Thank you so much for the nice comments. If anyone wants to finish Reality who hasn't already done so, I can email the entire finishedstory to you, (someone recently asked for it so its already in my 'email' and ready to go) just be aware that I won't know where you 'stopped' so you'll have to sort that out when you get it. The story comes in four emails, to control size for mail programs that have limits, unless you request just the last seven chapters, then of course its only going to be one. Each chapter is inclusive to one attachment and is in msword six I think.
Anyway, on with the current show, Enjoy!
M
There are no Accidents
by Malinda
Chapter 4
The Diner:
"Two GSW's, one to the chest, but I can see the bullet, he's lucky, it's lodged between two ribs," Carlos stated professionally, his younger self might have panicked upon seeing it was Bosco and CJ who were injured, but now, he took it in stride. His confidence and his maturity making itself known to anyone listening as well as watching him, now he glanced over at Kim, "um, one to the back, didn't penetrate the vest though; but lots of bruising, looks like he may have broken a rib. For sure the ones in front are fractured." He finished Bosco's IV, moving to his arm, he addressed Bosco calmly he touched his shoulder where it was cut open, "Did you get shot here? Do you remember Bosco?"
"No," Bosco his short painful breaths making it hard to talk now, he moved the oxygen mask off, "fell, I think," he gasped as Carlos shifted him slightly, "I think I hit the table."
Brow furrowing as he looked around, Carlos saw the corner where Bosco was pointing, and winced as he exclaimed briefly, "Damn, that must have hurt!" Ripping open a pressure bandage placing it over the jagged cut on his arm, "You sure have creative ways to get out of work don't you?"
"Bite me!" Bosco grumbled at him, "Just hurry the hell up Neito!" Gasping again as Carlos pressed the edges of the bandage into place, "Oww!"
"Big Baby," Carlos allowing his serious side to crack a bit grinned at him, winking at Ty over Bosco's head. Ty tried not to show reaction but Bosco saw his eyes crease.
"Somebody get me my phone," he pulled the mask away again, only a slight threat in his voice, "and call Jamie."
"OH hell no!" Carlos shoved the mask back into place, his professional side now pushed aside completely, "She's not kicking my ass cause you call her on me! You can wait until you get to the ER!"
Now it was Bosco's turn to grin weakly at Ty now that he'd gotten the upper hand again with Carlos. Ty grinned back, but looking again over at CJ his grin faded.
"How is he?" Faith squatted down next to Kim and quietly asked she was now checking on CJ, she knew Bosco was in competent hands and he was alert, which was more than she could say for her patient.
"Not sure," Kim glanced over at her, then looking past her to Carlos called out, "Carlos can you help me a minute?" Carlos turned quickly to see her finger over her mouth in a 'shush' motion.
"Sure Kim," Carlos got up, patting Bosco on the leg before he headed over, "be right back Bosco, you just keep that mask on."
Nodding Bosco closed his eyes waiting for them to get ready to take him out of the diner. Ty began to talk to him to distract him as Carlos joined Kim. Speaking softly, Kim announced, "He's got a GSW to the chest, looks like it might have gone in, good breath sounds on both lungs though so I can't be sure," she shrugged, "I don't see the bullet, looks like it was close range though. Must have knocked himself out on the floor because his chin is split underneath like he hit it pretty hard." Kim quietly continued to fill him in while she finished up the IV she was adding to CJ's arm. She'd already collared CJ with a splint and with Sully's help had him on a backboard. Quickly done with the IV she spoke briskly, "We need to go, I'm ready with him Carlos," glancing at a couple of the Officers standing near them, "help me guys, lets get him on the gurney. Carlos, are we taking them both in now or is another bus coming?"
Carlos was on the radio informing Central that they were now ready to transport. "Bosco can sit so we'll take them both in," he moved back to Bosco. Soon he and Ty were putting Bosco in the lift chair, "Ty we need you to drive."
"Sure," he answered with a nod, holding tightly to the lift chair, "lets go."
"Oh great," Bosco again moved the mask, "not bad enough," he gasped, "I get shot, now I gotta take my chances with Dale Jr. Hell my three year old probably drives better than you do."
Releasing one of the legs of the chair, this time Ty was the one who shoved the mask into place, "Don't worry about it old man, I got my license at Kmart, I know how to drive a bus, besides, Ricky taught me!"
Bosco screwed his face up, "OLD MAN!" his near shout causing him to cough, wishing he'd not started this conversation.
"Hey, you just turned 38, you're old now man!" Ty grinned at him, "Couple more years you'll be over the hill and have grandkids!"
Faith glanced over as she stood up watching them move the guys out, "Watch it Ty with the old jokes, I'm older than Bos is."
"Oh no," Ty cracked, attempting to keep Bosco distracted, "Sergeant Yokas, I would never call you old. I like living mamn!"
She grinned but didn't laugh as she followed them out, appreciating the try at humor but her concern for CJ and Bosco dampened the feeling.
Bosco when CJ was wheeled past seemed for the first time to comprehend that his partner was neither okay, nor awake as he himself was, his own shocked mind and body having enough to deal with he'd only asked once earlier about him. Having received an evasive answer and then been purposely distracted as Ty and Carlos tried to keep him calm, he not asked again. Now though his reaction to CJ began to set in, "CJ?" pulling the mask off yet again as Ty pausing pushed it back catching sight of his confused expression, "Why isn't he moving? CJ?" Bosco tried lean forward in the chair, his voice raised to a soft yell, "FAITH? Why isn't he moving?"
She turned back to him as Carlos and Ty began to bring him out behind CJ, "Bos, he was knocked out, but he's breathing fine okay, take it easy." She put her hand on his arm as she saw the fear in his eyes, "He's going to be aright Bosco, stop it, don't worry, you need to take it easy." He nodded looking first up at her then following CJ's progress out the door as Ty and Carlos paused with him until the door was cleared.
When it was empty, Ty and Carlos moved forward again with Bosco. Passing Leo's body on the tile floor where Detectives were working now, Bosco's eyes widened, "He's dead?"
He had not asked about the brothers yet, almost having forgotten them, it now came rushing back and Carlos glancing down at him hearing the distress in his voice, replied, "Yeah, he took one to the heart, sorry man there was nothing we could do."
"Nooo," dropping his head back against the chair, tears in his eyes, Bosco told them, "damn it. Where is his brother?"
"55 Edward took him to the station for booking," Swersky commented firmly as he was coming out from the back of the diner. He'd been conferring with the detectives, questioning the owner.
"NO!" Bosco grabbed his arm as Swersky neared him, yanking the oxygen mask off completely this time, "he didn't do anything Lieu! It was an accident! You have to let him go!"
Swersky frowned, "Bosco, that's not the story we've gotten so far from the diners or the owner! Everyone's saying he jumped you and then his brother jumped CJ!"
"WHAT?" Bosco sat forward again, his hand tightening on Swersky's arm, "LIEU, that's...," Coughing harshly, he went pale again, this time however Carlos seeing his color motioned for Ty to set the chair down.
"Bosco!" he admonished him, "You have to keep this on, and stay calm!" Shoving the mask back into place, he ordered him, "You can get it sorted out later! Damn man you have to relax, your pressure is way too high!" He pushed Bosco back against the chair's back by one hand on his shoulder, "RELAX! Don't make me sedate you, okay?" Bosco was fighting to stay forward, but at Carlos's words on the sedation he began to relax, he had no intention of getting knocked out until he knew CJ was ok, so nodding in agreement he gulped the oxygen in. He was feeling lightheaded now and dizzy, and despite trying now to cooperate he began blinking rapidly as he started to lose focus and then his eyelids drooped.
"Bosco!" Carlos called, but his voice was fading. Bosco was out again.
"Damn it!" Carlos quietly growled, checking Bosco's BP again, "We got to go, NOW! His pressure is through the damn roof."
"Don't you need to do something?" Ty asked worriedly as they moved out the doorway.
"Yeah, but in the bus, keep moving!" Carlos ordered him.
xxxx
Later same night at the hospital:
"Where is he?" Jamie nearly running into the ER asked as she saw Faith standing with Ty and Sully, with Lt. Swersky coming in behind her, "Where is he? Is he ok, where's CJ?"
"Bosco's okay, now that he's calmed down some," Faith gently stopped her as she tried to move past her to enter the exam room, "the bullet didn't penetrate his vest, Jamie. Just busted a couple of ribs up. Doc Thomas is finishing up with him now, said it should only be a few more minutes." She gave a quick frown, "Did Emily come to stay with Ricky for you?"
"Yes, she did, thanks for sending her over to watch him," obvious relief on her face for a moment then her brow furrowed again, "what about CJ? How is he and what the hell happened, and who shot them?"
Faith looked to Lt. Swersky, "Lieu, didn't you tell her..." He nodded but before he could answer the Doctor emerged from the exam room and he was saved from her glare and comments.
"He's going to be fine," Dr. Jenson, leaving the exam room CJ was in, commented as she saw her about to lay into Swersky, "hi Jamie," Dr. Jenson, looking at Faith now, continued, "Officer Caster is one lucky guy. The bullet was mostly stopped by his vest, just bruised and bloodied him up good, but overall he's doing well. So he should go home in a couple of days. Those vests really are lifesavers aren't they?"
"Oh thank god," Sully grinning in relief clapped Ty on the back, "hey, looks like you still have a roommate after all, partner!"
"Yeah," Ty grinned back at him as he rubbed his hand over the back of his neck, "good thing too, I didn't want to have to move in with you."
Rolling her eyes, Faith pretended to ignore them both as she glanced at Jamie, speaking softly "Then we'd really have to call 911."
Jamie smiled slightly but was watching the Dr., "And?"
"Well," she sighed, "he did get a few front teeth knocked loose, and 14 stitches in his chin so he's not going to be playing football for awhile, or singing, but since my assistant is an artist he shouldn't have too much of a scar on that baby face of his. The oral guy should be here in a bit to see if his teeth need anything besides time to heal. We just have to keep the single nurses away from him while he's here. He's a doll-face!"
"Good luck with that," Faith teased, "the nurses here love him, so, is he awake? We need to ask him some questions about what happened."
"Oh he's awake," Dr. Jenson grinned, "and complaining that we're killing him. Keeps asking for his gun." She winked at them, "Give us a few minutes more and you can go in, won't be long I promise. He's really a lucky guy. And from what I hear so is Maurice!" She was looking at Jamie, "how about you, are you okay?"
"I'll let you know when I see him," Jamie smiled briefly at her, "I just got here, I haven't been able to even find out where he is yet."
"Oh, okay then," Dr. Jenson turned away to leave, "well, I've got 'real' patients to see now, take care, and if you need anything, I'll be around."
She walked off as a nurse approached her handing her a chart.
"Nice woman," Sully commented, "Don't think I've seen her before."
"Yeah," Jamie was watching him watch the Dr., "she is. She's been here awhile, we've worked together several times, but she used to work day shift so you most likely wouldn't have run into her. When her husband died a year ago in January, she decided to move to 3rd shift. Says its easier. Doesn't like the empty nights at home."
"Hum," Sully mused, "I understand that, glad I don't have those anymore since Rose agreed to marry me last year." His small seriousness lifting as he thought of his own wife, "Speaking of whom, I need to go and tell her that her son is trying to give 'me' gray hairs now." He paused a moment as they watched him, "Um, anyone want to go with?"
"No way," Ty grinning at him, teased, "I doubt you'll be able to withstand what that little hurricane brings, I'm not going anywhere near that house for a few days. I am going to the cafeteria though, anybody want to come with me, get some coffee?"
"No, thanks," Faith answered smiling at them, "I'm fine," she patted Sully on the shoulder, "and not thanks, I'll stay here. But good luck."
"Yea, thanks," Sully rolled his eyes, then shifted his belt and pants as if about to go into battle, "wish me luck."
Jamie avoiding the joking, walked over to the exam room Bosco was in, quietly watching the shadows on the curtains the Doctor and nurses caused as they moved around the room.
Faith joined her as Sully and Ty went their separate ways. "He's okay you know," she leaned against Jamie's shoulder gently to lend comfort, then stood beside her.
Tilting her head up to look at Faith, "Isn't he always?" Turning around to face the hallway, she leaned back against the window.
"You okay?" Faith was concerned by her lack of spirit as usually Jamie was kicking and screaming to get in to see him. Just two months ago he'd been thrown down a flight of stairs and only slightly sprained his knee and she'd been more upset than this.
"HUH?" Jamie seemed to be off in another world suddenly.
"I asked if you were okay?" Frowning Faith turned to her, "What?" Knowing her friend, she knew something big was bothering her now, "I know that face, what's bothering you, I mean other than," she gave a head toss toward Bosco's room..
"Just thinking about how many times I've been in one of these ER's with him over the past six years." Jamie sighed, "I keep hoping never to see one again, but I keep praying that I do see it again if he's involved with something physical and not just an Officer at the door telling me there is no need to come down here."
"Fred says the same thing," Faith instantly knowing now what it was grinned sheepishly at her, "he hated my being on the streets and he still doesn't like the hours. I don't blame him, its hard on everyone. Charlie going into the academy almost killed me when I thought about him out there facing the same things I faced."
"I still don't understand that I thought you had to be 21 for the academy," Jamie glad for the distraction questioned her, "I already told Rick that there is no way he's joining the police force like Moe."
"Oh," Faith laughed despite herself at the thought of Jamie telling the toddler that, "I bet Bosco just loved that. But he's only three so I think he's still into the Fire trucks, right? Despite Bosco trying to make Dougherty take it back. And to be NYPD you do have to be 21 but not just to attend the academy," Faith laughed low, "when he gets out he's going to have to wait a year. But he's determined, so..."
"Aren't they all?" Jamie smiled, "I know Warren was at that age. After all that nightmare with the kidnapping he was so determined to become a Cop and now thanks to CJ's 'help', he's talking about the FBI," she sighed, "Three men in law enforcement would be more than I can handle, anyway," her smile faded as she turned back to the glass, changing the subject, "what is taking so long?"
"Nothing it seems, look," Faith pointed out as Doctor Thomas exited the exam room.
"Well, ladies," he allowed the door to close behind him as he saw them, "looks like his luck is holding out, AGAIN," Doc Thomas shook his head in amused disbelief, "I swear everytime he comes in here I expect it to be his last, but he always seems to have the damnedest luck! He's fine, knocked the wind out of him and broke a couple of ribs, but overall he's very lucky. Oh and he's got a few stitches in his shoulder from the fall on the table, but again, lucky. Didn't even need surgery to remove the bullet, just plucked it right out!" He put his hand on Jamie's shoulder for a brief moment, "You can go in and see him now if you want Jamie," nodding to Faith, "you too Faith. Me, I need a drink."
"Uh Doc Thomas aren't you still on duty?" Faith questioned in concern even though she was relieved to hear that Bosco had once again escaped serious harm.
"NO," he grinned, "I'm off as of NOW! See ya!" He took off down the hallway, calling back, "I'm getting the heck out of here before anyone else from the 5-5 decides to come in!"
xxxx
"NO," Bosco was complaining to the nurse who was bandaging his ribs, "I don't need this stuff, I've had cracked ribs before, stop!"
"Officer Boscorelli, its getting done and that's THAT, now, BE STILL!" She was taping down the last of a strip of bandage as he sat on the side of the bed.
He lightly pushed her away, hopping down from the bedside, "NO IT'S NOT! I'm getting out of here NOW! Where is my shirt," looking down at his boxers, "and my pants!" He was left in his boxers and socks, as they had removed the gown to put the bandages on.
Faith burst out laughing then turned away as the nurse tried to make him stop, "Bosco! Really do you have to be such a stubborn ass all the time? Or do you just save your best behavior for here? Your son put up less of a fight getting his first hair cut!"
"Officer Boscorelli, please, would you just let me do my job!" the nurse was trying not to laugh at his red face as he realized that Faith and Jamie had come into the room, catching him in the middle of one of his tantrums, half naked.
Standing with her arms at her sides, shaking her head as she gave a huge sigh, no sign of mirth on her face, Jamie looked at the nurse, but spoke to Faith, a hard edge to her voice, "No Faith, Rick pitched just as big a fit, like Father like Son or haven't you noticed the stubborn trait?" Glancing at the nurse she added, "Don't bother trying to keep him here, he won't change his mind." She got a strange look on her face suddenly as both the nurse and Bosco stopped arguing over the clothes and stared at her, startled by the harsh tone of her voice. Faith turned to her frowning, "Jamie?" Only to see Jamie hold up her hand to stop her from speaking.
"Don't," she didn't look at Faith but it was clear to whom she was speaking, "it doesn't matter what anyone here wants or thinks, he's going to do what the hell he wants too."
With that comment she turned on her heel and left the room, leaving Faith and Bosco with open mouths at her furious tone. Faith following quickly behind her after giving Bosco a worried look.
A few minutes later Bosco, dressed again emerged from the room looking for Jamie and Faith. He'd let the nurse finish what she was doing after Jamie's small tirade, thinking it would pacify her and he really did expect to find both of them waiting for him, but instead found only Faith waiting in the hall.
"Where is she?" he limped over to her, his hand holding his chest lightly, and asked with a small amount of worry in his voice, "And who has my son? Did she go in to see CJ? What room is he in, I want to see him." Casting his gaze around as if he expected her to come out then looking back at Faith when she didn't answer right away. "Well?"
"Bosco," Faith began not sure what was going on here, "she's not here. She left. And CJ was moved upstairs to a room already. I think its 324 if you want to go up." Folding her arms across her chest she snapped, "AND, Emily is with Ricky, as if we'd leave him with just anyone?"
"LEFT?" He asked blinking sharply at her, "Left as in to go home? Why the hell would she leave and go home without me?" He didn't argue that it was 'Rick' and not 'Ricky', he'd given that one up over two years ago.
"I have no idea Bos. I came out and she was gone, she asked one of the Officers who picked her up, Keyes I think, to take her." Faith stood awkwardly not really looking at him, "Did you guys have a fight or something before...?"
"Not that I know of," Bosco headed to the elevator, "everything was fine when I left the apartment this afternoon, she was planning Rick's birthday party," thinking of his son brought a small smile as he glanced back at her, "he wants Spiderman so get your cape out." When she smiled back he added, "I'm going to CJ's room, you coming? I'll talk to her when I get home, find out what the hell is going on."
"Sure, I'm coming," Faith joined him on the elevator, but both were quiet on the ride up despite his cheerful comment about his son.
XXXX
Present time:
CJ came to the surface quickly, shaking the river's water from his face and hair as he looked around frantically for Bosco, "MOE!" he yelled not seeing him, praying to God he'd not come in behind him after all. He knew the fast current would sweep Moe out before CJ could catch him.
Ty coming up only a second or two after CJ was even further down than him, spotting him, CJ yelled , "TY, DO YOU SEE HIM? USE YOUR FEET TO FEEL FOR HIM, I THINK HE STAYED UNDER THIS TIME!"
Both men desperately searched the river even while trying to stay afloat themselves. CJ could hear the sirens on the rescue boat heading their way and prayed it would get to them in time to help. He dove downward, swimming towards Ty's position while keeping his eyes open, hands reaching out sweeping through the cold waters, searching for Bosco. His experiences in the dark waters of Louisiana helping him as he kept his direction true to Ty's placement in these green waters. Even though the searchers above them were able to follow their progression with the powerful lights Ty himself wasn't sure of where he was, much less CJ.
Coming back to the surface for air, CJ locked eyes with Ty instantly knowing in the searching floodlights glare that he'd not found Moe either. Another deep breath in and out and he was again diving down to come up only seconds later again empty handed. He began to panic thinking that possibly they'd over swam him or he was already being dragged to the deeper waters in the river.
"DID YOU SEE HIM YET?" Ty yelled at him, he was swimming backwards even as the current swept them along, still probing the waters with his feet then shook his head in frustration, calling out to CJ, "I CAN'T FEEL ANYTHING! WHERE THE HELL IS THAT BOAT?"
"DON'T WORRY ABOUT THEM," CJ yelled back, "JUST KEEP TRYING!" He did yet another in and out deep breath and went back under. This time he hit something with the fingertips of his left hand but his dive was too short for him to grab it. Coming back up he screamed, "I THINK I FOUND HIM! TY HELP ME!"
Ty waited for a count of two as CJ went back under, then dove down hands outstretched, fighting the current as he attempted to help.
His dive deeper this time CJ was sure he felt hair sweeping under his fingers, then he knew he was. Digging his hand tight into the short strands he yanked upward as hard as he dared, nearly losing his grip but swinging his other arm forward he found his fingers wrapping round a face, Moe's face. Instantly he pulled him back to him as he brought his own legs forward to wrap around Moe, then unable to keep them afloat felt them both sinking rapidly with the extra weight. Fighting against it, CJ realized he was at the end of his air supply, but refusing to let go he pulled Moe higher in his arms and released his legs to try to kick for the surface now that he felt he had a good grip, but began to see dark spots in his vision.
Ty not reaching them surfaced again, gasping he drew in a deep breath and held it, hoping he could dive deep enough with it he heard as he went under again the others on the wharf yelling that the boat was almost to them, to hang on.
Under the surface he dove as deep as he could, slowly letting the air he'd inhaled out as he went. Thinking like CJ had a minute or two earlier that he'd missed them, he was about to kick for the surface when he came face to face with CJ who was barely making any progress. The floodlights barely making his blonde hair show up in the murky green water that swirled around them. Ty wasn't sure who was more startled or glad to see the other as he reached out and took hold of Bosco, helping CJ with his unconscious weight as together kicking hard they strove for the surface of the Hudson.
Breaking the waters plane together, they heard the shouts of excitement as Sully, Sasha and the others saw Bosco held between them, turn to quiet as all realized from his motionless state that he had been under too long.
They waited impatiently for the boat, treading water together, Moe held between them with CJ frantically trying to do mouth to mouth, the water flowing from Moe's nose and mouth making it impossible for CJ to move any air into his friend and partners lungs. Moe, his head tilted back in the water his smoky blue eyes closed was unresponsive to CJ's shaking of him or to his pleas for him to stay with him as CJ gave up on the effort of breathing for him. He concentrated on praying the boat would hurry as they held his face out of the Hudson, until finally they heard the engine and saw the boat pulling up to them. Hands reaching for them from the boat took Moe from his and Ty's arms then CJ lunged upward to grab the hand that reached out for him to climb aboard as fast as he could, as did Ty. Both men stood helplessly by, drenched with the freezing water pouring from them, shivering in the cold air, their work now done; the medics just beginning theirs. Both men were more than grateful even in their fear and worry when warm blankets were quickly wrapped around both before they were made to sit and themselves be checked over.
Ty looked over at CJ as the medic who was working on him blocked his view of Bosco. CJ with a look of both expectation of a miracle and desperate loss warring for control of his features was staring silently at the tableau before them. He watching the medics as they frantically worked on Bosco, first clearing his lungs of the waters then starting to breathe for him before they started the IV's. CJ in silent shock now was oblivious to the questions posed by the medic who was tending to him causing the man to turn to Ty, asking in frustration, "How long was he in? Did you see him go under? Was he under a long time?"
Ty in only slightly better condition than CJ, answered, "Too long, I'm, I'm not sure how long he was under before we went in, and yea we saw him go under the last time." Looking up at the man's questioning face, his final soft answer bringing tears to his eyes, "and it was too damn long after that before we found him again."
TBC...
