💘( The Ghost of You! )✨

TWENTY SEVEN

[ SO ]

( 🏍️💀💘👪💒🔫 )

" It's like that voice in your head that keeps you in check, the one that stops you from going too far, making sure you don't lose yourself. Letty was that voice for me. Without her...I don't know how to stop. I don't know what I'll do. "

~ JAX TELLER to OPIE WINSTON

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TRIGGER WARNING⚠️: detailed sex scenes and talk of fetishes

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JUICE ORTIZ BLINKED AWAKE, the soft light filtering through the curtains illuminating the familiar room. The scent of lavender and vanilla clung to the air, and for a moment, he was enveloped in a comforting haze. He stretched lazily, his fingers brushing against the cool sheets of his girlfriend's bed. As his eyes adjusted, a figure emerged from the bathroom, framed by the doorway - Letty Morrow, her face lit up with a radiant, warm smile.

"Hey, sleepyhead," she teased, her voice melodic and filled with affection.

Juice's heart raced, a wave of euphoria washing over him, "Letty?" he breathed out, absentmindedly reaching out for her. "Is it really you?" He scrambled up from the bed, his movements unsteady with a mix of relief and disbelief.

She laughed softly, her eyes sparkling with mischief, "Of course, it's me, silly. Where else would I be?"

Juice reached out to her, the warmth of her smile and the sound of her voice almost making him forget the turmoil of the past couple days. He pulled her into a tight embrace, burying his face in her neck, savouring the scent of her perfume and the softness of her skin.

"I'm so glad you're here," he murmured against her. "I thought I'd lost you."

Letty's fingers gently stroked his hair, "You're never going to lose be, JuJu. Ride or Die, remember? Forever," she said, her voice tender and soothing.

They held each other in a sweet, intimate moment, her presence filling the void that had been gnawing at him. The world outside faded, leaving only the comfort of Letty's embrace.

But as he looked up, her smile began to blur and distort. Her figure started to shimmer and waver, as if she were made of mist. Juice's heart sank as the realisation began to set in, "No...No, Letty, don't go," he pleaded, his voice cracking. "Please don't leave me, baby."

"Find me," her fading voice whispered as has she disappeared more quickly now, her figure dissipating into the soft morning light. Juice reached out desperately, but his fingers grasped only air. The last remnants of her smile vanished, leaving him alone in the empty room.

The reality hit him like a punch to the gut. He was still in Letty's bed, but she wasn't there. Cameron had taken her, and Juice had stumbled here last night, intoxicated and broken. He had sought solace in her scent and the warmth of her sheets, hoping to escape the crushing despair that had taken hold of him.

Juice stared at the empty space where Letty had been mere moments ago. The room felt colder now, and the weight of his helplessness bore down on him with renewed force. He buried his face in the pillow, tears streaming down his cheeks, the scent of Letty's perfume mingling with the sting of his anguish.

***

The chapel was silent, except for the hum of the clubhouse outside its doors. Clay Morrow sat alone at the head of the table, hands clasped together as if in prayer, though he hadn't said a word since he took his seat. His face, normally hardened and unreadable, was softened by the weight of grief. His eyes, bloodshot and weary, stared blankly at the wall ahead of him, seeing nothing and everything all at once.

The weight of Letty's absence hung over him like a storm cloud, pressing down on his chest until it felt like he couldn't breathe. His daughter - his baby girl - had been taken from him, and he couldn't do a damn thing about it. He tried to shake the memory of her, that sweet laugh and the way she used to curl up in his lap when she was little, but it clung to him like a ghost. He couldn't escape the emptiness left behind, the gnawing guilt that ate at him every second.

The door creaked open, but Clay didn't move. It wasn't until he heard the heavy footsteps that his trance broke. Bobby Munson stepped inside the chapel, his face just as tired, though more guarded. He stopped in the doorway, watching Clay for a moment before speaking.

"Clay," Bobby's voice was softer than usual, concerned, though he tried to keep it steady. "You alright, brother?"

Clay blinked, slowly tearing his gaze away from the wall. He looked up at Bobby, as if only now realising he wasn't alone. The question hung in the air for a long beat before Clay finally answered, his voice gravelly and strained, "No," he muttered, his hand rubbing his jawline as he tried to pull himself together. "No, I'm not." 

Bobby nodded, stepping further into the room but keeping his distance. He'd seen Clay in all kinds of situations - raging, scheming, even mourning. But this was different. This wasn't the Clay who could push through anything, no matter how bad. This was a man breaking under the weight of losing his daughter.

The only other time Bobby had seen his president like this was when Loraine died. That loss had done more than break Clay - it had hardened him, made him colder and more ruthless. He wasn't just grieving; he was transforming, his grief morphing into something darker. After Loraine's death, Clay became sharper around the edges, less forgiving, and more willing to cross lines that once might have given him pause. The man who used to carry a balance between family and club disappeared, replaced by someone driven by survival and power, no matter the cost.

The only saving grace, the last flicker of the old Clay that still lingered, was his daughter, Letty. She was the light that kept him from fully drowning in the darkness that had taken hold of him after Loraine's death. Whenever the weight of the club threatened to pull him under, Letty was the tether that kept him grounded - a reminder of who he used to be. But now, she was gone too, and that light had been snuffed out, and with it, the last piece of Clay that wasn't consumed by rage, bitterness, and the hunger for control.

"Letty's tough," Bobby said quietly, trying to offer some kind of reassurance. "She'll make it back. You know she will."

Clay's jaw clenched, a flicker of anger flashing in his eyes before it disappeared, swallowed by that same vacant expression. He wanted to believe Bobby. God, he wanted to. But every minute that passed without her, every failed lead, was like another knife to the gut.

"Should've protected her better," Clay finally whispered, his voice thick with regret. "Should've kept her safe, Bobby." 

Bobby exhaled deeply, walking over to take the seat next to Clay. He placed a hand on his shoulder, offering a silent comfort, though he knew it wouldn't be enough. Nothing would be enough until Letty was back with them, alive and safe, "You did what you could," he said, his tone firm. "We all did. But this isn't over, Clay. We're gonna get her back. Laroy called. They found the guy." 

Clay's head snapped up and turned to Bobby, hope filling his eyes at the words leaving his brother's mouth, "You talk to Tig?" 

"Yeah," Bobby sighed, leaning forward on the table, his hand flat on the mahogany wood. "They moved Gemma to a motel outside rogue river. Club-friendly," he paused, examining the change in Clay's features once more. He saw the worry etched into every line, the unbearable weight pressing down on his shoulders, and it broke Bobby's heart to witness the toll it had taken on his old friend, "Look, Tig and the Oregon guys, they'll take care of her. She's gonna be okay." 

"I don't want her finding out about Letty," he said, his eyes locked onto the back wall once more. His heart and voice breaking just by using his daughter's name as the tears pooled in his eyes.

"I know." Another deep sigh left Bobby's lips as his head bowed, "Had to tell her about Sack. That shit's been all over the papers, but the kidnapping hasn't hit the news. We should be able to protect her from it." 

Clay nodded, pushing himself to his feet as he made it out of the chapel and over to the others, who gathered by the bar, "Where is he?" 

"Rey called," Jax started to say as he leaned back against the bar, a shot of tequila grasped in his in hand. 

Jax looked like a man haunted by shadows, a ghost of his former self. Dark circles under his eyes spoke of sleepless nights and endless worry, making his piercing blue eyes appear dull and hollow. His usually well-kept beard was scruffy and uneven, as though he hadn't bothered to care. His face was gaunt, cheeks slightly sunken, and his skin, usually a healthy porcelain, seemed pale and ashen. His hair was messier than usual, falling into his eyes as if he couldn't be bothered to push it back. Every movement was weighed down by exhaustion, and his once confident swagger was replaced with the slow, heavy steps of a man burdened by grief. 

"He showed up at Letty's again last night." 

"Let's go get him," Clay declared. 

Jax nodded, immediately downing his shot and slamming it down on the bar, before heading straight for the door. 

The Sons strode out of the clubhouse with a unified purpose, their footsteps heavy with determination. Clay led the charge, his jaw clenched tight, eyes steely and fixed ahead. Behind him, Chibs moved with a quiet intensity, the usual smirk on his face replaced by a look of grim resolve. Opie followed, his expression dark, hands flexing into fists at his sides as if preparing for a fight. Bobby walked with a sense of urgency, his broad shoulders set like a wall of unspoken strength, and Happy was silent, his eyes burning with a dangerous focus.

They were a force, united by purpose, bound by brotherhood. The loss of Letty had cut deep, but Juice was the one spiralling the hardest, and they weren't about to let him go under. As they approached their bikes, the tension in the air was heavy, each man ready to do whatever it took to pull Juice back from the edge. They weren't just riding to find their brother; they were riding to save him.

***

Rey heard the heavy rumble of motorbikes before the pounding on the door. She knew who it was without even looking, but it didn't make her feel any better. Taking a deep breath, she opened the door and found herself face-to-face with the entire club: Jax, Chibs, Clay, Opie, Bobby and Happy - all standing on her doorstep with determination written on their faces.

"Bedroom," she said flatly, stepping aside and letting them file into the house without another word. There was no time for pleasantries. She pointed down the hallway, "He showed up last night - high out of his mind. I don't know what he took. He won't tell me, but he keeps hallucinating - calling out her name."

Clay, the last one to step inside, placed a heavy hand on her shoulder and leaned in to place a fatherly kiss on her forehead, "You did good, darling," he murmured, his voice softer than usual, though the worry was still clear. "But we'll take it from here."

She gave him a tight nod, stepping back as Chibs and Jax immediately made their way toward Juice's room. Rey watched them go, her arms wrapping around herself as she felt a knot of helplessness in her chest. She had done what she could, but seeing the state Juice was in had torn at her. She only hoped the Sons could reach him in a way she couldn't.

Inside the room, Jax pushed the door open, his eyes narrowing at the sight of Juice sprawled across the bed, mumbling incoherently. Chibs cursed under his breath, his expression hardening as he moved to the side of the bed. The sight of Juice broken like this hit both of them hard.

"Hey, brother," Jax said quietly, moving closer. Juice's eyes fluttered open, but the clarity was gone, replaced by a haze of confusion and desperation.

"She's here...I saw her...Letty," Juice mumbled, his voice weak, eyes searching the room for something that wasn't there. Chibs exchanged a quick glance with Jax, before leaning down to grab Juice by the shoulders.

"She's not here, lad," Chibs said firmly, though there was a crack of pain in his voice. "But we are. C'mon, it's time to get up and get a grip." 

Jax nodded, understanding the need to act swiftly, "We've got a lead on Letty."

Juice's head jerked up, his eyes wide with a mix of disbelief and the faint flicker of hope.

Together, Jax and Chibs lifted Juice from the bed, his movements unsteady and lethargic. As they dragged him toward the bathroom, Juice stumbled, clutching at the air as if trying to grasp onto his fading hallucination of Letty.

Chibs turned on the shower, letting the cold water run, while Jax stripped Juice of his clothes, "This is gonna suck, but you need to wake up," he said, his tone steady but sympathetic. He glanced at Chibs, who nodded in agreement.

As the water reached the desired temperature, Jax and Chibs helped Juice into the shower. The cold water hit Juice with an immediate jolt, pulling him further from his haze. He gasped, the shock of the icy stream slowly cutting through his intoxication.

Juice shivered, his eyes blinking rapidly as he tried to clear the fog from his brain, "What's...what's going on?" he asked, his voice hoarse.

Chibs, standing by the shower, kept his voice steady, "We've got a lead on Letty. Laroy found a guy who made some I.D. for Cameron. But you've got to be sharp. We need you with us, Juice."

Jax handed Juice a bar of soap, "We're going to get her back, but you need to be in shape to help us. Now, scrub up and get your head straight."

Juice took the soap and began washing himself, his movements becoming more deliberate as the water continued to cool him down. The reality of the situation was starting to sink in, and he shook his head to clear the lingering fog.

***

"Love on the line," Bobby said, holding his flip phone out for Clay to take as they were all gathered in the kitchen waiting for Juice to come out of the shower. 

"Thanks, Bobby," Clay said, taking the phone and exiting the room for some privacy. "Hello, my love," his voice softened and so did his hardened features as he leaned against the wall in the hallway. 

"Hey, baby," Gemma's voice cooed through the phone. 

A content sigh left Clay's lips, his eyes instinctively closing, a warmth spread across his chest at the sound of her soothing voice, "You doing all right?" 

"Yeah." 

"Place okay?" 

"It's a...it's a shithole, but I'm safe. How's Letty doing?" The concern hung heavy in the woman's voice as she worried for her daughter's stability, knowing how hard Donna's death had hit her. And to lose another friend in a short span of time would be rough for anyone, but Letty wasn't known for being able to manage her emotions. 

Clay's face fell at the sound of his daughter's name. Swallowing hard, he felt the guilt tug at his chest, "You know how she is. Keeping to herself, barely talking to anyone. But she's okay, Gemma," he lied through his teeth. 

"Funeral today?" 

"Wake tonight," she said, letting out a deep sigh as he removed his sunglasses from his face and placed them on top of his head. "Funeral tomorrow." 

It was Gemma's turn to sigh, "I should be there," she said, the helplessness hanging heavy in her tone. 

"I know." Clay couldn't argue with that. 

"Can I talk to her?" 

"Just ran off with Juice," he quickly came up with a lie as his eyes found a photo of Juice and Letty's smiling faces on the fireplace in the lounge room as he pushed himself off the wall and stood in the doorway. "And you don't want to know what they are about to do." 

Gemma chuckled amusingly, "Send her my love, okay? Let her know I'm thinking of her." The Teller woman felt a little better knowing she had Juice, and the last thing he would do was let her fall apart. 

"Absolutely," Clay said, squeezing his eyes shut, trying to block out the guilt he was feeling. "We'll talk later, right?" 

"Yeah. Bye," she said, but there was a hint of sadness in her tone as her voice broke with emotion. 

"Bye," Clay said, as a pool of unshed tears welled in his eyes, blinding his vision as he slowly hung up the phone. 

***

In Letty's kitchen, the tension was palpable, but the women banded together, their silent pact to keep Juice afloat unspoken yet deeply understood. Tara moved through the space, pouring coffee for some of the guys, her movements calm despite the chaos that loomed over them all. Cleo and Lyla, side by side, cleaned up the kitchen, wiping down counters and organising dishes as if restoring order to the space would somehow bring peace to their fractured world. Rey, on the other hand, was a whirlwind of energy, rushing around the kitchen as she hurried to get ready for work.

Opie took a sip from his mug, "Thanks," he murmured in Tara's direction.

Tara nodded and then, after a brief pause, turned to Clay, "Can I, uh...Can I talk to you for a second?" 

Clay looked at her, a hint of concern in his eyes, "Sure." He motioned for her to follow him, leading the way to what was meant to be Letty's nursery. But now housed a sleeping Abel. 

The room was frozen in time, exactly as his wife Loraine had left it years ago. The sight of it brought an unexpected tear to Clay's eye as memories flooded back.

Tara closed the door gently behind them and took a deep breath, "Hale pushed it back as far as he could, but...I have to talk to Stahl and the FBI today, tell them what I saw." 

Clay nodded, "Okay."

Tara swallowed hard, "I tried to ask Jax...what I should say--?" 

"As much of the truth as you can," Clay advised, his voice steady. "We want everybody looking for Letty. Just give 'em the basics. The Feds already know who Cameron is, his real IRA ties. Just leave out our association." 

"But if those details help find her--" Tara started, worry etched across her face.

Clay shook his head firmly, "They won't. Cameron killed Sack and took my daughter because Stahl lied and framed Gemma. That's the real truth." 

Tara exhaled, the weight of the situation pressing down on her.

Clay's features softened as he sighed, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder, "Hey. You've done good, sweetheart. You really stepped up." His voice held genuine gratitude. "I never thanked you for what you did for Letty after...after what those bastards did to her. You were there for her when she needed someone. I'm glad she has a friend like you."

Tara chuckled nervously, guilt gnawing at her. She couldn't shake the feeling that she should have done more that day, that she could have somehow prevented Letty from being kidnapped.

Clay's voice cut through her thoughts, firm yet gentle, "We're all so glad you're around." He pulled her into a hug, pressing a fatherly kiss to her head, trying to offer some solace in a world that seemed to be falling apart.

Tara clung to him for a brief moment, before pulling away, giving him a small nod.

***

Jax and Chibs waited patiently in the hallway, their eyes fixed on the closed door to Letty's bedroom. They knew how much Letty meant to Juice, and they could see the strain it was putting on him. But they would do everything in their power to bring Letty Morrow back where she belonged - in Charming with her family.

Once Juice felt more alert, he stepped out of the shower, the cold water leaving him shivering but sober. He grabbed a towel and dried himself off, his mind racing with thoughts of Letty and the urgency of the situation.

"I'm ready," Juice said, his voice now clear and determined.

Jax clapped him on the shoulder, bringing him in for a hug, "Can you ride?" he asked as they pulled away.

Juice nodded, his voice light and slightly strained from crying, "I think so." 

Chibs then strode forward and brought Juice into his strong arms, patting him on the back as he whispered in his ear, "I love you, brother."

"Love you too," Juice murmured, his eyes squeezing shut as he tried to hold back the tears that threatened to spill out as he clung to Chibs tightly, burying his face in his broad shoulders. The man's presence was a reassuring reminder that they were all in this together. They all loved and missed Letty and together, they would bring her home. 

***

Jax quietly stepped into Letty's nursery, the room bathed in soft light filtering through the drawn curtains. Tara sat on the floor with Abel in her lap, his small giggles the only sound in the room. She looked up when Jax entered, her smile fading as she sensed the weight of his presence. For a moment, the two just stared at each other, the silence thick with unspoken words.

Tara broke it first, "I think you blame me...for Letty. For letting Cameron take her. For not fighting back enough."

Jax's face tightened, his jaw clenched, "This has nothing to do with what happened to my sister."

"Really?" Tara's voice cracked with frustration. "Then what is it, Jax? You've barely spoken to me in days!" 

Jax sighed, running a hand through his hair, "I'm sorry this happened. I had no right asking you for this."

Tara frowned in confusion, "Asking me for what?"

"Wanting you to stay. Be part of what I am," Jax admitted, his voice rough with regret. "I didn't think it through. Obviously, I do that. I don't think shit through. What it might do to other people."

Tara let out a bitter laugh, "I'm not other people, Jax."

He shook his head, his gaze dropping to the floor, "You should've gone back to Chicago."

"You're not making sense," Tara replied, confusion and hurt mixing in her voice.

Jax met her eyes, his expression hardening, "This has to be the end, Tara. You've got to get out. From Charming. Away from me."

Tara's breath hitched, "Jax...you can't just expect me to leave while my best friend is still missing!"

Jax's gaze flickered with pain, but he forced himself to stay firm in his stance, "Just...Tara--Please don't complicate it, okay? It's simple. You don't belong here."

Tara stared at him in disbelief, her eyes filling with tears as she searched his face for some hint of the man she loved. But Jax had already turned his back to her, walking out of the room without another word.

As the door closed behind him, Tara broke down, her shoulders shaking as she tried to stifle her sobs. Abel's tiny hand reached up to her face, his innocent touch only making her cry harder. She buried her face in his soft curls, clinging to him like he was the only anchor she had left in the storm.

The door creaked open, and Cleo, Lyla, and Rey hurried inside. Without a word, they surrounded Tara, wrapping their arms around her as she fell apart in their embrace. Abel's quiet babbling was the only sound in the room as the women held her, offering silent comfort in the midst of their shared grief.

Rey gently stroked Tara's hair, her voice soft, "It's okay not to be okay, Tara." 

Cleo squeezed Tara's hand, her voice firm but tender, "They'll find her, Tara. They'll find Letty. I know they will," she said, sending her a reassuring smile. 

Tara nodded through her tears, clinging to the hope they offered, even if it felt like it was slipping through her fingers.

***

Juice sat slumped on his bike, the weight of losing Letty pressed down on him, so heavy it felt like he couldn't breathe. His eyes stared blankly ahead, unfocused, seeing nothing but the dark void that had taken over his life since she'd been ripped away. His fingers gripped her necklace so tightly his knuckles had turned white, but the tension in his body refused to ease.

He didn't know how long he had been sitting there, parked on the edge of some deserted lot waiting for Laroy's guy. It could've been minutes, it could've been hours. Time had lost all meaning since Letty was taken. Every second felt like an eternity, a relentless ticking clock reminding him of how little he'd done to get her back.

The night air was cool against his skin, but the chill didn't register. He was numb, his mind only able to replay the same haunting memories of her face, her laugh, the way she used to look at him with so much love in her eyes. The ache in his chest deepened, a hollow, gnawing pain that wouldn't leave him alone. 

Charming 

2008

Letty leaned against Juice, her arms wrapped comfortably around his waist, as they both leaned against Juice's Harley parked at their usual spot on the cliff overlooking Charming. The view was always beautiful - the town's lights flickering like tiny stars in the night sky. But neither of them were paying much attention to the scenery tonight.

Juice had his arms looped around Letty's waist, his fingers tracing lazy patterns on her lower back, completely caught up in the feel of her pressed against him. Her lips tasted sweet, like the cherry cola they'd shared earlier, and every time he kissed her, he felt like he was losing himself a little more. Letty was his anchor, the thing that kept him grounded in their chaotic life, and moments like these - just the two of them, away from the world - made him feel like nothing could touch them.

They broke apart for a moment, both catching their breath. Letty leaned her head against his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. Juice rested his chin on the top of her head, smiling to himself. She fit so perfectly in his arms, like they were made for each other. 

"You ever think about soul mates?" Letty asked curiously, her voice barely above a whisper as she gazed out at the town below. There was a playfulness in her tone, but Juice could tell she was genuinely asking. 

"Soul mates, huh?" Juice chuckled, pulling her a little closer. "You getting all philosophical on me now, babe?"

Letty smirked, looking up at him through her long, luscious lashes, "Maybe I am. But seriously, you ever think about it? Like...what if we're all just looking for that one person we're meant to be with, and when we find them, everything just clicks?"

Juice tilted his head, considering her words, "I don't know," he said, a hint of a smile tugging at his lips. "I never really thought about it much before. But then...I found you."

Letty's teasing smile softened, her fingers playing with the fabric of his shirt, "And? Do you think we're soul mates?"

Juice looked down at her, the weight of her question hanging in the air between them. He didn't have the perfect answer, but he knew how he felt in this moment. He knew what she meant to him. 

"I don't know about soul mates, but I know that when I'm with you...everything feels right," Juice said quietly, his voice sincere. "Like I don't have to worry about anything else, because I've got you. And that's enough for me, baby."

Letty's heart swelled at his words, her smile growing wider. She pressed a gentle kiss to his lips, lingering there for a moment before pulling back, "I think that's a pretty good answer, Ortiz," she murmured against his mouth.

Juice grinned, his hands sliding up to cradle her face as he kissed her again, this time slower, more deliberate. The world around them seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them in their perfect little bubble. 

When they finally pulled away, Letty leaned her forehead against his, her voice a soft whisper in the night, "Whatever happens, Juice...it's you and me. Ride or die, right?"

"Ride or die," he whispered back, tightening his grip on her. "It's you and me against the world, baby."

Letty closed her eyes, savouring the warmth of his embrace and the safety she felt in his arms. It was moments like these that made her believe in things like soul mates, in the idea that maybe they were meant to find each other.

And as they sat there, tangled up in each other, it felt like nothing could ever break them apart.

Juice blinked, trying to pull himself back from the painful memories of her. His thoughts kept drifting to the darkest edges of his mind. What if this lead was nothing? What if they never found her? What if the last time he saw her was really the last time?

Juice swallowed hard, his throat dry. He forced himself to look down at the phone in his hand, the only connection he had to the world outside his despair. A message from Rey flashed on the screen, asking if he'd heard anything yet. He hadn't, and that silence only made the crushing uncertainty worse.

"With Zobelle gone I doubt if Alvarez will be tapping into white muscle and guns," Clay said as he leaned back against Laroy's luxurious car, the owner of the vehicle in a similar stance with eyebrows furrowed in thought. The other sons and the members of the One-Niners gathered nearby.

"Me and Lin should stay consolidated," Laroy declared. "Keep pushing into the Mayan streets."

"Still gotta find out where the Mexicans are at without the AB hook-up," Clay said with a deep sigh.

Laroy's head whipped to the side to look at Clay with a raised eyebrow, "Where they're at?" he mocked, bursting into laughter. "You blew holes through his crew, brother." Laroy then leaned closer to Clay like he was telling him a secret, "I'm guessing 'Lord of the Brown' is a little pissed."

"Good for business, right?" Clay said with his signature smirk stretched across his lips. "We don't make any money if our guns sit on shelves. Bullets hitting bodies generates the need for new hardware."

"Yeah, well, you know me, I'm all about stimulating the economy," Laroy said, his gaze swept across the empty lot, eventually settling on Juice, who looked as if he'd been dragged through hell. With his head hanging low and his body swaying unsteadily, Juice seemed detached from reality, lost in a haze of his own making. He was visibly out of it, drifting in and out of consciousness, as if he were caught between the present and a nightmarish world of his own creation. "How's he doing?" he asked, gutting his chin up towards the Puerto Rican male. 

"I'm not sure," Clay replied honestly, 'cause he wasn't. 

"Losing the woman you love...that's a pain that don't just fade. It hollows you out, leaves you walking around like a ghost, man. You can try to fill that hole with anger, with booze, with whatever, but it never really goes away. 'Cause when she's gone, it ain't just her you lose. It's a piece of you too. And that...that's something you never get back."

"You're damn right, Laroy. It's like walking around with a hole in your chest that nothing can fill." Clay spoke from experience. Because when he lost Loraine it was like someone teared out a part of his soul. It wasn't just her he missed; it was the whole life they could of had together. But he was determined to not let that happen to Juice. "But I'll be damned if that's going to happen to Juice. We're gonna find Letty, no matter what it takes. I won't let him suffer that kind of loss, not like I did, not while I still have breath in me. We'll get her back, and we'll put this right. I won't let his pain be for nothing." 

The sound of a car's wheels turning over gravel caught everyone's attention. Slowly, the car approached. Juice's pulse quickened, but the familiar tightness in his chest remained. This was it. The only lead they had. But even as the car pulled up, Juice couldn't shake the feeling of hopelessness that washed over him. 

"This the guy?" Clay gutted his chin up towards the approaching vehicle. 

"Yeah, that's him," Laroy said, pushing off his own car, Clay following suit.  

The Sons all slowly stepped forward as the man they had been waiting on stepped out of his car. 

Juice stood at the forefront, his face hard, jaw clenched tight. He wasn't here for pleasantries, and his patience had long worn thin. He now held a photo of Letty in his hand, which was crinkled under his tight grip - a painful reminder of how long she had been missing.

"Hey, tell him what you know," Laroy ordered the nervous man with the thick black glasses, clearly uncomfortable with the amount of bikers that surrounded him, but he tried his best to act nonchalant. 

"Uh, I think I did some work for the Irishman you're looking for," he informed them, the stutter in his voice failing to cover up how nervous he was. 

"Is that him?" Jax asked, his voice low but carrying an edge that made the forger flinch. He held up a photo of Cameron Hayes, taken from a security camera just days before the kidnapping.

The forger squinted at the image, then nodded quickly, "Yeah, that's him." 

"What kind of papers?" Clay inquired, eyeing the guy down, who's eyes kept jumping from biker to biker. 

"Irish passport. American travel visa." 

"Means he's trying to leave the country," Chibs chimed in from behind the forger, who glanced over his shoulder nervously. 

"What name's he using?" Bobby asked. 

"Timothy O'Dell. Belfast address." 

Juice's heart pounded in his chest, his breath catching as he stepped forward, "What about this girl?" He held up the picture of Letty, forcing the forger to look at it. "Did you make a passport for her, too?"

The forger's eyes lingered on the photo longer than Juice liked, a sleazy grin spreading across his face, "Nah, haven't seen her," he said, but his eyes flicked back to the picture. "But damn...if I had, I would've remembered. That's one fine girl you got there."

Juice's vision went red. Before the words even fully registered, he lunged forward, grabbing the forger by the collar and slammed the man against the car he arrived in, fury radiating off him in waves, "Watch your fucking mouth," he growled, his voice a low, dangerous rumble. His fingers tightened around the forger's throat, his rage flaring as images of Letty flashed through his mind.

"Juice!" Jax barked, stepping forward and grabbing his arm, trying to pull him back. "Enough, man!"

Chibs and Clay were there in an instant, their hands gripping Juice's shoulders, trying to pull him off the terrified forger who was gasping for air. Juice's breath was ragged, his eyes wild with anger as he struggled against their hold.

"Calm the fuck down!" Chibs snapped, yanking harder. "He's not worth it!"

But Juice was lost in his fury, the thought of anyone else even looking at her, let alone speaking about her like that, sent him into a spiral of rage.

"Juice, listen to me!" Jax's voice cut through the haze, sharp and commanding. "We need him. He's the only lead we've got right now."

Slowly, the words began to penetrate the fog in Juice's mind. He blinked, his grip on the forger loosening slightly as he started to come back to himself. The man coughed and sputtered, gasping for breath as he slumped against the car.

Juice took a step back, his chest heaving as he struggled to calm down. His hands shook with the remnants of his anger, and he clenched them into fists to stop the trembling.

Jax stepped in front of him, his eyes hard but understanding, "We're gonna find her," he said, his voice steady. "But this isn't the way."

Juice's jaw tightened, but he nodded, swallowing hard as he tried to rein in his emotions. He looked down at the crumpled photo of Letty in his hand, his heart aching with the desperation to find her.

Jax turned back to the forger, who was still gasping for air, and crouched down in front of him, "Where'd you meet this guy?" 

Fear was now etched across the Forger's entire face, "C-Chinatown." 

"Any public marinas nearby?" Clay asked Laroy. 

Laroy nodded, "Alice street." 

Clay stepped forward, placing a firm hand on Juice's shoulder, "Call our new friend, see if a Timothy O'Dell's got a boat there."  

Juice took a deep breath, his body still buzzing with the aftershocks of his rage as he nodded his head. The guys were right - he needed to keep it together. For Letty. For their chance to get her back.

But as he pocketed her photo and walked towards his bike, the fire that burned within him refused to be extinguished.

Charming 

2008

The sun had barely set, casting a warm golden hue across the bedroom as Juice and Letty were tangled in each other, their usual playful banter filling the room. But tonight, something was different. Juice could feel the shift in the air, an undercurrent of tension that he couldn't quite place. It wasn't the bad kind of tension - no, it was the kind that made his blood heat up, that made his grip on her waist just a little bit tighter as he pulled her onto his lap.

Letty, straddling him with a smirk on her lips, teasingly ran her fingers through his hair, "What's on your mind, baby?" she asked, her voice low and teasing, but with a hint of curiosity.

Juice's eyes darkened as he looked up at her, his hands sliding down to grip her hips more firmly, "You," he replied, his voice a little rougher than usual, a little more intense. His eyes traced her features, lingering on the curve of her lips and the way her hair cascaded around her face. She was so damn beautiful it almost hurt to look at her.

Letty grinned, leaning in closer, her breath warm against his ear, "Good," she whispered. "Because I'm always thinking about you."

But this time, Juice didn't laugh, didn't respond with his usual light-hearted charm. Instead, he grabbed her chin gently but firmly, making her meet his gaze, "You're mine," he said, his voice low, and filled with a quiet intensity that surprised even him. "I don't ever want you to forget that."

Letty's breath hitched at his words, her eyes widening slightly in surprise. She wasn't used to this side of Juice - the side that wasn't just playful and sweet but demanding, dominant. It sent a shiver down her spine, her heart racing as she processed the change in his tone. And to her surprise, it wasn't fear or hesitation she felt - it was excitement. It was a thrill she hadn't expected but welcomed eagerly.

She bit her bottom lip, her own desire flaring as she leaned into him more, "Yours, huh?" she teased, though her voice came out breathier than she intended. Her body responded before her mind could catch up, pressing closer to him as her hands trailed down his chest.

Juice's grip tightened on her hips as his eyes darkened even more, "Yeah," he growled, pulling her down so their faces were inches apart. "Mine. No one else gets to touch you. No one else gets to see you like this. You belong to me, Lett."

The possessive tone in his voice sent a wave of heat through her, pooling low in her belly. She hadn't expected to react like this, hadn't known that this side of Juice would affect her so deeply. But it did. God, it did.

Instead of pushing back or teasing him, Letty leaned in and kissed him hard, pouring all of her own need and desire into it. Juice responded immediately, his hands roaming over her body with a sense of urgency that matched her own. When they finally broke apart, both of them were breathless, Letty found herself grinning at the man beneath her, "You're gonna have to prove it," she challenged, her voice sultry and dripping with the kind of daring that only she could pull off.

Juice's eyes flashed with something primal, something that made Letty's stomach flip in anticipation. Without a word, flipped them over and pinned her down on the mattress beneath him. His hands gripped her wrists, holding them above her head as he leaned down, his lips brushing against her ear, "Oh, don't worry, baby," he whispered, his voice sending shivers down her spine. "I'm gonna do more than prove it."

And he did just that. 

The rest of the night was a blur of passion and possession, of heated kisses and whispered promises. Juice wasn't his usual gentle self - not tonight. Tonight, he was the man who wanted to claim her, who needed her to understand just how much she meant to him. And Letty, to her own surprise, welcomed it with open arms. She responded to his dominance with a fire of her own, pushing him right back until they were both lost in the intensity of their connection.

By the end of it, as they lay tangled together in the sheets, both of them breathless and spent, Letty couldn't help but smile. She turned her head to look at Juice, who was still catching his breath beside her, his arm draped possessively across her waist, "Who knew my sweet little Juicy had that in him?" she teased, though her voice was soft, filled with affection.

Juice chuckled, pulling her closer until her head rested on his chest, "Guess you bring out my wild side, baby," he murmured, his voice still tinged with that same possessiveness that had set the night in motion.

Letty smiled against his skin, closing her eyes as she let herself relax in his embrace, "I think I like it," she admitted quietly.

Juice smirked, pressing a kiss to the top of her head, "Good," he said. "Maybe I have to show you who you belonged to more often."

Letty's smile widened, nestled against his chest, her fingers absently tracing the ink on his arm as they settled into the quiet after their intense night. The warmth of his skin, the steady rise and fall of his breath, was comforting, feeling more content than she had in a long time. She was his, and he was hers. And that was exactly how it was supposed to be.

She tilted her head up, a teasing smirk on her lips, "So..." she began, her voice light and playful, "What other things are you hiding from me, Ortiz?"

Juice chuckled, his fingers tracing lazy circles on her back, "Why, you scared, babe?"

Letty snorted in amusement, "Oh, please, there is nothing you can say that'll scare me off. I'm sorry to say, but you're stuck with me," she said, propping herself up on one elbow to look him in the eye, her expression both mischievous and genuinely interested. "Come on, baby, you've got that look - like you've got something you've been holding back. Spill."

Juice bit his lip, glancing away for a moment. He wasn't ashamed of it, but he hadn't really talked about it either, not with anyone else. But Letty wasn't just anyone. She was his girl, the one who saw every side of him, good and bad. And if there was anyone he could trust with this, it was her.

"All right," he finally said, his voice dropping slightly as if confessing a secret. "There's...uh, there's this thing I have," he admitted, looking anywhere but directly at her.

Letty raised an eyebrow, intrigued, "Oh? Do tell, baby."

Juice hesitated for a beat, then sighed, "It's kind of...different, I guess. I've got this thing for...panties," he admitted, a slight blush colouring his cheeks.

Letty raised an eyebrow, her smile turning into something more intrigued than teasing, "Panties?" she repeated, clearly wanting him to continue.

Juice nodded, exhaling slowly, "Yeah. I mean, I like...the way they feel, the way they smell...It's like this connection, you know? I don't know how to explain it. It's more than just a turn-on. It's this weird comfort, like I'm close to someone, even when they're not around. And...your scent, baby...God," he groaned in pleasure at just the thought of it. "I haven't smelled anything like it before."

Finally meeting her eyes, he added softly, "I know it's kinda weird, but it can really get me going." 

Letty's eyes widened slightly, her lips curving into a sultry, appreciative smile. She leaned closer, her voice a low, enticing murmur, "You know, Ju, hearing you talk about that...it's actually kind of hot."

She traced a finger lightly down his chest, her gaze intense, "I never thought a panty fetish could be such a turn-on, but knowing how much you like my scent and how it makes you feel...it's pretty damn intimate." 

She bit her lip, her eyes never leaving his, "It makes me want to do something special for you. Maybe I should get you a few pairs to really indulge in. It's just the idea of you getting off to my scent, imagining it's me..." she hummed in delight. "It's turning me on just thinking about it." 

Juice's eyes lit up, and he couldn't help the smile that tugged at the corners of his lips, "Really?" he asked in shock and surprise, his eyes darkening with desire. 

"Oh, yeah," Letty said, her voice dropping to a more sultry tone. "We've all got our kinks, right?"

Juice raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued now, "Yeah? What about you, babe? What's your kink?"

Letty bit her lip, suddenly looking a little shy for the first time tonight, "Well...since we're confessing..." She hesitated, then took a breath, "Whipped cream." 

Juice quirked an eyebrow, waiting for her to continue. 

"It might sound a bit silly, but there's something about it that really turns me on. I love the way it feels when it's spread over my skin, how it turns an ordinary moment into something playful and indulgent. I get a thrill from using it as part of foreplay - draping it over you or myself, licking it off, just letting it be a part of our game. It's not just about the taste or texture, but the way it makes everything more fun and intimate. Maybe it's a little childish, but it makes me feel alive and free, and I can't help but enjoy it."

Juice felt a surge of excitement at her words, his mind already racing with the possibilities. He hadn't expected this side of Letty, but damn if it didn't turn him on even more. He brushed a strand of hair out of her face, leaning in to kiss her softly, "Damn, baby," he murmured against her lips, his voice low and filled with promise. "But, hey, if that's what gets you going, I'm all in. I mean, if it makes you feel that alive and happy, who am I to say no? I'll get as creative with it as you want. Just let me know what you need, and I'll make it happen." Juice's grip tightened on her waist as he pulled her closer, the tension between them building once again, "I just want to give you everything you want, princess."

Letty's eyes sparkled with anticipation as she looked up at him, her voice barely above a whisper, "Oh, yeah? And I can't wait to see what else you're hiding in that freaky, little head of yours."

David Hale sat at his desk, staring at a photo clutched in his hand. It was a polaroid photo of himself and Letty in his hotel room back in L.A., both of them smiling into the camera as they lay in bed, a lifetime away from the chaos that now surrounded them.

Wayne Unser shuffled inside, his presence more weary than usual. He knew Hale had basically lived at the station since Letty disappeared, "You should go home, son. You've been at it for hours." 

But Hale didn't meet the man's gaze, his eyes fixed on the photo as his jaw clenched, "It's been over 48 hours, Wayne. You know the statistics." 

Unser exhaled slowly, sitting down across from him, rubbing a hand down his face, trying to find the right words, "We're doing everything we can. And Letty...she's strong, resilient - she ain't going down without a fight." 

Hale finally looked up, his eyes clouded with guilt and frustration. He paused, before confessing, "I think I was in love with her." 

Unser nodded slowly, not surprised, "Oh, I know. That's no secret." 

Hale's eyebrow shot up in surprise, "Small town perks?" 

"No, just a man with eyes," Unser said with a teasing smirk, but received no amusement in return. Unser's face softened into a sympathetic expression, "Look, if it helps, I think she cared--cares very deeply for you too." 

Hale clenched his fists on the desk, the helplessness gnawing at him, "Just not as much as Juice," he said with a sigh as he ran both hands down his face. "I couldn't save her from all of this? From them?"

Unser leaned forward, his voice soft but firm, "This life...it takes more than love to keep someone safe. Sometimes, it takes more than we can give." 

Hale's head lowered, the words hitting him hard. He knew Unser was right, but it didn't make it any easier, "She deserved better than this--deserves better," he corrected, but the same hopeless sadness laced his voice. "And I let it all happen...right under my nose!" he snapped, throwing a cup full of pens across the room, causing it to hit the wall, the plastic cup shattering to pieces. 

Unser's eyes widened in momentary shock, looking back at the pens that now scattered the floor, ignoring how close it was to hitting his head, before he turned his attention back to his deputy, "You did what you could. You loved her the best way you knew how." 

Hale swallowed hard, the regret evident in his expression. Looking back down at the photo still clutched in his hand, "I just want her to be okay, Wayne," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "That's all I ever wanted." 

Unser watched him for a moment, before standing up and placing a hand on Hale's shoulder, "We'll find her, David. One way or another, we'll bring her home where she belongs. 

Hale nodded, though his eyes portrayed the fear that it might be too late. Unser gave his shoulder a reassuring squeeze, before walking out of the room, leaving Hale alone with his thoughts.

As Hale stared at the photo of Letty, the weight of what he never said, what he never did, settled deep in his chest. He picked up the photo, brushing a thumb across her smiling face, as if he could protect her with that small gesture, "I'm sorry, Letty. I'm so damn sorry..." 

Los Angeles 

2007

The dim glow of the city lights filtered through the thin curtains of a small hotel room. The sounds of LA nightlife hummed faintly in the background, a world away from the chaos of Charming.

Letty Morrow laid on the bed, her head resting against a pillow, staring up at the ceiling. This night in particular felt different - so much quieter, so much calmer than what she was used to. 

David Hale sat beside her, his fingers gently brushing her arm, tracing absent patterns along her skin.

A sheet covered both their naked bodies. 

For a moment, they just laid there in silence, letting the stillness settle over them. It felt like a small escape - a bubble where nothing outside of the room existed - mattered. 

"You look different here," he murmured, as he lay back against the pillow, turning on his side to gaze upon her. 

Letty turned her head to look at him, a soft smile tugging at the corners of her lips, "Different how?" 

David reached out to caress her cheek, while he studied her features as if seeing her for the first time, "Lighter. Less...burdened." 

Letty chuckled softly, her gaze drifting back to the ceiling, "Maybe I am. Out here, away from everything...the club, the violence. It's easier to breathe." 

David's hand trailed down to hers, their fingers intertwining as he brought her hand up to his lips, placing a kiss to her knuckles. The warmth of the simple act, grounded her, reminding her that she wasn't alone, "Is that why you moved out here? You really going to leave it all behind for good?" 

Letty turned her head to meet his gaze again, admiring his crystal blue eyes, "Maybe..." she said with a sigh. "But it's not that easy, David. They're my family, you know?" 

David nodded his head in understanding, "Yeah, I know," he said, a sigh leaving his own lips. "But you got the right idea here - Start fresh - New job and all that." 

Letty smiled softly, "Yeah," she nodded slowly. "It's just sometimes, I feel as lost here as I did back in Charming." 

David wrapped his arm around her, pulling her into his chest as he pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead, "I get it. It can be daunting, trying to find your place in the world. But you're helping people, Letty. Saving lives on the daily. That's a beautiful thing." 

His words linger in the air, filled with hope and something more - something unspoken, but deeply felt. Letty closed her eyes for a moment, snuggling close to him, savouring the warmth of his kiss, the softness of his touch, "What about you? You're trying to fix that town...trying to make it better." 

David sighed, his thumb rubbing circles on the back of her hand, "Charming's my home. It's in my blood. But that doesn't mean I don't think about leaving sometimes. Getting away from all the corruption, the crime...But if I don't stay and fight for it, who will?" 

Letty opened her eyes, her gaze locking with his, "I get it. You want to make a difference. That's why I--" she stopped mid-sentence, hesitating for a moment. "That's why I care about you so much, Davey. You're one of the good ones." 

David's breath hitched at her words, and before he could respond, Letty pulled him closer, their lips meeting in a slow, loving kiss. It was a kiss filled with everything they wish they could say, everything they were afraid to. 

The kiss deepened, turning more urgent, more passionate as they both gave in to the pull between them. David rolled over, his body pressing against hers as their hands start to wander, exploring familiar territory. Letty's fingers tangled in his hair, pulling him closer as their lips continued to move together, hot and hungry.

They lost themselves in each other, the weight of the world outside that room falling away. It wasn't just physical - it was an unspoken promise, a connection that neither of them fully understood but couldn't deny.

His hand gently caressed her cheek as he looked down at her, his blue eyes filled with tenderness and desire, "You're so beautiful," he whispered, his voice hushed and reverent, as if he were afraid the words might shatter the fragile intimacy between them. He brushed a lock of hair away from her face, his fingers lingering on her skin. "You don't know how much I've wanted this. How much I've wanted you."

Letty's breath caught in her throat as she reached up, her hand tracing the strong line of his jaw. She pulled him down to her, capturing his lips in another kiss that was both tender and urgent this time round. He responded in kind, his lips moving against hers with a hunger that had been building for so long.

David's hand slid down her body, his touch leaving a trail of warmth in its wake. When his hand finally rested on her hip, he paused, looking into her eyes as if seeking permission, reassurance. She nodded softly, her breath coming in shallow gasps, as he entered her, before slowly and skilfully moving inside her.

Letty let out a soft moan, her nails digging into his broad shoulders as she began to move with him, their bodies finding a rhythm that felt both familiar and new. Each movement was slow, sensual and filled with so much emotion. This wasn't just about passion; it was about connection, about something deeper.

David leaned down, his lips brushing against her ear as he whispered, "I'll always protect you, Letty. I'll always be here for you." 

His words wrapped around her, enveloping her in a sense of security she hadn't felt in a long time. She arched her back, her nails gliding across the skin of his back as they moved together, his pace steady and unhurried, as if they had all the time in the world.

"You don't have to be afraid anymore," he whispered, his breath hot against her skin.

Her heart clenched at his words, tears stinging the corners of her eyes. She had been so afraid, so uncertain of her place in the world, but here with David, everything seemed to make sense. In his arms, she could let go of all the fear, all the doubt, and just be.

"Oh, Davey," she breathed, her voice trembling as the emotions overwhelmed her. 

Their bodies moved together in perfect harmony, the sound of their breathing filling the room as they held onto each other like they were the only two people in the world. The outside world ceased to exist for those few precious moments, all that mattered was the way they made each other feel.

David's hand slipped behind her head, pulling her closer as he pressed his forehead to hers. His movements quickened, his breathing becoming more laboured as he whispered against her lips, "I'll never let anything hurt you, Letty." 

She clung to him, her body trembling as she whispered back, "I know. I know." 

With one final thrust, David buried his face in her neck, his breath hot against her skin as they both came undone together, their bodies trembling in the aftershocks of their shared passion.

They stayed like that for a long time, wrapped in each other's arms, the quiet of the room settling over them like a blanket. David pressed a soft kiss to her temple, his hand gently stroking her hair as they both caught their breath.

For a moment, it felt like they could have everything. Like the world outside didn't exist, and there was only this - only them.

And as they lie in each other's arms, the sheets tangled around their bodies, their breathing slowly returning to normal. David brushed a strand of hair from Letty's face, his eyes tracing every beautiful detail of her features, memorising this moment, "I could stay like this forever."

Letty smiled softly, her fingers trailing along his chest, "Me too. But we both know we can't hide here forever." 

David nodded, a sadness settling in his chest at the thought of leaving this moment behind - leaving Letty behind, "No. But maybe we don't have to hide. Maybe we just...figure out how to make it work. Together." 

Letty met his gaze, the weight of his words sinking in. It was a promise, a hope for a future where she wasn't just constantly running away, but running towards something better, "Together," she paused, then added softly, "I like the sound of that." 

David smiled, pressing a kiss to her forehead, before pulling her closer, their bodies fitting together perfectly as they drifted off to sleep, wrapped in the warmth of each other and the fragile hope of a future they both wanted so badly, but knew deep down...it was never going to work. 

But for now, in this moment, that hope was enough.

Juice gripped his handlebars tightly, his knuckles white as he focused on the road ahead. The roar of Samcro's bikes filled the air, a sound that was both comforting and ominous. Beside him, Chibs, Bobby, Happy, Opie, Clay and Jax followed on their Harleys, a silent yet powerful force. Juice could feel the tension in the air - every second Letty was gone, the knot in Juice's stomach tightened.

As they rode to a marina on the outskirts of town. He couldn't help the anxiety gnawing at him, his mind racing with thoughts of what they might find. Or worse, what they might not find.

As they neared the marina, the scenery changed - quiet docks lined with boats of all sizes, the gentle sound of water lapping against the shore, and the faint scent of saltwater in the air. It was peaceful, almost deceptively so. Juice's heart pounded in his chest, the calmness of the setting only adding to his sense of dread.

He pulled his Harley into a parking spot near the entrance, cutting the engine with a sharp twist of the key. The bikes rolled in behind him, engines rumbling before they too went silent - the quiet deafening. 

"Let's go," Chibs said, his voice low and determined as he swung off his bike.

The guys moved in unison, Juice was the first to take off towards the docks, his feet carrying him faster than he could think. His mind was focused on one thing: Letty. She had to be here. She just had to be.

"Hale said it was slip 39," Juice informed them as they made their way down the narrow wooden path that led to the marina. 

Clay nodded, his eyes scanning each boat as they passed. The boats were all lined up, some small and modest, others large and luxurious, but they weren't here for a casual cruise - they were here to find her.

"There," Bobby said, pointing toward a sleek red boat docked near the end of the pier. The name 'Sea Wind' was painted on the side in bold black letters, and the registration showed it was under the alias Cameron had been using - Timothy O'Dell. 

Juice's heart leapt into his throat. This was it.

Without waiting for the others, he made a beeline for the boat, his boots thudding against the wooden planks. The others followed close behind, their hands resting on their guns, ready for anything. Juice's breath came in shallow bursts as he approached the boat, his pulse racing in his ears.

"Juice, wait!" Chibs called, but Juice didn't stop. He jumped onto the deck of the boat, his hands fumbling with the handle of the cabin door. Locked. Of course, it was locked.

"Back up," Bobby instructed, pulling out his gun and fire a hole through the lock. Juice didn't wait for anyone else - he rushed inside, his eyes scanning every inch of the small cabin.

Empty.

The room was eerily quiet, the only sound being the soft creak of the boat as it gently swayed with the water. Juice's heart sank as he moved through the cabin, tearing open cupboards, flipping over cushions, searching for any sign - any clue - that Letty had been here. But it was empty. Too empty.

"Goddammit!" Juice shouted, slamming his fist against the table. His chest heaved with frustration and fear. She wasn't here. He was too late.

Chibs placed a hand on his shoulder, "We'll find her, lad. This is just another step."

Juice nodded, but the hollow feeling in his chest remained. He couldn't shake the dread that had settled deep in his bones. Every second felt like a lifetime, every empty room another blow to his hope.

"Rip it up," Clay demanded, trying to keep everyone focused. "Got to be something."

Juice nodded, but his heart wasn't in it. He couldn't stop thinking about Letty - where she was, if she was safe, if she was scared. He had promised her he would always protect her, but now...

Clay's eyes darted around, searching for any sign of his daughter. 

And then, he spotted it, out of place - an old, abandoned leather jacket lying among the debris. He rushed over, his heart pounding in his chest. Kneeling down, he picked it up, instantly recognising it. It was Letty's kutte, a version of the one he had made for her when she was just a little girl.

The sight of the jacket brought a rush of memories flooding back. He recalled the days when she would proudly wore her miniature Samcro kutte, the one with the delicate crown and the words 'Samcro's Princess' embroidered on it. He remembered how he had crafted each one, making sure it fit as she grew, a symbol of her cherished place in the club.

The jacket in his hands felt like a cruel reminder of her absence, but it also fuelled his determination. He clenched the jacket to his chest, his eyes stinging with a mix of anger and sorrow. It wasn't just a piece of clothing; it was a part of her, a symbol of her place in the world of the MC.

To Clay, the jacket was a beacon of hope, driving him forward. He would find her, no matter what it took. She was Samcro's princess, and he would not rest until she was safe and back where she belonged.

***

Clay sat by the water's edge, the cold, damp air clinging to him as he stared out at the dark, rippling surface of the bay. His shoulders were hunched, weighed down by the heavy burden of the leather jacket he held close to his heart. The jacket was tattered and worn, a stark contrast to the vibrant memories it carried. It was Letty's kutte, a symbol of her place in the club and in his heart.

The distant hum of the city seemed to fade away, replaced by the sound of waves gently lapping against the dock. Clay's fingers traced the familiar stitching, the crown above 'Samcro's Princess' etched in his mind. Each stitch told a story of pride, love, and a promise made to protect her.

His gaze remained fixed on the jacket, lost in thought. He was oblivious to the world around him, the crushing weight of uncertainty pressing down on him. His breathing was shallow, his face set in a grim expression of worry. 

The crunch of footsteps on gravel alerted him, and he looked up to see Jax and Chibs approaching. Their faces were etched with concern, but they said nothing, understanding the gravity of the moment. They silently took in the sight of Clay holding the jacket, the symbol of Letty's presence and their shared mission to find her.

Jax's hand rested gently on Clay's shoulder, a silent show of support, while Chibs stood beside them, his eyes full of empathy and shared pain. The three of them remained there in silence, the jacket serving as a tangible connection to Letty, a reminder of the urgency of their search.

"Found a receipt from the marina," Jax informed Clay, finally breaking the silence. "Paid cash. Couldn't find nothing else."

"Yeah. Needle's on empty," Chibs chimed in. "He wasn't planning no sea voyage." 

"Let's put this piece of shit out of commission," Clay stated, his features hardening. "Quietly." 

"Absolutely," Jax said, placing a silencer on his hand gun. 

As Clay pushed himself to his feet, he stopped dead in his tracks as he spotted two men coming down the ramp, one holding a large jerry can in hand, "Who are these fine dark fellows?"

"Looking nervous," Happy muttered as he examined their body language. 

"Check it out," Clay instructed. Opie, Happy and Bobby nodded and immediately started towards the two men, 

"He's totally gone, man," Jax said, glancing over at Juice, who stood by the water's edge, the relentless wind whipping around him as he clutched Letty's necklace tightly in his hand. The metal glinted dimly in the fading light. His knuckles were white from the grip, and his eyes were glassy, locked onto the water's dark expanse as if hoping the answers would appear.

Juice's breaths came in shallow, uneven gasps, each one a struggle against the rising tide of despair that threatened to consume him.

The murky water below mirrored his turmoil, the occasional ripple disturbing the otherwise still surface, much like the chaos inside him. Juice's mind raced with thoughts of Letty, their moments together, and the fear of what might have happened to her. The sound of the waves crashing against the shore was a constant reminder of the uncertainty and anguish he faced.

"I got this," Clay declared, taking the gun from Jax's hand and walked over to the man who had captured his daughter's heart, while the others chased after the fleeting men.

Clay didn't waste any time, snatching the necklace from Juice's grip, it was time for some tough love. 

Juice was snapped out of his trance, his eyebrows furrowing in confusion as he faced the man, "What are you doing?" 

"Let's make sure he doesn't take any more boat rides," Clay said, handing him the gun with the silencer attached.  

Juice sighed, taking the gun from his president and shot multiple bullets through the bottom of the boat, passing the gun back to Clay as he looked defeated, "Give me the necklace," he said, holding his hand out for it. 

Clay simply shock his head, "I'll give it back when we find her." 

This made Juice roll his eyes, he was sick of all the optimism. The truth was they were no closer to finding her than they were this morning. This lead gave them nothing. It was just a waste of time - he should of stayed in bed. 

"'Cause we are gonna find her," he stated, making Juice sigh deeply. "You hear me?" he said, grabbing hold of Juice's face and roughly turning his head to make him meet his stern gaze. 

***

Juice and the guys tore through the streets of Charming. They were on a high-speed chase, racing after the sleek, black car that had fled from the docks. 

Juice's heart pounded in his chest as he weaved in and out of traffic, his eyes locked onto the car's taillights. The two suspicious men inside had already proven dangerous - they'd fired shots at anyone who got too close. Bullets whizzed past, striking the pavement and embedding into the side of a nearby building. The air was thick with the acrid smell of gunpowder, each shot adding to the chaos.

Jax, Clay, Bobby, Opie, Happy, and Chibs flanked Juice, their expressions grim and focused. Jax had a determined look in his eyes, his knuckles gripping the handlebars tightly as he manoeuvred through obstacles. Clay's face was set in a hard line, his gaze unwavering from the black car ahead. Bobby and Chibs were close behind, their guns drawn, ready for any sign of trouble.

Juice spotted the car's occupants leaning out of the windows, firing wildly in an attempt to deter them. The Sons returned fire, their bullets creating a deadly dance of steel and lead. The sound of gunfire reverberated through the streets, mingling with the roar of engines and the shouts of the men.

The car made a sharp turn, skidding around a corner and narrowly missing a parked truck. Juice followed, the bike's tires screeching against the pavement as he leaned into the turn. The black car's tires left dark marks on the road, and Juice's adrenaline surged as he pushed the bike harder, closing the gap between them.

The car's brake lights flared suddenly, and it swerved into a nearby driveway. Juice and the guys followed, their bikes coming to a screeching halt as men poured out of the house, shot guns at the ready and pointed directly at the Sons of Anarchy. The once quiet streets were now a battleground, the air charged with tension and the promise of a confrontation.

"Oh, shit!" Bobby cursed under his breath at the sight, immediately raising his hands in the air, showing he meant no harm.

"Put your shit down!" Pony Joe, the leader of what appeared to be a street gang demanded, waving his gun around with authority. "Put it down! Put 'em down!" 

The Sons immediately lowered their weapons as Clay dismounted his bike with his hands raised in defence, "Just a friendly visit, boys." 

"Oh, yeah?" Fester, one of the other men challenged. "Why'd this asshоlе try to blow our heads off, then?" he said, pointing to Bobby accusingly. 

"Just trying to get your attention," Bobby said, his hands still raised. 

"Oh, well, you got it now, bitch!" the man hissed, stepping forward and pressing the barrel of his gun into the Elvis impersonator's forehead. 

"I got his attention," Bobby said mockingly, turning to his president with a cheeky smirk. 

"I see that," Clay returned the smirk just as Opie and Jax, who had fallen behind pulled up on their bikes. Clay's smirk widened as he turned to the men in a challenging stance, "Now what?"  

"We weren't after you at the docks," Bobby explained. "The red boat, the beater? We're looking for the guy who owns it." 

"We own that shit now," Fester declared, pointing his thumb into his broad chest. 

"The guy that did own it," Jax said, stepping forward, the guns moving simultaneously towards him, but it didn't faze him one bit as he was determined to get some answers on his sister's whereabouts. "He kidnapped my kid sister," he said, looking to Pony Joe pleadingly, hoping he could give him the answers he sought. 

Pony Joe signalled for his men to lower their weapons, feeling the man's pain, "Irish dude?" he inquired. 

Jax nodded, "Yeah."

"Three days ago he said he needed some quick cash. Met him down at the docks with the boat, some AKS. He told us where to find the car, but he didn't have no chick with him, though." 

Jax nodded in understand, "All right," he said, sighing in defeat. "Hey, thanks," he said appreciatively, before walking back over and mounting his bike, taking off down the road, followed by his brothers, who felt just as defeated as he did. 

***

The cemetery was quiet, the kind of stillness that clung to the air, heavy with the weight of memories. The midday sun cast long shadows across the grass as Chibs walked slowly through the rows of gravestones. His boots crunched against the gravel path, but all he could hear was the pounding of his own heart in his chest. Each step felt like a burden, the weight of his guilt pressing down on him with every inch closer to Loraine's resting place.

He reached the simple headstone, worn and weathered by the years, and just stood there for a moment. His hand tightened around the flask in his jacket pocket, but he didn't take a drink. Not yet. Not here. Not when he felt this way. Chibs dropped to one knee, running his fingers over the engraved name, 'Loraine Morrow'. His eyes were red, exhausted with sorrow. The emotional pain he felt was etched into every line of his face.

His voice was low, thick with emotion, as he finally spoke, "Ah, Loraine...I'm so sorry, lass," he whispered, his accent rougher, more broken than usual. "I made ye a promise, didn't I? Swore I'd keep her safe, swore I'd watch over her...and look at me. Look at what I've done." His hand curled into a fist as he slammed it lightly against the headstone, his frustration spilling out. "I failed ye. I've failed Letty over and over again."

Tears welled up in his eyes, ones he didn't bother to blink away. It had been too much. The Rape. The kidnapping. Never fast enough to stop it, never strong enough to keep her out of harm's way. Letty was his responsibility, his duty. She was all that was left of Loraine, the woman who had once been his everything, the one who held his heart even now, in death.

"I don't know what tae do anymore," he admitted, his voice breaking. "I've tried, Loraine. I've tried tae be the man ye needed me tae be, tae be there for her like ye would've wanted. But I can't...I can't protect her from all this madness. I should've been there, dammit!" 

Chibs swallowed hard, looking down at the ground as if the earth itself might offer some kind of forgiveness, but there was nothing. Just silence.

"I can't lose her, Loraine. Not like this. I can't, not like I lost ye. I don't know if I've got the strength to survive it." His breath hitched, and he wiped at his eyes with the back of his hand, though it did little to hide the tears, "I'm sorry...I'm so sorry."

He closed his eyes, leaning his forehead against the cold stone, "I miss ye," he whispered. "But I need ye tae know...I'll find her. No matter what it takes, no matter who I've gotta go through...I'll bring her back. I swear it. I'll bring her home."

Charming 

1987

Loraine Morrow lay on the exam table, her hand resting protectively over her slightly rounded belly. Anxiety flickered in her eyes - Clay was supposed to be here for this moment, but as always, the club came first. She was grateful, however, that she wasn't entirely alone. Chibs stood beside her, a comforting presence, his rough, weathered hand resting gently on her shoulder.

"You didn't have to come, Lip," Loraine said softly, though the gratitude in her voice was unmistakable.

Chibs offered her a small, lopsided smile, "Wouldn't let ye do this alone, love. Besides, I wouldn't miss it for the world. Get te find out if I'm gonna have a wee niece or nephew." 

The ultrasound technician entered the room, offering both of them a friendly smile, "Ready to see your little one?" she asked, her tone cheerful as she moved to dim the lights.

Loraine nodded, a nervous excitement bubbling up inside her. Chibs remained by her side, his hand still on her shoulder, offering silent support. The technician applied the cool gel to Loraine's belly, then began the scan, her eyes focused on the screen as the soft hum of the machine filled the room.

After a few moments, the technician smiled brightly, "There it is," she said, pointing to the screen. "Strong heartbeat." She glanced at Chibs and Loraine, mistaking the situation, "You must be so proud, Dad." 

Loraine's eyes widened slightly, and before Chibs could say anything, she quickly corrected the technician, "Oh, no. He's not--this is my best friend, Filip," she said, her voice steady but kind. "Clay, my husband, he couldn't make it today." 

The technician's cheeks flushed with embarrassment, "Oh! I'm so sorry," she quickly apologised, offering a sheepish smile. "I didn't mean to assume." 

Chibs just chuckled lightly, waving it off, "No harm done, lass."

The technician cleared her throat, regaining her composure, "Well, since we're here...do you want to know the sex of the baby?" 

Loraine hesitated, her gaze shifting to Chibs. She had imagined Clay being by her side when they found out together, but things didn't always go as planned when your husband was V.P. of a dangerous motorcycle club. She took a deep breath and nodded, "Yes. I'd like to know." 

The technician smiled and turned the screen slightly, so they could both see more clearly, "Congratulations! You're having a baby girl."

Loraine's eyes filled with tears, her hand instinctively reaching for Chibs'. She squeezed it tightly as the reality of the moment sank in, "A girl..." she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion.

Chibs stared at the screen in awe, his usual tough exterior softening as he took in the sight of the tiny life growing inside her, "Aye, a wee lass," he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. He turned to look at Loraine, and for a brief moment, everything else seemed to fade away. Their eyes locked, both of them caught in the wonder of the moment, and the air between them grew thick with unspoken feelings.

The distance between them seemed to disappear as they inched closer, the pull undeniable. But just as their lips were about to meet, the door to the room burst open, and Clay rushed in, slightly out of breath, "Sorry I'm late, baby," he said, his tone apologetic but still carrying that familiar gruffness.

Loraine quickly pulled back, her hand slipping from Chibs' as Clay made his way over to her. He leaned down, pressing a kiss to her forehead, his hand resting possessively over hers, "What did I miss?" he asked, glancing between Loraine and Chibs.

Chibs cleared his throat, stepping back to give them space, "She's havin' a girl, Clay. Strong heartbeat. Everything looks good." 

Clay's face lit up with pride, and he beamed at Loraine, "A girl? That's incredible!" He turned to Chibs, his expression hardening, "Thanks for being here, brother. But I've got it from here."

Chibs nodded, his usual stoic demeanour returning as he took a step back, "Of course. Glad I could be here," he said quietly. But as he turned to leave the room, he couldn't resist stealing one last glance at Loraine, their eyes met for a brief moment - unspoken words and emotions passing between them. He sent her a sly wink, which made her let out that sweet chuckle that Chibs loved so much, before he respectfully left the room, letting the couple have their precious moment.

Outside the room, Chibs paused in the hallway, his heart heavy with the weight of what had almost happened. He ran a hand through his hair, exhaling deeply, before heading back to his bike. As he walked away, the sound of that tiny heartbeat echoed in his mind, a reminder of the lines he could never cross. 

Clay made his way up the familiar path to his wife's grave, the pain of her loss was a constant companion over the two decades she had been gone, always a gnawing weight that clung to his broad shoulders. As he approached, he saw Chibs already there, standing in front of the headstone, looking distant and weary. His usual sharpness was dulled, and his face bore the marks of sleepless nights and heavy thoughts.

Clay stopped a few feet away, his footsteps muffled by the grass. He cleared his throat, trying to steady his voice, "How's my wife?"

Chibs glanced over, his eyes carrying a sadness that seemed to weigh him down, "Still dead."

Clay sighed, a hollow chuckle escaping his throat despite the emotional pain, "You know, I hear that happens."

Chibs just hummed in response, his attention still on the grave. The two men stood in silence for a moment, the weight of their shared grief hung in the air.

Until Clay broke the silence, his voice softer now, "You alright, brother?"

Chibs nodded, though it was more a gesture of habit than assurance, "I'm good."

Clay's gaze shifted to the gravestone, the name etched into the stone a painful reminder of what they had both lost, "I know you were in love with my wife. And I know she loved you too. I accepted that a long time ago. But Letty is my daughter. What happened to her is on me."

Chibs met Clay's gaze, his expression a mix of sadness and slight surprise, "No, it's on all of us."

Without another word, Chibs turned and walked away, his footsteps heavy on the path. Clay watched him go, feeling the weight of their collective guilt and sorrow.

He turned back to the grave, sinking to his knees beside the headstone. The tears that had been threatening to fall finally broke free. He placed a trembling hand on the cold stone, his voice cracking with emotion, "I miss you, baby. I miss you so much. God, I don't know what to do here. I wish you were here to tell me what to do. I was so blind, Loraine. You tried to protect our little girl from this life, from the darkness that comes with it. You knew it wasn't fit for her, and I didn't listen. You were right - I'm not fit to be Letty's father. Look at where we've ended up. She's been hurt, and I can't undo the damage I've done, both to her and to you. I wish I'd seen it sooner. I wish I'd been the man you needed me to be. Now, all I have left is this grave and a broken promise."  

Charming 

1987 

A heavily pregnant Loraine was frantically rushing around the bedroom she shared with her husband. Her swollen belly made every movement more difficult, but the urgency in her heart drove her to push through. She yanked open drawers, tossing clothes into a suitcase with shaky hands. Among the clothes were small, delicate onesies, the first things her unborn daughter would wear.

Her phone was pressed between her shoulder and ear as she continued packing, her voice low but filled with a mix of determination and fear, "Yeah, okay, thanks, John. It truly does mean a lot, what you're doing for me and Letty. I don't know how I can ever repay you." 

"Just keep your baby girl safe. That's thanks enough," John Teller's steady voice came through the phone in a reassuring tone. 

Loraine took a deep breath, closing her eyes for a moment, trying to hold back the tears that threatened to spill out. She placed her hand on her belly, feeling her daughter kick, "Meet you at the docks in an hour?" she asked gently with the hint of sadness carrying in her tone. 

"Yep. Piney will pick you up."

Before Loraine could respond, John hung up, leaving her with the silence of the room and the sound of her racing heart. She placed the phone in her back pocket and zipped up the suitcase, her mind racing with thoughts of freedom, safety, and the future she desperately wanted for her daughter.

Just as she was about to grab the suitcase and make her escape, a deep, familiar voice filled the room, sending a jolt of fear through her body, "What the hell is going on here?" Clay stood in the doorway, his silhouette blocking the exit, his expression dark and unreadable.

Loraine froze, her hand still on the suitcase, her heart pounding in her chest. He wasn't supposed to be home for another hour. She had been so careful, but now everything was unravelling in front of her. She slowly turned to face him, her breath catching in her throat, "C-Clay?" she said, her voice shook and lip quivered as she tried her best to stay calm, but her hands were shaking more than a leaf caught in a winter storm. 

She swallowed hard, knowing there was no way out of this conversation. He wasn't supposed to find out like this. But now, with Clay standing there, his eyes narrowing as he took in the packed suitcase and the look of guilt on her face, she realised her plan had just crumbled.

"What the hell do you think you're doing, Loraine?" Clay's voice was dark and cold as he glared at his wife, while his body remained still, blocking the woman's only exit.  

"I can't do this anymore, Clay," Loraine croaked, tears welling in her eyes. "I can't raise Letty in this life. We're leaving," she announced with her head held high and a determined look on her face as her hand ran over her large bump. "We're going far away from here."

"Leave?!" His voice raised with the anger that simmered beneath the surface. "You think you can just take my daughter away from me?!" he yelled, taking a threatening step towards her. 

"No," Loraine's voice quivered as she raised her hands, taking a frightened step back, the unshed tears now blinding her vision like a mini pool inside her eyes. "It's not just about you, Clay. It's about Letty. She deserves a chance at a normal life, away from all this chaos and violence. We can make a new start somewhere else. You can come with us." 

Clay's features hardened as he took another step forward, causing Loraine to take another step back, the rage inside the man burned brighter with every word that was said, "And what about everything I've worked for?! The club?! You think I can just walk away from all of that without consequences?!" 

As Loraine took another step back, her back hit the side dresser, making her breathing pick up as she slightly panicked, releasing she was literally backed into a corner by her fuming husband, who was known to lose his temper, "This is about protecting our daughter from a life that will only bring her pain!" she shouted, trying desperately for Clay to see sense. 

Clay angrily strode over to the woman, "You think you can make decisions like this on your own?! Who do you think you are, making plans behind my back?!" he practically roared in her face as he grabbed hold of her shoulders roughly, shaking her with uncontained anger. "Do you have any idea what you're doing to this family?!" 

Loraine whimpered, the tears now streaming down her face, "Baby, please try to understand," she cried out, reaching up with shaky hands as she cupped his face out of desperation. "I love you," she said, her voice shaking with emotion. "But I'm doing what's right for Letty. If you can't see that, then maybe you're the one who's lost."

Clay's face darkened as he lifted up his hand and slapped Loraine hard across the face, causing the woman to yelp as her whole body whipped to the side and she fell to the floor, "Don't you ever try to undermine me like this again!" he hissed through gritted teeth as he stared down at his wife, pointing his large accusing finger at her. "You're an old lady, you do as you are told. And as long as you are still married to me, you are not going anywhere. I won't let you!"

Loraine looked up at her husband in shock and fear, her hand resting against her red, throbbing cheek, "Clay, please..." she sobbed, her whole body shook with fear. "You can't keep me here." 

In a moment of uncontrolled rage, Clay pulled Loraine to her feet and slammed her against the wall, making her scream, his grip tight around her neck, his hot, seething breath fanned against her neck as rage and fury took over the man she loved as his whole features turned murderous. 

"Now, understand this, if you ever try to take her away from me again," his voice was low and dangerous. "You'll regret it. I'll make sure of that, baby," he said, kissing her lips roughly, making her wince in disgust, before he released his hold on her neck, making her stumble to the ground as she gasped for air, gripping at her neck. 

"I just wanted what's best for her..." she sobbed, her voice barely audible over the raw emotions.  

Clay clenched his jaw, trying to steady his voice, the anger in his eyes softened just enough for Loraine to catch a glimpse of the raw emotion underneath. He took a deep breath, his voice rough with both frustration and love, "Loraine, you don't see it now, but everything I'm doing...it's for you. For her," he said, kneeling down to place his hand gently on her swollen belly, making Loraine flinch slightly, shuffling back in fear which made Clay frown. "I know you hate me for it, and maybe you're right to, but dammit, I love you more than anything in this world. You and our daughter mean everything to me. The club - it's the only way I know how to keep us safe. I'm doing what I can to protect my family. And I need you to trust that, even if it doesn't feel like it right now."

He moved closer, his gaze locking with hers, "You can leave if you want, there's the door," he said, motioning to the open door behind him. But it won't change the fact that I'd go to hell and back for you two. You're my whole world, baby. I won't let you go without a fight," he said, caressing her cheek, her eyes instinctively closed as her jaw tightened, feeling nothing but pure hatred towards her husband in that moment. But she was stupid enough to try and leave again, she knew what Clay was capable of and she couldn't risk him finding out that two of his brothers were going to help her escape, he would killed them and their blood would be on her hands. 

Clay simply pushed himself to his feet, turning on his heel and walked away, leaving behind a fractured trust and a deep-seated regret. 

The wind rustled through the trees, a soft whisper that seemed to echo Clay's grief. The empty space beside him was a stark reminder of all that had been lost, and he could only hope that somehow, he would find the strength to make things right again.

***

Jax sat by the water's edge, his back to the world, shoulders slumped as if he were carrying the weight of every bad decision he'd ever made. The water moved lazily, the same way it had all those years ago when they were kids, but everything felt different now. It wasn't just the years that had passed, the weight of the world on their shoulders, or the scars they bore - inside and out. It was the emptiness. The absence of someone who should've been there with them, like always.

The sound of the river was calming, a stark contrast to the turmoil that was raging inside him. He hadn't even bothered to light the cigarette that was hanging loosely between his fingers.

"Hey," Opie called out softly as he approached, but Jax didn't turn to look at him. Opie took a seat next to him, his knees brushing against the tall grass that swayed in the breeze.

For a long moment, neither of them said anything. The silence hung between them, heavy with every raw emotion they felt. Opie didn't push - he knew Jax well enough to know that when he was ready to talk, he would.

Jax finally broke the silence, his voice rough and low, "Do you remember when we used to come here? Me, you, Letty...it feels like a lifetime ago."

Opie nodded, his gaze fixed on the river, "Yeah, I remember. This was our spot. Away from everything."

Jax let out a shaky breath, his hand tightening around the cigarette, "It doesn't feel the same without her."

Opie didn't need to ask what Jax meant. Letty had been a part of their lives for as long as he could remember. She wasn't just Clay's daughter, or some girl they grew up with. She was the one who kept them both grounded, the one who saw the good in them even when they couldn't see it in themselves.

Jax looked up at the sky, his eyes reflecting the fading light, "It's like that voice in your head that keeps you in check, the one that stops you from going too far, making sure you don't lose yourself. Letty was that voice for me. Without her...I don't know how to stop. I don't know what I'll do."

Opie clenched his jaw, the pain in Jax's words cutting through him like a knife. He'd been feeling it too - the void Letty's disappearance had left in their world. But hearing Jax say it out loud made it all the more real. Made it feel like they were losing more than just her, "She's still out there somewhere, Jax," he said, his voice steady but firm. "We're gonna find her. We have to."

Jax nodded, but there was doubt in his eyes, "I just...I keep thinking about what I didn't say. About all the times I took her for granted. If I lose her, Ope..." His voice broke, and he swallowed hard, trying to keep himself together. "I don't know how to go on without her. I don't know who I'll be."

Opie felt his chest tighten, seeing his best friend so close to breaking. He reached out, gripping Jax's shoulder tightly, "You won't lose her, brother. I won't let that happen."

Jax let out a bitter laugh, his eyes glazed over with unshed tears, "It's not just about finding her, Ope. I'm afraid of who I might be when we do." 

Opie knew what Jax meant. They'd both danced on the edge for years, but Letty had always been the one to keep Jax from falling too deep into the darkness. Without her, the danger wasn't just losing her - it was losing himself as well. 

"We'll get her back," Opie promised, his voice firm. "And when we do, you'll tell her everything you didn't say before. You'll make it right, Jax." 

Jax didn't respond right away. He just stared at the water, his expression unreadable. Finally, he nodded, though it was more to himself than to Opie, "Yeah," he whispered. "I have to."

They sat there in silence for a while longer, the river flowing quietly beside them, the weight of everything unspoken hanging between them. They both knew that finding Letty was only part of the battle. The other part was keeping Jax from losing himself in the process.

***

Juice pushed open the front door, and the silence hit him like a punch to the gut. No sounds of Letty's soft humming in the kitchen, no laughter echoing down the hall, no warmth radiating from her presence. Just emptiness. The house, once a sanctuary of their love, felt cold and lifeless without her. Every corner seemed to mock him with her absence.

He shut the door behind him, leaning against it for a moment as he took in the quiet. His chest tightened, the weight of it all pressing down on him. The search for Letty had consumed him - every hour, every breath - but here, in the stillness of what was supposed to be their first home together, it was impossible to outrun the fear clawing at his insides.

Juice made his way to their bedroom, each step feeling heavier than the last. The bed was neatly made, the blankets still arranged just as she had left them. He could almost see her there, curled up under the covers, waiting for him to join her. But she wasn't. She was out there, somewhere, and he couldn't protect her.

He sat down on the edge of the bed, his hands trembling slightly as he reached for the drawer in the nightstand. His fingers brushed against something cool and familiar - the small stash of oxy he had hidden away months ago. His mind had been clear since then, mostly due to Letty, but now...now the temptation was stronger than ever.

Juice pulled out the bottle, staring at it like it held all the answers. The pills inside rattled softly as he turned it over in his hands. His heart pounded in his chest, the inner turmoil bubbling up to the surface. He knew what taking one would mean. It would numb the pain, make the fear and the worry disappear for a little while. It would give him a break from the crushing reality that Letty was gone, and he hadn't been able to stop it.

But he also knew it wouldn't really solve anything. The momentary relief would come at a cost, one he wasn't sure he could afford. If he slipped now, what kind of man would Letty come back to? Would he even be the man she needed, the one who had sworn to stand by her, no matter what?

His thumb ran over the cap, and he closed his eyes, taking a deep, shaky breath. The memory of her smile flashed in his mind - bright, warm, filled with so much love. The way she would look at him, like he was her whole world. He didn't want to let her down, didn't want to be weak when she needed him to be strong.

But the ache in his chest, the emptiness of their home...it was unbearable.

Juice tightened his grip on the bottle, the conflict raging inside him. He knew he could pop a pill and forget everything for a while, sink into oblivion where the pain couldn't touch him. Or he could fight. He could hold on to the hope that he'd find Letty, bring her home, and make everything right again.

He opened his eyes, staring down at the pills in his hand, and made a decision.

***

The room was stark, filled with harsh fluorescent lights that casted shadows on the walls. Tara sat across from Detective Wright, her face pale but resolved. She clenched her hands tightly in her lap as Wright flipped through a file. 

Leaning forward, he spoke, "When Cameron took Letty, where were you?" 

Tara's voice was steady, but her tiredness shone through in her shaky voice, "I...slid down onto the floor next to Half-S--Kip's body." 

Wright frowned suspiciously, "He didn't say anything? Why he was taking her? Any mention of his son being killed, a ransom?" 

Tara's head lowered in guilt, "I told you, no." 

"The smallest detail can help us," he pressed. 

Tara sighed in annoyance as she met the Fed's gaze, "He forced us both to the ground, tied us up, then left with Letty. He didn't say a word. I don't know anything else." 

Wright's gaze narrowed as he studied Tara's face, searching for any sign of deception. Tara looked back at him, her expression a mix of frustration and exhaustion, "All right," he said, his tone softening slightly. "We're doing everything we can to find her. If you remember anything, no matter how small, let us know."

Tara nodded, her eyes wet with unshed tears. She stood slowly, her movements stiff as she walked towards the door, leaving Wright staring after her with a troubled look.

Tara exited the interrogation room, her shoulders slumped. As she walked down the hallway, she tried to push the memory of that night out of her mind, but it lingered, heavy and painful, "Come home soon, Letty. Please," she whispered to herself, a single tear rolling down her cheek as she disappeared around the corner, worry clinging to her chest. 

***

"The CHP, the sheriffs got nothing new on Letty," Unser said as he made his way over to Clay, who sat on his Harley parked out the front of the police station. "It's not looking good. I'm sorry." 

"Did you and Hale run the name?" Clay questioned, his expression stern, arms crossed over his chest. 

Unser nodded his head, "No Timothy O'Dell in the San Joaquin database. We're doing everything we can," his voice slightly raised in frustration, not appreciating the man's tone. 

"I know you are, " Clay said with a deep sigh and an apologetic look. 

"How's our girl doing?" Unser asked, his concern for Gemma hung heavy in the air. "Tig get her up north okay?" 

Clay nodded, "Yeah, she's fine," he assured him. "Probably best I don't give you too many details." 

Unser nodded in understanding, "Tell her I ask about her, all right?" 

Clay nodded, but when he noticed someone coming out of the police station, he stood up abruptly, his face hardening - Stahl. 

"Hey. Hey!" Unser immediately moved to stop him from doing something stupid, "You ain't no use to your family in a federal lockup." 

As Unser started making his way to the police station, he passed Tara on the way, noticing Stahl was in toe, "You okay?" he called out to the young doctor in concern. 

"Yeah," Tara offered him a bright smile as she continued to walk towards her car. 

"I'm fine, too, thanks," Stahl sassed, as she continued after the doctor. 

"You know, I find it very hard to believe that you never bumped into Cameron Hayes before the other day," she said, stopping Tara dead in her tracks as she pulled her car door open, snapping her head back as she sighed in frustration. "Been in town for months running guns for your future father-in-law," she said, motioning over to Clay, who still remained in place beside his Harley Davidson. 

"And I find it hard to believe you've still got a badge after what you did to Gemma," Tara sneered back, looking the woman up and down with disdain. 

"What I did?" she repeated, mocking fake offence. "Gemma came in guns blazing. I barely escaped with my life." 

"You're a despicable woman. Stay out of my business," she said as she turned and prepared to climb into the front seat. 

But Stahl slammed her door closed before she could, taking a threatening step towards Tara, "Or what, doctor, Hmm? Or you're gonna have one of Jax's boys gun me down?" 

"I don't need a boy to handle my shit," Tara hissed, taking a challenging step forward, coming face to face with the woman, proving she did not scare her one bit. "You stay away from my family," she threatened, yanking the door open, pushing Stahl out of the way at the same time as she jumped into her car, started up the engine and drove off. 

Clay gutted his chin up towards Tara as she passed by him, a proud smile tugging at the corner of his lips, but it dropped the moment Stahl approached him. 

"Well, Letty trains 'em well. I'll give her that," she taunted with that smug smirk plastered on her face. "Where's Gemma, Clay? Oh," she fake gasped, placing a hand over her heart. "Don't tell me you lost her like you did your own daughter." 

Clay's face darkened, his jaw clenched as he seethed with barely contained anger, his fists clenched at his sides as Stahl took a step closer. 

"Well, we'll find her," she said, shrugging her shoulders casually. 

"From what I hear, that's not gonna matter much for you. Chief tells me you really pissed off the FBI; Stepping on a three-year neo-nazi sting," he taunted, chuckling to himself as he shook his head in amusement. 

"Lot of bad guys out there. Sometimes the pursuit gets a little...messy, you know?" 

"Is that why your bosses pulled you off the Irish? 'Cause it got a little messy? Seems avoiding the bad shooting hit didn't do you much good, after all. All you did by framing Gemma was get a man killed and a girl kidnapped. Anything happens to my daughter, anything, I promise you..." he said, taking a threatening step forward, getting right in the woman's face as his voice lowered, turning murderous, "I'm gonna shove a gun barrel up that bony ass of yours and I'm gonna blow your black heart out." 

***

Juice sat on the couch, staring at the TV screen, that he wasn't really watching. His mind was empty, numb from the weight of everything that had happened. The silence in the house was unbearable, but he didn't know how to fill it anymore. Not without her. Not without Letty.

A knock at his front door startled him, pulling him out of his daze. He blinked, realising he hadn't moved for what felt like hours. For a moment, he considered ignoring it, but something urged him to get up. With a sigh, he pushed himself off the couch and shuffled to the door.

When he opened it, Rey stood there, clad in her scrubs, clearly on her lunch break, a familiar white takeout bag in her hand, her expression somewhere between concern and determination. 

Juice blinked in confusion, "Rey?" he muttered, rubbing the back of his neck. "What are you doing here?"

She gave him a small smile, though there was a sadness behind her eyes, "I brought you some food. Figured if I didn't, you probably wouldn't eat."

Juice hesitated, glancing down at the bag of Chinese takeout, and then back at her. He wasn't hungry, hadn't been for days, but there was something about the gesture that made him step aside, silently inviting her in.

Rey walked past him, heading straight for the kitchen without needing to ask where it was. She'd been to his place plenty of times, usually to see Letty. But being there without Letty, felt off, strange. 

Juice closed the door and followed her inside, "You didn't have to do this, you know?" 

"I know," Rey replied as she set the food on the counter and started unpacking the containers. "But I wanted to." 

Juice watched her, his hands shoved deep into his pockets. He wasn't sure what to say. Letty's absence hung over them like a shadow, and every second felt like a reminder that she wasn't there. He hadn't let anyone in since she'd been taken, hadn't wanted to. But Rey...Rey had this way of pushing through walls without making it feel like an intrusion.

"You're worried about me, huh?" he finally asked, a weak attempt at humour as he leaned against the counter.

Rey looked up at him with a soft smile, "Yeah. I am. You're important to her, Juice. And she wouldn't want to come home to find you falling apart."

He swallowed hard, the words hitting him hard, "I'm not falling apart."

She raised an eyebrow, giving him a look that said she didn't believe that for a second, "Not yet, maybe. But it's only been a few days, and I can see it in your eyes. You're hanging on by a thread, buddy."

Juice looked away, his jaw tightening. She wasn't wrong. He was barely holding it together, barely managing to function with the weight of the worry and fear that gnawed at him every second. But admitting that felt too much like defeat.

Rey didn't push him. Instead, she handed him a pair of chopsticks and nudged a container of noodles toward him, "Come on. Eat. It'll help you sober up," she said, sending him a knowing look as she looked deep into his bloodshot eyes. 

He hesitated for a moment, before taking the chopsticks and sitting down at the small kitchen table. Rey joined him, and for a few minutes, they ate in silence. Juice wasn't hungry, but he forced himself to take a few bites. Rey's presence, while unexpected, was strangely calming. She didn't demand anything from him, didn't force him to talk about what he was going through. She was just...there. And that was enough.

After a while, Juice set his chopsticks down and leaned back in his chair, letting out a long breath, "Why are you doing this, Rey? Really?"

Rey looked at him, her expression serious, "Because she'd do the same for me. Letty would never let me fall apart if the roles were reversed. And because I care about her...in extension that means caring about you, too. I'm not going to let you drown in all this. Not while I'm around," she said, offering him a tight smile. 

Juice felt a lump forming in his throat, managing the faintest smile in return. He hadn't realised how much he needed to hear those words until now. He nodded slowly, the weight on his chest easing just a little, "Thanks. I...I don't know what I'd do without her."

"You won't have to," Rey said firmly. "Because I know you'll find her. And when you do, she's going to need you to be strong. So, for her sake, don't give up. Not yet."

Juice looked at her, the determination in her eyes giving him the strength he didn't know he still had. He wasn't alone. Not completely. He had his brothers. His family. And now...Rey. And somehow, that made things a little more bearable.

"Yeah," he said quietly, nodding his head. "Okay."

Charming

2008

The late afternoon sun bathed the grassy field in a golden glow, casting long shadows over the soft blanket spread out beneath a massive oak tree. Letty sat cross-legged in the middle of the blanket, a mischievous smile playing on her lips as she watched Juice unpack their lunch from the wicker basket. Sandwiches, chocolate coated strawberries, a couple of beers - it was a simple meal, but it wasn't really about the food.

Juice glanced up at her, his grin widening as he noticed the way she was watching him, "What?" he asked, his voice teasing as he handed her a beer.

Letty took the bottle, but instead of answering, she leaned in closer, her fingers trailing lightly over his chest, "Baby, do you have any idea what those eyes of yours do to me? Every time you look at me like that, it's like my body forgets how to behave. How am I supposed to focus on anything when all I can think about is how good you'd feel between my legs?" she whispered, her lips brushing against his lips. 

Juice chuckled, his heart skipping a beat at the warmth of her touch, "Oh, yeah?" he asked, raising an eyebrow as he turned to face her fully. "You think I don't notice the way you look at me? The way you bite your lip when you think I'm not watching?" He brushed a strand of hair behind her ear, his fingers lingering on her skin, "Baby, I live for that. For the way your body reacts to me...'cause trust me, the feeling's mutual. Just the thought of you gets me going," he murmured against her lips as he leaned closer until their faces were inches apart. But just before he was about to capture her lips with his, he pulled back, causing a whine to escape Letty's lips and a pout to form, making Juice chuckle teasingly, "Don't think I don't know what you're doing - trying to distract me from this killer picnic I've got planned," he said, shaking his head, making a 'tsk tsk tsk' sound with his tongue. 

Before Juice could say another word, she was on him, her hands grabbing the front of his kutte as she pulled him down onto the blanket with her, her beer forgotten, "How the hell can I think about sandwiches right now when you look that good," she whispered seductively, letting a soft moan slip from her lips, her breath hot against his skin as she nipped at his bottom lip. 

"I don't know..." Juice said, pausing for dramatic effect, as he mocked a thinking stance, lightly shaking his head, while clicking his tongue once more. "That seems like a you problem to me," he murmured against the crook of her neck as he made sure to press his bulge in his pants against her inner thigh, making her whine, arching her back as she pressed herself against him, needing to feel more. But she groan in annoyance when Juice simply pulled away again. 

"Juice!" she exclaimed, her voice tinged with both irritation and longing.

Juice chuckled, leaning in closer and hovering over her with that irresistible grin, "God, I like seeing you frustrated like this. Mm...maybe I should make you beg for it. Huh, baby?"

Letty's eyes were heated with desire as she squirmed beneath him, "Juice, please. I need you so bad. There's a pool between my legs."

"Oh, don't worry, baby, I noticed," Juice said with a teasing glint in his eye.

"Then do something about it," Letty demanded, her voice a mix of desperation and eagerness.

Juice's chuckle was low and warm, his hands wandering down to the spot where she needed him most, "Trust me, baby, I'm gonna make you forget everything...Make you remember exactly who owns every inch of you. Hmm...? Who owns this pussy?" he asked, his voice carrying a hint of sultry as his finger slid in through the side of her panties, finding her heat.  

Letty gasped as his touch ignited a fire within her, "You do," he said breathlessly. 

"Yeah, that's right. I own it," Juice said, his voice rough with satisfaction as his finger rubbed circles over her clit. 

Letty's breath hitched, "It's all yours. I'm yours," she panted, tugging at her own hair as her head snapped back in pleasure. 

"Damn right," Juice growled, pulling her closer. 

Letty moaned, the sound mingling with the rustle of the picnic blanket as his arm wrapped around her waist, as he yanked her into his embrace, his finger burying itself deep inside her, setting her on fire, while he pressed his lips to hers in one hunger filled kiss. 

Letty's response was immediate, a soft hum of approval as she deepened the kiss, her hands slipping under his shirt, tracing the lines of his muscles with a hunger that made Juice's breath hitch. Grabbing her hands, he pinned them above her head as their lips clashed, the world around them fading away until there was nothing left but the two of them and the fire between them.

The blanket crinkled beneath them as Juice's hands continued to work their magic, pulling her closer, needing her closer as he pressed himself into her inner thigh. Letty arched into him, her fingers tangling in his hair as she grinded against him, a low moan slipping from her lips that only fuelled Juice's need to touch her more, to feel every inch of her. 

The picnic was forgotten, as they lost themselves in each other, their kisses growing hungrier, more desperate with every passing moment. Juice's hand found the waist band of her underwear, pulling them off, the soft, lacy material gliding across her silky smooth skin in a way that sent shivers down her spine.

Letty's breath hitched, her eyes fluttering shut as Juice's lips moved down her neck, leaving a trail of heat in their wake, "Juice," she whispered, her voice breathless. "Don't stop."

He had no intention of stopping. Not when she was here, in his arms, everything he'd ever wanted. Letty was his world, his everything, and in this moment, nothing else mattered.

They were tangled together, bodies and hearts intertwined, the passion between them burning brighter than the sun above them. And as Juice kissed her again, burying himself deep inside her, a gasp slipping from her lips, he knew that no matter what happened, he would never let her go.

Letty was his, and he was hers. Forever.

The hospital's corridors were alive with the usual bustle of medical staff and the rhythmic beeping of machinery. Rey, clad in her scrubs and focused on her rounds, was navigating through the halls when she spotted Tara at the nurses' station. Tara was bent over a stack of paperwork, her eyebrows furrowed in concentration. Rey slowed her pace, a look of puzzled concern crossing her features.

"What are you doing?" she asked, her voice laced with confusion.

Tara looked up, "Not that it's any of your business, but I asked Dr. Namid if I could assist on his biliary atresia case."

Rey remained standing beside her, studying her intently, making Tara sigh in annoyance.

"My suspension has been lifted."

"I know. But with what you just went through, I never expected to see you in scrubs."

Tara shrugged, a sardonic smile tugging at her lips, "It's better if I'm busy." She turned to face Rey, her gaze holding a mixture of determination and vulnerability, "I need to get back in the O.R."

Rey's concern deepened as she watched Tara gather her papers and head towards the operating rooms, "All right, but remember, you don't have to push yourself too hard," she called after her, but Tara was already gone. 

***

The O.R doors burst open, and Tara rushed out, her face ashen, her breath coming in ragged gasps. Rey, who happened to be passing by, immediately noticed Tara's distress. Her instincts kicked in, and she followed Tara down the hallway, her heart racing with concern.

"Tara, are you okay?" Rey called out softly as she approached.

Tara leaned heavily against the wall, clutching her chest, her eyes wide with panic, "I can't...I can't breathe..." she stammered, her voice trembling.

Rey moved closer, her tone calm and soothing, "All right, Tara. Just focus on my voice. Breathe with me. In and out. Slow and steady."

Rey gently took Tara's hand and guided her to a nearby bench. She placed a comforting hand on Tara's back, offering physical and emotional support. She was used to it, having helped Letty through quite a few panic attacks when she would wake up screaming in the middle of the night from another nightmare after the rape, but Rey didn't know that was what had caused them at the time. 

"You're safe now. Just take deep breaths. In through your nose, out through your mouth," Rey instructed, her voice steady and reassuring.

Tara nodded weakly, trying to match her breathing to Rey's. Slowly, her breaths began to even out, the panic in her eyes giving way to a flicker of relief.

"I thought I was ready," Tara admitted softly, her voice tinged with exhaustion. "I wanted to be...but it's all just...too much."

Rey smiled gently, her expression full of empathy, "It's okay. You don't have to push yourself too hard. You've been through a lot. Just take things one step at a time."

Tara looked up at Rey, gratitude and relief mingling in her eyes. The colour slowly returned to her cheeks as she regained her composure, "Thank you, Rey. I didn't realise how overwhelming it would be."

Rey's smile widened slightly, "It's alright. We all need a break sometimes. Just remember, you don't have to go through this alone."

Tara nodded, grateful for Rey's support.  

***

The small gathering of Sons, family, and friends swarmed the carpark, preparing to enter the venue hosting Half-Sack's memorial, heads bowed in sorrow. Hale stood off to the side, leaning against his jeep with his arms crossed over his chest, lost in his own thoughts. The weight of the last few days pressed down on him heavily - Letty was still missing, and another young life was lost to the chaos that surrounded Charming - the Sons of Anarchy. 

Unser approached him quietly, settling in beside him. The two men stood in silence for a moment, the only sound the soft murmur of people that clustered around them, "It never gets easier, does it? Burying people?" 

Hale didn't respond immediately, his gaze distant. When he finally spoke, his voice was low, laced with frustration and guilt, "I'm sick of all this death, Wayne. And Letty...she's still out there. Every day that passes..." he trailed off, unable to finish the thought. The fear that she was gone forever loomed over him like a dark shadow.

Unser sighed deeply, placing a hand on Hale's shoulder, "We're doing everything we can, David. We'll find her." 

Hale clenched his jaw, his frustration simmering just beneath the surface, "It's not enough! It's never enough. I promised her I'd keep her safe. I promised myself...I wouldn't let this town, this life, take her too."

Unser's gaze softened as he glanced at Hale. He knew how much Letty meant to him, how much he had been hurting since finding out about the rape and now the kidnapping on top of it - it was all too much for him to bare. 

"You're a good man, David. You've done more for this town than most people ever will. But sometimes...even good men can't fix everything." 

Hale immediately shook his head, his fists clenched at his sides, "I can't just stand here and let it happen. Not to her. I don't care what it takes, Wayne..." he said, his gaze trailing over to Clay and the group of Sons, who gathered with their old ladies. "I'm going to find her. Alive." And he would, even if he had to make a deal with the devil to do so.

Unser watched him closely, seeing the determination burning in Hale's eyes. He nodded  understanding the hidden meaning behind those words, "Just be careful, son. Don't get too deep. Clay has a way of digging his claws into people." 

Hale finally turned to his partner, the desperation clear in his eyes, "She deserved better than this life, better than him," he said, motioning to the girl's father. "I just...I can't let her become another body we bury." 

Unser gave his shoulder a reassuring squeeze, "She's a fighter, just like her ma. Don't count her out just yet." 

Hale exhaled slowly, nodding, though the fear still lingered in his eyes. His gaze followed the people who had started to enter the church, his mind still on Letty. 

Unser gave the man one last pat on the shoulder, before he started to make his own way towards the church, but Hale stayed behind, watching the last of the mourners arrive, his mind already racing with possibilities. He was prepared to go to war if it meant bringing Letty home, "I'm coming, Letty. Just hold on," he whispered, before turning and making his own way into the church alongside the last of the mourners. 

Los Angeles 

2007

The dim glow from a cracked lamp casted long shadows across the room. Letty sat huddled on the floor, her back against the wall, clutching a bag of frozen peas to her swollen eye. Bruises already began to form along her jawline, her lip split, dried blood staining her chin. Her hands shook as she held her phone to her ear, the familiar sound of David Hale's voice a lifeline.

"Letty? Are you okay?" His voice rushed through the phone, the concern heavy in his tone. 

Letty swallowed hard, her voice barely above a whisper as she croaked, "No--I need you," she said, sucking in a shaky breath as a sob got caught in her throat. 

The tremor in her voice was enough to send David into action, as he pushed himself to his feet, gripping the handle of his suitcase tightly, making his way to the exit of the airport, "Where are you? I'm coming."

She managed to give him the address, her voice cracking once more as she finished. David didn't waste a second, ignoring the final boarding call for his flight to Charming, the line going dead as Letty dropped her phone, her fingers trembling. 

For the next forty minutes or so, Letty stared blankly at the wall, tears slipping down her bruised cheeks. The silence of the apartment was deafening, every creak and groan of the old building sending a fresh wave of anxiety through her body.

Picking up the sound of footsteps outside her front door, followed by a loud knock, she froze, paralysed by fear and pain. But then David's voice called out softly through the door, "Letty, it's me. Open the door." 

She forced herself to her feet, wincing at the sharp pain in her side as she hobbled over to the door. With a shaky hand, she unlocked it and cracked it open. The moment David saw her face, his expression shifted from worry to barely contained rage, "Jesus Christ!" 

He gently pushed the door open and stepped inside, his eyes scanning over her battered face and the way she cradled her ribs. Hale's hands hovered near her, unsure of where it was safe to touch without causing her more pain, "Who did this to you?" 

Letty shook her head, her voice thick with emotion, "It doesn't matter...it's over now." 

David's jaw tightened, his fists clenching at his sides. He wanted to demand answers, to go after whoever did this, but he could see that Letty was on the verge of breaking down. Instead, he reached out and gently cupped her cheek, his thumb brushing away the tears that fell, "Letty, you don't have to protect him. Tell me who hurt you." 

She lowered her gaze, unable to look him in the eye, "My boyfriend," she said, her voice cracking with emotion. "And it's not the first time. Probably won't be the last either." 

David felt a surge of anger course through him, but he reined it in, focusing on the woman in front of him. He stepped closer, wrapping his arms around her gently, cautious of her injuries. Letty melted into his embrace, sobbing quietly against his chest as he held her, "I'm so sorry, Letty. I should've known something was wrong--" 

She immediately shook her head against his chest, her voice muffled by his shirt, "No, I'm sorry. I should of told you, but I--" 

David pulled back slightly, looking down at her with a mix of concern and determination, "Letty, you can't stay here. Not with him. Let me take you back to Charming--" 

Letty stiffened at his words, shaking her head in protest, "I can't go back there, Davey. I...I've changed. I don't want to be that person anymore. The things I did--If I go back, I'll just fall into the same patterns, the same life I was trying to escape in the first place." 

David gently lifted her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze, "You're not that person anymore, Letty. And if you go back, I won't let that happen. I promise you, I won't let anyone hurt you again - not your asshole boyfriend, not anyone. You'll be safe with me." 

Letty's eyes search his face, uncertainty clouding her expression. She knew that going back to Charming meant facing her family, facing the club, facing everything she'd been running from. And as much as she wanted to believe David, fear gripped her. Closing her eyes, she whispered, "I can't...I'm sorry." 

The words hung heavy in the air, and for a moment, David looked heartbroken. But he didn't push her. He just nodded, understanding even though it pained him too, "Okay," he said softly. "But if you ever change your mind...if you ever need me...I'm just one call away." 

The fight with Lewis had left her emotionally raw, her mind swirling with everything that had happened, and she knew her decision not to return to Charming with David was probably the most stupidest decision she had ever made, but she was scared, scared that Lewis would find out and hurt him. Scared to face her family after her decision to go back to Lewis after the first time he hit her. Scared she would never truly be able to escape him. 

She needed an escape, needed to shut off her racing thoughts, something to make her feel alive again, and there was no one she trusted more than David Hale.

He had shown up like he always did - steady, reliable, and willing to protect her from the chaos that constantly threatened to consume her life. And now, as they sat on her bedroom floor in silence, the tension between them thick and undeniable, Letty knew she couldn't hold back any longer - she needed to feel something - anything. 

Without a word, she straddled his lap, her breath coming in shallow gasps as she looked into his eyes. There was a desperation in both of them, a need to feel something other than pain and uncertainty. 

She could see it in the way David's hands trembled slightly as they gripped her hips, his eyes dark with desire and concern, "Letty," he whispered, his voice rough, filled with both warning and need. 

"Don't," she interrupted softly, placing a finger against his lips. "I need this. I need you. I need to feel something real, something that reminds me I'm more than his punching bag. Let me fuck you - right here, on his floor, in his bed. Make me forget him, make me remember what it's like to be with a real man - wanted - loved." 

David chuckled softly, a glint of amusement in his eyes as his eyes scanned her body, "You're something else, you know that? All right, if this is your way of flipping the script and making a statement, I'm all in, baby. Let's show him exactly what he's missing out on." 

Letty grinned, her voice dropping to a sultry whisper as she looked into David's deep, ocean blue orbs, "That's the spirit, officer. You're my good cop, always ready to enforce the rules. And tonight, you're going to help me break a few." 

And with that, she leaned forward and captured his lips in a fiery kiss that was both tender and hungry, her hands sliding into his hair as she pressed her body against his. David responded instantly, his hands moving up her back, pulling her closer as their kiss deepened.

There was no hesitation as Letty reached down, undoing the buttons of his jeans, her fingers trembling as the weight of everything that had happened tonight began to crash down on her. She needed to feel something real - something grounding - and David was the only thing that made sense right now.

He lifted his hips, helping her push his jeans down just enough as she slipped of his lap momentarily, seductively sliding down her black lace panties and tossing them aside, meeting his gaze as she bit into her bottom lip. Hiking up her skirt, she repositioned herself on his lap, their bodies aligning as she sank down onto him with a gasp. They both froze for a moment, the intensity of their connection overwhelming them.

David's hands gripped her hips gently as she began to move, slow at first, each motion deliberate, as if they were trying to find a rhythm that would make everything else disappear. Letty's head fell back, her breath hitching as she rode him, her movements becoming more urgent, more frantic.

"Letty," David groaned, his voice thick with emotion as he thrusted up to meet her, his hands guiding her movements. "God, you feel so good...So perfect." 

Letty's hands pressed against his chest as she leaned forward, her breath hot against his neck, "Don't let me go," she whispered, her voice trembling with need and fear. "Don't ever let me go." 

"Never," he promised, his voice a rough whisper in her ear as he buried his face in her hair. "I'll always be here for you, Letty. No matter what." 

Her movements quickened, the desperation building as she clung to him, both of them chasing something they couldn't quite define. And just like before, it wasn't just about the physical connection - it was about finding something solid, something real in a world that constantly felt like it was falling apart around them. 

David's hands slipped under her shirt, his fingers grazing her bare skin as he whispered into her ear, "You're stronger than you think, Letty. You're stronger than anything this world can throw at you." 

Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes as she pressed her forehead against his, her breath coming in ragged gasps, "I don't feel strong," she admitted, her voice cracking. "I feel lost." 

David's hand moved to cup her cheek, his thumb brushing away a stray tear as he looked into her eyes, his own gaze filled with nothing but love and determination, "Awe, you're not lost, baby. You're finding your way, and I'll be right here beside you every step of the way." 

The tenderness in his words, in his touch, broke something inside her that day, and she leaned in to kiss him again, pouring every ounce of emotion she had into the kiss. Their movements became more frantic, more urgent, the need to feel something - anything - driving them both toward the edge.

When they finally reached it, Letty buried her face in David's neck, her body trembling as waves of release washed over her. David held her close, his own breathing ragged as they both came down from their high, their bodies still tangled together on the floor.

For a long time, neither of them said anything. They just held each other, the weight of the night settling over them like a heavy blanket. But in that moment, Letty knew one thing for certain: no matter how broken she felt, she wasn't alone. David would always be there, and that was enough.

"I'm sorry," she whispered after awhile, her voice soft and filled with uncertainty.

David gently lifted her chin, making her look at him, "You have nothing to apologise for, Letty. I'm here because I want to be. I'm here because I care about you." 

Letty nodded, leaning into his touch as a single tear slid down her cheek, "I care about you too, Davey. I just...I don't know how to be me anymore." 

"We'll figure it out," he promised, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. "Together."

The crisp air was filled with a sombre stillness as people gathered outside the church for Half-Sack's memorial. Juice, his face marked with a mixture of sadness and stoicism, stood near the entrance, watching as more guests arrived. He caught sight of Rey approaching and made his way over to greet her.

"Hey," Juice said, offering a small, sombre smile.

Rey returned the greeting, her expression reflecting the gravity of the day, "Hey," she replied, and Juice awkwardly pulled her into a hug.

"You didn't have to come to this, you know," Juice said, his voice tinged with gratitude and surprise. "I'll be okay." 

Rey pulled back slightly, giving him a teasing look, "Actually, Kip and I were friends." 

Juice's eyebrows shot up in surprise, "Oh?" 

"Yeah, we went out to a couple pubs with Letty a few times," Rey explained.

Juice looked genuinely surprised and regretful, "I didn't know that. I'm sorry."

Rey chuckled and gave him a playful shove, "Yeah, not everything is about you, Ortiz." 

Juice managed a nervous chuckle, his usual bravado momentarily replaced by a more vulnerable side, "Guess I needed that reminder." 

Rey linked her arm with his, offering a comforting gesture, "Come on, let's go inside." 

As they walked towards the church, Opie and Cleo were standing a short distance away, observing the interaction. Opie's eyes narrowed slightly as he watched Juice and Rey.

"Those two seem to be getting close," Opie remarked, his tone carrying an edge of disapproval.

Cleo scoffed in amusement, her tone light but firm, "He shows up at her house most nights off his face. She's just trying to help him out, Ope." 

Opie's gaze remained accusatory, "Oh, I'm sure she is." 

Cleo rolled her eyes, a smile tugging at her lips, "Calm down, Papa Bear. You don't need to go all protective big brother on his ass. He's Letty's old man; Rey knows that. She'd never cross that line. Trust me." 

Opie's features softened slightly as he wrapped his arms around Cleo's waist, pulling her close, "I do trust you, you know that, right?" 

Cleo's smile widened, her eyes warm, "Yes."

Their lips met in a brief but affectionate kiss.

"Come on, let's get inside," Cleo said. "It's freezing out here." 

Opie nodded, wrapping his arm around Cleo's shoulders as they walked into the church together. The warmth of their shared embrace provided a comforting contrast to the cold air outside. 

Inside, the memorial was about to begin, and despite the chill of the weather, there was a sense of unity and support among those who had come to say their final goodbyes.

***

The church was filled with a quiet sorrow as those who knew Half-Sack gathered to pay their respects. The coffin, draped with his kutte - now sporting a full patch - stood solemn and still at the front of the room. The atmosphere was heavy, and the low hum of conversations was punctuated by the occasional sound of muffled sobs.

Chibs knelt beside the coffin, his face etched with grief. His fingers gently traced the edges of the kutte, his lips moving silently in a private prayer, "Thank you, brother," he murmured, his voice cracking slightly. "Thank you for protecting my baby girl." 

The sound of footsteps drew Chibs' attention, and he looked up to see Juice approaching. Juice's face was a mask of anguish, his eyes hollow and lost. He came to a halt beside Chibs, his gaze fixed on the coffin, the weight of his sorrow evident in every line of his posture.

"Hey, Chibs," Juice said quietly, his voice carrying a rough edge. "How're you holding up?" 

Chibs stood, his expression sombre, "Just trying to make sense of it all," he replied. "You know, Juice, Half-Sack, he was a good friend to her, to Letty." 

Juice's eyes flashed with a mix of anger and pain, "Yeah, I know," he said sharply. "And now he's gone, just like she is." 

Chibs raised an eyebrow, a touch of frustration in his voice, "You're not the only one hurting, Juice. She's out there, and right now, we all need to pull together in order to find her." 

Juice's face reddened as he took a step closer, his fists clenched, "You think I don't know that? You think I'm just sitting around, feeling sorry for myself? I'm doing everything I can to find her!" 

Chibs' expression hardened, his tone growing more intense, "Then stop acting like she's dead and start acting like someone who's actually trying to get her back. I get that you're grieving, but we need action, not just empty sorrow."

Juice's jaw tightened, his voice rising in frustration, "You think it's easy for me? I'm not just some bystander. I'm her boyfriend, and I feel like I'm losing my mind without her!" 

Chibs stepped closer, his own anger bubbling to the surface, "And you think I'm not feeling the same way? We all are. But you can't let your grief paralyse you. You have to fight. We all need to fight to bring her home." 

Juice's gaze met Chibs', the intensity of his emotions reflected in his eyes, "I'm fighting, Chibs. I'm doing everything I can. But it feels like every step forward is another step away." 

Chibs placed a hand on Juice's shoulder, his voice lowering but still firm, "Then keep fighting. Don't let this beat you. We'll find her. We have to. We don't stop until we bring her home." 

As they stood by the coffin, the shared grief between them hung in the air, but so was the unspoken determination. They were united in their mission, bound by their losses and their hope to find Letty. The solemn ceremony continued around them, but for Samcro, the fight was far from over.

***

The streets of Belfast were shrouded in the creeping dusk of evening, shadows growing long and menacing. Cameron Hayes dragged Letty Morrow along by her hair, her head bowed in fear and hopelessness. A cold, hard metal pressed against her temple - a constant reminder of her precarious situation. Cameron's eyes darted nervously around the street, his anxiety evident as he approached his cousin's house.

Each step felt like an eternity as he pounded on the door with increasing desperation. The hollow thuds echoed through the quiet street, a stark contrast to the muted murmurs of the city beyond. When the door finally creaked open, Maureen's shocked eyes widened as she took in the sight of her cousin and his captive.

"Mother of Christ!" Maureen exclaimed, her voice trembling as she saw the gun at Letty's head and the fear in her eyes. 

"Is she here?" Cameron demanded, his voice rough and edged with panic. He pulled Letty closer to him, causing her to stumble slightly. 

"No," Maureen answered, her voice low and urgent. "But you know she has eyes and ears everywhere. If she finds out you're here, she'll kill you. Do you have any idea who that is?" She gestured to Letty with a frantic wave.

Cameron's jaw clenched, "Of course I do. I'm not stupid, Mo. Why do you think I have her in the first place?" 

Maureen's eyes narrowed with frustration and fear, "Well, you clearly are. Jesus, Cammy. You don't cross her and walk away unscathed. You should've known better." 

"Please, Maureen," Cameron's voice cracked with desperation. "I need somewhere to hide. She's going to come for me, and I don't know where else to go." 

Maureen's expression softened slightly with reluctant sympathy, but her nerves were frayed, "Get in...quick, before anybody sees you. Get that girl out of the damp." She ushered them inside with quick, anxious movements, "And may God bless all our souls," she muttered, glancing nervously over her shoulder, before slamming the door shut behind them.

As the door clicked into place, the oppressive silence of the house enveloped them. Cameron's breath was ragged, his grip on Letty's hair unyielding. Maureen's hands trembled as she tried to maintain a façade of calm, though her eyes betrayed the fear she felt. The house, once a sanctuary, now seemed like a trap - a fragile barrier between them and the vengeance of a powerful adversary.

Maureen's gaze flickered between Cameron and Letty, her mind racing with the implications of what had just transpired. She knew well enough the danger they were in, and the unspoken threat of what might come if the wrong person learned of her cousin's location.

"Do you have any idea what you've done?" Maureen finally asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "You've put us all at risk. Put daughter at risk!" 

Cameron's face was grim as he tried to steady his nerves, "I had no choice. I need to lay low, and this was the only place I could think of." 

Maureen shook her head, "Well, now we're all in this mess together. Let's just hope nobody saw you. Or we're all as good as dead." 

As Cameron pulled Letty further into the house, the oppressive weight of their situation settled heavily on them all. The muffled sounds of the city beyond seemed a distant memory, overshadowed by the looming threat of what was to come.

***

The crowd of mourners slowly began to disperse, their faces etched with grief and exhaustion. A few members of Samcro lingered by the entrance, speaking in hushed tones about the day's events, when suddenly, the tranquillity of the moment was shattered.

A car roared down the road, its engine growling with malicious intent. Without warning, bullets began to spray from the vehicle, ripping through the crowd. Screams erupted as chaos descended upon the scene. The crowd scattered, some diving for cover, others desperately trying to shield their loved ones.

Opie's instincts kicked in immediately. He threw himself over Cleo, shielding her from the barrage of bullets. His body pressed protectively against hers, his face etched with determination and fear, "Stay down!" he shouted, his voice barely audible over the cacophony of gunfire.

The speeding car continued its relentless assault, its tires screeching as it maneuverered through the chaos. David barely had time to react as the vehicle struck him with a sickening thud, sending him sprawling to the ground. The impact was brutal; Hale's skull was crushed open, the blood flowing freely from the fatal wound.

Unser and Jacob rushed to the young deputy's side, their faces contorted with anguish. They dropped to their knees beside his broken body, tears streaming down their faces as they cradled him. Jacob's cries of grief filled the air, a heart-breaking testament to the loss of his baby brother.

In the midst of the turmoil, Juice's eyes locked onto Rey, who was lying on the ground, clutching her shoulder with a pained expression. His heart raced with panic as he sprinted toward her, "Rey!" he yelled, his voice cracking with desperation.

Rey looked up at him, her face pale and tear-streaked, "Juice," she gasped, her voice strained with pain, her eyes wide in shock and fear. 

Juice's gaze fell to her shoulder, where blood was seeping through her clothes. Rage and fear churned within him as he realised the extent of her injury. He helped her sit up gently, his hands trembling as he tried to assess the damage. The sight of her suffering ignited a fiery rage in him.

The driver of the car, now apprehended by police officers, was being restrained nearby. Juice's fury erupted uncontrollably. Ignoring the officers trying to contain the situation, he shoved them aside and lunged at the man responsible for the carnage. The driver's terrified eyes met Juice's, knowing what was coming. 

Juice didn't hesitate. His fists hammered into the driver's face with a brutal force, each punch fuelled by his anguish and rage. The man's cries for mercy were swallowed by the sound of fist meeting flesh. Juice's blows were relentless, his hands coated in blood as he continued to assault the man.

The driver's head slammed into the ground with sickening force, the blood pooling around them, mingling with the blood of the fallen. Juice's eyes were wild, his breaths ragged as he continued to unleash his fury.

It took Jax and Chibs, both with pained expressions, to finally pull Juice off the man. Their hands gripped Juice's shoulders, their voices urgent as they tried to calm him down, "Juice, stop! It's over!" Jax shouted, his voice strained.

Chibs, equally determined, tried to pry Juice away from the beaten man, "You've done enough, brother!" 

Reluctantly, Juice allowed himself to be pulled away, his body trembling with the aftermath of his rage. His eyes were locked on the broken figure of the driver, the man who had caused so much pain and suffering. The sight of Rey's wounded form brought Juice back to the present, his face contorted with a mix of sorrow and guilt.

As paramedics arrived to tend to Rey and the other wounded, the memorial site was left in ruins, a sombre reminder of the fragility of life and the harsh reality of the world they lived in. The chaos and bloodshed left a permanent mark on the day of mourning. 

***

AESTHETIC 

#RIPDavidHale #onecallaway #lazylove 

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