Chapter Three~I Wish It Would Rain...

Chapter Three: I Wish It Would Rain...

Against his better judgment, Liam went to see his father. First time in five years. The old man looked the same, a few more wrinkles...but no different. Defiance in his eyes. And a wariness.
Couldn't say much with the cop nearby.

"Well, if it isn't the former heir apparent. Take a seat, Liam." Vinnie said coolly.


Liam crossed his arms. "I am not staying long, I will stand."

"I see you cut that gypsy hair of yours at last. About damned time..." Vinnie snorted.

"I did not come to discuss my hair. I wanted you to know, I spoke to Keiran on the phone. He is coming home. We are going to run the garbage and construction businesses together. He is moving back next month." Liam stated flatly.

"Bringing that cop bitch with him?" Vinnie sneered.
"That is why I am here. Leave her alone. She has done nothing, she won't be testifying. It is over. They are married. They have a son. They have a life." Liam replied.

"A son? I...I didn't know that." Vinnie's voice softened slightly. He cleared his throat. "And what about you Liam, are you testifying?" He asked, more gruffly.

The cop was listening. Who cares, it will be general knowledge anyway. "The D.A. brought me in some time ago, I had nothing to say. They don't need me, they have a strong enough case against you, I'd wager. I am out. I am staying out."

Vinnie raised an eyebrow. "Is that right? I won't be doing time, I will be released."
"I admire your confidence Pop, but I think you are wrong. But you are putting back-up plans in place I hear. Why is Sullivan McDermott here?" Liam said quietly.

"Oh? Your heard about your cousin? I have other businesses besides the garbage and construction that you so deftly stole from me. He will be looking after those. Seems eager, why not give the boy a chance? He hasn't had it easy in Ireland." Vinnie shrugged.

Liam felt a chill go across his soul. 'Other businesses', Christ knows what that entailed. He would have to find out, and fast.

"Over the death of that cop's hand-me-down? Maggie, wasn't that her name? I am sure you have some other fillies lined up, you always did." Vinnie chucked, almost in admiration. "I have grandchildren I have never seen, your daughters included."

Liam had to restrain himself for leaping over the desk and smashing his father's face in. "If I have my way, you will never see your grandchildren, any of them." he hissed.

Vinnie's eyes narrowed. "Ungrateful, the whole lot of you. Two of my kids married cops for Christ sake! None of you have been to see me. I gave you all everything you ever wanted, and you turn your backs on me. Damn right I brought your cousin over, he will take the place of my gutless sons, all three of you. And Regan. She is just as bad. Keep the businesses you snatched from me, hope you and Keiran enjoying punching a time clock. And Joey."

"Guess we have nothing more to say." Liam stated.

Vinnie looked at his older son. He found out a few things, Keiran's wife and Liam, will not be testifying. Then who else? There had to be someone...Vinnie smiled. Patty-boy. He went legit.
Something to check out. "No, I guess not. You say you are out, boy? You know in this life, you are never really out. Remember that."

Liam turned on his heel and walked away. That icy chill just got worse. He never considered the possibility his father would get off. Then what? He would slide right back in to his former life, using McDermott as his puppet. He would try and insinuate his way back into their lives.
Dragging them all down.

Liam sighed inwardly. He was no innocent, he had a past. Did things, ordered people to do things. Not anymore. Never again. Ever.

Liam went right over to Joey's store. Had not seen or spoken to Joey in quite a long time. They really had not grown closer at all, perhaps that was his own fault. And seeing him now, a stab of guilt roared through him. Jesus, he slept with Joey's girlfriend. He really was lower than the dog shit you scrape off your boots.

"Quinn said to come right through, hope it is Ok..." Liam mumbled.
"Looking for a TV or stereo?" Joey said nonchalantly.

Liam took a chair. "No. Just saw Pop at the prison. First time I saw him since he was arrested. He brought over a cousin, from my mother's side. From Ireland. Sullivan McDermott. And I am afraid it is for nefarious purposes. Pop always played things close to the chest, a lot I was not made aware of. This...cousin. I don't know him. But you can be sure Pop is trying to reestablish some toe-hold here."

Joey just looked at him, his expression not changing. "So what does that have to do with me? I was never involved in any of this."

"If Pop is using this McDermott for criminal activities, it damned well will involve us all. We will be tainted with the same brush. Keiran is moving back, with his wife and son. He will be joining me in running De Luca Construction and De Luca Sanitation. We want to be as legit as you, it is what I have been working for these last years. I won't see Pop and this Mick cousin ruin it all. I just wanted you to be aware what is going on."

Joey was incredulous. It is the most open and honest conversation he and Liam had exchanged, ever. "Legit...are you serious? I mean, I just assumed..."

"You assumed I was still involved in the 'family business'." Liam finished.
"Yeah. Sorry. I did. I never bothered to find out any different. Nor did I bother finding about Keiran."

"We can remedy that now, Joey. With Keiran coming home. We can be brothers. Regan would like it. She has reached out to you, you refused." Liam said quietly.

"Well excuse me all to hell, you didn't exactly all give me a warm welcome when you found out I was your half-brother. I thought Keiran and I were making progress, but he disappeared without a word. Haven't heard from him all this time."

Liam explained about Julie, being an undercover cop, and basically in hiding. Liam conveniently left out he was the reason she left town. In fear for her life. Because of him.
"Jesus..." Joey whispered. "Had no idea. Liam, I can't promise anything, I will try. Things have not been going so good lately..."

"Business-wise?" Liam inquired.
"No. Donna Leary and I just broke up." Joey stated flatly.
Christ. Liam squirmed uncomfortably in his chair. "Sorry..." He mumbled.
"We grew apart, I guess is the explanation. I don't know her anymore. She's not the girl...anyway, it's over. And it hurts." Joey said bluntly.

Liam mumbled his sympathy. Now what? He can fuck Donna now with impunity? No, he had to ensure it never happened again, what he did was twisted.
But, in the dark, he could pretend. And in those few hours he could forget, forget his wretched grief. He knew about hurt. He still hurt.

Dennis Vinyard had been feeling...lost. His on again off again relationship with Veronica Titus hit permanent off status 2 months ago. He found...he missed her.

Did he love her? He was truly confused. Nothing of the intensity of his feelings for Teena. But, he wondered if they should try again. He had met no other woman in the years since Teena died, that even came close, except for Veronica.

Maybe this was the woman for him after all. He felt comfortable around her, maybe it was time to settle down. Shit, Mike and Tyler seemed to revel in married life, why not him?
They fact that something was lacking, did not weigh heavily on Dennis. Perhaps those intense passionate feelings only came around once in a lifetime.
Face it, you are lonely.

"Veronica, how are you?" Dennis questioned.
She looked up. "I have customers to ring in Dennis..."
Whoa. You could scrape the frost off her.
He supposed he deserved that. Since he was the one to walk away...again.
"I'll make it quick, I want us to get back together..." Dennis said hurriedly.


She lowered her head. "I can't Dennis. I tried, really I did. I can't."
"Why?"
What could Veronica say? That she was seeing Nick Moretti now? Was she? After their heavy petting on the beach, last week, she had not heard from him, even though he did say he would call. Frankly, she was sick of men.

"I am tired Dennis. Of the whole relationship thing. Sorry. After five years, I guess we ran out of steam. You were right. It would be wrong to force it."

"Yeah. Ok. See you around." Dennis turned and walked away.

Veronica lowered her head, gripping her cash register. That was harder than she thought. She cared for Dennis, hell, she thought she was in love with him, but he never said the words to her, not in all the five years, not even when she shared his bed. Good-bye, Dennis.

Fallon Fitzpatrick made her way toward the TV shop her friend Wendy told her about.
A possible sale.
Her real estate business had been a struggle to get off the ground, she would take any leads where she could get them. Wendy said the owners looked prosperous...Good. She had a few homes he might be interested in.
Joey Indelli. Obviously Italian. She asked Wendy what he looked like and she really would not say. Not that it matters.

Fallon walked in the shop, it was still early morning, there were no customers around as yet. She saw a tall, broad shouldered man with a clip board, could this be him? It would be too good to be true, if the front of him looked as fine as the back...she shook her head.

Business. You are here for business, not to admire the merchandise.
"Mr. Indelli?" She called out.

He turned around and smiled. Sweet mother Mary, Fallon was almost brought to her knees. She was a sucker for the whole tall, dark and handsome package, and this man was all of it and more.
"Yes, I am Joey Indelli, can I help you?" The deep voice replied.

Saints above! I will kill Wendy, she should have prepared me, why can't I get my tongue to work??
"I...I...I am Fallon Fitzpatrick, Wendy Dillon said I would be stopping by?" She finally managed to say.

"Oh...right. The Real Estate Lady. Uh...I am not sure...You see...Hell, I just broke up with my girlfriend, so I am not sure I will be needing a house at this time." He mumbled uncomfortably.

Fallon almost wanted to dance a jig right in front of him, shameless. He was free...She cleared her throat. "I would not let that stop you, a house would be an asset, why pay rent? It is just flushing money away when you could be building equity in a property. I have a few houses that would be ideal for a single man...of...business, why not let me set up a couple of appointments? It wouldn't hurt." She smiled.

He seemed to consider her suggestion. Slowly, a smile curved about his sensous lips. "Alright, sure. Set up the appointments."

The ballgame over, Liam stopped at the Kozy Korner Diner back in Rockland. Actually, he had a nice time. Darcy was an enthusiastic fan. Damn, he forgot how much he liked baseball. She was good company, jumping up and down when her Red Sox got a hit, Squealing with delight when Yaz stole a base. But, The Red Sox lost. Darcy did not let it get her down, she chattered all the back from Baltimore.
But her upbeat chatter did not annoy him, in fact, he liked it.

"You're sure you are up for a meal? I mean, two hot dogs, cracker jacks, popcorn, pretzels at the ballpark, you can't be hungry." He teased good-naturedly.

"Oh my Liam. You smiled! How wonderful!" she laughed. "You really should do it more often, it lights up your whole handsome face!" She brought her hand to her mouth in shock. "Sorry, I should not have said that..."

Liam made a couple of steps toward her. His eyes narrowed. That deep, throaty laugh of hers, it was affecting him. She was affecting him.

She met his gaze, did not wither, or step back. He liked that. He knew his stare could be intimidating, in more ways than one. Used it to his advantage plenty of times.
He wanted...to touch her.

His hands rested gently on her waist, he leaned in, breathing in the essence of her. She smelled of buttered popcorn and mustard and fresh, sweet femininity.
One of his hands slowly moved down to her hip, and caressed it slowly. He could feel her heat through her Capri pants.
He was so tempted...to kiss her.
A gentle sigh escaped her lips, breaking the spell.
Liam stepped back.

He reached for her hand. "Come on. They have some good seafood on the menu. Being from Maine, that should appeal to you...Lobster..." His voice trailed off.

Suddenly, he thought of Maggie, and the Lobster dinner they had shared on their first date. The pain grabbed his heart mercilessly. He managed to go hours without thinking of her, but here she was, back again. The mood changed, and he knew Darcy sensed it.

Dennis went back to the office to do up some paperwork, he was restless. Typing mundane reports would make the time pass fast enough.
He thought over his brief conversation with Veronica. He had no one to blame but himself.


Tyler walked in holding a Dixie cup filled with hot coffee.
"Dennis, what in hell are you doing here?"
Dennis looked at his friend. "More to the point, what are you doing here?"
"I have a stake-out tonight, I got a lead on some heroin, a new dealer in town."
Dennis continued typing. "Why don't you go home to your wife and kids, I can do it."

Tyler was tempted. Very tempted. "I don't know man..."

The clickity-clack of the keys continued without abatement. "Go on home Tyler. You have a life. Live it." Dennis said firmly.
"What about you and Veronica?" Tyler already knew they were 'off-again', but he could hope.

"Over. Permanent. She just told me tonight." Dennis replied in an emotionless voice.
"I am sorry, Dennis. I thought...I hoped..."

"Well, That is that, I guess. I'll live." Dennis exhaled. "Look, go on home, give me the particulars, and I will do it. No sweat man, I owe you one anyhow."
Tyler put the coffee cup down on the desk. "You talked me into it." He gave Dennis the directions and instructions.

Tyler turned to leave. he was actually relieved, the thought of some boring stakeout into the wee hours of the morning did not appeal. Being home, in Regan's arms did. "Thanks man..." Tyler called over his shoulder.

Dennis looked up. "Good-bye, Tyler."

Liam took Darcy home, walked her to her door and said good-bye. Did not kiss her, touch her or promise to call.
He was going to...but...Maggie.
Darcy was his first real date since her death. Oh, he had been with women, even had one he visited exclusively for a while. But they meant nothing. Not enough to take out to a ballgame or dinner.
He rubbed his head. The headache again, happened every time he thought of Maggie.

Deanna came running down the stairs. "Daddy! You're home!!"
She grabbed Liam's hands, 'Dance with me, Daddy!"

Liam laughed and indulged her. She stepped on his boots and he whirled her around the foyer.
In spite of the memories of Maggie hanging over his date with Darcy, he was still in a fairly good mood. For once.

Deanna grabbed Liam and held on tight. "Oh Daddy, you DO love me, don't you?"

That stabbed Liam hard. "Listen to me Deanie girl," he whispered in her ear. "I love you more than my life. I know I don't tell you or show you enough, but I do, never forget it. Hear me?"
Deanna closed her eyes tight. 'Oh yes Daddy, I hear you!"

"Tell you what, why don't we go to a baseball game real soon, would you like that?" He briefly thought of Darcy. Maybe she would ask her to join them.
As Deanna started peppering him with questions, the phone rang in the next room.

He picked up the receiver. A deep, whispered female voice spoke to him...from beyond the grave.
"Liam...I am here, waiting for you..."
Jesus.
"Who is it Daddy?" Deanna questioned.
"Go upstairs and let Brianna get you ready for bed."
When Deanna left, he said, "Don't call here again."
"Come to me Liam...Same hotel, same room...Please, I want you..."

He came.
He could not stay away. The pull, the need, the want.
He wanted Maggie. This was the next best thing.
As soon as he stepped in the room, it started again, the darkness, the spinning, the haze.
She was sprawled on the bed, in sexy underwear, stockings and a garter belt. He loved women wearing that. He loved Maggie wearing it. This isn't Maggie...a voice whispered in his ear.
He chose to ignore it.

Stripping off his clothes, he climbed onto the bed behind her on his knees, his hands exploring her. He whispered in her ear, everything he was going to do to her, and with what parts of his body. To what parts of hers. Multiple times.
She moaned.
"Mags..." he whispered. "Love me..."

Much later, they lay on the nearby sofa, completely spent. He patted her head and ran his long fingers through her hair like she was a contented kitten curled up on his lap. He could swear she was purring.
Everything was still spinning, she was rubbing her cheek against his crotch, bringing it to life once again.
"Liam...that was...I cannot describe it." Donna said breathlessly.

The illusion was shattered. She spoke in her own voice.
Liam stood immediately. He had to get out, get away from her.
Donna got up on her knees and pressed her body next to his. Her hand trailed down his muscular chest and stomach to points below.
"Stop it..." he growled.

"I will be what you want me to be, I will dress like her, talk like her, just tell me what to do and what you want..." Donna whispered.

The temptation was too great. he never thought himself a weak man...but he was when it came to Maggie. This was like a drug, that he had to have to survive. To function. To live. It was insane.

"I will tell you what I want, be here in this room, every Saturday night at 9PM. Do you understand? That is all I want from you, is to be 'her'...for a few hours. Nothing else. Accept it, or walk out now." Liam said in a cold tone.
Donna was quiet for a few moments. "I accept." she answered in her mother's deep throaty voice.

Ronan McCarthy knew...he was being followed. Had been for a couple of days. Working and trying to survive in the streets of Dublin, for the IRA, you did not ignore your gut screaming at you.
Rain was falling softly. A nearby train roared by in the background, its whistle ear piercing and shrill. He went to an run down lot, one he had seen bums hanging out at. It was empty even though a fire burned in the barrel. Good.
He was luring whoever was following him here.
Ronan reached behind and pulled a gun out of his waistband. Americans and their guns.

He stepped out behind the dumpster he was hiding behind. "Alright gobshite, why are you following me? Who the hell are you?"

Dennis did not answer, he could not believe he was caught, this asshole must have doubled back, he was good. Never heard a sound.

"Ah...a pig. Can see it in your eyes. Can smell you. Bugger off mate, before I throw you in the dumpster with the rest of the shite."

Ronan began to walk away, putting his gun back in his waistband.
"I know what you are up to, you mick prick, just a matter of time before you slip up, I will be there to see it, and take you in. Take you down. Drug pushing scum. You are mine." Dennis said, his tone low and threatening.

Ronan stopped in his tracks, the scars on his cheek working furiously. No one feckin' threatened him. No one.

In three swift steps, he had the knife out of his boot and plunged it into Dennis stomach, right to the hilt. Ronan pulled upward a good 6-7 inches, he could hear the skin ripping, see the warm blood begin to spill outward. He stepped back to avoid the sudden gush of blood and guts.

Ronan was skilled, he could cut and slice as deftly as a surgeon, without getting any spatter on himself.
He preferred a knife anyway, silent, deadly. Damn guns were useless. Only Americans would want to draw attention to themselves with a noisy gun.

Ronan wiped the knife clean on Dennis' neck. "I was going to slit your throat, but it is too quick. I think I will let you sit here and die, should take a few agonizing hours."

Ronan stepped back and looked at him, Dennis breathing was labored, blood pooling in his lap.
Ronan smiled broadly and then brought the blade across Dennis' neck with one swift motion. Spatter hit the dumpster.
He walked away.
"Changed my feckin' mind..." he said aloud, to no one in particular.

~TO BE CONTINUED~

See you in December~ MUSIC LISTED BELOW IS FOR THE NEXT FEW CHAPTERS

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