Title: Deep Down

Chapter: Twelve?

Author: Kelly

Rating: PG-13

Disclaimer: See First Chapter.

Cruz stared at him for a moment before responding, not liking the tone he addressed her with one bit. "Heard Yokas is missing."

"No really?" Bosco asked sarcastically.

"Don't get nasty with me," Cruz answered. "Figured I'd be able to help out."

"How'd you figure that?"

"Just trying to do you a favour," she gave him a slightly smile and ran a hand along the desktop. "Seeing as you're confined to this desk and all." Just great, now she was rubbing it in. He took a deep breath and eyed the woman carefully. Unsure whether or not to trust her. Like he had any other options. What Bosco couldn't afford now, was to be lured into one of her little mind games. Schemes. Whatever she wanted to call them.

"What exactly can you do for me?" Bosco asked with a frustrated look. Cruz gave him a ghost of a smile and he wasn't exactly sure which way to take it.

"Depends."

"On?"

"Talk is…" Cruz continued quickly. "That there may be a cop in on this."

"Oh and where did you hear that?" Bosco snapped once again.

"I keep my ear down to the ground." Cruz frowned a second before commenting once more. "Buried alive thought? Seriously?"

"Stop messing me about, Cruz. I don't have time."

"Nor does Faith huh?" Cruz muttered. It took his all not to lunge across the desk at the anti-crimes sergeant. Bosco looked round then to the annoying woman before him with a dark look. "Okay," Cruz finally said. "Lighten up."

"Kinda hard to do when you're partner's been kidnapped and buried alive for a 50 grand random," Bosco retorted. His tone was showing no humour whatsoever. "So either tell me or leave me alone. I'm busy."

"With your." She didn't even try and hide the sneer as she looked at the desk then up to him. "Job."

Bosco leaned in close and lowered his voice to a whisper, "Don't fuck with me, Cruz."

Cruz gave him an equal look. "Been there. Done that."

Bosco backed down from that comment and straightened up. "If you want to carry on this way…"

"Look getting back on track," Cruz blurted out. "I heard that a cop may be involved. Was thinking that if you wanted I could use some connections delve into some files. Look for retired cops, disgracefully dismissed…"

"Lieu's already got that covered," Bosco said cutting her off in dismissal. Cruz leaned in close, taking a not so gentle hold of his collar, her voice lowering to a harsh whisper.

"I'm not talking official dismissal Bosco. I'm talking dirty cops. Not the kind of thing the precinct really likes to broadcast. Know what I'm saying."

"Why are you helping me?" Bosco asked gently. She let him go and rocked back on her heels and gave a smile.

"Who said anything about helping you?"

"Well you…" Bosco began only to get off.

"I help you," Cruz said simply going to get to the task, turning her back on him and started walking up the stairs. Halfway up she turned round and gave him a serious look. And a very dangerous look at that. "You owe me."

Bosco couldn't help but stare at her while the realisation of what she was saying took seconds to sink in. If she helped him find Faith, he would be in her debt and he knew that was something Cruz wouldn't take likely. He'd found that out when working cases with her in anti-crimes. He was willing to take that risk if it meant locating Faith and finding her safe and sound. As much as he hated the situation with Cruz, he hated Faith's situation even more. It was time to swallow his damn pride.

"Deal."