Fighting Back
Chapter 29
The black van pulled into the lot of Teller/Morrow, as Tig and Kozik made their way over.
"Welcome home, come on out all ya." Tig embraced Clay as he came out the back of the van.
"Good to be home brother."
"Clay we need to call church now."
"Okay." Clay looked around at his brothers. "Everyone Church NOW."
Gemma and Jax walked over to Clay and Tig while the others started to make their way inside the Clubhouse.
"What's wrong?" Gemma asked as Jax handed her Abel. She knew that Church would be called when they got back but not straight away, something was off.
"Just need to discuss a few things." Tig assured her. Gemma nodded but was still unconvinced.
As she followed them into the Clubhouse Gemma's cautious eye scanned over the mess in the Clubhouse that was currently being cleaned up by a few croweaters. Gemma took this as a good sign at least if they were partying whatever they needed to discuss couldn't be that important well not life threatening anyway.
"Had a little party did we?" She asked staring Tig down.
"Had to celebrate Gem."
"Hmmmm..."
"You made it home." Dougie shouted as he rounded the corner with the three croweaters from last night. Everyone was looking at Dougie as he shooed the girls away.
"What's this asshole doing here?" Happy asked leaning into Kozik.
"You know him?"
"Could say that." Kozik raised his eyebrows, judging by Happy's tone their was only one way they knew each other and it wasn't on good terms.
"This is Dougie, Quinn's guy." Tig informed Clay.
"Right, lets get this over with." Clay ordered leading his men inside.
"Where's Nicole?" Gemma asked Kozik before he went inside the Chapel.
"Uh asleep, she drank a lot last night. Best leave her for a bit." That was the best Kozik could come up with. He didn't want Gemma finding Nicole not yet not until she knew about Salazar. Gemma nodded and took a seat on one of the sofas as she went to feed Abel.
Once inside everybody took their usual seat around the table as Kozik and Dougie occupied the free available chairs.
"So what's so important that it couldn't wait?" Clay asked as he turned in his chair to face Tig, who was looking over at Kozik. Not even giving them a chance to open their mouths Dougie spoke.
"The girl got kidnapped." All eyes turned to look in the direction the voice came from.
"Girl?" Happy raped coldly as his eyes bored into the nomad.
"Nicole, but she's okay." Tig answered for Dougie.
Dougie laughed and was about to open his mouth but closed it again when Happy stared at him hard.
"Who?" Tig looked at Clay before Jax stole his attention.
"Its complicated man." Kozik started to explain.
"Then uncomplicate it." Jax shouted down the table.
"One of Zobelle's guy's. They planned Ryan's escape but when Ryan got wind that they were going to use Nicole to get to us, he escaped, came here to try and warn her." Kozik paused and Tig continued.
"He took Tara..."
"What?" Tig ignored Jax and continued.
"She's okay." Kozik added.
"Used her to lure Nicole out. Zobelle's guy showed up shot Ryan and took Nicole. When we turned up Ryan was out cold but still alive. We waited till he woke up and then pumped him for Intel. Told us were Zobelles guy had taken him. Seems Andy needed a little help..."
"Help?" Clay queried.
"Teamed up with Salazar." Kozik said.
"Shit." Jax banged his fist onto the table.
"What happened?" Happy demanded from the other end of the table.
"Short story. Salazar killed Zobelle's guy. Nicole killed Salazar and we killed his girl."
"And Ryan?" Opie asked.
"I'll let Koz take this one." Tig nodded at Koz.
"Well obviously we were going to kill him but we thought it wouldn't be fair for us to have all the fun."
"Meaning?" Clay asked. Kozik had gained everyone's attention especially Dougie's. Dougie thought that Kozik and Tig had killed Ryan but it didn't seem that way. He was intrigued.
"Meaning he's alive." Dougie ran his hand over his face before Kozik continued. "He's up in Tig's cabin. Quinn's been watching over him."
'That's where Quinn disappeared to' Dougie thought to himself.
"Thought you might want to say goodbye to him." Kozik smirked in Clay's direction.
"I'd like to." Happy rasped. His words were met with mumbled agreements from the rest of the Sons.
"Nicole." Jax spoke taking back everyone's attention. "Does she know about this."
"Nah. She thinks he's already dead. Considering he tried to warn her we thought she might wavier." Tig commented.
"Okay." Clay looked over to Jax who was in the chair next to him. "We need to tell Gemma. Right I know how much you all want to get your hands on him but if all of us go it will probably make her suspicious. So myself, Jax and Happy will go. We leave in 30." There were a few objections but Clay banged the gravel not budging on his decision.
Everybody got up and started filtering out of the Clubhouse and heading to their dorm rooms to drop off their stuff. Clay headed over to Gemma to explain about Nicole. Jax however hung back and pulled Juice aside.
"Hey."
"Jax."
"You want in on this?" Juice furrowed his brows. "Ryan."
"Yeah." Juice answered a little to quickly.
"Okay be ready to leave in 30." Jax told him before joining Clay and Gemma.
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Happy was about to go into his dorm room when he heard someone cursing in the bathroom next to his dorm. He threw his bag into his room before going to investigate.
When he reached the bathroom door he slowly and as quietly as he could he edged the door open a little further so he could get a better look, and he had to admit he liked what he saw.
Nicole was standing in front of the medicine cabinet searching for something to numb the pounding inside her head. She was still dressed in last nights clothes and the perfect curls were now loose messy waves.
Happy watched her as she finally found what she was looking for. He watched as she shook a few pills into her hand, more than the recommended dosage he was sure. She threw her head back popping the pills into her mouth before bending over to wash them down with water from the tap.
After four days of not having any sex apart from the bad blow job from the Irish sweetbutt Happy felt like he was about to explode, and had hoped she would help him out with that, as it was partly her fault. She had been the one who had given him two nearly three rounds of great sex before he left. She sent him away hornier than ever and after not finding a release in Belfast the least she could do was let him cash in on their deal.
Nicole popped the aspirin bottle back into the cabinet. As she closed the door she felt her heart skip a beat when she saw Happy standing in the doorway watching her. She spun around to face him her one hand gripping the sink.
"Hey." She spoke softly.
As soon as she turned around Happy's original thoughts were pushed aside for a moment as he took in all the bruises that lay upon her skin. He closed the gap between them as he continued to look her over.
"It's looks worse than it..."
"You handling it?" He questioned his voice barely above a whisper.
"Careful kid that almost sounded like a feeling." She quipped using his own words against him. She noticed a slight twitch at the side of his mouth and she knew he was fighting back a smile. "Seriously I'm good. I'm actually handling my shit for once."
"Good."
Happy leant forward placing his hands on the sink behind her, trapping her. Nicole tucked a stray piece of hair behind her ear as he leaned in closer. His lips were almost on hers when she heard her name being called.
"It's Jay I've gotta..."
"Yeah." Happy nodded pushing himself away from her so she could pass. Nicole pushed herself away from the sink and headed for the door only stopping when she felt him grab her wrist.
He noticed her wince in pain but it wasn't his grip, her pain was because of where he had grabbed her. Looking down at the tiny wrist that rested in the palm of his hand, he felt his chest tighten when he saw the rope marks. He couldn't wait to get to the cabin and unload on that piece of shit. He was brought out of his menacing thoughts when she pulled her hand away.
"Later." Nicole nodded she knew his wasn't asking, he was telling her and she was completely fine with that in fact she couldn't think of a better way to spend her evening.
Happy waited in the bathroom until the door across the hall closed. Knowing the coast was clear he went back to his dorm room to get his shit together.
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Stepping out of the bathroom she saw Jax outside his dorm room a worried expression on his which didn't seem to disappear even when he saw her, in fact he looked more terrified.
God she had missed him, she didn't even realise how much until now. She basically ran into his arms as she hugged him tightly. An action he returned with just as much emotion.
Remembering that Happy was trapped inside the bathroom she pulled away from Jax and lead him into his dorm room closing the door behind him.
"I can't believe I let this happen to you again." Jax apologised as he looked at her.
"Jay this was no one's fault. What happened, happened. I'm okay I'm alive that's all that matters. Well that and the fact that you got Abel back." She finally saw a smile creep onto his face. "Where is he anyway?"
"In the bar with Gemma."
"Jay."
"I know what your going to ask and I promise I will tell you everything but right now me and a couple of the guys have to head out. But as soon as I get back I'll tell you everything." Nicole hugged him again.
"Good. Were going to be okay Jay, for once I think things might go our way." She spoke into his ear. Her words just made Jax tighten his arms around her. He couldn't help but wonder if she would think the same way if she knew what lay ahead.
The two of them walked into the bar. Nicole just wanted to hide behind Jax when she felt all the eyes land on her just like she had when she first returned home, but Nicole was not that girl any more she was stronger and she was certainly not going to hide behind her cousin. So with a deep breath she stepped forward into Clay's arms.
"Princess. I'm so proud of you." He placed a kiss on to her temple.
"I'm sorry bout O'Neil and McGee."
"Me too."
Nicole pulled away making her way around the guy's each one telling them they were glad she was okay and how proud of her they were. Nicole couldn't help but chuckle to herself only her twisted family would think taking a life was something to be proud of. But she wouldn't change them for the world.
"We ready?" Everyone turned to look at Happy.
"Let's go." Clay said. Jax made his way over to Nicole.
"We'll see you later. Just stay close to the clubhouse okay." Nicole nodded. See watched them leave before walking over to Gemma who was still sitting on the leather couch with Abel.
"Oh my god he's gotten so big."
"He certainly has." Gemma handed Abel to here. Nicole cooed at him, his tiny hands instantly going for hair. She laughed when she heard him giggle it was the most beautiful sound she'd ever heard. "Seems someone missed you."
"Yeah well I think that feelings mutual." She said in a sing song voice as she tickled his stomach. "Yes we missed you didn't we yes we did yes we did." She spoke in a babyish voice.
"Your good with him." Gemma noted as she watched Abel react to her in a good way.
"Because as I much as I love him I know I can give him back to Daddy." She spoke again in a babyish voice.
"You'll make a great Mom." Nicole looked up at Gemma.
"Where did that come from?" Her voice finally back to normal.
"Nowhere really, just been thinking a lot about family." Gemma ran her hand over Nicole's hair.
"Everything okay? Did something happen in Belfast?" She asked her voice full of concern as she saw the sadness in Gemma's eye's.
"No everything's fine Baby probably just jet lagged."
"You sure?"
"Positive." Gemma lent forward and placed a kiss on top of her head. "I love you Baby."
"Love you to Aunt Gemma." Their moment was to interrupted when Abel started crying. "See as much as I love this little man I do not plan on popping out any screaming babies any time soon, plus you kind of need a man for that." Gemma smiled before taking Abel from Nicole. Nicole got to her feet. "I'm gonna get changed.
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Clay, Jax, Happy and Juice parked up outside Tig's cabin. Quinn walked outside to greet them. After the mandatory passing of handshakes and hugs the five men walked inside.
"Where is he?" Jax asked.
"Basement." Quinn spoke flatly. They all noticed how tired he looked it was obvious that he had been up for a long time keeping watch.
They followed him down into the basement where they saw Ryan tied up to a chair, blood covering his face.
"He's all yours boys." Quinn headed up stairs but stopped when he heard Clay speak.
"You don't want a part brother?"
"Had my say." He motioned towards Ryan's face. Clay nodded to him and Quinn continued upstairs.
Clay took the lead and walked over to him so he was standing in front of the man, the brother, the son who had almost torn his niece apart. Noticing that his eyes were closed Clay kicked him hard in the leg.
Feeling the sharp kick to his shin Ryan cursed in pain as his eyes shot open. Although when he opened them he wished he hadn't. The four people standing in front of him were staring at him with murderous looks in their eyes.
"Look I..." Ryan was abruptly cut off.
As soon as Jax saw his mouth open he lost it, his rage taking over his complete body and without any thought he threw himself at Ryan. The chair along with Ryan fell to the ground and Jax threw punch after punch before his hand went to knife. Pulling the knife from the sheath he placed the blade near his eye.
Ryan let out a shuddered breath as the knife edged closer to his eye. But then Jax pulled the knife away. That should have relaxed him but for some reason Ryan's panic increased, he couldn't help but wonder where the blade was going to end up next.
Happy watched Jax with a smile on his face. Happy knew that normally when it came to the club he would always try and find a solution that didn't end up spilling blood which pissed Happy off sometimes but Happy also knew that when it came to Nicole all bets were off which means this could turn into a blood bath, which was no more than the he deserved. But then Jax seemed to do the unthinkable he actually cut Ryan free.
Jax placed his knife back in the sheath and stood to his feet before pulling off his cut and jacket and throwing them to the floor.
"Get up...GET UP..." He shouted at Ryan who was still curled up on the floor. Ryan shook his head. Jax went to go and drag him up but Happy beat him to it.
"He said get up." Happy growled as he grabbed him by the collar and pulled him to his feet, pushing him into the middle of the room.
Ryan looked around him before focusing on Jax. Ryan knew he was going to get what he deserved but he wasn't going to go down like a pussy he was going to fight. He had come here to protect her watch out for her. So they had had a few up and downs in their relationship but he loved her in his own strange and he knew that she did to. Plus she was his Old Lady this was there business.
"Four on one ain't exactly a fair fight..."
"And neither is beating on a girl who's half you size." Juice remarked as he stared down Ryan.
"Ah the new boyfriend speaks..." Ryan looked over his shoulder at Happy. "Or are you the new boyfriend...I'm a little..." Happy clenched his fist before punching him in the kidney causing Ryan to drop to his knees.
"Defiantly the new boyfriend." Ryan wheezed as his hand covered his kidney. Ryan smiled to himself when he caught the looks Jax, Clay and Juice were giving Happy.
Happy didn't give him a chance to say anything else. Again he dragged him back onto his feet. Happy pushed him towards Clay who pushed him in the face before pushing him away.
Ryan got tossed between the four of them, each landing deadly blows to any part of his body they could hit either with their fists or other weapons. It was like an MC version of a piñata, Ryan being the piñata.
"Fuck..." Ryan cried as he dropped to the floor in agony. He rolled onto his side where he spat out some blood. He looked at Clay. "Is this what she's wants...because if it..." Ryan watched as Juice kept looking between Jax and Clay. "She doesn't know does she...she doesn't know I'm alive." Ryan started laughing.
"Shut up." Jax snapped.
"You know she wouldn't want this. You know she would want to save me." Ryan continued to laugh at them. Happy had heard enough so he pulled out his gun and shot him in the foot making him wail in pain.
"Enough of this shit."
Jax pulled out his knife and dropped onto his knees beside Ryan as he plunged the knife into his side, he made to twist the knife which caused Ryan to scream in pain. Again Happy found himself with a smile on his face.
Jax pulled the knife out before stabbing him again. Jax moved his mouth towards Ryan's ear as Ryan gasped for breath.
"That's for Nic." Jax pushed harder on the knife. He felt his rib pop and Jax knew he'd pushed the knife deep enough to cause fatal damage. Pulling out the knife Jax got back to his feet. He grabbed his cut and jacket off the floor and walked upstairs.
Clay looked over to Happy. "Clean this shit up." Happy nodded.
"Don't worry no one will ever find him not in one piece anyway." Happy remarked with a sick smile on his face as he picked up the axe that was on the work bench in the corner of the basement. Juice swallowed the lump in his throat as he watched Happy go over to Ryan.
"You wanna stick around and watch?" Clay whispered into Juice's ear. He smiled when he saw the shock on Juice's face before he started shaking his head.
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"He's gone." Quinn noted as he saw Clay looking around the cabin.
"Right. Well Hap's got this covered so you can head out to." Quinn shook his head.
"Nah I'll wait for Hap. Least I can do."
"You've done enough brother."
"We both know that ain't true but I appreciate that." They hugged on another Clay telling him that he would catch him later at the clubhouse.
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Happy stood over Ryan trying to think where he should start when he saw his hand twitch. Happy bent down so he could get a clearer look. He had seen enough dead bodies to know that even though someone is dead doesn't mean they can't move. And that's exactly what Happy thought it was but then he heard Ryan gasp for air he knew differently. He shook his head did this man have nine lives or what, he had survived three times but this time Happy was going to make sure that didn't happen.
Ryan coughed and tried to steady his breath before he turned to look at Happy who was kneeling beside him. Ryan knew he didn't have long left he could feel the coldness setting in and there were a few things he had to say.
"You're falling for her aren't you?" Ryan wheezed as his hand went to his chest. He watched Happy as he raised the axe. "She has a w..." Happy ignored his pleas and placed the blade of the axe against his throat pushing hard enough to draw blood but not enough to kill him not yet. "She's under your skin, I know it. I know that look...but...but she'll ruin you...she'll make you do things...I never wanted to hurt her..."
Happy had heard enough bullshit from this asshole, he couldn't believe that he was using his last words to blame Nicole, making out that it was her fault that he hurt her. That disgusted Happy, if he was going to hit her at least be man enough to admit it.
"Your never going to hurt her again." He spoke calmly before moving the axe from Ryan's throat. Ryan eyes went wide as he watched the axe move down his body. Happy locked eyes with Ryan's before slamming the axe down onto his groin. Happy smiled as Ryan let out a blood curdling scream.
