Author's note: Well guys, this is it. The last chapter. I feel kinda sad because I loved writing this story, but that's just me, and it happens with everything I write. A huge thanks to all of you who've reviewed it, you really are the best.

Not sure what I'm going to do now, probably step back until I find something interesting to write about, but if you have good ideas for a good angsty story...well, feel free to contact me and I'll start writing again! ;)

This said, thanks again and enjoy the finale!

***

Epilogue – Closure

***

"Here. Just sign this and we're all set."

Bosco sighed as the young guard handed him a pen and pointed to a dotted line on a sheet of paper.

It'd been three days since his return to New York, and he was still trying to cope with the events of that terrible week.

Despite his seven days as a fugitive, Lieutenant Swersky had welcomed him back as soon as Faith had driven him to the precinct. He'd given him his badge back and advised him to take a few more days off to get himself together, with a not-so subtle hint to go and see the department's psychologist.

Then, like a father to his son, he'd made him promise to come and talk to him every time he felt like he was going under.

The same officers who'd sadly stared at each other a few days before now smiled at him or patted his shoulder in a reassuring gesture. Bosco didn't know how much they'd been told, but he accepted their kindness.

It felt good to be thought of as family.

At first he'd struggled not to ask the question that was still bothering him, but then realized that this whole ordeal had changed him and he was a different person now, more mature in a way.

The old Bosco would've probably let it sink in the back of his mind, but this was the new Bosco, and he wasn't afraid to ask anymore.

That's why he was now standing in front of a barred metal door, a warden at his side.

He wasn't sure he wanted to do this, but he also felt it was the only way to find some kind of closure and finally put everything behind.

His heart beat loudly in his chest and his palms broke out in a nervous sweat as he walked through the long walkway, but he kept going until they reached another door and the warden motioned for him to step aside.

He fumbled with his keys, then carefully slid the right one into the lock and the door swung open. "You have five minutes."

Bosco's gaze trailed after him to the inside of the small, white room. "It's enough."

The man gave him a sympathetic look. "I'll be outside."

Bosco nodded his head and stepped into the room. He flinched as the heavy door closed behind him and for a moment he wished the guard would have followed him inside. The mere thought of being alone with her again sent shivers down his spine.

Breathe, he urged himself. She's not a threat anymore.

Maritza Cruz raised her head and looked up at him. A mix of surprise, confusion and rage crossed her face as she straightened up in her chair and her lips curved into a wicked smile.

"What are you doing here?" she immediately asked.

She was dressed in the typical orange short-sleeved jumpsuit and her hands were cuffed in front of her.

Bosco took a few steps closer and pulled out the other chair, sitting across from her at the table.

"What, you got nothing to say Boscorelli?"

He stared at her, trying to fight the anger that was beginning to boil over within him. "Actually, I was just thinking this is right where you belong, Sergeant. That uniform suits you."

Her dark eyes glared with hate.

"I bet you're happy now. With me finally out of the way you and that bitch Yokas can play partners again. I've always wondered what you saw in her..." she smirked. "Thought I'd shown you I'm way better than she is, but you've never been smart enough, Boscorelli."

He immediately stood up, toppling his chair over in the process, and a loud crash echoed in the small room.

If the warden outside heard the noise, he made no attempt to let them know.

"Don't you dare compare yourself to her, you hear me? You're not fit to breathe the same air!" he hissed as his fist connected with the table.

Cruz jumped and leaned back in her chair, surprised by his sudden outburst.

He took in a few shallow breaths and raked his hand through his short hair. He knew she was only trying to start a fight, but he wasn't going to give her the satisfaction so he picked up the chair and sat down again.

Cruz's fingers started to trace the edge of the small table. "Sorry," she sneered. "I didn't know you cared that much..."

Bosco didn't say anything, just looked into her cold eyes. What did he find there? Nothing, except for her hatred and disdain. She was obviously incapable of feeling guilt, but he doubted she could actually feel anything at all.

She reached across the table and tried to take his hand, but he instinctively pulled away.

"You may not believe it, but in my own way I loved you."

Bosco shook his head. "You couldn't have. No one can hurt someone they love that much."

"We were good together..." she spoke again, apparently lost in her own train of thoughts. "...A perfect match until she turned you against me."

He stared at her, disbelief written completely across his face. "Yeah, a perfect match..." he repeated, lowering his voice to a whisper. "I'm just sorry I didn't listen to her when she first tried to warn me. Took me a while to figure out who you really are but I'm glad I finally did."

His gaze drifted to the wall behind her. "You're nothing like Faith. She... You just gave orders, and I followed them."

As he sat there, eyes locked on the woman he'd once thought he loved, he understood the difference between justice and revenge. Genuine justice would bring him no relief of his pain, no sense of triumph.

He realized he hadn't come here looking for an answer to his questions, or to make sure she got what she deserved. It was just something ha had to do to close this last chapter in the book of his life and move on.

A new one was already waiting for him outside. Bosco didn't know if it was going to be a good or a bad one, but he was looking forward to it.

"Wait, where do you think you're going?" Cruz asked as she watched him rise from his chair.

"I'm leaving." He coldly replied. "I've got nothing to say to you."

Her eyes narrowed. "Don't you dare walk away from me, Boscorelli!"

Bosco put both hands on the table and leaned forward so that he was at eye level. "You know what, Cruz? You don't give orders anymore."

He turned around and walked to the door. "Open up! We're done in here." He said to the guard outside.

"Bosco, wait!" Cruz begged as she ran after him. "I love you. We can still be together..."

Her cuffed hands reached for his arm just as the warden stepped inside. The man quickly grabbed her and dragged her back to the table as she kept screaming his name.

"Go," he said, turning to Bosco. "Go now."

"Nooooooo!" came her desperate plea.

Bosco gave her one last glance before disappearing into the hallway.

"I hope you burn in hell, you son of a bitch! You ruined it all!" she yelled.

The guard shot her a menacing look. "You better shut up, bitch." He whispered to her ear. "Or I'm gonna make YOUR life a living hell..."

***

The afternoon sun was slowly sinking below the horizon as he walked out of the facility, feeling a satisfaction he wasn't sure he wanted to feel. He slipped on his sunglasses and smiled as he spotted a familiar figure leaning against the side of his car.

"You ready?" Faith asked as she handed him the keys and opened the door to the passenger's side. "Don't know about you but I'm kind of hungry."

Bosco's smile broadened.

"Sure. Let's go."

THE END