The television was still on some James Bond movie, but Katie didn't care enough to actually change it. Murphy had chosen the channel and of course had stopped at the bloodiest movie possible. It'd taken her a good five minutes to talk him into changing it. Blood was not something she could handle at the moment. Of course she couldn't tell him that. She didn't want to give them any more cause to think that she was weak. So instead, she made fun of his choice. Before long, even Murphy decided that the James Bond movie was a better alternative, even if it was just to get her to shut up.
Connor had left to go shower and get ready for the bar. Fifteen minutes later, Murphy got up to shower as well. Now she sat cross-legged, alone and bored out of her mind. The remote was just too far away to reach. It wasn't worth moving to do that. If I don't have energy now, how the fuck am I going to make it out late tonight?
Closing her eyes, she put her feet up on the coffee table and leaned back into the couch. She sighed. She was pretty sure she could fall asleep.
"If ye fall asleep Katie, we're leavin' ye home." Connor's voice from above made her open her eyes.
"No, I'm awake." She sat up quickly. She wasn't going to miss out on this mysterious non-Irish place just for a little sleep. Turning her head to fully look at him, she grinned.
"Wow, you clean up nicely, Conn."
He looked down at himself before raising an eyebrow at her. A nicer pair of jeans had replaced his old worn everyday ones and he wore a nice light blue button up shirt.
"Thanks." He grinned. She noticed then that the shirt matched his eyes.
"Wait, what's the necklace?" She stood up and walked over to him. He pulled it out and she leaned in to look. The small sliver Celtic cross hung on a thick silver chain.
"Oh, Ma gave us these the night before we left home. Protection and all."
"Need protection from the girls at this place?"
"We're taking some risks tonight. Protection is always good."
"Risks, huh?" Katie stepped away and looked at him again. "Okay, now I've got to dress up. But I am glad to see you own something that's not black, gray or dark blue."
"Murph's almost ready, Katie. We should get goin' soon."
She grinned and held up her hand. "Five minutes."
The sound of Connor's sigh just made her laugh as she left the room.
He was tying the laces on his other boot when Murphy came out a little while later and sat down on the couch beside him. Connor looked over and shook his head. Murphy was wearing a very similar button-up shirt in green and the same jeans. Leaning forward, Connor saw something shiny catch the light around Murphy's neck.
"Ye wearing the fuckin' cross, aren't ye?"
Murphy looked up and just shook his head with a grin as he saw that Connor had the necklace on. "Aye, we're taking some fuckin' risks tonight."
"Maybe we should get Katie one and we can all fuckin' match."
Murphy laughed. "Where is she?"
"She said 'five minutes' a good fuckin' ten minutes ago."
"Christ, ye let her go get ready? We'll never fuckin' get out of here."
"I'm givin' her five more minutes. If she's not fuckin' ready, we're leaving without her."
"Like ye'd really leave her behind. Do ye actually know where we're goin'?"
Connor nodded and checked his watch again. "Yeah. Sara might meet us tonight."
"Might?"
"She didn't know if she could get away."
"She up for inspection?" Murphy grinned and ducked the hand coming at the back of his head.
"Go get Katie. The longer we wait, the harder it'll be to be careful."
The knock on the door made Katie swear under her breath. She'd been waiting for them to come after her for a while. It was good timing though. She was finally ready.
"Hold on a sec. Jeez!" She raised her voice as they knocked again. Unplugging the curling iron, she set it in the sink bowl and took one final look in the mirror. She hadn't worn make-up for a while. Finally, she felt completely like her old self again. She certainly wasn't tired now. Grinning, she arranged her hair nicely around her shoulders and opened the door. "Christ, Connor, I-"
Murphy stood there with his hand raised to knock again. They both looked at each other, a little shocked. Forcing herself to ignore her suddenly racing heart, Katie reached up carefully and pulled his necklace out.
"Are you to expecting to need protection tonight?"
He grinned at her and found herself smiling back.
"Connor wanted to get ye a matching one. But ye look nice without it." He placed a hand on her wrist and she let go of the necklace. She wondered if he could feel her pulse racing this time. "Are ye ready now? Me brother's pacing circles."
"Just let me grab my purse."
"Ye have a purse?"
"Yes, Murph. I am a girl. I have a purse." She shook her head with a laugh. Grabbing her purse, she followed him down the hall to find that Connor actually was standing near the door, waiting. He grinned at Katie as she came out.
"Maybe the fifteen minute wait was worth it. Ye clean up nicely yerself, Katie."
"Thank you. Aren't you taking a coat?"
Both boys were heading out the door. Murphy shook his head at her. "No. Leave yours here."
"Isn't it gonna be a cold walk?"
"Trust us. Leave yer coat."
"Okay. But if I freeze, it's your fault."
"Come on." He grabbed her hand and pulled her out into the hallway. Locking the door, Murphy led her down the hall.
"Wait, where's Connor?"
"Outside. Yer slow, Katie."
She smacked him in the arm as she walked past him and he opened the outside door for her. The cold air hit her as they stepped outside. Katie shivered and looked at the cab, surprised. Connor waved at them to get in.
"Meter's running." His accent was gone, making her blink in amazement. So Murphy's not the only one who can drop his accent. Shaking her head, she grinned at him as she slid in.
"High class."
"Damn right." Murphy 's lack of accent make her smile more as he slid in from the other side of the cab, sandwiching her in between them. At least it's warmer.
"So where are we going again?"
"You'll see." Connor leaned forward and gave the driver an address. He nodded.
"Oh yeah, ya mean Pure."
"We're going to a place called Pure?" Katie raised an eyebrow at Connor. He just smiled. "Am I the only one who sees the irony here?"
"Shh. Wait and see."
The rest of the short ride in the cab was silent. Neither of the twins spoke up and Katie wasn't sure whether she should try to start a conversation. She assumed they were avoiding talking so they didn't slip up on the accent.
As the cabbie began to brake, Connor reached over and covered her eyes with his hand. She reached up and put her hand on his wrist.
"What's going on?" Her heart sped up a little.
"Trust us."
She felt the cool air of the outside hit her shoulders as the doors opened on either side. "I'm doing a lot of that today."
Murphy laughed softly from her left side and then she felt his warmth leave. Connor slid away from her on the other side and took her hand to help her out, keeping his other hand over her eyes.
"Step out onto the curb. There ye go." His accent was back as he whispered to her. She used the door to stand up and shivered again as she stepped fully out into the cold air.
"Where are we going?"
"Ye'll see." Murphy's voice came from her other side. She reached out toward his direction and he took her hand. "Ye're okay, Katie."
As they both guided her closer, the steady beat of music became louder. Katie tilted her head, feeling Connor's hand move with her as she tried to figure out what the music was. It certainly sounded exotic.
She laughed as she finally recognized the Caribbean beat. "Where are we?"
"A club called Pure. Sunday night is Caribbean night." Connor took his hand off her eyes, revealing the wildly lit club in front of them. Katie grinned and looked at both of them.
"Okay, now I trust you."
"Now she fuckin' trusts us." Murphy laughed and shook his head at Connor.
"Let's go in now." Connor nodded and started walking.
After getting in, they realized that this was not the type of club that was dead because it was a Sunday night. A line would begin forming at the door at anytime where later arriving patrons would have to wait to get in.
They stopped a little further in and looked around. Connor leaned over to shout near Murphy's ear but Katie couldn't hear it over the music. Murphy then leaned close to talk to her. She caught a hint of cologne as he shouted over the music.
"Go find a table for us. We'll get some drinks."
She grinned and nodded. Turning, she started working her way through the crowd. Near one of the wall was a good bet for her to find something. She was about ten feet away when she spotted a booth. Score! Pushing quickly through, she managed to slide in right before another group tried to claim it. She just grinned and waved at them.
Nearly ten minutes had passed when Katie finally saw the two of them laughing and finding their way near the wall. She waved but neither of them saw her. Amused, she stood up on the booth seat and waved both of her arms to get their attention. Connor saw her first and pointed her out to Murphy. They both just smiled in her direction before continuing their conversation and working their way towards her.
"Very nice. Ye get ta be the official table finder from now on." Connor grinned as he slid in across from her.
"Gee thanks. Do I get paid?"
Murphy set a drink down in front of her. "Here's yer payment." He sat down next to her. She raised an eyebrow at him.
"Actually, I believe I already earned this one."
Connor slid the shot in his hand over to her. "Then here's yer fuckin' payment."
She looked down at it and laughed. "I was just teasing."
"But it is for you."
"What is this? Block me in and get me drunk?"
"Aye. Then we get to ask ye embarrassing questions." Murphy laughed as she hit him softly in the arm.
"'tis a good plan." Connor pointed at him before taking a drink of his beer.
"Either that or we can grill Connor's girl about him."
Katie glanced at Murphy. "Connor's girl? Is she meeting us tonight?"
Connor just shrugged. "We'll see. She suggested the place."
"So we're here to meet your girl, huh?"
"Well, that and find Murphy a girl." Connor laughed. Katie glanced over to see Murphy frowning at him. There was a heavy feeling in the pit of her stomach.
He's not mine, anyhow. She was a little shocked at the thought. Forcing her disappointment away, she took a drink. Then she smiled at Connor. "So, are you two gonna help me guy hunt tonight, too?"
She felt Murphy turn to look at her but kept her eyes on Connor who just laughed and shook his head. "Yer not picking up a fuckin' guy in a bar, Katie."
"Wait. Murphy can find a girl in a bar. You can find and date a girl you met in a bar; but I can't pick up a guy of my own tonight?"
"Ye don't want to meet a guy in a bar." Connor answered her. Murphy stayed strangely silent. She frowned at Connor.
"Why the fuck not?"
"Guys in bars only want one thing."
"So…you two are here tonight to find one thing?"
"No." Murphy and Connor said in unison. Katie forced herself not to smile at that.
"Oh, so you are different. But every other guy wants only one thing.
Forgive me if I don't believe that."
"If ye want to find a guy, we'll take ye to the fuckin' grocery store."
"Or the Laundromat." Murphy added with a soft laugh.
"We'll find ye a good Martha Stewart type man. One that we can trust with ye."
"So, I have to get your approval on the guy I choose, huh?"
"Aye." Connor grinned. She glared at him.
"Not the right answer, Connor."
Murphy nudged the shot in front of her. "Ignore him. Take yer shot."
She raised an eyebrow at him. "Are you trying to distract me?"
"No, but it'll get warm soon."
"What is it?"
They grinned at each other. "Just try it."
"Name of the shot, please?"
Connor leaned forward. "We have no idea. The bartender made it."
Katie shook her head and lifted it up to sniff it. Murphy started drumming on the table and Connor laughed and joined in. Laughing a little, Katie raised it to them and took the shot. After swallowing it, she coughed and grabbed her drink for a chaser.
"There's fucking whiskey in that." She made a face and brought her hand to her mouth before taking a drink again. Murphy put a hand on her shoulder.
"Are ye gonna make it?"
She just laughed. "I hate whiskey."
"Good ta know." Connor grinned and took a drink of his beer.
"If I answer your question now, will you stop buying me disgusting shots?"
"That just takes the fun out o' it."
"Wait, Murph. I think we should let her answer. Racy job, Katie?" Connor nodded at her.
"Okay then." Katie took another drink before staring down at her glass and smiling. She could feel herself already starting to blush. "I gave a lap dance once."
Both guys burst out laughing and her embarrassment just grew. After a second, she found herself giving into a few nervous giggles.
"What?" Murphy finally choked out at her.
"You heard me." She kept her eyes on the glass.
"Were ye any good at it?" Connor asked.
She smiled then without looking at him. "He seemed to think so."
They continued to laugh but she kept staring at the glass. After a moment, a hand came down and moved her glass. Connor leaned down and grinned at her, forcing her to meet his eyes.
"How did they fuckin' believe ye were the type?"
Closing her eyes, she leaned back in the booth and laughed softly. She looked at the both of them. "Let's just say I got caught in a few lies." Shifting, she leaned against the corner where the booth met the wall so she could look at both of them at the same time. Her knee ended up resting against Murphy's leg. "My turn. What's the story of your tattoos?"
They both looked at each other. "I thought ye were gonna ask us a tough question." Connor raised an eyebrow.
"I don't feel the need to embarrass you two to satisfy my curiosity."
"Oh, come on now Katie. The point wasn't to embarrass you."
"Anyhow. Tattoos?"
The two brothers exchanged another look.
"Okay, we both got the crosses when we were eighteen." Connor rolled up his left sleeve to show her. Katie nodded and leaned down to look at it, although she'd already studied both his and Murphy's crosses without them realizing it.
"Ma was worried we'd forget our religion if when we left for the states." Murphy grinned at Connor, who nodded back.
"So, at the wise old age of 18, we convinced each other that getting these would prove our commitment."
"And did it?" Katie asked before taking another drink.
"Well, it is a constant reminder."
"And these, on our necks…" Murphy shifted in his seat to point at the left side of his neck.
"The Virgin Mary, right?"
He grinned and nodded, putting his hand on her knee for a second. "Not everyone gets that. It's actually got a double meaning."
"Ye see, we had an Aunt Mary. Ma's sister."
"She was very religious and never married."
"Ma jokingly referred to her as our own Virgin Mary." Connor smiled as he spoke, his eyes focused off in the distance.
"She passed on about…" Murphy frowned and tilted his head.
"Four years ago."
He nodded in agreement. "Yeah, four years ago. We got it to remember her. She was a great Aunt."
"A good influence on us."
"That's sweet, guys." She smiled at the both of them. "And the words on your hands?" She pointed at Murphy's right hand.
He glanced down. "Mine means Justice. Connor's means truth."
"We got them a couple years ago."
"Why?"
Connor looked at Murphy for a second before answering. "Moving here was a bit o' a shock to both of us. So much fuckin' crime and violence. Especially in the south side. Those are the principles we leave by."
"Veritas and Aequitas. Good to know." She gave them a small smile. They both looked down at their hands and she laughed softly at their almost identical expressions. She nudged Murphy. "Out. My turn to get drinks."
He slid out and held a hand out to help her out. Grinning, she took it and stood to face them. "Any requests, boys?"
They both held up their beers. Katie laughed and walked away, melting back into the crowd. She came nearly fifteen minutes later, carrying two long necks and a blue tropical drink. The music had gotten even better and she was walking to the beat. She set the drinks on the table and looked at Connor.
"I love this music. Come dance with me!"
He smiled. "Take Murphy. He's a better dancer."
"I can't take him. If I dance with him, he'll never get a girl tonight. It's bad enough he's sitting next to me. It's okay with you, you're already claimed." She moved to the beat where she stood. "Come on. Don't make me dance alone!"
Sighing lightly, Connor laughed and slid out of the booth. He took a quick drink of his beer and followed her out on the dance floor.
Murphy watched them out on the dance floor, not allowing himself to be jealous of his brother. It's just Connor. He's like her fuckin' brother. His eyes wandered the room but none of the girls appealing enough to him for him to go up to them yet. Maybe with a few more drinks.
Two songs later, Connor managed to drag a laughing Katie back to the booth. She slid in next to Murphy and smiled at him before downing half of her drink. Murphy reached a hand out to her.
"Ye know that's not water, right?" He laughed as she made a face at him.
"Murph, we're at a bar. Of course it's not water." She took a few more small drinks, draining the blue liquid. He watched her with a grin. "Next drink. I'll be back."
"Go easy, Katie. We're not dragging ye home." Connor gave her a serious look as she stood up. She just grinned at him and shook her head.
"I don't get to go out often, guys. I'm not planning on getting drunk. I know how much I can handle." With another look, she walked away from the booth.
Murphy kept an eye on her as she went through the crowd and turned to completely look at her when she was stopped by a blonde man. They talked for a moment and then they were headed out to the dance floor. Sighing, he turned back to the table. Connor raised an eyebrow at him.
"Are ye keeping an eye on her?"
"Someone's got to."
"Wonder who the guy is."
"Who fuckin' cares? He's not her type."
"Oh, so ye can tell that from here?" Connor smirked at him. "It may not matter if he's her type, Murph. Especially since no one else has a claim on her."
"So what was all that talk about us approving?"
"Murph, I was just tryin' to get a rise outta her. We've barely known her a week. We've got no fuckin' right to restricting her."
"Aye, but does her opinion about Sara matter to ye?"
Connor rubbed his hand along his chin. "Yeah, it does."
"So don't ye think our fuckin' opinion matters ta her too?"
"Ye've got a point, but that doesn't mean it goes both ways. She's been on her fuckin' own long enough. We've got ta let her make her own choices."
Murphy turned his gaze back out to the dance floor. "As long as she's not gonna make a fuckin' bad one."
"Ye need to find yerself a fuckin' hobby, Murph. Or better yet, a girl."
He continued to watch her laugh and dance with the blonde guy. "Aye, maybe yer right. Maybe I do."
Out on the dance floor with the blonde Ethan, Katie found her gaze kept going back to the table where Connor and Murphy sat, talking and laughing. Ethan didn't seem to notice until she stopped dancing and stared over there. Three tall guys had approached the booth and neither twin looked very happy about it. She moved to go to them but Ethan grabbed her arm.
"Where are you goin'?"
She gestured to their booth. "They look like they might start fighting."
"They're adults. Mind your own business." He smiled and pulled her arm back in front of him. His hand found their way to her waist and he began pulling her towards him. Katie glared up at him.
"Excuse me." She knocked his hands off of her and turned to go but he grabbed her arm.
"Why are you so fucking worried about them?"
"Let go of me."
"Answer me."
"Because I can be. So go fuck off." She pulled her arm away and walked away this time. As she got down off of the elevated dance floor, open spaces between taller head let her get glimpses of Connor standing up in the booth. Katie pushed through the bodies faster and hurried to them. As she approached, she tried thinking of the best way to break them up.
Forcing herself to look teary eyed, she walked up and wrap her arm around Murphy's arm. Leaning her forehead into on his shoulder, she sniffled.
"He won't stop bothering me." She forced her voice to tremble. His other arm instantly came around her. Looking up at him, she forced herself not to break character when she saw he was buying it too. The look of concern in his eyes nearly made her stop. Winking quickly at him, she turned to Connor and forced more tears out. Letting go of Murphy, she acted like she's just noticed the other three men where there. She brought a hand to her mouth as if she were embarrassed before giving them a weak smile. "Can you excuse us? I-I need to talk to my brothers in private."
The tallest of the three stood in the middle and looked at her for a moment. He reached into his pocket and she could feel both Murphy and Connor tense behind her. Pulling out a ten dollar bill, the man held it out to her with a smile. "Go buy yourself a drink, honey. We have more business with your brothers."
Well, fuck. That didn't work. Katie frowned at the three men and stepped slightly closer, crossing her arms over her chest. Murphy's hand gripped her elbow but she pulled her arm away. Then she smiled widely at the three men.
"I'm Katie. Is there something I can help you with?"
"Katie." Connor's voice warned from her right side. She held a hand up to him without looking back. The three men just stared at her without an answer.
"Then I'm afraid your business has been taken care of. Feel free to leave now."
"Get out of our fuckin' way, lady."
"Sorry boys, I suggest you get the fuck away from us. Because there are three fucking bouncers who have suddenly become very interested in this little standoff right here." She just smiled even more when they all three looked around and saw that two of the bouncers had begun to move forward.
"We're not fuckin' done here." The man in the middle pointed a large scarred finger at them. The men then turned and walked away.
Sighing, Katie turned around to find both Connor and Murphy giving her angry looks. She rolled her eyes at him before glancing behind her. Two of the three bouncers were still watching them.
"Sit the fuck down before they feel the need to break up this fight."
"What the fuck was that, Katie?" Connor crossed his arms and leaned over her. At one point she might have found this intimidating. Now, it just irritated her.
"Sit. Then you can yell at me."
He glared at her for a second before sliding into the booth and pulling out a pack of cigarettes. She turned to see Murphy already seated and shaking his head at her. Sliding in next to him, she found herself smiling despite their looks.
"I told you. I'm good at talking angry men down."
"Don't ever fuckin' step in front of us like that again, Katie." Connor took an angry drag from his cigarette and glared at her through the smoke. She just shook her head at him.
"Don't fucking start with me, Connor. Did you two even think about what you were about to do?" They both looked at her without responding. "Fuck. This isn't fucking McGinty's. You get in a fight here, they call the fucking police."
Murphy and Connor exchanged quick looks before turning back to her. Connor relaxed slightly and leaned back. He continued to give her a hard look. "That was fuckin' stupid on yer part. Even if ye meant well."
"Stupid to stop you?"
"Katie, ye don't step between angry men when they're about ta fight." Murphy sounded more frustrated than angry. "Ye could have gotten fuckin' hurt."
"Well, in this case, I'd say that trumps you two getting arrested. Don't fight outside of McGinty's. Problem fuckin' solved. Isn't that how that goes, Murph?" She slid out of the booth then. "I'm gonna go get that drink now."
Connor watched as Murphy quickly slid out to follow her. He caught up with her about midway to the bar. After a moment of gesturing and talking, his brother pulled a smiling Katie out on the dance floor.
Leaning back in the booth, Connor grinned as he watched them laugh and dance. Apparently, Murphy didn't care about her warning. He hadn't even looked elsewhere for girls all night. Step one: a success. Now if only he could get his brother to realize what he already did. Katie might just be perfect for him.
Connor let his eye wander around the bar again, and sighed when he still didn't see Sara. She'd said she might not get away in time to get there. The club was packed by this point, so he knew there would be little chance she'd be able to find he anyway.
Pulling out his cell phone, he checked again. He hadn't missed her call either. Looking back out at the dance floor, Connor took another drink of his beer. Only one night without her so far. Christ, and I already miss her.
"Connor lied, you aren't a better dancer." Katie laughed as Murphy purposely danced off beat. He grinned at her but didn't stop. The song ended and the music turned to a slower dance beat. Couples around them started slow dancing, catching her attention. She didn't look Murphy in the eye. "Let's go sit down."
He grabbed her arm as she started walking away. "I'm better at this type of dancing."
She raised an eyebrow at him as he took her right hand in his and put his left at her waist. He moved with her in place before grinning down at her. "Ma forced us to learn formal-type dancing. The waltz. The tango."
Grinning, she finally moved her hand up to his shoulder. "I think I like your Ma more and more every day."
He laughed at her. "And she usually scares most girls off."
"I only talked to her once. She didn't really try."
"She may not with you."
Katie laughed. "She doesn't have a reason. I'm not a threat to her sons." Murphy didn't comment on that.
"So, who was the blonde guy?"
"An idiot. And I thought you were girl hunting tonight."
"Yeah, well. I heard girls at a bar only want one thing." He smiled as she laughed at him.
"Not all girls. You're safe with me, Murph."
"Oh, good. I was very fuckin' concerned." He looked down at her. "Especially after ye stood up to those big mean men."
Katie squeezed her hand on his shoulder. "Don't start with me."
"I won't. Ye scare me."
She slapped his shoulder. "I mean it."
"Okay. But listen. Seriously, don't step in between us like that again. Please." He turned serious so quickly, she stopped moving for a second. Pressing his hand on her waist, he got her to move again quickly.
"Murph." She started but he interrupted.
"Ye've never seen Connor and me fight. We don't usually give much warning. If ye'd waited a few more minutes, ye might have stepped right in the way. We don't want ye getting hurt because of us."
"And if I hadn't, you'd have been arrested. Did you think of what that would do to Da? To me? I would have stepped in the middle even if you'd already started fighting if I could ensure you'd not be arrested."
He moved his eyes down to just over her shoulder and nodded. "Aye, yer right. Thank ye. And we'll not fuckin' fight in a place like this. But keep what I said in mind too."
She nodded her agreement. The music sped up again as the song ended. Katie stepped away from him but Murphy kept a hold on her hand. She shook her head at him. She no longer felt like dancing.
"Let's go sit down." He nodded towards the booth and she let him lead her off the dance floor. About halfway across, she pulled her hand from his grip and crossed her arms over her chest.
It hadn't hit her until she'd said it out there. They could have been arrested. She could have lost them that easily. And likely, Da would have been found too. Their connection to Smecker might have been uncovered. It all could be gone that quickly. A shiver went down her spine and she quickly caught up to Murphy.
She reached out to touch his arm, needing some kind of connection with him. Her eyes scanned the room around them and fell on a table of dark haired men halfway across the room. One of them looked directly at her before quickly looking away. She shivered again, feeling as if an ice cube had landed in her stomach.
They were mafia. That much was clear to her. And the one had been watching her. She found herself glancing at them again when she heard her name being called.
"Katie." Murphy's voice was close to her ear and she felt him put a hand on her shoulder. She looked up at him quickly and saw that both he and Connor were watching her. "What's wrong?"
"What?"
"You've lost the color in yer face, Katie." Connor slid out of the booth and stepped toward her. She slipped past him, grabbing her purse and Murphy's cell phone from the table.
"We've got to get out of here."
"Why? Hey, what's goin' on?" Connor grabbed her elbow as she moved past him again, away from the booth.
She stepped forward, standing closely enough to both Connor and Murphy to speak softly. "There are some mobsters here. One was watching me. We need to leave now."
"Separate or together?" Murphy glanced at Connor. Connor looked around the room quickly.
"There could be more outside."
"That's what I was fuckin' thinkin'."
"Separate, then. Meet in the alley to the left of the front door." He let go of her elbow. Glancing at them both quickly. "Be careful."
She watched him disappear into the even larger crowd. Looking up at Murphy, she nodded to him. "Your turn."
He just shook his head. "I'm not leaving ye in here with the fuckin' mobsters."
"Good point. Please don't leave me in here with the fuckin' mobsters." She gave a half laugh. Reaching out, she put his cell phone into his hand. She then stepped closer and he wrinkled his forehead at her.
"What are ye doin'? Get going."
"I'm making it look like I'm saying goodbye." She put a hand on his shoulder and surprised them both when she lightly kissed his cheek. His arm slipped around her waist and he put a kiss at her temple.
"Ye've said goodnight. Now go, Katie."
She nodded and pulled away. "Thanks. I had fun." She grinned at him and walked off into the crowd. She could feel Murphy's eyes following her as she made her way to the door.
Stepping outside into the even colder air, she wrapped her arms around herself. 'Don't bring yer fuckin' coat Katie.' Great fucking planning, boys. She stepped away from the club and winced as the wind blew any warmth she had away. Looking to her left, she saw the dark alleyway. Why does it always have to be a fucking dark alley?
She squinted against the darkness, but her eyes were slow to adjust. Nothing seemed to be moving. Nothing she could see at least. There was a sound to her right but before she could react, a hand reached out and touched her arm. She pulled away and faced the hand, her heart racing as she backed up a little. The silhouette of the person was barely visible.
"Calm the fuck down, Katie. It's just me." Connor voice was barely above a whisper.
"Dammit, Connor. Did ye have to scare me like that?"
"Sorry, thought ye saw me." He laughed softly. Reaching out, he put his hand on her shoulder before reaching up to mess up her hair. She pulled away and laughed softly. Her eyes adjusted a little more and she was able to see the soft outlines of his face. He turned to look towards the club. "Where's Murph?"
"He made me go first."
"Of course he did." He nodded towards the front end of the alley. "Here he comes."
"Where?" Katie narrowed her eyes and looked for any other silhouettes against the street light.
Connor pointed to the left, near the wall. "He knows not to walk down the middle of the alley."
"You're lucky you even got me to enter the fucking alley, Conn."
"She doesn't like alleys either." Murphy's laugh was soft and right behind her. Katie jumped slightly before turning to look at him. She reached out to smack his arm but he put his hand on her wrist instead.
"And you are just making it so much fucking easier, Murph."
"Come on. Let's get moving out of here then." Connor turned and started leading them away from the club. She hesitated for only a second before taking a deep breath and following him. Murphy's hand reached out and wrapped around her hand. He squeezed it softly.
As they got to the end of the alley, Katie realized they were on some street that wasn't quite as busy. She felt Murphy release her hand but didn't let it bother her. They were out of the alley. That's all that mattered.
Connor glanced at her before looking up and down the street. "Sorry that yer night got ruined."
"It wasn't just my night. And who says it got ruined? What other exotic places are on the list?"
Both twins laughed at her. Murphy shook his head. "How about the apartment? Is that exotic enough for ye?"
"I suppose. I hear the weather there is nice this time of year. Besides, this'll give me a chance to get you two drunk and ask you embarrassing questions." She laughed as they both shook their heads at her.
"We do have a good mixture of liquor left."
"Aye, and still a few more questions ta ask."
Katie stepped out and held her hand up as a cab pulled down the street. She managed to get it to stop. "Your chariot awaits, me boys."
Laughing at her, Connor slid in first, and she waved her arm for Murphy to follow. He shook his head. Sighing, she got in the middle again and felt warmer instantly as Murphy got in beside her. Leaning forward, she told the cabbie their address.
"Actually, now that I think about it…home sounds about as exotic as I can stand." She muttered and relaxed back against the seats, most of the tension gone. A night out and no one got arrested. Saints above, it was a success. Barely realizing it, she leaned her head against Murphy's shoulder with her eyes closed. His arm came around her and she fell asleep against the warmth of his shirt in a matter of minutes.