"Last Exit to Brooklyn"
Author:carmen_085
Disclaimer:All Third Watch characters are property of NBC. All original characters belong to me
Summary: After a terrible tragedy changes his life, Bosco goes undercover to find redemption and justice in the most unlikely of places
Author's Note:Well I'm sure this is a surprise. I have not forgotten about this story and I want to finish it no matter how long it takes. It is a story that I have turned over in my mind for almost ten years now. Thank you for those who have read and reviewed and wanted to see a resolution. Third Watch has been off the air but that world can always live on as long as we imagine it and write it. Thank you and please continue to review
Chapter Twenty-One
'I wanted to believe
As I watched your world
Crumble in your hands
I wanted to believe
As you raised your glass
To your last stand
And I wanted to believe
You would win
The war in your head
That I did not understand'
Taking a deep breath in, Bosco leaned back against the building. Ducking down, he inched back into the shadows. Lightning flashed overhead as a clap of thunder echoed through the streets. It wasn't raining yet and he hoped that she would get here before the skies let loose. Glancing down at this watch, the display glowed one am. She had called him briefly after her shift was over and told him that she needed to talk. Frankly he didn't care, he was just happy to see her and even happier that she wanted to see him. It didn't matter what she had to tell him.
In the weeks since they had left Brooklyn, Bosco had come to several realizations about the new reality of his life. The most stark of these; however, was that no matter what happened he needed her. Somehow, someway he needed her there with him. She was his partner and his best friend. Whatever happened in this crazy world, he needed her there by his side. Sliding down the wall he crouched down in the darkness. After Faith's death he didn't think that he could ever care about someone again. He didn't think he had anything left inside of him to do anything except live, breath, and make it to the next day. And at first that was all he had, just enough to exist. But slowly everything started to come back and when it came back it was better than before because he had survived hell and in every sense of the word had been reborn.
Lightning illuminated his hiding place as a few drops of rain fell from the sky. He couldn't stop thinking about the night in Brooklyn after he broke down and told her everything. The way she felt next to him that night and the way he opened up to her was something he had never experienced before. He had never been that bare in front of someone and her acceptance meant the world to him. In all his life, Bosco had never been so honest or so exposed to someone. Not even Faith, at least not in the same way. No matter how close they had been, he had only been visible to her in flashes on rare moments when he let his guard down. At that time he had enough strength to keep the wall up, only letting Faith see him through an occasional crack. By the time he had gotten to Liz, the wall had fallen down in so many pieces that he couldn't put it back together. And the person she got was him; nothing else. And it felt amazing that someone knew him and accepted him just as he was.
Liz hurried up the steps from the 86th street subway station. It was beginning to rain as she crested the street. Pulling her hat down, she kept her gaze ahead although she was acutely aware of her surroundings. When she called him, it was obviously in the back of her mind that she could be followed. Either way she had to see him, had to tell him what happened, but mostly she just had to see him. Their time in Brooklyn had brought them closer than she had ever been with another human being, and their new reality of being separated wasn't just hard on Bosco. Checking behind her, Liz didn't see him as he stepped out from between the building and grabbed her arm. At first she tensed and readied herself to fight but those feelings quickly dissipated as she felt him pull her close. Wrapping his arms around her she felt a familiar sense of warmth come over her. For a moment neither of them said a word as Liz let her eyes slip close as she breathed in deep. A clap of thunder caused the buildings to shake slightly as Bosco finally found his voice.
"I didn't want to take a chance that you were followed." Her eyes fluttered open although she didn't move. Bosco loved the feeling of her next to him, loved how good she felt and how good she made him feel. Reluctantly he let go of her. She looked at him for a moment without saying a word. When she finally spoke he couldn't think of anything else but her, there with him.
"I was careful. I don't think he's up for it tonight." It was unspoken that "he" in this situation meant Jackson. Rain began to fall as Bosco turned away from the street.
"Come on, we'll go the back way." As he turned toward the alley, Bosco faltered for a moment as he quietly stared at her in the dark. Taking her hand into his he paused for a moment. This was her chance to pull back, say no, tell him it wasn't a good time. It was her chance to say that they were just partners, friends, nothing more. He sucked a sharp breath in as he waited for it.
Liz felt the tension inside of him as he stiffened next to her. Feeling the warmth of his hand against hers, she wondered what it all meant. And then she didn't. She already knew. Those moments that they shared in Brooklyn, those simple moments had transformed them. They were strangers, and then they were friends, and now they were partners. Partners on the verge of something more, something scary and beautiful that neither of them could deny. A momentary image of Chris flashed through her head, there was nothing there. Even if there was it was not match to the strength of the bond, whatever kind of bond it was, that she felt with Bosco.
Interlacing her fingers with his she didn't care what it meant. She just liked how it made her feel. Letting out a sharp breath, familiar warmth flooded his body. Just two days ago he told her he didn't want anything, nothing more than her help in findings justice for Faith. But it was a lie. He wanted more; he needed her. The closeness they had in Brooklyn was addicting and no matter how much he tried he couldn't resist it.
Rain was pouring down now as they stood still for a moment both enjoying a familiar sense of comfort. Looking up at him, Liz blinked back raindrops as an easy smile spread across her face.
"Hi partner." Bosco relaxed as he returned her easy smile. Opening his mouth, the words slipped out before he could stop them.
"I miss you partner." Immediately he wondered what he had just said. Liz was touched by his words and the honesty behind them. However she quickly realized the situation was becoming awkward.
"I miss you too, partner." Those words meant more to him than she would ever know.
"Let's go." Tightening his grip on her hand they disappeared around the building together.
Sully pulled up to the York Textile factory and cut the engine. A flash of lightning illuminated the streets for a moment before his surroundings once again disappeared into darkness. Letting an annoyed breath out, his nostrils momentarily flared. This was stupid. It was just plain stupid. This could be a set up; he had no idea what was going on in there. Reaching into the glove box Sully pulled out the revolver and opened the chamber. Staring down at what he already knew, he locked it with a click and sat it on his knee. Rain pounded on the car roof as he turned the ignition off. He didn't usually do things like this.
A cop he barely knows calls in the middle of the night for a meet in an abandoned building. That same cop is mentally unstable at best and also someone he's trying to prove killed a person. And not just any person, another cop; a friend. Clenching his teeth, Sully couldn't turn back now. He had to do this for Faith; she would do it for him. And he had to do it for Bosco; a person who had somehow pulled himself back from the brink. He always knew that Bosco was a tough son of a bitch, but the shear will he had to survive was something that even Sully had been taken aback by. And he had to do it for Liz; Bosco could not have found a truer partner than her. She was fearless and loyal and she was risking her life for a woman she never even met.
Sully got out of the car and slammed the door. Moving quickly he ducked under the overhang of the building. Looking behind him he was reminded that he was alone out there. No back up and nobody coming, in fact, no one even knew he was here. Taking a deep breath he didn't like this at all, but he sensed this could be a turning point that broke the case wide open. So he moved forward against twenty some years of intuition and experience.
The door to the building was rusting, dented, and offered little protection. At one time a chain padlocked had secured the entrance; however, it had been cut away long ago and was rusting on the ground. The door was opened just enough for Sully to slip inside without making a sound. Controlling his breathing, he squinted into the darkness as his ears strained to pick up any sound. In the thin rays of streetlight he could see abandoned equipment, a few overturned chairs, and various piles of trash scattered about. The roof was leaking something terrible as the sound of dripping water was all around. Although humid outside, the inside had a damp chill as Sully felt the hair on the back of his neck stand up. After seeing so much he rarely ever got scared, but he couldn't deny the apprehension he suddenly felt. Brushing his hand inside his coat his finger reached for the gun.
"Don't be shy Sullivan, come inside." He jumped backwards as a low voice broke the silence. Letting out a quick breath, Sully pulled the gun from his pants before he shot himself. Cocking the hammer, he tried to recover from the surprise. Sully's heart was pounding as he took a step forward. "Over here."
Sully immediately recognized the voice as Scott Geidel. He was both relieved and terrified in the same moment. Inching along a row of textile machines, Sully stepped over a pile of trash as he came to a clearing. Lightning flashed outside as the building was suddenly illuminated in bright white light. He looked right and saw nothing. "Right here."
When Sully looked left in the dim light he saw someone sitting on a chair rocked back. Turning he squinted into the darkness as another flash of white light caused him to suck a sharp breath in. There was Geidel sitting in a chair in his uniform, rocked backwards, feet up on an overturned trashcan. On his lap was his service piece, his finger on the trigger.
For a moment Sully didn't know what to say as the two men stared at each other. Geidel was first to break the silence with a rueful laugh. Throwing his head back he let out a long sigh. Lightning flashed as Sully momentarily saw the other cop's eerie form in the dark. His face twisted with a mixture of self- loathing and resignation as his shoulders slumped in defeat. This was his last stand.
"Fuck…."Closing his eyes he slowly shook his head side to side. "What the fuck did I become" Leaning forward the metal chair hit the cement with a clap as Sully snapped out of his trance.
"You know I think we've all asked ourselves that once or twice before." Geidel's eyes snapped up as Sully suddenly felt pressured to continue. "There's still time to make this right, though." Biting his lip Sully hoped that he hadn't pushed him too far too soon.
Geidel laughed a little as he shook his head. "Where's Davis?" Eyeing the door it was clear that he didn't trust Sully was alone.
Shrugging his shoulders Sully tried to appear as non-chalant as possible. "You said to come alone." Inside he was cursing himself for doing just that. This was the dumbest thing he had ever done. It was too late now though.
"How close were you with her? Yokas." Sully felt a chill run down his spine as he said her name.
Clearing his throat Sully took a moment to answer. "She was a friend. No one was closer to her than Bosco." Watching for his reaction Sully was pleased to see the way the younger man's body stiffened at the mention of Bosco. Twenty years of experience told him to keep going. "He's back you know, and he won't stop until he knows what happened to her."
Geidel looked away as a palpable tension grew between them. "You know it started and I thought nothing of it. Ripping off a piece of shit dealer didn't really bother me at all. And then it went further and he always….he just always needed more money." Shaking his head, a cloud of anger moved across his face. "He kept pushing it and pushing it and you know after a while I don't even know if he really needed the money anymore. It became an obsession and he controlled everyone and everything around him."
Sully opened his mouth to say something but was quickly interrupted as the trashcan flew across the floor. Jumping to his feet Geidel's body was taut with anger, turning Sully watched as Geidel mashed the pistol into his own chest. "And you know WHAT?! I NEVER FUCKING STOPPED HIM."
Instinctively Sully raised his own weapon as he stepped back a few feet. Someone was going to get hurt tonight. Geidel laughed a sinister laugh as he charged toward Sully stopping just inches from the barrel of his outstretched pistol. "DO IT! JUST FUCKING DO IT." Sully's hands were shaking around the gun as he sucked a sharp breath in. This was insane, he needed to find some way to get control of this situation. Taking another step in, Geidel stopped when his head was pressed against the wobbling barrel of Sully's gun. His eyes narrowed as darkness overtook his face. Rain continued to pound on the roof as a steady trickle splattered across Sully's forehead blurring his vision slightly.
The warehouse flashed to white as Geidel brought his own weapon up to his temple. Lip curling up his voice came out low and taunting. "Do it, Sullivan. Or I will."
Panic began to rise up in Sully, not because the sick and twisted man in front of him might kill himself but that this could end and he would never know why. Faith was nobody to them; just another cop on the third watch. Why did they have to kill her? She had friends at the 55; like him and Davis. They respected her and would have her back no matter what. She had a family; kids that needed their mother. And she had a partner; who would have moved heaven and earth to keep her safe. She never did anything to them; why did they have to kill her?
Taking a deep breath the panic inside Sully was replaced with anger as he stared down the disgusting piece of shit in front of him. Geidel was nothing but a coward and a pussy. His hand steadied as he felt a sense of determination. Fuck this and fuck him. Cocking the hammer of his revolver he pressed the barrel against the younger man's forehead. He was taking this as far as he had to get the answers he needed.
"Tell me why you had to kill her." His voice was low and deadly; the games were over. Geidel's eyes fluttered closed as a rumble of thunder shook the building.
"Alright…alright we were ripping off dealers. At first it was fun, really fun. I was taking home five thousand a week sometimes." Sully looked away for a moment as an image of Ty Sr. flashed through his mind. "And then it went to ransacking DOAs. One time I pawned this guy's watch for ten grand." Sully felt his stomach turn by a level of corruption not even he could have imagined. Geidel let his gun down to his side as he leaned into the barrel of Sully's. "What did I care? The dealers are trash and the dead don't need their watches. Who were we hurting?" Lightning flashed again as Sully caught a momentary glimpse of remorse in Geidel's face before the evil darkness returned to his eyes. "And then he killed someone; a dealer who wouldn't pay. We dumped his body in the East River; weighted down of course. I didn't want to do that."
"Then why did you do it?" Sully was in disbelief. This went a lot deeper than he thought.
Geidel sighed loudly, "I had no choice. He would have killed me. Sullivan, you have no idea how evil he is." Sully's breath hitched in his throat as he let those words sink in. An image of Liz flashed through his mind. He has every confidence in her ability to protect herself; even more so than Faith. Liz was used to being alone with dangerous people; but still he worried as an involuntary urge to protect her suddenly surfaced. It caught Sully off-guard, as he never expected that. He had just met her but yet there was something special between her and Bosco that he wanted to protect.
A rookie cop could see how quickly Geidel was coming unraveled. He didn't have much time to waste. "I don't give two shits about how many dealers you idiots knocked off. I'm here because I want to know what happened with Faith."
Geidel's shoulders slumped as he walked away from Sully's outstretched gun. "Yokas….Jesus. She really didn't deserve it." Turning his back he walked in circles with no particular direction. Putting the gun down on a metal table it clattered. Leaning against the table, his whole demeanor changed. "One of Jackson's dealers was Kenny Long. Piece of shit that lived over on Lex and east 96th. He was skimming off the top, Jackson got pissed and we went over there one night to collect. Things got out of hand and he killed him. I know…big fucking deal."
Sully let his pistol drift down to his side as the mood in the room completely changed. Opening his mouth he shook his head; it didn't take much to finish this story. "And Faith saw it." Eyes drifting shut for a moment he was cast into a flashback.
"Sully, can I ask you a question?" Putting his fork down, Sully wiped his mouth before regarding Faith with a sense of curiosity. He thought that something might be going on with her. Last night after the shift when he and Davis passed her sitting in the RMP she definitely looked rattled.
"Sure, Faith." Pushing his own plate away, Sully leaned back as he waited for her to continue.
Faith appeared to be choosing her words carefully until she shook her head and just blurted it out, "What would you do if you thought someone was dirty?"
Out of all the things that she could have potentially asked him at the moment, that was definitely the last thing he ever expected to hear. Taken somewhat aback, Sully took a moment to respond. "Well, um…Wait a minute, Faith. Are you in some kind of trouble here? Because if you are then we need to tell the boss." Sully leaned forward, his face contorted with a mix of confusion and concern.
Faith shook her head briskly. The last thing that she wanted to do was take this to the boss. Jackson killed Kenny because he was skimming; what the hell would he do to her? She had seen enough to launch an IAB investigation that would no doubt land him and his partner in jail for life. Seeing Davis, return from the bathroom Faith abruptly discontinued her line of questioning. "Never mind, Sully. It's nothing."
It wasn't nothing. It was something and now that he knew why he needed to know how. Shaking his head Sully let out a sigh. He knew how. George Ramirez had told him months ago. Bosco stopped, Jackson pushed him into the intersection, and Faith took the hit. An accident that was no accident. Sully realized that he already had the answers he needed; in fact he had had them all along. The only thing he didn't have was proof. And this was his one shot. He needed to convince Geidel to testify to all this. And then maybe Faith would have the justice she deserved.
This wasn't going to be easy; Geidel was unstable at best. Stuffing his gun back into the waistband of his jeans, Sully began to take the situation down a few notches. He had to be careful; this just wasn't some nut he was dealing with. This was a cop and not just any cop; one that could be very valuable to him.
"Listen, Scott." Geidel shot a cold look at Sully. He wasn't going to fall for some soft talk that easy. "Faith is dead. Nothing any of us do is going to bring her back. But her kids and her husband….and her partner deserve to know why." His expression softened momentarily as an image of Tommy and Christina flashed though his mind. "I know you didn't want to do it, and I know if you could have stopped him you would have." Geidel didn't want to do it; he thought about that fake 911 call everyday. Why didn't he just say no? "I've been looking into this, I've found a lot of evidence against him. All I need to put him away is you."
Geidel felt the anger seep out of him as Sullivan's words began to have some strange effect. "If I do that I'll go down right along side him and you know it."
Sully saw the cracks forming and went for the kill. "You testify against him and I'm sure you'll get a deal from the DA. I'll push for it; so will Bosco." Pausing he tried to drive this home. "She deserves justice. Only you can give it to her."
Nodding his head slowly Geidel took a few steps toward Sully. "You're right, Sullivan."
Liz was soaking wet but she didn't mind as the inside of Bosco's building was sweltering. Standing behind him she leaned against the railing watching as he worked the locks on his apartment door. He was thin; probably much thinner than he used to be. The last few months were hard on him and he looked like someone who had just survived some kind of terrible disease. In a way it was true. He had survived one of the worst diseases there is; guilt and self loathing; fear and never ending depression. Despite that his character never changed and the life inside him flickered but was not extinguished. He was stronger than anyone she ever met; and to be the person who was there in his weakest hour was something she would be eternally grateful for.
The door swung open as she followed him inside. His place was small but clean and sparingly furnished. She watched as he moved toward the bathroom. His wet t-shirt stuck to his gaunt but muscular frame. Closing her eyes she felt his hand in hers and their bodies against each other. Breathing out she opened her eyes to find him standing in front of her with a towel in his out stretched hand. Smiling, she hoped that he didn't see the redness in her cheeks. Taking the towel she moved toward the couch. Wiping the excess water off her arms she rung her hair out. Bosco watched as if this was the first time he had ever laid eyes on her. She was beautiful; he had seen that from the first time they met. But that wasn't it; the honesty, the genuine ease, the subtle sexiness that she exuded with every part of her was addicting and he couldn't get enough of being around her. She was confident and daring and most of all she was loyal. And she accepted him just the way he was; with every little flaw.
Liz could feel him watching her and she didn't mind. It felt natural and easy and there was no awkwardness between them. Leaning back against the cushions she relaxed as the stress of the day finally caught up with her. Eyes drifting shut she exhaled deeply. She could hear him moving across the floor as she felt him sit down next to her. Feeling his body next to hers, she scooted closer closing the gap between them. Bosco's breath hitched for a moment as the feeling of her next to him caused a warm sensation to flood his body. Eyes opening, Liz's gaze settled on the cardboard box sitting in front of her. Leaning forward she pulled the flaps back.
"What's this?" Immediately she felt Bosco stiffen next to her as she backed off and relaxed into the couch again. Their eyes met as guilt was written over her face. She didn't come here to dredge anything up. His face softened as his shoulders slumped. There were no secrets between them.
"It's ok." Turning toward her he put his arm across the back of the couch behind her head. Taking a deep breath in gestured toward the box. "It's Faith's. After you know," his voice faltered for a second. Without thinking she put her hand on his leg. When she realized what she had done she stiffened slightly. Feeling this sudden tension, Bosco slid his arm behind her neck and around her shoulders. A moment passed and then they both relaxed again; silently enjoying the physical closeness. "Fred never came to the house…uh…. after and they cleaned out her locker. The boss gave it to me."
"Have you opened it?" Her question was honest and filled with genuine concern.
"I…looked at one thing. It was hard. So I didn't…." His voice trailed off. Taking her hand off his leg she found his hand and interlaced her fingers with his. Hesitantly their eyes met.
"What if we look? Together." Bosco's face softened as raw emotion swept through him. How did she always manage to do this to him? Tears sprung up in his eyes as he was quick to blink them back.
"Everything's easier with a partner." Smiling she leaned forward and put her hand in the box. Her fingers felt clothing, an envelope and a folded piece of paper. Lingering on the envelope, it was sealed. It felt important; too important for their first step. Allowing it to slip through her fingers she withdrew the slip of paper. Handing it to Bosco, he hesitantly took it in his hand. Pulling his arm out from behind her he leaned forward on his elbows as he fingered the paper back and forth.
Liz watched him as she began to understand how truly emotionally crippling that box was. It was enough to shatter his whole world in an instant. Leaning into him she hoped that she could provide the support he needed. Unfolding the paper a sad smile spread across his face.
"It's a quote from Gandhi. Faith liked it; she said it reminded her why she became a cop." Handing the slip of paper to Liz, she absorbed the words.
'Whatever you do in life will be insignificant. But it is very important that you do it'
She watched as Bosco's breathing became ragged. His voice was soft when he spoke again. "She liked that because of the job. This job wears you down with all its bullshit and it feels like we do nothing all day. But you never know what insignificant moment can mean the world to someone else." He nodded seemingly pleased that he remembered all that. "It's what she used to say to me."
Liz let her hand trail across his back rubbing the soft cotton of his t-shirt. His hair was still wet and matted down as her touch caused goose bumps to rise up on his arms. Sitting back he put his arm around her shoulders again and pulled her against him. Her wet hair smelled clean as he took a deep breath. She was warm next to him as their gaze finally met. Bosco's heart was pounding and he was sure she could feel it through his shirt. Taking his other hand he ran his fingers down the side of her face. He didn't think as he leaned in closer and their lips met. It was soft and sweet and full of affection and trust. It was perfect.
They had kissed before but only for show. This was real. Reluctantly they parted as he ran his fingers through her hair. Kissing her forehead he pulled her close to him. The storm outside was worsening as rain pelted the windows. The lights flicked a few times before going off. Everything in the whole world was telling them to stay just as they were; to savor this moment for as long as possible. Resting her head on his shoulder she felt him pull her in closer. The warmth and affection she felt in that moment was intoxicating. Closing her eyes she felt his body relax completely next to her. They were safe as long as they were together.
Sully slowed the car to a stop as the light turned red. Casting a hesitant glance to the right he watched as Geidel fidgeted in his seat. It wasn't easy but he eventually convinced the younger man to come with him to the DA tomorrow. Part of that was he wanted to make sure Geidel got there in one piece. Leaving him with a loaded gun in a dark warehouse didn't seem like the best way to do that. Pulling out again the pistol he had in pocket of his door rattled. It was Geidel's; completely disarmed of course. The corners of Sully's mouth twitched up slightly. This was all going to be over after tomorrow.
Geidel watched as a very slight smile tugged at Sullivan's face. He was satisfied with himself. Rubbing his hands together the anxiety began to build inside of him. He couldn't do this. Sullivan started talking to him but he didn't understand what he was saying as Geidel began to fold up inside himself. The DA wasn't going to give him any deal. He was going to prison; just like Bosco did. But worse because he would be going there as a disgraced ex-cop, a rat, and nobody would be coming to get him out. He shuddered at the thought. He didn't know how Bosco had survived that; he knew damn well he wouldn't.
His heart was pounding in his chest as an image of Tommy and Christina flashed through his mind. He would get to them and he would kill them. And there wouldn't be a damn thing he could do to stop it. Locked away like an animal while his partner raped his ex wife and made his little boy watch. Feeling the bile rise up in this throat he choked back the vomit before it reached his lips.
This was a mistake. His whole career had been a mistake. Yokas deserved justice; he knew that. But he couldn't do it. He had too much to lose. Watching as the city whizzed by the window he felt completely disconnected from the world around him. His life was over. He couldn't go on living like he was; knowing all the people he had hurt. He also couldn't make it right; there was no making this right. No matter what he did someone was going to lose. Reaching down between his legs he had nothing left. This was the last moment of his life.
Sullivan had taken his gun but didn't check him for any other weapons. Unstrapping his back up gun from the ankle holster he brought it up under his chin. Out of the corner of his eye Sully saw the movement but was too slow to do anything about it. Reality slowed down for a second, as he looked left. Their eyes met for a moment as Geidel opened his mouth.
"I can't. I'm sorry." Sully let go of the wheel but it was too late. The loud crack of the gun went off as he blinked once. Warm fluid splattered all over the car as Sully felt sharp pieces of something cut his face. The car swerved as he hit the brakes. Skidding to a halt he left the air out of his lungs with a whoosh. Blinking twice blood was running down his face. It wasn't his though. In the passenger seat Geidel slumped over; half his head was gone. Putting the car in park, Sully got out. Staring at the macabre scene, anger rose up inside him. He was the key to breaking this wide open and now he was dead.
Lyrics from Johnette Napolitano "Suicide Note"