Saints or Martyrs?

“Smecker would ye care ta tell us why we had ta move all of a sudden?” Connor asked as he looked around the new apartment. “We had just settled inta the old apartment.”

“I know it's short notice, but you're going to need the room.” Smecker said.

“We were doin just fine with the room we had.” Murphy said. He looked around at the space. “It's not like we have tons o stuff ta be puttin somewhere.”

“Sit down guys. I had to make a decision that you probably won't like.” Paul said dropping into a chair. “You're going to need the room because your mother is coming for a well...visit.”

“What?!” Both twin exploded at the same time.

“The whole point o this agreement between us was tha she would be kept outta this Smecker!” Connor yelled.

“I know, and I didn't decide to bring her here without some thought.” Paul said.

“We have enough problems right now with Lilith without adding our Ma inta tha mix.” Murphy said. “We wanted her ta be safe from all o this!”

“That's why I'm bringing her here! Right now she's probably safer with you than in Ireland.” Smecker said.

“What happened Smecker?” Connor asked. “Is she alright?”

“She was when she boarded the plane with Juan and Eunice. They're escorting her here to make sure she's alright.” Smecker said.

“Ye still havena told us wha happened.” Murphy reminded.

“Somebody killed one of your village locals, a guy named Jamie Riordan.” Smecker said.

“Half tha village wanted ta kill Jamie Riordan.” Murphy said. “I'm surprised he lasted this long.”

“Aye,” Connor agreed. “Good riddance ta bad garbage. Jamie wasna exactly evil, but he was a right fuckin bit closer ta it than good.”

“They gutted him, just like Greenley and Cletus Jackson.” Smecker said. “Then they delivered his heart to your mother.”

*****

Eunice had been trying to figure out Katie MacManus from the moment she met the woman. As soon as She had mentioned knowing the boys Katie drew herself up to her full height and demanded 'What have tha little bastards done this time?'

Juan glanced at the woman who had a row of little airline sized liquor bottles in front of her, all empty. “Well I guess Connor and Murphy came by their high alcohol tolerance honestly. I'd be passed out by now and she looks like she's still up for more.”

“She is what we would call, a tough old bird.” Eunice whispered back.

“I raised twin boys by meself and they was always a trying ta wander off and whisper behind me back. Didn't work then and it won't work now.” Katie said looking at the two. “And call me old again, I'll be turnin ye across me knee young Miss!”

“Didn't mean any disrespect, Ma'am.” Eunice apologized.

“I know that lass, tis why I gave ye a warnin. Now I'm on your plane, are you going to tell me what kind of trouble me wee ones is in?” Katie asked. Glaring at Juan when he guffawed.

“I'm sorry it's just hard for me to picture those two as 'wee ones'.” Juan apologized.

Katie grabbed her purse and dug around for a bit before pulling out her wallet. Flipping it open she handed it to Juan. Two grinning gap toothed boys stared back at him both with their arms wrapped around a large shaggy dog that was sitting between them with his tongue hanging out.

“Took tha on their 6^th birthday.” She said with a smile on her face. “I had to promise to take em out leprechaun huntin ta get them ta smile. Both of em lost their baby teeth at the same time.”

Juan handed the photo to Eunice. “How adorable. Wait a minute Murphy is a blonde?!”

“They were both born blonde but Connor's hair darkened first. Connor would tease poor Murphy about it all the time, callin him California boy. Then in middle school Murphy's hair started darkening and just never stopped. O course Murphy took ta callin Connor California boy then.”

“Those two are me pride and joy Miss Bloom. If me boys are in trouble, I want ta know.”

*****

Connor slowly drove by the house. It was a big house.

“Business must be good.” Murphy whistled. “Tis a far cry from a basement tenement.”

“Aye that it is.” Connor agreed. “With a house tha big, I'll bet he has somethin tucked away that will do just fine fer tha old girl.”

Murphy lit two cigarettes passing one to Connor. “Think she'll finally spill tha beans?”

“Her?” Connor snorted. “Yer mother is a evil woman Murph. She'll probably take it ta her grave and we'll still be wonderin.”

“Think we can sweet talk her inta making a Dublin Coddle?” Murphy asked. “I havena had it since we came ta Boston.”

“What about O'Malley's? Ye order it ever time we go there.” Connor said.

“So do ye and ye like it about as well as I do.” Murphy said. “It just can't touch Ma's.”

“Well me Brother what say we go grocery shoppin so she has all tha fixin's?” Connor said.

“I think we better make a side trip to tha liquor store too.” Murphy added. “Yer ma drinks like a fish.”

*****

“Lucifer, there's been a bit of a development.” Apophos said. “Their mother is on the way to town. I'm definitely going to need more help now.”

“I sent Belial to you.” Lucifer said. Between the two of you you can't keep an eye on them?”

“Have you ever taken the time to check on their mother? She's going to be a handful.” Apophos said. “Although I admit I am looking forward to seeing how Boston handles the three of them. If her handling of Special Agent Bloom is any indication. Eunice Bloom doesn't know if she should smile at the woman or just shoot her.”

*****

“Yer Boston sure don look like much. I don know what tha fascination is fer two boys who grew up running through tha clover. Tis dirty, crowded,” Katie grabbed the dashboard to brace herself when a car suddenly darted in front of them. “And people drive like a bunch o maniacs.”

“To be honest, it reminds me of Belfast.” Juan said from the back seat. “It's times like this I miss Miami.”

“Not from Boston then are ye?” Katie asked.

“I've only been here a couple of months.  And Pardon my language I've been freezing my ass off.”  Juan said.

Katie laughed. “This isna cold. Winter time back home yer bollocks would climb ta yer ribcage lookin for a wee bit o warmth!”

Eunice stopped the car in front of a small apartment complex. “We're here.”