Paybacks
Chapter 17
When Bosco got back to his room after his fifth walk around the hospital, there was a balloon and flowers sitting on the table in the corner. "Wonder who those are from?" He walked over to the table to get a better look. It was a red mylar balloon with the words 'Get Well Soon' written in silver. Bosco thought the floral arrangement was kind of girly, but he appreciated the thought.
Bosco found the small white envelope, and removed the card. He broke out in a cold sweat. He dropped the card on the floor, and retreated backward. Bosco didn't look where he was going; he just wanted to get away from those flowers. When he reached the chair on the other side of the room he sat down, staring at the flowers.
One of the nurses who had seen Bosco return to his room went in to talk to him. She knew that he had been restless all day, and kept walking around the hospital out of sheer boredom. It was almost time for her break, so she figured she would go keep him company for a while.
As she walked through the doorway she saw Bosco. He was pale, and was slowly rocking in the chair. "Officer Boscorelli?" He didn't respond. She stepped in front of him, and squatted down so she was more on his level. She noticed he was sweating, and along with the rocking he was shaking slightly. The expression on his face told her he was miles away.
"Bosco?" He still didn't reply. "Are you hurt? Tell me what's wrong."
"Call Faith." The words came out so quietly that the nurse almost didn't hear them, and Bosco himself wasn't sure if he had even said them.
She gave his knee a reassuring squeeze. "I'll be right back."
****
"5-5 DAVID."
"5-5 David. Go ahead Central," replied Yokas.
"10-1 from land line as soon as possible."
"10-4 Central." She looked at Gusler. "Wonder what that's about."
Faith pulled the squad over, and climbed out of the car. Gusler started to follow. "It's OK. You can stay here." She needed a break from the guy even if it was only going to be for a couple minutes.
She entered the music store that she had parked the squad in front of. Faith approached the sales counter. "Police business. I need to use your phone."
The young cashier nodded nervously, and handed her the phone. She dialed the station. "New York Police Department, 55th Precinct."
"Yeah. It's Officer Yokas. I was told to call."
"Hold on a sec Faith. I'll put you through to the Lieutenant." Faith wondered what the Lieutenant wanted.
"Hello."
"Lieu, it's Yokas. What's going on?"
"Faith you need to get over to the hospital."
"Why?" Her voice was full of panic. "What's wrong?"
"I'm not entirely sure. Bosco's nurse called. Said he's pretty freaked about something. He wouldn't talk to her. All he said was 'Call Faith'."
"I'm on my way." She hung up the phone, and ran out the door. Faith was barely in the car when she turned the key, slammed the car in gear, and raced off lights flashing, siren wailing.
"What's going on?" asked a nervous Gusler as he held onto the dash for dear life as Faith darted in and out of traffic. She ignored him. She didn't have time for his questions, and it wasn't any of his business anyway. Getting to Bosco as fast as she could was all she was concerned about.
When they arrived at Mercy she threw the car in park, hopped out, and headed toward the entrance without turning the car off or giving Gusler any explanation.
Faith didn't bother waiting for the elevator; she just high-tailed it up the stairs to the second floor. "Where is he?" she asked as she passed the nurses' station. One of the nurses pointed toward the room.
"Bosco?" she called as she entered the room. There was a nurse kneeling in front of him; trying to talk to him, but Bosco wasn't responsive.
"Faith?" the nurse questioned.
"Yeah. What's going on?" Faith was looking at Bosco. He was still shaking, and rocking. "What happened to him?"
"I don't know. I came in just to keep him company, and I found him like this. He doesn't seem to be hurt in anyway, but he won't talk to me either. All he said was to call you, and he barely even managed to say that. He hasn't moved since I got here." The nurse moved out of the way so Faith could get closer to Bosco.
"Bos?" Faith had knelt in front of him, and was holding his hands in her own. She turned to the nurse. "He's ice cold. Can you get a blanket?"
"I'll get one out of the warmer." She hurried out into the hall.
"Bos?" He still didn't acknowledge her presence. He seemed to be looking right through her. She was getting more and more worried as the seconds passed. If this went on much longer she was going to lose it. Faith moved her hands up to his face. She cupped his face between her hands. "Bos?" He flinched at the touch. She gently moved his head to make sure he was looking directly into her eyes. "Bosco. It's Faith. Can you hear me? I'm here. You're safe. What happened to you?"
He blinked, and looked at his partner. Finally aware that someone was in front of him. "Faith?"
"Yeah Bos. I'm here. What's wrong?"
"Flowers. Note." His voice trembled.
Faith looked over to the table the flowers sat on. She got up, and walked over to find the note he was talking about. The card was on the floor. Faith picked it up.
GET WELL SOON OFFICER BOSCORELLI.
DON'T WORRY I'LL BE PATIENT.
YOU CAN'T HIDE IN MERCY FOREVER.
IT'S STRAIGHT TO THE MORGUE AFTER THIS.
"Oh God." Faith whispered. She quickly turned to Bosco. He hadn't moved. "It's going to be OK Bos. I'm not going to let anything happen to you."
Fear had taken over Bosco's mind. He was normally tough, and laughed in the face of danger, but whoever was after him was playing his fears perfectly. He didn't like knowing that there was someone out there who knew every step he took. Someone who was obviously out to break him, not only physically, but emotionally as well. Bosco knew he couldn't take much more of this. If this lunatic didn't kill him soon he was afraid he might do it himself.
Faith was scared for her partner. He was never at a lack for words, but he wasn't talking, and he didn't look good to her. She didn't know what to say to him, and she knew that no matter what she said it still wouldn't penetrate whatever it was that he was feeling.