Chapter Text
Chapter 5
An offending smell and a chorus of voices woke her up. "Linda, honey. Can you hear me?"
Her eyes fluttered open. "Dr. Lennyard? Wha– " Then everything hit her. "Ben!" She tried to rise.
"Whoa, calm down!" The psychiatrist made her sit up and said, "Good thing I asked for an ambulance, too. You are fine. You just had a drop in your blood pressure. How do you feel?"
Linda looked around. She was inside an ambulance, parked in front of the church where was supposed to but didn't get married to Benton Fraser. Her body was shivering. "I'm scared. What happened? How's everybody?"
"It seems no one was harmed, and all the bad guys were caught. A team is trying to breach the church door open. They are about to release all guests."
"The sacristy door," Linda remembered. "The sacristy door is open. They left through there, and it might be easier to open that one."
"I'll tell them." Dr. Lennyard helped Linda get to her feet. "Are you sure you can walk?"
"Yes. Ben! I have to see Ben."
"Come on, let's go to see them. I don't want to ruin your dress."
They went towards the church and the small crowd was getting out of the stone building. Linda cried, "Benny!"
"Linda!"
They ran to each other and kissed, desperate.
"Oh, my love, are you okay?"
Ben pulled her close to him, as if he needed to feel her body against him as much as she needed to be in his arms. "I'm fine, Ben, I'm just happy this is all over. God, I was so scared."
"It's over now, it's all over."
Ray was running towards them. "Linda! You OK?"
"Yes, I'm good. Dr. Lennyard saved the day."
"So I've heard. He earned the right of honorary cop." His smile fell. "I bear bad news. We need to go to the precinct. Everybody, for official statements."
Ben was appalled. "Is that really necessary?"
"Welsh's orders, don't yell at me. He wants these guys processed to the full extent of the law. By the way, Inspector Thatcher expects you to follow the procedures, since there is a chance Victoria is involved." He gestured. "Come on, I have reserved a black and white just for you two. I'll drive it myself."
"What about the Riv?"
"Frannie will take it home later, when this is all over. Let's go."
Everyone was taken to police cars and driven to the 2-7. Ray got to play driver for Linda and Benny, who couldn't take their hands off each other. "Are you all right?"
"Yes, Ben. I'm just a little shaky, that's all. I thought they were going to take me. It felt like a nightmare."
Linda nuzzled Benny's neck and he kissed the top of her head. "It's all over now. We're here, together."
Ray sighed, "And we were right, Benny. We were waiting for something like this to happen, and it did." He tensed. "But it wasn't supposed to happen. We were supposed to get it all covered."
"Ray, it's over now. That's what is important." Ben pulled Linda a bit closer, feeling that she was still shaking. "Linda is with me, and we're fine."
"But you're not married. You should've gotten married, and we should be on our way to the luncheon, to dance and celebrate. This is just not right."
Linda nodded sadly. "It's all right. Ben's with me, Ray. I wouldn't stand being away from him." Tears fell from her eyes, thinking at the fear that gripped her heart at those horrible moments.
Fraser passed her a handkerchief and she took it questioningly. The groom blushed and indicated. "Your, er, make-up..."
Linda just wiped her tears carefully. "Well, it's sort of ruined anyway. But at least I won't arrive at the precinct all smudgy."
"By the way," said Fraser, "I don't think I have had the opportunity to tell you."
"Tell me what?"
"You are absolutely stunning. "
Linda melted and they kissed. Still driving, Ray had to clear his throat and remind them, "Oh God, can't you guys get your hands off each other? People, at least watch out for the make-up! The make-up!"
Smiling at Ray's antics, Fraser and Linda parted, and she wiped lipstick from Fraser's lips. "Sorry, Ray."
"OK, just try to control yourself, will ya? Jeez!
Linda rested herself in Fraser's shoulder. "Oh, I feel so much better now. Wish I could nap a bit."
"Sorry, no such luck. And count your blessings," said Ray. "When we arrive, my guess is that the bullpen will be a circus."
That was an understatement.
The wedding party totally filled up the 2-7. Elegant women in wedding dresses and hats as well as men in suits mixed with whores and winos as well as detectives. Welsh managed to reserve a full section of the precinct for the procedures. There were interrogations and threats, but the trio of perps wouldn't give them the time of the day. The situation was quite vexing for the wedding guests, and many of them complained. The louder ones were the Italians, of course.
Trying to explain the situation, Welsh called Fraser and said, "Constable, I'm sorry, but you know there's not much more that I can do. This is all police procedure. I'll make sure all guests are dismissed as they give their statements to the officers."
Fraser's eyes were gleaming. "Actually, sir, I was hoping you'd help me keep all guests inside the precinct. I think I had an idea." He leaned and whispered a few words to the lieutenant.
The seasoned police officer widened his eyes as he heard Fraser and then stared at the Mountie. "Are you out of your Canadian mind?"
"No, sir, and if you think about it, there are so many advantages to it. It's a safe place, it will be very intimate – not to mention the fact that everyone is already here."
Welsh pondered on that. After a few seconds, he demanded, "I agree, but on one condition: I call the shots."
"Sir?"
"I want to run the show. I want to be in charge. I have a license and the procedure will be valid at the eyes of the law, Constable. Besides, it would be a great honor. Unless you prefer that – “
"Sir," Fraser interrupted him, "You are like a father to me. The honor will be mine. I'll talk to Fathers Mulcahey and Biehan. I am sure they won't mind."
"I'll get Elaine to arrange things. We can make it as a surprise."
"I'll call Ray to warn everyone. I am sure Mrs. Sorelli won't refuse to help."
Linda was quickly interrogated about what happened on the church. Since she didn’t know much, she was swiftly dismissed and went to stay with the other guests, seeing that Fraser and Ray were doing the police job they knew how to do so well. Linda tried to focus on comforting some of the frightened guests and in return was comforted by many. But most of them were quite indignant by the fact that the wedding was off.
Ted, the photographer, came to where Linda and some of the ladies were sitting, and expressed, "I am so very relieved that you are all right. You are one of the loveliest brides I have ever photographed."
"Thank you, Mr. Ted. I am sorry you ended in a police station."
"Oh, don't be," He laughed., "I was a wild one in my youth. I spent many nights in jail, believe me." He took her arm. "I am just sad you won't be turning into Mrs. Fraser today. After what happened today, you deserve to."
"Thanks, Mr. Ted. That's nice to know."
"He is right. That's a crying shame," insisted Mrs. Mutchnik, in her green organdy dress. "You look so lovely, Linda."
"It's okay, Mrs. Mutchnik. I'm just glad we are all fine."
Mrs. Vecchio said, "Those horrible people were caught, too. Grazzie Dio! What a nerve, to shoot a gun in a church!"
"I hope they don't have to perform a consecration ceremony at Saint Michael’s."
Linda asked, "Why would they do that?"
Mrs. Mutchnik explained, "When violent acts are performed inside a church building, religion authorities have to consecrate it – it means that they have to make it holy or sacred again. Maybe the Vatican will have to send someone, like a special envoy!"
Linda was impressed. Little Gina came running, "Auntie Linda, Auntie Linda, can I take a picture of you?"
"Of course, Gina. I guess it will be a good memory, since there will be no wedding today."
The photographer told the little girl, "You'd better, honey, because the police has confiscated my whole equipment."
“OK, then. Aunt Linda, say cheese!” Linda smiled at the little photographer and Gina hoisted her kiddie camera.
Francesca asked, "Ma, do you think we should call the caterer? They should be home by now, right?"
"I am not sure, 'Chesca. You better check it all with Raymondo first."
Father Mulcahey approached the sitting ladies and said, "Linda, we are thinking about rescheduling the ceremony at 1 p.m. Is that OK with you?"
"Ceremony? You mean the wedding?"
The priest confirmed, "Yes. Constable Fraser is consulting Father Biehan and other policemen, and there should be a few adaptations, but there is a general consensus that you two should get married today, before the sun sets."
Frannie said under her breath, "Or before anything else happens, that is."
Linda's former nurse, Donna, clutching to her daughter Melissa, agreed, "Well put."
Linda glowed and answered the father, "Of course I agree."
Mrs. Sorelli arrived at that instant. "In that case, Linda, let's go to the bathroom. I think I can salvage a little your make-up."
Frannie raised from her chair, “I think I can help, too!”
To the bathroom they went, and so they missed as the 27th precinct suffered a quick and yet extensive change. It was almost a transformation.
When Linda stepped outside of the bathroom, the bullpen had had most of its tables set aside, and the guests to her wedding were all gathered, looking at her. Dr. Lennyard came up to her and put the rose bouquet in her hands tenderly, as Linda’s face showed her confusion.
"Linda," said the psychiatrist gently, "we would like to perform the wedding here and now, if you don’t mind."
"Here? Now?"
"Yes. It was Lieutenant Welsh's idea. Everybody is already here, you won't find a safer place. Besides, the lieutenant insisted to perform the ceremony himself. Do you mind?"
"But I thought we needed a church for that."
"No, it was just a nice place to gather our family and friends. And it wasn't even a religious ceremony. Father Biehan and Mulcahey were only going to say some words and give their blessings. Neither you nor Fraser are Catholic, remember?"
"Won't they be upset?"
"They said they weren't. They are still going to say the words anyway. There was also another change. Do you mind if the lieutenant marries you and Fraser?"
"Mind? Of course not. I would be honored." Linda looked ahead, where Fraser was standing by Lieutenant Welsh and Ray. All three of them were nervously looking at her. She reminded the psychiatrist, "But we lost the music."
Dr. Lennyard shrugged. "You lose some, you win some. A small price to pay to get married in a place where you have so many friends and memories, don't you think?"
"I guess you're right." She took his arm. "I am ready."
Ma Vecchio let a sigh of contentment as they got in position. All guests prepared for the solemn act. Prompted for her entrance, little Gina, carrying a carefully decorated pillow with the rings, crossed the few steps towards Uncle Ray, to whom she delivered the sacred rings. Diefenbaker was by her side. Dr. Lennyard and Linda marched slowly towards Fraser and Lieutenant Welsh. Only then did Linda realize that Fathers Biehan and Mulcahey were by their side, giving the lieutenant assistance in the ceremony.
Fraser was glowing with happiness, and so was Linda. She had a bit of difficult to follow Welsh's words, for she was lost in the love inside the bullpen. Detectives stopped their work, even phones seemed to stop ringing when Father Biehan delivered a few words about companionship in hard times. Father Mulcahey talked about fidelity and commitment. The ceremony took only a few, brief minutes, but it seemed to be encased in a bubble of time of its own, surrounded by love and happiness, as Linda had never felt before.
Ray gave Fraser the rings and he gently put it in Linda's delicate finger, reciting after Welsh's words, "With this ring, I thee wed..." And Linda did the same, putting a ring in Fraser's square finger and promising a lifetime by his side.
Linda just couldn't believe it was happening, and at the same time she performed the ritual with utmost serenity, knowing it was nothing more than a ritual, because in her heart, she has already been Fraser's wife for some time now. She had felt married for a long time. As for Fraser, he felt the world finally getting in order, everything under the sun in its rightful place.
A kiss sealed their bonding ritual, their new life. Fraser pulled Linda’s body close to him and kissed her passionately yet restrainedly. It was the kiss of a man who had the certainty of his wife's devotion, the serenity of a new life in love, the beginning of the new family.
Snap!
"Ma! Ma! I got a picture of their kiss!", Gina shouted in excited, breaking the atmosphere of solemnity.
There wasn't a dry eye in the house. And it was up to Ray to start the shouting and the applause, as rice flew over them before they even parted from the kiss. The shouting got louder, and Ray tried to invite all guests to the luncheon. Welsh said it was a time for celebration, and the detectives on the case were also to go to the luncheon. The trio that tried to thwart the wedding was to rot in their cells and wait for the booking, until they were back.
Linda and Fraser were hugged by many friends, and their joy was contagious. They were the most unlikely pair ever. Yet the man and woman who had no parents and no family now were married, expecting a baby, and were surrounded by friends and their families of choice. They had companionship, warmth and love, things they never hoped or dreamed.
And they conquered that despite of all the nightmares. Because they damned well deserved it.
The End