Title: As the Rush Comes

Summary: She rode into town in an old convertible, as if on the wind. Will she find herself caught in the middle of one of the deadliest biker wars in Charming history?

Disclaimer: the Sons of Anarchy belong to Kurt Sutter, not me. I'm a poor college student, so it'd be pointless to sue.

A/N: The song for this chapter is Eyes on Fire by Blue Foundation.

A/N: Alright everyone. Lack of update is due to the fact that a virus crashed my computer, making me erase the hard drive and start from scratch. I probably could've written sooner – but that just pissed me off, combined with the fact that I just got over a serious sinus infection. All in all, not a great few weeks. I fudged the last line of the last chapter. I don't know the prayer from memory – I haven't been to church in probably 9 or 10 years – and I'm only 19. Enough of my complaining – let's get on with the show.

"Our father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name,"

It was the first prayer Nessa had ever learned, one that her mom had taught her – Hell, it was really the only one she knew. Sure, you could get on your knees and ask God to grant you serenity or a million dollars or some superficial shit like that – but she figured you were always better off to just thank God for what you had and not push it. God is great, Gemma used to tell her. But you don't want to piss him off.

"Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day, our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who have trespassed against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen. What are you doing here David?"

Hale was surprised she knew he was there, having almost tip-toed into the chapel so she wouldn't hear him. In reality, Vanessa knew he was there, and had been for a few minutes. David tended to appear at odd times in her life, why should this being any different?

"I, uh, I just wanted to check on you. I wanted to make sure you were doing okay, after everything that's been going on lately."
"With what? Do you mean the fact that my father might live another six months if he's lucky or the fact that Chibs is upstairs in a hospital bed that he's going to be kicked out of soon for inability to pay? Take your pick."

Hale just studied her for a moment, getting a feeling for where he stood. Vanessa carried some semblance to a ghost – pale skin, dark circles under her eyes, thin figure. She had always been small, inherited that trait from her mom, but lately, with everything that had been going on, she seemed to have shrunk back even further, if that were possible. Her collarbone stuck out and announced its presence. Hale entertained the idea for a moment that if a strong wind came along, Nessa would be taken along for the ride.

"Look, whatever you're worried about David, don't. I'm fine. I've got my big girl panties on now. I can handle this situation, so why don't you just get back in your jeep, go back to the station, and go back to spending your days shining your pretty little police badge?"

Nessa stood up from where she had been kneeling, brushing her knees off as she stood, and strutted out of the chapel – reminding Hale of the same moment he had shared with Gemma the queen not long before. He knew, as he had known then, that this young woman was on a mission – he just hoped she found what she needed before this guilt, or whatever it was, destroyed her – and destroy her, it would.