Chapter 27

Disclaimer: As always, I own nothing associated with Sons of Anarchy. All rights belong to the genius of Kurt Sutter. I own only my OC's.

Amanda watched Abel tear down the driveway – in a flash he and his bike were racing down the street after the infamous white van. Glancing cautiously up and down the now quiet street, Amanda hurriedly shut the door – locking it behind her. Pressing her back, to the door she slid silently to the floor.

"What's wrong Amanda?" asked Rachael. Amanda stared at Rachael for long silent moment, noting to herself just how young and wide eyed Rachael really looked. Holding out a hand, Amanda pulled the young girl closer. Patting the floor next to her – she motioned for Rachael to sit down. Putting her arm around Rachael's shoulders, she sighed "Nothing sweet pea – I'm just a little 'bout your brother is all."

Rachael smiled, a wise beyond her years light filling her wide bright eyes. "I'm glad you came home Manda," she began - using Abel's favorite nickname she continued "I think he needs you."

Amanda found herself smiling as she pulled Rachael closer kissing the top of her head "I hope so rug-rat, I certainly hope so. Listen why don't you go grab what's left of your homework. Bring it out here and I will help you finish it up. Then will go get something special started for dinner – Whadda ya say?"

Nodding her agreement, Rachael scrambled up off the floor and tore off down the hallway. As she watched Rachael head into her room; Amanda dug her cell phone from her pocket and dialed Jax. When she got no answer on his cell she hurriedly dialed T-M.

Two rings later and Gemma answered "Teller-Morrow Automotive."

"Hi Gemma its Amanda, is Jax or Opie around?"

"Yeah baby, is everything ok?"

"No – no Gemma," Amanda murmured "everything's fine, I just really need to run something by Jax or Opie if there around."

"Ok baby – just a second" replied Gemma. Laying the phone on the office desk, Gemma stuck her head into the garage, finding Jax and Opie one with his head under the hood of a ninety-two pickup and the other slid up under a two thousand eight Cadillac. "Jax – Op, I got Amanda on the office phone asking for one of you." Sliding out from under the Caddy, Jax wiped his hands off on an old shop rag. "Tell her I'll call her right back from my cell, he instructed, shouting a "Thanks Ma!" as he dug his phone from his pocket.

Within thirty seconds he heard the phone ring once, twice, as Amanda quickly answered "Jax!" she quickly exclaimed.

"Yeah darlin' what's up?" he asked conversationally.

"Jax its Abel, there was a white van parked just down the street from your house Rachael saw it and Abel went after them." She spoke in a rush – getting everything out in one fast rushed breath.

"Sonvaofbitch!" murmured Jax quickly drawing Opie's attention. "How long ago did he leave?"

"Not long less than five minutes I guess – Jax I'm a little worried. He told me to stay put, lock-up, call you, and wait for SAMCRO."

"Listen darlin'" he began with a fatherly patience he wasn't feeling at the moment, "nothing to worry about ok – I'm sure it's fine. Just in case though I'm sending Bobby and Juice to the house they should be there in less than twenty minutes ok?"

"Ok, we'll be here" replied Amanda feeling slightly better that she and Rachael wouldn't be alone.

Quickly disconnecting Jax turned to Opie. Opie nodded "What's going on brother?"

As they made their way across the garage to the clubhouse Jax filled him in on what Amanda had just told him. "I'm going to send Bobby and Juice to my house; while you, me, and Chibbs go after my son and the freaks that were watching my house."

As they entered the clubhouse, they were greeted by the sound of laughter and the good natured ribbing that was just a fact of SAMCRO life. Looking towards the kitchen, Jax yelled "Bobby you in there? Get your ass out here I need you!" Chibbs and Juice who had been clowning at the bar knew instantly that something wasn't right with their President or the VP. Juice piped up "What's going on Prez?"

As Bobby entered the room Jax began "Bobby I need you and Juice to go over to my house and stay with Amanda and Rachael till I get there." He continued on filling them in on what Amanda had said just as he had Opie only minutes before. "I don't want Rachael freaked out by this – so keep things as low key as possible. If you see anything weird call me right away. As for Opie, Chibbs, and I were going to try and find my son – make sure he doesn't get his ass killed."

With their marching orders in hand the brothers left the clubhouse heading for the parking lot and their bikes. Bobby and Juice headed out immediately towards Jax and Tara's place. Opie questioned Jax "Where do you wanna start looking – they have a big head start on us and were not even sure which way their headed."

Jerking his cell from the pocket of his cut, Jax dialed his son. After several long rings, Jax was certain that voice mail was going to pick up. "Damn Kid!" he all but screamed as he received no answer. Opie shook his head, "He's probably on the free-way – can't get to his phone. He will call Jax."

Jax looked at his VP, grateful to have his oldest and best friend standing beside him at times like these. "Damn kid needs to learn to think before he acts. He can't spend his life running off half – cocked all the time."

Opie laughed deep and rugged, "Yeah because we have been such good role models – teaching Abel the safe and steady rode. We never ran off half-cocked when we were his age. I just can't see where the kid gets it from," he finished in as little a sarcastic tone as he could manage.

Jax smirked drawing back he slugged Opie in the shoulder in an almost playful brotherly gesture "Fuck-you Opie!" he smiled. "He's my son – man I want him to be smarter than I was. I hate seeing him make the same mistakes."

"I feel the same way about Kenny and the girls. I get what you're saying Jax, I do. He's a good kid Jax, maybe a little too much like his ol'man but he's got enough Tara in him to balance him out."

"Whattya saying man – you think Tara's my better half?"

Opie smirked wide and broad "Well" he hedged a little.

Jax laughed "You would be right that about," he laughed.

Jax was grateful to Opie for bringing a little levity to an already tense situation. He needed to help his son, but until he could get a fix on his location he would just be driving blind. He hated the feeling of useless frustration that washed through him. He'd fought his entire adult life to keep that boy safe, he would be damned if he would let anything happen to him now. Reaching for his phone he dialed Amanda back.

The loud ring of her cell phone startled Amanda – seeing that it was Jax made her stomach almost fall through the floor. She was more worried about Abel than she had told Rachael or Bobby and Juice. "Hi Jax," she answered immediately.

"Hey darlin' just checking up on you. Bobby and Juice get there ok?"

"Yeah their here, Bobby's gonna help Rachael and I make dinner. Juice is a little freaked about being the master chief's top assistant."

Jax laughed small and quiet. "That's good; I don't Rachael worried about what's going on. She's too young to really understand all of this."

"I agree" Amanda confirmed, "She's fine Jax – I think she's just enjoying having her uncles in the house giving her their undivided attention." She smiled as she watched the three of them in the kitchen gathering pans and ingredients for what promised to be a very interesting meal if nothing else. "Jax" Amanda began worry filling her voice.

Jax interrupted before she could put a voice to her worries. "I don't know anything about Abel just yet Amanda but as soon as I do I will call you I swear"

"Thanks Jax – I know you will, you guys be, careful ok."

"Yes ma'am" replied Jax before disconnecting.

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Cruising down the highway, relief came quickly as he felt his cell phone vibrating in the pocket of his cut; Amanda had obviously reached his dad and SAMCRO. SAMCRO would make sure that Rachael and Amanda were safe. Weaving in and out of traffic, Abel struggled to stay on top of the old white van. As he tailed the unknown drivers, images of Amanda whispered through his mind. What had possessed him to say 'I love you.' Sure it was true – hell it had been true for years now, but was telling her now really the wisest damn decision he could have made? Forcibly pushing Amanda and his untimely confessions from his mind he set back to concentrating on keeping the van in sight. He knew they couldn't stay on the free-way forever when they finally exited he would phone SAMCRO.

After another ten minutes or so he began to question his earlier thoughts – wondering if and when they would exit the free-way. Just then they began to weave dangerously in and out of traffic – finally exiting the free-way. At least three cars behind them, Abel struggled to make it to the exit before losing them. As he finally approached the exit he could he see the van up ahead of him making a fast right turn off the ramp. For precious seconds he lost sight of the van; it was then that he heard the horrific screeching sound of tires and crushing metal. As he rounded the corner he realized the van had crashed into the back of a black and purple van. As he slowly made his way past the accident scene he realized the black van sported a niner tag. "Holy Shit – whitey and the niner's – time for me to get my ass outta Oakland." He continued on past the scene of accident – passing a county patrol car obviously on the way to the scene.

Watching from a safe distance, Romario laughed. "I just do not know about this young man Phoenix."

The man simply known as Phoenix smirked slightly as his long-time friend and employer. "Not a great deal of common sense racing into Oakland without any visible SAMCRO for backup."

Nodding in agreement Romario looking out the window he muttered "Well as distasteful as I find it, I guess we are his back-up for the time being."

Never having any biological family to speak of Phoenix didn't fully understand Romario's devotion to his mother or sisters. Romario was the closest thing to family Phoenix would ever have – for that alone he would follow him into hell and back if need be. So despite his misgivings he simply nodded in agreement – silent back-up for a man he deemed an arrogant, punk-ass, redneck biker boy. As they continued to tail the young man Phoenix quickly realized that they were not Abel's only tail. Motioning towards the street, he pointed out the two large men on motorcycles also tailing young SAMCRO. "Romario" he began hesitantly "it would seem that we are not the only company young Mr. Teller has acquired."

Gazing out the window Romario noted two members of the One-Niners closing in on Abel. "Son-of-a-bitch" he cursed with much vehemence. Reaching for his cell phone "I'm probably going to regret this" he muttered angrily. Dialing the number in haste he waited impatiently for someone to pick up. Before the second ring was complete a gruff irritated "Yeah" came barking over the phone line. "SAMCRO needs to get its ass to Oakland – corner of Fifth and Garden. Something tells me the One-Niners aren't planning a welcoming party for the crown prince." Without waiting for a reply, Romario disconnected – angrily tossing the phone on to the seat beside him.

Jax stood unnaturally still – the soundless phone confirming he had indeed been hung up on. Noting the unusual expression, Opie questioned "Was that Abel?" Shaking his head no – "Whoever it was – said Abel's in Oakland about to be facing trouble with the Niner's."

"What a minute!" questioned Opie "You don't know who that was on the phone?"

"Not a damn clue" Jax answered with serious frustration "sounded like a possible Mexican accent but I can't be sure," he muttered turning to race off towards his bike.

Grabbing his arm Opie pulled him to a stop "wait a minute Jax – you don't know who called you or why this could be a set-up. You just can't run off to Oakland unprepared." Tig and Chibbs chimed in agreeing with their VP.

Shaking loose of Opie, Jax continued towards his bike "Dammit! I know it could be a set-up, but this is my fucking kid were talking about here; I have to go."

Concerned no man among them would let their president ride alone. Jax appreciated their obvious concern and support, but he questioned the wisdom of leaving the clubhouse with all of them headed to Oakland – just in case this really was set up. "Appreciate it really, but Opie stay here with Tig in case this is a set up. Chibbs you're with me to Oakland." With that settled Jax and Chibbs were off and running to Oakland.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~SOA SOA SOA SOA SOA SOA SOA SOA~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Watching the scene before him unfold, Romario was struck with another thought "Maria." Reaching for the phone he had just moments prior carelessly discarded he dialed his youngest sister. Unsure if she was at work – he hoped that she would answer quickly. Romario's frustration grew as it became clear that she was not going to answer the phone. As the voice message ended, he sighed, running agitated fingers through his now shorter locks. "Maria you need to take yourself over to Teller-Morrow and stay there. I suspect that young Mr. Teller will need you very shortly. Oh! Make sure you take your little SAMCRO watchdog along with you. Be. Safe. I love you little sister – we will talk soon." Romario could imagine the questions his baby sister would have. He knew that she would want and deserve answers but right now he had more important things to attend to. He continued to watch as Abel did his best to outrun the two niner's who were currently tailing him. As Abel rounded the nearest corner, Romario wondered if he had not cut the corner to sharp. "If he loses control of that bike – they have him," muttered Romario in frustration. Phoenix wisely said nothing, keeping his eyes focused on the scene unfolding in front of them. Phoenix's loyalty to Romario ran soul deep, that didn't mean had to truly care about the life or the death of a piss-ant redneck biker boy.

As he rounded the corner, Abel was grateful that he and the bike were still upright and traveling away from his unwanted visitors. He knew that he was demanding a lot from his bike, but it was better than the niner's demanding a lot from him. Not for the first time in the last fifteen minutes, Abel cursed himself a damn fool. It was pure asinine stupid for him to have chased that red-neck ass van blind; and into Oakland no less – What the Fuck!" Chasing that van had not only been stupid – he now realized it could be suicidal as well. His blind raging desire to protect his own could possibly get his ass killed any minute now.

As he sharply rounded the corner, all thoughts of out-running the niners fled. Instantly he knew that he was about to lose control of his bike. He cursed long and loud as he felt himself slide across the pavement. Getting to his feet, he moved to get the bike upright. Ignoring the sting of what was surely road rash and a multitude of other aches and pains; he attempted to start his bike. Thankfully the bike started on the second try; only to realize that he was surrounded by niners. Slowly climbing off the bike he smiled slow and lazy with a hint of Teller cockiness shining through "Hey fellas, what's going on?" he asked.

"Dammit" cursed Romario "Can SAMCRO do nothing right?" Slamming his first against the seat he muttered not for the first time "Damn little piss-ant is going to get himself killed." Watching the scene unfold Phoenix wisely kept his thoughts to himself. Romario was not shy about asking his closest confident for his council when the situation warranted it, but Phoenix knew this was not such a situation. Romario would what he saw necessary to protect this arrogant red-neck and Phoenix; well Phoenix would do what he saw necessary to protect Romario. Phoenix accepted that the two goals did not have to be mutually exclusive.

For his trouble Abel immediately two hard rights to the gut. Standing Abel forced a smile "Thanks for the warm welcome fellas. I mean really falling off my bike didn't make me feel bad enough. It's nice to see you care." He finished just as a third and fourth blow were delivered to his gut.

Wade emerged from the small gathering of niners. Standing roughly six foot tall, broad shouldered, muscular, intensely flashing dark eyes, and completely bald; Wade was by society standards both handsome and scary intimidating all at the same time.

Although Abel and Wade had only met on one maybe two occasions, Abel knew the story. Wade had risen from the niner ranks after his older brother Leroy had been arrested. Last Abel had heard Leroy was still serving time in Stockton and Wade was running a much leaner harder one-niners crew.

Across the street Romario continued to watch with twisted fascination. "Manners….Manners gentlemen, No need to handle your differences in the middle of the street like common dogs. Where is the creativity or imagination in that?" He asked the question purely rhetorically. Within seconds the niners moved their business inside the small bar at the corner. Romario had never had the pleasure of being a customer at what he was sure was a fine establishment. He knew the bar's reputation as being the niners unofficial headquarters for day to day activities.

Phoenix watched as Abel was rather unceremoniously escorted inside the bar. Phoenix wasn't a man taken to prayer, but if he were, he would be praying that SAMCRO hurry their asses up. As he caught a glimpse of himself in the rear-view mirror he silently sighed rolling his eyes. If SAMCRO didn't arrive soon he would be forced to follow Romario into that damn bar and save that biker bastard's punk ass. As 'rescues' went; Phoenix saw little hope that this one would not become a bloody damn nightmare. "Blood will never come out of this jacket," thought Phoenix as he brushed what was surely non-existent lint from his jacket. "Blood is hell on three-hundred dollar white leather, thought Phoenix crankily.

As if psychic, Romario clasped the older man on the shoulder "No worries my brother – no blood shed today you have my word." Admiring the obviously new leather jacket he smiled "We wouldn't to ruin your new jacket would we?" Phoenix merely eyed Romario warily. Before further comment could be made, both turned at the familiar sound of motorcycles racing towards their current location. "It's about damn time SAMCRO drug their asses to the party!"

Smiling a twisted little grin "better late than never" quipped Phoenix.

Sparing his second in command the briefest of glances Romario returned his attention to SAMCRO as they slowed to a stop in front of where Abel's bike was currently haphazardly parked. As Jax moved towards the bike he heard his cell phone begin to ring. "Yeah" he barked with gruff annoyance.

"Well…Well…Well…Nice to see SAMCRO finally made it to Oakland. I'm guessing you boys are here to fetch your stray dog….am I right?" asked Wade with the arrogance born of his position with the niners.

"What the fuck do you know about this Wade?" replied Jax angrily. Hearing Jax's word's Chibbs

Immediately grew concerned. He was already on the offensive – more so now if that were even possible. He watched his surroundings as he listened to Jax continue to speak. After a short time, Jax quickly hung up the phone and shoved the phone back into pocket – muttering something about the fucking yellow pages and punk ass bangers having his number. Chibbs smirked at his president as he fell in step beside him. "Abel's around the corner with Wade at their bar. We've been invited up for a little chat," Jax relayed the information as they walked steadily towards the bar. Entering the bar, they could see Abel sitting at a back table with niners seated on either side of him. Wade stood off the left more center of the room pacing in a lazy unhurried fashion.

As they approached the table, Jax was grateful to see his soon alive and well whole for the most part. Surveying his face, Jax took in the obvious shot to the right eye already beginning to swell, the split lip, and the minor cut along the left cheek. "Well" thought Jax fleetingly "crow-eaters love a man with battle scars."

Without a word to his son Jax saved his initial comments for Wade "Why don't you save us some time here Wade and cut Abel loose. SAMCRO's business here in Oaktown had nothing to do with the Niners."

Wade smirked "That's what we heard from your boy over there, but the fact is his racing into

Oakland the way he did causing that accident between us and those red-necks well that interfered with a very important deal the Niners were involved in."

"This is taking far too long" Romario mumbled more to himself than Phoenix. "I'm not surprised, Damn Wade wanting to prove the size of his big brass one's to the boys of SAMCRO." Absently he looked towards his phone, decision made he dialed an old acquaintance. 'Damon Pope' an acquaintance he usually found most distasteful and typically avoided. As the phone rang, Romario found himself plastering a big welcoming if not wholly false smile across his face. "Hello Damon, Romario Velez here…Yes…Yes it has been a long time." After a few minutes of settle small talk – he began "Damon it seems that Wade and some of his associates are holding Abel Teller down at the bar at Fifth and Garden. I think it would be in everyone's best interest if they returned the young man to SAMCRO without further harm don't you?"

Damon chuckled "Yes old friend, I am aware of the situation between my men and young Mr. Teller, but I am unsure how releasing him is in the best interest of everyone involved. His reckless actions earlier today – have caused a number of issues for my associates and me. Not to mention SAMCRO's agreement to stay out of Oaktown and Niner business."

"I certainly understand your position Damon – really I do. However, I would certainly think that whatever transaction Teller interrupted earlier…well it's not enough to warrant jeopardizing the niners other more lucrative dealings."

"Just what the hell are you getting at Velez?" demanded a suddenly leary if somewhat angry

Pope.

Chuckling idly "I think you know very well what I am saying Damon, but obviously the choice is yours. I wouldn't dream of telling you how to run your business dealings. I'm sure we will be talking soon. Good-day Damon," murmured Romario as he silently hung up the phone.

Flinging his cell phone across the room, Damon took some twisted satisfaction in the crunching

Sound before watching it bounce unceremoniously to the floor. Screaming for one of the boys in the outer room Damon demanded that someone get Wade on the phone NOW. Within seconds Damon had Wade on the line. "Wade" he began with barely controlled fury "I want you to cut Teller loose – right now."

"What Damon – why? What's going on?" questioned a clearly confused Wade.

In no mood for questions – honestly in no mood for most anything Damon snapped "I don't pay

you to stand around and question my authority now do I Wade – just get it done NOW!" he shouted. Hanging up the phone Wade smiled cold and violent looking at Abel "Seems it's your lucky day Teller…" Looking to his men he grimaced "Let him go!" As he faced Jax he began "Take your stray dog SAMCRO and get the hell out of my town quickly."
Author's Note: Well here we are Chapter 27! I'm glad that it's finished and finally posted. I have to say I question if it is my best work. Action/Adventure is not my strong point. I tend to lean more towards love and human drama. This story is definitely pushing me outside my comfort zone.

As always I want to send special thanks Alikatt31, Cyper22, LonePalm, Jodstar80, drw1987, Shanell313, and anyone I may have missed thank you for sharing your time with me reading and reviewing your words/thoughts mean so much to me. To my ArchAngel – thank you for everything sweet pea, I still think you deserve co-writing credit and I still promise to not hurt "her."