Disclaimer: As always all rights to SOA belong to Kurt Sutter/Sutter Ink

A/N While at its heart Ready, Willing, and Abel is Abel and Amanda's love story – this Sons of Anarchy. With that in mind this chapter is a little more violent than some of my past chapters. As I said this Sons of Anarchy after all. I do hope that you all continue to read and review. Please let me know what you're thinking and feeling.

Chapter 24

After all the passing years the sound of his brother's voice on the other end of the line was both instantly musical and indescribably painful at the same time. For a brief second he debated the wisdom of this phone call. His hand twitched as decided to hang up without ever saying a word – or to continue on down the path of good intentions. Finally he spoke "Hello Rodrigo….to many years my brother…to many years."

Rodrigo smiled knowingly something serious must have crossed Alberto's plate for him to have placed this phone call. All those years back he watched as Alberto packed up his family and left his cut and his club behind. None of the "family" ever expected to hear from him again. "Alberto after all these years…one would hardly suppose this is a social call. Is there a problem in Charming?"

At the long awkward silence Rodrigo laughed hale and hearty "Honestly dear brother did you honestly think that me or the rest of the club didn't know where you've been all of these years?"

Alberto tried to dismiss the unease that settled across his shoulders. After walking away from his club – his brothers he never looked back until now. It never occurred to him that they might have kept an eye on him and his family all these years.

Rodrigo continued "What is it Alberto? What is the problem in Charming?"

Forcefully brushing aside his unease Alberto pressed on, "If you know I'm in Charming, then I'm sure you know about Charming's little SOA problem."

A brief chuckle crossed the clear line, "I would hardly call the SOA mother charter a little problem my brother."

Pausing outside the office door, Sophia stood very still and quiet. The small tray of food she had prepped for her husband forgotten in her hands and she listened. She was shocked she could not believe that after all these years he had called his "family." Listening intently, she idly hoped he was simply calling to brag about the new grandbaby. Before that thought could fully blossom in her heart, she heard the name she dreaded 'Rodrigo.' Sophia felt the ice run through her veins. Rodrigo Ortega had nearly ruined their lives more than twenty years ago. How could one little grandbaby be so awful that her husband would willingly invite that hell back into their lives? Quietly – patiently Sophia listened for several more long minutes. She listened as her husband outlined his plan to scare his own daughter and the father of her child into 'doing the right thing' as he so calmly put it.

'I've heard enough' thought Sophia silently stepping away from the door. Rushing into the kitchen she deposited the tray on the nearest counter. Grabbing her small hand bag from under the sink, she smiled briefly at her eldest daughter Delia. Brushing her hand across her daughter's right cheek "I have to go out for just a little bit. If your father comes from the office, tell him I shouldn't be long."

Clasping her mother's hand, Delia smiled as she squeezed in comfort "Is everything alright mom?"

Smiling reassuringly, "Everything is fine dear – just fine. Don't worry about a thing Delia. I should be back in about an hour." With that said she was rushing out the front door.

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Pulling into the TM lot Tara parked next to Abel's black pick-up. Noticing her son sitting alone at the picnic table – Tara crossed the lot to sit across from him. Tara couldn't help but notice the intense gaze crossing her oldest son's face "everything alright baby boy?" she questioned gently touching his hand. Glancing briefly over his right shoulder towards the office, Abel cut loose with a brief snort like laugh "yeah" he murmured "if you don't mind Gramma and Amanda double teaming me."

A little confused Tara glanced towards the office "What are you talking about?"

"It's nothing mom don't worry about it. What's up mom? I thought you still at the hospital."

"I was supposed to be, but my last patient is doing much better than expected so here I am."

"That's great news" Abel said "I'm glad"

"Yeah it is great news," Tara replied "Abel son are you sure you're alright?"

Shrugging off the millions of thoughts racing through his mind Abel smiled "Yeah mom I'm gonna be fine honest – just a lot on my mind right now."

"Well I know I'm not part of the club, but I'm still your mom. If you need anything just ask – ok?"

"I know mom thanks!"

"Don't thank me yet, but I may have an idea have that helps with some of that stuff weighing on your mind."

"What's that?" asked Abel mildly curious.

Reaching into her jacket pocket Tara removed the small black key ring and slid them across the table to Abel.

Picking up the key ring – twirling it aimlessly between his fingers Abel asked idly "what are these?" he questioned.

"Those Abel," Tara smiled "are the keys to our old house." Gesturing towards the clubhouse, "The clubhouse is fine in an emergency, but it's honestly no place for the mother of my grand-child to be living. It's safe and clean – ready to move into immediately if you both want."

Abel smiled leaning across the table he kissed his mom across the cheek. "Thanks Mom," Abel murmured staring down at the keys in his hand. "This is great…are you sure that Dad is ok with this?"

"Your dad and I talked about it last night…he's good with this if you are."

"Thanks again Mom – I think this will be perfect for Maria for now. I'll talk to her about it as soon as she gets back."

Knowingly Tara smiled "Is she over talking with her parents?"

"Yeah, I offered to go with her, but she didn't think that was such a great idea – so Philly went with her just to kind of keep an eye on things; you know just in case."

Squeezing her son's hand Tara nodded her understanding. Watching her son, Tara could sense him pulling away from the topic of Maria – so Tara easily changed the subject. "So are your sister and Amanda in the office?"

Abel smiled genuine and warm "Last time I checked – she was playing solitaire on Gramma's computer."

Standing from the table, Tara smiled squeezing her son's shoulder – turning away she headed down to the office. After a moment or two, Abel pocketed the keys and headed to join his mom and the girls in the office. Abel could hear the giggling long before he reached the office door. The women in his family were obviously happy about something. Tara was embracing Amanda in a congratulatory hug. Rachael and Gemma were smiling happily at the two women. "Did I miss something in here?" asked Abel curiously.

Tara turned beaming with the same motherly pride she showed for each of her children. Abel returned the smile, waiting for someone to fill him in. To the right of Tara, Amanda felt all eyes fall on her. Rachael giggled girlishly happy for once that she actually knew something before her big brothers. Both Gemma and Tara smiled indulgently at Rachael, before turning their eyes to Amanda. Nudging the younger woman with a playful elbow near the ribs "you didn't tell him?" she beamed.

Blushing hotly Amanda smiled shyly, before she could answer she saw Jax entering from the garage. A daddy's girl through and through Rachael jumped from the desk chair nearly toppling it over in the rush to reach her dad. Beaming with love and pride, Jax knelt down and scooped up his baby girl. Happy now – Rachael was right where she wanted to be, turning slightly in her daddy's arms Rachael motioned "tell him Mandy!" she chuckled.

Amanda could feel the heated blush returning to her cheeks as all eyes turned to her. "It's really not a big deal guys honest…" she began "I talked with Freddie down at the tattoo parlor and I'm going to be his new apprentice – maybe I'll finally get in the shop experience I need."

Moving around crowded office Abel slung his arm around the shoulders of his best friend; kissing her atop the head – he gave her a firm squeeze pulling her tight against him "that's great news MandaLynn – good for you."

Casting a long glance at his mother Jax lost a moment to a place in his darker past. Pulling his daughter closer with one arm and draping the other around his wife; Jax found himself grateful anew for his happy healthy family. Glancing at his mother once more – he was reminded that sometimes ignorance really is bliss. He was thankful that today Gemma could stand here and simply be happy for the young woman who had so obviously captured the heart of not only his son, but his family as well. She could celebrate the good news with a kind of blissful ignorance; totally unaware that the very tattoo shop Amanda was going to work in was the same place her rapist had met his very quick, violent, and bloody end.

Turning his attention away from his mom he watched the younger couple. He noted that after congratulating Amanda, Abel continued to stand close by with his arm around her. Contemplating Amanda he noted the blush that continued to cover her cheeks. Since the first day she walked into his house trailing along behind Abel, he found himself fond of the young woman. Over the years he had come to think of her as part of the family – one of his own. He knew the long road ahead of them, he prayed fervently that their love and loyalty was enough to see them through.

Noticing an old friend pulling into the lot Gemma excused herself from the office. Jax set Rachael back at the desk, but not before teasing her about becoming TM's number one card shark. Tara turned to Jax and tilted her head just slightly – silently asking him to step into the garage with her for a second.

Following is wife and just out of earshot of the office Tara told Jax that she gave Abel the keys to their old place. "I suggested that it might be the best idea right now," with a small smile Tara continued "besides I cannot have my future granddaughter living at the clubhouse."

"Future granddaughter huh?" Jax laughed kissing his wife he smiled "try future grandson baby – I'm thinking Abel Jackson Teller Jr., AJ for short; has a nice ring to it don't you think?"

Tara caressed her husband's cheek smiling "So" cautiously she began "you're warming to the idea of being grandparents?"

"It's a long road ahead of them, but I love my son – it's as simple as that."

Stepping back into the office Tara and Jax watched Abel and Amanda as they teased Rachael about – well just about everything. Tara giggled cherishing the little moments like this with her family close.

Enjoying the easy family atmosphere Amanda was hesitant to leave. She expected that Katie was waiting for her at home – dying for details. Glancing hastily at the cell phone clipped to the front pocket of her jeans – she almost surprised that her folks hadn't been ringing her phone off the dang hook.

Tara stood squeezed her husband's hand – currently resting across her right shoulder. "You going to be home tonight?"

Pressing Tara a little closer to his body Jax whispered "right now everything is pretty quiet – so yeah as long as things stay that way; I should be done here in a little while."

Resting her head against Jax's shoulder, Tara was relieved that her family would all be home tonight safe and sound under the same roof."

Watching with envy, Amanda prayed that someday she and Abel would share the same easy intimacy. "Hey Rach, see you tomorrow after school?"

Barely looking up from her card game, Rachael laughed and nodded. Amanda shook her head and laughed at the easily distracted young girl. "Thanks again Tara – I really appreciate all you've done."

Stepping across the small office Tara embraced Amanda once more. Whispering to the younger woman "I didn't do anything – this is all about your talent." Stepping back she kissed Amanda's cheek "I'll see you tomorrow then?"

"Tomorrow," Amanda confirmed "I'll pick Rachael up after school – just let me know if you need me to drop off her too."

"If you just pick her up after school that would be great – don't worry about picking her up in the morning," replied Tara.

As Amanda headed for the office door, Abel motioned that he would be right back as he followed out behind her. The two walked in silence across the lot towards the pick-up. As they neared the truck, Amanda dumped her bag in the front seat and turned facing Abel. Watching each other neither was sure of making the first move. Amanda wondered absently when things would move beyond this awkward stage between them. She anxiously just wanted her best friend back. She wanted the man who stayed with her and protected her all those nights while she worried about Dean. She desperately wanted the man who held her like a fragile doll the night she confessed the nightmare that was her life in Tacoma.

Abel noted the way Amanda's eyes tracked across his face. He wondered what was going on behind those big dark brown eyes. He wondered if and when things would ever be 'normal' between them again. Not for the first time he debated the wisdom of asking her to walk through this life with him. Could he really commit to her – ask her to be his ol'lady? Was either of them prepared for the changes that MC life would bring?

Breaking the ice Amanda smirked "Abel I'm curious,"

Knowing that mischievous smirk – Abel questioned cautiously "about what?"

"Your ink," Amanda stated matter of factly.

"You're curious about my tats?"

"Does that surprise you?"

Shaking his head with a smirk "in this life darlin' nothing 'should' surprise me – what about my ink?"

For the second today – in less than two hours to be exact, she surprised him again. Brushing her fingers against his flat stomach – she pulled on the hem of his Reaper t-shirt. Catching a brief glimpse of the small colored tat circling his navel she smiled. Although he would most likely never admit it, Abel felt her light soft touch against his abdomen all the way to the tips of his toes.

Slowly with a tender easy touch he encircled her wrist with his long work roughened fingers sliding her hand back up his chest. Waiting till she opened her fingers and laid the palm of her hand flat over this beating heart – Abel questioned "what're you getting at darlin'?"

Her fingertips moving leisurely against his chest in a very small tight pattern "I'm wondering how many of my other designs you wearing." Amanda noticed a fleeting wonder cross Abel's face – only to be replaced with the same devil may care flirtatious smile she had come to know and love.

Placing his hand atop hers effectively cutting off the slow leisurely movements of her soft gentle fingers "would it bother you if I was sportin' more than one of your designs?"

Blushing hotly Amanda returned his flirtatious smile with her tender easy smile "I didn't say that – now did I? I simply asked a question."

For a long moment neither spoke. Amanda felt her pulse thrumming fast and hot. Until this moment she'd forgotten how much she enjoyed and missed the easy banter they had always shared. "Come on Abel," she teased "it's a simple question. Is that the only one of my designs you wear?"

Releasing her hand from his chest, Abel flashed he a little grin she was sure had won him the heart of more than one crow-eater and/or sweet-butt. Reaching into the pocket of his cut, he pulled out the leather cord he kept for tying back his almost shoulder length blonde hair. Holding the cord between his teeth – he began finger combing his hair back away from his face. He never took his eyes off her face as he quickly used the leather cord to tie his locks up in a nice tight pony tail. Looking into his eyes, Amanda noted the expression on his face was much more intimate than the flirtatious one of just moments before.

Slowly Abel turned with his back to Amanda using his right hand he pulled his pony tail out of the way exposing the back of his neck to her. For the first time she noticed the small Celtic knot with the word faith weaved into the seemingly never ending scroll work of the knot. Touched that he would choose such a personal design of hers to wear Amanda spent several long moments searching for the right words.

Abel stood very still as he felt her warm fingers brush against his exposed skin. He had always meant to tell her about the tat. He thought she would be pleased to know that he carried two of her designs on him always. The touch of her fingers against the back of his neck was the barest whisper and yet he felt them as if they were engaged in full body contact. He waited for her to say something…hell saying anything at this point would be good. The silence was almost too much for him.

Finally Amanda reached for his ponytail pulling it back down along the back of his neck. As he turned once more to face her, he was struck by the pure joy in her eyes. "It's beautiful" she whispered. He smiled at her, gently placing a single finger under her chin he lifted up until her gaze once more met his. "It's good work sure…but it would have been better had you done it yourself."

Amanda felt herself once more blushing hotly under the weight of his intense gaze. 'What are you ten – dammit Amanda what's with the blushing," Annoyed with herself, Amanda was well away that she always wore her heart on her sleeve when it came to Abel.

As she opened the truck door, "I should get going; I promised Katie I would meet her at back at the apartment later this afternoon."

Watching her climb into the truck, Abel made sure the door was shut tight before leaning against it. "Congrats again on your apprenticeship; I know you're going to do great. This is the perfect opportunity for you."

Touching his hand were it lay against the door, Amanda smiled "Thanks for the vote of confidence Abel I appreciate it."

Stepping away from the truck, Abel promised to see her later as he watched her drive away from the TM lot.

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Across town Sophia drove aimlessly with no real destination in mind. She was shocked and appalled at she had over-heard at the café. How could her husband over nearly thirty years do this to their family? Didn't he remember the hell that they went through to get away from that life? Leaving the San Francisco area had been devastating to their young family. They moved three times before finally coming back and settling in Charming. Sophia may have been a naïve young thing when she and Alberto first got together; that was no longer the case. She loved her family desperately she struggled every day to get them safe and alive away from the nightmare that had become San Francisco. Now her husband willingly seeks to return them to that nightmare; just because he disagrees with the life decisions of his grown daughter. "NO" thought Sophia vehemently "this is not happening to me and my girls again."

Pulling in to a small local park, Sophia shut off the car and simply as the seconds ticked by. She watched two young boys skateboarding along the sidewalks. She saw three very small girls on the swing-set with their mother pushing each of them in turn. Blindly she reached across the front seat of the car for the cell phone she had flung earlier to the passage seat. As she held the phone in her hand she debated with herself for several long moments. Alberto had forbidden contact with Romario years ago. He would be livid if he knew that she had faithfully stayed in touch with him over the years. If she did this was she really any better than her husband? As a mother, Sophia loved all of her children equally. She loved her first born – her only son every ounce as much as her girls. Loving him though did not make her oblivious or naïve to his lifestyle or his less than legal activities. She knew placing this call could bring about as much violence if not more than the call her husband had placed earlier. In the end she simply did not care. Her motherly instincts to defend her daughters and their rights to live their lives how they saw fit – out weighed her fear of anything else.

She had not spoken with her son in several weeks. Sophia never doubted how fiercely Romario loved her and his sisters. While he and his father never saw eye to eye, Romario did his best to understand his mother and his sisters loving him; which was more than she could ever say about Alberto. Without another thought, she speed dialed a number she honestly knew by heart.

In an old abandoned warehouse, nearly three hours outside of Charming's city limits a man who saw the errors of ratting on his boss too little too late prayed for death. Almost grateful for the restraints keeping him upright in the old wooden straight back chair. His hands and feet were bound to the arms and legs of the chair. Struggling against his binds had left his wrists a bloody raw mess. It was probably a small mercy that he had lost all feeling in his fingers before his captors began breaking said fingers. His right eye had swelled shut hours ago. His left cheekbone was not merely broke, but certainly felt shattered. He had burns of every shape and size littering both legs, both feet, and some parts of his abdomen. They wanted information – didn't they realize he had told them everything he knew already. He had reached the end of his endurance – at this point he would say whatever they wanted to hear to end his misery. He wasn't sure but he was almost certain that he heard a phone ringing in the distance. He strained to hear the words being spoken. He could hear Romario at some distance away talking softly almost lovingly to whoever had interrupted tonight's festivities. Whatever the reason for the distraction, Jimmy was grateful that Romario was otherwise busy and without direction his lackeys seemed to be enjoying the intermission so to speak.

There was no need for Romario to look at his call id display…this was a ring tone he knew by heart. It had been several weeks if not longer since he had heard this tone. No rat business was worth missing this call. Stepping away from his 'co-workers' and their guest a former employee; Romario found a quiet corner of the warehouse to take the incoming call. "Hello Momma…It's been far too long – how are you?" asked a joyful Romario his voice holding no trace of his most recent activities.

Sophia Maria Mendoza Velez had always been a strong woman. She survived a tumultuous childhood; her mother dying when she was just ten years old – her father always working two or three jobs to support her and siblings. She was a runaway, mother, and wife all by the time she was 17 years old. It was not easy to bring Sophia to tears. Yet the sound of her oldest child's voice on the other end of the line was enough to nearly break her.

As the quiet grew, Romario began to suspect the worst. "Momma are you there? What's happened Momma – is it the girls?"

"Romario," Sophia quietly began "its Maria…I suspect that she will need you here in Charming very soon."

Cursing silently to himself Romario knew with no words that somehow some way his father was involved in whatever was upsetting his dear Mother and his younger sister. Sophia could just imagine the myriad of emotions raging through her son at this moment. He always tried to respect the life his parents had built for his sisters. Just as he always swore to be here for them – if push should ever come to shove. From the sound of his mother's desperate voice he knew instantly that the time for pushing was over.

Briefly Sophia outlined what she had overheard from Alberto. Romario saw red. How could his father be so fucking stupid? This was family business – and as such it should be handled within the family. It should not be handled by him and that bunch of aging fat ass outlaws he used to run with. There was little in this life as important to Romario as his mother and sisters. He almost felt sorry for any man, woman, or child who tried to screw with his family – 'almost.'

Assuring his momma that everything would be fine. "I'm near-by Momma, closer to Charming than you might think. If you need me tonight, I can be there in just a few hours."

Since this whole nightmare began, Sophia felt a multitude of emotions pass through her. She knew that by inviting her son to town she was most likely inviting the same blood shed her husband was. Sophia had lived to see a great many things in her life – some beautiful and awe inspiring – some ugly and horrific. She was not a woman who condoned violence; yet she would do whatever was necessary to protect her daughters and their freedom to live their lives.

In the ensuing silence Romario wondered if his momma had changed her mind about his coming into town. He was not unaware of how difficult much of life had been for her. Her loyalty was a quality that he admired about her. While most of the time he thought his father to be short-sighted, chicken shit, ass; he did his best to understand and respect his mother's wishes. "Momma?" he questioned quietly.

"Yes…Yes Son I am still here" she replied with great emotion lacing her voice. "I don't want you dropping everything – upheaving your life over this Romario."

"Momma" he interrupted "you and my sisters are my life – you know that. Business is just that business. If you need me in Charming tonight – well then nothing is more important to me than that."

"Thank-you Romario, please call me when your close to town."

"I will call you when I reach town Momma. Do not worry – this will all be over soon."

Smiling at the reassurance in her son's voice "I love you baby boy" whispered Sophia tenderly.

"And I you" replied Romario before clicking off.

With new business on his agenda, Romario was motivated anew to conclude all of his old business. Returning across the room, Romario came to stand beside the two young men waiting restlessly near the restrained-chaired older man. While Davy and Tommy were not what anyone would mistake for rocket scientist they had proved useful in the hired muscle department from time to time.

Smiling at the two gentlemen, "I grow bored with this business gentleman. I have certainly more pressing issues to attend. We need to conclude this quietly, quickly, and efficiently." With that said he turned to Davy and Tommy "Once this is finished your free to go, but stay available I may have need for your talents" he smiled looking over the chaired man in the center of the room "at a later time."

Pulling a long blade from its resting place along his hip Romario moved to the chaired man. The weight of long blade was a comfortable reassuring feeling in his left hand. Approaching the chair he did what he did best – he ended the man's life. Wiping the knife blade off on the dying man's shirt sleeve – he turned to the other men and ordered "Burn it all down gentlemen."

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Abel stood in the parking lot toying with the keys he had received moments ago from his mom. Moving Maria into their old place had been a genius idea on her part. It was empty, partially furnished, safe, and close by. He and the club would easily be able to keep an eye on her there. For the first time in days he felt like he was really doing something proactive for his child.

Walking across the lot he went looking for his dad. Finding Jax outside the office with Gramma Gemma Abel smiled. Kissing his gramma along the cheek he asked "Did you and Amanda have a nice chat today?"

Gemma smiled that all knowing smile that only the great Gemma Teller-Morrow could pull off "Just girl-talk baby nothing to worry about."

"Uh huh! Sure gramma whatever you say." Abel agreed knowing better to believe all that. "Listen dad" he continued "if you don't need me around here – I think I'm going to swing by the old place and check things out."

Jax was pleased that Tara had given the keys to Abel. Abel may not believe it, but Jax valued nothing like he valued his family. They were the most important people in his life. In just a short time he had come to love this future grandchild as much as Abel did." He wanted everyone to be safe with as little blood shed as possible. "Sounds good son – just keep your phone on and I'll let you know if anything breaks."

As Abel started for his bike he noted Juice running from the clubhouse – headed straight for them "I just heard back from my source," he reported seriously.