Chapter 17

It had been a long 48 hours. While everyone was on lock down, all of Samcro had been on surveillance, day and night while Tacoma protected their families. Samcro were in twos and each were located at the Irish hang around points. So far there had been nothing.

Jax looked over to Happy who had just woken up after finally giving into the tiredness. Anythin'?" He spoke the gravel is is voice more than usual. Jax shook his head.

Jax's frustrations were growing. The Irish were keeping a low profile and that was making him restless. Originally he had placed himself with Happy because despite everything going on Gemma's concerns were still lingering in the back of his mind. He had remained silent until now, silently going over it it in his head but now he just had to ask curiosity getting the better of him.

"You and my cousin."

Happy wiped at his eyes before giving Jax his full attention. Happy knew that when he lay claim to Nicole that it wasn't going to be like just taking on any Old Lady. Nicole was to ingrained in the club, being a family member of one of the founding nine and his presidents little cousin, Happy knew that it wouldn't be easy but he would be lying if he wasn't getting pissed off with everyone trying to get into their business. Because is Nicole was another girl none of his brothers would be so invested. And after all the Darby situation his patience was wearing thin with all of it. But he nodded to his president.

"She seems...not herself. Everything good?" Jax asked his trained eyes looking over Happy for a reaction. There wasn't one.

"She's good. The accident in Tacoma and the Darby shit shook her." Happy admitted.

Jax nodded. He knew he had made a mistake with Darby he had admitted that to Nicole and he would make that up to her but he felt But he loved Nicole and he would always protect her.

"I know I was wrong about bringing him back and I'm sorry for that man." Jax admitted but his tone quickly changed. "But I would and always will protect my family. I may have got blinded for a second but I will never let that happen again. If someone was hurting my family, hurting her, I would kill them, I don't care who it was. I dont want to see her hurt."

Happy frowned. Was Jax being serious right now. Happy knew what Jax was saying but Happy was the only one that was keeping her safe. Jax had abandoned her and left her on her own, he'd hurt her but Happy never got to reply to Jax as a van pulled into the lot they had spent the last two days watching.

"We've got something." Happy nodded towards the van causing Jax to finally tear his questioning eyes from him.

Jax watched as the van came to a stop. Happy manoeuvred into the back of the van his gun at the ready. Jax crawled upon the van, he watched as one man existed the van and went inside the warehouse. He pulled the van close and Happy opened the side door his gun drawn.

"Cut the engine and put the hands on the wheel."

As the man complied Happy stepped out of the van and opened the door pulling the man from his seat and into the back of the van. Jax turned to face the man.

"What's your partner doing inside?"

"Taking a shit. Why don't you go in and wipe his ass." Jax looked to Happy, a silent exchange between the two. Happy punched the guy in the face knocking him clean out.

"All right. Lets get his friends attention." Jax spoke with a smirk.

Roosevelt looked up from his desk when his office door opened. He was surprised to see Distract Attorney Tyne Patterson entering his office, but he got to his feet out of respect and extended his hand which she matched.

"Lieutenant Roosevelt. San Joaquin District Attorney Tyne Patterson."

"Yes Ma'am I know. How can I help you?"

"Any progress on the murder of the Diosa girl Erin Byrne?"

Roosevelt wasn't surprised by her directness, as woman and a woman of colour to have her position, she would have fought harder than anyone else trying to get to the top. No what surprised him was her interest in this murder. This was his district, his territory. Why was she interested.

"Got some leads, nothing solid. Does it mean something to you?"

"Yes it does. Can we talk in private?" Roosevelt was intrigued so he nodded and offered the chair across from him.

Patterson took the seat being offered as Roosevelt went to close the door to his office. "How did your interview go with Nero Padilla?" Patterson asked as Roosevelt took a seat across from her.

"His alibi checked out so I let him go. We did find blood and fibres in his truck, we're waiting for the results."

"That feels pretty solid to me."

"They should be back today."

"What about the fire at Gerbers ranch? CSU reports listed cases of KG9's." And all of a sudden it became clear to Roosevelt why she was here. The Sons. She was going after Samcro.

"This is about the Sons."

"My special investigator believed the Ms Byrne could tie the Byzlats and the Sons of Anarchy to the gun that was used in the school shooting." Patterson pulled out a folder from her briefcase and handed it to Roosevelt.

"You know Lee Toric was killed in Stockton two days ago." Roosevelt spoke as he opened the file he had been handed. "You think it was a hit by the Sons?"

"If it was Delaney won't be able to tell us. But i'm hoping that Tara Knowles might be." Her last words caught Roosevelt's full attention. "She's being prosecuted by my office for her part in the murder of Toric's sister. "

"I know."

"We need to find the bad guy here. Someone, some crew has got to take the blame for the murder of these four children."

"Yes ma'am, but Tara Knowles isn't the bad guy."

"In my book, she's bad until she does something good." Roosevelt did not like the thought of Tara Knowles being caught up in the school shooting. She was not the bad person here, she just fell in love with the wrong guy and the wrong family. If Roosevelt wanted to help her he knew he had to be involved in whatever it was Patterson was plotting.

"What do you need from me?"

"You put in time on the task force during the Sons RICO investigation."

"I was more an errand boy."

"Well your first errand for me is to get more on Padilla. Dig dip. Friends, enemies..."

"You want me to use him to get to the MC." Roosevelt spoke cutting her off.

"Yes. And get to know Dr Knowles. Motivate her to do a good deed."

"They won't turn on one another."

"Someone is getting buried for this. I don't care who."

And with that Patterson left. Roosevelt blew out a breath. He was the errand boy for the RICo case that errand was to pressure Ortiz. He remembered how well that turned out. He wasn't going to repeat past mistakes.

Lockdowns were nothing new to Nicole but this one did feel different, maybe it was just her. Her and Happy had been able to hide their secret but now Nicole was trapped in the clubhouse with everyone watching. She felt very self conscious of everything.

Gemma had thankfully been to busy to pay her to much attention but then there was the Tacoma sons.

Nicole knew they were coming but watching Lorca walk through the doors of the clubhouse Nicole felt more on edge. She wasn't exactly sure which Tacoma sons knew of her pregnancy but they knew about the accident and that it was blow back to the mother charter which resulted in Pam getting hurt. Pam was loved amongst the Tacoma Sons, they all respected her and because of Nicoles connection to Samcro Pam had almost died. So she would understand if they all hated her. But that didn't seem to be the case.

Nicole wrapped Happy's jacket tighter around her as she tiptoed down the hall. It was early and everyone else was asleep or so she thought. As she entered the kitchen she stopped when she saw a figure standing inside pouring a coffee. Lorca. She was about to turn on heels when he spoke.

"So you ever going to speak to me?" He spoke with a smirk before taking a sip on his coffee.

"Hi Lorca." She spoke matching her smile. She grabbed a water from the fridge before coming to stand beside him. "Thank you for coming." Lorca smirked.

He was surprised by the girl next to him. Most women even brothers he knew chose this life, came into the club either as a hang around, crow eater or made it to an old lady or a patched member. There were some that were born into the life, inheriting their fathers legacy such as Jax and Opie but Lorca had never seen a woman inherit it but that was Nicole. She was the niece of a founding nine, she was born into this, no choice and that must have been hard. And now she was pregnant and that child would thrown into the life. He guessed she was probably hoping for a boy, because from what he had witnessed it was easier being a man in this life than a woman.

"Course."

"How's Pam?" Lorca smiled at the girl.

"She's good. Still worried about you and the..." His words died but he pointed to her stomach. Nicole smirked and nodded.

"We're all good."

"You look, what is it they say, glowing or some shit." Nicole actually laughed this time.

"Im sure there is a compliment in there somewhere so thank you." Lorca nodded and took a sip of his coffee.

"So uh, guessing the news of a new killah in the oven isn't common knowledge." Nicole shook her head. "Well secrets safe with me sweetheart. Plus your Old Man laid down that rule while in Tacoma." Nicole nodded, she didn't realise Happy did that but it didn't surprise her.

"Im really sorry about what happened in Tacoma. Didn't mean for anyone to get hurt."

"I know." Lorca gave a nod but then she surprised him by walking over and kissing him on the cheek. "Thank you for keeping our secret."

He drained what was left of his coffee. "Right best get back to work." He gave her a nod and with that he left her alone.

"Do you need a hand?" Nicole looked over her shoulder to see Tara standing in the doorway. As well as avoiding the Tacoma Sons Nicole had also been trying to avoid Tara. Nicole felt awkward being around her. She knew that Tara blamed her for her still being stuck in Charming and without her staying here then perhaps she wouldn't have been arrested, but she would be lying if she didn't harbour resentment towards Tara too. Nicole knew that she was the one who had been pressuring Jax to cut her off and while she understood it hurt Nicole massively and she knew that she was starting to talk guardianship with Wendy again.

Nicole and Tara had always struggled with their relationship so why would now be any different. But Nicole would if just for Jax's sake.

"It's all done actually. I've made a plate for Abel, not sure what Thomas is on so maybe you could help." Nicole admitted pointing to empty childs plate.

"Thank you."

Tara walked over to the plate Nicole had pointed to and started adding some food.

"I'm surprised Gemma isn't in here." Tara watched as Nicole grabbed a piece of paper off the side.

"She left a list. She's with Nero in the office." Tara nodded with a smile.

They fell into an awkward silence. Neither really knowing what to say. Not wanting to overstep but as Tara went to leave she stopped when Nicole called her by nickname.

"T. Are you ok? I heard about what happened with Toric and Otto." Tara noticed the sadness in her eyes when she mentioned Otto. "I mean how does that affect your case?"

"I don't know. I have a meeting set with Lowen today." Nicole nodded. No matter what her feelings were or what Gemma and Wendy were saying about the guardianship Tara didn't deserve going to prison because of something she did for the club.

"Hopefully what happens may work in your favour." They both knew that this was false hope.

"I should take these to boys." Tara started to head towards the door when suddenly she stopped. Tara wanted to believe that Nicole would be different from Gemma but she wouldn't. If Nicole knew that she was trying to run, take the boys away from Jax Nicole would always pick Jax. So Tara had to treat her like just Gemma.

"I'm pregnant."

Nicole was shocked by the sudden confession. Pregnant. Tara was pregnant. So many things were going through Nicole's mind, like did Jax know.

"Wow..um...Congratulations." Nicole forced a smile onto her face.

"No one else knows apart from Jax. I'd like to keep it that way."

"Of course." Nicole could hardly say anything different given that she was keeping her own pregnancy

Both of their attention was drawn to Abel. "I'm hungry." He grumbled as he came to rest against the side of Tara. His words caused both of them to smile.

"I have it here Nicole has made you a plate, now say thank you."

"Thanks Aunt Nicole."

"You're welcome."

And just like that Nicole was on her own again.

Jax, Happy and Rat all pulled into T/M. They had just come from the warehouse where they were currently holding a couple of the Irish. They had gotten the information they needed but Jax didn't want to let them go just yet as the men were supposed to be picking up Connor today, but that wasn't going to happen the Sons were going to intercept him.

Happy walked into the clubhouse which was busy as expected. He greeted a few of his visiting brothers from Tacoma with a nod but only stopped when he came to Lorca.

Lee hadn't made the journey instead keeping things ticking over in Tacoma although Happy knew the real reason he wasn't here and that was because of Pam. Nicole was still reeling from the accident so he could imagine that Pam was only feeling the same.

"Hey brutha." Happy embraced his brother. They had missed Tacoma's arrival given the fact most of Charming Sons had been staking out the Irish, and finally today they had a break so they could move to the next step in Jax's plan.

"Brutha." Happy rasped but Lorca didn't miss the scan Happy did of the room. Lorca smirked he knew exactly who he was looking for.

"She's in the kitchen. She served up quite a feast this morning." Happy nodded of course she had his girl had definitely learnt her cooking skills from Gemma and Bobby if her banana loaf was something to go by. But she shouldn't have been doing all that shit in her condition. "So how is she?" Lorca looked over his shoulder to make sure they were out of earshot. "She's kind of been keepin' herself to herself." Lorca watched as his last words grabbed his attention

"Darby. Shit kicked off before you guys arrived."

"I did hear." Lorca had heard the news about the Nord attack and figured that it included Darby. Everyone who had been part of the club for a good time knew the history with the Tellers and Nords, especially with Nicole and looking at the bruises on Happy's face he had handled the threat because if Happy looked like that then Lorca knew that the other guy would look worse. "You better go and see your girl."

"Yeah."

And with another exchange of a hug Happy went to the kitchen, but when he reached the door his anger grew.

Nicole was on a little stool, leaning on her tiptoes trying to put a fucking dish on the top shelf. One wrong footing and she'd be on the floor.

Closing the gap between them, Happy placed his hands either side of her waist. With the gasp that escaped from her, he had clearly surprised her and she would have almost fell if Happy did have a strong hold on her but this just proved him right.

"Jesus Hap." Nicole breathed as she looked at him.

"You serious?" He asked she stepped off the stool. He didn't need to explain because she simply handed him the plate which he easily put away.

"Your back so im guessing..."

"We got a lead. Just come back to change then headin' out. You alright, Lorca said you've been hiding out." Nicole smirked.

Of course Lorca has said something. "Just trying to keep a low profile." Nicole spoke quietly with her had resting briefly on the swell of her stomach. Happy nodded. They were still in agreement that they were keeping the pregnancy under wraps but it was proving harder as Nicole seemed to be growing by the day and being on lockdown meant there were more eyes on her.

"You think it's time to say something?"

"Well if we do we will wont be the only ones." Happy frowned. "Tara's pregnant."

Happy was surprised by that little bit of news. The strain on Jax and Tara's relationship wasn't exactly a secret from everyone, all of them knew that Jax had fucked the mistress Colette while Tara was inside. But as he looked at Nicole he could tell something was bugging her.

"What?"

"Nothing, it's just." Nicole wondered whether to tell Happy or not due to he might tell Jax.

"Nic."

"Apparently she's reached out to Wendy about guardianship again." She watched Happy's jaw flex at the mention of Wendy's name. Happy hated Wendy. "I know you dont like her, but why would she lie to Gemma."

"Dont care. But stay out of it." Happy warned causing Nicole to just sigh in response.

"I dont want Jay hurt." Her words reminded him of his earlier conversation with Jax.

"You and Jax are more alike than I realise." Happy mumbled more to himself but Nicole heard him.

"What does that mean?" Nicole asked defensively.

Happy shook his head his hand running over his shaved head, he didn't want to get into this now., but looking at Nicole she wasn't going to let this drop.

"Jax pretty much warned me if I hurt you he'd kill me." Nicole could hear the bitterness in Happy's tone. The warning had clearly annoyed Happy but it pissed Nicole off more because this just confirmed that Gemma had been fuelling her suspicions about Happy.

"This is Gemma." Nicole spat shaking her head. "She saw the bruises on my neck. She knows they weren't from the accident." It all made sense now to Happy. Of course Gemma would notice them she was smart and although Happy couldn't deny those marks were from his hand it pissed him off. "I told her she was wrong..."

"But she's gone to Jax." Nicole looked deflated. She was worrying and he didn't need that she had been through enough the past few days. He reached out his hand coming to rest on her cheek.

"I'll handle this. Stay out of the Tara, Gemma drama."

"Is that an order?"

"If it needs to be." Happy spoke his eyes pinning her gaze. He didn't want her mixed up in this shit and he wasn't going to let it happen. "I've gotta get changed head back out." Nicole just nodded. "Mean it Nic just drop this." He bent down and dropped a kiss onto the corner of her mouth, his hand briefly resting on her stomach. As pulled away she gave him a tight lipped smile. She may be pissed at him but Happy didn't care.

Tara was at the swing set with Abel and Thomas when she saw the van the pull up. Happy, Rat and finally Jax got out of the van. Rat lingered around, while Happy headed straight to the clubhouse, Tara presumed to go and see Nicole. Jax was starting to make his way over to her when he was stopped by Gemma. Tara couldn't help but roll her eyes.

As she approached she tried to hear what they were saying but she couldn't but when Jax spotted her he soon ended the conversation and approached her, Gemma going back to Nero who was standing outside the office.

"Hey." Jax spoke as he approached.

"Hi." As they came to stand in front of one another Jax lent down and placed a kiss on the side of her mouth.

"You been ok, sleep much?"

"Not really." Tara replied. Jax nodded before looking over to where his boys were playing.

"The boys ok?"

"I guess. I've got to get out of here Jax." Jax returned his attention to his wife, but Tara's eyes lingered over Jax's shoulder at Gemma. "She scares me." Jax didn't need to look over his shoulder to know that she was referring to his mother.

"What happened?"

"Nothing yet. But she still thinks that I am trying to take the boys away she doesnt trust me. Nicole still hates me too." Tara whispered.

"Nicole?"

"I offered my help this morning at breakfast and she just gave me the cold shoulder. Her and Gemma, they always stick together." Jax couldn't argue with that.

"What do you want me to do?"

"I don't know., but don't say anything I don't want any trouble, its just too much anxiety in my first trimester." Tara confessed as Jax pulled her into a hug. "I asked Margaret if I could use my old office and talk to Lowen today." Jax pulled back and nodded.

"I'll send Rat with you." That wasn't ideal but Tara forced a smile onto her face. "I've gotta head to Stockton. Stay close to Rat ok but if you need anything just let me know. I love you."

"I love you too."