Jax drove to Mina’s job the next afternoon. It was time for their plan to go down and he needed Mina to be there. He had so much hate for Clay but at the same time that was the father figure that made him the man he was. Some people would say that wasn’t a good thing, but in this life, in their world, it was.

As he parked the bike outside of Scoops, he noticed Mina’s ex hanging around the outside again. He looked beat to shit but Jax had to admit he was persistent. He opened the door to Scoops and whistled for Rat to join him outside. Rat was told to get him away from the shop then tie him up and bring him to the warehouse, he’d deal with him later. He watched as Rat handled Chris before walking inside the shop. When he didn’t see Mina, Rachel told him he could go to the back office which he did immediately. He needed to see her after the day he’d already had.

Knocking on the door, Jax opened it slowly to see Mina quickly drying her eyes. A flash of concern immediately came over him and he made his way towards her wrapping his arms around her tightly. “Hey. Hey, it’s alright. What happened, babe?”

Mina dried her eyes and took a deep breath to gather herself as she hugged him back. “It’s nothing, Jax. You ready to go?”

She put on another one of her smiles but at this point he could tell which ones were fake. “Is it cause Chris was here again?!” He asked getting a bit angrier.

“Chris is here?” Her body tensed up as she pulled away from the hug.

“What? No, I was asking you if he bothered you today.” He lied, knowing he’d make sure he’d never be near her again.

Mina sighed and pulled out her pocket mirror from her bag and fixed her makeup. “No, hun. Just been a rough day. Can we head out?”

She stood up to go towards the door but he cupped her face making her look at him. “Mina, you take so much of my shit. You need to start telling me some of yours. I see it everyday. How worn you are. How miserable you are. Regardless of how much you try to hide it. I’m here for you to talk to me, babe. This isn’t all one sided, I promise.”

She shook her head and leaned in kissing his cheek. “There’s just too much going on with you for me to burden you with my problems, Jax. Or anyone else for that matter. I got it covered.”

He sighed and looked down into her eyes. “Nothing you do is ever a burden to me.”

“We’ll cross that bridge when we get there.” Mina smiled gratefully before taking his hand, leading him outside. She walked to her car and he opened the door for her. “I’ll follow you guys up.”  Jax nodded before gathering up the guys in Scoops and heading on their way.

---

Jax sat in the truck with Juice waiting for the ‘go’ call from Conner. He looked over to see Juice zoned out staring outside the windshield.

“Hey…Juice?” He said, getting Juice’s attention. “You here?”

“Yeah” Juice replied as Jax gave a slight nod turning to face front again. “I’m not having a breakdown, man.”

Giving him a sideways glance, Jax shook his head. “ I didn’t think you were.”

“Chibs and some of the others, they’re worried.” Juice continued.

“Should they be?”

“No.” Juice looked down at his lap. “Just feels different. I feel different.”

Jax noded looking out of the window. “Yeah. I get that.”

“I got to feel like I’m doing something right, Jax.” He shook his head, turning to look at Jax. “Not like ‘right or wrong’ kind of right, but … I got to feel like I’m.. I’m..

“Like you’re one of the good guys.” Jax finished his sentence.

Juice nodded in agreement. “Yeah.” He paused for a moment. “I used to know how to find some of that.”

Jax thought for a moment about what Juice was saying. In a way it all made sense. He was always looking for the good in everything they did. The good in himself, that regardless of the countless murders they’d committed or the laws they’d broken, they were good people. That he was a good guy. Not many people saw him as one. Tara had. Now she saw him as nothing but a monster. But Mina. She still did. She was leading him to everything that was right. He wanted to do right just to be the good man she believed he was. It was too late for him to change Tara’s mind about him, but not Mina.

He looked to Juice who was still expecting an answer and gave him a small smile. “You still can.” The phone rang and Jax answered to get news from Conner to tell them there was only one chaser and five total. He hung up and looked over at Juice. “That was Conner. Their en route. Transport, only one follow vehicle. Five guys.”

“Cool.” Juice nodded before honking the horn to let the others know it was time.

The first car took off and Jax turned to Juice. “After this, brother, it’s all white hats and tight pussy.”

“Yeah.” Juice nodded with a smile before taking off.

They watched as the first truck took out the vehicle following the transport truck. The other 4 jumped into action to block the truck in.

Jax jumped out of the car and walked to the head of the truck pointing his gun at the driver. “Let him out! Nobody gets hurt!”

“I got news for you shitheads!” One of the guards yelled. “This thing’s a tank!”

He smirked under his face mask and shot the two bottom corners of their windshield, causing it to break before pointing the gun at the guards again. “Open the door!”

Tig walked to the side of the door and demanded the guards give them the keys before handing them over to Jax who ran to the back unlocking the door. He pulled down the face mask and smirked at Clay’s surprised face.

“Where the hell are the Irish?” Clay asked.

“In Ireland.” Jax said coldly before getting into the truck to uncuff the older man and got him in their truck where they headed out. One of the sheriffs pulled out a gun and shot through the truck glass shooting Bobby in the shoulder. “Shit!” Jax yelled as Juice stepped on the gas running over the cop.

---

They drove to the airstrip where Mina was waiting with a few prospects. The doorway opened the the truck pulled in everyone including Mina jumped to attention. As soon as Jax got everything settled with Chibs he walked over to Mina.

His hands shaking he pulled her in for a hug. She wrapped her arms around his body and rubbed his back gently. “What happened?”

Jax pulled away slightly to look at her face. “Bobby got shot. It’s pretty bad. We’re waiting on Tara to come take care of it.”

Mina held her breath when Tara’s name got mentioned but if she could help Bobby she’d suck it up. “I’m going to see him.” She pulled away from the hug to walk towards the truck but Jax grabbed her hand, giving it a squeeze. Her eyes caught the man with white hair and a black shirt on and returned back to Jax. “I’ll be there when you’re ready okay?” He nodded and she walked over to the truck, seeing Bobby laying on the floor. Smiling softly, she kneeled down beside him “Hey you. How’re you feeling?”

Bobby gave a low chuckle followed by a groan. “Like I got shot.”

She laughed lightly and moved some of his hair out of his face. “Seems thats exactly what happened.” she smiled again and held his hand tightly. “You’ll be okay old man. You’re a tough cookie.”

He laughed again and nodded. “You sure know how to keep one motivated don’t you.”

Mina leaned next to him against the wall. “Everyone has a reason to keep breathing, Munson. Some just need a little reminder.”

Jax knocked on the door to let Mina know it was time and she gave Bobby’s hand a squeeze “Hang in there champ.” She whispered before heading out the door. Jax took her hand in his, giving Bobby a nod before walking over with Mina.

“So that’s Clay.” She nodded her head towards the man in the black shirt then towards the man in the suit. “And that’s Galen?’ Jax nodded. “Whats the plan here Jax?”

Jax stared at them while whispering to Mina. “They both have need to die.”

Mina grabbed his hand and shook her head. “Jax.” He turned his head to look at her. “ Galen is part of the deal with the DA. He dies, the clubs immunity goes out the window.” He turned his eyes from her and she pushed on. “So does Tara’s deal.”

Jax sighed and nodded. He knew she was right. Goddammit, she was always right. She placed a hand on his cheek, turning his gaze back to her, placing a soft kiss on his cheek. “What’s more important, darlin’? The Club? Your wife?  Or Revenge? You know Patterson won’t go through with the deal if you deliver him dead.”

Her words rang over and over in his head. He smiled lightly at her and kissed her forehead. “I’ll be right back.” He walked away to tell the rest of the club, when they agreed, he gave Mina a nod and walked to the room with the club. “Gentlemen.” Jax started as Clay walked in giving Galen a hug.

“Good job, Jackson.” Galen said and right there it took all of Jax’s energy not to shoot him in the head but he felt Mina’s soft hand on his back, rubbing it gently. He stepped inside the room, leaving Mina at the doorway and when Galen stepped forward to shake his hand Jax pulled the gun shooting out both of his kneecaps while Tig and Chibs shot the other two Irishmen.

Mina jumped slightly and covered her mouth but couldn’t let herself freak out now. She’d made a promise to Jax and she was going to stick with it. She took a few deep breaths and stoned her face again so she couldn’t show emotion. It was scary how quickly she could shut down. She’d perfected it over the years. Jax looked over his shoulder at her to make sure she was okay and she smiled with a nod.

“Jesus Christ.” Clay said looking at all the men in the room and breaking Jax’s gaze on Mina.

“We had a vote.” He said looking at the grey haired man. “Decided this had to happen.”

A horn outside caught their attention and the men walked out of the room to check it out Juice was standing at the doorway and let them know it was Gemma and Tara. Jax shot a look over to Mina before nodding at Juice to unlock the door letting them in.

Tig walked up to him leaving Clay behind them. “How’s this all going to play out with Nero, Gemma, Tara and Mina?”

Jax looked at him and nodded. “Same way. I need Mina here. The rest can look after Bobby.” Tig nodded and Jax put an arm around Mina’s shoulder as they watched Gemma’s car pull in followed by Rat Boy.

The women immediately got out of the car followed by Nero. Tara’s eyes immediately ran over to Mina, Gemma smirked, and Nero looked confused as it was his first time seeing her. Jax paid no mind to any of the interactions, slowly pulling away from Mina leading Tara to the truck where Bobby was in. Tara walked right past Mina with Gemma following, shooting Mina a smile before turning her attention to Bobby.

“Oh Jesus.” Gemma said covering her mouth.

“Yeah I need some help.” Tara stated from the truck after getting a good look at Bobby.

Jax turned his head to face Juice. “Juice.” the younger man walked over to him “Help Tara.” Juice got on the truck to work with Tara and he turned his attention to Gemma and Nero. “Thank you.” She nodded.

Nero nodded and Gemma looked at him, “Everybody else okay?”

“Yeah,” Jax nodded.

She turned her head to look at Mina who was talking to Chibs off to the side. “And her?”

Jax looked at Mina and a small smile played on his lips. “She’s good. I need her here.” Gemma smirked and placed a hand on her sons arm before turning her attention back towards Bobby. Clay walking over turned their attention to him. Jax gave his mother a nod before walking back over to join Mina and Chibs. He watched the conversation with his mom and Clay closely before walking over to check on Tara and Bobby.

“What do you think?” He asked as Tara stepped off the truck.

“It’s serious. I need surgical tools. “ She spoke as she removed her gloves. “That slug’s deep. There’s some shards of glass that are really close to the nerve. We have to stabilize him. I can’t .. I can’t do it here.

“We’ll take him to the cabin.” He nodded.

“Okay” She crossed her arms over her chest as her eyes darted to Mina then back to Jax. “I need to go by St. Thomas and get some supplies.”

Chibs came to let him know Connor was 15 minutes out and Clay spoke up. “So what happens now, Pres?”

Jax turned to face him. “We settle with the Irish.”

“Hmm, and uh, how do we do that with two dead bodies and one injured?” Clay looked around at the group gathered around.

Mina stepped beside Jax. Placing a hand on his back to keep him calm. Her presence eased his anger as he looked at Clay. “How would you do it?”

Clay looked floored for a second. His eyes shot to the girl by his side before looking at the ground taking a moment to think. “Well…I mean the smart plan would be to blame it on a bad relationship. You know, two guys with some history get into a beef. One thing leads to another. Couldn’t be helped.”

Jax looked at him straight faced and nodded. “Sounds about right.”

Clay nodded knowingly as he looked at the faces of the ones where were once his family. “So I guess you, uh, had another vote, I wasn’t privy too.” He said returning his gaze to Jax.

The younger man nodded. “Yeah, we did. This time it was unanimous.”

“Fair enough.” Clay nodded before Tig let them know it was time and took him to the other side of the room.

Jax looked down at Mina and put his hand on the small of her back. His eyes ran over Tara’s cold face and he started walking with Mina to follow the rest of the men. Tara stepped forward with Gemma, Nero, and Rat Boy to watch the scene unveil. They put Clay back in the room with an unconscious Galen, and the two dead goons. Jax stepped in after the rest of the guys, holding Mina’s hand tightly.

She placed her free hand on his forearm as he looked down at her. She nodded softly as she locked eyes with him. “This needs to be done, Jackson. For your own sanity, at the least.” She hated the taste of signing off a man’s fate left in her mouth but this is what Jax needed her here for.

The door shut behind them and Mina jumped slightly but her eyes met Jax’s again, and the nervous look he had was masked behind anger. She gave him a nod and he turned his attention to Clay.

“This good?” The old man held his arms out as he stood in the center of the room facing the men.

“Yeah.” Jax nodded. His eyes stung from the tears building up but he quickly swallowed them back as he locked eyes with Clay.

Chibs cocked his gun and handed it to Clay. Placing a hand over Mina’s shoulder, still keeping his eyes on his former Pres. Jax took the gun, aiming it at the old man, taking a deep breath. All the memories of Clay rushing through him quickly. All the things he’d taught him. All the ways he’d stepped up after his father passed. Mina noticed the hesitation and gave his hand a small squeeze. He nodded and shot Clay in the neck.

Mina gasped quietly as the man sank to his knees. Jax and Chibs stared coldly as blood sprayed out of his neck. Tig wrapped his arm around her, digging her face in his chest as he stared at the man he would have given his life for, dying on the ground.

Jax turned his eyes off his stepfather and back to the ground. He took Mina’s free hand and squeezed it while she was still hugging Tig, as he sprayed three more bullets into Clay’s chest to finish him off. As the men turned away, Jax stared at the cold body laying on the floor in a pool of blood. He was not a good man. He may have been once, but the minute he turned on his family, on Jax’s family, he deserved every bullet he got.

---

Jax walked out the room with Mina as the guys started the clean up mess. Mina walked over to Gemma, who pulled her in for a hug as Jax walked up to them. “You okay?” he asked his mother.

Gemma let go of Mina, and the younger woman left to go check on Bobby. “ Yeah.” The older woman nodded, trying to gather herself. Weakness was not something she needed to show. “I’ll, uh, take her to St. Thomas, get what she needs. Take her up to the cabin.”

“Thanks.” Jax nodded. Both their attentions turning to a chuckle coming from inside the truck. He saw Mina and Bobby laughing as Mina brushed his hair out of his face and both his mother and him smiled.

Gemma crossed her arms over her chest. “She’s a good girl, Jackson. It’s good to see you lean on someone during hard times.” She leaned in and gave her son a kiss on the cheek before pulling away to get in the car.

Nero waited by the door for Jax and nodded when he walked up to him. “Now I get what you mean by more.”

Jax nodded. “I’m glad you were here. What went down today was us burying the last piece of a very broken past. What you and me are doing together, that’s SAMCRO’s future.”

Nero looked down at the ground and nodded. “I’ll see you up there.”

Tara had been leaning against the back of the truck listening the whole time. She watched Nero get in the car and walked over to Jax who’d held the door open for her. “Thank you.” He nodded at her. She locked eyes with him, as cold as he was towards her, she could still feel his pain and gave him a small squeeze on his hand as she got in the car.

Jax looked down at their hands and shut the door behind her, not giving her a second look. It was strange that a hand that once brought him such comfort, no longer did. It didn’t have the same effect as Mina’s, and at this point, this is what he needed.

---

Mina had followed Bobby’s truck back to the cabin. She had kept herself in his room, keeping him awake and in good spirits to ease his pain. Deep down she was shaking. She’d never witnessed a murder, let alone one she’d approved of. She’d excused herself to the bathroom and shook her head at herself in the mirror. Of course she didn’t approve of anyone getting murdered. Let alone three people. She washed her face and looked at herself in the mirror as she patted it dry. Who was she becoming? Who had she gotten herself involved with? She lowered her head and closed her eyes tightly. Jax had asked and she’d gone running. It was something she should have regretted but didn’t. She saw the need in that man’s eyes and she couldn’t deny him. Not when he was so broken.

Tara and Gemma had gotten there and Tara pushed right by her to go to the room Bobby was in followed by Chibs and Jax who both gave her a quick nod and smile. Mina let everyone speak about while she walked outside for a smoke. She set on the front steps and watched Juice stare at the ground deep in thought as he leaned by the car. That kid was troubled. More than he was trying to let on. He wasn’t right in the head but neither were any of them. This kid just seemed unstable though. Something worried her about him.

She watched him go back inside and took a deep pull, taking in the night sky. Who was she to question anything? Maybe there was a plan for her all along. It seemed everything in the world ran on plans, more plans, and rewritten plans. There might be a plan out there for her. She was always told what to do, and was usually good enough to follow, regardless of the outcome. As much as she hated her mother, she never denied her anything she’d asked. In reality, Mina had nobody to blame for her problems but herself. Now however, she was on the wrong side of the road, yet again, but this time, it was different. This time, it was because she believed in someone who was trying to do right. That’s what Jax was doing. Trying to make everything right. Sure murder seemed to be a huge part, but that was his world, and in a sick way, it excited her.

She felt a body sit next to her as she looked out at the stars. The smell of Jax warmed the air and she took a deep breath in, scooting closer as his warm arm wrapped around her. She laid her head on his shoulder and took another pull of her cigarette.

Jax laid his head over hers and took her cigarette, taking a pull of his own before blowing it out. He followed her gaze and stared out at the sky. After the day’s events, he felt calm. He had even calmed down enough to apologize to Tara that being with him took her to such a dark, hateful place. He breathed in the scent of Mina’s hair and closed his eyes. “Thank you.” He whispered and it had so much more meaning than just for today. He was thankful to her for everything she’d done for him since they’d met. All the clarity she’d provided. He was going to sign those papers. Move Tara and the boys out of here. His sons should never have to live this life. As safe as he was making it, there was still so much danger and hate hanging around it. They deserved better. He looked back down at Mina, who was taking another pull of her cigarette and nodded to himself. This was his chance at doing the right thing. That included starting new with her.