The Accused.............part 1

Bo had this feeling of doom as he entered Rodi's. Nothing had gone right all day. A case that he had been working on for weeks had been thrown out of court due to a technicality, Asa was pulling his "go claim your son" routine on him every time he turned around, and to make matters even worse, he walked in on Nora and Sam, deep in conversation, at her house, and was completely jealous. Ever since Nora "had returned" he had tried to get some private time alone with her and each time the possibility arose, something or someone interfered. She had done so well, so quickly, after returning, and he thought it was high time that she knew about the issue with Matthew's paternity. Sam sure as hell wasn't going to tell her - he kept telling Bo that it was too soon, but Bo wanted to know the truth and felt deep down that Nora would want to know too if she was aware of the situation.
He pulled up a stool and sat close to the bar. A few beers would settle him down, although what he really wanted was to share them with Nora, discussing what needed to be discussed. Wow, that was a change. He had run from the truth for so long, and now he wanted to talk about it. He was afraid to go over and see her again. Afraid he might have to witness another tet a tet between Nora and Sam. Was there more to their relationship than just Matthew? Bo shuddered at the thought. If only Sam was out of their lives!
He threw back the first beer rather quickly and was working on the second when a voice caught his attention. Sam was calling to Ben to join him. Bo chuckled to himself thinking how much these two reminded him of the SNL characters - two wild and crazy guys - two has-beens, trying so hard to be cool. Bo started daydreaming... If Sam weren't in the picture, he would have a chance to talk to Nora and maybe someday find out if he was Matthew's father or not. No Sam. He liked that idea. Sam and Ben were sitting at a table not far from where Bo was sitting. They kept talking and laughing and looking at Bo. Not amused, Bo got off of the stool and headed over to the table.
Bo: Like to share your little joke?
Sam: I was just telling Ben about my visit with Nora and Matthew today, if it's any of your business
Bo: You've seen to it that they are none of my business, haven't you Sam?
Sam: Like you gave two hoots about Nora when she was missing, pal!
Bo: We all grieve differently, PAL. So when are you going to tell her about the possibility of me being Matthew's father?
Sam: I'm not. Go ahead and tell her. She'll want what is best for Matthew and we all know that's me.
Bo's reserve was wearing thin, he'd had enough. He grabbed Sam by the shirt collar and loudly declared "Your days are numbered PAL. I'd watch my back if I were you"
Ben pulled Bo off of Sam: Bo, leave it will ya. That's enough.
Bo straightened out his jacket and left Rodi's. Maybe he should tell Nora, but not tonight. Tonight he would go back to his flat and just get rid of this awful day. He wondered if he was in any condition to drive and figured if he had to think about it, he better take a cab.

Later that night Bo received a call from the station. A body was found in an alley near Rodi's. He dressed and walked the 20 minutes to the location thinking some poor slob had probably died of an overdose - there seemed to be some bad coke going around the streets and he had files on three deaths from it in the last month.
It was dark and the flashing lights from an ambulance and several cop cars directed him to the site.
He approached the scene and found Hank and Sykes there. Why would Hank be there? There must be something fishy about this. He approached Hank
Bo: What's up?
Hank: Take a look
Bo: Why? What's happened?
Hank: Take a look, Bo
Bo walked over to the body. He pulled the blanket back from the head of the deceased.
Bo took a deep breath, and exhaled through his clenched teeth: Oh no... oh boy...
Hank: You're right about that buddy. Pull the blanket down farther
Bo: Oh boy.... Sam... he's been shot in the chest
Hank: Many times. Whoever shot him did a pretty thorough job
Bo: Who?....why?... Is there any evidence left around?
Sykes: The guys are searching the area. Nothing yet
They stood there for over an hour while the coroner examined the body, while evidence was sought and while they collected enough strength to leave.
Sykes was talking to one of the cops: Anything?
Cop: Some damaged property from stray bullets and we're getting forensics to dust and photograph some foot prints.
Bo: Any trace of a struggle?
Cop: No, the prints are pretty clean
They all stood quietly as the body of Sam Rappaport was lifted onto a stretcher and taken away to the morgue for an autopsy.
Hank: Someone should tell Nora. Bo - you want me to go over there?
Bo: No thanks Hank. I think I should.
Bo left the site and walked over to Rodi's and got in his car. He might have been a bit tipsy earlier, but he sure was sober now. He drove over to Nora's slowly, not knowing how he was going to tell her the news. She wasn't going to like this one bit.
The house was totally dark when he arrived. It was 12:30am...maybe he should wait for morning. No! He had to do this. Nora may wake up early and read the paper or hear about this on the radio or TV. As he was about to ring the bell, one light after another was turned on inside the house. He saw Nora coming down the stairs in tears. Oh God, she knows! He rang the bell.
Nora: Oh God Bo, is it true? I couldn't sleep and had the radio on.
Bo: I came by to tell you. I'm sorry Nora. It's true
Nora: The report said that he had been shot several times in an alley near Rodi's.
Bo: Yes, I just came from the site. It doesn't seem like there was a struggle. He went quickly. I know this doesn't help, but I don't think he suffered.
Nora fell into Bo's arms and cried. He held her with all of his might - Sam may not have suffered, but Nora was and he hated that. After a while he walked her over to the couch and sat her down. He went into the kitchen and brought back a glass of water. They didn't say much to each other. Nora would get herself under control then break into tears again.
This happened several times and each time Bo would hold her and tell her everything was going to be alright. Finally she lay back on the cushions and lay quietly. Bo moved over to the chair so that she could stretch out. They both stayed where they were all night, dozing off and on.

During the next few days Nora stayed home with Rachel. Rachel helped out with Matthew and fielded all the calls. She refused visitors at this time except for Viki and Ben, Bo and Hank. Will and Lindsay were locked up at Statesville unable to get leave.

Two days later : The funeral was to take place that afternoon. The investigation was going nowhere. Hank was getting frustrated that the police couldn't come up with any suspects. Ben was thought to be the last one to see Sam alive and came in and gave a statement. Bo was also called on to give his formal statement as he too had seen Sam late that night. Bo and Sykes questioned Nora about any information about anyone who might have done this to Sam. She had little to give them as she didn't know anything about what he was up to during her absence. She had no idea who could have done this.
The funeral was a quiet one. Only family and close friends - the press was kept away. After the service, many of those who attended went back to Viki's house, where Ben could receive them. Bo drove Nora and Rachel over and went in for a few minutes. He wanted to get back to the office and continue working on the investigation. Hank and Sykes arrived shortly after Bo. They looked very grim - but then everyone did.
Sykes: Bo can you come out to the hall please
Bo: Sure...got something?
Hank: Bo I'm sorry...
Sykes: Beaufort Oglethorpe Buchanan, you're under arrest for the murder of Sam Rappaport. You have the right to remain silent...

To be continued......