Promises
Part 4
******
A few notes before I start.
I've read a few reviews from people who are a little bummed because I broke up Faith/Bosco as partners. DON'T FRET! I did it for a reason…just give it time to develop. I tend to ramble on in my stories before I get to the real thick of it :o)
Some of you are wondering where the best friend, Dom, comes into the story. Once again give me a little time. I promise you I didn't just throw her in the story just to add another character :o)
Oh, and I know that I usually try to stay true to the characters (especially Bosco!) However, after seeing the episode Falling I have decided to go a little with his openness from the final scene. So Bosco will have his moments of weakness.
Keep your thoughts coming though. I really enjoy reading your reviews!
A few 10-codes for you. I realized I use them in my stories, but not everyone knows what the numbers mean…I'm one of those freaks who sits at home at night and listens to my scanner, so they tend to make a little more sense to me.
Anyway these are NYPD 10-Codes that I got off the internet (different PDs use different 10-codes believe it or not)
In Service
10-63 Out of Service-Meal
******
Bosco ran to catch up with Rylee. "What do you mean you've had worse?"
She smirked. "I'm no angel Bosco. So you driving today or what?"
The change o subject caught him off guard as he was still wondering what she meant by 'worse'. Hell, Swersky frightened him at times. "Uh, what? Didn't Yokas tell you? They don't want me to drive for a couple more weeks…you know, just," his voice trailed off.
"Yeah she told me, but if I drive you're going to spend the entire shift giving me directions. I'm not real familiar with our sector. So why don't you drive?"
He shook his head. "No really. They don't want me driving."
Rylee stood in front of the car. "What…you afraid or something?" she grinned.
"No! It's just…well last time," Bosco shook his head. "Come on. You know Swersky will have my ass if he finds out I disobeyed orders."
"Then we'll make sure he doesn't find out. I'll start off driving then we'll switch later. Now get in."
Bosco watched her walk around and get into the driver's seat. "She's starting to make me nervous," he thought as he climbed into the passenger's side. "Central this is 5-5 David we are 10-98."
"10-4 5-5 David."
"So where do we go first partner?"
"I usually like to get coffee. If that's alright with you."
"Whatever works. Just point me in the right direction."
After they got coffee Rylee drove them around for a while as she attempted to get a little more familiar with the area. Bosco pointed out various landmarks and hot spots for activity. He filled her in on the local gangs and who the big drug dealers were.
They had only had two calls and a traffic stop when 5-5 Charlie drove past where they were parked and flashed his lights.
"That's Sully and Davis," Bosco informed her as he got out of the car and went to see what they wanted. Rylee followed suit. "What's up?" Bosco asked when Davis rolled down his window.
"Wanted to know if you two wanted to grab something to eat?"
Bosco looked at Rylee. She nodded. "Sounds good to me."
They called in to Central, and were given permission to go 10-63.
The four officers sat in a corner booth. When they weren't eating they were trying to get to know each other better.
"So you were at the 38th before this. Why'd you transfer?" asked Davis.
"My partner got hurt and he retired," she shrugged, "so I transferred."
"What happened to him?" questioned Sully.
She stared at her plate. "He got shot," she looked up at Sully. "Long story. So, how long have you two been partners?"
"Little over three years," answered Sully.
"Since my first day," added Ty. "Back in the old days Sully and my dad were partners."
"Really?" She raised an eyebrow. "So Sully, you're the old timer eh?"
Sullivan glared at her. He didn't like her attitude. It had taken him a long time to get used to Bosco's antics, and he wasn't real thrilled with having to do it all over again with O'Neill.
"You've been on the force for quite awhile. How come you're still a beat cop?"
"I like what I do out here on the streets. I like helping people. We're—"
Davis and Bosco looked at each other and grinned. "Solving problems," they both said as they tried not to laugh.
Sullivan just shook his head and grumbled something about immaturity.
"Hey Davis. I thought you were supposed to be on desk duty for a couple weeks yet," commented Bosco.
"Yeah, well, the leg feels pretty good, and Gusler got bumped to the day shift. So here I am."
"But we're gonna be laying low for a while," Sully pointed at Bosco. "So it's up to you guys to take the physically challenging calls."
"No sweat," chirped Bosco.
Sully looked at his watch. "We should really get going."
"Yeah," Rylee stood up and tossed the RMP keys to Bosco. "Your turn."
Bosco caught the keys and nervously glanced at Sully and Davis who both wore questioning looks.
"I'm going to use the facilities. I'll meet you at the squad Bosco."
He nodded.
"That's a good idea. Davis I'll catch up with you outside." Sully followed Rylee. He stood outside the women's bathroom waiting for her.
Davis and Bosco walked outside. They stopped just outside the door. Bosco was staring at the keys in his hand. "Look, Bosco. If you aren't ready to drive tell her. I'm sure she'll understand."
"What makes you think I'm not ready?!" Bosco snapped at Ty.
"I'm just saying if you aren't up to it don't do it. Give it time man."
Bosco nodded.
O'Neill came out of the restroom. She wasn't looking where she was going and ran right into Sully. "Sorry man. Didn't see you." Sully glared at her. "What?"
"Don't push him."
"Excuse me?"
"Bosco. Don't rush him. He needs time. He isn't supposed to drive for a couple more weeks. You need to take it easy with him. He's not ready yet."
"How would you know if he's ready or not? It's his choice."
Right! His, not yours!"
"Relax man. He'll be fine."
"Look! I was with him when it happened, and it's something I hope he never experiences again. But if you push him into something he isn't ready for it's likely to happen again. Bosco's very proud and very stubborn; he isn't going to tell you anything. So it's *your* job to look out for him," with the word 'your' Sully firmly tapped her with his finger. He turned away and left a sullen looking Rylee in the hallway.
Sully stormed out of the restaurant. "Davis get in the car," he snapped.
"Geez, what's eaten him?"
Ty shrugged, and headed for the car. Rylee came out of the restaurant and walked toward Bosco who was leaning against their RMP.
"What's with you?" asked Davis as he got in the squad and closed the door.
"Her," Sully retorted as he nodded in Rylee's direction. They sat and watched Rylee approach Bosco.
"We gonna go or what? Sul? What are you waiting for?"
Sullivan looked at his partner. "We're going to wait and see if she does the right thing."
Bosco looked down at the keys once again then he looked at his partner. "You ready?"
"Yup."
Bosco pushed himself off the car and headed for the driver's side. Rylee grabbed his arm. "Wait." Bosco turned back toward her. "Hey I'm sorry. If you don't want to drive you don't have to. I don't want to push you into anything you may not feel ready for."
He looked at the keys, then at Rylee. Bosco handed her the keys. "I guess I'm a little nervous. Last time I, uh…"
"Hey no problem. I gotta get used to driving around her anyway," she smiled.
The rest of their shift went without a hitch. Bosco and Rylee got to know each other a little better, and with every call they went on Bosco was becoming more and more comfortable with being back on the job. It was only his fourth shift since coming off a week's suspension, and a week of desk duty after that. He'd worked three days with Faith last week, but most of that time was spent on special details Swersky had assigned them. Today was his first real day of police work, and he was pretty proud of himself for making it through unscathed.
Sully and Davis were just getting ready to head home when Bosco and Rylee came into the locker room. "So, how did your first full day of active duty go Bosco?"
He puffed up his chest and grinned. "Good. Really good. How 'bout you hop-a-long? How'd it go?"
Davis chuckled. "It was good man."
"OK, well I'll check you guys tomorrow." Davis headed out of the locker room, and Sully stood up without a word and followed him.
"Sullivan. Wait up a sec," Rylee called after him, but he kept going. She caught up to him in the hallway. "Can I talk to you for a minute?"
Sully looked at his watch, and crossed his arms with a huff. "You've got one minute."
"I thought about what you said earlier, and you were right. I need to just let things run their course with Bosco. He'll drive when he feels he's ready," she looked down at the floor briefly before looking back up at Sully.
He sighed. "Rylee, Bosco's a hell of a cop. He gets on my nerves, but he's good at what he does. He's a little off right now, but give him the time he needs and he'll be alright."
She nodded in understanding. Sully turned to walk away. "Sully."
"Yeah."
"We, uh, kinda got off on the wrong foot today. I've been told I can be a little hard to swallow, but I'm usually not that much of a bitch. It's not easy ya know. Transferring to a new precinct. Plus being female on top of that."
"No, I don't know."
"Well, I guess I was just trying to make a big impression. Get you guys to accept me."
"Just be yourself O'Neill."
"Yeah, I'll try."
Sully shook his head. "See you tomorrow O'Neill."
"Yeah, tomorrow."
"What was that about?" Bosco asked as Rylee came back into the locker room.
"Nothing much. Just a little apology." She started to change into her civvies.
"You had to apologize to Sully? For what?"
"Don't worry about it. It wasn't a big deal."
Bosco shook his head. "Damn. First Swersky's on your ass then you have to apologize to Sullivan. That's a helluva first day."
"I'd say."
Boscorelli closed his locker and put on his black leather jacket. "Sorry about this afternoon."
"What?"
"You know. Swanson and McCarty."
"Oh that. Don't sweat it."
"Yeah well. It got you on Swersky's bad side before your first shift even started."
"Look you're my partner. The guy insulted you and pushed you. When that happens I'm gonna get involved."
Bosco leaned against the locker and looked down at the floor. "A couple months ago," he said softly. "You would have had to pull me off the guy, but today you had to come to my rescue."
"So."
"So, I'm not who I used to be. I'm not the same kinda cop I was," he said sadly.
"That isn't necessarily a bad thing."
"To me it is."
Rylee pulled her sweatshirt over her head. She looked at him. "You handled McCarty. Give it time Bosco. Those killer instincts will come back," she smiled.
He nodded. "You wanna come to my place for a beer or something?"
"Sure. You need a ride home?"
"No. They don't want me driving a squad, but they don't care if I crash my own car." They both laughed. He gave her directions to his apartment. "I'll wait for you outside the building."
*****
Bosco opened up the fridge, and pulled out two beers. He handed one to Rylee. "Actually do you have anything else? I don't drink."
"Really? Not at all?"
"Nope."
He put one beer back. "I've got Mountain Dew."
"That works."
"So you really don't drink?"
She shook her head. "Is that a problem?"
"No, no, it's just that it's kinda unusual. Why don't you?"
"Long, boring story."
He nodded. "Hey can you grab the bottle opener out of that drawer?" He pointed to the junk drawer.
Rylee opened the drawer, and looked for the bottle opener. She found it underneath a picture. "Hey, cute kids. Is that you?"
Bosco looked over her shoulder as he took the bottle opener from her. "Yup, that's me." He headed for the living room.
"Who's the girl? Your sister?"
"I don't have a sister."
"Then who is she?"
"Dominique."
"How old were you?"
"Why do you care?"
"I'm just curious. No big deal."
"I think we were ten or something," he shrugged.
"Where is she now?" Rylee put the picture down and went into the living room.
"Damned if I know," he said bitterly.
"Something happen between you two?"
"Would you just drop it!"
"Geez. Somebody's a little touchy," she chuckled.
"Look I don't want to talk about it."
"OK, OK. Sorry."
Bosco took a drink of his beer. He picked up the remote and turned on the TV. "SportsCenter or Animal Planet?"
She didn't reply. She just looked at him. Bosco met her eyes. "Ry? What do you wanna watch?"
"Huh? Oh, uh, SportsCenter."
He took another swig of beer. She was still looking at him. "What?"
"Are you supposed to be drinking? I mean with the medication you're on."
"I'm not taking it," he said nonchalantly.
"You aren't?"
"Nah, I'm fine. I don't need it."
"But Bosco---"
"Look some shrink wants me to take a pill to help with anxiety. He says to take it when I 'feel' an attack coming on. I'm a cop for crying out loud! In the middle of a pursuit I can't just stop and take a pill. It's pointless."
"What if you took it before your shift?"
"Then I'd be taking it even if I don't need it. How would I know if I'm getting any better?"
"You still going to counseling?"
"It's mandatory. Don't have much of a choice."
"How's it going?"
He stared at the TV. "It's not up for discussion."
Part 4
******
A few notes before I start.
I've read a few reviews from people who are a little bummed because I broke up Faith/Bosco as partners. DON'T FRET! I did it for a reason…just give it time to develop. I tend to ramble on in my stories before I get to the real thick of it :o)
Some of you are wondering where the best friend, Dom, comes into the story. Once again give me a little time. I promise you I didn't just throw her in the story just to add another character :o)
Oh, and I know that I usually try to stay true to the characters (especially Bosco!) However, after seeing the episode Falling I have decided to go a little with his openness from the final scene. So Bosco will have his moments of weakness.
Keep your thoughts coming though. I really enjoy reading your reviews!
A few 10-codes for you. I realized I use them in my stories, but not everyone knows what the numbers mean…I'm one of those freaks who sits at home at night and listens to my scanner, so they tend to make a little more sense to me.
Anyway these are NYPD 10-Codes that I got off the internet (different PDs use different 10-codes believe it or not)
In Service
10-63 Out of Service-Meal
******
Bosco ran to catch up with Rylee. "What do you mean you've had worse?"
She smirked. "I'm no angel Bosco. So you driving today or what?"
The change o subject caught him off guard as he was still wondering what she meant by 'worse'. Hell, Swersky frightened him at times. "Uh, what? Didn't Yokas tell you? They don't want me to drive for a couple more weeks…you know, just," his voice trailed off.
"Yeah she told me, but if I drive you're going to spend the entire shift giving me directions. I'm not real familiar with our sector. So why don't you drive?"
He shook his head. "No really. They don't want me driving."
Rylee stood in front of the car. "What…you afraid or something?" she grinned.
"No! It's just…well last time," Bosco shook his head. "Come on. You know Swersky will have my ass if he finds out I disobeyed orders."
"Then we'll make sure he doesn't find out. I'll start off driving then we'll switch later. Now get in."
Bosco watched her walk around and get into the driver's seat. "She's starting to make me nervous," he thought as he climbed into the passenger's side. "Central this is 5-5 David we are 10-98."
"10-4 5-5 David."
"So where do we go first partner?"
"I usually like to get coffee. If that's alright with you."
"Whatever works. Just point me in the right direction."
After they got coffee Rylee drove them around for a while as she attempted to get a little more familiar with the area. Bosco pointed out various landmarks and hot spots for activity. He filled her in on the local gangs and who the big drug dealers were.
They had only had two calls and a traffic stop when 5-5 Charlie drove past where they were parked and flashed his lights.
"That's Sully and Davis," Bosco informed her as he got out of the car and went to see what they wanted. Rylee followed suit. "What's up?" Bosco asked when Davis rolled down his window.
"Wanted to know if you two wanted to grab something to eat?"
Bosco looked at Rylee. She nodded. "Sounds good to me."
They called in to Central, and were given permission to go 10-63.
The four officers sat in a corner booth. When they weren't eating they were trying to get to know each other better.
"So you were at the 38th before this. Why'd you transfer?" asked Davis.
"My partner got hurt and he retired," she shrugged, "so I transferred."
"What happened to him?" questioned Sully.
She stared at her plate. "He got shot," she looked up at Sully. "Long story. So, how long have you two been partners?"
"Little over three years," answered Sully.
"Since my first day," added Ty. "Back in the old days Sully and my dad were partners."
"Really?" She raised an eyebrow. "So Sully, you're the old timer eh?"
Sullivan glared at her. He didn't like her attitude. It had taken him a long time to get used to Bosco's antics, and he wasn't real thrilled with having to do it all over again with O'Neill.
"You've been on the force for quite awhile. How come you're still a beat cop?"
"I like what I do out here on the streets. I like helping people. We're—"
Davis and Bosco looked at each other and grinned. "Solving problems," they both said as they tried not to laugh.
Sullivan just shook his head and grumbled something about immaturity.
"Hey Davis. I thought you were supposed to be on desk duty for a couple weeks yet," commented Bosco.
"Yeah, well, the leg feels pretty good, and Gusler got bumped to the day shift. So here I am."
"But we're gonna be laying low for a while," Sully pointed at Bosco. "So it's up to you guys to take the physically challenging calls."
"No sweat," chirped Bosco.
Sully looked at his watch. "We should really get going."
"Yeah," Rylee stood up and tossed the RMP keys to Bosco. "Your turn."
Bosco caught the keys and nervously glanced at Sully and Davis who both wore questioning looks.
"I'm going to use the facilities. I'll meet you at the squad Bosco."
He nodded.
"That's a good idea. Davis I'll catch up with you outside." Sully followed Rylee. He stood outside the women's bathroom waiting for her.
Davis and Bosco walked outside. They stopped just outside the door. Bosco was staring at the keys in his hand. "Look, Bosco. If you aren't ready to drive tell her. I'm sure she'll understand."
"What makes you think I'm not ready?!" Bosco snapped at Ty.
"I'm just saying if you aren't up to it don't do it. Give it time man."
Bosco nodded.
O'Neill came out of the restroom. She wasn't looking where she was going and ran right into Sully. "Sorry man. Didn't see you." Sully glared at her. "What?"
"Don't push him."
"Excuse me?"
"Bosco. Don't rush him. He needs time. He isn't supposed to drive for a couple more weeks. You need to take it easy with him. He's not ready yet."
"How would you know if he's ready or not? It's his choice."
Right! His, not yours!"
"Relax man. He'll be fine."
"Look! I was with him when it happened, and it's something I hope he never experiences again. But if you push him into something he isn't ready for it's likely to happen again. Bosco's very proud and very stubborn; he isn't going to tell you anything. So it's *your* job to look out for him," with the word 'your' Sully firmly tapped her with his finger. He turned away and left a sullen looking Rylee in the hallway.
Sully stormed out of the restaurant. "Davis get in the car," he snapped.
"Geez, what's eaten him?"
Ty shrugged, and headed for the car. Rylee came out of the restaurant and walked toward Bosco who was leaning against their RMP.
"What's with you?" asked Davis as he got in the squad and closed the door.
"Her," Sully retorted as he nodded in Rylee's direction. They sat and watched Rylee approach Bosco.
"We gonna go or what? Sul? What are you waiting for?"
Sullivan looked at his partner. "We're going to wait and see if she does the right thing."
Bosco looked down at the keys once again then he looked at his partner. "You ready?"
"Yup."
Bosco pushed himself off the car and headed for the driver's side. Rylee grabbed his arm. "Wait." Bosco turned back toward her. "Hey I'm sorry. If you don't want to drive you don't have to. I don't want to push you into anything you may not feel ready for."
He looked at the keys, then at Rylee. Bosco handed her the keys. "I guess I'm a little nervous. Last time I, uh…"
"Hey no problem. I gotta get used to driving around her anyway," she smiled.
The rest of their shift went without a hitch. Bosco and Rylee got to know each other a little better, and with every call they went on Bosco was becoming more and more comfortable with being back on the job. It was only his fourth shift since coming off a week's suspension, and a week of desk duty after that. He'd worked three days with Faith last week, but most of that time was spent on special details Swersky had assigned them. Today was his first real day of police work, and he was pretty proud of himself for making it through unscathed.
Sully and Davis were just getting ready to head home when Bosco and Rylee came into the locker room. "So, how did your first full day of active duty go Bosco?"
He puffed up his chest and grinned. "Good. Really good. How 'bout you hop-a-long? How'd it go?"
Davis chuckled. "It was good man."
"OK, well I'll check you guys tomorrow." Davis headed out of the locker room, and Sully stood up without a word and followed him.
"Sullivan. Wait up a sec," Rylee called after him, but he kept going. She caught up to him in the hallway. "Can I talk to you for a minute?"
Sully looked at his watch, and crossed his arms with a huff. "You've got one minute."
"I thought about what you said earlier, and you were right. I need to just let things run their course with Bosco. He'll drive when he feels he's ready," she looked down at the floor briefly before looking back up at Sully.
He sighed. "Rylee, Bosco's a hell of a cop. He gets on my nerves, but he's good at what he does. He's a little off right now, but give him the time he needs and he'll be alright."
She nodded in understanding. Sully turned to walk away. "Sully."
"Yeah."
"We, uh, kinda got off on the wrong foot today. I've been told I can be a little hard to swallow, but I'm usually not that much of a bitch. It's not easy ya know. Transferring to a new precinct. Plus being female on top of that."
"No, I don't know."
"Well, I guess I was just trying to make a big impression. Get you guys to accept me."
"Just be yourself O'Neill."
"Yeah, I'll try."
Sully shook his head. "See you tomorrow O'Neill."
"Yeah, tomorrow."
"What was that about?" Bosco asked as Rylee came back into the locker room.
"Nothing much. Just a little apology." She started to change into her civvies.
"You had to apologize to Sully? For what?"
"Don't worry about it. It wasn't a big deal."
Bosco shook his head. "Damn. First Swersky's on your ass then you have to apologize to Sullivan. That's a helluva first day."
"I'd say."
Boscorelli closed his locker and put on his black leather jacket. "Sorry about this afternoon."
"What?"
"You know. Swanson and McCarty."
"Oh that. Don't sweat it."
"Yeah well. It got you on Swersky's bad side before your first shift even started."
"Look you're my partner. The guy insulted you and pushed you. When that happens I'm gonna get involved."
Bosco leaned against the locker and looked down at the floor. "A couple months ago," he said softly. "You would have had to pull me off the guy, but today you had to come to my rescue."
"So."
"So, I'm not who I used to be. I'm not the same kinda cop I was," he said sadly.
"That isn't necessarily a bad thing."
"To me it is."
Rylee pulled her sweatshirt over her head. She looked at him. "You handled McCarty. Give it time Bosco. Those killer instincts will come back," she smiled.
He nodded. "You wanna come to my place for a beer or something?"
"Sure. You need a ride home?"
"No. They don't want me driving a squad, but they don't care if I crash my own car." They both laughed. He gave her directions to his apartment. "I'll wait for you outside the building."
*****
Bosco opened up the fridge, and pulled out two beers. He handed one to Rylee. "Actually do you have anything else? I don't drink."
"Really? Not at all?"
"Nope."
He put one beer back. "I've got Mountain Dew."
"That works."
"So you really don't drink?"
She shook her head. "Is that a problem?"
"No, no, it's just that it's kinda unusual. Why don't you?"
"Long, boring story."
He nodded. "Hey can you grab the bottle opener out of that drawer?" He pointed to the junk drawer.
Rylee opened the drawer, and looked for the bottle opener. She found it underneath a picture. "Hey, cute kids. Is that you?"
Bosco looked over her shoulder as he took the bottle opener from her. "Yup, that's me." He headed for the living room.
"Who's the girl? Your sister?"
"I don't have a sister."
"Then who is she?"
"Dominique."
"How old were you?"
"Why do you care?"
"I'm just curious. No big deal."
"I think we were ten or something," he shrugged.
"Where is she now?" Rylee put the picture down and went into the living room.
"Damned if I know," he said bitterly.
"Something happen between you two?"
"Would you just drop it!"
"Geez. Somebody's a little touchy," she chuckled.
"Look I don't want to talk about it."
"OK, OK. Sorry."
Bosco took a drink of his beer. He picked up the remote and turned on the TV. "SportsCenter or Animal Planet?"
She didn't reply. She just looked at him. Bosco met her eyes. "Ry? What do you wanna watch?"
"Huh? Oh, uh, SportsCenter."
He took another swig of beer. She was still looking at him. "What?"
"Are you supposed to be drinking? I mean with the medication you're on."
"I'm not taking it," he said nonchalantly.
"You aren't?"
"Nah, I'm fine. I don't need it."
"But Bosco---"
"Look some shrink wants me to take a pill to help with anxiety. He says to take it when I 'feel' an attack coming on. I'm a cop for crying out loud! In the middle of a pursuit I can't just stop and take a pill. It's pointless."
"What if you took it before your shift?"
"Then I'd be taking it even if I don't need it. How would I know if I'm getting any better?"
"You still going to counseling?"
"It's mandatory. Don't have much of a choice."
"How's it going?"
He stared at the TV. "It's not up for discussion."