Page 84 of Demise

I wrap my arm around him and hug the man, and then we both clear our throats and break apart. I look back at the inflamed building one last time before we climb into the car. Johnny lights a smoke, I turn the radio on, and we ride out as the sirens ring in the distance.

Moretti Galo

I hear the locks opening outside on the other doors in the hall and then my door opens.

“Come with me,” one of the pigs says.

“Where the fuck are we going?” I ask, knowing it hasn’t been thirty minutes.

He doesn’t respond. I heave myself up from the bench, and he shoves me ahead. I nearly trip over the shackles.

“Do you know who I am?” I say, turning to face him. He whacks me, gashing my head open. I feel warm blood running down the side of my face. I blink my eyes, seeing spots. I laugh. “Oh, you’ll pay for that, you fucking pig.”

He grabs me by my arms and walks me down the hall. We turn the corner, and he shoves me into a small interrogation room, slamming the door shut behind him. I hit my shoulder against the wall, blood slipping into my eye.

“What the fuck am I doing in here?” I yell out.

I hear the door open behind me, and I turn to look. A man with a mustache glowers back at me. I widen my eyes, noticing the scar on his face. I wipe at the blood on my forehead.

“Goddamn, look what the cat dragged in. “Henry Indelicato. How’s that abusive father of yours?”

He smiles at me, pulling a gun out of his holster.

My throat dries.

“Bones sends his regards, motherfucker.”

Chapter Fifty-Seven

Bexley

(Three years later)

Standing on the Cliffs of Moher, I shut my eyes, listening to the waves break along the rocks below. The salt-filled ocean breeze elevates wisps of my hair, and I slip the stray piece behind my ear.

With perfect clarity, thoughts of my life flow in and out, corresponding to the tide below. It rushes in quickly before being pulled back. This life I live now is unlike before. I am not as young as I once was, nor am I as naïve to the ways of the world.

For I have seen a lot of it. I have known the evil that lies dormant, the good that begs to breathe, the bravery of which only a select few possess. I have felt a love so resilient, it burns as bright as the brightest stars. I have suffered loss and touched bliss with my own two hands. I am a woman of many visions.

A hell of a vision.

Enjoying the sun on my face, the smell of the ocean, and the feel of his hand in mine, I rest my head on his shoulder, running my finger over his wedding band.

We were married a few months after we moved to Ireland. I stood in front of the man I love and swore I always would. I promised it was forever, and we kissed like it was the first time.

He kisses my forehead now, and I run my hand over my belly. We found out we were pregnant a week after we said I do. We have a three-year-old daughter and now we have triplets on the way.

Triplets and they’re all boys.

Danny’s over the moon. He’s learning to live life normally, but I can tell from time to time he gets anxious, bored. He bought a small pub here to focus his time on. And I have my photography. Life is good, peaceful, until these babies come.

Then we’re in for a hell of a ride, but together we can handle anything.

“Let’s go,” he says. I nod, looking out at the ocean one last time before we walk back to the car. Danny opens my door first and I sit inside, watching him as he walks around the front.

My husband.He winks at me, and I smile, waiting as he opens the door.

“Patrick,” I say.

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