Note: This is a crossover between my Magnificent Seven "Sevens Investigations" AU, and Due South. It also is the sequel to my DS fic, "In the Family."
Even though Ray was just getting back into the swing of things, he was being sent on a big case, helping a detective agency in Four Corners. Since he was bringing Ben along, Francesca somehow twisted his arm into letting her tag along. He didn't know why;probably just was a little soft on her because he'd missed her so much. But, that was starting to wear out. Especially after umpteen bathroom breaks. . . But, they finally made it to the office of "Sevens Investigations", and all 3 stepped inside. They looked up to see the seven men and---Francesca: Buck?
Buck: Frannie?
Ray: You two know each-other?
Francesca: Um, he lived in Chicago for a while during high-school. . . we, um, used to date. . .
Ray: (rolling his eyes & speaking under his breath) Lordy. . .
All introductions were made, and Francesca was beginning to feel a little old (even though she wasn't even 30), remembering how she used to help babysit JD, who was now a gorgeous young man. . . They went over the case that they needed their assistance with. . .
Chris: Frank Zucco. . . You are both very familiar with him. . . He's relocated here. . . He's trying to set up Judge Orrin Travis. . . We gotta help clear him. . .
Ray: And, you think we can help you?
Chris: From what we've found, you 2 may be the only ones who can.
Ray: (nods) Okay. . . I've been wantin' to get this guy since I was a kid.
Sitting in the car on the way to the hotel, Francesca stared dreamily out of the window. . .
{Flashback:2 teens are dancing in a small apartment to the song, "Afternoon Delight"(The girl has long brown tresses, and big, soft, brown eyes. The guy is tall and muscled, with big blue eyes, and thick, wavy brown hair. ) . Suddenly, the guy whispers something, and she shoves him away.
Francesca: Is that all you ever think about, Buck? God, you are such a pig!
Buck: (loudly) Let me tell you somethin', Frannie. . . you are the stubbornest, most bullheaded---
Francesca: Oh, really?
Buck: Yes, really!
Francesca: (grabs her purse) Why do I even bother with you?
Buck: (a sly grin quirking the edges of his mouth) I know why. . .
Suddenly, he grabs her and they kiss passionately, falling onto the ground. . . }
JD: (breaking into Buck's thoughts) I don't remember when you guys were dating, Buck.
Buck: Hmmm? Oh, well, kid, you were just a little fella. . . Don't you remember, though. . . she used to come over and help me look after you?
JD: (furrows his brow) And you'd always send me to bed early?
Buck: (grins) Yup. That's the one. . .
Vin: Well, I wouldn't get too caught up in reminiscin', Bucklin. . .
Chris: (smirks) Got a point. . . Dudley Do-right didn't seem to appreciate your lookin' at her thataway. . .
Buck: Aw, don't y'all worry none about that. . . I got eyes enough to see they're together. . .
The next day, they were all at the stakeout point. . . For whatever reason, Deifenbaker had taken an extreme liking to Ezra, and was forever rubbing up against his leg, leaving trails of fur against the expensive Italian suit, much to the chagrin of the detective. Fortunately, Ben had talked Francesca into going shopping instead of coming along;the last thing Ray needed was to have to keep an eye on her if things got out of hand. . . But. . . nothing happened. They got nothing. . .
Ezra: Would you mind telling this. . . creature to refrain from trying to put himself into my pockets?
Ben: Dief, come here.
Casting a soulful look towards his new "friend", Dief whined and obeyed Ben, setting himself at the Mountie's feet. Ray chuckled softly to himself, figuring Ezra must've had milk-duds in his pockets or something.
Suddenly, JD jumped up agitatedly from his position at the window with the infrared binoculars. . .
JD: C'mere, guys, quick!
They jumped over to where JD was indicating, and saw was the cause of his apprehension. . .
Ben: (paling) Francesca?
Chris: Ya sure? JD's got the only set of---
Ray: He's sure. . . Benny can spot a dime on the road from a mile off.
Ben: Well, I---
Ray: Not now, Benny.
Ben: Sorry.
Ray: (under his breath) Dammit, Frannie. . . how could they know? How could they've. . .
Buck: (his voice belying the fear evident. Well. . . c'mon, you know Frannie. . . she'll be okay till we get her. . . hell, probably have those guys payin' us. . .
Ray: (wryly) You may be right. . .
They go, weapons drawn, to go and break her out. . .
When they get there, she is tied to a chair with duct-tape, and gagged with it as well. She struggles vainly, but it does no good. Her eyes fill with relief as she hears the familiar voice yelling
Ray: Freeze! Chicago PD!
Frankie: (calmly) Ray, how nice to see you.
Ray: (voice little more than a growl) Get away from my sister.
Frankie: (tightening his grip on her hair, snapping her head back, making her gasp through the gag) You are out of your jurisdiction.
Ray: (not lowering his gun) I don't care if you're the freakin' king of this place, I will kill you if you don't move!
Frankie: Look at the knife Ray. Against your little sister's throat. . . How easily I could---
But, his last words were cut off, as the bullet met it's target with startling accuracy. He was dead before he even hit the ground. The seven rushed to take care of his men, while Ben and Ray untied Francesca.
Ray: Lemme see. . . Not a scratch. (pulls her to him, his eyes filling) Oh. . . don't scare me like that Frannie. . .
The next day, Ray and Ben were helping with the report, while some of the others were spread around, attending to other cases. Francesca hid a smile as she entered the building to see Ezra, feet propped up on the desk, feeding Deifenbaker milk-duds. As soon as she came into view, he quickly straightened, and stuffed them into his drawer.
Ezra: Um. . . Miss Vecchio. . .
Francesca: (smiles) Hi. . . (pets Dief absently) So, ya made a friend, huh?
Before Ezra could protest, Ben and Ray stepped out of the office.
Ray: Ya ready to go?
Francesca: Yup. C'mon.
They said their goodbyes, and left for Chicago, hoping to finally put the mob behind them. . .
THE END
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