Chapter 28

Disclaimer: As always, I own nothing associated with Sons of Anarchy. All rights belong to the genius of Kurt Sutter. I own only my OC's.

Without further ado; I give you

Chapter 28

The niners seated on either side of Abel grudgingly stood up and allowed him to pass. Both men, although aware that Wade had just spoken with Damon Pope were still confused as to why things with SAMCRO were ending so easy. The taller of the two stepped to Wade before speaking up – gesturing to Abel he ranted "This 'bitch' walks into Oaktown and helps screw a major deal; and we just roll over and let his bitch ass walk? What's up with that Wade?"

As much as Wade agreed with the younger stockier man it was not the time or place for him to question orders from Damon himself; nor was it the time or place for this punk-ass to question him. With any hesitation Wade shoved the younger man back towards the seat he had just vacated. Seeking to make a point he rushed the man, pulling his gun, he jerked the man to his feet questioning if he really wanted to take this further.

Not completely certain of what just happened Jax and Chibbs watched as Abel cleared the table and made his way to stand beside them. Shoving the man back into the chair a second time, Wade turned slightly towards SAMCRO "Our business here is done, I suggest you go now," He reiterated with eerie calm. Clasping each man on the shoulder Jax made sure that the three of them exited the bar safely; quickly making their way back to their bikes. As they approached the spot where they had left their motorcycles Jax gestured to Abel unsure of any bruises he couldn't see he questioned "can you ride?"

Smiling simply Abel straddled his bike; with a silent prayer that she would start he gave the key a quick turn. Relieved that after everything he had put her through today she still wouldn't quit. Looking his dad square in the eye he simply confirmed "I'm good," as he began to move toward the open drive following his dad back out to the street.

Watching with more than mild interest, Romario and Phoenix remained safely tucked away on the opposite side of the street; watching silently as Jax and company made their way down the road and back towards Charming. "I think our work here is done for now – I think I've grown bored of Oakland. Let's be on our way Phoenix." Starting the car, this was one order that Phoenix was more than glad to follow; brushing a hand across the front of still pristine white leather jacket he smiled as he pulled away from the curb.

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Exiting the hospital, Tara crossed the parking inhaling deeply. It felt wonderful to be outside enjoying the fresh air and sunshine. She had been in ER this morning when the youngest victim of a two car accident came in. Only two and half years old, and she was the one who had to inform his mother he didn't make it. After a day like today all she really wanted to do was go home and hug her own family a little tighter.

As she neared the house she almost instantly sensed that something was wrong. As she parked behind the two motorcycles in her driveway she forced herself to not think the worst. Unlocking the front door she let herself inside. Immediately she was greeted by Juice with his gun drawn. Backing up against the door Tara exclaimed "Juice…Juice it's me…What's going on here? Where's Jax…my kids…Amanda?"

Holstering his gun Juice apologized for startling Tara. Checking that Bobby was still in the kitchen with the girls – Juice led Tara into the living room and explained what he knew so far as best he could. Tara felt the pit of stomach drop even further. "How could this day possibly get any worse?" she wondered. "So" she asked with a calm learned over years of being a doctor, mother, and ol'lady. "When did you last hear from Jax or my son?"

Juice admired and respected Tara, and not just because she was his president's ol' lady, but because she was one damn fine mother, doctor, and friend. He didn't want to worry her, but it had been easy two hours now, since they arrived at the house. "Spit it out Juice, I've been down this road before – tell me what's going on."

As much as he hated the idea of telling Tara, he quickly sketched in what he knew. He purposely kept the details vague and to a minimum. Tara followed Juice into the kitchen delighting in the small lighting her daughter's face. Rachael was setting the table as her Uncle Bobby explained how chocolate cake with homemade white frosting was the ultimate dessert after a meat-loaf and mashed potato dinner. Tara stopped at the table and pulled her daughter into a fierce mother bear hug. Moving to the counter she smiled pulling Amanda in into a similar hug. Bobby squeezed her hand briefly as she made her way down the hall to change her clothes. Within five minutes she was back in the kitchen, her sleeves rolled up ready to help finish dinner.

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The ride out of Oakland was blissfully quiet. Each brother keeping his own council as they navigated through Oakland back to the freeway. Abel was grateful for the silence he honestly did not have the energy or desire to deal with his brothers right now. He could only imagine what was in store for him once back at TM. He didn't know if he would be facing an angry father or an angry president. He honestly didn't know if he even cared at this point. The drivers of the white van were still out there. Which meant his sister and Amanda could still be in danger. SAMCRO should have put their time and energy into finding those lil' bastards; instead they were rushing into Oakland to save rescue him from some candy-ass niners. Although nothing was said verbally, Abel could feel the suddenly release of tension as their 'unofficial' niner's escort broke away at the edge of the city. As he drove down the limitless highway, speeding back to Charming, for the first time in his life Abel found himself wishing there was no SAMCRO. He briefly gave thought to Amanda on the back of his bike; as the twosome raced into unknown horizons – just them racing against the wind. A bittersweet smirk crossed his lips as he pushed that thought aside. He was a full patched member of SAMCRO – and the president's kid. He knew there would never be an easy out for him. The only glimpses of 'normal' came looking at the world through Amanda's milk chocolate eyes.

All too soon they were roaring back into the Teller-Morrow lot. Jax was the first to park his bike, cutting the engine; he angrily yanked off his helmet. Looking to his brothers he spoke authoritative and clear, "Church in thirty minutes!" Without waiting for a response he made his way to the clubhouse door. He paused mere seconds before yanking the door open. The father in him wanted to turn and go to his son, the president in him knew better. He never looked back as he quietly entered the clubhouse. Locking himself in the chapel, he sat at the head of the table with his head in his hands. He could honestly say he now understood what it felt like to have the weight of the world on his shoulders. "What the fuck was he thinking?" he muttered into the deafening silence. Slowly shaking his head, he tried to marshal his thoughts. He needed to table his feelings of fatherhood and concentrate on being a strong president to his son and his brothers. Before he could come to any wise earth shattering conclusions there was a swift knock at the chapel door. Looking to door, Jax was annoyed by the sound interrupting his peace; it was then he remembered that had literally locked the door behind him when he entered. Standing he unlocked the door, finding Opie standing outside waiting for him.

He stood aside so that his V.P. could enter the room and then quickly shut the door once more. He quickly briefed Opie on the events in Oakland. "Damon Pope does nothing without a damned good reason. That said what does Pope hope to gain by forcing Wade to release Abel?" questioned a curiously concerned Opie.

"I wish to hell I knew" replied a frustrated Jax. "We need to settle this shit with these in-bred Weston bastards. If it really was them outside my house today; I will not have them threatening my family – My God Rachael and Amanda were there alone."

Clasping his best friends shoulder briefly, Opie assured him "Will settle this Jax – I promise. SAMCRO will protect your girls – All of them!"

Jax smiled, once again assured that his V.P., his brother, once again had his back in any battle. "Thanks Op," he smiled.

Opie smiled no further comment necessary on the subject. "You still got about fifteen maybe twenty minutes before church starts. Have you called Tara or Juice, Bobby?"

Jax shook his head…"Give me a few minutes will ya?"

Opie nodded standing to leave the chapel; he quietly shut the door behind him on his way out.

Jax dialed Tara and impatiently waited for her to answer. He smiled at the flustered relieved sound of her voice as she answered "Jax?" It didn't matter how long he and Tara were together he would never tire of hearing his name fall from her lips. Such love and faith wrapped up in one tiny little word. He was a damned lucky man to have the love of such an amazing woman. Yet there were times like today when he questioned what he had done to deserve it and if it was ever enough. "Hey darlin'" he murmured.

"Jax…are you ok…is Abel?" Tara couldn't finish her thoughts. The worry in the pit of her stomach was ten-fold what she normally felt. While she always worried, life as the SAMCRO queen had taught her how to manage that worry on a day to day basis – today was not one of those days. Abel was her oldest boy…Jax's first born. Suddenly the thought that she might lose him was overwhelming her.

Jax heard the worry overwhelming Tara's words. He too realized this was more than her usual motherly concerns. "No need to worry darlin', our boy is safe and sound."

Jax smiled brief and bittersweet as he heard the relived sigh escape Tara. "Jax you'll tell me if our family is in danger…right?"

The simple question was one that Tara had been forced to ask one time too often in their life together. She only asked when things were really bad or she was especially scared for him or the kids. He wished like hell that is was a question that she would never have to ask again. "Trust me darlin'…?"

Jax could hear the almost grin in her voice when she answered "Why stop now? I love you Jax…"

Those were four little words that Jax would never tire of hearing. "I love ya too darlin'" After a soft but pause Tara pushed forward "you need Juice and Bobby back at TM don't you love?"

Jax thought about it still not entirely sure that he wanted to leave his family alone just yet. "I do but I'm thinking it might be a good idea if you and the girls follow them back here to TM."

Tara sighed exhaustion filling her bones. All she really wanted was some food, a bath, and her own bed. As much as she needed a 'normal' night with her family to unwind she wouldn't add to her husband's load. She knew in her heart of hearts that he was doing his best for her and the kids. As long as she ended the day falling asleep in his arms she would be ok. "Ok…me and the girls will follow them over. Do you need to talk to Juice or Bobby?"

"If I know Opie he has already handled it. See you soon darlin'" Jax murmured before disconnecting. As Jax was exiting the chapel he heard the commotion from near clubhouse door. He could see Gemma and Chucky blocking the entrance arguing at someone who was partially obscured from his view. "Philly you need to take this little tart out of here." Gemma demanded her eyes dark and flashing ice dripping from every word. Chucky moved a little further to Gemma's left. Gemma Teller-Morrow maybe no longer the 'queen' of SAMCRO, but she still carried enough fill Chucky with a healthy sense of wary.

Stepping to the doorway, Jax laid his hand on Gemma's shoulder "Relax ma, your freaking Chucky out again!" Chucky chuckled as if Jax had made a joke, but was none the less glad to see the club president coming to rein in his mother. "What's going on here Ma?" Questioned a seemingly curious but at ease president.

Gemma glared at the little tart "you're gonna get yours now," look painting her features. "I was just explaining to Philly that he needs to remove this little cherry tart from TM grounds."

"Remove me hell," screamed a nearly frantic Maria. She had listened to the message from Romario at least three times since leaving the hospital with Philly. Maybe it was pregnancy hormones kicking in but, she was working herself into a worried frantic wondering what happened to Abel. "The father of my child is there and until I know that he is safe and sound – well I ain't going any damn where!" Turning to face Gemma head on "Do we understand each other….bitch?"

Both Chucky and Philly were smart enough to know that the shit was about to hit the fan and neither of them wanted to get hit by the blowback. Jax shook his head, some people really did have more balls than sense – Maria was definitely such a case. Grabbing Maria by the wrist he pulled her away from his ma. Jax knew his ma like he knew the back of his hand. He didn't have to look to Gemma in the eye to know that she was about ready to knock Maria straight on her ass. "Ma…Ma…" Jax yelled in an attempt to prevent cat fight world war from developing in his club house. Grabbing Gemma by the shoulders Jax physically turned her, forcing her to look at him. "Ma…I need you to be the bigger woman here. She is after all carrying your great-grandson."

Gemma fumed – staring daggers at the younger woman. "If my grandson had been thinking with more than his dick…I'd bounce your ass out of here so fast your pretty little head would spin. Just remember darlin' you won't be pregnant forever; and I never forget." Turning back to Jax, Gemma smiled cold and bitter "Abel doesn't need to think that just because he had the poor taste to knock the stupid bitch up that she has the right to come and go from TM anytime she pleases."

"Yeah Ma, I get it but I really don't need this shit right now. SAMCRO is handling this Ma….so I need you to stay out of it. I mean it Ma…stay out of this."

"Jackson Teller I'm your mother…who do you think your talking to."

The look in his mother's eyes brought all of the day's events – hell the last few weeks crashing down like a ton of bricks along his shoulders. Angrily he replied "I haven't forgotten, you're my ma and an ol'lady, but last time I checked you were not a patched member of SAMCRO. Has that changed….did I miss the memo?" Waiting just a heartbeat, he turned to Maria "he's inside." Maria rushed inside in search of Abel without a word to Jax or a backwards glance to Gemma. Watching her fleeting figure, Jax turned to Philly "keep an eye on her Philly. I don't my crazy ass mom causing SAMCRO anymore shit today!"

"Sure thing Jax," replied Philly rushing inside the bar room in search of the young couple.

Entering the bar-room, Maria immediately noted Abel sitting at the bar with an untouched shot in front of him. Sitting on the bar stool in front of Abel Maria gasped; the evidence of his recent fight covering his face. "Maria?" Abel questioned "What are you doing here?"

"Abel are you ok? What happened to you?" Maria asked concern and a certain amount of fear lacing her every word. Placing her fingers gently under and around his chin she tried to turn his face for a better view of his bruises. Gently removing her hand, Abel looked at Philly "What are you two doing here?"

Philly knew Abel wouldn't like him bringing her to the clubhouse. However, dealing with a pissed off Abel was a helluva lot better than a pissed off Gemma any day of the week. Philly had actually lost track of how long he had been Maria's watchdog. He found himself actually growing fond of her. Under different circumstances he could see them becoming good long-term friends. He knew she didn't want Abel to know about the phone call she received. If he had, had any choice maybe he wouldn't tell Abel – but right now that was not an option. Once Philly had something to say he was usually a pretty direct kind of guy. He was just about to Abel about the strange voicemail left for Maria – when he heard the front door of the clubhouse open.

Bobby entered the clubhouse, followed by Tara, Rachael, and Amanda, with Juice bringing up the rear. Tara and Jax had decided before Rachael was even born that they would shield her from as much SAMCRO business as they could – today's events were no exception. Tara told her that daddy, Abel, and her 'uncles' had some business to attend to so the three of them were going to hang around the clubhouse a little more often till it was over. Rachael wasn't as naïve as everyone seemed to think. You didn't grow up in Charming with the last name Teller and not hear the town chatter. In Rachael's eyes it really didn't matter though. She loved her family and believed in her daddy, Abel, and her 'uncles' they would make sure everyone was ok.

Holding Rachael's hand she scanned the room for Jax, before noticing Opie, who nodded silently towards the chapel. Left standing in the doorway with Juice at her side, Amanda to scanned the barroom – looking for Abel. Abel almost couldn't comprehend the gratitude that flooded his body seeing three of the most important women in his life safe and sound. Normally he rode the fence about how much was too much to tell his baby sister. Tonight he was glad that she was still innocent and naïve to the darker sides of SAMCRO. He watched as his mom and Rachael headed towards the chapel in search of dad. He waited nearly anxious for Amanda to step further into the room. As Amanda and Juice cleared the bar, and Abel got his first glimpse of her in hours; he silently released a breath he wasn't even conscious of holding. Standing from the barstool he moved just far enough to clear the bar before quietly calling her name.

The sound of her name falling from his lips was music to her ears. Turning she faced Abel head on – spending just mere seconds studying the obvious fight marring his beautiful face. Between one heart beat and the next she was racing across the floor and into his arms. Abel smiled as her shorter frame crashed into his taller one. Although it was murder on his bruised ribs Abel said nothing as he felt her arms snaking around his mid-section holding on for dear life. He returned the gesture wrapping his own arms around her. Pulling her flush against his chest, he didn't give a fuck who was watching at the moment. Right that second all that matter to him in the world was standing there in his arms shaking like a damned leaf. He knew his MandaLynn was tougher than she appeared. Hell she was a damn site tougher than she would ever give herself credit for. Yet he understood that today had really scared her – not just for herself but him and Rachael. Things were bad when he thought it was just Maria they were after, today dropped things into a whole new pit of hell. Pulling her a little tighter he could smell the vanilla jasmine shampoo she used just this morning to wash her hair.

Maria sat at the bar, almost wishing she weren't pregnant so she could sit there and get falling down drunk. She was the mother of his child dammit. That should mean something – shouldn't it? As petty as it sounded, she was here first. She came as soon as she heard he may need her. Yet here she sat on a bar stool alone; while he clung to that girl.

After talking with Tara and Rachael, Jax made his way back out to the barroom. He was tired and he wanted this particular church over and done – the sooner the better. Surveying the barroom his eyes missed nothing. He noted Maria and Philly at the bar, and Abel making a very public display of affection with Amanda less than ten feet away. "What the bloody hell is that kid thinking?" Jax wondered silently before calling for church.

As the brothers filed into the chapel, Jax smiled at Tara and Rachael. Grabbing Tara's hand he pulled her into a quick hard embrace – dropping a hard kiss across her waiting lips. "This will be over soon I promise darlin'."

Tara simply smiled "Were right here Jax – we're not going anywhere."

Entering the chapel, Jax took his place at the head of the table. Silence rained at the table. Nobody said a word – each brother kept his own council as they waited for Jax to begin. Looking around the table, Jax needed for this to end quickly. Banging the gavel hard and swift, he quickly brought church to order. Tig was the first brother to speak "What the Hell, Abel! Rushing blindly into Oakland – that sounded like a good idea to you – Really?"

Abel immediately jumped on the defensive "Why the hell not 'Tiggy'? Those bastards were posted up outside the house – with Rachael and Amanda inside. Something had to be done. SAMCRO wasn't doing it – so I did."

Jax pinned his son with a cold icy blue gaze. "I would watch my mouth if I were you son."

"Or what 'Prez' you're going to deal with me the way you've been so successfully dealing with this redneck bastards? They were right outside the damn house Rachael and Amanda were there alone – does that mean any damn thing to you 'Daddy President?' Anything could have happened – Any damn thing, you know that right?"

"Abel you need to sit your ass down. I would think very carefully before you say another damn word – choose your next words very carefully." Jax warned with an eerie calm no one believed he really felt.

"Chose my words carefully…chose my words carefully; how about these words 'dad' do you give a shit what happens to your kids? Do you have any idea what could have happened to Rachael? Do you?"

Jax stood so quickly from his chair that he actually tipped it over sending it crashing to the floor. Bracing both hands against table, Jax nearly feared the anger directed towards his oldest son. Glaring at his son, Jax opened his mouth to speak when Clay stood up at the end of the table. "Abel Jackson Teller sit your ass down right now!"

Turning his angry gaze to his grandfather, Abel began to speak "Gran…" Abel was barely able to utter a sound before Clay cut him off. "Don't Abel…Just don't!" Looking to the rest of his brothers he spoke quietly "Give me the room!" His request was met with a number of curious stares. The relationship between Clay and Jax had been tension laden at best. Clay allowed his greed and need for power overwhelm his loyalty to the brother hood. Despite the betrayals, Jax continued to let him live, breathe, and be an active voting member of SAMCRO. Directing his gaze to his step-son / president he asked with as much respect as one would or could expect from Clay. "President – please would you and the boys give me and my grandson the room?"

While it was true Jax didn't always trust Clay; he trusted Clay would never hurt Abel. Against what was probably better judgment he agreed to give Clay fifteen minutes with Abel alone. As the brothers exited the chapel, Jax waited at the door. As the last of the brothers exited the chapel, Jax turned to the table where Clay and his son stood still glaring at each other. "Clay you've got ten minutes – don't let me regret this!"

As Jax closed chapel door behind him, Clay turned to Abel "You need to shut your mouth, sit your punk ass down, and listen to me right now."

Abel had never seen such a look fill his grand-dad's eyes. He knew some of the past tensions between his dad and grand-dad. He also knew how very rare it was for a member to interrupt church – especially a church called by a very angry president. Taking a seat at the table – Abel waited as patiently as he knew how for Clay to begin.

Looking his grandson dead in the eyes Clay questioned "You're ma or dad ever talk to you about Belfast?"

"Excuse me grandpa, but what the bloody hell does SAMBEL, have to do any damn thing going on around here?" Abel questioned clearly frustrated.

Drawing a deep breath, Clay searched for the right words. "I get that your angry Abel – God knows you have every right to be, but you need to back off your dad a bit. I know you don't agree with or understand his every move, but he's doing what's best for this club and his family. You have to trust him Abel."

"Grandpa…Rachael and Amanda were home alone in that house; thank God I was there with them. What about Maria – she's pregnant; I have to protect her and my unborn child."

"You want to protect your unborn child? Tell me Abel are you ready to kill a man to protect that baby? Are you prepared to travel half way around the world to get your baby back? Are you ready to consider placing your child in the arms of another family to keep him or her safe and hidden from this life?"

Clay allowed the silence to drag on as precious seconds ticked by "I'm waiting for an answer Abel?"

A/N as always huge…huge hugs and thank you's to all of you continue to read and review my little tale of SAMCRO Drw1987 (I really do love your work) LonePalm, Cyper 22, Tianimayteller, Jodstar80, Shanell313, Michan92, JodieOhh, Alikat31, and of course RC. I hope that I have not forgotten anyone thank you all for your kind words and encouragement I appreciate it more than I can say.