Third Watch Fic: Fallen (10-11/16)

[xtremeroswellia]

Part Ten

Davis took a bite of his burrito as he sat on top of the hood of the squad. He glanced over at his partner. "Any new developments?" he asked quietly.

Bosco set his soft taco down on the wrapper that was on the hood. He wiped his mouth with his napkin. "I slipped up, and Faith knows I told you."

"Shit. How'd she react to that?"

"She was pretty freaked. Wanted to know what I was thinking, and if I knew I could trust you."

"What'd you tell her?"

"The truth. That I needed help, and you were a smart guy. And that you had family. You knew how -important- it was that you keep your mouth shut."

Davis nodded. "Yeah. I won't say anything."

"The life of a six year old is riding on that promise."

“Come on, Bosco. You know me. I ain't gonna say anything," he said seriously, gazing at him.

"I want you to meet him," he told him softly.

"Yeah?"

He nodded his head, and looked down at the ground. "I want you to see Charlie because...I trust you more than I trust anybody, but I want you to see him." He looked back at his partner, his eyes intense. "I want you to -know- why we're risking so much."

Davis was silent for only a moment. "So when do I get to meet him?"

"We can drive over there between calls."

He nodded. "Okay. Does uh...does Faith know we're comin' over?"

Bosco picked up his taco. "She's at work," he told him just before taking a bite.

"Oh." His eyebrows furrowed. "But she's gonna be okay with us goin' over there?"

He looked over at Ty again. "I highly doubt she'll have a problem with it."

"Right." He took another bite of his burrito.

"Oh, and Ty...there's one other thing."

"What's that?"

"I know who the cops are."

Davis nearly choked on his food. "You...what? Who?"

Bosco took one last bite of his taco before putting it back in the wrapper, and pitching it into a nearby garbage bin. "Two guys from the 55."

He stared at his partner, stunned. "Two guys from -our- precinct?"

He nodded his head. "Which makes it even more important that we're careful when we talk about this, and that we don't let -anything- slip to anyone."

"Damn. Well, wait. You said you knew who they were."

He took a deep breath. "Yeah. I saw them at the bar last night. They'd...they'd been with Faith," he whispered.

"What do you..." The look in Bosco's eyes told him more than he'd wanted to know. "Oh, my God."

"She told me that...they didn't even bother with protection." He lowered his head.

"Oh, man." Davis felt sick and he wrapped up the rest of his food and stuffed it in the paper bag. "She all right?"

"Yeah, I guess. I spent the night at her place, holdin' her cause I think she was afraid to be alone." He swallowed hard. "She's on the pill, but she's gonna have to go get tested, and stuff."

"Damn. What about you? Are you all right? Cause I mean, I know how I'd feel if someone did that to Alex."

"I'm gonna do my best not to kill 'em, but I can't make any promises."

"I wouldn't expect you to. I don't think I'd be able to either."

Bosco ran a hand through his hair. "I was jokin' around with them last night, too. I didn't have a clue."

"Yeah, well, the joke's gonna be on them when we find a way to lock 'em up for life."

He nodded his head, and nervously wiped his hands on his pant legs.

"You haven't said who they were," Davis stated.

"Would you believe I'm kinda nervous to tell ya?"

"Okay, now you're makin' me nervous."

He took a deep breath, and let it out. "Donaldson...and Malfoy."

"Are you...are you -shittin'- me? Leroy Donaldson and Scott Malfoy?"

"I wish I was, but I saw them last night. The bartender told me that they'd just been with Faith, and so I immediately went back to see her and she said that it had been the guys that had beaten her." He swallowed hard. "It was them."

"Son of a bitch," he muttered.

"When I talked to them at the bar they said they'd probably go back tonight cause there was this stripper they liked." His voice was slightly strained. "I tried to get Faith to stay home from work, but..." He shook his head. "I'm gonna see if I can keep them occupied tonight. Take them out for drinks at Haggerty's or somethin'."

"Damn, Boz." Davis slid off the hood of the car and stared off in the distance, his hands resting on his gun belt. "You think they'll go after her again? I mean, at her place?"

"Technically they wouldn't have a reason to, but...I don't know." He looked up at Davis. "I mean, nothin's for sure. But I guarantee you that if Faith stays at her place I'm gonna be there with my gun close by."

"Yeah, that sounds like a good idea. Cause if they're that determined to see her again and they've broken in once..." His voice trailed off.

"I should really get her someplace safe. Hell, maybe a hotel."

"Come on, Bosco. They're cops. They'll figure out where she is."

"But shouldn't we move her around once in a while? Just incase?"

“I don't know." He was quiet for a moment. "I think we should talk to Lieutenant Sullivan."

"No! We can't." He hopped off the car. "We can't tell anyone!"

"Boz, listen to me. Sully worked with my dad for twenty years. He's a good guy. He'll know what to do, how to bring these jagoffs down."

"Davis, we can't." He shook his head, an uncertain look on his face. "I can't risk somebody else knowing. Cause if Sullivan knows he's gonna wanna launch some kind of investigation. He's too by the book."

Davis scratched his head. "So what do we do? What's our plan? I mean, how many nights are you gonna be able to convince Donaldson and Malfoy to hit the bar with you instead of going to...have some quality time with their favorite stripper?"

Bosco rubbed his hands over his face vigorously for a moment. "I don't have a plan yet," he whispered.

"Well, we better come up with one fast. Cause these guys are smart if they've been workin' this long for Chevchenko without anyone else in the department knowin' about it."

"Yeah, I know." He nodded his head. "We gotta get them to slip up somehow. I just wish I knew how."

* * *

Faith leaned her arms on the bar as she glanced toward the door, not really paying any attention to what was going on around her. Her eyes were distant as she kept her gaze on the entrance.

Martie placed a 7UP on the bar in front of her. "So...what's goin' on?"

"What?" She blinked a couple of times and looked over at him.

He grinned. "I asked how it was going."

A small smile touched her lips as her cheeks turned a light shade of pink. "Fine."

"Thinkin' about someone?"

She ducked her head as she unscrewed the lid on her 7UP bottle. "No," she denied, but there was still a small smile on her face.

He chuckled, and leaned forward. "It's that Maurice, isn't it?"

"Maybe." She glanced up at him, her eyes sparkling.

"I can tell he really cares about you, Faith," he told her softly.

"I know," she said just as softly.

"And you care about him?"

Faith nodded wordlessly, taking a sip of her drink.

"It's really nice to see that look in your eyes."

She was silent for a moment. "Don't you think this could be impossible? I mean...I'm a hooker...he's a cop."

He shrugged. "Do you love him?"

She shifted uncomfortably, avoiding his eyes.

"Faith?"

She bit her lip and looked up at him again. "Yes," she admitted very softly.

He met her gaze. "That love...that can get you through anything."

She let out a breath. "I don't know, Martie. There's a lot to get through," she whispered.

Martie placed his hand on top of hers. "Well if I had a say in any of this, I'd tell you to go for it. Because for once there's a sign of life in your eyes, and I'd hate to see it go."

Faith gazed at him, a sad smile on her lips as he walked away to get a drink for another customer. She did love Bosco. But she had a feeling things weren't going to be as simple as her friend made them sound.

Fallen--Chapter Eleven

Bosco led his partner down the hall to apartment 27. "You're cool with this, right?"

"Totally. I like kids."

He nodded his head, turned to the door, and knocked softly.

A moment later it opened and Tammy looked at him, surprise on her face. "Hi."

"Hey. Do you remember me?"

She grinned. "Yeah, you're Faith's boyfriend."

With a smile on his face he nodded his head. "Is it okay if my partner and I come in? I was hopin' to see Charlie before he went to bed."

“Sure. Come on in." Tammy stepped aside, eyeing Davis appreciatively as he followed Bosco.

"This is my partner, Ty Davis," he informed her. "Ty this is...uh...." He searched his memory wondering if he knew her name.

"Tammy Reynolds," she supplied, holding her hand out and smiling as Davis shook it.

"Nice to meet you." He smiled back at her.

"Definitely," she said under her breath.

“So is Charlie in his room?"

“Yeah, he was just getting ready for bed. You can go on back."

"Thanks Tammy." Bosco motioned for Davis to follow him as he headed down the hall.

Davis grinned at the pretty babysitter once more then followed his partner. "I think she likes me."

"Ya think," Bosco chuckled.

His grin widened a little. "Yeah, well. What's not to like?"

He shook his head, a smile on his face. "This is his room." Bosco stopped outside Charlie's open bedroom door, and knocked softly. "Hey Champ."

Charlie's eyes widened and he quickly stood up on his bed. "Come in, Uncle B!"

"Uncle B?" Davis repeated, raising his eyebrows.

"I guess that's what his sister used to call me. She told Charlie about me before she...," he let his voice trail off, and quickly put a smile on his face as he walked over to Charlie. "You supposed to be standin' on your bed?"

He grinned. "Mom's not here."

Bosco chuckled. "Come here." He held his arms out.

Charlie quickly put his arms around Bosco in a hug.

"How ya doin'? You still feelin' okay?"

"Yep. Mom says I gotta go back to school Monday."

"Bummer." Bosco kissed the side of Charlie's head.

Davis watched his partner with the young boy, a little surprised at the level of involvement he seemed to have in Charlie's life already.

He pulled away from Charlie slightly, his hands still on the boy's arms. "I wanted you to meet a friend of mine," Bosco told him.

Charlie looked over at the other officer, his eyes full of curiosity. "Who are you?"

"Ty Davis. I work with your uncle B." He smiled and shook the boy's hand.

"Ty helps me catch the bad guys," Bosco informed him. "He's my partner."

"Cool!" The young boy grinned. "I wanna be a police officer when I grow up."

Bosco smiled, and ruffled Charlie's hair. "Well you know as a police officer you gotta enforce the rules, not break 'em."

He plopped down on his bed, the mattress bouncing. "Don't tell?"

"I won't...this time," he told Charlie with a grin.

"You stay with me til I fall asleep?"

"Well..." Bosco bit his lip. "I can stay until we get another call," he told him softly.

"Cool. Read me a story?"

"Uh..." He glanced up at Ty. "Sure Charlie. You got a book for me to read from?"

Charlie reached up on his headboard and grabbed his copy of 'Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.'

"Wow. Looks like you've read this a couple times," Bosco observed as he took the worn paperback book from him.

He grinned. "Five."

"Isn't this like a series of books," Bosco asked him as he turned to the page where there was a Harry Potter bookmark.

"Yep. Five so far."

"You read 'em all?"

He nodded. "Yep."

Bosco looked up, and noticed Davis standing in the doorway. "You can uh...go tell Tammy that Charlie's bein' tucked in."

"Sure thing." Davis smiled softly and left the room.

"Okay." Bosco turned toward Charlie. "Get yourself settled in and then I'll start readin'."

Charlie smiled and snuggled under his covers, gazing up at Bosco patiently.

He leaned back against the headboard, holding the book in one hand he rested his other hand on Charlie's shoulder. His eyebrows furrowed when he looked down at the page. "Don't make fun if I don't say their names right."

The young boy grinned. "Her-my-oh-knee," he pronounced.

"Her-my-oh-knee," he repeated, nodding his head. He squeezed the boy's shoulder, and began to read.

* * *

Bosco hung his uniform shirt on a hook in his locker then sat down on the bench as he began to unstrap his vest. "So...you and that Tammy girl seemed to get along really well."

"Yeah, well. She's a little young for me, and besides...I think Alex would have a problem with me seein' her again." There was a grin on his face.

He pulled off his vest, and shoved it in his locker. "She's not that young," Bosco said with a chuckle. "Anyway it never hurts to have a backup plan."

"Yeah? So are you keepin' Cruz around in case this thing with Faith doesn't work out?" he asked pointedly.

"Point taken," Bosco said softly as he reached for his t-shirt. The locker room door opened, and his body tensed when he saw who had entered.

Davis glanced over and saw Donaldson and Malfoy walking in, both grinning broadly.

"It's gonna be a real good night," Malfoy said as he walked over to his locker.

Bosco swallowed hard, and took a calming breath. "So whaddya say we all head over to Haggerty's for drinks," he asked loud enough for the other officers to hear.

"Yeah, that sounds good," Davis agreed quickly. "Guys night out, check out some chicks."

Donaldson looked over at Malfoy. "Well...we know a hotspot for that. In fact, we were headin' over there now."

He quickly glanced at Davis, a nervous look in his eyes. Maybe this wasn't gonna work. "Yeah, that place is great, but we should go somewhere else tonight."

"Personally, I was thinkin' about Haggerty's. I heard there's some new hot blond waitress that's definitely worth checkin' out."

"Whadda you guys say?" Bosco looked over at Donaldson and Malfoy. "We could play some pool, drink beer...maybe find a lucky lady to take home."

Malfoy glanced at Donaldson. "We could always hit the other place later."

Donaldson nodded.

"You know, I was talkin' to the bartender after you guys left. He said the best time to go there would be midmorning, early afternoon. Cause the girls are at their best cause it's the beginning of their day," Bosco lied.

Malfoy grinned. "Too bad the lady we like works the night shift."

Bosco's eyes narrowed slightly, and he closed his locker. He wasn't sure if he was going to be able to handle spending time with these two goons knowing what they'd done to Faith. "Just come with us tonight. I nearly broke the bank gettin' lapdances. I can only afford Haggerty's prices tonight."

"All right, all right. Enough beggin', Boscorelli. We'll hang out with you for awhile," Malfoy said with a chuckle.

"Excellent. I'll even let you buy the first round."

"Oh, now wait a minute..." he started to protest.

"Okay, okay. We'll all buy our own beers to begin with then whoever loses at pool or darts or whatever buys the next round," Bosco suggested.

"Now you're talkin'," Malfoy said as he shut his locker.

"Come on. We can all ride over in Davis's car." He grinned at Davis.

"I don't know that we'll all fit. Someone may have to ride in the trunk," Davis joked.

"Give me your keys then," Bosco said lightly. "Gonna be hard for you to drive from the trunk."

Donaldson grabbed his wallet out of his locker before closing it. "I don't care who drives just as long as we get there in one piece."

"We might," Davis said under his breath.

* * *

Faith unlocked the door to her apartment and pushed it open, smiling faintly at Tammy who sat on her sofa, reading a book. "Hey," she whispered. "How'd it go?"

"Really good." She turned to face Faith after marking her page, and setting the book down. "Your boyfriend came over earlier."

Her eyebrows furrowed slightly. "Bosco was here?"

"Yup." She nodded her head. "Him and his -very- nice looking partner. Bosco tucked Charlie in for the night."

She stared at Tammy for a moment. "He tucked Charlie in?"

"Yeah. They came over and I told him that Charlie was getting ready for bed, and he could go back and say hi. A few minutes later his partner came out and said that Charlie was being tucked in." She paused, a smile on her face. "Faith...he even read to him."

Faith sat down on the arm of the sofa, her eyes soft. "He read to him?" she echoed in a soft whisper.

Tammy chuckled softly. "That's what I was told. Where'd you find this guy?"

She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "Actually...I met Bosco like...five years ago. We were old friends."

"And you guys like just got together?" She got off the sofa, and began putting her things in her backpack.

"Well, I was married back then and Bosco...well, things were just different."

Tammy nodded her head. "Well all I know is that you seem happier, and Charlie...I could hear him all the way down the hall he was so excited." She looked up at Faith. "And tonight is the first night in quite a while that he hasn't woken up since he was put to bed. He didn't get up wanting a drink or wanting to stay up with me."

She was quiet for a moment. "What about Bosco? How did he seem when he left?" she asked softly.

"Bosco? If he didn't have to get back to work I don't think he woulda left."

A small smile touched her lips, her eyes full of warmth. "Thanks, Tammy." She pulled some money out of her purse and handed it to the babysitter.

"Thanks." She tucked the money into her pocket, picked up her bag and headed for the door. "Oh, I can't believe I almost forgot," she said as she turned around to face Faith.

"What?" she asked, her eyebrows furrowing slightly.

"He wanted you to call his cell phone cause he wanted to stop by tonight, but didn't know if it'd be too late."

"Oh. Okay. Thanks." She smiled and stood up. "I'll see you tomorrow."

"Yeah. Have a good night, Faith." She pulled open the door, and headed down the corridor.

She locked the door behind Tammy as she left, then leaned against it for a moment. Her mind spinning with thoughts. She closed her eyes, then opened them again and walked over to pick up the telephone. Without hesitation, she dialed the number.

* * *

The vibrating of his cell phone startled him, and he missed the blue striped ball by a mile. "Shit. Davis looks like you're gonna have to pick up the slack." He handed Ty his pool stick before reaching in his pocket for his phone. "Hello," he shouted above the bar noise as he put his finger in his other ear to block out the sounds.

"Bosco?"

"Yeah." He wasn't sure who it was as he wove his way through the crowd hoping to make it outside where it was quiet.

"It's me, Faith."

“Oh, hey! Hold on a sec. I'm gonna go outside."

"Okay." She waited patiently, curling her legs up on the sofa behind her.

Bosco hurried outside, and was greeted by near silence once he was out the door. "Hey, sorry 'bout that."

"It's all right. You still at work?" she asked softly.

"No, actually I'm at a bar with my partner, and those two guys," he told her quietly as he leaned against a lightpole, watching the bar door.

It took her a moment to respond. "Oh." She chewed on her lower lip nervously.

"Davis and I put a little plan into action. Loser has to buy drinks, so he and I have been taking turns losing at pool and darts. Those two bastards are so liquored up right now they can barely stand," he informed her.

She could hear the hatred, the anger in his voice. "Don't do anything stupid, Bosco," she said very softly.

He let out a breath. "My partner's keepin' me in check."

Faith leaned her head back against the cushions. "Do you...do you wanna come over later?" she whispered.

"I'd like to if that's okay," he told her softly. His body relaxing as he talked to her.

"I'd like it too."

Bosco smiled softly. "I'll get there as soon as I can."

"Can't wait," she said softly.

"Well...I should get back inside."

"Okay. Drive safely."

"I will." He paused for a second. "Love you."

Faith felt the breath catch in her throat. "Love you, too," she whispered.

"See you soon," he whispered back before hanging up. There was a smile on his face as he headed back into Haggerty's.

Davis glanced up from where he'd just lost his sixth pool game in a row. "Guess I'm buyin' again."

"We should do this more often," Donaldson said, a wide grin on his face. "You guys suck."

Malfoy chuckled. "You definitely suck."

"It's fun though." Bosco told them, his voice way too cheery. "Hangin' out with the boys, and drinkin'. It doesn't get a whole lot better."

"Oh, yeah it does." Malfoy grinned. "You shoulda seen this blond last night..."

"She had -the- most amazing body," Donaldson supplied.

Bosco's jaw tensed, and his hands clenched into fists.

"He's not shittin'...her ass...oh, man."

"And those melons."

"You guys should try treatin' her like a person instead of a piece of meat," Bosco snapped.

Malfoy looked a little surprised by his outburst. "Like you've never talked about how sweet one of your conquests was?"

"Conquests," Bosco asked, his eyes questioning.

"Dude, she was all over us."

Donaldson nodded. "And it wasn't no one on one thing, it was..."

"Hey, damn. Look at the time. I gotta get up early. Anyone who wants a ride better come on now," Davis said loudly, catching the flare of hatred in his partner's eyes.

Glancing at Davis, Donaldson stumbled around the pool table. "You never bought our last round."

"Raincheck, all right? I forgot I gotta babysit one of nephews in the morning."

He nodded. "Raincheck," he repeated. "Just make it soon. Can't have you forgettin' you owe us."

"Oh we won't," Bosco whispered coolly.

* * *

Davis gripped onto the steering wheel as he glanced over at Bosco awhile later. "You okay?"

"Never been better," he mumbled.

He let out a breath. "We'll make them pay, Boz."

Bosco nodded his head, and looked over at Davis. "It was like...like they were proud of what they did."

"They were. They're bastards."

He ran his hand over his face. "Can you take me to Faith's," he asked softly.

"Yeah, of course."

"Thanks." Bosco slouched in his seat. "Never thought that hangin' out with them to protect Faith would be so hard."

“You did good."

"I appreciate you helpin' out, Ty. I mean...with everything." He turned to look at his partner. "I really owe you."

"I wanna help out. That's what partners are for."

He turned to look out the windshield, and a moment later a small grin crossed his lips. "Charlie's a sweet kid, huh?"

"Yeah. He sure seems to like you."

"I was sittin' with him one night when he was sick, and Faith was sleeping in her room. It was the first time that'd he'd really been awake enough while I was there to know what was goin' on." He paused for a moment. "As soon as he saw me he knew who I was, Davis."

Davis glanced over at him. "How?"

"I guess Emily'd shown him pictures of me. He said that she used to tell him stories about how I'd take her to the park and stuff, you know, back when Faith was in the academy. That's why he called me Uncle B. It's what he said Emily used to call me."

He was quiet for a moment. "He's already really attached to you."

"Do you think that's a bad thing?"

Davis glanced at him again. "No. But are you ready to be a daddy?"

"I don't know. I mean...I think so," he whispered. "I really care about him."

"Yeah, but...there's a difference between carin' about somebody and becomin' one of their main caretakers."

Bosco was silent for a moment as he stared out the window. "She asked me to take care of him if something happened to her."

"Shit."

He turned to look at Davis. "So...I think she feels I'm ready."

"Or else she's plannin' on dyin' soon."

"I think she's just scared cause of all this stuff. Between you and me knowing, and the beating she took the other night..."

"Yeah, that's understandable. I can't even imagine what she's goin' through."

"She really puts on a good tough act."

"Sounds like you two are a match made in heaven."

* * *

Bosco thanked Davis for the ride, and hurried upstairs to Faith's apartment. He checked his watch hoping he wasn't arriving too late then softly knocked on the door.

It opened a couple moments later and Faith gazed at him. "Hey. You made it."

He nodded his head, smiling warmly. "Hope it's not too late."

"Not at all. Come on in."

Once he was inside, and she'd closed the door he slid his arms around her waist. "Hi."

She wrapped her arms around him, as well, kissing his cheek lightly. "Hi," she whispered.

He felt himself relaxing as they held each other. "How are you," he asked softly.

"I'm okay. How are you?" She rested her cheek against his, closing her eyes.

"Much better now that I'm with you."

Faith rubbed his back lightly, kissing his cheek again. "Tammy told me you came by."

"I hope that's okay."

"Yeah, that's fine. I'm sure Charlie was thrilled," she said softly.

Bosco grinned. "I think he might have been."

She pulled away slightly to look at him. "She said you read to him?"

He nodded. "From one of those Harry Potter books."

A small smile touched her lips. "Let me guess. The Chamber of Secrets?"

"Yeah, that's the one. He said he's read it like five times."

"It's his favorite."

"I could tell he was tryin' to stay awake, but he couldn't do it."

She took his hand and led him over to the sofa, sitting down with one of her legs tucked underneath her. "You're really good with him."

"He's a great kid, Faith." He gave her hand a gentle squeeze. "You've done really well with him."

She gazed at him for a moment, then lowered her eyes. "He doesn't even remember Fred."

"Maybe that's not such a bad thing?"

"No, definitely not, but..."

"He's still Charlie's dad," he whispered.

"Every boy needs a father," she whispered back.

Bosco swallowed hard thinking of the conversation he'd had minutes ago with his partner.

"Bosco, I need to know somethin'."

He nodded his head. "Okay."

She was silent for a moment. "I know you care about Charlie. What I need to know is...even if things don't work out with you and me...for whatever reason...I need to know you're not gonna just abandon him because...I don't know if he could handle losin' someone else."

"I'd never do anything to hurt him, Faith," he promised softly.

She nodded, then looked up at him. "You never answered me this morning."

“I know," he whispered.

Faith gazed at him wordlessly, her eyes searching his.

Bosco let out a breath, and nodded his head. "I'd take care of him," he told her in a hushed voice.

She shifted closer to him, slipping her arms around his waist as she rested her head on his shoulder. She closed her eyes tightly. "Thank you," she whispered.

"We're gonna take care of him together though," he whispered back.

She placed a soft kiss against his shoulder, relaxing in his arms.

He gently stroked her hair as he held her. This is what he'd been waiting to do all day. "Can I spend the night," he asked very softly.

"Please do," she said just as softly.

"You ready for bed?" He pulled back, and placed a kiss on her cheek.

She nodded slightly, gazing at him. She reached out and touched his face before kissing him softly on the lips. "I love you, Bosco."

He smiled against her lips, his heart soaring with her words, filling him with hope.

She ended the kiss, lightly brushing her lips across his cheek, then his forehead before she stood up, holding her hand out to him.

Bosco took her hand, and stood up. The smile still on his lips.

She led him back toward her bedroom, pausing in her son's open doorway. She gazed inside the dimly lit room for a moment, then turned to Bosco. "Tonight was the first time he didn't ask Tammy to stay with him til I got here," she whispered.

He raised his eyebrows. "Really?"

"Yeah." Her voice was still soft. "Really."

He kissed Faith's cheek. "You think I mighta had something to do with that," he asked uncertainly.

She touched his face. "Yeah. I do."

"I still can't believe he knew who I was," he whispered as he gazed at her.

"Emily loved you so much. She was always talkin' about you." She swallowed hard. "I think...she'd be really happy that you're here."

"I hope so."

Faith kissed him lightly, then took his hand and led him down the hall to her bedroom, closing the door behind them once they were inside.

Bosco looked at her, a soft expression on his face as he squeezed her hand gently.

"Sit down," she said softly.

He nodded his head, and sat down on the edge of the bed.

She gazed at him silently for a long moment. "Boz...I just wanted to say that...what I do...it's just a job. It's not really who I am," she whispered.

"I...I know that." He bobbed his head. "I never really thought that you could uh...change that much."

"I never wanted to." Her voice was barely audible. "I just...didn't have a choice."

"You don't have to explain yourself to me," he told her softly as he gazed up at her.

Faith kissed his forehead. "I just wanted you to know," she said quietly.

He put his hands on her hips, gently rubbing his thumbs back and forth. "I just hope that when we're able to be together...it won't remind you of..."

She kissed his lips, cutting him off. "It won't. You know why?"

Bosco shook his head.

She gazed at him, her eyes soft. "Because I love you," she whispered.

"You don't know how much I like hearin' you say those words."

She kissed his cheek, wrapping her arms around him.

He returned the embrace, and leaned in close. "I love you, too," he whispered in her ear.

Faith swallowed hard, closing her eyes as they held each other. Up until Bosco had returned to her life, she wasn't sure anyone besides her kids had ever really loved her before. But now she knew that someone did. And that made all the difference.

* * *

Charlie rubbed his eyes, and yawned. He glanced at his clock through tired eyes to see that it wasn't quite six o'clock. Slowly he slid out of bed, and shuffled down the hall to the bathroom. His eyes were barely open as he grabbed the glass his mother kept by the sink for him, and turned on the water. He took a long drink of water, and wiped his mouth with his shirt sleeve. Turning to go back to his room he paused for a brief second outside his mother's door before reaching for the knob, and pushing the door open.

Faith's back was to Bosco, his arm draped around her stomach as he slept peacefully behind her. Her eyes fluttered open when she heard the door creak.

"Mom?" His voice was soft as he peeked into the room.

She lifted her head from the pillow. "Charlie? What's wrong? You okay?" she whispered, squinting against the soft light that was beginning to drift in through the window.

He nodded his head as he made his way over to the bed. "Just got some water," he informed her, not yet noticing Bosco.

She smiled softly, laying her head back down. "You don't have to get up for a few more hours."

Bosco shifted behind her, and groaned softly. "Faith," he mumbled.

"Shhh. It's okay. Go back to sleep," she whispered.

Charlie's eyes widened.

Faith shifted her gaze back to her son, immediately noticing the shocked look on his face. "It's okay, Charlie," she whispered quickly, worried that he was going to be upset.

"There's somebody in bed with you," he whispered, shocked because the only people he'd ever known to sleep in her bed, besides her, had been Emily and himself.

"It's Bosco," she whispered back.

He grinned. "Uncle B?"

"Is this a bad thing," Bosco asked Faith softly.

"No," she said just as softly, covering his arm with her own.

Bosco kissed the back of her head.

"Can I sleep with you guys?"

His voice was so soft she barely heard him. "Sure you can," she whispered.

Charlie wasted no time moving to the foot of the bed, and crawling onto the mattress.

Faith couldn't help grin when her son snuggled up between her and Bosco. She shifted so that she was lying on her side facing them. She kissed the side of his head lightly.

"Hey Uncle B," Charlie whispered.

Bosco grinned sleepily. "Hey Champ." He reached across Charlie, and rested his hand on Faith's hip.

She smiled softly as she gazed at the two guys she loved the most in the world.

"Goodnight," the young boy said softly as he closed his eyes, a smile on his face.

Bosco looked over at Faith as he gently ran his thumb over her hip.

"I love you," she mouthed, her eyes full of warmth.

He winked at her before closing his eyes.

She smiled softly as her own eyes drifted shut once more.

* * *

Part Eleven

Bosco sat at the bar with a Pepsi in his hand. He and Davis had been unable to get Malfoy and Donaldson to join them for drinks again tonight. Apparently they'd both woken with quite the hangover. Which neither Bosco nor Davis were surprised about seeing as they'd kept losing games on purpose in order to get the other two officers drunk.

So Bosco had ended up here again. He'd only seen Faith for a few brief moments inbetween her waiting tables, and giving lapdances. He was quite relieved that tonight had been a busy night for Faith but she hadn't had to go to the back since he'd gotten here a little over an hour ago. It appeared that lapdances were the most anyone was going for. He turned to look at Martie as the man approached him. "You think I could get a burger or somethin'? I'm starved."

"Sure, no problem. Long shift?" Martie asked as he jotted down an order on his order pad and stuck it in the back window for the cooks.

"Yeah. Exhausting. I'm about ready to crash."

He nodded and leaned on the bar. "She gets off in a couple hours."

He nodded his head. "Good, cause I've been ready to take her home since I got here."

Martie gave him a small, sad smile. "What's it gonna take to get her to quit?"

Bosco sighed softly. "She needs to save up some more money, but I'm hoping she'll have what she needs soon."

"I wish there was some way I could help her."

"I think you bein' her friend has helped quite a bit." He looked over where Faith was taking an order. "And if you can help keep the major creeps away from her..."

"Like Harold?"

"Yeah, him for one." Bosco looked at Martie. "I had to pull my gun on him a while back...after hours."

His eyes widened. "What did he do?"

"It was that night when you first told me who he was. Faith and I fell asleep in the back, so it was almost two by the time we were leavin'. She forgot somethin' in the back, and I was waitin' for her. When she didn't come out I went to find her." He shook his head, anger on his face. "Bastard snuck back there before closing. And he had her pushed up against the wall, and was runnin' his hands over her. I pulled my gun told him that if I ever saw him near Faith again I'd shoot him."

'That son of a bitch," Martie said in disgust.

Bosco took a drink of his Pepsi. "I don't think he's been with Faith since." He cringed slightly at his own words.

"I haven't seen him around since that night," he said quietly.

"Good. I just hope he didn't go complain' to the boss about Faith's boyfriend gettin' in the way."

"If he had, she'd have heard about it by now."

“Bastard doesn't waste any time yellin' at the girls, does he?"

"Understatement."

He was quiet for a moment as he took another sip of his drink. "So..." He grinned. "Faith say anything about me tonight?"

Martie chuckled. "What Faith tells me about her boyfriend that she's in love with is completely confidential."

"So she did say somethin'."

"You'll have to ask her."

"Oh what fun's a mutual friend if he won't spill the beans?"

He grinned. "Good point." He leaned across the bar. "She hasn't really said anything, but...there's this look in her eyes that I've never seen before."

"It's a good look, right? It's gotta be a good look."

"It's a very good look. She looks hopeful."

"You know...the way she and I started out...I gotta admit I was worried."

"Well, that's understandable." Martie wiped off the counter with a rag. "She said you guys were old friends."

"Yeah." He nodded his head. "Hadn't seen each other for five years...then my buddy brought me here for my birthday, and well..." Bosco shrugged.

"How'd you two first meet?" he asked curiously.

Bosco started to take a drink of his Pepsi, but quickly put it down as he looked at Martie. "Honestly?"

He raised his eyebrows. "Yeah."

He looked around a little before shifting forward. "We met at the academy."

Martie stared at him. "The police academy?"

He nodded his head before taking a drink. "Your friend Faith...she's an expert marksmen."

For a moment he was so shocked he couldn't speak. "She was gonna be a cop?"

"Yeah," he whispered. "I never woulda graduated without her help, but then one day she just...disappeared." He motioned around the bar. "And ended up here."

"Damn. Talk about a fall from grace," he murmured, shaking his head. "I had no idea."

"And she'd never tell you."

"No, I'm sure she wouldn't," Martie agreed softly.

"I don't know if she still wants to be a cop, but no matter what she decides after she gets away from this place...it's better than this."

"No arguments here. She's better than this."

He nodded his head. "So are you."

"All I gotta do is tend bar and make sure no one gets killed. Compared to her, I got it easy."

Bosco nodded his head, and leaned his forearms on the bar as he looked around. "Wish her shift was over," he whispered.

Martie nodded sympathetically.

"Order up!"

He turned around, walked over to the window and picked up the plate that the cheeseburger Bosco had ordered was on. He set it down in front of him, then retrieved a bottle of ketchup and a bottle of mustard.

"And the night gets a little better," he said with a grin as he looked at his plate of food, and dug out his wallet to pay for his meal. "Faith wouldn't happen to have a break comin' up soon would she?"

Martie shook his head, then held up a hand. "It's on the house."

"For real?"

"For real. You helpin' Faith, tryin' to help get her away from this...the least I can do is give you free food."

"Thanks Martie." Bosco grabbed the mustard, and loaded up his burger.

"No problem." He smiled briefly, then headed down to the other side of the bar to wait on two customers who'd just sat down.

Bosco watched as Martie walked away, and his eyes widened when he saw who the customers were that he was waiting on. "Shit." He quickly put his cheeseburger back on his plate.

"Faith around?" Malfoy asked Martie, leaning toward him with a grin.

Donaldson smirked. "We had a real good time here the other night, and were hopin' to..."

"Hey bartender!" Bosco hollered from where he was sitting, his tone full of anger.

Martie was startled by Bosco's angry voice and he told the other two men to hang on as he walked down the bar. "What's wrong?"

"Those two guys. Keep them away from Faith," he told him, urgency in his voice.

"How? She's headed this way."

"I'll be her next customer. Just whatever you do -don't- let them go in the back with her."

Martie sensed Bosco's tension, and he nodded. "All right."

He relaxed slightly, but remembering he was supposed to be angry he quickly narrowed his eyes. "And if they ask just tell 'em I'm pissed cause the food here sucks."

"No problem." He wasn't sure what was going on, but whatever it was had to be bad. He walked down the bar to the other two men again. "Sorry about that. He's not happy with his order."

Donaldson shook his head, and looked over at Malfoy. "Why does that -not- surprise me?"

"Cause it's Boscorelli." He smirked.

"Exactly," he chuckled before turning back to the bartender. "So...as we were sayin'. We'd like to see Faith."

"Oh. Sorry. Actually that guy down there...you say his name was Boscorelli? He's been waitin' on her for the last hour."

"No way."

"No joke," Martie informed them just as Faith walked up to the bar, not seeing the two men or Bosco as she waited for him to get her a drink for one of her customers.

Donaldson looked at his watch. "Well...what time do you guys close? I mean, I'm sure there's time for us too, right?"

"Depends. I don't really know what he wants. We close at 1."

"That's a couple hours from now. I'm sure we'll have our chance," Malfoy said with a smirk as he turned to look at Faith.

As if sensing she was being watched, she shifted her eyes over, her face paling a little as she saw the two men sitting there.

"I'll be right with you guys." He handed them a couple menus. "Maybe I can interest you in some food while you wait, and a couple complimentary drinks." Without another word to them he walked over to Faith.

There was a faint look of fear in her eyes that she quickly tried to mask from her friend. "I need a rum and coke for table five," she said softly.

He nodded his head. "Maurice is gonna be your next customer," he whispered before grabbing a glass from under the bar.

She quickly turned and saw Bosco sitting a few feet away, a wave of relief washing over her.

Bosco put a grin on his face, and waved at her.

She smiled back faintly, her eyes warm.

Martie poured the drink, and set it on the bar. "I'll make sure these two guys stay occupied. I'm sure Destiny and Veronica wouldn't mind handing out a couple free lapdances."

"Don't let them go back there with any of the girls," she said quietly as she took the glass.

He nodded his head. "Okay."

She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and carried the drink to table five.

"Good to go," Bosco asked Martie, a hopeful look in his eyes.

He nodded slightly. "You can eat in the back."

"Thanks." Bosco started to collect his plate and drink. "Don't know why I'd want to though," he smirked. "The food sucks."

Martie smirked back. "Can't complain too much. It was free."

Bosco smiled, and breathed a sigh of relief as he started to relax again, crisis averted for now.

Faith walked over to where he was sitting and rested her hands on his shoulders. "You ready?" she asked softly.

He turned to look at her. "You bet."

She offered him a small smile as she headed toward the back.

Malfoy stood up, moving over close to her. "Hey, baby. Can't wait til later."

"You could be waitin' a long time," Bosco informed him.

"Well, you know, we could all go back together." He grinned. "I think she could handle us."

"Back off, Scott."

"Oh, what, we can go drool over a waitress at Haggerty's together, but not some slut here?"

"You should watch what you say in front of the lady!"

"Lady?" Malfoy smirked.

"Bosco, come on." Faith's voice was soft.

Bosco's eyes narrowed and he stood there glaring at Malfoy for a moment before following Faith.

"What the hell's his problem?" Malfoy wondered, shaking his head.

There was barely contained rage in Bosco's eyes as he waited for Faith to unlock one of the rooms in back.

She unlocked and opened the door, stepping inside and flipping on the light. Turning to look at him. "Bosco, it's okay," she whispered.

"No." He shook his head firmly as he set his plate and drink on the small table in the room. "It's not okay."

She shut the door and locked it, leaning against it as she gazed at him silently.

He pointed toward the bar. "Those bastards are proud of what they did to you."

Faith lowered her gaze to the floor. "I know."

"I'm gonna get you outta here soon. I promise."

"Bosco, you don't have to promise me anything."

He walked over to her, and put his hands on her hips. "I wanna take you away from all this," he whispered.

She touched his cheek, leaned her forehead against his. "I know you do. And I want that too. But right now...it's not an option and we both know it," she whispered back.

"Soon," he told her softly. Bosco slipped his arms around her waist, and placed a kiss on her lips.

She kissed him back gently at first, then with a little more urgency as she felt a surge of electricity flood her body.

Bosco quickly deepened the kiss as he pulled her a little closer. He lifted one hand to her head, sliding his fingers into her hair.

She moaned softly against his lips, her hands cupping his face as her heart began to beat rapidly.

Without breaking the kiss he began to pull her backward toward the bed in the room.

Faith slipped her arms around his neck as he guided them across the room. She was beyond rational thought as their tongues met and danced together, exploring each other's mouths with an intensity of emotions she hadn't felt in years.

"Mmmm." He took hold of her hands, and broke the kiss long enough to lay down on the bed.

She gazed down at him hesitantly. "Bosco..."

"It's okay," he whispered, gently tugging on her hand. "Come here."

She hesitated for another moment before lying down on the bed beside him, propping herself up on one elbow before kissing him again softly.

He returned the soft kiss. "We don't have to go all the way," he whispered against her lips.

She nodded slightly, letting her eyes drift shut as they kissed more slowly this time.

Bosco guided her hand to his hip as they continued to kiss. He wanted to be close to her, and prove how much he loved her even though he knew it could put him at risk.

Faith broke their kiss and trailed a path of kisses down to his neck, tasting his skin lightly with her tongue.

He moaned softly as he pressed his head into the pillow. His eyes were closed, and he was already breathing heavily.

She smiled at the sound he made and increased the pressure with her lips a little, knowing it would leave a mark as she lightly scraped her teeth over the area.

"Gawd Faith," he whispered as he shifted slightly, placing his hand on her side.

She trailed her lips down to his collarbone, kissing the sensitive skin gently and then soothing it with her tongue.

He moved his other hand to her head, gently tangling his fingers in her hair as he tilted his head a little. He flicked her earlobe with his tongue.

A small, surprised gasp escaped her lips at his action and she shifted a little closer to him.

Bosco smiled softly, and repeated what he'd just done. His hand traveled down a little farther to the outside of her thigh.

She swallowed hard, her heart beating quickly as she lowered her lips to his neck again, her hands sliding over his chest as she kissed him.

Another moan escaped him as she ran her hands over his chest. The first time he'd run into her at the bar she'd been able to evoke some unbelievable strong feelings just with her actions. But now that he knew she loved him the feelings were that much more intense.

She unbuttoned the top button of his shirt, then the second, kissing the newly exposed skin.

He swallowed hard. "This is okay, right," he asked in a whisper. "You're okay with us?"

Faith lifted her head up to gaze at him. "I love you," she said very softly.

"I love you, too." He shifted so he could place a soft kiss on her lips.

She kissed him back softly, closing her eyes once more.

He moved his hands up and down her sides. "I wanna be close to you."

"We are close," she said softly.

"Closer," he whispered.

"Bosco..."

"I wanna be with you, Faith."

"It's not safe," she whispered.

“When will it be safe," he asked softly.

She sat up slowly, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "The first test wouldn't show anything until at least six weeks. Then three months after that. And then another three months after that to be sure." Her voice was nearly inaudible.

He closed his eyes, and ran his hand through his hair.

"I'm sorry," she whispered.

"It's not your fault." He opened his eyes, and gazed up at her. "I guess this'll stop us from rushin' into anything, huh?"

Faith was silent for a moment. "It's okay if you decide this isn't what you want."

"I'm not gonna base my decision about us on the fact that we can't have sex for a while. I know you probably got that impression when we were in the academy, but..."

“People change." Her voice was quiet, emotionless.

He lifted his hand, and placed it over her heart. "You're the same in here," he whispered.

"I don't feel the same," she whispered back, lifting her gaze to his face.

"You'll get back to that place," he told her softly. "I'll help you."

Faith touched his cheek lightly with one hand, searching his eyes. "Will you just hold me?"

Bosco nodded his head. "Yeah, come here."

She slipped her arms around him as they laid back on the bed together. She rested her head on his chest, closing her eyes.

With one arm around her he gently stroked her hair with his other hand. "You, me and Charlie...we're gonna be alright."

She nodded silently, opening her eyes and staring blankly at the wall by the bed. She knew he would take care of Charlie if something happened to her and she was grateful for that. Because there was something that she had to do. It was just a matter of when she got the guts to do it.

* * *

Sasha Monroe sat in the passenger side of the mini van, staring out the window at the house. Everything had been silent for a long time inside the residence they were surveilling. "Maybe he's sleeping," she murmured.

"So if he's sleeping we sit here until he wakes up."

She glanced over at Cruz. "Did I say I wanted to leave?"

"Sounded like it to me," she informed her, her eyes still fixed on the house looking for signs of movement.

"I want Buford locked away too, Sarge," Monroe said softly, looking back at the house again.

"Good." She nodded her head. "Cause we're gonna make him pay."

"You bet." They fell silent and she reached out and picked up her soda from the dashboard, taking a drink. They'd been doing undercover surveillance on Buford for months now. Very few people in the department even knew about it. Just Lieutenant Sullivan, Lt. Swersky and the captain. Plus the two of them. She'd been surprised when Cruz had requested her as a partner for the assignment. They hadn't known each other all that well, but they had worked together a couple of times without any real problems. They weren't the best of friends, but unlike a lot of the officers at the 5-5, Monroe was one of the few who liked Cruz. Or at the very least, respected her. Cruz didn't always do things by the book, but she was a good cop and her heart was in the right place.

Cruz eyes widened slightly as a car with it's headlights off stopped about half a block from the house. She sat up a little straighter in her seat. "What's this?"

"Good question," Monroe replied, also sitting up as she stared out the windshield.

Her gaze followed the two figures as they made their way toward Buford's house. "They don't look like any normal skells," she noted.

She was silent for a moment, her eyebrows furrowing as she squinted. "Cruz..." Her voice was soft, laced with surprise.

"What is it," she asked her eyes focused on the two figures as she tried to figure out what was going on.

"They aren't skells."

"Well who are they then?"

"That's Scott Malfoy and Leroy Donaldson," Monroe said in disbelief.

She shook her head slightly, a confused look on her face. "You know 'em?"

"They're officers at the 5-5."

"What?!"

"They work third shift, but they weren't on the lineup for today."

"Wait, wait, wait. They're officers from -our- precinct?"

Monroe shifted her eyes to Cruz for a moment. "Yes."

"What the fuck are they doing here?! They could blow this whole thing for us!"

"I don't know," she murmured, shaking her head.

"Get the camera," she instructed Monroe as she watched the two officers in street clothes as they waited outside Buford's door.

She nodded and quickly picked up the small video camera they'd been using to tape all of Buford's visitors. She turned it on and aimed it at the front door, watching through the lens as the door opened and Buford stepped out, smiled and shook hands with both officers.

Cruz's jaw tensed, and her eyes narrowed as she watched what was taking place in front of her. "You can see their faces, right?"

"Crystal clear," she answered.

She nodded her head and watched as one of the officers looked around slightly, and then pulled something out of his pocket to hand to Buford. "Is that a gun?! He's givin' the bastard a gun?!"

"That son of a bitch," Monroe whispered, stunned. She watched as Buford handed Malfoy a plastic bag full of white powder.

"You've gotta be fuckin' kidding me," Cruz roared.

"We gotta stay calm," she said quietly, sensing the sergeant's growing rage. "We'll get 'em but not here. We don't wanna blow our cover with Buford."

"They're a fucking disgrace to the uniform! I swear to God..."

"I know." She glanced over at her, realizing she wasn't just angry, but that her eyes were full of a mixture of barely contained emotions.

"My sister died because of this asshole, and nobody's been willin' to help me. And now...now I find out this shit!" She motioned toward the two officers who were retreating to their car.

Monroe was startled to realize that Cruz was on the verge of tears. "Hey. Look at me. I'm helpin' you. I'm behind you all the way. And we're gonna make sure these bastards get what they deserve."

Cruz wiped at her eyes, and then started the van. "We got enough for tonight," she said coolly.

She reached over and patted her shoulder awkwardly before turning her head to stare out the window, still in shock that two of the officers that she'd known for so long were dirty cops.

* * *

Cruz marched into the House with Monroe hot on her heels. She didn't acknowledge anyone as she headed straight for Swersky's office. Without knocking she opened the office door, interrupting whatever lieutenant's Swersky and Sullivan were talking about.

"Come on in," Sullivan mumbled.

Monroe closed the door behind them, still wielding the video camera they'd had at Buford's. "There's something you two need to see." She pulled the blinds on the door.

Sullivan crossed his arms over his chest, and raised an eyebrow. "You get somethin' on Buford?"

"It's not just Buford. You're not gonna believe this." Monroe pulled the tape out of the camera she was holding and walked over to the television and VCR that was in the corner.

Swersky raised his eyebrows and glanced at Cruz.

There was a scowl on her face as she leaned against the wall, but she didn't say anything.

Monroe popped the video into the VCR and quickly flipped on the television before hitting play. A moment later the screen was filled with the faces of Buford, Donaldson and Malfoy.

"Whoa. What's this?" Sully asked, leaning a little closer to the television.

"Just watch," Cruz mumbled. "It gets better."

Swersky stared in disbelief as Donaldson discreetly handed a gun to Buford and a moment later, Buford handed a bag of cocaine to Malfoy. "What the hell..."

"That's exactly what I wanna know," Cruz said, her voice full of anger.

Monroe folded her arms across her chest, glancing from Swersky to Sullivan. "How soon can we get them locked up?" Her tone was cool.

"Well...they're on the schedule for tomorrow," Sully said softly.

"You're not really gonna let them work a shift!" she said, shaking her head in disbelief. She was a little surprised by the anger in her own voice that was directed at her two bosses. She'd definitely been hanging out with Cruz too much.

"I want a big show outta this," Cruz informed them seriously. "Tomorrow in roll call. I want 'em arrested."

"Sergeant, let's not get carried away," Swersky said, his voice low. "Not until we know for sure what was going on."

Monroe replied before Cruz had a chance. "What the hell do you mean, we don't know what's going on? They weren't working today, they're not on any undercover assignment involving Buford. Donaldson handed a murderer a gun in exchange for drugs! What more evidence do you want?"

Sullivan shifted in his chair a little. "We need to bring them in for questioning first, Officer."

"Then bring them in. Today."

"These bastards exchanged a -gun- for -drugs-. It's right there on the tape. You need to bring them in right away," Cruz informed them somewhat calmly.

Swersky glanced between the two determined, angry women and then at Sullivan. "Send Bosco and Davis after them," he suggested.

Sullivan nodded his head, and reached for the phone to call the Officer Davis on his cell phone.

Cruz looked at Monroe, a satisfied smirk on her face.

Monroe smirked back as she walked over to her. "I don't know about you, but I'd like to be here when they bring these two lowlifes in."

"Oh you can count on me bein' here."

"Let's just go wait for the floorshow." She smiled.

* * *

Davis's eyes widened as he listened to what Sully said on the other end of the phone line. "Are you -kiddin'- me?"

"No joke, Davis. So I need you and Bosco to bring them in."

Bosco glanced over at Davis. "What?"

"Yeah. Yeah, sure we can do that. No problem, Sul."

"What is it, Davis?"

He hung up his phone, an expression of shock on his face. "You are -not- gonna believe this."

"Believe -what-? What Ty?"

"Guess who Cruz and Monroe just caught on video exchanging guns and drugs with Buford."

"Some lowlife skell?"

"Pretty close, but no. Scott Malfoy and Leroy Donaldson."

"Whoa!" Bosco held his hands up in front of him. "Whoa! Malfoy and Donaldson?!"

Davis nodded. "And guess who Sully wants to bring 'em down for questioning."

He looked at Davis, a grin spreading across his face. "Us?"

He grinned back. "Got it in one."

"Thank you God!" Bosco rubbed his hands together eagerly.

* * *

"You were right. There they are," Davis announced as he pulled the RMP into the parking lot of the bar where Faith worked. The two officers were headed for the entrance.

"Oh this is gonna be good." Bosco reached for the door handle.

He nodded his agreement, and climbed out of the car. "Hey, Donaldson! Malfoy!"

Bosco got out of the car. He was looking forward to this.

"What's goin' on Davis," Donaldson asked after turning around.

"Come here for a minute."

"This isn't gonna take long right? Cause there's a pretty blond in there with my name all over her," Malfoy said with a grin.

"Not tonight there's not," Bosco informed them.

The grin slipped off his face. "What?"

"You guys need to come with us."

"Excuse me?" Donaldson raised an eyebrow.

"You gotta come down to the station," Davis informed him. "Lieutenant Sullivan wants to see you."

"We've got today off. We'll talk to him tomorrow."

Bosco walked over so he was standing directly in front of Malfoy and Donaldson. He pulled out his handcuffs. "Which one of you wants to get cuffed first?"

"Whoa. Cuffed? What the hell?" Malfoy said, shaking his head.

"Yeah. Cuffed. As in...arrested."

"For what?" he demanded.

Bosco looked over at Davis then back to the two other men. "Somethin' about some illegal activity involving the two of you and a known criminal. You know anything about that?"

A nervous look passed over Malfoy's face but it was fleeting. "No idea what you're talkin' about Boscorelli. Now I'm goin' inside to see my woman."

"I don't think so." He grabbed hold of Malfoy's arm.

Malfoy didn't hesitate before taking a swing at Bosco's face.

Bosco wasn't quite ready for the blow that Malfoy delivered, but he didn't let it phase him. "Oh that was just fuckin' stupid." He maneuvered quickly, and turned Malfoy around, shoving him against a nearby car.

“You son of a bitch! Let me go!"

"You just assaulted a police officer you son of a bitch. Now you're goin' in for sure." Bosco pulled on Malfoy's arms roughly, and slapped the cuffs on the man's wrist.

"You have fun with that whore last night?" he asked snidely, remembering Bosco's angry reaction when he'd called Faith a slut the night before.

Bosco spun the handcuffed Malfoy around to face him. His fists clenched. "Don't talk about her like that!"

He smirked. "She let you screw her?" he taunted. "She let me and Donaldson screw her. At the same time. She was hot, the best fuck I've had in--"

Without thinking about it Bosco pulled his fist back, and decked Malfoy. "You son of a bitch! You raped her!"

Davis quickly handcuffed Donaldson, who was too shocked to put up a fight. He shoved him in the backseat of the RMP before hurrying over to his partner.

"Whores can't be raped. Theft of services maybe." Malfoy spit out a mouthful of blood.

"Fuck you!" Bosco prepared to punch him again.

"Bosco, Bosco, wait." Davis grabbed his arm.

He spun around to look at Davis. A mixture of hatred and sadness in his eyes. "What?!"

"You can't just beat the hell out of him," he said quietly. "I know you want to. But if we don't do this by the book, these jagoffs are gonna get off with a slap on the wrist at best."

Bosco ran a hand over his face, and nodded his head as he tried to gain some control back.

"Let's just haul his ass down to the station and let Cruz have him." Davis smirked.

There was a trace of a grin on his lips, and he nodded once more before turning around. He grabbed Malfoy and shoved him into the back of the squad car before slamming the door shut. "If these charges stick it could really help," he said softly as he turned back to Davis.

"And even if they don't, they'll be locked up for awhile and maybe we can figure out what to do about Chevchenko while they're outta the game."

He gingerly touched his cheek where Malfoy had hit him. "Resisting arrest is my story."

"That's what I saw," Davis said calmly.

"Let's go." Bosco pulled open the passenger's side door, and climbed in.

* * *

Bosco raced up the stairs, the adrenaline coursing through his veins keeping him wide awake. He jogged down the hallway to her apartment, and knocked on her door. As he waited for her to answer he anxiously shifted his weight from one foot to the other.

Faith wrapped her robe around herself and walked to the door, cautiously looking out the peep hole. A soft smile touched her lips and she unlocked, then opened the door. "Hey. Come on in."

He didn't hesitate, and quickly stepped inside her apartment. She'd barely locked the door behind him when he wrapped his arms around her, picking her up off the ground.

Her eyes widened in surprise and she quickly held onto him for support as he spun her around. "Bosco, what's going on?"

Bosco grinned as he set her down on the ground, but didn't let go of her. "I have some unbelievably good news."

She pulled away a little to look at him, finding his grin contagious even though she didn't know the reason why he was so happy. "What?"

"Malfoy and Donaldson got arrested tonight. They're on their way to prison for a long time."

She stared at him, rendered speechless for a moment. "Seriously?" she whispered.

He nodded his head. "I got to put the cuffs on Malfoy myself."

"But...what did they do?" she asked, confusion in her voice.

"They got caught swappin' a gun for drugs with a guy that the department's been after for years." Bosco kissed her forehead. "Faith...they're gone."

Tears sprang to her eyes and she quickly wrapped her arms around him tightly.

He closed his eyes as he held her. "They can't hurt you anymore," he whispered.

A soft sob escaped her lips and she buried her face against his neck, relief washing over her.

Bosco gently stroked her hair, and kissed her shoulder. Not feeling the need to say anything at that moment.

She held onto him as she wept softly with relief, relief that she'd never have to see either of the bastards again or worry about them showing up at her workplace. Relief that the nightmare was one step closer to being over.

He didn't like the fact that she was crying, but he knew that it was a good thing. He knew that she'd had all these thoughts and fears locked away inside of her with no one to share them with. When he felt her body start to relax once again he kissed her head. "Let's get you to bed," he whispered softly.

"Stay with me?" she whispered back.

Bosco nodded his head. "It'd take the National Guard to get me to leave you," he said lightly.

"And if they come in here, I'm shootin' 'em," she joked, her voice still wavering.

He placed a kiss on her lips, and took hold of her hand, leading her down the hall to her bedroom.

Faith curled up in bed beside him once he slid under the covers. She draped an arm over his stomach, closing her eyes. "Love you," she murmured.

He covered her arm with his. "Love you, too," he whispered before kissing her once more. "Sweet dreams."