A/N: Updated as of way too early in the morning 7/14/06 (i.e., it's been betaized...I like my new word...one that I probably stole from someone on here...)

The room had become quiet since she went back to sleep. It was too quiet and Murphy's dislike of hospitals was growing steadily stronger. The plastic chair was hardly comfortable, but he was afraid to move too far from her.

The same nurse had come in twice, nodding slightly at him and checking on Katie in complete silence. He found himself holding his breath in those moments, watching the nurse's face carefully to make sure nothing had gone wrong. But each time, the nurse simply met his gaze and gave him a small smile before walking back out the door.

Holding her hand kept him calm for short bits of time before her lack of response to his gazes and whispered words began to get to him again. The joy of having her back was still there, but he was slowly beginning to understand that things were different now. He didn't know if that meant it had changed for good, but he felt differently about her and about them and about the world around him.

He loved her. That much he'd known before the warehouse, before the shooting of Frankie's gun had cut off his breathing for long moments. In those moments before he knew whether or not she was still with them, his love for her had intensified. And he'd known as he had knelt in that church that losing her would kill him, too.

But he hadn't lost her and the feelings were still there. He was afraid to let go of her, afraid to leave for the cigarette he so desperately needed, afraid that if he blinked too slowly that she might disappear.

So he waited, tapping his fingers against his leg in some attempt of rhythm, his mind reaching into the depths of all logic. What if they'd never come back to Boston? What if he'd never met her, never been able to save her from the mafia? What if he had never had the chance to feel again, to care about what actually happened to him? Fuck, what if Rocco had never died?

The thought of losing Rocco still stung him, despite the fact that he and Connor never spoke about him anymore. The anniversary of his death had gone by without recognition, only the extra few moments of prayer Murphy had added for Rocco's soul that day. The world had kept turning without 'the funny man' and Murphy was now just beginning to understand that maybe even his death had a purpose.

They'd been headed for certain doom with Rocco among them, and while even Da hadn't been able to save them from all the possible danger, he'd managed to keep them alive. And through the year that had passed, Connor had mentioned to him in the few brief conversations they'd had about Rocco, that maybe Rocco's purpose in life had been his death. His martyrdom. The loss of him redirected them in their duty to God. And his death made them realize the sacrifice they were truly making.

And as he now stared over at Katie again, he wondered that if she had died, would he ever have been able to accept that her death had a purpose too? Each major moment in his life had been there for a reason, he supposed, each taking away options or blocking off paths. And each bringing him to where he was today, in a hospital in South Boston. If Katie's death would have meant something than there was a good possibility her life meant something too.

She seemed too good for him, so much more than he deserved after all that he'd done in his life. Even with her past to make her human, she wasn't jaded or hardened by it. The love she gave him made him want to be a better man, a better human, in ways that he'd never considered before. And with everything changing as it had, Murphy couldn't help but wonder if he could ever go back to being 'Murphy McManus' as she wanted him to. Did the original Murphy McManus deserve her any more than the current one did?

Katie made a soft noise as she shifted on the bed, tearing his attention away from his thoughts. Her eyes remained closed, her face calm and he knew she was still sleeping. Sighing, Murphy ran his hands over his face and leaned back in the chair. Christ, he needed something to do.

His eyes landed on the television remote as he glanced around the room and he picked it up, switching it on. If nothing else, it would be a good distraction. Flipping through the channels, he paused on the news as something caught his attention.

"And in other news today, rumors had finally been confirmed with the Boston Police Department. The vigilante men know as 'The Saints' are believed to be dead after an early evening fire last night at an abandoned warehouse in South Boston. 'The Saints' are known best for their string of mob murders last year, including the very public execution of Joesph 'Papa Joe' Yakavetta in the downtown courthouse. According to the press conference this morning, several witnesses place the three men at the scene. So far, no other bodies have been recovered in what turned out to be a very deadly fire. At least one other victim was found after the firefighters managed to put out the flames. And now in sports news…"

Murphy changed the channel, his eyes focused unseeing on the screen. It worked. It fuckin' worked. Grinning, he glanced over at Katie, hoping to find she was awake to share the news with. Her eyes remained closed, but he didn't let that bother him. The Saints were dead and before long she would be awake again for him to share the news with her.

Within a few minutes of flipping the channels, he found a movie and settled into his seat to watch it. He was nearly half way into Rambo IV when he finally heard her start to stir again. She sighed lightly and her eyes opened slowly, focusing on the lit up screen across the room. "Well, that's one way to know that you're still here."

Grinning, Murphy turned it down and moved to sit next to her on the bed again. The emotions had come in tides, slowly waving in and out again. His chest felt tight as he looked down at her, but he smiled through it. "Ye feel okay?"

"Why do I have a feeling I'm going to get sick of that question?"

"And why are ye already refusin' ta answer it?" He countered lightly, his fingers brushing over her forehead. "Just answer this: are ye feelin' any pain?"

"I'm fine, Murph." She sighed, interlocking her fingers with his own and trying to sit up slightly. He helped her move into a more comfortable position without another word. "I'm fine. So get the 'Mother Murphy' look off of your face."

He laughed. "Mother Murphy?"

"Yeah, that look you get every time you're worried about something." She kept her tone light but he felt some of the tension slip back into his gut and knew by her silence she could tell. Her hand gripped his tighter.

"I can't fuckin' help it. Ye don't know what it's been like…" His voice trailed off into a whisper, his eyes focused on the blanket over her stomach. Forcing a deep breath, he shook his head against the floating memories. She didn't need to know. It would do her no good to know. "But everything's okay now."

"Damn right it is." She tightened her arms around him as he leaned down to kiss her. "Now, just break me out of this joint and everything will be great."

"Break ye out?" He grinned, kissing her lightly again before sitting back up. Her hands slid from his shoulders with the movement, slipping down to hold his hands. He interlocked their fingers again, moving his thumbs gently over the back of her hands.

"Yeah, you know, file in the cake and all. I've never liked hospitals."

"A woman after me own heart." He squeezed her hands lightly before letting go and standing up. Moving over to his coat, he reached into his pocket and hid the necklace in his hand.

"You're not leaving me, are you?" There was a smile in her voice but he could tell she was partly serious.

"Not yet. They'll have ta fuckin' drag me out." He took his place back on the bed and held out his hand like he'd done before. Her eyes narrowed as she stared at him.

"Black power again?"

"Someday, ye're gonna have ta explain that one ta me. But no, it's a gift for ye. A loan o' sorts." Picking up her left hand, he flipped it so that it was palm up. Cupping the hand, he let the necklace fall into her palm, the cross landing on top.

"Murph. You fixed it already?" Her voice was barely a whisper and he noticed the shaking in her hands as she looked at it closer.

"Not quite. It's Conn's. That's why it's a loan."

Flipping it around, she looked quickly at the back and smiled slightly. "It is Connor's. I like the one with the 'M' on it better."

Murphy smiled slowly at that, running his fingers over her hands. "He told me ta remind you that there are only the two o' us. So if ye break this one, there isn't anything else."

"Do me a favor, Murph?"

"What?"

"Tell Conn to fuck off." She grinned widely, her eyes still on the cross for a moment before rising to meet his gaze. "But make sure he knows I'm kidding."

"I'll tell him the first part, and ye can tell him you're teasing when ye see him next."

"Christ, I hope that's soon. I can't stand another day in here."

He laughed softly. "Ye've been awake for four whole hours total, Katie. I don't believe ye've given the hospital a fair fuckin' chance."

"And I'm not going to. Break me out or I'll find my own way." She just smiled sweetly as he raised an eyebrow at her.

"Bed sheets out the fuckin' window?"

Glancing at the window, she tilted her head. "How high up are we?"

Chuckling in response, Murphy just shook his head. "It won't be so bad. I'll just spend the days with ye. Maybe I'll even bring Connor, too."

Her eyes were on him for a moment as she grew serious. Shaking her head, she traced her finger over his hand. "No. Don't come back and don't bring Conn."

Narrowing his eyes, Murphy frowned at her. "Why the fuck not?"

"Murph, think about it. You'll just open yourselves up to getting caught. I'll be home soon enough. It's not worth risking it."

"Ye're wrong, Katie. Maybe I won't bring Conn, but ye can't keep me away, too." He pulled his hand away from her and crossed his arms over his chest. His heart beat a little faster as she got the stubborn look in her eyes. Christ Katie, don't ask me ta leave and not come back ta ye. I can't wait that fuckin' long.

"Please. Once the news about the Saints is out, you'll be more recognizable again." Her hand was warm on his knee and Murphy brought his eyes back to her face.

She had a good point. But she didn't realize just how much he didn't care. Waiting would be hard, too hard. He'd waited long enough to see her again. He had to make her understand.

Leaning forward, Murphy cupped her cheek in his hand and ran his thumb over her lips softly. He kissed her gently, finally allowing some emotion into it. The tight feeling in his chest softened as she responded, her arms reaching up to wrap around his neck. After a few long moments, he broke the contact, hovering close to her.

"Ye don't know how hard it would be ta wait. Please, don't make me wait ta see ye again." His words came out as barely a whisper. He saw the watery emotions in her eyes before she pulled him closer to press her lips to his again.

The clearing of a throat broke them apart and Murphy turned quickly to look behind them. Peter stood near the end of the curtain, managing to smirk and look pissed at the same time. "Kissing cousins?"

"Peter, you're back." Katie's low voice made Peter smile and he moved to the other side of the bed. Taking her hand, he kissed her forehead.

"You're awake." His voice seemed light but Murphy could see the emotions he was trying to hold back. "Awake and getting it on with the man who is supposed to be your cousin."

"Peter!" Laughing, she pulled her hand out of his and pushed him away.

"Okay, fast forward through embarrassing conversation. Don't do it. He's supposed to be your cousin. Wait until you get home, at least. And hide it from me, please."

"Forgot about the whole cousins part." Murphy grinned and felt a little less guilty as Peter finally smiled back.

"Couldn't tell." He shook his head before glancing down at Katie again. "Want the good news or the bad news first?"

"Ah, the good news."

"Should've known. Good news, the doctor thinks you'll be able to go home tomorrow."

Murphy felt warmth spread throughout his body as Katie squeezed his hand and grinned at him. "You won't have to break me out after all. Argument solved."

"We'll see about that, a ghrá. The bad news, Peter?" He raised his eyes to her brother, who smiled sheepishly.

"I've got to kick you out soon, McManus. Visitor's hours are almost over."

"McManus?" Katie grinned up at her brother. Murphy just shook his head with a small smile.

"Aye. Ye're brother and I are on a fuckin' last name basis."

"It's a guy thing, Katie."

"Whatever, Shafer." She made a face as he gave her a look. "It might get confusing though when there are all three McManuses around."

"Well take care o' that when it comes." Murphy winked at her before looking back up at Peter. "Can I talk ta ye for a minute?" He nodded toward the door and Peter dipped his head in understanding. Katie rolled her eyes.

"Not this again, boys."

"It's nothin' big, Katie. We'll be right back."

"Peter." She warned with his name alone and Murphy watched his face light up in a grin.

"Haven't heard that for awhile."

"You have any paper?" Her words caught them both off guard and Murphy stared at her. She gave a half shrug and he could tell she was already getting tired again. Maybe it wasn't such a bad idea for him to leave soon. Her eyes went back and forth between the two of them before she raised her eyebrows. "I need to write something down. Paper? A pen? Please?

Peter moved to the cupboard where his coat was stored and pulled out a small notebook. Clicking the top of the pen, he handed them over to her. "What are you writing?"

"Your last will and testament. Because if you get in a fight with Murphy, I'm going to kill you."

"Fine, but you're taking a nap beforehand."

Murphy hid a smile behind his hand but caught a glare from her anyway. Peter nodded toward the door and they walked out to the sound of Katie's sigh. Shoving his hands into his pocket, Murphy led him further away from the door.

He knew he needed to talk to her brother, but he wasn't sure how to start. There was a chance Peter put Murphy at fault for Katie's injuries, and Murphy couldn't argue much with that. He knew he'd feel the same if he were in Peter's position. But he wasn't and there were a few things he needed him to understand. To accept.

"What's going on, Murphy?" Peter's voice was weary and Murphy noticed for the first time the exhaustion in the man's face. He'd kept it hidden fairly well around Katie. Christ, her brother needed more of a break from all of this than he thought.

"Ah, how are ye doin'?" The words came out before he'd put thought behind them and he could tell they weren't expected by either of them. But Peter's face softened and he shrugged as his eyes wandered toward her room.

"Not terrible."

"Thank ye for lettin' me come today. And…and I'm sorry that I… that I let her get into that situation." His throat tightened on the words and Murphy stopped, his eyes on the floor.

"I don't blame you, Murph. Well, I did actually, but Sara talked me out of it."

"She did?"

Peter laughed softly, glancing at Murphy with a nod. "Yeah, let's just say she's persuasive."

"She's somethin', that's for sure. I'm just not sure what, yet." He shared a knowing grin with him.

"You didn't drag me out here to talk about Sara. What's going on?"

"Take care o' her for me, Peter. I feel like a fuckin' ass leavin' her here tonight alone."

Sighing, Peter ran a hand over his face. "She won't be here alone. I'm staying the night again."

"Ye are?"

"She's all I have. I don't feel right being anywhere else." His answer was soft and with a pang of guilt, Murphy realized that none of them had completely considered what her brother had been going through. The thought of losing his own brother brought the familiar sick feeling back to him again and he swallowed hard against it. No one should ever have to feel that way.

"Ye're not alone, Peter. Ye've got us too, if ye want us." He kept his tone light, not wanting to make her brother feel uncomfortable, but as Peter's eyes rose to meet his again, Murphy knew he'd said the right thing. They were both silent for a moment before he nodded back.

And Murphy realized as he shared a smile with the younger man that he meant what he'd said. He didn't know Peter very well yet, but he cared about what happened to him. He knew somehow that her brother would fit in rather well with the rest of them. And suddenly, he no longer felt the need to make Peter understand. Because he already did, without Murphy's effort. In fact, Katie's brother might just understand his feelings the most.

"I…ah, I suppose I better go say goodbye ta her." Murphy kept his tone light and moved into the room again, feeling Peter hesitate only slightly before following behind him. Katie held a folded square of paper in her hand and her eyes opened as they moved past the curtain.

"Care to tell me what's going on?"

"Not fuckin' likely." He grinned slowly as she gave him an annoyed look. As he took her hand, he noticed that she looked really tired now and he couldn't help but wonder how long it would be before she got back to normal.

"Fine. Give this to Connor, will you?" She held out the note with her other hand, slipping it into his back pocket.

"Are ye gonna tell me what it says?"

"Not fucking likely." Her smile was sweet and she kissed him lightly. "Read it and…"

"And what?"

"I'll send my brother after you."

Peter cleared his throat from the edge of the bed. "Excuse me?"

"Just go with it." Winking at him, she shifted her gaze back to Murphy. "You leaving me now?"

"I wish I didn't have ta. But ye need yer rest, m'dear." He brushed his hand over her hair, tucking a few free strands behind her ear. Her eyes were on his face and he knew she was trying to read him. So he pushed the misery of having to leave her down further and gave her a small smile. "Ye need ta rest here, so ye can get back ta work when ye get back home tomorrow."

"Oh really?" She whispered softly. Murphy kissed her gently, allowing himself only to linger for a moment. Kissing Katie was powerful and he couldn't get lost in it yet. It wasn't the time for that yet.

"Aye. Ye don't know how lost we've been without ye." His teasing words held truth in it. The emotions were clear in her eyes and he knew he had to lighten the moment. "We've got nobody ta make us pancakes."

"Ah, poor things. I'll be sure to slave away as soon as I get there."

"Good. We'll leave plenty for ye ta do." He kissed her again lightly, pulling away completely this time. Her hand gripped his tightly for a moment before she released it with a smile.

"Now you better go. I've got another date coming to meet me soon."

Murphy gave a short laugh, surprised that he could still smile. His stomach twisted as he slipped his coat off of the chair. "I'll see ye tomorrow than, Katie."

She nodded, pressing her lips together and he moved toward her again, kissing the top of her head. "I love ye."

"I love you, too Murph. Goodnight."

"Goodnight." Moving toward the curtain, Murphy managed a nod at Peter before he glanced back at Katie again. Giving her one final nod, he forced himself to walk out of the room. His fingers began digging for a cigarette before he even reached the exit, and he knew that he'd need the entire walk home alone before he could face anybody.

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Connor set his phone back on the coffee table, his eyes on the television again.

"Can ye believe this shite, Conn?" Da's voice was low and his eyes were fixed on the screen as well. Yet another news channel had just covered the story of their 'deaths' and so far, none of the reporters had seemed upset about it. Apparently, despite the good they'd done, their efforts were still seen as evil and immoral.

"I can't help but ta wonder when illegal came ta mean the same fuckin' thing as evil. Are we the only sane ones left in this fuckin' country?"

"It's the way o' society, m'boy. The laws become the word of God ta the citizens until the need comes up fer better laws." Da leaned over in his chair and lit another cigar. Connor took a long drag of his nearly finished cigarette.

"Well, it's 'bout fuckin' time the laws changed. Fer Christ's sake, Da-"

"Watch yer tongue."

He sighed at Da's warning and leaned back against the couch again. Da changed the channel, searching for another news broadcast and Connor shook his head. It wasn't worth it.

But he couldn't wait to see Murphy's reaction to the news, knowing his brother was as likely to be as outraged as he was. After all this time of risking their asses for the justice of the people, this is how they were repaid.

"Ye can't expect 'em ta understand what we've been doin'." Da's voice was soft and Connor looked over to find he was being watched. "They can't understand the depths we reached and all that we've done for them. But ye know that they'll notice our absence. Then they'll begin ta know what they've really lost."

What would they be losing? He couldn't help but wonder as he brought the cigarette to his lips again. It couldn't be half of what they'd already lost. What the Saints had already sacrificed to their cause. Connor worked to find an answer as he blew smoke rings out, but his efforts were interrupted as the door opened.

A wet haired Murphy stepped in and their eyes met for a long moment. Then his brother smiled. "It's fuckin' rainin' out there."

"Ye're fuckin' kiddin'." Connor felt the tension in his shoulders vanish as his brother stepped lightly across the room. Things were good. That much he could tell by the look on Murphy's face and that was enough for him. He'd felt the sorrow while being separated from his brother and he knew that the feeling wasn't his own. His brother's misery had been so strong that Connor had felt it too. It was something that hadn't happened in a long time and without even mentioning it to his brother, he knew Murphy had felt their connection.

Pulling the stub of a cigarette out of his hands, Murphy took a long drag of it.

"Hey, get yer own fuckin' cigarette."

"Not nearly as fun as stealin' yers." He slipped off his coat and tossed it to the empty chair, adjusting the rosary around his neck in one solid movement.

"So, how's the lass?"

Murphy grinned at Da and shifted so that he could see them both. "She's good. And, she's comin' home tomorrow."

"Already? That's fuckin' wonderful, Murph!" Connor elbowed Murphy who pushed back at him, never losing his smile.

"She was smilin' and laughin' with me. She's not at full strength yet, but…" His voice wavered slightly and his eyes were bright as they met Connor's fully. "But she's Katie."

"I'm glad ta hear that, m'boy. Did ye send 'er our love?"

"Of course. Oh!" Murphy leaned forward and pulled a piece of paper from his back pocket. "That and she gave me a fuckin' note fer ye, Conn."

"What's it say?" Reaching out, Connor felt happy at the thought of her writing a note especially for him.

"Don't fuckin' know. She wouldn't tell me."

"And ye expect me ta think ye didn't read it?" He raised an eyebrow at Murphy as he unfolded the slightly damp paper.

"Didn't think about it once I got out o' the fuckin' hospital. What's it say?"

Connor waved Murphy away as he glanced down at it.

"Oh fuck, Conn. Just read it aloud ta both of us."

"Fine, just stop grabbin' at the fuckin' thing." Connor's eyes focused on the loopy letters and he realized he hadn't even seen Katie's writing for awhile. He'd have to get her to write him more notes. Just to bother Murphy, if nothing else. His brother sighed heavily next to him and Connor couldn't help but grin. "Okay, okay. Here goes."

"Conn, I'm glad ta hear that me three boys are alive. Even if the Saints are dead. I'm more attached ta the real ones anyway." Connor grinned and felt rather than heard Murphy chuckle beside him. "It sounds like I'm breakin' outta this joint soon, so ye better prepare for me. But I did have a question for ye. Have I passed yer initiation? Does this make me a Saint?"

He reread the words before he understood their meaning. The lump in his throat appeared again and he felt his heart beat a little faster as he stared down at them.

"What the fuck does she mean by that? What's the fuckin' initiation?" Murphy sounded annoyed and Connor glanced over at him. They were both silent for a moment before his brother turned to completely face him. "What's wrong, Conn?"

"It was a fuckin' bad joke. She asked me once if it was a fuckin' McManus initiation ta interrupt her showers. I just fuckin' laughed and told her that the initiation was gettin' shot. Fuck. She doesn't forget a fuckin' thing."

"I think she meant it as a joke, Connor." Da spoke from his chair and Connor looked over at him. "Ye couldn't have possibly predicted this happenin'."

"Fuck, I know that Da. I just…fuck." Sighing, Connor glanced back down at the note, staring it at without actually reading. A hand slipped the note from his fingers and he heard Murphy start reading.

"Honestly, I miss all o' ye. Smack Murph a few times fer me for the hell o' it and take care o' him for me tonight. Ye know how he is. Love ye, Katie." Murphy laughed softly, elbowing him in the side. "What the fuck is that about? 'Ye know how he is'? Just how am I?"

"Ye're you. And that's all I'm sayin'." He gave Murphy a half smile, clasping his hands in front of him.

"Ye best be leavin' it at that, m'boys. But I say we should celebrate the good news. Let's order pizza."

"And get drunk." Murphy added, laughing softly as both Da and Connor gave him a look. "Wasn't completely fuckin' serious."

Shrugging, Connor laid the note on the table and leaned back with a sigh. The sheer happiness he'd felt at Murphy's news was dampened down by the words of her note. He knew that as Da said, Katie meant it in a teasing way, but the reality of her words couldn't help but bother him.

Anyone that stayed around them long enough got hurt, usually shot. And that, he realized, was the reason he was glad to be done as a Saint. The risk of something happening to Sara otherwise was too high. And that was something he couldn't let happen. It was one of those risks he was no longer willing to take. Everything had changed for them.

Sitting up quickly, Connor dialed Sara's apartment number again. She hadn't called back yet, despite the two messages he'd left at her office. It didn't completely worry him yet, because he knew that she was most likely not at work. And with her cell phone gone, she was near impossible to reach.

Her answering machine picked up and he fell back with a sigh. Waiting for the beep, he took a deep breath. "Hey, Sara. It's me. Ye must just not be home yet. Call me. Please. I've got somethin' for ye ta take ta Katie for me. Love ye. Bye."

Da was distracted on his cell phone as Connor hung up but he realized that Murphy was still watching him. "What was that about?"

Sighing, Connor rubbed his hand over the back of his head. "I haven't caught up with Sara yet."

"She's probably at work or the hospital. What do ye have for her ta take ta Katie?"

"Katie wrote me a note. It's my turn ta respond."

Murphy shook his head with a smile. "Do I even want to know?"

"Just leave it ta me, Murph. Katie'll enjoy my note. I promise ye."

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The room was empty again when Katie woke up. The sky outside was dark, save for the lightening strikes every minute or so. Stretching as much as she could, she fought the stiffness in her back and realized she needed to get up again.

The last time she got up, Peter had been there to help her slid out of bed and to make sure she didn't fall. But it had been her first time out of bed all day and after the first unsteady step, she had little trouble moving on her own; as least as long as she didn't use any of her abdominal muscles.

It was that pain that she knew she'd need to get used to, because after she went home, there would be no more numbing shots for her. Katie was sure there would be pain medication, but she knew that wouldn't do nearly as well at keeping the pain away as whatever it was they were giving her in the hospital.

But she didn't think she'd mind the pain. Pain was good. Pain meant she was alive. Seeing Murphy's tears had made her realize just how close she'd been to never feeling pain again. And while she couldn't allow herself to regret anything she'd done the day before, she had to recognize that she could've died.

She sighed as the heavy feeling settled back in the pit of her stomach. She missed Murphy already, and she hadn't spent nearly enough time with him yet. Her memories of the warehouse were still confused, but her heart ached when she pictured his bloodied face and tortured eyes as she had walked into the room were they were being held.

I could've fucking lost them. The words ran through her mind again as they had all day since waking up to Murphy that morning. Katie shook her head to drive the words from her mind, knowing it would do her no good to think that way. They were alive, and safe and probably having a hell of a good time at home. Without her. Fuckers. Grinning, she moved to the window.

Sara's purse sat on the ledge and Katie's eyes caught sight of a folded sheet of paper sitting on the top of it. A small piece of tape sealed it and she did a double take when she saw her name on it. Kathleen. Who the hell used her full name like that?

The writing was unfamiliar and she picked it up, flipping the note over in her hands. Just holding the note brought back memories of passing notes in school and she opened it with a big smile on her face. Glancing at the bottom, she chuckled when she saw Connor's name at the bottom. An answer to my note.

Folding the note back up, Katie ran her hand along the bed for support as she moved to sit back down. She gritted her teeth against the pain as she managed to half slide, half pull herself on. It'd been much easier when Peter was helping her. In fact, the only reason she'd been able to do it this time by herself, she knew, was because the bed was up higher than a normal bed. Great, a preview of what life at home will be like.

As the burning in her abdomen finally began to fade, she opened the note again. His writing was a lot like Murphy's, she realized, but at the same time there was a distinct difference. But it was one that she couldn't quite put her finger on. Shifting slightly, she began to read.

Katie,

Thank you for your inquiry into a position with Irish Brothers, Inc.
However, I'm afraid that your request for 'Saint' status had been turned down for the following reasons:

1.) you are not fully qualified to handle at least three firearms, and

2.) you are neither a man nor an Irish brother (we are a sexist pig of an organization.)

However, after further review by our committee, it had come to our attention that you are much better qualified
for a more supportive position with our organization. Irish Brothers, Inc. would like you invite you to accept the position of 'Angel'.
In other words, Katie, you are too good to be a Saint. You are an Angel, a guardian of us lowly Saints. And for that we will always be grateful.
The ritual smacking of Murphy has been taken care of. Take care of yourself now. And come home soon. Please. We are a bit nuts without you.

Sincerely, a mere Saint
(Love always,
Connor)

She stared at the letter in slight shock, allowing herself to laugh only as she read it the second time. Tears streamed down her face but she continued to laugh and read it again. Despite the pain from her left side, and despite the confused looks from both Peter and Sara as they entered the room a few minutes later, she kept smiling through the tears.

As they stepped forward, looking more than a little concerned, Katie simply handed the letter over, at loss for words. Only a McManus could have managed to inject humor into what had otherwise been overly emotional situation. And as the tears fell from Sara's eyes, Katie knew things were finally alright. Things were finally going to be okay.