AN:This story continues from chapter 20. It is still November 2011. Please respond with your reviews. I love knowing your reactions to this story. Thank You
Disclaimer: K. Sutter and SOA own their original work. FF writers own all of their original work. I own nothing except for a new context of other written ideas. I have also created a few original characters.
Chapter 21
Spinning Issues
Tara and Jax have just arrived home, as David Hale walks towards them from his police cruiser. David looks very upset with tears in his eyes. Tara senses David is here for her help. David explains that his wife Emily has just given birth to their beautiful baby girl. Sadly, he reveals the baby is very sick. The doctor, who delivered their baby, called her a blue baby and her condition will require surgery. The doctor also told them that Dr. Teller was the best surgeon for this kind of condition only she is not available at this time. "That is why I came to see you at home,Tara." Tara hugs David to comfort him saying, "David, I made you a promise many years ago. Do you remember what I told you? David sighs,"I think you said something like you would return the favor of me saving your life." Tara smiles, "That's right, David, I owe you and I promised to be there if you ever needed me. Just give me a minute to check on my son and you can rush me to the hospital with your sirens blaring." Jax was standing beside Tara so he knew what was happening. Asa was another story. We took Asa into the house and, thankfully, JW was playing crash the cars with Paddy on the floor.
JW came running, towards them, saying excitedly, "Mommy, dadee." The sound of their baby's voice is music to their ears and soothing balm for the tension of the day. Jax knows that David needs Tara now. Kissing her family goodbye, Jax whispers in her ear,"Don't worry babe. You go and take care of David's baby. When you return, we will deal with our domestic situation."
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David has just pulled out of our driveway, speeding to get us to St. Thomas. He turns on his siren when traffic impedes our travel. I called St. Thomas to expedite my work by having all of the information complete for baby Hale, and ready for me to examine. The hospital staff clerk informs me, my surgical team is present and waiting for my arrival. This is why I became a doctor. The thrill of knowing that I can save a baby's life with my own two hands, fills my soul with value and my mind with confidence.
We arrive at the hospital and David goes to comfort his wife. I go to get to work on baby Hale. After two hours of surgery, the proper blood flow is now corrected by clearing the baby's small obstruction from the heart to the lungs. Baby Hale turns from blue to pink in front of our eyes. We all acknowledge one another for a job well done. Walking out to give David and Emily the good news makes me feel proud and grateful. Proud that I am a skilled surgeon. Grateful that I can help people.
David and Emily are now happy and relieved parents. David is happy to tell me, "The baby's name is Tara Marie. Tara is named after you and Marie is named after my mother." Tears come to my eyes,"David and Emily, thank you. I feel very honored. Tara Marie, has a special place in my heart." I hug them both, "I am so happy for your family. I wish you the best of everything with your beautiful baby girl."
David offers to take me home, "Thanks, David, I think Jax will pick me up. I also know that being with your family is your priority for now."
Jax picks me up with his Harley. Smirking with a twinkle in his eyes, he knew that would be the best way for me to chill out before we confront our next issue.
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The ride home does help to soothe my frazzled nerves. Now that we are home, Jax turns to look at me, asking,"Are you ready for this?" Shrugging my shoulders telling Jax, "I have no idea if I could ever be ready for this, whatever 'this' is?" Jax places his arm around my shoulder guiding me into our home. We are stunned to see Paddy and Asa greeting us in the foyer. Paddy asks, "Could we please have a moment of your time? We have something to tell you." Jax says,"Of course, lets all sit here at the dining room table."
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Asa tells us that her father is Brendan Roarke, one of the Irish Kings of Belfast. "My da has been absent for most of my life. Sometimes he would come for Christmas and my birthday. Ma never would divorce him being catholic and all. I was an only child and ma raised me to be a good christian girl. She always told me my da was a Gangster of Christ. Growing up I had no idea what that meant. When we were both injured by bombs in Belfast, I felt in my heart my da was involved."
Paddy continues to tell us that when his Uncle Chibs offered to send them to California, they felt like god was sending them a savior here on earth. "Then, when we started working for you fine folks we knew are prayers for a better life had been answered." Asa sadly responds, "My da found out where we were. He told me he would kidnap John Winston and torture the child until I did his evil demands." Jax says,"Asa, you should have come to us right away. We could have helped you."
"I know that now. But I was so scared that I didn't even tell my Paddy. Paddy overheard me talking to da and that's why we are here now. Da has more demands and I don't know what to do."
Jax asks,"Asa, are you in contact with anyone else in Belfast or Ireland?" Asa looks puzzled,"Not really, Jax. me ma is dead and I don't write to anyone...except for my best friend, of course." Jax responds quickly,"Who is your best friend, Asa?" "She is no one to worry about, Jax. We have been friends since we were wee ones. Trinity is not involved with the shite of my da."
Jax says,"Okay, Asa, what is Trinity's full name?" "I think she just uses her ma's name because her da died before she was born. Her ma is Maureen Ashby." Paddy remembers, "Jax, I think Uncle Chibs knows Maureen's old man. He is the leader of SAMBEL, the SONS chapter in Belfast." Tara and Jax look at each other knowing that this issue is a lot more dangerous and complicated with every new piece of information that is given by the Clerys.
Jax continues to talk to Asa in a gentle manner. He does not want her to sense the rage building inside his mind. Tara senses immediately that Jax is keeping his temper in check. All Tara can do is to make mental notes of everything that Asa has said. The scariest part of Asa's information is her da's next demand of her. He expects her to plant an explosive in a van on SAMCRO's parking lot. Asa told Jax and Tara that her da had to do something else before the explosive would be needed. He would be in contact with her shortly. Jax tells Asa to keep talking to her da as if nothing has changed. He also tells her to be very careful with her correspondence to Trinity. Asa tells Jax it's not a problem. Trinity is coming to Charming soon anyways. Jax thinks this issue is almost out of control. "Asa, when is Trinity coming to Charming?" "Jax, I think she will be here next week. Her ma and Keith McGee are coming to visit the USA too."
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Jax tells Tara and the Clerys that he needs to leave for a minute and he will return soon. In the mean time, Tara continues to talk to Paddy and Asa about how they all need to be working together to solve their problems. Tara makes it very clear to Asa that her actions are considered criminal. Asa suggests that her only concern was to protect JW. Tara acknowledges that Asa was in fact being blackmailed.
Paddy asks if they would be punished for telling the truth. As Jax returns to their meeting, he has heard Paddy's question. Jax makes it very clear to Paddy, Tara, and Asa that telling the truth is not enough. Asa has to be willing to cooperate with the authorities as a double agent. Everyone in the room looks at Jax as if he is crazy. Jax clarifies his statement by, specifically telling Asa that the only way for her to be cleared of arson is to help the authorities catch the criminal deeds of the Irish Kings in real time. Tara is beginning to feel like they have just entered the twilight zone. Jax continues by asking Asa if she is willing to cooperate with the authorities. Asa commits to do what she is told. She is not concerned about hurting her da. Her main concern is protecting their wee one, JW. Jax only hopes that Asa can be trusted. Spinning issues to a successful outcome is Jax's main concern because multiple factors are hard to control. Tara suggests the hour is late and tomorrow will be very busy for all of them. The Clerys say good night and thank Jax and Tara, knowing that the Tellers will help them.
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After the Clerys leave, Tara turns to Jax and suggests,"I wonder if we have created our own mission impossible?" Jax chuckles, saying, "Babe, you have no idea as to how right you are." Somehow Jax's reply makes Tara tremble with fear. Jax realizes he may have said the wrong thing to Tara in jest. "Tara it will be okay. I have meetings set up with Bobby and Chibs at 8 am and Sacramento is sending down a team of law enforcement specialists at 11 am. I talked with Tyne Patterson, so it's all good." Tara remembers that Jax worked with Tyne frequently while she was working on her fellowship for neonatal surgery. Jax practically lived in Sacramento during those years. Tara recalls, Tyne Patterson is currently the Attorney General of the State of California.
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Jax and Tara are exhausted, but Tara has one more issue to discuss. She is hesitant to tell Jax that his life is about to change. Tara is concerned that this may be the wrong time. As they crawl into bed, with Jax spooning her, at least she won't see his face but she thinks she needs to see his face. She is making herself a nervous wreck, so finally a decision is made, when she says, "Jax in June of 2012 we will be a family of four."