Fighting Back
Chapter 6
Tara arrived back home to find Jax in Abel's nursery. She smiled to herself, it was good to see him up and dressed, but looking into his eyes she knew the pain he had been wallowing in since Abel's kidnapping was still there, eating away from him.
"Where you been?" He asked, in a tired voice.
"Station. Had an interview with Stahl." The worrying look didn't unnoticed by her. "Don't worry I didn't tell her anything about the clubs connection to the Irish."
"I didn't think you would."
"Yeah right." She remarked as she folded her arms across her chest.
Jax turned his back on her, resting his hands on Abel's crib as he let out a sigh. The conversation he'd had earlier with Nicole was still running through his mind. She had told him that he needed to forget about the other shit going on in his life and focus all he energy on finding Abel. He knew that she was on about Tara. Nicole and Tara had always had weird relationship, sometimes they were the best of friends other times they could be the worst of enemies.
"You blame me don't you?" Jax turned around to face Tara who was looking pretty frustrated.
"What?"
"You blame me for Abel getting taken, just like she does." Tara spat.
"Who blames you?"
"Your cousin, who else." Jax shook his head. His assumptions had been right, Nicole and Tara were obviously enemies at this current moment.
"She doesn't blame."
"Yes she does, she basically told me."
"She's just pissed."
"Why do you always do that? Why do you always defend her?" Tara could feel herself getting angrier.
"She's my family." Jax snapped back at her.
"What and I'm not?" Jax rubbed his hand over his beard, he knew this was coming it had been for a long time. Nicole was right he didn't need this.
"I had no right to do this to." He spoke softly
"What are you talking about?"
"I should never have tried to make you part of what I am, part of this life. Your not right for it. I let you get stuck here and that was wrong."
"Stuck here. I didn't come back here because I was running from Kohen and I didn't stay because of what we did to him, I stayed because I love you."
"I'm not the answer Tara. This shit that's gone down, you shouldn't be caught up in it."
"Yes I should. I ran from you once and it was the biggest mistake of my life. I spent years wondering why I felt out of place, why I felt so empty. But it wasn't until I came back and saw you that I knew you were what was missing from my life. I have never felt more complete than I do now, being here with you."
How could he argue with that, he wasn't even sure if he wanted to. Closing the gap between them he ran his hand over her shiny brown hair, stopping just at the base of her neck. He gazed into her tear filled eyes before pulling her against him, she buried her head into the crook of his neck. They stayed like that until they were interrupted.
Nicole had just gotten out of the shower when she heard raised voices coming from Abel's nursery. It didn't take a genius to figure out that it was Jax and Tara. Nicole couldn't help herself, she had to listen. So she stood in the hallway listening to every word when suddenly things went quiet. She took this as her cue to enter.
"Hey...oh sorry am I interrupting?" Jax and Tara turn to look at her.
"No were done." Jax answered as he placed a kiss on top of her head.
"I was just wondering if I could borrow Tara for a moment need some help to get ready. Only having one good hand is a bitch." She smiled.
"Sure I'll be in, in a second." Tara answered wiping away her tears.
"Okay." Nicole went into her room.
While she waited for Tara, Nicole went to her wardrobe and searched through her clothes trying and find something appropriate for Half Sack's wake.
"That's Nice." Tara commented pointing to the outfit that was resting on Nicole's bed. Nicole had decided on a black pair of skinny jeans and simple loose black vest and her cropped black leather jacket.
"Thanks."
"So what do you need my help with?" Nicole walked over to her dresser picking up her necklace, the one Chibs had given her back.
"Will you put this on for me?"
"Sure."
Tara takes the necklace from Nicole. Nicole pulled her long damp hair off her back so that Tara could put on the necklace. As Tara fiddled with the clasp Nicole took this opportunity to have a little word with her.
"So couldn't help but overhear you and Jay."
"Thought as much."
"You know his head is in a really weird place right now."
"I am well aware of that." Tara hooks the clasp of the necklace closed. Not wanting to have this conversation with her, Tara walked over to the door.
"Do you?" Nicole asked causing Tara to stop and turn back to face her.
"If you've got something to say, then just say it." She said defensively.
"He doesn't need your shit. He needs his full attention to be on Abel, not your drama."
"I'm not."
"Look T, I'm not saying this to have an argument with you."
"Then why are you?"
"I know Jay better than anyone. And right now he's struggling. He can't afford to have anything else clouding his head right now. I'm not just talking about your drama, I'm on about mine to. If we want to help him then we need to keep our shit in check." Tara remained silent. "You better go and get yourself ready."
"Yeah."
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Tara pulled her car into a fee parking bay outside the chapel were Half Sack's wake was taking place. Jax pulled his bike along side them.
As they got out of the car Tara snuggled herself under Jax's arm. Jax pulled a packet of smokes from the inside of his cut, he offered one to Nicole, which she accepted.
Nicole looked around taking in how many people had come to pay their respects. There were some of his family members, fellow marines but most of the space was full with Sons from all over. She smiled to herself at thought of how loved he was. But her smile soon fadeed when her eyes landed on Juice who had just arrived with Clay, Opie and Bobby.
Nicole didn't realise her reaction to seeing Juice was that obvious, but it was, enough for Jax to realise anyway.
"What's going on with you two?"
"Who?" Nicole replieed playing dumb.
"You and Juice?"
"Nothing were fine, just sorting a few things out. Nothing to worry about." She answered plastering a fake smile onto her face. She noticed Hale pulling up across the street. "You two go inside I just want to have a word with David."
"We can wait." Tara suggested.
"No it's okay I'll be fine."
As Nicole walked over to Hale, she noticed his brother Jacob Hale walk over to stand by his side. She flicked her cigarette to the floor as she quickened her pace.
"It's unbelievable. Arch Bishop Dome didn't get this sort of turnout when he passed." Jacob commented.
"Makes folks nervous when they see Samcro vulnerable. It's not suppose to happen to them in Charming." Hale told his brother.
"Well they should get nervous, see these scumbags for who they really are."
"And what exactly are we?" Nicole asked coming up behind Jacob.
Jacob turned around and stared at the young girl standing in front of him with her arms folded across her chest. His brain working overtime trying to figure out she was, when all of a sudden it clicked.
"Nicole Teller, I'll be dammed."
"Yeap. And just for the record my family aren't scumbags. The only scumbag around here is you."
"Excuse me."
"Getting into bed with Zobelle, trying to get your brother involved, that was a scumbag move." Jacob stepped closer to her, angered by the tone she was taking with him.
"Now you listen..." He stopped talking when he felt his brother grab his arm, pulling him back and away from Nicole.
"That's enough Jake. Now I've come here to speak to Nicole, so if you can give us a minute."
"Fine." He stormed away from them muttering cursed words underneath his breath as he left.
"You didn't need to do that, I can handle your brother."
"I don't doubt, but I really did come here to talk to you. It's about Ryan."
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Clay, Chibs and Bobby were standing in the doorway of the chapel, greeting people as they entered. They were finally about to go inside, when Kozik came up to them.
"Hey Clay." Clay turned to face his brother.
"Kozik, appreciate you to coming down."
"Only met him once or twice, but kind of liked the kid. Although there is another reason I'm here."
"Sure what is it?" Clay asked giving Kozik his full attention.
"Tacoma's getting a little thick, was thinking about transferring to a smaller charter."
"You thinking about moving back to Charming?" Bobby asked him.
"I know you need the bodies."
"That's true." Clay agreed.
"You know this lands with Tig brother." Bobby stated reminding Kozik that it won't be that easy considering his feud with Tig.
"Yeah, I know."
"Don't worry we'll make this happen." Clay reassured him, placing his hand on Kozik's shoulder. Kozik nodded his head before going inside with Chibs.
Bobby stopped Clay as he went to go inside. "And how we going to make this happen."
"We need the bodies, it's about time Tig got over what ever shit he has with Kozik." Clay walked inside.
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Clay walked over into the room where Half Sack's casket lay. He saw Tara and Jax inside, they were obviously saying their goodbyes.
As he made his way further inside he cleared his throat subtly gaining their attention. Clay walked over to Tara and placed a kiss on her temple. She smiled back at him before taking the hint that she was to leave.
"Went through Iraqi mine field only to be taken out in a god damn kitchen." Jax turned to look at Clay before looking back at the cut that rested on top of Half Sack's casket. They stood in silence.
"How you holding up son?"
"I'm okay. You talk to Mom?"
"Yeah. She's driving Tig crazy but she's okay."
"Good."
"I haven't told her about Abel or Nicole's shit with Ryan. She'll take it on, make it her problem. And that wouldn't help anyone right now."
"Makes sense."
"Makes sense for you to." Jax tilted his head to the side to look at Clay. "There's probably about 40-50 patches watching us right now. We represent the past, present and future of this club. Everybody knows what happens in Charming sets the tone for every other charter."
"And what's happening in Charming?" He asked trying to figure out what Clay was getting at.
"You tell me. These men behind us. They love you, respect you and they understand your grief. But their also wondering what you are going to do with it."
"That's my business."
"No it isn't. A lot of these guys are old enough to remember what happened to your old man. How he fell apart, lost his way when Thomas died."
"I'm not my old man." Jax bit back.
"I know that, but they don't. You've got to show them something. Make the hard choice."
"And what choice would that be?"
"Either Abel is dead and you want revenge or he's alive and you would kill to find him. Now if you can't make that decision then you better get down on your knees and pray for something to get you there fast." Clay didn't wait around for an answer.
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"Why?" Nicole asked in disbelief.
"I don't know but he's insisting. Nicole you don't have to do anything you don't want to. You don't have to do this." Hale reassured her.
"I know." She mumbeled.
"My advice is don't. Don't give him the satisfaction."
"Yeah." Nicole's hand started to fiddle with the necklace around her neck.
"Nicole..."
"I need to think about this, is that okay?"
"Of course. Call me when you've decided."
"Thanks David."
Nicole was in a world of her own as she crossed the street, her mind going over what Hale had told her. She knew she shouldn't even be considering it, the decision should be no, but it wasn't, for some reason she was torn. She was so engrossed in her own thoughts that she didn't even hear the van pulling up.
Kozik was walking down the street talking to Happy, filling him on his conversation with Clay. They turned around when they heard Clay shout over to Jax.
"Where's Nicole I never saw her inside?" Kozik turned his head back forward, this wasn't a conversation he needed nor wanted to be included in.
"Talking to Hale." Jax answered as he put his arm around Tara.
But she wasn't talking to him any longer, when Kozik turned his head back he saw her standing in front of him. She wasn't looking at them, in fact her eyes were glued to the floor and she biting her nails, something was obviously wrong, but again he told himself it wasn't his problem.
But as he took a couple more steps he saw the silver van pulling up the street. He was about to look away but then he saw the side door open and a hooded figure leaning out. And that was when the bullets started to fly.
Opie who was walking behind Clay immediately pushed his president to the floor using his body to protect him. Jax did the same thing to Tara. The rest of the guys pulled out their guns and started firing back at the van.
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It was the sound of gun fire that finally brought Nicole out of her thoughts. Turning her head to the side she saw the silver van and realised the bullets were coming from there. She automatically threw herself to the ground. She was lying on the ground, her stomach pressed firmly against the cold concrete when she felt a weight come down on top of her.
When the weight lifted slightly off her, she shifted herself so that she was now lying on her back, and that was when she saw that it was Kozik who was straddling her. She watched as he pulled his gun out of the waist belt of his jeans and started firing. She covered her ears with her hands, as bullets flew every where around her.
Once the van passed and they were out of shot, Kozik looked down at her. They looked at each other without saying a word, their eyes were doing all talking.
His eyes scanned her whole body up and down while her eyes remained firmly fixed on his face. It wasn't until his eyes finally met hers that she looked away, and that was when she saw the van take out Hale. She watched as the back wheels of the van crushed his skull.
"Get off me." She screamed pushing against Kozik's chest, fresh tears in her eyes.
"Nicky." Her eyes darted back to his. It had been a long time since she had been called that. Hearing it again after all these years shook her.
"I said get off me." She screamed again.
This time he moved. She didn't even spare him one last look before she stumbled to her feet and ran over to Hale's lifeless body. She knew he was dead there was no question about it.
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Once he knew they were out of danger, Opie got to his feet allowing Clay to get up. Clay eyes scanned the surrounding area. He remembered seeing Nicole standing in front of him, but as he looked to the place where he'd last seen her, all he saw was Kozik standing there staring across the street. Clay started to walk over to him, but Juice beat him to it.
"Where is she, I thought..."
"Shit." Kozik shouted cutting Juice off and pointing across the street. Juice turned to look where he was pointing to, and that's when he saw Jacob grabbing Nicole.
Juice ran across the road, while Kozik stayed put. Clay followed Juice, he couldn't see what was going on but seeing Juice panic Clay knew it wasn't good.
Nicole was about to lean down to Hale when suddenly she felt someone grab her arm roughly. Turning around she realised that it was Jacob grabbing her.
"This is because of you. You and your family caused this." Jacob yelled in her face.
"I...I'm sorry...I..." Nicole saw Juice storming towards her, within seconds he was pulling Jacob off her, as he grabbed him round the throat.
"What's going on?" Clay asked on his arrival. But as he saw Hale lying on the ground his question was answered.
"YOU, THIS IS ALL ON YOU LOT." Jacob snapped pushing Juice off him as he went to kneel beside his brother.
Clay ignored his rant, he knew he was in shock. He turned to Juice. "Take her home now."
"No I want to..."
"Princess you don't have a say on this one." He looked back to Juice. "Take her to my house, now."
"Sure." Juice took Nicole lightly by her elbow leading her toward his bike.
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Jax looked around at the destruction that had been caused from the shooting, bodies were scattered across the ground. His attention went to a woman who was screaming as she clutched her young son in her arms. She was screaming for someone to help her son, who had been caught in the crossfire. He saw the man who had been thrown out of the van being apprehended by Charming PD, and something inside him broke.
Clay's words circling around his head. It was a moment of clarity for him and he ran over to the man on the ground, the shooter. He pushed the officers who were surrounding the shooter out of the way before straddling the man who was face down on the ground.
Jax grabbed his head and without any words or thought he smashed the man's face repeatedly against the concrete of the floor.
Opie and Happy jumped into action when they saw Jax on top of the shooter. They each took one of his arms as they peeled him off the bloodied man on the floor.
When Jax was on his feet, being held by brothers, he wanted nothing more than to finish what he started. So he fought against the vice grip they had on him.
Nicole and Juice had watched the whole thing unfold. Seeing Hale with his head caved in and now seeing Jax do pretty much the same thing to the guys face, made Nicole feel physically sick.
She went to go for Jax, because she instantly felt she needed to be there for him. But she was stopped by Juice.
"They have this."
Nicole didn't listen to him, she didn't care if Happy and Opie had it under control, Jax was her cousin he was her responsibility. She was about to run but stopped when she saw Kozik, Bobby and a few other guys by Jax. Not wanting to be near him she stepped back to Juice and let him take her home.