Third Watch Fic: Fallen (14-16/16)
Title: Fallen
Authors: NYPDBosco and X_tremeroswellian
Emails: mauriceboscorelli@yahoo.com and faithboscorelli1@yahoo.com
Disclaimer: Not ours.
Rating: R
Summary: What if life as Bosco and Faith knew it were completely different?
Categories: Angst/Alternate Universe/dark.
Author's Note: Titled after the wonderful song "Fallen" by Sarah McLachlan.
Fallen-Chapter Fourteen
Bosco climbed out of the shower, and quickly dried off before getting dressed. He wiped off the mirror to find his reflection smiling back at him. Describing his night with Faith as incredible would be an understatement, and he was still smiling about how great things were going with her. He was looking forward to spending the morning with her before going to work, and he planned on having a major brainstorming session with Davis later in the day so they could figure out how to help Faith.
After flattening down his hair he stepped out of the bathroom, and walked down the hall looking for her. "Hey Faith?" His eyebrows furrowed when she didn't answer him, and he quickly glanced in both bedrooms. Not finding her there he figured she was in the kitchen and just hadn't heard him. "Faith," he called her name again, and began to worry when he realized that she wasn't there. He didn't remember her saying she had to be anywhere this morning.
He quickly looked around hoping she'd left him a note. When he didn't find one he went back to the bedroom to get his shoes figuring he'd go for a quick walk to see if she'd gone to the corner store or something. It was when his shoes were laced and he'd pushed himself off the bed that he saw it. The lockbox in her closet. Open. And empty.
* * *
Faith paid the cab driver and slowly climbed out of the backseat, shutting the door behind her as she stared at the warehouse. She heard the car driving away, but she didn't look back. She simply stood motionless for a long time, staring. It was the one place she'd dreaded going every week for the past five years of her life. After today she would never go there again. One way or another. Squaring her shoulders, she walked toward the entrance.
* * *
Bosco had practically flown down the stairs as he hurried out of the building to his Mustang. His gun was tucked securely in the waistband of his jeans, and his cell phone was in his pocket. He got into the car, and for a moment he sat there frozen. He closed his eyes tight as he tried to remember where Faith had wanted him to take her the one night he knew she had made a payment. He knew that there was no other place she'd take her gun because otherwise she didn't have a reason to have one.
* * *
She pushed open the door cautiously before stepping inside. Everything was silent inside the warehouse. And it was semi-dark. She closed the door behind her, scanning the room before turning and slowly heading down the hallway she'd practically been dragged down less than 48 hours before. Her heart beating rapidly in her chest, she knocked on the office door and waited.
"Enter," he bellowed from where he sat behind his desk. His elbows were on the arms of his chair, his hands clasped together. Chevchenko's index fingers were extended upward, his chin resting on them lightly.
Faith grasped the door handle and turned it quickly, stepping inside the office, her eyes immediately locking on his figure a few feet away.
"How are you this fine morning, Mrs. Yokas?"
"Peachy," she replied, leaning against the door.
"So, I trust you have the money."
She glanced around. "Where are all your flunkies?"
He shrugged. "No need for them today. Is merely a simple pickup."
She wasn't sure whether she felt more insulted or relieved by his reply. "I see."
"So...the money?" He beckoned for it with his finger.
"I don't have the money." Her voice was calm.
His eyebrows furrowed. "Pardon me?"
"I said I don't have the money," she repeated, pushing herself away from the door and taking a couple steps toward his desk. "I don't owe you anything."
Chevchenko stood up. "That's where you are wrong. You owe me the money that your husband borrowed."
"No. You're wrong. -You- owe -me.-" Her eyes were cold.
"I owe you nothing."
Faith felt a rush of rage surge through her. "You killed my daughter!"
"I did no such thing," he told her calmly.
"You're a lying son of a bitch."
"You've got some nerve coming here, and talking to me like this."
She laughed, but it was bitter, devoid of all humor. "You're talking to me about nerve?" She took a step closer to him. "You had my daughter murdered and then you sent your men to tell me that part of my debt was erased. Did you think I'd be grateful?"
He chuckled softly. "Why so hostile this morning?"
"You haven't begun to see hostile." She glared at him. "I want you to get down on your knees and apologize to me."
“You are very funny," he laughed.
Faith didn't smile. Wordlessly she reached behind her and pulled her gun, aiming it directly at him. "Am I still funny?"
* * *
Bosco brought the car to a screeching halt outside the diner located on the corner of Walbash and Suburban. He quickly got out, and raced across the street nearly barreling over a couple as they tried to exit the diner. His eyes were wild as he looked around for her. Holding up his badge he barged behind the counter, through the kitchen looking for her. "Dammit." He tucked his badge back into his back pocket, and hurried outside.
He stood on the street corner looking around trying to figure out where Faith could be meeting the Russian mob boss. He raked his hand through his hair. Walbash and Suburban. Theodore Chevchenko. Walbash and Suburban. His eyes widened slightly as a thought came to him. For years the NYPD and officers at his precinct had been after Chevchenko knowing that illegal activities occurred in the properties he owned. Walbash. There's a warehouse on Walbash!
Running along the sidewalk for a block he started to recognize his surroundings. He and Davis had driven through here plenty of times when news of Chevchenko had spread. Seeing the warehouse on the next block he hurried to find an entrance.
* * *
Chevchenko looked at her, a questioning look in his eyes. "You cannot be serious."
"You don't think so?"
"You would not shoot me," he said calmly. "You would not -murder- me."
"Let me ask you something, Mr. Chevchenko," she said coolly. "How much do you know about me?"
He shook his head slightly, his gaze dropping to the gun she still held then returning to her face. "I know plenty about you."
She shook her head. "I don't think you do. Because if you did, you would know that five years ago, before you became a part of my family's life, I was a recruit for the New York City Police Academy."
He raised an eyebrow. "You?"
"That's right. Me. And I may not be a cop, but I'm gonna take you down," she whispered.
Chevchenko shook his head. "You will not shoot me."
"You killed my little girl. You really think I care if you live or not?" she asked coldly.
"Being a former police recruit I do not see you breaking the law like this...even for your daughter."
"You obviously don't have children."
"They just get in the way."
Her eyes darkened. "No more kids are gonna get hurt because of you," she whispered, her grip tightening on the gun.
Seeing the look in her eyes he began to take her seriously, and reached inside his jacket. Seconds later he pulled out a gun of his own.
Her eyes flickered to his weapon that was pointed directly at her, then back up to his eyes, her heart pounding heavily. But not heavily enough to block out the sound of the explosion that flooded the room only seconds later.
* * *
Part Fifteen
Bosco had his gun drawn, and was slowly making his way through the warehouse. When a shot echoed through the building he froze, his eyes widening. "Faith?!"
* * *
She stood completely still, her eyes locked on Chevchenko as he stumbled backwards, the weapon slipping out of his hand. She took a step forward, her weapon still trained on him.
There was a shocked expression on his face as he clutched his stomach.
"Rot in hell," she whispered, squeezing the trigger again.
His body jerked from the impact of the second bullet.
* * *
"FAITH!" Fear gripped him as he hurried down the hall to where the shots came from.
* * *
Her ears were still ringing so loudly from the shots she'd fired that she didn't even hear Bosco's voice. She stared at Chevchenko as he sunk back into his chair, gasping for breath. "That's for Emily," she whispered, her hands trembling.
Chevchenko opened his mouth as if to say something, but nothing came out except another gasp.
"Faith? Faith are you here?" He wasn't worried about the chance that someone else could be in the warehouse. Right now his only thoughts were of finding Faith, and making sure she was okay.
A tear trickled down her cheek as she watched the life seep out of the older man slowly.
Bosco came to a door, and slowly pushed it open, peeking inside.
She slowly lowered her gun to the desk as she listened to Chevchenko's rattled breathing, watched the pain flickering over his face.
He swallowed hard as he stepped into the room with his girlfriend, and a very pale Chevchenko. "Faith?"
Faith remained motionless though she heard him say her name. She simply stared at the blood staining the man's shirt.
He tucked his gun back into the waistband of his jeans, and tore his eyes away from Chevchenko who was no doubt losing the battle to breath. "Faith," Bosco whispered as he reached out and touched her arm.
She slowly turned her head to look at him, her expression unreadable.
"Are you okay," he asked softly.
She was silent for a moment and she glanced back at the dying man, watching as his eyes slipped shut. Heard him take his last breath. A moment later he was completely still. "I am now."
Bosco quickly wrapped his arms around her, not sure what to say at a time like this.
She rested her chin on his shoulder, still staring at Chevchenko's lifeless body. She'd done it. He was no longer a threat to her son. Or to anyone else's for that matter. She closed her eyes tightly, her body trembling. It was over.
He kissed her cheek as he pulled away slightly. "We need to talk," he whispered.
Faith looked at him with furrowed eyebrows, then realized what he meant. "It's okay, Bosco. I know you have to take me in."
"First we need to figure out our story."
She was silent for a moment. "I killed him. That is the story."
"No." He shook his head, and turned away from her. Bosco looked around the room for a few moments. Then walked over to where Chevchenko sat dead in his chair. He spotted the gun on the floor. "Did he have that gun?"
"I pulled mine on him first," she said softly.
He shook his head. "Don't say that, just answer my question. Did he have that gun in his hand?"
She gazed at him. "Yes."
"Okay. Okay." He nodded his head, and ran his hand over his face as he paced a little. He stopped, turning toward her again. "And you...you shot him with that one?"
She nodded slowly. "The one from my lockbox."
"Don't say that either." Bosco bit his lip, and looked around the office trying to figure out what to do. Spotting a napkin on the desk he grabbed it, and used it to pick up Faith's gun. He then walked back around the desk to Chevchenko. Using the hem of his shirt he picked up Chevchenko's hand, and placed the gun in it to get his fingerprints on the weapon. He then placed the gun back on the desk. "You found the gun here," he informed her.
Faith stared at him. "Bosco, you don't have to do this," she whispered.
Bosco held up his hand. "Just listen to me," he said softly. "Just...listen."
She bit down on her lower lip, remaining silent.
"Okay." He took a deep breath. "Okay, so you came here to make a payment to him. That whole thing works." He nodded his head, reassuring himself. "And...and uh...he pulled his gun. Pointed it at you."
"I don't want you to feel like you have to lie for me." Her voice was soft. "I don't want you to get in trouble because of me."
"Just stop. Just listen to me. Everything's gonna be okay."
She closed her eyes, nodding her head slowly.
"Alright, so he pointed the gun at you, and you saw the other gun on his desk. So, so you picked it up cause you thought he was going to shoot you. Then he threatened you. Said he was going to shoot you because you needed to be punished for not making the right payment the other day. You saw him move, so you fired the gun just as I was coming in." He nodded his head. "Yeah, yeah that's it," he said quickly. His breathing was heavy and his heart was racing from the adrenaline.
"Bosco--"
"That's what happened," he snapped.
She flinched slightly, looking at the ground.
"It was self defense, Faith." He walked over to her, and put his hands on her arms. "Charlie can't handle losin' you," he whispered.
Her eyes were blurry with tears when she looked up at him. "I didn't mean for you to get involved in all this," she whispered back.
"It's okay," he told her softly before placing a soft kiss on her lips. "Just remember the story, and everything will be fine."
Faith closed her eyes, leaning her forehead against his as she heard the wail of sirens in the distance. She exhaled slowly, swallowing hard.
"Self defense," he said quietly. "He pulled the gun, you picked up the other one, he threatened you, and you shot him to protect yourself. That's what I saw."
She looked at him, her eyes still shining with tears. "Why you doin' this? Puttin' yourself on the line for me?"
"Because he deserved what he got, and you deserve so much more."
A tear trickled down her cheek and she heard voices in the distance, footsteps running down the hallway toward the office.
Bosco took a deep breath. "Right now we're just old friends," he told her softly. "Don't let them know you and I are together. We met for breakfast at the diner on the corner you told me you had to come pick something up at the warehouse. When you didn't come back when you said I came looking for you."
She nodded quickly, brushing the tear off her face and taking a step away from him before the door flew open and several police officers rushed inside.
"I'm an off duty police officer. My badge is in my back pocket," he informed them as he held his hands up. "Her name is Faith Yokas she shot Theodore Chevchenko in self defense."
Faith remained silent as she gazed at him intently, gratitude and love reflected in her blue eyes.
He looked at her, and gave her a slight nod. "The gun she used is on the desk. Chevchenko's is on the floor," he informed the officers, putting his hands down when the officer closest to him handed back his badge. Bosco breathed a quiet sigh of relief once he realized that he was still the officer in charge of the situation, and the other men were listening to him intently.
“No point in calling for a bus," one of the other officers commented. "He's definitely dead."
Bosco nodded his head slightly. "There wasn't anything I could do for him."
"No big loss there," the same officer muttered.
"She managed to do what the rest of us only dreamed about," said another officer. He grabbed his radio, and called for the coroner.
"I'd like to get her outta here," Bosco said softly. "I'll take her in to the 55th."
"Go ahead. We'll have our sergeant follow up with yours," one of the officers replied, nodding his approval.
"Thanks." Bosco reached out, and shook the man's hand. "Come with me, Faith."
She wrapped her arms around herself and slowly followed him out the door and down the long hallway toward the exit.
"My car's across the street from the diner," he told her softly.
"Okay," she said just as softly, stepping outside the warehouse. The sun immediately warmed her cold skin and she tilted her face up to the sky as she stopped walking for a moment, her eyes closing.
Realizing she stopped he turned to look at her. "You alright?"
"Yeah," she whispered, her eyes still closed. The sun shining down on her. "I just...feel like I woke up from a really bad dream."
* * *
Part Sixteen
It had been two days since Theodore Chevchenko's demise, and Bosco had been granted permission from his Lieutenant to take some personal time to help his friend cope with what she'd been through. For the past two days he and Faith had hardly been apart. They'd woken up together, gotten Charlie ready for school then spent the day together before picking her son up from school and heading back to the apartment. Both days had been a roller coaster of emotions for Faith, but she seemed to be handling things rather well.
He shifted positions on the sofa so that he was facing her. "Faith, I've been thinking," he told her softly.
She gazed back at him, her eyes soft. "About what?" she asked just as quietly.
"About a couple things." He reached for her hand. "I don't know what you wanna do now, but I just want you to know that I'll support whatever it is. If you wanna be a cop, or if you wanna go to college and start over I'm all for it."
She was quiet for a moment. "To be honest with you...I don't really know what I wanna do now. I never really thought that I'd have another choice again."
He smiled softly. "Well...take your time cause you've got lots of options now."
"Thanks to you," she said softly.
Bosco squeezed her hand, and leaned forward to place a kiss on her cheek. "There's one more thing," he whispered.
"What's that?" she whispered back, leaning her forehead against his.
He reached into his pocket with his free hand, and with his other hand turned hers over. Bosco then placed a key into her open palm before closing her fingers around it.
"What's this?" She looked down at the key in her hand.
"It's the key to my apartment, well...-your- key to my apartment."
Her eyes widened a little and she looked at him in surprise.
"I'd like you and Charlie to move in," he whispered.
"Bosco," she whispered, her eyes soft. "Are you sure? I mean, this is a big decision."
"I've been thinkin' about it the last couple days," he told her softly. "And why not? I mean, I've been stayin' over here pretty much nonstop, and I know that my place only has one bedroom. But we could put Charlie's bed in the living room for now, and..."
She kissed him softly, cutting him off. One hand touching his cheek.
He grinned against her lips. "Is that a yes?"
She chuckled softly. "What do you think?"
"I think it's a yes." He kissed her chin. "You wanna ask Charlie though? Cause...he'll have to change schools."
"I don't think he'll mind. He doesn't really like his school that well." She leaned her forehead against his, resting her hands on his shoulders.
Bosco wrapped his arms around her. "This way you can just concentrate on school or whatever for a while, maybe save up some money instead of worryin' about bills." He paused for a moment. "Then if for some reason things don't work out you'll have some money and could move out."
"Hey, don't...don't talk like that," she said softly, gazing at him. "I love you." She kissed the tip of his nose.
"I know. I just don't want you thinkin' you owe me anything."
"It's not about owing you, Boz. I just love you. I trust you. I didn't ever think I'd be able to trust or love someone again, not after Fred. But you proved me wrong." Her voice was quiet.
"I'm glad I did." He smiled softly, and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.
"Me too," she admitted, gazing at him intently. "And I'd love to move in with you," she whispered.
"Perfect." His smile widened, and he kissed her forehead. "I think I've reached my thinking quota for the week," he told her lightly.
She chuckled and kissed his lips softly, amazed at how lucky she'd been when he'd walked back into her life out of nowhere five years after they'd met. She had a feeling things really were going to start getting better now.
* * *
Faith knocked on her boss's office door, shifting her weight from one foot to the other. Surprised at how calm she felt. Over the past five years anytime she'd had to talk to the guy, she'd been nervous. Not anymore.
"It's open."
She turned the handle and stepped inside. It was the first time she'd been in his office when she wasn't in her standard waitress uniform. It felt good to go places fully clothed.
He looked up at her. "You can't work wearin' that."
"That's actually why I'm here. I'm not workin'."
"Excuse me?" His eyes narrowed. "Are you tryin' to get your ass fired?"
"Actually my ass is quitting," she informed him.
"What?!"
"I quit," Faith said calmly. "I don't need this job anymore. I'm done."
"You can't just quit! Your shift starts in..."
“Actually it started five minutes ago."
"You're never gonna find a job that pays this well!"
"The only reason I needed this job in the first place was because I was being blackmailed. You probably saw something about it in the newspaper. The guy's dead now."
He nodded his head, and sighed. "Leave me your address and I'll make sure to mail you your last check."
Faith jotted Bosco's address down on a piece of paper and set it on his desk.
"If you ever want your job back..."
A wry smile touched her lips. "Thanks anyway, but...if I'm back it's only gonna be to visit a couple friends."
"We'll definitely miss you around here."
She resisted the urge to tell him the feeling wasn't mutual. "See ya around, Richard." She turned and headed out of his office.
Richard sighed, and shook his head before returning to his paperwork.
Faith tucked a strand of hair behind her ear as she walked slowly over to the bar where Bosco sat talking to Martie.
Bosco smiled as he saw Faith approaching, and when she was closer he held his hand out to her. "How'd it go?"
She slid her fingers through his. "Really well. He was a little upset, but...he'll get over it." She kissed his cheek and sat down beside him.
"You came back just in time cause I was gettin' ready to tell Martie some pretty good news."
She smiled. "Glad I didn't miss it."
He gave her hand a squeeze as he returned the smile, and then turned toward Martie. "So I know some people who work for Children's Services. Some case workers and stuff."
The bartender stared at him for a moment, then glanced at Faith, who smiled softly. "Meaning...what exactly?" he asked carefully.
"Well, I put in a good word with a couple of them, and they talked it over." He grinned. "They've agreed to look into your situation, help speed things up...see about gettin' you custody of your kids."
Martie's eyes widened. "Are you serious?"
"Very," Faith said softly, leaning her chin on Bosco's shoulder.
"They're of course gonna want to talk to you, and check on your ex-wife and stuff. Plus Faith and I are both writin' reference letters for you. So..."
"Oh, man. I can't believe...thank you." Martie held his hand out to Bosco.
With a wide smile on his face Bosco shook Martie's hand. "You just gotta promise us something."
"What's that?"
"Wherever you end up you gotta keep in touch."
He grinned. "Not a problem, Maurice. I'd miss my serrogate sister too much."
Faith smiled warmly.
"Plus Charlie needs his Uncle Martie."
"Seriously. I really appreciate this." Martie looked at Bosco, then Faith.
Bosco nodded. "You're a good guy, Martie. Things are gonna work out for you." He reached into his pocket, and pulled out his card. "Here. I wrote our address and number on the back. Give us a call some time. We'll have ya over for dinner."
"I'd like that." He shifted his gaze to Faith.
She gazed back at him. "Seein' you is the only thing I'm gonna miss about this place," she said softly.
He smiled at her. "I'm gonna miss you, but I always knew you were better than this."
Faith slid off the stool and slowly made her way around the bar. "You take care of yourself," she whispered, wrapping her arms around his waist in a hug.
Martie returned the embrace, holding her tight. "You too," he whispered back. "Keep this guy around."
"I plan to." She closed her eyes, then kissed his cheek. "And I'm gonna come visit you. A lot. I expect free 7UPs and lots of hugs." Her voice was light.
He chuckled softly. "You got it, Sis. I owe you guys."
When she pulled away, there was a warm smile on her face, but her eyes were watery.
"Don't you dare cry," he told her with a grin. "On a day like today you should be doin' nothin' but smiling."
"Hey, I can do both." She squeezed his arm. "Thank you. For everything."
He nodded his head. "I'll see you soon."
"You bet you will." Faith kissed his cheek once more before moving around the bar again and over to where Bosco was sitting. She wrapped her arms around him from behind. "You ready?" she whispered.
"Yeah." He gave Martie a small wave. "Call us," he told the other man before turning on his bar stool.
She held onto his arm as they made their way to the exit. She paused, glancing over her shoulder at her friend, her eyes soft as she waved and he waved back. She took one last look at the place she'd worked for the last five years and then she walked out the door with Bosco, ready to face whatever came next.
* * *
Bosco slowed to a stop next to the curb, and put the car in park. He shut the car off then turned to Faith. "You ready?"
She stared out the passenger side window. "Yeah," she said very softly, reaching for the door handle.
He nodded his head, and got out of the car then pushed the seat forward so Charlie could get out. Once the young boy was out of the car Bosco picked him up. He was glad that Charlie was small for his age because he'd always enjoyed holding him when he was a baby, and it was as if he could make up for lost time now.
Faith closed her eyes as she paused at the curb, drawing in a deep breath of the cool, fresh air. She pulled her jacket around her a little closer with one arm and then glanced over her shoulder to see where Bosco and Charlie were. Once they were only a few feet behind, she carefully led them through a path of headstones in the cemetery until they reached the grave they were there to visit. She swallowed hard and carefully knelt down, laying the bouquet of yellow roses down in front of her daughter's tombstone.
Charlie wrapped his arms around Bosco's neck as he gazed down at the tombstone. Bosco held him a little tighter as he moved to stand behind Faith.
She slid her fingers over the headstone, tracing the letters of Emily's name lightly. Then she turned her head to look up at them. Her expression unreadable.
"Can you put me down, Uncle B," Charlie asked in a whisper. Bosco nodded his head, and lowered Charlie to the ground. Once Charlie's feet touched the ground he sat down next to his mother, leaning against her.
Faith slid her arm around him, resting her head against his as she closed her eyes. Silently thanking God that she still had Charlie in her life.
Bosco placed his hand on Faith's shoulder as he remained silent.
"Mom, I brought somethin' for Em," he told her softly.
"You did?" she asked, her voice just as soft. "What'd you bring?"
He reached into his jacket pocket, and pulled out a paperback book. "She never got to read the newest one," he informed his mother as he scooted forward, and placed the Harry Potter book by the headstone.
Tears prickled at Faith's eyes and she swallowed hard, leaning over and kissing his forehead. "She'll love that," she whispered. She reached back and covered Bosco's hand with her own, holding onto it tightly.
Bosco knelt down behind them, putting an arm around each of them. A tear rolled down Charlie's cheek, but he smiled. "You were right, Emily. Uncle B came back."
She bit down on her lower lip as she leaned back against Bosco's chest, her body trembling as she tried not to cry.
"It's okay," Bosco whispered softly as he rubbed her arm. He knew this had to be hard on Faith because he was getting choked up.
She swallowed hard, drawing in a breath as she closed her eyes, listening to the sound of the wind moving through the trees.
Bosco placed a soft kiss on Faith's shoulder. "She's always gonna be with us."
"I know," she whispered, opening her eyes again. She caught sight of a slight movement to her left and her gaze followed it, her eyes widening slightly. Her daughter stood a few feet away wearing a long white dress, a smile on her face. Her pretty blondish-brown hair tussled by the breeze. Her eyes were bright as she lifted her hand up and waved. A moment later she was gone.
Faith blinked a couple of times, a feeling of peace washing over her. Emily was telling her to let go. A tear trickled down her cheek, but there was a faint smile on her face. "Love you, Emmy," she whispered into the wind.
She could have sworn the wind whispered back that it loved her too.
The End
Authors: NYPDBosco and X_tremeroswellian
Emails: mauriceboscorelli@yahoo.com and faithboscorelli1@yahoo.com
Disclaimer: Not ours.
Rating: R
Summary: What if life as Bosco and Faith knew it were completely different?
Categories: Angst/Alternate Universe/dark.
Author's Note: Titled after the wonderful song "Fallen" by Sarah McLachlan.
Fallen-Chapter Fourteen
Bosco climbed out of the shower, and quickly dried off before getting dressed. He wiped off the mirror to find his reflection smiling back at him. Describing his night with Faith as incredible would be an understatement, and he was still smiling about how great things were going with her. He was looking forward to spending the morning with her before going to work, and he planned on having a major brainstorming session with Davis later in the day so they could figure out how to help Faith.
After flattening down his hair he stepped out of the bathroom, and walked down the hall looking for her. "Hey Faith?" His eyebrows furrowed when she didn't answer him, and he quickly glanced in both bedrooms. Not finding her there he figured she was in the kitchen and just hadn't heard him. "Faith," he called her name again, and began to worry when he realized that she wasn't there. He didn't remember her saying she had to be anywhere this morning.
He quickly looked around hoping she'd left him a note. When he didn't find one he went back to the bedroom to get his shoes figuring he'd go for a quick walk to see if she'd gone to the corner store or something. It was when his shoes were laced and he'd pushed himself off the bed that he saw it. The lockbox in her closet. Open. And empty.
* * *
Faith paid the cab driver and slowly climbed out of the backseat, shutting the door behind her as she stared at the warehouse. She heard the car driving away, but she didn't look back. She simply stood motionless for a long time, staring. It was the one place she'd dreaded going every week for the past five years of her life. After today she would never go there again. One way or another. Squaring her shoulders, she walked toward the entrance.
* * *
Bosco had practically flown down the stairs as he hurried out of the building to his Mustang. His gun was tucked securely in the waistband of his jeans, and his cell phone was in his pocket. He got into the car, and for a moment he sat there frozen. He closed his eyes tight as he tried to remember where Faith had wanted him to take her the one night he knew she had made a payment. He knew that there was no other place she'd take her gun because otherwise she didn't have a reason to have one.
* * *
She pushed open the door cautiously before stepping inside. Everything was silent inside the warehouse. And it was semi-dark. She closed the door behind her, scanning the room before turning and slowly heading down the hallway she'd practically been dragged down less than 48 hours before. Her heart beating rapidly in her chest, she knocked on the office door and waited.
"Enter," he bellowed from where he sat behind his desk. His elbows were on the arms of his chair, his hands clasped together. Chevchenko's index fingers were extended upward, his chin resting on them lightly.
Faith grasped the door handle and turned it quickly, stepping inside the office, her eyes immediately locking on his figure a few feet away.
"How are you this fine morning, Mrs. Yokas?"
"Peachy," she replied, leaning against the door.
"So, I trust you have the money."
She glanced around. "Where are all your flunkies?"
He shrugged. "No need for them today. Is merely a simple pickup."
She wasn't sure whether she felt more insulted or relieved by his reply. "I see."
"So...the money?" He beckoned for it with his finger.
"I don't have the money." Her voice was calm.
His eyebrows furrowed. "Pardon me?"
"I said I don't have the money," she repeated, pushing herself away from the door and taking a couple steps toward his desk. "I don't owe you anything."
Chevchenko stood up. "That's where you are wrong. You owe me the money that your husband borrowed."
"No. You're wrong. -You- owe -me.-" Her eyes were cold.
"I owe you nothing."
Faith felt a rush of rage surge through her. "You killed my daughter!"
"I did no such thing," he told her calmly.
"You're a lying son of a bitch."
"You've got some nerve coming here, and talking to me like this."
She laughed, but it was bitter, devoid of all humor. "You're talking to me about nerve?" She took a step closer to him. "You had my daughter murdered and then you sent your men to tell me that part of my debt was erased. Did you think I'd be grateful?"
He chuckled softly. "Why so hostile this morning?"
"You haven't begun to see hostile." She glared at him. "I want you to get down on your knees and apologize to me."
“You are very funny," he laughed.
Faith didn't smile. Wordlessly she reached behind her and pulled her gun, aiming it directly at him. "Am I still funny?"
* * *
Bosco brought the car to a screeching halt outside the diner located on the corner of Walbash and Suburban. He quickly got out, and raced across the street nearly barreling over a couple as they tried to exit the diner. His eyes were wild as he looked around for her. Holding up his badge he barged behind the counter, through the kitchen looking for her. "Dammit." He tucked his badge back into his back pocket, and hurried outside.
He stood on the street corner looking around trying to figure out where Faith could be meeting the Russian mob boss. He raked his hand through his hair. Walbash and Suburban. Theodore Chevchenko. Walbash and Suburban. His eyes widened slightly as a thought came to him. For years the NYPD and officers at his precinct had been after Chevchenko knowing that illegal activities occurred in the properties he owned. Walbash. There's a warehouse on Walbash!
Running along the sidewalk for a block he started to recognize his surroundings. He and Davis had driven through here plenty of times when news of Chevchenko had spread. Seeing the warehouse on the next block he hurried to find an entrance.
* * *
Chevchenko looked at her, a questioning look in his eyes. "You cannot be serious."
"You don't think so?"
"You would not shoot me," he said calmly. "You would not -murder- me."
"Let me ask you something, Mr. Chevchenko," she said coolly. "How much do you know about me?"
He shook his head slightly, his gaze dropping to the gun she still held then returning to her face. "I know plenty about you."
She shook her head. "I don't think you do. Because if you did, you would know that five years ago, before you became a part of my family's life, I was a recruit for the New York City Police Academy."
He raised an eyebrow. "You?"
"That's right. Me. And I may not be a cop, but I'm gonna take you down," she whispered.
Chevchenko shook his head. "You will not shoot me."
"You killed my little girl. You really think I care if you live or not?" she asked coldly.
"Being a former police recruit I do not see you breaking the law like this...even for your daughter."
"You obviously don't have children."
"They just get in the way."
Her eyes darkened. "No more kids are gonna get hurt because of you," she whispered, her grip tightening on the gun.
Seeing the look in her eyes he began to take her seriously, and reached inside his jacket. Seconds later he pulled out a gun of his own.
Her eyes flickered to his weapon that was pointed directly at her, then back up to his eyes, her heart pounding heavily. But not heavily enough to block out the sound of the explosion that flooded the room only seconds later.
* * *
Part Fifteen
Bosco had his gun drawn, and was slowly making his way through the warehouse. When a shot echoed through the building he froze, his eyes widening. "Faith?!"
* * *
She stood completely still, her eyes locked on Chevchenko as he stumbled backwards, the weapon slipping out of his hand. She took a step forward, her weapon still trained on him.
There was a shocked expression on his face as he clutched his stomach.
"Rot in hell," she whispered, squeezing the trigger again.
His body jerked from the impact of the second bullet.
* * *
"FAITH!" Fear gripped him as he hurried down the hall to where the shots came from.
* * *
Her ears were still ringing so loudly from the shots she'd fired that she didn't even hear Bosco's voice. She stared at Chevchenko as he sunk back into his chair, gasping for breath. "That's for Emily," she whispered, her hands trembling.
Chevchenko opened his mouth as if to say something, but nothing came out except another gasp.
"Faith? Faith are you here?" He wasn't worried about the chance that someone else could be in the warehouse. Right now his only thoughts were of finding Faith, and making sure she was okay.
A tear trickled down her cheek as she watched the life seep out of the older man slowly.
Bosco came to a door, and slowly pushed it open, peeking inside.
She slowly lowered her gun to the desk as she listened to Chevchenko's rattled breathing, watched the pain flickering over his face.
He swallowed hard as he stepped into the room with his girlfriend, and a very pale Chevchenko. "Faith?"
Faith remained motionless though she heard him say her name. She simply stared at the blood staining the man's shirt.
He tucked his gun back into the waistband of his jeans, and tore his eyes away from Chevchenko who was no doubt losing the battle to breath. "Faith," Bosco whispered as he reached out and touched her arm.
She slowly turned her head to look at him, her expression unreadable.
"Are you okay," he asked softly.
She was silent for a moment and she glanced back at the dying man, watching as his eyes slipped shut. Heard him take his last breath. A moment later he was completely still. "I am now."
Bosco quickly wrapped his arms around her, not sure what to say at a time like this.
She rested her chin on his shoulder, still staring at Chevchenko's lifeless body. She'd done it. He was no longer a threat to her son. Or to anyone else's for that matter. She closed her eyes tightly, her body trembling. It was over.
He kissed her cheek as he pulled away slightly. "We need to talk," he whispered.
Faith looked at him with furrowed eyebrows, then realized what he meant. "It's okay, Bosco. I know you have to take me in."
"First we need to figure out our story."
She was silent for a moment. "I killed him. That is the story."
"No." He shook his head, and turned away from her. Bosco looked around the room for a few moments. Then walked over to where Chevchenko sat dead in his chair. He spotted the gun on the floor. "Did he have that gun?"
"I pulled mine on him first," she said softly.
He shook his head. "Don't say that, just answer my question. Did he have that gun in his hand?"
She gazed at him. "Yes."
"Okay. Okay." He nodded his head, and ran his hand over his face as he paced a little. He stopped, turning toward her again. "And you...you shot him with that one?"
She nodded slowly. "The one from my lockbox."
"Don't say that either." Bosco bit his lip, and looked around the office trying to figure out what to do. Spotting a napkin on the desk he grabbed it, and used it to pick up Faith's gun. He then walked back around the desk to Chevchenko. Using the hem of his shirt he picked up Chevchenko's hand, and placed the gun in it to get his fingerprints on the weapon. He then placed the gun back on the desk. "You found the gun here," he informed her.
Faith stared at him. "Bosco, you don't have to do this," she whispered.
Bosco held up his hand. "Just listen to me," he said softly. "Just...listen."
She bit down on her lower lip, remaining silent.
"Okay." He took a deep breath. "Okay, so you came here to make a payment to him. That whole thing works." He nodded his head, reassuring himself. "And...and uh...he pulled his gun. Pointed it at you."
"I don't want you to feel like you have to lie for me." Her voice was soft. "I don't want you to get in trouble because of me."
"Just stop. Just listen to me. Everything's gonna be okay."
She closed her eyes, nodding her head slowly.
"Alright, so he pointed the gun at you, and you saw the other gun on his desk. So, so you picked it up cause you thought he was going to shoot you. Then he threatened you. Said he was going to shoot you because you needed to be punished for not making the right payment the other day. You saw him move, so you fired the gun just as I was coming in." He nodded his head. "Yeah, yeah that's it," he said quickly. His breathing was heavy and his heart was racing from the adrenaline.
"Bosco--"
"That's what happened," he snapped.
She flinched slightly, looking at the ground.
"It was self defense, Faith." He walked over to her, and put his hands on her arms. "Charlie can't handle losin' you," he whispered.
Her eyes were blurry with tears when she looked up at him. "I didn't mean for you to get involved in all this," she whispered back.
"It's okay," he told her softly before placing a soft kiss on her lips. "Just remember the story, and everything will be fine."
Faith closed her eyes, leaning her forehead against his as she heard the wail of sirens in the distance. She exhaled slowly, swallowing hard.
"Self defense," he said quietly. "He pulled the gun, you picked up the other one, he threatened you, and you shot him to protect yourself. That's what I saw."
She looked at him, her eyes still shining with tears. "Why you doin' this? Puttin' yourself on the line for me?"
"Because he deserved what he got, and you deserve so much more."
A tear trickled down her cheek and she heard voices in the distance, footsteps running down the hallway toward the office.
Bosco took a deep breath. "Right now we're just old friends," he told her softly. "Don't let them know you and I are together. We met for breakfast at the diner on the corner you told me you had to come pick something up at the warehouse. When you didn't come back when you said I came looking for you."
She nodded quickly, brushing the tear off her face and taking a step away from him before the door flew open and several police officers rushed inside.
"I'm an off duty police officer. My badge is in my back pocket," he informed them as he held his hands up. "Her name is Faith Yokas she shot Theodore Chevchenko in self defense."
Faith remained silent as she gazed at him intently, gratitude and love reflected in her blue eyes.
He looked at her, and gave her a slight nod. "The gun she used is on the desk. Chevchenko's is on the floor," he informed the officers, putting his hands down when the officer closest to him handed back his badge. Bosco breathed a quiet sigh of relief once he realized that he was still the officer in charge of the situation, and the other men were listening to him intently.
“No point in calling for a bus," one of the other officers commented. "He's definitely dead."
Bosco nodded his head slightly. "There wasn't anything I could do for him."
"No big loss there," the same officer muttered.
"She managed to do what the rest of us only dreamed about," said another officer. He grabbed his radio, and called for the coroner.
"I'd like to get her outta here," Bosco said softly. "I'll take her in to the 55th."
"Go ahead. We'll have our sergeant follow up with yours," one of the officers replied, nodding his approval.
"Thanks." Bosco reached out, and shook the man's hand. "Come with me, Faith."
She wrapped her arms around herself and slowly followed him out the door and down the long hallway toward the exit.
"My car's across the street from the diner," he told her softly.
"Okay," she said just as softly, stepping outside the warehouse. The sun immediately warmed her cold skin and she tilted her face up to the sky as she stopped walking for a moment, her eyes closing.
Realizing she stopped he turned to look at her. "You alright?"
"Yeah," she whispered, her eyes still closed. The sun shining down on her. "I just...feel like I woke up from a really bad dream."
* * *
Part Sixteen
It had been two days since Theodore Chevchenko's demise, and Bosco had been granted permission from his Lieutenant to take some personal time to help his friend cope with what she'd been through. For the past two days he and Faith had hardly been apart. They'd woken up together, gotten Charlie ready for school then spent the day together before picking her son up from school and heading back to the apartment. Both days had been a roller coaster of emotions for Faith, but she seemed to be handling things rather well.
He shifted positions on the sofa so that he was facing her. "Faith, I've been thinking," he told her softly.
She gazed back at him, her eyes soft. "About what?" she asked just as quietly.
"About a couple things." He reached for her hand. "I don't know what you wanna do now, but I just want you to know that I'll support whatever it is. If you wanna be a cop, or if you wanna go to college and start over I'm all for it."
She was quiet for a moment. "To be honest with you...I don't really know what I wanna do now. I never really thought that I'd have another choice again."
He smiled softly. "Well...take your time cause you've got lots of options now."
"Thanks to you," she said softly.
Bosco squeezed her hand, and leaned forward to place a kiss on her cheek. "There's one more thing," he whispered.
"What's that?" she whispered back, leaning her forehead against his.
He reached into his pocket with his free hand, and with his other hand turned hers over. Bosco then placed a key into her open palm before closing her fingers around it.
"What's this?" She looked down at the key in her hand.
"It's the key to my apartment, well...-your- key to my apartment."
Her eyes widened a little and she looked at him in surprise.
"I'd like you and Charlie to move in," he whispered.
"Bosco," she whispered, her eyes soft. "Are you sure? I mean, this is a big decision."
"I've been thinkin' about it the last couple days," he told her softly. "And why not? I mean, I've been stayin' over here pretty much nonstop, and I know that my place only has one bedroom. But we could put Charlie's bed in the living room for now, and..."
She kissed him softly, cutting him off. One hand touching his cheek.
He grinned against her lips. "Is that a yes?"
She chuckled softly. "What do you think?"
"I think it's a yes." He kissed her chin. "You wanna ask Charlie though? Cause...he'll have to change schools."
"I don't think he'll mind. He doesn't really like his school that well." She leaned her forehead against his, resting her hands on his shoulders.
Bosco wrapped his arms around her. "This way you can just concentrate on school or whatever for a while, maybe save up some money instead of worryin' about bills." He paused for a moment. "Then if for some reason things don't work out you'll have some money and could move out."
"Hey, don't...don't talk like that," she said softly, gazing at him. "I love you." She kissed the tip of his nose.
"I know. I just don't want you thinkin' you owe me anything."
"It's not about owing you, Boz. I just love you. I trust you. I didn't ever think I'd be able to trust or love someone again, not after Fred. But you proved me wrong." Her voice was quiet.
"I'm glad I did." He smiled softly, and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.
"Me too," she admitted, gazing at him intently. "And I'd love to move in with you," she whispered.
"Perfect." His smile widened, and he kissed her forehead. "I think I've reached my thinking quota for the week," he told her lightly.
She chuckled and kissed his lips softly, amazed at how lucky she'd been when he'd walked back into her life out of nowhere five years after they'd met. She had a feeling things really were going to start getting better now.
* * *
Faith knocked on her boss's office door, shifting her weight from one foot to the other. Surprised at how calm she felt. Over the past five years anytime she'd had to talk to the guy, she'd been nervous. Not anymore.
"It's open."
She turned the handle and stepped inside. It was the first time she'd been in his office when she wasn't in her standard waitress uniform. It felt good to go places fully clothed.
He looked up at her. "You can't work wearin' that."
"That's actually why I'm here. I'm not workin'."
"Excuse me?" His eyes narrowed. "Are you tryin' to get your ass fired?"
"Actually my ass is quitting," she informed him.
"What?!"
"I quit," Faith said calmly. "I don't need this job anymore. I'm done."
"You can't just quit! Your shift starts in..."
“Actually it started five minutes ago."
"You're never gonna find a job that pays this well!"
"The only reason I needed this job in the first place was because I was being blackmailed. You probably saw something about it in the newspaper. The guy's dead now."
He nodded his head, and sighed. "Leave me your address and I'll make sure to mail you your last check."
Faith jotted Bosco's address down on a piece of paper and set it on his desk.
"If you ever want your job back..."
A wry smile touched her lips. "Thanks anyway, but...if I'm back it's only gonna be to visit a couple friends."
"We'll definitely miss you around here."
She resisted the urge to tell him the feeling wasn't mutual. "See ya around, Richard." She turned and headed out of his office.
Richard sighed, and shook his head before returning to his paperwork.
Faith tucked a strand of hair behind her ear as she walked slowly over to the bar where Bosco sat talking to Martie.
Bosco smiled as he saw Faith approaching, and when she was closer he held his hand out to her. "How'd it go?"
She slid her fingers through his. "Really well. He was a little upset, but...he'll get over it." She kissed his cheek and sat down beside him.
"You came back just in time cause I was gettin' ready to tell Martie some pretty good news."
She smiled. "Glad I didn't miss it."
He gave her hand a squeeze as he returned the smile, and then turned toward Martie. "So I know some people who work for Children's Services. Some case workers and stuff."
The bartender stared at him for a moment, then glanced at Faith, who smiled softly. "Meaning...what exactly?" he asked carefully.
"Well, I put in a good word with a couple of them, and they talked it over." He grinned. "They've agreed to look into your situation, help speed things up...see about gettin' you custody of your kids."
Martie's eyes widened. "Are you serious?"
"Very," Faith said softly, leaning her chin on Bosco's shoulder.
"They're of course gonna want to talk to you, and check on your ex-wife and stuff. Plus Faith and I are both writin' reference letters for you. So..."
"Oh, man. I can't believe...thank you." Martie held his hand out to Bosco.
With a wide smile on his face Bosco shook Martie's hand. "You just gotta promise us something."
"What's that?"
"Wherever you end up you gotta keep in touch."
He grinned. "Not a problem, Maurice. I'd miss my serrogate sister too much."
Faith smiled warmly.
"Plus Charlie needs his Uncle Martie."
"Seriously. I really appreciate this." Martie looked at Bosco, then Faith.
Bosco nodded. "You're a good guy, Martie. Things are gonna work out for you." He reached into his pocket, and pulled out his card. "Here. I wrote our address and number on the back. Give us a call some time. We'll have ya over for dinner."
"I'd like that." He shifted his gaze to Faith.
She gazed back at him. "Seein' you is the only thing I'm gonna miss about this place," she said softly.
He smiled at her. "I'm gonna miss you, but I always knew you were better than this."
Faith slid off the stool and slowly made her way around the bar. "You take care of yourself," she whispered, wrapping her arms around his waist in a hug.
Martie returned the embrace, holding her tight. "You too," he whispered back. "Keep this guy around."
"I plan to." She closed her eyes, then kissed his cheek. "And I'm gonna come visit you. A lot. I expect free 7UPs and lots of hugs." Her voice was light.
He chuckled softly. "You got it, Sis. I owe you guys."
When she pulled away, there was a warm smile on her face, but her eyes were watery.
"Don't you dare cry," he told her with a grin. "On a day like today you should be doin' nothin' but smiling."
"Hey, I can do both." She squeezed his arm. "Thank you. For everything."
He nodded his head. "I'll see you soon."
"You bet you will." Faith kissed his cheek once more before moving around the bar again and over to where Bosco was sitting. She wrapped her arms around him from behind. "You ready?" she whispered.
"Yeah." He gave Martie a small wave. "Call us," he told the other man before turning on his bar stool.
She held onto his arm as they made their way to the exit. She paused, glancing over her shoulder at her friend, her eyes soft as she waved and he waved back. She took one last look at the place she'd worked for the last five years and then she walked out the door with Bosco, ready to face whatever came next.
* * *
Bosco slowed to a stop next to the curb, and put the car in park. He shut the car off then turned to Faith. "You ready?"
She stared out the passenger side window. "Yeah," she said very softly, reaching for the door handle.
He nodded his head, and got out of the car then pushed the seat forward so Charlie could get out. Once the young boy was out of the car Bosco picked him up. He was glad that Charlie was small for his age because he'd always enjoyed holding him when he was a baby, and it was as if he could make up for lost time now.
Faith closed her eyes as she paused at the curb, drawing in a deep breath of the cool, fresh air. She pulled her jacket around her a little closer with one arm and then glanced over her shoulder to see where Bosco and Charlie were. Once they were only a few feet behind, she carefully led them through a path of headstones in the cemetery until they reached the grave they were there to visit. She swallowed hard and carefully knelt down, laying the bouquet of yellow roses down in front of her daughter's tombstone.
Charlie wrapped his arms around Bosco's neck as he gazed down at the tombstone. Bosco held him a little tighter as he moved to stand behind Faith.
She slid her fingers over the headstone, tracing the letters of Emily's name lightly. Then she turned her head to look up at them. Her expression unreadable.
"Can you put me down, Uncle B," Charlie asked in a whisper. Bosco nodded his head, and lowered Charlie to the ground. Once Charlie's feet touched the ground he sat down next to his mother, leaning against her.
Faith slid her arm around him, resting her head against his as she closed her eyes. Silently thanking God that she still had Charlie in her life.
Bosco placed his hand on Faith's shoulder as he remained silent.
"Mom, I brought somethin' for Em," he told her softly.
"You did?" she asked, her voice just as soft. "What'd you bring?"
He reached into his jacket pocket, and pulled out a paperback book. "She never got to read the newest one," he informed his mother as he scooted forward, and placed the Harry Potter book by the headstone.
Tears prickled at Faith's eyes and she swallowed hard, leaning over and kissing his forehead. "She'll love that," she whispered. She reached back and covered Bosco's hand with her own, holding onto it tightly.
Bosco knelt down behind them, putting an arm around each of them. A tear rolled down Charlie's cheek, but he smiled. "You were right, Emily. Uncle B came back."
She bit down on her lower lip as she leaned back against Bosco's chest, her body trembling as she tried not to cry.
"It's okay," Bosco whispered softly as he rubbed her arm. He knew this had to be hard on Faith because he was getting choked up.
She swallowed hard, drawing in a breath as she closed her eyes, listening to the sound of the wind moving through the trees.
Bosco placed a soft kiss on Faith's shoulder. "She's always gonna be with us."
"I know," she whispered, opening her eyes again. She caught sight of a slight movement to her left and her gaze followed it, her eyes widening slightly. Her daughter stood a few feet away wearing a long white dress, a smile on her face. Her pretty blondish-brown hair tussled by the breeze. Her eyes were bright as she lifted her hand up and waved. A moment later she was gone.
Faith blinked a couple of times, a feeling of peace washing over her. Emily was telling her to let go. A tear trickled down her cheek, but there was a faint smile on her face. "Love you, Emmy," she whispered into the wind.
She could have sworn the wind whispered back that it loved her too.
The End