It was Always You

Disclaimer: I own nothing but the plot. And this applies to every subsequent chapter!

A/N: I coulda made this chapter longer...but I like leaving it at the suspenseful moments. Lovin' your reviews, keep em coming...it inspires me to continue!

Chapter 4: A Shot in the Dark...

Bosco closed his eyes. This was it. Game over. Nothing moved in the dank warehouse, not even the rats. Rico took the safety off the gun with a deafening click. Bosco opened his eyes to face him down, better to have his eyes open. He noticed a lightning flash of movement out of the corner of his eye.

"I'd move the gun if I were you." Faith's voice rang out in the silence.

Bosco opened his eyes and whipped around to glance at Faith, who now had a gun pointed directly at Rico.

"And if you take another step Johnny, I'll shoot your friend. Now move the gun AWAY from my PARTNER!" She yelled at Rico, her gun shaking slightly in her grip.

"I thought you fucking SEARCHED her Johnny." Rico hissed, not moving his eyes from Faith, gun clenched in her duct taped hands. "And where the fuck is your gun? Take her out, you fool!"

Johnny just watched the situation, apparently lost for words.

Faith smiled smugly. "You see Rico, I've learned that you've gotta be real careful who you pick to have your back. Your partner can be the difference between life and death." She locked eyes with Bosco, who returned her smile shakily. "And what I've also learned is your partner is an idiot. He didn't seem to think I could have an ankle holster. And he also seemed to think it would be a good idea to put his gun down next to his seat in the van and leave it there, because he was too busy stealing from my wallet."

"You don't have to tell me he's a dumbass, detective," Rico sniped. "I already knew that." He glanced at Bosco, and back at Faith. "Now what are you gunna do? Shoot me? You'd have to make it a good one to make sure I don't shoot your partner."

Faith wanted to keep him talking, keep him distracted. She needed a plan, and fast. She didn't want him to decide that he should take Bosco out and take his chances. "You might be surprised at my aim, Rico. I had a great teacher." She replied, but kept her eyes on Bosco. She stared him down intensely. She desperately hoped that he could still understand what she was trying to tell him.

Bosco stared back at those green eyes he knew so well. He tried not to smile as he caught on. With a flick of eye movement he let her know he was ready. It was suddenly like no time had passed since the days of 55-David. Goddamn. Bosco thought. My partner is one in a million.

Bosco waited for it. The signal. He could hear the blood pounding in his ears, so loud, he was almost sure Rico would be able to hear it. Bosco wasn't scared. The only time he could remember being scared was that day in Noble's hotel room. Probably because it was Faith on the line...when all of a sudden, Rico grabbed for Bosco's throat and sprang around behind him, using Bosco as a shield. Well this certainly makes things more interesting... Bosco thought to himself grimly.

Rico began to laugh. "Try to get me now Detective!! Only a lunatic would try a shot like this." Rico laughed harder as he saw Faith visibly waver.

Faith flicked her eyes back towards Bosco. Don't worry. You've got this, I trust you. Just squeeze. Bosco tried to tell her. Her grip steadied once again and moved her finger back to the trigger.

Bosco closed his eyes as the shot rang out.

To Be Continued...

I'm so evil, aren't I?