Chapter 15

Sister, Sister

We had an amazing day with Daisy. We spent the morning wandering Bakersfield, visiting the local markets. Daisy was honestly the sweetest person. She made me try on different hats with her at one stall, and we laughed at some of the more outrageous ones. She picked one she liked, and I paid for it.

"You didn't need to do that," she said, smiling as she straightened her new hat.

"It's the least I could do," I insisted. "For having us stay with you and all."

She waved her hand. "It's family, sweetheart."

Happy was a completely different person around his Mom. The hard wall he normally had up was gone - he joked and laughed with her as I imagined him doing when he was younger.

It was hard to think about all of the drama surrounding the club when we were here enjoying ourselves. But unfortunately, we could only avoid it for so long.

It was late that night when we got the phone call. Happy and I were already in bed when his phone rang.

"Chibs," he said. "What is it?"

He listened intently. "You're kidding me? Do they have proof? Uh-huh. Yeah. Shit. How's Jax? Yeah, alright. We'll head straight back in the morning."

He closed his phone, looking shocked.

"What happened?"

"Damon Pope was killed," he said. "Police arrested Clay. Apparently his gun was found nearby with his prints."

"Clays not that stupid..." I said, shaking my head.

"That's not all. Tara's been arrested. Consipacy to commit murder."

"Oh my god... The boys?"

"Jax is with them. And Gemma. Don't worry," he said, rubbing my arm, "We'll be back tomorrow."

The next morning, we explained to Daisy that we had a family emergency at home we had to deal with. She understood, but made us promise to come and visit again soon.

We rode straight through to Charming, pulling up at Jax's house late morning. I knocked as we walked in. Gemma was in the kitchen, playing with Abel.

"Gem," I said, kissing her cheek. "We got back as quick as we could."

"Gee Gee!" Abel cheered when he saw me.

I ruffled his hair as I sat down at the table. "Hey, little man."

"Where's Jax?" Happy asked.

"In the baby's room," Gemma said. "He's been in there all night."

Happy nodded, and walked down the hall.

"How are you doing?" I asked Gemma.

"I'm fine," she said. "Just looking after my family. Jax hasn't said much - it's hit him pretty hard."

"I can only imagine..." I shook my head. "Anything you need, you know we're right here until we get this mess sorted."

I played with Abel for a while until Happy returned, carrying Thomas.

"Jax wants to see you," he said, putting Thomas in his high chair. "He's out back."

"Alright," I said, getting up from the table. I walked out to the backyard, my mind spinning. Was Jax going to tell me to leave?

I found him sitting on the back step, cigarette in hand.

"Hey," I said, sitting down next to him. "Look Jax, I'm sorry for questioning you the other day. I..."

"Please, Georgia," he interrupted. "I'm sorry for what I said. There is no excuse for how I spoke to you. But hopefully we can put it down to a family disagreement?"

"Family disagreement?" I asked.

He nodded. "Of course. You're the closest thing I have to a little sister. I imagine they all annoy you at times..."

"Yeah, well you give as good as you get," I told him, playfully punching him in the arm. I sighed and leant my head against his arm. "I'm sorry about Tara. Me and Hap are here, whatever you need."

"I know you are," he said, kissing my head.

A lot happened over the next week. Bobby had handed over his Vice-President patch, and had moved to Indian Hills for a while, giving himself some distance from the club. Jax had given the VP patch to Chibs, and Happy was now the Sargent At Arms for SAMCRO.

He and I spent most of our time at Jax's house, helping Jax and Gemma out with the boys whenever they needed. A week after Tara was arrested, we were sitting in the kitchen, eating breakfast, when Jax brought Thomas out. I stood up and grabbed him off Jax, and put him in his high chair.

"Hey, buddy. You sleep okay?" he asked Abel.

He nodded. "When's Mommy coming home, Daddy?"

Jax looked up at us, hesitating for a second before he kissed Abel's head. "Real soon."

"Hey, I bet I can finish my pancakes before you," I said, distracting him. He laughed, and started scoffing the last of his pancakes.

"Hey, no fair!" I said, as he ate the last piece.

"Ooh, there you go. You're the champ," Happy cheered.

"I'm gonna go see Tara," Jax said, kissing Gemma. "You should head to TM."

"I got the boys today," I said. "If that's ok?" Jax nodded.

"I'm with you, Pres," Happy said, starting to stand.

"I need to ride alone," he said. "Clear my head. I'll be fine."

"You can help me with the monsters," I told him.

Jax headed off, and I got up to help Gemma clean up.

"I've got this, sweetheart," she said.

"You sure?" I asked.

She nodded, so I went to get the boys' things organized. Happy helped me load the boys into Tara's SUV, and followed me on his bike over to TM.

When we arrived, Chibs and Tig met us at the car, and each grabbed one of the boys out of their seats. I smiled as I watched the boys, the old and the young. Abel was smiling as he ran along with Tig, Chibs cooing and playing with Thomas as they walked over to the playground. Tig and Abel went to Unser's van and banged on the door until he came out. He followed Abel over to the playground, and pushed him on the swings.

"What are you thinking about?" Happy asked, wrapping his hands around my waist.

"Just family."

He put his hand on my back as we followed Chibs inside with Thomas. I sat on the lounge, bouncing the little guy on my knee while singing and pulling faces. Happy and Chibs sat at the bar talking. Abel and Unser came in after a while, and I handed Thomas to Happy while I went to get a snack for Abel.

The boys were settled and playing happily when I heard tyres screech outside and a car door slam shut. A blonde woman ran inside.

"Where's Jax?" she asked, sounding panicked.

Chibs couldnt give her the time of day. "What's this gash doing here?"

"Please," she begged. "I need your help. Lyla's hurt really bad. Please."

"Ok," Chibs said, getting up from the bar.

"Unser, you got the boys?" I asked. He nodded as I followed the guys.

A white car was parked outside. Happy reached it first, and pulled open the passenger door.

"Holy shit," he said. "Georgia?"

I pushed my way past him. Lyla was on the front seat, arms wrapped around herself, sobbing. I could see cuts and what looked like burn marks across her arms and legs.

"Oh Lyla," I said, brushing her hair back from her face. As I did, I saw she had the same burn marks on her face and chest.

"I want Opie," she cried. "Please, god. I want Opie."

"Shh," I whispered, stroking her hair. I stepped back out of the car, and turned to the guys. "Get her inside. I'll ring Jax."

Happy carefully lifted her out of the car and carried her inside while I pulled out my phone.

"Jax, you need to get to TM. Now," I said. "It's Lyla."

I sat in the back room with Lyla when Jax arrived, followed by Nero and the Sons.

"What happened?" Jax asked, sitting next to her.

"It was supposed to be just some fetish stuff," she explained. "Sadoplay, cage time. It was torture porn. They never told me. The more I asked them to stop, the more they hurt me."

"Who were they?" he asked.

"Persians. Ghanezi brothers. Ima met one of them through the Saffron producers They had references."

"That stupid whore..." Jax fumed.

"I asked her to get me the work, Jax," she said. "My best asset has a bullet wound in it. Can't do the girl-girl stuff. I need money. I got three kids now."

"Why didn't you say something?" Nero asked.

"I don't take charity," she said, simply.

"Lyla, this gets settled. You understand?" Jax promised. "Where are they?"

"Stockton. Near the navy docks," she explained. "I have an address."

"How many?" Happy asked.

"I saw about five or six. Couple of 'em had guns," she warned.

"You know these guys?" Tig asked Nero.

"No," he said. "But if we decide to head to the docks, we got to make it good with Barosky. He's an ex-cop, he runs the port."

"And how do we know that these sandpigs don't work for him?" Chibs said.

"He's right," Jax agreed. "We should check it out first. Your crew back us up?"

"Yeah," Nero said.

"I'm gonna stay here with Lyla," I said. "Help her get cleaned up. Wayne and Chucky have Thomas and Abel outside."

Jax nodded, and the guys all left.

"Don't worry," I said, holding her hand. "The guys will handle it."

It was late that afternoon when Happy and Chibs arrived back at TM. I met them outside, smiling as I watched Abel playing with on the playground. Thomas was sleeping inside.

"How'd you go?" I asked, kissing Happy.

"Let just say business is closed for the Ghanezi brothers," Chibs said. "How's Lyla?"

"She's still a little shaken, but she'll be fine, all things considered." I nodded up to the garage. "Juice and Rat are back too."

Chibs nodded, and headed to the garage, while I walked back inside with Happy. He sat down at the bar next to Lyla, grabbed a bottle of scotch, and poured three. He place one in front of each of us, and knocked his back before pouring another.

Chibs returned half an hour later, half carrying Juice. Juice's face was swollen and cut. Chibs led him to the chair, and sat him down.

"Georgia..." Chibs said calmly, looking up.

I nodded. "I'll grab the medical kit."

I placed it on the table when I got back, and walked to the bar and grabbed the bottle of scotch and two more glasses. I took them over to the table.

"Here," I said, placing them in front of Juice. I kissed his cheek.

I stood up and looked at Chibs. "You good?"

He nodded and I kissed him too. I turned back to Happy and Lyla. "I'd better get these boys home. Happy can drop you home if you'd like, Ly. A couple of the Diosa girl are already at home with the kids. They'll stay tonight, give you a hand if you need."

"Come on darlin," Happy said, helping Lyla off the stool. He picked up Thomas and carried him out to the car.

"I'll see you at Jax's," he said, once the boys were strapped into their seats.

I nodded. I kissed him and turned to Lyla, kissing her cheek. "You take it easy, ok? And you call me if you need anything..."

"I will," she promised. "Thank you again, Georgia. You really are a saint."

"Dont mention it. Us girls need to look out for each other."

She climbed on behind Happy, pulling on a helmet. I waved as they pulled out of the car park, and jumped in the SUV.

"Alright, ready to go, Champ?" I asked Abel, starting the car.

"Yup," he replied as I reversed out. "Is Mommy home yet, Gee Gee?"

I looked at him the rear-view mirror, and saw he was sad - he was missing his Mom. "Not tonight, Buddy. But what do you say to a sleepover with me and Happy? We could even watch a movie before bed?"

That perked him up again. "Toy Story?" he asked excitedly.

I smiled, and pulled out of the garage. "How did you know that was Happy's favorite?"

He sat quietly in the back on the trip home, playing with his brother. I switched the radio on, and a news report was playing.

"Just repeating that story. There has been a shooting at Count of Aquino Catholic School here in Stockton. There's been early reports of at least 6 injured, with three possible deaths. Details of those victims are still unknown, as is the identity of the shooter, but we understand that most of the victims are indeed children. We will stay with this story and bring any information to you as it develops."