"Gun Hill Road"

Author: carmen_085

Disclaimer: I don't own any Third Watch characters. All original characters in this belong to me

Summary: In the years following 9/11 Bosco and Liz struggle with health issues and emotional trauma. But when Fred dies suddenly, Faith's children have no where to go. Can Bosco and Liz keep their own demons at bay and give Emily and Charlie a good life? (Sequel to "Last Exit to Brooklyn")

*NSFW mature content*

Chapter Ten

In his whole life Bosco could never remember taking a family vacation. They didn't have the money he supposed, his piece of shit father drinking up every last dollar. Once his Ma packed them up and they went out to Canarsie to visit Aunt Francine. There was a beach and he and Mikey were too young to know the difference, it seemed like a vacation. Later he found out they were running from this father. His Ma having him arrested, he said when he got out he intended to kill them all. That was the closest he'd ever come to a vacation as a kid.

Bosco shook the memories away as he looked around the Explorer. The corners of his lips turned up into a smile. Everything about this moment was so normal it made a warmth bloom in his chest. It wasn't terribly hot so they had the windows part way down as a cool breeze flowed through the car. It was actually Sully's idea for them to take the weekend at his cabin; saying some time away would help them all reset. Bosco wasn't even aware Sully had a cabin, but holding the keys Liz just shrugged and said maybe he was planning to pull the pin. About an hour north of the Bronx it was in a lush wooded area called Harriman State Park right beside a small lake.

The kids had looked at them curiously saying the only place they ever went was the Jersey Shore. Would there be bugs ? Did they have to sleep on the ground in tents ? Where would they go to the bathroom ? Liz shook her head and smiled. Sully promised her the cabin had a flushing toilet, shower, and no bugs at all. The Jersey Shore was nice but they were going to start a new tradition.

Had Faith or even Fred told Emily they were spending the weekend in the woods with no cell phone reception she might have thrown a tantrum and refused to go. That was a another time, though, and while she didn't feel like she needed to be on her best behavior anymore she also knew being a brat was unacceptable. Remembering Bosco leaned over the sunk in the hospital she shook her head. They were good people- the best people really- and she was already finding herself feeling a sort of affection for her mother's old partner and his wife. They didn't have to, but they really loved her and Charlie just like they were their own.

"Come on Em, would you rather ?" Liz sat in the front seat next to Bosco her eyes squinted as she thought, "Would you rather eat pizza everyday for the rest of your life or never be able to eat it again ?" Charlie laughed thoroughly entertained by their car game as his little hand came to rest on Atlas's head petting the dog absentmindedly as he wedged himself between them on the back seat. Callie was in the cargo area keeping watch in the back window letting out a low growl when she didn't like the look of something.

"Depends on the kind of pizza…" Bosco, who hadn't been playing, chimed in from the driver's seat as Liz rolled her eyes.

"We already know you could live on pizza for the rest of your life, regardless of what's on it…" The kids both laughed as Liz reached over and squeezed his arm smiling.

Pursing her lips, Emily thought it over for a moment before shaking her head, "Never again. I couldn't eat it everyday, no way." Charlie made a disgusted sound.

"Uh uh…pizza every day !" The boy announced as Bosco chucked his thumb toward the back.

"See… someone knows that they're talking about." For dramatic effect Atlas added his own bark as everyone dissolved into laughter, the drive passing by quicker than anyone expected.

About ten miles off the highway Bosco pulled up to a small but well maintained looking cabin. Nothing else around, he exhaled happy some jag off wouldn't be blasting music next door. Sully hadn't been lying; the cabin was nice and clean with enough modern amenities to be comfortable. A queen sized bed in one room and bunk beds in the other, Charlie immediately launched himself onto the top bunk giggling and bouncing around. There was a refrigerator and a microwave, a small stove, and a cooking pit out back. The toilet flushed and the shower was hot; honestly it was perfect and Bosco could see why Sully planned to retire here.

There were hiking trails and other things to do but the minute the kids saw the lake all they wanted to do was swim. After eating the sandwiches Liz packed for lunch, they all changed and headed straight outside. Charlie couldn't wait to get in charging straight into the water and yelping loudly when he realized how cold it was. Both Callie and Atlas nosed around in the weeds keeping themselves occupied while Liz and Emily spread out a blanket and laid back in the sun.

Horsing around in the water with Charlie, Bosco could see the coy smile on Emily's face and she knew they were talking about TJ or whatever his name was. He wanted Emily to have friends, especially friends who understood what she'd been through, but a boy already ? She was fifteen, going to be sixteen soon, and yeah he supposed he had a girlfriend or two by that age but this was different. Not for the first time he was grateful for Liz, she was motherly and cool at the same time which strangely seemed to be exactly what Emily needed. Charlie on the other hand needed safety and care, and as the novelty of the lake began to wear off the boy found his way back toward Bosco shivering from the cold. Wrapped up against him, the boy trembled with a goofy smile on his face and blue tinged lips.

"Come on buddy…let's get out for a while." The boy shook his head, not wanting the fun to end. "We'll come back in once you warm up, maybe Callie will come too." Atlas hated the water and Bosco knew he would have none of it but Callie was game for just about anything. Out of the water, Bosco quickly wrapped Charlie up in a towel rubbing him dry before the boy went to Liz and sat in her lap wanting to be held. Wrapping her arms around him she rocked him gently until he stopped shivering and his eyelids began to droop.

Bosco and Liz asked Emily if Charlie seemed off to her with everything that happened. Normally she would have never said a thing, knowing that whatever her brother needed was hers to deal with. But as she spent more time with them she began to realize they could also parent Charlie and see to his needs while she could worry about being a normal teenager. Reluctantly she told them yes he seemed to be aging in reverse a bit. In truth he seemed to stop when Faith died stuck forever right at seven years old. They knew he'd been through a lot- too much in fact- and he needed time to adjust. If he needed help they would get him help, even Emily agreed that sounded like a good plan.

Help

Bosco turned that word over in his mind as he sat back letting the sun dry his skin. When they got back to the city he promised his wife he would see someone. He'd already made an appointment with his doctor and he had every intention of agreeing to therapy once a week. Just talking- nothing else- and to someone he felt comfortable with. When he said it out loud, Liz began to cry so completely relieved. It made him realize not only what he'd been going through but also what he'd even putting her through.

They spent the rest of the day sitting by the lake, Emily eventually getting in the water and screaming bloody murder as it lapped over her shoulders. Callie splashing in to see what was wrong with her and then Charlie following holding to Callie's fur as she pulled him around in the water. Bosco sat on the shore with Liz watching as they laughed and carried on having the fun they deserved to have.

"This was a great idea, you know ?" Liz hummed as he leaned into her Atlas laying at their feet. They all really needed this break.

"It's nice to forget everything for a while. Just be together, you know ?" Bosco was quiet with his eyes averted for a moment.

"I'm going to get help when we get back. I promised you and I meant it." She turned staring at him before smiling softly.

"I know." Bosco kissed her bare shoulder knowing they needed to call the kids in and get something to eat before dark. It was nice being lost in the moment for once and not thinking or worrying about a hundred other things. Turning she kissing him on the lips gently before standing up an brushing herself off. "Time to get out guys."

Both the kids groaned and relented freezing but also so happy. While everyone else took a turn in the shower Bosco set himself about building a fire. Strangely this was something he was actually good at. Being born in the city there wasn't much occasion for such, but still all those nights and he Mikey had snuck off to Far Rockaway he'd learned to accumulate the driest wood starting with twigs and building it up to larger chunks of driftwood. This was no different and as he collected a pile of wood Charlie emerged from the house freshly bathed wanting to watch.

Before long Bosco managed a decent blaze throwing a log on as Charlie's eyes danced watching as he threaded two hot dogs onto a skewer. The boy had never seen such a thing comparing it to the one time Fred let them do something similar over the gas stove. Bosco laughed it was similar and as he sent the boy running back inside for the buns both Liz and Emily pulled up a chair next to the fire. They spent the rest of the evening telling stories and laughing, everyone having at least two hot dogs. When the s'mores came out Charlie had to be the one to cook the marshmallows and helping him to hold the skewer level Bosco explained how they had to watch to make sure they didn't burn. Charlie took the job seriously pulling perfectly toasted brown marshmallows from the fire each time.

It was a long day, and when both kids began to nod off in their chairs Liz announced it was time for bed. Emily didn't protest and not needing to be asked she helped Charlie up into the top bunk tucking him as the boy fell quickly asleep. By the time Liz looked in on them, Emily had also nodded off with book across her chest. Turning the bedside light off, Liz put the book on the nightstand and kissing both kids on the forehead she closed the door silently behind her.

Bosco turned when he heard the screen door creak shut Liz handing him a beer as she sat down beside him in one of the white rockers. They didn't drink much, if ever, and certainly never in front of the kids. It was a special occasional though and they were both adults. Bosco took it from her taking a swig as he stared out into the darkness. "Today was perfect…" He trailed off shaking this head still not quite believing days like this were possible

Liz nodded her head in agreement. "Do you want to go for a walk..just us ?" Bosco was tired and he felt like a hot shower and going to bed but seeing the look in her eyes he couldn't say no. In the dark with nothing but the bull frogs and cicadas around them they walked hand in hand. Before so many things happened they would do this in Pelham walking along what river promenade in the night talking and sometimes kissing each other on one of the benches. It was mostly chaste- they were married for christ's sake and had a whole house to get freaky in if they wanted. This was different though, they were completely alone under a tapestry of stars that seemed to stretch on for eternity. Liz turned and kissed him deep and insistent leaving no question I his mind what she wanted right now. Against her lips Bosco smiled, usually he was the one to initiate this sort of thing but couldn't deny his wife's boldness had him incredibly turned on. They'd not had time for this lately and now with kids in the house it was hard to know when they were safe.

Coming to the blanket they left beside the lake she pulled him down. This was the perfect time. Bosco kissed her like he always did cradling her shoulders in his arm as they sat bedside each other his hands roaming up her loose t-shirt not at all surprised that she wasn't wearing a bra. His thumb went straight to her nipple stroking and squeezing it until she gasped pulling back from his lips with pleasure on her face. Every time with her was familiar yet different; sometimes they held each other for hour hands roaming and kisses slow and gentle, sometimes it was quick and insistent both of them needing to relax and let go, other times….times like this…it was lustful and demanding not able to get enough of each other if they tried.

Each time they made love he tried to set the pace, it's what he'd always done, and every time she found a way to turn him on his head. Reaching into his shorts she wrapped her hand around his hardened length and squeezed. Bosco couldn't stop the moan as he quickly relinquished all control bereft with pleasure so intense he could barely think. Pumping his length over and over she gathered the wetness at his tip and used it to move faster. He gasped already feeling himself spiral toward the edge.

"I can't…." He couldn't say another word both of them breathing heavy. Liz knew what it meant, he was close already and not even inside her. The space between her own legs ached with want as she pulled her t-shirt off and slipped her shorts down her tanned legs. Completely naked she lay down on the blanket spreading her legs as he stood shedding his own clothes before coming to settle between her thighs. My God this woman was everything to him. He kissed her gently starting at her lips and then her neck moving down her body until he reached both nipples sucking them hard enough to make her back bow off the ground. The wetness between her legs becoming all the more apparent to him as she shook with anticipation and pure want. Liz opened her legs a little wider and without breaking her gaze he slid inside her not stopping until they were fuzed together. They both moaned and gasped nothing in the world better than being together like this.

When Bosco started to rock she came with him meeting each trust with her own hips while he held himself up on shaking arms. "I love you…"

She blinked and smiled reaching up and massaging his trembling arms until he let go and settled himself into her embrace. "I love you."

He grunted and began to thrust faster letting his length come all the way out before slamming back into her. Liz let out a high breathy moan bringing a hand to her mouth while he brought them both to a steady rhythm the pleasure building between her legs until she couldn't take it anymore. Nails digging into his back she gasped, "Bosco…" before her release washed over causing her to shake in his arms. He slowed down letting her ride out her high with enough gentle strokes to keep her walls fluttering with pleasure. He held her the whole time kissing her face and running his fingers through her hair massaging the back of her neck. If he could do more he would have loving this moment when she surrendered herself completely to him.

Liz could feel Bosco still very much hard inside her and hooking her legs back around his she lifted her pelvis urging him to take whatever he needed. Moment like his were rare, when Bosco could set everything else aside and think about nothing but himself. "Come on baby.." Her voice was husky.

A shudder ran down his spine, he knew he wasn't going to last long. Propping himself back up he began to pump into her chasing his own pleasure. Liz squeezed herself into him wanting to be as close as humanely possible in this moment. His release came like a lightning bolt shooting through him as he yelled out a strangled "Ah…" his hips bucking erratically and his arms giving out as he collapsed on top of her. The force of his orgasm sent her spiraling toward her second as she clamped down on him gasping in his ear as he trembled in her arms. They lay inside one another for a while, totally spent and content underneath the stars. She lightly ran her fingers up and down his back feeling and memorizing the beating of his heart against her. She didn't want it to end, not this moment or this weekend. The love between them intoxicating and addictive.

Apparently Bosco had the same idea and after a little while he began to kiss her again; her lips, face, and then her neck. Between them she could feel his length hardening again and without a word exchanged between them she opened her legs and he settled between them. Liz could never get enough of her husband and he felt he same about her. Sliding back inside she met his eyes and in that moment the love between them grew taller, stronger, and more expansive. Rocking slowly this time the only witness to their pleasure the sky above.

Monday morning came faster than anyone wanted and after an amazing weekend they packed the Explorer and headed home. The day before they'd all slept in and after breakfast Liz and Emily went on a hike while Bosco took Charlie out to the lake to fish. Liz's face glowed in the morning, the night before having filled her with such love and happiness. Bosco was still shaking he thought, at least inside, and every time he looked at her his heart raced. He hoped this never ended and even when they were seventy they still felt the exact same way.

Liz was driving home with Emily sitting up front and Charlie spread across the backseat napping. His head in Bosco's lap, he ran his fingers over the boy's back soothingly. Nothing could ever be totally perfect and last night Charlie had a nightmare that the man who killed his mommy was coming to get him too. Instantly Bosco felt his blood boil knowing the mere fact Brian Jackson still existed was enough to torment more than him. Of course it was Liz who calmed him down telling Charlie that bad man was in jail and no one would ever let him out. Too shaken to sleep alone in a strange place, he cuddled up next to his sister on the bottom bunk. Retuning to their own room, Liz was able to talk him down after almost an hour finally getting him to relax enough to fall asleep. Brian Jackson was where he belonged, locked up for the rest of his life to suffer.

Needless to say they hadn't gotten much sleep and everyone was bit tired and happy to be headed back to familiar surroundings. Pulling up to the house, Bosco eased Charlie into his arms carrying him inside still asleep while Emily and Liz emptied the car the two dogs barking excitedly and heading straight out into the yard. Gathering all their dirty clothes Liz headed down to the basement as Bosco shut the door locking it and flopping down on the couch enjoying the air conditioning.

When the knock came he jumped clearly not expecting anyone. Casting a glance toward the kids room he saw Emily reading a book and Charlie still asleep on his bed. "Who's that ?" Liz appeared from the basement. The knocking was persistent and loud and in the pit of his stomach Bosco supposed he already knew.

Pelham had their own police being a 'village' just over the city line. Bosco knew a few of them to see but hadn't cared to take much note knowing he belonged in the 55 and no where else. Now two of them stood on his door step looking rather bored, a social worker behind them, and down at the curb Shirley Yokas.

"Maurice Boscorelli ?" Inside his heart was racing, outside he feigned arrogance. If anyone thought they were just going to walk in here and take them had another thing coming.

"Yeah." One of the cops jammed a piece of paper toward him.

"Family Court ruling for temporary custody of Emily and Charlie Yokas." Bosco snatched the paper wanting to see it in black and white himself. Bedside him he could feel Liz and even without looking he knew she was upset.

"You Pelham boys don't have anything better to do ?" From the back bedroom Emily appeared stopping in the hallway when she saw what was happening.

"Bosco ?" He turned catching her in the corner of his eye before shaking his head.

"It's ok, Em. We're going to figure this out…" Handing the paper back he couldn't believe that now, after more than a month, Shirley Yokas was standing here.

"They don't want to leave. They're happy here and we have no problem taking care of them." Liz was quick to add hoping the idea of a united front could somehow make this whole

nightmare go away.

"You're not their family !" Shirley stepped up yelling from the sidewalk. The social worker quickly shushed her pushing her back toward the car before Bosco could plow through and strangle the old bitch.

"Mr. & Mrs. Boscorelli I understand how upsetting this is . The state of New York has granted temporary custody to Mrs. Yokas as she is their grandmother. In order for the children to remain here you would need to petition for full legal custody…." Bosco swallowed hard. He knew how this worked, he's been on the other side of it more than once. Shoulders sinking in defeat he couldn't bear to put them through anything else.

"Can you give us a minute ?" Shirley Yokas scoffed shaking her head as she stomped back toward her car. The social worker sighed agreeing on one condition.

"As long as I can wait inside with you…." She saw the confusion on their faces knowing they were good normal people and this seemed like overkill. "I'm sorry, it's just we can't take a chance."

Liz crossed her arms over her chest agreeing. "It's fine, we understand." The woman stepped inside standing awkwardly in the foyer as Bosco and Liz ushered Emily back toward her room. Only when the door was shut did Emily look at them with fear in her eyes.

"What the hell is going on ?" Normally they would reprimand her for talking like that, especially in front of Charlie, but right now they were too shaken. Liz sat down on Charlie's bed as Bosco leaned against the closed door. Foolishly he'd almost stopped worrying about Shirley Yokas. Taking a deep breath his voice was surprisingly logical when he spoke.

"You guys are going to stay with your grandma for a while. It won't be long, I promise." He knew he couldn't promise that but he did anyway. "LJ and I will be here for whatever you need anytime, day or night." He left it at that looking at them both as this new reality settled in their minds.

"I don't want to go !" Charlie immediately burst into tears throwing himself into Liz's arms as she herself looked not far behind. Emily was stoic standing there with a blank expression on her face. Her eyes flicked to Bosco hoping he would say they didn't have to go or better yet that grandma Shirley could go get fucked. But he was silent the pain and the raw emotion behind his eyes enough to tell her there was nothing he could do to stop this. Emily bit her lip forcing the tears to stay behind her eyes. This was such bullshit.

"Charlie you know daddy told us we have to listen to Bosco and do what he says." The boy stopped crying and looked at his sister with disappointment. "Come on… it's just for a little

while, ok ?" She turned and squared her shoulders pulling her duffel bag out from under the bed trying to set a good example for him. Reluctantly the boy slid out of Liz's arms and onto the floor where he too produced a small backpack.

The sight of it was too much for Liz as she quietly excused herself to the bathroom not wanting them to see her cry. For his own part, Bosco vacillated between heartbreak and rage knowing everything he felt needed to be contained for now. He helped Charlie select a few shirts, an extra pair of pants, and his favorite pajamas. Wanting to take his toys but obviously having no room he began to whine and moan until Bosco assured him they would pack up what he wanted and drop it off. When both kids were packed as good as they could be, Bosco brought them back into the family room taking a deep breath.

No matter how upset Liz was she would never let them leave without saying goodbye. Red faced and clearly crying, Liz took them both into her arms hugging them tightly and whispering. "We love you. We'll always be here, ok ?" Charlie didn't understand but Emily let a tear roll down her cheek nodding,

When it was Bosco's turn he took each of them in his arms hugging both of them tightly. With Emily he lingered for a moment casting a glare at the social worker before promising her in a low voice, "I will make this right. I promise."

Pulling back she looked into his eyes and nodded, "I know you will."

TBC…