Chapter 4
"Connor, you awake?" Murphy whispered into the darkness of the cell.
With D block on lock down for the rest of that day, the brother's had spent a lot of time sleeping and thinking. After their initial reunion, the boys passed the day in silence, each lost in their own thoughts. Both had a lot on their mind but neither was ready to share and the quiet had stretched comfortably between them. It wasn't until Murphy was laying in the dark, unable to sleep, that he felt the need to share his thoughts.
Connor was lying on his side staring into the darkness when Murphy's voice drifted up to him. "Aye," he responded quietly. He had been able to sense his brother's restless state of mind for the last several hours and he knew it would only be a matter of time before Murphy was ready to talk.
It was quiet for a few moments as Murphy worked through what he wanted to say. Connor waited him out.
"Why do you think we're here?" Murphy finally asked, breaking the silence.
"What do you mean?" Connor knew his brother wasn't looking for the obvious answer as to why they were in prison. There was more behind the question and he wasn't sure how to answer.
"I mean… do you think we're here for a reason? Do you believe this is part of some plan?"
Connor sighed and rolled onto his back, staring up at the ceiling. "I did. However, the longer we are here, the more I think we just need to get the fuck out."
It was quiet again for a few moments until Murphy spoke. "Uncle Sibeal visited while you were in solitary."
"Really?" Connor sat up and jumped lightly from his spot on the top bunk. "What'd he say?" he asked as he took a seat on the bottom bed next to his brother.
Murphy pushed himself up, making room for Connor to sit. "He said that we have the support of the church, and that they've hired us a lawyer."
"I can't imagine a lawyer is going to do us any good at this juncture. From a legal standpoint I do believe we're fucked, Murph," Connor shook his head.
Murphy shrugged his shoulders and looked up at his twin. "I don't know, but Father Sibeal said this guy has a plan. We're supposed to be meeting with him soon."
Connor nodded and looked thoughtful. "Did he say anything else?"
"Aye, he said he has been in contact with an old friend of ours, and together, they are workin' on a backup plan, incase things don't work out with the lawyer. Whatever the fuck that means." Murphy spoke around his thumbnail, which he was busy chewing on, attesting to his troubled state.
Connor looked about as confused as Murphy had felt when their uncle had first told him the news. "Friend? Who the fuck could he be talking about?"
"That's the question, isn't it," Murphy said with a sigh, dropping his hand into his lap and leaning his head back to rest against the wall. "Dolly or Duffy maybe? But they're homicide detectives. I'm not sure what they could do for us. Besides, I doubt they would get involved again after what happened to Greenly." When Connor didn't say anything Murphy continued. "I agree with you. I think we need to get the fuck out of this place, but part of me doesn't feel right leaving while some of these assholes are still breathing."
"We may not have a choice, Murph. It may have to be enough that they are locked away from the general public." Connor moved his hand to rest on his brother's leg. "We can't get them all, and I would rather worry about the ones who still pose a threat."
"I know." Murphy nodded his agreement and resumed chewing his thumbnail. "So, what do we do then?"
Connor sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "All we can do is wait and play it by ear. Let us just see what this lawyer has to say before we start making any plans, yeah?"
"Aye. Although, I'm afraid your little outburst earlier today isn't going to make things any easier for us. You really got the other inmates worked up and pissed off. They'll be gunning for us even harder now." Murphy felt compelled to point out the increased threat.
"Fuck them, we can handle it."
Murphy had to resist the urge to laugh. "Aye, the same way you handled Geno and got yourself locked up in solitary? A lot of good that did us, hmmm?"
"Shut it, I did what needed to be done." Connor gave his brother a light shove. "Besides, somebody had to take care of you, what with you lying on the ground unconscious and all."
Murphy shoved his brother back. "Fuck you. I could have taken him if the bastard hadn't come up behind me like a fucking coward."
Connor chuckled and ruffled Murphy's hair. "Sure, whatever you say, Murph."
"Go fuck yourself, Connor," Murphy growled, swatting his brother's hand away.
Connor just laughed and jumped back up on the top bunk. Murphy lay back down and silence filled the cell once more. Just as he was drifting off to sleep the sound of Connor's voice broke the stillness.
"G' night, Murph."
"Night, Connor."
/ / /
The next morning, a buzzer sounded through D block signaling the start of the day. A chorus of groans could be heard through out the cellblock, protesting the seven A.M. wake up call.
Connor rubbed his eyes and fought off the sleep that was trying to pull him back under. Jumping down from the top bunk, he looked in on Murphy who was covering his head with his pillow, trying to block out the offensive noise and bright lights.
"C'mon, Murph, time to wake up," Connor said as he kicked his brother's bed and yanked his covers away.
Murphy mumbled something unintelligible and tossed his pillow aside. Reluctantly, he pushed himself up and swung his legs over the side of the bed. "I need a fucking cigarette," he muttered, scrubbing his face with his hands trying to wake himself up.
"You and me both." Connor gave his brother a pat on the back. "Unfortunately, we have to settle for powdered eggs and burnt toast."
The door to their cell slid open and the brother's stepped cautiously out into the cellblock. As they exited their cell the other inmates grew quiet and turned to glare at them. The hostility in the air was palpable and Murphy looked over at his brother. "Told you they were pissed off," he whispered.
The guards, who were ordering the prisoners to line up, disrupted the tension, and once they were no longer the focus of attention, Connor turned to Murphy. "We just need to stay vigilant and keep our guard up. We'll be fine," he said, redirecting his attention to Romeo who was just now joining them.
The other man glanced around at the inmates before turning back to the brothers. "Why do I get the feeling that we're on the breakfast menu this morning?"
"We'll be fine!" Connor repeated himself more forcefully, as if trying to make himself believe it. Murphy just nodded and put a hand on his brother's shoulder, directing him and Romeo to the end of the line.
Things in the cafeteria were just as tense, and an animosity hung in the air so thick they felt as if they were choking on it. The guards had picked up on the change in energy and they attentively patrolled the mess hall, ready for anything.
After collecting their breakfast, the trio walked slowly and warily to a table in the back. Connor and Romeo sat on one side of the long table and Murphy sat directly across from them, leaving nobody's back unprotected. The three men sat and ate their breakfast in silence until Connor kicked Murphy under the table and nodded his head, indicating something behind his brother.
"That fella over there hasn't stopped staring at you since we sat down. He a friend of yours, Murph?"
Murphy turned and glanced casually behind him. There, sitting at a table in the middle of the cafeteria, was Tattoo Neck. The man was gazing at him with an unreadable expression and when he saw Murphy turn to look at him he narrowed his eyes and shook his head. Murphy offered up a scowl of his own before turning back to his brother and Romeo.
"We may have had a bit of a disagreement last week while you two were locked up."
Romeo leaned to the side, glancing around Murphy, trying to see who the brothers were looking at. "That's George Maddox. He's a bad motherfucker, man. In here on six counts of murder, along with multiple sexual assault and battery charges."
Connor looked over at his friend with an eyebrow raised. "How the fuck do you know that?"
"My cellmate. He's harmless enough. In here for grand theft or some shit like that, but he has been in here so long I swear he knows every con in this place. From what I hear, this Maddox asshole is not somebody you want to fuck with."
"Yeah well, fuck him!" Murphy said angrily. "I'm positive that those two fuckers who jumped me in the cellblock the other day were his guys. If I ever get the fucking chance, he is the first motherfucker I'm coming for."
Connor didn't bother trying to calm Murphy's anger. He actually agreed whole-heartedly with the idea. Looking back over at the man who was still eyeballing his brother, Connor felt his own ire begin to rise. "We'll have to keep a close eye on him. He tried to get at you once, you can bet he'll do it again."
Murphy gave a short humorless laugh. "I'd like to see him fucking try that shit again."
Connor shook his head at his brother. "Don't get cocky now, Murph, it will only invite trouble. We just need to keep our fucking heads down." He looked seriously at Murphy and then at Romeo. When neither said anything he picked up his fork and continued eating his breakfast.
After the meal, the guards brought the prisoners back to D block for their morning free time. Connor and Murphy had just entered their cell with Romeo when Officer Edwards appeared in the doorway with another guard.
"You two need to come with us, your lawyer is requesting a meeting with you."
Connor and Murphy looked at each other with hopeful expressions and moved toward the door. Hesitating, Murphy turned back toward Romeo. "What about him?" he asked, looking back at the guard.
Edwards shrugged and shook his head. "I'm sorry, I was only told to bring you and your brother."
Connor and Murphy glanced at each other again, unsure what to do. They didn't feel right leaving their friend here alone, especially with tensions so high among the inmates.
Romeo noticed the brothers' concern and shooed them away. "Get out of here, I can handle myself."
Murphy patted the man on the shoulder. "We'll be back," he said before allowing the guards to cuff him and lead him and Connor from the cellblock.
The two guards guided their prisoners through the main building until they reached a small room just down the hall from the visitation area. Officer Edwards pulled a ring of keys off his belt and unlocked the door, allowing the brothers access. Seated at the table in the center of the room was a man in his late forties, who had dark, slowly graying hair, glasses, and wore a serious expression.
Once inside, the guards removed their handcuffs and stepped back out into the hall. "We will be right outside when you're done," Edwards said before closing the door.
When the brothers entered, the lawyer stood to his feet and waited for the restraints to be removed before offering his hand. "It's nice to meet you, Murphy, Connor," he said, shaking their hands and addressing them individually. "My name is Joseph Hunt. I've been hired by your uncle to represent you boys in court."
Connor and Murphy nodded and returned the greeting before taking a seat across the table from Mr. Hunt. The lawyer shuffled through his briefcase, which sat open on the table in front of him, before looking back up at his clients. "Let's get started, shall we? Now, when you were arrested you were denied bail. My first order of business is to remedy that situation." He looked pointedly at the bruises that were still healing on Murphy's face. "I have a feeling you will agree with me when I say, getting you out of this place should be our first priority."
Connor and Murphy shared a glance before nodding their agreement. When the brothers approved Mr. Hunt continued.
"Good. So, as of now, the prosecution is working off the idea that you boys are, in fact, these vigilante Saints that you are accused of being. However, the evidence isn't as solid as they would have you believe. There is only one crime scene in which they can, without a doubt, connect you to, and that is the one where you were arrested. They have the courtroom scene where Joe Yakavetta was executed eight years ago, but by some miracle they have been unable to track down any witnesses who are willing to come forth and give a positive I.D. on you boys."
Connor held his hand up, interrupting the man. "What about the Yakavetta family members who were attending the trial? Surely they would be more than willing to step up if it meant keeping us locked in here."
Mr. Hunt shook his head. "Indeed they would… if they could be found. Many of the Yakavetta family members scattered after Papa Joe's murder. While some stayed in Boston to continue his work, most fled to various parts of the country or back home to Italy. The only remaining available witness on the Yakavetta side was Papa Joe's son, Concezio Yakavetta. Fortunately for us, a recent attack on the Italian mafia has taken care of that problem." He stared seriously at the brothers when he made mention of the Saints handiwork.
Connor and Murphy glanced sidelong at each other but didn't react otherwise. After a few moments of silence Connor ventured a question. "So, what about the crime scene where we were taken into custody? What do they have on us there?"
Mr. Hunt sighed and leaned back in his chair. "That could pose a little more of a problem, but I may be able to make a case of self defense. I can try to spin it so it looks like you boys went to this location in search of your father, and upon arrival you discovered it was a trap. Armed men were waiting for you on the inside and once you entered the building, The Roman had his men outside surround the place. It is kind of a stretch and may be difficult to sell but I am afraid it is our only option. However, we don't have to work out all those details just yet. Your trial isn't for another six months, at least. For now, my main focus is convincing the judge to set bail."
Murphy was a bit skeptical of Hunt's plan but he supposed it was their best shot. There was only one more issue that was bothering him. "What about Romeo? Even if the Judge does agree to bail, we won't be going anywhere without him."
Connor nodded his agreement. "Aye, he's here because of us and we won't abandon him."
Mr. hunt nodded in understanding. "I will be negotiating bail agreements for all three of you. However, the prosecution is uncertain of the extent to which your friend was involved and his charges differ from yours. Therefore, he will be standing trial alone."
Connor and Murphy began protesting but Hunt cut them off. "I will be providing my services to Romeo and I promise to do everything I can for him. Honestly, from a legal perspective, he is in a much better position than you boys."
Satisfied that their friend wouldn't be left to fend for himself, the brothers relaxed back into their chairs and allowed the lawyer to continue.
"Your bail hearing is set for nine A.M. tomorrow morning. I will be speaking on your behalf so there will be no need for you to make an appearance." After rummaging through his briefcase for a moment Mr. Hunt selected a business card and handed it over to Connor. "Give me a call tomorrow afternoon. I will let you know how it went and we will go from there." Snapping his briefcase shut, he stood to his feet and shook the brother's hands in parting.
"Thank you, sir, for everything," Connor said, rising from his chair as Mr. Hunt walked around the table towards the door.
The lawyer nodded and gave a thin smile. "You boys just hang in there and hopefully tomorrow I will have some good news."
After Mr. Hunt left, Connor and Murphy exchanged looks as the guards filed back in to replace their handcuffs and return them to D block. The other inmates were still enjoying their free time when Connor and Murphy were released into their midst and most of them stopped what they were doing to glare at them. The brothers were used to this reaction by now and did their best to ignore it as they made their way back to their cell.
Halfway through the block, Murphy felt a presence behind his right shoulder and quickly spun to face the perceived threat. He wasn't surprised when he was met with George Maddox's smirking face.
"Did you have a nice chat with your lawyer?" the larger man asked in a mockingly friendly voice.
Connor stopped walking when he saw his brother turn around and he stepped back up to Murphy's side. Neither brother responded to the other inmate, they just stood and stared, ready for anything.
"I bet he has big plans to get you two fucks out of here, doesn't he?" Maddox continued, his face flashing anger briefly before he shrugged his shoulders, allowing a taunting smile to take it's place. "It doesn't matter what he has planned, you Saint assholes won't ever leave this place alive." He took a step closer to the brothers but they stood their ground. "There isn't an inmate in this joint that doesn't want to put you in a body bag. You live your life thinking you are better than all of us, but you fail to realize you ARE one of us. Murderers."
Murphy clinched his jaw and curled his fists at his side, but Connor's hand on his shoulder kept him from reacting.
Maddox leaned in a little closer and lowered his voice dangerously. "I will burn this place to the ground before I let you walk out of here with your lives." Turning his focus to Murphy he shook is head in pity. "It's a shame. You should have taken my offer, Saint. It's not too late. I'll give you one more chance to be mine. Just follow me into my cell and we can seal the deal."
It was Murphy's turn to hold Connor back as his brother attempted to lunge at the other prisoner. Connor wasn't sure what deal Maddox was referring to, but he didn't like what the man was insinuating and wanted nothing more than to beat his face into the ground.
Maddox laughed at Connor's display of anger and raised his hands in surrender. "Easy there, I didn't mean to make you feel left out. You are more than welcome to come and join us, the more the merrier." He laughed at himself as if he were incredibly clever.
Connor looked like he wanted to take the man's head off and Murphy was tempted to let him, but the guards took note of the escalating situation and ordered them to back off. Maddox continued to smile at the brothers as he walked backwards towards his cell, and Murphy pulled Connor away with him.
Romeo was still waiting for them back in their cell and when he heard the commotion he stuck his head out. "What the hell was that about?" he asked once the brothers had reached the cell.
"Nothing," Connor responded, the anger still evident in his voice. He and Murphy pushed past their friend, both taking a seat on the bottom bunk.
"What did the lawyer say?" Romeo asked, turning to the brothers.
Connor ran a hand through his hair with a sigh and began relaying everything that Mr. Hunt had told them. When he was done Romeo nodded his head enthusiastically.
"So, why the long faces? That doesn't sound so hopeless. We just have to survive in here long enough to see it through."
Murphy stood to his feet and walked to the door, glancing around the cellblock before turning to his friend.
"Yeah, well," he placed a hand on Romeo's shoulder, "that is becoming increasingly more difficult. These assholes won't be content to wait much longer. The tension is building and they want their blood. This place is like a fucking powder keg, ready to blow.
Connor stood, joining Romeo and his brother at the door. "Then let us hope we receive some good news tomorrow," he said quietly as he stared out at the sea of hostile inmates.
/ / /
The rest of the day passed by business as usual. However, the enmity between the Saints and the convicts continued to grow and dirty looks, threats and curses were continuously thrown their way. Neither Connor nor Murphy slept very well that night, and when the alarm sounded the next morning, they were both mentally drained. Dragging themselves out of their beds, they followed the rest of the inmates to the cafeteria for breakfast.
"You guys look like shit," Romeo stated bluntly once they were all three seated at a table.
"Thanks, Rome," Connor rolled his eyes, "just a bit stressed, that's all. Can't remember the last time I actually slept."
Romeo snorted in disgust. "Yeah? Well, my cellmate snores so loud it vibrates the fucking bed, man. Try sleeping through that shit."
Connor's reply was cut short when Murphy's elbow bumped his ribs. Redirecting his attention, he saw his brother was focused on something across the room.
"Look who's back," Murphy said around a mouthful of food, indicating the direction with a nod of his head.
Connor directed his gaze across the cafeteria and swore under his breath when he saw what had caught his brother's attention. A guard had just walked in escorting Geno Pisani who must have finally been released from solitary confinement. The man was still healing from the beating Connor had given him and a patchwork of fading yellow bruises covered his face.
"Well, that's just what we fucking need, now isn't it? Although," Connor paused and smiled to himself, "I will say… he's lookin' a bit rough, isn't he, Murph?"
Murphy glanced at his brother out of the corner of his eye and grinned. "You're real fucking proud of yourself, aren't ya?"
Connor laughed and nodded. "Of course I fucking am, look at the poor bastard."
"I am looking at him, and he looks pretty fucking pissed to me," Romeo said, turning back around to face the brothers.
Connor and Murphy watched as Geno collected his breakfast tray and made his way toward a table where the members of his group were awaiting his return. When the convict walked past George Maddox's table, Tattoo Neck snagged the other man's shirt and motioned for him to take a seat.
Geno seemed to hesitate for a moment before relenting and accepting the empty chair that had been pushed towards him. The two convicts began what looked like an intense conversation and after a few moments both men glanced over their shoulders in the brother's direction before turning and continuing their discussion.
Connor and Murphy looked at each other.
Well, fuck.
/ / /
The rest of the morning ticked by slowly and the brothers waited anxiously for an opportunity to make the call to their lawyer. During the three hours of cell time before dinner, Murphy was summoned to the infirmary to have his shoulder injury re-dressed and Connor utilized his weekly phone call to contact Mr. Hunt.
After his wound had been treated and Dr. Schneider was satisfied with the healing progress, Murphy was taken back to D block. Back in the cell he found Connor sitting on the floor against the back wall, his head bowed in defeat.
"What happened?" he asked hesitantly.
Connor looked up from where he was sitting and gave his head a shake. "The judge denied bail."
Murphy simply nodded and sat down on his bed. He really hadn't expected it to go any other way, but he had hoped. "Then I guess we'll just have to keep on surviving."
Connor sighed and gave his twin's knee a pat. "Aye, that we will."
The brothers sat there together in silence until the doors in the cellblock opened, indicating dinnertime.
The moment that Connor, Murphy, and Romeo stepped foot in the cafeteria they could feel the change. There was an energy in the air that made the hair on the back of their neck's stand on end and their stomach tie in knots. Nothing was visibly out of the ordinary, however, their instincts seemed to sense that something was amiss and it set them on edge.
Once the trio reached their table, Connor broke the news to Romeo about their bail request being denied. The man looked a little disappointed but shook it off quickly.
"So, what's our next move?" he asked, trying to remain positive.
Connor looked at his friend and shook his head at a loss. "We have no more moves Rome. Our only move is to stay alive and put our faith in our friends on the outside."
"Well, that sounds re-"
"Connor!"
Romeo's response was cut off when Murphy whispered his brother's name in alarm.
The apprehension in Murphy's voice caused Connor to look up quickly and what he saw made his blood run cold. A silence had fallen over the cafeteria and every set of eyes was turned in their direction.
"What the fuck is happening?" he questioned quietly, the unease evident in his voice.
Before Murphy had a chance to reply, the prisoners set down their eating utensils and they all stood to their feet in unison. The guards responded instantly and began shouting at the convicts to stand down and take their seats, but their orders went unheeded. Connor, Murphy, and Romeo very slowly gained their feet, afraid that any sudden movement might set off an attack response. In the face of over forty inmates, they waited.
Chapter revised 10/17/17