During the last two months, the news of father's and brother's deaths had become yet another story on the news. The Saints were blamed. My mother said nothing about my involvement, although, I don't know if she knows I was involved. She didn't report me missing again but it turns out I wasn't declared found to begin with. As far as the media is concerned, I'm still missing and my mother is a childless widow. Knowing her, she's enjoying the attention. She's never off the TV. More importantly, the boys and their dad decide that we need to end this once and for all. Papa Joe needs to go, revenge for Rocco.
In the month I was in captivity, Smecker had recruited Greenly, Dolly and Duffy to help us. That's how they managed to get through my father's security, my dad would always humour the police, knowing they would never get him. Or so he thought. The plan will take place in the courthouse where Yakavetta will stand trial and would have got off but in comes us, well the boys will. It will be public and the boys want to keep my identity secret from the press. I've to wait in the motel room. I don't want to but I can't risk being seen.
Connor and Murphy kiss me before leaving the room after Noah. I sit on the bed and chew my nail nervously and wait. Smecker will get them in through the back, Dolly will pull the fire alarm to evacuate the building. The boys will use Yakavetta as an example to all criminals, do not commit acts of evil and you will never see us. A couple of hours later the door opens and the three men walk in. Connor and Murphy draw the curtains, plunging the room into darkness.
"You guys okay?" I ask
They're awfully quiet "Aye, lass. We're fine. It's done now" Noah replies
I nod "Now what?" I ask
"We need to lay low, lass, for now." Noah says.
Later that night, I sit on one of the beds next to Murphy and stare at the window where blue lights flash every so often, every time my heart jumps into my throat. We can't stay here.
"How far are we gonna take this, Da?" Connor asks.
I look at him briefly before my eyes flick to Noah on the chair in front of the window. The lamp next to him is the only form of light we risk in the room.
Noah leans forward and looks between his sons "The question is not how far. The question is: do you possess the constitution, the depth of faith, to go as far as needed?"
Connor looks at me, his eyes linger a long time on my face. Noah notices "Ya don't want ta risk her anymore"
I look at Noah surprised then look between the brothers. "No, we don't." Murphy says
"People are still lookin' for her. Now for us." Connor says
Noah nods "The find her, they find us. They find us, they find her"
The brother's nod.
"We need to leave" I say quietly.
Noah nods "Aye"
"Where, New York?" Connor asks
Noah shakes his head "Naw son, we need to leave the country. Back to Ireland"
I raise an eyebrow "How?"
"A ship, m'dear." Noah replies "We'll get a ship to Ireland. Start new lives"
I smile a little "A new start?"
Connor and Murphy smile at me gently "A new life, love" Murphy says and holds my hand
Connor leans over and takes my other hand "No more looking over your shoulder. You'll be completely free, Rhi"
I nod "We have to pay a price for freedom and I think we've paid in full"