I stated in a prior chapter that things would become slightly AU when I begin writing the bits from the episode Better Half... one of those will be Cherry not committing her past indiscretions, only because I wanna see what would happen if she stuck around and Stahl hadn't gotten to her. The shit will definitely hit the fan elsewhere though, so have fun!
Chapter 11- Purgatory
"Ew," said Stacy. "Backroom surgery, I gotta go see."
"Why would we wanna see that?" said Sara.
"I agree," said Cherry.
Gemma had gotten them all to go shopping for supplies with her, and they had all just gotten back. Cherry peppered Sara with questions about Chibs' medical expertise until Half-Sack whisked Cherry upstairs.
"Young love, so precious," said Stacy. "All my step-brothers scared the guys off."
"Same here," said Sara. "Course, we got our men. Let's play some pool."
They started a game, but had difficulty concentrating due to Cameron Hayes' screaming.
"I gotta rock and roll," said Stacy. "Paperwork is a bitch."
"I'll say," said Sara.
"Tell Juice I said bye, okay?" said Stacy.
"I will," said Sara.
The screaming got worse, so she followed Gemma in.
"Got the slug out," said Chibs.
"This is insane!" said Gemma.
"I agree with Gemma," said Sara.
"What are we gonna do?" said Juice.
"Just keep your finger in his ass!" said Chibs.
"Anything I can do to help?" said Sara.
"We're good," said Chibs.
"Gettin' down and dirty Sara?" said Tig.
"Very funny," said Sara.
Tara soon arrived, so Sara made the drive to the high school, Half-Sack following her on his bike. They both knew the drill. She would park, and he would only leave once she was safely inside the building. That day had gone smoothly, just like the others. Now that Sara was staying at the clubhouse, Tig had gotten her a gun.
It looked like Steven had actually left town.
Course, looks could be deceiving – which was what the Sons found out when June Stahl ruined everything.
"We go after the ones with the most to lose," said Stahl. "Job, family, and fame."
"They aren't," said Hale. "Tara and Sara aren't what you want."
"They've been at the clubhouse the last four days," said Stahl. "Sara Davis here is a gold mine. Her uncle is Bobby Munson and she went to high school with Jax and Opie."
"Stuff I already know," said Hale.
It was a Saturday, so Sara went to Liz's boutique to pay her friend a visit.
"There is a woman walking around your car," said Liz.
Sara looked and sure enough, there was.
"It's that ATF agent," said Sara. "Stool or something along those lines."
"Her suit is fugly," said Liz. "Either she's a man or Sara Palin on drugs."
Sara laughed before heading out to confront Stahl, Stool, whatever.
"Nice car," said Stahl. "Graduation present from your uncle Bobby Munson before heading off to UCLA, becoming quite the toast of the theater world, and being widowed before returning to Charming after your parents died. Isn't that right, Sara Davis-Sanchez? No, that would be Sara Davis. You changed it back after your husband was shot to death in a home invasion, taking a bullet for you."
"Who are you?" said Sara.
"Agent June Stahl, ATF," said Stahl. "You do know what your uncle and those friends of yours do for a living, right?"
"Yeah, they're mechanics," said Sara.
"I would think a woman as influential as you knows a lot more than that," said Stahl.
"I have no idea what you're talking about," said Sara. "I'd best get going, I have a busy day."
Chicago would soon wrap up and the owner of the theater company now wanted to do Cats. It was a demanding production, which made Sara grateful she had ballet experience under her belt. She had a few weeks of leisure time before rehearsals started and she had gotten the role of Bombalurina in the production.
She drove to the clubhouse, doubling back a few times to make sure she wasn't being tailed. When she got there she told Chibs what had happened.
"I said nothing, I swear," said Sara.
"Ya never hafta convince me luv," said Chibs.
They shared a kiss, but were both unsettled. They had heard of Luann's arrest earlier that day. Was Stahl going after the women? Sara decided it was better to be safe than sorry, so she called Gemma and told her what had happened. Then when she was finished her phone rang.
Donna sat in the kitchen crying when she saw the '64 Mustang pull up. She ran out of the house and toward it like a beacon, throwing her arms around Sara as if she were a lifeline.
"Its okay, Donna," said Sara.
They went inside, stepping over the boxes Donna had packed.
"I can't do this anymore," said Donna. "I tried, but I can't even for the kids. I love him, but I don't love the club."
Sara did her best to comfort the woman who was like a sister to her.
"What do I do now?" Donna sobbed.
"I'll take you anywhere you need to go," said Sara.
Donna remembered she had said those exact same words to Sara when her dear friend had lost the love of her life. It must've shown on her face, because Sara then spoke.
"You've always been so kind to me," said Sara. "I could always tell you something and know I wouldn't be judged for it, even if it was something you didn't like. We've fought but never been mad at each other for long. We've been friends since the cradle. I've known you longer than the guys. Everything you've done for me, no matter how little, I've never forgotten. You're like a sister to me, and if you need to get outta Charming, I'll do it. I got my travel agent on speed dial. Just name the place and I'll take care of everything."
Donna remembered the night of John Teller's accident, and how the best friends had talked about their futures. Sara had become famous, but she was still Sara. She had still come back like she had promised all those years ago.
"I'm gonna stay with my mom in Oakland for a few days," said Donna. "Would Kenny and Ellie like the Keys?"
"The house is in Key West, on the beach," said Sara. "Who doesn't love the beach?"
When Donna mentioned the visit from Stahl, Sara looked troubled.
"I was right," said Sara. "She's coming after all the women. I gotta go, Donna. I gotta warn Cherry and Gemma, in that order."
The women exchanged a hug before Sara left for the nail salon. Cherry was on lunch, and the women talked outside. Turned out Cherry was on the run, but not from the law.
"My ex-husband," said Cherry. "He was abusive. He hit me. I divorced him but he tried to kill me. After the trial, I took off because I don't know if or when he's getting out. My real name is Rita, but I don't like remembering my life as Rita, I'd rather be Cherry. I'd never rat, I love Half-Sack."
Sara smiled at the younger woman.
"You're alright, Cherry," said Sara. "Get your butt back inside so you don't get a pink slip. I'll take you to my friend's boutique after you get out, okay?"
"Cool," said Cherry.
Cherry went back inside, and Sara drove around looking for Gemma. She found the matriarch at the supermarket.
"Have they gotten to you yet?" said Sara.
"No, and don't you worry about them sweetheart," said Gemma. "Your record's spotless, not even a speeding ticket."
As soon as Sara left the store, she saw Stahl leaning on her car.
"I didn't give you permission to lean on my car," said Sara. "You'll scratch it with your holster."
She also saw a male agent going through the glove compartment.
"Found something," said the male agent.
"Well well well," said Stahl.
She held two baggies in her hand. Sara saw with horror that one was filled with pot and the other was filled with cocaine.
She didn't do drugs, and Rachel hadn't in years, but even if she had her sister didn't have access to the car. As Stahl arrested Sara, only one thought flew through her mind.
I've been framed! Oh, shit…
Gemma saw the whole thing go down.
"Oh shit," said Gemma.
She noticed the agents didn't bother impounding Sara's car, which was odd. When she got outside, Gemma noticed the keys right there on the driver's seat. She knew then and there that Sara had been framed.
She had walked to the market, so she drove back in Sara's car so she could warn the guys after Stahl had tried tripping her up.
It would never work. Gemma had been in this life too long.
"They got both Luann and Sara on drug charges," said Clay.
"Ridiculous!" said Jax. "Sara never did that stuff, not even in high school or college. Hardest she ever did, does now, is booze. Damn ATF framed her."
"Aye," said Chibs. "She isn't into that stuff, it would make her mess up during a performance."
"Cherry got questioned at the nail salon after Sara's arrest," said Half-Sack. "ATF even caught Blaze on his way in this morning. He gave her a mean look and said he knew nothing then when she left I heard him mutter something in Gaelic that sounded like swears."
"He obviously knows what we are, he ain't stupid," said Clay. "Smart enough to stay quiet and out of our business, though."
"Questioning a high school kid," said Jax. "They must be desperate."
"Least he ain't a rat," said Clay. "What about the doc?"
They agreed Tara wasn't a rat, but the fact Stahl was using RICO was quite unsettling. Chibs knew Sara knew a lot, and that she knew about Canada and the gun money. Course, if Stahl didn't know they were dating that might help. Bobby came in. The feds were blocking all calls in and out of Stockton, so they couldn't call Otto and tell him about RICO, and they knew he'd try to help Luann somehow, so they had to send a message.
"What about Sara?" said Chibs.
"She knows you went to Canada and what for," said Tig.
"She wouldn't rat," said Bobby.
"ATF tried talking to Stacy," said Juice. "I don't think it's her first encounter with the feds either, she seemed to be way too good at dodging everything, not to mention they had nothing on her. Stahl was pissed!"
"Didn't you say her mom married the mob or something?" said Bobby. "That would account for past questioning by feds."
"Seems you found a smart girl, Juice," said Tig. "Hopefully she's smarter than you."
"Hey!" said Juice.
"That ATF bitch!" said Clay.
They decided to use Luann to send a message to Otto, and would find out what the deal was with Sara when they got there. Jax, Opie, and Chibs would go.
Sara sat in the interrogation room. Stahl had left to file paperwork then the door opened so she glared at whoever it was.
"It's only me," said Hale. "Calm down."
He was flipping through a file as he pulled the shades down in the interrogation room. He heard a hollow laugh leave Sara's mouth.
"So it's come to this," said Sara. "I choose Stahl's way and rat or I choose your way and perform sexual favors."
"Last time I checked, you didn't do drugs. That was Rachel, and she's clean now," said Hale. "I don't run around getting sexual favors on or off the job, but if Stahl sees what I'm planning to do, I won't get laid later."
"What are you planning?" said Sara.
Hale put the incriminating baggies on the table.
"Just had them tested by one of the science professors at the community college," said Hale. "Nothing in these except oregano and baking soda. Did you leave your car unattended at all today?"
"I went to Sugar Ice and visited Liz then we saw Stahl circling the car," said Sara. "She must've planted them and I had no idea."
"I can't charge her, she'll just deny it," said Hale. "I have the results, so the D.A. will be able to drop the charges, I gave him a call. Only problem is he went home so you'll have to spend the night here, but tomorrow morning I'll make sure you're let out of here as soon as possible."
"Why are you doing this?" said Sara.
"I'm helping a friend," said Hale. "If anyone's getting charged, it'll be Steven if we apprehend him. Jilted man stalking his famous ex and setting her up… I'd call that motive."
The three of them were in the bar.
"You ever get high off this thing?" said Tig.
"What's wrong with him?" said Piney.
"The list is too long my friend," said Bobby.
They started a fight to get the cops out of the station. The three of them had no idea that what they had just done had put Sara in grave danger.
While Opie kept a lookout outside, Jax and Chibs went inside with Unser. As Jax told Luann what she had to do, Chibs talked with Sara.
"You two make it quick," said Unser.
"I had no idea they would resort to this," Sara whispered.
"It's okay, luv," said Chibs.
They held hands and kissed through the bars.
"Hale got the charges dropped, I'll be out tomorrow," said Sara. "I think he's still scared of Sam. Sam struck fear into all the guys I went to high school with, with help from Jax and Opie of course."
"We sure did," said Jax. "Unser, will Hale deliver on this?"
"He will," said Unser. "He thinks jail is for those who are guilty, not innocent."
After they all left, Chibs knew what he would do tomorrow. He had known after going to Canada that he was in love with her.
He would tell her, and ask her to be his old lady.
Steven's lips curved into a smile.
He had been patient for a long time – the botched hit on Rachel had meant he had had to hide out. Also, Gerald had found him. Nasty bastard. Man didn't know when to quit.
He had been living in the woods, away from Gerald but he knew Gerald was close.
So he watched the cops leave to break up a bar fight, then the bikers leave, then the feds leave.
Then he put the silencer on his gun and snuck inside.
The third time would be the charm.
Sara paced in her jail cell. She was going nuts, because she could hear Hale and Stahl going at it like rabbits.
"Can you two turn it down?" said Sara. "I'm trying to sleep!"
"Hello, Sara," said a voice.
Sara's blood ran cold.
"Steven?" Sara whispered.
"One and only," said Steven. "Don't try shouting for help. No one's here. Your boyfriend already left."
Sara tried backing up, but Steven grabbed her by the neck.
"Shhh," said Steven.
He let her go and she tried running under the bed in her cell, but Steven fired two shots.
Both of them hit her in the chest.
When the cops got back, one of them smelled cordite.
"You smell that? Gunpowder," said the cop. "It's coming from the cellblock."
He went with another cop and they found Sara.
"Jesus Christ," said the cop.
The first cop opened the cell door while the second called for an ambulance. The first cop felt for a pulse. It was weak, but she was still alive.
The guys were all acting jovial about the women eventually being free. Stacy and Cherry were at the clubhouse, and all over their guys. Suddenly Unser arrived.
"I got good news and bad news," said Unser. "The good news is Hale was going to cut Sara loose tomorrow morning."
"You said 'was'," said Jax. "What happened?"
"Steven broke in, shot her twice in the chest," said Unser. "One of my guys called me so I went down. She's being rushed to St. Thomas as we speak."
"How bad?" said Chibs.
"You might wanna get down there as soon as you can," said Unser.
Bobby, Chibs, Juice, and Half-Sack rode to St. Thomas. Cherry had come on Half-Sack's bike, Stacy on Juice's. Opie had ridden to his house to break the news to Donna before they too showed up at the hospital. They were all met by Sam and Rachel. Donna was already crying. Sam walked up to Chibs.
"She's asking for you," said Sam. "Tara said she'd take you to where Sara was."
Tara waved Chibs over and the two of them went into one of the trauma rooms. Seeing Sara almost as pale as the white walls broke his heart.
"Chibs?" Sara whispered.
"Right here, luv," said Chibs.
He could tell that as much as she tried to hide it, she was in a lot of pain and every word she spoke was making it harder for her to draw breath. He was going to shred that bastard beyond recognition for doing this to her.
"They're taking me… to surgery soon," said Sara. "I… if I don't make it…"
"Don't say that," said Chibs. "They're gonna take the sluggers out and you're gonna be alright."
"There's money… and a letter… in an envelope… in one of your sweatshirts," Sara whispered. "Letter explains everything… if I die, read the letter."
She was taken to surgery minutes later, but not before Chibs gave Sara a kiss.
Everyone was in the waiting room when the P.I., Gerald, then arrived.
"I found the slime," said Gerald. "He's in a green tent out in the woods."
Jax nodded as Gerald handed him a map. Gerald then went to hold vigil with the others.
"We kill that bastard tonight," said Chibs.
Also, one more thing... the bad boy Aiden Finnegan. he has a dark past of his own, and that will come up soon enough. as for what he looks like... think ryan atwood with black hair. my friend thinks it's badass. now assault my inbox with reviews!:p