Disclaimer: As always, I own no part of SOA. All characters and settings belong to Kurt Sutter / Sutter Ink. However, those characters that are a living breathing product of my imagination belong solely to me.
Chapter 11
A/N: Special thanks to drw1987, Shelly28, and Dogodigger for the positive reviews/critiques of Chapter 10.
The old Ford Explorer came to rest on four wheels with a bellowing thud. Surrounding traffic came to a halt almost instantly. Several concerned drivers, exited their cars to check on the Ford's driver. Other drivers dialed 911 to report the accident and the need for EMS. The driver's side window was almost completely smashed out. A young man in his teens rushed to the driver's door "Hey Ms. can you hear me? Lady…Can you hear me?" he shouted. Yelling to his girlfriend "I think she must be unconscious." The young woman approached the truck with caution. "I called 911," she reported they should be here soon. An older woman, a retired nurse, approached the truck. "Is she alert or talking?" she asked of the young couple. The man looked back into the truck. "She hasn't said anything, but she is moving her head a little." The woman looked inside the truck. The young woman appeared to breathing on her own without any trouble. She could see an ugly gash above her left eye, most likely where the door window broke. "Young lady can you hear me? Can you tell me your name?" The nurse continued to talk to the driver. She felt helpless that she could not do more for the young woman, but she stay till help arrived.
The young couple watched for EMS, while the older woman took care of Amanda. Just seconds before paramedics arrived. Amanda grew agitated, moving her head restlessly back and forth. The woman spoke softly hoping to calm Amanda. "Dear don't move around too much…we don't want you hurt yourself any further. Calmed by the gentle voice, Amanda's restless jerking seemed to ease. Struggling to focus, Amanda mumbled "Abel…what happened? I got to go. Abel…Please." Encouraged by her disjointed rambling, the woman rubbed Amanda's shoulder gently "It's ok dear…help is on the way. I can hear the sirens now. Just hang in there for a little while longer.
Almost two hours earlier SOA/Mayan Meeting:
Chibbs, Jax, Abel, Opie, and one of the prospects arrived at the meeting a few minutes earlier. As they watched Alvarez and his officers roared into the lot. Parking across from the SOA, Alvarez approached and shook hands with Jax. Abel watched Marcos Jr "MJ" stood slightly beyond and to the left of his father. Abel itched to settle things between them. He had not forgotten about his bike, and from the silly ass sneer on "MJ's" face neither had he.
Jax and Alvarez discussed the pending sale, cost, and delivery. There were the standard questions and haggling about price and due date. Something about this whole situation was making Abel antsy; he just couldn't put his finger on what it was. Just as Jax and Alvarez were about to seal the deal, Marcos Jr. pulled his father aside to talk privately. Jax moved back to his brothers. "I don't like the feel of this Jackie boy," declared an agitated Chibbs. Opie very inconspicuously surveyed the scene, watching for any nasty surprises that might be lurking in the dark. Jax felt the same irritation as his brothers, his years as president teaching him an outside appearance of calm. Calm he didn't necessarily feel, but was necessary.
Following a few tense long moments, Alvarez approached the group once more. "It seems," he indicated very quietly "that my son has some concerns about doing business with your son." Anger flared hot in Abel's gut. Moving out from the group he heatedly called Marcos Jr. out. "Dammit you pussy, you got an issue with me let's go. No need to hide behind your daddy." Opening the edges of his cut, Abel shrugged, "I'm right here asshole," he shouted for everyone to hear. Anger flashed hot and furious across Marcos Junior's face. He detested being "called out" by someone he considered nothing more than a white-trash redneck. He advanced slightly on Abel.
Jax grabbed his hot-headed son by the arm and spun him around "Abel dammit! Tell me this has nothing to do with a little piece of ass you were banging." Things between Abel and Maria may be over, but his anger still rose, hearing his father refer to her so crudely. "Stay out of this dad, it's my problem. I'll handle Marcos."
Jax laughed bitterly, "This sale is my business, and we need this to work. If your banging this little sweet-butt screws that up than it is DAMN WELL MY BUSINESS!"
Abel turned away from his dad and brothers and began to advance on Marcos. As Marcos moved towards Jax, both Sons and Mayans backed up and gave them space. Marcos threw the first blow, he missed. Abel threw the second, he didn't miss – the fight was on. Both sides were yelling, egging on their respective man. Abel landed a facial shot he was sure broke Marco's nose. Marcos landed a shot that split Abel's lower lip open.
Standing slightly apart from his brothers, Opie watched as his best friend's boy defended his club's honor. Abel would see to it that this sale went through – of that Opie was certain. Suddenly, Opie felt his phone vibrating his pants pocket. Reaching for his phone, looking at the screen, "Katie" he thought his senses immediately on high alert.
"Daddy thank God you answered! Tara needs Abel to know that Amanda has been in an accident. EMS is taking her to St. Thomas. Mom is going over to stay with Rachael. Tara's going to meet me at the hospital."
"FUCK" exclaimed Opie "Shit can always get worse. Ok baby, I'll get him there as soon as I can keep me posted. Be safe – I love you" with that Opie clicked the phone shut with more force than really necessary. Shoving the phone back in his pocket, he shifted towards Jax. "Jax, bro we have a serious problem."
Never one for the dramatic, Jax knew immediately that whatever Opie was about to say had the potential to be a real fucking mess. Hands on his hips, Jax demanded details from Opie. Taking a deep breath Opie moved away from the fighting between Abel and Marcos and relayed to Jax what he learned from Tara.
Chibbs over hearing the conversation nodded towards Abel, "Jackie boy – this is going to push Abel right off the edge."
"I'm getting too damned old for this bullshit," mumbled an angry Jax. The fight ended quickly, Abel beating young Marcos, semi-conscious. Moving away from the fallen Mayan, Abel turned to face his dad and brothers. Instantly his heart sank, he knew that look; no good news ever came from looks like those. "What?" he asked defensively.
Taking his son aside, Jax relayed the message from Katie regarding Amanda. The color all but drained from Abel's bloody face. Jax clapped his son on the shoulder, "We've got this handled son…you get over to St. Thomas and find out what the hell is going on."
Quickly Abel pulled his dad into a one arm embrace. Abel let go quickly and raced hell-bent for his bike. The ride over to St. Thomas was one of the longest of his life. He could feel the night air blowing the cobwebs from his thoughts. Amanda had just walked back into his life – after all this time – he could not lose her now. Finally he arrived at St. Thomas, roaring into the emergency room parking lot – Abel stormed inside.
Tara had asked an old friend working midnights at the registration desk to keep an out for Abel. Rushing through the sliding glass E.R. doors, Abel barely heard the repeated calling of his name. Turning towards the voice, Abel moved to the registration desk. Abel recognized his mom's friend Connie immediately.
"Connie is my mom here yet? Do you know where they have taken Amanda Stevens?" Abel continued with the rapid fire questions without pausing for breath. Connie knew he was worried. As she listened to him, she thought of his father, if the circumstances were different she might have told him. Instead, she took Abel's hand assuring him that yes his mother was at the hospital. Taken in the well beaten look of his face, she was tempted to ask Abel if he needed treatment himself. Shaking her head almost sadly, she knew he would instantly refuse if suggested. Moving towards the interior E.R. doors, Connie indicated Abel should follow her.
Abel followed Connie down the long white sterile corridor as familiar as the back of his hand. As they neared a small waiting area, Abel heard Katie calling his name. Rushing forward, Katie threw her arms around Abel and held on for dear life. Standing in the circle of Abel's strong arms, Katie gave into her fears and began to cry. Assured that Abel was in good hands with friends and family, Connie backed out of the room. Abel held a frightened Katie in silence for a mere minute or two, before demanding answers.
Katie looked into Abel's eyes, beyond his bloody beaten face; she could see the absolute fear bordering on terror in his eyes. Katie dried her eyes, taking a fortifying breath she began "I don't know a lot of details, she was found in her truck about two blocks from your parents place. Police and EMS are saying that she was forced from the road. There saying that the Explorer rolled over at least once before coming to a stop. She's being treated right now – the doctor and your mom are with her with now." Abel anxiously paced the room. "I can't wait here answers; someone is going to talk to me." Leaving the waiting area, Abel started towards the exam area looking for Amanda's doctor or his mom. Just inside the treatment area, Abel saw his mom talking with another doctor reviewing x-rays, making notes in a medical chart. Catching her son watching them, Tara handed off the records and rushed to her son's side. Taking in the sight of his beaten face, Tara gasped "Abel, What the hell happened to you son?" Taking his face in her hands, Tara went in to full on protective Mother bear role. She gently felt his face for broken bones or any signs of trauma in need of immediate treatment. Grabbing her hands, Abel jerked "Mom stop! I'm fine – Stop! Tell me about Amanda."
Watching her son carefully, Tara moved towards a pair of chairs positioned in a nearby corner. Indicating that her son should sit Tara began. "According to the sheriff, she was found in her truck about two blocks from our house. There saying she was forced from the road, lost control of her truck, and flipped over. Doctor Mayes is with her right now; thankfully despite the severity of the accident she appears to have just suffered some minor bumps and bruises. Their running some tests, we should know more in a little bit."
Abel exhaled roughly, rubbing his hand across his face and through his hair. Standing Abel, started towards Amanda's exam room. Sensing her son's intent, Tara grabbed his arm, "Abel wait, I know you want to see her, but let the doctor's do their jobs. Come with me – let's get you cleaned up and then I'll take you to her I promise." Abel weighed his options; resigning himself to the truth in his mother's words he followed her to a small exam area.
Tara gathered some basic first aid supplies and set about tending her son's face. Cleaning the blood away from the gash along his cheekbone she asked "Do I want to know how the other man looks?" Lost in his dark thoughts Abel jerked mildly at the question and responded mildly "club business mom – I handled it." Accepting that was the only answer she would receive until after this was over, Tara continued to clean his cuts and scrapes.
Ten minutes later her son looked almost human again. He had a nasty little cut across his right cheek, a split lip that would probably smart for a few days, another minor cut above his right eye, and of course some seriously battered knuckles. Assured that her oldest son was going to be fine, Tara led him back out of the small exam area, just as Doctor Mayes approached.
"Dr. Tellar…Tara" began Dr. Mayes, "Ms. Stevens is awake and asking for you." Hearing Amanda was awake and alert removed a terrible burden from both Tara and Abel's shoulders. "Have her tests come back yet, Edward?" questioned Tara.
Dr. Mayes thumbed through some charting, "Not all of them," he replied. "All things considered she is a very lucky young woman; she appears to have walked away with just some minor scrapes, bruises, and a minor concussion. We should have all her results back within the hour, baring anything unforeseen I think she will make a full recovery. You can go in and see her if you like, just don't stay too long. I want her to rest."
Doctor Mayes' words were like a healing balm to Abel's frantic heart. For the first time since hearing about the accident he felt he could breathe. Thanking the Doctor, he turned to his mom "I have to see her Mom," and with that he was off like a shot – across the hall and disappearing into her room.
As he entered, he was struck by how small and fragile Amanda looked laying all alone in that large sterile hospital bed. She was so still, her eyes closed, hands folded across her mid-section. Abel grabbed the small wheeled stool and moved close to her bedside. Laying his large hand across hers, he whispered "Manda, darlin' it's Abel."
Opening her eyes slowly, Amanda attempted a weak smile. "Abel" she breathed. "I feel like I've been a few rounds with Happy" she joked weakly. Abel smiled glad to see she still had her sense of humor about her.
"Amanda, baby can you tell me what happened?" asked Abel with far more patience than he actually felt. He watched as Amanda thought back over the evening. "I'm sorry Abel, I really don't remember much after leaving your mom and dad's. I remember coming to a stop at the red light over near Johnson and Oak. I was fooling with the radio I think, I felt someone hit me from behind. That's when things start to get a little fuzzy. The next thing I remember is waking up here with a killer headache."
Standing Abel kissed her on the forehead, "its ok darlin' you rest. I'm going to be right outside with mom. I'll be back in just a second ok?" Nodding gently, Amanda once again closed her eyes and drifted off. Stepping outside the exam room – the urge to kill something or someone riding Abel like the devil himself. No one did this to his best friend and survived NO ONE. As he walked towards his mother, he heard the arrival of his brothers. With dad leading the way, all of the SOA brotherhood descended on the St. Thomas E.R. "How is she?" "What do we know?" "We're here if you need us Abel?" clamored a chorus of familiar voices.
Abel led his dad and brothers back to the waiting area. As they entered Katie rushed to the waiting arms of her father. Relieved to see his baby girl, Opie wrapped Katie up in a fierce hug. Abel relayed the few details he knew to the club. Just as he was finishing, he saw Sherriff Roosevelt waiting for him in the door way. Acknowledging the Sherriff with a nod, Abel was not surprised when he entered the room with a pocket full of questions. "I'm sorry about your friend, Mr. Tellar; I know how close you and Amanda are. I was hoping I could ask you a few questions about her accident?"
Tig never one to trust the police or their questions called out quickly "Abel was with the club across town at the time of her accident." Holding up a placating hand, the Sherriff recognized that fact, "I'm not saying that Mr. Tellar had anything to do with what happened to Mrs. Stevens I'm just hoping he can shed some light on who did." Waiting patiently for Abel to join him in the hall, Sherriff Roosevelt reviewed his notes.
"What do you want to know Sherriff?" asked a frustrated Abel a few moments later. Flipping through his note pad, the Sherriff asked "Can you think of anyone who might want to hurt Ms. Stevens? I mean according to others we've talked to she arrived her in Charming a few weeks ago mighty bruised and beaten. Could this have anything to do with that?"
Abel struggled to marshal his thoughts. He needed to control the intense rage he was feeling. "She did arrive her pretty busted up…I don't have the details about her life before coming back to Charming." Replied Abel intensely.
The Sherriff shook his head, "Her roommate mentioned a past boyfriend in Tacoma – you know anything about that?" Anger the likes of which Abel had never felt flowed hot and heavy through his veins. Amanda had confided in Katie but not him "What the fuck!" was that about he wondered to himself.
"You would have to ask Amanda or Katie about that I don't know" replied a desperately quiet Abel. The Sherriff smiled almost sarcastically "Mr. Tellar I remember you and Ms. Stevens from a few years back. You two were almost inseparable. You expect me to believe you know nothing about this boyfriend from Tacoma."
Temper flaring, "I don't give a flying fuck what you believe Sherriff. My concern is not doing your job for you, but the well-being and safety of my best friend. So if you will excuse me I think it's time I go and check on her." With that Abel shoved past the Sherriff and slipped back inside Amanda's room.
Watching the interaction between the two men, Katie knew it was beyond time someone talked to Abel. If Amanda couldn't do it then maybe she would have too. Slipping into Amanda's room, Katie stood at the door and watched the two of them whispering almost silently to each other. When Amanda happened to glance over Abel's shoulder she almost panicked over the look in Katie's eyes. In a very short time she had come to trust Katie. As roommates she felt she owed Katie some explanation about the nightmares that had caused them both more than one evenings sleep. Late one evening, with the help of a little red wine, Amanda confided that she left a violent boyfriend back in Tacoma. Judging from the look on her friends face right now, Amanda could only guess that Katie was thinking of telling Abel that ugly little truth. Amanda didn't know which way to turn. Telling Abel that Dean was violent was only one part of the ugly truth. The longer she lay confined to this hospital bed, the more certain she became that Dean definitely had some part in all of this.
Slowly with great deliberation, Amanda reached out her hand to Katie asking her to come closer to the bed. Moving to the left of the bed, Katie took Amanda's extended hand. Amanda looking into the faces of her two best friends, Amanda felt if not stronger definitely safer. "Katie, I know we need to talk," she all but whispered, "but you could give Abel and me another minute please?"
Katie looked between her and Abel and back again, "Sure, I'll be right outside if you need me," with a final squeeze of her hand Katie turned to leave. Turning her full attention to Abel, Amanda smiled. Abel squeezed Amanda's hand "Darlin' you need to talk to me. I think you know who did this to you. You have got to let me in Manda."
Amanda cringed at telling Abel anything certain he would never see her the same way again. "Dammit" thought Amanda, "I can't let that bastard win; he's taken too much from me already." Her thoughts rampant Amanda grew very weary. Closing her eyes briefly, she drew a deep breath and tried to calm herself some. Abel could almost sense Amanda closing up – pulling away again. "Not this time," he thought, his patience at the end of its endurance Abel prepared to fight dirty.
"You might not want to talk to me, and hey its 'whatever' but you need to think about one thing darlin', there could have been more than just you in that truck tonight," shouted a passionate Abel. Slightly confused, Amanda answered, "What are you talking about Abel I was alone in the truck. I was headed to the clubhouse to wait for you."
"Yeah darlin' tonight you were alone, but you could have just as easily had Rachael in that truck with you. You ever stop counting your 'precious secrets' long enough to think about that?" he questioned fear, anger, violence, and more churning his guts like poisonous acid.
"OH dear GOD!" cried a sickened Amanda, as she covered her face with her hands – "Rachael" she murmured more to herself than to anybody else. Facing Abel once more, sharply she retorted, "YOU of all people know 'how much' I love Tommy and Rachael I would 'never' do anything to hurt either of them – YOU KNOW THAT DAMMIT."
Taking the stool once more, Abel spoke "Yeah darlin' I do know it, but does he? You think the person responsible for this is going to give a flying fuck about Rachael, Tommy, or any dam body else? Talk to me Manda Lynn – it's the only way this works." Amanda opened her mouth twice – three to times to speak, the guilt and weight of her secrets bogging her down. She couldn't escape the feeling of drowning. She looked frantically around the room – her desire to leave this place reaching a sudden over-whelming frantic pitch. "Ok Abel you win – I'm too tired to fight. I'll tell you everything I can. Just not here ok? Please don't let them keep me – get me outta here tonight."
Standing Abel squeezed her hand "I'll be right back," he promised. Striding from the room, he went in search of his mother. Walking into the waiting area, he questioned his mom about Amanda's test results. "Will they want to hold her over night?" he asked with a small of anxiousness.
Placing her hand on her son's upper arm, Tara slipped into her Doctor mom role, "Honey she's been in a terrible accident, if nothing else she has a terrible concussion – she should at the very least stay over-night for observation." Before Abel could question or object any further Doctor Mayes entered the room, "Dr. Tellar could I speak to you for a moment?"
Excusing herself from her son and husband, Tara followed Dr. Mayes into the hallway. Turning slightly she watched her son following hot on her heels. As they approached Dr. Mayes looked questioningly at Abel. "It's ok," Tara assured him. Dr. Mayes reviewed the test results with Tara and Abel. Pleased to report that there was nothing broken – Amanda's most serious injury appearing to be the concussion. He stated that he would like to admit her over-night for observation just in case. Seeing his window of opportunity Abel jumped in with both feet. "Is that necessary?" he questioned. "Could she go home tonight?"
Dr. Mayes seemed taken aback by the questions, "Young man your friend has just been in a serious crash. Considering how fortunate she has been – I don't think spending one night in the hospital is too much to ask – do you?" Turning to his mom "Do something here mom, she needs to be released tonight," Abel pleaded. "Can't she be released to your care of something – you are a doctor for Christ sake!" he demanded.
Turning away from Dr. Mayes Tara focused on her son, "Abel I know your worried about Amanda we all are, but…" Abel couldn't let his mom finish that thought "Mom you've got to help me here." Contemplating her options, Tara excused herself to go and see Amanda.
"Amanda, sweetheart it's Tara," she whispered as she sat down on the edge of the bed. Amanda smiled weakly "Tara please you can't let them keep me here tonight. I need to go home." Tara smiled, the younger woman looking so fragile and frail all alone in that big hospital bed. "Amanda you have a serious concussion your best choice would be to stay here tonight for observation."
"I can't" cried Amanda with almost desperate panic lacing her voice. "Please Tara help get out of here." Tara grew a tad concerned for her mental state right along with her physical one. "If and this is a mighty big if…IF I help you leave here tonight you have to promise me that you will do everything I say. If you show the slightest need to come back here – you do it no questions asked," demanded a tired Tara. "Yes ma'am," came the quick reply of an anxious Amanda.