Disclaimer: Nothing's mine. See previous disclaimers.
Author's Note: Okay, so it seems like it's been a long time since I've posted a chapter, and I think that's because it has been. Sorry. Lots of schoolwork and writer's block don't make for a very quick chapter. And it's kind of short too, but I promise the next one will be longer and quicker. I think. Oh, and thanks everyone for all the reviews! I really appreciate it. Okay, now onto the story before the author's note is longer than it.
It was déjà vu for him. Except for the fact that he was on a different couch, it was the same as it had been on that day two weeks ago when he had been shot at the zoo. It seemed like Will E. Coyote was even doing the same thing with some doomed product from ACME.
The other difference was that there were no giggles from Sam this time. Faith had brought Emily and Charlie by that morning in attempts to cheer Sam up, but instead of laughing with her friends, she had a far away look plastered on her face. She had been very withdrawn, as a matter of fact, since Bosco got out of the hospital.
When the cartoon was over, the morning news came on. Emily and Charlie got up off the floor to get more Cocoa Puffs, but Sam hadn't been paying attention and didn't notice them get up. The top news story is what made her notice the TV.
"At the top of the news this morning," began the news reporter. "The police are on the lookout for this man, Gordon Sharp." They flashed the picture of the man that was ruining Bosco's life. He suddenly didn't want Sam watching the TV.
"Sam, why don't you go get more cereal?" But Sam didn't move. Her eyes were glued to the television as the man on the screen continued.
"Sharp is believed to be connected to the shooting of an NYPD officer two weeks ago. He was released one month ago after being imprisoned for six years for the murder of the same NYPD officer's wife, and the attempted murder of the officer's daughter. Witnesses place Sharp at the scene. If you have any information on this dangerous man, please contact your local police department immediately."
The news went on, and Bosco was relieved. He felt Sam at his side once again, the place where it seemed she had been forever.
"Hey Ma?" he called to his mother in the kitchen.
"What is it, Maurice?" she asked, coming into the room with Faith, who had been in the kitchen with her.
"Can I talk to you in the kitchen for a minute?" he asked, getting up from the couch. Sam reluctantly let go of the death grip on his arm and moved to the floor. Faith went to go sit with her.
"I have a favor to ask of you," he said once they were in the kitchen.
"Anything, baby," his mother replied.
"I need you to watch Sam today while I go over to the precinct."
"Maurice why? Why are you doing this? Can't you just let them take care of it? Stay with your daughter today. She needs you." Bosco looked back towards the living room, where Faith was on the floor, desperately trying to get Sam to smile. He considered it. He considered just staying here, safeguarding Sam.
"I can't, Ma. I feel so helpless, just sitting here. It feels like all I've done is cower ever since this whole thing started. I have to do something, anything. Even if it's just going to the station to see how they're doing on the investigation. I'll feel like I'm doing something to keep Sam safe," he said, desperately defending himself.
"Now is not the time to be thinking of just yourself, Maurice."
"Ma, just let me go, okay?" he pleaded. "I don't want Sam to see me leave, otherwise I won't be able to get out of the house. I'll back by tonight." Rose gave him a look, but she knew that she couldn't stop him.
"Thanks, Ma. I love you," he said, giving her a peck on the cheek.
"I love you too, sweetheart." He started to the door. "Be careful, baby."
"I will."