Disclaimer: I don't own Sons of Anarchy or any of the characters in the show. It's the property of Kurt Sutter, Sutter Ink and FX.

As usual so many people to thank and I know most of you know who you are, so thank you, you're all my girls!

Also thank you to all the readers, followers and reviewers, you really keep me going.

I'd like to give a special thank you to Arowley who always gives me really great reviews and since it's guest reviews I can't thank you in person, but thank you so much for all of them. They always put a big smile on my face! And thank you for you kind words in this latest one.

1o. Give Me The Simple Life

Quinn had stayed around for three days this time before he was called off. He'd left her in bed early in the morning, telling her he'd call her. Three days later she was at work with Ella. She was going through papers in the front and Ella was going through the stock in the back.

A blond, well dressed woman came inside and walked up to Billie. She looked up with a smile.

"Can I help you?"

"I'm looking for Billie Madison."

"That would be me." She had a very bad feeling about this and it was it was confirmed once the woman held up a badge.

"I'm Agent Stahl, ATF." Billie didn't answer, she just nodded and hoped that Ella was far in the back and couldn't hear this discussion. "I have some questions."

"Okay. And you're going to ask them here, at work?"

"If you don't mind."

"Fine." She did, but she couldn't think of a place where she would like to meet this woman. She tried to remind herself to what Quinn had said, say as little as possible and be as truthful as possible.

"I understand that you and a Mr. Rane Quinn know each other."

"Yes."

"Do you mind telling me what the nature of your relationship is?"

"Yes."

"Excuse me?"

"Yes, I mind telling you."

That probably wasn't very smart, but there was no way in hell she was gonna get into the private stuff. Besides, she was pretty sure they already knew, making out on the front lawn probably hadn't been the best idea.

"As I'm sure the police officers have pointed out to you; we can't protect you if you're not helping us."

"And what is it you think I need protection from?"

"Well," she smiled. "Assault and domestic abuse are just some of the thing he's been arrested for. And he's spent seven years in jail. That would be some of the things I think you need protection from."

"What's your point?"

"That you're not safe and we can keep you safe." She put a card on the desk. "Think about it. I'll come back."

The woman, who was much to smooth for Billie's liking, left and the next second Ella came out from the back.

"ATF?"

"Yes."

Ella studied her for a while. "She's not the first lawman who's been here, is she?"

"No."

"Billie, tell me the truth."

She knew what Ella meant, the truth about all of it, but she couldn't. Not just because she'd promised Quinn, but because she wanted Ella and her family safe, she didn't want to drag her into this. Also because Ella wasn't good at dealing with things, she got nervous and... frankly, Billie didn't trust her to keep her mouth shut. So for the first time that she could remember, she flat out lied to her sister.

"I am. There's nothing to tell. I'm guessing they're trying with everyone they see around them."

"Why were the others here?"

"They were looking for someone."

"And you don't know where that someone is?"

"No." That wasn't a lie, she had no idea where they'd buried him. "Ella, you're the one who's been pointing out he's a biker and you can't be all that surprised that the cops are trying."

Ella nodded and walked over to give her a hug. "Just be careful."

"I will."

"Hey," Ella said with a smile. "I liked him so don't worry."

"Okay," Billie nodded.

"She said his name was Rane."

"Yes?"

"He told me his name was Mike that first time."

Billie laughed. "I'm guessing they're pretty private people. He lied to me too."

"Rane Quinn," Ella shook her head. "Bit weird."

"A lot of things about him are."

Ella nodded and kissed her cheek. "Love you, Freckles."

Billie watched her walk away, she felt bad. She didn't' like this, lying to Ella. At times her sister was a nag, they argued and disagreed, but they didn't lie to each other and she had a feeling that being with Quinn meant she had to get used to that and she didn't like it. She didn't like to push her family away, but realized that it might be necessary if she wanted to keep them safe.

Billie also wondered why Quinn had been arrested for domestic abuse and if that had something to do with why his wife left him.

-o0o-

Quinn was at a warehouse watching guns being assembled. The main reason he was there was to check out the club though. There had been some problems among members and they had spilled out to mess up some national club shit, so he'd been asked to go up there, check it out, and see if he could clear that shit up. It happened now and then, that he was asked to mediate in clubs with troubles; or just to see what was going on, if he could be of some help. Usually by Clay, if he needed some club to shape up. He didn't have any actual powers, but he knew he had their respect and they paid attention.

This wasn't anything major as far as he could tell. Just nagging and bitching members and he guessed that a few rounds in the ring could take care of most of it. It was fascinating how small shit sometimes got so fucking big it interfered with the important stuff. At the moment, he was sitting on a forklift, smoking when his phone rang. It was Billie.

"Hey, Freckles. What's up?"

"Got a visit form the ATF today."

"Shit," he jumped down and walked outside. "And?"

"Pretty much the same, that they can't protect me if I'm not helping them and..."

"And what?"

"She... told me some shit. It's... Anyway. She was a bitch, scary bitch." Billie was quiet for a while. "And I'm pretty sure she'll be back."

"What was her name?"

"Stahl. Ella heard it all."

"So I'm on her shitlist again?"

"No. She said she liked you. And that you had a weird name."

"What?"

"You said you name was Mike to her, that first night. Now she's got your full name."

"Oh." He hadn't thought about that. He did sense it was something else though. Something that was really bugging her. "Anything else?"

"She... said some things about you. To scare me."

"What?" Fucking bitch! He needed to find out more about her. "What did she say?"

"It doesn't matter. How are you doing?"

"Baby, don't! Tell me."

"That you'd been arrested for domestic abuse. Among other things."

Fucking ultra cunt. It wasn't what it sounded like at all, but he wasn't sure how to explain all that shit to Billie, over the phone.

"It's not.. Can we talk about this some other time?"

"Sure."

But she didn't say anything after that and he wasn't sure what to say now.

"Babe... Talk to me."

"Is that the real reason you divorced?"

"No! I... It wasn't and I didn't hit her. I'll tell you, all of it, next time I see you. Okay?"

"Okay."

"Anything else?"

"No.

"Are we okay?"

"Yes. It's just a lot to think about. Really, just, female over analyzing shit. Just called to tell you she was here and she was one scary bitch. Didn't like her at all and I'm sure I'll see her again."

"Stick to your story and you'll be fine."

"How are you doing?"

"Good. I'd be better if I got some nice pictures from you."

"I'm not sending you nude pictures. I don't trust you enough for that."

He laughed, but he was still worried about that ATF woman.

"I'll work on that. One in the robe then?"

"Maybe. I'll think about it."

She was still off and he cursed that ATF bitch. "Babe, I'll call you later."

"Okay. Do that."

"I'm gonna call some guys to find out more about that agent. Stahl, was it?" It would probably be better to talk to her again when she'd calmed down and he could give her more information.

"Yeah. Do that and let me know what they say."

"You know I will and no worries. Okay? I'll get back to you. Get ready for those pics instead."

She finally laughed a little. "In you dreams, Big Guy."

They hung up and he immediately called Clay.

"How's Utah?"

"It's okay. Listen, what can you tell me about a female ATF agent called Stahl?"

There was a silence on the other end of the line that didn't calm him down at all.

"Why are you asking?"

"She visited Billie today. Said she was a scary bitch."

"She is. We were wondering where that bitch disappeared to. Guess we know now. Really fucking scary, stops at nothing."

"Shit."

This wasn't good. ATF was bad, and an agent that Clay described as 'really fucking scary' was a really bad thing. And Billie seemed pretty damn sure she'd be coming back. She was probably right.

"Think she can handle it?"

"She'll do fine." He had no doubt she could handle the feds, she wouldn't talk. He wasn't so sure she'd want to see him by the time they were done with her though.

"Listen. This bitch made Opie look like a rat, basically to scare him into talking. She's been on our Old Ladies, threatened with jail time, we even had to send one off to Ireland. She goes after what they have to lose."

Quinn knew what that was for Bille, he didn't even have to think about it.

"Think she'll talk to the sister as well?"

"Yeah, if that bitch think she can get something out of it, she'll go after her fucking grandparents too. Warn her about it. Has she told the sister?"

"No."

"Are you sure?"

"I had dinner there, she doesn't know, she'd never let me into her house if she'd known." He was damn sure that Ella didn't know anything, she was too much of a good girl to keep quiet about it. Bille knew that too so she wouldn't tell her either.

"Dinner? You went for a dinner at redhead's sister's place," Clay said and the amusement in his voice was evident. "I'm guessing you're nailing her then and something else."

"I'm keeping an eye on her, all you need to know."

"I'm taking that as a yes," Clay laughed. "Keep me informed, about the redhead and what's going on in that fucking club."

"Absolutely."

They hung up and he lit another smoke. Talking to Clay had not eased his mind and he'd be stuck here for another couple of weeks, at least. Probably longer. He was going to have to tell Billie about this and he wasn't sure how he'd best warn her. She seemed to really dislike the ATF bitch, but at the same time, something was off and he wasn't sure what it was.

-o0o-

Billie was bored, she'd felt bored for a few days. She hadn't seen Quinn for seven weeks, but they talked on the phone quite often. At least on a regular basis.

He'd warned her about Stahl, that she might go for her family as well and he'd once again said she couldn't tell her sister of father about it. Like she'd do that! She didn't want them involved in this, this was her problem. Frankly, it was quite possible that they'd inform the police just to protect her. If the tables were turned she might do just that.

By now, she was starting to miss him. Something that bothered her a bit, she didn't like to feel needy. They hadn't talked about the domestic abuse thing either, she hadn't brought it up and neither had he. She assumed that he was saving that for when they actually met, whenever that was. He hadn't mentioned when he might be back, only said he was still in Utah, checking up on a club.

At the moment she was on her back on the couch, reading a book and half trying to convince herself it was time to get up, take a shower and get dressed for work. Her head knew that's what was needed, but her body was much too comfortable where it was; and that showering wasn't all that necessary, she didn't smell all that bad.

She returned her focus to the book in her hands, banishing Quinn and all that came with him from her head. There was no need to go over that mess again. The 'this is what it means to be with a biker'-mess. That thing had been going over and over in her head like a broken record since Mrs. ATF Agent paid a visit and she had lied her ass off to her sister. Then she lied to her dad on the phone as well. At least she was practicing her lying, which was good since Quinn kept telling her how bad she was at it. Apparently good enough to get her sister and dad off her back, even if they might not have fully believed her.

When the doorbell rang she was relieved, it got her head out of her ass and with a sigh she got up and went for the door.

"What are you doing here?" she asked when she saw Thomas standing on the other side of the door.

"I just want to talk."

Any other time, she would've thrown the door in his face, possible after some serious yelling, but she didn't want to give those fucking cops anything. She didn't need to give them more fodder, especially not that scary fucking ATF agent. She was pretty sure they were out there too, or at least got information about everything that happened at her house. At the same time she was worried, it was strange that he just showed up like this, again.

"Thomas, why? There's nothing to say," she said in another attempt to get rid of him easily

"Just talk a bit."

With a sigh, she opened the door and let him in, hoping she'd be rid of him soon, preferably though the back door.

He walked inside and stopped in the middle of the living room, looking around when he moved towards the couch she stopped him.

"Don't get too comfortable, you're not staying."

"Why did you stop seeing me?"

"I thought I'd told you that, more than once. We didn't want the same thing."

"I think you're lying. I think its got something to do with that biker, the one who was here when I came here once."

"It doesn't."

That was a lie, at least a little bit. It was because of him, but not the way Thomas thought, it wasn't that he'd tried to stop her from seeing Thomas, it was that she had realized that she rather have sex with Quinn; and that Mona had been right, she'd tried the yuppie kind and it was time to move on, grow up.

"He didn't like me." Thomas sounded like a grumpy five year old.

"No, he didn't." That much had been pretty damn obvious and there was no way she could hide it even if she wanted to, which she didn't. On the other hand, he was starting to freak her out and she needed to be careful. "But that had nothing to do with it, Thomas. You took this more seriously than me."

"We had something, something good and you're just throwing it away."

By now, the look in his eyes was starting to really freak her out. She was getting scared for real and she was't sure how to get out of this situation.

"I'm not throwing anything away, Thomas, and you need to give me some room, you're starting to scare me. If it was meant to happen it will, but not now."

"I know," but he didn't seem to really hear her, he just moved closer to her with an annoying sad puppy face. "It makes me so angry, you're making the worst mistake in your life and you don't seem to realize it."

That did it for Billie. No fucking way could a guy come in here and say shit like that. Like she was too stupid to see what was right in front of her. Obviously the careful way of dealing with him wasn't getting her anywhere, or him out of her house.

-o0o-

It had been seven weeks and he had come to surprise her. Billie had been off, really off the last week and he wanted to get that smile from her when she stared at him. Besides, there wasn't any point in promising her he was on his way since he could be called off at any time. So instead of telling her he was on his way and then piss her off, he did it like this.

He immediately noticed the car outside Billie's house and wondered who it was. Once the bike was off he heard screaming. It was Billie.

When he ran inside he halted and had to brace himself to not pull out his gun and shoot the yuppie fucker the second he saw him. Looking at Billie, he had to once again stop himself, but now he was more leaning towards cutting the fucker open and show him his intestines.

None of them had even noticed him when he walked inside, they were still yelling at each other and he lost it.

"What the fuck is going on here?"

That caught their attention and they both shut up. Thomas was staring at him, but Billie wasn't, still glaring at the Yuppie she opened her mouth.

"Nothing. Thomas is leaving."

"Billie..." Yuppie fuck started, but when Quinn took a step towards him, he shut his mouth again.

"You heard the lady, you're leaving."

"This just proves my point," he said as he started to walk towards the door and Quinn wondered what fucking 'point' he was trying to make.

"No it doesn't," Billie dried her cheeks and that pissed him off more than anything, that he'd upset her. "Just proves you don't listen to women."

Quinn interrupted them, he didn't even want him talking to Billie. "Listen to me very carefully, you yuppie piece of shit. Stay the fuck away from her. Unless you get a written fucking invitation, you're not coming here again."

Once the asswipe was out the door he turned to Billie, "Wanna tell me what that really was about?"

"It was about him being an ass. Don't worry about it."

"So I shouldn't worry if a guy is in here and you two are yelling at each other and you're crying?"

"No. Why should you?"

He was about to explode, but he knew she'd had enough for the moment and having another go at her right now would just be low. He was sticking to that decision right up until the moment when she turned around and walked away.

"Billie! Fucking hell! Where are you going?"

"I need to change, I'm going to work."

"So you're not going to tell me what he was doing here?"

"He came uninvited, told me I was making a big mistake breaking up with him." She once again pointed towards the bedroom. "I need to change, I'm already running late."

"If he comes here again, I want you to call me."

"And what are you going to do about it if you're 400 miles away?" she asked and walked away, again. This time he didn't stop her.

She had a point, but it still pissed him off. He waited in the door and watched her take off her clothes and put on her work shirt and a pair of black jeans.

"I can call someone to come here."

"And do what? Shoot him in my living room."

He would like them to shoot him, maybe not in the living room. And then he changed his mind. He actually didn't want anyone else to shoot him, he wanted to do that himself. On the other hand he wasn't stupid, he couldn't go around shooting people around her just 'cause they pissed her off, even if he wanted to, it would send her away screaming.

"I was more leaning toward kicking him out."

"Whatever you were leaning towards, I highly doubt they'd be here on time. And I'm not letting him in again anyway so don't worry about it."

She walked past him and left the house, not saying anything else, so he assumed it was okay that he stayed there.