It took Katie a matter of minutes to change into a pair of jeans, her leather and her shoulder holster with her .22 strapped to her ankle and her K-bar on her hip. She had forgotten she still had one Chibs' Belfast t-shirts on, but at that minute her wardrobe was the furthest thing from her mind. The two frustrated lovers rushed out of the club house and hopped onto their bikes which were soon roaring through Charming.
"Shitty fucking timing as always," Katie thought to herself as they made the quick trip to Gemma's.
The street was flooded with the flashing lights from the police cars and ambulances that lined the streets. Bikes were already in the driveway making it obvious that they were the last to arrive. Katie pulled in, shut the bike off and hopped off in a way that made her lose her balance, causing her to stumble as she made her way up the path to the front door. Unser and Hale stood in the dining room talking to Clay when Katie came busting through the front door looking frantically around to make sure everyone was in one piece.
"Jesus Christ Jax, what happened?" Katie asked as her cousin came walking up to her and Chibs, putting his arm around her shoulder and nodding to the rest of the club to signal to follow him outside.
Jax waited a minute for the guys to congregate outside before he spoke.
"Brown shot up the house. Could this be Alveraz?" Jax said with fire burning in his eyes.
"How da we know it was brown Jackie?" Chibs said from next to Katie.
"A neighbor told Unser they say a low rider pass by when the shots were fired," Clay said with a sigh, pinching the bridge of his nose.
"We have an agreement, a truce. I don't see Alveraz shitting all over that man," Bobby said shaking his head.
"Yeah, I mean a low rider… That's a little too obvious for my liking," Katie said. "Seems to me like someone wanted you guys to think it was brown."
"I agree," Jax said nodding towards Katie. "It's too obvious."
"Katie, you stay with Gemma inside the house. The cops will be leaving soon and I don't want her alone. Chibs you stay to, but I want you on the outside to keep an eye out. The rest of you come with me, we are gonna pay Alveraz a visit at his bar," Clay said before turning towards the driveway.
Katie sighed heavily before walking inside.
Hale was leaving just as Katie walked in which was good for her. She never liked him, he was always arrogant and obnoxious. Unser was talking to Gemma in the kitchen, trying to calm her down and comfort her. Katie made her way to the fridge and grabbed a beer then leaned against the counter.
"Who the hell is this?" Unser asked eying Katie then looking back to Gemma. "The M.C. allowing women in now?"
"Come on Wayne, you know better than that. Better watch, you might hurt the one feeling I have left," Katie replied with a chuckle before taking a sip of her beer.
"Holy shit," Unser said looking from Katie then back to Gemma. "Katie, is that really you?"
"In the flesh old man," she said with a smile before giving the aging cop a big, well deserved hug.
"Gem, Clay wants me and Chibs to spend the night here, keep an eye on things," Katie said as she leaned back against the counter.
"Well, that makes me feel better," Unser said. "I guess I can leave then, you're in good hands. Hey kid, we will have to have a drink soon and catch up."
Unser hugged Gemma and Katie before leaving.
"Where's Chibs?" Gemma asked as she walked into the dining room then took a seat at the long, family style table.
"He's got the outside, I got the inside," Katie said with a sigh as she took her .45 out of its holster and placed it on the table.
"You run outta shirts?" Gemma asked nodding towards the SAMBEL shirt that Katie wore.
"No, was gonna sleep it. Jax called when I was getting ready for bed, just threw on a pair of jeans," Katie said trying to dismiss the subject.
"There something going on I should know about?" Gemma asked as she took a drag off her joint.
"When is there ever something going on that you don't know about?" Katie asked with a chuckle.
"I know, I see the way he looks at you and vice versa," Gemma said with a knowing look.
"Yeah and?" Katie asked before taking a long swig from her beer.
"You hittin' that?" Gemma asked with a raised eyebrow, in her signature tone.
"Jesus Gemma," Katie said with a slightly aggravated sigh.
"Come on, you know I'm going to find out anyway," Gemma said, almost mocking.
"Jesus Gemma, no I'm not fucking Chibs," Katie finally said throwing a hand up.
"Yet… You kissed him?" Gemma asked eying her niece.
"You saw it, in the club house the other night," Katie said quickly.
"That's not what I mean."
"Gemma come on," Katie barked sliding back in her chair. After seeing the look on the older woman's face, she knew the subject wasn't going to be dropped until she told Gemma what she wanted to hear.
As if on cue Chibs walked in. Gemma simply smiled at him with a knowing look, making him obviously slightly uncomfortable. It was one thing for Clay to catch him rubbing up on his niece, but a completely different story if the matriarch knew.
"Since I'm gonna be out there a while I figured I'd grab somethin' to drink. And Clay called, love can I talk to ya in the kitchen a minute?" He said shifting his gaze to Katie.
Without a word Katie shot a "shut the fuck up look" at Gemma and followed the handsome Scott into the kitchen.
"What's up Chibby, what's the word?" Katie said leaning back up against the counter.
"Clay wants me to bring you up to speed. Wasn't brown, Alveraz confirmed," he said as he opened his beer.
"Well, we already knew that. What's the next move?" Katie asked.
"He wants ya with Gemma at all times, said she doesn't go anywhere alone. The only time you don't have ta be with her is if she's at the garage or someone relieves you. He thinks somethin' else is gonna 'appen," he said.
"So, do we know who it was? SAMCRO got any enemies that would want to severe our ties with the Mayans?" Katie asked trying to put together the pieces.
"Ay, prick by the name of Zobel and the league of American nationalists. Came to town a few weeks ago and isn't happy about our affiliations of color," Chibs said. "Like I said, he wants ya with Gemma at all times, Tig will be 'ere in the morning to relieve me. We'll take turns sleepin' ya go first love."
After a quick look around to make sure Gemma wasn't looking, he gave Katie a quick kiss and made his way back outside. With a sigh Katie walked out of the kitchen and back to where Gemma was. Of course Tig would be the one relieve Chibs, she couldn't get a break, just for once.
"Fuck," she thought to herself.
"Everything ok there darlin'?" Gemma asked, breaking her from her thoughts.
"Yeah, looks like I'm your new bodyguard, anywhere you go, I go. The only time I don't have to be glued to your hip is if you're at the garage. OK?" Katie said eying the stubborn older woman.
"Yeah, ok," Gemma sighed.
"Try and get some sleep, I'll be out here if you need anything," Katie said.
Gemma hugged her niece then made her way to the bedroom. Katie sighed heavily as she found a spot on the couch, her gun within reach. Good old Charming, she never had to worry about missing the excitement of war while she lived here and was involved with the Sons, that was for sure. At least Clay thought of her as an adult now and trusted her enough to protect Gemma and involve her in club business, that was definitely a plus.
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Waking up early was not one of Tig's favorite things to do, but he promised Clay he would be at Gemma's house at 7 to relieve Chibs and escort her to the garage with Katie later. The cool morning air felt good on his face as he made the trip to the house. He was still slightly hung over and cursing the last shot of Jack he had done before going to bed, but a cold shower and a morning ride was the one thing that could always clear the cobwebs. There was a bright side, at least he got to spend a little more time with Katie and knew she wouldn't be with Chibs.
"Gotta bump up the charm Trager," he thought to himself as he pulled into the familiar driveway.
Chibs met him on the porch with a weary smile and dark circles under his eyes.
"Katie is sleepin' on the couch. I'm goin' 'ome ta go get some shut eye before work, see ya later brotha," Chibs said as he walked slowly to his bike.
Tig watched him go then walked quietly into the welcoming house, taking a deep breath to take in the sweet, comforting smell that was Gemma's house. He made his way to the kitchen and started making coffee, knowing all too well the matriarch would be awake in the next half an hour and in desperate need of a big, steaming cup of caffeine. After the coffee started brewing he walked into the living room, almost tripping over Katie's engineer boots.
"Damn girl is even dangerous when she's sleeping," he mumbled as he continued his way to the couch.
He found her spread out, sleeping on her back with her gun laying on her stomach with a protective hand over it, her other hand up over her head. He stood for a moment taking in her peaceful, slumbering figure. Her features were relaxed making her appear almost innocent in a way. The only thing he could think was how beautiful she looked. Quietly, he knelt down next to the couch, brushing a stray, raven hair away from her pretty face then leaned in, inches away from her ear.
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Katie woke up to Tig whispering his version of sweet nothings in her ear.
"Time to wake up you beautiful, dangerous, sexy bitch," she heard as his voice brought her to consciousness.
"Mmm, brave man to wake up a girl with a gun on her chest," she smiled in a groggy voice.
"I'll put a gun on your chest darlin', it's loaded and shoots to," he whispered before biting her ear.
"Ow, fuck Tig! I have a strict to biting rule until I have my coffee," she said sitting up and pushing him away quickly.
"It's brewing right now doll," he said with a smirk.
She eyed him for a minute, taking in his devious grin and twinkling, mischievous blue eyes. His curly, dark hair was messy and windblown adding to his rugged appeal. He really was quite handsome in his own twisted way. There was always something about him that got to her, even when she was younger. She loved his sick, twisted sense of humor and loved that it complimented her own so well. After a moment she shook herself from her thoughts.
"Gonna help me up fuck head, or just stay there and stare at me?" She asked, stifling a yawn.
"God, I love it when you talk dirty to me," he replied extending his hand and helping her up.
Katie limped her way into the kitchen, trying to get the blood flow back to her wounded limb. After pouring herself a cup of coffee she leaned back against the counter and was taken by surprise when Tig was just inches away from her. He placed his hands on the counter behind her, pressed his body tight to hers flowed by his lips. His lips moved softly against hers, causing chills to spread throughout her body.
"Morning," he said as he pulled away with a smile.
Katie could do nothing but stare at him, but the moment was suddenly shattered by the sound of Gemma's footsteps coming down the hallway. The two quickly broke apart putting distance between as Gemma turned the corner into the kitchen.
"Morning," Gemma said eying the two of them.
"Morning Aunt Gem," Katie said smiling into her coffee cup.
"Sleep well baby?" Gemma asked as she kissed her niece on the cheek.
"I don't sleep well anywhere Gem," Katie said with a chuckle.
After they waited on Gemma to shower and get ready, which took longer than Katie expected, they finallymade their way to the garage. The trip to the garage was uneventful which wasn't surprising, but the morning was hectic. TM was swamped with business and the prospect was getting on Katie's nerves. He was a sweet enough kid, but in Katie's mind Sparky was dumb as a box of rocks and equally as annoying. Every free minute he had he felt the need the chat up Katie about his tour in Iraq, and asked her questions about her time in the service. Finally, she had had enough. She and Tig were working on an exhaust when she finally snapped.
"What the fuck do you want? You wanna have a sleep over and brush each other's hair while we giggle and tell stories? Look kid, I served my fucking time, it's done it's over. I'm trying real fuckin' hard to forget about some of the shit I saw, I don't want relive it every God damn day. I hear you bring up the war one more time around me, I'll cut your other fucking nut off! Do you understand?" She asked with a growl.
"Ye… Yes ma'am," Half Sack stuttered before slowly backing away.
"Damn, it makes me so proud when the Marrow comes out in you," Clay said from behind her with a chuckle.
Katie turned to give her uncle a broad smile before turning back to focus on her work.
"Is bad that I am totally erect right now?" Tig said, directing his comment to no one in particular.
The rest of the day went on without a hitch, just a normal day at TM. Chibs hadn't been around much, she had only seen him a few times and when she did it was brief. Gemma had a few places to run before she went home and of course Clay ordered that Katie go with her. About an hour before Gemma was going to leave Katie went to take a shower, change and pack a few things she would need in the morning. She went through her normal routine of putting on her shoulder holster with her .45, a few extra clips in the inside pocket of her vest. Next was the .22 on her ankle and her K-bar and she was ready to leave. Clay said one of the guys would meet them at the house later so they could run shifts and if there were any problem call the prepay.
With that Katie and Gemma were off. First they went grocery shopping, which was not one of Katie's favorite things, and then they made their way to go see Luanne. Katie followed behind Gemma's Cadi, an alert eye on their surroundings, but came across nothing out of the ordinary. Again, Katie was not thrilled about going to the porn studio but it was something she had to do. It had been a busy, hard work day and her leg and back were throbbing putting her in a really foul mood.
Of course Luanne was thrilled to see Katie.
"Oh my God," she squeaked as she threw her arms in the arm and almost skipped over to Katie, pulling her into a bone crushing hug.
"Easy Luanne, don't wanna hurt the wounded," Gemma said as she watched the scene.
"It's good to see you darlin'," Katie croaked as the older woman hugged her.
After releasing Katie from the hug Luanne proceeded to gush over her, rambling about how beautiful she was but needed to start dressing to accent her features.
"I'm on the clock right now Luanne, I dress the way I need to," Katie said in a dark, calm voice.
Luanne's eyes slightly widened before taking a step back to shoot Gemma a questioning look. Katie walked slowly over to a seat nearby and slowly sat down, stretching her bad leg out in front of her.
"What the hell is goin' on Gemma?" Luanne asked looking at Katie. "What the hell happened to her?"
"Ran off and joined the Marines, got myself blown up. End of story," Katie said as she took the flask out of her vest and took a long swig.
"Why is she on the clock? What's she talking about?" Luanne said ignoring Katie.
"House got shot up last night, Clay has her following me around for protection so he doesn't have to be a guy short, just a precaution," she replied in a matter of fact tone.
While the two older women chatted it up, Katie sat back quietly taking it all in. She had always loved Gemma like a mother, looked up to her, and admired her strength and ruthlessness. Gemma could never do anything wrong in her eyes, she would die for her. Luanne, on the other hand had always rubbed her the wrong way. Yeah, she was a nice enough lady, but she bitched and moaned too much which was something Katie had little time for.
Katie's thoughts were soon interrupted by a snobby voice and the sound of clicking heels.
"We doing an ugly, biker whore flick I didn't know about? Please don't tell me I gotta be in it with that," the skanky, snobby blond said pointing to a scowling Katie.
"Ima, that's enough. You have a shoot to go get ready for and you're 20 minutes late," Luanne barked.
Ima rolled her eyes and made like she was going to walk off past Katie, instead she stopped next to her and leaned over.
"I gotta go change, you gonna think about me you creepy bitch?" She asked in a sickening tone.
"Would you say more guys watch your movies cuz of your body or your face?" Katie asked darkly, staring off at nothing.
"I don't know why?" Ima replied as she stood up and put a hand on her hip.
Like lightening Katie was up out of her chair, grabbing the bitchy blond by the back of her head and lightly slamming her face into the table in front of them, holding her there tightening her grip.
"Cuz next time you even shoot a look in my direction, let alone spew your bullshit my way, I'll fuck your face up so bad they will have to put a bag over your head just to get the elephant man to fuck you," Katie said with a growl before lifting the frighten porn star up with such force she almost threw her backwards. The porn star ran into the back with a terrified look and tears staining her face.
"Jesus, can you go one day without beatin' the fuck outta someone?" Gemma asked with narrow eyes.
Katie sat quietly in the corner for the rest of the visit, a permanent scowl plastered on her face. Gemma finally finished her gossip and they were once again on their way back to the house. Night had fallen and the air was crisp and clean, making Katie wish they had a longer drive ahead of them so she had more time to appreciate it.
A van had just turned in front of Katie, almost cutting her off. When they stopped at the red light she had planned on pulling up next to whoever the hell it was to give them a piece of her mind, but that plan quickly changed. As she raced to make it up to the light she saw the driver jump out of the van and run frantically up to Gemma's car. She pulled up next to Gemma's car, threw the kickstand down and hopped off her bike.
"What the hell is going on?" She asked pulling a hand on her piece under her vest.
The driver was a woman with a look of panic wrenching her face.
"My baby, my baby swallowed something and is choking, please God, please help me, please do something," she said frantically breaking into tears.
Gemma quickly got out of her car, following her niece and the driver to the van behind them. Katie threw the backdoor open, spotted the car seat with a soft baby blanket draped over it. Quickly, she reached inside and pulled the blanket back only to find the baby was fake. Suddenly, she heard and loud crack followed by what sounded like a body hitting the ground. Before she could turned around to see what was going on she felt a sharp pain register and shoot throughout her head.