Rated R as always....
Thanks for the fantastic reviews. We hope to keep earning them.
Malinda4242 and Boscoslut (Angy)
Props to Blue Oyster Cult who's song 'Don't Fear The Reaper' was used by us
in this chapter. Great Song. Oh and we don't own anyone but Vinny.....
Rules and Broken Trust
Chapter 14
Vinny lay silently the next morning, watching Bosco sleep. The lines of his face highlighted by the lamp light in the dim room seeming so perfect to him. The swelling on Bosco's face from the bruises constricted his chest as he remembered now how Bosco had come about them. Remembering the scene from last night caused him shame at having been the one causing them.
Bosco during the nights cold had moved across the bed ending up curled into Vinny. Something Vinny had a feeling he would not take well when finally he woke. Thinking to make it easier on him when he did wake, Vinny slowly moved away trying not to disturb him. He had every intention of Bosco coming around to him, and a fight right off this morning was not what he wanted. What he did want to do was hold him, to touch his hair and face tenderly, waking him gently. But instead he quietly climbed out of the bed, going to the bathroom.
Coming out he saw that Bosco was awake. Sitting up now on his side of the bed his right arm extended behind him, watching Vinny's every move as he exited the bathroom. "Good mornin'," Vinny softly said, attempting a smile. Unsure of how Bosco would react he was hesitant on how to approach him.
Nodding slightly to acknowledge his greeting, but not answering, Bosco eyed him warily as Vinny went to the dresser to get clothes out for himself. "I'm almost done, I'll let you have the bathroom and I'll go make breakfast," turning to glance back at him, "only be a few minutes more."
Again no answer, or even nod, Bosco just silently watched him, as if gauging what was coming.
Leaving the bathroom, returning again to the bedroom, Vinny carefully approached him, and was not surprised to see him flinch slightly as he reached him to uncuff his wrist. Bosco seemed more than a little surprised when Vinny did actually uncuff his wrist this time, instead of taking the cuff off of the bed frame.
Rubbing his raw wrist with his left hand and working his way up his numb half asleep arm, he sat still until Vinny went to the bedroom door. Only then did he stand, waiting for Vinny to exit, closing the door behind himself.
Vinny stood on the other side of the door a moment until he heard the bathroom door close. Sighing, he headed to the kitchen wondering if Bosco would try the door; he'd left it unlocked; or would wait for Vinny to 'come get him'. He was hoping Bosco would try it, maybe help build back some of the broken trust, but somehow he doubted it would happen, he'd probably return to find him sitting on the bed again, waiting.
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Bosco woke before Vinny left the bed, but lay still when he realized to his mortification that during the night he'd 'cuddled' against Vinny. Praying to God that Vinny would neither mention it nor act on it he almost cried when Vinny left the bed without acknowledging it. Sitting up a minute or two after Vinny went into the bathroom, he had time to 'calm' down about it. Easing his sore battered body back to 'his side' of the bed, wincing at the registering pain. When Vinny exited the bathroom to get clothes, he was sorely afraid that Vinny would now expect something from him. His silence was not so much a refusal to speak as an inability to do so. Fear kept him silent. Vinny ran so hot and cold that he was afraid to set him off. Deciding to wait and get to maybe better tell what would do so, he thought it wise to just act slightly daft still.
Stunned would be a good word for how he felt when Vinny uncuffed his wrist completely. But he couldn't help but wonder if it were some test he had to pass, or fail. Whatever it was, if it was a test, it seemed he passed as Vinny left the room promising breakfast in a couple of minutes.
Heading to the bathroom slowly, his numb arm beginning to tingle like crazy, hoping he wouldn't be cuffed again tonight. Praying he wouldn't still BE here tonight. Bosco wondered what he could expect next. Using his 'good' arm, he edged his bottoms down slowly, sitting on the toilet seat to relieve himself. He had no idea using the toilet would be so damn painful. Moaning, he was sweating by the time he finished. He felt a sharp flash of fear at seeing blood as he cleansed himself, as well as seeing there was also blood in the toilet. Now that it was over, other than a bit of stinging he felt mostly numbness. Hoping this was just temporary he washed his hands, constricting his right hand that was also now regaining sensation. Moving to his face, the cool water feeling pure, helped to restore his calm
Leaving the bathroom he saw the bedroom was still empty. Giving a small prayer of thanks again for small favors he went to the dresser to see if there was anything else to wear. Pulling a pair of jeans and a maroon sweater out, he quickly got dressed.
Now he wasn't sure what to do, should he try the door? If it were open would it be a test and if so, what would the 'pass' be? Go out or stay in? Trying like hell to figure out what Vinny would want, he closed his eyes and opened the door, again praying that this was the 'pass' and not the 'hell beat out of me fail'.
Quietly exiting the hallway, moving though the living room, he stood near the kitchen entrance watching Vinny move from the fridge to the counter next to the stove. Shaking slightly, not caring if he felt like a coward, hell he was, he had no intention of suffering another beating if he could help it, he stood waiting for Vinny to notice him. His 'fight or flight' instinct this morning fully on 'flight' mode if Vinny looked pissed he was there. Eyes wide he waited. _______________________________________________________________________
Moving around the large kitchen, Vinny heard Bosco in the bathroom. Sound carried a bit if loud enough in the cabin. His soft cries of pain stopped Vinny in his tracks. Almost going to him, he realized what must be happening, and stayed in the kitchen.
Preparing coffee, he filled the carafe pouring the water in the maker, setting it into place. Pausing, fighting his urges, he proceeded to put the grinds in. Turning it on, he went to the pantry; digging out a set of keys he unlocked it. Inside he got out the cooking utensils that had been missing from the drawers last night and began to prepare bacon and eggs.
Finally looking up as he walked from the counter to the stove he spotted Bosco quietly standing watching him. Pale and drawn he looked both ready to run and ready to fall out.
"HEY!" Vinny cheerfully called to him, seeing relief and startlement on his face as he almost seemed to be about to run at Vinny's loud greeting.
"Breakfast is almost ready. Got coffee done if you want a cup," Vinny deliberately stepped to the opposite side of the kitchen, pretending to need to get something there.
Slowly Bosco walked to the pot, eyeing Vinny the entire time he fixed a cup for himself. Clearing his throat, "Should I fix one for you too?" His hesitant question hoarsely spoken as his initial fear began to abate somewhat.
"Sure, you know how I like it, thanks," Vinny grinned at him, then as he moved to the table to sit with the cups, placing one at the place Vinny had sat the night before, Vinny moved back across the kitchen to finish up the meal. Bosco sat sipping his coffee silent, as he'd been last night.
Vinny happy only to have peace right now brought the food to the table, along with the plates and utensils. Placing a plate and spoon down in front of him, "Help yourself, if you want more, there is plenty more where this comes from."
"Spoon?" Bosco actually looked up at him as Vinny stood next to him, "I can't have a fork?" He seemed for the moment to forget what was really going on.
"Well," Vinny hesitated, "I would prefer that for right now, no, you just have a spoon. After I'm sure you won't stab me," he laughed slightly, "we'll see."
Bosco still looking up at him reddened, "Yeah, okay." Eyes dropping to his plate, he picked up the spoon studying it as if he'd never seen one before, then as Vinny sat lifting his own fork, he reached out taking eggs onto his plate. Leaving the bacon alone he began to eat. "You don't eat bacon?" Vinny asked puzzled, sure he remembered that he did. "Not often," Bosco remarked chewing, "unless its on a burger. Too much fat and salt." Quickly glancing at Vinny hoping the refusal hadn't insulted him. He swallowed hard wondering if he'd broken a 'rule' by not taking the bacon. Eyes down on his plate again, his hand shaking a bit, he sat unsure now, his stomach burning with acid.
"Look, Bosco," Vinny started, "I can make this easier on you if you want."
Eyes up again, Bosco furrowed his brow questioningly at him, "Excuse me?"
"I mean," Vinny continued, "I can help you 'adjust'. I have something to relax you if you want it. Just make things easier, you know."
Frowning fully at him, "I don't do drugs unless they are FORCED UPON ME! So NO I DON'T!" Adding quickly in case Vinny was getting pissed, "but thanks anyway." 'Crap Maurice keep your mouth under control', berating himself silently he again sat still waiting for the results of his outburst.
"Fine," Vinny nodded, staring at him intently, "just thought I'd offer. You don't have to be so touchy!" He went back to eating, glancing at Bosco from under his brows, adding, "You know if you don't like something you don't have to eat it. I'm not the food police. Let me know what you 'don't' like and I'll make sure you don't get served it. And stop looking like a scared rabbit, its starting to piss me off."
"I'm not," Bosco began to protest, "it's just that, I," he stopped. Vinny put his fork down, sat head tilted at him, waiting, finally, "Well? You just what?" "Nothing," Bosco picked up a spoon of eggs, looking at them, lifted the spoon to his mouth beginning to eat. "Yeah," Vinny shook his head slightly, eyes narrowed, "like I said, scared rabbit. Finish your eggs Bosco. When you mess up I'll let you know, until then chill, okay? And don't give me those eyes, I didn't threaten you, just trying to let you know its going to be alright. I'm not a monster contrary to what you think right now. So stop acting like everytime you take a step I'm going to come unglued on you. There aren't many rules, and you already know the most important ones, so chill." He went back to eating ignoring Bosco for the rest of the meal.
Bosco having looked up with panicked eyes, looked down again. His appetite lost now, but, he ate anyway. Even if he hated everything around him now he had to eat. There was no guarantee when Vinny might decide he couldn't. Not knowing what to expect, or what was coming he knew he had to keep up his strength. Vinny would not beat him, not where it counted anyway.
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The rest of the day went pretty much the same way. Vinny suggesting things to him, Bosco accepting or declining as he tried to figure out what Vinny wanted him to do. At one point he was wandering around the living room looking at things. Vinny having told him that as long as he didn't try to 'escape' he now had free reign of the place. Catching sight of a small group of pictures, he walked over to examine them.
His breath catching as his hand reached unconsciously to pick one up. Bringing it in closer to look at it, "Oh holy hell, this isn't possible!" Snatching up another one, his hands were shaking as he compared the two.
"Hey, what cha looking at?" Vinny coming up behind him startled him into nearly dropping both pictures. Bosco turned to face Vinny, a quiver in his voice, "Who... who is this?" The stunned shock evident in his voice as Vinny froze staring at the pictures, before coldly stating, "Put them down. Now."
Swallowing hard, pausing in confusion, Bosco glanced at the pictures in his hands again and back to Vinny, momentarily forgetting the rules. "Vin... Vinny. Who IS this?"
Vinny's nostrils flaring, reaching out gripped Bosco's already swollen right wrist roughly yanking on it, "I said put THEM DOWN!" Snatching the picture from his hand.
Bosco having the picture painfully jerked out of his right hand, dropped the picture in his left hand as he grabbed the hand squeezing his injured wrist. Cringing as he heard the frame impact the hardwood floor, shattering. Vinny's grip tightening on Bosco's wrist, his face a mask of hard anger. Bosco clenched his eyes as tightly closed as possible turning his head away, waiting for his punishment. Seconds later he felt the grip on his wrist slowly release.
Vinny watching Bosco stand his own, waiting for another beating, felt again the shame from the prior nights. His heart feeling heavy, he pushed the anger down lessoning his grip on Bosco's wrist, sighing, slowly letting go.
"Vin...I'm sorry," Bosco opening his eyes looked directly into Vinny's for a second before flashing to the ground. "I was just surpised is all... let me... Vin...let me clean this up. I didn't mean..." Bosco dropping to his knees began to pick up the broken glass, tossing it bit-by-bit back into a pile.
Trembling, lowering his face looking for small shards, Bosco swiped with his hand to the big pile, small fragments penetrating his flesh. From the corner of his eye, he could see a rather large chunk of glass that had landed under the couch, shutting his eyes he ignored it and begin speaking, "Vin, I didn't mean to pry... let me just sweep this up." Snatching up a handfull of the broken glass, ignoring the cuts as the larger pieces dug in.
"STOP!" Vinny cried out, dropping beside him. Grabbing Bosco's hands in his, "Damn it! You're bleeding! Leave it, its fine, I'm sorry I shouldn't have gotten upset." Forcing him to drop the shattered glass he exclaimed, "Come on," as he pulled him to his feet, towing him behind him to the kitchen sink. Turning on the faucet he pushed Bosco's hand under the flow and began picking the glass out of his palm.
Bosco stared in surpised shock, he hadn't even noticed the cuts until Vinny'd grabbed him. As Vinny removed the glass, washing his hand, cleaning the small cuts, Bosco looked back at the unbroken picture sitting on the table again, where Vinny had placed it before he noticed the blood. Staring at the man in the picture, barely seen from here, he looked slowly back at Vinny. More scared now than he'd been since he woke up in Vinny's car two nights ago.
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Ty sat down in the leather chair in Swersky's office, a heavy sigh escaping him. Holding his head in his hands he was dog tired, frustrated, and scared to death. Bosco and Vinny had been missing for 12 hours now, and no sign of them. Sully came into the room, handing him a cup of coffee, "Here Ty," not saying much else, he dropped into the chair next to him. Rolling his neck and trying to get the kinks out Sully sipped the bitter brew making a face as he realized he'd had at least five cups too many now. Ty didn't even bother to pretend to drink the coffee, he just held it, looking into it as if it would give him the answer he sought. 'Where the hell did you take him Vinny?'
Swersky wearily walking into his office for the meeting greeted them with, "Still nothing." Dropping into his chair, he stretched backwards the chair creaking as it protested his attempt to unstiffen his muscles and joints using it. "I don't understand how we could have missed them!" Ty frustrated spouted off, "We blocked every bridge, looked everyplace we could think to look! Thousands of cops out there looking and still nothing? How the hell is that possible Lieu?"
Rubbing his eyes with the palms of his hands, Swersky stated wearily, "I have no idea Ty. But we know they are still in the city, because we put up roadblocks at the bridges right away. If Vetresco's jeep had made one we.." he was cut off at Ty's exclaimation.
"JEEP?" Ty exclaimed, "NO Lieu, you mean his Cadillac, and I thought I was tired." He gave a tired chuckle then frowned, "You did mean Cadillac, right?" adding as an afterthought, "sir." "No," Dave replied moving his hands down, "Jeep, that is the vehicle in his file." Sitting straight again, he stared Davis down, "WHAT CADILLAC?"
"OH MY GOD!" Sully now standing, "We've been looking for a Cadillac while everyone else has been looking for a jeep?" His incredulous look was enough to cause Dave's heart to pulmmet. "What Cadillac? His vehicle of record is a Jeep Wagoner!" Dave was pulling up the file on his computer screen. "See right here! Jeep Wagoner, license DVR 5687." "No Lieu," Ty was pale, his voice soft now, "Vinny has a Cadillac, I saw it, so did Sul." Looking up at Sully for conformation, Sully nodded at him, then Lieu, "Oh shit, he's out of the city isn't he?"
"Ty," Dave was on the phone dialing, "do you know the license plate?" "No," he was shaking his head, his eyes closing as he realized the entire force save for himself and Sully had been the entire night and day looking for the wrong vehicle.
"SON-OF-A-BITCH!" Sully yelled out, Dave echoing him as they headed to the video room. Now they had to view the tapes of the front of the station. And hope it gave them what they needed. Vinny's cadillac and the license plate it bore.
None of the men held out hope that even if they could find it, or see it that it was still in the city now. What they had seen in Vinny's file made them only feel fear. Sitting looking carefully at the tapes of the night before, Dave looked up as the desk clerk came in with a fax for him. Thanking her he opened the file removing the fax sheets from it. "Holy Mary Mother of God!" his voice soft with shocked recognition causing Sully and Ty to look over at him.
Ty got up quickly glancing down at the papers in his hand, one of them a picture, his soft exclaimation of shock bringing Sully to join them. "Is that...?" Sully asked nearly speechless at what he was seeing. "No," Dave voice shaking replied, "but it could be his damn twin." "Well," Sully commented, "Now we know why Vinny was so damn obsessed with Bosco, don't we?" The other two men nodding slowly as they stared at the picture of Denver Starke in Dave Swersky's hand.
Except for the bright green eyes and the dark blonde hair, the man in the picture, perhaps a couple of years older, could have been Maurice Boscorelli.
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Later the same evening:
"How are your hands?" Vinny asked he came from the bedroom. Bosco standing near the fire Vinny'd started earlier in the huge fireplace, was warming himself. Since the picture incident Vinny had been extremely solicitous to him. Bosco had tried to stay out of his way, and Vinny had allowed him space. He was still jumpy, but Vinny refrained from commenting on it.
"Fine," Bosco looked at the bandages Vinny had insisted on, "I really don't need all this wrap," he grimaced, "it was only a couple of small cuts."
"Can't take chances out here love," Vinny flopped down and patted the couch, "come sit. I want to show you something." Seeing him hesitate, "OKAY, sit on the other end, just SIT!"
Moving to the couch, Bosco sat carefully down in the far corner, using his heel to shove the glass showing from the edge further under. Wondering how Vinny had missed it. Wondering if he had missed it at all. He'd forgotten about it until he walked over to sit and saw the glint on it from the fire.
Looking over at him, he raised his eyebrows, not commenting as Vinny smiled, pointing the remote and the large screen TV came to life. He smiled larger at the stunned look on Bosco's face.
"You have CABLE?" Bosco forgetting that he was a prisoner was simply astounded that way out here.....thinking, 'No way....unless its satellite? Or we aren't as far out as he said?' His hopes of it being the second dashed as soon as Vinny answered him.
"NO," Vinny laughed at his reaction, secretly pleased. "It's satellite dish. There are 500 channels of nothing to watch now instead of 8."
"No shit?" Bosco shook his head, pretending to be interested, sure that this was an 'easy pass', "Well whats not on?" Anything to distract him from the picture of himself with blonde hair and green eyes on the table next to him.
Laughing outloud now, Vinny tossed him the remote, "Well why don't you show me?"
Catching it, Bosco looked down at it, taking a minute, checking to see how it worked, glancing over at him, began to surf the channels.
Soon he was engrossed in the TV, not noticing Vinny turning the lights off, or going into the kitchen. His mind taking the 'escape' from the room, causing him to 'blank' as he sat there. It was unintentional, and later he wondered about how easy it had been, surely he should have been more cautious. He kept finding himself going blank and 'escaping' the cabin during the day. At one time looking out the window overlooking the mountain, he'd almost begun to fantasize about bringing a woman up here to see how beautiful it was. Then Vinny had come up behind him, putting his hands on his shoulders, asking him if he liked the view. He was brought back to reality very quickly as Vinny put his mouth next to his ear as he spoke. He'd tried to stay more alert since, but the constant vigil was taking its toll. Fatigue was setting in now, and all he wanted to do was sleep.
A few minutes more go by, then he nearly jumps out of his skin leaping from the couch, as something passes over his shoulder to be offered to him, the smell of the popcorn only now penetrating as real.
"HOLY SHIT!" Bosco yells out, his hand covering his heart as Vinny stands mouth gaping. Bosco is across the coffeetable now, staring at him fear on his face, "What the hell?"
"Damn," Vinny comes around the couch with the bowl, "what the hell are you so jumpy for?" He set the bowl down on the coffee table, standing back up looking at Bosco, "Sorry, didn't mean to scare you." Watching him try to calm down, moving away giving him space, seeing it not happening very fast, Vinny frowns, "Okay, thats it. I'll be right back, sit. I promise I will let you know when I come back."
Vinny leaves the room going into the kitchen again, this time turning on the overhead light. Going back to the couch Bosco sits again, this time turned to see the TV and the kitchen, he has moved into Vinny's spot. The bowl of popcorn left untouched as he anxiously awaits his return. His hand nervously rubbing at the sides of his mouth and chin as he forces himself to remain calm.
Knowing he's gone into the locked room off the kitchen, curiousity almost gets the best of him, but he stays himself. Until just now, the day since the picture incident and even before had been fairly quiet. He wanted to keep it that way.
A few minutes later, Vinny returns from the room. Locking the door back he goes to the fridge. When he finally returns to the living room, he hands Bosco a soda. "Here drink this," moving around he sits, not commenting on where Bosco is sitting. Opens his own, as Bosco breathing a sigh of relief that this is all he was 'getting' does the same. "Oh and here," Vinny extends his hand to him, "take this."
Frowning Bosco cautiously opens his hand as Vinny drops two pills into his palm his relief quickly evaporating as he sees them. "What? I told you I don't do this shit!" He sees its X. "NO," his voice strained, he tries to hand them back.
Cocking his head at him, his voice brooking no arguement, "Bosco, EASY or HARD, your choice." Vinny waits, sky blue eyes locked on smokey dark blue ones. Bosco swallows hard, he's had Hard, doesn't want a repeat, but he knows what X will do. He's never taken it, but he's seen enough high kids and young adults on it to know he might not have control if he takes it. Of anything. So hesitantly, "I can't...can't do this," his voice near whisper.
"You can, and you will. Or, I will help you." Vinny starts to get up, Bosco backs away into the couch. Vinny stands over him, "Take them, now. Do it Bosco, you remember me 'helping' you take them before right?"
Face screwed tight, he slowly brings his hand to his mouth, looking up, "Please don't make me do this." Vinny puts his hand on the back of his, pushing it to his mouth, "NOW, you will feel better, now do it."
He takes the pills into his mouth, but he can't swallow, can't make himself swallow them.
"Drink." Vinny stands, looking down at him taps the can upwards. Closing his eyes, Bosco brings the can to his lips, taking a deep swallow of the cold liquid. Waiting until he is sure Bosco has swallowed, nodding in approval Vinny sits down again.
Reaching out for the bowl of popcorn, handing it over to offer some, "Now, did you find anything interesting to watch?" Bosco sits shaking his head not in answer, but in denial of his situation, as he takes a handful of the now cold popcorn, too fearful now not too.
'NO! NO fucking way! No...no no... I just took X. What's gonna happen to me? I'm gonna freak out! I don't feel anything yet. I can control this. I can control everything. Fucking Vinny, he's gonna get his. Stay calm... stay calm... yeah I'm gonna just stay calm. Think think think! Just relax. I can fight this. Fucking Vin. I'll play by his rules. Not that I have a choice. Yeah...wait till I get my chance you fucking bastard! Be cool... calm down... yeah.'
Bosco's heart racing, perspiration visible on his forehead, he sits staring at the TV, not eating, the white puffs of corn sitting in his hand, just waiting for the drugs to kick in to fight them. Knowing he couldn't fight Vinny and win, this was something he was going to control internally.
Vinny sneaking a glance at him smiles, going back to watching TV.... waiting.
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"Are you sure he was taken over the state line?" FBI agent Keith Hampton asked, he was writing on a pad the information Dave Swersky was relaying to him.
"No," Dave replied, "but the vehicle doesn't match the one Vetresco had registered here, and he attacked another officer before he kidnapped his partner. We could use the help coordinating with both Jersey and Canada, as well as Chicago. We really have no idea where he went. Hell to be truthful Keith they could still be in the city, we just don't know."
"I understand Dave," Keith Hampton and Dave Swersky went way back, both having joined at the same time, they had worked together a few times on cases. Not always smoothly, but usually effectivly. Hampton really wanted to be in on this case, but he needed more to go on. As far as anyone knew, while Vetresco had attacked another officer in the locker room, his partner could well be with him voluntarily. And if that was the case, their hands were tied on calling this a kidnapping situation. He was waiting for word from Chicago's bureau on any information on this Vetresco's father, as well as the dismissed case against him relating to his previous partner.
To Hamptons way of thinking there was plenty of reasons to jump on this, but he had higher-ups to answer too. So he needed to be sure.
"Look Dave," he sighed heavily, "give me an hour. I'll finish looking at the stuff you sent over, get with Chicago and talk to my people. I'll call you back, you going to be at this number or home?"
"I'll be here," Dave yawned,"as long as it takes Keith. Boscorelli is one of mine. I'll be around. Talk to you in an hour friend."
"In an hour," Hampton hung up the phone, opening his rolodex, he scrolled to a contact in Chicago, then dialed the number. 'Hope you can help Jean."
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"So," Vinny was grinning like a fool, "I take it you've decided you like X after all?"
Bosco was standing in front of the TV swaying back and forth as he tried to 'follow' the moving images on the screen. There was a 'spaced out' look on his face along with a huge smile as he brought his hands up and tried to 'catch' one of the fast moving birds on the 'nature' program Vinny had flipped past. Stopping on this one as Bosco yelled out, "HEY I LIKE THIS!"
Vinny laughing sat watching him. It had only taken about 20 minutes for the X to kick in. At first he just seemed to relax, the constant tension on his face and in his body melting away. Soon however, he got up from the couch, as if he had gotten a sudden burst of energy. Downing the soda, he almost fell over the coffee table to get to the TV. Standing at first just staring at it as if seeing one for the first time, soon he was talking to it, laughing out loud as Vinny slowly flipped the channels past him watching his reactions to the programming.
He'd double dosed him this first time, making sure of a lasting memory impact. Hoping he'd be more inclined to take the next one on his own without threats.
Now suddenly Vinny turned the TV off.
"HEY! WHERE'D THE BIRDIES GO!?" Bosco turned to him, "MAKE THEM COME BACK!" He started laughing, bent over hands on knees as he cracked himself up, his mind elsewhere.
'All these years knocking you Mikey. This shit feels so great. No wonder. Hey Mikey, if you can hear my thoughts, I get it now! Wish I did this with you before, I understand now. Wish it was us partying together. Damn bro...wacked shit...'
Vinny smiled, pointed another remote at the stereo and brought music to Bosco's world of X.
His laughter died away as the hard rock penetrated his high. Mouth slightly open, he turned to the large speakers as the opening strains of, "Don't Fear the Reaper" by Blue Oyster Cult blared out at him.
"I LOVE THIS SONG!" he shouted back at Vinny who sat watching as he immediately began to move to it. Completely taken over by the X now, his head bobbing as his body began to join in the song's seductive melody.
Singing loudly as Vinny chuckled at how strong his reaction to the drug was, "Nor do the wind the sun or the rain (we can be like they are), Come on baby (don't fear the reaper), Baby take my hand (don't fear the reaper), We'll be able to fly (don't fear the reaper) I'm flying thats for sure! Baby I'm your man La-la-la-la-la la-la-la-la-la"
He was moving in time across the floor, still singing, his eyes closed as the X carried him mentally out of the cabin, Vinny leaned forward keeping his eyes on him. Bosco moved towards him unaware of where he was heading turning around arms swinging out, singing, "Then the door was open and the wind appeared, The candles blew then disappeared, The curtains flew then he appeared (saying don't be afraid), Come on baby (and she had no fear), And she ran to him (then they started to fly), They looked backward and said goodbye (she had become like they are), She had taken his hand (she had become like they are), Come on baby (don't fear the reaper).
Suddenly Vinny was up and moving quickly towards him, grabbing him around his waist as Bosco, tripping over the chair next to the fireplace, nearly fell into it. "WHOA!" Vinny's yell as well as the 'grabbing save' bringing his eyes open as he startled, " OKAY, I think you've had enough fun for one night!"
"Oh hey, there you are, you bastard," Bosco grinned up at him, "you know, that was some good shit you gave me. What was it called again?" Hanging limply in Vinny's arms, nearly out now.
"Too much is what it obviously should have been called," Vinny shook his head, "you don't have much tolerance for alcohol or drugs do you love?"
"Love... you don't love me you sick fuck," Bosco mumbled incoherently, throwing his arm up halfway before it fell limply.
"Oh Bosco," embracing him, "that's our only real misunderstanding love, and now I'm gonna try and prove to you how wrong you are once again."
Picking him up, he carried him to the bedroom, placing him on top of the covers. When he returned from the bathroom he found him snoring, sprawled half on and half off the bed on his stomach.
"So you do wanna play..." Vinny lowering his head closing his eyes.
'He has learned the rules. I knew he'd come around. I must control my temper, it brings the fear out in him. I want him to feel safe. I love him so much, can't fuck this up. No, I won't fuck up again. Not like before. No. Wish I could get in your head love. You want me tonight?'
Vinny sliding out of them, dropped his pajama bottoms onto the bedroom floor, his teeshirt following as he headed to the bed........ Softly speaking to Bosco as he approached, "Wake up love, its time to play....."
TBC....
Rules and Broken Trust
Chapter 14
Vinny lay silently the next morning, watching Bosco sleep. The lines of his face highlighted by the lamp light in the dim room seeming so perfect to him. The swelling on Bosco's face from the bruises constricted his chest as he remembered now how Bosco had come about them. Remembering the scene from last night caused him shame at having been the one causing them.
Bosco during the nights cold had moved across the bed ending up curled into Vinny. Something Vinny had a feeling he would not take well when finally he woke. Thinking to make it easier on him when he did wake, Vinny slowly moved away trying not to disturb him. He had every intention of Bosco coming around to him, and a fight right off this morning was not what he wanted. What he did want to do was hold him, to touch his hair and face tenderly, waking him gently. But instead he quietly climbed out of the bed, going to the bathroom.
Coming out he saw that Bosco was awake. Sitting up now on his side of the bed his right arm extended behind him, watching Vinny's every move as he exited the bathroom. "Good mornin'," Vinny softly said, attempting a smile. Unsure of how Bosco would react he was hesitant on how to approach him.
Nodding slightly to acknowledge his greeting, but not answering, Bosco eyed him warily as Vinny went to the dresser to get clothes out for himself. "I'm almost done, I'll let you have the bathroom and I'll go make breakfast," turning to glance back at him, "only be a few minutes more."
Again no answer, or even nod, Bosco just silently watched him, as if gauging what was coming.
Leaving the bathroom, returning again to the bedroom, Vinny carefully approached him, and was not surprised to see him flinch slightly as he reached him to uncuff his wrist. Bosco seemed more than a little surprised when Vinny did actually uncuff his wrist this time, instead of taking the cuff off of the bed frame.
Rubbing his raw wrist with his left hand and working his way up his numb half asleep arm, he sat still until Vinny went to the bedroom door. Only then did he stand, waiting for Vinny to exit, closing the door behind himself.
Vinny stood on the other side of the door a moment until he heard the bathroom door close. Sighing, he headed to the kitchen wondering if Bosco would try the door; he'd left it unlocked; or would wait for Vinny to 'come get him'. He was hoping Bosco would try it, maybe help build back some of the broken trust, but somehow he doubted it would happen, he'd probably return to find him sitting on the bed again, waiting.
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Bosco woke before Vinny left the bed, but lay still when he realized to his mortification that during the night he'd 'cuddled' against Vinny. Praying to God that Vinny would neither mention it nor act on it he almost cried when Vinny left the bed without acknowledging it. Sitting up a minute or two after Vinny went into the bathroom, he had time to 'calm' down about it. Easing his sore battered body back to 'his side' of the bed, wincing at the registering pain. When Vinny exited the bathroom to get clothes, he was sorely afraid that Vinny would now expect something from him. His silence was not so much a refusal to speak as an inability to do so. Fear kept him silent. Vinny ran so hot and cold that he was afraid to set him off. Deciding to wait and get to maybe better tell what would do so, he thought it wise to just act slightly daft still.
Stunned would be a good word for how he felt when Vinny uncuffed his wrist completely. But he couldn't help but wonder if it were some test he had to pass, or fail. Whatever it was, if it was a test, it seemed he passed as Vinny left the room promising breakfast in a couple of minutes.
Heading to the bathroom slowly, his numb arm beginning to tingle like crazy, hoping he wouldn't be cuffed again tonight. Praying he wouldn't still BE here tonight. Bosco wondered what he could expect next. Using his 'good' arm, he edged his bottoms down slowly, sitting on the toilet seat to relieve himself. He had no idea using the toilet would be so damn painful. Moaning, he was sweating by the time he finished. He felt a sharp flash of fear at seeing blood as he cleansed himself, as well as seeing there was also blood in the toilet. Now that it was over, other than a bit of stinging he felt mostly numbness. Hoping this was just temporary he washed his hands, constricting his right hand that was also now regaining sensation. Moving to his face, the cool water feeling pure, helped to restore his calm
Leaving the bathroom he saw the bedroom was still empty. Giving a small prayer of thanks again for small favors he went to the dresser to see if there was anything else to wear. Pulling a pair of jeans and a maroon sweater out, he quickly got dressed.
Now he wasn't sure what to do, should he try the door? If it were open would it be a test and if so, what would the 'pass' be? Go out or stay in? Trying like hell to figure out what Vinny would want, he closed his eyes and opened the door, again praying that this was the 'pass' and not the 'hell beat out of me fail'.
Quietly exiting the hallway, moving though the living room, he stood near the kitchen entrance watching Vinny move from the fridge to the counter next to the stove. Shaking slightly, not caring if he felt like a coward, hell he was, he had no intention of suffering another beating if he could help it, he stood waiting for Vinny to notice him. His 'fight or flight' instinct this morning fully on 'flight' mode if Vinny looked pissed he was there. Eyes wide he waited. _______________________________________________________________________
Moving around the large kitchen, Vinny heard Bosco in the bathroom. Sound carried a bit if loud enough in the cabin. His soft cries of pain stopped Vinny in his tracks. Almost going to him, he realized what must be happening, and stayed in the kitchen.
Preparing coffee, he filled the carafe pouring the water in the maker, setting it into place. Pausing, fighting his urges, he proceeded to put the grinds in. Turning it on, he went to the pantry; digging out a set of keys he unlocked it. Inside he got out the cooking utensils that had been missing from the drawers last night and began to prepare bacon and eggs.
Finally looking up as he walked from the counter to the stove he spotted Bosco quietly standing watching him. Pale and drawn he looked both ready to run and ready to fall out.
"HEY!" Vinny cheerfully called to him, seeing relief and startlement on his face as he almost seemed to be about to run at Vinny's loud greeting.
"Breakfast is almost ready. Got coffee done if you want a cup," Vinny deliberately stepped to the opposite side of the kitchen, pretending to need to get something there.
Slowly Bosco walked to the pot, eyeing Vinny the entire time he fixed a cup for himself. Clearing his throat, "Should I fix one for you too?" His hesitant question hoarsely spoken as his initial fear began to abate somewhat.
"Sure, you know how I like it, thanks," Vinny grinned at him, then as he moved to the table to sit with the cups, placing one at the place Vinny had sat the night before, Vinny moved back across the kitchen to finish up the meal. Bosco sat sipping his coffee silent, as he'd been last night.
Vinny happy only to have peace right now brought the food to the table, along with the plates and utensils. Placing a plate and spoon down in front of him, "Help yourself, if you want more, there is plenty more where this comes from."
"Spoon?" Bosco actually looked up at him as Vinny stood next to him, "I can't have a fork?" He seemed for the moment to forget what was really going on.
"Well," Vinny hesitated, "I would prefer that for right now, no, you just have a spoon. After I'm sure you won't stab me," he laughed slightly, "we'll see."
Bosco still looking up at him reddened, "Yeah, okay." Eyes dropping to his plate, he picked up the spoon studying it as if he'd never seen one before, then as Vinny sat lifting his own fork, he reached out taking eggs onto his plate. Leaving the bacon alone he began to eat. "You don't eat bacon?" Vinny asked puzzled, sure he remembered that he did. "Not often," Bosco remarked chewing, "unless its on a burger. Too much fat and salt." Quickly glancing at Vinny hoping the refusal hadn't insulted him. He swallowed hard wondering if he'd broken a 'rule' by not taking the bacon. Eyes down on his plate again, his hand shaking a bit, he sat unsure now, his stomach burning with acid.
"Look, Bosco," Vinny started, "I can make this easier on you if you want."
Eyes up again, Bosco furrowed his brow questioningly at him, "Excuse me?"
"I mean," Vinny continued, "I can help you 'adjust'. I have something to relax you if you want it. Just make things easier, you know."
Frowning fully at him, "I don't do drugs unless they are FORCED UPON ME! So NO I DON'T!" Adding quickly in case Vinny was getting pissed, "but thanks anyway." 'Crap Maurice keep your mouth under control', berating himself silently he again sat still waiting for the results of his outburst.
"Fine," Vinny nodded, staring at him intently, "just thought I'd offer. You don't have to be so touchy!" He went back to eating, glancing at Bosco from under his brows, adding, "You know if you don't like something you don't have to eat it. I'm not the food police. Let me know what you 'don't' like and I'll make sure you don't get served it. And stop looking like a scared rabbit, its starting to piss me off."
"I'm not," Bosco began to protest, "it's just that, I," he stopped. Vinny put his fork down, sat head tilted at him, waiting, finally, "Well? You just what?" "Nothing," Bosco picked up a spoon of eggs, looking at them, lifted the spoon to his mouth beginning to eat. "Yeah," Vinny shook his head slightly, eyes narrowed, "like I said, scared rabbit. Finish your eggs Bosco. When you mess up I'll let you know, until then chill, okay? And don't give me those eyes, I didn't threaten you, just trying to let you know its going to be alright. I'm not a monster contrary to what you think right now. So stop acting like everytime you take a step I'm going to come unglued on you. There aren't many rules, and you already know the most important ones, so chill." He went back to eating ignoring Bosco for the rest of the meal.
Bosco having looked up with panicked eyes, looked down again. His appetite lost now, but, he ate anyway. Even if he hated everything around him now he had to eat. There was no guarantee when Vinny might decide he couldn't. Not knowing what to expect, or what was coming he knew he had to keep up his strength. Vinny would not beat him, not where it counted anyway.
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The rest of the day went pretty much the same way. Vinny suggesting things to him, Bosco accepting or declining as he tried to figure out what Vinny wanted him to do. At one point he was wandering around the living room looking at things. Vinny having told him that as long as he didn't try to 'escape' he now had free reign of the place. Catching sight of a small group of pictures, he walked over to examine them.
His breath catching as his hand reached unconsciously to pick one up. Bringing it in closer to look at it, "Oh holy hell, this isn't possible!" Snatching up another one, his hands were shaking as he compared the two.
"Hey, what cha looking at?" Vinny coming up behind him startled him into nearly dropping both pictures. Bosco turned to face Vinny, a quiver in his voice, "Who... who is this?" The stunned shock evident in his voice as Vinny froze staring at the pictures, before coldly stating, "Put them down. Now."
Swallowing hard, pausing in confusion, Bosco glanced at the pictures in his hands again and back to Vinny, momentarily forgetting the rules. "Vin... Vinny. Who IS this?"
Vinny's nostrils flaring, reaching out gripped Bosco's already swollen right wrist roughly yanking on it, "I said put THEM DOWN!" Snatching the picture from his hand.
Bosco having the picture painfully jerked out of his right hand, dropped the picture in his left hand as he grabbed the hand squeezing his injured wrist. Cringing as he heard the frame impact the hardwood floor, shattering. Vinny's grip tightening on Bosco's wrist, his face a mask of hard anger. Bosco clenched his eyes as tightly closed as possible turning his head away, waiting for his punishment. Seconds later he felt the grip on his wrist slowly release.
Vinny watching Bosco stand his own, waiting for another beating, felt again the shame from the prior nights. His heart feeling heavy, he pushed the anger down lessoning his grip on Bosco's wrist, sighing, slowly letting go.
"Vin...I'm sorry," Bosco opening his eyes looked directly into Vinny's for a second before flashing to the ground. "I was just surpised is all... let me... Vin...let me clean this up. I didn't mean..." Bosco dropping to his knees began to pick up the broken glass, tossing it bit-by-bit back into a pile.
Trembling, lowering his face looking for small shards, Bosco swiped with his hand to the big pile, small fragments penetrating his flesh. From the corner of his eye, he could see a rather large chunk of glass that had landed under the couch, shutting his eyes he ignored it and begin speaking, "Vin, I didn't mean to pry... let me just sweep this up." Snatching up a handfull of the broken glass, ignoring the cuts as the larger pieces dug in.
"STOP!" Vinny cried out, dropping beside him. Grabbing Bosco's hands in his, "Damn it! You're bleeding! Leave it, its fine, I'm sorry I shouldn't have gotten upset." Forcing him to drop the shattered glass he exclaimed, "Come on," as he pulled him to his feet, towing him behind him to the kitchen sink. Turning on the faucet he pushed Bosco's hand under the flow and began picking the glass out of his palm.
Bosco stared in surpised shock, he hadn't even noticed the cuts until Vinny'd grabbed him. As Vinny removed the glass, washing his hand, cleaning the small cuts, Bosco looked back at the unbroken picture sitting on the table again, where Vinny had placed it before he noticed the blood. Staring at the man in the picture, barely seen from here, he looked slowly back at Vinny. More scared now than he'd been since he woke up in Vinny's car two nights ago.
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Ty sat down in the leather chair in Swersky's office, a heavy sigh escaping him. Holding his head in his hands he was dog tired, frustrated, and scared to death. Bosco and Vinny had been missing for 12 hours now, and no sign of them. Sully came into the room, handing him a cup of coffee, "Here Ty," not saying much else, he dropped into the chair next to him. Rolling his neck and trying to get the kinks out Sully sipped the bitter brew making a face as he realized he'd had at least five cups too many now. Ty didn't even bother to pretend to drink the coffee, he just held it, looking into it as if it would give him the answer he sought. 'Where the hell did you take him Vinny?'
Swersky wearily walking into his office for the meeting greeted them with, "Still nothing." Dropping into his chair, he stretched backwards the chair creaking as it protested his attempt to unstiffen his muscles and joints using it. "I don't understand how we could have missed them!" Ty frustrated spouted off, "We blocked every bridge, looked everyplace we could think to look! Thousands of cops out there looking and still nothing? How the hell is that possible Lieu?"
Rubbing his eyes with the palms of his hands, Swersky stated wearily, "I have no idea Ty. But we know they are still in the city, because we put up roadblocks at the bridges right away. If Vetresco's jeep had made one we.." he was cut off at Ty's exclaimation.
"JEEP?" Ty exclaimed, "NO Lieu, you mean his Cadillac, and I thought I was tired." He gave a tired chuckle then frowned, "You did mean Cadillac, right?" adding as an afterthought, "sir." "No," Dave replied moving his hands down, "Jeep, that is the vehicle in his file." Sitting straight again, he stared Davis down, "WHAT CADILLAC?"
"OH MY GOD!" Sully now standing, "We've been looking for a Cadillac while everyone else has been looking for a jeep?" His incredulous look was enough to cause Dave's heart to pulmmet. "What Cadillac? His vehicle of record is a Jeep Wagoner!" Dave was pulling up the file on his computer screen. "See right here! Jeep Wagoner, license DVR 5687." "No Lieu," Ty was pale, his voice soft now, "Vinny has a Cadillac, I saw it, so did Sul." Looking up at Sully for conformation, Sully nodded at him, then Lieu, "Oh shit, he's out of the city isn't he?"
"Ty," Dave was on the phone dialing, "do you know the license plate?" "No," he was shaking his head, his eyes closing as he realized the entire force save for himself and Sully had been the entire night and day looking for the wrong vehicle.
"SON-OF-A-BITCH!" Sully yelled out, Dave echoing him as they headed to the video room. Now they had to view the tapes of the front of the station. And hope it gave them what they needed. Vinny's cadillac and the license plate it bore.
None of the men held out hope that even if they could find it, or see it that it was still in the city now. What they had seen in Vinny's file made them only feel fear. Sitting looking carefully at the tapes of the night before, Dave looked up as the desk clerk came in with a fax for him. Thanking her he opened the file removing the fax sheets from it. "Holy Mary Mother of God!" his voice soft with shocked recognition causing Sully and Ty to look over at him.
Ty got up quickly glancing down at the papers in his hand, one of them a picture, his soft exclaimation of shock bringing Sully to join them. "Is that...?" Sully asked nearly speechless at what he was seeing. "No," Dave voice shaking replied, "but it could be his damn twin." "Well," Sully commented, "Now we know why Vinny was so damn obsessed with Bosco, don't we?" The other two men nodding slowly as they stared at the picture of Denver Starke in Dave Swersky's hand.
Except for the bright green eyes and the dark blonde hair, the man in the picture, perhaps a couple of years older, could have been Maurice Boscorelli.
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Later the same evening:
"How are your hands?" Vinny asked he came from the bedroom. Bosco standing near the fire Vinny'd started earlier in the huge fireplace, was warming himself. Since the picture incident Vinny had been extremely solicitous to him. Bosco had tried to stay out of his way, and Vinny had allowed him space. He was still jumpy, but Vinny refrained from commenting on it.
"Fine," Bosco looked at the bandages Vinny had insisted on, "I really don't need all this wrap," he grimaced, "it was only a couple of small cuts."
"Can't take chances out here love," Vinny flopped down and patted the couch, "come sit. I want to show you something." Seeing him hesitate, "OKAY, sit on the other end, just SIT!"
Moving to the couch, Bosco sat carefully down in the far corner, using his heel to shove the glass showing from the edge further under. Wondering how Vinny had missed it. Wondering if he had missed it at all. He'd forgotten about it until he walked over to sit and saw the glint on it from the fire.
Looking over at him, he raised his eyebrows, not commenting as Vinny smiled, pointing the remote and the large screen TV came to life. He smiled larger at the stunned look on Bosco's face.
"You have CABLE?" Bosco forgetting that he was a prisoner was simply astounded that way out here.....thinking, 'No way....unless its satellite? Or we aren't as far out as he said?' His hopes of it being the second dashed as soon as Vinny answered him.
"NO," Vinny laughed at his reaction, secretly pleased. "It's satellite dish. There are 500 channels of nothing to watch now instead of 8."
"No shit?" Bosco shook his head, pretending to be interested, sure that this was an 'easy pass', "Well whats not on?" Anything to distract him from the picture of himself with blonde hair and green eyes on the table next to him.
Laughing outloud now, Vinny tossed him the remote, "Well why don't you show me?"
Catching it, Bosco looked down at it, taking a minute, checking to see how it worked, glancing over at him, began to surf the channels.
Soon he was engrossed in the TV, not noticing Vinny turning the lights off, or going into the kitchen. His mind taking the 'escape' from the room, causing him to 'blank' as he sat there. It was unintentional, and later he wondered about how easy it had been, surely he should have been more cautious. He kept finding himself going blank and 'escaping' the cabin during the day. At one time looking out the window overlooking the mountain, he'd almost begun to fantasize about bringing a woman up here to see how beautiful it was. Then Vinny had come up behind him, putting his hands on his shoulders, asking him if he liked the view. He was brought back to reality very quickly as Vinny put his mouth next to his ear as he spoke. He'd tried to stay more alert since, but the constant vigil was taking its toll. Fatigue was setting in now, and all he wanted to do was sleep.
A few minutes more go by, then he nearly jumps out of his skin leaping from the couch, as something passes over his shoulder to be offered to him, the smell of the popcorn only now penetrating as real.
"HOLY SHIT!" Bosco yells out, his hand covering his heart as Vinny stands mouth gaping. Bosco is across the coffeetable now, staring at him fear on his face, "What the hell?"
"Damn," Vinny comes around the couch with the bowl, "what the hell are you so jumpy for?" He set the bowl down on the coffee table, standing back up looking at Bosco, "Sorry, didn't mean to scare you." Watching him try to calm down, moving away giving him space, seeing it not happening very fast, Vinny frowns, "Okay, thats it. I'll be right back, sit. I promise I will let you know when I come back."
Vinny leaves the room going into the kitchen again, this time turning on the overhead light. Going back to the couch Bosco sits again, this time turned to see the TV and the kitchen, he has moved into Vinny's spot. The bowl of popcorn left untouched as he anxiously awaits his return. His hand nervously rubbing at the sides of his mouth and chin as he forces himself to remain calm.
Knowing he's gone into the locked room off the kitchen, curiousity almost gets the best of him, but he stays himself. Until just now, the day since the picture incident and even before had been fairly quiet. He wanted to keep it that way.
A few minutes later, Vinny returns from the room. Locking the door back he goes to the fridge. When he finally returns to the living room, he hands Bosco a soda. "Here drink this," moving around he sits, not commenting on where Bosco is sitting. Opens his own, as Bosco breathing a sigh of relief that this is all he was 'getting' does the same. "Oh and here," Vinny extends his hand to him, "take this."
Frowning Bosco cautiously opens his hand as Vinny drops two pills into his palm his relief quickly evaporating as he sees them. "What? I told you I don't do this shit!" He sees its X. "NO," his voice strained, he tries to hand them back.
Cocking his head at him, his voice brooking no arguement, "Bosco, EASY or HARD, your choice." Vinny waits, sky blue eyes locked on smokey dark blue ones. Bosco swallows hard, he's had Hard, doesn't want a repeat, but he knows what X will do. He's never taken it, but he's seen enough high kids and young adults on it to know he might not have control if he takes it. Of anything. So hesitantly, "I can't...can't do this," his voice near whisper.
"You can, and you will. Or, I will help you." Vinny starts to get up, Bosco backs away into the couch. Vinny stands over him, "Take them, now. Do it Bosco, you remember me 'helping' you take them before right?"
Face screwed tight, he slowly brings his hand to his mouth, looking up, "Please don't make me do this." Vinny puts his hand on the back of his, pushing it to his mouth, "NOW, you will feel better, now do it."
He takes the pills into his mouth, but he can't swallow, can't make himself swallow them.
"Drink." Vinny stands, looking down at him taps the can upwards. Closing his eyes, Bosco brings the can to his lips, taking a deep swallow of the cold liquid. Waiting until he is sure Bosco has swallowed, nodding in approval Vinny sits down again.
Reaching out for the bowl of popcorn, handing it over to offer some, "Now, did you find anything interesting to watch?" Bosco sits shaking his head not in answer, but in denial of his situation, as he takes a handful of the now cold popcorn, too fearful now not too.
'NO! NO fucking way! No...no no... I just took X. What's gonna happen to me? I'm gonna freak out! I don't feel anything yet. I can control this. I can control everything. Fucking Vinny, he's gonna get his. Stay calm... stay calm... yeah I'm gonna just stay calm. Think think think! Just relax. I can fight this. Fucking Vin. I'll play by his rules. Not that I have a choice. Yeah...wait till I get my chance you fucking bastard! Be cool... calm down... yeah.'
Bosco's heart racing, perspiration visible on his forehead, he sits staring at the TV, not eating, the white puffs of corn sitting in his hand, just waiting for the drugs to kick in to fight them. Knowing he couldn't fight Vinny and win, this was something he was going to control internally.
Vinny sneaking a glance at him smiles, going back to watching TV.... waiting.
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"Are you sure he was taken over the state line?" FBI agent Keith Hampton asked, he was writing on a pad the information Dave Swersky was relaying to him.
"No," Dave replied, "but the vehicle doesn't match the one Vetresco had registered here, and he attacked another officer before he kidnapped his partner. We could use the help coordinating with both Jersey and Canada, as well as Chicago. We really have no idea where he went. Hell to be truthful Keith they could still be in the city, we just don't know."
"I understand Dave," Keith Hampton and Dave Swersky went way back, both having joined at the same time, they had worked together a few times on cases. Not always smoothly, but usually effectivly. Hampton really wanted to be in on this case, but he needed more to go on. As far as anyone knew, while Vetresco had attacked another officer in the locker room, his partner could well be with him voluntarily. And if that was the case, their hands were tied on calling this a kidnapping situation. He was waiting for word from Chicago's bureau on any information on this Vetresco's father, as well as the dismissed case against him relating to his previous partner.
To Hamptons way of thinking there was plenty of reasons to jump on this, but he had higher-ups to answer too. So he needed to be sure.
"Look Dave," he sighed heavily, "give me an hour. I'll finish looking at the stuff you sent over, get with Chicago and talk to my people. I'll call you back, you going to be at this number or home?"
"I'll be here," Dave yawned,"as long as it takes Keith. Boscorelli is one of mine. I'll be around. Talk to you in an hour friend."
"In an hour," Hampton hung up the phone, opening his rolodex, he scrolled to a contact in Chicago, then dialed the number. 'Hope you can help Jean."
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"So," Vinny was grinning like a fool, "I take it you've decided you like X after all?"
Bosco was standing in front of the TV swaying back and forth as he tried to 'follow' the moving images on the screen. There was a 'spaced out' look on his face along with a huge smile as he brought his hands up and tried to 'catch' one of the fast moving birds on the 'nature' program Vinny had flipped past. Stopping on this one as Bosco yelled out, "HEY I LIKE THIS!"
Vinny laughing sat watching him. It had only taken about 20 minutes for the X to kick in. At first he just seemed to relax, the constant tension on his face and in his body melting away. Soon however, he got up from the couch, as if he had gotten a sudden burst of energy. Downing the soda, he almost fell over the coffee table to get to the TV. Standing at first just staring at it as if seeing one for the first time, soon he was talking to it, laughing out loud as Vinny slowly flipped the channels past him watching his reactions to the programming.
He'd double dosed him this first time, making sure of a lasting memory impact. Hoping he'd be more inclined to take the next one on his own without threats.
Now suddenly Vinny turned the TV off.
"HEY! WHERE'D THE BIRDIES GO!?" Bosco turned to him, "MAKE THEM COME BACK!" He started laughing, bent over hands on knees as he cracked himself up, his mind elsewhere.
'All these years knocking you Mikey. This shit feels so great. No wonder. Hey Mikey, if you can hear my thoughts, I get it now! Wish I did this with you before, I understand now. Wish it was us partying together. Damn bro...wacked shit...'
Vinny smiled, pointed another remote at the stereo and brought music to Bosco's world of X.
His laughter died away as the hard rock penetrated his high. Mouth slightly open, he turned to the large speakers as the opening strains of, "Don't Fear the Reaper" by Blue Oyster Cult blared out at him.
"I LOVE THIS SONG!" he shouted back at Vinny who sat watching as he immediately began to move to it. Completely taken over by the X now, his head bobbing as his body began to join in the song's seductive melody.
Singing loudly as Vinny chuckled at how strong his reaction to the drug was, "Nor do the wind the sun or the rain (we can be like they are), Come on baby (don't fear the reaper), Baby take my hand (don't fear the reaper), We'll be able to fly (don't fear the reaper) I'm flying thats for sure! Baby I'm your man La-la-la-la-la la-la-la-la-la"
He was moving in time across the floor, still singing, his eyes closed as the X carried him mentally out of the cabin, Vinny leaned forward keeping his eyes on him. Bosco moved towards him unaware of where he was heading turning around arms swinging out, singing, "Then the door was open and the wind appeared, The candles blew then disappeared, The curtains flew then he appeared (saying don't be afraid), Come on baby (and she had no fear), And she ran to him (then they started to fly), They looked backward and said goodbye (she had become like they are), She had taken his hand (she had become like they are), Come on baby (don't fear the reaper).
Suddenly Vinny was up and moving quickly towards him, grabbing him around his waist as Bosco, tripping over the chair next to the fireplace, nearly fell into it. "WHOA!" Vinny's yell as well as the 'grabbing save' bringing his eyes open as he startled, " OKAY, I think you've had enough fun for one night!"
"Oh hey, there you are, you bastard," Bosco grinned up at him, "you know, that was some good shit you gave me. What was it called again?" Hanging limply in Vinny's arms, nearly out now.
"Too much is what it obviously should have been called," Vinny shook his head, "you don't have much tolerance for alcohol or drugs do you love?"
"Love... you don't love me you sick fuck," Bosco mumbled incoherently, throwing his arm up halfway before it fell limply.
"Oh Bosco," embracing him, "that's our only real misunderstanding love, and now I'm gonna try and prove to you how wrong you are once again."
Picking him up, he carried him to the bedroom, placing him on top of the covers. When he returned from the bathroom he found him snoring, sprawled half on and half off the bed on his stomach.
"So you do wanna play..." Vinny lowering his head closing his eyes.
'He has learned the rules. I knew he'd come around. I must control my temper, it brings the fear out in him. I want him to feel safe. I love him so much, can't fuck this up. No, I won't fuck up again. Not like before. No. Wish I could get in your head love. You want me tonight?'
Vinny sliding out of them, dropped his pajama bottoms onto the bedroom floor, his teeshirt following as he headed to the bed........ Softly speaking to Bosco as he approached, "Wake up love, its time to play....."
TBC....