Night Time Saints

                *                                             *                                             *

“Fuckin’ slow down!” bellowed Conner, as the two men bumped into them. “Fuckin’ drunks.”

Murphy chuckled “You’re one to talk.”

It had been a long day on the farm and an even longer night combing the streets for the dregs of society. Noah chuckled softly to himself as his boys turned down the alley towards the pub. Pausing to light his cigar, he noticed a faint glitter on the cobblestone road. Bending down he scooped up the keys and rolled them over in his hand once before glancing down the alley. The middle was darker than normal. Slipping the keys into his pocket, he continued to follow his boys. Murphy paused to relief himself while Conner continued on. As Conner tripped over his feet, a loud clatter from the darkest part made all of them stop.

“Cat.” said Murphy, glancing at his brother. They starred at each other for a moment before they bust up laughing.

“Boys!” snapped Noah, “Hush!” Silence fell upon the alley. It took Noah less than a second to heart the soft flump of a body hitting the ground. “There’s somebody in here.”

As if they were a well-oiled machine, all three of them pulled out their lighters and began to search.

“Most likely a drunk.” said Conner

Murphy’s light went out when he spotted the red hair, “I don’t think she’s drunk. DA’!”

Rushing to his brother’s side, Conner realized that he had tripped on her dress.

“Fuck,” whispered Murphy, taking off his shirt, “she’s really bad.”

The girl shied away when he tried to touch her. “Feicfidh mé tú a mharú.” (I’ll kill you.) she whimpered. Murphy glanced at his brother before laying the shirt over her naked body. Their eyes said more than words could.

“Boys, I do believe that you need to find those two that ran out of here.” he said darkly, “I’ll take care of her.”

They said nothing and disappeared into the night. Noah turned back to the girl, slipping his pea coat off.

“Táimid ag dul chun cabhrú leat cailín.” (We’re going to help you lass.)

Laying his coat over her for extra warmth, he carefully rolled her over. Though tears streaked her bruised face, she didn’t fight back. Even under the bruises, Noah recognized her.

“Le do thoil saoire dom.” (Please leave me.) she cried

“I’m sorry, but that’s not going to happen dear. I’m going to lift you up in a minute and then I’m taking you some place safe.”

Her body trembled as she tried to roll away again. Noah put a gentle yet firm hand on her, “I’ll do my best not to hurt you love. I promise.” She whimpered softly as he picked up her broken body. His stomach churned when he felt her ribs move. “Oh Lass,” he whispered, “They’ll suffer for what they did.”

                                                *                                             *                                             *

Layla checked her watched and swore silently to herself. She was almost close to an hour later than she had intended to be, but with any luck Caitlin would still be working on chores. Slowing her pace as she passed an alley near the docks, she watched as two men beat two men already on the ground. Any other night she would’ve stuck around to help, but not tonight. “Fucking lights burned out every other week.” She muttered as she turned down the alley by the pub. Caitlin wasn’t outside. Layla sighed and banged on the back entrance. “Catie! Are you still in there?!” After several minutes of no answer, Layla dug out her keys and let herself in. The pub was dark. “Shite.” she muttered, locking up once more “Guess you’re at home.” Sliding her hands into her pockets, Layla headed for their flat.

                                                *                                             *                                             *