Chapter 14

The next morning Jax had Abel and Thomas dressed and ready before Tara even finished her shower. He knew today was very important to his plans on putting his family back together, and he knew he needed to start off the day by treading carefully. Tara had been furious with him last night when they left the hospital, and had barely spoken two words to him after they got to the clubhouse. He had wisely kept his head down and done his best not to incur more of her wrath, but the entire time he'd been making plans about their outing today. He fully intended to make the most of it.

When Tara emerged from the back with still damp hair wearing another pair of shorts that showcased her world class legs and ass along with a simple black tank top he greeted, "Morning. Boys and I are ready to go as soon as you finish eating."

Tara ignored Jax as she headed to the clubhouse kitchen to fix herself a plate for breakfast. She was still unbelievably pissed at Jax for his behavior the night before. Not to mention the way he'd backed her into a corner with Abel about today's little outing. Though a small part of her, the small traitorous part of her that still longed for a life with him, was actually looking forward to spending the day together as a family. It was something they'd never really had the chance to do. Especially since Thomas was born.

Gemma watched quietly as Tara ignored Jax completely and began making herself a plate of eggs, bacon, and hash browns. "So you and Jax got big plans for today, huh?"

"More like Jax has big plans. He didn't give me much of a choice."

Having heard from her son the night before how he'd maneuvered Tara into going with him today, Gemma in true fashion did her best to make things easier for her son by suggesting, "Just remember that today isn't about you or Jax. It's about Abel and Thomas. Don't let the shit between you two get in the way of them having a nice day with their parents for the very first time."

"Laying it on a little thick this morning, Gem, aren't you?"

Grinning, Gemma took a sip of her coffee before replying, "Just making sure your head is where it needs to be, Tara."

Rolling her eyes Tara walked away from Gemma to take a seat on the other side of Abel at the table and began eating as her sons were finishing up with their own breakfasts. She watched silently as Jax finished feeding Thomas with the bottle of breast milk she'd pumped the day before while Abel polished off the last of his hash browns. By the time she was finished eating Jax had both boys cleaned up from their breakfast and was loading them in her Denali. She saw two Nomads on bikes sitting behind her SUV and she asked Jax, "They're escorting us?"

"Just want to play it safe, Tara. I have no reason to believe anything is going to happen, but I want to err on the side of caution until our transition out of guns is complete."

Fifteen minutes later they were on their way and Jax decided to try and break the tension in the car by asking, "So is there anything special you would like to do today? Clay gave me the whole day off and I doubt we can spend it all at LegoLand."

"Well now that you mention it I do have quite a bit of shopping to do. Maybe you could take the boys with you to do something for a few hours while I get some b-i-r-t-h-d-a-y shopping done for Abel."

"Can you believe he's going to be three next month?"

Looking back to smile at her oldest who was watching Finding Nemo on the TV headrest, Tara agreed happily, "It is amazing. He's growing so quick. So do you think you can keep them occupied for a few hours while I get his shopping done? I already know everything I want to get him, but I haven't had a chance to pick any of it up."

"Sure. I'll take one of the Nomads with me and the boys and find something to do in the mall while you get his stuff. Mind giving me some pointers on what to pick out?"

"I'll write you up a list."

For the rest of the ride Jax kept the conversation to safe topics, asking things about the boys and so on, wanting to do his best not to piss Tara off. Once they pulled up to LegoLand Jax unloaded the stroller while Tara did a quick change of Thomas's diaper in the back seat. Once both boys were loaded in the stroller Jax told the Nomads to hang back but stay close enough so they could help if something were to go down and with that he led his family inside.

As soon as they passed the doors Abel began squirming in the stroller as he demanded, "Down Mommy! I want down!"

Laughing Jax leaned down to unbuckle his oldest and pick him out of the stroller as he asked, "You want to go play, huh?"

Grinning Abel nodded his head madly as he threw his hands in the air and exclaimed, "Let's go, Daddy!"

Reaching into the diaper bag Tara quickly pulled out Abel's child harness and leash and said, "Put this on him first."

Eyes widening, Jax asked, "You leash him?"

Not appreciating Jax's judgmental expression, Tara replied, "He doesn't leave me a choice. He takes off the first chance he gets and refuses to come back when I call him. It's the only way to keep him safe. Especially as I'm usually alone and have Thomas with me as well."

"I'm not putting a leash on him, Tara. It's wrong. It's basically treating him like a dog."

"Jax, it's not wrong. It's about keeping him safe. Abel is very fast and easily distracted. Not to mention he thinks it's hilarious to make me chase him. He can get away from you very quickly. When we're out in a big public place like this I do use the harness. I don't use it at the hospital or clubhouse because he's around so many people we know who are also keeping an eye on him, but out in a big public place like this? I'm afraid he'll get away from me and someone will snatch him."

Refusing the child harness and tether as he set Abel on his feet, Jax said, "I got it, babe. I can keep up with him."

Arching a brow as she put the harness and tether back in the diaper bag Tara laughed, "We'll see. I give it an hour before he's run you ragged."

When Jax just continued to grin at her Tara pointed behind him and said, "He's getting away."

Looking over his shoulder and seeing Abel tearing ass towards the back of the store where the giant Lego display was located Jax cursed, "Shit! Abel! Get back here!"

When Abel ignored his father and Jax took off running after him Tara smiled down at Thomas who was stuffing his hands in his mouth and said, "Your father is going to be kicking himself for not tethering Abel when he had the chance."

Thomas's only response was to giggle and blow spit bubbles. "Come on, baby, let's catch up to your father and brother."

Further ahead Jax was calling out, "Abel! Wait for me!"

Abel heard his father and giggled as he continued his headlong dash towards the giant Legos. When he reached the first one he immediately began trying to scale it and was none too pleased when his father finally caught up to him and plucked him off the giant yellow Lego. "No Daddy! No!"

Shaking his head and laughing, Jax turned Abel in his arms to face him and cautioned his son, "Abel, we can play on anything you want, but you can't run off like that. Ok, buddy? If you want to see something or play with something just tell me and I'll take you to it, ok? But no more running."

"Ok, Daddy."

From behind them Tara could only shake her head in bemusement at Jax's presumption that he had somehow gotten through to their rambunctious toddler and set him back on the ground. "Sucker," she muttered under her breath.

As expected as soon as Jax set Abel back on his feet the little boy took off again, weaving his way through the crowd of parents and youngsters alike as he headed for the giant Lego T-Rex across the show room.

"Abel! Come back here!" Jax didn't look behind him. He didn't want to see the knowing smirk on Tara's face while he continued to chase after their oldest.

Grinning at the Nomads behind them, Tara laughed, "I'll bet you guys $100 Jax begs me for the harness in an hour."

Ray and Mark, the two Nomads riding escort, smirked at each other before Ray scoffed, "I never take a bet I know I'll lose. Prince Charming should have listened to his old lady."

The next hour passed in pretty much the same way. Abel would take off, Jax would chase after him, Tara would leisurely follow with Thomas and arrive in time to listen to see Jax finally catch their toddler before cautioning that it wasn't safe for him to run away like that again. Then Jax would foolishly put Abel back on his feet, sans harness and tether, only for their oldest to dart off at the earliest opportunity. As expected soon enough Jax returned with an unrepentant Abel tucked under his arm and held out his hand and said, "Where the hell is that leash?"

Laughing Tara teased, "But I thought you didn't like the idea of leashing him? You said it was wrong and was treating him like a dog."

Glaring at his hold lady, Jax growled, "Stop rubbing it in. You could have told me he was an escape artist before now."

"I tried to warn you," Tara laughed as she dug out Abel's harness and tether from the diaper bag and added, "but you wouldn't listen to me."

As he knelt down to put the child harness and tether on a squirming Abel, Jax asked, "How do you keep up with him with Thomas too? Damn, babe, he runs fast!"

"I like to run, Daddy!" Abel giggled as he wiggled as best he could, making sure his father had to work to put the harness on him that spelled the end of his fun.

"No kidding, buddy," Jax laughed before finally getting Abel into the safety harness and keeping firm hold of the tether as he stood and again asked Tara, "Seriously, how do you manage him?"

Smiling down at Abel as she stroked his hair fondly, Tara replied, "I just do. We've got a system down."

When Abel grinned up at her she told Jax, "The trick is to get the harness on him before getting him out of the car. Wards off any escape attempts."

"I'm fast!" Abel giggled up at his parents.

"You sure are, baby," Tara smiled before looking at Jax and adding, "We'll just have to hope Thomas isn't as fond of the mad dash as this one is."

Keeping a firm hold of Abel's tether Jax said, "Ok, let's go, buddy. What do you want to see next?"

"The castle!"

As they headed towards the Lego castle with Abel walking politely in front of them on his safety tether, Jax turned to Tara and asked, "Why isn't he pulling or running now?"

"He's smart. He's trying to lure you into a false sense of security so you'll take the harness off, but don't be fooled. He's a crafty one. You take that harness off now and you'll never catch him."

Grinning down at Abel's sly expression, Tara teased, "Because you think it's even funnier the second time around, don't you baby?"

When Abel just giggled Tara added to Jax, "Though your mother tells me Abel is nothing compared to you. She told me you were definitely the sprinter in the family. Not only that but you were determined to get as dirty as possible every time you got away from her. At least I'm spared that."

Smirking, Jax replied, "I did like raising hell."

"Did? You act like your antics are in the past."

Leaning down to drop a kiss to Tara's cheek before she could stop him Jax whispered in her ear, "Believe me, babe, all my antics are reserved for you now. I've learned to direct my naughty side towards more product endeavors. Like getting you wet for me."

Feeling her stomach tighten as heat bloomed between her legs, Tara leaned away from Jax and gave him her best glare as she said, "That's enough you."

Knowing her glare was all bluster Jax just smiled at her before focusing back on Abel. They had made it to the castle now and while Jax helped Abel climb up the wall Tara lifted Thomas out of his stroller and asked, "Want to climb the castle with Abel, Thomas?"

At his answering giggle Tara took that as a yes and asked the Nomads to keep an eye on the stroller as she went to take Thomas to the top of the Lego Castle with Abel and Jax. She came to stand next to Jax as Abel went down the castle slide before clamoring up the side of the castle to go down the slide again. She was thankful it was a Friday so there weren't that many families here. She'd tried bringing Abel here once before Thomas was born on a Saturday and it had been packed.

After another hour of playing on the castle with his father Abel came to Tara and told her he was hungry. Looking at Jax she said, "How about you feed the boys and I can get that shopping done."

"Sure thing. Ray, go with her."

"You got it ,VP." Once Tara had headed off to a different section of the shopping complex Jax got Abel and Thomas strapped back into the stroller, making sure not to be stupid enough to take Abel's harness off, and headed towards the small outdoor park the shopping complex had. He knew it would take Tara awhile to get all her shopping done for Abel's birthday, so after lunch he was going to take the boys to the small photography studio a few stores down from Legoland and get a picture of the three of them. He didn't like that all of the family photos so far didn't include him. He really wanted one with all four of them in it, but he doubted Tara would be up for it. Even if she was playing nice with him today, and not taking her anger out on him about his actions with Doctor Jackass the night before.

While Jax headed off with the boys Tara made her way further down the shopping complex to the toy store. She had her list of things she wanted to pick up for Abel for his birthday. It didn't take her long to fill up a cart with all the items she had picked for him and make her way through the checkout. She wanted to get this first load of stuff in the car before she went to get the new clothes and shoes she had picked out for Abel's birthday as well. It was only when Ray was helping her load everything into the car that an issue arose.

"Tara Knowles?"

Turning to face the older balding man as Ray's hand reflexively went for his gun, Tara replied, "Yes? Do I know you?"

Sticking his hand out as a grim smirk graced his features the man introduced, "I'm Charles Barosky."

Eyeing the man warily, Tara refused to shake his hand and instead pressed, "And I'm supposed to know that name?"

When Tara refused to shake his hand Charles let it fall back to his side as he chuckled, "I heard you were a ballsy one."

His words and tone had Tara on high alert and she was comforted by Ray moving to stand right beside her, his hand clearly atop the piece he had in his cut as she snapped, "Look, I don't know you, and I don't know why you're pushing up on me, but I want you to leave."

Charles, unconcerned by the armed nomad at Tara's side, said, "You just give your old man a message from me."

Realizing this was club business, whatever it was, and growing worried, Tara asked, "And what message is that?"

"Family is a weakness I don't have," Charles stated simply, but with a definite gleam in his eye that made Tara shiver. She didn't know this man, but something about him made her very wary. She got the feeling he was a man that enjoyed hurting others, and she was immensely grateful Jax had insisted on Ray accompanying her.

Ray moved to stand directly in front of Tara as he pulled his gun and barked, "Back the fuck off, bitch, or I'm going to fill your ass full of holes!"

Charles just laughed and gave Tara a little wave as he strolled away. Ray stayed in front of Tara with his gun drawn until Barosky was out of sight before he turned to face her and ordered, "Shopping trip. We're getting Jax. Now."

Tara quickly stowed the last of her bags into the back of her Denali while Ray kept a lookout for any more trouble as he pulled his prepay out and dialed Jax. His conversation was quick and the Samcro VP made it clear he was to get Tara into the car and stay there until he brought the boys back. Ray quickly relayed this information to Tara before assuring her that Jax was on the way back with the boys now.

A few moments later a furious and deadly looking Jax pushing the boys stroller could be seen making his way very quickly through the parking lot. As soon as Tara saw him she jumped from the car and hurried to his side as she asked, "Who is he, Jax? Why did he come to me."

Cupping Tara's face, his fury making his hands shake, Jax replied, "He's a dead man, that's who he is, babe. No one threatens you."

Tara could see in Jax's eyes that he meant every word, and she asked again, "Jax, I want to know what is going on."

"I'll tell you after I meet with the others. We're going back to the clubhouse. Now. Barosky wouldn't have come at you like this if he didn't have something planned. We need to get you and the boys back on lockdown."

"Jax, I need—"

"Tara," Jax barked, far too concerned with her and the boy's safety at this point, "don't question me on this. I told you'd I'd explain everything and I will, but right now I want you to get the boys strapped in the car and ready to go. We're leaving."

If Tara wasn't even more concerned with the fact Jax seemed to be scanning the area for immediate danger while he pulled out his prepay to call Clay she wouldn't have been furious with him for ordering her around like he just had. As it was she hurried to do as he said and quickly got the boys into the car while listening to Jax's conversation.

"Clay, get everyone to the clubhouse. Now….Yeah there's a problem. The problem is that Barosky just approached Tara…No, she and the boys are fine, but that sick fuck wouldn't have come at her like this if he didn't have a plan. We need to hold Church…Yeah, I know. Put a call into Leroy. He should still have a detail on Barosky's crew. See if they can shed some light on what the fuck might be going on. I'm going to call Roosevelt and see if he's got any information…Yeah, we're headed back to the clubhouse now…Shit, I didn't think of that. We'll wait here for you to send some reinforcements."

When Jax finished his conversation he looked at Ray and Mark and said, "Clay is worried Barosky might try to hit us in transit. He's sending some guys to back us up. We'll wait here until he gets here. You guys stay alert."

"Sure thing, VP," Mark said while Ray kept his eyes trained on the parking lot around them.

Jax got into the driver's seat of Tara's Denali and saw her worried expression as he hurried to assure, "It's ok. Clay is sending some back up to make sure Barosky doesn't try anything on our way home. After I get you and the boys at the clubhouse we'll head out to handle this."

Looking back to make sure that Thomas was still asleep and Abel was still engrossed in the movie he was watching on the back of her headrest, Tara asked softly, "Who was he, Jax? Why did he come at me?"

Eyes narrowing in anger at the thought Barosky had come anywhere near his woman, Jax replied, "He's a dirty cop we're pushing out as we go into our new business. He's-," hesitating as he tried to think of how to explain Barosky to Tara, Jax finally decided on full disclosure and finished, "He's a bad man, babe, and if you ever see him again you take the shot. He doesn't play by outlaw rules. He's like Zoebelle."

Gasping, fully understanding what that statement meant, Tara whispered, "Oh fuck! And he's coming after me?!"

Reaching out to take hold of Tara's hand, pleased when she grasped his just as tightly, Jax hurried, "No, babe, he's coming after me, and he's a fucking idiot if he thinks I'll let him anywhere near you. He just made the last mistake of his sorry fucking life by coming at you. I promise, you're safe."

Tara didn't know what to say, so she said nothing and simply continued holding Jax's hand as they sat in the car waiting for backup to arrive and escort them back to the clubhouse. They heard the roar of the engines first. The ground literally shook as Clay, Bobby, Opie, Chibs, Juice, Miles, Happy, several Nomads, and Marcus with about 15 Mayans pulled up behind the Denali. In minutes they were on the road headed back to the clubhouse with half the bikes in front of Tara's Denali and half behind. The entire ride Tara remained silent, taking comfort from Jax's hand holding her own.

As they pulled into the clubhouse Tara was barely out of the car before Gemma had her in a tight hug as she demanded, "What the fuck happened? Clay said someone came after you?"

Tara quickly returned Gemma's embrace before she said, "Let's get the boys inside first. Then I'll tell you everything."

As she grabbed Abel while Gemma got Thomas Tara couldn't help but notice that every patched member of the club was heavily armed and stationed throughout the clubhouse and lot. There were guys on top of the clubhouse keeping an eye on the perimeter with automatic rifles, and a large presence of Nomads at the front gates. Piney had definitely beefed up security while they were gone.

It didn't take long for Tara to get the boys settled in the back with Lyla to keep an eye on them before Jax pulled her into Church. The rest of the Sons were seated around the table with Marcus and the Mayans he had with him leaning against the walls. Everyone was looking at her as Clay said, "Tara, darlin', tell us what happened."

Crossing her arms over her chest and looking at Jax as he took his seat at Clay's left and gave her a reassuring nod, Tara exlained, "Jax took the boys for a bit so I could do Abel's birthday shopping. When Ray was helping me load all the presents in the car this Charles guy came out of nowhere."

"Tell them what he said," Jax growled, still burning with anger."

"He said to tell Jax that family is a weakness he doesn't have," Tara divulged, watching as Jax's fists clenched atop of the table while Clay sat back with a definite scowl.

"Bitch needs to be handled," Tig hissed, with several other members quickly agreeing. "We don't tolerate threats to our families.

Clay raised his hands for silence and said, "Tara, thanks. You can step out now. We need to discuss this."

Tara wanted to hear what was going to be said, but she knew Church was no place for women. She'd have to get Jax to tell her everything later. When she was gone Clay asked, "Piney, where are we at on those out of the compound now?"

"I got calls into everyone. Everyone should be back within the next hour. I tripled the guard and called the other clubhouses and let them know we might need reinforcements. We're good here."

Jax, wanting to go after Barosky now, said, "I say we go after this prick and finish him off for good."

"Agreed," Chibs offered from across the table.

Shaking his head, Clay said, "Jax, he had to of been tailing you guys and waiting for a chance to approach Tara without you there. That means he's up to something. We're not going to make the same mistake with Barosky that we made with Zoebelle. That's a lesson I learned from you. If he's planning something we sure as hell aren't going to go walking into his trap. Tara and the boys are safe here. Now we need to focus on finding out what Barosky is up to."

Opie, knowing the rage Jax was feeling, attempted to talk him down, and said, "Listen to him, brother, because if you go off half cocked now you'll end up dead or in jail, and that won't help Tara and the boys at all."

Marcus, drawing everyone's attention, said, "I'm wondering what gives this cop the balls to come at you guys like this? Word is all over the street about our alliance and the alliance we all have going with the Niners. Barosky isn't an idiot, so he wouldn't have threatened Tara without some major backing."

"Exactly," Clay agreed, "and that means he knows something we don't. So it's time to dig in boys, because no one threatens our family. No one."

Looking at Marcus, Jax asked, "Can you put some feelers out? There are people that will talk to you that won't talk to us."

Nodding his head, Marcus assured, "I already put the word out. My guys are looking into it. We'll back you. I got 40 guys from other charters coming in ready to help with the takeover if you need them. It will take them about a day to get here. You just let me know when you need them."

Clay looked around the table and said, "Alright guys, from here on out no one rides solo. Teams of two or more only. No women or children leave the compound until further notice, and Piney, if everyone is back here within the hour you tell me. We'll send out guys to pick them up if necessary. Juice, get on your laptop and see what you can find on Barosky and his current associations and movements. Opie, you and Chibs go with Jax to visit Roosevelt. See if he'll give anything up. Marcus, get with your guys and see what you can dig up. I'm going to reach out to Leroy and see if he's heard anything. We'll meet back here at 8 for Church and decide what to do from there."

As everyone filed out, Jax grabbed Clay's arm and said, "No matter what happens Barosky is mine. He came after Tara. He scared her, and I'm going to kill him for it."

Nodding his head, Clay replied, "Understood."