BO’S CHALLENGE (Part 1)
The courtroom erupted in cheers when the judge read the verdict.
“Not guilty on all charges.”
Bo closed his eyes for a moment just thanking God. Nora took her first breath in what seemed like weeks. Then they turned and looked at each other. Bo’s eyes said it all.
BO: Red, you did it! What do I say? Thank you isn’t nearly good enough.
NORA: You don’t have to say anything. The judge’s words are enough for me.
He put his arms around her and hugged her tightly. Nora put her head next to his and savored the moment. If she had failed.. if she had failed, well, she could not have lived with herself.
The moment was interrupted as Sykes, Lisa and all the police officers came up to give Bo handshakes, high-fives and pats on the back. Nora backed away and began packing up her briefcase. As she turned to leave, RJ blocked her way.
RJ: So, you pulled another rabbit out of the hat, Nora. Congratulations-- but if you think this is over-- think again. I’ll be filing a civil suit tomorrow morning. I intend to own Bo Buchanan and his rich daddy.
Bo saw what was going on and pushed through the crowd surrounding him.
BO: Leave her alone, RJ. This is still between you and me. As far as I’m concerned it’s over.
RJ: Not hardly.
RJ turned and left with nasty smirk on his face.
BO: Don’t let him get to you.
NORA: Hey, that’s my line!
BO: And you were right. Right?
NORA: Right!
BO: We’re all going to Crossroads. Come with us.
NORA: Thanks, but I don’t think so. I’ve spent too much time away from Matthew over the past couple of weeks. I think I just want to sit on the floor and stack blocks tonight.
BO: I understand.
NORA: RJ said he’d be filing a civil suit tomorrow.
BO: I expected that, but we’ll win that one too. Or maybe I’ll just settle with him. This trial is the most important thing-- being cleared of the criminal charges, maintaining the department‘s reputation. And I have you to thank for it. You’re a brilliant lawyer, Red... and the best friend anyone could have. I’ll never forget this-- not just the win-- but how you forced me to fight.
NORA: You weren’t guilty.
Bo looked at her with a soft smile. His eyes looked almost misty.
BO: Yeah, but I didn’t believe in me. You did. Thank you.
NORA: And you’re welcome. Now, I think the police force wants its leader. Have fun tonight.
BO: Okay. You too.
They smiled at each other as Nora turned to walk away. Bo
watched her until she was out the door. He felt a
tightening in his throat. After spending so much time with Nora
over the past couple of weeks, he really felt more like spending
the evening with her-- on the floor playing with Matthew. But
that wasn’t an option. Sykes grabbed him by one arm, Lisa
grabbed the other and lead him out the door to Crossroads.
Later, at Crossroads, Hank came up and gave Bo his badge.
HANK: I’m proud to give this back to you, buddy. You deserve it.
BO: Thanks.
HANK: There is one thing though. As part of your “official” reinstatement as police commissioner you have to have a physical. So as soon as you can get by to see Larry, the better.
BO: No problem. I’ll go tomorrow.
Bo bought a round of beers for the gang and then called it an early night. He was mentally and emotionally exhausted. Lying in bed, he never once thought of Lindsay or Melanie-- he thought of Nora. He thought about when he first started to fall in love with her-- the fun they had. He thought about when he challenged her to a golf game and she tricked him into playing miniature golf and proceeded to demolish him. He remembered how they argued over who would get custody of the TV they won in the dance contest. She was one heck of a package-- gorgeous, and smart, with a wicked sense of humor. He loved how she made him laugh! He reached for the phone to call her-- to tell her thank you one more time-- but stopped. He didn’t want to wake up Matthew. He’d send her flowers tomorrow and maybe ask her to dinner. Yeah, just maybe he would ask her to dinner. He fell asleep with a smile on his face.
The next day, Bo went to the hospital for the physical. Larry did some routine tests and said he’d call him the next day with the results. Then he went to his office. He leaned back in the chair listening to the sounds of police radios and officers talking. It was a sound he loved.
BO: (to himself) Okay enough of this. Back to work. But
first--
He dialed the florist.
“I’d like to order a dozen roses sent to Nora Buchanan. No, wait, make that a huge spring bouquet with iris and birds of paradise. Uh, wait, make it both. A dozen red roses and a huge arrangement of spring flowers. Go all out. And add a dozen yellow roses, too. Okay, thanks. (pause) What? On the card? Uh, put ‘to the best lawyer and best friend anyone could have. Signed Bo. Make that ‘Love, Bo.’ Yeah. Make it ‘Love, Bo.’”
Nora was at home when the flowers came. She couldn’t believe it.
“Matthew, look what Mommy got! Let’s open the card.”
She was so nervous she could hardly open the envelope.
“It’s from my very handsome client. You know the one I mean, don’t you, sweetie? And it says, ’Love, Bo.’ “
Nora picked up Matthew and leaned down to smell the flowers.
“Aren’t they beautiful, honey? ”
There were so many it made her remember the day Bo filled the house with flowers and gave her the diamond heart necklace. Matthew laughed as Nora danced around the room with him.
Nora picked up the phone and called Bo’s office.
“Is this Police Commissioner Buchanan?”
“At your service,” Bo said recognizing Nora’s voice.
NORA: Thank you for the beautiful flowers. They’re just exquisite. They make the house feel like a garden.
BO: I’m glad you like them.
NORA: So how’s your first day back?
BO: Good so far. I just got here actually. I had to go see Larry for a physical. And I’ve just been trying to clean off my desk. How’s Matthew?
NORA: Great. He likes the flowers too.
BO: Good. (Silence) Uh, Nora, (clearing of throat) would you have dinner with me some night?
NORA: Well, sure. That would be nice.
BO: Okay, great. I’ll call you.
NORA: Okay, I’ll look forward to it.
When they hung up, Nora gave Matthew a little high-five.
“Yes! Mommy scores!”
Matthew laughed like he knew exactly what she was talking about.
The next day, Bo was in his office when Larry called.
LARRY: Bo, I got your test results back and I’d like to talk with you in person about them.
BO: Why? I feel great.
LARRY: Just tell me when you can get by here.. today.
BO: Today? I have so much work to do. Can’t it...
LARRY: No it can’t wait.
BO: Okay, I’ll see you about 10:30.
LARRY: Good.
Bo shook his head wondering what was so important that it
couldn’t wait until tomorrow. When he got to Larry’s
office, Larry seemed uncharacteristically serious. He closed the
door and sat behind the desk.
BO: What’s with the formality, Larry?
LARRY: I have some disturbing news. Bo, I think you may have prostate cancer. I need to do some additional tests to confirm it.
Bo just stared at him.
BO: But I feel fine. There must be a mistake.
LARRY: In the early stages the symptoms are rarely obvious. I did the PSA test-- the prostate-specific antigen blood test. We do it on most men over age 45. PSA results of less than four are normal. But your results were an 8. We need to do a biopsy and ultrasound.
Bo was silent. Shocked. For the first time he understood how a woman must feel to be told she had breast cancer. It was like a double whammy-- a threat to your sexuality AND your life.
LARRY: Bo, do you hear what I’m saying?
BO: Huh? Yeah. I’m listening.
LARRY: We can do the biopsy right now. It will only take about 30 minutes under spinal anesthesia.
BO: Can I think about this?
LARRY: Why? We need the biopsy for confirmation. Wouldn’t you rather know?
BO: I’m not sure. (pause) Uh.. I guess.. so.
LARRY: All right then. I’ll get the room prepared. Is there anyone you want to call?
BO: No.
After the procedure, Bo went back to his office, but didn‘t get much work done. Larry said he’d call when he had the results.
Late that afternoon, the phone rang. Bo was tempted not to answer it. It was Larry.
TO BE CONTINUED:
Does Bo have cancer?
Will Nora stay out of Bo’s life as she promised?
Will Janis steal Bo’s toupee at the luncheon?
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