Author's Note: Many thanks to A posse ad esse and wolfchick11 for reviewing.

Chapter II: Miami Bound

The morning rays broke through the blinds and began searing Connor's eyelids. He threw his arm over his eyes hoping that he could fight off the sun and score a few more minutes of sleep. Too bad his mouth was noticeably dry from a night of drinking too much whiskey. He pulled himself off the couch attempting to stretch out the kinks in his back. Not only was the couch ugly, but it was terribly uncomfortable. It was a pea green color and had several large rips in it. He and Murphy had found it on the side of the road when they first arrived in Boston. They were strapped for cash and it was free, so neither of them complained. Even though money wasn't a problem now, couch shopping wasn't high on their to-do list.

Connor groggily stalked to the kitchen passing a comatose Murphy on the way. He noticed the bruising that formed around his neck and a hastily made blood soaked bandage on his arm. Considering Murphy, injuries of this nature weren't too uncommon. Making a large pot of coffee, he picked up the phone and dialed one of the few familiar numbers.

"Smecker."

"We're goin' to Florida."

"The investigation isn't going so well that you need to run to Florida."

"We're not runnin', we're goin' after that child murderer."

"Child murderer? When did you start clipping off children?"

"Fuck ye. Ye know exactly what I'm talkin' 'bout."

"I'll see what I can find out, but I may need some kind of bribe."

"A bribe? When did ye get so fuckin' corrupt?"

"Are the Saints going to come after me now? That wouldn't be too bad though. I've been craving some Irish Cream."

"Find out. I'll call ye in a couple o' days."

Connor turned the phone off and threw it to the side. Irish cream? Smecker could be so flamboyant sometimes. His sexual remarks began to grow in number since they met him years ago. He thought it was obvious that neither him nor his brother were gay, but Smecker seemed hell bent on getting one of them to cross over to the other side. Connor was glad that most their conversations took place over the phone. His flirtatious remarks were annoying enough without having to see the gestures as well.

Minutes later Murphy stumbled into the kitchen and grabbed a cup of coffee. Listlessly, he plopped down on a kitchen chair next to his brother lighting a cigarette for both of them. They sat in silence for several minutes waiting for the caffeine and nicotine to kick in.

"So what happened to ye?"

"Some fuckin' fat asses tried to rob the Corner Pocket last night."

"Ye look like ye were hung. Ye should wear a turtle neck today."

"I fuckin' hate turtle necks. It's like yer being strangled by a really weak person."

"You'd fuckin' know the difference."

"Lay off. When are we leavin' anyway?"

"After mass if you get yer ass up and pack."

"Fuck off. When did you become the damn older brother?"

Murphy got up in a huff and headed towards the bathroom for a shower. As he passed Connor, he slapped him on the head and pranced his way down the hall. He glanced back to find his brother giving him the finger. Laughing he kicked in the bathroom door and slide in.

Murphy took a moment to inspect himself in the mirror. The bruising around his neck was a stark reminder of last night's antics. Sighing to himself he realized Connor was right. He'd have to wear a turtle neck. They realized early on that going into public with large, noticeable bruises just drew more attention to them and made people ask questions, which they needed to avoid.

What they also needed was down time. Miami seemed like a wonderful place to score some down time. Sun, sand, waves, tequila and women. Could there be a better combination? Murphy was looking forward to this trip. Not only could they take out some sick pedophile freak, but they would do it with style in one of the grandest cities in the world. The thought of the upcoming weeks brought a smile to his face. He couldn't wait to get down there.

And with a sudden realization, Murphy came back from his thoughts and found himself still staring in the mirror. He had been standing there without moving for at least ten minutes. He let out a soft chuckle and stripped down. He was about to break his record for speed showering.

After ten minutes of silence, Connor finally heard the water turn on. He couldn't help the smile that came to his face at the thought of his brother's absentmindedness. With a shake of his head, he stood and strolled to their bedroom. Their bedroom was like the rest of their apartment. Food, clothes, and trash littered the area. The only space spared from their clutter was their two separate twin beds. And even those didn't have sheets on them.

Connor made his way to a pile of clothes thrown into the corner of their room. Grabbing a handful of shirts, he took a whiff of the pile. Separating the decent ones from the pungent ones, he began to pack. After going through the pile, he realized they only had three shirts that didn't smell like a wet dog hadn't rolled and farted on them. He was going to have to do laundry. He hated laundry. It felt like such a wasted portion of life. Grabbing another handful of various clothes he shoved them into a duffle bag and carried everything into the living room. Murphy followed him soon after carrying two black bags full of their "essentials".

"Are ye sure ye showered? Ye smell like someone took a shit on ye."

Murphy lifted up his shirt and smelled it making a face of disgust. "It's all I could fuckin' find. Fabreeze me."

Murphy threw his head back and his hands in the air as if he was in a flamboyant cabaret. Connor then circled him and sprayed him down with the odor eating scent.

"Now ye smell like fresh linen on a summer mornin' in Boston."

"Fuck ye. Let's roll out."

"Roll out? You've been watchin' too much Mtv."

Connor loved going to church. Afterwards it always left him feeling rejuvenated and clean. It was a great way to begin the week even though as it progressed their minds grew dark and tainted with the spoils of the business. Having that brief break rekindled the light in their souls and allowed them to continue their work without having it drag them down with every body that they fell.

He found himself enjoying an after church cigarette while he waited for his brother. It was a beautiful day. Not a cloud in the sky as the sun shined down on all of Boston's inhabitants. Connor entertained himself by people watching. There were so many interesting characters in the world. And they say that everyone is unique and different. He believed it as he watched a wide variety of people meander down the streets. Children were laughing and running, uptight businessmen in suits were rigidly walking while on the phone as if their current phone call was the most important one of their life. There were beautiful women, men with too many tattoos and even someone who looked like Danny DeVito across the street from him sneering at his coffee.

Before long Murphy made his debut into Boston's streets and lit a cigarette before glancing wordlessly at his brother. They both knew it was time to leave. Excitement began to course through his veins as they began their trip to Miami.