Juice Ortiz was busy at work, head bowed level to the computer screen, fingers drumming an erratic beat on the keyboard. Melena Mills was a nasty piece of work. Aggravated assault, armed robbery, assault with a deadly weapon … the list went on. She'd been in juvenile hall six times. Locked up in the pen twice. County, seven times. She always managed to get a lesser charge. Always managed to weasel her way out of things.

She had a few identifying marks, but no ink. Her only body modification was the clover branded on her chest, the only trace of Aryan affiliation the law had. But it was unclear whether she'd gotten it, or whether it had been given. The other markings were the scars. The nile across her bicep, the inch-long, puckered flesh across her neck. Despite her scars, she was gorgeous. Fierce, but gorgeous. Even in her mug shots, she had a look of sophistication about her. Long, dark hair, stormy eyes, high cheekbones, and a Mona Lisa smile that said "I know something you don't know".

The intel officer stood from the bar, rubbing his temples, hoping the get the buzzing out of his head. He wasn't one to question Jax, ever, but something felt odd about digging up info on Mills. Something about the tone of his voice, the lack of swagger in his walk. Shit was about to go down. This much, he knew. Juice walked into the kitchen, and headed straight for the fridge. He cursed upon seeing that all his Redbulls were gone, thanks to Quinn, no doubt. Nomadic bastard had made himself right at home. Plan B was to fish out the pumpkin spice creamer he liked , the same one he and the club had made fun of Bobby for last week, and get himself a nice cup of joe.

He got a SAMCRO mug from the cupboard, courtesy of Gemma last Christmas, and fixed himself a sweet, creamy cup of coffee. "And you said that was bitch creamer," Bobby mused, causing Juice to nearly jump out of his skin.

"Woah, man, I told you not to sneak up on me like that. There wasn't any half and half in the fridge."

"Mhm." Bobby drawled, now grinning. "So I guess the one you picked up yesterday is all gone?"

"Just don't tell anyone, man."

"Secrets safe with me." Bobby offered a wink. "How's Jax's report coming along?"

Juice shrugged. "I mean, alright, I guess. She's got a record, and a serious bloodline, but that's all shit we know. I don't know what I'm looking for. Jax was vague."

Bobby nodded in understanding and went to the tray of muffins. "Print up the report and I'll give it to Jax. Get a muffin. They got great with the bitch creamer."

Juice smiled and shook his head, taking a muffin before heading back to the computer. He scrambled to make the report cohesive and understandable, before printing it up. The report, though it was paraphrased and significantly shorter than the original documents, was fat. At least twelve pages. Yet, there wasn't much substance to it. He'd spent three hours condensing some neo-nazi's criminal record into a ten page thesis. Juice grabbed the papers, stapled them, and brought them back to Bobby in the kitchen.

-o0o-

Melena had to admit, it felt good to be on her feet again. Being restrained in a chair, she decided, was one of the things she'd try to avoid during her stay in Charming. However long that may be. She dusted herself off, looking at herself in the shed's full length mirror. It covered an entire wall, and she figured that it was used for mind play during torture. Melena smiled at the thought. The brand really could learn something from SAMCRO after all. They'd grown up in the last six years.

Trager, however, was no different. Still reckless and impulsive and sloppy, but always beloved for his brothers. As far as Melena was concerned, he should have been killed long ago. Six years ago, actually. The last time they'd been in close quarters, it had brought all kind of heat to the locked up Sons.

The AB wasn't much different from the club, as far as their view on women, but Melena was a special case. Her father, who went by The Baron, had made a final request before he went to Colorado's maximum security pen. To keep his daughter safe, to keep her well, and to treat her with respect. The brand didn't disregard The Baron, ever. That was a one way ticket to the grave, and everyone knew it. Even from Colorado, he knew how she was doing, and what she was doing, and who was doing what with her. For most of the AB, the love for his daughter was inexplicable. For those close to him-Tully, Kane, and Bartholomew-it was clear, and unquestioned. For Melena, it was unspoken, and rarely thought about.

Her prestige, however, wasn't bestowed undeserved. From the time she was twelve, she'd been in AB's business. She'd built a record in the name of her family, despite all they'd done.

Tig didn't trust her, especially after she'd shanked him with her keys. She didn't mind, really, but she hated the fact that she had to get in the trunk of the Teller-Morrow tow truck. The bald one with the snake tattoo encompassing most of his scalp, had escorted her to the vehicle. He was almost chivalrous as he helped her into the back.

The ride was particularly bumpy and long, and she figured it was Tig's doing. It was a good fifteen minutes before the turbulence ceased.

-o0o-

"He's been jumpy, like prison bitch jumpy."

"There's a reason for that. Let's not forget Chino." Jax laughed, eyes darting to the Intel Officer. Maybe it was all that goddamn coffee he's been drinking. Jax figured he'd be skittish , too, if he consumed that much java in a day. It was only nine thirty, and he was on his third mug. Jax skimmed through the file the boy had produced. It was thorough, but it didn't tell him shit. Frustrated, Jax threw the file onto the table beside him and stood. Just then, the door swung open, revealing a very irked Tig. Close in tow was Melena Mills, and behind her, Hap. Jax inwardly groaned.

"Well, fuck me." Piney grumbled. "Jackson, what the fuck did the cat drag in?"

"I dunno, man," Jax sighed, swaggering up to Tig. "What the hell, man? I told you to come to church and you couldn't even-"

"We couldn't leave the girl, brother." Hap wasn't usually one to give his two cents, let alone interrupt.

Tig was quick to retort, "Her majesty also requested to talk to you about her business in Charming. Nobody else."

Jax glowered between the two, seriously considering knocking their heads together, but thought better of it. Happy didn't do shit and wouldn't hesitate to punch him, and Tig, well, Tig really did need it. He settled for an exasperated sigh. "Church. Now."

"The girl?"

Jax stopped and slammed his fist on the bar. Goddamn Aryan bitch was a fucking headache. "We'll have church later." he turned around to face Melena. "You wanna talk?"

She stared at him for a long few moments, eyes ghosting over each of his masculine features. The sides of her lips hooked upward in a smirk. The ever-knowing Mona Lisa smile. "You look well, Jackson." she pursed her lips, as though she were deep in thought. "How about some privacy? So we can discuss some things?"

Jax set his jaw, but nodded, the vein in his temple pulsing furiously. "One of my boys comes, too. That a problem?"

"Not at all, as long as I decide who it is."

There was enough tension in the room to make it fall silent. Jax closed his eyes and expelled a deep breath through his flared nostrils. He had to, for the club's sake, keep his cool. "Sure." the girl smiled and turned, facing Happy. She made a moment of eye contact, studying him.

"Care to join us?"

"Jax?" he rasped. Jax nodded. Melena smiled at his loyalty. Jax lead the way, and the trio settled in his room.

Melena settled into the chair before the bed, crossing her legs and setting her hands in her lap. Her eyes drifted from Happy to Jax. "Jackson. How's the wife? The last I heard of her-"

"She's fine."

"And Abel?"

"Great."

Melena smirked. "I see. If there's no place for niceties, I'll get to the point."

"Please do."

"When I left, we were off on a bad foot. I burned some bridges, and now I find that I need to cross them again. So, it's time for me to rebuild."

"Look, Melena, with all due respect, SAMCRO doesn't wanna get in bed the Aryans. Last time-"

"I'm not asking you to get in bed with the brand."

"Then what are you asking?"

Melena looked down at her hands, and for the first time since Hap had been keeping an eye on her, she seemed distressed. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear before bringing her eyes to Jax's. "I'm asking for a personal favor."