***Meadowland Road***
Kneeling down, he carefully pulled back the black tarp that was covering the body. She was young, probably mid to late twenties if he had to guess. Pretty...brown hair and appeared to be in good shape. His eyes discretely inspected the body, mindful that the woman was nude and had been cruelly victimized. Pulling the tarp back up, covering her body from her breasts down, his eyes took in several wounds around her upper body along her neck. It looked to him as if she had been bitten. Looking around for the coroner, he found the man talking with one of his deputies.
"Hey doc?" he said motioning his head toward him. "You know how long she's been here yet?" he asked, wondering if the bite marks could be from an animal, although in his opinion it looked like human teeth marks.
Carefully making his way toward the sheriff, "Nothing concrete yet. My guess is she's been out here for at least a week, maybe more but I don't want to confirm anything until I get her back to my office." looking down at a woman who met a gruesome fate. "Off the record..." he started seeing Sheriff Roosevelt look up at him, "this isn't your typical murder." instantly getting a reaction from the cop.
"What'd ya mean?" he questioned as he placed the tarp back over her entire body.
Pointing toward the body, "I'll know more once I get her on the table, but she's got some wounds that are down right evil." shaking his head, "No other word to describe it."
***Oswald Properties***
Having arrived at the office before seven am, Olivia closed her eyes for a moment after sending an email to the prospective appliance distributor. She hadn't planned on starting her day as early as she had, but sitting in her office chair, she wouldn't allow her mind to analyze why she had not been able to sleep the night before. Taking a deep breath and clearing her mind, she was going to refocus on her lengthy to-do list.
"Olivia?" Christy said over her speaker phone.
"Yes."
"There's a Mr. McChesney here to see you."
Quickly checking her appointment book, "I wasn't expecting anyone today." she replied.
"He says he doesn't have an appointment."
"Okay. Let him know I'll be right out." she stated, taking a moment to check her appearance.
Making her way to the lobby, she opened the door noticing a tall man standing over by the sofa. "Mr. McChesney?" she spoke as he instantly turned around. Extending her hand, "Olivia Parker. It's nice to meet you."
Giving a quick glance to her extended hand, he flipped his badge. "Agent McChesney, Miss Parker." His introduction was short and curt. "Is there somewhere private we can talk?" He asked watching her reaction.
Keeping her wits about her, "Of course. Let's go into our conference room." she responded as she led the way out of the lobby. Motioning the agent into the room, she allowed him to enter first. Her mind was going a thousand miles an hour. Why was an FBI agent wanting to speak with her? An email alert brought her attention back to the situation in front of her. "Let me just send a quick reply and I'll be right with you." She stated to the man now sitting across from her. Typing a quick note back to the appliance vendor, she hit "send" and sat down. The instant she looked across the table at the man who looked to be her own age, she felt uneasy.
"Mr. McChesney, what is it you need to talk with me about?" she calmly asked.
"Ms. Parker, it's been brought to our attention that you're new to the area. Is that correct?" He asked.
Still not sure why she was meeting with an FBI agent, she responded, "Yes, I'm new to the area." Her response directly answering his question. She noticed his hands covering a file he had brought with him. Hearing her phone beep again, "Let me put this on silent." she stated, carefully switching her Iphone into quiet mode. He watched as she sat her phone back down, looking back toward him and remaining quiet.
"Ms. Parker. Are you aware that your current employer has a close affiliation with a local motorcycle gang?" He asked as he opened the file placing a few mug shot photos in front of her. He sat back watching her glance at the pictures on the table. "Charges range from assault, weapons possession and attempted murder just to name a few." Noticing she was now looking back up at him.
Stay calm...don't react...She thought as she studied the photos in front of her. Spotting Tig immediately, it took her a second to recognize Chibs without his standard sunglasses, and Bobby had shorter hair. Looking back toward the man across from her, "I'm not sure what this has to do with me, Mr. McChesney?" she questioned.
He was quick to correct her. "Agent McChesney." as he gathered the photos back into a neat stack. "Do you normally associate yourself with known criminals, Ms. Parker?" his question full of hostility. "I've become very familiar with your file. I would have to assume that an only child from a upstanding middle class family from Georgia wouldn't want to be known around a new town as being friendly with felons."
The instant he mentioned SAMCRO, she was on alert, but his cocky disclosure of her so called file just proved that this was a complete con. Comfortable in her ability to play up the situation, she turned herself into the poor clueless woman he apparently thought she was. Acting appalled, "Of course I don't associate with criminals, Agent McChesney. I know of the people you're referring to, but I have no say in who my employer supposedly does business with." She finished wanting to know what he would say next.
His rant continued on for twenty minutes as he highlighted just a few of the alleged illegal dealings of SAMCRO. "The Sons of Anarchy is a very dangerous organization, Ms. Parker. We would hate to see something happen to you because of your employer's poor decision in who he conducts business with." Sliding the photos back into the file folder, "I hope you can see the severity of this situation and keep your self from becoming tainted by them." Standing from the chair he had been sitting in, "I'll let you get back to your day. But make no mistake Ms. Parker, any involvement you choose to have with the Sons will inevitably be your demise."
She remained silent as she watched him walk out of the conference room. As she heard him open the door leading to the lobby, she walked out of the conference room to see for herself that he was gone. Looking down at her phone, she switched her ringer back on...and hit stop.
***Charming***
Running her hand suggestively down his chest, "you know we could just stay here all day." as she looked up at him.
He exhaled the smoke before he responded, "Got shit to do. Besides, probably best you run along before someone sees you here." as he stood up from the bed.
She pulled on his arm, "Hey...come on, now."
Jerking his arm from her grip, "Come on nothing!" he yelled. "This little arrangement is fine by me, but I won't have SAMCRO breathing down my neck." as he looked back at Luann. "Either we keep things as quiet as we have been, or I'm done."
Seeing he was serious with his threat, "Oh baby, I know we need to keep this quiet. I've got way more to lose than you do." as she lightly kissed on his lips. "How about I show you just much I want to keep our little arrangement." as she started unbuttoning his jeans.
***T-M***
With his hands now free of grease, he tossed the rag into the bin, walking out of the garage. Pulling a fresh smoke from his pocket he made his way over to the picnic table by the clubhouse. Clearing his mind of the sounds echoing around him, he sat with his back against the table taking in his surroundings. He was caught up with work in the garage and was thankful to now just have a minute to himself. Life was calm at the moment, something he wasn't used to living the life in a MC. Chaos not quiet was the norm in this world. Moments of peace were few and far between, and he would be lying to himself if he said he wasn't enjoying it. Although the violence and danger fueled him, as his position within the club showed, it was in the downtime that SAMCRO could regroup, focus and sharpen their instincts on potential looming threats. With a recent lead on a possible location of where Weston was hiding out at, he couldn't wait to be apart of ending that bastard's life, as painfully as possible. The kill was Tig's outright, but his brother had promised him some quality time with the prick, something that he would take great pride in, making sure before he took his final breath, his attack on Olivia would be avenged. Stubbing out his smoke, he kept the grin that was threatening to show on his face hidden. This morning had been the first time in two weeks that he hadn't woke up in her bed, with him wrapped around her. Leaning forward with his arms resting on his thighs, the tightness in his back reminded him of his shitty night in his dorm room bed here at the clubhouse. He had every intention last night of sliding deep inside of her before finding sleep in that king sized bed but a close call with some punk asses on crotch rockets changed his plans. After another successful drop they had just pulled onto the highway headed back to Charming when four shits on Ninja's rolled past them. He wouldn't have thought twice about the sissy ass bikes or their drivers until they passed them sitting on the side of the highway, wearing all black, including blacked out helmets. Tig obviously thought it was odd too, considering he motioned for them to pull off about a mile down from where they had been seen. After an hour, they made their way back to the clubhouse, giving Clay an update on the run. Sitting on the side of the highway had delayed him getting back until well after midnight and he wasn't sure rolling up at her condo in the middle of the night would go over well. They were slowly getting to know things about each other and she constantly surprised him. Her questions had been generic, focused solely on him. He found it easy to talk to her, and alarmingly comfortable to be around her, not just sexually either. He felt his dick twitch at the mere thought of her. Sex with Olivia was like a whole new world for him. Getting his dick sucked or pounding a crow eater on all fours had kept him satisfied since he had been patched as a SON fifteen years ago, but in the countless number of bitches he had fucked in his life, nothing had ever felt as right as simply being near her. Pulling out his phone to check the time, his finger brushed across the contact button as he wondered where she was. Typing a quick message, he flipped the phone shut hearing Tig tell the Chevy Blazer he was working on to fuck off.
***Olivia's condo***
Watching paint dry could possibly be more interesting that what she was currently doing. For the past two hours she had sat patiently on a pile of floor pillows waiting to see if her instinct was right. So far, nothing, but she knew in her gut she was. With a clear view to the back entrance of The Cigar Shop, she was prepared to watch from her window all day if she needed to. After her surprise visit from an FBI agent, she went back into her office to process what had just happened. She replayed the entire conversation on her Iphone, thankful her brother's voice had appeared in her head, as she was putting her phone on silent. All through school she had excelled in being able to analyze and breakdown situations, a skill that was proving valuable. Seeing something move below, she grabbed her camera only to realize it was a woman. Putting the camera back down, she was reaching for her tea when she heard her phone beep. She felt her stomach flip seeing who it was from.
Hey
Another brief message from a man who was slowly becoming someone she liked having around. At the same time her stomach flipped, she noticed another feeling; curiosity. The last communication she'd had with him was the evening before on her way home from the job site. He had club business but said he'd text later...but he never did. This was one situation that she was refusing to let herself analyze. She would not allow herself to be disappointed when he failed to come over the night before. Typing a response, she hit send, refocusing on the alley below. She had managed all day to not allow her mind to think about him, but a one word text had him front and center in her thoughts. Although she was a complete outsider to the MC world, her close friendship with Tara had provided her a cliff note version of how life was in an outlaw world, especially in regards to how women were normally viewed. What was surprising was how he had been with her. She had no expectations about whatever was happening between the two of them. Being a realist, she didn't fall into the typical beliefs about love and relationships. They weren't dating, just enjoying each others company...every night for the past two weeks, and most of the two months she had been in Charming. But to believe that this was anything more than a causal fling would be like living in a fantasy world, something Olivia Parker never did. Clearing her mind of her sexy sleepover guest, she turned her attention back to the alley.
Forty five minutes later...
With no sign of the mysterious FBI agent, she gave up on her impromptu stakeout, needing to change clothes before meeting Tara. An afternoon ride was exactly what she needed right now. She also would be able to give Elliott a head's up about her surprise visitor and get some advice on informing the club although her first instinct was screaming to let Happy know first. Reaching down for her heels beside the couch, she turned toward her bedroom only to stop hearing a knock at her door. Again, he surprised her. Slowly opening her door, she noticed his questioning look.
"Why you working from home?" he asked stepping toward her, his hand finding her waist, as he closed the door behind him.
Something is different about him she thought as she noticed he was waiting for an answer. "Umm..." unsure of exactly how to answer his question. She thought she would have more time to prepare before she let anyone know about her afternoon.
Tilting his head to the side, he knew something was wrong. She always looked him in the eye when they spoke to each other and right now she looked like she wasn't sure how to answer his question. Wanting an answer, he wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her flush against him, his face just a few inches above hers. "Olivia...what's going on?"
She stood still for a few seconds before she stepped back from him, reaching for his hand as she walked toward the couch. Sitting down in the corner, he sat down next to her never taking his eyes off her. Just as she was about to answer his question she realized what was different about him. "Where's your kutt?" she asked motioning to his hoodie.
"Stop changing the subject and answer my question." he replied.
"I'm not and I will, but it's just odd to see you not wearing it." she said turning to face him more, feeling his hand rest on her thigh.
"I'm waiting."
Taking a deep breath after his impatient comment, "I had an unexpected visitor at the office today." she replied instantly knowing what his next words were.
"Weston." he voice deep.
Shaking her head, "No. Not him." she quickly responded. "Mr. McChesney." giving him a minute before she would more than likely anger him. "Actually, Agent McChesney." as she watched his face change.
Keeping herself tucked into the corner of the couch, she watched as he paced her living room floor, listening to the recording for the fourth time. She was able to stay calm even though his initial reaction had been pure anger, looking as if he could have punched his fist through the closest object. Noticing his pacing had slowed, she spoke up.
"So what do you think?" she asked wondering if he thought her theory was plausible.
Hearing her voice made him stop and turn toward her. He replayed her question in his head before answering her. "Could be." his first words to her in almost twenty minutes. Moving back toward her, "Why didn't you call me about this earlier...or were you not going to tell me at all?" he asked, both questions feeling like an accusation.
Feeling her temper rising, "Seriously?" she replied standing up from the couch, looking him in the eye. "The last conversation we had", she said pointing between the two of them, "was yesterday afternoon and you told me you had club business last night." keeping her voice at a normal tone. "For all I knew earlier today, you were still busy since we hadn't yet spoke today and to answer your second question, Yes, I was planning on telling you the next time I heard from you." watching as he was now seated on her couch. "How about this...take my phone, go back to your club and let them know what happened. Have them run another background check, get a blood sample, whatever you all feel you need to do to once and for all understand that I have nothing to hide, from you or anyone else. Now I'm going to change and go meet Tara." She finished walking out of the room.
Running a hand over his face, he quickly stood up finding himself walking toward her bedroom, hearing her in the closet. He watched as she reached behind her to unzip the black and pink sleeveless dress. Slowly making his way closer, he covered her hands with his stopping her movements. Pushing down the desire to slip the dress from her body, he turned her around to face him.
She remained silent, curious as to what he was going to say. She had said her peace in the living room and was through talking. The next words would have to be his.
"You pissed at me?"
Without hesitation, "Yes and no."
"How so?" he replied curious as to her explanation.
She felt extremely small standing in front of him without heels on. Even with her highest heels, his six foot two body would still loom over her five foot seven frame. "No, I'm not pissed at you for reacting the way you have. Finding out that someone posing as an FBI agent is verbally trashing your club to someone you still barely know would be concerning."
"You sure this man isn't FBI?" he asked noticing she seem slightly less pissed off.
She had already given him her reasons for her believing the Agent was a fake, but she felt a desire to reassure him. "Yes. I'm 100% positive that man was not a legit FBI agent."
Taking a minute to recap they're earlier conversation on the couch, he remembered she hadn't answered his previous question. "So why are you?"
Now confused, "Why am I what?"
A brief smirk showed just before he responded, "Why you pissed at me? You said "yes and no" when I asked. You've explained the "no", so explain the "yes"?"
"Oh, that would be your little accusation questioning whether or not I would have told you." She said looking up at him. "I have no reason not to tell you, but apparently you must still not trust me." watching as he stared back at her.
Shaking his head, "You think I don't trust you?" he asked slowly pulling her closer toward him.
Needing to put some distance between them to keep her head clear, she carefully pulled back from him. "Considering your question just a few minutes ago, I'm not sure." thinking she just saw a flash of anger cross his face, but she wasn't afraid. Even though she couldn't explain it to herself or anyone else for that matter, she felt completely safe with the man standing in front of her.
Her uncertainty about him trusting her pissed him off. The best thing for him to do was to get the hell away from her, but his feet were firmly grounded where he stood. A crow eater speaking to him this way would have probably already met the back of his hand, but he also realized that a club whore wouldn't be able to maintain their control and temper the way Olivia had since this whatever it was had started. She had kept her voice firm but hadn't yelled anything at him. Living his life completely believing in brains before bullets, he thought carefully before he spoke. "I won't lie to you and say this shit doesn't alert me, and I'm taking it to the club." he said watching her stare back at him. "But I don't believe you're a threat to SAMCRO."
His statement should have made her feel better, but it didn't. He didn't view her as a threat, but that didn't mean he trusted her, and that bothered her more than she cared to admit. Quickly wrapping herself in the invisible wall she had, she responded, "I'm glad you know that I'm not a threat to you or your club." being sure to keep eye contact with him, before glancing down at her watch. "I need to meet Tara, so I should get changed and head out." she said as she walked past him back into her bedroom, turning her head to make sure he was following. Opening her front door, she turned seeing him staring back at her, "Let Clay know that I'm available to answer any questions he may have."
With her phone in his hand, he could literally feel a change in temperature. He suddenly realized that she was in her "off" mode, but why? Needing to get this to church as soon as possible, he made his way out of her condo, turning to see her about to close the door. "Hey?" he said not sure of what exactly to say to her.
Giving a quick smile, "I really need to get changed."
With a nod, he turned and walked toward the elevator as he heard her lock the door. The deadbolt and barrel lock securely in place, she leaned against the closed door, closing her eyes for a brief moment.
***Oswald Ranch***
Quickly making her way to the stables, she saw Tara gently petting one of the horses. "Hey! I'm sorry I'm late." apologizing for her unusual tardiness.
Smiling back at the brunette, "It's fine. I've just been getting to know my friend here." replied Tara, as she continued to pet the horse. "You okay?" she asked noticing her normally happy best friend looked irritated.
"I'm fine. Just a crappy day that's all." she said finally allowing a smile to appear as she admired the stunning horse in front of her. "You ready?"
Laughing as she shook her head, "I can't believe you've talked me into this...AGAIN!" exclaimed the doctor.
"Oh hush. You and I both know you love riding. Now saddle up!"
***T-M***
Clay Morrow wanted answers. His trusted assassin had just brought audio to the table of a potential FBI agent ready to cause shit for the club...again. Listening to the recording for a fifth time, the need to have his questions answered out weighed any other club matter at the moment. Expecting lip from Jax, he made the call. "Need to have a chat with Olivia." seeing his VP nod his head in agreement.
"You going alone?" asked Jax as he lit up another smoke.
Shaking his head, "No. How bout' you and Op do tonight's run. Want Tig and Hap there when I talk with her. As fucked up as it is, she seems most comfortable around our two resident killers."
"A'right." responded the club VP. With a shit grin on his face, "it'll be nice to get back in the mix for a change." having not seen much gun running since he took on the VP patch.
***Charming Sheriff's Office***
Waving the older man into his office, he finished an email before giving his attention to Chief Unser. "Thanks for coming. Have a seat." Sheriff Roosevelt said motioning to the chair across from him.
"What's on your mind, Sheriff?" curious as to why he was asked to meet the newly appointed lawman.
He ran a hand over his face, the current day feeling like it was never going to end. "Wanted to bring you and your office up to speed on something." seeing he had Unser's attention. "Found a body this morning about a half a mile from the county line." as he took a sip of his now luke warm coffee. "All signs point to murder." he said as he turned the file toward the chief of police.
"Jesus Christ..." he whispered as he stared down at the crime scene photos. "Who is she?"
"Don't know yet. Coroner's taking his time with the autopsy. Said the wounds look particularly vicious. She look familiar at all?" he questioned.
He shook his head, "No." as he carefully studied the photos. "She can't be that old."
"Probably late twenties, early thirties." his stomach twisting over the brutality. "Chief, you've lived here all your life. I know Charming's had only a handful of murders in the town's history, but any help you can give me on this will be greatly appreciated."
He couldn't help but feel complete sadness for the young woman victimized in the pictures scattered on the desk in front of him. "Damn. Sheriff, I've never seen anything like this." he honestly stated. "You got anyone you're looking at?"
Taking a deep breath as he felt his anger rise, "Not a single one."
***Oswald Ranch***
Between the fresh Spring air and the quietness of the trail, she finally felt herself relax and the tension of the day leave. This was exactly what she needed after the awful day she had. Taking in the scenery around her, she looked over to Tara who was watching her. "What?" she asked.
She just jumped right in. "You and Happy are spending a lot of time together."
Laughing out loud, "How long have you been holding that one in?" she asked looking over at her friend.
Rolling her eyes, "Well, you haven't exactly been forthcoming with details, now have you?"
"Not much to say."
Looking at her in disbelief, "Oh. okay." she said desperately trying to keep from grinning.
Turning her head to look at Tara, "What's that supposed to mean?"
"It means, I have known you for ten years and in all those years with guys coming and going, I have never witnessed you allow someone to be an overnight guest." she stated unable to hide the smile on her face, knowing by the blush on Olivia's face, she was right.
Giving her best surprised look, "Agh!" feigning disgust, "There was not that many guys as you put it and who says I'm having sleepovers?"
All she could do was smile back at her now flustered best friend. "It's okay. I won't tell anyone."
"There's nothing to tell. Just two adults enjoying each others company from time to time." she stated firmly believing what she had just confessed. "It's the perfect situation."
"How so?" the doctor questioned curious as to how she was going to justify her obvious denial.
"It's simple. I don't want a relationship or commitment from someone and he's the eternal bachelor who will never settle down. It's the ideal situation for me."
"Looks like you've got this all figured out." finding herself not believing a word that she just said.
"I do. Like I've told him, I have no expectations from him, so I'll just enjoy it while it lasts. I'm sure he'll tire of me before no time."
Tara couldn't do anything but smile and nod in agreement, although the voice in her head was laughing out loud at the woman who kept an invisible wall around her when it came to men. Deciding she would let Olivia off the hook for now, "Let's head back. My ass is killing me and I'm starving."
The ride back to the stables was even prettier than the ride out. She was beginning to love watching California sunsets. With Tara taking the lead, she couldn't help but laugh as she watched her try and ease her sore ass on their return. With the massive barn in sight she could see one of Elliott's ranch hands ready to help them. As they came around to the front of the stables, her heart sank to her feet. Across the way were six Harleys lined up against the fence and seven men standing close by talking. The tension that had left her neck and shoulders showed back up along with a feeling of dread. Glancing over at Tara, she started preparing herself for yet another interrogation.
She couldn't help but feel bad for Olivia, although she hoped that whatever was about to happen, Clay would keep his promise to her and actually talk with her friend. "You have nothing to worry about. Besides, from what you've told me, that man was no FBI agent."
Clay was giving Elliott the play by play of what had happened earlier, when he heard noise coming from behind the stables. As he leaned against the fence, he turned his head toward the barn as he watched her appear on horseback. She was riding a huge brown horse looking as if she was a pro. A stable hand of Elliott's walked over to her horse as she dropped the reigns handing them off. He could tell by the look on her face that she was surprised to see them, although she hadn't made eye contact with him. An unfamiliar surge of jealousy raced through him as he watched the man put his hand on her back as she climbed off the giant animal fighting a sudden desire to rip the man's arm off his body. Seeing she was on solid ground, his eyes did their usual scan of her entire body. Damn! He thought as he took in her appearance. Her hair was loosely braided wearing a gray fitted v-neck t-shirt and black fitted pants with riding boots as he felt his cock twitch. Shaking the fantasy of her boot covered legs wrapped around his waist, he watched as she handed her helmet to the man, and started walking with Tara toward them.
Although their faces looked relaxed, she couldn't help but feel like she was again in the lion's den. She was actually thankful that he was standing the furthest from her. Giving a small smile to the group, she looked directly at Clay noticing he was holding her phone. Knowing that she had nothing to fear, had no secrets from anyone, she drew strength from her upbringing of facing things head on and readied herself for what was about to happen.
This had to be done, and he wouldn't apologize for it to anyone, but casting a glance to certain secret soft spot he had, made him replay a recent conversation that ended with a promise of sorts. Looking back at the woman he wanted answers from, he noticed she was looking him dead in the eye. And if years of dealing with liars, thieves and traitors had taught him anything, the stunning woman standing across from him was the complete opposite.
"Would like for you to answer some questions." he stated, his voice calm as he refrained from his typical demanding ways. He instantly saw Tara relax, lowering her head to try and hide the small smile from her face. With his focus locked onto to Olivia, he waited as patiently as he could for her response.
His statement had momentarily stunned her. No demands, no threats but a simple request, something she could deal with. "Okay. I'm happy to answer any questions you have." she replied, wondering if she just saw a glimmer of softness in his ice blue eyes.
"Clay, before we get started with this, Olivia, are you okay?" asked Elliott wanting to make sure.
Looking over at her concerned boss, "Yes, Elliott, I'm fine. I promise."
Noticing some ranch workers in the stables, "How about we take this over by the fire pit so we can have some privacy." suggested Elliott, wanting to keep things as quiet.
With everyone in agreement, the group made their way to a large area, a good distance from the house and barn. As they walked toward the outdoor patio, she caught of glimpse of him walking behind her. She took a seat in the Adirondack chair next to Tara with Bobby sitting down to her right. Crossing her legs as she sat back, her eyes made contact with his for the first time. Needing to stay focused, she looked across at Clay. "I'm ready. Ask away."
Classy and confidant...he thought hearing her words. Although the two of them had talked in private before about what happened, he wanted to hear her own words again to make sure he and the club had all the information they would need in finding the prick.
Deciding to get right to the point, "What makes you think this man wasn't legit FBI?"
So he's taking the straight forward approach, she thought being able to appreciate his directness. "Several reasons, actually." She responded, looking between Clay and Elliott. "The main reason being if someone had pulled my personal info, I would have already known it long before he showed up at the office."
"How so?" asked Chibs, who was standing behind Clay.
Although she had already had a semi-private conversation with Clay regarding her brother, she wasn't sure if the others knew about her unique family member. With nothing to hide, she answered his question. "Travis, my brother would have been alerted to someone inquiring about me and would have either showed up himself, if he thought it was serious, or he would have called to warn me." again finding her eyes meeting his dark ones.
"Your brother a cop or something?" question Bobby looking at the others.
Tara couldn't stop the laughter at hearing such an innocent but ridiculous question. Holding up her hand and glancing toward Olivia, "I'm sorry but that was funny." seeing Olivia grin back at her. With both women settled, she replied. "That would be a definite no." she said, a small grin still on her face as she saw Tig tilt his head. "Travis has no use for law enforcement and his record would show you that they have even less use for him." finishing not knowing exactly how to explain her brother's past colorful record.
"So if he's not a cop, what the hell does he do?" asked Tig earning a glare from Happy, something that didn't go unnoticed by Olivia or Tara.
Before she could find the right words, Tara spoke up. "Think Navy Seal, Special Forces and CIA operative combined into one." she said looking up at Tig then over to Olivia for clarity.
Shaking her head in agreement, "That pretty much sums it up." as she tried to see everyone's reaction. Up until this point, Happy and Clay were the only ones other than Tara who knew exactly what her brother did.
"So he's military?" another question coming from Tig.
"Yes and no." again trying to find the right words. "Yes, he's part of a small unit within our armed forces, but our government won't admit their existence. To be perfectly honest, he along with twenty three other men hunt down the worst of the worst in regards to our security."
Her last statement seemed to have resolved any possible doubt that her brother could be an enemy to the club. With her guard still up, she looked back over at Clay.
With it now known what Olivia's brother did, he continued with his questions. "Besides the fact your brother would have alerted you, why else do you think that the Fed was a con?"
Taking a calming breath, fighting what seemed like a natural urge to look at Happy, "Travis has schooled me over the years about how certain agencies operate. A true FBI agent would not have spoke with me alone. They work in teams of two. One usually does the questioning, while the other profiles. The quick look I got of his badge looked fake, and no trained FBI agent would be caught dead wearing anything less than a thousand dollar suit. Agent McChesney's was probably purchased at Sears if I had to guess."
Clay Morrow was impressed. Silently taking in the information she had just given them, he had to agree with her belief that the man was a fake. "You by any chance get a picture of him?"
Shaking her head, "No, unfortunately not. I'm thankful I thought fast enough to record it." unable to keep her eyes from meeting his.
"Wait a minute." said Elliott, "The accountant's office across the street has cameras. Maybe he's on there."
Hearing the possibility of doing a little hacking peeked Juice's interest. "I'm on it." grinning like a child on Christmas morning. "I'll head back to the clubhouse and see what I can find." watching as Clay gave a nod of approval.
With his attention back on Olivia, "Appreciate the answers." giving the brunette a simple nod before standing up and handing her phone back to her. She quietly exhaled, relieved that her run in was out in the open with the club. Looking over to Tara, "I'm going to get my jacket from the car. I'll be right back." she stated getting up from her chair.
Proud. That was the only word he could think of. Standing behind Clay during their conversation allowed him to watch her the whole time. She answers were direct but never disrespectful. Seeing her say something to Tara, then walk away had him wondering where she was going. With Clay talking with Elliott, he stepped back from the group following her. He was just a few steps within reach of her when he heard her phone ring.
"Olivia Parker."
"Miss Parker, it's David from the utility company."
"Oh, hi David."
"I was just calling to see if someone could meet me up at the sight. We want to unload the next set of poles that will be installed later this week."
She felt herself jump feeling a hand touch her lower back, quickly turning to see who it was. "Sure, what time will you be there?" she asked looking up at him.
"Within the next hour. Will that work for you?"
"Yes. That's fine. I can be there within thirty minutes."
She finished her call. reaching for the jacket in the back of her SUV. "Everything okay?" she questioned, wondering if she needed to answer more questions.
He took a step closer to her, his hands finding the front of her jacket as she slipped it on. "Yeah. Where you headed?" wanting to know who she was meeting.
"Need to meet the utility company at the job site for a delivery. Next order of light poles are going in later this week." she replied, the two of them now standing privately behind her car. Hearing her name being called, she stepped out from her vehicle as Tara motioned for her. With a quick glance toward Happy, she felt his hand on the small of her back as the two walked down to the others.
"Hey. Jax won't be back until late and I've got to go relieve Neta. You want to come over and get take out?"
"Can't tonight. Need to meet someone up at the site. How about dinner tomorrow night at my place?" seeing everyone standing close by, with Happy standing right behind her.
"That works. Text me if I need to bring something." Tara said giving her friend a hug.
***The Cigar Box***
Staring out the front window of the store, his anger raged within his body. He hadn't seen her in two days, not coming out of her office, not at the diner or anywhere else in town. Since the night at her office, he had stayed well hidden from her. The last time he had visually laid eyes on her was while she was at the bank. After their encounter, he had been expecting the police to show up at anytime, but they hadn't. It had been careless of him to attack her the way he had, but now he knew that deep down she knew her slip up had been her fault, and she must not have any anger toward him. Looking down the street at the line of stopped cars, there sat a Range Rover similar to hers. Watching as the vehicle passed by, he confirmed it was her by the license tag. He threw open the door and ran to his car, hoping to catch up to her. She had went passed her condo building, so he reasoned she wasn't going home. With no traffic coming he backed out, and sped away after her.
***T-M***
Throwing his shitty hand down on the table, "I'm out." he said disgusted he had just lost a hundred bucks to Chibs. Walking over to the bar, he grabbed another beer, sitting down on a stool. The clubhouse was somewhat active with a few hangarounds and a piss poor batch of sweet butts. Taking in the selection, his eyes landed on one who was staring back at him. He watched as she strutted toward him, her skirt about two inches from showing her ass. With her now standing in front of him, he looked down as she ran her hand across his Men of Mayhem patch.
"Baby, you look a little stressed tonight. How about I help you take off the edge?" she whispered as seductively as she could.
Looking down at the bitch who still had her hand on him, he grabbed his bottle and headed toward his dorm. As he put the key in the lock, he felt a hand run over his back. Glancing behind him, he saw the blond from the bar. Slowly turning around, he saw her lick her lips. A sick grin slowly appeared on his face as his lowered his head toward her. He could see the anticipation already showing on her face, as he pulled her hand off his back.
"Don't remember asking you to follow me. Now take your skinny ass back to the bar." he said, his eyes now jet black in color as he watched her face turn pale. "I won't say it again." opening his door, only to shut it in her face. He was halfway across his room when it hit him. Fuck...did I just turn down pussy? as he rubbed his hand over his face not quite sure of what just happened. Quickly undressing, he'd take a hot shower and get some much needed sleep.
Two hours later...
He was staring at the fucking ceiling unable to sleep. The hot shower helped, but he couldn't get to sleep. Swinging his legs over the side, he lit up a smoke. Glancing over at the nightstand, he picked up his phone, reading the last text message he'd received.
Made it home. Going to bed.
He found himself relieved that she had listened to him, that she text him when she got back from the job site to let him know she was home. That was almost three hours earlier. He still hadn't figured out why she had went into that damn off mode earlier. Laying back down in the bed, he turned on his side to hopefully fall asleep. The shit mattress under neath him should have been tossed years ago, but he was slowly silently admitting the real reason he couldn't sleep. Growling at himself, he threw back the cover and stalked over to his dresser.
Ten minutes later, he was dressed, armed and walking out of his dorm room, locking the door as he went. He heard Tig's loud laugh as he walked down the hall toward the bar. Chibs, Bobby, Tig and Mark the mechanic were still up playing cards as he passed through. Cutting his eyes to their table, he spotted Tig's smirk instantly.
"Not a fuckin' word!" he yelled, pointing his finger at his brother then looking back toward the door.
Tig couldn't help the stupid look on his face at seeing his friend giving in to something he had never had before. He shuffled the cards, seeing Bobby and Chibs smiling back at him.
"No question where he's going." commented Chibs as he dealt a new hand.
Finishing off his beer, "Can you blame him?" responded Bobby.
***Olivia's condo***
Nothing on television, no new magazines and having run her laptop battery down, she was curled up on her couch under a throw, desperately wanting to sleep. Her day had gone from unnerving to surprisingly pleasant within a matter of hours. Looking over at the clock on the microwave, she saw it read one thirty nine. She should be well into dream land by now but here she was wide awake on her couch. She was tired, so why couldn't she sleep. She was now regretting her decision not to take a Tylenol PM, for not wanting to feel like a space cadet tomorrow morning. Her body knew the reason she couldn't sleep but she wouldn't allow her mind to accept it. Although the past two weeks had been amazing, she knew it wouldn't become a regular thing. She had been honest with Tara earlier in the evening when she said she had no expectations from him, regardless of how he constantly surprised her. And now it was two nights in a row that he hadn't stayed. Before she left for the job site, he asked her to let him know when she got home and she did. Another one word text, "okay", was his only response. Shaking the disappointment from her mind, she closed her eyes praying sleep would come soon. It had only been a matter of minutes when she heard her phone beep. Blindly reaching for it on the coffee table, she opened the message.
Open the door
She literally felt her heart jump as soon as she read it. Cautiously walking to her door, she checked the peep hole and sighed. As she opened the door, he turned around looking almost as tired as she felt. He didn't say anything, just walked inside taking off his kutt before placing it on the back of the chair. Closing the door, she watched as he used the remote to turn off the tv and started back toward her. Brushing against her, he locked the door, then reached for her hand as he turned toward her bedroom. Following behind him, no words had been spoken by either of them. As they walked into her room, he dropped her hand to remove his boots and clothes as his eyes never left hers. Stripped down to his black fitted boxers, he slowly walked toward her noticing her purple "Angel" tank and matching panties. Walking her backwards toward her bed, he gently lifted her up placing her in the middle, as she continued to be confused. Carefully placing his gun at the nightstand, he slid in next to her, wrapping his arms around her as she settled against him. Their bodies now molded together as she moved her hand lightly across his chest, she felt him place a kiss in her hair.
"Happy?" completely caught off guard.
"Yeah." keeping true to his one word responses.
"What are you doing?" she asked, feeling her body relax and her eyes become heavy.
"We're going to sleep." he replied unable to keep from yawning.
Again, a total surprise.