AN: I want to thank you all for your wonderful support and reviews. This is the big reveal. I would love to know your thoughts. Enjoy!

Chapter 10

Why

August 3

Same Day

10:45 pm

At the Charming Police Department (CPD), Gemma and Clay are placed in two different interrogation rooms. The microphone in Clay's room is turned on so Gemma can hear everything that is said. DA Tyne Patterson begins, "You have been charged with attempted first degree murder of Tara Knowles and Jax Teller." Clay yells, "Lady, you are out of your goddamn mind. I want my lawyer now." Patterson states, "I am told he will be here shortly."

Patterson then enters the room where Gemma is sitting. Gemma looks like a raging bull about to explode. Gemma screams, "What the hell is going on and who in the hell do you think you are? No one accuses me or Clay of anything, let alone the murder of my only son!" Patterson takes a deep breath and exhales slowly as she begins, "Mrs. Morrow, we have obtained statements from the two assassins you and Clay hired to kill Tara Knowles. We also have separate statements from them stating Clay hired them to kill Jax Teller in a fatal motorcycle accident after Tara's death.

"Mick and Bud recorded every meeting and conversation with you and Clay. A new camera called an action or body camera was the device used. These cameras are very small and fit into the pocket of a shirt. They work like a closed-circuit TV. All of the recordings were stored on a micro SD card. The best part is these cards are tamper-proof. You cannot alter a recording. You can use the cards again after you remove a recording. All of these cards have only been used one time. Independent technicians have examined these cards and verified the accuracy of the information recorded. For some reason, I guess Mick and Bud didn't trust you to keep your end of the agreement...how weird is that?" Gemma sits up straight in her chair, responding, "I have nothing to say until I see my lawyer."

11:45 pm

Rosen walks into CPD. Patterson greets him, saying, "Good to see you. We have a lot to talk about. Please join me in Unser's office." Rosen is annoyed by the DA's casual tone of voice, as if it's no big deal to have his main clients arrested late in the evening for reasons unknown. Rosen states harshly, "Why were warrants issued for Gemma and Clay Morrow?" Patterson hands him the warrants and Rosen sits down in the nearest chair. "What the hell...what possible proof could you have?" questions Rosen.

Patterson smiles brightly saying, "A lot!"

August 4

2:00 am

Rosen is flabbergasted with everything he has learned over the last two hours. He feels like he never knew Gemma or Clay. The heinous nature of their crime is beyond the pale. How in the world can he defend them? He decides he will only advise them this one time. Rosen will continue to represent the club, including Jax and Tara. "Right now it is too late to meet with my clients. Frankly, I need a little time to process these facts. I am going to return later this morning," states Rosen. Rosen also asks Patterson, "Will you please inform my clients that I will meet with them around 9:00 am today." Patterson agrees, "I will personally relay your message." "Thank you," responds Rosen.

"""

Clay sits in his jail cell thinking. How could I be so stupid? I figured these Nazi pricks would be like putty in my hands. I knew 25K was the motivator, but I never thought they could outsmart me. All my plans are null and void. If Gemma ever finds out I wanted her little prince dead...I will end up gone just like JT. Hopefully, Rosen can get me out on bail. I know Tig will back me up. I just need to play my cards better than before. The club never needs to know about these charges. If they do find out, I will deny everything. My club, my brothers, will always have my back. I've worked too hard to make this club strong and resilient. I am SAMCRO! I am the leader and brains behind the strongest gang of outlaws on the entire West Coast. The bonds of family created by me and my queen will not be broken. The SONS are stronger than ever. Clay and Gemma Morrow will never be brought down by the law. We are above the law no matter how hard they try to destroy us. I will create a rainstorm of terror upon these authorities for doing this to me. CPD has made a major error thinking they have power over Clay Morrow, President of SAMCRO.

"""

Gemma is pacing the short length of her cell. This is not happening to me. I will not let this happen. This is all Tara's fault. I did nothing wrong except to love my son. I am a good mother. I know they are all lying to me. Clay would never hurt Jax. Rosen will make it all go away. The club will always back me up. After all, I am their queen. Jax will forgive me too. He loves me more than that little gash. No one will believe these charges. The SONS have always protected Charming. I know the people of Charming will never believe me or Clay guilty of these ridiculous charges. How could anyone possibly believe those hateful Nazi brutes. We selected them because no one would believe them over us. They are scumbags. We are SAMCRO Royalty. We make our own laws for the good of our family. We know what is best.

"""

8:00 am

Rosen wakes up from a restless sleep. He is not looking forward to his conferences with Gemma and Clay. After he discloses the information and advises them on their best-case scenario, he will no longer be their legal counsel. He has already texted Bobby he would meet the guys at 1:00 pm at TM. Bobby just sent a confirmation text to Rosen's cell phone. Rosen smiles at the text, thinking how technology has made his life easier. Now if he could just text Clay and Gemma away, his life would be better.

9:15 am

Rosen walks into CPD. He is greeted by Unser. Unser escorts him to an interrogation room where Gemma is sitting in handcuffs. Gemma looks up at him, saying, "Where the hell have you been? You need to get me out of here. They are all lying to me. I need to get home. I want to see my Jax. My bird needs to be fed." Rosen is concerned that Gemma is clearly delusional. He sits down and places the arrest warrant in front of Gemma. "I don't want to see that. Just get me free. These damn handcuffs have to be removed," states a very agitated Gemma.

Rosen takes a moment to calm himself, and softly says, "Gemma, you must calm down. You are in very serious trouble. You are accused of attempted first degree murder. Tara Knowles has been shot." At this, a slight smile plays across Gemma's face, which does not escape Rosen's notice. He continues, "The gunmen are in police custody. They have proof that you and Clay hired them. The DA has an airtight case against you. I am only here to advise you of your charges. You need to get another defense attorney. I am shocked by the evidence and I will no longer represent you or Clay." Gemma yells, "You can't do that!" Rosen picks up his materials and walks out of the room.

Unser nods at Rosen, knowing this is an impossible situation.

Rosen's next stop is with Clay. Rosen enters the room. Clay greets him kindly, "Good to see you, Rosie. I hope you are well rested. We have to work together to get rid of these bullshit charges. I know you can work your magic to get us out of here." Rosen laughs, "Not this time, Clay. The DA has an airtight case against you for attempted first degree murder. I saw the evidence. SAMCRO will see the evidence later today. The DA is preparing Jax and Opie to tell the club. The horrific details of your diabolical mind and evil actions will send shock waves through every one of your chapters. The president of the mother chapter of SAMCRO planning a contract kill of two innocents, one the son of his wife? You have committed an unbelievable betrayal. Your attempted murder of Jackson Nathaniel Teller is unforgivable. I will no longer represent you or Gemma. My loyalties remain with Jax and Tara and a new SAMCRO." Rosen leaves the room with Clay looking like a dead man walking.

11:00 am

At St. Thomas, Tara has just been given pain and sedative medication to help her rest. Dr. Hamilton tells Jax, "Tara is doing well. She needs time and rest to heal completely. You both are going to be told everything today. I advised the DA to start with you, Opie and Donna at the same time. After you get the information, I want you to consult me before informing Tara." Jax nods his head in agreement.

Officer Eglee enters Tara's room to escort Jax back to Room 203. The room has been transformed. It looks like a movie theater. A huge screen is up on the back wall of the room. A conference table is in front of the screen with chairs all around it. DA Patterson invites Jax to be seated. Opie and Donna sit next to him. There are four other official personnel in the room. Jax did notice the armed guard was gone from his post. Jax feels very anxious and troubled. He wonders if his life is about to change forever. With a huge lump in his throat, he feels like he is about to choke. He hopes to avoid passing out like he did before. Opie looks at Donna; her fearful expression makes him feel dreadful. Opie reaches for Donna's hand, trying to convey solidarity and comfort no matter what they learn today. Donna squeezes Opie's hand gently, knowing whatever this is, united they are strong.

DA Tyne Patterson looks directly at Jax. "I am really sorry to inform you of this, Jax. On July 31st, law enforcement authorities were given evidence suggesting you and Tara had been marked for death by the hands of hired gunmen."

Patterson addresses the group. "The contract killing was defined as follows: Two gunmen would be paid twenty-five thousand dollars for killing Tara. Another 25K would paid for killing Jax. Payments would be paid half up front and the other half when the job was finished. Tara was to be shot on the road in her car on August 3. There was a picture of Tara in her car with her home address. She would be leaving around 4:00 pm. They were told to wait until she was at least twenty miles south of Charming. Jax was to be killed one week later in a fatal motorcycle accident on the road."

Patterson turns to face Jax, whose face was inscrutable. "Jax, the gunmen were very careful to document this contract killing. They were concerned that the people hiring them could not be trusted. These guys have interesting hobbies, as you will see demonstrated shortly," she explained.

"""

At the same time, David Hale checks in with Dr. Hamilton for the latest on Tara's condition. He needs to see her and the doc gives his okay.

David enters her room. Tara is asleep. David quietly sits in the chair near her bedside. Tara opens her eyes and smiles as she sees David. David says softly, "I am so sorry you got hurt, Tara. We tried to protect you from harm." Tara looks at David, feeling wary, and says, "David, did you know I was in danger?" David replies, "We were alerted to the possibility that you were in harm's way. The problem was we had no proof. We could not tell you because if it was true they would have noticed a change in your actions. They would simply try again at a different time unknown to us."

Tara is shocked. "You saved my life, David, thank you. Do you know who did this to me?" Avoiding her eyes, David says, "I am sad to say I do know, and they are in jail." Tara looks surprised, and says, "Who did this to me?" David looks uncertain. Tara knows David is struggling to decide whether to tell her or not. "David, please tell me. I can handle the truth. I deserve to know who tried to kill me." David knows she is right, and tells her, "Gemma and Clay hired two assassins to kill you. Clay also hired them to kill Jax a week later, without Gemma's knowledge. Jax was to be killed in a fatal motorcycle accident on the road."

Tara starts to sob. "Why? Why, why would they do that? I was leaving...why hurt Jax? This is unbelievable. I always knew Gemma hated me...but I was leaving Jax! Does Jax know?" "He is being told right now," says David. "Thank you for telling me the truth, David, you are a good friend. I owe you and someday I know I will be there for you, too."

"""

Tara's POV

Alone in her hospital room, Tara's head is swimming. I feel like my soul is in agonizing pain. I have never felt this much hatred for anyone before. My poor Jax! This betrayal is going to break him apart. Jax always loved his mom. Whenever I told him something his mom did or said to me, he always defended her. It was as if Jax believed his mother was always right and just dismissed me, thinking I misunderstood her. Well, I guess he will know the truth now. Jax will probably never talk to me again. He will be so ashamed. I know he will think he is a bad person because of his evil mother. He already feels tortured over things he has done in the name of the club. I see in his eyes the pain he lives with every day. In the end, Gemma will probably win because a broken Jax will be his demise. Jax will not allow me to love him because he will feel like he is not worthy. Sadly, he is the only one I love.

"""

11:20 am

The lights are turned off in room 203, and the video begins...

Date: July 23, 1999

Time: 8:00 pm

Mick and Bud introduce themselves on the screen as they are walking into the Morrow home.

12:30 pm

The video ends.

Jax is totally disillusioned by what he just saw. This must be some kind of nightmare! Sadly, he realizes it really happened. Jax says, "My mother and Clay want to kill Tara? Oh My G-d! Clay wants me dead?! Why? How is this even possible?"

Patterson calmly suggests, "We think your mother thought Tara was a threat to her plans for you. She was afraid of you leaving with Tara to go to college. Unser also knew your mother hated Tara. Your mother did not know Clay planned a hit on you, too. That was made clear in the video."

Patterson continues, "Gemma and Clay are both under arrest. Your lawyer, Rosen, will continue to represent SAMCRO. He told Gemma and Clay he would not defend them against these charges."

"""

Jax's mind races. My entire life has been a manipulation of lies and deceit. Everything I thought was true turns out to be a fallacy. My soul is damaged. I was born into an alarmingly huge pile of evil and deception. How could my own mother do this to Tara? He is bombarded with all the questions Tara asked him through the years about the SONS. I always thought her questions were meaningless and wrong...but why?...because that is what I knew from the woman who raised me. My own mother was an evil, lying, conniving bitch. I never believed Tara when she criticized my mother or the club. I always dismissed her. I never believed her when she said my mother hated her. I felt like Tara simply misunderstood my mom. I really thought my mom knew what was best. After all, she was my mom. Now I realize that everything Tara ever said was totally true.

Tara really is my truth. She is good and true.

Jax feels ashamed as he starts to remember all the bad things Clay told him to do for the club. It was always for the club. It was always for the brotherhood. Illegal guns were sold for the brotherhood. Killing people was to protect my brothers. Going to jail was just for the club. Lying and cheating other gangs was important for the club. Getting shot was always a part of the risks you take for the club. Is all of this really for the club...the brotherhood? This can't be my father's legacy. This club has become what Clay and Gemma want it to be. How can it be about brotherhood when Clay plans to kill me. How can it be about what is best for me when my own mother plans to kill the love of my life.

The noise in his head is overwhelming. He can't think straight. He has too much to do.

"""

Jax looks at the DA. His tone is short. "I have to tell the club." Patterson nods her head in agreement. "We were hoping you would say that. Your brothers are at the clubhouse waiting for you and Opie. Rosen is there too. One of our technicians is at TM with a screen and a copy of this video. He has been authorized to play the video when you are ready."

Jax is actually humbled by the support Patterson has provided for him and SAMCRO. Although he knows this case will probably advance her career, he feels lucky she is here. Jax knows nobody in this town would believe Gemma or Clay guilty of these charges. Gemma and Clay would be free to spread their lies and evil deeds for years to come if it were not for the tenacious DA Tyne Patterson.

Jax looks at Patterson with tears in his eyes. He extends his hand to shake hers firmly. "Thank you, I don't know if I can ever repay you for saving me and Tara. I know you have saved me from a life of chaos." Patterson says, "You can repay me by being a good man." Jax nods in agreement, saying, "I will. I will be...I promise."

Jax knows what he has to do now. He even knows where to begin. He walks out of Room 203. As he pushes toward his new life, he sees David Hale. Jax stops and extends his hand to David. As he shakes David's hand, he is filled with shame and remorse. "Thank you, David, you saved Tara's life. I owe you." David is happy to receive Jax's gratitude. "Jax, before you go into Tara's room, you should know I told her about Gemma and Clay. I didn't want to, but she forced the issue."

Jax is actually relieved that Tara already knows the truth. It will make what he has to say a little less awkward. What is he going to do if she rejects him? After all, she would have every right in the world to shut him out. The guilt he feels over the damage that has been done to Tara is staggering. Jax takes a deep breath before going into her room.

Tara is surprised and thrilled to see Jax. She gasps as she looks into his eyes, seeing his torment. He is in pain. I wonder if he is here to say goodbye? I feel like my life is about to crash down on me. I can't speak. I have never been so scared. I know I am about to be sentenced to a life without Jax. I can barely keep the tears from my eyes.

Jax stares into Tara's beautiful eyes and takes her hand in his. "Tara, you are the shining star in my world of darkness. You are my family. SAMCRO is not my father's legacy. His legacy is in me, and I will make him proud. You and I are going to college together. You will become a doctor and I might become a lawyer. I love you so much. Marry me?"

Tara is shocked. She can barely breathe. "I love you so much, Jax. When?" Jax says, "When what?" Tara says, "You asked the question."

Okay…this is what I get for loving the smartest girl in school. As if I am supposed to know what "when'"means. Jax looks at her as she smiles brightly. Suddenly, Jax has an epiphany. "You will marry me! When means yes!" Tara starts to giggle..."Yeah, of course!"

Jax thinks to himself, I am about to take the plunge into my future with the love of my life.

My life is destined never to be boring.