied to, and likely used. But his instincts told him otherwise, as did his heart. Unsure of what to believe, he said, “Of course, Detective Kowalski,” but his tone held no conviction. He ignored the flash of pain that crossed Ray’s face at his use of his last name and title.

Ray hung his head for a long minute, and when he looked up, it was with the business-like demeanor Fraser had seen before.

“Okay, then. They sent me in here to question a witness, so that’s what I have to do. You up for this? Need any coffee or water or anything?”

“I’m fine, thank you kindly,” he replied evenly. “Please, don’t let worry about me keep you from doing your job.”

Ray asked his questions, which Fraser answered as best he could. It took some time, and in the end, Fraser had asked for some water, which Ray had quickly provided. Once they were finished, Ray asked Fraser to wait in the interrogation room while he checked in with his lieutenant.

“Please thank Leftenant Welsh for me, for making sure I was treated well this morning.” Fraser said. “And as I take it his knowledge of me was your doing, thank you kindly as well.”

Ray stopped just outside the door, obviously distressed at Fraser’s crisp, polite tone. “I’ll let him know,” he replied, subdued. “And you’re welcome.”

When the door opened again, Fraser was surprised to see not Ray, but one of Mr. Vecchio’s men, Dewey, walk in. He stood, and Dewey grinned.

“Hey, take it easy. Look,” he said, holding up a badge, this one different than the one Ray had been wearing. “I’m one of the good guys.”

Fraser relaxed his defensive stance. “I was given to believe that Ra- Detective Kowalski was the undercover officer for this assignment.”

“He was the local lead, yeah, but I was the federal backup on this one. This is all part of a bigger bust, and they needed some muscle on the inside, so I got tagged. Kowalski got the driving job because he knows a hell of a lot more about cars than I do.”

“So this involves more than Mr. Vecchio.”

“Oh yeah,” Dewey went on, obviously excited. “This is gonna be big. Vecchio’s just a little fish in a big pond. Bootlegging, gambling, all small potatoes. This could be national! Looks like we may even have a solid connection to the Bookman.”

Fraser had no idea who Agent Dewey was talking about, which the agent seemed to realize. Or perhaps he thought he’d said more than he should, as he reined in his enthusiasm abruptly.

“Anyhow,” he went on, “Ray’s busy with his Lieu, so I was sent to spring you.”

“Spring me?”

Dewey shook his head. “Right. Not from around here. Tell you you’re free to go is what I meant. And we got your stuff all boxed up nice and neat. Figured you might want it, and since you can’t go back, what with everything at the house being evidence and all…”

Free to go. The phrase applied to more than just leaving the station. For the first time in his life, Fraser actually felt free to make his own decisions. He’d always been hemmed in by duty, family traditions, and loyalty to his country. It was more than a little disconcerting to think he might actually have a choice in how his life would go.

“Thank you kindly, Agent Dewey. If you could just give me a moment, and I’ll be ready. And perhaps if I might be allowed to place a telephone call?”

He knew the Turnbulls would take him back. None of the taint on the Vecchio household and its circumstances would follow him. It would be familiar, at least, and he would be home again.

Even if he wasn’t sure it was what he really wanted anymore.

“Yeah, okay. I’ll just go check on the phone, and get the box. You sure do travel light.”

“My needs are few, Agent.” And the ironic truth of that almost made Fraser laugh. He’d never needed much of anything, or anyone for that matter. Until recently. And now it seemed that would also be taken from him.

“Right,” Dewey replied, and left the room looking confused.

He left the door open, and Fraser heard a familiar voice in the hall. He got up to look, and saw Renfield Turnbull talking with some of the police officers. He stayed there, unsure of whether or not to approach the young man, and then it didn’t matter, as someone pointed him out and Turnbull was coming his way.

“Fraser! There you are! Isn’t this all too exciting?”

“Exciting, sir?” he replied, wondering just why the young man was there.

“Oh yes. Don’t you know? I was part of the whole operation to get that scoundrel Vecchio! Well, not from the start, of course. But Detective Kowalski found me and asked if I wanted to help, and even though I’m not American, I felt it was my duty as a citizen of the world to rid Chicago of this vile man. So I told Mr. Vecchio I wanted a chance to win you back, which is true, of course. I met him at his club, after letting the detective know the plan of course, and the police were able to catch Vecchio red-handed. Gambling, drinking and some other things they wouldn’t tell me about.” Turnbull leaned in and gave Fraser a knowing look. “It’s all very hush hush.” He grinned widely and went on, oblivious to Fraser’s stare, “So now you don’t have to work for him anymore. Everything can go back to the way it was - isn’t that wonderful?”

“It is something, that’s certain,” he replied in a daze. Turnbull went on for a bit longer, but Fraser didn’t hear any of it. He excused himself as soon as he was able, saying he’d been told to wait for Agent Dewey’s return.

“Of course, of course!” Turnbull agreed happily. “You need to be debriefed or something like that. I’ll just go back to the nice officers I was with before. Just think - I helped put a gangster in jail. Oh, the stories I’ll have to tell when we get home!”

Fraser saw agent Dewey approaching, box in hand. He held the door open and followed him into the blessedly quiet room.

“Here it is,” Dewey pronounced as he put the box on the table. “It should all be there, but I’d consider it a personal favor if you’d check. Kowalski’ll have my hide if any of it’s missing.”

“He will?”

“Oh yeah, he’s been a bulldog about you this whole time. Said you were on the up and up, and made sure everyone left you alone. I’ve worked with him a few times before, and I gotta tell you I’ve never seen him like this. So, yeah, if you’d look everything over, it’ll maybe save me a chewing out later.”

Ray had been looking out for him. Ray had made sure his things made it to the station, and to him, unharmed. Was it remorse, a way of apologizing for lying to him, or something more?

Fraser dug through the box slowly, taking his time to really think things through. In his mind’s eye he saw Ray giving him advice on his first ride to the Vecchio house, laughing and talking with him other times, fiercely telling him to stay out of harm’s way, grasping his hand, leaning into his touch in front of the house. Calling him Ben, even here.

And Ray had found a way for him to return to Canada. He’d given Fraser back the life he’d thought he’d lost. The life Ray thought Fraser wanted.

Fraser’s heart, which he had learned long ago to turn a deaf ear to, was nearly screaming at him to pay attention. To see the longing in Ray’s eyes, to hear the pain in his voice earlier in the day. To acknowledge the pain in his own heart if he were to leave now, without knowing what was real and what was pretense.

His heart was fairly sure the only lies Ray had really told were his name, and his job. And that neither of those mattered, in the long run.

“Agent Dewey, is Ray still with the lieutenant?”

Dewey perked up at that, nervous. “Why, is something missing?”

“Nothing like that,” Fraser replied with a reassuring smile. “There’s just something I would like to say to him, if he’s available.”

Dewey shrugged and went to the door. “I’ll go check.”

Long minutes later the door opened, and Ray walked in, looking tired and anxious. Fraser thought that was only fair, as he felt the same way.

“Dewey said you wanted to see me?”

Fraser nodded, and gestured for Ray to come in. He did, closing the door behind him, and Fraser almost smiled at that. Privacy made things much simpler.

Fraser gestured at the box on the table. “Agent Dewey was kind enough to bring me my things. I’ve been told you’re responsible for making sure they got to me safely.”

Ray dismissed that with a wave. “Yeah, but you don’t need to thank me or nothing. Just part of my job.”

“Really? Agent Dewey seemed to think otherwise. He told me you were quite… protective of me during this case, moreso than expected, or necessary.” He took a cautious step forward, afraid to scare Ray.

“Dewey talks too much,” Ray muttered, looking at the floor.

“Then it’s true?” He took another step forward.

“So what if it is?” Ray countered defensively, looking up. “You’re a good guy, it didn’t seem right to leave you blowing in the breeze.”

“Is that all it was, Ray? And please,” he continued before Ray could say anything, “I very much need to know the truth.” He looked Ray in the eyes, and hoped the other man could see in his face just how much he needed Ray to be honest.

Ray looked at him searchingly, then shook his head. “That wasn’t it. I mean, it was part of it, but there’s more to it.” He moved closer to Fraser. “I wasn’t playing around, wasn’t pretending.” Ray took a deep breath, then stood straighter as if bracing himself. “Anything I said or did, I meant.”

Fraser inched forward. “And do you still mean it, Ray?” he asked, reaching out to caress Ray’s stubbled cheek.

Ray sighed as he leaned into the touch. “Yeah, Ben. I do,” he replied, then closed the last bit of distance between them for a soft, all-too-brief kiss.

Fraser smiled and pulled Ray into an embrace, which Ray returned with equal strength.

They moved apart just far enough for a kiss, then another. Between kisses, Fraser asked, “Ray, do you still have any desire to travel?”

“Huh? Yeah, I guess so. Why?”

“Well, it seems that for the first time in my life, I’m totally free to choose my own path.” His voice as he continued was hesitant, but full of hope. “I find that I’d much prefer not to do so alone.”

Ray leaned back a bit to look Fraser in the eye. “Well, after this bust, Chicago isn’t going to be the safest place for me. Hell, given how big this thing could end up being, there might not be anyplace in the States that’s safe.” He stopped at that, and his next question was very serious. “You sure you want me around?”

Fraser kissed him in reply, long and slow and with all the love he felt. “Does that answer your question?”

“Not completely,” Ray replied with a grin, kissing Fraser back. When they finally had to stop to catch their breath, both men were flushed and a bit dazed.

“Well, at least if we go up north I won’t have to worry about keeping warm,” Ray replied with a wink.

Fraser laughed and kissed Ray again. Their life together, regardless of where they settled, would be an adventure.

He’d bet on it.