(Bosco)

I parked outside my father's apartment.

I had been here two days before, looking for Mikey, who for some unknown reason, had been living with him. Why, I didn't know. I guess Mikey had forgiven him for beating the shit out of us all of those times... all those times we were locked in the closet.

But I hadn't.

And tonight, I had a new reason to have unreasonable fury in my heart.

I knock hard on his door.

And if the asshole doesn't answer, I'll knock it down.

Fortunately for him, he answered.

He looks surprised... and a little worried.

"Maurice? Is something wrong? Is Mikey okay, did something happen?"

I give him a saccharine-sweet smile which is totally at odds with my eyes.

"No... Dad. Well, actually something is wrong, but can I come in and talk?"

He's stupid enough to let me.

He shuts the door.

I push him out of the way. Hard.

No more friendly Maurice. No more kind son that I had morphed into the last three days. Because the friendly, kind son had gotten royally screwed in that short amount of time.

"Maurice, what the hell...?" my father began.

"Shut up," I spin around, "Now, we gotta have a little talk. Let's go into the living room, shall we?"

My father stares at me for a beat, "You're fucking insane. I'm calling the cops."

I shake my head, smiling.

Then I lunge forward, and grab his arm.

"You forget Anthony, I am the police. So sit down, and shut the fuck up."

For the first time in all my life, fear shines in my father's eyes.

******************************************************************************

(Faith)

When I get home, the kids are there, but Fred is not.

Big surprise. He's been angry, no, strike that, furious with me since I had gone back to work with Bosco.

Emily smiles as I come in, though, and kisses me on the cheek. Thank god for her and Charlie.

Irrational, spiteful husbands can go to hell.

I sank onto the sofa, taking Emily with me, "How was your day, sweetie?"

"It was fine. Charlie got a A on his report. He's been waiting to show you... Charlie!" she hollered, as I winced at the sheer size of her yell.

"You've got quite a set of lungs on you girl." I said.

She grinned.

I heard pounding footsteps, and then my son threw himself into my arms.

"Hey Charlie-boy, how was school? Em says you have something important to show me."

He smiles, and nods, those sweet brown eyes of his shining proudly, "I got a A on my report. Almost got 100%. Mrs. Rosen said she was very impressed with my work."

I laughed, and ruffled his hair.

"I'm very impressed too, and very proud."

"So how was your day, Mom?" Emily asked.

I paused, hesitating.

Emily cocked her head to the side, studying me, "Mom?"

I smile, "Same old thing, ya know?"

Charlie grinned, and Emily nodded, but I could tell that she didn't believe me.

"Charlie, didn't you say you had homework?" she asked.

He shrugged.

"Well, get in your room, and finish it. Let's keep those A's coming."

Once Charlie had gone to his room, Emily turned to me, "Okay, what's going on?"

I hesitated again.

"It's okay Mom, I promise I won't say a word to Daddy."

Looking into her shimmering, sincere eyes, I knew she wouldn't.

I told her what had happened with Mikey and Bosco. The drug deals and everything.

When I finished, her shoulders had slumped, "Poor Bosco."

I nodded, "Yeah, Mikey's going away for a long time. But what's worse is, he lied to Bosco... he used him."

I stood, "Since your father isn't home, I'm going to call and see if he's okay."

Emily nodded approvingly, "Good idea."

I picked up the phone, and rapidly dialed Bosco's number.

It rang.

And rang and rang and rang.

Nobody answered.

A chill went through me and I slowly replaced the receiver.

I turned to Emily, "No one answered..."

She looked concerned, "What does that mean?"

"I don't know. He said he was going home."

Emily swallowed, "Do you think you should go check on him?"

I thought for a moment. Bosco could be in trouble, he could've done something incredibly stupid, even though I didn't want to admit that. On the other hand, if I went to his apartment, and Fred came home, I would be in serious trouble.

It took me only a moment to come to a conclusion.

"Will you be okay with Charlie for a second?" I ask, as I palmed my car keys.

She nodded, looking worried, her face pale. Her arms were crossed, and she was gripping her elbows tightly.

"What should I tell Dad? If he comes home?" Emily asked quietly.

I paused, halfway out the door.

Screw him, I thought.

"Tell him my partner needed me."