Disclaimer: I don't own any Third Watch Characters, although I'd like to have Bosco for one night please : )

Haunted

She stared out the window, watching the snow fall softly to the ground. It had been a gentle winter so far, the harsh cold holding off until after the New Year. She couldn't help the ache that constantly sat in her heart. It seemed to grow even more as each crystal flake hit the ground. Memories flashed through her mind like a silent movie. Their childish laughter, though from years ago, still echoed in her mind.

It always happened like this. The dull throb in her chest would start, but just as soon as it began it faded, replaced with anger. An anger so deep and soul crushing that she felt she had to break things. But she wouldn't, not yet. She would save it, tuck every piece of hatred away until it was time. The time would come soon, she would make sure of that.

Her bloodshot eyes turned from the window and to the clock. Four a.m.. She didn't know why she bothered with the time anymore. It didn't matter. The hours came and went, she wasn't aware. For a brief second she wondered how long she had been sitting at this desk, it quickly left her mind. She didn't care. Her eyes went back to her desk, papers covered it like a blanket. She returned to the task at hand.

He watched for a few moments before entering. He was sure when he passed by an hour ago she had been in the same position, the same vacant stare. He had watched her like a hawk, wanting desperately for her to take a break. He wanted to force her to leave, at the same time fearing she would. Being nearby he could watch, make sure she was okay. Knocking gently on the door he waited for a response. None, not that he really expected it.

"Faith?" Swersky called quietly. She didn't respond, rereading the same file over and over again.

Although it had been three years since the new 55 was built, it wasn't until a week ago that Swersky thanked God that he made the decision to return to his position at the precinct. Most of the old faces were gone now, having moved on after the fateful events at Camelot. But Faith was here.

"Hey, Faith?" She glanced briefly in his direction, not answering. He didn't expect her to. " You been at that for hours..." He didn't bother trying to convince her to go get some rest, he knew she wouldn't. "...You want some coffee?" A small head shake was his response.

"Faith I..." This wasn't going to go over very well with her."...I got you someone, someone that will help you with this" He nodded towards the files piled on her desk.

"I don't want help " She never looked up.

"Well thats really not up to you..." He watched her jaw clench at his firmness."...You can't do this alone"

" Watch me " He sould feel the venom in her words. She was going to hate him for this. He didn't care. After yesterday she didn't have a choice in the matter.

"Yokas this not up for discussion " She finally looked at him, the use of her last name catching her attention.

"I can't have you running out of here like yesterday, going off to get yourself killed " He regretted his words instantly. Her attention back on the papers. He took a step forward.

"Look Faith, I'm worried about you..."

"Don't be" She cut him off.

"What you're dealing with...these people...it's dangerous Faith" He didn't need to tell her that, she already knew. She knew too well.

"As your boss..." He paused. It was more than that. He had known Faith for over ten years, she was family. "...I can't allow you to go out there without backup"

"I don't need backup..." She was angry, he didn't care. She may not care about the danger anymore but he did.

"Faith..."

"No, you're not hearing me... I can't waste my time picking up the pieces of a rookie who pisses his pants every five minutes cuz he's never heard the sound of real gunfire..." She picked up another file."...I will not babysit" Her words final.

" You don't have to " Her head shot up at the sound of the familiar voice.

" Meet your new partner, I believe you know eachother " Swersky wasn't sure, but he could swear that somewhere through the mask of anger he saw a glint of life, of hope, of faith. He was sure of it when she finally spoke.

" Bosco?..."