Thank you for the like's, fav's and review's. I'm happy you guys are enjoying it :) disclosure- anything you recognise from SOA is Sutter's everything else is mine.

Chapter 10-Skates or No Skates?

'thanks for coming to get me' Emery thanked her dark eyed blonde friend as she sat in the passenger seat of her car, April had recently passed her driver's ed and could now drive and being daddy's little princess got a car straight away, Emery still had to do her test then she'd start looking for a car though she couldn't wait till she could get a bike instead.

'you gonna tell me what's going on?' April asked curious by her best friend's sudden determination,

'I need you to try and find out what's happening with my pa. He was beaten pretty bad, Clay swore to me he had protection but I have a feeling he was lying to me. Ape you can't let on to your dad that I'm asking questions, I'm not a club member they won't like me sniffing around' April could only nod along to her friends wishes, truth be told the club scared her shitless, sure she knew they were fairly nice people, well the majority but Clay terrified her and going behind his back put her straight in the firing line along with Emery if they were found out, but her friend needed her and Emery had always been there for her, she fought her battles throughout school and she was always there when she was sad or when she wanted to moan about her parents, she'd do this for Emery it was the least she could do, she didn't want to see her best friend without a father as well as a mother and she'd never forgive herself if she could have done something to help her and Tig. 'okay I'll do some snooping, I'll ring you as soon as I hear anything' Emery nodded as she hugged her friend and went to get out of the car.

She was almost out of the car when Aprils hand gripped her arm 'you're not gonna do nothing stupid right Em?' looking in to her friends scared eyes she couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt should she lie and say she just wants to know what's going on or should she tell her friend what she truly intends to do? Trying to hide her conflict she leaned forward and kissed her best friend on the head

'I have to help my pa Ape. I know he's done some bad shit, but he isn't a bad man' she shook her head 'I can't lose him'

'I just hope you know what you're doing, because I can't lose you, you silly cow' she smiled at her red headed friend, her hair tonight was unusually straight making it longer than usual though it was tied up into a high pony tail, she pulled on the end of it as her friend smiled back, 'I've got your back with this okay. I mean it anything you need, I'm here'

'Thanks' Ape, night' and with that she stepped out of the car and watched as her friend drove away. Unlocking the door and turning on the living room light to her house, she took a deep breath, could she do this? And if she did what would it mean? Could she do this without hurting anyone? Well there was one person she was gonna hurt, but she had to wait now, this was priority, she'd get to Darby but she was gonna have to wait and be patient, one thing at a time. First thing was first she had to find her father some protection inside, the Niner's would probably be an easier option, but she didn't have any contacts among them, she had no way to get to them to even talk to them without the sons finding out, not only that she had no leverage. Opening up her laptop she began doing some research. Hours passed and she was just about ripping her hair out with frustration, hearing the door knock she pick up the gun that was sat on the coffee table and tucked it into the back of her jeans keeping one hand braced on it she made her way to the door, since her dad had been jailed she'd become slightly more paranoid when answering the door probably because she knew that if it was an enemy or it was someone wanting to hurt her she was on her own no one was here or was coming home at any point that could help her.

She could hear her heart slamming against her chest she peeked through the peephole to find a very nervous looking April on her door step, letting out a shaky sigh of relief she shook her head and smiled as she dropped her hand from the gun and let her friend in. 'you shit me up Ape. It's like 11:30 what are you doing here?' although deep down she knew it had to be bad if she'd came over instead of just calling

'well, I did some digging, then I felt guilty for lying to my dad, then my mum kept asking me why I was quiet, but I couldn't just come out and say oh sorry mom I'm completely freaking out because I've been snooping around on dads stuff but hey I'm sure he won't mind, not only that I'm pretty sure my best friend is about to walk into a total shit storm, but yeah sure, pass the mash please' she took a deep breath as Emery looked to her, her eyes wide,

'wow, so your freaking out, like big tim-' she

'yes im freaking the fuck out Emery, point out the obvious why don't you, do you have any idea how guilty I feel, I was trying to find you some stuff but I couldn't get into his office so I hacked his computer and read some of his email's, then I listened in on some of his calls and oh my god I am a terrible daughter' she began rubbing her face

'here, take this' Emery handed her a shot of her dads whiskey and walked over to the fridge to get two beers, 'I'm sorry I shouldn't have asked' and it was true she shouldn't have, she shouldn't have dragged someone so innocent into this, she was making her best friend practically spy on her father god she was a shitty friend, but April was her only way of finding out the information she needed since her father was the Sons lawyer, 'I didn't know you could hack stuff' she asked genuinely curious the shot having calmed April, she'd become her regular self and had stopped anxiously pacing Emery's living room as she sipped her beer

'you never asked' the dark eyed girl shrugged taking a seat on the sofa and getting some papers out of her bag along with her laptop, 'why do you think me and Juice get on so well, we have something in common' she spreaded the paper's out across the coffee table as Emery moved her laptop, 'anyway, you're not gonna like this but I did find out some stuff, turns out the Niner's were never providing your dad with protection, my dad tried to keep him in protective custody for as long as he could, but that only lasted the first week, soon after your dad went into gen pop he was stabbed by one of the Nord's' she could see the panic creeping into Emery's gaze 'but. Don't worry he's fine, that kept him in medical for another two weeks so he could heal properly, he's been keeping his head down since then, but apparently according to one of dad's emails, Clay got some information that the nords were planning another attack on him but this time they weren't planning on failing to kill him, so your dad got into a fight so that he would go into max so that he'd be kept away from gen pop and from harm, which is all well and good but if he keeps fighting so that he's put in there they'll up his sentence to two years and maybe even more, I'm so sorry Em' she took a deep breath feeling a little better at the fact that she'd got it off her chest.

She didn't know what to do, what to say, or even what to think, taking a breath she poured herself a shot of whiskey, her face scrunching up from the taste of it 'shit' was all she could say, what else could she say? This was shit, how the hell was she gonna get them out of this one? April watched her friend as she saw many different emotions flash through her face, hurt, sadness, anger, determination, she watched as her friend's eyes clouded over and tears brimmed them, then Emery simply took a deep breath and ran her fingers under her eyes, making her tears go away, 'it's okay to be upset Em, it's okay to cry' she held onto her friends delicate hand,

'crying isn't going to make anything better and it definitely isn't gonna help my pa' she spoke back voice flat 'you staying tonight?'

'no I promised mom I'd be home, she was a bit shocked at me coming out so late, are you gonna be okay on your own tonight? Do you want me to call Opie or Jax?' she asked as they made their way to the front door,

'yeah I'll be fine. You need to stop worrying about me' she gave April a pointed look

'oh, I forgot, do you think you could keep these papers and copy's here? Dad would absolutely screw if he sees them' she handed the copy's to Emery who just nodded in response 'See you tomorrow I'll pick you up at quarter past 8' she hugged her friend goodbye before going on her way. Once Emery had showered and had blow dried her hair she put on one of Opie's t-shirts she had stolen when they were younger and climbed into bed snuggling up with Tiberius, and for the first time in a while she felt completely and utterly alone, she waited for sleep to come but instead her mind raced through what she needed to do tomorrow and she wouldn't exactly say that she was particularly looking forward to, also tomorrow she needed to find a job, she'd seen an ad for a waitress in a local diner, it would mainly be night work which would suit her since she had school during the day. Tomorrow would be an interesting day and hopefully it would all go to plan and then she'd be one step closer to helping her father.

As Emery sat in her friend's car, she couldn't help but notice her staring 'spit it out Ape' she asked

'you, erm look different, did you get any sleep at all last night?' she ask hesitant. Emery couldn't help but laugh, 'no, not really, was up all night thinking about dad, then I just couldn't be assed with make-up and looking through my wardrobe, do I really look that bad?' her hair was still straight but was down she hadn't been bothered to wash it and had thought one more day would do, she had practically no make-up on, only wearing powder in an attempt to prevent herself looking ill, she was sporting her favourite comfy long beige knitted jumper that hung off one shoulder and reached just above the knees, she was wearing black leggings and in an attempt to look her usual self she had on brown knee high heeled boots,

'not at all it's just your wearing leggings and a jumper, that's normally only reserved for home or the clubhouse, love the boots though' she grinned at her tired friend, nobody else would probably have battered an eye at what Emery was wearing, it was a casual look many would wear to school but she knew her better than that, she rarely wore leggings they were a comfy only to Emery, plus the girl pretty much washed her hair every day, that was something April found a little strange in all honesty though. Hearing Emery laugh she was glad to have put a smile on her friends face 'so what's the plan today?' she asked trying to sound nonchalant,

'the plan, my dear friend is that you're going to go about your normal business for the day and I'm gonna have a chat with Jax, the way that goes will determine what happens next' she informed her friend giving her a pointed look that said don't even try and go against it

'Because that's not ominous at all' April muttered under her breath as Emery rolled her eyes. Emery remained quiet restless throughout her morning lessons as they left her contemplating why time always went so slow when there was something more important that demanded her attention, she needed to talk to Jax she needed to understand some things before going following through on her plan, a plan which was time sensitive and meant she needed a little bit of luck on her side. Finally making it to the canteen she spotted the blonde whom she needed urgent words with, making her way over to him she made eye contact with Rita Alverez who naturally cut her a filthy look, Emery hoping to play up to her gave her the snottiest look she could muster and flicked her hair back, whilst continuing her route to her usual table surrounded by her friends. Jax gave her a smile as she reached him, slinging his arm around her shoulders, whilst Tara unbeknown to them gave them both daggers. Noticing that April seemed to be in a deep conversation with Ryan her curiosity spiked though she knew she didn't have time to press it now, turning to Jax she whispered to him that she needed to talk to him in private.

'Sup Red?' he asked as they stood in a quiet corridor,

'Why do the Mayans hate Samcro so much, like what's the beef even over?' she asked hoping she sounded innocent,

'we stomped out their drug trade in Charming for one thing, then we forced some nearby crew's not to deal with them in Oakland, they were seriously pissed when we made the Hammonds drop the deal they had with them' he peered at her closely, 'why you asking? Rita giving you more shit?'

'Isn't she always? Just curious to know that's all' she responded deep in thought

'Curious to know? Why? What are you up to Em?' shit she'd made him suspicious

'Do you trust me Jax?' she asked him honestly

'what the hell kinda questions that?' he asked defensive as she just gave him a look telling him to just answer the question, 'of course I trust you Red, what are you up to?' he asked curious and a little concerned

'nothing I'll fil you in later. Come on the guys will be looking for us' walking back into the canteen she told Jax to carry on at the table whilst she got a drink. April studied her friend as Jax left her, something was gonna happen she could see the look of determination on her face still she sat shocked when she witnessed her usually calm friends actions.

Really not wanting to do this but knowing there wasn't really another option, she took a deep breath and fixed her face making her way to a table she usually avoided, looking around to be sure she'd claimed the attention of many of the teachers around her she stormed up to the tanned girl who stood to her feet as Emery approached, without even giving the girl time to pass a comment on anything, she punched her in the face causing her to stagger backwards as people around stood shocked, the darker girl then slammed her fist into Emery's stomach, making Emery hunch forward whilst straightening back up she reached for Rita's food tray, tipping its contents out on the table and lifting the tray high, smacking it across the girls head, causing her to scream out and desperately start trying to claw at Emery as they were dragged away from each other by the teachers, the teachers shouting that they'd both be in detention after school. Emery couldn't help but smirk a little as Rita fumed at her.

He didn't get it, she was cleverer than that, than to just start a fight in public and with teachers around, plus Rita should never have got that punch in, Emery was a fairly good fighter, the punch should never have got through her defence, she let Rita hit her but why? Looking around he could see April looked shocked but shifty if he had to guess he'd say the girls were definitely up to something, looking at Opie he knew he was thinking exactly the same. They needed to have a little chat with the petite red head. Deciding to skip his next lesson Jax waited outside Emery's classroom, grabbing her by the arm and leading her away to the boys bathroom checking it was empty as they walked in, 'what the hell Em?' he half whispered to her though his anger was plain to see in his blue eyes,

'nothing, just had to handle something' she shrugged, looking down, causing Jax to step forward so that her back was to the wall and Jax's body was firmly pressed against hers, he moved her head up so she was facing him.

'I mean it, Em what are you up to, you'd never do that, not in public, and you don't like fighting, this has something to do with what I asked you earlier doesn't it?' he asked voice husky, she hated lying to him, but she didn't know how far he was in Clay's pocket, would he tell Clay on her if he knew what she was planning?

'Jax please, can't you just trust me' she pleaded him,

'I do trust you, I trust you know what you're doing, what I don't trust is that you won't back down even if it means you getting hurt, that I don't trust' she huffed at him and he couldn't help but realise just how close he really was to her, his body was practically pressed against her's, and that was when he realised he could feel her chest pressing into him, fighting desperately to forget about it to prevent embarrassing himself he instead decided to try and push her for more information. 'This got something to do with what happened with your pa?' he asked eyebrow raised

'I know he isn't protected Jax, at least he isn't any more otherwise he wouldn't have gotten into that fight, he was keeping his head down'

'how do you know he got himself into that fight? Or that your dad was keeping his head down?' he asked since he was pretty sure nobody had mentioned that Tig had started the fight to her

'the operator that called told me he started it and dad told me he was keeping his head down when I last saw him' she was slightly amazed at how easily she'd managed to lie, normally she couldn't lie about anything, normally she sucked at it, especially to Jax, though he gave her a sceptical look he stepped away from her releasing her from being stuck against the wall,

'I still don't like it your hiding something from me, I'll pick you up after your detention tonight okay and you better have some answers for me Red he nuggied her before leaving as she took a deep breath and walked out of the toilet's to the judgy faces that surrounded her, feeling slightly embarrassed since she could imagine what they would think had happened in the toilet.

As she sat in her final lesson her legs just wouldn't stay still, she was impatient and she couldn't wait to get to detention, after what felt like an age Emery was speed walking down the corridors towards the library which was where she was told her detention would be taking place. Walking in it was just Rita and herself in detention with one teacher keeping watch. They'd been given a huge pile of book's to sort back onto the shelves, Emery, grateful for the opportunity to get Rita alone, walked onto Rita's isle, which was out of hearing distance from the teacher, she realised the rival girl was about to start shouting at her, moving forwards as quick as she could she put one hand over Rita's mouth backing her against one of the shelves,

'I don't want to fight or argue, I need you to hear me out okay?' she whispered thankful that the girl must be listening since she wasn't fighting back 'I'm gonna move my hand just hear me out okay?' she asked again, after giving Emery a curious glance she nodded her head, and straightened herself when Emery removed her hand and stepped away.

'what do you want puta?' she snarled

'back off Rita, I'm not here to give you shit' she replied curtly

'funny you punching me in the jaw, and smacking me round the head with a fucking tray didn't really give me the I just wanna talk vibe'

'yeah I know' Emery rubbed the back of her neck guiltily 'I just needed to get you on your own, you would never have listened to me if I came up to you so I had to get you alone'

'you're a very strange girl Trager, what did you want?'

'I need you to set a meeting up for me, I wanna meet your father, just you and him and just me and Clay' she asked

'why in the hell would I do that? More to the point why the hell would my padre even agree to it?'

'because I'm gonna talk to Clay about a proposition that would really benefit your dads business'

'you don't know shit about my dad's business' the Spanish girl spat

'I know he's in the drug trade and he wants his deal with the Hammonds back' she bluffed, internally cheering when the other girls eyes widened 'I'll take that as a confirmation'

'why would you broker a deal? What's in it for you?'

'all I want in return is protection for my father for the duration of his time inside, and I want whatever shits between us done, I'm sick of fighting, I beat you and you got me back pretty good now were even' Rita found it strange, she knew Emery Trager was strong, just as she was, they had to be, being female in this environment, but what she didn't know was that Emery was involved in the Sons club business, she was involved in her father's but she'd had to fight tooth and nail to get there she didn't really see Clay letting a girl be a member of the cut, but maybe she was wrong, the white girl was obviously very tactical she could safely say she'd never be this girls friend but for now her father's club could really use an ally and she knew just as much as her father and brother wished to deny it that Samcro would be an extremely strong ally to have.

'I'll speak to my padre, you got a number I can ring?, then we'll set a date, time and place'

'the place is on Samcro terms, I'll make sure it's pretty in the middle of territories, you have my word' Emery gave her a honest look as she wrote her number along the girls arm,

'Somehow I don't think your word means shit Trager, but I'll be in touch'

After their conversation they continued their respective jobs then Emery went outside to be greeted by a moody looking Jax, looking around she could see that Rodrigo was here for Rita,

'hello chica' he cooed at Emery causing Jax to rise from his bike, Emery just simply gave him a false smile and climbed onto the back of Jax's bike, putting on the helmet, behind Rodrigo Rita simply nodded her head towards Emery then her and Jax were on their way, that went better than she thought, now she just had to convince Clay this was a good idea, and without him knowing that April and her had been snooping around Richards files. Taking a deep breath she readied herself for the next step but in all honesty she just wanted it to be over and for her father to be safe. However she had one more thing to sort out today.

Using Jax's shoulders for balance she swung her leg over and got off the bike, taking off her helmet she hung it on one of the handlebar's she turned to face Jax,

'so you gonna tell me what went on with Rita?' he asked as he took his gloves off stepping away from his bike he tucked them into his back pocket,

'not really' she muttered looking up at the diner in front of her, then she took out her mirror and started applying a little mascara to her face which only consisted of powder, then she tied her hair up into a high messy ponytail, looking up she saw the stern look plastered onto Jax's face, 'look, I'll tell you about it later, its….complicated'

'speaking of complicated, what's with the whole wanting a job thing?' he nodded towards the place named Bobby's Diner which was well known in town, April and Emery used to go in quite often after school and still do really, although she didn't wanna admit it she was kind of relying on the fact that she knew Bobby well, so hopefully he'd be more inclined to give her the job,

'seriously a retro diner? Are they gonna make you wear skates cos I really don't see that working out well for you Red' she couldn't help but chuckle at him,

'my dad's in jail Jax, he's not exactly earning' she answered him 'and before you say anything no I'm not gonna go crying to the club about it'

'you wouldn't be crying to the club Red your family, part of Samcro' he began before she rolled her eyes at him,

'speaking of Samcro, will you wait out here, or at least come in five minutes after me?' she asked,

'you embarrassed of me Red?' he smirked at her 'cos you know there's loads of girls that would love to be seen with me' he winked at her causing her to giggle,

'no I'm not embarrassed of you Teller, but I wanna get this job of my own back not because Bobby's scared you'll kick the crap out of him if he doesn't employ me' she confided

'Em it's a diner' he chuckled,

'You're really missing the point here' she muttered to him,

'okay okay, I'm sorry, I'll wait right here. you go get your skates on' he held his hands up in mock surrender, giving him the finger and shaking her head, she went into the diner. Around 20 minutes later she emerged from the diner with a massive grin spread across her face, carrying a uniform, he couldn't help but smile at her though he didn't understand why she'd want to get a job he was glad she was happy, he couldn't help the guilt he felt at the thought of her finding out the situation her dad was in, 'you get the job?' he called though the answer was pretty obvious, she beamed at him

'yep, starting next week and guess what' he just lifted his head at her, meaning for her to go on 'no skates' she laughed at him as he picked her up and swung her round before placing her on the ground, 'why are you so happy Teller after all its just a diner' she mocked him

'I just can't wait to see the uniform' he winked at her as she slapped him, after she'd tucked her new uniform into the side saddle bag of Jax's Harley and waving to Bobby as he was taking the help wanted sign down, they were on their way to the clubhouse, which wasn't too far away from the diner and the impending conversation she needed to have with Clay was creeping upon her making her once happy mood become more and more nervous, so she pressed her face into Jax's broad back and tried to think rationally.