New By Laws-Chapter 45
M/N: Michele's Note: Thanks everyone for your reviews. I just realized that I did not introduce The Grim Bastards in this story…gasp! I can't believe I forgot about The Bastards. Especially after seeing the finale and Jax asking the presidents to get rid of an old, unwritten SOA bylaw which I have come to the conclusion in my mind that it's the bylaw of not allowing Blacks in the club. Where was my head…..and my story is called New By Laws….face palm!
I am introducing The Bastards in this chapter…I just love T.O. and Michael Beach who portrays him in the show.
I will be wrapping up this story in the next few chapters and I want to thank everyone who has come along Jax's and Jade's journey. I hope you have enjoyed reading this story as much as I enjoyed writing it.
XvampiresXwolverine: Yep, Tig was straight up trying to peek at Jade and Jax was not having that!
Angeliceg: Yes, Tig is hilarious! I have grown to love his character through the course of the show.
Running-Wild22: Gotta love Tig! I don't think leaving Charming will be as easy as Jax and Jade thinks it will be. Jax may not have a choice but to stay and move the club to more businesses that are legit.
Guest: I am so happy you started watching Sons of Anarchy because of my story. That means a lot to me. What do you think of the show so far? Isn't the show EVERYTHING!
Ladybre01: How sweet. I am so happy you are enjoying Jax's and Jade's journey. I didn't mean to make you cry….scouts honor. I did strive to incorporate the show's story arc into my story but not have it solely centered completely on Sutter's storylines. Thanks for noticing that.
Candykissesandsugarplums: I initially was thinking having Wendy as an adversary to the Tellers but decided to have her as an ally. Wendy has come a long way and she deserves some happiness and to be in her sons life.
After a couple of days Wendy was discharged and Jade went to pick Wendy up from the hospital with Abel in tow. Jax finally gave in to let Wendy see Abel. It only took a few arguments, a few door slamming and a few silent treatments for Jade to get him to relent.
Jade took Wendy shopping for groceries and help her unload and straighten up her apartment.
"I really appreciate this Jade." Wendy said while putting items in her fridge.
"It's the least I can do."
"Jade, I need to warn you about something." Wendy sat at the kitchen table with a look of worry on her face. Jade sat down across from her wondering what she needed to tell her.
"Warn me about what?"
"It's Tara. She came to see me a few times and she is really hell bent on getting Jax back. Some of the stuff she was saying was completely delusional and irrational."
"What was she saying?"
"She was spouting off that as soon as you are out of the picture Jax would come back to her. She wanted me to help her in getting Jax back and she promised to give me joint custody of Abel. It might just be talk but just in case you might want to be cautious."
Jade nodded her head thankful for Wendy's warning. She would have to tell Jax. Jade was not taking any chances regarding her and her family's safety.
"Thanks Wendy for letting me know. We better get going. I will bring Abel by next week. I will call you with the details." Jade said as she picked up a sleeping Abel from the couch.
"Thanks again Jade."
Jade quickly wrapped her free arm around Wendy's neck and gave her a quick hug.
"You call me if you need anything."
"I will."
"How did it go with Wendy today?" Jax asked as he crawled into bed. Jax was still feeling leery about having Wendy in Abel's life but Jade would not let up. They were arguing constantly about it and Jade started to give him the silent treatment and sleeping in the guest bedroom. After the third day of her sleeping in the guest bedroom he reluctantly conceded. A man can go without sex only so many days.
"It went well. I'm going to take him over sometime next week."
Jax nodded keeping his thoughts to himself.
"I think we might have a problem with Tara still. Wendy told me she visited her a few times and was telling her she plan to get rid of me to get you back."
Jax let out a heavy sigh. He wished Tara would get over him. Why could she not see that he was spending the rest of his life with Jade and there was nothing she could do to change that.
"She's not going to do anything." Jax told her as he gathered Jade in his arms. "She knows better than to come after you. I will put West back on detail to watch you the next few weeks if you want."
"That's not necessary. I'm sure the last thing West wants to do is babysit me and the boys."
"Are you sure? It's no problem."
"Well maybe for a few days. Just to be safe."
"Alright. I will have him here tomorrow morning."
Jade did feel better when West was around. He watched Jade and the boys when she returned from her parents and it was a big help having him around. She however began to feel sorry for him after a couple of uneventful weeks. She knew he had to be bored out of his skull so she told Jax she didn't see the need for him anymore. Now with this new info about Tara it would be best to have him around again.
"We will be voting in a couple of days about me leaving the club." Jax said as he nuzzled his nose in Jade's hair. Her hair was growing back so fast.
"Do you think it will be unanimous?"
"I do. Bobby said he talked to everyone and he thinks it will pass."
"I hope it passes." Jade murmured absently.
"It will."
"Jade what's that noise?" Kim asked as she heard a clucking noise coming from the front of Jade's SUV.
"I don't know." Jade said as she pulled over to the side of the road. As soon as Jade turned off the engine smoke spilled from the hood.
"Dear God! Get the kids out." Jade shouted as she exited the vehicle. Jade opened the back door and pulled Nathan and Abel out as Kim grabbed Michael. Jade could not believe this was happening. They were on their way back from visiting her parents and were at least two hours away from Charming. The nearest exit was at least a couple of miles away. West who was traveling behind them had pulled up and went to pop the hood.
"Looks like it overheated. When's the last time you put coolant in?" he asked Jade as he fanned the smoke out of his face. Jade had no clue when the last time she had put anything in the car except for gas. It was Jax's job to keep up with the maintenance on their vehicles.
"Were going to have to wait until it cools. Do you have coolant in the car?"
"I think so." Jade opened the back of the car and found a full bottle of coolant.
"How long before it cools down? I can't have the kids out in this heat."
"About a couple of hours."
"Oh my God." What was she going to do? Jade dug into her purse for her cell to call Jax. She looked up from her speed dial when she heard motorcycles pass by. After the bikes pass she saw them turn around. A lump formed in her throat as she tried to think if the Sons were feuding with any other club. They no doubt saw West's cut.
"Who are they?" Jade asked panic laced in her voice.
"It's alright. It's the Grim Bastards."
"The who?"
"Grim Bastards." West answered.
Jade remembered vaguely Jax mentioning a club called The Grim Bastards. Jade watched as the Grim Bastards parked their bikes behind her vehicle. Jade did not know The Grim Bastards were an African American club. Jax did not share that interesting piece of info.
"Everything alright?" T.O. the president of The Grim Bastards asked walking up to West to give him dap.
"Car overheated." West said gesturing toward the hood of the car. T.O. looked at Jade, Kim and the kids. How were these women connected to The Sons?
"Looks like it will be awhile before it cools down enough for me to put in coolant. I need to get them inside somewhere. I can't have them out in this heat."
"I can call and get the van up here to take them to the McDonalds up the road." T.O. offered.
"That would be great." West said with relief.
"What's going on?" Jade asked walking up to West and T.O.
"Jade, This is T.O. T.O. this is Jade…. Jax's wife."
T.O. did very little to control the look of shock on his face. He had heard through the grapevine that Jax was with a black woman but he thought the rumors were bullshit. The Bastards and The Sons had not really communicated the past year as they had a difference of opinion on a business deal. However, Jax had reached out to T.O. a couple of weeks ago to mend their relationship.
Jade extended her hand. "Nice to meet you T.O." Jade smiled.
Damn she was fine! T.O. thought as he tried to keep his eyes from wandering up and down her body. Focus on her eyes! "Nice to meet you too."
"T.O. offered to get a van out here to drive you guys up to McDonalds until the car cools down." West told Jade.
"Thanks. I need to call Jax and Opie to let them know where we are." Jade called Jax to let him know what was going on and where they were.
"Let me speak to T.O." Jax told Jade.
"He wants to speak to you." She said handing T.O. her phone.
"Thanks man. I appreciate your help. Do you mind just bringing them back to Charming? I'll send a tow truck to get the car."
"Yeah..sure….that will be no problem."
"T.O. please get them to me safely. They are my world."
"I will Jax."
Within thirty minutes Jade, Kim and the kids were on their way back to Charming in the comfort of an air-conditioned mini-van.
"I really appreciate this T.O. I know this is putting you out especially having to get your bike hauled back."
"It's no problem at all. I know Jax would do the same for my family." He said stealing a glance at Jade. He just could not get over that Jax was with a black woman.
"So Kim you are with Opie?" T.O. asked glancing back at Kim in the rearview mirror.
"Yes. We are engaged." She answered.
"What?" Jade asked seeing T.O.'s bewildered expression.
"I just can't believe that two members of The Sons are with women of color. I mean you ladies aren't just side pieces but their actual old ladies."
Jade smiled at T.O. "I guess times are changing huh?"
"I guess so." T.O. chuckled. "Next thing you know they will let Blacks in the club."
"Well that kind of already happen. Juice is half Black."
"What?!"
"He was passing for Latino though and it recently came out that his father is Black."
"They let him stay in the club?"
"Yep….times a changing."
During the ride home T.O. told Jade and Kim the history of The Grim Bastards and a little about his life. About the time, they pulled into Teller and Morrow Jade and Kim had a new friend in T.O.
Jax pulled T.O. into a hug when he got out of the van.
"I owe you one man! Thanks for getting them home safely."
"Anytime Jax. Why didn't you tell me your wife was Black?" T.O. said lowering his voice so Jade would not hear.
Jax laughed, "Head in the bar and grab a beer and as soon as I get my family situated we will catch up."
"It seems we have a lot to catch up on." T.O. chuckled heading into the bar.
The day finally arrived for the club vote for Jax's departure and Jade was anxious all day as she waited to hear back from Jax about the vote. They were not going to vote until about seven that evening and the hours slowly ticked by. West tried to put her mind at ease and told her that he had proxy a vote of yes. West hated to see Jax leave the club but he understand his concern over his family safety. He knew Jade had been through hell and back and he did not blame Jax one bit for wanting to get his family out of Charming.
After putting the boys to bed Jade looked at her phone for the thousandth time. It was almost eight o'clock and Jax still had not call. Jade poured herself a glass of red wine, sat on the couch by West, and absently watched a football with him. The phone finally rung and Jade almost knocked over her glass of wine rushing to pick it up.
"Hey! How did it go?"
"I'll talk to you when I get home." Jade could hear the disappointment in Jax's voice and her heart dropped to her feet. "Send West home. I'm on my way."
Tears sprung to Jade's eyes. "They voted against you leaving?"
"Baby….I will talk to you when I get home."
Jade hung up the phone and tried to regulate her breathing.
"You alright?" West asked.
Jade nodded yes and told him Jax was on the way and he could go home.
"I'll see you tomorrow then." West said grabbing his cut.
"Alright. Have a good night West…and thank you for everything."
Jade cut off the TV and went into the kitchen to heat up Jax's dinner. She was loading the dishwasher when the doorbell rang. Who could that be? She wondered walking to the front door. Jade looked in the peephole and quickly stepped back. It was Tara. Jade grabbed a gun that was on the hall table and hid it behind her back under her shirt. It was too much of a coincidence for her to knock on her door just after West had left.
"What do you want Tara?!" Jade yelled through the door.
"I need to talk to you Jade. It's important."
"Jax will be here soon. We can talk then."
"It will be in your best interest to talk to me now. The D.A. came by my office today wanting information on Jax and the club." Tara said urgently.
"Then you need to wait for Jax."
"Please Jade. Jax will be pissed if he knew I was here. I need you to speak to him on my behalf. I don't know what to do." Tara implored. "I need to show you the subpoena they gave me so you can tell Jax. It will only take a second."
Jesus Christ! Jade reluctantly cracked the door open. Tara held up some paperwork for Jade to see. As Jade squinted to look at the paperwork Tara pushed the door open with such force it knocked Jade back. Tara threw down the papers and drew a gun on Jade. Jade moved to reach for her gun causing Tara to fire a warning shot just above Jade's head.
"Don't even think about it bitch!" Tara roared. The noise of the gunshot woke up both boys and Jade heard their cries.
"Tara please. My babies are here." Jade pleaded hoping Tara would come to her senses. Tara kept the gun pointed at Jade's head as she grabbed Jade's gun from under her shirt and tossed the gun across the floor.
"Move!" she barked nodding toward the kitchen. Jade walked slowly to the kitchen with Tara close behind her. Jade mind started to race and think of what she learned in self-defense class. She did not remember them going over how to disarm a crazed ex-girlfriend with a gun.
"Sit down!" Tara said pulling out a chair at the kitchen table.
Jade sat down. "Tara what do you plan on doing?"
"You took the love of my life…..I need you dead!" she yelled the last word.
"Do you think Jax will forgive you if you hurt me? How do you think this will end?"
"Shut up! Just Shut Up!" Tara franticly shook her head back and forth as if to clear what Jade just told her from her mind. At that moment, Jade realized Tara was on something. She was high as a kite. She was fidgety, jumpy and the gun she was holding was shaking in her hands. Her hair was matted to her head and her eyes were bloodshot and exhibited a demented look. How did Tara come to this?
"Tara….." Jade started slowly. "I need to check on my boys. Please let me check on them."
"Go….and don't try anything stupid." Tara followed closely behind Jade as she went to calm down her sons. Tara stood at the door with the gun behind her back.
"Mommy what was that noise?" Abel asked sitting up in the bed with tears falling down his face.
"Mommy dropped a pot in the kitchen. I'm sorry baby for waking you up."
Abel looked up at Tara looming in the doorway.
"Hi Dr. Tara!" Abel smiled up to her wiping the tears from his face.
'Hi Abel." Tara said with a force smile straining her lips.
"Go back to sleep sweetheart. Mommy loves you." Jade whispered kissing his cheeks.
Jade walked over to Nathan's crib and picked the baby up to calm him down.
"Hurry up." Tara hissed as Jade cuddled Nathan.
Jade slowly laid Nathan back in the crib as he quieted down. She kissed his face and whispered she loved him. God please don't let this be the last time I see my boys. Jade prayed as she walked back to the kitchen with Tara pressing her gun against her back.
"Sit!" Tara ordered. Jade sat back at the kitchen table. She had to think of a way to calm her down. Jade quickly scanned the kitchen trying to find a weapon she could use. Her gaze landed on the set of knives on the counter by the stove.
"Tara you don't want to do this…..how about I pack my things tonight and leave. I'll take the boys and you can have Jax all to yourself." Jade tried to reason.
"No! You will just come back! I want you dead…so you can't come back and ruin our love!"
"That's not true Tara." Jade said calmly. Jade sniffed, as she smelled food burning on the stove. "Tara…I need to cut off the stove my pots are burning. We don't want to set you and Jax's house on fire now do we?"
Jade saw a shift in Tara's eyes when Jade stated the house was Tara's and Jax's together. It was a look of joy. Jade realized Tara really did love Jax in her own sick way.
"Go ahead." Tara said motioning toward the stove. Jade did not want to turn her back to Tara but she needed to block Tara's line of sight as she reached for the butcher knife by the stove. Jade cut the stove off, removed the pots and quickly grabbed the knife without Tara's knowledge. Tara walked up behind Jade and pressed the gun to her head and Jade heard Tara pull back on the gun hammer to pull the trigger.
"Goodbye Jade." Tara whispered in her ear.
"Jax is at the door!" Jade shouted to try to disorient Tara and for a split second it worked as Tara slightly lowered the gun giving Jade the opportunity to quickly turn around and plunge the knife she was holding in her neck. Tara dropped the gun and grabbed her neck trying to pull the knife out. Blood sprayed in Jade's face with so much force Jade knew she hit her carotid artery. Tara stepped back with the look of shock and terror in her eyes as her blood poured down her chest and soaked her shirt.
"I'm sorry…..you gave me no choice!" Jade cried as she ran up to Tara to break her fall. Jade did not have enough strength to keep Tara from hitting the floor and they both collapsed on the hard kitchen floor with Tara falling on top of Jade. Blood poured all over Jade as she pushed Tara off her. Tara started to gasp for air and blindly reached out to Jade.
"I'm sorry….I'm sorry." Jade said repeatedly as the life faded from Tara's eyes. Jade could not move as she sat in Tara's pool of blood staring into her lifeless eyes. After a few moments, Jade started to have a panic attack as she realized what she did. She killed Tara…she took a human life. The kitchen started spinning and Jade could not catch her breath. She began to claw at her chest as it felt as if her heart was pounding outside her chest. Jade was in a full panic attack and did not hear Jax come in the house.
"Babe why is Tara's car out-" Jax stopped mid-sentence when he walked into the kitchen to find Jade covered in blood trembling on the floor next to Tara's body.
"Oh my God!" he cried as he fell to the floor next to Tara.
"I had to Jax….I had to….she was trying to kill me." Jade sobbed. Jax looked up at Jade with pure horror on his face. "I had to…I had to…I had to…I had to." Jade repeated as she went into a state of mental shock.