Disclaimer: I don't own any of the original characters or places. I'm just borrowing them.

Collision Course, Chapter 20

Time: 6:00 AM, the morning after.

Kathy glanced up at the doorway to see a very weary Dr. Poole approaching. She had known Tim for a long time. He'd even asked her out once, but she didn't think it was such a good idea to date a coworker. His thick black hair was disheveled from a nap that was more than likely much too brief. He yawned as he entered the room.

"How is he?" he muttered.

"Not much change. His blood pressure's better. But his urine output is still a little low. He's been my least troublesome patient of the night though." Kathy answered.

"Are his morning labs back?" Tim questioned.

"Yes. They just came back." Kathy handed him the lab sheets.

He mulled over the labs for a few minutes; then sighed. "Well at least his blood counts are stable. His kidney definitely took a big hit though. Creatinine has doubled."

He dropped the paper back onto the bedside table and walked to Bosco's left side. Briefly he scanned the heart monitor and the ventilator. He checked the drainage from the chest tubes and abdominal wound, and glanced briefly at the foley bag. Then he looked at the patient himself. He pulled out a penlight and checked Bosco's pupils. He was pleased to see that they were reacting normally. He listened to his heart and his lungs. The left lung definitely sounded worse today. He checked his abdominal incision. He examined his cast on his left arm and then moved down to his feet. Pulling up the covers, he noticed that the toes on Bosco's left foot were still slightly cool, but the color was pretty good. He looked over at Kathy "Has he moved any during the night? Opened his eyes?"

"Not a peep." Kathy replied. She knew what Tim was about to do and she always hated to witness it.

Pulling his reflex hammer from his pocket, Tim placed the sharper edge over the knuckle on his patient's right great toe. Then he squeezed it down and twisted it. The response that he got was a feeble attempt by the officer to pull his foot away and a slight grimace on the officer's face. "That's encouraging," he announced, as he moved back up the bedside to Bosco's right. Putting his knuckle over Bosco's sternum, he dug in while he shouted, "OFFICER BOSCORELLI, CAN YOU OPEN YOUR EYES? MAURICE! OPEN YOUR EYES!"

Disclaimer: Don't own any of the original characters, but I do own Crabby.

Collision Course, Chapter 21

Putting his knuckle over Bosco's sternum, he dug in while he shouted, " OFFICER BOSCORELLI, CAN YOU OPEN YOUR EYES? MAURICE! OPEN YOUR EYES!"

Bosco grimaced once again, but this time the movement caused him to gag on the endotrachial tube and then he began to cough. His coughing set off the alarms on the ventilator as the machine tried to force air into Bosco's uncooperative lungs. This continued several seconds until the machine and Bosco's lungs became coordinated again. Then after several more seconds his face finally relaxed. During the entire time, he never opened his eyes. He seemed to squeeze them closed instead.

Dr. Poole stepped back and patted Bosco's arm. "Sorry buddy," he apologized; then he turned to Kathy. "It doesn't look like Officer Boscorelli wants to wake up and join us yet," he observed.

"After what he's been through in the last 24 hours, I can't say that I blame him." Kathy replied.

"Are you working tonight?" Tim questioned.

"Yes" she reported.

"Who's coming on today?" Tim inquired.

"I don't know everyone, but I think Nurse Crabby…. I mean Nurse Crabtree is going to be here." Kathy answered with a smirk.

"You're going to forget and call her that in front of a patient's family or even to her face if you don't stop that." Tim chided her, but could not hide his own grin.

"I'm sorry, but she's just so grumpy. I don't even know why she became a nurse." Kathy insisted.

"Oh, come on. She's actually not that bad. She's just from the old school." Tim tried to sound convincing.

XXXX

Faith looked up to see Sully entering the waiting room with Ty dragging behind him.

"You're late." She announced.

"Just 5 minutes." Sully answered. "I would have been on time if Junior here had gotten his butt in gear."

"Hey, old man. We would have been on time if you hadn't had to stop for donuts." Ty snapped back.

"And coffee. Don't forget the coffee." Sully admonished as he sat four steaming cups of coffee in front of Rose and Faith. "Enjoy, Ladies." Sully continued.

"There's only one thing I could think of that would hit the spot better than coffee right now." Rose uttered as she reached for a cup.

"What's that, Mrs. Boscorelli?" Sully questioned.

"A little hair on the dog." Rose responded, but then blushed as she realized what she'd said. What would Officer Sullivan think of her for saying such a thing?

Sully grinned. "There was a time when I would have said the same thing myself, Mrs. B."

Ty mumbled something about Sully being so cheerful this morning.

"Well, I guess we can see why you work the third watch." Faith snickered.

Ty glared at her. "Well, I might feel better if my partner had actually let me drink my coffee."

"Help yourself, Junior." Sully stepped back and pointed to one of the remaining coffees.

Ty grabbed a cup and stumbled across the room to a chair.

"Have you heard anything this morning?" Sully inquired more seriously.

"Yeah, the doctor came by earlier and then his nurse came by just a few minutes ago. Dr. Poole said that his heart rate and blood pressure are stable. His lung is worse, but his oxygen level is stable. That his kidney still isn't doing well, something about the creatinine being around 2 when it should not be over 1. And then the good news was that he is responsive to pain. I don't even want to imagine how they verify that." Faith finished with a forlorn look.

XXXX

Sasha awoke to the sound of retching coming from her bathroom. She looked around the room. The last thing she remembered was talking to Cruz the night before. She noticed Cruz's jacket lying on the back of a chair and a blanket lying in it. She looked back towards the bathroom door. "Sergeant, are you ok?" she asked as she slowly sat up in bed.

After a few seconds, Cruz finally replied. "I'm fine."

Sasha heard the toilet flush and then the sink running. In a few minutes, the door opened to reveal a very pale Cruz. "You don't look so good." Sasha observed.

"I'm fine. It's just been a long night. I haven't really had anything to eat since lunch yesterday. That's probably what's wrong." Cruz assured her.

"Well, in that case you're welcome to my lovely hospital breakfast." Sasha said with a smile as she pulled the cover off her breakfast tray.

Maritza took one look at the runny yellow hospital eggs and gagged. Turning, she ran back into the bathroom and slammed the door.

"Oops, sorry." Sasha muttered. After several more minutes of retching noises, Sasha heard the toilet flush again. Then she was distracted by the sound of a cell phone ringing. It sounded as if it were coming from Cruz's jacket. Sasha was afraid that it might be news about Bosco, so she climbed from the bed as fast as her stiff body would allow her and answered the phone.

XXXX

Maritza emerged from the bathroom to find Sasha on her cell phone. As she hung up, Cruz asked, "Who was that?"

"Oh, I'm sorry. It was ringing and I was afraid that it was news about Bosco."

"That's ok." Maritza replied.

"That was Officer Daley down at lockup. He said Michael Boscorelli was awake and making a scene. He wanted to know if you were coming to get him." Sasha answered with a questioning look.

"Oh, crap. I almost forgot about Mikey." Seeing the look on Sasha's face she continued. "I found him high yesterday and figured he should sleep it off before I brought him to the hospital. I figured the only sure way to keep him from getting more dope was to leave him in lockup." Cruz said and shrugged. "I guess I had better go get him."

"Are you sure you're ok, Sergeant? You look awfully pale." Sasha questioned her again.

"I'm fine!" Cruz snapped. When she realized how she'd said it she immediately apologized.

Sasha let the issue drop. "I'm going to go upstairs and check on Bosco." She reported as she pulled her uniform suit out of the drawer at the bedside table.

"Have you been discharged?" Cruz asked.

"Not yet, but they can send someone after me or call the waiting room when they are ready. I can't stay here any longer." Sasha replied.

"Well, tell Mrs. Boscorelli that we've found Mikey and I'm going to go get him." Cruz turned and headed for the door.

Disclaimer: I don't own any of the original characters or places.

Collision Course, Chapter 22

Sasha slowly changed into her wrinkled uniform from the day before. As she did she noticed the large purple bruises across her chest and abdomen from the seat belt. Besides that, there was hardly a scratch on her. But every muscle in her body ached. She looked around briefly wondering what had happened to her gun belt, but then she remembered that the lieutenant had taken it back to the precinct. She straightened her shirt as much as possible, suddenly wishing that she had asked Cruz to bring her a change of clothes from her locker. Then she crept over to the door and peaked out. The only nurse at the desk was chattering on the phone. Sasha took the opportunity to make her escape.

When she arrived on the floor containing the intensive care units, she was surprised at how quiet it was. It was certainly nothing like the madhouse that Sergeant Cruz had described the night before. When she entered the ICU waiting area, she spotted Sully and Davis sitting off to one side with a middle-aged lady. She had never met Bosco's mom, but she assumed this must be her. She could see a lot of Bosco's features in her. They were actually built very similar, except for the lady being several inches shorter and slightly overweight. Sasha had to stifle a chuckle as she pictured a pudgy middle aged Bosco. She shook the thought from her mind and slowly approached the group. Davis was on his feet the minute he noticed her.

"Sasha, what are you doing up here? Have you been released this early?" Ty questioned with a look of concern.

"No, I haven't been released. I've escaped." Sasha quipped.

Sully laughed quietly, but Ty didn't find it funny. "What do you mean escaped? Should you be out of bed?"

"Ty, I'm fine. I don't need a mother." Sasha scolded.

"Have it your way." Ty turned and stalked away.

Sasha looked back at Sully. "What are you guys doing here in uniform?" Sasha asked.

"We're guarding Mrs. Boscorelli and the ICU from reporters." Sully replied with a satisfied look.

"What reporters? The whole floor looks deserted." Sasha pointed out.

"All those reporters that hospital security has refused to allow on this floor. They're all downstairs now. I guess we're just here in case some sneak past security. And of course were to make sure Mrs. Boscorelli has everything she needs and to keep the bosses informed." Sully reported, casting an eye in Rose's direction.

"I don't believe I've met Mrs. Boscorelli." Sasha turned towards Rose and extended a hand. "I'm Sasha Monroe, Mrs. Boscorelli. I'm Bosco's partner."

A preoccupied Rose finally glanced up at Sasha. "Oh, of course, dear. Maurice has told me all about you."

"Whatever he said, don't believe a word of it." Sasha kidded.

Rose smiled slightly. "It wasn't that bad." She replied.

Sasha suddenly became more serious as she knelt down in front of Rose. "Mrs. Boscorelli, I'm sorry about what happened. I mean, here I am walking around with barely a scratch, and ….. I'm so sorry." Sasha tried to continue, only to be interrupted by Rose.

"No, dear. Don't you say that. Maurice would never have wanted anyone else to be hurt. And neither would I. I'm glad your ok, Sasha." Rose assured her.

Sasha wiped at her eyes and then smiled at Rose. "Thank you, Mrs. Boscorelli. Oh, I almost forgot. Sergeant Cruz asked me to tell you that they located Mikey, and she's going to go pick him up."

"Oh, thank God." Rose answered, casting a glance heavenward.

XXXX

Faith wearily opened the door to her apartment. She was surprised to see that Emily was up this early on a Sunday morning. "Hey, Em. What are you doing?" she questioned.

"I was just waiting for you." Emily answered quietly.

"Really? Where's your dad and Charlie?" Faith asked.

"They went to an early church service to pray for Uncle Bosco." Emily replied sadly. She looked up at Faith and continued. "Dad says it's pretty bad." It was as much a question as a statement.

"Yeah, it is, Em." Faith confided as a small tear rolled down her cheek.

Emily leaned over to hug her mother. "Uncle B is tough, Mom. I'm sure he will be ok."

"I hope so, Em. I hope so." Faith muttered.

XXXX

Maritza Cruz strode up the stairs of the precinct and into the lock up area. She could hear Michael Boscorelli cursing everyone and everything. Entering the area, she looked at him with contempt.

Recognizing her from the night before, Mikey directed his anger towards Cruz. "WELL, IT'S ABOUT TIME, TWO BAGS!"

"Shut your mouth, Mikey." Cruz ordered.

"Really, who's going to make me?" Mikey taunted. "This moron, Officer Daley, can't even tell me why I'm arrested. And what are you going to do?" Mikey continued.

"There are no charges." Cruz answered calmly. She walked over and opened the door to the cell, tossing a sack into Mikey's hands. "Follow me." Turning, she headed toward the locker room. The day shift had already started patrol, so the locker room should be empty.

Mikey followed, but continued to complain. "Where are we going? What's going on?"

Cruz stopped outside the shower area and pointed. "Get cleaned up and put those clothes on." She pointed again to the bag she'd handed him.

Mikey looked at her in disbelief, then asked again. "What's going on, Cruz?"

"Just do it Mikey, so I can take you to the hospital." Cruz sighed.

"The hospital. Why the hospital?" Mikey looked confused, then suddenly worried. "Did something happen to my Ma?" He questioned quietly.

"No, your mother's fine, Mikey. But your brother is in the ICU fighting for his life. If you hadn't been high last night, you might have known about it." Cruz' voice rose with every sentence she spoke.

"Moe?" Mikey questioned.

Disclaimer: I don't own the original characters or places. But I do own Crabby. HEHEHE

Collision Course, Chapter 23

Rose paced back and forth in the waiting room wondering what shape Mikey would be in when he arrived. He had been avoiding her lately and she knew that meant that he was using again. She looked up when she heard the door open and saw Mikey entering with Sergeant Cruz behind him. To her surprise, his clothes looked clean - even new. His hair was a bit disheveled, but appeared freshly washed. For a moment she hoped that he wasn't using. But when he came closer she noticed the dark circles under his eyes and how tired he looked. He was extremely thin and his jeans hung loosely on his hips. She supposed that she could thank Sergeant Cruz for cleaning him up before bringing him here. She cast Cruz a slight smile. Then she bit her lip to restrain herself from scolding Michael. Now wasn't the time.

"Ma, I didn't know or I would have been here. How is he?" Mikey sputtered nervously.

XXXX

Sully sat staring at the clock on the wall as Ty read a book. Cruz had taken Sasha back downstairs to be discharged and then home. Sully glanced over to where Mikey sat beside Rose, holding her hand. Sully could tell with one look that the kid was using heavily. He shook his head slightly in disbelief. No wonder Bosco had problems. His whole family was screwed up. Well maybe not Mrs. Boscorelli, but then again she had made that comment about the coffee. When Sully thought about it, he was amazed that Bosco had turned out as well as he had. Despite Bosco's annoying attitude and their constant bantering, Sully realized that he considered Bosco a friend. And that was something, coming from a man who didn't really have many friends. Sure he had plenty of acquaintances but very few real friends. Sully was distracted from his thoughts by the sound of one of the ICU workers announcing that it was the 10:00AM visiting hour. He wasn't sure why they called it the visiting hour since it was only 20 minutes, but whatever. He watched as Rose and Mikey headed toward the door.

XXXX

Rose felt Mikey hesitate as they approached the door to Maurice's room. She had tried to prepare him before they entered. But she knew from her own experience the night before that no words could prepare you to see a loved one in this condition. She squeezed Mikey's hand to reassure him, and then continued on.

As they approached the bedside she noted a gray haired nurse with a disgruntled look on her face. "I'll be outside." The nurse grumbled and made her way to the door.

'Crabby old bitty.' Rose thought as the woman passed.

Rose turned back to Mikey to see him starring at his brother as tears welled up in his eyes. He swallowed dryly and stepped up to the bedside. Rose moved up to Mikey's left side and glanced at Maurice's face. The bruises were a deeper purple. She looked more closely and noticed that his forehead was wrinkled slightly and his face seemed tense. She pulled the cover back searching for his hand. When she found it, she held it with one hand and rubbed his arm with the other. "Maurice?" She almost whispered. "Maurice, baby, it's your Ma and Mikey is here." She moved her hand up to his shoulder in an effort to comfort him as he appeared to be in pain. "Maurice, it's alright baby. Just relax." She soothed. The frown on his face seemed to increase. She turned and went to find the nurse.

XXXX

When his mother turned and left, Mikey moved up closer to Maurice. He placed his hand over his brother's arm as silent tears trickled down his cheeks. "Moe? It's Mikey. It's ok, Moe. You're gonna be fine. You just hang in there. Please, Moe. Ma needs you." He sniffed, then added quietly "I need you, Moe."

XXXX

Rose approached the nurse, but had to clear her throat to get her attention. "Um, Nurse?"

"Crabtree." The woman announced. "Nurse Crabtree."

'How fitting.'Rose mused. "Yes. Nurse Crabtree, Maurice looks like he's in pain."

"Well, what do you expect with his injuries?" Nurse Crabtree replied gruffly.

Rose felt her cheeks getting red hot with anger. "Well, doesn't he have anything ordered for pain?" She demanded.

Nurse Crabtree abruptly arose and went back into the room. She strolled up to the medication pump and pushed several buttons. Then without a word, she huffed back to her chair outside of the room.