Saints or Martyrs?

Connor had taken half an extra step before he realized that Murphy had stopped. Connor glanced at his twin wondering what was wrong. “Murph?” Murphy was utterly still. Connor was reminded of his cousin's hunting dogs back in Ireland. That same stillness the dogs would have when they picked up the scent of pray.

“Something is off Conn.” Murphy said looking at the the sidewalk. The small convenience store they regularly frequented when they needed cigarettes or beer was located about halfway down the block..

Connor stopped and realized what Murphy meant. Normally there was a lot of foot traffic this time of day. The side walk was empty and the group of downtrodden winos that usually occupied the corner at the end of the block were also missing. Connor glanced around making sure that they were alone before reaching into the holster under his right arm. He knew that Murphy was repeating the action only his holster was under his left.

The men flipped off the safety and chambered rounds into their guns before cautiously making their way forward. Being on the right Murphy was in a better position to peer between the posters and neon signs advertising everything from lottery tickets to beer.

“Looks like we got us a couple of robbers inside. Threatenin poor Hakim. Me thinks they picked tha wrong store ta knock over.” Murphy said.

“Guess they haven't heard we don't take too kindly ta that sort o thing in happenin in our backyard.” Connor answered.

“Well let's see if we can't teach em a wee bit o manners then.” Murphy suggested.

*****

Smecker sat at a table in the back of Doc's. He was trying to figure out how much to tell the group of collaborators. Duffy had just sat the box containing a small patch of skin in front of him.

“A red-haired woman and a guy that looked 'Mediterranean' left it at the Silver Peso. Romeo made the connection. He was heading over to see the boys.” Duffy told him.

“Yeah but he didn't know about David.” Dolly added. “What the hell is going on?”

“It all comes back to this Lilith.” Eunice said frowning “But why is her motive here. She had Murphy and let him go.”

“I don't know.” Smecker said with an answering frown on his face. “But it does all come back to the boys. Why let Murphy go?”

“Why take him in the first place? Who does she work for?” Juan asked.

“Because she thinks we're fuckin up all o her boss' hard work.” Connor said as he dropped into a chair.

“Master, we're fuckin up all o her Master's hard work. There's a difference ye know.” Murphy corrected dropping into a the seat at Connor's right.

“You're late.” Smecker said.

“Well we ran into a wee problem buying smokes.” Murphy explained.

“Aye, a couple o kids holdin up tha store and sporting MS-13 tattoos.” Connor continued. “Ye'll probably be getting a call soon.”

“Always on the clock aren't you boys?” Eunice asked.

“Aye but tha's a little thing. Lilith is tha big problem. We got a call from Rome, he's on his way.” Murphy said.

“And we had a wee bit of a revelation night before last that ya might be able ta help us with.” Connor added. “Rocco told us some things.”

“What did he tell you?” Smecker leaned forward in his seat.

“Rocco? As in David Della Rocco who died at Papa Joe's?” Dolly asked. “You're talking to dead men now?”

“Not exactly.” Connor started “He's more of a conduit that God speaks to us sends us visions.”

“We can't tell ye why but God speaks to us.” Murphy said. “Always together and in visions we dream at the same time.”

“Leave it Dolly. It's one of those twin things, you wouldn't understand. Hell I don't understand either.”

“Never mind that.” Smecker snapped at the two detectives before turning his attention back to the boys. “What did he tell you?”

“He said I had figured it out.” Murphy stated. “Tha demons weren't cast into hell just cast down.”

“He also said that Murphy almost blinded Lilith by spitting in her face.” Connor said “Something about Murph's blood.”

Smecker sighed and leaned back in his chair. “I think I may be able to fill in the blanks.  Connor, Murphy lets go.  We have things to discuss.”

*****

Lucifer sat with his handpicked inner circle. Lilith had not backed down, not that he expected her to, but she was moving slower than he would like. She had to be taken out of the picture once and for all, unfortunately he couldn't do it. But he knew who could. The thing was to manipulate the situation to his advantage.

“Belial, I need you kill the old man. But I need you to do it in a specific manner.” Lucifer started. “Lilith started a pattern, by all means let's continue her pattern. You'll find him in the park tomorrow.”

“It's not just Lilith you have to worry about. Shiva helps her.” Azazel noted.

Lucifer poured another cup of wine and passed it to the demon. “I know, he sees this as a stepping stone. If he helps her she will help him seize power from me. I've long know of Shiva's ambitions.” Lucifer chuckled. “It's ironic, I fomented a rebellion against my father and here I sit in his place with that cursed bitch unknowingly fomenting a rebellion against me.”

“Humans often curse their children with the wish that they spawn offspring as annoying as their own issue.” Beezelbub snorted. “Perhaps they get it from him.”

“What neither of them realize is that they are pulling on the tails of a couple of very dangerous tigers, tigers that can kill them.” Lucifer said. “If that is what they wish to do, I'll help them pull and then stand back and enjoy the end result.”

“You are confident, I'll give you that.” Azazel said, sipping his wine.

“My father won't come out and overtly back me but covertly is another matter entirely.” Lucifer answered. “He has already given me his blessing without ever saying a word.”

“How so?” Belial asked.

“The Agent, Smecker. He was called to the Vatican and given access to information. He knows exactly what the MacManus brothers are.” Lucifer answered draining his wine.