Chapter 16

"These go back before you were married." Lowen spoke as she turned the pages on the notepad Wendy had given her.

"I was a crow eater for about a year before Jax and I started hooking up. That's all I could remember."

"And you would be willing to testify about the violence?" Thomas started to cry causing Wendy to look over her shoulder where Margaret was pacing trying to calm him. "Wendy?"

"Hmmm..." She looked back at Lowen and Tara who were sat across from her. "Uh yeah I guess."

Truth was Wendy was starting to second guess all of this. Many would say writing everything down was suppose to be therapeutic but for Wendy all it did was throw her back into the past and brought up feelings that she would rather forget.

Wendy had made mistakes she wasn't perfect, none of the were. Gemma, Jax, Nicole, even Tara. But did Jax deserve to lose Abel, did Wendy. And then there was Thomas, but before she could get lost further in her own twisted guilt she heard her name. Looking up her eyes locked with Tara's.

"We need you..."

"I'll do it." Wendy spoke knowing Tara needed to hear it.

"That's good." Lowen closed her pad and stood up everyone else following the lead.

As Wendy grabbed her bag and started leave Tara followed her. "Did you speak to Gemna?" Tara asked in a hushed tone.

"Yeah I did." Wendy sighed. "I told her everything you wanted me to."

"And?...Look Wendy this is the right thing for the boys, for Abel..."

"Is it?"

"Do you really want this life for your son?" Tara questioned in disbelief at Wendy's doubts.

Before Wendy could answer Tara's questions the door opened. Wayne Unser stood there his eyes scanning all the room until his eyes locked with Tara's. He had clearly interrupted something. "Sorry I'll wait outside."

As the door closed behind him Tara felt all eyes on her and when looked around it was confirmed. "I'll talk to him." Tara reached for Thomas.

Tara stepped out of the room but as her eyes went to Wayne Tara noticed the doors over his shoulder opening and Gemma walking through them towards her. Tara looked to Wayne before her eyes shifted to the closed door behind her and then back to Wayne where she silently pleaded with him not to mention what he had just walked in on.

"Gemma." Wayne moved closer to Gemma stopping her from coming to him or rather closer to the door behind him.

"Wayne."

"I wasn't expecting you?" Gemma looked to Tara as she shifted Thomas in her arms. she spared a smile for her grandson.

"She's my ride." Wayne added looking at Tara.

"That's right. Also wanted to see if you want me to watch the boys."

"That would be helpful, thank you." Gemma smiled as she accepted Thomas into her arms from Tara. "Is Abel in there?" Gemma asked before moving towards her office.

"Uh no, he's down in daycare." Wayne interjected. Seeing the panic on Tara's face and knowing what lay behind those doors.

Tara smiled at Unser, thankful. "Yes, I was just about to go and get him?"

"Everything ok here?" Gemma asked noticing the looks being exchanged between Tara and Unser.

"It's just..." Tara moved closer to Gemma and continued in a hushed tone. "I'm treating him on the QT, I could get in a lot of trouble for this."

"Of course. We appreciate it." Tara forced a smile. She hated this life. "Jax is going to get someone to follow us home so let me know when you are ready to leave."

"Is everything ok?"

"Just with what happened today. Jackson doesn't want to take chances."

"Ok. We need to finish off here."

"I'll be downstairs with the boys."

Both Wayne and Tara watched as Gemma disappeared down the hall. When they were alone he turned to Tara. "You know at some point im going to ask some questions about what's happening in there." He spoke motioning to her office.

"I know."

Jax sat on his bike, engine off as he just stared at the house in front of him. Today had been rough. He had just left the site of the Nazi's, they had shot up the house and under his orders his brothers placed all the KG9s inside before burning the house down to the ground. He wanted the Irish to get the message. What they did today could start a war and if that was what they wanted Jax would show them that he wasn't to be messed with, but to do that he needed to clear his head. She normally helped him do that, get things right, so did Bobby but both were gone. Bobby had left him and since he cut Nicole off when he found out about her history with the Cartel they're relationship had never been the same. That was his fault.

Happy had wanted to come here, had wanted to be the one to tell her about Phil and as he stared at the house before him he wished he had let him but his conversation with his mother rang in his head so Jax had pulled rank. He saw the frustration in his SAA but as the brother he was he said nothing and did what he was ordered to do. And now Jax was going to have to be the cousin he used to be.

Dismounting his bike he walked up to the back door and knocked. He waited there for about 5 minutes before knocking again, panic starting to rise until he heard the sound of her voice followed by the click of a gun. He smiled to himself.

"It's me." Jax answered to her 'who is it?' question.

He expected the door to open straight away but it didn't. She was pissed and he wasn't sure he could blame her after today. But he needed to see her. "Nic please."

There was another long silence but then the door finally opened. He watched as she just stared at him. She had been crying, she looked tired, exhausted.

"Can I come in." Jax hated the hesitation in her eyes but was grateful when she stepped aside letting him in. Jax walked into the small kitchen. "Can we sit?"

Nicole nodded and Jax took a seat at the kitchen table .He continued to take her in as she went to the fridge and grabbed two waters. She was dressed in an oversized Sons Jumper that he presumed was Happy's, her legs were bare and Jax couldn't stop his eyes roaming over her body looking for bruises.

The ones from her accident were still slightly visible on her face but he could see her neck and her legs were bruise free. That gave him a bit of relief. But he would be lying if his mothers concerns weren't becoming his own concerns. Something was off with his little cousin, and he hadn't missed the fact that she had bareley looked at him.

"Where's Hap?" Nicole spoke breaking the silence.

"He's just finishing up." Nicole nodded. Even though Jax didn't elaborate on the 'finishing up' Nicole knew it was club related. Happy would tell her later so there was no point trying to push Jax for it now. But she really did want Happy here. Today had really taken its toll. "I'm sorry about Darby." Jax spoke causing her for the first time to have eye contact with her cousin.

"Why did you bring him there?"

"Club needed him." Jax spoke truthfully. "The men that broke in, cut up Unser they're a new crew. Darby was our only in. But I understand bringing him to the club..."

"Our home." Nicole corrected. "You told me I'd be safe there and then you bring him there and don't even tell me."

"In my defence Rat was supposed to get you out of there..." Jax spoke with a smirk but as he saw the frown on her face he realised that she really was pissed. Jax went to reach out for her hand but she pulled it away. He was surprised by the action at first but as he looked at her he could tell it was a reflex and that concerned him. Was this old ghosts from Darby and Ryan or a new fear.

"Look I fucked up."

"If Packer hadn't have walked in I don't know what Darby would have done."

"He wouldn't have done shit..."

"You sure of that?" Nicole looked at Jax and she could see the doubt. It made her laugh. The cousin she knew wouldn't have even taken the risk with her. "I can't be put in that position any more Jay."

"Im know." Nicole looked at her cousin dead in the eyes. She thought for a moment that maybe Happy had told but as he continued Nicole knew that wasnt the case. "I know the history with Darby I crossed a line today but I was trying to do what was right for the club."

"Club comes first right." Her words were sarcastic Nicole nodded. She was still angry but she just didn't have it in her to fight with Jax right now. "Look it's been a long day and I just...I think you should leave now." Jax sighed hating that she was being like this but he did get it. He had fucked up but leaving her wasn't an option right now.

"I can't leave you here alone." He answered

"Then send Happy home." Nicole snapped getting to her feet as she was unable to contain her frustration

"I can't do that right now." Getting to his feet.

"Fine but im staying here. If you're that bothered then you're more than welcome to stay, but im going to bed."

Nicole went to walk out of the kitchen but before she could Jax caught her wrist in his hand causing her to and turn to face him. "I can't stay either."

"Fine then send Phil but I'm not going back to that clubhouse not tonight." Nicole tried to free herself from his grip but Jax didnt let

Nicole locked eyes with Jax and that was when she noticed the pain lingering in his eyes. Something wasn't right something that she didn't pick on before. She knew that look, something had happened.

"Jay...what is it?" Dropping the hold of her wrist Jax ran a hand over his beard letting out a sigh.

"We lost Phil and V-Lin today."

"What?"

"They were murdered." Nicole's hand covered her mouth in shock. She took a step back letting it all sink in. Phil couldn't be gone, he was...he was her friend. Jax closed the gap between them again but this time his hand coming to rest gently on her arm. "That's why I can't have you being alone Nic. It was the Irish. They're dangerous Nic and I need you safe."

Nicole nodded. She knew all to well what a war with the Irish could mean. "I'll get my things." Her words were whispered but Jax heard her and nodded his head letting her go as she walked away but before she disappeared down the hall she turned back to him. "I'm sorry about Phil and V-Lin." He gave her a tight lipped smile before she disappeared down the hall.

Nicole was driving behind Jax, they had been driving for about 10 minutes when she realised that were heading in the wrong direction, but not wanting to change course as Jax had given strict instructions to follow him Nicole kept driving.

Another 20 minutes later they arrived at the woods. If it was anyone but Jax that had led her there she would be scared thinking that they had brought her here to kill her, but this was Jax her cousin. She followed him further into the dark woods, Jax was reaching out taking her hand and guiding her through the darkness. It wasn't until she saw the rest of the Sons that Nicole realised why he had brought her here.

"Jay." She spoke stopping them both as she looked up at him.

"I know you two were close, you should be here for this. He'd want it too."

"Thank you." Nicole knew that this was risky bringing her here and she really did appreciate it. And maybe this was Jax trying to apologise.

As they got closer their presence was noticed by the other members. She could see the confusion on all of their faces but the one she was most concerned about was Happy. Even in the darkness Nicole saw the cut on his face.

Following behind Jax she was greeted by Chibs and Tig both giving her a hug and a kiss on her cheek. Juice was more stand offish but right now it wasn't time for that so Nicole reached and placed her hand on his arm giving it a gentle squeeze, he gave her a tight lipped smile which she returned before giving her full attention to her Old Man.

Happy placed the tank of gasoline on the floor. He was surprised that Jax had brought her here but he understood. He had been dreading breaking this news to her but Jax had insisted that he would be the one to tell her. He was relieved in a way but was concerned on how she would take it. As he straightened up Nicole was standing in front of him, and she quickly wrapped her arms around him. Happy pulled her close.

"Im sorry." He heard her whisper into his chest. He responded by dropping a kiss on the top of her head.

Jax watched his cousin and Happy. There was no fear there from Nicole she went to him so easily. Looking away from the couple he looked over to Chibs who was holding the matches. Jax nodded and with that Chibs lit the matches and dropped them into the hole.

The flames quickly engulfed the wooden boxes. Nicole felt herself being pulled back as the flames got higher. They all stood there silently lost in their own thoughts. Losing any brother was hard but two and in this way changed everything, they were in a war and they all knew it.

"Bury them." Jax ordered looking over Tig and Juice who nodded and gabbed the shovels. Jax turned to Happy and Chibs. "Take her back to the clubhouse. We lock it down tonight. Tacoma is on the way." Both men nodded. "Im going to go to the Hospital, pick up Gemma, Tara and my boys."

"You shouldn't ride alone." Chibs spoke to which Jax nodded.

As the 4 of them walked away again Jax found his eyes wondering over to Happy and Nicole. Happy was helping Nicole into her truck.

Happy was a dangerous man, that was why Jax had appointed him as his SAA. Jax's mind went back to when he first found out about Happy and his baby cousin, he hadn't liked it, in fact he warned Happy off her told him to end whatever it was going on between but Jax had watched time and time again his brother step up for his cousin. He was different around her and although none of his brothers called him out on it, Happy's love for Nicole was clear and he showed that today with Darby.

Happy grabbed Nicole's bag from the truck. The lot was quiet. Too quiet, it was unsettling to him. He fell behind Nicole as they walked into the clubhouse, there was no one inside but they both knew that in a few hours the clubhouse would be filled with loved ones who were there so they were protected.

He followed her to his dorm. She hadn't spoken a word since arriving but Happy knew his girl and he knew that she had plenty things she wanted to say, and as he closed to the door to their dorm Nicole finally spoke.

"What happened with Darby?" Happy turned around to face her. "I know those bruises." She pointed to his face. "Are to do with him right?" Happy simply nodded placing her bag on the floor before walking over to her. He hooked his finger under her chin.

"He had it coming."

"I love you. You know that right?" Happy smirked.

"I know you do kid." He dropped a kiss to his lip s which she briefly returned before he pulled away. "Did he hurt you?"

Nicole shook her head and Happy was glad to hear it. After Packer confessed what had happened the rage inside of him was something that he hadn't felt before. He loved the girl in front of him and she was carrying his kid, so any danger to her was now a danger to his kid.

"Shits gonna get bad. Need you to keep yourself safe , and the kid. Need you to do as your told." Happy rasped as his thumb ran over her jawline.

"Well as long as Darby is gone then I don't have a problem being here."

"He's gone."

"Good." Nicole picked up her bag that was on the floor beside him. She placed the bag on the bed and started unpacking but came to a sudden pause, Happy didn't miss this and she finally spoke the question that he knew would be coming. "How did it happen?" Nicole put her jumper on the bed turning back to Happy. "How did he die?"

"Nic..."

"Hap, please." Happy sighed. If it was up to him he wouldn't divulge the truth he would protect her from knowing how close her and his brother were but if he didn't tell her she would just seek the truth from somewhere else.

"They were both shot in the head. And then chopped up. Their hands laid on their cuts."

Nicole swallowed hard at the truth. The thought of Phil and V-Lin dying like that that was hard but at least they were dead when the Irish mutilated their bodies.

"What's Jax going to do?" Happy shrugged.

"We play this one safe. Stake them out try and gather their next move. They will pay for this but this goes bigger than just a straight up retaliation."

"This will go as far as the kings?" Nicole asked in a hushed tone. Nicole wasn't stupid she understood the weight behind this. Jax wanting to get the club out of guns was one thing but this war...this war could kill them all.

"Yeah." Happy saw the understanding and worry in her eyes for what they were just about to enter. He kissed her on her forehead. "We're going to be alright."

"Yeah, What's the worst they could do." Nicole spoke forcing a smile on her face. Her Old Man didnt need to be burdened with her worries right now.

Little did Nicole know though was that they were going to find out the true fury of Galen.

Jax stood in the kitchen as Tara packed for the lock down. He ran a hand over his face as he stood alone.

It was late, Tara had stayed at St Thomas to fix up Unser., so his Mom had dropped the boys at the clubhouse, before she left for supplies, Tig tailing her. Nero was shutting down Diosa, and everyone who was family were setting up camp in the clubhouse. Jax wasn't going to allow anyone else to get hurt because of the decisions he had made today.

As he waited for Tara he heard the ring of cell, his pre-pay. He sighed heavily. What now? He thought before answering the call with a gruff hello.

The message was short but Jax got everything he needed from it. Lee Toric had been murdered at the hands of Otto Delany, who was also dead, shot by police. And all of this was orchestrated by Clay Morrow.

Jax closed his cell.

"What is it?" Jax looked over his shoulder to see Tara standing there, bags in hand.

"Lee Toric is dead. Otto killed him."