Unedited. Sorry guys. Wanted to get it out. Read. Enjoy. Review.
It was a hot morning in Charming, and the Wahewa reservation offered zero relief from the heat. As Chibs leaned against his bike, he was nervous, but he was careful not to let it show. They were meeting with the Irish, in preparation for meeting with the Russians, and there was absolutely no room for nerves. Ironically, his nerves had absolutely nothing to do with either of these meetings. No, his nerves stemmed from what would happen after the meeting.
"You have no idea what he wants?" Opie wondered, not for the first time. "Not even an idea?"
"Not even half an idea," Chibs muttered honestly. If he had an idea, it might help to settle his nerves, but he couldn't think of any reason at all why his former teacher wanted to meet with him, much less Fiona.
"You gonna go?" Kozik questioned, taking a small amount of pity on his brother. He would never admit it, but the Irish intimidated the hell out of him.
Chubs shrugged in response. "These aren't exactly the sort of men you say no to."
Opie snorted. "Right."
"I'm sure everything is fine," Kozik tried to reassure him. "It's not like you are in danger. The old man likes you."
"Let's hope you're right," Chibs sighed. He nodded to the others. "Now shut up and be on your toes. We've got company."
That perked them all up rather quickly. They watched the two dark SUVs pull up the dry dirt road, leaving a cloud of red in its wake. In the vehicles was enough firepower to give an ATF agent a lifetime of hard-ons. Hopefully, it was also enough firepower to keep their Russian friends satisfied and off of SAMCRO's back until the rest of their Club was home.
They waited patiently while McCormick and some of his Irish compatriots climbed from the vehicles.
"Ah, gentlemen," McCormck smiled as approached the waiting group. "Another lovely day in California, I see."
"Well, it's not the constant rain of Belfast, but we make due," Chibs smiled at the man who came in for a hug.
"Of course you do," McCormick smiled at him. "I trust you are all doing well today?"
"We're managing," Kozik nodded.
"We'll all be managing a little bit better when this is over," Opie spoke up.
"That's very true," McCormick smiled. "I think we all feel that way, my dear boys. Let's unload and get ready."
They spent the next half hour unloading cases of automatic weapons and assembling samples to test. Kozik and Opie were admiring the hardware with a group of the Irish, while Chibs remained uneasy, leaning against the trunk of a tree. This whole day had a dark cloud hanging over it, and the sooner the Russians got here and gone, the sooner he would find out why.
"Something bothering you, son?" McCormick asked, making his way over to Chibs with a kind smile.
Chibs responded with a raised eyebrow. "You told me to bring my wife and meet with you about an important matter, and now you want to know what's wrong?"
"I should have known that you would worry," McCormick sighed. "Didn't I tell you not to worry?"
"Aye, you did," Chibs admitted. "But you have known me long enough to know that I rarely listen."
McCormick laugh. "You're right. You do have that pesky stubborn streak about you."
"It's a trait to be admired," Chibs kidded with a shrug before turning more serious. "You have to tell me something about what's going on, sir."
"Listen to you, with your 'sir'," McCormick shook his head. "It really isn't bad news, Filip. Just a small family matter that needs some attention."
Chibs eyebrows knit together immediately. He had no family left to speak of, now that Fiona and Kerrianne were here with him. He opened his mouth to say as much, but McCormick stopped him by laying hands on his shoulders. "Listen, my dear boy. Everything is absolutely fine. Better than fine. This will turn out to be a good day, for everyone. Just, regardless of what happens when these Russian bastards arrive, remember that I'm on your side. Trust me."
Chibs didn't like the sound of 'regardless of what happens', but he had very little time to mull it over. The Russians were arriving, more than a few minutes ahead of schedule, and Chibs was suddenly very glad that they had all decided to arrive and prepare early. It would give them the advantage in this situation.
"At this point, trusting you seems to be my only choice," Chibs grumbled jokingly.
"That's the spirit!" McCormick said, his tone jovial. "Let's get this nasty business over, shall we?'
They joined the rest of the men who had gathered near the open crates. They presented a unified front, the Irish and the outlaw bikers. McCormick went to join the delegation of Irish men in expensive suits, while Chibs positioned himself on the end, next to Kozik. Opie stood on the blond man's other side, both ready to restrain him if necessary. Kozik had assured him that he had things under control and he was fine, but they all knew that just one wrong word from Lex could set him off, and it was a chance they didn't want to take.
"Here we go," Opie murmured, as the Russians began piling out of the car.
Viktor Putlova had brought quite the delegation with him. Of course he wasn't dumb enough to come meet the Sons, a group who held him responsible for several grievances, alone. He helped an older man from the car, and several younger, strapping men as well, likely foot soldiers brought to intimidate. It didn't work, but it was a nice try.
Lex was the last to exit the vehicle. Dressing in a dark sunglasses and a new, freshly pressed linen suit, he now looked every bit the smarmy douchebag Kozik had always suspected him to be. A victorious smirk was situated on his face, and Kozik wanted nothing more than to bash his skull in, make him forget how to smirk, how to dress, how to lure unsuspecting women into his clutches, how to breath.
"Easy, brother," Chibs soothed, only loud enough for Kozik to hear. "Don't let him get to you. Your girl is fine. She's at home waiting for you."
That helped. It really did. It helped to be reminded that Tess was safe and they needed to make nice with the Russians to assure her safety for the next year or so. Kozik did NOT want to wait that long, but it was better to have her safe.
"Friends," Putlova greeting them arms wide open and what he surely thought of as a winning smile. "I am happy we can put this little mix up behind us. And I see you have come bearing gifts!"
It grated against every last one of the SAMCRO member, to call the attempted murder of their VP and the kidnap a rape of a friend a 'little mix up'. Instead of words, Opie offered up a brisk nod. He was sure he was supposed to say something, but luckily, McCormick spoke up for them all.
"Viktor, how nice to see you doing well. I see that you brought a large group of friends with you. You will probably need a good deal of muscle, to carry these 'gifts' back with you," the older man surmised, a seemingly ever present smile on his face.
"Well, my men don't like to let me travel alone. Seems that this world is a dangerous place," he shot an obvious look at the leather on the Sons backs. "Plus, when they heard of what was awaiting us here, they couldn't stay away!"
It was obvious that Putlova was referring to the guns, but something in his heart told Kozik that Lex had come for one reason and one reason only: to see him. That fact was further confirmed by the fact that, while many of the young Russian men were admiring the guns, Lex was leaning against the vehicle he had arrived in, his eyes focused on Kozik and Kozik alone.
Kozik stared back, defiance and hate lighting up his eyes, until Opie nudged him, hard. The eyes of the acting President said everything that needed saying; he needed to shove his shit to the side and get through this. Kozik nodded once and focus on McCormick, who was explaining the finer points of the guns deal to Putlova.
"...My boys will be here next months, to ensure that things are done right, but the Sons are our suppliers, and they have our full confidence here," McCormick made clear to their Russian buyers.
Putlova nodded, and a look passed between the old Irishman and the Russian king. He turned towards the SAMCRO boys and approached. "Gentlemen, I know that we have had our issues in the past. The business with Jimmy O. had me wanting vengeance," Putlova explained. "Our Irish associates here have explained the matter to me, and I understand better now, why you did what you did. I am sorry to say that my desire for vengeance has affected you. I hope we can all put that aside and have a very lucrative friendship from here on out, yes?"
Slowly, and not without reservation, Opie nodded at the man, followed quickly by Chibs. He did not want to do this, but really, SAMCRO was not making out badly in this deal. It would give them all safety and time to get the rest of their guys out of prison, and then they had the IRA's blessing to take care of the Russian problem. It was something that they could all deal with, for now.
"This will be a good thing for all of us," Opie said, barely managing sincerity. "So long as no bullets fired from these weapons injure a Son or any of our families, I see no reason for this to be a problem."
"Good, then!" Putova grinned, but his merriment was short lived.
"Excuse me, Viktor," Lex slyly interrupted, the smug grin briefly leaving his face to be replaced by a false look of worry. "These two agree with this solution, but the blonde one here seems a little less eager. Is something wrong with this arrangement, my dear friend?"
Chibs got an arm around Kozik before he could react, and offered some brief and well intentioned advice. "Go for a walk."
Putlova looked livid and gave a brief order in Russian that had Lex stepping back into line in short order. He looked at the Scot and struggled to regain a measure of control over himself. He wasn't about to walk away, be the one to stand down. "I'm good," he assured Chibs.
"Viktor," McCormick stepped back into the conversation. He had always seemed like a nice old man to Kozik, hell, he had apparently once been Chibs' teacher. There was no sign of a nice old man teacher on his face now. "You remember the other part of our deal?"
Kozik looked to Opie and Chibs, who clearly had no idea what McCormick was referring to. It appeared that Putlova knew exactly what the other man was talking about. "I remember. If everything goes according to plan with our next shipment-"
"Everything WILL go according to plan," McCormick declared in a calm, quiet voice that sounded more dangerous than a yell ever could.
"When that happens, it will be done," Putlova assured him.
"It should have been done long ago," McCormick stated, as a matter of fact. "That you would associate yourself with such people is unbecoming, Viktor. Your next shipment will arrive in two weeks. My boys are staying here to see proof that the rest of our deal is settled. If it's not…"
He trailed off, and Putlova rushed to finish. "No need to worry about what happens if it's not. It will be done. You have my word."
"And for now, I trust your word. Don't give me reason not to," McCormick advised. "Now let's get your hardware loaded so you can be on your way. It's much too hot to be standing around outside having a hen party."
Putlova instructed his muscle to begin loading the guns, and some of the Irish soldiers joined them. Opie and Chibs made quick work about approaching McCormick, Kozik hot on their trails.
"Want to explain what the hell that was about?" Opie asked. "Is there another part of this deal that we need to know about?"
"Boys, I have talked to Viktor and arranged this deal. I made a simple request of him at the time of the next shipment. He will see that it's done," McCormick explained.
"And I don't suppose you're going to tell us what that request was, are you?" Chibs guessed.
McCormick replied with a wicked grin. "Of course not. That would ruin the fun."
The SAMCRO boys knew that they would likely spend hours discussing this later, and trying to figure out what the hell the Irish and the Russians were talking about, but now wasn't the time. Instead, they stood by and watched as the crates of guns were loaded into the vehicles and the Russians piled in as well, like some sort of twisted clown car. The held it together as they shook hands with Putlova and watched as the Russians drove away with enough firepower to overthrow some small countries.
"I hope we didn't make a huge fucking mistake," Opie muttered under his breath.
"Me too," Chibs agreed.
"Me three," Kozik threw in his two cents.
"Me four," McCormick added, back to the cheery old man. He opened his mouth to say more, but was interrupted by the ringing of his cellphone. He looked at the number, and instantly his demeanor changed to one of concern. "Excuse me. I should take this."
While the older man walked away and the rest of the Irish delegation made their way back towards their vehicle, Opie turned to Chibs.
"Can we trust them, brother?" he asked, in all seriousness.
Chibs felt the weight of the world on his shoulders again. "I don't like making deals when we don't know all the details, but at this point, we HAVE to trust them McCormick...he's a good man. I've known him for a long time. He wouldn't hurt us. We just have to do this."
"Alright," Opie said finally. "I will be very interested in the next shipment drop off."
"You and me both, brother," Chibs agreed without a thought. They saw McCormick hang up the phone and make his way back to the group quickly.
"Filip, my boy," he started quickly, his tone serious. "Jax's Old Lady, she's a doctor, right?"
"Aye," Chibs responded quickly. "A surgeon."
"Thank God," McCormick breathed a bit easier. "We have a bit of a situation that need some urgent medical help. A young woman who cannot go to the hospital. Do you think your doctor is up to the task of taking a look at her?"
Chibs shared a look with Opie, who nodded. The Irish had done them a favor, had really come through for them. If they were requiring help, especially for a 'young woman', than the Club would help. "Aye, between myself and the good doctor, she'll be in good hands. Meet us at the Club house."
"What's wrong with this girl, Chibs?" Tara wondered, not for the first time. She had been called to bring medical supplies to the Club house, because apparently the Irish needed medical help. That was all she had been told, and it wasn't nearly enough to go on.
"I am telling you, Doc, I don't know," Chibs explained again. "They just said she needed a doctor and asked if you could help. When we said you could, they took off to get her."
"And we don't know who this girl is? Or what's wrong with her?" Tara questioned, not believing that none of them had thought to ask.
"We really don't know anymore than that, Tara," Opie came to Chibs defense.
"I think, my love, that maybe next time, ask a couple more question," Fiona spoke up kindly, taking her husbands hand and offering some good advice.
"Let's hope there isn't a next time, yeah?" Chibs spoke hopefully.
"Hold your breath for that one, Da," Kerrianne advised from her seat on a bar stool. She nodded toward the security TV set. "I think company is here."
Sure enough, the set showed a black SUV pulling into the lot.
"Stay here," Opie told the women who were gathered around, as if they hadn't just left lock down the day before. Chibs, Kozik and Opie made their way to the door and out into the parking lot, where they met McCormick.
"Is your doctor here?" he asked as he climbed out of the car and made the way to the back seat.
"She's inside," Chibs explained. "What's wrong with-"
Chibs own question was cut off when McCormick helped a girl, maybe 18 or 19, from the back of the SUV. She was young and pretty. Her dark hair hung down her back in a braid, and her pale skin was broken only by the red blush of pain. Her belly was swollen and she groaned, clutching McCormick's hand as she swore up a storm.
"Let's get her inside," Chibs declared, immediately understanding what sort of help the girl required. He just hoped Tara wouldn't actually kill him.
He led them inside, where Tara met them by the bar.
"Holy shit," was the first thing the good doctor said, before her medical demeanor took over. "Listen, everything is going to be okay. How far along are you?"
"Um, I don't know. Thirty nine weeks? Or so? I had a lot of sex," the girl said in a pained voice.
"Yeah, I get it," Tara acknowledge the truth. "How far apart are your contractions?"
"Around five minutes," McCormick informed Tara.
"That's good," Tara nodded. "Let's get you in a back room and settled. It look like you are going to have a baby soon."
"Goody," the girl deadpanned as McCormick followed Tara to one of the unused dorms in the back. Chibs didn't miss the glare Tara shot at him.
They all stood quietly for about five seconds, then all hell broke loose.
"Who the hell is that?" Opie wondered, out loud.
"Why does McCormick have a pregnant girl?" Fiona asked, equally dumbfounded.
"I didn't think the old man had it in him," Kozik observed. "But she is young. It's kind of...gross."
Chibs wanted to defend his teacher, but the comment from Kerrianne had them all silent again.
"I know that girl!" she proclaimed, scandalized. "That's Maeve Rourke. She is a few year ahead of me, but we went to school together."
"Rourke?" Fiona asked her daughter quickly. "As in the Belfast Rourkes? As in the head of the Ulsters Belfast Rourkes?"
"Yeah," Kerrianne said, never losing her disbelieving tone.
"What the hell is the pregnant daughter of a prominent Ulster family doing in Belfast with the IRA?" Chibs asked, really wanting somebody to answer his question.
"Well, I don't exactly know what this means, Da," Kerrianne started cautiously, pretty sure she knew exactly what it meant. "But I know Mae pretty well. Not from school or anything. But because she was Paddy's girl friend. They were crazy about each other."
"Paddy's girlfriend?" Chibs repeated, just to make sure he got the facts right. He remebered back to the days in Belfast, before all hell had broken loose. His nephew had mentioned a girl, had wanted him to meet her. "That girl in there, giving birth? That was Paddy's girlfriend?"
Kerrianne nodded, and Chibs turned to look at his wife, his brain putting the pieces together. She said, what he was thinking.
"So there is a good chance that that baby about to be born in there...is a Telford?" she whispered.
"Aye," McCormick said, stepping out from the back room. "I told you that there was some family business that I needed to speak to you about. Now, it seems we are a bit late. Filip, the doctor has requested some help bringing your niece or nephew into the world."