Promises
Part 2
****
Once again I only own Dominique Adams and Rylee O'Neill.
From what I have gathered from a site that lists guest stars and all that jazz the Lt. that I am constantly referring to is Lt. Swersky. So I actually used his last name a couple of times in this story!
OH, and just to let you know I don't REALLY think Faith will take a Sgt. Position, it just worked better with my story idea :o)
Please, please, please review. I really want to know what you think. Plus reviews make me smile, and I like to smile :o)
*****
1 Sunday
"Thanks for coming in Faith," said Lieutenant Swersky as Yokas walked into his office. "I know it's your day off, but I was hoping you could help me with something."
"Sure thing." Faith sat across from him.
"Well, as you know I now have the task of finding Boscorelli another partner." Faith nodded. "I'm a little concerned."
"Concerned about what sir?"
"He's had some rough times of late, and I want to make sure we get him a good match. Someone who will compliment his skills, but can also help him deal with what has happened to him."
"Lieu, you don't have to worry about Bosco. He'll be fine."
The Lieutenant tilted his head and looked at her. "Yokas, you're a sergeant now. I know you mean well, but you have to think with your head on this one…not your heart."
"Actually Lieu I think it's coming more from my gut."
He smirked. "OK. We have three options. I want you to tell me what you think." Faith nodded. "Option one. Gusler."
She quickly shook her head no. "No way. Not gonna work. They aren't good for each other mentally."
"Option two. Sullivan."
"I don't think that's going to work either. Bosco's gonna need someone he can confide in. Those two were a little iffy together before, and since Sully has seen Bosco at his all time low…you know I just don't think Bosco would be comfortable working with him. But who does that leave? Davis is on desk duty for a while isn't he?"
"Yeah, so that's where option three comes in." He picked up a file folder from a stack on his desk and handed it to Faith. "Rylee O'Neill. She's transferring in from thirty eight."
Faith opened the folder, and briefly scanned through O'Neill's information. "Well decorated officer. Have you talked to her?"
"Only briefly, and what I got from the thirty eight makes it sound like she's a female version of Boscorelli."
"Seriously? Is that even possible?" Faith grinned.
"I guess," he shrugged. "Can you imagine *two* Bosco's in the same precinct?"
Faith shook her head in disbelief. "Why's she coming here?"
"From what I've been told it sounds like her partner was injured on the job, and decided to call it quits. She wanted a fresh start, and we were short handed."
"If she's everything they say is it wise to team her up with Bosco? I mean, their personalities being so similar."
"Faith, you know better than anyone that Boscorelli hasn't been himself lately. Especially after the panic attacks. I'm expecting her to pick up the slack."
This was tough on Faith. She knew Lieu was right. Bosco was far from being back to "normal", and since he started having these panic attacks things weren't looking too good for him. "Why did I take this position now, when Bosco needs me the most?" she asked herself. But she nodded her head in agreement. "So, when do we meet Officer O'Neill? Is Bosco going to meet her before tomorrow?"
"Actually both Boscorelli and O'Neill are due here in a few minutes. I thought it would be best if we introduced them, and briefed her on his situation."
"His situation?"
"Faith you know we have to tell her about his panic attacks. She has to be able to identify the symptoms in case he has another one."
"He's been fine the last few days."
"Yes, but he has been working with you. He knows you. He trusts you. Now he's going to be with someone totally new."
"God what was I thinking?" she asked herself.
There was a knock on the door. "Hey Boss. I got a call said I was s'posed to meet with you."
"Come on in Bosco. Have a seat."
Bosco grabbed the chair next to Faith. He grinned. "Hello Sergeant Yokas."
She laughed. "OK that just sounded stupid. You're going to have to call me Faith."
"Good. Cause I felt dumb saying it."
There was another knock. Bosco, Faith and Lieu all looked toward the door. Standing in front of them was a woman about 5'7" whose build was very similar to Boscorelli's. She had brown eyes, and very short brown hair with bleached blonde tips. Her hair was messed up in every direction.
"Who is this punk," Bosco thought.
"Lieutenant Swersky? I'm Rylee O'Neill from the thirty eighth precinct."
"Nice to meet you Officer O'Neill," he extended his hand, which she shook firmly. "This is Sergeant Faith Yokas, and Officer Maurice Boscorelli."
Faith and Bosco stood up to shake her hand. "Call me Bosco."
"Why don't you have a seat, and we'll get this started."
She nodded, and sat next to Bosco.
"All right. The reason I called you down here was to introduce you to each other. Bosco, you and Rylee are going to be partners starting tomorrow."
Bosco nodded. "Great," he thought, "and they think I'm a nut job. What's with her hair?"
"Rylee, Bosco here is one of our finest officers, and from what I have gathered I feel the two of you will work well together," Lieu took a deep breath and looked at Bosco. He then turned his attention back to Officer O'Neill. "However Rylee, before you two start working together there are some things you need to be briefed on."
Bosco's stomach lurched. His eyes got wide, and the room suddenly got really hot. "Oh no. No! She's gonna think I'm crazy. Oh God please don't let him tell her!" His mind was screaming at him. His heart started to race. He looked at Faith.
Faith saw the panic in Bosco's eyes. "Oh Bosco," she thought. Seeing that he was worked up she quickly grabbed his hand. "It's OK Bos. You know we have to tell her. Just try to relax. Take deep breaths. It's alright," Faith said softly.
Both the Lieutenant and Officer O'Neill noticed the exchange between Faith and Bosco. "Boscorelli are you OK?"
He looked at Lieu, gulped and ran a shaky hand through his hair. "Yeah. Sorry Boss."
"Nothing to be sorry about. Remember we're here to help you."
Bosco nodded as O'Neill looked on with a confused expression; which Lieu noticed.
"Well Rylee that's what we were just about to discuss. Officer Boscorelli has had some very traumatic experiences over the last couple of months. Due to the stress from these situations he has recently been suffering from occasional panic attacks."
Bosco stared at his feet. Faith watched his expression. The panic was gone, but was replaced by nervousness. He knew Rylee was looking at him. Man, some first impression he was making on his new partner. In his head he kept asking, "why is this happening to me?" But he couldn't come up with an answer. He looked up, but quickly looked away when he met Rylee's eyes. "I gotta get outta here," Bosco quickly left the room.
Faith stood up to go after him. "No Sarge. Let me talk to him," Rylee stood up.
"When he's upset he usually goes into the locker room or he goes outside. I'd check outside first."
Rylee gave Faith a puzzled look.
"He was my partner," Faith explained.
"Oh."
Rylee found Bosco outside just like Faith said she would. He was sitting on the curb. His elbows on his knees; his head in his hands. She sat down next to him.
"Dude. Sarge was your partner?"
"Yeah." He didn't look at her. "Until Thursday."
"How long were you together?"
"'Bout five years."
"How long you been a cop?"
"'Bout five years."
"Same here. My partner, Johnny, we were together ever since my first day. He got shot about two weeks ago. Decided to call it quits. Now I'm here."
Bosco looked at her. "Why are you telling me this?"
"I don't know," she shrugged. "Figure if we're gonna be partners we should know a little about each other."
"Well, you already know I'm 'mental'."
She chuckled. "Give yourself a break man. Traumatic experiences do crazy shit to people."
"You aren't going to be laughing when I panic and freeze at a crucial moment."
He looked back down at the ground. There was silence between the two officers.
"They got you on medication?"
Bosco nodded.
"They making you see a shrink?"
He nodded again.
"So you're taking care of it?"
He sighed. "Trying to."
"I'm not using this to judge you ya know? They had to tell me."
"Wish they didn't."
"I'm not going to think any less of you because of some panic attacks. My mom used to have 'em. It's not really something you can just stop."
Bosco threw his hands into the air. "I know that!" She was starting to annoy him. She talked too much. "Kinda like Faith," he thought.
"You're human."
"I'm a cop!"
"Just cause we're cops and we see what we see doesn't mean we aren't human! The thoughts. The feelings. They're still there, no matter how hard we try to avoid them."
"You a shrink or something?" he growled.
"Hell no! But I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night." She smiled and stood up in front of him and turned serious once again. "I came here for a fresh start. A new lease on life I guess you could say." She held out her hand to him. "It might be a pretty bumpy road, but I'd like you to come along for the ride Bosco."
He looked up at her. A new lease on life sounded pretty good to him. He took her hand. "Tell me one thing though," he stood up with her help. "Holiday Inn Express? Are *all* your jokes that lame?"
"Guess you'll find out won't you?" she grinned.
The new partners walked back into the Lieutenant's office. "So, where were we?" asked Rylee.
Lieu leaned back in his chair. "Well I was going to tell you about the panic attacks, and how you could identify if one is coming one, and what to do about it."
Rylee looked at Bosco. From what she could tell so far he wasn't the kind of guy who liked having his personal life discussed. "Lieu maybe Sergeant Yokas and I could discuss this one-on-one if you don't mind?" She looked at Faith. "You two were partners right? So you probably know the most about it," she looked back at the lieutenant. "I think if the sergeant and I discussed it privately it would be easiest for me to understand, and I could ask more questions. Then if I need more clarification I could go straight to my partner." She looked at Lieu hopefully as she placed her hand on Bosco's shoulder.
"Good idea O'Neill. After we get all your paperwork finished you and Faith can use my office."
Bosco smiled at his new partner. He knew what she was doing for him, and he appreciated it. He didn't know if he would have been able to handle listening to all the signs and symptoms. Every time the situation was discussed he wanted to run and hide. He couldn't believe he was so weak.
Faith smiled as she saw the small exchange between Bosco and Rylee. She hoped that Rylee would be good for him. Faith could already see the similarities between the two officers in front of her. Rylee was covering for Bosco just as Bosco had covered for Faith so many times in the past. It made her sad though as she realized Bosco was moving on.
*****
"That wraps it up then. Yokas, O'Neill the office is all yours. Boscorelli we'll see you tomorrow, oh, and try to be on time." Lieutenant Swersky left the office.
Bosco nodded. "No problem." Faith rolled her eyes.
"Oh please don't tell me you're the late one on the shift."
He looked at Faith then at Rylee. "Well, sometimes…"
"Sometimes Bosco? Sometimes? Try like every other day," Faith looked at Rylee. "And that's when it's a good week."
"Easy Yokas." He put his hands up to signal her to stop. Bosco leaned in toward Faith, but spoke loud enough for Rylee to hear. "No need for you to tell her all my faults in one day alright." He looked at Rylee with a grin. "Why don't we let her figure some of it out on her own? It's more fun that way."
"Fun for you. Torture for me, right?"
Bosco pointed at her with both hands. "Exactly!"
Faith laughed and shook her head. "OK Bos. I gotta get home in time to make dinner, so if you'll excuse us."
He nodded slowly. "Yeah, OK," he said softly.
"Unless you wanna stay, and discuss—"
"Uh nah, I got some stuff I have to do." He started to back out of the office. "I'll uh, see you tomorrow Rylee. Look forward to working with you."
"Yeah. Nice to meet you Bosco."
"I'll call you later OK Bosco?"
"Sure thing Sergeant Yokas," he saluted her, and walked out the door.
"That's gonna get old really fast," grumbled Faith. Rylee chuckled.
"So, where do we start?" asked Rylee.
Faith sighed. "I'm not really sure. There's so much to it. Bosco's a pretty complicated guy."
"Can you give me a little background on what led up to these panic attacks?"
Faith took her time before answering. She pondered the question. How could she answer it without feeling like she was betraying him? He was so hurt the last time she discussed his life with someone. What was he going to think now? But she had to tell Rylee so she would know what can trigger the attacks. So she could help him stay away from those types of situations. She had a right to know. Bosco would understand. She hoped.
"It's a long list. You sure you're ready?" Rylee nodded. Faith took a deep breath. "Well, it all started after 9/11. We had a rape case that was pretty screwed up, after that Bosco arrested his brother, not too long after that Bosco was shot…his vest stopped the bullet, but he fractured a rib. But I think the two things that have had the most effect on him were when his ESU buddy decided to commit suicide by holding Bosco hostage and then getting himself shot by an ESU sniper, and a couple weeks ago we were involved in a gang shoot out. We were riding with different partners that day. Things got ugly pretty fast. Bosco and his partner were getting pinned behind their RMP, so Bosco made a run for it to draw the fire. His plan worked except somehow his partner was killed."
"Damn. How could all that happen to one person?" Rylee shook her head in disbelief.
"And it's all happened pretty close together. He never really had time to process any of it."
"It's not surprising then that he's having these attacks."
"You'll learn that Bosco's a talker. His mouth gets him in trouble more often then not, but when it comes to his life and his feelings he clams up. Won't say a word. We were partners almost five years and there's still stuff he won't talk to me about, but I know him better than anyone else. I have to admit I'm a little worried about him."
"I understand your concerns, and I know I'm not going to gain his trust in one shift. But I think that when we talked outside today we took a step in the right direction."
"You now he'll probably try to kill me if he finds out what I've told you," Faith laughed nervously.
"I appreciate the heads up on what has happened, but I don't plan on letting him know that I know. Hopefully he'll tell me himself eventually. I'm sure it wasn't easy for you to tell me. You probably felt like you were betraying him."
Faith gave Rylee her "how-did-you-know-that" look.
"Come on Sarge. I had a male partner for close to five years," she smirked. "We definitely had our share of 'betrayal' issues."
"Glad to hear we weren't the only ones!"
Rylee and Faith went on to discuss the symptoms of Bosco's panic attacks, and the steps they could take to help control them. Faith felt it was a good conversation, and was glad that Bosco hadn't stayed for it. She knew that he would have been very uncomfortable had he been there.
Faith was very impressed with Rylee, and felt that Bosco would get along with her just fine. The only thing she didn't understand though was how Lieu and the officers at thirty-eight thought Rylee O'Neill was the female version of Bosco. It didn't make sense to her. The only thing she thought was similar about the two was their stature.
*****
The phone rang four times before Bosco finally found it. By the time he answered it the answering machine had already picked up, and was now screeching in high-pitched tones. "Shit! Hold on!" Bosco yelled into the phone. "How do you turn this damn thing off?!" He started randomly hitting buttons, and the noise finally stopped.
"Hello?"
"Hey Bos. What was all the noise?"
"Stupid answering machine."
"I see. So how ya doing?"
"I'm fine Faith. You planning on calling me every night to ask me that?"
"Yeah, probably."
"How'd it go with Rylee after I left?"
She could tell he was nervous. "Good. I think you guys are going to get along just fine."
"No, I mean…how'd she…you know what I mean."
"She's fine with it Bosco. As long as you're honest with her about how you are doing…and you keep up with your therapy and medication."
There was silence at the other end.
"Bos? You still there?"
"Yeah. I'm here…it's just those words; therapy and medication. Sometimes it feels like the next thing out of your mouth is going to be 'rubber room'."
"Come on Bos. Don't be so hard on yourself."
He nodded, but she of course couldn't see him. Sometimes she really hated talking to him on the phone because she could hear what he was saying, but she couldn't see his body language or facial expressions; and those usually spoke louder than his words.
"You really think she's OK with it? She doesn't think I'm a freak or anything?"
"She's OK with it Bosco, honest. She even said her mom went through it, so she has dealt with it before."
"Well, hopefully she won't have to deal with any of my problems," he said under his breath.
"What?"
"Nothing. Gonna be weird tomorrow. Workin' with someone else."
"Tell me about it, and I'm going to be indoors all day. That's going to be strange."
There was silence as both of them began to feel awkward, and as if they were already growing apart.
"Bosco I'm sorry."
"Why do you keep apologizing?"
"Because you need me now more than ever, and I go off and take the sergeant position and leave you with a partner who you don't know at all! Someone you're going to have to learn to trust. Damn Bos I know you better than anyone. I should have realized how difficult this could be. I can't believe I did this. I can't believe I was so selfish! I'm sorry."
"Faith. Relax. It's going to be alright. *I'm* going to be all right."
"Are you sure?"
"Rylee seems nice enough. Besides, we're always going to be a team right? I can always count on you to be there if I need you?"
"Absolutely."
"Then everything's going to be fine." He reassured her, and himself.
Part 2
****
Once again I only own Dominique Adams and Rylee O'Neill.
From what I have gathered from a site that lists guest stars and all that jazz the Lt. that I am constantly referring to is Lt. Swersky. So I actually used his last name a couple of times in this story!
OH, and just to let you know I don't REALLY think Faith will take a Sgt. Position, it just worked better with my story idea :o)
Please, please, please review. I really want to know what you think. Plus reviews make me smile, and I like to smile :o)
*****
1 Sunday
"Thanks for coming in Faith," said Lieutenant Swersky as Yokas walked into his office. "I know it's your day off, but I was hoping you could help me with something."
"Sure thing." Faith sat across from him.
"Well, as you know I now have the task of finding Boscorelli another partner." Faith nodded. "I'm a little concerned."
"Concerned about what sir?"
"He's had some rough times of late, and I want to make sure we get him a good match. Someone who will compliment his skills, but can also help him deal with what has happened to him."
"Lieu, you don't have to worry about Bosco. He'll be fine."
The Lieutenant tilted his head and looked at her. "Yokas, you're a sergeant now. I know you mean well, but you have to think with your head on this one…not your heart."
"Actually Lieu I think it's coming more from my gut."
He smirked. "OK. We have three options. I want you to tell me what you think." Faith nodded. "Option one. Gusler."
She quickly shook her head no. "No way. Not gonna work. They aren't good for each other mentally."
"Option two. Sullivan."
"I don't think that's going to work either. Bosco's gonna need someone he can confide in. Those two were a little iffy together before, and since Sully has seen Bosco at his all time low…you know I just don't think Bosco would be comfortable working with him. But who does that leave? Davis is on desk duty for a while isn't he?"
"Yeah, so that's where option three comes in." He picked up a file folder from a stack on his desk and handed it to Faith. "Rylee O'Neill. She's transferring in from thirty eight."
Faith opened the folder, and briefly scanned through O'Neill's information. "Well decorated officer. Have you talked to her?"
"Only briefly, and what I got from the thirty eight makes it sound like she's a female version of Boscorelli."
"Seriously? Is that even possible?" Faith grinned.
"I guess," he shrugged. "Can you imagine *two* Bosco's in the same precinct?"
Faith shook her head in disbelief. "Why's she coming here?"
"From what I've been told it sounds like her partner was injured on the job, and decided to call it quits. She wanted a fresh start, and we were short handed."
"If she's everything they say is it wise to team her up with Bosco? I mean, their personalities being so similar."
"Faith, you know better than anyone that Boscorelli hasn't been himself lately. Especially after the panic attacks. I'm expecting her to pick up the slack."
This was tough on Faith. She knew Lieu was right. Bosco was far from being back to "normal", and since he started having these panic attacks things weren't looking too good for him. "Why did I take this position now, when Bosco needs me the most?" she asked herself. But she nodded her head in agreement. "So, when do we meet Officer O'Neill? Is Bosco going to meet her before tomorrow?"
"Actually both Boscorelli and O'Neill are due here in a few minutes. I thought it would be best if we introduced them, and briefed her on his situation."
"His situation?"
"Faith you know we have to tell her about his panic attacks. She has to be able to identify the symptoms in case he has another one."
"He's been fine the last few days."
"Yes, but he has been working with you. He knows you. He trusts you. Now he's going to be with someone totally new."
"God what was I thinking?" she asked herself.
There was a knock on the door. "Hey Boss. I got a call said I was s'posed to meet with you."
"Come on in Bosco. Have a seat."
Bosco grabbed the chair next to Faith. He grinned. "Hello Sergeant Yokas."
She laughed. "OK that just sounded stupid. You're going to have to call me Faith."
"Good. Cause I felt dumb saying it."
There was another knock. Bosco, Faith and Lieu all looked toward the door. Standing in front of them was a woman about 5'7" whose build was very similar to Boscorelli's. She had brown eyes, and very short brown hair with bleached blonde tips. Her hair was messed up in every direction.
"Who is this punk," Bosco thought.
"Lieutenant Swersky? I'm Rylee O'Neill from the thirty eighth precinct."
"Nice to meet you Officer O'Neill," he extended his hand, which she shook firmly. "This is Sergeant Faith Yokas, and Officer Maurice Boscorelli."
Faith and Bosco stood up to shake her hand. "Call me Bosco."
"Why don't you have a seat, and we'll get this started."
She nodded, and sat next to Bosco.
"All right. The reason I called you down here was to introduce you to each other. Bosco, you and Rylee are going to be partners starting tomorrow."
Bosco nodded. "Great," he thought, "and they think I'm a nut job. What's with her hair?"
"Rylee, Bosco here is one of our finest officers, and from what I have gathered I feel the two of you will work well together," Lieu took a deep breath and looked at Bosco. He then turned his attention back to Officer O'Neill. "However Rylee, before you two start working together there are some things you need to be briefed on."
Bosco's stomach lurched. His eyes got wide, and the room suddenly got really hot. "Oh no. No! She's gonna think I'm crazy. Oh God please don't let him tell her!" His mind was screaming at him. His heart started to race. He looked at Faith.
Faith saw the panic in Bosco's eyes. "Oh Bosco," she thought. Seeing that he was worked up she quickly grabbed his hand. "It's OK Bos. You know we have to tell her. Just try to relax. Take deep breaths. It's alright," Faith said softly.
Both the Lieutenant and Officer O'Neill noticed the exchange between Faith and Bosco. "Boscorelli are you OK?"
He looked at Lieu, gulped and ran a shaky hand through his hair. "Yeah. Sorry Boss."
"Nothing to be sorry about. Remember we're here to help you."
Bosco nodded as O'Neill looked on with a confused expression; which Lieu noticed.
"Well Rylee that's what we were just about to discuss. Officer Boscorelli has had some very traumatic experiences over the last couple of months. Due to the stress from these situations he has recently been suffering from occasional panic attacks."
Bosco stared at his feet. Faith watched his expression. The panic was gone, but was replaced by nervousness. He knew Rylee was looking at him. Man, some first impression he was making on his new partner. In his head he kept asking, "why is this happening to me?" But he couldn't come up with an answer. He looked up, but quickly looked away when he met Rylee's eyes. "I gotta get outta here," Bosco quickly left the room.
Faith stood up to go after him. "No Sarge. Let me talk to him," Rylee stood up.
"When he's upset he usually goes into the locker room or he goes outside. I'd check outside first."
Rylee gave Faith a puzzled look.
"He was my partner," Faith explained.
"Oh."
Rylee found Bosco outside just like Faith said she would. He was sitting on the curb. His elbows on his knees; his head in his hands. She sat down next to him.
"Dude. Sarge was your partner?"
"Yeah." He didn't look at her. "Until Thursday."
"How long were you together?"
"'Bout five years."
"How long you been a cop?"
"'Bout five years."
"Same here. My partner, Johnny, we were together ever since my first day. He got shot about two weeks ago. Decided to call it quits. Now I'm here."
Bosco looked at her. "Why are you telling me this?"
"I don't know," she shrugged. "Figure if we're gonna be partners we should know a little about each other."
"Well, you already know I'm 'mental'."
She chuckled. "Give yourself a break man. Traumatic experiences do crazy shit to people."
"You aren't going to be laughing when I panic and freeze at a crucial moment."
He looked back down at the ground. There was silence between the two officers.
"They got you on medication?"
Bosco nodded.
"They making you see a shrink?"
He nodded again.
"So you're taking care of it?"
He sighed. "Trying to."
"I'm not using this to judge you ya know? They had to tell me."
"Wish they didn't."
"I'm not going to think any less of you because of some panic attacks. My mom used to have 'em. It's not really something you can just stop."
Bosco threw his hands into the air. "I know that!" She was starting to annoy him. She talked too much. "Kinda like Faith," he thought.
"You're human."
"I'm a cop!"
"Just cause we're cops and we see what we see doesn't mean we aren't human! The thoughts. The feelings. They're still there, no matter how hard we try to avoid them."
"You a shrink or something?" he growled.
"Hell no! But I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night." She smiled and stood up in front of him and turned serious once again. "I came here for a fresh start. A new lease on life I guess you could say." She held out her hand to him. "It might be a pretty bumpy road, but I'd like you to come along for the ride Bosco."
He looked up at her. A new lease on life sounded pretty good to him. He took her hand. "Tell me one thing though," he stood up with her help. "Holiday Inn Express? Are *all* your jokes that lame?"
"Guess you'll find out won't you?" she grinned.
The new partners walked back into the Lieutenant's office. "So, where were we?" asked Rylee.
Lieu leaned back in his chair. "Well I was going to tell you about the panic attacks, and how you could identify if one is coming one, and what to do about it."
Rylee looked at Bosco. From what she could tell so far he wasn't the kind of guy who liked having his personal life discussed. "Lieu maybe Sergeant Yokas and I could discuss this one-on-one if you don't mind?" She looked at Faith. "You two were partners right? So you probably know the most about it," she looked back at the lieutenant. "I think if the sergeant and I discussed it privately it would be easiest for me to understand, and I could ask more questions. Then if I need more clarification I could go straight to my partner." She looked at Lieu hopefully as she placed her hand on Bosco's shoulder.
"Good idea O'Neill. After we get all your paperwork finished you and Faith can use my office."
Bosco smiled at his new partner. He knew what she was doing for him, and he appreciated it. He didn't know if he would have been able to handle listening to all the signs and symptoms. Every time the situation was discussed he wanted to run and hide. He couldn't believe he was so weak.
Faith smiled as she saw the small exchange between Bosco and Rylee. She hoped that Rylee would be good for him. Faith could already see the similarities between the two officers in front of her. Rylee was covering for Bosco just as Bosco had covered for Faith so many times in the past. It made her sad though as she realized Bosco was moving on.
*****
"That wraps it up then. Yokas, O'Neill the office is all yours. Boscorelli we'll see you tomorrow, oh, and try to be on time." Lieutenant Swersky left the office.
Bosco nodded. "No problem." Faith rolled her eyes.
"Oh please don't tell me you're the late one on the shift."
He looked at Faith then at Rylee. "Well, sometimes…"
"Sometimes Bosco? Sometimes? Try like every other day," Faith looked at Rylee. "And that's when it's a good week."
"Easy Yokas." He put his hands up to signal her to stop. Bosco leaned in toward Faith, but spoke loud enough for Rylee to hear. "No need for you to tell her all my faults in one day alright." He looked at Rylee with a grin. "Why don't we let her figure some of it out on her own? It's more fun that way."
"Fun for you. Torture for me, right?"
Bosco pointed at her with both hands. "Exactly!"
Faith laughed and shook her head. "OK Bos. I gotta get home in time to make dinner, so if you'll excuse us."
He nodded slowly. "Yeah, OK," he said softly.
"Unless you wanna stay, and discuss—"
"Uh nah, I got some stuff I have to do." He started to back out of the office. "I'll uh, see you tomorrow Rylee. Look forward to working with you."
"Yeah. Nice to meet you Bosco."
"I'll call you later OK Bosco?"
"Sure thing Sergeant Yokas," he saluted her, and walked out the door.
"That's gonna get old really fast," grumbled Faith. Rylee chuckled.
"So, where do we start?" asked Rylee.
Faith sighed. "I'm not really sure. There's so much to it. Bosco's a pretty complicated guy."
"Can you give me a little background on what led up to these panic attacks?"
Faith took her time before answering. She pondered the question. How could she answer it without feeling like she was betraying him? He was so hurt the last time she discussed his life with someone. What was he going to think now? But she had to tell Rylee so she would know what can trigger the attacks. So she could help him stay away from those types of situations. She had a right to know. Bosco would understand. She hoped.
"It's a long list. You sure you're ready?" Rylee nodded. Faith took a deep breath. "Well, it all started after 9/11. We had a rape case that was pretty screwed up, after that Bosco arrested his brother, not too long after that Bosco was shot…his vest stopped the bullet, but he fractured a rib. But I think the two things that have had the most effect on him were when his ESU buddy decided to commit suicide by holding Bosco hostage and then getting himself shot by an ESU sniper, and a couple weeks ago we were involved in a gang shoot out. We were riding with different partners that day. Things got ugly pretty fast. Bosco and his partner were getting pinned behind their RMP, so Bosco made a run for it to draw the fire. His plan worked except somehow his partner was killed."
"Damn. How could all that happen to one person?" Rylee shook her head in disbelief.
"And it's all happened pretty close together. He never really had time to process any of it."
"It's not surprising then that he's having these attacks."
"You'll learn that Bosco's a talker. His mouth gets him in trouble more often then not, but when it comes to his life and his feelings he clams up. Won't say a word. We were partners almost five years and there's still stuff he won't talk to me about, but I know him better than anyone else. I have to admit I'm a little worried about him."
"I understand your concerns, and I know I'm not going to gain his trust in one shift. But I think that when we talked outside today we took a step in the right direction."
"You now he'll probably try to kill me if he finds out what I've told you," Faith laughed nervously.
"I appreciate the heads up on what has happened, but I don't plan on letting him know that I know. Hopefully he'll tell me himself eventually. I'm sure it wasn't easy for you to tell me. You probably felt like you were betraying him."
Faith gave Rylee her "how-did-you-know-that" look.
"Come on Sarge. I had a male partner for close to five years," she smirked. "We definitely had our share of 'betrayal' issues."
"Glad to hear we weren't the only ones!"
Rylee and Faith went on to discuss the symptoms of Bosco's panic attacks, and the steps they could take to help control them. Faith felt it was a good conversation, and was glad that Bosco hadn't stayed for it. She knew that he would have been very uncomfortable had he been there.
Faith was very impressed with Rylee, and felt that Bosco would get along with her just fine. The only thing she didn't understand though was how Lieu and the officers at thirty-eight thought Rylee O'Neill was the female version of Bosco. It didn't make sense to her. The only thing she thought was similar about the two was their stature.
*****
The phone rang four times before Bosco finally found it. By the time he answered it the answering machine had already picked up, and was now screeching in high-pitched tones. "Shit! Hold on!" Bosco yelled into the phone. "How do you turn this damn thing off?!" He started randomly hitting buttons, and the noise finally stopped.
"Hello?"
"Hey Bos. What was all the noise?"
"Stupid answering machine."
"I see. So how ya doing?"
"I'm fine Faith. You planning on calling me every night to ask me that?"
"Yeah, probably."
"How'd it go with Rylee after I left?"
She could tell he was nervous. "Good. I think you guys are going to get along just fine."
"No, I mean…how'd she…you know what I mean."
"She's fine with it Bosco. As long as you're honest with her about how you are doing…and you keep up with your therapy and medication."
There was silence at the other end.
"Bos? You still there?"
"Yeah. I'm here…it's just those words; therapy and medication. Sometimes it feels like the next thing out of your mouth is going to be 'rubber room'."
"Come on Bos. Don't be so hard on yourself."
He nodded, but she of course couldn't see him. Sometimes she really hated talking to him on the phone because she could hear what he was saying, but she couldn't see his body language or facial expressions; and those usually spoke louder than his words.
"You really think she's OK with it? She doesn't think I'm a freak or anything?"
"She's OK with it Bosco, honest. She even said her mom went through it, so she has dealt with it before."
"Well, hopefully she won't have to deal with any of my problems," he said under his breath.
"What?"
"Nothing. Gonna be weird tomorrow. Workin' with someone else."
"Tell me about it, and I'm going to be indoors all day. That's going to be strange."
There was silence as both of them began to feel awkward, and as if they were already growing apart.
"Bosco I'm sorry."
"Why do you keep apologizing?"
"Because you need me now more than ever, and I go off and take the sergeant position and leave you with a partner who you don't know at all! Someone you're going to have to learn to trust. Damn Bos I know you better than anyone. I should have realized how difficult this could be. I can't believe I did this. I can't believe I was so selfish! I'm sorry."
"Faith. Relax. It's going to be alright. *I'm* going to be all right."
"Are you sure?"
"Rylee seems nice enough. Besides, we're always going to be a team right? I can always count on you to be there if I need you?"
"Absolutely."
"Then everything's going to be fine." He reassured her, and himself.