Thank you for the great reviews. It took my muse some time to get his head back on straight. OR rather for him to get mine back on straight. I almost took a detour from his original plans because of a couple of reviewers and he made me restart this chapter twice before he was satisfied. Always listen to the muse, and stay true to your original idea and vision of where your story should go. Although all reviewers are welcomed with open arms and Very Very much appreciated.. he said, don't listen to what they want, or think. LOL they ain't writing it. (thats what he AND someone else kicked my butt with. thanks Angy, I needed that.) I've been challenged several times over this story. And I stick to my knowledge and original belief that this indeed could happen and indeed has happened to others. And the time frame that has been more than once challenged? It can and has happened in as little as a few hours. And to stronger and more arrogant people than Maurice Boscorelli. So, on with the story.
This is a long chapter, but it needed to be. Some will like, some not. Some will expect something different, and some already know whats to come in the future chapters. This is number 26. Only 4 more to go. Nearing the end of this 'saga' lol. Enjoy. M.
Rules and Broken Trust Chapter 26
"Come on Vin," Bosco placing his hand on his shoulder shaking him, watched as Vinny woke again. As he lifted his head from the pillow, he told him, "you have to take this." Trying again to get more aspirin down him, this time successful as Vinny was finally truly awake.
"Good, finally, now here," holding a bottle of water to his lips he watched carefully as Vinny drank. When he was satisfied he'd drank enough, Bosco let him lie back.
Vinny his eyes open now, watched him, near whisper of, "Why?"
Bosco frowned glancing back at him, "What?" Continuing to wring out the wet cold rag in his hands, he glanced back again, "Why, what?" Placing the rag on Vinny's neck he waited.
"Why are you helping me?" Serious concern on his face, "After everything I did? Why did you come after me? I mean," he coughed, "I guess I figured you wouldn't bother, you know? Not exactly your style, running to help..." He stopped as Bosco's face darkened and he interrupted.
"Why? Damn Vin, what was I suppose to do? Close the door behind you, let you die?" Bosco scoffed at him near anger, then quickly lightened his voice, though his face still showed his feelings clearly. "Is that really what you think of me? How I'd treat someone? Just let you go off and die in the snow...man I must really come off as a heartless jackass, huh?" The hurt on his face not dampened by his attempt at humor, Bosco turned back to the tray of medicine and bowl of ice water on the coffeetable.
Closing his eyes, Vinny remarked, "No, I never thought that. Just, after everything, hell Maurice, nevermind. I don't know what I'm trying to say." Laying his hand on Bosco's arm, "I'm sorry, and thank you." Bosco nodded still not looking at him.
"I'll pick this stuff up, you need anything?" Standing but only looking at the tray, Bosco waited until Vinny assured him he was fine, then headed into the kitchen. Setting the tray on the countertop, he stood a moment silent. Quickly emptying the bowl, and refilling it with water from a bucket on the floor he went to the door and scooped snow into it.
Returning to the couch he set the bowl down on the coffeetable, "You really want to know why?" Standing looking down at Vinny, almost a challenge on his face.
A slight wave of fear swept over Vinny's expression, but he nodded, "Yea."
Sitting again on the coffeetable, Bosco leaned towards him slightly, earnestness in his voice, "Because I'm not a heartless jackass, no matter what I act," sweeping his arm towards the door, "out there on the job. I care, even about people who hurt me. I hate it, hate the vicious mean cruel things that people do to each other, but fuck Vinny, I don't wear my heart on my sleeve, I can't." looking at his hands, "Faith once told me that I'm just trying to stand between the bullies and the little guy, she said, that's what a good cop does."
Bringing his gaze back to Vinny's face, "That's all I ever wanted to do, be a good cop. My shrink told me I have a Savior complex. Mixed with something else, hell I forget now what. Basically she says that I want to save the world, but kick its ass first. And she says its worse when its someone I know, and care about. Like I can't really ever let go of 'there must be a reason and hey, I bet I can save them, and after I toss um in jail it'll happen!' Go figure huh?"
Vinny smirked, but kept quiet, Bosco adding, "So, yea, I care, but yea, sure I wanted to kill you. Hell I wanted God himself to come down and strike you dead for what you did to me." Vinny looked away, down at the light blanket covering him as Bosco continued, "But I guess God's got other plans Vin. Cause he didn't strike you, and I stopped wanting you to die. And I stopped wanting that before you ever told me what happened to you."
Glancing back at him, Vinny was surprised to see him wearing a small smile, "Vin, somewhere along the line, I guess I realized I wasn't getting anywhere hating you. Plus," he smirked, "its kind of hard to hate someone when you're high on X. I don't know for sure when it happened, or how, but no, I don't want you to die. Hell I slept with you and it was my choice," looking back at his hands, "and that I still don't understand. I'm not that way, not queer, I don't even think I'm bi," a low laugh breaking out, "not that you'd know it by how I've been acting lately, huh?"
Quietly watching him, Vinny softly asked, "Your Dad did a number on you too huh?"
Startled Bosco stared at him, "What?" Immediately Vinny saw his eyes shutter, his wall come up again.
Sighing, "Its just that, well, you kind of sound like me. I thought I could save the world. I didn't want to kick its ass until after..." pausing, another sigh, "well, anyway. I just noticed the nightmares, Maurice my Dad was a son-of-a-bitch too, but he loved me. He was hard as nails, but I don't scream out for him not to leave me in the dark, or to stop hitting my mother or me, in my sleep."
At the shock and shame on Bosco's face, Vinny quickly added, "Don't, don't go away, don't hide. I don't want to hurt you, I just figure the world you're trying to save is your own. That's what the shrink they made me go to after...well anyway that's what he told me. Guess most shit starts with our parents, but it always ends with us. Choices we make, and I'm the posterboy for bad ones Maurice, trust me on that."
Bosco's heart was pounding as Vinny came close to his truth. Close to his shame his secret. Faith knew he'd had a crappy childhood, but she'd never come this close.
Hesitantly, not understanding why he did, he spoke, "My world," a hard bark of laughter erupting from him, "you have no clue Vin. My world can't be saved. A nuclear bomb named Anthony and Rose Boscorelli blew that up a hell of a long time ago. Between their battles, and drinking themselves into violent fits of rage they took out on Mikey an Me, my world consisted of hiding out with my brother at a fort near the river. My old man beat the living hell out of me, almost put me in the hospital because I stood up for a kid at school. Said I was stupid to take another guys asswhupping."
Harsh anger in his voice, "My Mom, called me every name in the book when she was drunk, and yea, she beat the hell out of us too. So, that was my world Vin. My wonderful childhood." Now that it was spilling out, he couldn't stop, words tumbling out faster than he could think about it, "That and my Dad shoving me in a closet so I wouldn't call the cops after my Mom put him out," he dropped his head, "and I let him back in, through my bedroom window. Then he'd beat her senseless while I cowered in the corner of that closet. Half hoping he'd forget I was there, and begging him to not leave me locked in all at the same time. That's why I sleep with the lights on, why I can't have an unlocked window in my house, ever. Why I'm always chasing bad guys I can't catch, much less stop. Why I became a cop."
Vinny stared at him, shocked beyond what he'd imagined to be the reasons for Bosco's fears and anger.
"Why I never let a woman get close enough to want to stay with me. Why I keep everyone at arm's length. Why I'll probably never get married, even though I want a family. I'll just turn into my Dad and screw up more lives. Mikey's a drug addict, hell, a dealer, and in jail. And I put him there." tears flowing, he couldn't stop still, "Cause that's all I ever saw. Not even my grandparents could make it better, they died when I was 11 and 13, and that was it for anybody in my life who cared only about my brother and me and if we were okay. I almost got my partner Yokas, killed, constant bad decisions? Vin, we both could be on that poster! And now talk about seriously screwed up! I'm in love with..."
He stopped as he realized what he'd just done. Shocked that he'd just confessed more than he'd ever actually told Faith about his life. Not waiting for Vinny to comment, not wanting to see the pity on his face, Bosco charged up from the coffeetable and left the room.
Lying there, Vinny sighed. His heart heavy, breaking for Bosco. Knowing he'd made his life even more complicated and definitely worse. "Oh love, what was God thinking..."
Rising from the couch, Vinny carefully made his way to the hallway. He didn't hear him as he went into the bedroom, but saw him standing at the window looking out. Approaching him carefully, he leaned against the wall next to the window. Bosco glanced over, swiping his face with the back of his hand, "What? I know I'm an idiot, okay? Crying over shit that happened 20 years ago."
"No," Vinny shook his head, "I don't think you're an idiot, I think everyone around you probably is though. I know I am. You're more than likely going to hit me when I say this, but Maurice, I look at you, and I can't for the life of me understand how anyone could hurt you. And yea, I know the irony in that comment, I'm not completely gone..." he gave a sad smile, "but," he reached up and gently ran his hand down Bosco's wet cheek, drying it with the back of his palm, "you have the biggest heart of anyone I've ever known. And whether you realize it or not, you put it on your sleeve a lot more than you'd like to admit." Bosco was looking him in the eye, as Vinny explained, "All that anger, swagger, and cocky attitude is just cover, and most everyone sees it. Course that doesn't stop them from calling you an ass, or wanting to kick your butt when you treat them like shit to keep them at bay, or when you can't back off an argument."
"Who said that they wanted to kick my butt?" Bosco laughed softly, "Not that they could."
"Oh I'm sure," Vinny grinned, the sad moments gone again, for the time being, "a couple of bucketboys would like to try. I heard you had a feud going with one for a long time."
"Dougherty?" Exclaiming with scorn Bosco half growled, "Please, that bucketboy's so far from kicking my ass its not funny. And I always came out on top in the prank department." Vinny leaned back folding his arms as if ready to listen to this story, when Bosco suddenly smirked, shaking his head, "Damn you're good. But not that good," shoving Vinny gently in the direction of the living room, "back to the couch with you, you're too big for me to pick up off the floor."
Shrugging Vinny commented, "Actually I think I'm pretty close to lying down right here, but if I have a choice...truth is, I'd rather be in bed than on the couch, it gets too hot." Nodding, Bosco headed to the bed, pulling back the blanket. Vinny grinned, "Nurse Maurice, who'd have thunk it? Do I get a bell? Chicken Soup? Sponge Bath?"
"Hey," Bosco scowled, "Don't push it you're lucky I know what aspirin dose to give you." After Vinny was settled in Bosco leaned over him, "Need anything?"
"Nope," Vinny smiled, "but you should get some sleep now, don't want you getting sick too." Bosco moved in for a kiss, "I'm fine,"
Vinny's smile widened, "Yes indeed you are, but," blocking his mouth with a hand, Bosco frowned, Vinny explaining, "Um, probably not a good idea, could be contagious."
Bosco growled low, smirking, "And you think I haven't ALREADY been exposed?" Moving Vinny's hand he kissed him softly, commenting as he moved back, "Thanks for not making a big deal of my mental crack up back there."
Before Vinny could react he was gone from the room. Smiling gently at his back as Bosco left, Vinny thought, 'thanks for not wanting me dead Maurice.' Soon he was falling asleep again, an easier sleep as the fever stayed down now, coughing lightly as he rolled over trying to get comfortable.
Two days later:
Miserable, hot and tired, Bosco coughed as he lay on the couch. Vinny sitting in the large deep chair set at the end of the coffeetable watched him, "Sorry, I didn't mean for you to catch it too you know." His fever broken now with the medicine's Bosco had been dumping down him, he was still ill, they both were now. Aching all over, tired beyond belief, Vinny asked, "Is it time for you to take anything? Your cough is getting worse, hell its worse than mine."
Bosco glanced at him, "Not your fault, we got sick at the same time basically. I think that means you didn't give it to me, but I could be wrong." Giving him a glare now, "And it is worse than yours."
"But is it time for you to take anything? Maybe..." Vinny coughed then tried again, "Maybe you should..."
Bosco cutting him off by coughing harshly again, when he stopped he glared again, "No, its not time for anything, god, you are such a girl. Just watch the damn game and leave me be already." Wrapped in a blanket he was hot and shivering at the same time, completely ignoring his own advice to Vinny about staying cool. The fireplace going full blast he glowered at the television as he felt Vinny still watching him.
"Girl? GIRL?" Vinny frowned, "I might BE a girl but at least I'm not a damn big ass baby when I'm sick, like you are." Tossing over onto his side drawing his feet up into the chair, he also was glowering at the game, "FINE I'll leave you alone! God, all I did was ask how you were." He started coughing from shifting position, and had to sit up before he choked.
Bosco refused to look at him, showing no signs of sympathy, stated firmly, "Girl." He stared a few minutes more at the screen, then as usual couldn't help himself, grousing, "I'm not a baby. I'm just sicker than you are."
"My ass you are!" Vinny stared at him in outrage, "I'm just as sick, sicker even! I didn't see you running out into the snow from delirium. And I never said you were a baby Maurice." As that got Bosco's attention, his mouth dropping open, "You did, you just said it!" Vinny smirked, "No, I said you were a BIG baby." A self satisfied smile on his face he glared at Bosco now. They both knew they were being ridiculous but it was better to torture each other than to suffer alone and in silence. All sympathy for each others condition lost after the second afternoon in each others company, finding both to be much worse patients than caregivers.
Leaning forward, towards the chair, where Vinny lay, Bosco gave a deliberate cough in his direction. Only to actually set off a coughing fit. His pique of smartass backfiring on him. He was quickly sitting up, bent double coughing up what he was sure an entire lung, unable to stop.
Without warning, Vinny was trying to help him, his own attempt at boredom relief forgotten in his concern, as he clapped him on the back. "Easy love, easy," Vinny soothed.
Bosco gasping looked up at him, "What," cough, gasp, "the hell," cough, gasp, gasp, "are you doing," cough, cough, cough.
"Helping you," Vinny remarked, between his own coughs, still beating him on the back, "what do you think?" Bosco twisted around, grabbing his hand, "STOP helping," his coughing again taking over, "for you kill me..." Vinny quit, then looking down at him in concern, "But it helps, it breaks up the congestion. Then you can get it up." His explanation falling on deaf ears as Bosco lunged up from the couch, racing to the bathroom.
Vinny stood a moment longer, "See, I told you." He collapsed back onto the chair, exhausted from the short time standing. Attempting to call out, "You'll feel better now, you'll see." He sat listening to him retch for a few minutes, wondering if he should go see about him. Wondering if he Could go see about him, finally giving in to the 'don't go see or you'll end up on your face' idea. He dropped his head back onto the pillow he'd drug from the bedroom, groaning as he rolled over onto his side. "Wonder what the score is." Staring now at the TV across the room, "Wonder what teams are playing? Wonder if that's football, or soccer?"
Bosco leaning against the doors frame, trying to decide if he could make it back to the couch, or if he should just sit down right here and watch the game from the floor stared at the back of his head. Croaking out, "I knew it. GIRL! You got NO idea what you're watching."
Taking a chance he moved alongside the wall to the couch. Using it to steady himself, he slowly made it to the couch. Vinny watching him carefully the entire time, but not offering assistance or a comment.
Reaching the front of the couch finally, he picked up the blanket from the floor wrapping it around his shoulders before sitting again. Sighing, he relaxed down onto it, not ready to chance lying down yet. Sparing a quick glare at Vinny before returning to the TV.
Vinny stared, "I couldn't see it cause its blurry Mr. Smartass. You tell me, which it is, Maurice? Football or Soccer?"
Bosco scowling at the TV refused to answer him. Vinny smirked, "Thought so, you don't know either." Scrunching down further in the couch, Bosco picked up the remote, changing the channel.
Vinny smirked wider, "What? You trying to act like you don't hear me, but I know the truth. You can't see it any better than me."
Blinking at the screen, Bosco cut his eyes at Vinny, "At least I knew it was a ballgame, you thought it was a horse race. Stupid satellite, everything's messed up." Then he turned the TV off. Nothing was holding either one's interest and both were having trouble watching it without getting nauseous. As evidenced by his sudden trip to the bathroom. Coughing aside, he'd already been feeling the need, mostly due to the flickering and jumping screen.
"Besides, it was in Korean, I think and I'm pretty sure neither of us can understand Korean." Dropping his head back against the pillow on the couch, he groaned, "I might die. I think this is gonna kill me." A few seconds later, with no response from Vinny, he added, "Yep, I'm pretty sure it's going to happen. Course if I had something to eat, it might help me last longer. And since I got food for us last meal..." Sneaking a quick glance in Vinny's direction he saw and heard him sigh heavily, then heave himself up off the chair.
Closing his eyes quickly, he restrained his smirk. Whispering to himself as Vinny slogged into the kitchen for something not spoiled for them to eat, "Girl." Making sure Vinny didn't hear him of course, Bosco didn't want to wear his lunch, just eat it.
Rangers Cabin:
"Well people if we're gonna do this, we need to do it now." The Ranger was loading up a jeep with supplies, both for food, and shelter if needed. Already on board another vehicle were medical supplies and additional items that might be needed for the trip. "Looks like we maybe have a 4 day window here. But that's always a guesstimate this time of year. Another front could move down and we'd be back in the middle of another nasty storm."
"Almost done," Hampton called over, "just making sure everything's tied down good. Are you sure we have enough gas to get us up and back down?" He looked skeptically at the small trailer attached to the vehicles rear.
The Ranger looked over, smirking, "Yea, its enough, unless you're planning on a race. Then we might have a problem." Faith walked up about then, "We're ready when you guys are. Lieu is just making one last call in, see if anyone has heard anything, you know just in case." Sully and Ty already climbing into their jeep watching and waiting impatiently for the caravan to begin. Clapping her hands together, "Damn its colder than when it was snowing." Blowing into her gloves she pressed them to her cheeks.
"Yea, gets like that," he nodded, serious now, "make sure you wear that mask. Frostbite on the nose isn't fun." Working again on settling the contents of the jeep into proper position he asked, "You really think your friend is up there?" Faith sensed he wasn't actually asking If he was, but if he was alive.
"Not sure, but its all we have right now, all we've had ever, so," a half smile on her face, wishing he was more optimistic about this. Instead of waiting for his reply she headed back to the jeep she would be riding in with Lieu. The Ranger looked after her, giving a half nod he went back to his work.
In only fifteen more minutes everyone was loaded up, and the jeeps with their cargo of people and supplies, two trailers being towed headed up the mountain. Not knowing how difficult the road would be, only that it would be. Not knowing what they would find, if they found anything.
"Oh my god, I've never been this cold in my life!" Faith groaned as she huddled between Sully and Ty. Hampton and his team having set up camp quickly a fire was being started but not fast enough for her.
"Aww come on, sure you have Faith," Sully shivering blew on his hands, "remember a few years ago when you and Bosco got locked on that roof?" Glancing past her to Ty he grinned, Ty laughing, "Yea, I remember that, Carlos asked Bosco if he was wearing blue lipstick. Bosco almost threw him off the roof!"
Faith giggled at the memory, "Poor Carlos, it was funny. But that was not this cold, this is definitely colder." Her gaze taking in the area, "But its nicer to look at," seeing the fire beginning to blaze up, "Oh yea, come to mama," she got up and stood backside to the warmth. Sully and Ty only seconds behind her.
Swersky headed to the fire to join them, bringing a blanket, "Here, thought you might need this," handing it to Faith. Sully dropped his jaw, "Only Faith gets one?" Dave raised his eyebrow, "Do I look like your mother Sullivan?"
Ty started to speak, but a quick glare from both Sully and Dave gave him pause, and with a 'I didn't say anything' look on his face he instead asked, "I know, how about I go get some for the rest of us?" And was gone, Faith snickering at his retreating back, "You know you might just have the smartest partner of us all Sul."
"Awww," Sully commented with a pretend huff, "he's just sucking up to Lieu." Dave eyed him up, "And again, you just might have the smartest partner of all Sullivan." His dry comment causing several of the FBI agents to burst out with short coughs of restrained laughter as more joined to huddle around the fire.
Later that night, everyone was settling in for the evening, snores were resounding through the temporary campsite. Agent Brown and Faith lying in the tent, Brown asked, "Is it me or are they louder out here than back at the cabin?" Rolling over to face her, Faith replied, "No, they're the same, we just had a door between and a radio." Sighing she stared at the flickering of the firelight through the thin walls of the tent, "So, what exactly is the plan when we get there?"
Brown rolling to face Faith sighed, "That depends on if Starke's plans of the cabin are correct or if he was yanking our chains." Adjusting the pillow under her head, voice soft, "If the only window access is hanging over the mountainside, and we can't breach the doors without a huge scene, a night op is going to have to happen. Through the roof, but again, we won't know until we get there. Hell maybe they'll hear us coming and ask us in for coffee. And before you give me that look of shocked outrage, yes I'm serious. Its been known to happen. Not all FBI operations end up with a raid or standoff, shoot out Faith."
"I know," Faith's equally quiet voice focused in, "but if it does, Bosco's safety comes first right?"
"Of course," Brown sighed, "when is the Davidian case ever going to go away? Don't worry, we're not going in guns blazing, but we will do whatever it takes to get your partner out. And Vetresco into custody."
Eyes again on the flickering lights Faith lay awake, unable to sleep with the cold and Brown's words.
The next morning, stiff and grumping bodies emerged from the tents to gather at the newly stoked fire.
Coffee was passed around and gratefully received. Steam rose from cups and then from mouths as the hot liquid was practically inhaled. Several cups held out almost immediately for refills. No one wasting time, all wanting to break camp as soon as possible and get back to the trek up the mountain.
Few words were exchanged as the tents were dropped and packed away. Supplies replaced onto the trailers. Every item tied down, tied up and in general made as secure as they could in and on the vehicles.
Bodies loaded, the warmed interiors welcome comfort, the jeeps moved out, a slow going caravan picking its way carefully upwards. Weaving around fallen trees and areas that were washed out from previous rain storms before the snow and ice set in. Mile converged on mile, and before they knew it another entire day had passed. And they'd gone another 20 miles.
"Why stop now?" Sully was arguing with Keith Hampton, "its only 10 more miles right? Can't we do that before dark?" Swersky was watching carefully having come up on this conversation just now.
"No," Keith passed his hand over his hair knocking his hood back, "its too dangerous, if he hears us coming and, well hell Sullivan what do you want us to do? How about we call and tell them we're coming? Maybe they'll have tea and sandwiches ready!" Frustrated over this second time going over this he turned away.
Sully staring at his back, gestured up the road, "Don't walk away from me! We have plenty of daylight left, you don't know what the hell is going on up there, and I'm not really wanting to just leave Boscorelli in that cabin another damn night!"
Dave stepping up, his voice hard but low, "Sully, stop, he's right. If we don't make it before dark, but we announce our presence he gets the advantage and yelling at Keith won't change that."
"GOD I HATE THIS!" Sully turning stalked away, the stress of the last several days beginning to show on them all, "WE SHOULD HAVE BEEN THERE BY NOW!" Ty moved to him, trying to calm him, "Sul, look man, maybe they're right. Bosco," he stopped as Sully rounded on him.
"BOSCO? Ty! Bosco, MAY NOT HAVE ONE MORE NIGHT! AND YOU KNOW IT!" Sully bending slightly and forward at him yelled, "WHY THE HELL ARE WE WAITING? WE ALL KNOW WHAT HE'S PROBABLY DONE TO HI..." Ty stood looking at the ground, Sully breaking off his tirade suddenly as he saw his partners stricken face, "Oh god, Ty I'm sorry...I didn't, I mean..."
"I know," Ty turned moving away quickly Sully didn't miss the tears running down his face. Sully lowered his head, his anger dissipating into quiet frustration, he shoved his hands into his pockets. Feeling a hand on his shoulder he turned to see Faith looking at him, "God Faith, I'm so stupid sometimes, he blames himself and I just made it worse."
She nodded replying, "We all are sometimes, John. I keep thinking that if I'd not turned Bosco away like I did, this might not have happened." At his surprised look she gave a weak smile, "But that's not going to change anything, and its not going to help Bosco or Ty right now. Let it go."
Sully nodded again, moving off to see if he could find Ty. Dave watched his officers, glancing over at Keith they exchanged looks. Each giving a single head nod before turning to the more important items at hand. Such as getting the camp set up again for the night.
The next day around noon:
"Sir, definitely smoke coming from the cabin's chimmney, and it looks as though someone has been keeping the front doorway clear. We have definite confirmation of habitation." FBI Agent Brown spoke low but clear into her walkie talkie. Rising from her prone position she carefully and slowly backed away from where she'd scouted out the cabin. Rejoining the group gathered about a half mile down the road, "I don't see any sign of a vehicle, no tracks in or out. But with the storms they might be buried, including any jeep or car. Snows pretty deep around that building, looks like a shed set off to the side, but the doors are blocked. Again no physical confirmation of suspect or victim."
Hampton nodded, "Then we wait until night. Even though Vetresco is more of a victim here than we first knew, he's still to be considered armed and dangerous. If Boscorelli's in there, he could be on the receiving end of a bullet if Vetresco sees or hears us coming. We'll assume, hopefully correctly that nightfall will mean sleep time for him. Mason bring those plans over here again. Dave your people know to hang back until the all clear right? I don't want any hero's or hotheads in that cabin."
"They know," Swersky replied serious in tone as Agent Mason laid out the cabins plans, "no one wants anyone dead here." Sighing as they heard Brown confirm, "Oh and Sir, there are no windows in the front of the cabin, just as Starke reported. I did move around to the side, and again, nothing, everything is rear located looking out over the valley. Starke was right about the two skylights," pointing to the plans, "here, and here. I couldn't acutally get a visual of them, but the difference in depth of the snow on the roof indicated they are there. Not on the plans, must have been added after. According to what I saw, and this, they are over the kitchen as he stated." Again she pointed, "These windows here, here and here, I couldn't see of course, but it looks like those are our best options for smoke or stun grenade if we go that route."
"Well," Hampton scratched his day old stubble, "I don't see where we have a choice. The skylights, without knowing the ceiling arrangement could be too risky. As for the front door; the bedrooms are set to the back of the cabin, by the time we got all the way in by breaking it down, hell he'd be dead if Vetresco gets crazy."
Glancing up at Dave he saw him nodding in agreement, "So, I propose we put two agents, Brown, here, and Mason, here, on the roof. Rappel down just to the windows fire in stun grenades and the main crew will take the front door once they've gone off."
Raising his brow at Swersky his silent question answered, Dave nodded again, "That's how we'd do it to Keith. Really no other choice. Bedrooms and living room, even if he's in the kitchen with the smoke still gives a better chance of a safe outcome." Standing straight again, the two men looked back at the officers and agents waiting to go.
"Shall I tell them or you?" Keith asked. Dave looked up a sad smirk, on his face, "I'll tell them, hard parts going to be waiting until night."
Keith watched him walk off, thinking, 'No, the hard part comes after Dave.'
Swersky finished explaining the plan to his people, "Any questions, objections? Voice them now, because once this thing starts there's no turning back."
Three heads turned, exchanging looks. All three turned back shaking a negative response. Faith answering for them all, "No sir, no questions or objections. Sounds good to us." Sully and Ty nodding their agreements.
"Good," Dave yawned, "well people, I think we better get some food, and some rest. Night comes early this time of year, but its still 5 hours away and we still have to wait then, at least until we think the cabins down for the night."
Later after Dark:
"How much longer," Sully pacing back and forth, wearing a deep track in the snow paused in front of Ty.
"Its 11 now, Hampton said not until after one at least, unless we see movement. Brown said they'd really like to wait until after 2 to be sure, but since nothings moved all day," he stretched his neck, leaning back against the jeep again, "damn this waiting now is worse than before."
"I know," Faith looked again at the lighted display on her watch, then rubbed her hands together, "anybody want more coffee? I'm buying..." Standing straight she moved over to the small campstove.
"I do," Ty replied following her, glancing back he saw Sully shake his head no. A quick nod and he turned back to Faith, accepting the cup she held out, "thanks." Blowing on it he took a sip, eyeing the Agents as they gathered to conference over the plans again. "Think they'll be as careful as they're saying they're gonna be?"
Watching them herself through the steam from her cup she glanced over to him, "They better damn well be."
A few hours later:
"Its time people," Hampton surrounded by his Agents set his watch with theirs, "move out."
Like pale shadows the Agents dressed in white jackets and snowsuits quickly picked up their gear and set foot up the trail mapped earlier through the trees. Disappearing in moments into the darker shadows, leaving the Officers from the 55 to move carefully up the road to wait at the entrance of the cabins yard.
Crouching down once they arrived, Swersky traded looks with Faith, Sully and Ty, whispering, "Remember, not until they give the all clear," a sterner look to Sully, "understand me?"
"Got it Lieu," Sully giving him a hard look in return, "loud and clear."
Faith could feel her heart pounding out of her chest as she watched the distant shadows moving silently across the open areas surrounding the buildings. Two teams of three made their way to the rear of the cabin. Swallowing a silent prayer, Faith felt tears of frustration and anxiety heat up her vision. Blinking them away, she made an effort to calm herself. She was startled as she felt a hand creep over into hers, but quickly recovered as she grasp it back.
Ty chanced a quick look at Faith as he took her hand, giving her a small smile of encouragement he received one in return. Feeling he needed it as much as she did. Not knowing what if anything they would find in the cabin had his stomach in knots. The nausea had been building the closer they got up the mountain to the cabin. Now it threatened to overwhelm him as he watched the agents move in. Taking a calming breath Ty realized he was sweating. Wiping his face his feelings of guilt over not being able to stop Vinny from taking Bosco came back full force. Sully's words from the previous night eating away at him. Shaking the thoughts from his head as Faith squeezed back, Ty settled his gaze on the moonlit snow covered cabin, watching the agents move in.
Climbing carefully up the ladder carried by the agents, Brown scaled to the roof of the cabin. Opposite her two other agents, Mason one of them as he was lighter than the others, more built like she was did the same. Using a pick she settled in near the peak, waiting for Mason to join her.
Silent hand signals between them they screwed rings to hold their ropes carefully and silently into the roofs surface. Tugging, satisfied the seats were secure they began looping and tying off their rappelling ropes. Snaps, quiet but sounding loud to their ears as they adjusted and clipped the ropes into place, sounded across the grounds. Each mashing a button on the sides of their radios, set to silent mode signaled the agents on the ground they were about to descend.
Mason would use his grenade gun to fire one canister into each of the bedroom windows. Brown would fire hers into the living rooms bay window. Nodding to each other, they carefully went over the rear of the cabins roof. Snow dislodged fell silently to the side of the mountain below. Lowering as quietly as possible, each agent came to rest against the cabins rear wall. Feet planted, and spread, glances exchanged they pressed the radios again, prepared to move to the windows now and fire.
Hampton and his team of six at the front door, with the four who'd assisted Brown and Mason at the side door moved silently into place in front of their respective doors. The four at the side, not able to gain entrance as the snow was too deep, quickly moved to join Hamptons team.
"No way Boss," Johnson whispered, "no ones coming out or going in, side doors iced over."
Hampton nodded his understanding, watching his radio for the red light to turn green, telling him his people were ready to go. The porch not able to accommodate the entire crew as it was piled high with the drift of snow only four agents were able to settle in front of the cabins main entrance. The others gathered quietly on the steps, waiting.
Hampton held his hand high, the light was green it was a go as soon as they heard the firing of the grenade guns.
Unable to sleep, Bosco wandered the cabin. Vinny lying on the couch watching him in the firelight commented, "Maurice, you're wearing a hole in the floor. Its two-thirty, please, be still!"
Smirking, Bosco leaned over the couch, "I can't sleep, slept too much in the last four days! Hell I think I slept enough for a year! Plus, the satellite is down again, and I've heard all the CD's twice." Eyeing Vinny with an evil eye, "But maybe I can think of something to do..."
"I take it you're feeling better?" Vinny rolled his eyes, "Since you were dying yesterday, oh and the day before. Oh and thank you so much for tricking me into making most of the meals. Not fair Maurice." Reaching up he thumped him on the chest, "I should make you pay you know."
Leering at him again, coughing some, Bosco went for pitiful, "I am sick, just bored. Besides, you make better grilled cheese than me. Cough, Cough." Giving him big eyes, he snickered as Vinny thumped him again.
"Sick, yea okay." Vinny snatched his hand back as Bosco made a grab for it, "listen at you, fake coughing. Go ahead, set another one off, you'll be on your knees again in no time, worshipping the porcelain goddess. Brat."
"You know you love me," Bosco grinned as he leaned down over the back of the couch. Vinny made a grab for him, dragging him completely over onto the cushion with him.
"My fatal flaw," Vinny gave him a quick kiss, "one I'm sure will end up killing me at this rate." Pushing him away, Vinny sat up, "I can't stand all this quiet, its one thing when its our choice, but this complete silence is making my ears ring," shoving his shoulder against Bosco's, "when you're not jabbering that is." Standing he went to the stereo system, scanning the CD's in the dim light of the nearly out fire as it burned down for the night.
Bosco grinning stood up, moving across the living room floor to him, "Hey, put on..." squinting at the window, he frowned, "what the heck?"
Vinny hearing his voice change from playful to puzzled turned to him wondering as he saw him standing a few feet from the window, himself glancing at it, "What?"
"Nothing," Bosco shrugged, "must have been a bird or bat or something." Continuing toward Vinny.
Vinny shook his head smirking, "Probably that fever you keep claiming you still have." Beginning to turn back to the Stereo.
"Hey, I do still..." Bosco's last words were cut off becoming a shout, as a small explosion sounded right outside the window he was turning from and the glass of the large picture window shattered into the room.
Vinny flinched in shock at the window exploding. Flinging his head around as he heard Bosco yell in surprise.
Bosco's shout preceded a silver canister slamming into his chest, it bounced off, landing at his feet. He heard Vinny scream his name, but before he could register what was happening, the world exploded in a shower of hot molten silver light blinding him visually, the resounding slam of sound deafening him. Intense pain radiating throughout his body he felt himself being thrown backwards as his world went dark.
Vinny turning saw something hit Bosco in the chest and bounce off of him. The shocked look on his face showing he had no idea what just happened. Standing only seconds if it took that long, Vinny locked eyes with him a sliver of a moment before glancing down. When he saw the silver canister, the slight smoke from it, he had only enough time to scream "MAURICE NOOOOO!" before the shock grenade went off in Bosco's face.
Lying on the floor stunned, Vinny rolled his head towards him, partially blinded, large spots breaking apart his vision he caught only glimpses of him lying on his back. Arms and legs spread out as if he were making a snow angel on the wooden floor. Unable to hear, Vinny caught sight of bodies moving around them. Felt hands on him snatching at him, flipping him over and then his arms were pinned behind him, a knee on his back.
Loud roaring in his ears drowned out even his own voice as he screamed Maurice's name, over and over. Pain like he'd never felt crushing his mind into unconsciousness his last vision was of someone dressed all in white putting fingertips to Bosco's neck.
TBC...
This is a long chapter, but it needed to be. Some will like, some not. Some will expect something different, and some already know whats to come in the future chapters. This is number 26. Only 4 more to go. Nearing the end of this 'saga' lol. Enjoy. M.
Rules and Broken Trust Chapter 26
"Come on Vin," Bosco placing his hand on his shoulder shaking him, watched as Vinny woke again. As he lifted his head from the pillow, he told him, "you have to take this." Trying again to get more aspirin down him, this time successful as Vinny was finally truly awake.
"Good, finally, now here," holding a bottle of water to his lips he watched carefully as Vinny drank. When he was satisfied he'd drank enough, Bosco let him lie back.
Vinny his eyes open now, watched him, near whisper of, "Why?"
Bosco frowned glancing back at him, "What?" Continuing to wring out the wet cold rag in his hands, he glanced back again, "Why, what?" Placing the rag on Vinny's neck he waited.
"Why are you helping me?" Serious concern on his face, "After everything I did? Why did you come after me? I mean," he coughed, "I guess I figured you wouldn't bother, you know? Not exactly your style, running to help..." He stopped as Bosco's face darkened and he interrupted.
"Why? Damn Vin, what was I suppose to do? Close the door behind you, let you die?" Bosco scoffed at him near anger, then quickly lightened his voice, though his face still showed his feelings clearly. "Is that really what you think of me? How I'd treat someone? Just let you go off and die in the snow...man I must really come off as a heartless jackass, huh?" The hurt on his face not dampened by his attempt at humor, Bosco turned back to the tray of medicine and bowl of ice water on the coffeetable.
Closing his eyes, Vinny remarked, "No, I never thought that. Just, after everything, hell Maurice, nevermind. I don't know what I'm trying to say." Laying his hand on Bosco's arm, "I'm sorry, and thank you." Bosco nodded still not looking at him.
"I'll pick this stuff up, you need anything?" Standing but only looking at the tray, Bosco waited until Vinny assured him he was fine, then headed into the kitchen. Setting the tray on the countertop, he stood a moment silent. Quickly emptying the bowl, and refilling it with water from a bucket on the floor he went to the door and scooped snow into it.
Returning to the couch he set the bowl down on the coffeetable, "You really want to know why?" Standing looking down at Vinny, almost a challenge on his face.
A slight wave of fear swept over Vinny's expression, but he nodded, "Yea."
Sitting again on the coffeetable, Bosco leaned towards him slightly, earnestness in his voice, "Because I'm not a heartless jackass, no matter what I act," sweeping his arm towards the door, "out there on the job. I care, even about people who hurt me. I hate it, hate the vicious mean cruel things that people do to each other, but fuck Vinny, I don't wear my heart on my sleeve, I can't." looking at his hands, "Faith once told me that I'm just trying to stand between the bullies and the little guy, she said, that's what a good cop does."
Bringing his gaze back to Vinny's face, "That's all I ever wanted to do, be a good cop. My shrink told me I have a Savior complex. Mixed with something else, hell I forget now what. Basically she says that I want to save the world, but kick its ass first. And she says its worse when its someone I know, and care about. Like I can't really ever let go of 'there must be a reason and hey, I bet I can save them, and after I toss um in jail it'll happen!' Go figure huh?"
Vinny smirked, but kept quiet, Bosco adding, "So, yea, I care, but yea, sure I wanted to kill you. Hell I wanted God himself to come down and strike you dead for what you did to me." Vinny looked away, down at the light blanket covering him as Bosco continued, "But I guess God's got other plans Vin. Cause he didn't strike you, and I stopped wanting you to die. And I stopped wanting that before you ever told me what happened to you."
Glancing back at him, Vinny was surprised to see him wearing a small smile, "Vin, somewhere along the line, I guess I realized I wasn't getting anywhere hating you. Plus," he smirked, "its kind of hard to hate someone when you're high on X. I don't know for sure when it happened, or how, but no, I don't want you to die. Hell I slept with you and it was my choice," looking back at his hands, "and that I still don't understand. I'm not that way, not queer, I don't even think I'm bi," a low laugh breaking out, "not that you'd know it by how I've been acting lately, huh?"
Quietly watching him, Vinny softly asked, "Your Dad did a number on you too huh?"
Startled Bosco stared at him, "What?" Immediately Vinny saw his eyes shutter, his wall come up again.
Sighing, "Its just that, well, you kind of sound like me. I thought I could save the world. I didn't want to kick its ass until after..." pausing, another sigh, "well, anyway. I just noticed the nightmares, Maurice my Dad was a son-of-a-bitch too, but he loved me. He was hard as nails, but I don't scream out for him not to leave me in the dark, or to stop hitting my mother or me, in my sleep."
At the shock and shame on Bosco's face, Vinny quickly added, "Don't, don't go away, don't hide. I don't want to hurt you, I just figure the world you're trying to save is your own. That's what the shrink they made me go to after...well anyway that's what he told me. Guess most shit starts with our parents, but it always ends with us. Choices we make, and I'm the posterboy for bad ones Maurice, trust me on that."
Bosco's heart was pounding as Vinny came close to his truth. Close to his shame his secret. Faith knew he'd had a crappy childhood, but she'd never come this close.
Hesitantly, not understanding why he did, he spoke, "My world," a hard bark of laughter erupting from him, "you have no clue Vin. My world can't be saved. A nuclear bomb named Anthony and Rose Boscorelli blew that up a hell of a long time ago. Between their battles, and drinking themselves into violent fits of rage they took out on Mikey an Me, my world consisted of hiding out with my brother at a fort near the river. My old man beat the living hell out of me, almost put me in the hospital because I stood up for a kid at school. Said I was stupid to take another guys asswhupping."
Harsh anger in his voice, "My Mom, called me every name in the book when she was drunk, and yea, she beat the hell out of us too. So, that was my world Vin. My wonderful childhood." Now that it was spilling out, he couldn't stop, words tumbling out faster than he could think about it, "That and my Dad shoving me in a closet so I wouldn't call the cops after my Mom put him out," he dropped his head, "and I let him back in, through my bedroom window. Then he'd beat her senseless while I cowered in the corner of that closet. Half hoping he'd forget I was there, and begging him to not leave me locked in all at the same time. That's why I sleep with the lights on, why I can't have an unlocked window in my house, ever. Why I'm always chasing bad guys I can't catch, much less stop. Why I became a cop."
Vinny stared at him, shocked beyond what he'd imagined to be the reasons for Bosco's fears and anger.
"Why I never let a woman get close enough to want to stay with me. Why I keep everyone at arm's length. Why I'll probably never get married, even though I want a family. I'll just turn into my Dad and screw up more lives. Mikey's a drug addict, hell, a dealer, and in jail. And I put him there." tears flowing, he couldn't stop still, "Cause that's all I ever saw. Not even my grandparents could make it better, they died when I was 11 and 13, and that was it for anybody in my life who cared only about my brother and me and if we were okay. I almost got my partner Yokas, killed, constant bad decisions? Vin, we both could be on that poster! And now talk about seriously screwed up! I'm in love with..."
He stopped as he realized what he'd just done. Shocked that he'd just confessed more than he'd ever actually told Faith about his life. Not waiting for Vinny to comment, not wanting to see the pity on his face, Bosco charged up from the coffeetable and left the room.
Lying there, Vinny sighed. His heart heavy, breaking for Bosco. Knowing he'd made his life even more complicated and definitely worse. "Oh love, what was God thinking..."
Rising from the couch, Vinny carefully made his way to the hallway. He didn't hear him as he went into the bedroom, but saw him standing at the window looking out. Approaching him carefully, he leaned against the wall next to the window. Bosco glanced over, swiping his face with the back of his hand, "What? I know I'm an idiot, okay? Crying over shit that happened 20 years ago."
"No," Vinny shook his head, "I don't think you're an idiot, I think everyone around you probably is though. I know I am. You're more than likely going to hit me when I say this, but Maurice, I look at you, and I can't for the life of me understand how anyone could hurt you. And yea, I know the irony in that comment, I'm not completely gone..." he gave a sad smile, "but," he reached up and gently ran his hand down Bosco's wet cheek, drying it with the back of his palm, "you have the biggest heart of anyone I've ever known. And whether you realize it or not, you put it on your sleeve a lot more than you'd like to admit." Bosco was looking him in the eye, as Vinny explained, "All that anger, swagger, and cocky attitude is just cover, and most everyone sees it. Course that doesn't stop them from calling you an ass, or wanting to kick your butt when you treat them like shit to keep them at bay, or when you can't back off an argument."
"Who said that they wanted to kick my butt?" Bosco laughed softly, "Not that they could."
"Oh I'm sure," Vinny grinned, the sad moments gone again, for the time being, "a couple of bucketboys would like to try. I heard you had a feud going with one for a long time."
"Dougherty?" Exclaiming with scorn Bosco half growled, "Please, that bucketboy's so far from kicking my ass its not funny. And I always came out on top in the prank department." Vinny leaned back folding his arms as if ready to listen to this story, when Bosco suddenly smirked, shaking his head, "Damn you're good. But not that good," shoving Vinny gently in the direction of the living room, "back to the couch with you, you're too big for me to pick up off the floor."
Shrugging Vinny commented, "Actually I think I'm pretty close to lying down right here, but if I have a choice...truth is, I'd rather be in bed than on the couch, it gets too hot." Nodding, Bosco headed to the bed, pulling back the blanket. Vinny grinned, "Nurse Maurice, who'd have thunk it? Do I get a bell? Chicken Soup? Sponge Bath?"
"Hey," Bosco scowled, "Don't push it you're lucky I know what aspirin dose to give you." After Vinny was settled in Bosco leaned over him, "Need anything?"
"Nope," Vinny smiled, "but you should get some sleep now, don't want you getting sick too." Bosco moved in for a kiss, "I'm fine,"
Vinny's smile widened, "Yes indeed you are, but," blocking his mouth with a hand, Bosco frowned, Vinny explaining, "Um, probably not a good idea, could be contagious."
Bosco growled low, smirking, "And you think I haven't ALREADY been exposed?" Moving Vinny's hand he kissed him softly, commenting as he moved back, "Thanks for not making a big deal of my mental crack up back there."
Before Vinny could react he was gone from the room. Smiling gently at his back as Bosco left, Vinny thought, 'thanks for not wanting me dead Maurice.' Soon he was falling asleep again, an easier sleep as the fever stayed down now, coughing lightly as he rolled over trying to get comfortable.
Two days later:
Miserable, hot and tired, Bosco coughed as he lay on the couch. Vinny sitting in the large deep chair set at the end of the coffeetable watched him, "Sorry, I didn't mean for you to catch it too you know." His fever broken now with the medicine's Bosco had been dumping down him, he was still ill, they both were now. Aching all over, tired beyond belief, Vinny asked, "Is it time for you to take anything? Your cough is getting worse, hell its worse than mine."
Bosco glanced at him, "Not your fault, we got sick at the same time basically. I think that means you didn't give it to me, but I could be wrong." Giving him a glare now, "And it is worse than yours."
"But is it time for you to take anything? Maybe..." Vinny coughed then tried again, "Maybe you should..."
Bosco cutting him off by coughing harshly again, when he stopped he glared again, "No, its not time for anything, god, you are such a girl. Just watch the damn game and leave me be already." Wrapped in a blanket he was hot and shivering at the same time, completely ignoring his own advice to Vinny about staying cool. The fireplace going full blast he glowered at the television as he felt Vinny still watching him.
"Girl? GIRL?" Vinny frowned, "I might BE a girl but at least I'm not a damn big ass baby when I'm sick, like you are." Tossing over onto his side drawing his feet up into the chair, he also was glowering at the game, "FINE I'll leave you alone! God, all I did was ask how you were." He started coughing from shifting position, and had to sit up before he choked.
Bosco refused to look at him, showing no signs of sympathy, stated firmly, "Girl." He stared a few minutes more at the screen, then as usual couldn't help himself, grousing, "I'm not a baby. I'm just sicker than you are."
"My ass you are!" Vinny stared at him in outrage, "I'm just as sick, sicker even! I didn't see you running out into the snow from delirium. And I never said you were a baby Maurice." As that got Bosco's attention, his mouth dropping open, "You did, you just said it!" Vinny smirked, "No, I said you were a BIG baby." A self satisfied smile on his face he glared at Bosco now. They both knew they were being ridiculous but it was better to torture each other than to suffer alone and in silence. All sympathy for each others condition lost after the second afternoon in each others company, finding both to be much worse patients than caregivers.
Leaning forward, towards the chair, where Vinny lay, Bosco gave a deliberate cough in his direction. Only to actually set off a coughing fit. His pique of smartass backfiring on him. He was quickly sitting up, bent double coughing up what he was sure an entire lung, unable to stop.
Without warning, Vinny was trying to help him, his own attempt at boredom relief forgotten in his concern, as he clapped him on the back. "Easy love, easy," Vinny soothed.
Bosco gasping looked up at him, "What," cough, gasp, "the hell," cough, gasp, gasp, "are you doing," cough, cough, cough.
"Helping you," Vinny remarked, between his own coughs, still beating him on the back, "what do you think?" Bosco twisted around, grabbing his hand, "STOP helping," his coughing again taking over, "for you kill me..." Vinny quit, then looking down at him in concern, "But it helps, it breaks up the congestion. Then you can get it up." His explanation falling on deaf ears as Bosco lunged up from the couch, racing to the bathroom.
Vinny stood a moment longer, "See, I told you." He collapsed back onto the chair, exhausted from the short time standing. Attempting to call out, "You'll feel better now, you'll see." He sat listening to him retch for a few minutes, wondering if he should go see about him. Wondering if he Could go see about him, finally giving in to the 'don't go see or you'll end up on your face' idea. He dropped his head back onto the pillow he'd drug from the bedroom, groaning as he rolled over onto his side. "Wonder what the score is." Staring now at the TV across the room, "Wonder what teams are playing? Wonder if that's football, or soccer?"
Bosco leaning against the doors frame, trying to decide if he could make it back to the couch, or if he should just sit down right here and watch the game from the floor stared at the back of his head. Croaking out, "I knew it. GIRL! You got NO idea what you're watching."
Taking a chance he moved alongside the wall to the couch. Using it to steady himself, he slowly made it to the couch. Vinny watching him carefully the entire time, but not offering assistance or a comment.
Reaching the front of the couch finally, he picked up the blanket from the floor wrapping it around his shoulders before sitting again. Sighing, he relaxed down onto it, not ready to chance lying down yet. Sparing a quick glare at Vinny before returning to the TV.
Vinny stared, "I couldn't see it cause its blurry Mr. Smartass. You tell me, which it is, Maurice? Football or Soccer?"
Bosco scowling at the TV refused to answer him. Vinny smirked, "Thought so, you don't know either." Scrunching down further in the couch, Bosco picked up the remote, changing the channel.
Vinny smirked wider, "What? You trying to act like you don't hear me, but I know the truth. You can't see it any better than me."
Blinking at the screen, Bosco cut his eyes at Vinny, "At least I knew it was a ballgame, you thought it was a horse race. Stupid satellite, everything's messed up." Then he turned the TV off. Nothing was holding either one's interest and both were having trouble watching it without getting nauseous. As evidenced by his sudden trip to the bathroom. Coughing aside, he'd already been feeling the need, mostly due to the flickering and jumping screen.
"Besides, it was in Korean, I think and I'm pretty sure neither of us can understand Korean." Dropping his head back against the pillow on the couch, he groaned, "I might die. I think this is gonna kill me." A few seconds later, with no response from Vinny, he added, "Yep, I'm pretty sure it's going to happen. Course if I had something to eat, it might help me last longer. And since I got food for us last meal..." Sneaking a quick glance in Vinny's direction he saw and heard him sigh heavily, then heave himself up off the chair.
Closing his eyes quickly, he restrained his smirk. Whispering to himself as Vinny slogged into the kitchen for something not spoiled for them to eat, "Girl." Making sure Vinny didn't hear him of course, Bosco didn't want to wear his lunch, just eat it.
Rangers Cabin:
"Well people if we're gonna do this, we need to do it now." The Ranger was loading up a jeep with supplies, both for food, and shelter if needed. Already on board another vehicle were medical supplies and additional items that might be needed for the trip. "Looks like we maybe have a 4 day window here. But that's always a guesstimate this time of year. Another front could move down and we'd be back in the middle of another nasty storm."
"Almost done," Hampton called over, "just making sure everything's tied down good. Are you sure we have enough gas to get us up and back down?" He looked skeptically at the small trailer attached to the vehicles rear.
The Ranger looked over, smirking, "Yea, its enough, unless you're planning on a race. Then we might have a problem." Faith walked up about then, "We're ready when you guys are. Lieu is just making one last call in, see if anyone has heard anything, you know just in case." Sully and Ty already climbing into their jeep watching and waiting impatiently for the caravan to begin. Clapping her hands together, "Damn its colder than when it was snowing." Blowing into her gloves she pressed them to her cheeks.
"Yea, gets like that," he nodded, serious now, "make sure you wear that mask. Frostbite on the nose isn't fun." Working again on settling the contents of the jeep into proper position he asked, "You really think your friend is up there?" Faith sensed he wasn't actually asking If he was, but if he was alive.
"Not sure, but its all we have right now, all we've had ever, so," a half smile on her face, wishing he was more optimistic about this. Instead of waiting for his reply she headed back to the jeep she would be riding in with Lieu. The Ranger looked after her, giving a half nod he went back to his work.
In only fifteen more minutes everyone was loaded up, and the jeeps with their cargo of people and supplies, two trailers being towed headed up the mountain. Not knowing how difficult the road would be, only that it would be. Not knowing what they would find, if they found anything.
"Oh my god, I've never been this cold in my life!" Faith groaned as she huddled between Sully and Ty. Hampton and his team having set up camp quickly a fire was being started but not fast enough for her.
"Aww come on, sure you have Faith," Sully shivering blew on his hands, "remember a few years ago when you and Bosco got locked on that roof?" Glancing past her to Ty he grinned, Ty laughing, "Yea, I remember that, Carlos asked Bosco if he was wearing blue lipstick. Bosco almost threw him off the roof!"
Faith giggled at the memory, "Poor Carlos, it was funny. But that was not this cold, this is definitely colder." Her gaze taking in the area, "But its nicer to look at," seeing the fire beginning to blaze up, "Oh yea, come to mama," she got up and stood backside to the warmth. Sully and Ty only seconds behind her.
Swersky headed to the fire to join them, bringing a blanket, "Here, thought you might need this," handing it to Faith. Sully dropped his jaw, "Only Faith gets one?" Dave raised his eyebrow, "Do I look like your mother Sullivan?"
Ty started to speak, but a quick glare from both Sully and Dave gave him pause, and with a 'I didn't say anything' look on his face he instead asked, "I know, how about I go get some for the rest of us?" And was gone, Faith snickering at his retreating back, "You know you might just have the smartest partner of us all Sul."
"Awww," Sully commented with a pretend huff, "he's just sucking up to Lieu." Dave eyed him up, "And again, you just might have the smartest partner of all Sullivan." His dry comment causing several of the FBI agents to burst out with short coughs of restrained laughter as more joined to huddle around the fire.
Later that night, everyone was settling in for the evening, snores were resounding through the temporary campsite. Agent Brown and Faith lying in the tent, Brown asked, "Is it me or are they louder out here than back at the cabin?" Rolling over to face her, Faith replied, "No, they're the same, we just had a door between and a radio." Sighing she stared at the flickering of the firelight through the thin walls of the tent, "So, what exactly is the plan when we get there?"
Brown rolling to face Faith sighed, "That depends on if Starke's plans of the cabin are correct or if he was yanking our chains." Adjusting the pillow under her head, voice soft, "If the only window access is hanging over the mountainside, and we can't breach the doors without a huge scene, a night op is going to have to happen. Through the roof, but again, we won't know until we get there. Hell maybe they'll hear us coming and ask us in for coffee. And before you give me that look of shocked outrage, yes I'm serious. Its been known to happen. Not all FBI operations end up with a raid or standoff, shoot out Faith."
"I know," Faith's equally quiet voice focused in, "but if it does, Bosco's safety comes first right?"
"Of course," Brown sighed, "when is the Davidian case ever going to go away? Don't worry, we're not going in guns blazing, but we will do whatever it takes to get your partner out. And Vetresco into custody."
Eyes again on the flickering lights Faith lay awake, unable to sleep with the cold and Brown's words.
The next morning, stiff and grumping bodies emerged from the tents to gather at the newly stoked fire.
Coffee was passed around and gratefully received. Steam rose from cups and then from mouths as the hot liquid was practically inhaled. Several cups held out almost immediately for refills. No one wasting time, all wanting to break camp as soon as possible and get back to the trek up the mountain.
Few words were exchanged as the tents were dropped and packed away. Supplies replaced onto the trailers. Every item tied down, tied up and in general made as secure as they could in and on the vehicles.
Bodies loaded, the warmed interiors welcome comfort, the jeeps moved out, a slow going caravan picking its way carefully upwards. Weaving around fallen trees and areas that were washed out from previous rain storms before the snow and ice set in. Mile converged on mile, and before they knew it another entire day had passed. And they'd gone another 20 miles.
"Why stop now?" Sully was arguing with Keith Hampton, "its only 10 more miles right? Can't we do that before dark?" Swersky was watching carefully having come up on this conversation just now.
"No," Keith passed his hand over his hair knocking his hood back, "its too dangerous, if he hears us coming and, well hell Sullivan what do you want us to do? How about we call and tell them we're coming? Maybe they'll have tea and sandwiches ready!" Frustrated over this second time going over this he turned away.
Sully staring at his back, gestured up the road, "Don't walk away from me! We have plenty of daylight left, you don't know what the hell is going on up there, and I'm not really wanting to just leave Boscorelli in that cabin another damn night!"
Dave stepping up, his voice hard but low, "Sully, stop, he's right. If we don't make it before dark, but we announce our presence he gets the advantage and yelling at Keith won't change that."
"GOD I HATE THIS!" Sully turning stalked away, the stress of the last several days beginning to show on them all, "WE SHOULD HAVE BEEN THERE BY NOW!" Ty moved to him, trying to calm him, "Sul, look man, maybe they're right. Bosco," he stopped as Sully rounded on him.
"BOSCO? Ty! Bosco, MAY NOT HAVE ONE MORE NIGHT! AND YOU KNOW IT!" Sully bending slightly and forward at him yelled, "WHY THE HELL ARE WE WAITING? WE ALL KNOW WHAT HE'S PROBABLY DONE TO HI..." Ty stood looking at the ground, Sully breaking off his tirade suddenly as he saw his partners stricken face, "Oh god, Ty I'm sorry...I didn't, I mean..."
"I know," Ty turned moving away quickly Sully didn't miss the tears running down his face. Sully lowered his head, his anger dissipating into quiet frustration, he shoved his hands into his pockets. Feeling a hand on his shoulder he turned to see Faith looking at him, "God Faith, I'm so stupid sometimes, he blames himself and I just made it worse."
She nodded replying, "We all are sometimes, John. I keep thinking that if I'd not turned Bosco away like I did, this might not have happened." At his surprised look she gave a weak smile, "But that's not going to change anything, and its not going to help Bosco or Ty right now. Let it go."
Sully nodded again, moving off to see if he could find Ty. Dave watched his officers, glancing over at Keith they exchanged looks. Each giving a single head nod before turning to the more important items at hand. Such as getting the camp set up again for the night.
The next day around noon:
"Sir, definitely smoke coming from the cabin's chimmney, and it looks as though someone has been keeping the front doorway clear. We have definite confirmation of habitation." FBI Agent Brown spoke low but clear into her walkie talkie. Rising from her prone position she carefully and slowly backed away from where she'd scouted out the cabin. Rejoining the group gathered about a half mile down the road, "I don't see any sign of a vehicle, no tracks in or out. But with the storms they might be buried, including any jeep or car. Snows pretty deep around that building, looks like a shed set off to the side, but the doors are blocked. Again no physical confirmation of suspect or victim."
Hampton nodded, "Then we wait until night. Even though Vetresco is more of a victim here than we first knew, he's still to be considered armed and dangerous. If Boscorelli's in there, he could be on the receiving end of a bullet if Vetresco sees or hears us coming. We'll assume, hopefully correctly that nightfall will mean sleep time for him. Mason bring those plans over here again. Dave your people know to hang back until the all clear right? I don't want any hero's or hotheads in that cabin."
"They know," Swersky replied serious in tone as Agent Mason laid out the cabins plans, "no one wants anyone dead here." Sighing as they heard Brown confirm, "Oh and Sir, there are no windows in the front of the cabin, just as Starke reported. I did move around to the side, and again, nothing, everything is rear located looking out over the valley. Starke was right about the two skylights," pointing to the plans, "here, and here. I couldn't acutally get a visual of them, but the difference in depth of the snow on the roof indicated they are there. Not on the plans, must have been added after. According to what I saw, and this, they are over the kitchen as he stated." Again she pointed, "These windows here, here and here, I couldn't see of course, but it looks like those are our best options for smoke or stun grenade if we go that route."
"Well," Hampton scratched his day old stubble, "I don't see where we have a choice. The skylights, without knowing the ceiling arrangement could be too risky. As for the front door; the bedrooms are set to the back of the cabin, by the time we got all the way in by breaking it down, hell he'd be dead if Vetresco gets crazy."
Glancing up at Dave he saw him nodding in agreement, "So, I propose we put two agents, Brown, here, and Mason, here, on the roof. Rappel down just to the windows fire in stun grenades and the main crew will take the front door once they've gone off."
Raising his brow at Swersky his silent question answered, Dave nodded again, "That's how we'd do it to Keith. Really no other choice. Bedrooms and living room, even if he's in the kitchen with the smoke still gives a better chance of a safe outcome." Standing straight again, the two men looked back at the officers and agents waiting to go.
"Shall I tell them or you?" Keith asked. Dave looked up a sad smirk, on his face, "I'll tell them, hard parts going to be waiting until night."
Keith watched him walk off, thinking, 'No, the hard part comes after Dave.'
Swersky finished explaining the plan to his people, "Any questions, objections? Voice them now, because once this thing starts there's no turning back."
Three heads turned, exchanging looks. All three turned back shaking a negative response. Faith answering for them all, "No sir, no questions or objections. Sounds good to us." Sully and Ty nodding their agreements.
"Good," Dave yawned, "well people, I think we better get some food, and some rest. Night comes early this time of year, but its still 5 hours away and we still have to wait then, at least until we think the cabins down for the night."
Later after Dark:
"How much longer," Sully pacing back and forth, wearing a deep track in the snow paused in front of Ty.
"Its 11 now, Hampton said not until after one at least, unless we see movement. Brown said they'd really like to wait until after 2 to be sure, but since nothings moved all day," he stretched his neck, leaning back against the jeep again, "damn this waiting now is worse than before."
"I know," Faith looked again at the lighted display on her watch, then rubbed her hands together, "anybody want more coffee? I'm buying..." Standing straight she moved over to the small campstove.
"I do," Ty replied following her, glancing back he saw Sully shake his head no. A quick nod and he turned back to Faith, accepting the cup she held out, "thanks." Blowing on it he took a sip, eyeing the Agents as they gathered to conference over the plans again. "Think they'll be as careful as they're saying they're gonna be?"
Watching them herself through the steam from her cup she glanced over to him, "They better damn well be."
A few hours later:
"Its time people," Hampton surrounded by his Agents set his watch with theirs, "move out."
Like pale shadows the Agents dressed in white jackets and snowsuits quickly picked up their gear and set foot up the trail mapped earlier through the trees. Disappearing in moments into the darker shadows, leaving the Officers from the 55 to move carefully up the road to wait at the entrance of the cabins yard.
Crouching down once they arrived, Swersky traded looks with Faith, Sully and Ty, whispering, "Remember, not until they give the all clear," a sterner look to Sully, "understand me?"
"Got it Lieu," Sully giving him a hard look in return, "loud and clear."
Faith could feel her heart pounding out of her chest as she watched the distant shadows moving silently across the open areas surrounding the buildings. Two teams of three made their way to the rear of the cabin. Swallowing a silent prayer, Faith felt tears of frustration and anxiety heat up her vision. Blinking them away, she made an effort to calm herself. She was startled as she felt a hand creep over into hers, but quickly recovered as she grasp it back.
Ty chanced a quick look at Faith as he took her hand, giving her a small smile of encouragement he received one in return. Feeling he needed it as much as she did. Not knowing what if anything they would find in the cabin had his stomach in knots. The nausea had been building the closer they got up the mountain to the cabin. Now it threatened to overwhelm him as he watched the agents move in. Taking a calming breath Ty realized he was sweating. Wiping his face his feelings of guilt over not being able to stop Vinny from taking Bosco came back full force. Sully's words from the previous night eating away at him. Shaking the thoughts from his head as Faith squeezed back, Ty settled his gaze on the moonlit snow covered cabin, watching the agents move in.
Climbing carefully up the ladder carried by the agents, Brown scaled to the roof of the cabin. Opposite her two other agents, Mason one of them as he was lighter than the others, more built like she was did the same. Using a pick she settled in near the peak, waiting for Mason to join her.
Silent hand signals between them they screwed rings to hold their ropes carefully and silently into the roofs surface. Tugging, satisfied the seats were secure they began looping and tying off their rappelling ropes. Snaps, quiet but sounding loud to their ears as they adjusted and clipped the ropes into place, sounded across the grounds. Each mashing a button on the sides of their radios, set to silent mode signaled the agents on the ground they were about to descend.
Mason would use his grenade gun to fire one canister into each of the bedroom windows. Brown would fire hers into the living rooms bay window. Nodding to each other, they carefully went over the rear of the cabins roof. Snow dislodged fell silently to the side of the mountain below. Lowering as quietly as possible, each agent came to rest against the cabins rear wall. Feet planted, and spread, glances exchanged they pressed the radios again, prepared to move to the windows now and fire.
Hampton and his team of six at the front door, with the four who'd assisted Brown and Mason at the side door moved silently into place in front of their respective doors. The four at the side, not able to gain entrance as the snow was too deep, quickly moved to join Hamptons team.
"No way Boss," Johnson whispered, "no ones coming out or going in, side doors iced over."
Hampton nodded his understanding, watching his radio for the red light to turn green, telling him his people were ready to go. The porch not able to accommodate the entire crew as it was piled high with the drift of snow only four agents were able to settle in front of the cabins main entrance. The others gathered quietly on the steps, waiting.
Hampton held his hand high, the light was green it was a go as soon as they heard the firing of the grenade guns.
Unable to sleep, Bosco wandered the cabin. Vinny lying on the couch watching him in the firelight commented, "Maurice, you're wearing a hole in the floor. Its two-thirty, please, be still!"
Smirking, Bosco leaned over the couch, "I can't sleep, slept too much in the last four days! Hell I think I slept enough for a year! Plus, the satellite is down again, and I've heard all the CD's twice." Eyeing Vinny with an evil eye, "But maybe I can think of something to do..."
"I take it you're feeling better?" Vinny rolled his eyes, "Since you were dying yesterday, oh and the day before. Oh and thank you so much for tricking me into making most of the meals. Not fair Maurice." Reaching up he thumped him on the chest, "I should make you pay you know."
Leering at him again, coughing some, Bosco went for pitiful, "I am sick, just bored. Besides, you make better grilled cheese than me. Cough, Cough." Giving him big eyes, he snickered as Vinny thumped him again.
"Sick, yea okay." Vinny snatched his hand back as Bosco made a grab for it, "listen at you, fake coughing. Go ahead, set another one off, you'll be on your knees again in no time, worshipping the porcelain goddess. Brat."
"You know you love me," Bosco grinned as he leaned down over the back of the couch. Vinny made a grab for him, dragging him completely over onto the cushion with him.
"My fatal flaw," Vinny gave him a quick kiss, "one I'm sure will end up killing me at this rate." Pushing him away, Vinny sat up, "I can't stand all this quiet, its one thing when its our choice, but this complete silence is making my ears ring," shoving his shoulder against Bosco's, "when you're not jabbering that is." Standing he went to the stereo system, scanning the CD's in the dim light of the nearly out fire as it burned down for the night.
Bosco grinning stood up, moving across the living room floor to him, "Hey, put on..." squinting at the window, he frowned, "what the heck?"
Vinny hearing his voice change from playful to puzzled turned to him wondering as he saw him standing a few feet from the window, himself glancing at it, "What?"
"Nothing," Bosco shrugged, "must have been a bird or bat or something." Continuing toward Vinny.
Vinny shook his head smirking, "Probably that fever you keep claiming you still have." Beginning to turn back to the Stereo.
"Hey, I do still..." Bosco's last words were cut off becoming a shout, as a small explosion sounded right outside the window he was turning from and the glass of the large picture window shattered into the room.
Vinny flinched in shock at the window exploding. Flinging his head around as he heard Bosco yell in surprise.
Bosco's shout preceded a silver canister slamming into his chest, it bounced off, landing at his feet. He heard Vinny scream his name, but before he could register what was happening, the world exploded in a shower of hot molten silver light blinding him visually, the resounding slam of sound deafening him. Intense pain radiating throughout his body he felt himself being thrown backwards as his world went dark.
Vinny turning saw something hit Bosco in the chest and bounce off of him. The shocked look on his face showing he had no idea what just happened. Standing only seconds if it took that long, Vinny locked eyes with him a sliver of a moment before glancing down. When he saw the silver canister, the slight smoke from it, he had only enough time to scream "MAURICE NOOOOO!" before the shock grenade went off in Bosco's face.
Lying on the floor stunned, Vinny rolled his head towards him, partially blinded, large spots breaking apart his vision he caught only glimpses of him lying on his back. Arms and legs spread out as if he were making a snow angel on the wooden floor. Unable to hear, Vinny caught sight of bodies moving around them. Felt hands on him snatching at him, flipping him over and then his arms were pinned behind him, a knee on his back.
Loud roaring in his ears drowned out even his own voice as he screamed Maurice's name, over and over. Pain like he'd never felt crushing his mind into unconsciousness his last vision was of someone dressed all in white putting fingertips to Bosco's neck.
TBC...