Title: Deep Down
Chapter: Seventeen?
Author: Kelly
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: See First Chapter.
Cruz stood before her team and briefed them as accurately and as quickly as she could about the whole situation they would be facing. She circulated copies of Michael Price's pictures and information around the room, glancing to the window every now and then where Bosco stood with his arms folded. He had changed out his uniform and was now in civilian clothing like herself and her anti-crimes people. Cruz would place bets that he hadn't been authorised by Swersky.
She had to focus on the task at hand as she handed the last file. "Guy's name is Michael Price," she said loudly to grab their attention. "52 years old, served with the NYPD from 76 to 03." Cruz kept glancing to the window, Bosco's presence there was enough to put her off. She wouldn't allow herself to get deterred and carried on. "He was "unfairly" dismissed in the summer of 2003." Cruz felt a grin tug at her lips. "Price was connected to all manner of groups and gangs in the Bronx and Manhattan where he and his partner's arrest rates declined."
Picking up a file, she flicked to a page and read more. "During a raid in December 2002 he was found associated with Tommy Vicar, a notorious arms dealer. Most of which I am sure you are familiar with," Cruz said raising her glance up and round the room. "According to Vicar's accounts, he'd been keeping Price sweet with a monthly instalment of five grand."
"So much for an officer's pay packet," someone commented dryly.
"The case went to trail. Price was kicked out the NYPD and made to pay a steep fine." Cruz re-read the details. This was what had made him the most likely candidate, he had motive and plus paying off something like that would have left him with nothing considering he had no retirement pay. Cruz was confident thatthis was the guy.
"We have reason to believe that he is reasonable for the kidnapping of one of our uniformed officers," Cruz carried on finally. "Officer Faith Yokas. I'm sure you've all heard about it." She looked round the room. "There is evidence to support the allegation, a package was delivered to Yokas' partner Officer Boscorelli by some guy posing as a UPS driver. It was later found that the actual driver had been stripped of his uniform and run off a road down Queens."
Someone held up a hand. She nodded to him. "So how exactly are they related?"
"I'm getting to that," she snapped back. "Uniform found a clipboard on the scene, the last known address delivered to was Michael Price who has an apartment situated in that area. Doesn't take a genius to put two and two together."
Another look to Bosco, who was staring intensely at her, another look back to the guys. "Suspect is presumed armed and dangerous. Never forget we are dealing with someone withover twenty years experience on the job," Cruz empathised every single word to get the message to hit home. "We don't think he's working alone according to video evidence we received. If you do need to use force against Price and his pal, use it." She stood up straighter. "The only concern is to retrieve Yokas safely. Any questions?"
Shaking of heads all round, she closed the file shut with a loud snap and she threw it on the table behind her. "Good," she replied. "Be prepared to move out in twenty minutes. Dismissed."
Swersky sneaked up behind Bosco. "What the hell are you doing?"
"I'm going with anti-crimes sir," Bosco answered calmer than he actually felt. Did that just sound like a statement more than a request?
"You're job is on the desk Boscorelli."
"Come on," Bosco said turning round to face the man and opened his arms. "I can't just stand around here. They need experienced people out on a case like this."
"They have experienced people," Swersky retorted then looked him up and down. "Get back in your uniform."
"Sorry can't do that." Bosco looked up at him. "I don't ask for much. It's Faith, you know I won't do anything stupid." He pleaded with his eyes and he didn't care. He was so close to finding Faith and he couldn't let that opportunity pass him by. Swersky glanced round. "I'm going to regret this," he muttered and Bosco let out a cry of pleasure. "Speak with Cruz. If she's okay with it, you can go."
"You won't regret this."
"I'm not so sure about that," Swersky answered. He knew one way or another that Bosco would go after them. Permission or not.
There was commotion at the desk. Swersky and Bosco looked over to see Fred Yokas standing there, anger etched on his face and hatred in his eyes. "I've tried calling and you won't tell me anything. She's my wife for God's sake," he was shouting at the kid. So much for new-found religion, Bosco thought as he walked over to Fred and placed a hand on his arm. "Calm down Fred." Before he knew it, Fred had turned round and smacked him hard across the face. Bosco fell to the floor hard, he looked up and Fred stood over him.
"I thought you would be in the middle of all this somehow."