"So, where we goin'?" Bosco asked after driving aimlessly for a few blocks.
"'We' aren't goin' anywhere. Take me to Penn Station," Faith replied staring out the window.
"'Gee, Bosco, thank you for comin' ta get me and carryin' me down that fire escape.' You're welcome, Faith. 'Please?' 'Thank you?' These words have any special meanin' for ya?" Bosco grumbled. "What time does your train leave?"
"I don't know yet. Just take me there all right? Please," Faith added sarcastically.
"Tell me where you're goin' and I'll take ya to the station."
"I don't know where. Where ever the first train out is goin'. Preferably somewhere warmer," Faith replied laying her head against the window watching the city go by.
"Faith, I really don't think...."
"No, Bosco, you don't think and nobody's askin' ya to. Either shut up and drive or stop and let me out," Faith exploded turning to glare at him.
"Fine," Bosco said glaring back. Bosco turned, heading up Third Avenue without another word.
"You're goin' the wrong way, Bosco. Bosco, stop this car right now. Bosco!" Faith yelled whacking him on the arm when he refused to answer. He didn't speak or so much as glance at her for several blocks.
"I'll be right back. Don't go anywhere," Bosco said exiting the car after stopping in front of his apartment building.
"BOSCO! I will NOT be here when you get back," Faith yelled after him rolling down her window. Bosco stopped and leaned to look in her window.
"You're forgetting your stuff is in the trunk and I have the keys. See?" He said dangling the keys in front of her. He snatched them back as she made a grab for them then turned and sprinted into the building.
Once in his apartment, Bosco made quick work of packing the bare essentials into a duffle bag. He grabbed some snacks and a couple bottles of soda from the kitchen before rejoining Faith in the car.
"So you wanted to go someplace warmer?" Bosco asked forcing her to take one of the sodas before pulling out his cell phone.
"Bosco, I'm not goin' anywhere but Penn Station with you. I don't think I'm going to get hungry or thirsty between here and there," Faith said throwing the snacks onto the back seat.
"Just a second, Faith. Lieutenant? This is Boscorelli. I've got a family emergency and I'm gonna be gone for a few days. Thanks, Boss, I owe ya one," Bosco said before turning off the phone and dropping it next to the snacks on the back seat.
"Bosco, you can't do that. You can't just call and say you're takin' off."
"I've got more vacation saved up than any three other guys on the force. When was the last time I took a vacation? Never. The boss is puttin' in my request for a week's vacation," Bosco informed her as he pulled away from the curb.
"I'm not goin' anywhere with you. You're takin' me to the train station and that's the end of it," Faith growled fixing him with her sternest glare.
"Then I guess I am kidnappin' ya cause I'm not lettin' ya out of the car at Penn Station. And since you won't say where ya wanna go, I think I want to drive down to a beach someplace warm and get some sun," Bosco said ignoring the scowl that in the past would have stopped him in his tracks.
"I've gotta go to the bathroom," Faith said her scowl lightening slightly.
"Nice try," Bosco replied with a grin. He had to suppress a laugh when he saw her cross her arms over her chest before she turned to glower out the window. They drove through the streets of Manhattan with only loud sighs and barely concealed snickers breaking the silence.
"It's warmer in Brooklyn, Bos?" Faith asked sarcastically as Bosco turned toward the Brooklyn Bridge.
"I'm takin' the scenic route. This is my vacation ya know," Bosco said smiling over at her.
"Whatever," Faith grumbled. She reached into the back seat grabbing a box of Cheezits and began munching loudly.
"Faith, stop sulkin' and look at that. Isn't that the best thing ya ever seen?" Bosco said slowing down as the reached the middle of the Verrazano Bridge. Looking out the passenger window Bosco pointed toward the Statue of Liberty, the Manhattan skyline right behind her. The sun was glistening off the water and the glass buildings of the Financial District, and he could just make out the orange of the Staten Island Ferry speeding across the Bay.
"I live in New York, Bosco. I don't need to sight see here," Faith grumbled but still stared at the view, craning her neck until it was completely out of view. They rode in silence as they traveled south through Staten Island.
"You know we're in New Jersey now and you kidnappin' me just became a Federal offence, right?" Faith asked sarcastically as they crossed the state line.
"I think I could argue that you're the one that started all this. You called me, remember?"
The only answer he got was silence and the occasional sigh. "You missed the exit to the Turnpike."
"I don't wanna take the Turnpike."
"But it's the fastest way," Faith said pulling an atlas out from under the passenger seat.
"Way to where? I thought you were here against you're will and now you're tellin' me where we're goin'?" Bosco teased casting a glance and a grin at Faith who was searching for the map of New Jersey in the book.
"Shut up, Bos," Faith grumbled.
"Yes, ma'am," Bosco said trying to hide a smile. He was still wondering if all this wasn't some dream. Faith hadn't talked to him in months. For all he knew she hated his guts, but here she sat arguing with him like nothing had ever happened. Granted he was probably the only person she knew who could carry her down a fire escape, but he was still hopeful that they could get back to where they'd been before Cruz came between them. No, not back there exactly. Someplace better, someplace where bein' partners went both ways.
Bosco pulled into a filling station and got out of the car. He took Faith's crutches out of the trunk then leaning them against the car opened her door. Without a word or offer of help, he started fueling up the car.
Faith craned her head out looking back at Bosco who appeared to be purposely ignoring her. With a loud sigh she slung her bag over her shoulder and reached around to grab her crutches. She stood up too quickly and fell back into the car causing Bosco to take a step toward her, but no further.
"Ya know if ya keep sighin' like that you're gonna hyperventilate," Bosco stated as she sighed again hoisting herself out of the car once again.
"I'm just stiff from ridin' so long," Faith grumbled before going inside.
Bosco followed after filling up the tank. He looked around, not finding Faith. He figured she was still in the restroom and wondered again what the heck took her so long. He decided a visit to the restroom wouldn't be a bad idea. When he came out, still no Faith. He picked up more snacks and drinks then started perusing the shelves of souvenirs.
"Bosco, you live in New York. You really need souvenirs from New Jersey?" Faith asked moving to stand next to him.
"I've never been on a real vacation. Don't cha think I should get somethin' from all the states I visit? Anyway, what the hell took ya so long? I was beginin' to think you went out a window," Bosco teased picking up a magnet shaped like the state of New Jersey.
"Very funny. Are we ready to go?" Faith asked moving toward the door.
Bosco paid for his gas, the food, and his very first souvenir before holding the door open for her. He opened the trunk after dumping the new provisions in the back seat. Faith handed him her crutches and eased herself into the car. He put them in the trunk then climbed behind the wheel.
He stuck his magnet to the dash in front of Faith. He watched her fight a grin before starting the car and pulling away.
"Thanks, Bos," Faith whispered almost too quietly for him to hear. They were definitely on their way to someplace better.