"Last Exit to Brooklyn"

Author:carmen_085

Disclaimer:I don't own any Third Watch characters. I do own all original characters appearing in this story

Author's Note: When I started writing this story a chapter I knew I wanted to tell was this one. If matters concerning 9/11 are upsetting or sensitive to you as the reader I encourage you to skip this chapter. For anyone who has lived through that the day and the years after you are aware that no story set before and after 9/11 can possibly be complete without touching on it in some way as it has been the defining moment in our recent history. I hope you will all find this rendition tasteful and true to the feelings many of us shared on that day.

Chapter 25

September 11, 2001

Bosco woke with a start as he gasped sitting up in bed. Blinking a few times he looked around the quiet room. The windows were open and the curtains blew gently in the cool night air. Somewhere in the distance a siren echoed through the city streets. Taking a deep breath he wiped the sweat from the back of his neck. The clock on his nightstand glowed four am. Glancing over his eyes rested on his partner next to him in bed. A small smile came to his lips as he watched her sleep. He suspected she hadn't had much rest in the last few days. After they left the hospital he took her to his place. He didn't think she should be alone right now. Honestly he didn't think she should be alone ever again.

Lying back in the bed Bosco stared at the ceiling. He had never slept with a woman just to hold her close. To lie there and feel her breathing against him, to feel her body relax against his, to let her know she was safe and he would be there when she woke up. He had never done any of that. He had taken God knows how many women to bed and truthfully he hadn't felt anything until last night. All those years he thought it was because he couldn't feel. Countless beatings at the hands of his old man had left him emotionally blunted and unable to feel anything but anger, guilt, and disappointment. But he was wrong. Not even a lifetime of pain could kill the love inside of him that had only been hidden until the right person knew where to look. In the dim light he watched her breathing slow and even, her face relaxed, and without knowing it she scooted a little closer to him. She was pretty close to perfect everyday but in that moment she was nothing short of a miracle to him. A miracle that she was alive, a miracle that they had found one another on what was the darkest day of Bosco's entire life, and more than anything else a miracle that a woman like her wanted a broken man like himself.

Bosco tried to straighten his legs but the dog at the bottom of the bed moaned in disapproval as he rolled over and spread himself out even more. Casting a glance toward the clock the red numbers glowed 4:45. There was no use going back to sleep now he would need to be up in an hour to work the first day shift in he couldn't even remember how long. Sighing Bosco rolled over and put his arm around his partner not trying to wake her up. When she stirred slightly and turned over he felt guilty. She needed as much rest as she could get.

"Sorry. I didn't mean to wake you." Her blue eyes fluttered open as a slight smile crossed her face. She stared at him dreamily almost trying to decide if she was awake or asleep. Bosco was lost in her face at that moment; the brightness of her eyes, the contours of her cheeks, the softness of her lips. He didn't see the bruising, the cuts, or that her upper lip was swollen twice the size of her lower lip. Gently he ran his fingers down the side of her face. He loved her; he loved everything about her. He didn't even know love like this existed. He felt weak when he looked at her as he opened his mouth no words came out. Smiling at him she leaned her forehead against his chest and closed her eyes. Wrapping his arms around her he exhaled slowly. He wanted to memorize everything about this moment. Not only because it was perfect but also because a tiny part of him still feared that something this amazing could never truly be his.

Liz drifted off to sleep until she heard Bosco's alarm. Carefully he slid out of bed and a few moments later she heard the shower running. From the bottom of the bed Atlas crawled up next to her taking Bosco's place. Whimpering he licked her face. Liz didn't want to move but she had to. She had never stopped moving once in her life and frankly she was afraid of what might happen if she did. So as much as it hurt and as much as she didn't want to do it, Liz pushed herself out of bed and slipped her shoes on. Atlas leapt off the bed in joy and ran to the door. As nice as it was to have someone take care of her she didn't want to get used to it. There was still work to be done and no matter what she would not stop until they found justice for Faith. Casting a glance at the bathroom, her and Atlas quietly slipped out the door.

Bosco stared at himself in the mirror. He looked worn down but there was light in his eyes that had never seen before. Running the razor over his face his eyes wandered over to the clock he kept on the bathroom sink. He still has plenty of time and for once he was actually excited to go to work. It had been so long and so much shit had happened that a part of him was longing to return to a sense of normalcy. He loved undercover and he would never trade his experience in Brooklyn but he also couldn't deny that a part of him craved a routine once again. Months ago he was afraid of this; searching for anywhere that wouldn't remind him of Faith. Things had changed though, they had changed in every way.

It was a beautiful morning as Liz watched Atlas romp through the park near Bosco's place. Sitting down on the bench she inhaled deeply and for once the air in New York didn't smell so bad. The sky was brilliant blue as the sun crested the horizon. She was sore as hell and emotionally raw but she couldn't help but to feel alive in a way that was unlike anything she had ever known. Liz had ended up in some hairy situations before but nothing like what had just happened. Never in her life was she so sure that she was going to die. And she didn't. She was still alive. But even despite that, there was something more making her feel this way. That something was the reason she was still alive because without it she would have never had the strength to go on. And she wanted to tell him so much. When he found her she wanted to blurt it out, when she woke up in the hospital she almost said it more than once, and just an hour ago when she was staring into his eyes in the dark it was on her lips. No time seemed right and she suddenly wondered what she was waiting for. Calling Atlas she snapped the leash back on and started up the block. When she got back she going to tell him before she could think about it anymore.

Bosco's breath hitched when he opened the bathroom door and the bed was empty. All the while he was in the bathroom getting ready he was thinking of her. Stiffening slightly he walked across the quiet room and pulled his uniform out of the closet and stared at it for a moment. The last time he wore this Faith was alive and he didn't even know Liz Jensen existed. He wanted to tell her he loved her so many times. Driving to Brooklyn a few days ago it was all he could think of and if she was alive he planned to blurt it out the minute he saw her. But then he saw her…he saw her. And it felt like the wrong time if ever there was a wrong time. At the hospital he started to say it…he almost said it. But she was mad and he mad and he didn't want it to be something let out in the heat of the moment. And then this morning…everything about that moment was so perfect. He didn't want to move, he didn't want to speak, he didn't even want to breath for fear of ruining it. But he still had a chance. He had thought about it over and over. He would shower, dress, and before he left for work he would take her in his arms and tell her…he would tell her right then. But she was gone and while his rational side knew that she was most likely out walking the dog, a small nagging ember of self-doubt burned in the back of his mind. What if she was gone; left without even saying goodbye. What scared Bosco more than her being gone was the idea that he could lay his entire soul out for her and she could pick up and leave at any moment. He trusted her and he knew she would never do that but he still couldn't help but find himself at the edge of an emotional cliff. And he was ready to jump…so so ready until he laid eyes on the empty bed. Sure it meant nothing this time but what if one day after he gave her every last ounce of himself it was for real. It made the hair stand up on his neck as he swallowed a hard lump in his throat.

She took the stairs two at a time forgetting all about her body screaming in pain. Atlas chased after her unsure of the kind of game they were playing now. Liz reached the top of the stairs and threw the door open expecting to see Bosco looking sexy as hell in a uniform with a big smile on his face. The living room was empty as she caught her breath closing the door behind her. For a moment she worried that he already left and she missed him all together. The bedroom door slowly opened as she watched her partner emerge fully dressed. She had never seen him in uniform before and it caused her to pause for a moment. It was dumb but she had been imagining what he might look like and it was so much better. The dark blue made his eyes shine even brighter as this clean- cut version of Bosco was even more appealing than undercover Bosco. Liz snapped out of her daydream as she watched him search the living room for his keys. This wasn't quite how she imagined it all going down. He seemed distracted as he looked everywhere but her. A sick feeling settled in the pit of her stomach; maybe he was regretting spending the night in bed together. Granted there was no sex; however the moment they shared this morning was one of the most intimate she had ever experienced. Maybe he didn't feel the way she thought he did. Maybe this was all a mistake.

Out of the corner of his eye Bosco watched her nervously shift her weight from side to side. He needed a minute to think about all this. What he had with Liz was so perfect; he just didn't want to rush anything and screw it all up. He might be able to survive losing her as his…well he wasn't sure but it seemed like they were together. Maybe he could get over that; but he could never get over losing her as his partner. Not after everything they had been through. He didn't know anything about love; he never learned much about it growing up and he surely never felt it for any of the women he had ever dated before her. Exhaling Bosco slid his keys into his pocket as he heaved a duffel bag over his shoulder. He just didn't want to screw it all up.

Liz watched him move toward her. Stopping he pulled her close to him as she instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck. She wanted to stay there forever. Gently Bosco pulled away from her as he gave her a sincere smile. "Get some rest for me, today. Ok?"

Liz nodded. He walked around her and opened the door. "Be safe out there."

She couldn't turn around right then but she heard his voice before the door shut. "Always." She stood there for a second. Inside a voice screamed at her 'Snap out of it…Snap out of it! Wake up stupid!"

Without thinking she whirled around throwing the door open. "Bosco!" She yelled it a little louder than she meant to. He stopped abruptly on the second stair as he looked at her over the banister. His face was a picture of concern. Liz let out a breath she didn't know she was holding as she nervously stepped into the hallway. Her eyebrows came together as she let her shoulders slump. "I love you, Bosco." She smiled as she shook her head. "I just wanted you to know that."

He froze. He didn't know what to say because inside of him he felt a way he never thought possible. Nobody had ever said those words to him and meant it like she did in that moment. Bosco let the bag slip off his shoulder as he stared at her. He opened his mouth but nothing came out.

Liz could see the emotion on his face and she knew he wasn't expecting that. She also knew his past and she didn't expect him to say it back right then. Still it would have been great to hear. Pushing her own disappointment aside she thought of him first as she smiled at him. "It's ok." Walking she leaned over the banister as she took his hand in her own. "It's ok. I just wanted you to know."

Bosco let out a breath he didn't know he was holding. "Thank you." She nodded understanding. Letting go of her hand, he forced his legs to walk even though he couldn't feel them. He got to the front door and he snapped out of it. 'Thank you…Thank you ?! What the hell was that' Turning Bosco ran back up the stairs only to see his apartment door click shut. Letting out a sigh he stared at it for a moment contemplating running right in there and showing her just how much he loved her back. 'No…No. Take some time and think. You'll tell her later. Don't rush into this, Maurice. You need to get it right."

The mustang was parked a couple blocks from his place and when he finally saw the car he wasn't even sure how he got there. Sliding into the driver's seat he turned the engine and slammed the door as he finally realized that his heart was pounding in his chest. Taking a deep breath Bosco wound down the window and let the cool morning air dry the sweat on the back of his neck. He needed to get a grip for Christ's sake. In a half hour he would be walking back into the 55; a place he hadn't seen since…well since everything happened. That thought alone was enough to make him feel a little sick but amazingly enough it was barely on his radar. With three little words she had completely destroyed his fragile world in the most amazing and beautiful way. He knew how she felt long before today but to hear her say it out loud made it real. And it took a simple man like himself from the meager life he had created and brought him to a place where the sun was brighter, the air was cleaner, and the colors of life shone with a brilliance he never knew.

Shaking his head Bosco pulled out into traffic. Manhattan gleamed in the early morning sun against the crystal blue sky. It was such a beautiful day and not just because someone loved him but also because today he got a chance to start his life over. Brooklyn had not been a fresh start but rather an opportunity to put his life back together. Today he would walk back into the 55 not as an angry man struggling to find his place in life, and not as a broken man just trying to survive, but as a loved man who had someone waiting for him at home…someone who faced hell with him and never looked back. Pulling his mustang into a spot outside the 55 his gaze flickered to the rear view mirror. Cops milled about the building, as the day shift was about to start. Swinging the door open Bosco jumped out of his car before be could lose his nerve or change his mind.

Bosco didn't really know where to go. He felt like a kid on his first day at a new school. He had never worked the day shift before; he used to know a couple of guys but he wasn't sure if they were still there or had moved on. Looking around the empty roll call room he took a seat near the back and snapped his duty belt on. After months of undercover it felt heavy and foreign on his hips. Sitting back down Bosco watched as a few guys filtered into the room. He didn't know them and for all intents and purposes they looked like they didn't know him and for that he was relieved. He wasn't ready to answer the questions. As he watched the room fill up Bosco let his mind drift off to this morning. She loved him….no matter how many times he replayed the moment she said those words in his head he still couldn't believe it. The fact that anyone loved him was beyond his wildest imagination let alone someone he loved back.

Swersky shuffled some papers was he walked into the roll call room. Perusing the ranks he checked to see if anyone was missing as he approached the podium. His eyes went through the back row as he was forced to do a double take. Bosco sat in full uniform for what he would estimate was the first time in more than six months. The last time he saw Bosco in this room it was the afternoon before him and Faith left the house together for the last time. Shaking his head Swersky looked down for a moment; it seemed like a lifetime ago. Looking back up he expected sadness or even dread on Bosco's face but instead he saw something else…something he never expected. The younger man stared dreamily at nothing as a smile played across his features. He was happy and content and something told Swersky it had nothing to do with coming back to work. He has seen Bosco and Liz together a few times since they came back from Brooklyn and he had honestly didn't recognize Bosco. He was someone completely new when he was with her; content, relaxed, and confident. Bosco had always been searching for something and he was happy that the younger man finally found it. If anyone deserved to be happy it was him.

"Roll Call Tuesday September 11, 2001." Bosco turned his attention to the boss when he heard Swersky's voice. He felt like he should be full of dread coming back here. Bad memories were everywhere; but honestly he didn't feel any of that. Truth be told not much could bring him down after this morning. "Church and Haus you'll be in 55- Charlie, Martsoff and Phillips 55-David, Rivera and Brown 55-Edward." Swersky paused for a moment writing something down. "Boscorelli 55-George solo." No one turned around when the Lieu said his name and for that he was grateful. Bosco nodded at the boss as he continued on with roll call. He was happy that the Lieu didn't put anyone with him today. He had enough to think about and besides that he already had a partner; one that he wouldn't trade for anyone in the world. "Color of the day is green…shift commander is yours truly for the next 16. Eyes and ears open out there people." Bosco pushed out of his chair as he quietly made his way out of the room. He knew Johnny Rivera and Zach Martsoff from before and he was grateful the men greeted him with nothing more than a smile and nod. Surely they had heard every rumor known to man and were just trying to give him the benefit of the doubt. Either way he was glad that no one made a big deal; he would be happy to stay under the radar for as long as possible.

Bosco checked out his radio and was on his way to the patrol car when he passed Swersky's office. "Hey Bosco…" The younger man stopped hesitantly in the doorway.

"Yeah Boss?" He swallowed hard; he just wanted to get out there.

"I'll get you back on afternoons as soon as possible. I assumed you, Liz and the dog will partner up." Bosco couldn't stop himself from smiling. Swersky didn't miss the goofy grin or the way his eyes lit up at the mention of his partner. Sitting back in the chair he shook his head slightly. At first he thought the change in Bosco was simply due to finding another partner but he was wrong…so wrong. He had fallen in love with her.

"That would be great Boss." Bosco tried not to sound too excited although he was sure Swersky saw right through the charade. "I wouldn't have it any other way."

The older man nodded, "You're ok riding solo today?"

The question snapped Bosco out of his daze. "Yes sir."

Swersky smiled before gesturing toward the stairs. "Be careful out there, Bosco." He turned to leave. "Good to have you back."

Bosco smiled a real smile. A few months ago he would have had to force it and pretend but not anymore. The memories of the past were there but somehow they didn't hurt as much.

Liz sat down on Bosco's couch slowly. Looking around her eyes landed on the TV. Morning sunlight streamed over her shoulder as she rolled her shoulders side to side flicking through the channels until she reached the Today show. The adrenaline of this morning had gradually worn off as a familiar tiredness came over her. She hadn't had much sleep in the hospital and she wondered how anyone got better in that place. Her muscles ached as she pushed herself up off the couch in search of ibuprofen. The doctors had given her some kind of narcs when she left the hospital but she didn't bother getting the script filled. She didn't like drugs and frankly Percocet seemed like a bit of overkill without even one broken bone. Throwing the little brown pills in her mouth her eyes wandered over to Atlas who was busy investigating a box on the floor. Swallowing a gulp of water she moved toward the dog to pull him out of whatever he had gotten into.

"Atlas leave it." The German Shepherd stared up at her in disappointment as he slid his body to the ground hoping she would walk away and he could continue investigating. Kneeling down Liz grabbed the box as her eyes landed on the seemingly random items. Letting out a sigh she picked up a photo of Bosco and a woman sitting on the hood of a patrol car. She vaguely remembered seeing Faith in the Post after she died. She had never met the woman and she had no reason to pay much attention to it. It wasn't common for NYPD officers to die in the line of duty but it also happened…at least once a year. Liz stared at the picture. Faith was a beautiful woman; built trim but strong with light green eyes and strawberry blonde hair. Bosco leaned into her in a way that was both comfortable and protective. They smiled for the camera; completely oblivious to their tragic future. She remembered this box and the way it completely brought Bosco to his knees the other night. Folding the clothing carefully, almost reverently she placed it back in the box. She was curious but felt almost intrusive. This wasn't hers to look at. Quickly she packed up all the scraps of paper stopping when she came to a sealed envelope. Running her fingers across the paper she flipped it over. In delicate handwriting it said 'Bosco'. Liz looked at it in confusion. He had never opened it. She felt the thickness of it and slapped it against her hand a few times. It was a letter. Letting out a whoosh of air she stared at her partner's name in someone else's handwriting. As much as she wanted to open it she couldn't. It was private and it was Bosco's; if they didn't have trust between them then they had nothing.

Liz exhaled loudly as she took the letter and placed it carefully on the coffee table. The ibuprofen was beginning to take effect as she felt herself relax. Lying down on the couch she closed her eyes as Atlas lay down on the floor beside her. Dropping her left hand she stroked his soft fur back and forth as she allowed her mind to wander.

'The early summer breeze blew her hair around her face as a jet thundered overhead. A brief white light illuminated her partner's face as she stared helplessly watching the pain flow out of him.

"When I got back, she wanted to talk to me about something. I figured she just wanted to complain about her husband or the kids. Normally, I didn't mind hearing about her family problems but we were on our way to a call and I just…I just didn't want to hear it"

Liz looked away as Bosco continued to talk. Squinting at the ground she tucked that information away for later. What did she have to tell Bosco that was so urgent? Something must have happened while he was off.'

The memory faded as Liz hovered between sleep and wakefulness. What did it all mean? It was just beyond her comprehension as the magnetic pull of sleep drug her under. She would figure it out later and it would all make sense.

Bosco guided RMP 5210 down Lexington Avenue. It felt right and wrong all at the same time. Almost like being in your hometown but in a stranger's house. The front seat was broken and the stuffing was coming out from years of cops getting in and out. The steering wheel was worn at the twelve o clock position because no one ever drove with more than one hand. It all felt so familiar and yet different. His eyes slid over to the passenger seat for the tenth time since he had gotten into the car. He didn't know what he was expecting to find. He knew no one was there and yet he couldn't stop checking. Dark glasses hid the uncertainty in his eyes. He had a partner at home; he had more than a partner at home. The fact alone made his handsome face break into an easy smile. Knowing she would soon be in that seat made all the difference but still he had to know that he could stand on his own two feet and do the job. Today was important. He needed to prove to himself that after all the shit he had been through he could still put the uniform on, get in the radio car, and go out there and do this job relying on no one but himself. Before he could protect her he needed to know that he could trust himself. He had eventually come through in Brooklyn but that was different. Here a memory of Faith and ghosts of his past were lurking around every corner. Brooklyn hadn't been a new start but rather an escape from all that was wrong.

Slowing the car to a stop Bosco glanced at the clock.

7:30 am

He wanted to get through this day and go home to her. Never in a million years did he think he would say that about a woman. More than that he never thought he would ever have someone to go home to. She loved him though. He had been thinking of what to say and how to say it and the right words just weren't there. The light turned green as the radio crackled to life. "55-George take a call for minor MVC…intersection of King and Lex." Bosco reached out and brought the radio up to is mouth. No turning back now.

"55-George en route King and Lex." The accident was only a few blocks as he wheeled up behind two cars within minutes. An irate man was stalking around his car as a young woman stood crying quietly against hers. Normally Bosco would have had some choice expletives about the situation but for the first time in he couldn't remember how long he actually just wanted to help. The damage to both cars was minimal as he walked up to the young woman first. "Are you hurt?" The girl shook her head although the tears continued to fall. The man stalked over to Bosco clearly enraged.

"The dumb bitch hit me. Look at the scratch on my bumper. It's a Lexus! You know what this will cost to get fixed?" Bosco put himself between the man and the crying woman as he remained completely calm.

"Sir please bring me your license, registration, and proof of insurance." The asshole looked at Bosco like he was nuts but complied mumbling something about an executive meeting he was missing. When he turned around the woman was in the back of her car attending to a baby that didn't appear injured or even slightly distressed. He smiled slightly.

After copying down both parties information he passed the angry business suit wearing asshole a slip of paper containing the woman's information and smiled still making sure that he was standing between the two. "All the information is there, sir. You should call your insurance company as soon as possible."

"That's it? You're not going to do anything else?!" He took a step toward Bosco who instinctively reached his right hand down to his service piece. "Waste of my tax dollars." The man stalked back to his Lexus got inside and floored the accelerator as the car roared away. In the past Bosco wouldn't have missed the chance to taunt or provoke someone like that but now it just seemed silly. Turning back to the young woman she had her face partially covered with her hand as she continued to cry.

"I can't do this. I….I just had him and I've been so careful…so so careful. I just looked back to check on him for a minute and I looked back up and this guy was there….and I can't do it. He could have gotten hurt. I'm so stupid. I should know better."

Bosco took in the panicked look on her face and the rambling as he smiled reassuringly. "You're doing great. He's safe. He's not hurt. Everything is fine." For the first time her eyes met his as she wiped away the tears with her shirtsleeve. "It's hard especially in the beginning but you're doing fine." It was like he spoke from experience and yet he had none. But for the first time in his life he could imagine himself as a father. A whole new world had opened up to him this morning with three simple words.

The woman's voice snapped him back to reality. "Thank you. Thank you for understanding." She took a hesitant step forward before putting an arm around his neck. He could smell baby powder and formula as he reached an arm around and loosely hugged her back. "And thank you for being so kind. I'm really trying." She pulled away as Bosco was still in shock. In all his years of being a cop very few people had ever thanked him let alone hugged him. And he couldn't remember one time any of that occurred at the scene of a traffic accident. He smiled genuinely as she got back into her car. She regarded him seriously before driving away. "You be careful out there, Officer."

Bosco nodded. "You do the same." He watched her drive away before getting back into the RMP. It felt good to be this way. To an outsider it might look like he had gotten soft but that wasn't it at all. Before Faith died, before he met Liz; Bosco was angry, lost, and he didn't care about anyone. He lost someone he loved as a sister. He gained someone he loved and couldn't live without. He fell in love and a whole new world fell at his feet. And somewhere along the way he gained a deeper understanding of everything he never knew. Before he might have understood other people but now he could feel what they felt. Empathy…he'd heard Faith talk about it a time or two

Bosco cleared his unit off the crash and to his surprise there were no pending calls in his sector. As he cruised down Lexington his mind wandered to back to Liz. He felt so many things for her and he wanted to tell her everything but every time he thought about it he had no idea what to say. Should he just blurt it out or should he build it up with some sort of explanation. Chewing on his thumb he slowed the car to a stop as the light turned red. Bosco couldn't remember much love or expression of such growing up. Sure, he told some of the women he had slept with that he loved them but it meant nothing. He felt nothing; he just thought it was what he was supposed to say. He opened his mouth in the empty patrol car and thought that if he said it out loud to himself maybe it would be easier to say to her. But nothing came out.

Shaking his head Bosco exhaled loudly. This was dumb. Why did he have to think about this so much? After everything they had been through together….she never wavered. Liz had seen him at this worst and not only did she stay but she also found some way to fall in love with him. Here he was driving around like an idiot trying to think of the right words. But really it wasn't about the words at all but rather the feeling. He loved her. Turning the car toward West 86th Street he glanced down at the clock.

8:15 am

Fuck it all. He was going to run up the stairs throw the door open and tell her he loved her more than anything in the world. A smile broke across Bosco's face. He was about to have one of the best moments of his life.

The radio beeped twice before the dispatcher's voice interrupted his excitement. 55 George CO requests you to return to station immediately. Bosco's face fell in disappointment as he saw his building two blocks ahead. Looking down at the radio he briefly entertained just telling them to wait a minute. He just left the house an hour ago what could they want already? But then a sense of guilt crept into his consciousness. Swersky had pulled God only knows how many strings to get him back at the 55. It was his first day back; he didn't want to make any trouble. Sighing he turned the RMP back toward the precinct. She would still be there later. See what the boss wants and he would come back and tell her. Yeah, that's what he would do. Bosco forced the smile back across his face. He couldn't be mad…this was going to be a great day.

Swersky sat at his desk as he stared across the hallway into the roll call room. Brian Jackson had shown up with his work release papers an hour late. Jackson was a marginal cop at best. He went out and did what he was supposed to, he never went out of his way for anything or anyone, and he never stayed late. It was just a job to him. Not necessarily wrong but certainly disappointing. Daylight needed bodies and honestly after everything with Geidel he thought it was time for a change. He needed someone good to keep an eye on Jackson. Bosco took the stairs two at a time as he glanced at the wall clock above the desk.

8:30 am

He hoped whatever this was it would be quick. He wanted to get back to his place across the precinct before Lexington was jammed with traffic. Swersky's eyes met Bosco as he bounded into his office. He hadn't intended to lay someone on Bosco his first day back; especially not someone liked Jackson. Everyone else was already paired off and he wasn't about to send him out alone. For Christ's sake he just got himself shot in the projects a few days ago.

"Bosco. I need to put someone with you for the rest of the shift." He could see Bosco's face fall as he was quick to add. "This is just for today."

Bosco didn't want to ride with anyone except his partner. Still he was having a great day and he wasn't about to let this or anything else bring him down. "Alright Boss. Who is it?"

Swersky gestured across the hallway into the roll call room. "Jackson. He's coming over to daylight after everything with Geidel." Bosco felt his heart stop. He didn't hear anything Swersky said after Jackson. Slowly he cast a glance over his shoulder. A set of vacant blue eyes met his as a small although clearly facetious smile played across his lips. An unsettled feeling came over Bosco. He knew that prick had some inkling that he was on to him by now and still he had the balls to sit there and smirk. Fuck him. An image of Jackson face down in a back alley with a bullet in his head suddenly flashed into Bosco's mind. It wouldn't be that hard. Just make a bogus call like those pricks and when he's not looking. BAM! "Bosco….Bosco!"

"Ok, Boss. Whatever you need." The words came out automatically as another image replaced the gruesome one in his mind. His partner. He saw her in his arms this morning; completely safe and content. She loved him and he would die before he let anyone hurt her again. Grinding his teeth back and forth he fought to control himself. He couldn't do anything stupid. Nodding he met Swersky's eyes. "Just so I'm with my partner when she gets back."

Brian Jackson peered through the blinds with a defiant smirk. He was so over this place. First his pussy partner offs himself in Sullivan's car after confessing to God only knows what. Then Ricky shoots him in the projects. Thank God his city issued tissue paper vest held up. Now he comes back to work and the Boss puts him on daylight and he's stuck with Bosco of all people. He didn't even think Bosco was a cop anymore after the dramatics at Mercy. Leaning back in the chair Jackson rolled his neck side to side hearing a pop in the process. He watched Bosco lean to the right as his hand rested on his piece. Even from fifteen feet away he could see the stiffness of his muscles and the tightness in his jaw. He was pissed or he was scared; maybe he was a little of both. Jackson smirked as he turned and met his eyes for a moment. He reasoned Bosco had probably figured everything out by now; but who gave a shit? He couldn't prove anything.

Across the hallway Bosco sauntered out of Swersky's office as he stopped in the doorway of the roll call room. Staring silently he had a sobering thought. For the next eight hours the person backing him up would be the same one who killed his partner. Talk about screwed up. He wasn't scared, though, eight months of undercover taught him to be comfortable sleeping with the enemy. He could handle himself and if that dirt bag thought he would get a jump on him he was sorely mistaken. "Let's go." As Bosco walked away an amused smirk played on his lips. Maybe a golden opportunity had just fallen in his lap. Today was still going to be a good day.

Sliding into the RMP Bosco turned the key and waited. That asshole was on his time now and if he thought he would be driving or dictating anything they did today he was in for a shock. Bosco glanced at the clock as Jackson finally appeared on the precinct stairs.

8:40 am

The passenger door swung open as a memo book, baton, and hat got thrown on the floor and he wordlessly climbed in. Bosco had never realized how sloppy and indifferent he was. What a complete piece of shit. Pulling out he didn't say a word as he absent-mindedly turned the dispatch radio up to fill the void between them.

Bosco let his mind wander as he drove south through the precinct. He wished that he was heading toward his place about to surprise his partner in the most wonderful way. No way in hell he was heading over there now; it would be easy enough for Jackson to figure out where he lived but that didn't mean he needed to give him turn by turn directions. Besides he didn't want that asshole anywhere near her. Bosco has played this morning over and over again in his head. Her in his arms, her hugging him goodbye, and most importantly her telling him that she loved him. He had made his mind up the second he saw her he was going to pick her up, hold her close to him and tell her how much he loved her. A smirk played across his lips; if Faith could only see him now. Driving around all day thinking of romantic gestures, she wouldn't even know who he was. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Jackson steal a glance in his direction and scowl. He could care less.

8:46 am

Three high-pitched tones broke the silence of the patrol car as a city wide message followed. "All units be advised we have unconfirmed reports that an aircraft has struck the World Trade Center." Bosco stared at the radio like the woman on the other end was nuts. It was beautiful today, clear and not a cloud in the sky. How could a plane hit the trade center? Jackson's eyes slipped closed. Jesus Christ if ever there was a day he wanted to do nothing it was today. Surely super duper cop across the console would volunteer them for whatever bullshit needed done. Fantastic…a day long event directing traffic for the bucket fairies. Bosco saw the lazy piece of shit roll his eyes before turning his attention back to the road. Something deep inside told him this was bad. Six months under and his intuition was stronger than it had ever been. The air space over the city was restricted. Chewing his lip he felt anxious and he wasn't sure why. Maybe it was a piper cub…one of those student pilots lost or an old timer who had a heart attack and hit the building.

8:47 am

Three high pitched tones again broke the tense silence in 55- George. "City wide emergency message all available NYPD units are needed to Vesey and West St., Battalion 1 has confirmed an aircraft into Tower One, heavy damage. Requests PD assistance for traffic control and evacuation." Not giving the situation a second thought Bosco flipped on the lights and sirens and headed toward lower Manhattan. Thankfully they weren't far from the West Side highway as he merged onto the southbound lanes doing at least ninety. Jackson openly scowled he didn't given a shit about this or helping the bucket boys.

"You're awfully eager to go stand in the sun all day for the bucket fairies." Bosco veered in and out of traffic as he tossed a glare across the car.

"Oh I'm sorry. Did you have other plans today?" Jackson smirked about to open his mouth before Bosco quickly shut him up. "Someone you needed to murder?" Jackson stared at Bosco in shock. Shaking his head Bosco let out a rueful laugh. Taking his eyes off the road he looked the other man right in the eye. "I know you killed her." Looking back Bosco swerved around a bus as midtown was a blur on the left. "And when I can prove it I'm going to bury you." The words came out low and with finality as Jackson felt his heart pound in his chest. None of this came as a shock although Bosco laying it right out there did. Licking his lips Jackson looked out the passenger window; Bosco had a big mouth. They would never jam him up and he would make sure of that.

9:02 am

As they neared lower Manhattan Bosco caught sight of the acrid black smoke pouring out of the north tower. Traffic began to slow considerably as even the most evasive maneuvers were useless. Sirens screamed from every direction and the radio had been non stop on all channels since the initial transmissions. Inevitably they got boxed in between other emergency vehicles as they all crawled toward the Trade Center. When the tower finally came into full view Bosco felt his stomach turn over. The hole in that building was made by something huge. Flames and smoke billowed from the upper floors as he squinted trying to count how many floors were above the impact. His heart was pounding in his chest as he murmured to himself, "My God."

Even Jackson was more than taken aback by what he was looking at. This was major and it was not what he needed right now. The man in the car with him was trying to build a case for capital murder and put him away for life. Tearing his eyes away from the burning building he pinched them shut for a moment as he looked away and out over the Hudson toward the Verrazano bridge. Staring at the blue sky he racked his brain for a way out of this. Something dark was moving over the bridge coming toward them. Squinting he couldn't quite make it out but it was moving fast.

Bosco laid on the horn. He needed to get off the highway but it was impossible as a sea of flashing lights pulsed in front of him. Juking the steering wheel side to side he could find no space as he huffed in frustration. "What the fuck?" Jackson's voice was barely audible over all the noise. Casting a glance across the car Bosco's followed the other man's gaze.

It was fucking plane! His mind was screaming but he could do nothing as he stared in awe. It was huge and it was coming right for them. The sirens, the radio, the horns, and the screaming faded away. All he could hear was the whoosing of blood in his ears. This couldn't be real.

9:03 am

Time slowed down as the most surreal of moment of Bosco's life played out. The late summer sun reflected off the fuselage of the plane. The jet engines roared without hesitation as the RMP vibrated and shook. He couldn't stop looking. Acrid burning jet fuel wafted through the open car window. Bosco didn't even realize that he had left his foot off of the brake as the car drifted forward tapping the ambulance in front of them. No one noticed. Bosco blinked and the building swallowed the plane leaving a huge fireball in its wake.

A blood-curdling scream pierced through Liz's dream as she sat bolt upright on the couch. Was that real or did she dream it? Blinking a few times she looked around the apartment. On the floor Atlas was sitting at attention. Another scream and this time her heart was pounding as the dog began to bark anxiously. Pushing herself up off the couch months of undercover kicked in as she found her gun on the bedroom floor. Racking the slide back Atlas was on her heels as she moved toward the door. As she passed by the couch something caught her eye. The TV was still on from this morning. Stopping Liz felt her heart sink. Lowering the gun she slowly walked around and sat back on the couch staring at the screen in disbelief.

TBC…..