Nero stormed out of the warehouse as Jax and Alvarez shook hands to seal the deal. "Don't burn that bridge, boy. If it wasn't for Nero vouching for you, we wouldn't be having this conversation."

Jax exhaled. "Thanks for hearing me out. I understand." He turned to Chibs. "Put a call out to Barosky. Let him know what I need."

"Gotcha, Jackie," he replied. Chibs stalked away to make the call.

Arianne stood off to the side with Bobby and Happy. Jax tried to make out their conversation, and Alvarez noticed his eyes on her. "Where does a woman fit in a place like this?"

"She's Opie's sister. And one of my oldest friends. Ari's searching for her own truth. There's something she's not telling me, but she'll let me know in time. I hope I'm pushing her in the right direction," he replied.

"And you're fine with her being wrapped up in this?" Alvarez wondered.

"I learned a thing or two from my father. He wrote somewhere that your old lady either knows everything or doesn't know shit. There's no in-between. Tara knew what I was and couldn't accept it, whereas Arianne knows that this life isn't something I can turn on and off. She understands both sides, because they blur into one. My blood and my club. They're our family." Ari caught his glance as she followed Bobby out of the Mayans' clubhouse.

"Rare gems, finding a woman like that. Your mother is the only other person I know who embraced that role," Alvarez said. "Just don't make the mistake of letting Lin or Marks use her to get to you."

"I won't," Jax confirmed. They shook hands once more and he stepped outside. He found Ari waiting for him at his bike. "What's up, babe?"

She took a deep breath before she told him the news. "I know it's not the right time, but Jarry found Unser. He's dead, Jax. They found him in his trailer, but she said he was dumped there. And they found my truck, torched outside of town. She wanted to arrest me for Unser's murder. I called her out on it and she slapped me, so I clocked her back. She put an APB out on Juice too. She thinks I'm helping him hide."

He nodded, as if he expected this to happen. "Got anything out of mom?" He asked.

"No. I didn't have much time alone with her. Maybe when we get back she'll tell you more. I tried to call her phone, but Juice didn't pick up. So I left a message. We'll see if he bites," she supplied.

"Unser must've found him. Juice didn't want him to rat, so he killed him. And that's how he got to mom at TM. She was just at the wrong place at the right time," he scoffed. Ari looked up at him and he gave her a small kiss. Rule number one: never underestimate Jax's intelligence.

Ari felt a healthy sense of respect for him. He already came up with the correct conclusion, while the cops were still running around like chickens with their heads chopped off. "Take mom to the station. Have her make a statement to Jarry. Once Juice is found, we can take care of him on the inside. After that, I need the two of you to head up to the cabins. There's a situation I need her to take care of."

"Who's up there? What do I tell her?" Ari questioned.

"Just say there's a mother/son problem I need handled," he instructed. "When I get back to you, this shit with Lin will be over."

"Jackie Boy!" Chibs called out. Jax and Ari turned to him. "Barosky's ready. Nero made the call to meet up with Lin. We gotta get our shit together. Arianne, you better not come." The pair looked at each other and laughed out loud. "It's not funny, you two," he argued.

"Chibs, don't worry. I'm going back to Redwoody to get mom," Ari laughed some more.

Now it was Jax's turn to frown. "Don't push it. I know you can handle everything I throw at you. I'm fine when you're next to me. It's when you're not around that gets my anxiety going."

"Oh," she blurted out. For a smart man with all the answers, Jax's logic was definitely askewed when it came to her. Ari couldn't help but think that he was channeling Opie through her. It was slightly unnerving. "Well don't forget that then. Trust me, Jax. When we're separated, just remember I'll be alright." The sentence sounded stupid coming out of her mouth, but it was the first thought that popped up.

He held her for a second and kissed her forehead. "I'll see you and mom later," Jax said. "Be careful."

"I will. Don't forget," she reassured him. Ari walked to her chopper and started the bike. She revved a couple times to get it warmed up, and watched Jax do the same. She waited until they all pulled out ahead of her before turning her bike back towards Redwoody again. Ari was in no hurry to get back. Jarry was the last person she wanted to see.

In Redwoody

Gemma breathed a sigh relief when Ari finally returned. She ran to meet her daughter at the entrance. "Oh sweetheart, I was so worried. I thought he took you with him. Is everything alright?"

Ari sighed as well. "I hope so mom. They're out handling business, so hopefully this lockdown will be over soon. I came back because there's a couple of things Jax needs you to do."

Gemma's jaw dropped and she started to hyperventilate. Ari could see fear imbedded in her eyes. "Baby, can't it wait?" She asked.

"Mom I think it's better to get it over with. If you don't, I might end up behind bars," Ari admitted. Gemma grabbed her by the hand and moved them to a small corner in Redwoody.

"What are you talking about sweetheart?" She whispered.

"Jax wants you to make a statement about Juice. We need to get to Jarry. Tell her what you saw. He said once the cops find him they'll take care of the rat problem on the inside," Ari saw Gemma turn pale.

"What the fuck is wrong with you Arianne?!" She shouted as she shook Ari by the shoulders. The women looked up at the commotion. Gemma noticed her error at once and calmed herself. "Oh my God, I'm sorry baby. I wasn't thinking..."

Ari tried to hide her shock as she straightened her shirt out. "Let's go into the office. You can berate me in there," she said, her temper flaring. Gemma followed her willingly. Once inside, she saw her mother collapse onto the nearest chair. Ari slammed the door shut behind her.

"I didn't mean to do that, Arianne," she coughed out. "I don't know what came over me. I just assumed... That you opened your mouth and told my son."

"Ma, you raised a smart man," Ari complimented. "I told him what I'm about to tell you. Jarry found Unser. She's gonna try and pin his murder on me. Jax figured it out on his own, I just offered him the facts."

Gemma let her guard down for a second. "That bitch! I'm sorry I jumped to conclusions, but you're right. Jax would've found out sooner or later anyway. Forgive me. It's been a long couple days for your momma. I'll do anything for you remember that, ok? Let me get my stuff together, then I'll meet you at Tig's car."

"Thanks Gemma," Ari said gratefully.

"How many times do I have to tell you, Arianne Elia-Marie Winston? It's thanks mom," Gemma scolded.

Ari gave her a small smile. She had not heard her full name called out since she was a teenager. Opie used to say it for kicks and Jax would get him back and say it was beautiful. Her father used her name like a term of endearment, never as a reprimand. Hearing Gemma say it made her heart ache. "Alright, alright. Thanks, MOM," she repeated.