Rated R for content
RULES AND BROKEN TRUST
Chapter 4
Bosco's sleep was interrupted the next afternoon by the blinding filter of sunlight through Vinny's shades. At first Bosco was disoriented, unable to focus due to the intense annoyance.
A moment later, severe pain and soreness registered. Squinting, he tried to open his eyes, and found the right one was swollen shut.
"What the fuck!" He exclaimed as he shut his eyes against the light. He reached up to his face and discovered a bandage across his cheek, another on his eyebrow. The movement of his arm caused his ribs to protest with sharp pains, as well as his back.
Attempting to sit up, he discovered that wasn't going to be an easy task. Easing his way up into a sitting position a slight moan escaped his lips. He looked down to see bruised and raw flesh on his side.
"What the hell? Damn, my back is killing me!" He swore as he squirmed in discomfort.
Looking around at his surroundings he was temporarily confused; a little worried about why he was in a strange place, beat the hell up. The splitting headache instantly made him feel lightheaded.
He then realized he had fallen asleep with just a towel around his waist, and had not even bothered to pull the blankets over him. 'I took a shower?' He thought, then realized he was on a couch bed.
"No wonder I'm so stiff," he groaned again, his muscles protesting as he pulled himself up using the arm of the couch for help. "OOAAAAwwww! DAM MITT!" He moaned loudly holding on to the sides of the mattress to stay upright.
Sitting there, his feet on the floor, he took a closer look around the apartment, and it all quickly came back to him. "Son-of-a-bitch! Motherfuc...if I get my hands on that jagoff!"
"Vinny? Hey Vinny," he called faintly down the hall of the one bedroom apartment, not wanting to wake him up if he was still out.
He tried to stand up, a little too fast for his heads liking.
"Damn what the hell did that jagoff hit me with? I feel like I got ran over by semi-truck, and it dragged me five miles!" Squinting around the living room again he noticed a grandfather clock, immediately swearing.
"Oh shit! One thirty?" He was supposed to be at his Ma's for lunch and had told her he would be there around eleven o'clock.
Attempting to stand again, he swayed. Finally steadying himself, he headed down the hall to the bathroom. Entering, he looked for his clothes and found them washed and folded on top of the hamper next to the sink.
"Geesh Vin, you didn't have too do that," he said with a small smile on his face. Checking himself in the mirror, he observed the handy work the asshole did on him.
"Oh crap, worse than I thought. Feels worse this morning too, without all the beer. Wonder if Vin has anymore of those pills; that sure helped. Have to get me some of those, that shit was good!" Bosco was looking down examining his chest.
"Shit, this is so not good! I'm gonna have to get a release for this, no way Lieu will let me work the streets," he winced, gingerly feeling the area. "Fucking house mouse shit, I HATE desk duty!"
Turning in the mirror to try to see his back, he could make out some of the angry dark bruise.
"Okay so maybe it wasn't such a hot idea to not go in," he curved more to try to see the rest.
Sighing, he went to the toilet to relieve himself. As he was standing there, looking around at the bathroom, "Hum, nice place you got here, wonder why the elevator's broken?", something lying on the floor behind the hamper, caught his eye.
Finishing, he flushed, and then reached down, picking up the fallen piece of clothing, intending to put it in the hamper for Vinny.
"Huh, must have forgot this," it was a uniform shirt, complete with badge, then he realized it was HIS. "What the hell?" Puzzled, realizing this was his shirt from yesterday.
He lay the shirt on the counter and picked up his other clothes, dressing, slowly, groaning as he pulled his shirt on, but he got it done. Putting his socks and shoes on actually proved to be the hardest thing, sitting on the side of the tub, bending over was causing sharp and burning pains to shoot through his back and side, and it made his head pound.
When he was finished, he took a minute to sit doing nothing but breathing, waiting for his 'pains' to subside. Then standing again, looking in the mirror he passed his hands through his hair to smooth it and grabbed his uniform shirt, exiting the bathroom.
Running into Vinny, "OH CRAP! SHIT!!" Bosco yelled, "MAN DON'T DO THAT!", as he jumped back, his heart pounding, his head joining in on the rhythm section. Grabbing his side, "OOOWWW!"
"Sorry!" Vinny laughed, "You okay?", reaching his hand out to steady Bosco.
"I will be when my heart gets back in my freaking chest!" Bosco laughed quietly now, taking a deep breath, and blowing it out. "Damm that hurts!" then, remembering, held up the uniform shirt, "Hey, where'd you get my shirt?"
Vinny looked surprised, "Oh, you left it on the bench yesterday. Since you'd already left and your locker wasn't open, I threw it in my bag, didn't want it to disappear, its got your shield on it."
"Thanks," Bosco grinned,"yeah, don't want to lose another pay, because some jerk thinks that shit is funny. I already lost enough with that suspension a few months back. Oh and you didn't have to wash my clothes, but thanks, that was nice."
"Hear that," Vinny nodded, then, "Losing pay for stupid stuff is crappy, and I was washing mine so...plus, didn't think you'd really want to wear those after lying on that stadium heads nasty floor, plus your jersey and jeans were covered with blood, that head of yours really bled," he paused, then added, "Oh, Hey, I went out and got something to eat, you interested?"
"Uh, yeah, thanks, I didn't think of that, glad now I did shower," Bosco remarked, making a face. Vinny laughed, shaking his head.
"But, no thanks on the food," Bosco replied, moving past him, walking into the living room, "My heads messing with my stomach, I probably couldn't keep it down. I think I will go in to see the Doc this afternoon," then, pausing, looking disgusted, "Oh crap it's Sunday! I forgot about that, damn."
Reaching the living room, he started trying to put the couch back together pulling the pillows off.
"Hey, don't worry about that," Vinny moved to take the pillows from him, "I'll get it later. Why don't we go into the ER. Proctor can probably get you looked at without much trouble. Besides, I need to talk to her, tell her how you're scared of her, says she has cold hands!"
Bosco laughed, "Man, don't make me laugh, it hurts too much, but yeah, that's probably what I'll do," then he turned to Vinny, "Hey, Vin, thank you, for, "he paused, "you know, everything. I really appreciate it."
"No, problem," Vinny smiled, "That's what partners are for."
"Well, anyway, thanks," he responded, then, "partner." Smiling back.
For the first time in a long time, Bosco felt like maybe he did have a friend again at the precient, someone he wouldn't have to worry wouldn't have his back because of how he'd screwed up. Of course there was Ty, and even Sully, but he didn't really hang with them anymore, or anyone else, and now with Sasha out, he just figured it was too much trouble to make small talk, or stare down the other still pissed off cops.
"Well, I guess I'd better call a cab," he sighed, "need to get going, told my Ma I'd stop by today, Man is she going to flip out!"
"Hey, let me take you," Vinny offered, "I have to head that way anyhow, got some things to do uptown."
"No, you've done enough already," Bosco protested. "Really, I can catch a cab."
He was heading for the door, when Vinny hollered at him, "DAM MITT BOSCO!! WHY DO YOU ALWAYS HAVE TO BE SO SUBBORN?"
Bosco, backing up shocked, said, "Hey, what's your problem?"
"YOU! First, I go get food, which you refuse, then you don't want help getting to the hospital," Vinny calmed down, "You need to realize that shutting everyone out is why you don't have friends at work, and why you cause so much grief for yourself! Bosco, you have to let people help once in awhile, BEFORE you need backup!"
Bosco now had his mouth open, in surprise. "OKAY, so, if I don't let you feed me, or give me another ride, I'm shutting you out?"
He quickly softened his voice. "Vin, man, you did enough already, I don't want to take advantage, that's all," Bosco said letting out a small laugh. "Geesh, you sound like Faith, and my mother, two 'mom's' is enough, alright?" He then sobered, looking him straight in the eye, "And as far as my work relationship stuff, that's none of your business, it's... complicated."
"I got to go," Bosco moved again to the door, then stopped, thinking about what Faith had told him, when Fred had his heart attack, and then again when they broke up their partnership, he stopped, biting his cheek, then turned sighing, saying, "Look if it'll make you feel like I'm NOT shutting the door here, which I wasn't, then, maybe you can give me a ride to the hospital?"
Vinny nodded at him, a pleased look on his face. "That's better, besides, how would you pay for a cab? You don't have any money?"
Bosco started laughing, "Oh yeah, I forgot."
"Let me get my keys, and hit the head," laughing now, then he gave a dramatic pause, and reaching into his pocket exclaimed, "Oh I almost forgot! Look what I found. Must have fallen under the front seat last night," holding up a set of keys. He tossed them to Bosco, who caught them, but just barely, "and you might want to get started, seeings as how it took you so long to get up here last night."
"Funny," Bosco shook his head grinning; looking at his keys in puzzlement, "wonder how they fell out of my pocket?"
Not seeing the smirk on Vinny's face as he turned to head to the door, to take him up on the offer of a head start. Three flights was a lot of stairs. Bosco failed to hear Vinny's low, "Oh, they didn't FALL out, love, and I ENJOYED finding them," as he walked into the bathroom.
The next day:
"DAMN BOSCO! You try to get IN the game?" Sully was staring at his eye and cheek.
"Yeah, and I forgot to wear a helmet!" Bosco smarted off, as he pulled his locker open.
"Good grief," Sully continued, "That is the worst blackeye I've seen in a long time, and look at those stitches! Can you see out of that thing?"
"I can see just fine, Sully," Bosco sat down pulling his street shoes off, wincing as he bent over, "just as long as I don't look too hard at you!"
Sully laughed, putting his finishing touches on his hair, "Seriously, how the hell did you get that?"
"Mind your own business Sully," Bosco warned as he stood to remove his shirt. "You don't need to know EVERYTHING!"
"Probably got it from his girlfriend," Ty grinned, joining in as he hung his jacket in his locker. "You know the kind of girls he dates."
"You know," Bosco sarcastically remarked, "you two should go on the road together, get an act, leave ME the HELL ALONE, why is it that you people get such enjoyment out of MY pain?"
"Cause we can?" Sully smiled warmly at him, "And cause you make it sooo easy!"
"Ha, ha, ha! Heard it before!" Bosco rolled his eyes, but he was grinning, "Forgot to laugh, then, too."
Sully left after winking at Ty, going to roll call, Ty laughed, then looked over at Bosco.
"SON-of-a-BITCH, BOS!" He exclaimed in concern and shock, seeing Bosco's back as he removed his shirt, "What the hell happened to you?"
Bosco turned to him, exclaiming in a hoarse whisper, "Shut up!"
Looking around to see if anyone had noticed, he pulled an undershirt out of his locker. Slipping it on as fast as his sore muscles would allow, he quickly grabbed his uniform shirt. Remembering he needed his vest, he put down the shirt, picked the vest up, trying to put it on.
"UH, I don't think you're going to need that today," Ty said doubtfully, walking over to him, "Swersky's not going to let you out on the streets like that!"
"Yeah, well I can see just fine, and unless someone tells him about anything else..." looking at Ty pointedly, "he has no reason to make me stay in! Besides, I'm fine, nothing's going to happen!"
"Okay, and what will happen if you have to 'handle' someone?" Ty pulled Bosco's vest from his hands. Bosco tried to prevent him from taking it, but had to let go, wincing in pain, a cry escaping him, "Aaaaa". Then Ty added, "You will end up on the ground in 5 seconds flat! That's what will happen!"
Bosco tried to get the vest back, but Ty held it out of reach.
"Ty!" warned Bosco, "That ain't funny. Give me my vest." "NO," Ty moved away, "Bosco, there is no way, you're going out there today!"
Bosco was fuming. He knew Ty could keep the vest from him, remembering the time Ty took his utility belt away because he'd called him a giraffe, and put it on top of the lockers. He'd needed to get a damn chair to reach where Ty'd put it. Bosco had been late for roll call 'yeah, like I need help doing THAT', because of it. So now, especially now in his condition, he tried a different approach.
"Look, let me get dressed; WITH my vest; and if Swersky says I have to stay in, I won't argue," he gave his best 'puppy dog' look, "and if I do, you can rat me out to the principal."
Ty laughed, "Okay, okay, just don't look so pitiful. Geesh!" He handed the vest back to him, "But I'm telling you, if you argue, I'm telling DAD."
Laughing, Bosco took the vest, then sobering, added quietly, "I got mugged." "What!" Ty looked shocked, "Where?" "Game," Bosco answered, "But don't say anything." "Did they get the guy?" Ty questioned.
"Nope, I didn't see him, he came up behind me, and when I tried to turn around...he hit me," Bosco was trying to put the vest over his head, neglecting to tell Ty how it happened, or what happened after. Ty stepping up, helped him pull it down over his head.
"WHAT the hell with! A damn BAT! Damn, did he get your wallet and shit," Ty was pulling the back of the vest down.
Neither had seen the locker room door open, or Vinny pull the door back to nearly closed. He stood there, watching when he saw Ty and Bosco talking together. A look of anger coming over his face when Ty began to assist Bosco in dressing.
"With a pipe evidently. Yeah, he got my wallet And my keys, And the one creditcard I carry, And my license, AND my badge." Bosco was pulling the straps around, Ty took them and pressed them down, trying not to hurt him, as Bosco glanced up looking at him over his shoulder, adding, "Oh and my new watch too! Bastard."
"Damn, Bos, I'm sorry man," then he offered, "Do you need a ride or anything downtown to get your replacement licence?"
"Yeah, and if your offering one, I might take you up on it," smoothing the front of the straps into place, Bosco looked up smiling his thanks, "You don't mind?"
"No," Ty replied, as he finished the straps; then, he picked up Bosco's shirt and helped him put it on, pulling it up over his shoulders, "I have to go down there anyway, my license expires next month, just soon get it done now. How about I pick you up tommorow, around 10:00?" He stepped away, going to his own locker now,
"Better make that 8:00 if we want to get the hell out of there in time for work," Bosco wasn't looking forward to the long lines and the longer wait, "Oh and Don't say anything to Sully, I don't want to hear it from him!"
"Sounds like a plan," Ty laughed, "Don't worry, I won't tell Sul. Our little secret, unless you don't tell Lieu that is", pulling on his uniform jacket as Vinny came through the door, "Hey Vinny, how you doing today! Better hurry, rollcalls in 5."
"I know when roll call is Davis," Vinny snapped, then gave him a dirty look as Ty passed him on his way out.
"Fine!" Ty laughed, 'Don't bite MY head off! What you get up on the wrong side of the bed?"
Vinny didn't answer him, he just stalked over to his locker, glancing at Bosco as he went. Ty looked at Bosco who shrugged his shoulders at him, saying, "Don't look at me."
Ty laughed, then, "See you guys later," leaving the room.
When he was gone, Vinny said, "How you feeling today?" "Fine," Bosco answered, sitting down to put his shoes on, "Swellings gone down some, I can see again anyway," he smirked, "as long as I don't have to look at Sully that is." "Huh?" Vinny looked up from his bag. "Nothing," Bosco laughed, "just a joke."
"Oh," he was watching Bosco grab his utility belt, pulling it around his waist and hooking it, then Bosco smoothed the front of his pants, adjusting the belt.
Remembering Saturday night, Vinny blushed, smiling slightly, and looked down, digging in his bag again.
"Hey," Bosco looked up, "Thanks again, for helping me, I really appreciate it. Maybe I'll be able to return the favor someday...only not for such a painful reason." He groaned as he pulled his jacket on. "You sure you're okay?" Vinny asked worriedly, "Maybe you should have taken a day off?" "Naa, I'll make it," Bosco said distractedly as he threw his bag in the locker, closing it with his usual BANG, and walked to the door, "See you in a few, better hurry."
Vinny watched him walk out, the door closing behind him, then went back to changing, "Ty Davis better watch his back," he growled. Then he reminded himself to ask Bosco about getting his license replaced, see if he could get him to let him take him instead of Davis.
Rollcall:
"Boscorelli!" Lt. Swersky was looking at him, or trying to as Bosco was ducking around, trying to stay behind Sullivan, trying in vain to avoid him. "Sullivan, would you please move, as in GET UP and MOVE!" Lieu asked an overly pleasant tone to his voice. Sully grinned, "Sure thing Boss!", as he stood, moving away, no longer Bosco's shield.
"WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED TO YOU!" Lieu hollared at him, causing laughter to roll around the room as Bosco shrank down in his desk, and the other officers enjoyed his 'hotseat' attention from Lieu.
"His girlfriend had enough of his always showing up late!" called out one officer from the back. "Probably got another perp with a Door!" hollared one from the other side of the room. "Naa, his Mom caught him sneaking out his window again!" shouted another. "I heard it was from sneaking IN the Captains daughters window!" yet another. The last comment caused an uproar of catcalls and laughter as Bosco turned redfaced; trying to 'grin and bear' it.
"WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU PEOPLE!"
Everyone stopped laughing, staring at Vinny, who was standing now, anger evident on his face and in his body language, as he continued, "HE ALMOST GOT KILLED YOU ASSHOLES! DON'T YOU IDIOTS CARE, OR, WOULD THAT HAVE MADE YOU HAPPY!" stopping he was redfaced and clenching his fists.
Bosco was amoung the shocked faces surprised at his outburst, but, inside he was secretly pleased as well as completely mortified that Vinny would 'defend' him. The Less attention about these kinds of things the better as far as Bosco was concerned.
"ENOUGH!" Lieu shouted, "SIT DOWN!" then looking around the room to include them all, "Rollcall is over, hit the bricks!" The room began to clear, and he said, "Not you, Boscorelli, you stay put. You too, Vetresco."
As the others left the room, comments were made, "Man, what is his problem, it was just a joke; Guys got issues; Heard he's just a bigger Bosco; Made for each other."
Lieu gave a couple of 'enough' looks and then the room was clear except for Bosco and Vinny.
"Well?" Lieu asked looking directly at Bosco, "Want to fill me in, on how you, 'Almost got Killed?"
"Not really?" Bosco tried grinning, but, sighed as he saw that Tight look come over Lieu's face, "But, I guess you're not going to just let it go?"
Swersky gave a couple of Very Slow head shakes, and folded his arms across his chest, leaning back against the poduim.
"Didn't think so," Bosco sighed, "It was no big deal, really, I just got hit in the head, I'm fine." He ended his little 'white' lie with a smile. Lieu having listened to him, nodded slowly, then turned to Vinny, "That what happened?"
Vinny glanced at Bosco, who was giving him a look of 'please don't'. "Yeah, Boss," Vinny replied quietly, not happy.
"Un huh," Lieu obviously not pleased with that answer, or believing it; looked back at Bosco, "Come here," then seeing the hesitation in Bosco's face, "NOW."
Bosco carefully got up, trying NOT to look like he was in pain, standing he walked over to Lieu, "See?" he grinned, "I'm Fine."
Swersky looked at him a moment, then quick as a snake, gave him a smack on the ribs, not hard, but still, enough that Bosco flinched away, the quick movement seized his sore muscles, causing him to gasp and grit his teeth to keep from crying out. "Take it off," Lieu commanded him. "Excuse me?" Bosco asked surprised, "Bossss..." "I said Take it OFF, your shirt, your vest, Now!" he was not kidding.
After 10 + years Bosco knew he wasn't getting out of this with Swersky. So, sighing, he unbuttoned his shirt, his shirts cuffs, and began to slide out of it, Swersky watching his face. Once he had it off he stood there, knowing that the 'damage' was hidden by the vest . "OFF BOSCO!" Lieu wasn't a stupid man, just because what he COULD see was okay didn't mean that was all he SHOULD see. "FINE," Bosco began to try to remove the straps, but found that pulling on them was more than he could stand, and his hands started to shake. The vest was giving his back fits as he pulled.
Swersky shook his head in aggravation, and reached out helping him with them, then pulling the vest open he grabbed Bosco's undershirt pulling it out from the waistband of his pants and lifted it. "OH MY GOD!!" he exclaimed, looking first at the injuries to his side, then moving around and seeing his back, "WHAT HAPPENED!?"
"He got mugged at the Giants game," Vinny spoke up, seeing that Bosco was remaining silent, "Guy hit him with a pipe. Took his wallet and his watch."
Dave dropped Bosco's undershirt back into place, then shaking his head grabbed the vest, pulling it up over his head, removing it from him, "Put your shirt back on, you are going HOME!"
Then he put the vest on the podium, and as Bosco dressed again, Without his vest..."Did they CATCH the guy? Did you GET a report? Where is your Work Release? I know you went in, I can see the stitches!"
"NO, they didn't catch him, yeah, I got a release for work, and yeah, I got stitches," Bosco replied, looking down at the buttons on his shirt as he did them up.
Dave watched him, then, slowly, as if speaking to a child (which he sometimes felt he was doing with Bosco, though he admitted not as much anymore), "DID...You...get...a...Report!?"
"No," Bosco glanced up, then buttoned his cuffs, "I forgot."
"YOU FORGOT!, Bosco you're a cop for crips sake! How could you not file a REPORT!", then taking a deep breath, to calm down, Dave Swersky, asked, "Where is your badge report? HUH? I know you had it in your wallet, so, now it's out there? With someone who would do this!? HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A COP?" "Uh...I didn't do it yet?" Bosco picked up his vest, standing there, waiting, "But, I'll go do that now?" "YEAH, good idea," Dave retorted, "See that you do, I'll have someone pick up a report sheet for you from NJPD and you can fill it out, see that you do it."
"Yes sir," Bosco quietly said, giving a large sigh, "Where do I work today?" "Well, lets see," Dave thought a minute, then grinned, "My office needs filling done, and you need the practice. See you in 1 hour. Dismissed."
Vinny was watching this exchange, his eyes on Bosco the whole time, had Dave looked at him, he would have been concerned at the flushed look of desire on his face when Bosco had his shirt off, and quick flash of anger when Dave told Bosco he was on desk duty and wouldn't be out on the streets.
Bosco turned to Vinny, who had regained his composure, "Sorry, guess you'll be riding alone today, partner, afterall."
"That's probably best," Vinny smiled, "Wouldn't want to have to pick you up off the ground cause some little old lady hit you with her purse when you gave her a ticket!" Bosco and Lieu laughed, then Lieu told Bosco, "Get out of here, and don't forget my report!"
Bosco nodded, "Sure thng, Boss," then as he went out the doors, "See you later Vin." "Wait, I'll walk out with you," Vinny rose, but Lieu shook his head no. "No, you wait a minute," he told him, his hand raised to direct him to sit, "Have a seat."
Bosco looked back winked with his left eye, then went out.
Dave looked at Vinny, then:
"Vinny, I know you were defending your partner earlier," Dave started before the door had closed, preventing him from protesting his having to stay, "but, that outburst was uncalled for, if Bosco had told anyone what happened, they wouldn't have given him quite as hard a time. On one was attacking him, and yeah, they care. But there was no malice intended, they had no way of knowing what happened. So next time, hold it together or I will write you up."
He continued, ignoring the 'set' look on Vinny's face, "I've been hearing a few things about you lately, that have me concerned, and that's why I asked you to stay, Not because of the outburst, but, that outburst tells me that we do need to have this talk."
Vinny sat silent, as Dave went on, "Some of the other officers seem a little concerned, that you go out of your way to intimidate 'suspects', especially if Bosco seems threatened. I just want to warn you, Stop. If I get another citizens complaint that you 'roughed them up' because they smarted off to him, or threatened him, OR YOU verbally, you WILL get a suspension. Bosco can take care off himself...AND one hot head in a partnership is enough. If you join that club, I will find him and you a new partner...before Sasha comes back! Do I make myself CLEAR!"
Inside Vinny was panicing, but outside, he calmly nodded, his face relaxing, "Sure Lieu, sorry, guess sometimes I take the 'got your back' a little to seriously, forget my partners can take care of themselves or they wouldn't be here. I'll try to keep it under control." "See that you do," Lieu replied, less forcefully he added, "Other than that you two are making believers out of me, I never thought Bosco could work with a male partner and, not end up beating the hell out of each other," he smirked, "Or them taking out a contract on him! Hope it continues. I was considering partnering Sasha up with Maritza Cruz, they seem to work really well together, compliment each others strengths and weaknesses, I think they'd make a strong team. So I hope you can work this out, cause you're doing a good job otherwise."
Vinny broke out in a grin, nodding, "Thanks, I'll make sure I work on it then. Bosco's one of the best partners I've had, besides, I'd hate having to break in a new one." Swersky gave a laugh, "Hit the bricks, dismissed. Oh and instead of you riding alone, I'll hook you up with Davis. Sullivan is taking a half day anyway. I'll catch them before they leave, I know Sully's getting his summons book taken care of right now, they should still be here. I can pull someone else to ride 5-5 Charlie tonight."
He'd turned away, and missed the flush of anger on Vinny's face at finding out he was riding with Ty. But Vinny only replied, "Sure thing Boss, just tell him, I'm driving." Dave chuckled, "I'll let you work that out, see you later."
TBC....
RULES AND BROKEN TRUST
Chapter 4
Bosco's sleep was interrupted the next afternoon by the blinding filter of sunlight through Vinny's shades. At first Bosco was disoriented, unable to focus due to the intense annoyance.
A moment later, severe pain and soreness registered. Squinting, he tried to open his eyes, and found the right one was swollen shut.
"What the fuck!" He exclaimed as he shut his eyes against the light. He reached up to his face and discovered a bandage across his cheek, another on his eyebrow. The movement of his arm caused his ribs to protest with sharp pains, as well as his back.
Attempting to sit up, he discovered that wasn't going to be an easy task. Easing his way up into a sitting position a slight moan escaped his lips. He looked down to see bruised and raw flesh on his side.
"What the hell? Damn, my back is killing me!" He swore as he squirmed in discomfort.
Looking around at his surroundings he was temporarily confused; a little worried about why he was in a strange place, beat the hell up. The splitting headache instantly made him feel lightheaded.
He then realized he had fallen asleep with just a towel around his waist, and had not even bothered to pull the blankets over him. 'I took a shower?' He thought, then realized he was on a couch bed.
"No wonder I'm so stiff," he groaned again, his muscles protesting as he pulled himself up using the arm of the couch for help. "OOAAAAwwww! DAM MITT!" He moaned loudly holding on to the sides of the mattress to stay upright.
Sitting there, his feet on the floor, he took a closer look around the apartment, and it all quickly came back to him. "Son-of-a-bitch! Motherfuc...if I get my hands on that jagoff!"
"Vinny? Hey Vinny," he called faintly down the hall of the one bedroom apartment, not wanting to wake him up if he was still out.
He tried to stand up, a little too fast for his heads liking.
"Damn what the hell did that jagoff hit me with? I feel like I got ran over by semi-truck, and it dragged me five miles!" Squinting around the living room again he noticed a grandfather clock, immediately swearing.
"Oh shit! One thirty?" He was supposed to be at his Ma's for lunch and had told her he would be there around eleven o'clock.
Attempting to stand again, he swayed. Finally steadying himself, he headed down the hall to the bathroom. Entering, he looked for his clothes and found them washed and folded on top of the hamper next to the sink.
"Geesh Vin, you didn't have too do that," he said with a small smile on his face. Checking himself in the mirror, he observed the handy work the asshole did on him.
"Oh crap, worse than I thought. Feels worse this morning too, without all the beer. Wonder if Vin has anymore of those pills; that sure helped. Have to get me some of those, that shit was good!" Bosco was looking down examining his chest.
"Shit, this is so not good! I'm gonna have to get a release for this, no way Lieu will let me work the streets," he winced, gingerly feeling the area. "Fucking house mouse shit, I HATE desk duty!"
Turning in the mirror to try to see his back, he could make out some of the angry dark bruise.
"Okay so maybe it wasn't such a hot idea to not go in," he curved more to try to see the rest.
Sighing, he went to the toilet to relieve himself. As he was standing there, looking around at the bathroom, "Hum, nice place you got here, wonder why the elevator's broken?", something lying on the floor behind the hamper, caught his eye.
Finishing, he flushed, and then reached down, picking up the fallen piece of clothing, intending to put it in the hamper for Vinny.
"Huh, must have forgot this," it was a uniform shirt, complete with badge, then he realized it was HIS. "What the hell?" Puzzled, realizing this was his shirt from yesterday.
He lay the shirt on the counter and picked up his other clothes, dressing, slowly, groaning as he pulled his shirt on, but he got it done. Putting his socks and shoes on actually proved to be the hardest thing, sitting on the side of the tub, bending over was causing sharp and burning pains to shoot through his back and side, and it made his head pound.
When he was finished, he took a minute to sit doing nothing but breathing, waiting for his 'pains' to subside. Then standing again, looking in the mirror he passed his hands through his hair to smooth it and grabbed his uniform shirt, exiting the bathroom.
Running into Vinny, "OH CRAP! SHIT!!" Bosco yelled, "MAN DON'T DO THAT!", as he jumped back, his heart pounding, his head joining in on the rhythm section. Grabbing his side, "OOOWWW!"
"Sorry!" Vinny laughed, "You okay?", reaching his hand out to steady Bosco.
"I will be when my heart gets back in my freaking chest!" Bosco laughed quietly now, taking a deep breath, and blowing it out. "Damm that hurts!" then, remembering, held up the uniform shirt, "Hey, where'd you get my shirt?"
Vinny looked surprised, "Oh, you left it on the bench yesterday. Since you'd already left and your locker wasn't open, I threw it in my bag, didn't want it to disappear, its got your shield on it."
"Thanks," Bosco grinned,"yeah, don't want to lose another pay, because some jerk thinks that shit is funny. I already lost enough with that suspension a few months back. Oh and you didn't have to wash my clothes, but thanks, that was nice."
"Hear that," Vinny nodded, then, "Losing pay for stupid stuff is crappy, and I was washing mine so...plus, didn't think you'd really want to wear those after lying on that stadium heads nasty floor, plus your jersey and jeans were covered with blood, that head of yours really bled," he paused, then added, "Oh, Hey, I went out and got something to eat, you interested?"
"Uh, yeah, thanks, I didn't think of that, glad now I did shower," Bosco remarked, making a face. Vinny laughed, shaking his head.
"But, no thanks on the food," Bosco replied, moving past him, walking into the living room, "My heads messing with my stomach, I probably couldn't keep it down. I think I will go in to see the Doc this afternoon," then, pausing, looking disgusted, "Oh crap it's Sunday! I forgot about that, damn."
Reaching the living room, he started trying to put the couch back together pulling the pillows off.
"Hey, don't worry about that," Vinny moved to take the pillows from him, "I'll get it later. Why don't we go into the ER. Proctor can probably get you looked at without much trouble. Besides, I need to talk to her, tell her how you're scared of her, says she has cold hands!"
Bosco laughed, "Man, don't make me laugh, it hurts too much, but yeah, that's probably what I'll do," then he turned to Vinny, "Hey, Vin, thank you, for, "he paused, "you know, everything. I really appreciate it."
"No, problem," Vinny smiled, "That's what partners are for."
"Well, anyway, thanks," he responded, then, "partner." Smiling back.
For the first time in a long time, Bosco felt like maybe he did have a friend again at the precient, someone he wouldn't have to worry wouldn't have his back because of how he'd screwed up. Of course there was Ty, and even Sully, but he didn't really hang with them anymore, or anyone else, and now with Sasha out, he just figured it was too much trouble to make small talk, or stare down the other still pissed off cops.
"Well, I guess I'd better call a cab," he sighed, "need to get going, told my Ma I'd stop by today, Man is she going to flip out!"
"Hey, let me take you," Vinny offered, "I have to head that way anyhow, got some things to do uptown."
"No, you've done enough already," Bosco protested. "Really, I can catch a cab."
He was heading for the door, when Vinny hollered at him, "DAM MITT BOSCO!! WHY DO YOU ALWAYS HAVE TO BE SO SUBBORN?"
Bosco, backing up shocked, said, "Hey, what's your problem?"
"YOU! First, I go get food, which you refuse, then you don't want help getting to the hospital," Vinny calmed down, "You need to realize that shutting everyone out is why you don't have friends at work, and why you cause so much grief for yourself! Bosco, you have to let people help once in awhile, BEFORE you need backup!"
Bosco now had his mouth open, in surprise. "OKAY, so, if I don't let you feed me, or give me another ride, I'm shutting you out?"
He quickly softened his voice. "Vin, man, you did enough already, I don't want to take advantage, that's all," Bosco said letting out a small laugh. "Geesh, you sound like Faith, and my mother, two 'mom's' is enough, alright?" He then sobered, looking him straight in the eye, "And as far as my work relationship stuff, that's none of your business, it's... complicated."
"I got to go," Bosco moved again to the door, then stopped, thinking about what Faith had told him, when Fred had his heart attack, and then again when they broke up their partnership, he stopped, biting his cheek, then turned sighing, saying, "Look if it'll make you feel like I'm NOT shutting the door here, which I wasn't, then, maybe you can give me a ride to the hospital?"
Vinny nodded at him, a pleased look on his face. "That's better, besides, how would you pay for a cab? You don't have any money?"
Bosco started laughing, "Oh yeah, I forgot."
"Let me get my keys, and hit the head," laughing now, then he gave a dramatic pause, and reaching into his pocket exclaimed, "Oh I almost forgot! Look what I found. Must have fallen under the front seat last night," holding up a set of keys. He tossed them to Bosco, who caught them, but just barely, "and you might want to get started, seeings as how it took you so long to get up here last night."
"Funny," Bosco shook his head grinning; looking at his keys in puzzlement, "wonder how they fell out of my pocket?"
Not seeing the smirk on Vinny's face as he turned to head to the door, to take him up on the offer of a head start. Three flights was a lot of stairs. Bosco failed to hear Vinny's low, "Oh, they didn't FALL out, love, and I ENJOYED finding them," as he walked into the bathroom.
The next day:
"DAMN BOSCO! You try to get IN the game?" Sully was staring at his eye and cheek.
"Yeah, and I forgot to wear a helmet!" Bosco smarted off, as he pulled his locker open.
"Good grief," Sully continued, "That is the worst blackeye I've seen in a long time, and look at those stitches! Can you see out of that thing?"
"I can see just fine, Sully," Bosco sat down pulling his street shoes off, wincing as he bent over, "just as long as I don't look too hard at you!"
Sully laughed, putting his finishing touches on his hair, "Seriously, how the hell did you get that?"
"Mind your own business Sully," Bosco warned as he stood to remove his shirt. "You don't need to know EVERYTHING!"
"Probably got it from his girlfriend," Ty grinned, joining in as he hung his jacket in his locker. "You know the kind of girls he dates."
"You know," Bosco sarcastically remarked, "you two should go on the road together, get an act, leave ME the HELL ALONE, why is it that you people get such enjoyment out of MY pain?"
"Cause we can?" Sully smiled warmly at him, "And cause you make it sooo easy!"
"Ha, ha, ha! Heard it before!" Bosco rolled his eyes, but he was grinning, "Forgot to laugh, then, too."
Sully left after winking at Ty, going to roll call, Ty laughed, then looked over at Bosco.
"SON-of-a-BITCH, BOS!" He exclaimed in concern and shock, seeing Bosco's back as he removed his shirt, "What the hell happened to you?"
Bosco turned to him, exclaiming in a hoarse whisper, "Shut up!"
Looking around to see if anyone had noticed, he pulled an undershirt out of his locker. Slipping it on as fast as his sore muscles would allow, he quickly grabbed his uniform shirt. Remembering he needed his vest, he put down the shirt, picked the vest up, trying to put it on.
"UH, I don't think you're going to need that today," Ty said doubtfully, walking over to him, "Swersky's not going to let you out on the streets like that!"
"Yeah, well I can see just fine, and unless someone tells him about anything else..." looking at Ty pointedly, "he has no reason to make me stay in! Besides, I'm fine, nothing's going to happen!"
"Okay, and what will happen if you have to 'handle' someone?" Ty pulled Bosco's vest from his hands. Bosco tried to prevent him from taking it, but had to let go, wincing in pain, a cry escaping him, "Aaaaa". Then Ty added, "You will end up on the ground in 5 seconds flat! That's what will happen!"
Bosco tried to get the vest back, but Ty held it out of reach.
"Ty!" warned Bosco, "That ain't funny. Give me my vest." "NO," Ty moved away, "Bosco, there is no way, you're going out there today!"
Bosco was fuming. He knew Ty could keep the vest from him, remembering the time Ty took his utility belt away because he'd called him a giraffe, and put it on top of the lockers. He'd needed to get a damn chair to reach where Ty'd put it. Bosco had been late for roll call 'yeah, like I need help doing THAT', because of it. So now, especially now in his condition, he tried a different approach.
"Look, let me get dressed; WITH my vest; and if Swersky says I have to stay in, I won't argue," he gave his best 'puppy dog' look, "and if I do, you can rat me out to the principal."
Ty laughed, "Okay, okay, just don't look so pitiful. Geesh!" He handed the vest back to him, "But I'm telling you, if you argue, I'm telling DAD."
Laughing, Bosco took the vest, then sobering, added quietly, "I got mugged." "What!" Ty looked shocked, "Where?" "Game," Bosco answered, "But don't say anything." "Did they get the guy?" Ty questioned.
"Nope, I didn't see him, he came up behind me, and when I tried to turn around...he hit me," Bosco was trying to put the vest over his head, neglecting to tell Ty how it happened, or what happened after. Ty stepping up, helped him pull it down over his head.
"WHAT the hell with! A damn BAT! Damn, did he get your wallet and shit," Ty was pulling the back of the vest down.
Neither had seen the locker room door open, or Vinny pull the door back to nearly closed. He stood there, watching when he saw Ty and Bosco talking together. A look of anger coming over his face when Ty began to assist Bosco in dressing.
"With a pipe evidently. Yeah, he got my wallet And my keys, And the one creditcard I carry, And my license, AND my badge." Bosco was pulling the straps around, Ty took them and pressed them down, trying not to hurt him, as Bosco glanced up looking at him over his shoulder, adding, "Oh and my new watch too! Bastard."
"Damn, Bos, I'm sorry man," then he offered, "Do you need a ride or anything downtown to get your replacement licence?"
"Yeah, and if your offering one, I might take you up on it," smoothing the front of the straps into place, Bosco looked up smiling his thanks, "You don't mind?"
"No," Ty replied, as he finished the straps; then, he picked up Bosco's shirt and helped him put it on, pulling it up over his shoulders, "I have to go down there anyway, my license expires next month, just soon get it done now. How about I pick you up tommorow, around 10:00?" He stepped away, going to his own locker now,
"Better make that 8:00 if we want to get the hell out of there in time for work," Bosco wasn't looking forward to the long lines and the longer wait, "Oh and Don't say anything to Sully, I don't want to hear it from him!"
"Sounds like a plan," Ty laughed, "Don't worry, I won't tell Sul. Our little secret, unless you don't tell Lieu that is", pulling on his uniform jacket as Vinny came through the door, "Hey Vinny, how you doing today! Better hurry, rollcalls in 5."
"I know when roll call is Davis," Vinny snapped, then gave him a dirty look as Ty passed him on his way out.
"Fine!" Ty laughed, 'Don't bite MY head off! What you get up on the wrong side of the bed?"
Vinny didn't answer him, he just stalked over to his locker, glancing at Bosco as he went. Ty looked at Bosco who shrugged his shoulders at him, saying, "Don't look at me."
Ty laughed, then, "See you guys later," leaving the room.
When he was gone, Vinny said, "How you feeling today?" "Fine," Bosco answered, sitting down to put his shoes on, "Swellings gone down some, I can see again anyway," he smirked, "as long as I don't have to look at Sully that is." "Huh?" Vinny looked up from his bag. "Nothing," Bosco laughed, "just a joke."
"Oh," he was watching Bosco grab his utility belt, pulling it around his waist and hooking it, then Bosco smoothed the front of his pants, adjusting the belt.
Remembering Saturday night, Vinny blushed, smiling slightly, and looked down, digging in his bag again.
"Hey," Bosco looked up, "Thanks again, for helping me, I really appreciate it. Maybe I'll be able to return the favor someday...only not for such a painful reason." He groaned as he pulled his jacket on. "You sure you're okay?" Vinny asked worriedly, "Maybe you should have taken a day off?" "Naa, I'll make it," Bosco said distractedly as he threw his bag in the locker, closing it with his usual BANG, and walked to the door, "See you in a few, better hurry."
Vinny watched him walk out, the door closing behind him, then went back to changing, "Ty Davis better watch his back," he growled. Then he reminded himself to ask Bosco about getting his license replaced, see if he could get him to let him take him instead of Davis.
Rollcall:
"Boscorelli!" Lt. Swersky was looking at him, or trying to as Bosco was ducking around, trying to stay behind Sullivan, trying in vain to avoid him. "Sullivan, would you please move, as in GET UP and MOVE!" Lieu asked an overly pleasant tone to his voice. Sully grinned, "Sure thing Boss!", as he stood, moving away, no longer Bosco's shield.
"WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED TO YOU!" Lieu hollared at him, causing laughter to roll around the room as Bosco shrank down in his desk, and the other officers enjoyed his 'hotseat' attention from Lieu.
"His girlfriend had enough of his always showing up late!" called out one officer from the back. "Probably got another perp with a Door!" hollared one from the other side of the room. "Naa, his Mom caught him sneaking out his window again!" shouted another. "I heard it was from sneaking IN the Captains daughters window!" yet another. The last comment caused an uproar of catcalls and laughter as Bosco turned redfaced; trying to 'grin and bear' it.
"WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU PEOPLE!"
Everyone stopped laughing, staring at Vinny, who was standing now, anger evident on his face and in his body language, as he continued, "HE ALMOST GOT KILLED YOU ASSHOLES! DON'T YOU IDIOTS CARE, OR, WOULD THAT HAVE MADE YOU HAPPY!" stopping he was redfaced and clenching his fists.
Bosco was amoung the shocked faces surprised at his outburst, but, inside he was secretly pleased as well as completely mortified that Vinny would 'defend' him. The Less attention about these kinds of things the better as far as Bosco was concerned.
"ENOUGH!" Lieu shouted, "SIT DOWN!" then looking around the room to include them all, "Rollcall is over, hit the bricks!" The room began to clear, and he said, "Not you, Boscorelli, you stay put. You too, Vetresco."
As the others left the room, comments were made, "Man, what is his problem, it was just a joke; Guys got issues; Heard he's just a bigger Bosco; Made for each other."
Lieu gave a couple of 'enough' looks and then the room was clear except for Bosco and Vinny.
"Well?" Lieu asked looking directly at Bosco, "Want to fill me in, on how you, 'Almost got Killed?"
"Not really?" Bosco tried grinning, but, sighed as he saw that Tight look come over Lieu's face, "But, I guess you're not going to just let it go?"
Swersky gave a couple of Very Slow head shakes, and folded his arms across his chest, leaning back against the poduim.
"Didn't think so," Bosco sighed, "It was no big deal, really, I just got hit in the head, I'm fine." He ended his little 'white' lie with a smile. Lieu having listened to him, nodded slowly, then turned to Vinny, "That what happened?"
Vinny glanced at Bosco, who was giving him a look of 'please don't'. "Yeah, Boss," Vinny replied quietly, not happy.
"Un huh," Lieu obviously not pleased with that answer, or believing it; looked back at Bosco, "Come here," then seeing the hesitation in Bosco's face, "NOW."
Bosco carefully got up, trying NOT to look like he was in pain, standing he walked over to Lieu, "See?" he grinned, "I'm Fine."
Swersky looked at him a moment, then quick as a snake, gave him a smack on the ribs, not hard, but still, enough that Bosco flinched away, the quick movement seized his sore muscles, causing him to gasp and grit his teeth to keep from crying out. "Take it off," Lieu commanded him. "Excuse me?" Bosco asked surprised, "Bossss..." "I said Take it OFF, your shirt, your vest, Now!" he was not kidding.
After 10 + years Bosco knew he wasn't getting out of this with Swersky. So, sighing, he unbuttoned his shirt, his shirts cuffs, and began to slide out of it, Swersky watching his face. Once he had it off he stood there, knowing that the 'damage' was hidden by the vest . "OFF BOSCO!" Lieu wasn't a stupid man, just because what he COULD see was okay didn't mean that was all he SHOULD see. "FINE," Bosco began to try to remove the straps, but found that pulling on them was more than he could stand, and his hands started to shake. The vest was giving his back fits as he pulled.
Swersky shook his head in aggravation, and reached out helping him with them, then pulling the vest open he grabbed Bosco's undershirt pulling it out from the waistband of his pants and lifted it. "OH MY GOD!!" he exclaimed, looking first at the injuries to his side, then moving around and seeing his back, "WHAT HAPPENED!?"
"He got mugged at the Giants game," Vinny spoke up, seeing that Bosco was remaining silent, "Guy hit him with a pipe. Took his wallet and his watch."
Dave dropped Bosco's undershirt back into place, then shaking his head grabbed the vest, pulling it up over his head, removing it from him, "Put your shirt back on, you are going HOME!"
Then he put the vest on the podium, and as Bosco dressed again, Without his vest..."Did they CATCH the guy? Did you GET a report? Where is your Work Release? I know you went in, I can see the stitches!"
"NO, they didn't catch him, yeah, I got a release for work, and yeah, I got stitches," Bosco replied, looking down at the buttons on his shirt as he did them up.
Dave watched him, then, slowly, as if speaking to a child (which he sometimes felt he was doing with Bosco, though he admitted not as much anymore), "DID...You...get...a...Report!?"
"No," Bosco glanced up, then buttoned his cuffs, "I forgot."
"YOU FORGOT!, Bosco you're a cop for crips sake! How could you not file a REPORT!", then taking a deep breath, to calm down, Dave Swersky, asked, "Where is your badge report? HUH? I know you had it in your wallet, so, now it's out there? With someone who would do this!? HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A COP?" "Uh...I didn't do it yet?" Bosco picked up his vest, standing there, waiting, "But, I'll go do that now?" "YEAH, good idea," Dave retorted, "See that you do, I'll have someone pick up a report sheet for you from NJPD and you can fill it out, see that you do it."
"Yes sir," Bosco quietly said, giving a large sigh, "Where do I work today?" "Well, lets see," Dave thought a minute, then grinned, "My office needs filling done, and you need the practice. See you in 1 hour. Dismissed."
Vinny was watching this exchange, his eyes on Bosco the whole time, had Dave looked at him, he would have been concerned at the flushed look of desire on his face when Bosco had his shirt off, and quick flash of anger when Dave told Bosco he was on desk duty and wouldn't be out on the streets.
Bosco turned to Vinny, who had regained his composure, "Sorry, guess you'll be riding alone today, partner, afterall."
"That's probably best," Vinny smiled, "Wouldn't want to have to pick you up off the ground cause some little old lady hit you with her purse when you gave her a ticket!" Bosco and Lieu laughed, then Lieu told Bosco, "Get out of here, and don't forget my report!"
Bosco nodded, "Sure thng, Boss," then as he went out the doors, "See you later Vin." "Wait, I'll walk out with you," Vinny rose, but Lieu shook his head no. "No, you wait a minute," he told him, his hand raised to direct him to sit, "Have a seat."
Bosco looked back winked with his left eye, then went out.
Dave looked at Vinny, then:
"Vinny, I know you were defending your partner earlier," Dave started before the door had closed, preventing him from protesting his having to stay, "but, that outburst was uncalled for, if Bosco had told anyone what happened, they wouldn't have given him quite as hard a time. On one was attacking him, and yeah, they care. But there was no malice intended, they had no way of knowing what happened. So next time, hold it together or I will write you up."
He continued, ignoring the 'set' look on Vinny's face, "I've been hearing a few things about you lately, that have me concerned, and that's why I asked you to stay, Not because of the outburst, but, that outburst tells me that we do need to have this talk."
Vinny sat silent, as Dave went on, "Some of the other officers seem a little concerned, that you go out of your way to intimidate 'suspects', especially if Bosco seems threatened. I just want to warn you, Stop. If I get another citizens complaint that you 'roughed them up' because they smarted off to him, or threatened him, OR YOU verbally, you WILL get a suspension. Bosco can take care off himself...AND one hot head in a partnership is enough. If you join that club, I will find him and you a new partner...before Sasha comes back! Do I make myself CLEAR!"
Inside Vinny was panicing, but outside, he calmly nodded, his face relaxing, "Sure Lieu, sorry, guess sometimes I take the 'got your back' a little to seriously, forget my partners can take care of themselves or they wouldn't be here. I'll try to keep it under control." "See that you do," Lieu replied, less forcefully he added, "Other than that you two are making believers out of me, I never thought Bosco could work with a male partner and, not end up beating the hell out of each other," he smirked, "Or them taking out a contract on him! Hope it continues. I was considering partnering Sasha up with Maritza Cruz, they seem to work really well together, compliment each others strengths and weaknesses, I think they'd make a strong team. So I hope you can work this out, cause you're doing a good job otherwise."
Vinny broke out in a grin, nodding, "Thanks, I'll make sure I work on it then. Bosco's one of the best partners I've had, besides, I'd hate having to break in a new one." Swersky gave a laugh, "Hit the bricks, dismissed. Oh and instead of you riding alone, I'll hook you up with Davis. Sullivan is taking a half day anyway. I'll catch them before they leave, I know Sully's getting his summons book taken care of right now, they should still be here. I can pull someone else to ride 5-5 Charlie tonight."
He'd turned away, and missed the flush of anger on Vinny's face at finding out he was riding with Ty. But Vinny only replied, "Sure thing Boss, just tell him, I'm driving." Dave chuckled, "I'll let you work that out, see you later."
TBC....