Renegade Runaways :: Chapter Thirty Five

Bo ran his fingers over the shiny brass of his badge. The Salem Police Department felt foreign and familiar at the same time. A bundle of nerves beckoned to him in the pit of his stomach. He smiled softly at the badge that gleamed back at him in his hand. He saw a glimpse of his old life in the small reflection of the brass. He finally felt like himself.

"Detective,"

Hope's voice drew his eyes away from his credentials. She held a gun and handcuffs and she thrust them in his direction.

"You might need these," Hope smiled.

Bo smiled back at her, "I might…"

Hope's eyebrow rose and a smile tugged at her lips, "For work."

"You know what they say," Bo teased and stepped seductively closer to her.

Hope's hand found his chest and stopped his further advances. She was all business. She pushed him away, "I don't want to know. Focus Brady."

"Work hard, play harder," Bo shrugged and laughed at himself.

Hope tried to scowl at him, but she was unsuccessful. The truth was, she was giddy to have her real partner back. She sighed, "I can see we won't be getting much work done today."

"Do we even have a case?" Bo asked casually, "It's awfully quiet around here."

"You should know better than to talk like that when you're on duty," Roman scolded as he walked into the room. He tossed two folders on the table.

Hope stared at them with excitement. Bo eyed his older brother.

"Good to have you back little brother," Roman smiled at him. As much as he didn't want to, he'd tried replacing Bo. Time passed. The P.D. had to move on. Roman had a force to lead and navigate, but none of the replacements were nearly as good at their job as Bo Brady.

"Good to be back," Bo nodded and joined Hope in looking over a folder.

"Nothing too exciting," Roman shrugged as he watched them glance at the paperwork, "I figured you've had enough excitement for a couple months. Let me know if you get bored."

Bo glanced at Hope as Roman left the room, "Narcotics?"

Hope shrugged, "Narcotic busts go bad all the time."

"Yeah," Bo mumbled.

"You think you can handle it?" Hope eyed him with gleaming eyes.

Bo laughed, "Well, I know you can."

Hope felt a swell of pride at his compliment, "You better believe it."

"You're amazing," Bo said seriously, "Did I ever tell you how proud I am of you?"

Hope smiled, "For what?"

Bo reached for her waist and pulled her closer, "For saving our daughter. You're fearless."

Hope shook her head, "I fear quite a few things… and I had help saving our daughter…" She paused and gathered herself. She smiled at him, "From a really good partner."

"I wouldn't want to be paired with anyone else," Bo agreed and kissed her forehead, "Besides Steve. He's a good partner too."

Hope rolled her eyes and shoved his shoulder. There was truth to Bo's statement, but she didn't want to acknowledge it right then. She bit her lip as Bo chuckled.

"Watch it Brady," Hope warned.

"Would you like to use these cuffs on me?" Bo questioned and offered them to her.

Hope's jaw dropped, "Where is your mind today?"

Bo chuckled again. He felt like a teenage boy, but he couldn't care less. He was happy.

"You don't want to know." Bo finally offered. His eyes drifted down her body.

"Let's get to work," Hope ordered and changed the subject.

"Oh are you the boss now?" Bo questioned.

Hope nodded, "You took a three year absence. I think that gives me seniority. I outrank you now."

"Oh please," Bo teased, "We'll see about that."

"You just told me I was amazing," Hope replied, "I'm not amazing enough to outrank you?"

Bo bit his lip, "Of course you are."

Hope grinned at him, "That's what I thought."

Bo stole a quick kiss from her and swatted her butt, "Lead the way Detective."

"My pleasure," Hope nodded.

Bo followed her with glee. It felt good to be back to work. He didn't care that he was busting mediocre suburban drug dealers. It just felt good to be back on the force, next to a partner that he knew had his back. Together they were unstoppable.

THE END