Risk It All

Another morning had seem to arrive too quickly as Nolee was not sure the exact time she had managed to pass out after Ruby went to sleep, but the beaming in her window had been a surprise. Perhaps it had been some time after watching the news Nolee had tried to wait up for the boys to return home but the sleepiness had won the battle. Groggily sitting up from the bed Nolee looked to the other side of the bed.

"Murphy?" she whispered tiredly waiting for a response. A small wave of panic had ran through her as she was only met with silence and an empty space. The wave of panic had faltered when she realized even though the bed was empty, the sheets on the other side were undone giving a sign that Murphy had indeed manage to make it home, hopefully unharmed.

"Ruby?" she called out to other beloved realizing there had been no sound of a crying baby either. Checking Ruby's crib to find it also vacant, Nolee furrowed her eyebrows getting up from the bed yawning. It seemed her energy levels were back to dipping again causing her to sigh.

"Guess it's time to go back to coffee." she spoke to herself. With everything going on with the boys as well as being a new mom, caffeine would be only the saving grace. As Nolee stretched her body out to get rid of the kinks the sound of loud music had caught her attention. Raising her eyebrow at the familiar tune she curiously walked out the bedroom to find the source. The sound had seemed to be coming from the kitchen as well as the smell of bacon frying wafted through the air, sounds of several fingers snapping had matched in time with the song. An amused grin had spread across her face to find Connor holding Ruby as him, Murphy, and Rocco began to sway along to the radio while they played with Ruby.

'I've got sunshine on a cloudy day
When it's cold outside I've got the month of May
Well I guess you'd say
What can make me feel this way?
My girl (my girl, my girl)
Talkin' 'bout my girl (my girl)' all three had lip synced pointing their fingers at Ruby. Nolee stared on adoringly watching the three adults really get into the groove. Ruby seemingly calm and content looking up at them.

'I've got so much honey the bees envy me
I've got a sweeter song than the birds in the trees
Well I guess you'd say
What can make me feel this way?
My girl (my girl, my girl)
Talkin' 'bout my girl (my girl ooh)' A full blown show had been put on for the small girl watching three sarcastic men sing to a baby. Murphy and Rocco were now using spatulas as microphones with Murphy singing lead, Rocco being the backup. Nolee shook her head but continued to smile unable to imagine how her life would be like without her two Irishmen and hairy Italian. There was no doubt all three were protective of Ruby.

'Good luck trying to have a boyfriend with those three Ruby.' Nolee had thought causing a chuckle to escape her lips, making the three men's heads turn her way. Rocco and Connor had a small blush on their cheeks from being watched, whereas Murphy had swiftly pulled the small girl into his arms and spun her around once before suddenly dipping her making her gasp. Murphy had smiled supporting her back so she wouldn't fall in what was perceived to be a romantic gesture.

'I don't need no money, fortune, or fame (ooh hey hey hey)
I've got all the riches baby one man can claim (oh yes I do)
I guess you'd say
What can make me feel this way?
My girl (my girl, my girl)' Murphy had now sung to the girl who blushed immensely once again getting lost in his icy blues that stared back at her. Murphy smiled lightly brushing his lips against hers sending a shiver up her spine.

"Oh for fuck's sake, get a room!" Connor shouted grimacing at the couple in annoyance. Murphy rolled his eyes in response to his twin flipping him the bird before helping Nolee back to her feet while she giggled. It was ironic to her how life had seemed semi normal with moments like these until nightfall would come and the boys would be off. Whether they would return to the meat packing plant any time soon seemed unclear. Despite the task of trying to keep things normal while balancing out the vigilantism might've seemed impossible, it was also moments like these that maybe just maybe...they could have the best of both worlds.
___________

*Meanwhile*

"Rocco...this package boy...he could bring down the whole East Coast. If he decides to turn state's evidence, he could take us apart brick by brick.'
"Listen kid I hope you know who you're dealing with, this guy is no slouch."

"When I was a boy you and papa used to speak of him like he was a ghost."

"Your father and I used him three times in 20 years-only when things got totally fucked. Whenever we need one of our own bumped off, we'd call him in. He had a thing for clippin' wise guys, but had one rule: no women or children. Believe me kid, you don't want this guy unless you're 100% sure you'll need him.'

The sound of large shackles rattling through the air through the air as heavily armed officers escorted the man who was bound. Nervously the officers eyes had studied him making sure he had not dared to make any sudden movements. Fully aware of what he had done previously, and what he could still be capable of. Curiosity had plagued the haggard man not having seen this side of the prison in almost 25 years. The curiosity had shifted to indifference when he was placed in front of a panel. What would've been a lengthy process otherwise, magically the panel had quickly looked over the file before the large stamp had been pushed down onto it.

"Prisoner 6570534... as of today you are being granted parole."
_______

After breakfast had been made thanks to the brothers complete with routine morning insults and brotherly slaps to the head, slaps to Rocco's head, Nolee had taken Ruby back to the bedroom to nurse in private. Rocco's eyes had studied the bedroom door until it was fully shut before he turned his head back to the brothers.

"All right, let's talk business here." Rocco announced feeling it was better the girl had not been around.

"I know a sick fuck who makes the ones we been doin' look like altar boys. Worst night of my life when I met this guy."

*Rocco's flashback*

Rocco's eyes had nervously shifted watching the man in a trenchcoat and hat enter the lime green vehicle. Donning sunglasses he seemed to radiate a sinisterness that sent a shiver up Rocco's spine. The man in the trench coat had not spoken a single word the entire 25 minute drive. Rocco felt his uneasiness continue at not hearing even a damn sigh or throat clearing, just utter silence. Approaching a large house Rocco had been instructed to drive to beforehand, both men had exited the vehicle. Rocco's eyes curiously watched the man enter the house while he remained by the vehicle. It wasn't long before the sound of many many many gunshots began to go off. Rocco's hands had twitched lighting a cigarette to distract himself of knowing who exactly had been inside the house.

When the gunshots had finally seized Rocco looked up to see the man exiting the house. Still being met with silence Rocco knew it was imperative he had put his own feelings aside and composed himself, chances are it wouldn't end well for him if he didn't. Following the man in the trenchcoat to a large trash can in the nearby alleyway, the man had only thrown in the piece of blood stained carpet he had cut out tossing it inside. Dousing the carpet in gasoline, the man then reached for the box of matches inside his pocket, his fingers expertly striking a match before tossing it in last. As the flames quickly started inside a sour feeling settled into Rocco's stomach watching the flames rise where the man in the trenchcoat had only looked on. A mix of disgust ran through Rocco that despite the man wearing sunglasses, his body language had expressed exuberance.

"His face, blank man...just nothin' there. This guy takes out a whole family: wife, kids, everyone and doesn't bat one fucking eyelash. I knew if I didn't keep it together, it was my ass." Rocco explained with a sigh as his eyes temporarily shut, clearly still affected by it all.

"He has a poker game out back of his place with a bunch of wise guys every Saturday. Worst day of my life, man." Rocco lamented as his eyes became fixated on the kitchen table.

"Well, I'm sold." Murphy replied without missing a beat, slightly interested at having a new target to be sought out. Rocco's eyes had slowly lifted from the table to glance at Murphy in relief, Connor had seemed to share the view of course.

"Don't worry Roc. We'll do this guy right, and you'll feel a lot better."
_____

*The next day*

A new plan had been devised between the three men temporarily giving Rocco peace of mind. A small feeling of accomplishment couldn't help but be felt on his part. At not only being apart of something purposeful thanks in large part to Connor and Murphy, it was also the chance to extract an overdue revenge he had secretly harbored. Feeling confident that there recent missions had been stealthy, perhaps it was time to delve deeper to the true bastards who deserved it. This was the chance for all three men to really make a difference and get some justice. Pouring the dark liquid into his mug Rocco let out a calm sigh watching Connor and Murphy prepare their bags yet again for what they would need later. Reaching into the fridge absentmindedly Rocco pulled out the milk and poured a splash into his coffee.

"Morning boys." Nolee yawned walking into the kitchen holding Ruby.

"Mornin.' all three men had replied in unison. Nolee smiled as she made her to the fridge and furrowed her eyebrows at not finding what she needed.

"Uhh guys...has anyone seen Ruby's milk?" Nolee questioned confused confident she placed the milk she pumped into the fridge the night before, unaware of the slightly nauseous expression that had spread across the Italian's face.

"Ye mean ta milk Rocco just poured into his fuckin' coffee?" Murphy mused easily spotting the container on the counter causing Nolee's eyes to widen.

"You...mean...the milk...was..." Rocco whispered looking down at his coffee horrified.

"Congrats Roc, ye just drank titty milk." Connor added with own his sardonic grin watching the Italian further become nauseous.

"I think I'm gonna be sick," Rocco gasped running off into the direction of the bathroom while the brothers erupted into a giggle fit.

"What a dumb shit!"

"Rocco drank breast milk!"

"Connor, Murphy..." Nolee warned the brothers but couldn't help but crack a smile herself in amusement. Hearing the Italian vomit in the bathroom nearby only added more fuel to the laughing fire. When Rocco had managed to finally stop throwing up (which took a while) the men were once again prepared to put their plan in motion. Seeing the black bags on the table naturally started up the anxiousness in the small girl.

"I hate when ye give t'at look." Murphy told her gently noting her now indifferent expression she always seemed to display before they left.

"Well what do you expect?" she whispered in response. "Just cause I've gotten used to the idea somewhat, I'm still going to worry."

"I know." Murphy sighed. "But we've been consistent so far yea? This will be no different love."

"It just takes one time Murphy-"

"It won't." Murphy quickly interjected cupping her chin. "We got this one in ta bag, and from what Rocco has told us it sounds like a particular fella needs some of our TLC. This guy...he deserves it lass, trust me." Murphy explained firmly as Nolee watched his face harden, not sure if she wanted to know any more info about their soon to be target.

"Well...think you'll be back in time for dinner? I'm making you and Connor's favorite, lasagna and caesar salad." Nolee replied in an attempt to change the subject.

"Now t'at ye know we wouldn't miss." Murphy replied with an enthusiastic smile.

"Good." was all she had responded with. "Cause if you don't, I'm giving your piece to David Meowie."

"Oh not t'at little fucker, he don't deserve it!" Murphy replied angrily at the thought.

"Still mad he bit your ass Murphy?" Nolee replied in amusement recalling the day they moved in the new apartment finding the neighbor's large orange tabby cat by their door. Naturally Murphy felt inclined to pet the seemingly innocent feline, who in fact did not like other humans. Murphy found out the hard way by David Meowie going into attack mode and giving the Irishman a swift bite to the rear.

"He's a little shit is what he is, and ye better not give him my fuckin' lasagna." Murphy retorted still holding a grudge about it.

"I won't, as long as you come home." she countered with a small smirk.

"Why ye like ta bust my balls all ta time lass?"

"Cause it's my job." Nolee answered sweetly as Murphy rolled his eyes but kissed her.

"Ye get on me nerves sometimes...but I wouldn't want it any other way."
______

All three men sat anxiously in the dark van parked close to their destination. Connor and Rocco had loaded the ammunition as Murphy kept watch in the driver's seat. Anticipation running through him seeing the young kid exit the house and get on his bicycle. Knowing they were now good to carry out their course of action, Murphy turned his head towards the other two men.

"There he goes." he assured signaling the other two to grab their weapons. Quickly exiting the van all the three men made their way to the garage of the large house looking around to make sure no other witnesses were present, having known the garage was left open when the child would take his bike out made it all that much easier. Unfortunately they were still left with the task of the intended target's wife who was essentially the gatekeeper. Connor and Murphy were not keen on having to bring a woman into it, but it was necessary to get the code of the target's hideout.

Bounding the woman's hands Rocco had taped her wife to keep her silent. Forcing her outside to the backyard where a smaller unit stood Rocco pushed her towards the coded door that could be only opened from the inside.

"I will kill you lady!" Rocco threatened causing the small woman to whimper.

"Don't, her hands are taped." Connor scolded causing Rocco to sigh and as Murphy used his knife to cut the tape around the woman's hands allowing her to enter the code.

"Man why do I always have to be on bitch detail?" he retorted before he had swiftly used a stun gun on the woman to temporarily knock her out. All three men had prepared themselves and their guns as the door had opened. Bursting their way through several of the men inside drinking and playing pool had been taken by surprise.

"All of 'em." were the only words Rocco had spoken before they had unleashed their wrath of bullets. The surprised men had manage draw their own guns but to no avail getting shot in the process. Two men had lunged under the pool table to escape the gunfire but Rocco had quickly countered them by getting on his knees to fire at a lower angle and shooting them as well. A small wave of panic had gone through Rocco upon realizing none of the men they just took out had been their intended target.

"Shit! Shit! He ain't here!"

"Oh what ta fuck ye mean he isn't here?!" Murphy shouted.

"I mean he ain't here!"

"Well look again for fuck's sake!" Connor chimed in.

"I know what the fuck he looks like!" Rocco argued in annoyance unaware of the door behind him opening.

"Look behind ye!" Murphy warned as the familiar man in the trenchcoat was now at the bathroom coatless holding a weapon of his own. Rocco had swiftly shot the man in the abdomen who only swung his weapon down at Rocco's hand causing him to drop his gun.

"Ahh son of a bitch!" Rocco cursed shaking his wounded hand coming face to face with their target who immediately seem to recognize Rocco.

"Oh shit!" Rocco yelled making a run for it as the man chased behind him swiftly grabbing onto Rocco's coat while Murphy jumped on top of the man.

"Shoot this motherfucker!" Rocco yelled in a panic.

"No let ta fuckin' bloke go!" Connor challenged at his twin. "Now's your chance ta earn ye stripes, Roc!"

"He'll fuckin' get killed!" Murphy reasoned.

"It was ye idea to bring him in with us!" Connor countered. "Here's your chance Roc! You take that man!"

"I don't wanna die!" Rocco whined struggling under the man's tight grasp now around his neck. Murphy had grabbed the solid white ball off the table nearby rolling it to where Rocco laid on the ground. Rocco gasped as he grabbed the ball and managed to push the man off him causing him to fall back on the couch. Rocco wasted no time jumping on the man and swinging towards his face harshly.

"Sick fuck! Sick fuck!" Rocco yelled repeating his swinging action until the white ball had now turned red. When the man no longer moved Rocco jumped off him redirecting his adrenaline towards the spiky haired male.

"Fuck you! You fuckin'-" he began to lunge at Connor who swiftly threw Rocco onto the pool table.

"Now take a fuckin' deep breath there Roc, ye did fine! It was nicely done." Connor retorted to the Italian not apologetic for making him hold his own this time.

Coming down from his high a small smile of satisfaction spread across Rocco's face. Having managed to take out all the men in a timely manner and sending the men on a proper journey to meet their maker, Connor and Murphy knew they were all set to leave the premises undetected. Feeling satisfied at a job well done the men gathered their bags and began to make their way back into the house towards the front door.

As Rocco had opened the door, the satisfaction in all three men had quickly vanished upon realizing who was waiting for them outside.