A/N: Follow me on tumblr: crimsonheart01

Playlist: Middle (feat. Bipolar Sunshine) - DJ Snake

Disclaimer: Sutter owns SOA

The shop had already closed up when Elliott pulled into the compound. He spotted Gemma's Cadillac parked in its usual spot. He parked next to it, glancing up at the office. The door was ajar, warm light from a lamp illuminating it. He stood next to his SUV, rubbing a hand over his hair. He helped, but the majority of the bail had been put down with Lacey's money. He sighed trying to find a way to tell Gemma about her wish being granted. Lacey had one condition, don't tell anyone about her involvement. He pushed onward, reaching the door and knocking lightly. Gemma gazed up from her seat, she took a minute to study Elliott before pulling her glasses off.

"Bail's been posted." He announced.

Gemma inhaled, "Thank you."

Elliott shook his head, "Thank Tristen. She's the one who convinced me."

Gemma recognized the hitch in his words, knowing his tell. He was lying. She gazed at him, fiddling with her glasses. He rubbed his knuckles and Gemma was reminded of the one other person who was connected to the Sons who had good reason to want them back on the streets. Lacey. The two of them stared at one another in silence. They both knew exactly who posted the bail. They both knew it was meant to be a secret, but in their silence they confided in each other. Lacey Johnston was reaching out, acting as a silent partner, and taking care of a club for one man. They both realized the gravity of the situation. The question wasn't whether or not she loved him that seemed clear. The question was whether or not he loved her?

~(xXx)~

When I glanced down at the caller ID was wary. The last time I got a call directly from the Sheriff's office I had to threaten a federal agent. I rubbed my nose, contemplating if I'd answer the call. It could be important. It could be about the Sons. Although it would make no sense that they'd call me unless Elliott said something. By the third ring I decided there was nothing to lose.

"Lacey Johnston." I answered.

It was Davey, "Hey Lacey. I thought you might want to come by the office today. There was something I wanted to talk to you about."

"Is everything alright?" I questioned.

I heard his nod but the rustle of his uniform, "Yeah. There's just some intel that you might find useful."

I narrowed my eyes at the base of the phone, checking to make sure it really was the Sheriff's office calling. What the hell was Davey going on about? The only case I had that I needed anything from them for, I'd gotten a few days ago. I took a deep breath, exhaling through my nose, "What time works for you?"

"No rush. Whenever you have a minute." He responded.

I checked my watch, "Alright. I have one stop to make and then I'll swing by."

"Thanks Lacey. See you soon." He hung up before I could say goodbye.

I sighed, I still needed to make my daily trip to the hospital. I was going to have to rush today's visit. I picked up a few case files, shoved them into my handbag and grabbed my keys and cell up off the desk.

~(xXx)~

I shuffled past the nurse's station. They'd grown accustomed to my comings and goings and left me alone. I'd been spending so much time at the hospital that they didn't see me as interference. I was quiet and kept to myself. I never asked questions and I let them do their jobs. Most nights I came in and sat at his bedside, reviewing case files. It was calming for me. I knew he was safe when he was in my direct eyesight. Other than the nurses, it was only Gemma who knew I was spending this much time in the hospital. The morning after his accident Gemma found passed out in the chair. She shook me awake and warned me that Tara would be starting her shift soon. I hadn't meant to fall asleep but from that night on it became my routine. Gemma always came in an hour before Tara's shift and woke me up, if I hadn't left already. At some point in the last week, after the boys got out, I started getting texts from Tig asking about updates. I figured that Gemma was the one who told him about my visits.

I walked along the corridor, fingering my key ring. I left everything in my car except for my keys and cell phone. I didn't plan on staying long today, or maybe I'd come back later in the evening, when the hospital was less busy. I hadn't figured it out yet. I was starting to miss my own bed though, and my back was suffering for my change in sleeping arrangements. I still had enough time to figure out what I needed to do tonight. Before I even thought about coming back here, I needed to go home and shower. Gemma was going to start commenting on my greasy hair.

I scooted around the corner and spotted up the plain grey-blue door. I also noticed Tara's back to me, opening the door and stopping abruptly. Curiosity got the better of me and a tiptoed closer, listening intently.

"Sorry – only immediate family members are allowed to visit." I heard Tara speak.

I creased my eyebrows together, who was trying to visit Chibs. I turned to try and peek around the door when a familiar voice spoke.

"She is family." Gemma said.

I was about to turn fully and look through the door but I heard a third females voice. The accent unmistakable.

"I'm his wife." The Irish woman confirmed.

I froze. W-What? Did I hear that correctly? Chibs had a wife…? In my moment of blind panic the door must have closed and reopened. I was notified of the opening by the click of the latch. I swallowed back the welling wetness of my eyes and pushed off the wall, promptly dropping my keys and phone on the ground.

"Shit." I swore, pausing to see the mess before me.

I bent down now clamouring to get everything and escape.

"Lacey?" I heard Gemma's voice call from behind me.

My back straightened and I kept my neck still. I stared straight ahead not daring to turn around. I ignored her, taking a deliberate step forward. Once the momentum struck, I began speeding down the hallway, towards the elevator at the end.

"Lacey." Gemma hissed.

I reached the elevator and pushed the call button. I stared at the floor numbers, jamming down the button in rapid succession. I needed to get out of here. This would be the worst time to expose myself. Not in front of his wife. I was the other woman. There was no way that would go over well with his goddamn, mother fucking WIFE. Who was I? Who was he? What the fucking hell was going on? A hand gripped down onto my shoulder and I shook with rage, tearing the hand away from me and shoving the person who dared approach me into the closed elevator doors. I stared at the woman now in front of me, seeing Gemma's eyebrows disappear in her eyebrows as she stared back at me. I dropped my hands away, feeling stung by touching her. I flexed my hands into fists and turned my gaze away, focussing on the ascending numbers change on the small screen above the arch in front of me.

"He didn't tell you." It wasn't a question.

I took a deep breath and flicked my eyes towards her, "No – I really… I can't do this, please."

Gemma took a long hard look at me but before she could say anything further, the doors opened and I stepped in, disregarding the others trying to exit. I punched the Lobby button and Gemma turned to watch me wait for the doors to close. As the bell went off, the mechanics whirring to life, I saw Tara walk out of his room, a beautiful mixed woman following after. A woman similar in age to Chibs. Gemma caught my gaze and glanced over her shoulder. She pursed her lips together and faced me again, giving me a small nod. The tears boiled over and I swallowed. I hit the close door button as many times as possible, waiting for the doors to close. I refused to stop pressing the button even as the elevator descended the few floors. Eventually the elevator came to a stop and I flew out the barely ajar doors. I reached my jeep and slammed the door shut as I gripped the steering wheel. I twisted my hands around the grip of the wheel, breaths coming in shallow puffs. I slammed my open palms against the wheel, screaming out in anguish. This wasn't supposed to happen. This was only supposed to be a friends with benefits situation. This was never meant to be anything more than that. Now I was getting caught up, sleeping at the hospital, blowing my hard earned savings to bail his brothers out of jail, and finding out that he'd been inadvertently lying to me the entire time.

"Fuck." I stated.

It was no more than that. In a sudden moment of clarity I calmed down. I took a deep breath, there were only two people in town that knew about us, three if you counted when I gave Elliott the bail money. This was an easy fix. All I had to do was move on. Appear like nothing happened, because to the majority around us, nothing had happened. I could do this. I could make this decision for the both of us. It was done. We never needed to revisit this, and no one needed to know this was a thing. I glanced at the clock on the dash and nodded. Move on with life as if nothing was different. I wiped my eyes, ridding myself of any symptoms I exhibited. I was fine. I shoved the keys into the ignition, letting the vehicle start, the music from the radio loud and engulfing.

~(xXx)~

I walked into the station with my nerves on edge. The last time I was here I ran into Nazi's. I really wasn't looking to have another meet and greet with them. I stood at the entrance, gazing around at the many people going about their daily business. I creased my eyebrows together when I couldn't find Davey. I shrugged to myself and crossed the room to the hallway that held the offices. As I found myself in front of the Sheriff's office door, I raised my fist to knock but the door opened.

"You can use my office while you're here." I heard Davey speak.

He turned to find me staring at him and opened the door wider. My eyes instantly narrowed and I pulled my hand back. I moved to spin around but Stahl spoke.

"Thanks for making the call, Hale." She paused, waiting for me to take the bait. I stared at her with a blank expression. She smirked, "I'm glad you could make it in, Lacey."

Davey touched my arm and whispered, "You going to be ok?"

I nodded without taking my eyes off the ATF agent, "I'll be just fine."

He blanched, hearing the seething anger in my tone. He slipped past the door and I stepped in, slamming it shut behind me. She offered me her corrupt grin but I wasn't in an accepting mood. She opened her mouth to speak but I was faster.

"If I recall correctly," I interrupted, "I warned you about what would happen if you tried anymore tricks. Using Davey to call me to the station was a bad, bad idea. I'm going to rip you to shreds."

I found myself panting. I was using my fury as a front for my grief and Stahl was getting the entire onslaught of it. At least I had an outlet that deserved to be taken down a peg or two.

Stahl's brows shot into her hairline, "My, my, aren't we sour today."

"Fuck you." I flipped my middle finger at her and reached for the door.

I heard the distinct sound of paper thudding against her desk, "You might like to see this."

I sighed, tilting my head back to stare at the ceiling. Today was going to be the death of me. I was tired of finding things out. All I wanted to do was curl into bed and fade away. I inched around, gazing at the federal envelope sitting on the edge of the desk. With tired eyes I glanced up at her and she crossed her arms, nodding in the direction of the package. I closed my eyes, breathing in deeply and reached out for it. I untucked the lip of the envelope and pulled out a dozen or so photographs. I flipped through them, noticing Zobelle but no one else.

"What are these?" I finally asked.

She plucked one picture out of my hand and pointed to the young black haired man, and the older, mostly bald one, "True IRA, gun runners."

I sniffed, unsure of why she was showing me confidential documents, "Ok?"

She pulled out another folder, this one full of photos of the Sons. She picked a particular one out and handed it to me. I gazed at it. It was one of Chibs with the older balding man.

I inhaled sharply, "Why are you showing me these?"

Was she setting me up as a rat? Why else would she have reason to out the club business to me? For the first time I watched a subtle softening around Stahl's eyes.

"I made a mistake with Donna. I'm not after the Sons." She explained, "I need the international criminals. They're the ones who need to be dealt with."

I fought the surprise building inside me from showing. The woman actually had feelings.

I swallowed, "I'm still not sure why you've showed these to me. I have no associations with the club."

She tilted her head, egging me on. She wanted me to admit to what she'd seen the last time she was in town. I schooled my face, making sure that nothing showed, creating a blank slate. That was my mistake. I'd been angry with her from the get go. By shutting down, I showed her that she was on to something. It told her that there was a potential relationship she could exploit. Her grin grew across her mouth and I moved to drop the pictures back down but she held her hand out.

"Keep them." She said, "These things get misplaced all the time."

I clutched the package closer to me. I turned, keeping my back to her. I twisted the doorknob and exited the room.

"You'll let me know if those happen to go missing, right." She called out from behind.

I didn't bother to glance behind me, noticing bait when it was dangled in front of my face. These files would remain a secret until I found a way for them to benefit me. As sleazy lawyer that that sounded, I needed to look out for myself. The club was a loose cannon on good days. Who knows how they'd react to an outsider being privy to this information.

~(xXx)~

I turned onto my street, ready to get home cease to exist for at least 12 hours. I needed some good old alone time. When I approached my house I spotted a Harley parked at the top of my driveway. It wasn't Chibs' M.O. for plenty of reasons. First and foremost being that he was in the hospital. I pulled up, turned the engine off and hide the new file into one of my existing ones. I grouped them together in my arms and hopped out. I rounded my vehicle only to find Trager leaning against the front door, a cigarette in hand.

"What do you want?" I asked my tone as snarky as it came.

He flicked his cigarette away, "Gemma called me."

I sighed, banging my head against the door, "Of fucking course."

I fumbled with my keys, unlocking the door and stepping through into the dark house. Tig moved to come in behind me but I stopped him. He frowned, confused with my action.

"I can't do this, Tig." I mumbled.

His hand curled around my bicep in a comforting touch, "They're separated."

I shook my head, anger surging forward, "Is that supposed to make me feel better?!"

Tig shrugged. He was genuinely shocked that I wasn't happy to hear that although Chibs was still married, they were separated. That didn't take away from the god damned marriage they had. At the sheer naiveté of the biker before I broke. I burst into tears, and sank to the ground. Tig scrambled forward and cuddled me into his chest. I buried my head into his chest, trying to muffle the waterworks.

I turned to the side, "Now I understand why everyone is always warning women to stay away from you guys."

Tig didn't respond. Probably because he didn't have a valid argument. All he did was continue to rub his hand up and my back, soothing my grief. After a few minutes of us sitting in my open doorway I decided I needed to move. I didn't want my nosy neighbours catching this little mishap. I crawled away from Tig and used the wall to hoist myself back up.

"I need a drink." I mentioned, strolling into the kitchen, "Want anything?"

Tig appeared at the kitchen entryway, nodding his head. I reached into the cupboard above the fridge and grabbed an unopened bottle of whisky. I swiped two tumblers off another shelf and led Tig into the living room. I poured both of us a glass, three fingers worth. We tapped our glasses together in a salute and each took a deep swig. Tig reclined into my couch, picking up the remote and pressing power. He flicked through the channels while I curled onto my side, tucking my legs beneath me.

"Anything you want to watch?" He asked, still flipping through.

I shook my head, "Whatever."

I gazed over at the man on my couch and felt the pull of my heart. He wasn't the one I was accustomed too. He wasn't Chibs. I sighed, at least I made a friend out of this. A weird one, and one that I wasn't entirely sure about but he came through in the few times I really needed it. He could stay. For now.