CHAPTER XXVI
-It's the life Doc-
Happy smoothed her hair with his hand, listening to the slow rhythm of her breathing as she was peacefully slept on his chest, her arms locked around him in a tight embrace.
If someone had told Happy, he'd end up here, holding onto a woman for dear life like he was now he would have laughed in their faces. Or punched the daylight out of them. But never for a second would he have thought it possible that he would be one of those suckers who let a bitch mess with their heads.
But truth was he was one of those suckers.
He hadn't seen her in over six weeks and he missed the shit out of her. Not getting any action for that long wasn't something Hap usually did but it wasn't even important. Well it was but it wasn't what he'd missed most. All it took for him is self control. He had that. But all the self control in the world could not make up for her absence from his world. He'd learned that the hard way over the last few weeks. She had never left his thoughts. Not for one minute.
He knew she'd spent days working hard, exploring every avenue, contacting every person she knew to try and help find a rehab facility for his aunt, a woman she had never met. She didn't have to do any of that, he hadn't asked her, he hadn't expected her to. But it hadn't mattered. She always felt like she had to do everything she could to help. She did every day with her patients, she'd done it with him despite all the grief he had given her, and she had done it with his aunt.
From Happy's experience, most people had an agenda for doing the things they did. 'No such thing as a free ride in this world' was one of his late mother's favorite expressions. But Jo invalidated all those theories. For her, there was no agenda. She just took on everyone problems and made them her own.
She had been patiently waiting for him at home when he'd reached Charming. She had gotten in in the early evening and Quinn had let her inside before heading to the clubhouse. She barely had the time to greet him before he'd crashed his lips on hers, pulling her into a passionate kiss. With a flirtatious smile, she'd guided him to the bedroom and they'd spent the next few hours getting reacquainted with each other's.
Happy shifted his position to try and get out of the bed without waking her. He had been awake for nearly an hour and he was starting to feel restless but he didn't want to wake her up. He got to his feet and put his boxers on before exiting the bedroom quietly.
He headed into the kitchen and made himself some coffee before sitting at the table where he lit a cigarette, taking a long drag. Enjoying the calm of the morning, he allowed himself to think about his goodbyes with his aunt and cousin the day before.
**********SOA**********
Hap walked in after his aunt and watched her reaction as she looked around her stunned in silence by her surroundings as the Admissions director who had welcomed them outside continued her guided tour.
"So your bathroom is here and if you need anything we have nurses and orderlies on call 24/7."
Happy's aunt was still lost for word and barely managed to speak. "Thank you."
The woman continued her speech. "We like to take care of our patients here. We'll have you back on your feet in no time. Now I will let you settle in before I show you the rest of the facility, but I just need someone to come with me to fill in the paperwork?"
"I can do that." his cousin interjected.
"Alright, if you'll follow me."
Once they were alone, his aunt turned to him concern creeping over her face "Happy, this place is… I don't even know what to say! Son, are you sure you're not paying anything for this? I don't want you to put yourself out of pocket..."
He decided to cut her off. "I told you not to worry about that. Jo arranged it."
His aunt smiled at him knowingly. "This girl…Jo? She sounds like a good girl. Things are serious with you two?"
He didn't need to think about his answer. He just nodded.
"Well, I'm glad you found someone. Your mum would be to. Don't wait too long before making an honest woman out of her, though. You're not getting any younger."
Happy couldn't suppress a chuckle. His aunt was one of the few people who would get him to do that.
"And bring her around sometime. She needs to meet the family."
He bent over his aunt and kissed her forehead. "You get better first."
"Alright and Happy? Do me a favour and make peace with your cousin before you leave okay? You're too hard on her. She takes good care of me."
He knew his aunt hated when he fought with Mari. In a lot of respects, his relationship with Mari was more akin to that of a brother and sister rather than cousins. They had grown up together and had once been very close. And even if their lives had gone into two different directions, even if they argued a lot they'd always look out for each other. He had her back and he knew she had his.
So he nodded letting his aunt know he would make it right before he left. He wrapped his aunt into a hug, and exited the room.
He walked to the reception where Mari was seated, filling out paperwork for his aunt's admission.
"Who knew they needed to have so much information?" she chuckled as she looked up at him. "How is mum?"
"Settling."
His cousin locked eyes with him and smiled "Tell me something cous', since when do you know a congressman?"
"What?"
"The nurse, she mentioned something about Mom getting her spot thanks to the congressman?"
As the truth dawned on him, Hap felt his anger rise. Jo had not mentioned using her father's name and he knew exactly why. She knew he wouldn't have accepted it. It pissed him off and he was going to have a conversation with her on that. Mari must have seen something in his face as she frowned in confusion.
"Hap, is this girl I'm hearing about related to a congressman?"
Jaws still clenched, he nodded reluctantly.
"Gee, you don't mess around do you?" she laughed softly before her face regained seriousness. " You know, your mum always said you'd settle down if the right woman came along. Think she's it?"
"Might be."
"Well I hope it works out for at least one of us." Mari concluded bitterly. Mari had been single since the father of her twins took off when the kids were two and had not been in a serious relationship since then.
Remembering his silent promise to his aunt, Happy cleared his throat." Listen, I… I didn't mean to give you a hard time about your mom. I know you do a lot for her."
"If I didn't know any better, I'd think you're apologizing."
Hap tried to suppress a smile. "Something like that."
"Thanks Hap. It means a lot." she said as she pulled him into a hug. "We're going to miss having you around. At least, the kids will."
"Any issues, you got to let me know Mari."
She nodded and he walked away.
"Hey, Hap? Don't forget to thank her for me."
**********SOA**********
At first, Happy had been pissed off at Jo for using her father's name to help his aunt. But as he rode towards Charming, each mile getting him closer to home, his anger vanished, leaving gratitude instead. Jo's relationship with her dead beat dad was chaotic at best and he knew she would have only used his name as a last resort. She did so for him and he decided he wasn't going to give her a hard time over it.
As if on cue, he felt Jo arm slide on his chest as she buried her face in his neck and kissed him.
"Morning." she whispered against his skin.
Happy grabbed her hand and pulled on it. "Come here."
He took her in as she stretched her leg to straddle him, cupping his face in her hands to kiss him. Her hair was a tousled mess and she'd just thrown on one of his shirt which was way so big for her tiny body so that most of her collarbone was mostly exposed. Her legs were bare and he was pretty sure she wasn't wearing any underwear. The very thought of it stirred his cock to life.
"How did you sleep?"
"Didn't sleep much. Someone kept pushing me off the bed."
She laughed heartily. "That is completely your fault. I've gotten kind of used to having a bed for myself again."
"Well you better lose that habit woman." he growled as his fingers laced through strands of hair before settling onto the back of her neck. "I gotta talk to you about something Doc."
She frowned. "Sure."
"Did you use your old man to get my aunt a spot at that fancy rehab?"
She looked down, bracing herself. "Yes."
"You should have told me Doc."
His level reaction seemed to surprise her as she looked up with a confused stare. "You're not mad?"
"I was pissed. But I know you don't want to owe him shit. You didn't have to do that for me Doc.
"Yes, I did." she retorted with conviction. "Your aunt means a lot to you and you mean a lot to me. That was more important than any grudge I have against my father. Besides, all I did is use his name. It's not like I asked him for a favour or anything."
He moved stands of hair away from her face. "Thanks Doc."
"You're welcome baby." she answered as she leaned to kiss him. As her fingers eased up to cradle his face, the short stubble of unshaven skin tickling her palms he took her lips like a starved man. His tongue plunged into her mouth before he retreated taking a nibble at her lips. Reaching down between their bodies, he expertly unbuttoned the shirt and ran his hands over her breast, stomach, legs while his mouth covered her neck and exposed collarbone in kisses. He had been right. She wasn't wearing any underwear.
The back door suddenly opened and the prospect walked in. It took him a second to realise what he interrupted and he froze as Happy instinctively moved to shield Jo as she buried her head in his chest in an effort to hide her modesty.
The prospect finally reacted and turned around as he blurted an apology. "Shit! Man, I'm sorry. I didn't realise..."
"Get out."
The kid didn't seem to get the message and went on. "Hap, I'm sorry man."
"GET. THE. FUCK. OUT. NOW PROSPECT!" Happy snarled with rage.
The prospect finally understood what was good for him and made a swift exit as Happy tried to calm down. He pulled back to look at Jo and realised she was trying to contain a laugh."
"That ain't fucking funny, Jo."
She couldn't hold it anymore and let out a laugh "Yes it is a little."
"I'm gonna kill that little fucker."
"How about you forget about the prospect and concentrate on me instead?" she countered with a flirtatious smile playing on her lips.
"What do you have in mind Doc?"
She ran her tongue on his lower lip, capturing it between her teeth, nibbling on it. "How about you use your imagination?"
"Careful what you wish for, baby."
Happy captured her lips in a bruising kiss. With one hand holding the back of her head and the other grabbing her by the waist to pull her close to him, he deepened the kiss, his tongue plundering her mouth. He stood at once, lifting her with him effortlessly and carried her back to the bedroom, laying her on the bed. He swiftly removed his boxers and kneeled between her legs, his eyes darkening at the sight of naked body. He was already painfully hard, but he had to keep himself in check. He had every intention to make this last.
Locking eyes with him, she sat up removing the shirt before she crooked a finger calling him forward.
"I need some attention baby." she purred as she grabbed his necklace and pulled him down on her but right before he reached her lips he diverted and leaned to reach her breasts instead. He captured her nipple in his mouth, sucking it in as she hissed a loud breath.
"God Hap."
He smiled as he continued to focus on her nipple. She was horny as hell, not that he was complaining but he wanted to tease her a little, he wanted her soaking wet, waiting, begging for him.
His hands caressed her, slowly, teasingly and she growled softly. His hand touched her breast, lightly stroking the erect nipple. She bit down a groan and he pinched her nipple harder. This time, she moaned out loud, waves of pleasure washing over her. He move aside, laying down beside her, his mouth trailing down her neck as his hand explored her body, stroking her flat stomach first and then moving lower, touching her hip, her upper thigh back and forth. She was moving her body along with his strokes but he kept stopping mid-movement to continue his caress at another spot. Her breathing quickened and she let a frustrated sigh.
He ran his hand down the length of her thigh to her knee, stroking the sensitive skin on the underside of it. Sliding up the back of her thigh, lifting her leg as he went. He was driving her crazy and he knew it. Her head turned to him and she opened her mouth to protest but he didn't give her the chance. He grinned and kissed her hard, pushing his tongue in hard and fast. He pulled on her hair, tilting her head as she moaned into his mouth.
He finally moved his hand again, and she cried out when he finally slipped a finger between her folds. She was very wet, but not where he wanted her to be yet. He caressed her softly, teasing her clit, going down to her opening and up again.
Happy loved how responsive she was to his touch. He slipped a single finger deeper inside of her and she gasped, taking in a deep breath. His finger moved inside of her while He nipped at the base of her neck with his teeth. His mouth moved to her other breast, pausing briefly to nibble. Then he kissed her stomach, her hip, the soft skin just above her sex; all the while, sliding his finger in and out of her. He brought his mouth lower still and her body surged against him.
He rose up resting on his elbow and looked at her, she was lost to his touch. He looked at her hungrily as she bit her lip, eyes squeezed shut, her hands gripping the pillow so hard her knuckles were white. He smiled at the sight, she was dripping wet and right where he wanted her to me.
He stopped moving completely; It took her a second to realise it and her eyes flew open. "What's wrong baby? Why are you stopping?"
"Just waiting for you to tell me what you want."
She looked confused for a second but then her eyes twinkled and she laughed breathless. "Are you bargaining with me for sex?"
He kissed his way up her collarbone and looked back at her, raising an eyebrow. "Waiting Doc."
She chuckled. "I want you."
"Not gonna fly Doc."
She sighed. "I want you to touch me."
"Keep trying." he continued to trail kisses around her neck, on her cheek, ears anywhere but her mouth.
"Really, Hap? It's been six weeks!"
"It's been twelve hours doc. Didn't get quite enough did ya?"
"Don't be cocky."
At that moment, he pushed his finger inside her again before he stopped.
"God, Hap." she nearly cried in frustration.
"Just tell me what I want to hear."
"I want you inside me."
He moved his finger again once. "You're getting there babe."
"I want you to make me yours."
"Uh, uh."
She growled and threw her head back. "I want you to fuck me long and hard and pleasure me until I beg you to stop. Satisfied?"
"All you gotta do is ask baby." was all he said before he flipped her over so she was resting on her side and he was right behind her. He removed his finger and placed his now throbbing cock at her entrance. He lay a kiss on the back of her neck before he pushed inside her penetrating her deeply with one steady thrust and he almost came undone. He had missed being buried in her tight pussy and he had focused so much on her pleasure, he hadn't realise how much he was aching to be inside her.
"Shit Doc, I missed that pussy."
"It missed you too."
She wrapped her arm around his neck, her hand gripping the back of his neck and started moving her hips, grinding her ass against him. He gripped her hip with a hand and pushed deeper into her while his other hand teased her clit. He kept thrusting into her in a good rhythm as she moaned in pleasure, pushing herself harder against him. He tenderly grabbed her throat, careful not to hurt her and pulling her closer, slamming into her as his other hand closed on her breast, pinching her nipple. She gasped and threw her head back in pleasure as he bit her shoulder.
"Yes baby, this feels so good."
He let out a low grunt as he felt her fingers dig into his thighs and he let himself lose control a little and pound into her hard, her whole body moving with him as her hot pussy clenched and unclenched around him telling him she was getting close. He wrapped his arm around her waist and flipped her again so she was now on her stomach on the bed. She instinctively kneeled and moved her ass back allowing him access again. He grabbed both hips and rammed into her hard and deep as her soft moans turned into loud pants. He moved one hand up to her neck to push himself further in and the other one found her clit again. It was all it took to send her over the edge. She squirmed in his hold as her walls tightened around him and she came, crying out his name. Her body convulsed as her orgasm took over her and with one last hard thrust he felt his own release as he poured himself into her.
She whimpered when he pulled out of her and turned to face him, laying on her back. He crawled over her and cupped her face in his hands, spreading his fingers on her cheek, gazing at her with and intensity that matched hers.
He had never been a man of many words and in any case he wasn't sure what to say. Would she understand that every time he looked at her, he was almost hit by a weird mix of sheer panic and a yearning for her presence, like he could never get enough? Him, the man they called the Tacoma killer, the man who could scare some people with the mere mention of his name felt utterly helpless when it came to Jo Manning. He needed her. Happy Lowman had never needed anyone in his entire life. He loved his mother but he had never needed her. At least not since he was old enough to remember. Maybe because he had had to take care of shit from a young age, but he'd never been one of those kids who needed their mothers. And he had never gotten close enough to a bitch in the path for that.
But Jo had saved his life. It was like he had been drowning and she allowed him to fucking breathe again. Sappy as fuck but true nonetheless. Yeah, he was truly under her spell and he knew that as long as he lived there wouldn't be another woman who could make him feel like that and he would never love another woman like he loved her. But he hadn't changed to the point of telling her all that. So instead, he just kissed the living daylight out of her.
**********SOA**********
Happy marched into the clubhouse, eyes blazing murderously. He located Parker behind the bar and sat on a stool between Tig and Quinn, his eyes never leaving the prospect as the kid put a beer in front of him.
After indeed pleasuring her until, she begged him to stop, he'd dropped Jo in town where she had planned lunch with Tara and made his way to the clubhouse. They'd agreed Tara would drop her off at the garage later.
He downed his beer still glaring at Parker and lit a smoke. Quinn noticed the tension and decided to ask. "What's up?"
Eyes still on Parker, Hap growled loud enough to make sure the prospect heard."I'm gonna kill your fucking kid man, that's what's up."
"What did he do to you?" Tig asked curious.
"None of your fucking business, Tig." Happy snapped jerking his head back to the prospect. "He knows what he did."
Parker thought this might be a good time to speak. "Hap man, I told you I was sorry. I swear I didn't see anything."
"You better shut your trap now kid."
"What did he not see?" Tig insisted trying to integrate himself in the conversation before it finally dawned on him. "Fuck man…Jo"
Hap shifted his glare to Tig and sneered."I swear Tig, if you say one word…"
"Hey man, I ain't the one who was taking a peak."
"Man I told you I didn't…"
"Shut up prospect."
Knowing he was fighting a lost cause, Parker took his cue and escaped to the backroom.
"Shithead. Ever thought of teaching him to fucking knock?" Happy muttered.
Quinn who had been quietly observing the scene tried to suppress a chuckle. "Sure, he's learned the lesson now. Do what you got to do brother but don't mess up his face or his mother will never let me hear the end of it. Bitch already hates my guts. Speaking of the doc, are we actually going to see her at some point?"
"Maybe he has her tied to his bed until he comes back."
"Fuck Tig, really?" Hap sighed incredulously. Tig always had to toe the line. "She went to see Tara. Said she'd be over later to see everyone."
"She's coming to this thing in Rogue River tomorrow?"
"You mean the banquet to celebrate Kozik taking the president patch?" Happy teased. "Got to be killing you Tiggy?"
"Like I give a shit."
The week before, Ernie Fox had decided it was time for him to retire and unsurprisingly he had chosen Kozik to take the President's patch. Karen had organised a big banquet to celebrate her father's retirement and Kozik new patch and it was going to be a massive reunion for the Sons of Anarchy.
The door to the clubhouse opened and Jax walked in. "Are we back to taking the piss out of Tig again?"
"Asshole makes it too easy." Hap shot back as they all made their way inside the chapel.
"Hap, it's good to have you back to my right."
Hap nodded a thanks. "It's good to be back."
"Alright, let's get to it boys. You'll be happy to know that things are going real good, man. That new livecam venture Juice put us on is working real well. We've sold 10, 000 memberships since we went live three weeks ago."
"12,000 at the last count actually. At twenty five buck a pop, that's 250Gs per month. Even after, cost and tax, that's still a nice little cushion for us." Juice beamed.
"Sex sells my men." Jax sung out.
Chibs whistled. "Thank god for pussy."
"Amen Brother."
"Alright, tomorrow is a celebration. We all know Kozik taking the president patch is well deserved. A lot of charters are making the trip but with a big gathering like that, multiple charters in one place, it puts a target on all our back. So I want us to be careful. I don't want old ladies and kids driving without an escort. We stay close and we keep our eyes open. Koz and Ernie are handling the security out there but I want everyone on guard. Quinn and Hap, I want you two on the itinerary. Jo can ride with Gemma."
"We're heading back to Roseburg after this. She'll need her car."
"There's no way in hell I'm gonna convince my mum to ride in that piece of shit of a car, bro. The prospect can ride with Jo and hitch a ride back with Gemma."
Tig couldn't hold it and laughed out like a school girl. Hap caught a few of the other guys trying to contain a laugh and he glared at them before turning his attention to Tig. "I'm gonna fucking murder you, asshole."
"Did I miss something?"
Bobby shook his head in response. "Nevermind them."
"Well get back to work boys. Class dismissed." He announced as he stroke the gavel, turning to Hap immediately. "Give me a minute?"
Happy nodded and they waited until everyone had exited before Jax spoke again. "Tacoma is going to be there tomorrow. Lorca want to catch up, finish up the detail on this Tacoma thing."
"Okay. Thanks man."
"Still up for it?" Jax questioned, getting a nod of confirmation from Happy. "You told her yet?"
Hap didn't usually like questions about his private business. But when it came from Jax, it was different. He knew Jax never asked just for the sake of it or because he was a fucking gossip like the others. "Nah. It ain't like I got a choice man. I got hospital bills coming out of my ears and I promised my cousin I'd help out so she could give up one of her jobs."
"I get it bro. I just know how Tara would react. Sooner you tell her, the better it'll be." Jax chuckled." It brings me onto the second thing I wanted to discuss. You know there's going to be a lot of brothers at this banquet. The boys are going to be curious and she ain't got a crow on her, I just want to make sure shit don't get out of hand, if she gets the wrong kind of attention."
Hap clenched his fists as he felt anger rise in him. "You asking me to stand by and watch those assholes ogle at my girl?"
"I'm not asking you to stand by alright? Just no brawling. Use your words. You know we got your back but if we mess this shit up we'll have a pregnant lady and my mother ready to cut our balls.
"Fine." Happy spat.
"Thanks. You know, on the other hand you still have 24hrs to slap that crow on her and make it official."
Happy's anger dissipated as suddenly as it had appeared and he laughed as Jax looked at him with a shit eating grin. Hap had been wondering how long it would take for one of them to bring that up again. He'd bet on Gemma. He hadn't been too far out.
"Don't tell me you got any doubt on her bro. Because we both know you ain't going to find another woman willing to have your ugly ass. Especially not one like her."
"I'm thinking about it."
"Piece of advice, don't think about it too long man." Jax pointed out as he slapped his SAA's back on his way out.
Truth was, Happy had done a lot more than think about it in the last few weeks. They hadn't been together for that long, but it wasn't why he hadn't asked her yet. After all, whirlwind romance and shotgun weddings were quite common in biker club specialities. He didn't need to be with her for years to be sure. And he knew she didn't need to either. She was his no question and he was crazy about her. But Happy was a man who carried a lot of baggage with him and before he fully committed to this woman, before he made her officially his, he wanted to lighten the load. He wasn't going to take an old lady and not be able to take care of her and give her everything she deserved. Especially not Jo.
**********SOA**********
Days went slowly when you couldn't walk. Physical therapy was in the morning which meant that most of his afternoons were spent wondering aimlessly around the center or hanging out in his room. Taking Jo's advice, he had tried reading but he hadn't taken to it. She had even brought him magazines about bikes but he always got bored halfway through a page.
He'd tried to keep in shape by using the weight machines, but Jo had given him a hard tme about it so he'd agreed to stop using them outside of therapy. In the end, he'd asked her to bring him a pad and some pencils and he'd spent hours drawing designs for tattoos. Hundreds and hundreds of them. He was focused on a complex one, representing a crow about to fly away, when she'd walked into his room.
"Hey. Am I interrupting?"
He put down his pencil and turned to her. "Nevermind. What's up?"
"Just checking in. Worked you pretty hard this morning. Wanted to make sure you're not feeling the pain too much."
"I'm good Doc. A little sore in the lower back."
"Okay. Let me know how it is tomorrow." She smiled, darting her eyes towards the desk. She stood up. "Are those yours?"
He nodded and she pointed to the pad. "Mind if I have a look?"
He didn't usually share his designs. But then there were a lot of things he didn't usually do that he seemed to be able to do with that woman so he just handed her the pad.
She flipped through it, her face showing admiration as she looked at one design after another. "Wow, you are very talented Happy. Why crows though?"
"Symbolic. SAM CROW. That's how we refer to the club members and that's how most people refer to us."
Jo seemed to remember something. "Gemma has one tattooed on her chest."
"We wear it on our cuts, the old ladies, they have it inked on them."
"Why?"
She always asked questions. A lot of them. At first, Happy had thought it was just a way for her to pass the time, but then he realised she was genuinely interested in the answers. It was a new thing for him. Most of the women he met around the clubhouses, they were out to get an old man. They didn't give a shit who it was as long as he marked them and promised to take care of them. They asked questions sure, but they didn't really give a fuck about the answers. Not like he ever entertained the thought of answering them anyway. But for some reason he liked talking to Jo. "Show they belong to one of us."
"Isnt' that a bit... macho?"
"Most of them see it as an honor." He pointed out. "Gives them a status in the club. Shows they've earned respect and the love of their old man, gives them a family."
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to sound judgmental. It's just… all this, it means a lot to you."
"Means a lot to all of us. The rules, they make us and they break us. It's the life Doc."
She smiled and he wasn't quite sure what she was smiling about. She handed him the pad, pointing to the drawing he had been working on. "I like this one, with the open wings."
**********SOA**********
Happy walked out of the clubhouse and was surprised to see Jo in the playground they'd built Abel years ago. She was running after both boys and they were shrieking in delight. She caught up with Thomas and held him up high, swirling around as Abel pleaded to have his turn.
"Pretty, smart, and good with kids. She's the full package."
Happy rolled his eyes before turning to Gemma. "Shit mum, you used to at least be subtle."
"That's old age for you." she smiled as she offered him a smoke which he took and lighted before lighting hers. "How is your aunt?"
"Checked in this morning. She's doing better."
"You're a good nephew Hap. Not a lot of that going around."
"Thanks."
She sat one a flimsy chair near the table, her eyes still on Jo and her grand kids. "You know I don't usually like outsiders? Too much trouble. They don't understand us, our rules. But that girl over there. The way she looks at you, talks about you when you're not there... had that same look on my face when I met John. He was my rock star."
She let out a sad laugh and Happy nodded. "He was a good man."
"Yes he was." she replied absently. She darted sad eyes to him. "Hold onto that Happy because you'll never find that again."
She suddenly got self conscious and crushed her cigarette underneath her boot, jumping to her feet. "Now go tell your girl that those kids need to eat soon."
He made his way towards the playground and Jo spotted him as the kid were getting the upper hand on her. "Hey boys, look who's there?"
"Uncle Happy! I want to go on your shoulders." Abel shrieked a he hugged Happy's leg.
"No me, me, Uncle Happy." Thomas countered.
"Yeah Uncle Happy" she taunted.
"Later squirts. You hungry? Your grand ma is waiting for you."
"Do you promise I'll get to do it later?"
"if you get to your grand ma in the next five seconds."
"Yeeeeeeeeeees!"
She stood and made her way to him.
"Hey you."
He wrapped his arm around her waist."Thought you were with Tara."
"She got called on an emergency. Dropped us off at the garage."
He leaned down kissing her softly before looking back at the parking lot. "You want to take a ride Doc?"
A smile illuminated her face. "Yeah? I'd really like that."
**********SOA**********
They rode for four hours. He took her to the Wahewa reservation which was friendly to the club and they took a long walk around. They didn't talk much, mostly just enjoying each other's company. He had to admit that he especially enjoyed fucking her against a tree as she begged for more.
The skies were darkening by the time they got back to the house. Jo announced she'd fix them some diner and he quickly stepped outside to make a quick phone call to Quinn about the itinerary. After he hung up, he just sat outside relaxing in his seat with a smoke. Jo joined him a few minutes later, putting on a cardigan to fight off a chill as she handed him a beer.
"Hey, dinner is gonna be ready soon."
"Thanks."
She crossed her arms around her chest, suddenly looking worried.
"You cold Doc?"
"No. I... There's something I need to tell you, Hap."
It wasn't what she said. It was the way she said it. He felt his whole body tense but he didn't move a single muscle. He just waited for her to continue.
"A couple of weeks back, I thought I was being followed. I kept seeing this car everywhere I went."
"What car?" he asked, grinding out the words through clenched teeth.
She seemed to hesitate for a second before she continued."A black SUV. The only reason I even noticed it was because it had one of this stupid bumper sticker on it. I didn't know what to think of it, I didn't even know if it was real. I wasn't gonna say anything but then I mentioned it to Karen and she told me I should tell you, so I guess this is me doing that."
He clenched his fists tightly, trying to control the sudden rage overwhelming him. "Are you shitting me with this Jo?"
"I'm sorry, Hap. I didn't know what to do."
He stood up in a flash sending his chair flying back. She took a step back, her eyes widening in sudden fear."How many times do I need to tell you NOT to hide shit from me? Shit with your old man, you using his name and now this? I'm starting t think it's a thing with you."
"Hap!" she cried out in an attempt to calm him down.
"You DON'T hide shit from me Jo!"
"Hap, please calm down." she pleaded as she took a step forward. "I wasn't trying to hide anything."
"The why the fuck are you just telling me now?"
"I was always going to tell you, Hap but you were already dealing with a lot with your aunt and your cousin and I didn't want to add to that so i'd just thought I'd wait and tell you in person. Hap, I swear."
Hap scratch his head in frustration. "You didn't tell me but you told Karen and then waited two fucking weeks to tell me?"
"Hap, I get that you're angry but you're blowing this out of proportion. I didn't even know if it was real and considering I haven't even the car since probably means it wasn't."
She still didn't get it and it pissed him off even more. "It ain't about the fucking car Jo! You need to tell me about this kind of shit, not Karen, not anyone else, me!
"I am really sorry Happy. I'm not sure what else you want me to say."
He decided he had heard enough. He was pissed as hell and he didn't trust himself not to say something he'd regret. Si instead, he switched to practical questions. "Tell me about the car."
She met eyes with him and sighed."Like I told you, it was a black SUV."
"You know the make?"
She frowned thinking, trying to remember."I'm not sure. Foreign I think."
"Did you see the plates?"
"Only two letter FI and a the number 3. It had a bumper sticker, one of those silly ones about jesus. Jesus is coming look out. That's how I recognised it was the same car I kept seeing."
"Stay here and lock the door." he ordered her.
"Hap, where are you going? Please just talk to me."
He ignored her pleas and repeated."Lock the door Doc."
" Hap! please. "
He didn't look back as he left, slamming the door behind him as he did.
**********SOA**********
When he walked into the clubhouse a few moments later, he hadn't calmed down any. But at least, he was thinking straight. He was going to take care of shit and then he was going to get smashed. Ignoring the confused looks of his brothers, he made a beeline for Jax who was playing pool with Chibs and Juice.
The president stuck his cigarette between his teeth took a shot. "What are you doing back in here?
"Can I have a word?"
Jax straightened up straight away and handed his queue to a hang around who had been observing the game."Sure man."
"Juice, you too."
Juice looked up even more surprised than Jax had but he followed them inside the chapel without a word.
"What's up?" Jax asked as soon as they closed the door.
"Think some fucker has been following Jo in Roseburg." Just saying the words made him seethe with anger again. "Black SUV, I only got a partial on the license plate. Had a bumper sticker, Jesus is coming, look out or some shit. Think that's enough to look into it?"
Juice nodded. "Yeah, man I can try. I just have to hack into the DMV database, see what I can find. It's gonna take a while though with only a partial plate."
"Do what you can. 3.F.I that's what she saw."
"Alright man. Is she okay though? Jo?" Juice asked with concern.
Happy answered through clenched jaws. "She's fine."
Jax looked at Juice and nodded towards the door. "Give us a minute."
"Sure thing."
"Everything alright? You look pissed as hell man." Jax voiced as soon as Juice was out of the door.
"I'm good. Anyone in the dorm tonight?
Jax eyed him but he quickly realised that there was no point in trying to get an answer from Happy if he wasn't willing to give him one. "Nah, man it's all yours. You sure everything's alright?
"I'll talk to you tomorrow bro." Hap muttered before leaving the Chapel and heading straight for the bar. The prospect was already pouring him a drink by the time he reached it. He downed it and held out his hand. "Hand me that bottle. You're done for the night. Go by the house. I want you to keep an eye on Jo tonight. Stay outside."
The prospect looked at him dumbfounded. "Something I should know?"
"Yeah. What I just told you."
"Yeah okay man."
Hap felt a hand on his back and knew he wasn't doe answering questions just yet. "Hey, what's with you bro? Did you get into it with Jo?"
"I ain't discussing Jo with you man."
"Come on bro." Tig argued. "I'm only trying to help."
He wished everyone would mind their own fucking business and just leave him the fuck alone to think in peace. "I don't need your fucking help alright, Tig? Back the fuck off."
Tig seemed to decide it was safer to just walk away and held up his hands in surrender."Alright man, whatever you say."
Hap took the bottle and made his way towards the dorm. The door to the bathroom opened and a croweater came out, adjusting her bra. He though he remembered her name as Tina or some shit like that. He recognised her as the bitch who'd mouthed off to Jo. He hadn't been there but Tog had seen it and told him about it. He sniggered as he remembered this was yet another thing Jo had never told him about it. Hap ignored the girl, opening the door to the dorm until he felt her presence behind him.
"Hey Hap. Want some company Darlin'?"
Happy turned a withering stare on her, his voice tinged with menace. "You got five seconds to take your rancid pussy out of my sight before I kick you out of this compound and this town for good."
She was stunned by his reaction and tried to stammer an apology. "Sorry... Hap, I ...didn't...mean to...
"And you ever disrespect my old lady again? I won't be giving you any warning before I put my threat in execution. Are we clear?"
She nodded vigorously, fear spreading to her entire body."Yeah okay, I'm sorry Hap."
"Now get out of my clubhouse, bitch."
She hurried past him, practically making a run for it as he let himself into the dorm, locking the door behind him. He sat on the bed and wrapped his lips around the bottle. Finally, he was free to fucking think in silence.
O
Okay, not sure what is going on but the last two chapters have been very difficult to write, but I don't want you guys thinking I'm dropping the ball on this story.
To make up for the long wait, I have made in an extra long chapter and I promise the next chapter WILL be up soon.
As always, thanks for all the support.
Please read, enjoy and review!