Present: The Truth

"You got him?" Lucy whispered, the phone almost slipping through her fingers.
"Yes."
"Oh god," Lucy tried to steady her breathing. Finally, she could face the monster that was responsible for all the horror she had ever dealt with in her life. She hated him more than anyone and she wanted him to suffer, just like she had suffered.
"Where are you?" She asked slightly calmer now.
"On my way to the closed out factory on Pine Street." Lucy knew that factory and she knew what SAMCROW used it for.
"I'll meet you there," she stated. Jax didn't answer right away and Lucy thought he might have lost connection.
"Baby?"
"You really wanna do this?" Jax asked; his voice strained.
"Are you seriously asking me this?"
"I will kill him baby," Jax stated: "I will make him suffer for what he did to you, your mom and our son. He needs to die. I am doing this for your dad, for his loss, and for you. So I am asking you: Do you really wanna do this? Do you really wanna know this part of me?"
He had grown more angry and worried with every word. Lucy's hands were shaking and she thought she would drop the cell.
"I…I…don't know. I wanna know why he did what he did. I want to know he's being punished for what he did. He fucking killed my mother, Jackson," she was almost screaming now. Startled she turned, but Tig and Bella were definitely more involved with each other than with her conversation.
"Baby, I will let you talk to him. But I will not let you kill him or even let you watch me do it."
"Jax, this cannot come back to haunt us. Ever!"
"Never. I will never let this come back to us."
"Tell me what to do," Lucy exclaimed, exhausted from the conversation.
"Meet me out the back in five minutes."

Lucy sat next to Jax in the club's black van. She had not looked into the back long enough to know that Jax had gotten the right person. He was lying there, bound and gagged, with his eyes full of hatred. Her hands were folded in her lap and she stared out the window. Jax' hands were covered by black gloves and she could see blood on his white shirt. She thought about what lay ahead of them and thus of all the things that lay behind them. About her mother's death, their time apart, moving in together and their wedding day. She thought about the time Jax had been inside and how she had felt all alone. She thought about the friendships she had gained and the ones she had lost. She thought about Donna and Opie, how things had turned sour between them. She thought about her father rotting in prison and about John Teller who had died so young and tragically. About the day she had found out she was pregnant with Abel and the minute she told Jackson.
Just then Jax stopped in front of the gate, got out to push it open, and back in to slowly drive into the lot.
"Are you still sure you want to do this?" Jax reached for her. She kissed his gloved hand and nodded.
Jax jumped out of the van, closed the gate and got the struggling Xavier out of the back. Lucy followed the two men into the building. Jax knew where he was going and within minutes they found themselves in a small basement room. Jax pushed the man onto a chair and bound him to it, and then he pulled the gag out of his mouth.
Lucy thought he would start screaming, but he didn't. All he did was stare angrily at Jax and herself.
"Oh god," Lucy felt like throwing up.
"Babe, please just go home. Go see our baby," Jax almost begged.
"I will not."
"Jesus Christ Lucy. This is fucking crazy. Why can't you just once do as you are told?" Jax hissed, not caring that the bound man could listen in to every word they were saying.
"I'm a good old lady Jax. I might not do what you tell me all the time, but I know my place. I know the shit you do and I stand beside you no matter what. I feel your pain and I know you feel mine. I know what you do for the club. I know blood when I see it. I know when you kill people or hurt them. You don't know shit about what I do to protect this family or the club. The bloody shirts I burn, because I can't get the stains out. I can't even count the times I have lied to the police to protect you. The wars I've fought with your mother." She noticed that she was screaming at her husband and shut her mouth. Her hand flew to her mouth, she had never said these things out loud.
"That's what being an old lady is like Lucy."
"I know. But being here with you and doing this with you, that's what a mother and daughter does. This man," she pointed at Xavier Johnson: "has killed my mother, gotten my father locked up and almost killed our son. This is what I need to do."
Jax nodded slowly, pulled the gun out of his holster and held it out to her. Lucy took the gun and made sure that it was loaded before placing it on the desk they were standing next to.
She pulled a chair in front of Xavier and looked him straight in the eye.
"Tell me everything."
Xavier looked at her but didn't say anything. She noticed how much older he had gotten. His hair was greying and thinning out.
"Did you kill my mother because my father killed your brother?"
He pulled up an eyebrow, this he hadn't expected. He seemed surprised.
"You didn't think I'd know, did you?"
"I didn't," he replied. She could hear Jax mumble something, but didn't turn to look at him.
"Tell me everything."
Xavier laughed, then cocked his head to the side: "You will kill me no matter what I tell you. So what's in it for me?"
Jax jumped forward and his fist broke Xavier's nose: "Yeah you will die. But it's your choice how it will go down,fast and quick or slow and painful."
Xavier spit blood to the floor, then looked up at Lucy.
"How did Dylan die?"
"His convoy was attacked. He died in an explosion." Xavier coughed and spat out some more blood.
"I'm sorry to hear."
"He was a good kid," Xavier murmured; then his face darkened: "You're the reason he died. You and your father."
"Me?"
"He recognized your dad that day when you came back from Nevada. He told me everything. Dylan wanted me to kill him but he liked you. When I killed your mother he couldn't handle the guilt. He signed up for his first tour. He always went back there. Dylan's mom started drinking after his father's death. He didn't have anyone but me, but he hated me, so he chose the army."
"So you waited for him to die to come back and kill me? That is sick."
"Maybe. But I promised him to leave you alone. I watched you all these years. Saw how happy you were while he was fighting on multiple fronts. He was battling inner demons."
Xavier looked to Jackson and growled: "You're mother's death was only the beginning, your son, your husband. Everyone you and your father love were supposed to pay for what happened to my family."
"You're a monster," Lucy got up and took the gun from the desk. Xavier Johnson was so full of hatred, pain and vengeance. Inflicting pain had been his only goal. He had killed and hurt so many people on his path of destruction. He didn't deserve to live.
Lucy pointed the gun at Xavier's face. She thought about what would happen the moment she pulled the trigger. She had grown up in this world full of violence and danger. She knew nothing else. Her father and Jackson, and all the other guys, they were all truly good men, but they were all guilty of taking another man's life. She had never really hurt someone, much less killed anyone. Sure, she had been in a couple of cat fights and had also used her gun to threaten, but never ever had she pulled the trigger. What would killing this man do to her? She knew she wanted to see him dead, but what part of herself would she loose when doing it? She thought about Abel and her responsibilities as a mother. She didn't want to go there. She didn't want to take herself to that place. She shivered as she slowly lowered the gun.
"Can't do it, can you?" Xavier grunted and started fighting his bonds.
"I can't," she replied, her hands shaking uncontrollably. She knew this was the right thing to do.
"Baby?" Jax asked worriedly.
She held the gun out for him and he took it from her. She kissed his cheek.
"Do it baby," she whispered, then slowly left the room.
Before the door fell shut behind her, she heard a shot and the screams of a dying man.

Lucy waited for Jax by the car. When he finally arrived, he looked worried.
"You okay babe?" He asked and pulled her into his arms.
"Yes," she wasn't crying: "Where is …what will…. How…."
"Go home Lucy. Please," he took her hands in his. Then he kissed her palms: "Please baby."
"Will you….?"
"Just go," he interjected and held the keys out to her: "I called Ope."
Confused Lucy crossed her arms: "We didn't wanna tell anyone."
"Jesus Christ woman, Opie is my best friend. He's family. He will do this for me and no one will ever know. Now go."
His last words were an order and Lucy reluctantly took the keys from him.
"I love you," he kissed her softly and watched as she climbed into the car. He opened the gate for her and waited until the car had disappeared around the corner before going back inside.

Lucy parked the Van next to the garage and walked into the clubhouse. She felt exhausted and even though she had wanted to drive by Gemma's to hold Abel, she knew that it would only make Gemma suspicious. The clubhouse was quiet. She walked behind the bar and poured herself a glass of vodka. Lucy let two ice cubes drop into the glass and took a long satisfying sip. With the drink in her hand she walked to the apartment. She was too tired to drive home and all her stuff was still here anyway. Lucy pushed open the door and screamed in surprise. Bella was kneeling on the bed, her ass up in the air and Tig naked right behind her.
"Oh fuck," Bella exclaimed trying to cover herself up. Tig turned around and pulled a face.
"Fucking hell," Lucy mimicked his expression. This was definitely too much information.
"Close the door, darling," Tig ordered, he looked too drunk to fuck, but Lucy knew him well. He was always able to screw around, no matter his state.
Lucy pulled the door close but didn't walk away.
"I wanted to sleep in there you know," she called banging on the door. She was exhausted and the only bed usually not used for sex was now occupied by these drunken lovebirds.
"Sorry Lucy, we'll get out of here," Bella called from the other side of the door.
"No we won't," Tig barked: "We're not done. Come back in ten minutes"
Lucy cursed, banged on the door once more and barked back: "Thank you for fucking nothing."
With that she stormed down the hall, downed her drink and placed the glass on the counter before hurrying into the office. She lay down on the sofa and closed her eyes. Even though the couch was too small, it was cold and the events off the day kept haunting her, she fell asleep quickly.

"Baby?" Jax was slowly shaking her awake. He smelled of smoke, cigarettes and sweat. Her eyes fluttered open, it was still dark outside. She probably hadn't slept more than three hours. Slowly she sat up, Jax was kneeling next to her.
"What time is it?"
"Just after five. Opie just dropped me off."
Lucy nodded.
"Why aren't you at home or in the apartment?"
"I was too tired for home and Tiggi was screwing Bella in the apartment. They weren't really done yet when I busted in."
Jax snorted, pulling an angry face.
"It's ok."
"No it's not. The apartment was yours."
"He was drunk. He'll probably feel horrible later today. Take me home baby," she leaned against him and he guided her towards her car. She climbed in the passenger's seat and let Jax take her home.
In bed Lucy curled up next to him. Finally, things were back to normal. She would go back to being a good old lady and Jax would continue doing what he did. She was safe now. All the tension left her body and slowly she drifted off to sleep
Lucy felt like she hadn't slept at all when Jax' phone rang. He answered and suddenly his voice sounded agitated. Lucy forced her eyes open and watched him get dressed while still on the phone.
"There can't be a witness…..because I was there. Fuck…. of course not. I'll get him."
"What's going on?" Lucy asked as soon as he had hung up.
"Bobby got arrested. Agent Stahl got a witness for a murder…. fucking hell. I'm so sorry for leaving now. I'll be back as soon as possible."
"Don't. This is what we do," She got up on her knees and crawled to the end of the bed: "Give me a kiss, sexy." She giggled as Jax cocked up an eyebrow seductively. He kissed her passionately before hurrying out of the bedroom.
Lucy's eyes fell onto the nightstand alarm. It was already after eleven a.m., they had actually slept some time. She got out of bed, stripped down naked and got into the shower. The hot water felt wonderful. She didn't get out until it was cold. Then, wrapped in a big fluffy towel, she walked back into the bedroom. She wanted to sleep some more but she had to check on her son. Gemma didn't give her a time yesterday evening but she was sure that Gemma was not missing work today.
Lucy got dressed and opened the front door, a yelp escaped her as she starred directly into the face of her mother in law.
"Fuck. You scared me."
Gemma looked at her in anger: "You missed work."
She eyed Lucy from top to bottom.
"Where have you been all day?"
"Sorry, long evening," Lucy shrugged, then her thoughts caught up with her: "Where's the baby?"
"With Bella. Some of us have to work," Gemma put her hands on her hips: "Next time you call me, when you don't come in."
"Sorry," Lucy took Gemma's hand: "You want a coffee?"
Gemma nodded reluctantly and followed her into the kitchen. Lucy made some coffee and handed her a cup when it was done.
"Will you tell me what you and Jackson did last night?"
Lucy pulled up an eyebrow.
Gemma held her hands up in defense: "Don't feel offended sweetheart. I am just worried about you, my son and the baby."
"We had a couple of drinks and spent some time as a couple."
"Why are you back home by yourself then?" Gemma questioned.
"Jax took care of some stuff yesterday. I'll be coming back home now. Actually, I was thinking about selling this place and getting a new one. We've put some money aside. The garden just isn't that big you know."
She couldn't fool Gemma.
"Jax took care of some stuff. I know what that means."
"Please mama. Drop the issue, it's better that way."
Gemma eyed her intently but somehow decided to follow her request. Lucy knew her mother-in-law well, and she knew that this conversation was far from over.
"Tell me what happened today." Lucy smiled at her, wanting to make peace.
"Stahl, that stupid bitch, stormed the clubhouse and took Bobby. Clay was beside himself. There is a big meeting at the clubhouse right now."
"Jesus Christ."
Gemma nodded: "Stahl was crazy. Otto broke her nose."
Lucy giggled: "Smart man. I wonder if she has got my daddy in a screw as well. She knows I'm not like Luanne. She can't threaten dad with that kind of bullshit"
"You should maybe give his lawyer a call," Gemma suggested and Lucy nodded in agreement.
"Probably a good idea."
"You do that from the office. Let's drive back to TM and get some work done," Gemma got up, placed her mug in the sink and hung her purse over her shoulder. Lucy followed suit.

Lucy took Abel out of Bella's arms as soon as she saw him. Holding him close was the best feeling. He had gotten so big over the last couple of months and sometimes she thought he was close to rolling around.
"Lucy, I am so sorry," Bella said, her eyes cast downward.
"Don't worry sweetheart. Jax took me home," She kissed Bella. "But you watch out with Mr. Trager. He can be … well… special."
Bella smiled and nodded towards Abel: "You want me to take him?"
Just then a car parked next to the office and Lucy watched a blond sturdy women get out. Mary?
"Yeah, please," Lucy handed Abel over and hurried towards the office. If Mary, Opie's mom, comes to town things must be going crazy.
"I'm supposed to pick them up in Stockton. What is going on?" Mary asked, he hands in her hips, when Lucy finally reached them.
"Hi Mary," she greeted the former old lady, but only got a curt nod in return.
"I don't know," Gemma was standing next to her desk looking helplessly at Lucy.
"We haven't heard anything. Are you telling me, that Opie, Donna and the kids got picked up by ATF?"
"Yes, that is what I am telling you," Mary replied. "I'm going to get them."
"Mary!" Jax called from behind them.
"Jackson," she hugged him quickly: "I'm supposed to pick up Opie's kids in Stockton. ATF has got them."
"Ah fuck. I talked to their neighbor; she said that they were picked up some time this morning."
Mary started walking towards her car: "I'm going to get them. I'd just really appreciate to know what is going on."
When Mary drove off the lot, Gemma turned towards her son: "What is going on?"
"I don't know mom," Jax honestly answered. Gemma shrugged and headed back into the office.
"Tell me if you know anything more."
Jax nodded, then turned towards his wife.
"Hi baby," he kissed her and pulled her close into his arms.
"You really have no idea what is going on?" Lucy asked, still very confused by the whole situation.
Jax shook his head: "You happy to move in back home?"
Lucy laughed: "Very. Although, you know, I was thinking. Maybe would could sell the house and buy a new one. We've lived in that shoebox for quite some time now and we put money aside. Maybe it's time to consider using it. Abel won't stay this small and the garden isn't very big."
Jax cocked his head to the side. He seemed to be considering his options.
"I think the house holds a lot of memories for us. I mean we bought it before we got married and pretty much remodeled it ourselves. Remember when we didn't have enough money for new furniture and we used to sit on those old beanbags?"
"That was a lot of fun baby," she snuggled up to him: "But you know, we aren't in our twenties anymore. We have a son and we'll probably want more children. So we should maybe think ahead."
"Would it make you happy to look for a new house?"
Lucy's eyes brightened: "Oh, it would make me very happy.
"How happy?" Jax shot her a cocky grin.
"So happy, I'd be willing to serve you breakfast in bed, every Sunday, for the rest of our lives, in nothing but my underwear."
"May I take off that underwear if it pleases me?"
Lucy giggled, realizing she sounded like a love drunk school girl: "You may."
Jax grinned then grunted: "Fine. Go look for a new house, but don't spend more than we can afford."
"I wouldn't dare," she laughed and turned towards the office. Jax slapped her butt and Lucy jumped, still giggling.
"You're killing me women!"

Later in the evening Lucy, Jax and Baby Abel were sitting at their dinner table for the first time in weeks. Lucy was overjoyed. She had spent all evening in the kitchen to cook Jax a meal. Her heart was so full of love for this man and the baby by their side. Abel was happily kicking around in his baby swing and Lucy had poured herself and Jax a glass of wine to celebrate the evening.
"To us, baby," she smiled and they clinked glasses.
"So did you hear anything from Donna and Opie?"
Jax shook his head.
"Do you think this has anything to do with Bobby going to prison? This is looking real bad for them. I hope Clay knows this is just Stahl playing stupid mind games."
Jax pulled up an eyebrow: "Opie would never rat. Clay knows that."
"I know baby," Lucy quickly replied. Jax' tone had become sharp and she didn't want to fight tonight.
"So, I called the relator and she has a few houses for me to look at on Saturday. Are you interested in coming?"
"Well, I'd like to see what house I'm going to live in, but maybe you can check some out and when you narrowed it down, I'll come and help you decide."
"Ok, sounds fair. Can you look after Abel then? I don't really wanna take him to look at houses."
Jax swallowed a piece of chicken then nodded: "Sure. If anything gets in the way, I can always ask my mom or Bella for help."
"Sure."
They continued eating in silence for a few minutes. It wasn't any kind of awkward silence. It was the kind of content silence, only possible between loved ones that knew each other this well. Lucy's thoughts kept drifting back to Xavier Johnson and what Jax and Opie had done with him. She didn't want to ask. She didn't want to know. This chapter of her life was finally over and she looked forward to visiting her daddy and telling him. Suddenly, she was ripped out of her thoughts by a loud knock on the door. Her eyes met Jax', but in the same moment she realized that she was finally safe again. She placed her cutlery on the plate and got up.
"I got it."
She opened the door and looked into Donna's smiling face.
"Donna?" Lucy exclaimed, not knowing why Opie's wife would come by here.
"Hi Lucy."
"Hi," Lucy was still overly confused. She didn't ask Donna to come in, but waited for her to say something.
"Listen, Opie and I got back from Stockton just an hour ago or so. The whole thing had me thinking about the club and all the guys, and our friendship," Donna looked at the floor, she seemed to be ashamed of something: "I made a huge mistake kicking you out of my life. You tried so hard to support me when Opie went inside. I was a real bitch to you. I am truly sorry."
Lucy eyed her from top to bottom and still didn't say anything.
"I was hoping we could maybe have coffee tomorrow and talk? I would really like to meet little Abel."
Lucy stepped forward and pulled Donna into a hug. She could hear her former best friend sob and held her even tighter.
"All forgiven," Lucy whispered and brushed her own tears away. She had been extremely hurt by the way Donna had pushed her out of her life. But she had understood her friend's inner turmoil. She had been left behind with two little children when Opie went to prison. No parents around, Piney deep in the club's business and Mary, Opie's mom, unwilling to help with anything. Donna had blamed the club for it all and Lucy had gotten it. She had forgiven Donna a long time ago and now she was just happy to have her friend back.
"I'll call you tomorrow," Donna mumbled: "Say 'Hi' to Jax from me." She added before hurrying off towards her car.
Lucy stepped back inside and closed the door. She sat down opposite Jax, who took her hand and kissed it. She smiled at him. This new chapter of their life was starting to look very promising.

I hope you enjoyed this chapter as much as I did writing it. Please leave a comment. What did you think about this new chapter and Lucy's decisions ? Thank you to my awsome sister - my beta reader :)