2
Little Toy Bikers and a Woman on the Run
Chapter 48 Lived
Tara's worst medical nightmare was coming to life; she had to deliver bad medical news to someone she loved. She wasn't sure yet if she still loved Jax or not, but it was close enough. The audience of Gemma, Clay, Chibs, Tig, Bobby and Half-Sack only increased the nightmare factor.
This night wasn't about any history she had with Jax or anyone else, even Gemma. This was about Wendy and the baby she was carrying. She had to stay focused and professional, but there wasn't any way around it; this was going to be complete hell.
They were clustered around the hall leading to the emergency room.
"Let me show you where you can all wait. It will be more private."
Jax nodded and Tara led them all down a hall and into an empty waiting room outside ICU. It was a bleak cheerless room that could hold twenty people when it was full. The walls were gray, the dozen metal chairs arranged along one wall were charcoal gray and against another wall was a light gray sofa with an empty end table and a bright yellow lamp that provided dim light to the room.
"Wendy is in critical condition. When she was being transported in the ambulance, her heart stopped. The EMTs were able to resuscitate her. We believe whatever she took—probably crank—must have been cut with at least one other drug. We believe this additional drug or drugs are causing organ failure."
"The baby?" Jax asked.
Tara could hear the anguish and fear in Jax's voice. She had heard the same tone of voice from so many parents.
"We're monitoring the baby. If we can't stabilize Wendy soon, or her condition worsens, we'll deliver the baby. Do you know her due date?"
Jax told Tara the due date.
"If you have to choose between that crank whore and the baby, save the baby," Gemma blurted out loudly.
"Gemma . . ." Clay cautioned her.
This wasn't the first time Tara had heard this tone of voice from Clay. It was the tone of voice he used to warn Gemma she was out of line.
The men of SAMCRO stared down at the ground. They were not about to get between Clay and Gemma. MC protocol meant that the men were expected to keep their old ladies in line by whatever means necessary.
Jax and Opie had a little more modern view of relationships, but Tara had never been OK with the attitude the rest of the MC had towards women.
"Not helpful, Gemma," Jax said biting the words off. "If you can't be supportive, leave."
Tara was shocked by Jax's words to Gemma. He had put up with a lot from Gemma while they were together. Wendy's medical crisis was bringing out a stronger side to Jax that was new to her and she liked it.
"It won't come to making that type of decision," Tara said locking eyes with him.
"Thanks."
Tara nodded and returned to ICU. She had been gone only seven minutes, but that had been enough time for her nightmare to get worse. Wendy was dead.