Bosco rested most of his weight on his right leg, hands still buried
deep in pockets, shoulders slumped slightly. The slight breeze blew his
short hair around his head, and he blinked against the wind as he turned
his head to it, taking a deep breath and casting his mind back on
everything that had happened recently... all the things that had occurred
chaotically within the space of twenty-four hours. It was too much right
now. All Bosco wanted to do right now was run away from here... get away,
go home, to a bar, anywhere. Anything to get him away from all of this. He
couldn't help but think that Faith might be right.
He didn't want her to be right. Bosco was afraid of her theory. But what if someone really was aiming for cops? What if he and Faith were at risk?
His eyes found the road again, and he had to take a long, relaxing breath at the terror that swept through him at that potential risk he and his partner was facing right now.
Bosco's eyes found Tancreedy's as the man came to a stop in front of them, and the man held his notebook open at the ready, pen uncapped and poised over the paper. He had seemingly already scribbled a few things down.
"I hear you two witnessed the explosion," Tancreedy said nonchalantly. His eyes left Bosco's, and he started writing something down that the male officer was unable to read.
His curiousity eating at him, Bosco nodded and replied, "Yeah. I was the one who chased the guy down the alley away from the shootout."
"You didn't think to wait for backup?"
Bosco was taken aback. Tancreedy had never gone against Bosco's word before, and it stunned him for a moment, before, with conviction, he responded, "I knew Yokas and the others were there."
Tancreedy shook his head. "You need to stop taking risks, Boscorelli."
Bosco couldn't believe what he was hearing, and his eyes narrowed at once. His hands left his pockets, and the right one balled into a fist. "What're you trying to say?"
"Bosco..." Faith mumbled beneath her breath, her hands twining together as she stood next to her partner, fidgeting awkwardly for a moment. Bosco could see her movements out of the corner of his eye, and he knew she was only trying to stop him from doing something he would regret later.
"You should have waited for confirmation on the identity of the suspect," Tancreedy offered cynically. "If we had known who he was before you bolted off after him... as usual... we might have been able to determine whether or not he was a threat to officers."
Bosco glanced at Faith momentarily, and clenched his teeth with anger, letting out a long breath afterwards, trying to calm himself. Anger coursed through him at the accusation, but he knew to keep his temper with the detectives. Striking out at one would only get him into deep trouble, with no excuse to get himself out of it again.
"Well," Tancreedy began as if he hadn't just accused anyone, "it's a little late for that now." He cleared his throat, and his eyes flicked between the two officers as he asked, "Can you tell me what you saw?"
Bosco kept his mouth shut stubbornly. He wasn't saying a thing... he didn't want to say anything that would give Tancreedy an excuse to scold him again. That was the last thing he needed right now.
Faith took up her cue, and crossed her arms over her chest loosely, replying, "Bosco pursued the suspect down the alley, and they ran all the way here. I arrived shortly after Faraday and Gregory ceased the pursuit. They drove their car," she nodded discreetly with her head, "right out in front of the guy, and jumped out to arrest him. That's when I got here. I got out of the car, and Bosco went around the squad to try and assist with the arrest. I followed."
"Then what happened?" Tancreedy was jotting down notes frantically, his eyes catching Faith every now and then. Bosco just stood silently beside his partner.
"Um..." Faith shook her head as if in reconsideration of her statement, and then continued, "Faraday was knocked back, and the guy... he grabbed Gregory, then opened his jacket... and detonated the bomb. He sent the squad twenty feet into the air. Blew himself apart."
Tancreedy nodded without sympathy, even though he clearly saw how trying it was for Faith to explain the situation, and Bosco glared for a long while as the detective finished off his notes.
"Okay, if we need anything else, we'll get in contact."
Bosco watched Tancreedy pace away, coat billowing behind him, even as he grumbled, "Lookin' forward to it."
Faith sighed loudly, scratching her head, and then began to walk away. Bosco was right behind her immediately, travelling a little way back to give her some space. "You okay?"
She shrugged. "I'll be fine. It's just," she turned to him, stopping them both in their journey, "I knew those guys. I had drinks with 'em last week... so did you. You played basketball with them." Her eyes widened a little for a second, and then her voice quietened as she completed her sentence, "And now they're dead."
Bosco frowned at the meaning in her words, even as she continued.
"I'll never have a drink with them again, and you'll never play basketball with them. They'll never laugh, never cry, and never speak with us in the locker room again."
Bosco saw the fear and rage in her eyes, and rubbed her arm in understanding, nodding. "I know what you mean. But we're gonna catch the guy who's doing this, Faith."
She paused, motionless, for a fraction of a second, before she nodded in agreement, and continued on her way to the collection of officers across the street.
Bosco sighed, and muttered to himself under his breath, "At least they died doing what they loved."
With one final glance at the destroyed squad car, Bosco followed directly behind Faith.
* * *
Blue eyes watched from the crowd, witnessing the casual retreat of two police officers, one male, one female, both young. The figure kept their face hidden amidst the mass of nosy bystanders, and sighed with a light smile, soon turning away from the scene of the delightful carnage.
The figure walked, ignoring the attention they gained from people on the street as they moved. Despite the cold, they had neglected to wear a jacket, or hat, even gloves. The cold didn't affect them. It hadn't for about a year now. The only cold they felt was on the inside.
The cold was being pushed out now again though, with each successful and planned strike. So far, everything had gone off without a hitch, and that pleased the figure greatly. It helped to ease the pain that had torn through them ever since... since that day.
It hurt too much to recall it, but that ache inside would soon be soothed. It wasn't long now. It was nearly over.
Four down... two to go.
* * *
Kim yawned, and climbed down out of the bus, walking with purpose to the station, going straight in the large doors that were open, and right up the stairs without saying a word to anyone. She smiled in greeting to a couple of people, but never spoke.
When she reached the end of her ascent, she found very few people around.
Must be on a call, she reasoned, reaching into the fridge to grab a diet soda, opening the can at once, hearing the door slide closed as she walked away. She was hungry, but resisted making something to eat. Kim was trying to tell herself she wasn't hungry... though she didn't know why she was so against food right now. She remembered eating breakfast and lunch, but right now, she didn't feel like eating.
Bobby Caffey came through not long after her, taking a bottle of water from the fridge, and opening the cap, drinking from it thirstily. He looked down on his partner as she seated herself at the round table, sipping at her soda occasionally.
"You okay?" Bobby inquired suddenly, leaning back on the food preparation counter, his hand reaching searchingly into an opened bag of potato chips. His eyes diverted as he snacked.
"I'm fine," Kim replied, and realised she had done so too quickly. Bobby knew her too well. He would figure out immediately that something was on her mind. He just wouldn't know what.
Hell, she didn't know what was bugging her right now.
She supposed that it was all of the police killings that had happened. Four in two days... and two sets of partners... and all from one station. It was too big a coincidence. Something was up, and Kim was eager to know what that something was.
Bobby seated himself, bringing the chips with him, and nibbling on them sporadically. "You're lying."
Kim laughed under her breath. It was just as she had known... Bobby had seen through her charade, and spotted instantly that something was up, and now, in true Bobby Caffey fashion, he wanted to help in any damn way he could.
"It's just everything that's going on right now, that's all," Kim explained with a forced smile.
Bobby cocked his head, unconvinced. He narrowed his eyes in pensive consideration, and ate a potato chip quietly, looking around, as if in search of dip or some further form of snack food.
Kim smiled at his innocence, and sighed lightly, sipping her diet soda.
* * *
"Police! Stop right there!"
It was no good. The guy just kept on running, a girl right behind him. Davis had spotted them about two minutes ago, walking around rather shiftily, eyes glancing around in a frightened fashion.
They were doing drugs, and the guy had just tried to sell a great deal to the girl, and that was when Davis had jumped out of the squad and launched himself into a pursuit. He had been running for a good two minutes now, and he was catching on the girl with swift efficiency. Davis wasn't surprised. He was amazed anyone could run at all in those heels.
Sully had taken off in the unit to try and head them off. He had simply sped off without a word. Perhaps he knew something Davis didn't, which wouldn't have surprised the young officer at all. His partner was often coming up with shocking information he had gained through his long years of police service.
It was just when they were about to emerge on Nicholas Avenue that the girl stumbled, and collapsed to the floor in a heap. The siren of a squad car filled the surrounding area, and the screech of tyres was soon heard.
Davis picked the girl off the floor, and cuffed her, leading her out of the alley just in time to see Sully tackling the guy, after driving his squad right in front of him, cutting him off. The large officer managed to knock him to the ground, and pull his arms roughly behind his back, before pulling out the handcuffs and locking them around the man's wrists, despite his cursing and writhing.
"And it's a real pleasure knowing you as well," Sully grumbled as he shoved the man into the back of the squad. Davis followed up with the girl, and Sully closed the door behind the two of them, even as they started to argue rather heatedly.
Davis climbed in his side of the car, and felt Sully get behind the driver's wheel, just as he shouted, "Will you be quiet back there?"
Instantly, the two were silent, like dogs that had just been spooked and frightened by a command, and were eager to heed it. They sat still and obediently in the back.
Davis smiled at their glum reflections in the rear view mirror, and chuckled quietly, glancing over at Sully.
The man soon took to driving, and they were back on their way to 55th without another word.
* * *
The shift had ended on time for once, all the paperwork done and filed, and all gear returned to lockers and storage safely. Everyone was tired, and run down. Some more than others. Bosco and Faith were two of these people... still a little shocked at what had happened earlier in the day, seeing Faraday and Gregory killed in such a horrific way, two people that they had known personally.
Bosco had barely spoken, well, not anything nice, since their encounter with Tancreedy. Faith had tried to keep the mood light, but she had failed miserably in every attempt, always managing to remind them of what had happened. They just wanted to forget.
"You need a ride?" Bosco offered blandly, sighing, and glancing momentarily at his Mustang.
Faith shook her head. "No, thanks, Bos', I think I'll walk while the rain's eased off. I could do with the fresh air."
He nodded, not sure of what to say from the look on his face. He was a little lost for words, and Faith understood that, even respected it. He felt responsible again. She knew he was thinking that if he had just caught up with that guy, then Faraday and Gregory would probably still be alive. But then he might have died. She doubted that would have bothered him much.
"See you tomorrow, Bos'," she said in farewell, and threw him a slight smile, one that he returned. With that, she walked off, her hands in her pockets, one firmly holding a pepper spray that she had thought to bring since hearing of Hinds' demise. She had had it in her locker for quite a while, and had only just begun using it again.
As she walked through the night streets on her way to the EL, she realised that taking Bosco up on his offer might have been a good idea. She wasn't so sure that being out here on her own was a good idea.
Don't be so paranoid. You know how to take care of yourself, she insisted in her mind, letting out a long breath as she reached the EL, and climbed the steps to catch her train.
He didn't want her to be right. Bosco was afraid of her theory. But what if someone really was aiming for cops? What if he and Faith were at risk?
His eyes found the road again, and he had to take a long, relaxing breath at the terror that swept through him at that potential risk he and his partner was facing right now.
Bosco's eyes found Tancreedy's as the man came to a stop in front of them, and the man held his notebook open at the ready, pen uncapped and poised over the paper. He had seemingly already scribbled a few things down.
"I hear you two witnessed the explosion," Tancreedy said nonchalantly. His eyes left Bosco's, and he started writing something down that the male officer was unable to read.
His curiousity eating at him, Bosco nodded and replied, "Yeah. I was the one who chased the guy down the alley away from the shootout."
"You didn't think to wait for backup?"
Bosco was taken aback. Tancreedy had never gone against Bosco's word before, and it stunned him for a moment, before, with conviction, he responded, "I knew Yokas and the others were there."
Tancreedy shook his head. "You need to stop taking risks, Boscorelli."
Bosco couldn't believe what he was hearing, and his eyes narrowed at once. His hands left his pockets, and the right one balled into a fist. "What're you trying to say?"
"Bosco..." Faith mumbled beneath her breath, her hands twining together as she stood next to her partner, fidgeting awkwardly for a moment. Bosco could see her movements out of the corner of his eye, and he knew she was only trying to stop him from doing something he would regret later.
"You should have waited for confirmation on the identity of the suspect," Tancreedy offered cynically. "If we had known who he was before you bolted off after him... as usual... we might have been able to determine whether or not he was a threat to officers."
Bosco glanced at Faith momentarily, and clenched his teeth with anger, letting out a long breath afterwards, trying to calm himself. Anger coursed through him at the accusation, but he knew to keep his temper with the detectives. Striking out at one would only get him into deep trouble, with no excuse to get himself out of it again.
"Well," Tancreedy began as if he hadn't just accused anyone, "it's a little late for that now." He cleared his throat, and his eyes flicked between the two officers as he asked, "Can you tell me what you saw?"
Bosco kept his mouth shut stubbornly. He wasn't saying a thing... he didn't want to say anything that would give Tancreedy an excuse to scold him again. That was the last thing he needed right now.
Faith took up her cue, and crossed her arms over her chest loosely, replying, "Bosco pursued the suspect down the alley, and they ran all the way here. I arrived shortly after Faraday and Gregory ceased the pursuit. They drove their car," she nodded discreetly with her head, "right out in front of the guy, and jumped out to arrest him. That's when I got here. I got out of the car, and Bosco went around the squad to try and assist with the arrest. I followed."
"Then what happened?" Tancreedy was jotting down notes frantically, his eyes catching Faith every now and then. Bosco just stood silently beside his partner.
"Um..." Faith shook her head as if in reconsideration of her statement, and then continued, "Faraday was knocked back, and the guy... he grabbed Gregory, then opened his jacket... and detonated the bomb. He sent the squad twenty feet into the air. Blew himself apart."
Tancreedy nodded without sympathy, even though he clearly saw how trying it was for Faith to explain the situation, and Bosco glared for a long while as the detective finished off his notes.
"Okay, if we need anything else, we'll get in contact."
Bosco watched Tancreedy pace away, coat billowing behind him, even as he grumbled, "Lookin' forward to it."
Faith sighed loudly, scratching her head, and then began to walk away. Bosco was right behind her immediately, travelling a little way back to give her some space. "You okay?"
She shrugged. "I'll be fine. It's just," she turned to him, stopping them both in their journey, "I knew those guys. I had drinks with 'em last week... so did you. You played basketball with them." Her eyes widened a little for a second, and then her voice quietened as she completed her sentence, "And now they're dead."
Bosco frowned at the meaning in her words, even as she continued.
"I'll never have a drink with them again, and you'll never play basketball with them. They'll never laugh, never cry, and never speak with us in the locker room again."
Bosco saw the fear and rage in her eyes, and rubbed her arm in understanding, nodding. "I know what you mean. But we're gonna catch the guy who's doing this, Faith."
She paused, motionless, for a fraction of a second, before she nodded in agreement, and continued on her way to the collection of officers across the street.
Bosco sighed, and muttered to himself under his breath, "At least they died doing what they loved."
With one final glance at the destroyed squad car, Bosco followed directly behind Faith.
* * *
Blue eyes watched from the crowd, witnessing the casual retreat of two police officers, one male, one female, both young. The figure kept their face hidden amidst the mass of nosy bystanders, and sighed with a light smile, soon turning away from the scene of the delightful carnage.
The figure walked, ignoring the attention they gained from people on the street as they moved. Despite the cold, they had neglected to wear a jacket, or hat, even gloves. The cold didn't affect them. It hadn't for about a year now. The only cold they felt was on the inside.
The cold was being pushed out now again though, with each successful and planned strike. So far, everything had gone off without a hitch, and that pleased the figure greatly. It helped to ease the pain that had torn through them ever since... since that day.
It hurt too much to recall it, but that ache inside would soon be soothed. It wasn't long now. It was nearly over.
Four down... two to go.
* * *
Kim yawned, and climbed down out of the bus, walking with purpose to the station, going straight in the large doors that were open, and right up the stairs without saying a word to anyone. She smiled in greeting to a couple of people, but never spoke.
When she reached the end of her ascent, she found very few people around.
Must be on a call, she reasoned, reaching into the fridge to grab a diet soda, opening the can at once, hearing the door slide closed as she walked away. She was hungry, but resisted making something to eat. Kim was trying to tell herself she wasn't hungry... though she didn't know why she was so against food right now. She remembered eating breakfast and lunch, but right now, she didn't feel like eating.
Bobby Caffey came through not long after her, taking a bottle of water from the fridge, and opening the cap, drinking from it thirstily. He looked down on his partner as she seated herself at the round table, sipping at her soda occasionally.
"You okay?" Bobby inquired suddenly, leaning back on the food preparation counter, his hand reaching searchingly into an opened bag of potato chips. His eyes diverted as he snacked.
"I'm fine," Kim replied, and realised she had done so too quickly. Bobby knew her too well. He would figure out immediately that something was on her mind. He just wouldn't know what.
Hell, she didn't know what was bugging her right now.
She supposed that it was all of the police killings that had happened. Four in two days... and two sets of partners... and all from one station. It was too big a coincidence. Something was up, and Kim was eager to know what that something was.
Bobby seated himself, bringing the chips with him, and nibbling on them sporadically. "You're lying."
Kim laughed under her breath. It was just as she had known... Bobby had seen through her charade, and spotted instantly that something was up, and now, in true Bobby Caffey fashion, he wanted to help in any damn way he could.
"It's just everything that's going on right now, that's all," Kim explained with a forced smile.
Bobby cocked his head, unconvinced. He narrowed his eyes in pensive consideration, and ate a potato chip quietly, looking around, as if in search of dip or some further form of snack food.
Kim smiled at his innocence, and sighed lightly, sipping her diet soda.
* * *
"Police! Stop right there!"
It was no good. The guy just kept on running, a girl right behind him. Davis had spotted them about two minutes ago, walking around rather shiftily, eyes glancing around in a frightened fashion.
They were doing drugs, and the guy had just tried to sell a great deal to the girl, and that was when Davis had jumped out of the squad and launched himself into a pursuit. He had been running for a good two minutes now, and he was catching on the girl with swift efficiency. Davis wasn't surprised. He was amazed anyone could run at all in those heels.
Sully had taken off in the unit to try and head them off. He had simply sped off without a word. Perhaps he knew something Davis didn't, which wouldn't have surprised the young officer at all. His partner was often coming up with shocking information he had gained through his long years of police service.
It was just when they were about to emerge on Nicholas Avenue that the girl stumbled, and collapsed to the floor in a heap. The siren of a squad car filled the surrounding area, and the screech of tyres was soon heard.
Davis picked the girl off the floor, and cuffed her, leading her out of the alley just in time to see Sully tackling the guy, after driving his squad right in front of him, cutting him off. The large officer managed to knock him to the ground, and pull his arms roughly behind his back, before pulling out the handcuffs and locking them around the man's wrists, despite his cursing and writhing.
"And it's a real pleasure knowing you as well," Sully grumbled as he shoved the man into the back of the squad. Davis followed up with the girl, and Sully closed the door behind the two of them, even as they started to argue rather heatedly.
Davis climbed in his side of the car, and felt Sully get behind the driver's wheel, just as he shouted, "Will you be quiet back there?"
Instantly, the two were silent, like dogs that had just been spooked and frightened by a command, and were eager to heed it. They sat still and obediently in the back.
Davis smiled at their glum reflections in the rear view mirror, and chuckled quietly, glancing over at Sully.
The man soon took to driving, and they were back on their way to 55th without another word.
* * *
The shift had ended on time for once, all the paperwork done and filed, and all gear returned to lockers and storage safely. Everyone was tired, and run down. Some more than others. Bosco and Faith were two of these people... still a little shocked at what had happened earlier in the day, seeing Faraday and Gregory killed in such a horrific way, two people that they had known personally.
Bosco had barely spoken, well, not anything nice, since their encounter with Tancreedy. Faith had tried to keep the mood light, but she had failed miserably in every attempt, always managing to remind them of what had happened. They just wanted to forget.
"You need a ride?" Bosco offered blandly, sighing, and glancing momentarily at his Mustang.
Faith shook her head. "No, thanks, Bos', I think I'll walk while the rain's eased off. I could do with the fresh air."
He nodded, not sure of what to say from the look on his face. He was a little lost for words, and Faith understood that, even respected it. He felt responsible again. She knew he was thinking that if he had just caught up with that guy, then Faraday and Gregory would probably still be alive. But then he might have died. She doubted that would have bothered him much.
"See you tomorrow, Bos'," she said in farewell, and threw him a slight smile, one that he returned. With that, she walked off, her hands in her pockets, one firmly holding a pepper spray that she had thought to bring since hearing of Hinds' demise. She had had it in her locker for quite a while, and had only just begun using it again.
As she walked through the night streets on her way to the EL, she realised that taking Bosco up on his offer might have been a good idea. She wasn't so sure that being out here on her own was a good idea.
Don't be so paranoid. You know how to take care of yourself, she insisted in her mind, letting out a long breath as she reached the EL, and climbed the steps to catch her train.