AN:There's only two chapters left, following the events of season 3. Then the chapters are going to have some time jumps as it goes into what happened in between Season 3 and Season 4. I'm warning you now that there's most likely going to be some changes and it might not follow the season, like the previous chapters. So with that said. I hope you enjoy this chapter.
DISCLAIMER: I do not own SOA, the characters, dialogue or anything recognizable from the show. They belong to Kurt Sutter. I only own Carrie and anything else of my own imagination.
Chapter Eight
Jax woke up to the feeling of a warm body lying next to him. Which had him quickly looking down. Breathing a sigh of relief, as he spotted Carrie with her head on his chest. He silently took in the sight of her sleeping, as the memory of the previous night came rushing back.
Moving the strands of hair that covered her face, Jax had a hard time believing that she was actually lying beside him. Or that after nearly a year, they were actually going to give it a shot at being together. The fact that they had both confessed their love for one another made the situation even more surreal.
After the events of the past year or so, he would have never thought that this were ever possible. He finally had the girl he loved and who loved him in his arms and once he had his son back everything would fall into place.
"Stop thinking and go back to sleep," Carrie sleepily muttered, while nuzzling closer.
"How'd you know?"
"I can hear you thinking," Carrie stated half asleep.
Jax chuckled, "I'll let you sleep then," Jax said slowly started to disentangle himself from her.
"No. Five more minutes," Carrie protested gripping his shirt in her hand, to keep him from moving.
Jax smiled before placing a kiss on her head as he settled back down.
Five minutes later he had managed to disentangle himself from Carrie's grip and had made his way outside.
He had tried calling Stahl, only to get her voicemail both times. He left her a voicemail as the delivery truck left. Pocketing his prepaid, he looked up to see Trinity carrying milk crates into the store.
He knew they had to talk about the night before and the revelation but he also knew it would be awkward if he just walked in there with no excuse. So he picked up the last crate and walked into the store.
She looked up as he entered and muttered a thanks before she continued restocking the store fridge.
"I feel like an idiot," Trinity stated.
Jax nodded along feeling the same way as he moved closer.
"Bottom line here," he said once he stopped next to her. "Is that I found out I have a sister."
"Aye, a sister you nearly shagged," Trinity said grabbing more milk cartons.
"You say that like it's a bad thing," he joked.
Relieving the awkwardness and getting a soft laugh out of her. He kissed her forehead, just as his phone started to ring.
"I gotta take this," he said, causing her to hug him.
"Go get my nephew, yeah," she stated stepping back.
"Yeah," he agreed before leaving.
Carrie stood beside Jax, who was leaning against the table, as they watched the interaction between Maureen and Clay.
"McGee always emptied his pockets on my dresser," Maureen explained. "He left this. It's an address. Might be one of Jimmy's places or one of Donny's. I don't know but it might help you find him."
"Thanks," Clay said taking the piece of paper from her. "Sorry about your old man."
"I know," Maureen softly answered.
"You should have this." Clay said dropping something into Maureen's hand.
"What did he give her?" Carrie quietly asked Jax, since he had a better view.
"Looks like it was McGee's first nine patch," Jax answered before Maureen passed by them on her way out.
"Alright," Jax said walking closer to the group. "Nuns should be there soon. I'm going to grab one of the Irish to help navigate."
Carrie watched as Gemma quickly got up from the couch.
"I'm coming with you," she said.
"Mom," Jax argued.
"I'm coming with you," she stated as she stood near him.
"Can you just," Jax began to argue but Carrie cut him off.
"I'm going too," she informed him.
"No. You're staying here," Jax argued.
"No. If Gemma's going then so am I," Carrie argued back. "Don't give me that look Jackson. I came to help get Abel back. Not sit on my ass and wait around. I could have done that in Charming. So I'm coming with you."
"You're going to need the truck to get the baby home," Bobby pointed. "Taking them might have a little pull with the nuns."
"Let them go," Clay stated before turning to Gemma. "Please don't kill anybody."
Everyone started moving around as they got ready to leave/
"We'll go run down the address." Clay said.
Jax looked at her and Gemma before giving an aggravated sigh.
"You take Bobby. Me and Ope can handle the nuns," Jax finally stated.
"You just get our boy. We'll worry about the Irish," Clay answered.
Jax nodded before motioning for the three of them to follow him.
Carrie knew Jax was aggravated and worried that she and Gemma were tagging along. But they couldn't sit around waiting anymore. Not when they were this close to getting Abel back.
Abel being put up for adoption only meant that they couldn't waste time. Every second was crucial in finding him. Even though they knew he wasn't in harm's way the fact that he could be adopted any minute. Had them all feeling anxious.
Pulling up the road leading to the address Kellan had given Jax the night before. Had her heart racing. This was the moment of truth. Either they would be leaving with Abel right now or they would be getting him back from the family who adopted him. There was no way they would be leaving Belfast without him. That she was sure of.
They had just come to a stop and were getting out the truck, while Opie and Jax got off the bikes. When the door to the house opened and a man stood in the doorway waiting for them as they walked up to him.
"Down the hall," he told them as they passed him.
Gemma led the way followed by Jax and her with Opie bringing up the rear.
"Straight down through," he stated, after they turned a corner.
Looking to the right Carrie noticed a nun rocking a little girl. They walked into the room and Gemma and Jax started looking into the bassinets for Abel. As the man called for Sister Miriam.
"Father Ashby said you'd be coming by," the nun, who she assumed was Sister Miriam, informed them.
"Where's my son?"
"Please. Come in, have a seat," the nun said not answering Jax's question.
"Where's Abel?" Gemma questioned.
Carrie looked around at the room, as they moved closer to the nun, and wondered how many of these babies were in the same situation as Abel. Or if they really were abandoned or orphaned.
"He was given to a family two days ago," Sister Miriam informed them, causing Carrie to snap her head towards her.
"What family? Where is he now?" Jax questioned trying to stay calm.
"I don't have that information," she answered.
Carrie knew the nun was lying. It was one thing to keep the information confidential but there was no way they would have just handed Abel over to a family without a background check or information on how and where to contact them. She saw Jax clench his jaw and knew that he had reached his patience limit.
"Then who does?" he asked.
"An independent mediator protects everyone's anonymity," the nun stated.
"Tell me where my son is," Jax said raising his voice and getting closer to the nun.
The man from earlier grabbed Jax by the shoulder causing Jax to turn around and push him away.
"Back off," Jax warned not lowering his voice.
"I'm sorry," Sister Miriam stated.
"If they took Abel two days ago, Kellan knew he was gone," Opie lowly pointed out.
"That son of bitch. I'm gonna kill him," he said turning around to leave.
They had started walking away when they heard Gemma call out. Turning around and seeing her trying to support herself on the wall. Had Carrie's heart racing, knowing that Gemma had just been in the hospital due to heart problems.
"Wait a sec guys. Hold on," Gemma said trying to catch her breath.
"Mom," Jax said walking closer towards her.
Carrie had just started to walk closer when Gemma reached forward and disarmed the guy, who let them in.
"Back up," she ordered, causing them to look at her in shock.
"Hand that baby to her," Gemma ordered the nun from earlier, while pointing at Carrie.
The nun looked scared and didn't move causing Gemma to raise her voice demanding the same thing. This time the nun quickly moved handing the little girl over to her. Carrie carefully grabbed hold of the little girl. Confused as to why Gemma would demand that.
"Come over here Carrie," Gemma said still pointing the gun at Sister Miriam and the man she had disarmed.
Carrie slowly walked towards her, coming to a stop next to her.
"What are you doing?" Sister Miriam questioned what everyone was wondering.
Gemma's answer was to point the gun at the baby. Causing the little girl to start crying and Carrie to tighten her grip on her as she tried to calm her down. Thinking Gemma had clearly lost her damn mind.
"You know the story of King Solomon right sister?" Gemma said not removing the gun from the baby.
"Yes."
"If I was that mother, I'd rather have a half dead kid then watch someone else raise my flesh and blood. Do you understand where I'm going with this?" she questioned raising her voice. "Now you had to have done some research on those parents. So we know that this anonymous thing is bullshit. Now you are going to tell us where our grandson is or I swear to God, that I will cut this baby in half."
"Get the file," Sister Miriam order the other nun.
Grabbing the file Sister Miriam started relaying the information as Jax grabbed the file.
"Where is he now?" Jax asked.
"The Europa Hotel," she answered.
Carrie heard Opie warn the nun not to say anything to anyone or the cops would get notified about the baby factory. But she didn't pay close attention to everything his was saying as she was still trying to calm the baby and keeping her eye on the gun Gemma still had pointed at her.
"Take the child," Gemma said dropping the aim.
Carrie handed over the baby as the nun reached for her, noticing how badly her hands were shaking. Before quickly moving towards Jax and Opie as Gemma kept the gun on the nuns and man.
Jax had followed the Petrie's from the hotel to a shopping center and as they walked around. Staying some feet behind so he didn't raise suspicion. Seeing them with Abel had him remembering Kellan's words about how his dad didn't want the life for him or his brother.
Which had him rethinking about taking Abel back. Knowing that if he did his son would one day be following in his footsteps. But he didn't know if he could just let his own flesh and blood go when he had come all this way and was now only standing feet away from him.
They had gathered on the lot when Jax pulled onto the lot, but there was no sight of Abel and Carrie knew something was wrong. She had stayed behind with Opie as Gemma approached Jax but couldn't hear what was said before Maureen was leading them to her place.
"What's going on?" Gemma demanded. "You're scaring me Jackson."
"I found Abel," Jax softly answered, as he leaned against the kitchen counter.
"He's there?" she questioned as he nodded his head. "We got to go get him."
"No," he softly protested as his eyes filled with tears. "I let him go mom."
"What?" Gemma asked disbelievingly. "What are you talking about?"
"Dad's manuscript. It wasn't about changing the club. It was about changing his legacy. I don't belong here mom," Jax explained. "And neither does Abel."
"Where is my grandson?"
"He's with a father, who didn't torture and murder a man yesterday," Jax stated.
Gemma grabbed him by the sweater pushing him back, "I don't care if you've killed a hundred men. He is your son."
Jax shook his head, "He's gone," he softly stated.
Causing Gemma to back away only to slap him across the face and grabbed him by the sweater shaking him.
"And what are you going to tell your other son. When he asks about his big brother?" she angrily questioned before shoving him back.
Jax looked at her in shock wondering how she had found out about him and Carrie. When they hadn't told anyone their plans.
"Tara's pregnant," his mother announced.
"How'd you know that?"
"I knew it before she even told me. She's two months along," Gemma said still angry at him.
Jax looked at his mother disbelievingly. It seemed like when things were starting to fall into place with him and Carrie something happened. Like something was keen on keeping them apart but they hadn't confessed their feelings and made it this far for nothing. He just had to figure out how he was going to make it work.
Carrie decided to stay in the lobby of the hotel, with Juice and Happy, knowing she wouldn't be able move fast enough if needed. At least in the lobby she could get a head start.
She watched as Happy and Juice took up spots, where they could keep an eye on everything, while she sat on the bottom of the stairs leaning her shoulder on the banister. Making sure she wasn't blocking the way before stretching her legs in front of her.
She knew that Finding Abel wasn't going to be easy but she didn't think all the shit that had happened in the amount of time they were in Belfast would go down. It had been basically impossible to find his whereabouts. Once they had and Jax had returned empty handed she knew something had happened.
Carrie didn't need him to tell her that he had let Abel go. She knew that as soon as he had arrived. Kellan informing him that Jimmy was going to use Abel as leverage confirmed it. She knew Jax thought that he was doing the right thing in letting go but this only proved that Abel was safer with his father. Where he would be protected from harm or anything like this ever happening again.
Seeing Happy and Juice move to the foot of the stairs had her turning around. Seeing the club minus Jax and Opie walking down the stairs told her something bad had happened.
"What happened?" Juice questioned.
"Abel's gone."
"Jimmy has your son. He's reached out to the council," Kellan informed. "He wants safe passage to the states in exchange for the boy. I've advised they make the deal."
"So what happens now?" Jaz questioned.
"Council considers it. Probably wants to meet with you, 'til then we wait," Kellan answered.
"None of this shit would have happened. If you told us where Abel was when we first got here," Clay stated.
"I'm trying to help this family," Kellan argued.
"Help us?" Clay questioned before jumping to his feet. "Are you serious? Are you serious?!"
Causing Bobby to stand in his way and Jax to hold him back. Pulling him back so he wouldn't attack the priest.
"Hey it's not his fault," Jax stated calming Clay down. "It's my mistake."
Jax turned to face Kellan, "I'm done listening to dead men. But don't pretend you were trying to help us," he stated walking closer to Kellan. "Greater good or not. We were just a means to your own end. You don't give a shit about this family and the John Teller you knew twenty years ago. He didn't give a shit either."
Carrie walked out and silently followed after him.
"Everything is just fucked up," Jax said turning to face her.
"We're going to find him,' Carrie stated placing her hand on his cheek.
She watched as Jax closed his eyes, sighing, as he placed his hand over hers.
"There's something I have to tell you," he softly said.
"What's going on?"
Opening his eyes, he pulled her closer wrapping his arms around her waist. Leaning his forehead against hers.
"Tara's pregnant."
Hearing him say that was like someone had poured ice cold water on her. Carrie exhaled and felt as if she had been sucker punched.
"I knew it was too good to be true," she muttered pulling away from him. "When did you find out?"
"Gemma told me after I got back," Jax said reaching for her.
Shaking her head, Carrie kept the distance between them, "I guess this is it then."
"What are you talking about Carrie?"
"This. Us," she answered motioning between them. "I guess a day was better than nothing right?"
"No. It's not."
"Jax we can't be together now and you know it," she said pushing the urge to cry down. "Tara is having your baby. I'm having Hale's. The choice is obvious."
"I told you I wasn't going anywhere," Jax said closing the distance.
She felt him lift her head up and wipe some of the tears, which had managed to escape, away.
"I love you and I'm not just going to give up on us so easily this time," Jax stated firmly. "We'll make this work but don't give up on us yet."
"Jax," Carrie sighed not knowing what to say.
"Don't give up," He stated before kissing her.
Pulling away, he lent his forehead on hers. They both sighed knowing they would either leave Belfast the way they came or together, ready to take on whatever waited in Charming.
"We'll allow Jimmy safe passage out of Ireland to ensure the safety of your son. You and Kellan will make the exchange at the docks," Peter Dooley informed them. "There's a boat awaiting Jimmy to take him to an airfield in County Down."
"Jimmy's no idiot. How does he know, after he hands over our kid, you ain't gonna gun him down," Clay stated.
"There are assurances in place," Kellan explained.
"We'll need something in return," Declan Brogan chimed in, as he leaned forward.
"What?" Jax questioned.
"We know Jimmy's reached out to the Russians in Northern California," Declan said.
"The ones we've been muling your hand guns to?" Clay questioned.
"Aye," he answered. "They'll be a short window of time when Jimmy will be there. You need to kill him. Before he exiles some place we can't find him."
"Comes with rewards," Brendan Roarke explained. "We're willing to significantly expand your gun business."
Clay and Jax turned to look at each other.
"Jimmy lost sight of our goals but we need the income he generated," Peter explained. "We're hoping the Sons might be willing to trade on that need."
"And what does that end up looking like?" Clay questioned as he pulled out a cigar and lighter.
"Access to our full arsenal," Brendan answered. "AR-15s, MP 5s RPGs, everything."
"Plus Jimmy's rolodex. All his contacts on the Western US," Peter explained. "Means pulling up more charters. Creating more alliances. Organizing. You think the Reaper is up to that challenge?"
"Yeah," Clay answered. "I think we can help you out."
Carrie had just finished zipping up her duffle bag when there was a knock on the door. Calling out for them to come in, she looked around making sure she wasn't forgetting anything.
"You all set?"
"Yeah," Carrie answered looking at Jax. "How'd it go?"
"I'll have Abel by the time I come back."
Carrie nodded, "That's good."
"Yeah. Just stopped by to get the truck but I was wondering if you wanted to go."
"Would it be okay if I went?" Carrie questioned unsure of the situation.
"I'm gonna need someone to hold Abel as I drive back."
"No one else is going?"
Jax shook his head, "Just me and Kellan. Please, I need you there," Jax explained seeing her hesitance to accept.
"Okay," she softly answered before grabbing her bag and following after him.
She quickly dropped her bag with the others before she followed after him.
Carrie decided it was better if she waited in the truck while the exchange was made. So her presence wouldn't hinder anything.
She watched out the window as a car pulled up and Donny, Jimmy's right hand man, stepped out. He searched Jax and Kellan before giving Jimmy the all clear.
Carrie released the breath she hadn't known she had been holding as she saw Jimmy hand Abel over to Jax.
"He's a good lad," she heard Jimmy say. "Wanted the good priest to return him right away. He's the one who kept him from his da. Forced the situation."
"Wait a minute," Jax said as Kellan moved past him. "Where are you going?"
"Making the exchange," Jimmy answered. "Only way I get out of here alive, is with a hostage."
"You agreed to this?" Jax questioned looking at Kellan. "He's going to kill you."
"Be well my son," Kellan said as he ran his hand over Abel's head.
Carrie watched as Kellan got into the car with Jimmy. She waited until they had driven away before leaving the truck.
"Kellan sacrificed himself for Abel," Carrie stated softly running her fingers though Abel's hair.
"Yeah," Jax answered turning so he and Abel were facing her. "Want to hold him?"
"You sure?"
Instead of answering, Jax started to hand him over. Causing Carrie to promptly take a hold of him.
"Hey buddy," she softly said as Abel looked up at her. "I'm so glad you're okay and you're here now."
"I'm never letting anyone take you from me again," she heard Jax say as he kissed Abel's head.
"Either of you," Jax said looking at Carrie before looking back at Abel. "I love you both."
As soon as they had arrived back to the alley, Gemma had taken Abel out of her arms. As everyone voiced their happiness at Abel's return before they moved the celebration into Maureen and Trinity's place.
Carrie watched as they all toasted, from her spot on the chair near the doorway where Jax was standing, before Juice and Happy went to load the truck.
"You hit that?" Carrie heard Opie question as she looked back at them.
"No," Jax quickly denied scoffing. "Didn't feel right."
Carrie turned back around as she stifled a laugh as she remembered the reason why.
"Feels just about right to me," she heard Bobby say.
Only to her hear her brother agree, which caused her to look back at them and narrow her eyes at him. Not that he or any of them took notice. Since both Bobby and Opie were looking at Trinity, while Jax looked back at Bobby.
"Dude, you're twice her age and three times her weight," Jax pointed out.
"So," she heard Bobby and Opie retort at the same time before all three started laughing.
Causing her to shake her head and roll her eyes as she turned back around. Not surprised by their reactions.
She saw Trinity get up and walk towards Jax, taking it as her que to give them some privacy. She got up and took up the spot Trinity had previously been sitting in.
"Your boy's beautiful," Trinity said looking back at Abel as she stood in front of Jax.
"Aww, thank you," Jax said watching his son, as Carrie sat down next to Gemma.
"Hey," he softly said. "You doing okay darling?"
Trinity nodded, "Yeah, I'm good," she said pausing before adding. "Darling."
Causing him to chuckle before asking, "Where's your mom?"
Maureen opened the door to the lodge before calling out to see if anyone was there. Not hearing a reply, she quickly looked through the bags to find Jax's. Finding it she opened it. She stuffed the letters John had written her into his Reaper Crew baseball cap.
She had just managed to close the bag when the door opened causing her to quickly sit on the arm of the leather armchair.
"Hey, was wondering where you went," Juice said as he walked in followed by Happy.
"Just checking to make sure nobody left anything behind," she nonchalantly answered.
"Thanks," Juice said as he and Happy grabbed the bags.
"See you out there," he stated before following Happy and leaving Maureen alone.
"Finally going home," Opie stated as they stepped of the stairs.
"Yeah," Carrie sighed. "Finally going home."
Carrie stood next to Opie as Gemma and Maureen said their goodbyes. Gemma ignored Maureen's outstretched hand only to hug her instead. Causing Carrie to sigh in relief. She didn't know if she could handle anymore drama right now. Especially since they were supposed to be in good spirits about getting Abel back and going back home.
Although, Carrie wasn't looking forward to going home as much as she should be.
Hearing Bobby tell Jax that he would want to hear what Tig had to say. Had her sighing, already knowing something bad had happened.
