SONS OF ANARCHY

So many of us became fans of the show because of Ron Perlman. I remember sitting down and thinking to myself...I can’t believe I’m watching a biker show!!! After the pilot, I was hooked. Here is my feeble attempt to recreate an incredibly well written show. Just for the BATB fans...imagine Linda Hamilton performing as Cynthia and Roy Dotrice as her father.

WARNING: STRONG LANGUAGE AND ADULT CONTEXT

(C’mom...it’s a biker gang for pete’s sake!)

FIRST CLASS TROUBLE

Kathy DeNormandie

Jax was in the lead of a small group of bikes as it made its way north through the back roads of Charming. Juice and Chibs rode side by side behind him with Kipp bringing up the rear.

A beautiful woman was driving a vintage 1967 cherry red Corvette convertible on the same highway coming towards them. Her long sandy blond hair blew in the wind as she leaned forward to adjust the radio station. She heard the hum of motors before she actually saw them. Puzzled, she looked behind her for the source of the noise but saw no one. Pushing the button of the CD player, she rounded a bend in the road.

The sun shimmered off the chrome of the bikes, and created a blind spot for anyone driving towards them. She knew they were there and she pulled a hard right with the steering wheel and spun the car around. Still, she was already over the center line and the guys were forced to veer off with their bikes.

Kipp dumped his bike on its side and Juice and Chibs laughed at him. Jax slowed and did a u-turn and was quickly followed by the others. He parked his bike and got off and started to walk towards the car. Kipp pulled his bike upright then walked it over by the others.

The woman’s car had run over a piece of metal and Jax could see the air rushing out of a jagged tear in the side. "You all right?"

The woman blew out a long breath. "Yeah, I’m fine! What about you?"

Jax nodded back towards his friends. "Other than the rookie over there, we’re fine."

"Good!"

Jax smiled at her. "You got a spare, ma’am?"

"Yeah! I think so, in the back..."

Jax pointed to the hood of the trunk. "You wanna pop it for me?"

He heard the click of the trunk as it opened. He removed her tire, the lug wrench and the jack. Juice and Chibs walked over towards him and nodded a greeting towards the woman.

Kipp came behind them and smiled sweetly at her. "We’ll have this changed for you in no time."

Jax looked over at him and laughed as he threw the lug wrench at him. "Here you go, Prospect."

Kipp frowned and caught it easily then walked over and started to loosen the lug nuts on the rim of the tire.

Jax walked back over to the woman. "Would you mind getting out? It’ll be safer for us to jack it up if you’re not in it."

The woman got out and made her way around the back. None of the four men knew anything about fashion but all of them knew instantly that this woman had spent more money on one outfit than all of them together spent on clothing in a year. They cast curious glances at one another when she walked past them and leaned over to grab her car phone from a compartment on the dashboard.

Four sets of eyes focused on her rear end and she turned around to see them grinning at one another. She smiled coyly and shook her head as she rolled her eyes then took off walking slowly away while she punched numbers into her cell phone and waited for an answer.

"Hey, Daddy. I’m gonna be about ten minutes late. I got a flat." A response must have come because the guys heard her say, "No! Don’t bother. I’ve got some Charming guys here changing it for me. Yep...see you soon."

She closed the phone and walked back to the car then tossed it carelessly back on her seat. She eyed Kipp as he struggled to do all the work by himself. "He must be a prospect?"

Juice smiled. "You guessed it!"

She cocked her head to the side and tried not to look annoyed. "You two mind helping him out? I’m kinda in a hurry."

Juice and Chibs went to help Kipp while Jax walked over to her side. "How’d you know we were from Charming?"

"The club vest."

"Yeah?" he said as he looked down at his vest. "You familiar with the club?"

She shrugged and sighed. "I was at one time...it was a long time ago."

"Long time ago...you must have known my dad..."

"Maybe...What’s his name?"

"John...John Teller."

The woman’s cool exterior seemed to slip. "John Teller had a son?"

Jax laughed. "That’s what my old lady said."

"Old lady...and she is?"

Jax looked at her curiously. "Gemma, you know her?"

The woman’s face paled. "You’re Gemma’s son? Her son with John?"

"Yeah!"

The woman tried to hide her anger as she looked at him curiously. "And you’re what...20...?"

Jax nodded at her guess. "8...I’m 28."

The woman was now visibly shaking and she tried to light another cigarette. "You ever hear of a guy named Clay Morrow?"

Jax took the unlit cigarette from her hand and put it to his mouth then lit it and handed it back to her. "Yeah, Clay’s my stepdad."

The woman’s jaw dropped open in shock. "Stepdad?!"

Jax was really starting to get suspicious over her attitude. "Uh, yeah, he married my mom a year or so after my dad died."

"You’re fucking kidding me?!" The woman asked angrily. "Son of a bitch!"

Chibs and Juice looked up in surprise while Kipp dropped the lug wrench he’d been holding.

Jax glanced quickly at his friends then back at the woman. He wondered where someone of her status had learned to talk like that. He frowned as he shuffled his feet, not wanting to tell this woman anymore. "Uh, look lady. We’re almost done here. You have a safe drive home, okay?"

The woman was chuckling almost maniacally. "Yeah, I’ll be seeing you, kid. Thanks for the help with the tire."

Kipp had put her jack and lug wrench back in her trunk and the woman hopped in her car and spun her tires. Dirt flew up and the four men waved their hands in front of their faces, trying to clear the dust.

"Aye, she be a crazy one," Chibs said in his thick Scottish accent.

Juice laughed. "She’s a hot one though...gave me a serious chubby when I first saw her get out."

"You too?" Kipp asked.

Jax shook his head in disgust. "Get ‘em down boys. She may look and act like a dream but did you see how quickly she turned into a nightmare?"

Chibs tapped Juice in the chest. "Ya’ but ye can always gag her...maybe put her in some chains."

Juice threw his head back and laughed. "No way! I like the feeling of their fingers in my hair," he said as he rubbed his tattooed and shaved head.

Kipp stood looking uncomfortable at their conversation. He didn’t go for the whips and chains and the wild sex like they always talked about.

Jax noticed and laughed as he shook his head. "Shut up you two, you’re scaring the kid! Juice? I got her plate number...it was from California... Dads Grl...no I in girl...can you run it when we get back?"

Juice nodded. "No, problem. You lookin to hook up with her? Tara’ll be pissed if she finds out."

"Naw, MILF’s ain’t my style. I like ‘em young and agile. She’s got me curious though. I wanna know who she is and why she’s in Charming. I get the idea she’s been here before." He turned to Kipp. "Maybe when we get back someone can help you put the training wheels back on your bike?"

Kipp reddened with embarrassment as the guys broke out in laughter. The four friends walked to their bikes and rode back to the clubhouse.

 

***********************************

 

Heads turned when the group walked inside. Juice grabbed a beer and headed over to his computer. Kipp headed to the bathroom to wash all the dirt from his hands while Jax and Chibs headed to the bar and grabbed a beer.

Clay was leaning with his back against the bar as he looked over at Jax. "Any trouble out there?"

"Nope, storage shed’s secure, not a footprint or wheel print around."

Clay knew that after checking on the storage shed, each crew drove around a tractor that was hidden in the woods. They would smooth out the dirt in the area surrounding the building. The next team would then know instantly if anyone had been snooping around it.

Clay nodded satisfactorily. "Good. Your mother took the little guy to see Tara today. She said something about funny colored shit." He looked over and shook his head as he smiled. "I guess the color of your kid’s shit is kinda important."

Jax was concerned of course for his son but he made a face that showed his disgust. "Great, his diaper’ll be messier than ever to change."

Opie came over and elbowed Jax in the arm. "The color of the shit can tell you sometimes if the kid’s got any kind of an infection."

Jax blinked in surprise but knew Opie had two kids and had to know what he was talking about. "Really?"

Opie grinned as he got his beer mug refilled. "Most times it tells you you’ve been feeding him too many strained peas."

Jax groaned and put his hand over his eyes. "I gave him some of those last night. I forgot to tell Gemma. She’s gonna kick my ass!"

Clay laughed and turned around to face the bar. "So it was quiet out there, otherwise."

"Yeah, changed a tire on a ’67 vette for some woman."

Tig, who was sitting on a bar stool at Clay’s right hand side, leaned back to look at Jax. "That kinda ride...she’s got money...she a looker too?"

Kipp walked up and Jax poked him in the arm. "Half Sack here said he’d do her."

Clay shook his head in disgust as he laughed. "Half Sack’ed do anything to get his pecker off. Wouldn’t ya?" he said as he addressed the youngest club pledge. "Better than the hand, ‘eh kid?"

Juice called out from the computer. "Yo’ Jax, I got the woman’s name." Jax turned around as Juice called out. "Car’s registered to a Cynthia Kennedy..."

Clay’s glass of beer slipped from his hands and crashed to the floor. Shards of glass flew everywhere as the beer splattered their pant legs. He looked over at Tig who reached out and grabbed his forearm to steady him.

Kipp was ignorant of Clay’s reaction and wanting to fit in with the club grabbed his crotch and shook it. "Cindy, huh? She was a hot one. That was one MILF I wouldn’t let slip outta my bed."

In one swift move, Clay backhanded him across the face. Kipp spun from the impact and fell to the floor.

Jax gasped when he saw Kipp’s mouth covered with blood and looked over at Clay angrily. "What the fuck?!"

Bobby rubbed his hand through his beard as he looked at Clay. "Ain’t the kid’s fault, Clay!"

Standing behind the bar, Piney readjusted the oxygen hose to his nose. "He’s right, Clay."

Clay scowled and stomped from the room. The door slammed behind him as he headed outside. Tig quickly followed behind him and as Clay started his bike and left. Tig swore aloud and hopped on his as well then took off after him.

The other members had followed them outside and cast each other curious glances.

Jax frowned at Clay’s strange behavior. "Find out who this woman is, Juice. I want to know everything about her down to her cup size!"

Jax led the way back inside. Juice headed back to the computer while Jax, Opie and Chibs headed to the bar. Bobby and Piney were sitting there talking quietly. Kipp was sitting on a bar stool holding a towel filled with ice up to his split lip.

Jax nodded to Kipp. "Y’all right, Prospect?"

Chibs stepped forward and removed the towel from Kipp’s face and checked the wound. "Aye, he be all right. Won’t be pleasing any ladies with that mouth for a few days."

Jax looked over at Piney and Bobby. "You guys know what just fuckin’ happened here?" Both men glanced at each other then quickly looked away.

Jax exploded. "C’mon! Clay goes fucking nuts at the mention of some broad’s name! Who the hell is she?"

Juice called from across the room. "She’s the only daughter of Victor Kennedy."

"Victor Kennedy?!" Jax said with surprise.

Opie looked at his father. "Didn’t he used to run guns through here before the Sons took over?"

Piney grimaced then nodded. "Yeah, he cornered the drug and gun market long before Clay and John came around."

Jax sat at the table near Juice. "Keep going."

Juice nodded. "Victor left here in the late 70’s after the Sons moved in. He started his business in California and has grown to take over the entire state as well as the ones surrounding it. Cynthia, his only child, was born in 1958 and was raised here. When Cynthia was 12, her mother died, they buried her over at Oak Cemetery. She followed her dad to California a few years after he left."

Opie nodded. "That explains why she knows your mom and dad and Clay. They probably went to school together." He turned to Bobby. "You were in school with them...you remember her?"

Bobby looked away and took a sip of his beer. "Yeah, I think I do..."

Piney frowned and adjusted his oxygen again and Opie caught the nervous tick. "Pops? You remember her?"

Piney frowned and nodded. "Maybe...it was an awful long time ago...I wasn’t real sober back then..."

Jax shrugged. "Well, whoever she is, she’s got Clay all riled up."

The men went back to their drinking and the incident was forgotten.

 

*************************************

Tig tried to keep up with Clay out on the weaving highway roads. Clay increased his speed and Tig worriedly slowed down but continued to follow him. Finally, Clay pulled off the road and followed a path up into the woods. He sat on a fallen tree not too far from where the storage shed sat.

Tig found him and pulled up his bike next to Clay’s . He took off his helmet as he walked towards his friend. "Not real responsible hitting those kinds of speeds when your head ain’t on right." Clay shrugged but didn’t respond.

Tig squinted and looked off in the distance. "Look, you gotta get a grip...maybe she ain’t here for long."

Clay looked up at his longtime friend. "Why’s she fuckin here at all?!"

Tig sighed. "I don’t know, man. You want me to go find out?"

Clay sighed as he held his shaking hands out in front of him for Tig to see. "I can’t go through this with her again!"

Tig knew that Clay meant what he said. "Look, don’t I always have your back? Huh? Don’t I always?! Look, I’ll go now...see what she’s up to...you wait here and I’ll be back in a few."

Clay nodded as he held his head in his hands and ran his fingers through his hair.

Tig mounted his bike and rode off.

 

***************************************

 

Tig had been at Cynthia’s house a million times in the past. He knew the way and he easily went through the false barricades they used to hide the property entrance. He came up to the mansion and got off his bike at the front door. He heard a click behind him and slowly turned to see five men spread out in various places, each of them had a gun pointing at his head.

His arms shot up as he looked around. "I’m just here to see Cindy. Tell her it’s Tig."

A familiar woman’s voice came over the intercom system by the front door. "Let him in."

The weapons lowered immediately and Tig nodded respectfully to them as he made his way inside. An older gentleman opened the door for him and Tig smiled at him. "That you Patrick?"

"Master Tig! It’s been a few years." Patrick said as the two men shook hands.

"Jesus Christ, Patrick you’ve gotta be what...170?! You’re still working here?"

"I’ve just had my 84^th birthday and I am as useful as ever. Try to hurt Mistress Cynthia and I’ll eat your balls for lunch!"

Tig laughed hysterically. "That’s the Patrick I know and love!" He grabbed his crotch and shook it. "And it might be kind of interesting if you wanted to eat my balls. I’m guessing them teeth ain’t yours. How are you at gumming?"

"The teeth are my own and I could rip your balls off with them if you’d like? Now...you sick perverted bastard...what are you doing here?"

Tig grew serious and looked at the floor. "Paddy, I’m just trying to figure out why she’s back after all this time."

Patrick pointed towards her father’s old study. "You may ask her that yourself, she’s waiting for you."

Tig walked the familiar hallway and headed towards the door Patrick indicated. He opened it slowly to see Cindy standing in front of the huge window looking out to the courtyard. He noticed that she still looked like a million dollar package.

Cindy turned around and looked at Tig. Slowly, a smile broke out on her face. "Hey, Tig," she said. "How they hangin?"

Tig laughed. "You always had a potty mouth. Come give me a kiss!"

"Nice try, buddy. I ain’t kissing that mouth...who knows what young thing’s had her pussy on there." Cindy walked forward and gave him a warm hug. She backed up slowly and turned away but not before he saw a flash of pain in her eyes. "I should’ve known he’d send you! He doesn’t have the balls to come here himself."

Tig shook his head. "You know that’s not true!"

"Then what is?" she asked as she whirled around to face him.

Tig frowned and looked at the floor. "It almost killed him when you left, Cin. I didn’t think he’d ever get over it."

Cindy got angry. "It almost killed him! What the fuck does he think it did to me?"

Tig shrugged. "I don’t know what happened between you two but maybe you should ask him."

Cindy chuckled. "That’s rich! I should talk to him! He sends his messenger boy up here ‘cause he can’t be bothered."

"That ain’t it and you know it, Cindy!"

"Yeah, well. Tell him to prove it!"

"If he comes up here...you’ll talk to him?"

Cindy stood and thought a few minutes about it then looked at Tig as she sighed. "Yeah, I’ll talk to him!"

"That the only reason you’re here?"

She shrugged. "I’ve got a lot of unfinished business."

Tig nodded and turned to leave when she called out to him again. "Tig?" He turned around and she continued. "Sorry about the messenger boy thing."

Tig laughed and saluted as he walked out the door. He rode back to the spot where he’d left Clay.

Clay was pacing back and forth and seemed to be talking to himself. He stopped and looked at Tig as he pulled up. "Ya see her?"

"Yeah, I seen her!"

Clay tried to play it off but couldn’t quite do it. "Yeah, how’s she look?"

"A few wrinkles here and there. Same old Cindy. Angel’s face with a devil’s mouth."

Clay half smiled as he looked away fondly. "That’d be her. What she doin’ here?"

"She says tying up some loose ends. She said she’d talk to ya..."

Clay looked at the sky then sat down again and sighed. "I can’t believe I’m asking a pervert like you...but...what the hell do I do?"

Tig shrugged. "You know you ain’t gonna rest until you go see her...it’s been what...30 years...how much power can she still have over you?"

Clay sat for over a half an hour deciding what to do. Finally, he leaned back and clapped Tig on the back. "I’m gonna get this over with...see ya at the clubhouse!"

He started his bike and Tig shouted over the roar of the engine. "Watch the welcoming committee!"

Clay took off to Cynthia’s while Tig headed back to headquarters.

"Welcoming committee, what the fuck’s he talking about?" Clay wondered as he drove down the road.

 

****************************************

 

Clay pulled up in front of her house and took his helmet off. He chuckled as he was immediately surrounded by men with weapons pointing at him. "Funny man, Tig!" he thought to himself.

His heart skipped a beat when her voice came over the intercom. "Come in, Clay."

Clay sauntered inside and headed to her living room. He spent many hours here and knew his way around the entire house. "Fucked in almost every one of these rooms," he thought as he walked the familiar route. At the doorway of the living room, he steeled himself and walked into the room.

Cynthia stood in front of the fireplace and Clay’s breath caught in his chest.

"Clay," she said politely.

"Cindy..." he answered.

She pointed at the drink cart across the room. "You want a beer or have you traded it in for the harder stuff?"

"Naw...beer’s good."

Cynthia walked over and popped open a bottle then handed it to him. There fingers briefly touched and Clay’s eyes popped open at the electricity that was still evident between them.

He grabbed the bottle and retreated across the room. "So, what are ya doin here? You ain’t tying up loose ends like you told Tig..."

Cynthia poured herself a glass of wine. "No...it’s true...I’m working on some unfinished business."

"Am I your...unfinished business?"

Cynthia shook her head and decided to be honest with him. "You were never business, Clay...not to me anyway." Clay looked at her and sipped his beer as he tried to decide if she was telling the truth. Cynthia pointed at a chair. "Sit." As he looked like he was about to argue, she asked sweetly. "Please."

Clay sat and she took the chair across from him. There was an uncomfortable silence as each tried to brooch the painful topic.

Finally, Cynthia gave up and threw her arms up at her sides. "Clay this is stupid. Talk to me."

"Whaddya want me to say?" he asked with an edge to his voice.

Cynthia frowned and looked away. "Why don’t you start with what the hell happened 30 years ago. You owe me that much don’t you?"

"I don’t owe you shit! You fuckin’ walked away from me without a word!"

Cynthia blinked in surprise and then got angry at him. "What?! What the hell are you talking about? I needed you more than ever and you said that it was my problem! That you didn’t want to be saddle with me and that I was nothing but a good fuck!"

Clay flew from his seat and started to pace the room angrily. "I would never have said that, you’re just making shit up!"

"You think I made up a pregnancy?! How the hell do you fake giving birth?!"

Clay whirled around and looked at her. "You’re a fucking lunatic! What the hell are you talking about?"

Cynthia’s stomach flipped over as an odd feeling filled her body. She could tell that Clay had no idea what she was talking about. She began to wonder if she had made a horrible mistake. "I sent word to you that I was pregnant with your baby. I heard back that you said it was my problem...that I was nothing more than a good fuck to you."

Clay’s jaw dropped open in shock as he settled down heavily into the nearest chair. "Cindy, I swear I never said that about you. You were the love of my life! Who’d you send the message with?"

Cynthia looked confused and stared at him. "Who else would I trust with that information?"

Clay knew instantly who she meant. In his heart, he knew the answer but asked anyway, hoping he was wrong. "You...sent it with Gemma?"

"Yes."

Clay was silent as he let the truth sink in. Suddenly, he shot up from his seat and headed out. "I’ll be back."

"Clay?" Cynthia called out to his retreating back knowing instantly where he was headed. "Clay!"

 

******************************************

 

Clay, once again, drove the streets at an almost maniacal speed. He pulled up in front of the house and ran inside. Tara was there and holding the baby.

"Where’s Gemma?" he growled

"She’s at the clubhouse," Tara said, wondering what Clay was so angry about.

He turned to go and as an after thought looked back at Tara. "Jax gave him peas last night."

Tara nodded knowingly. "I figured it out when I changed his diaper."

Clay nodded then spun out and headed towards the clubhouse. Dirt flew as he stopped his bike in front and headed inside.

Gemma was leaning against the bar with a beer in her hand. "Hey, baby."

Clay grabbed the front of her vest and shook her hard. "You bitch! If you were a man I’d gut you with my fucking knife."

Gemma blinked in confusion as tears came to her eyes. "Clay, what’s wrong?"

Jax came over and pushed Clay away from her. "Settle down, Clay!"

"Shut the fuck up you sniveling bastard. This is between me and your mother!"

Tig came over and stood behind Clay. The other club members looked at one another nervously.

Gemma got over her initial surprise and looked angrily at him. "What the hell’s wrong with you?"

Clay was clenching and unclenching his fists as he paced.

Bobby looked over at a confused Gemma and decided to clear the air. "Cindy’s back in town."

Clay looked up and watched the color drain from Gemma’s face. He knew her so well, he instantly had the answer to his question. "You did it, didn’t you? What she told me was true?"

Gemma recovered her composure and looked at him arrogantly. "What’d she tell you?"

Clay’s face showed his anger as her composure once slipped again. He looked in disgust at her. "Get outta my fucking clubhouse."

"Clay!" Piney said. "Think about what you’re saying..."

Clay looked around at the other club members. "I’m kicking out a traitor to our club. Gemma here decided to play God with my life! 30 years ago she was supposed to give me a message...she chose instead to fucking come up with her own story."

Gemma stepped forward tentatively and reached for Clay’s vest. "Baby, it was for the good of the club. Cindy would never have..."

Clay hit her arms off of his vest. "Don’t fuckin’ touch me. You lost that right when you lied to me."

Gemma looked truly afraid. "Clay, can we go talk about this..."

"I’m done talkin...Tig...you know where I’ll be..."

Jax saw the hurt in his mother’s face and couldn’t figure out this whole crazy mess. "Mind sharing that with your second in command?" he said as he addressed Clay.

Clay looked at him then back at Gemma. "I’ll be at the Kennedy Mansion sleeping with my wife!" He turned and stormed angrily from the club house while the other members slowly let the full impact of his words sink in.

"Wife?" Jax looked at Gemma who was slowly starting to fall apart. "Mom, what did you do?"

Gemma had tears in her eyes as she downed the rest of her beer. She took a deep breath and looked at Jax with a steel determination in her eyes. "What the club needed me to do!"

She angrily stomped from the clubhouse and spun the wheels as she took off in her car.

 

****************************************

 

Jax took off after her and chased her down at the nearest stop light. "Mom! You ain’t losing me that fast!"

Tears flowed from Gemma’s eyes. "Can’t you just leave me the fuck alone?"

"No, Ma I can’t! I know now why I recognized that woman. She’s the one from the picture."

"What picture?"

"You and Dad on your wedding day. You were pregnant and Clay was there on one side and Cynthia was on the other...right?"

Gemma looked disgusted. "You saw that picture?"

"Yeah! So what!"

"I didn’t want you to know that your Mom was a whore as a kid. That I got knocked up and had to get married."

Jax laughed. "You ain’t the first and you won’t be the last. But was I right, the other chick was Cynthia. She was Clay’s old lady."

"Yeah. They were married for almost a year before your dad and I got hitched."

"I’m lost then, Ma. How’d you cause their break up?"

Gemma was stricken with guilt as she looked at Jax then turned and walked away. "Not now, baby."

 

*****************************

 

Clay’s body shook as he made his way down the road. He was flooded with remorse, disgust and anger over what happened in what had seemed like a lifetime ago. Right now, he was so angry with Gemma he had lost his ability to trust her. He laughed as he realized Cynthia was the one person he trusted now and he wanted to go and hear what she had to say. He turned his bike around and headed back to her house.

Cynthia stood up as he walked into the room. No words were exchanged as she opened him a beer then walked and handed it to him. She raised her eyebrows in surprise as he downed it with one gulp. Clay settled himself down on the loveseat as she turned from him. She shook her head in disbelief and walked back over to the bar to pour him a shot of whiskey which she handed to him with another beer.

"You didn’t believe me so you went and asked Gemma yourself?"

"It had nothin to do with believin you! I wanted to know if the bitch would fuckin tell me truth if I asked her..."

"And did she?"

Clay sat back and cleared his throat as he looked at her. "I don’t want to talk about her...she’s not worth it..."

Cynthia sighed and sat down next to him. "Clay, she’s your wife."

"Yeah, so were you at one time!"

Cynthia had no words to say and she nodded then looked down at her hands. "That was a long time ago."

"It would have been longer but you had your daddy annul it!"

"I wasn’t exactly thinking clearly at the time. But I admit, I let my dad handle everything."

"What made you leave me? What did I do? What did I say? Tell me what the fuck happened back then."

She stood up and began to pace the room. "The club was just in the beginning stages...money was tight back then, you know?" Clay nodded and she continued. "When I suspected I was pregnant, I was afraid of what your reaction would be. Gemma had baby Tommy already and she offered to come with me to the doctor. When I found out, I panicked, I swore her to secrecy."

"Why?"

"I needed time to let it sink in. I was so excited! Gemma and I went through baby names all the way home. Then, two days later, Tommy got so sick and when he didn’t make it through his surgery..."

Clay sighed and nodded. "It was a bad time for all of us. I thought it was going to kill John. I ain’t never seen a man cry so hard in my whole life."

Cynthia shrugged. "Gemma lost it for a little while there."

"Yeah."

"Then you and I hit that rough patch and we were fightin...a lot. A couple weeks later, I was puking in the stall at the restaurant when Gemma walked in. It seemed like she suddenly remembered I was pregnant ‘cause she asked what you said about the pregnancy. I said I hadn’t told you yet that I was still worried about your reaction. She said she would handle it for me...to relax and enjoy my pregnancy. The next day, when you and John went out to highway 55 to look into the headquarters site she came by and told me that you were pissed...You didn’t know why you’d married me to begin with but now you were saddled with my kid too. She said you told her it was the price you had to pay to have a good fuck."

The words were like a knife in his heart as he shook his head in remorse. "I never said that."

"I know that...now. Back then, I just needed to get away, lick my wounds. So, I left to go by my father. I knew he would take care of everything."

"You had an abortion?" he asked tentatively.

Cynthia walked over and picked up an album on the top of the mantle then walked back and handed it to him as she sat on the couch once again. "The only thing my father loved more in this world than me was his new grandson." Clay had opened the album and looked at baby pictures of his son. "Jacob Morrow Kennedy," Cynthia said as she looked over his shoulder.

"Jacob? My father’s name..."

"Yes."

"So he’s...29?"

"Uh, huh."

"I take it he works with your old man in the family business?"

Cynthia burst out laughing. "God no! Jacob has no idea what my father does."

Clay smiled and looked at her curiously. "Why not?"

Cynthia chuckled and shook her head. "I don’t know how...but you and I managed to create the world’s most law abiding citizen. Jacob went into the service at 18...the Marines...he’s a decorated hero."

Clay laughed with her at the irony of it all. "No chance in turning him then, huh?"

"I don’t think so."

For the next few hours, they poured over all the picture albums Cynthia could find. Clay watched his son grow up before his eyes and he looked with fondness at his military picture. "I can see both of us in him."

Cynthia had been leaning in and her face was close to his as she smiled. "Yeah, he got the best from both of us."

Clay moved in to kiss her and she backed away.

He looked surprised. "I...guess I read the signals wrong. I’m sorry."

Cynthia looked at his hand. "Did you forget about this?" She showed him his wedding ring glistening on his finger. "What about Gemma?"

Clay felt his anger flare to the surface at the thought of what his wife had done to him and all that he had lost because of her. "Right now, I can’t even think about forgiving her."

Cynthia narrowed her eyes thoughtfully and stared at him. Making an impulsive decision, she stood and reached for his hand. Stunned, he looked up at her and took her hand then stood in front of her. He saw the desire in her eyes and smiled wickedly before he bent his head to kiss her.

Cynthia threw her arms around his neck and kissed him passionately. Backing away, she whispered to him. "Take me upstairs..."

In one swoop, Clay carried her up the staircase and into her old bedroom.

 

 

 

Chapter 2

 

Clay opened the door with his foot and Cynthia slid from his arms then nodded towards the bed. "Should we use the bed or be as adventurous as we used to be?"

"Baby, I can get adventurous enough under the sheets...We don’t need any swinging baskets or crazy ropes anymore."

Cynthia threw back her head and laughed. "Then show me what you got, cowboy!"

Clay reached over and began to unbutton her shirt. After it was opened past her bra, he kissed his way down to the top of her waistband as he continued to undo the buttons.

Cynthia tugged frantically at his shirt and managed to free it from his pants. She pulled it over his head and threw it to the side as she started to undo the buckle of his pants.

Clay growled and ripped her shirt off then picked her up and laid her on the bed. He climbed on top of her and covered her face with kisses. Her arms instantly went around his waist as she brought him closer. Their passion quickly turned into a frantic coupling. Hands flew from place to place and lips quickly followed the trail the hands had blazed. Sweat glistened on each of their bodies as they drove each other closer and closer to the top. Clay gritted his teeth as he tried to stop his body but her muscles clenched tighter on him and he was quickly losing control. With one final thrust, he took her over the edge with him. He collapsed on top of her then smoothly moved off to her side as they gasped for breath.

Clay flipped over on his back and groaned. "Jesus Christ, you almost fuckin killed me!"

Cynthia lay on her back as she panted heavily as well. "Yeah, we never did have a problem in bed, did we?"

Clay cast a grin sideways and chuckled. "If I remember right it was always good."

Cynthia scooted to her side and nestled herself under his arm. She ran her fingers lazily over his chest and playfully moved the hair around. She sighed as their heartbeats returned to normal then she looked up at him with eyes filled with desire. "We were good together!"

Clay waggled his eyebrows at her suggestively. "Were?"

Cynthia looked at him in surprise. "You’re dreaming, Clay. At your age? There’s no way you’re going again!"

Clay got up on his elbow as she fell back against the pillow. "My age, huh? There’s one thing you must have forgotten about me...I never back down from a challenge!"

He leaned over and kissed her then slowly made his way down her neck past her chest and below to the place hidden by the covers. Cynthia moaned as she felt his lips close over her mound and she writhed on the bed in ecstasy until he sent her over the brink again just a few minutes later.

She lay back and panted as he crawled up beside her and kissed her. She tasted herself on his lips and they deepened the kiss. She felt the hardness of his body swelling against her leg and pushed him to his back and mimicked the path he took earlier.

Clay held her head gently as she ran her mouth over his body and enclosed her lips around him. He bucked against her and she took his entire length into her mouth. "Damn, baby! You ain’t lost that trick!"

He felt her chuckle as she continued to pleasure him. He soon lost all thought as she brought him closer and closer to the edge. Not wanting it to end, he pushed her away and in one swift move, flipped her over to her stomach. Yanking her hips up, he entered her from behind and drove himself into her over and over again.

Cynthia cried out in ecstasy as his hands moved frantically back and forth between her breasts and her hips. Finally, he reached forward and rubbed her swollen clit as he drove into her. She gasped and rocked her hips back against him and soon they were both tumbling over the edge once again.

Cynthia collapsed on her stomach as he slid out of her. Clay lay down next to her as he reached down to cover them up with blankets.

"God, Clay. I missed this!"

"Me too, baby. Me too!"

He held her close as they both fell asleep.

Four hours later, Clay woke to find Cynthia making her way down his body. His member was soft and lay against him and he tried to pull her back up.

He shook his head and smiled shyly. "I think you killed it!"

Cynthia shook her head as she chuckled. "Let me be the one to decide that."

She ignored his protests and started to pleasure him with her mouth. It took longer but his body eventually responded and a short while later, he emptied himself into her mouth. She crawled back up and swiped at her mouth with a smile. "Told ‘ya!"

Clay sighed and drew her close. "Now I know its dead."

"Is that a challenge?" she asked mischievously.

Clay knew she would head right back down from where she just came and he shook his head. "No, besides it’s my turn!"

He leaned over and kissed her passionately while his fingers began to explore. He had her wet and ready for him by the time he lowered his mouth over her again. Within, minutes she was crying out his name as her body exploded with passion.

Smiling and fully satiated they fell back to sleep again.

 

***************************

It was morning, when Cynthia rolled over and noticed she was alone. She grabbed a robe and headed downstairs to find Clay in the kitchen cooking eggs and bacon with toast and coffee. He turned as she entered the room and poured her a cup of coffee then added a dash of milk.

"Thank you," she said as she took it gratefully.

She sat down with a wince and he looked at her worriedly. "It get too rough last night?"

"No, just too much...I haven’t acted like that in a long time!"

Clay served their breakfast and sat down next to her. As they ate, he kept the conversation going. "Not even with the ole hubby?"

Cynthia looked over at him with surprise. "How’d you know?"

"Your ring finger has a tan line."

She checked it and found that it was faint but there was a line there. "Pretty observant, Clay."

"Yeah...the wedding picture on the mantle in your living room helped too." Cynthia laughed as he smiled regretfully. "How long?"

"22 years."

"Wow!"

"Yeah, how about you and Gemma?"

"Almost 15..."

"Are you happy with her, Clay?"

He sighed and pushed his empty plate away. "Until yesterday...Now I could fuckin kill her."

Cynthia reached out her hand and touched his arm. "Don’t let this ruin what you have. Go home, talk to her...you’ll find your way back to one another."

"She doesn’t deserve it!"

"Probably not...but your marriage does."

Clay shook his head. "Yeah, what about you?"

"I’m only here for awhile. You knew that. My life is in California..."

"And last night?"

"Last night was a beautiful fairy tale ending that was 20 some odd years in the making...It was one of the best nights of my life...let’s not spoil it with talk of commitment. I’ve never stopped loving you. I think I’ll always love you, Clay."

"Yeah! Me too."

"Forget last night and go home to your wife. She probably needs you by now."

"I ain’t sure I can forgive her."

"Clay, what Gemma did wasn’t right but maybe she did us a favor." He looked at her quizzically and she continued. "I’ve had a lot of years to think about this and decide whether I wanted to come back or not."

"Why didn’t you?"

"Because I don’t belong here now, Clay. I’m not sure I ever did. Gemma was my best friend, maybe she could see that in me when no one else could. I’ve never regretted my decision. I made a life in California with Jacob and eventually my husband and other than missing you from time to time I never looked back."

"Your husband..."

"Clint..." she supplied.

"Clint...he treat you right?"

"He’s a good man. His biggest fault is he’s daddy’s right hand man."

"Something I could never be..." he said regretfully.

"Which is why I loved you so much. You had the power to be who you wanted to be. Jacob has a lot of those same qualities."

Clay nodded as he looked at the floor. "Jacob? Will I ever get to meet him?" he asked hopefully.

Cynthia smiled. "I gave it a lot of thought as I made the drive back here. I owe him the truth...I’m gonna tell him everything. I know Jacob...he’s gonna want to meet you. What you tell him about your life is up to you..."

Clay stood and smiled down then kissed her passionately. Tears fell from both of their eyes as he brushed her cheek with his thumb. "Keep in touch?"

"I will."

Clay walked out of the house, hopped on his bike and headed towards home.

*************************************

Unknown to him, Gemma hadn’t made it home last night either. She had walked into her empty house and the loneliness drove her to run out again. She headed to an obscure bar out on the highway. She knew none of the club members would find her there and she set herself up in a secluded corner and proceeded to drink herself into a stupor.

Shot after shot of free alcohol was placed in front of her as the hopeful men in the bar tried to get her attention. Each time she would pick up the shot and salute the buyer then down it with a chaser of beer. Young man after young man went to her table with the hopes of taking her home but each time they were sent away with a passionate goodbye kiss.

This went on for quite a while and the bartender finally stood up to the patrons and refused to send her any more liquor. Instead, one patron finally gave him a request he could follow and he carried over a carafe of hot coffee and a sandwich hoping the woman would have the sense to eat something and start to sober up.

Gemma looked in disgust as he set down a coffee mug instead of a beer bottle. "What the fuck is that?"

The bartender backed away in fear. "Just making a delivery, ma’am."

"What asshole sent me this?"

The bartender nodded towards the bar and Gemma looked up and saw Darby sitting there. He saluted to her and she waved him over.

"Hey, Gemma."

"Darby, most men in here bought me something I could drink...you send me fucking coffee. What’s up with that?"

"Most men here are trying to get you drunk so they can get in your pants."

Gemma laughed aloud. "And your not! You’ve been trying since 9^th grade to get at my pussy...now you got a chance to have it and you’re turning it down?"

Darby shook his head and sighed. "Only cause you’re drunk. Where’s Clay tonight?"

"Fucking his wife."

"His wife?" Darby looked confused then slowly a thought came to his mind. "Did Cindy come back?"

Gemma snorted her disgust. "Yeah."

Darby was starting to realize what the trouble was that had driven Gemma out and drinking....What it was she was trying desperately to forget. He sighed and poured her coffee and pushed it across the table. "Maybe they’re just talking."

Gemma threw the coffee mug against the wall where it shattered. Darby looked at the bartender apologetically then turned back to her. "Gemma, let me get you home."

"No, Darby! That place is empty." She cocked her head hopefully. "Take me to your house, instead."

"And have the entire Sons club coming down on me? Ain’t happening."

Gemma clung to him desperately. "I need to feel something, anything. Take me home, make love to me."

Darby stood regretfully. "That’s just it Gemma...it would only be love on my part."

Gemma fell against the table crying at his rejection and Darby looked down at her pitifully. He thought briefly of calling Clay or one of the other guys but he felt sorry for her and didn’t want her to be seen this way. He looked around at some of the other guys in the bar and knew they wouldn’t be so quick to turn her advances down. He carried her out and set her in his car then drove to his house. She passed out on his bed and a few hours later he filled her full of strong black coffee and finally got her to eat some bread then loaded her back in the car and drove her home.

Clay pulled up in front of his house to find Darby setting Gemma down on the front steps. He could tell she was drunker than he had ever seen her before.

Darby saw Clay and immediately held up his hands in surrender. "It ain’t my fault, Clay!"

"The hell it ain’t!"

"I swear! I walked into the Dew Drop and she was hanging on some kid in the back room. She saw me and..." He looked at Clay uncertainly.

Clay rolled his eyes. "I know how my wife acts when she’s bombed! She come on to you?"

"She asked me to take her home and fuck her brains out. I took her to my house and got her some black coffee." He pointed over at her on the porch. "What you see here is an improvement."

"Damn!" Clay said.

Darby looked at him honestly. "Clay, I swear on the Nords club...I didn’t touch her!"

Clay knew instantly that he was being honest and sighed as he held out his hand. "Thanks for bringing her home."

"Yeah, she’s all yours again."

Darby started to leave and Clay made it to the front porch before he turned around. "Hey, Darby?" The man turned around and Clay looked at him. "Why didn’t you do her? You’ve been wanting to get in her pants since high school..."

Darby shook his head. "When I get into Gemma’s pants someday it’s gonna be because she wants me there...not because she wants to get back at you!"

Clay had to admire his honesty but he looked on in anger. "Ain’t nobody but me ever gonna touch that pussy again, you got it, Darby?"

Darby slipped dark glasses on and nodded with a smile. "We’ll see."

He drove off and Clay turned around and looked down at his wife. "Stupid bitch," he mumbled as he bent over to pick her up.

Gemma woke as he lifted her into his arms. "Clay?"

"Yeah..."

"You came back?" She began to cry as he carried her through the house to their bedroom. "I wasn’t sure you would."

She looked up at him and he knew she was going to be sick. He carried her to the bathroom and set her on her feet. She swayed on her feet and instantly threw up down the front of his shirt and pants.

"God damn it! In the can, bitch!"

Gemma turned and Clay reached forward and held her hair as her body wretched several more times into the toilet.

She gasped for breath as he handed her some toilet paper from the roll. She dabbed at her mouth as she cried. "I can’t believe you came back...I thought you would stay away."

"What and miss all this fun?" he asked sarcastically as he stripped off his clothes.

Gemma swayed against him as she cried. "I am so so sorry..."

"Look, we’ll take about this later, you need to sleep this shit off."

Gemma began to peel off her clothes as well and Clay helped her get into a nightshirt. She brushed her teeth and then he led her to their bed. She lay down and he covered her up then turned to leave.

"Clay...did you sleep with her?" He looked at her guiltily then looked away. She nodded with understanding. "I deserve it, I know it but I..."

Her voice trailed off as she fell asleep. Clay went to the bathroom and carried the vomit covered clothing into the laundry room where he threw them all into the washer and turned it on. He went back and scrubbed the floor of the bathroom then hopped into the shower.

Standing in the mirror, looking guiltily at his reflection he heard the front doorbell ring. "Damn it, who the fuck is here?"

He opened up the bedroom door and saw that Jax’s car was here. He adjusted the towel around his waist and walked into the living room.

Jax came in and frowned at him. "Where’s Mom?"

Clay nodded towards the bedroom. "Sleeping in bed..."

Jax must not have believed him because he checked in the room and came back and nodded. "She’s looks pale."

"She’s hung over...she’ll be all right in a while."

"You two get in a fight?"

"Not yet."

"Can you do me a favor?"

"What?"

"Go easy on her...she’s made a lot of stupid choices but deep inside they make a kinda twisted sense...you know?"

Clay sighed and nodded. "Yeah, I know..."

Jax hit his shoulder affectionately. "See ya later," he said as he headed towards the door.

"Jax, run the club for a few days. I need some time to get this shit put back together."

"You got it old man!"

Jax left and Clay headed back to the bedroom. He sat down next to Gemma who moaned in her sleep. He lovingly reached up and moved the hair off her face.

"Clay?"

"Go to sleep."

"Could you hold me?" she asked desperately.

He got up and climbed in behind her then brought her close to his body. Spooned against him, she nudged her hips closer to him. Soon they were both asleep.

 

************************************

Late that afternoon, Clay woke up, rolled over and slowly opened his eyes.

Gemma was staring at him then looked away regretfully. "Thanks for helping me."

"Yeah."

She pointed to a bruise on his shoulder. "Looks like teeth marks and you’ve got claw marks down your back. Cindy always went for the wild stuff."

Clay lowered his eyes in regret. "It just kind of happened."

"No, Clay. I know I drove you to do it."

He looked up at her, surprised by her remark. "Well, I am sorry. I promised you I wouldn’t stray again."

Gemma got up and moaned as her head began to hurt. "This is far different than you doing Half Sack’s tramp one night in the back of the bar. This one really hurts."

"I know."

Gemma looked up tentatively. "Was it as good as you remembered?"

He snorted in disgust. "Ain’t my style to kiss and tell."

Gemma fiddled nervously with her fingernails. "I need to know."

Clay shot out from the bed. "What the fuck difference does it make how good it was?" He got angrier as he screamed. "You want the truth! I’ll give it to you! It was the best fucking sex I’ve had in a long time. Cindy always gave the best blow jobs and her pussy was pretty happy to see me again too!"

Gemma flinched under his description and tears formed in her eyes. "I deserved that! Are you going back to her then?"

Clay sat on the end of the bed. "I’m here ain’t I? What’s that say to you?"

Gemma looked up hopefully and crawled towards him. She put her hand down his pants and gently caressed him. "That you’re giving me a chance to make it up to you?"

Clay took her hand away from his crotch. "I can’t...not for a couple of days, anyway...I’m sorry."

Gemma nodded with understanding. "She wore you out..."

He wouldn’t answer her but she knew it was true and sat back on the bed.

Clay stood and reached for her hand. "Let’s get something to eat. Maybe we can talk some more."

Gemma took his hand and they headed into the kitchen. She stood at the stove looking quite pale and Clay came up and stood behind her. He put his arms around her waist and kissed her shoulder and Gemma leaned into him for support.

"Go sit down. I’ll make you some soup."

Gemma nodded gratefully as she stumbled to the table. "Thanks."

Clay bought over a cup of soup and a sandwich for her then set it down in front of her. "You ain’t eating?"

Clay sat down and sighed regretfully. "I...uh...had a big breakfast."

Gemma nodded then handed him half of her sandwich. "Maybe you can help me with this..."

Clay took it and took a bite while Gemma spooned soup into her mouth.

After she was done eating, Clay lit them both cigarettes and handed her one. Gemma took it with a small smile. "Thanks. I guess we should talk now..."

Clay nodded. "I need to know...I have the right to know..."

Gemma sighed and fiddled with the matchbox in front of her. "I have nothing to say. I can give you a million excuses but I can’t tell you what I was thinking about...I know it’s an excuse but I was just a kid!"

"I need you to fuckin try...for our sake you better come up with some type of an excuse as to why you sent my pregnant wife away from me!"

Gemma started to cry. "I don’t know! I don’t fucking know! I was pregnant and son of a bitch! We had that one fucking night...Clay, I was so afraid...I didn’t know who’s kid it was yours or John’s...then Tommy was born and things looked better."

"Until he got sick."

Gemma gasped in pain. "I didn’t think I would make it when they told me had to have that surgery."

Clay remembered back to the time. "Then he died," he whispered quietly.

"Then he died!" Gemma said as she cried harder. "I lost it, Clay. John was no help, he had his own grief to deal with! Cindy was the only one I had...I wouldn’t have made it if it wasn’t for her."

"Go on."

"She was there for me, every step of the way. Then I remembered she was pregnant and all I could think of was that she and you would lead the club. Her child would be the first one in line to take over."

"Jesus Christ, Gemma! What kind of fucked up thinking was that?"

"Grief! I guess...John had started acting funny then...remember? He started in with his wild notions about changing the direction of the club."

Clay grunted in disgust. "I remember...we had some pretty intense arguments about it."

Gemma nodded. "Yeah, but you and I saw the way it should be and Cindy...Cindy seemed like she was siding with John. I could tell that the pregnancy had softened her edge."

Clay looked at his wife with a new understanding. It was still a bitter pill to swallow but with all of the memories brought back to the surface in some sick way it may sense. "So for the good of the club..."

"I told Cindy the one thing I knew would send her to her father..."

Clay lit another cigarette and sat back in his chair. Gemma’s head dropped down as she started to cry once again. "I’m sorry. It doesn’t excuse what I did and if I could go back and change it I would..."

"But you can’t!" he said angrily.

"No, I can’t and for that I’m truly sorry."

Clay could see how riddled with remorse she was. He loved this woman with all his heart and he knew that he had already forgiven her. "Hey!" Gemma continued to look down and Clay reached over with his hand and grabbed hers then pulled gently towards him. Gemma stood and walked over to his side as he pulled her down on his lap. He lifted her chin and made her look him in the eye. "We’ll pull through this...we always do."

Gemma looked relieved. "You forgive me?"

"I don’t know...it’s kind of still sinkin’ in."

"Oh."

"But I love you...always have."

Gemma leaned over and kissed him. "I love you too, baby. If I could think of a way to fix this I would."

Clay slapped her thigh and she stood up. "Cindy said she was going to tell the kid the truth."

Gemma nodded and sat back down before she tentatively asked. "What’d she end up having?"

"A boy."

"You have a son?!"

"Yeah, Jacob Marrow Kennedy."

"After you’re dad..."

Clay grinned. "Yeah."

Gemma smiled. "Maybe I could talk to Cindy...arrange a meeting. Have them over for dinner..."

Clay looked at their surroundings. "This place ain’t like the mansion..."

Gemma looked around and shrugged. "It has its own charm. Jacob...any chance he’ll want to join in your business?"

Clay laughed aloud. "Cindy told me our son is a decorated Marine...he walks the straight line!"

Gemma scoffed and smiled. "She must have adopted him. Ain’t nothing that good could come from you and Cindy!" They both chuckled and Gemma suddenly looked sad. "God, I miss her!"

"Cindy said she was finishing up some unfinished business. I’m sure she’d like to see you..."

"Yeah...maybe."

"Gemma, go see her. You two were best friends for years."

"She fucked my husband last night!"

Clay shrugged devilishly. "She’s been married for 22 years. I seen a picture...her husband’s hot...you can fuck him and we’ll call it even."

Relieved his was back to his old self, Gemma rolled her eyes. "I suppose you want to watch?"

"Always, baby! Always!"

"Can we go down to the club...show the kiddies were okay?"

Clay stood, drew her to him and hugged her. "You up to it?"

"I think the club needs us to do it."

"Grab your helmet."

Gemma shook her head. "No way, we’re taking the car."

Clay cocked his head to the side. "You forget about your encounter with Darby last night?"

Gemma paled and looked to the ground. "Oh, that’s right. My car’s at the Dew Drop."

Clay took her hand. "We’ll send Prospect for it."

Gemma laughed. "You’re a shit!"

They had walked outside and Clay revved the motor. "What?" he asked innocently.

Gemma smiled and hopped on behind him. It wasn’t long before they pulled up to the front of the clubhouse.

Tig peeked out the window then smiled over at Jax. "Mommy and Daddy are home."

Jax grinned and looked around the room to see the look of relief pass over the member’s faces. "Thank God!"

Everyone tried to look cool and they scattered themselves around the clubhouse as Gemma and Clay walked in the door.

"Prospect!" Clay bellowed as the blond man stuck his head out from behind a video game. "Gemma’s cars at the Dew Drop. Take Juice and go get it."

Jax grinned devilishly at Gemma. "Here for a beer?"

Gemma tisked in disgust as she smiled. "Look shit..."

Clay came up and put his arm around Gemma. "Quit givin your mom a hard time and get her a fucking cup of coffee."

Jax laughed aloud and kissed Gemma on the cheek. "Cream and sugar..."

"Hell no, nothing sweet, just black, okay, baby."

Jax headed to the kitchen to make a fresh pot of coffee. He came back within a few minutes and handed Gemma the steaming mug. Gemma sighed when she tasted the first sip. Clay had walked over to play pool with Tig and Jax sat down next to Gemma.

"You two okay now?"

Gemma shrugged. "We will be, it takes time, you know..."

Jax shrugged. "He’s pussy whipped!"

Tara walked in the front door and took off her sunglasses. She waited for her eyes to adjust then headed their way.

Gemma smiled and nodded towards Tara. "He ain’t the only one."

Tara walked up and Jax immediately stood and kissed her. It quickly deepened to a passionate kiss and Gemma laughed as they started to walk towards Jax’s room.

Jax was pulling his shirt out of his pants when Chibs called out. "Aye, no need to be goin to ya room...We’d be happy to watch."

Jax stuck up his middle finger as they turned the corner of the hallway.

Gemma finished her coffee then walked over to Clay. "Hey baby, as soon as Prospect comes back, I’m heading home."

Clay frowned. "You want me to take ya?"

"I don’t know. I don’t feel good...that coffee did a number on me."

"Head to the bike, I’ll be right out." Gemma left and Clay nodded to Tig. "I’ll be back. Tell Jax I had to take the old lady home."

"Can’t wait to fuck her good, huh?"

"You pig!" Clay said with disgust before his composure slipped. "After Cindy last night, I couldn’t do it if I wanted to."

Tig slipped his hands into his back pocket and brought out a small bag that he threw over to Clay.

Clay looked inside at the little blue pills. "What the fuck is this?"

"It helps."

"Helps what?"

Tig leaned in closer. "It’s Viagra, dumb ass."

Clay looked disgusted. "I don’t need no help in that department, get what I’m saying?"

Tig shrugged. "Me neither. But did it ever make you wonder why both of those senoritas had a stomach full of my DNA the night they got burned at that warehouse."

Clay remembered the night he was talking about and grinned. "I figured you was horny and ain’t had any in awhile."

"Right! Someone could have checked both assholes and they would have found they’d been filled too from the night before."

"Fuck you! No way."

"I’m just saying...it’s worth a try. Take one now and see what pops up when you get home."

Clay looked uncertainly at the little pills then took one out. He popped it into his mouth and washed it down with a beer then looked at Tig. "I can’t believe I’m trusting you! I must need my head examined."

"When Gemma’s down on you later have her examine it!" Tig smiled as he walked away.

Clay headed out to his bike and took Gemma home.

 

*************************************

 

They pulled up in front of their house and Gemma looked with surprise at Clay. "You’re coming in?"

"Yeah!"

"I thought you’d head back to the club..."

"Nay, I thought maybe we could watch that movie you’ve been wantin’ me to see..."

Gemma laughed aloud. "You’re kidding me, right? You’re gonna watch a chick flick?"

Clay moaned as they walked inside. "Is that what it is?"

They walked into the bedroom and changed into more comfortable clothing. Clay propped the pillows up on the headboard of the bed and Gemma came in with a bowl of popcorn and two beers. She handed them to Clay then walked over the DVD player and stood for a second before deciding between two discs. With a smile, she popped one in and headed to the bed.

Clay took a handful of popcorn and popped it in his mouth while Gemma pulled back the covers. She settled down as the features started playing on the screen.

"What the fuck is this?" Clay barked out with a grin.

Gemma smiled coyly. "Luanne finished a new movie and asked me if I’d review it. I thought maybe because of last night we might actually stand a chance of watching the whole show."

Clay grinned. "Thank God for Luanne and her porno’s!"

They made it about 30 minutes into the movie before Clay felt a twitch in his manhood. He shifted a little on the bed and continued to watch the movie. The scene changed to two young girls and an older man and he immediately felt his body harden.

Gemma had cuddled up against him and he turned on his side and rubbed himself against her thigh. She smiled in surprise. "You’re kidding me?"

"I guess it can speak for itself."

Gemma closed her hand around it and it wasn’t long before they were both naked. Clay drove into her but after a few minutes his body lost its momentum. He slipped out of her and Gemma tried not to show her disappointment.

"Sorry, baby." Clay said, slightly embarrassed.

Gemma sighed as she cupped his manhood and slowly stroked it. "That’s okay."

His body slowly began to harden and he turned to her again. Gemma pushed back on his shoulder and he fell to his back. She smiled as she made her way down his body. "This way works just as good," she said as she closed her mouth around his sheath.

Clay moaned as his eyes rolled back. Gemma was able to bring him to completion and Clay rested until he took his turn satisfying Gemma.

Afterwards they basked in the glow of satisfaction. "I was surprised you could..."

Clay grinned. "Not as surprised as me. I owe Tig a big one."

Gemma went up on her elbow as she looked at him curiously. "Tig? Why the hell do you owe him?"

Clay reddened with embarrassment. "I felt bad about last night. I wanted to be able to show you...He...uh...gave me a little blue pill to take."

"Viagra!"

Clay looked around at the empty room. "Yeah, don’t say it so loud!"

"Who’s gonna hear you idiot!"

"I don’t know. I just don’t want any one to know."

Gemma fell back against his shoulder and drew lazy circles in the hair on his chest. "I wonder if they sell that stuff by the case?"

Clay grinned and kissed his way down her body.

 

************************************

The next morning, Gemma was up early and showered before Clay even stirred. She had a fresh pot of coffee ready when he woke up. As he stumbled into the room, she poured him a cup.

"Thanks, baby, them pills gave me a fuckin headache!"

Clay held his head in his hands as he sipped slowly at his coffee. Gemma stood behind him and massaged his neck. "I guess I should cancel the truckload I ordered?"

Clay shrugged. "I don’t know. I’ll take one again some other time and see what pops up?"

Gemma sat down across from him. "Funny man! Clay, I’m gonna go see Cindy today."

He squinted at her and nodded. "Good ideal."

"I’ll try to straighten things out with her."

"That’s all I can ask."

Gemma stood and put her mug in the sink. "You heading to the garage?"

"Yeah as soon as my head clears."

Gemma kissed the top of his head. "I’ll stop by later. Love you, babe."

Clay groaned as Gemma headed out the door to Cindy’s house.

 

 

 

Chapter 3

 

Gemma drove her car over the once familiar route. She pulled up in front of Cynthia’s house and was greeted in the usual way.

"Holy shit!" she exclaimed as he looked down the barrels of several guns.

Patrick opened the door and looked at the security guards. "Assholes, go chew on your bones. Mistress Gemma is a welcomed guest!"

Gemma grinned and ran to the aging butler and threw her arms around him. "Patrick! You old dog, you look wonderful!"

Patrick patted her back lightly. "Mistress Gemma, it’s been a long time..."

Gemma nodded as she backed up. "Too long, Paddy. Is Cindy here?"

"Mistress Cynthia is in the shower. Perhaps you would like to head up and wait on her bed."

Gemma headed up to her best friend’s childhood room. She sat on the bed then reached over and took out the old yearbooks from high school. As she sat, immersed in memories, Cindy walked into the room clad only in a towel. Her eyes widened in surprise and she stood there silently.

"Cin," Gemma said to break the ice.

"Gem."

Gemma noticed the bruise on Cindy’s shoulder. She knew Clay put it there as she often had a similar one in the same spot. She nodded at it. "Clay?"

Cindy followed her gaze and blushed with horror. "Um...yeah."

Gemma pulled down her shirt and exposed her shoulder as she showed her a similar bruise. "I never know how it happens, it’s just always there..."

Cindy walked past and grabbed her clothes. With a shrug, she dropped the towel as she started to get dressed. Gemma noticed her friend’s body and smiled, "You still look great...bitch!"

Cindy grinned. "Thanks, I’m sure you look just as good!"

"Tits are starting to sag, you know how it is."

Cindy looked at her chest then at Gemma’s. "B’s don’t sag as much as double D’s."

"Lucky bitch!"

Cindy finished dressing then looked at Gemma. Years seemed to pass and it was like they were little girl’s again. Gemma started to laugh and it wasn’t long before Cindy joined in.

Patrick brought up a tray filled with wine and cheese and fruit.

"No milk and cookies, Patrick?" Cindy asked sweetly.

Patrick sniffed airily. "I thought that if I brought Mistress Gemma milk and cookies she might cut off my balls and stuff them down my throat."

The two women giggled happily as Patrick left the room. Cindy poured the wine and grabbed a plate of cheese. "Let’s go eat out on the balcony."

Gemma followed and they each took the same seats they had used so often years ago. They fell into silence, each lost in their own thoughts.

Gemma sighed aloud and looked over at Cindy. "I fucked up...bad...and I am so so sorry..."

Cindy nodded. "Yeah, I know. But it’s not all your fault. If I wasn’t so quick to believe poorly of Clay I might have taken the time to find out the truth."

"Clay said you named the baby Jacob. That means a lot to him."

"I’m glad."

"Cindy, is there any way I can help to straighten out this thing? I’ll talk to your kid, explain what I did..."

Cindy shook her head. "No...really...Jacob’s a good kid...man. I’ve been wanting for years to tell him the truth...now’s as good a time as any."

"You’re heading back then...?"

"No, actually he’s coming here. I called my husband and explained what happened. He and Jacob are on their way here."

Gemma sat back with a sigh. "Wow! Clay’s gonna shit!"

"Why don’t you and Clay come over for dinner tomorrow night?"

"I thought we could have you to our place..."

Cindy held up her hands in horror. "I’m not ready to explain the whole club thing just yet. Let Jacob meet Clay without Tig, Bobby and Piney standing around."

Gemma laughed aloud at the picture of them hovering close by. "Are they a little intimidating?"

Cindy laughed as well then grew serious. "I’m sorry I let Clay spend the night last night. I...um...should have sent him home."

Gemma was still upset about it but only nodded. "I deserved it. Clay told me about it this morning. Your husband’s hot...I could do him then we’d all be even..."

Cindy shook her head as she chuckled. "He is hot! But it ain’t happening."

The two friends visited for the next two hours before Gemma finally stood and started to walk towards the front door. "I should go. I need to watch Abel for Jax this afternoon."

"Abel?"

"My grandson..."

"Grandson! You’re a fucking grandma!" Cindy said with horror as she stopped midstride on the steps.

"Yeah, he’s a cutie...a real fighter."

"How old is he?"

"Ten months...he had the same heart issue as Tommy."

"Oh, no!" Cindy gasped.

"Yeah...but he made it through...just like his daddy."

Cindy opened the front door with a smile. "We’ll see you tomorrow night...about 7:00?"

"We’ll be here," Gemma said as she leaned forward and hugged Cindy before she left for Tara’s house.

 

**************************.

The next night, Clay was a nervous wreck as he paced their bedroom, arguing with Gemma over what to wear.

He scowled again at her. "God damn it! I’m wearing this shirt and this vest."

Gemma ignored him and continued to iron a button down collar shirt and matching tie. "First impressions are important, Clay. You are not meeting your son for the first time in a "Born to Ride" t-shirt."

"I don’t want to meet him the first time is some white collar get-up either."

Gemma handed him the crisp shirt as Clay backed away from it. "Didn’t you hear me say I’m wearing what I got on?"

Gemma stood their patiently holding out the shirt and Clay folded his arms in front of his chest. They each stood their ground until one final look from Gemma had him throwing up his arms in defeat. "Fuck!"

Clay put the shirt on then pretended he was choking while Gemma tightened his tie. "You’re such an ass."

Clay smiled for the first time then leaned in for a kiss. "Yeah, but you love this ass."

Gemma straightened his tie then stepped back. "You look good, baby. Respectable."

Clay looked uncertain. "Yeah?"

"Yeah! Now stay right here I don’t want you getting that shirt wrinkled. I’ve just got to change my shirt and we can go."

Gemma walked into the bathroom and within minutes came out wearing a conservative white blouse with a peter pan ruffled collar.

Clay burst out laughing. "Where the hell did you get that?"

Gemma looked hurt. "I borrowed it. Doesn’t it look good?"

Clay saw the look of real hurt in her face and softened. "Yeah, you look nice. I just ain’t never seen you look like that."

"Like what?"

"I don’t know! Like that!" Clay pointed. "It’s not what you normally wear."

Gemma was getting mad quickly. "What ‘cause my tits ain’t hangin out."

"You could undo a button or two."

"Ass!" Gemma said in disgust as she grabbed a purse and walked out.

Clay knew she was never going to go on his bike so when she walked to her car he didn’t protest. She stood with her arms folded as he got in the driver’s side.

She looked at him expectedly and he looked confused. "What? You getting in or what?"

Gemma ignored him and looked away. Clay realized she wanted him to hold the door for her. He grumbled as he got out and walked around the car. "Put on a white blouse and suddenly your arms are broken..."

He opened the door as Gemma smiled sweetly. "Thank you."

Clay shook his head and smiled. "Anything for you, baby. Now, are you gonna tell me where that shirt came from..."

Gemma rolled her eyes. "I borrowed it from Luanne. She did a show on school teachers..."

Clay closed the door and laughed hysterically as he realized she had borrowed a shirt from a porn star!

Clay grew quite as they drove to Cindy’s. Gemma knew he was nervous and chattered about Able in the hopes that it would give him something else to think about.

They arrived at Cindy’s and walked up to her front door. Waiting for someone to answer the doorbell, Clay fidgeted with his tie.

"Leave it alone," Gemma said as she straightened it again. She stepped back just as Cindy opened the door.

Cindy took one look at the two of them and burst out in laughter. "What in the hell are you two dressed for? Don’t tell me it’s Halloween already?!"

Clay looked surprised but Gemma barged in. "Shut up, bitch! We’re trying to make a good impression!"

"So you showed up as a virginal school marm and the altar boy!" Cindy realized they were sincere but she couldn’t stop laughing. "C’mon, let’s go in the other room and I’ll get us some drinks."

Cindy played hostess for about a half an hour when a tall gentlemen walked into the room. She walked to his side and brought him closer to Clay and Gemma. "Clint this is my best friend in the whole world, Gemma and my ex husband Clay."

Clint shook hands with Gemma and offered her a warm smile.

"Pleased to meet you," Gemma said as Clay snorted.

Clint turned to him. The two men exchanged a handshake and sized each other up. Gemma and Cindy exchanged looks and Cindy tapped Clint on the shoulder. "Perhaps our guests would like to relax."

Clint took the hint and motioned to the couches. "Please sit, Jacob was on the phone and then he said he had to shower. It should be awhile longer."

The two couples started to visit and despite their differences Clay and Clint hit it off. They were joking when a tall dark blond man walked into the room.

With all of the confidence the Marines gave him, Jacob walked right up to Clay and extended his hand. "I’m Jacob. It’s nice to meet you, sir."

Clay realized this was the first time he would ever touch his own son. He stared at the hand then took it slowly. "Jacob, it’s a real pleasure meeting you son."

Jacob clasped Clay’s hand with his other and smiled before he glanced at Gemma. "And you must be the notorious Gemma. I’ve heard wild stories about you my entire life."

Gemma smiled at Cindy then at him. "Don’t believe everything you hear."

"Most of them are true!" Victor Kennedy said as he stood in the doorway.

"Hiya, Dad," Gemma greeted as she ran to give him a hug and a kiss.

Frail hands cupped her face as he kissed her forehead. "Gemma, you’re as beautiful as ever!" He looked at Clay and frowned. "Cindy told me you married that deadbeat!"

Gemma helped the man down the stairs. "Clay’s not a deadbeat..."

Victor walked up to Clay and looked menacingly at him.

Clay stood his ground. "Good to see you again, sir."

Victor kept up his steely look then slowly a grin spread across his face. He reached up and grabbed Clay by the neck. "Damn fool! I never could make you afraid of me!"

The men hugged then Cindy showed everyone to the dining room. Clay strayed sometimes with his language but a few well placed kicks to his legs from Gemma and he was able to maintain a respectable conversation. Gemma was proud he was able to stay on his best behavior for so long.

After dinner, they went back to the study where they sat and visited over coffee and dessert. Around 8:30, Victor excused himself to go up to bed. Clint knew he was tired and he offered to help him to his room.

Jacob waited until they left to turn to Clay. "I’m heading outside to smoke if you’d like to come..."

Gemma looked confused. "We’ve been smoking all night. Cindy if that wasn’t all right..."

Jacob held up his hands. "No, I’m sorry it’s perfectly acceptable for you to smoke. Mom won’t let me have cigars in the house."

"They stink!" Cindy said as she wrinkled her nose.

"Not the Cuban ones I have, Mom."

"Out!" Cindy pointed.

Jacob stood and Clay followed him out to the back patio. Jacob handed Clay a cigar and lit it for him before he lit his own. An uncomfortable silence fell between them.

Clay shuffled his feet nervously until Jacob looked over and grinned devilishly. "Look, my mom explained the whole thing to me. I get it all, really. Let’s just relax."

Clay blew out the breath he’d been holding. "Sounds good."

Jacob nodded to Clay’s shirt. "You look pretty damned uncomfortable with that tie on why don’t you just take if off."

Clay shrugged. "Nay, I wear it all the time..."

Jacob walked over and flipped it around. "You still got the fuckin’ price tag on it!"

Clay reddened with embarrassment while Jacob laughed. "Really, take it off. I want you to feel comfortable around me and this get up Gemma probably made you wear isn’t helping."

Clay loosened his tie while Jacob walked around behind the bar and brought out 2 beers. He handed one to Clay who took it thankfully.

Clay took a sip and began to relax. "Look, Jacob. I’m sorry about what happened between your mom and me."

Jacob shrugged. "Don’t beat yourself up Clay. I had a great life. Let’s just concentrate on our future."

Clay nodded. "Your mom said you’re a Marine. That’s awesome."

"Thanks."

"What you gonna do now that you’re out?"

Jacob looked over at Gemma and Cindy who were keeping a close tab on him and Clay. He smiled and waved to them as he answered Clay. "I thought I’d come and talk to you about the business."

Clay looked at him warily. "Um...what business?"

"My grandfather’s."

Clay’s eyes opened wider in surprise. "You’re mom seems to think that you don’t know anything about what your grandfather does."

Jacob laughed. "Grandpa taught me everything when I was little. He just swore me to secrecy. He said Mom would blow a gasket if she knew."

"She probably would. She’s pretty proud you walk the straight and narrow."

"What do you mean?"

"You’re a Marine ain’t you? Decorated and all..."

"I love my country and the people in it. Coming from a wealthy family I was privileged to be able to see how the other half lives and sometimes it’s not real pretty. Sometimes the fight is worth fighting."

"Yeah, right." Clay said sarcastically as he thought back to the Vietnam days.

He didn’t want to get into a fight with his son over the past so he quickly changed the subject. "So what do you need my help with?"

Jacob frowned and turned back to him then narrowed his eyes thoughtfully. "I gotta ask you something first...what do you think about me now that you know I exist?"

Clay lowered his head. "I think I gotta make up for a lifetime of not being there for you. I think I gotta learn what makes you tick. I want to get to know you. Your mom thinks you’re a great kid."

"That brings up another point...what about my mom?"

"What about her?"

"You fucked her yesterday? You two getting back together?"

Clay was in shock that he knew that and shot back angrily. "Watch your filthy mouth!"

"Well?"

"I love your mother...always will...but I’m a married man kid and I don’t plan on changing that any time soon."

Jacob’s mood lightened considerably. "Good! My dad...Clint...is a good guy. He deserves better."

"He knows too?"

"No, and I don’t intend to let him find out. Look, can I come around to the clubhouse tomorrow...say around 11:00?"

"How do you know about the clubhouse?"

"I had you investigated," Jacob through over his shoulder as he walked back into the house.

Clay hesitated a minute then followed him inside. He gave Gemma a look that spoke volumes and she looked at Jacob curiously then back to Clay.

"Hey, Cindy, I promised Tara I’d come get Abel early. She’s got to work in the morning."

Clint said his goodbyes and Cindy took her guests to the door.

Jacob walked up as well. "Goodnight, sir, ma’am It was nice meeting you both."

Clay nodded and shook his hand. "I got an auto shop in town. Stop in, I’ll show you around."

"I’d like that sir. Maybe tomorrow..."

Gemma knew Clay must have some kind of business to discuss to invite him to the clubhouse. She nodded to Jacob. "Bring your mom, her and I can go shopping for awhile."

Jacob knew that would keep his mother out of his hair and he smiled gratefully at Gemma before looking towards his mother. "Okay, Mom?"

"Yeah, sounds good!"

Clay saluted them. "Until tomorrow then."

 

 

CHAPTER 4

 

Jacob and Cindy showed up promptly at 11:00. Gemma and Cindy took off for the mall while Clay introduced Jacob to some of the guys. They slowly gravitated into the clubhouse.

Clay started to wonder why Jacob seemed so anxious. "So what’d you need to talk to me about, kid?"

"Can you call a meeting to order?"

Clay raised his eyebrows in surprise then nodded before he snapped his fingers at Tig. "Call it, get everyone here, now!"

Tig ran to call the meeting and within 20 minutes, everyone was present. Clay watched as the guys tried not to show their curiosity about Jacob.

With a sigh, he addressed the club. "Some of you know I was married before. Yesterday I found out that my ex was knocked up when she left." Jax sat forward in his seat to listen carefully to what was going to be said as Clay motioned with his hand. "My son."

A few gasps could be heard as the men looked at one another in surprise.

Jax got over his shock first, stood and extended his hand. "Welcome to the club."

Clay smiled proudly at the son he helped raise. He expected Jax to blow up in anger but instead he took the higher road and welcomed Jacob. He realized again, Jax was becoming more like John, his real father everyday.

Piney, Tig and Bobby all came forward and welcomed Jacob each telling him that they knew his mother well. The others in the club nodded their greetings.

Jax sat down and looked at Clay. "So what’s up? Why the meeting?"

Jacob noticed Jax’s Vice President patch and intervened. "I asked Clay to call it. I’d like to set up a partnership with the Sons."

Jax noticed Clay sat back in his seat and looked warily ahead so he took over and asked innocently. "What kind of partnership? You got some kind of auto shop?"

Jacob snorted at the humor of the question. "Guys relax. Many of you know my grandfather, Victor Kennedy, he used to run the guns here in Charming." He watched as the men looked around the room at one another and visibly relaxed but still listened with curiosity. "He left and branched out in California and Nevada. He was the number one supplier to the whole coast line until he retired a few years ago. My father..." With a glance at Clay, he corrected himself. "My step father...although great under my grandfather’s watchful eye, couldn’t take the pressure of command and the business as been slowly deteriorating."

Jax again took the lead. "So what do you want us to do?"

"Sell my guns."

Clay leaned forward. "That’s it?!"

Jacob nodded. "That’s it. Our buyers have become disgruntled, too many broken promises and missed deadlines."

Jax shrugged. "Yeah, well our buyers tend to get a little pissed off too when you screw them over."

Jacob ran his hand over his face in a manner reminiscent of Clay. "They’re starting to refuse to buy from us."

Clay looked at Jax then at Jacob. "So you got an overabundance of inventory you need moved?"

"Yeah!"

Jax again took the lead. "How much inventory?"

"Almost 300."

Chibs gasped. "Aye, that’d be alot of guns."

Tig laughed manically. "How do you think we can sell that many for you?"

Jacob shrugged. "The Sons are known for selling quality. I’ll give you that quality along with a list of my suppliers. You have the 2 other charters in my area. Your club and theirs can decide who’ll handle the sales."

Opie smiled. "You want us to sell to your buyers the same guns they’re refusing to buy from you?"

"Yeah, that’s what I’m asking."

Clay smiled at the situation. "I ain’t got a problem with that. What’s the profit margin?"

Jacob took a sheet of paper from his pocket and laid it out in front of Clay. "That’s what we sell the stuff for. I’ll take 65% the Sons can take 35%."

Jax shook his head. "60/40 or we ain’t interested."

Clay glanced at the numbers then showed them to Jax. Jax’s eyes widened with surprise as he did some quick math in his head. "What makes you think you can sell for these prices?"

Jacob shrugged. "Those are a bit lower then my normal price. I thought if the Sons came in offering a deal they wouldn’t dare not take it...Everyone wins."

Jax seemed satisfied with the answer. "With these kinds of numbers it looks like the Sons would make close to $200 thousand at the end of it all..."

He handed the paper over to Bobby, the club treasurer, who quickly tallied the figures. "That’s right, Jax."

Piney divided it quickly then nodded. "That’s quick money, Clay."

Clay frowned. "Yeah it is."

Jax caught on to Clay’s mood. "Too quick. If I heard the story right, you didn’t even know who Clay was yesterday. Now today you’re offering the deal of a lifetime. Why?"

Jacob walked and looked out the window. "My grandfather’s an old man. If he knew what my father did to his business it would kill him. I love my father but I’m not willing to let him destroy everything we have. I’ve always known about the Sons...I just never knew how close I actually was to being related to them. "

Clay sighed. "What about your mother?"

Jacob turned around and saw that Clay really cared. "She’ll be fine. She’ll be upset that I know the truth about the family business but I think she’ll be relieved as well. She loves my Dad and she can see what the pressure’s doing to him..."

Jacob knew everyone seemed interested as he offered up his hands. "I got nothing to hide. I just need to recoup some of my money so I can straighten this mess out. Think about it, that’s all I’m asking."

Jax nodded with his head. "Half Sac’s out in the common room...why don’t you go sit with him..."

"Who? The prospect?" Jacob asked.

"Aye," Chibbs answered.

Jacob left and the room grew silent. Clay looked from man to man. "My son aside...you heard as much as I did...you know as much as I know...now we vote."

Jax’s hand went up. "All in favor..."

Each man’s hand raised into the air, Clay waited to vote and when he saw that the club voted yes he raised his hand. "Ayes have it. Juice, get on that damned computer of yours and run a background check on Victor and Jacob as well as Clint. Tig, you and Chibbs check with our buyers see if they need anything. Bobby, check with the other charters, see if they’ll be on board."

Each man ran to do the job he was assigned. Clay squeezed Piney’s neck affectionately. "Hey old man, check on the bar stock. We make this kinda money there’s gonna be some celebrating."

Piney hated Clay calling him ‘old man." Clay was only about 5 years younger than Piney but Piney just smiled. "Just as long as some of that money trickles Opie’s way, he needs it now that Donna’s gone."

Clay looked guilty as he stepped back. "He’ll get his share plus some."

Piney left and Clay and Jax sat alone. Jax spoke first. "You’re worried about trusting him..."

Clay shrugged. "Not for my sake...for the clubs."

"I think he’s alright..."

"Thanks." A voice said from the doorway.

Jacob came in carrying three beers. He set down one each in front of Clay and Jax then sighed. "I’m gonna guess that you got tattoo boy looking us up on the internet. Gramps might have a few little things from way back but Clint and I are clean. I swear."

Clay smiled as Bobby stuck his head in the room. "Clay!"

Clay excused himself and Jax stood as well. "Clay helped raise me after my Dad died. We don’t always see eye to eye but he’s like my father...I’d do anything for him."

Jacob shrugged as he stood. "I get that, it’s how I feel about Clint."

Jax stepped forward threateningly. "Yeah?! Will you fucking kill for him soldier boy? Cause I will! You screw Clay over I’ll fuckin slit you’re ass from top to bottom. You got me?"

Jacob was trained in combat as a Marine but knew enough to back away. "I got you, but like I said, you ain’t gotta worry."

Jax sized him up then slowly nodded as a smile came to his face. "Then let’s go get another beer."

The reports slowly made their way to Clay over the course of the next half hour. He finally got the last one from Tig and stood and held his beer in the air. "Gentlemen...we’re in business with Jacob Kennedy."

Cheers erupted and the clubhouse atmosphere went into party mode. Gemma and Cindy came back 2 hours later to find the entire place packed with drunk men and horny women.

Cindy shook her head in surprise at the guys sitting on various couches, each with a half naked woman’s face buried in their crotch. "I’d forgotten how...um... uninhibited the young people of a club are...."

Clay laughed and came over and kissed Cindy’s cheek then french kissed Gemma. "You girls have a good time today."

Cindy nodded. "Yeah, we took Abel with us and now I want to find Jacob."

"Jacob?" Gemma asked.

"Yeah, I want an Abel too?"

"What’s an Abel?" Jacob said as he and Jax walked up.

Jax smiled and took his son from Tara’s arms. "This is an Abel. He’s my son..."

Jacob looked confused. "You want another kid, Mom?"

Cindy laughed. "Hell no! I want a grandkid! Someone I can enjoy for four or five hours then send home."

Clay looked over at a girl who had been eyeing Jacob all night. "There’s a mom right there..."

Jacob looked over and was immediately interested at the girl who looked at him invitingly. "Well, maybe I could get some practice in first."

The group laughed as he made his way across the room. Jax looked as Abel yawned. "We need to get him home. We’ll see everyone tomorrow."

Cindy watched as Jax, Tara and Abel left. "You have a nice son, Gemma. You did a good job."

Gemma smiled. "Yours didn’t turn out too bad either, Cin."

Cindy looked over at Jacob who was visiting with the girl. "He is good. I hope I can keep him that way." She turned to both of them and got a serious look on her face. "Which is why I need to talk to you Clay...is there somewhere we can go?"

Clay hid his surprise. "Yeah, we can uh, go into the meeting room." He motioned with his arm and Cindy started to walk in front of him.

Clay followed and Cindy turned around to look for Gemma. "Gemma, will you come too?"

Gemma looked to Clay for confirmation and he held his hand out to her. "C’mon baby."

The three old friends were soon seated at the table.

"Go ahead," Clay prompted Cindy.

"I need the Sons help..."

Gemma laughed. "God damn, jump right in."

Cindy smiled at her as she realized Gemma was just trying to put her at ease. "I told Clay that I had some unfinished business here."

"Yeah, you told me I wasn’t a part of it..."

"I lied. Well, sort of. I didn’t lie about Jacob. It was time he found out the truth. I did however evade the reason for my being here."

"Cindy, baby...we’ve been best friends forever...What do you need?"

Cindy sighed heavily and put her head down. "I love my husband but these last few years have been rough to say the least."

"He hitting you or something?" Clay asked.

"God no! Clint is about as passive as you can get. I’m talking about the business. Under Victor’s supervision he was outstanding. Without his guidance...he’s fucking hopeless. He’s buried us and I’m not sure if we can pull out." Cindy got up and began to pace. "I don’t dare go to my father...it would kill him...I’m stuck Clay and I need your help!"

Clay was afraid she was going to tell him the same thing Jacob already had. "With what?"

"Selling some guns..."

Clay shook his head. "Cin...we gotta talk..."

"Clay, please! You have to help me! We’ll lose everything. I swear I don’t give a rat’s ass about the material things but my Dad! He can’t be replaced!"

Gemma squeezed his hand. "Clay, I think you should consider..."

Clay sat back and rolled his eyes. "You two need to trust me on this alright?"

"Clay..." Cindy said as she began to shake her head.

"Cindy...I’m taking care of it. You won’t lose it all. I promise."

Cindy smiled with relief. "Clint came to see you..."

Gemma watched Clay’s face and knew it wasn’t true. "No, Jacob did, am I right?"

Cindy looked shocked. "No!"

Clay looked at her and sadly shook his head. "I’m sorry. He’s known for years. He asked me the same thing you did. The club voted. We’re helping..."

Cindy began to cry. "Thank you! Jacob must have offered you a good deal."

"He and Jax agreed on 60/40..."

Cindy blew out her breath. "That’s generous of you. At 60% we’ll be able to pay back everything. Have a little to move ahead."

Clay smiled. "I didn’t even have to vote. It was an easy decision and the deal was fair. Even after we split our share with some of the other charters, our club will make out pretty good."

Gemma laughed. "Now I understand the reason for the celebration."

A knock sounded at the door and Jacob peeked in tentatively. "Everything all right, Mom?"

Clay waved him in. "Get in here and sit down, son."

Jacob walked in and sat next to his mother. "What’s going on?"

Cindy’s voice was husky as she spoke. "Your father just told me about your business adventure earlier."

"Mom, I can explain..."

"Don’t. It doesn’t matter now. I just want to know how long you’ve know..."

Jacob smiled. "Since I was eight...Grandpa swore me to secrecy..."

Cindy’s eyes narrowed suspiciously. "He always said he didn’t want you in the same business and he swore me to secrecy too."

Gemma laughed. "That sounds like Victor. He wanted to mold Jacob without your interference."

Clay laughed. "It worked too. You negotiated a strong but fair deal...just like Victor would have done."

Cindy placed her hand on Jacob’s arm. "If you knew we were in trouble you should have come to me."

"I was trying to protect Dad...and Grandpa."

Clay leaned forward. "Jacob, I have no right to tell you what to do but I’m gonna give you some advice. Get the business out of your Dad’s hands and either run it yourself or we’ll get into partnership with you. You buy...we’ll sell."

Jacob looked at Cindy hopefully. "Dad could retire, just like he wanted."

Cindy smiled. "And Grandpa can get back to work again. He hates being retired. Teaching you will give him a ready excuse."

"Lets go home and tell them both."

Cindy and Jacob stood. Gemma hugged them both and Clay tried to keep his hug to Cindy as chaste as he could. He stepped back and Jacob looked at him uncertainly. Clay grabbed him by the back of the neck and pulled him in roughly and gave him a hug. They slapped each other hard on the backs as they rocked back and forth.

"Animals..." Gemma muttered as he walked out followed by Cindy.

 

Chapter 5

Over the next two weeks, the Sons of Anarchy moved all of the guns that were in the storage warehouse of Victor Kennedy. Jax and Chibbs negotiated higher prices and they were able to sell much of the merchandise for more than expected. Both the Sons of Anarchy and the Kennedy empire were able to turn a hefty profit. Once the buyers heard that another Kennedy was in charge they weren’t afraid to continue their long standing relationship and future transactions were promised.

Jax and Jacob worked well together and the future looked bright for a Kennedy-Morrow partnership.

Cindy decided to have a huge party and all of the Sons chapters and their families were invited.

150 people roamed the Kennedy grounds eating and drinking happily.

Clay and Gemma and Cindy and Clint were sitting quietly by Victor who was watching the festivities.

"It’s a glorious day, isn’t it?" Victor announced.

"The best," Clint agreed.

"See how well business partnerships can turn out if you make them with the right people?"

Faces turned in surprise to Victor. Cindy gasped. "You knew, Daddy?"

Victor rolled his eyes. "I’m old, not stupid! I know everything that goes on in my business."

"Daddy, we never meant to hide anything from you..." Cindy rushed to explain.

"Of course you did! I was going to step in soon. I was testing Clint here to see how he would do..."

"I’m sorry I failed, sir." Clint said.

Victor waved his hand. "Doesn’t matter...its only money. We all make mistakes. I can’t believe this degenerate was the one who saved the day."

He had pointed at Clay and Cindy took offense. "Daddy!"

Victor laughed aloud. "I’m surprised he turned out so good." He turned to Gemma and smiled. "I’m glad you got him, Gemmy. Cindy would never have been able to control him."

"He is hard to control, Victor." Gemma smiled.

"Ha! You’ve got him by the balls, I can tell!"

Jax walked up carrying Abel. "Mom, can you hold him a second?"

Victor waved his hand. "Give him to me, boy."

JAx looked at him uncertainly. "Sir, he’s really heavy."

"Oh, for pete’s sake. Give me the boy."

Abel settled down and Victor began to rock in his chair with him. Abel’s eyes grew heavy and he quickly fell asleep. "Where’s Jacob! Tell him I want one of these..."

Cindy laughed. "I already put in my request, Daddy."

"The next generation is already here..."

Clay smiled. "That’s right old man."

Victor reached out with his hand. "May it continue this new partnership."

 

 

 

 

The End