14

Chapter 126 Battle Plans

"

"It's OK," Juice said, his face breaking into a wide ear to ear grin. "Ava is safe and unharmed."

"Where?" Jax croaked out the word.

"Bakery. June called it in."

"June?" Jax asked not placing the name.

"New crow-eater. Ava stopped by to visit. I told June to lock the doors, not to let anyone in but SAMCRO and to keep Ava away from the windows."

That was the moment when Jax finally felt relief hit him like a tsunami. He bent over with the emotion of the moment. Ava was safe and unharmed. This was an outcome he feared would never happen. Maybe the image of a naked, broken, battered, raped and crying Ava would finally leave his mind.

Jax hugged Juice.

"Great work. You really came through tonight." Jax said. Juice beamed at the praise. He was finding his place as a valued member of the MC and putting his prospect days behind him.

All the guys hugged Jax with much slapping of leather. They were all relieved that Ava was safe. They knew how much it would tear Jax up if something happened to his bride and they liked Ava. They were happy she was safe.

"OK, we don't know if Zobelle was bluffing about Ava or if they just couldn't find her because they were staking out the road to the house and she went to the bakery. We need to keep her safe, but we also need to protect our clubhouse. This could be a diversion and they may be planning to attack our clubhouse. I want Sack, Kozik, Piney and Juice to stay at the clubhouse. Get Filthy Phil and Miles to help out. I want someone watching the cameras 24/7 and the clubhouse is closed to non-members with the exception of Phil and Miles. Bobby, Chibs, Happy and Tig will come to the house with me to protect Ava until we get more security for her. No one rides alone and make sure you are armed. Church tomorrow 8 am. We'll start to figure this out then."

"What about me?" Chuckie asked in a small voice. He knew sometimes the guys forgot about him. He blamed it on his small stature.

"Yeah and Chuckie gets to stay," Jax said. Chuckie beamed with pleasure. He liked being with the guys especially when there was some excitement going on. He liked helping them out. He knew he would never be a patch member because he didn't ride but he took his status as a trusted friend of the club seriously.

"Should I notify the other charters?" Juice asked.

"Not until after out meeting in the morning," Jax replied. "Call Bobby, tell him Ava's safe and to meet us in front of the bakery."

"I think we should have more guys with us when we go the bakery," Opie said. As SA, it was assumed that he would be at Jax's side to protect him. "We don't know where Zobelle is or if you're the target."

"OK. Tig, Sack and Juice with us. Once we get to the bakery, Juice and Sack head back and help secure the clubhouse," Jax said.

"I need to call security and tell them we've found Ava," Opie said. Jax nodded. Opie had a brief conversation with security about Ava. "Nick suggested they send security and an SUV for Ava. One of the guys can drive her SUV and she can ride in the security SUV."

"Good idea," Jax said. "We'll ride behind just to make sure everything is OK. We don't have a security system at the house. It might be better for us to stay at the main house at least until we can get a security system installed. There are plenty of bedrooms and everyone can also sleep in the game room and take shifts assisting existing security."

"Good idea. I'll tell Nick. I'm sure he'll be calling in Dark Tower to provide security until we get this fixed," Opie said making the call.

"Let's arm up," Jax said leading the guys into the clubhouse. Normally for social functions, the guys didn't carry weapons. Jax had Zobelle's gun in the pocket of his cut. He added his shoulder holster and his own Glock from the armory. Having Zobelle's gun could give him a strategic advantage in the future and he wasn't going to use it unless he had no choice.

A few minutes later, the guys got on their bikes and headed to the bakery. It had been many years since SAMCRO felt unsafe in their own town. This was a night none of them would ever forget.

Bobby, Chibs and Happy were standing outside the bakery waiting for Jax. They all exchanged hugs. Jax quickly updated them on the plan before he walked into the bakery.

Once SAMCRO arrived, Ava looked out the windows waiting for Jax. She didn't know what was going on but she was scared. Jax wasn't controlling so she knew that whatever was going on wasn't happening because she made a quick stop by the bakery to talk to June.

She watched the guys greet Jax and that made her more apprehensive. They seemed relieved to see him. Was he in danger again? June told her that SAMCRO was on their way over and asked that she stay hidden and away from the windows. That made Ava think this might involve her but she didn't know how unless Jax was just being cautious.

She couldn't hear what Jax was saying but it was clear he was giving them instructions and the men were listening to him with respect. She'd never really seen him in commanding the MC mode. It gave her a thrill to see him leading the guys.

Jax walked into the bakery, leaving the guys outside.

"June?"

"Yes."

"Thanks for calling Juice. SAMCRO owes you. You ever need a favor, you call me or Bobby."

"Thanks," June said. She was a little awe-struck. SAMCRO owing a favor was a big deal. It was a sign the MC valued her as a friend of the club.

As Jax walked over to her, Ava was struck by the increased testosterone leakage that was occurring, but she didn't mind it. In fact, she kind of liked this commanding version of Jax. His eyes met hers and they softened and his lips lifted in the faintest of smiles. Ava wasn't sure what his expression meant, but it melted her bones with its quiet intensity. He gripped her shoulder lightly sending a rush of electricity through her.

"I'll explain when we get home. Security is going to come by and you'll ride with them while another of them drives your car. We'll follow behind."

Ava looked at Jax, her eyes wide, her face pale and nodded.

"I'm going to leave someone with you in case someone saw Ava here and decides to stop by," Jax said to June. "How long are you going to be here?"

"Three hours."

"OK. Keep the doors locked."

"The bakery's closed so that won't be a problem," June replied. "Just a minute. Don't forget the cookies. I put the recipe in the box too." June handed a pink bakery box to Ava.

"Thanks a lot, June," Ava said.

Jax put his hand on Ava's upper back and steered her outside.

"I want someone to stay with June for the next three hours in case someone pays her a visit."

"I'll do it," Bobby volunteered. "I could get some baking pointers."

"OK. Head to the clubhouse when she leaves. Call Rat to keep you company and ride back to the clubhouse with you. Remember no one rides alone."

Jax wasn't taking chances. His first priority was keeping everyone alive. His next priority was dealing with Zobelle and the risk he posed to the MC, Ava and Charming.

Security drove up in an SUV.

"We positioned another vehicle at the base of the road," Nick told Opie.

"Good." Opie asked.

"You guys armed?" Nick asked Jax.

Jax gave him a look and Nick chuckled.

"Let's go," Jax said putting Ava into the back seat of the SUV.

Nick got into Ava's SUV to lead the way. Putting her in the second SUV would give her the most protection.

"SAMCRO will go to our house and then escort us back to the main house."

"We'll return to the main house," Nick added.

Everyone nodded and they set off to the house without incident. Once they got to the house, Jax had SAMCRO positioned around the outside of the house while he took Ava inside.

"Now are you going to tell me what's going on?" Ava asked.

"Yeah, let's go to the bedroom and sit down."

Ava's heart began to pound hard with fear. Wanting her to sit down when he told her something couldn't be good and he was very grim. She'd never seen him so serious.

Jax sat beside her and put his hand on her leg.

"There's a man named Zobelle. He's a gangster and he wants to take over Charming selling drugs and sex trafficking woman and young girls. He's done it before in a couple of other towns and the police have been helpless because he has connections of some kind that are protecting him.

"After you left, he came by. I kicked him out. He got in his car, put down the window and he told me that he had you, his guys were going to gang rape you, rip you up inside and not kill you but make you wish you were dead. He took off. A couple of MC guys chased after him but lost him."

Ava's face drained of color and she trembled. Jax wrapped his arms around her.

"I've been out of my mind trying to find you."

"Why didn't you call me?"

"I did. You forgot your phone at the house."

Ava looked into Jax's face.

"Do you think he's serious?"

"This man is ruthless and yeah, I take him seriously. I think he expected you to be on the road home and his guys would snatch you up, but by going to the bakery instead of straight home, you may have saved yourself. I am not taking any chances with your safety until Zobelle and his crew are handled."

Ava didn't want to know what Jax meant by handled and she'd learned not to ask questions she didn't want to know the answer to so she left the question unasked.

"Why would they want to attack me?"

Jax gently stroked Ava's cheek with the tips of his fingers.

"In the outlaw world when there is a beef, the men settle it. It is unheard of for a rival to go after an old lady. I'm guessing Zobelle doesn't play by outlaw rules. He wanted to hurt you to get to me and to make me irrational and crazy so I lead the MC into a direction that Zobelle can use to destroy the MC. I'm going to make sure you have an army around you. Nothing is going to happen to you, but you are going to have to cooperate with security."

Ava nodded, her eyes filling with tears. She was emotional but couldn't quite figure out the emotion. Part of it was fear and part of it was worry over what Jax might do.

"We're going to the main house until we get an alarm system for our house. The MC will help security tonight. I'm sure Nick will call in Dark Tower and they'll be here in a few hours. I want security near you at all times. If you forget something and you need to come back to our house, you take a security team with you."

"I'm scared."

"You're safe now and I will keep you that way," Jax promised.

She nodded solemnly. The near escape she'd had because she'd stopped to get the cookies and recipe June promised her haunted her. If she'd gone straight home . . .

Jax held her close to him until she stopped trembling. She could feel the guns he had on him press into her and she wasn't sure whether it scared or reassured her more.

"Let's pack our bags for a few days," he suggested when she calmed down.

Ava didn't argue over Jax's security precautions. She knew that she could rely on him to keep her safe. And the truth was she was scared and wanted someone to take care of her.

Her hands shook as she quickly packed a bag while Jax did the same.

"You're in danger too, aren't you?" she asked softly.

"It's possible that since he failed to get you, he'll come after me. He doesn't want just me though. He wants to destroy the whole MC by making us do something stupid that will get us killed or locked up. I'm not going to let that happen."

"I just don't want anything to happen to anyone."

Jax wrapped her in his arms again and held her for a moment. She'd taken the news better than he could have expected, but he knew that despite her not having hysterics, she was still plenty scared.

"I will protect you with my life."

"I think that's what scares me the most," she whispered.

"Come on let's head to the house," Jax said grabbing their bags.

After Jax loaded their baggage in the back seat, Ava drove her SUV to the house followed by the MC on their bikes with Jax in the lead.

Once at the house, he had Tig take Ava and their overnight bags to their room while he and Opie talked to Nick. As predicted, Nick had called in Dark Tower to protect Ava. For Nick, keeping Ava safe was his first priority and he only had four guys including himself. He was grateful to have the MC provide back-up until Dark Tower got there in the morning. He didn't know if Zobelle's crew would be crazy enough to try to attack the house, but the cameras and alarm system would give them ample notice and the MC guys were armed.

"Does TB know?" Jax asked.

"He's got a huge trial. Ava's safe. I'm calling in Dark Tower. There's nothing really that he can do that isn't being done. I suggest we tell him tomorrow after the trial is over for the day," Nick replied.

"I agree," Jax said. "Once Dark Tower gets here, most of the MC will go to the clubhouse. I want one of my guys here with her at all times."

"I should provide protection to you too," Nick said.

"I'll have the MC around me," Jax said.

"I get it. How about we give you an escort to your clubhouse and when you're ready to return to the house, we'll give you an escort back?"

Jax didn't feel it was necessary, but he knew Nick had a job to do and he decided it was better to cooperate. At least he wasn't going to have to lose Dark Tower the way he did when he broke his ribs.

"OK. I told Ava that I don't want her to go to our house alone that she needs to bring a security team with her. I don't want to take any chances with her safety."

Nick nodded grimly.

"She'll stay safe."

Jax and Opie returned to the bedroom. The door was open and Tig was inside chatting with Ava about the party tonight trying to get her mind off things.

"I'm going to put together the schedule for four hour shifts," Opie said to Tig.

"OK. Where are the guys?" Tig asked.

"In the game room."

"And no drinking," Jax added. "If Zobelle is crazy enough to try to come to the house, everyone needs to be sober."

"You got it boss," Tig said turning to leave.

"We'll head to the clubhouse at 7:45. Dark Tower will be here by then."

"I'm going to be at the top of the staircase," Opie said.

"OK, thanks bro," Jax replied hugging him.

Jax closed and locked the bedroom door behind him.

"How are you holding up?" Jax asked Ava.

"Scared and numb. Does my father know what's happening?"

"We'll tell him tomorrow after his trial is over for the day."

"OK. There's nothing he can do about anything that isn't being done."

"How about we light a candle and take a nice romantic shower?" He suggested wrapping his arms around her.

"I can take a shower on my own."

"I'd feel better if I was with you in case you needed protection," Jax said solemnly.

'You're here. I feel safe," Ava protested.

"Think how much safer you would feel with me right next to you."

"Nice try," Ava said kissing him lightly on the lips. "I need a little alone time in the shower to decompress."

Ava grabbed her night shirt, underwear and toiletries before heading into the bathroom. They had been in their house a few weeks, but it felt longer to Ava. She'd adjusted to living alone with Jax and now that they were back in her father's house there was another adjustment. She did agree that they were safer in the main house with its state of the art security system, but she wondered if she would ever feel truly safe again.

Jax draped his cut over the back of the sofa and removed his shoulder holster and gun and put it on the nightstand on his side of the bed. After Ava finished in the bathroom, Jax took a shower hoping he could wash away the memory of how hellish it had been trying to find Ava before Zobelle's guys could hurt her.

Ava was watching a Hallmark romance when he finished in the bathroom. She needed to see a simpler life where women weren't gang raped and ripped up.

"How are things in Hallmark land?" Jax asked.

"Happier than in Charming."

Jax switched off the lights and got into bed beside Ava. She turned the TV off and scooted close. He loved Ava, but it didn't feel like the right moment to tell her and, for once, Jax Teller was worried that a woman might not feel the same way as he did. He wasn't going to tell Ava until he was sure that she would say the words back to him.

He realized that sex with Ava was better because he loved her. It made all the difference to the experience. When he was with a woman, he always thought of it as sex and nothing more.

For the first time in Jax's life, he thought of sex as making love. He comforted Ava in the way he knew best showing her such tenderness and love that night and the way she responded to him made the experience nothing short of magical.

Normally, he fell asleep easily no matter what was going on with the MC, but there was too much adrenaline pumping through his body tonight. Ava was sleeping quietly looking like a dark headed angel, but he knew that there would be no sleep for him.

He got up, got dressed, grabbed his phone and went down to the end of the hall to talk to Opie. Maybe a few minutes talking to Op would calm his mind or, more likely, he would be awake all night trying to figure out how to stop Zobelle. This was the biggest challenge the MC had faced and it was on him to lead the club and defeat Zobelle.

"Can't sleep," Jax said talking a seat next Opie at the top of the stairs.

"How's Ava doing?"

"She's doing better than I expected. No tears or hysterics. I think she's numb. I'm worried about how she's going to feel once the numbness wears off," Jax admitted.

"She's safe and she's going to stay that way."

"I know. She's discovering all about my world and who I really am the hard way."

It was one thing for Ava to know that he belonged to an outlaw biker club; it was another thing to see what that was like first hand. He was grateful that they had to be married for at least another two and a half years. It would give him some time to put this incident with Zobelle behind them.

If it wasn't for that provision in her father's will, he was afraid that once the numbness wore off, Ava would want to bail from their marriage not just because he'd brought danger to her but because while he hadn't said exactly how he was going to handle Zobelle, Ava was sharp enough to know that meant they weren't just going to say rude things to him. At least he'd have two and a half years to erase this nightmare from her memory.

"I think Ava is tougher than you give her credit for."

"Maybe. I never had to think of how the MC could affect an old lady. How does Donna . . ." Jax broke off as his cell phone rang. He pulled it out of his back pocket and looked at the caller ID.

"It's Gemma," Jax said to Opie. He hesitated a moment before answering.