Disclaimer: I don't own the characters or make any money off of writing this.
We were kids once, thought Conner, as he, Murphy, and Da left the house that would forever be burned into his mind. They left behind the body of a dear friend, one who would never laugh with them, drink with them, get angry with them, share with them the joys and hardships of life, again. Rocco was gone forever.
They had run into Smecker, who Conner was surprised to find dressed as a woman. Da had tensed, ready to knock the woman unconscious, but Conner had stepped in. After introductions, and a brief explanation, Smecker had promised to take care of the scene, and of Rocco. Conner made him swear that Rocco would be cleared of any murder charges, and that his body would be cared for. Smecker had nodded, and motioned them out the back door.
As they were leaving, he noticed Murphy had stopped and looked back. He seemed distanced, and his eyes were blank with the grief Conner knew he was feeling.
"Son," said Da, " We have ta go. There'll be time for sadness later. But right now, we have ta find somewhere safe. Yer agent friend said the hotel was not far from here."
Murphy said nothing, only turned and followed. His face was as dead of life as Conner had ever seen it. Fear filled Connor's heart as he wondered if his brother would be able to overcome the sadness he felt.
Later, when the boys were settled in their hotel, and Da was showering away the night's troubles, Conner sat on the bed next to Murphy.
"Fuck this," he said angrily and kicked the stand beside the bed. Conner put an arm around his shoulder and pulled him close. Putting his lips to the side of his brother's head, he said a silent prayer that his brother would let go of his guilt and sadness for Rocco.
"We'll make 'im pay for what he did Murph," Conner said, "We'll get his soul ta the gates of judgment alright. The lord will take care o' the rest."
Conner felt something wet hit his other hand that was resting on Murphy's arm. His brother rarely cried, but he knew he could not stop his own tears that filled his eyes.
We were kids once, Conner thought again that day, and the world was a beautiful place. Nothing darkened our dreams and our thoughts. So much has changed since that time. My brother's pain is my pain. Papa Joe Yakavetta will get his end for causing that pain.
The End