A few months time and everything seemed to go back to normal between Kozik and Harley. He was back in the house and they seemed to be doing the whole domestic thing well. Taking care of their daughter, housework, bills. Harley had to admit it was a hell of a lot easier with two people than one. There were fights of course. Little ones here and there but both of them were trying to suppress their anger for this to work. Kozik was already taking about a bigger house and another baby.
They showed up at the garage, Harley in her truck, Kozik close behind on his bike. Harley got out of the car and looked around the lot at the irritated faces of the Sons. Approaching Kozik, she looked at him confused. “What is it babe?” She questioned noticing him get into a serious mood.
“Clay wants us to vote today on muling for the cartel.” He said in a low voice as he looked past her to the rest of the men roaming around. He knew she wouldn’t like it. Especially regarding his history with drugs the last thing he wanted was for her to flip out.
Harley froze. Her mouth opened slightly to say something but closed again. The thought of Kozik being near that made her stomach turn. They couldn’t afford for him to have a relapse. Not now. Not when things were going so well. She sighed and looked away. “What’s your vote?”
He looked down at her and hung his shoulders. “I’m backing my Pres and VP Harls, if they think its a good idea I’m not arguing. Think of the money we’ll be bringing in. We’ll have enough to get that bigger house and put away money so we’re set for life.”
“Yeah well the Pres and VP didn’t have a coke problem that destroyed their lives.” She shot back before turning to walk away from him towards the office.
He walked inside the clubhouse to join everyone in church. Although there were objections the vote went through. Her words stung him and he hung his head down. He felt a hand on his shoulder once they were back out in the main room and looked up to see Tig smirking.
“Wifey won’t be to happy with the deal” Kozik just nodded his head. Tig’s smirk grew. “Don’t worry Koz, I’ll be sure to take care of her again when she leaves your junkie ass again.”
Kozik’s eye flashed dark in anger as he narrowed them at Tig before he shoved him hard. “What’s the matter blondie? You know I’m speakin’ truth.” Tig shoved him back and laughed knowing he struck a nerve. “Harley’s always been too good to put up with you. Maybe this time she’ll come to her senses and finally move on”
Kozik laughed and looked the man up and down. “What’s the matter Tiggy? You mad she came back to me? You really thought she’d go runnin’ to you when I left?”
“Who said she didn’t pretty boy”
“The fact that she ain’t into dickheads old enough to be her father”
“Nah she’s just into junkies that fuck around and try to beat on pregnant women”
Before even thinking about it Kozik tackled Tig into a pool table. The guys crowded around watching the fight. Tig was always trying to get under his skin. He knew Harley was the easiest way to do that. The men looked amused, rooting for more when Harley walked in with Lyla just as Tiq threw Kozik into the bar. As Kozik was about to charge back, Harley made eye contact with Clay and nodded her head pointedly towards the guys.
“Alright, Alright you two, break it off. It’s done” He stepped in between them holding his arms out to keep them separate. The damage they’d done to each other was more than satisfying to both of them. Harley gave Clay a silent thank you and looked between Tig and Kozik who were still breathing heavy. Lyla walked over to Opie as Kozik finally caught Harley’s eyes. “Fuck” he mumbled under his breath and Tig smirked again.
“Wanna explain what that was all about?” She asked pulling him back to one of the bathrooms.
“Did you fuck Tig when I left?” He asked in all seriousness.
Harley stepped back from him with a stern look on her face. “Are you fucking kidding me?”
He nodded and let out a breath of relief. “Okay good, just had to ask.”
“You both are so fucking stupid. I swear.” she shook her head as she cleaned his face.
“Jax, take a ride with me?” Harley walked up to him, as he was working on his bike in the garage like he usually did when things were bothering him. He looked up under the hood and nodded. Harley tossed him a rag to clean himself off.
Kozik noticed the two of them walking off. He ran up to Harley and grabbed her hand as Jax continued to get into her truck.
“Hey, where you off to?” His eyes going from Jax back to her.
She sighed and shrugged. “Just need to take a drive babe.” She leaned up and kissed him. “I’ll be back soon, no worries.”
He kissed her back and nodded. He didn’t always like how close her and Jax were but he’d rather have her talk to him than Tig.
Harley got into her truck and drove off the lot. They were silent for a while. Both into their own thoughts.
Harley finally spoke up but kept her eyes on the road. “Jax what’s up with this deal? Since when do we get involved with the cartel?”
Jax sighed. He knew this was coming. “Alright but you gotta keep your mouth shut. Got it?” He waited for Harley to nod before he continued.” I made a deal with Clay. Tara’s pregnant and she’s pushing for me to leave again. I promised her I would this time and Clay said he’d back me in the vote if I back him on this.”
Harley’s eyes widened as she turned her head to look at him. There was so much in statement to wrap her head around. “But.. why would Clay want the deal with the cartel? I thought you were pushing to get out of guns?”
“I don’t know. He said he’s blown through his savings and with his hands getting worse he wants a cushion for him and my mom. The cartel’s going to pay us a shit ton of money Harley. It’ll be good for you guys too” He knew he was lying out of his ass. He knew she knew. He just hoped she’d leave it alone.
Annnnd he was wrong. Harley pulled the car over to the side of the road. Slamming the breaks before turning the car off and turning to look at him. “Tell me how good this is going to be for us” she demanded sarcastically.
He sighed and looked away from her, his fingers fidgeting with his rings. “If you trust Kozik this could be great. You’d be rakin’ in a ton of money. Think of the things you could do for Belle.”
Her eyes narrowed once more. “Speaking of Belle. Do you know the type of shit Cartel’s do when a partner fucks up? They go after the families Jax! I am thinking of Belle! I’ve always been the first to back decisions made by the club, always put in my full trust, but this puts my family at stake Jax.” She slammed her fists into the steering wheel before leaning her head back against the headrest. “I’m fucking scared. Things are going so well. What if he picks up an addiction again, huh? What if he goes back to the way it was and I need to make him leave. There’s no way I’d have him around her like that. I can’t afford to break her heart like that.” She closed her eyes tightly trying to prevent tears from coming out.
Jax looked down. He knew this deal wasn’t best for anybody but his selfish needs were causing this. He knew Tara would freak out as well if she found out. The words kept ringing in her head about the cartel going after families. The women of SAMCRO had gone through enough already without a bigger issue going after them and worse the kids. Fucking Clay and his manipulating ways. He shook his head and watched his best friend in pain. “Harley, I know you’re scared. I know. But you have to learn to trust Kozik. The man has done nothing but prove that he’s better. You can’t live in doubt darlin’.”
She knew he was right. But the word trust in the same sentence as Kozik made her wince. She wasn’t at that point yet. So far things had been peachy keen. There was never doubt when things were good. It was when things were bad that trust needed to play in and she had no trust in him. She rubbed her hands over her face, wiping stray tears. “I know this is a club decision. I know I can’t change that. But you need to promise me that you’ll keep an eye on him.”
Jax put his hand over hers giving it a tight squeeze. “I promise Harls. And I need you to promise me you’ll keep an eye on Tara. Gemma cannot find out.”
Harley nodded in understanding. If Gemma knew she was pregnant, they’d never be able to get out of Charming, as unlikely as it already was. “You got my word darlin’. Nothing happens to her.”
Kozik was hanging around the clubhouse with the guys. After throwing a few punches on the punching bag he sat and watched as Gemma hung out with all the kids on the playset. He looked at his phone and got a little angry. It’d been over an hour since Jax left with Harley. He knew she’d never cheat but why couldn’t she at least tell him where she was going. He looked over to see Happy coming next to him offering him a smoke.
Kozik accepted and both men light their cigarettes, sitting in silence for a few minutes. “What’s on your mind brother?” Happy finally spoke up, his raspy voice quieter than normal. He was the Tacoma Killer, even with his brothers he had a rep to maintain but Kozik was his best friend and something was keeping his head out of the game.
Kozik took a look at Happy before eying the gates again looking for her truck. “Harls left with Jax over an hour ago.”
Happy let out a quiet laugh. “So?”
“So you’d be okay with your old lady runnin’ off with another man for over an hour?” He asked getting visibly upset.
“No. but my old lady aint Harley.” he nodded taking another hit of his cigarette. “Ain’t nothin’ to worry about there bro.”
Kozik sighed. “Hap, man, I know she goes off on drives to talk and clear her head. I know how close her and Jax are. But why couldn’t she drive and talk to me? I’m her Old Man. She should be able to tell me everything.”
Happy laughed again. “Do you tell her everything right away?”
Kozik’s eyes flew to the ground. “Eventually.”
“Then? You act like you don’t know how she works? She’ll talk to you about it eventually. Besides, you know what she’s worried about. Maybe she just needs another input.” Happy finished his cigarette tossing it on the ground.
Kozik shrugged his shoulders. “Ain’t a good feeling brother.” Happy was about to respond when they saw Harley’s truck pull into the lot. Her and Jax jumped out and Jax walked towards the TM office while Harley walked towards him. Happy pat his brother on the back before giving Harley a kiss on the head and walking back inside. Although she tried to seem fine, he knew she’d been crying. “How was the drive?” he asked more coldly than he’d meant.
Harley not impressed by his tone seemed to close off immediately. “Just peachy, sweetheart.” she shook her head walked past him.
He tried to grab her arm but she moved it away before heading inside to the bar. “Fuckin’ Christ.” he mumbled under his breath.
Harley stepped inside the clubhouse. Men and whores were scattered like normal and she had the croweater behind the bar grab her a beer. Taking a sip she took a look around. Although the guys were spread around, she noticed the chapel doors closed and Clay sitting there alone. He’d been doing that more and more lately. She couldn’t pinpoint what it was but he seemed so off.
Kozik came in and sat down beside her, grabbing her beer and taking a swig. “I’m sorry babe.” He whispered as he leaned closer to her, placing his free hand on her thigh.
Harley nodded and leaned in kissing his neck softly. “Me too baby. I’m just on edge about this whole thing.” He put the beer down and lifted her up throwing her over his shoulders. She screamed in amusement and hit his back lightly. “Kozik what are you doing!” she playfully demanded.
He laughed and bit her thigh, “I got somethin to take that edge off baby.” She laughed and kicked her legs trying to squirm off his shoulder but his grip was too strong. Hoots and hollers from the brothers made both of them laugh harder as he headed outside towards the truck. Harley heard Gemma and Tara’s voices in a heated argument and their laughter stopped. “ Babe, go get Belle. I need to handle something.” She looked up at him before returning her eyes to the two women by the office door. Kozik followed her gaze before looking back down at her. “Everything okay?”
Harley shrugged and started walking their way. “I’m about to find out.” Kozik walked over to the playground while Harley approached the two women slowly.
“I know you’re hiding those letters, you bitch. You’re playing a very dangerous game.” She heard Gemma’s aggressive voice in a hush whisper as she jabbed a finger in Tara’s face. Tara didn’t seem to back down this time. “I don’t know what you’re talking about Gemma. I wouldn’t threaten me if I were you” Gemma let out a laugh at her comment “Or what doc? You going to kill me?” Tara smirked at the older woman. “No but Jax might.” Gemma moved closer into Tara’s face and Harley took that as her cue to step in.
She cleared her throat catching the women’s attention. “Everything alright her?”
Gemma looked Tara up and down before returning her gaze to Harley. “Yup. Some people just forget their place.”
Harley stared at the older woman. “Tara, you should go back inside. Jax was looking for you.” Tara quickly nodded before walking off and Harley turned her attention back to Gemma. “Want to tell me what that was about?”
Gemma crossed her arms over her chest and smirked, though her eyes flashed dark with warning. “No. And don’t go pokin’ around shit either.”
Harley shook her head. “Oh yeah cause I’m the one all about other people’s shit. Maybe you should take your own advice every once in a while, queen.”
“You know don’t you?” Gemma said stepping closer.
Harley looked at her annoyed and confused. “ I know what Gemma?”
“About those fuckin’ letters that bitch is hiding.” Gemma got dangerously close and Harley had had enough.
Taking a step closer closing the distance between the two. She’d be damned if she let Gemma think she was intimidating to her. “No I don’t know about any letters. But I’ll tell you one thing. I wouldn’t make threats I couldn’t keep to the VP’s Old Lady. The only one playing a dangerous game would be you.” She looked at the woman pointedly.
“This stays between us. Understood? I got enough problems with that little bitch running her mouth to worry about you.” Gemma said, seemingly easing up.
“Take it easy Gem. I got enough shit on my own plate.” She took a step back, letting her body relax. “All this bitchiness ain’t good for that family flaw.” Patting the older woman’s arm before she walked away back to Kozik and Belle by her truck.12:00