Disclaimer: As always all rights to SOA belong to Kurt Sutter/Sutter Ink
Chapter 25
'So much for going over to the old place,' thought Abel as he turned and headed back towards his dad and Juice. "What does your source say?" questioned Jax as soon as Abel approached. Looking between his president and Abel Juice began to recite what little information he was able to obtain. "Word on the street," he began quickly "is someone at the bottom of the food chain wants to take over mount whitey."
"The Aryans?" questioned Jax.
"Looks like" replied Juice "All my source could say for sure is that appears some young ass punk is trying to claw his way from the bottom to the top."
Sparing a brief glance for his son, Jax pushed on "Did your source give you a name?"
If this life had taught Juice one thing is was to never believe in coincidence "Yeah…Yeah he did!" Juice replied albeit a tad reluctantly.
"Well spit it out Juice," demanded Abel.
Turning his attention fully towards his president Juice uttered one single word "Weston."
Jax felt his world spinning rapidly off its axis. 'First Amanda and the tattoo shop – and now this. What a twisted sick fuck sense of irony fate must have,' thought Jax briefly. "Weston you're source is sure the names Weston?" Jax questioned.
"Yeah…My source is as sure as he can be – the names Weston."
'Cliffie and Duke,' Jax muttered almost inaudibly.
"What?" questioned Abel and Juice at the same time.
Ignoring the question – Jax pushed forward "Juice I need you to get me everything you can on Cliffy and Duke Weston from the time their dad died until today. If they have so much as taken a shit in Charming I wanna know about it – Now!"
"On it Pres," replied Juice before turning to head back to the clubhouse.
Turning to face his dad, Abel asked "Who the hell are Cliffy and Duke Weston?"
"Not now Abel – tonight at church-8pm be there. I promise I will explain everything then. Right now I just need you to trust me – ok son?" Without waiting for a response Jax moved forward – looking at this watch "Have Maria or Philly checked in lately? If this really is the Aryans, we need to keep everyone close."
Unsure what was going on, Abel tapped down the rebellious son inside him that wanted to demand answers; choosing instead to wait for church later tonight. "I'll check in with Philly see what's going on – get back to you when I know something."
Heading into the clubhouse Jax found Juice sitting at the bar; fingers flying furiously across his small laptop. Standing just off to Juice's right Jax clapped the younger man on the shoulder "If this really is the Aryans – I want you to place a call to Tacoma. We may need the extra bodies for guard duty if nothing else. Give them a shout when you finish here – see how many men they can spare. Get them down here right away – no cuts except here at the clubhouse – got it?"
"Got it Prez, let you know as soon as it's done."
Leaving the club house Jax went in search of his wife and daughter. Walking across the lot he spotted them outside Tara's SUV talking with Gemma. Walking towards them he pasted his best smile on face. Scooping up his baby girl he stood holding her tight with his right arm – while snaking the left around his beautiful wife's waist. He first placed a soft kiss along the top of his daughter's head and then one for her mom. Standing silently he listened to his wife and mother make plans for a long over-due "family" dinner. Mom of course wanted to have it at her house just like old times; Tara was suggesting that maybe having it at our house for a change would be nice. It was such a typical – almost mundane conversation and as he stood listening he was actually comforted in some small measure by it all. As the conversation came to a natural conclusion; Jax saw his opening. "Rachael….I think I saw your Uncle Bobby making banana nut bread earlier. Why don't you run back to the clubhouse and see if you can't snatch a piece or two for you and mom before you leave."
Rachael could eat Uncle Bobby's sweet treats until she was sick. Her dad did not have to ask her twice. Wiggling down from his embrace, Rachael raced for the clubhouse with all the joy and innocence only a nine year old girl knows
Jax watched until his daughter was safely inside the clubhouse before turning to face the two women leaning against the truck. Both Gemma and Tara knew the moment Jax sent Rachael to the clubhouse that something was not right. Jax only wore this look when he feared for the safety of his family or his brothers and both women knew it.
The first to speak Gemma demanded "What's going on Jackson?"
Holding his wife a little closer to his side he didn't want to purposely worry either woman. At some point he would have to come clean with Tara; she would have it no other way. Right now however all the needed was for them to be extra cautious until he was certain of what he and his brothers were dealing with.
"I just need both of you to be a little extra cautious the next couple of days that's all." Jax replied calmly. "If you see anything funny – hell something even feels just a little off – let me or one of guys know right away."
Tara moved to look directly into her husbands' clouded blue eyes. "Jax should I be worried about our children?"
Silently Jax debated her question for mere seconds before replying "No baby our children are fine. Abel is safe here with his brothers. Tommy is away at school. Between you and Amanda Rachael is never alone. I just need you both to be extra cautious the next couple of days."
Both women shared a mutual glance. They were both smart enough to know that they were on purpose being left out of the loop. Even after all of these with her son at the head of the table; there will still moments like this when Gemma chaffed at being left out of crucial information. Although frustrating, Tara accepted that her husband could not tell her everything right this very minute. Accepting it and liking it were two totally different things – however.
To satisfy their curiosity, keep them safe, and most of all off his back – Jax knew he had to tell them something. "Listen" he began patiently "I'm probably just over reacting right now – all I'm asking is that you both be a little extra cautious the next few days that's it." Looking across the lot he watched Rachael exit the clubhouse with a small bundle of bread all wrapped up special just for her. His gut twisted in cold dreadful knots when he thought of anything harming his baby girl. Turning back to his mother and wife he asked in deadly serious tone "Think you can do that for me?"
Leaning in Gemma placed her hands along his cheeks looking deep into his eyes "You're worrying me Jackson!" Holding up her hand to ward off the words she knew were coming "Don't worry about me baby – I'll be alright." Kissing his cheek she stepped away, hugging and kissing Tara before making her way to Rachael. "You made sure Uncle Bobby gave you the bigger pieces right peanut?"
Rolling her eyes, Rachael looked down at the bag in her hand "Yes Gramma Gemma!" she sighed.
Kissing her granddaughter on the cheek, Gemma gave her a tight quick hug "Good girl" she whispered before heading back to the office.
Jax stood silently watching as his wife and daughter both hugged him good-bye and climbed into the front seat of his wife dark blue SUV. Leaning into the open driver's side window, Jax kissed his wife tenderly. "I love you" he whispered softly. As they kissed again briefly for a second time – Rachael watched on while rolling her eyes and moaning in mock horror and disgust. Following in the foot-steps of both of her older brothers "Awww – Mom Dad really…get a room!" squeaked out a laughing blushing Rachael.
Laughing Tara playfully tugged on Jax's cut "See what happens when your daughter come's to visit TM?"
Returning his wife's genuine laugh, "Oh no don't blame this on TM. This is what happens when your daughter spends too much time with your sons!"
Tugging on his cut – pulling him closer to the window Tara gave her husband one last sweet gentle kiss. "Just remember your family loves you baby – hurry home."
Stepping away from the truck, Jax smiles snapping his wife a mock salute "Yes ma'am!" he respond's briskly.
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Meanwhile inside the clubhouse Abel sat on the bed alone inside his dorm room. He had dialed Maria's cell phone three times in the last twenty minutes – all calls going to voice mail. Frustrated beyond measure with her; cursing himself a fool he grabs his phone and dials Philly.
Standing amid the chaos and destruction that is Maria's living room, Philly is both relieved and stressed when he realizes that it's Abel calling him. Gesturing that he has to take this call – Philly heads to the relative privacy of the front porch. "Hey Boss," answers a both nervous and relived Philly "What's going on?"
"What's going on?" repeated a seriously agitated Abel, "Why don't you tell me 'what's going on? Why don't you start with where you're at?' Abel intones with an eerie calm.
If Philly wasn't grateful that Abel was on the phone and not standing right there in front of him before he damn sure is now. "We're over at Maria's place – she's inside picking through things." Philly answers honestly.
"What the hell Philly! I thought you understood – take her to the café, wait while she has lunch with her folks, and then bring her straight back to TM. What part of that was so hard to follow?" Abel asks with cold deceptive calm.
"Uh – well Maria said she needed some things from her place. I didn't think it would hurt if we stopped by here for just a few minutes. I was going to bring her straight back to the clubhouse in just a few minutes."
Abel scrubbed his hand across his face and through his hair. "Philly I don't care if you have to hogtie her ass – you and Maria need to get back to TM."
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As Amanda parks the pick-up she is grateful to see Katie unlocking the front door and heading into their apartment. Smiling Amanda realizes that Abel will always be her very best friend – she is definitely looking forward to good old-fashion girl talk. Locking up the truck, Amanda quickly heads into the apartment. Walking in the front door, she's oddly comforted by the familiar sights, sounds, and smells; for better or worse this is home now.
She wonders to the kitchen doorway watching Kate put away a small bag of various groceries. "Hey roomie," greats Katie warmly "I was wondering when you would get home!" Reaching into the fridge, Katie produces two beers; handing one to Amanda and keeping the second she smirks "So come on roomie spill – what's going on? Between your parents, the cops, and Abel I'm beginning to feel like I need a score card to keep track of the players," she jokes twistedly.
Giggling "you're not the only one," murmurs Amanda.
Moving into the living room both women take a seat on the sofa facing one another. Amanda struggles with where to begin. Taking a deep breath, face glowing with happiness "I got the job at the tattoo shop," exclaims Amanda simply beaming with joy and excitement.
Reaching across the sofa Katie wraps Amanda into a big loving hug. "That's the best news I've heard all day. See Amanda, I told you had talent. When do you start?"
"He said that I could start tomorrow!"
Katie laughs soft and gentle "good for you Amanda – good for you. Does Abel know about the job? Are you still going to help out with Rachael?"
"Yeah I talked to Abel a little while ago over at TM. He seems really happy for me and yes I'm going to continue picking Rachael up after school."
"How are things between you and Abel? What did he say about the job?" questioned Katie gently.
Amanda sighed setting her bottle down on the coffee table, "Believe it or not I had an interesting chat with Gemma over at TM earlier today."
"You talked to Gemma!" Katie chokes and sputters – having swallowed her beer down the wrong way – upon hearing the news.
"Yeah apparently she's not to found of the mother-to-be. She thinks I should fight for Abel."
Giggling like a school girl "Hell Amanda, anyone with two eyes and half a brain can see the way you two circle each other – Damn straight you should fight for him," replies Kate with love and enthusiasm.
Smiling almost shyly Amanda's laugh is soft and bittersweet "I appreciate the vote of confidence Kate – I really do…"
"But?" asks Kate knowing her roommate well enough to know that there is a huge but in there somewhere.
"But, Maria is the mother of his unborn child. Maybe if I stepped out of the way, they could be a family."
Before either woman could finish their next thought – there came a hard knock at the front door. Although it wasn't late, Amanda checked her watch, surprised that they had company. "Probably or your brother or sister," Amanda offered in passing as she headed for the door. Kate laughed "maybe Ellie, but Kenny still owes me twenty bucks – little weasel."
Expecting one of Kate's family, Amanda opens the door without a worry in the in the world. She is slightly taken aback when it's not Ellie, Kenny, or Opie standing there but a six foot tall dark haired man in a well-worn suit.
"I hope I'm not interrupting Ms. Stevens," commented the average – if rather tall man leaning casually against the door frame.
"Excuse me" replied Amanda politely "do I know you?" she questioned with equal parts politeness and caution.
Cautiously he reached inside his jacket, noting the guarded wary look haunting the young woman's face, the man smiled "Just my id," he smiled holding out his police identification for her to review. "I really should introduce myself – I'm detective Chris Kirk. We spoke earlier by phone regarding your ex-boyfriend Dean."
Detective Kirk couldn't help but notice the very visible emotions crossing the young woman's face; confusion warred with something akin to caution with an ounce of possible fear. What Kirk wondered did this young woman have to fear? "I'm sorry Detective; I didn't realize you were here in Charming. I really don't know what more I can add to our earlier conversation."
"No…No I understand Ms. Stevens I'm not trying to pressure you at all. I'm going to be in the area handling an unrelated matter for the next few days." Reaching for his wallet he removed a small white business card. "Let me give you my card – if you should think of anything else or if your ex tries to contact you just let me know."
Quickly taking the card Amanda forced a small tight smile across her face. "I really don't think I can be of further assistance detective. I told you everything I know earlier."
"Keep the card – you know just in case you think of anything else, Ms. Stevens." Stepping away from the front door detective Kirk turned slightly smiling "you have a good evening now Ms. Stevens."
"You as well detective," murmured Amanda as she turned to close the door.
Turning back towards the door Detective Kirk questioned "Oh one last thing Ms. Stevens, I spoke with the local PD earlier today. I noted that you were run off the road recently. Any idea who would do such a thing to you?"
With calm she certainly did not feel Amanda replied with a calm even tone "As I told the police at the time of the accident – I have no idea."
"Well I'm glad that you have obviously recovered from your accident." Turning once more from the door "You have a very good evening Ms. Stevens – good-night."
Quickly closing the door, Amanda slumped against it. Drawing her first deep breath since answering the door, she tried to gather her scattered thoughts. Her first thought was calling Abel. 'Calm down Amanda – take a deep breath!'
"Hey Amanda!" called Katie "Who was at the door?"
Taking one last deep cleansing breath Amanda stepped away from the door. "Detective Kirk," Amanda answered quietly.
"Oh my God" exclaimed Katie anxiously "I thought he was in Tacoma. What's he doing in Charming?"
"I thought he was in Tacoma too. He said that he wanted to drop by and introduce himself." Flashing Katie the business card, she continued "gave me his card. Said if I think of anything else – to just give him a call."
"Did he come all the way to Charming to look for your asshole ex?" questioned Katie.
Shaking her head "No" Amanda began "he said that he was here in the area due to an unrelated matter."
Noting her roommates less than happy expression Katie handed Amanda a second beer "Don't worry about him Amanda. You told him everything you know about Dean earlier right? I'm sure he's just doing his job – being careful and all."
Moving away from the door, Amanda accepted the beer nodding "I'm sure your right." In the back of her mind she struggled to sort out her feelings; while worrying about telling Abel.
"I'm gonna heat up some of that left over pizza in the frig – you want some?" asked Katie.
"Sure – sounds good" Amanda murmured reaching for her purse; digging around for her cell phone. Watching Katie move back to the kitchen Amanda texted Abel. 'U were right Dect. Kirk is here N Charming. Just stopped 2 chat. He makes me nervous I don't trust him.' Pushing send Amanda immediately felt marginally better.
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Sitting and patiently waiting was not Abel's strong suit; too much damn SAMCRO in his blood. If Philly and Maria didn't get back their collective asses back to TM soon; he was going to go and drag them back himself. Irritated Abel stood from the bed and wandered around the room. Reluctantly he reached for his journal. Sitting against the head board he stared down at the small leather bound book. 'What the hell am I doing? I should be out there doing something; kicking down doors, kicking in teeth, most importantly getting answers.' He thought angrily. Yanking open the cover of his journal he stared down at the words he had previously written. Re-reading his own words Abel attempted to lose himself in his thoughts." Seconds later he heard the tell-tale beep of his cell announcing an incoming text message. Snapping up his phone, Abel checked his messages, 'U were right Dect. Kirk is here N Charming. Just stopped 2 chat. He makes me nervous I don't trust him.'
Reading the message for the second and then third time did nothing to change the way Abel felt. He could hear the written words running through his mind in that soft tone Amanda always had anytime they talked. Shaking his head he looked heavenward, God knows he couldn't be happier to have Amanda back in his life; but hell did he really need 'All' this grief right now? Hearing voices from the barroom he stood from the bed punching out a quick reply 'no worries darlin' I got this this C U soon.' Pressing send he made his way to the barroom. Standing at the head of the hallway he noticed Philly and Maria slowly entering the room.
Watching Maria walk safely into the room; he wondered how his parents survived this kind of worry not once but three times 'Damn' he thought absently.
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A few short hours after placing the call to her oldest child Sophia Velez stood in the kitchen of her café watching her two oldest daughters from the small kitchen window. Her children really were her pride and joy. Sophia knew she and Alberto had not done much right in this life, but she was proud of the women her daughters had become. Watching Delia and Carmen, she worried about the wisdom of calling her son into town. The girls had not actually seen their brother in at least two years – if not longer. Despite her worries, time, and distance, she held onto her deep faith that her girls would be safe and protected from harm. Turning slowly away from the window, she was reaching for her large mixing pot when she heard Delia squealing in obviously glee.
Dropping her dish cloth on the counter, Sophia made her way out of the café. Standing just inside the door she watched the large black Cadillac as it pulled to a stop near the middle of the lot. A very large man wearing dark sunglasses and even dark clothing stepped from the front of the car. The large man stepped guardedly from the front of the car surveying the parking lot. He was obviously looking for something; what exactly Sophia could not say. Standing silently Sophia gasped as she watched the sole passenger of the Cadillac step from the car. The man unfolded his six foot frame from the car, his shoulder length midnight black hair tied back from his face. His choice of clothing reflected his expensive but casual taste. He wore an expensive pair of dark wash denim, a stark white cotton shirt, topped with a very deep black jacket and expensive loafers. Deliberately he removed his sunglasses – hanging them casually from a belt loop near his right front pocket. Turning nonchalantly he faced his sisters.
"OH MY GOD!" exclaimed Delia "Romario what are you doing here?" She demanded as she launched herself into his waiting arms. Standing back Carmen watched the scene unfold between her brother and sister. She felt the smile breaking wide across her face; whether from joy, shock, or both she couldn't say. As Romario released Delia, he turned his thousand watt smile on Carmen. Carmen prided herself on being more reserved than her two sisters, but standing there watching her brother – her hero, a man she had not seen in over two years she whooped with pure joy and raced into his waiting arms.
Romario laughed with a pure joyful abandon that had become very rare in his life. He couldn't believe that it had been two years or more since he had seen his family. In that time he had forgotten how carefree and young they could make him feel. Both girls crowded in next to him; Carmen standing to his left – Delia to his right. The girls' curious obviously happy questions hit him in a rapid fire rhythm. Laughing in delight, Romario struggled to work a word in edge wise. Finally he wrapped an arm around both of them and pulled them close. "Hey-Hey slow down, I've discovered a little business that will keep me in Charming for at least a little while."
Carmen and Delia giggled with delight. Delia questioned "How long will you be in town for, Romario?"
Romario shook his head "I don't for sure," he replied honestly – shaking his head "As long as it takes to clear up a little business." Looking across the way Romario noticed his mother standing in the doorway watching her three oldest children with such deep love in her beautiful dark eyes. Smiling at his mother; he turned to each sister in tune "We have all the time we need to get caught up – I promise. Right now however I need to speak to Momma and Poppa.
A man would have to be blind not to notice the immediate dread that flittered across both women's eyes at the mere mention of Poppa's name. Smiling at both women with such joy in his eyes Ladies…Ladies please it will be fine I promise…I just have a little catching up to do. Releasing his sisters he made his way to the short stair case leading into the café. "Momma" he whispered extending his right hand to her. After a long silent emotion jammed silence, Sophia like her girls before her raced into the waiting arms of her first born only son.
Wrapping her arms around her son, Sophia squeezed him tight. They both noted her tears as she continued to hold him tight. Pulling back from her slightly the young man smiled "No tears momma please; no tears not this time."
Sophia beamed into her son's handsome chiseled features. "What about you're Poppa, Romario? For the sake of the girls I can't have any fighting. They love you both equally – fighting now would destroy them."
Squeezing his momma tight once more, Romario whispered "no fighting momma – you have my word." Stepping back he asked his momma to give him and Poppa a moment alone inside the restaurant. Sophia nodded her ascent and moved aside to stand with her girls; as her son and his companion Luis made their way inside the café.
Neither man was aware that Alberto had been watching the whole scene from the front window of the café. 'What the hell is that bastard child doing here?' wondered Alberto idly. As he watched the scene in the parking lot unfold; he assumed his wife must have contacted 'her' son. Alberto watched with mixed emotions filling him instantly. This man was his son, why couldn't he be happy to see him? When had he stopped thinking of him as son and more the damn bastard? Reaching behind him he felt carefully for the nine millimeter safely tucked into the back of his causal denim. Dropping his hands to his sides he watched as his son entered the restaurant and came to stop across the room from him.
"Romario Alberto it has been a long time. To what do we owe the honor?" greeted Alberto with false joy.
Coming to stand within a few feet of his Poppa Romario smiled 'two can play this game,' he thought almost viciously. "Can't a man simply stop in to see his family?" questioned Romario with an innocence that rang false even to his own ears.
"You're not just any man Romario. You don't just 'drop' in on your family. Tell me, did your mother phone you?"
"You know that momma and I speak by phone often. Has something happened that I should know about?" The last question crossed Romario's lips with an air of innocent guile that he almost believed himself.
"Please Romario your mother and sisters may believe that innocence you spoon feed them – I know better," replied Alberto with ruthless anger.
Continuing the charade, Romario spread his hands wide palm up "Whatever do you mean Poppa."
Unsure of this bastard's game Alberto quickly reached for the gun tucked safely at his back. Pulling the weapon he pointed it directly at son's chest. "I don't know what game you're playing at son but, I think it's time you made your good-byes and left now."
Laughing cruelly Romario moved closer to his Poppa "What man pulls a gun on his son simply for visiting?" he questioned with false sincerity; before Alberto could respond he Romario pressed on. "A man perhaps who has something to hide?" he wondered aloud idly. "Perhaps this man has hurt one of his precious daughters; one of the very daughters he swore he would always protect." Watching his father intently Romario smiled "Could that be it Poppa? Do you think that's what has happened?"
Alberto stood shaking with rage and fear his gun still pointed at his son's heart "I think it's time you leave now boy."
Romario noted his companion Luis making his way silently unnoticed to his father's right side. Within seconds Luis had his own nine millimeter pressed to Alberto's temple. "Drop your gun Poppa, I would hate for this little reunion to upset the ladies outside."
From the corner of his eye Alberto noted the younger, larger, beefier man standing to the right with his gun pressed firmly against his temple. Without a word he silently lowered his weapon – laying it on the nearest dining table.
Rubbing his hand together in childish glee "wise decision Poppa – very wise" murmured a smiling devilishly Romario. Taking a moment to wander the room, Romario turned after a moment and began again "I hear you've made some foolish decisions of recent Poppa. Why would you do this – she is your little girl – surely you only want her happiness?"
Alberto sneered at his son "You are nothing more than a criminal bastard – a mistake Romario. You know nothing about your sisters or their happiness."
Moving with an eerie calm Romario made his way to stand right in front of his 'darling Poppa.' Picking up his Poppa's discarded weapon he carefully toyed with it while murmuring "I thought you understood Poppa. I'm the man who will kill you should anything happen to threaten even one drop of my sisters happiness. Do we understand each other now?"
A/N: I apologize for taking so long to get this chapter posted. This has been a very challenging chapter for me to complete. I hope that you all enjoy it – please as always read and review. Special thank you to Micheal the Archangel, LonePalm, and Saderia for all of their wonderful reviews and comments. You guys are simply the best. Hopefully the next chapter will be up sooner than this; hopefully with a little more love and happiness. Take care care till then xxooxx OZ