"Are you sure she'll like me?" Courtney questioned, looking up at her father concerned. Her hands stuck deep in her pockets, the morning heat warming her bare arms. Happy exhaled heavily, about to repeat what he was assuring her of for the last three hours. "Courtney, your grandmother will love you. Ok? She doesn't care if you have three arms and pink hair, no matter what, you will still be her granddaughter," Happy guaranteed, placing his hands on her shoulders. Courtney pouted her lips, her father's words continue to not sink in. "Really? I've always wanted to dye my hair pink!" she exclaims sarcastically. Happy bit his lip. "Dad.....I'm joking. I would never do that to my hair," Courtney guaranteed. "Good...you better not," Happy declared, his heart almost skipping a beat. Courtney covered her smile with her hand. "What?" "Nothing." "What?" "Nothing." "What is it?" "Did you really think I would dye my hair pink?" "Well, you had me worried." "Wow. Never knew I was so convincing." They started walking up the pathway. "Trust me. You are. You're exactly like your mother." Courtney stopped walking and thought for a second. "What?" he asked. "Nothing. Don't worry. C'mon, I want to meet my grandma," Courtney smiled, putting her arm around her dad's waist as they kept moving to the front door.
"Ready?" Happy asked. "Yeah," Courtney nodded. "Mom," Happy called out from the front door as he opened it. "Honey! I wasn't expecting you. I'm in the kitchen," she replied. "I can smell," Happy joked. Courtney looked at him oddly. He shrugged in reply.
Walking through the hallway to the kitchen, Courtney skimmed past all the photos on the walls and tables. She noticed her dad wasn't the most angelic child but one thing was for sure, he was an ultra momma's boy. "You momma's boy," Courtney muttered, chuckling to herself. Happy didn't hear.
"Hi Mom," he greeted. "Hey darling, how you doin?" she replied. "Good. Good. This smells good," he commented, giving her a kiss on the cheek. Coleen turned around from the sink to face her son. "You look a lot happier than usual," she stated. Happy tried staying straight faced, staring at the ground for a bit of help. "Happy?" his mother nagged. "I have someone I'd like you to meet," he finally decided to blurt out. "Who?" Coleen wondered curiously, expecting a new girlfriend. "Courtney," Happy called out. Courtney walked through the doorway with a huge, friendly smile on her face. Coleen's jaw dropped. "Mom, meet Courtney, your granddaughter," Happy introduced. Coleen's shock from the thought of a young girlfriend changed to the joy of a granddaughter. Her hands raised quickly to her mouth. "You...your...I have a granddaughter?" she wondered, her hands slightly shaking. Happy and Courtney both nodded. "Come here, my God you're beautiful," Coleen mumbled, tears welling in her eyes. She extended her arms and hugged Courtney tight. Happy smiled as he realised he finally made his mother proud. "Happy come here boy. Finally did something worthwhile," she stated. Courtney laughed. "I don't do hugs," Happy replied. Courtney and Coleen glared at him. "Ok. Ok. Jesus. I'm coming," he decided, wrapping his arms around both of them. He towered over his mother and daughter.
"Oh God, get me out of here," Courtney laughed. "Nope!" Happy declared, lifting her up over his shoulder. "Dad! Get me down!" she shrieked. "Nope!" He joked. "If you don't put me down I'll tell Tig about your dad jokes!" she stated. Happy put her down instantly. "Not Tig. I'd rather anyone else. Just not Tig," he begged, shaking his head. "Why? Is he gonna give you the most shit for it?" she smiled. Happy's delayed answer made Courtney realise it was not a joke. "Oh Jesus," she muttered. "It's a sensitive area," Happy added. "Don't tell me now. There's a time and place," she replied. "Anyone for pancakes?" "Yes please!" Happy and Courtney answer at the same time. Coleen stared at them. "Don't bother with the DNA test. You're father and daughter," she commented. "We figured."
"So Courtney, when is your birthday?" Coleen asked. "June 6th," she replied. "Oooft, D-Day. Your grandfather jumped in Normandy on that day," Coleen mentioned. "Seriously?" Coleen nodded. "When were you a history person?" Happy asked Courtney. "Top of the class," she smiled, taking a bite of her pancakes. "How old will you be turning then- in just over a month?" Coleen continued questioning. "18," Courtney answered. "18? Are you having a party?" Coleen wondered. "A party is the last thing on my mind, grandma. And besides, I don't have any friends here yet. Everyone's in Sacramento," Courtney stated. Happy almost choked on his food. "I wouldn't say that in front of your father," Coleen suggested. "What did I say?" Courtney asked, trying to figure what she had done wrong. "Courtney, listen to me now. You are my daughter which means everybody at this club are your family and friends, you hear me Courtney?" Happy explained. "Really?" she asked. Happy nodded contently. Suddenly, his phone started ringing. "Excuse me ladies, but I have to take this call," he apologised, jumping up to walk outside.
"When he comes back in, I'll ask him something and I think you should get the camera out to film his reaction," Courtney said. "Oh dear, what are you thinking of doing?" Coleen queried, loving her granddaughter's cheeky side. "Just wait and see. Ooooh he's coming inside now." The two went back to talking normally. "Didn't organise any top secret Inspector Gadget missions did you?" Happy asked. "Inspector Gadget? Really?" Courtney wondered, coming to the conclusion her father had turned into some looney tune. "What? Go god gadget embarrass Courtney," he mocked. Coleen was startled by her son's behaviour whilst Courtney just planted her face in the palm of her left hand. "Hehehe," Happy chuckled.
"You know how you were talking about how everyone at the club was like family," Courtney began. "Yeah, they are," Happy replied. "What if, you know, I just so happen to, uh, hmm, maybe, have a thing with one of them, like a relationship maybe?" Courtney wondered casually, waiting for Happy's reaction. His eyes widen, jaws and fists clenched. Coleen sat back in her seat in glee. "Well.....I think I might have a bit of a word with, uh, the boys then," Happy answered, not loosening a single muscle in his body. "Aaaahahaaa! Your reaction was what I was expecting! Ha ha!" Courtney exclaimed. Coleen giggled. "Come on! Are you serious? That was all a joke?" Courtney nodded. "She's got you wrapped around her little finger son," Coleen teased. "Yeah go figure." "Love you daddy," Courtney beamed cheesily. Happy just sat shaking his head. She wasn't joking and he knew it. He just had to figure out who for though. Juice. It was the only name that stuck in his head. But some geek wouldn't be interested in his daughter. Hell no.
Later that morning, Happy and Courtney made their way back to the clubhouse. "Killing anyone today?" Courtney wondered out of the blue. Happy looked at her oddly. "Nooo," he replied, shaking his head. "Why do I not believe you," she smiles cheesily. "Maybe...only if shit goes sideways," he stated. "Fair enough."
"Happy, let's go. Russians are going to the warehouse,"Jax orders as the Happy and Courntey show up at the club. "Alright. Coming. You stay here. Hang out with Chucky or something- he'll help organise the party or something. I'll see you later," Happy says, kissing Courtney on the cheek. He spoke hastily as his daughter struggled to understand anything that came out of his mouth. "Bye," she replied, as Happy ran off to his bike.
Most of the bikes had disappeared. All but one. Courtney walked into the club rooms through the entry where all the lollies and ice creams were. Chucky stood behind the counter pretending to be willy wonka. "Hey, willy wonka, where'd everyone go?" She wonders. Chucky smirked to himself at the sound of willy wonka. "Ah I think they had a bit of a situation with the Russians. Money problems," he explained. "How bad?" She asked, picking out a lollipop from the jar. "Excuse me- that is free for family- why are you getting money out?" He snapped, noticing Courtney pulling out money from her pocket. " sorry," she smiled awkwardly. "It's bad," he finally answered. "Is someone gonna end up dead?" "Love your bluntness..... Probably one of the Russians." "Ah ha. Ok goody." "Can you taste test this for me? It's vanilla mixed with gummy bears, caramel and Oreos," Chucky described keenly. "Sure! That's my usual mix minus the caramel and add the strawberry topping," Courtney replied. Chucky's eyes widened. "You are a genius!" He exclaimed, pulling new dishes out. Courtney watched him mix everything together as she ate through the initial mix.
"Courtney! Since when were you here?" Juice asked awkwardly as he ploughed through the door. Courtney span around in her seat with the spoon still in her mouth. "15 minutes or so. Dad dropped me off here and then everyone left. Why aren't you with them?" She wondered. Juice bent over and lifted his right pant leg up to show the 50 stitches across his shin. "Oh.....wow.....what the hell happened there?" "Russians.... Crazy bunch," he stated. "Wait.....so did everyone go to meet them for the money or you?" "Ahhhh.......well....both I guess." "Fair enough." "What ...uh... Are you...eating?" Juice questioned, slightly curious about the dishes I'm front of Chucky and Courtney. "Willy Wonka over here has kindly designated moi as taste tester for his creations!" "Can I try some then?" "There's a seat right here.... Or do you need me to carry you?" Courtney teased. "I'm fine. I can walk thanks," he replied. He ambled over, biting his lip at the pain. It felt good for him to sit down.
"So how did you manage that one?" Courtney asked. "Tried to outrun the Russians and they cut me off and over the bike I went," he explained. "So that explains the cut on your face," Courtney concluded. "Yep." "I'm gonna go out to the store. Uh....I'm running out of chocolate wafers," Chucky mentioned, realising the chemistry between Juice and Courtney. "I..." Courtney was about to correct him by saying that there were more in the cupboard behind him until she realised what the plan was. "Yeah. Cool. All good," she responded instead. Chucky jumps out from behind the counter and walks out the front.
"So! Now what?" Courtney wondered. "I don't know," Juice replied. "Is there anyone else here?" "Nope. Gemma said she's coming with lunch at around 12:30 and Tara is at home with the boys," he answered. "Right. Fair enough. When Chucky gets back we have to apparently organise a party," she added. "Party?" Juice questioned. "Dad wants me to have a big 18th birthday," she responded. "And when is that?" Juice queried, half curiously and half excitedly. "June 6th," Courtney smiled. "Alright then...we better start right now!" Juice exclaimed, standing up to quickly for his leg. The pain made him lurch back onto the seat. "Smart," Courtney commented. "Totally." "Need a hand?" Juice didn't want to give in. "Alright,' he sighed. He put his arm around Courtney's shoulder as she supported him up. "Thanks babe," he smiled but the smile faded when he realised what he said. "I didn't mean it like that," he corrects. "Like what? No worries," she replied. "Don't worry," he shrugged as they walked into the back part of the clubhouse.
Juice grabbed the laptop and sat down on the couch. "I'm just gonna get some ice cream," Courtney added, jogging back to the front. 1 month, Juice thought to himself. One month. "Cookie dough or strawberry?" Courtney called out behind him. It clicked Juice back into reality. "Uh...cookie dough," he replied. "There you go." She handed him the tub of cookie dough ice cream and a spoon. "Why are we researching this stuff can I ask? Wouldn't Gemma kill us?" Courtney questioned. Juice thought for a second. "Damn....you're right. We'll watch youtube videos instead," he decided. "That's a great idea."
An hour went by as Juice and Courtney watched the laptop screen avidly. From the best vine videos to military homecomings to UFC, they loved each other's company. Neither could deny it. Even Chucky knew something was happening. It was like he had the Gemma sense. But he never said a word. He just brought in food and ice cream every now and then.
"This party Courtney, what are we doing for it?" Chucky wondered, feeling horrible for stopping the fun. "Uhm. That's a good question." She replied, slightly giggling from Juice making a comment about a video they watched. "Gemma's here so we can actually get this planning started," he declared, bolting out to help Gemma carry the shopping bags in.
"We told you. We would bring the money in by today. Running our boy off the road wasn't a part of the plan," Jax murmured to Volkov, the Russian- Chechen boss. "We wanted to make sure you would bring the money," Volkov intimidatingly replied with the thick Slavic accent. He was a bouldering figure, more on the round side rather than the built but was taller than Jax by almost a head. Jax was not afraid, but did not trust Volkov or his men. Chibs stood on his right as Happy stood by his left. The two watched for any movement by the others. The other boys stood around their so called acquaintances, prepared for any kind of haywire move. "If I said, we will bring the money, we will bring the money. The money is here, as promised, but we don't appreciate anyone going after any of my men as leverage. It shows we are not trusted and I really don't like that. Now, are my boys and I out of this business? Or are you going to do something else that will end up with a lot more than 50 stitches?" Jax stated hoarsely. His husky whisper made him sound more intimidating.
Tig stood behind him. He hated the Russian Chechens. Initially he didn't even know Chechens called themselves Russian or vice versa! "Them Chechen Russkis, they're their own enemy," he would always say. He did not trust them at all.
Volkov slowly puffed out his chest as he took a deep breath in. "We have a deal," he replied, extending his hand out to shake hands. Jax subtly let out a sigh of relief as he shook Volkov's hand. "Good. Pleasure doing business," he smiled. "Pity it's the last we will ever do," Volkov smirked. Something about that smirk put Happy off. And his instinct was right.
Suddenly, a black SUV ploughed through the warehouse doors. Each Russian Chechen lifted their pistols. "Put them down boys. You're surrounded," Volkov boomed. They looked around. At each corner of the warehouse, there was someone standing there with a sniper. "Goddamnit," Jax yelped. Happy bit his lip. He couldn't die then and there. No way. He had to do something. "You've got to be kidding," Chibs scoffed in his Scottish accent as they were all pushed into the back room. "And just to be safe..." Rekovska, Volkov's right hand man, began. He swung his rifle back and then lashed Happy across the face, knocking him down into the wall. "HEY! HEY!" The SAMCRO boys collectively jeered. Tig began moving towards Rekovska when another Russian Chechen shot him, piercing his upper arm. He grabbed his arm and rested back against the wall. "Alright alright. Stop!" Jax urged. "We know how that one is a bit on the cuckoo side," Rekovska added. Each member's blood boiled. They had to figure another way out. "Bye bye," Volkov waved, strolling out the door. Before he left, he placed a timer on the window which read 67 minutes and counting down.
Happy regained himself. "Happy are you alright?" Nero asked, trying to help him up. "Yeah I'm fine," Happy replied, wiping off the the blood from his cheek. "Tig, how bad man?" Jax asked. "Flesh wound. Told you these chicken russkis were crazy," he replied. "You don't say," Jax muttered. Happy stood up and walked over to where the timer was. "Alright. 65 minutes to save our asses from being chicken stew," he commented. "Chicken stew? Really?" Bobby wondered. "Shut up." Chibs walked over to the door to see if it was unlocked. "Wo- wo- woah wait! Don't open it!" Happy exclaimed. Chibs looked at him oddly then realised the wires running along the walls. "JESUS CHRIST!" He cried, punching the wall. "No connection. What the hell do we do now?" Nero asked. They all looked at each other. Jax shrugged. "Pray," he suggested. For once, he felt like there was no way out.
Courtney checked the clock. She had been checking it suddenly for the last 10 minutes. "Hey Juice, where did all the boys go today?" She asked. "Some warehouse to deal with the Russians. Why?" "Do you know the address?" "Yeah....why?" "Something is wrong. Dad said he would call me by 1:30. And I have this weird feeling. Some shit has gone down. My face right here is throbbing and I don't know why," Courtney explained, pointing to her cheek. "They're fine. Happy forgets he has a phone on him so he's probably forgotten. You need to relax a bit," Juice replied. "Juice, I'm serious. Something's gone down and it's not good." "What's are you talking about?" He asked, completely confused. "What's going on?" Gemma wondered. "She thinks something has happened at the warehouse," Juice answered. "What do you mean?" Gemma asked. "Gemma... I have this really bad, weird feeling that something bad is going to happen and dad promised he'd call me by 1:30 and I have this really weird throbbing pain right here that came on about 10 minutes ago." Gemma stepped back. She believed Courtney. "Juice. Call the Mayans and One Niners. Go get our boys out of there," she ordered. "Gemma." "Do it. NOW." Juice pulled his phone out and called everyone to explain the situation.
"I'm not going crazy am I? Do you ever get that feeling if something bad happens to Jax?" Courtney wondered. "I do baby. We'll get those boys. You're dad is coming home. I will make sure of it," Gemma assured as she hugged Courtney. "Alright. I'm going," Juice mentioned as he hobbled up. "Im coming too," Courtney added. "No. Stay here," Juice and Gemma said at the same time. "I'm coming and the not way you will stop me is if you tie me down and shoot me," she exclaimed. "Fine. You two go together. I'll go pick up Tara and the boys and make sure they're ok," Gemma decided. "Thank you," Courtney smiled. "Gemma." "She can handle herself," Gemma replied. "I'll drive," Courtney called back. "Fine." Juice agreed. He knew she could handle herself but he didn't want to see her get hurt. "Let's go Chucky," she added. "Where are we going?" He asked excitedly. "Getting our boys home," Courtney answered as Chucky jumped behind her. Gemma followed after them, smiling to herself. Courtney reminded her of herself when she was that age. She ain't no crow eater. She was a daughter... And a future old lady. She was respected already. Not only because she was happys daughter, but because she was strong and she was a fighter.
Jax and Chibs stood next to the wall, reminiscing over some fun memories. Happy leaned his head back on the wall, the gash on his face oozing blood and was throbbing like a heartbeat. The only thing that was on his mind was Courtney. Courtney. Courtney. Courtney. He bit his lip. He couldn't be weak in a time like this but struggled to be the opposite. "You good Hap?" Tig asked, flinching his way over next to Happy. "Yeah," Happy replied quickly. "The only thing you can think about is Courtney. I can tell," Tig pointed out. "That obvious?" "Uh huh." "I'm loving this whole father thing, you know. She is the best thing that's ever happened to me and I don't want any of it to stop. Not like this anyway." "Ay, yay, ay, we're gonna get out of here- alive. You're gonna see your little girl again and you are gonna make every opportunity with her count. You hear me?" Tig vowed. "Really? Because all I can see right now is all of us stuck in a wired room with 45 minutes left on the clock and we have no connection and no one knows where we are," he pointed out. Tig sighed. "I know brother. All we gotta do is pray," he concluded, putting his good arm around Happy.
"Holy jesus woman! Slow down a bit!" Juice urged. "Sorry," Courtney replied. "Right take left here and then a right at the next street," Juice ordered. The sound of roaring Harleys arose. "And that's the Mayans. They're going to the Russian home ground. One-Niners are coming with us," Juice added. "These Russians are dead." "Yep."
They arrived at the warehouse with the One Niners cars behind them. A few Mayans joined them too. "Shit. It's wired up!" Courtney exclaimed. "How do you know that?" Alvarez asked her, primarily confused at the fact a. a girl was there and b. how she even knew what a bomb looked like. "Over there. Those four bags over there. Ammonium nitrate fertilizer. The black thing in the middle is the timer. Same style used in the Oklahoma City bombings," she explained. "Woah. Hold up chica. What the hell are you doing here in the first place?" Alvarez questioned. "My dad's inside and I told Juice and Gemma that the only way I'm not coming here is if they killed me. And they didn't want to do that," Courtney answered. "Who's your dad?" "Happy," she replied. "You're Happy's girl? I can see the relation now," he commented. "Now if you'll excuse me. I need to go check out that bomb," she stated. "Why do you know all this?" "My mom dated a bomb disposal sergeant for 2 years. Taught me heaps." "Courtney. Come back here. If that thing blows, your dad will kill me if you get hurt," Juice added. Courtney didn't listen. She ambled towards the bomb. "We'll get bomb squad or something," Alvarez suggested. "No time. It usually takes an hour for them to show up in a place like this. We've got 45 minutes." "Goddamnit!" Juice bellowed. The One Niners made their way behind Courtney.
"Anyone have plyers?" Courtney asked, kneeling by the bags. One of the One-Niners ran to his car and pulled out a pair from his glove box. Courtney's heart raced. She was either going to defuse this bomb or die trying. "Is it linked up to the door?" Juice asked. Courtney quickly checked. "Nope. You can open the door. But any bets they'll have something there too," she explained. Juice was lost for words. With every word she spoke, his love for her grew stronger. One month. One month. Well, one month if they got out of this alive.
Juice walked inside with Alvarez and Garcia in tow. "Holy shit. What the hell went down here?" Juice wondered, noticing the blood on the floor. "This is not good," Garcia commented. "Where are they?" he added. Juice looked around. "Shit. There in that room."
The SAMCRO boys in the room sat around, waiting for their lives to end. The sound of the door opening made them all jump and rush to the window. "JUICE!" Chibs called out. "Damn. I knew that boy would come get us," Tig laughed.
Juice rushed over to them but noticed the wires running along the edge of the room. "Damn," he whispered. "Is that thing all wired up too?" Alvarez asked. "Yep," Juice replied. "I leave you for 10 seconds and you get yourselves in a position like this?" Juice joked. "Yeah Juicey boy. You don't know how good it is to see you," Chibs replied. "We'll get you guys out of there," Juice assured. "Watch out. The whole place is wired up," Nero mentioned. "We know. We dealing with it thanks to our resident bomb expert," Juice replied. "Who the hell is our resident bomb expert?" Nero wondered to Jax. Jax shook his head in cluelessness.
"Bomb's defused outside. That girl is a mastermind!" Marks called out. Juice, Alvarez and Garcia had a sigh of relief. "Girl? Which girl?" Jax asked. Juice glanced at Happy. Their question was answered. Courtney came through the door. "Holy shit," Jax muttered. "What! What the hell is she doing here?" Chibs jeered. "I'm sorry boys. She wouldn't stay with Gemma," Juice continued to apologize. Happy saw Courtney. He didn't know whether to kill Juice or break down.
Courtney walked over to the window. Happy met up with her. "What the hell are you doing here?" Happy asked her through gritted teeth. "Saving you boys," she replied. "Courtney, get out of here. Right now. It's too dangerous for you. You should not be here," Happy urged. "She defused a ammonium nitrate fertilizer bomb," Alvarez decided to mention. Happy looked down at his daughter. "How? What? Who?" He was so confused. "I'll explain at home. I need to defuse this pipe bomb," she replied, about to walk over to the side wall of the room. "Courtney!" Happy called out. "Yeah?" "Be careful," he said. "Of course," she replied. "I love you," he added. "Love you too!" Courtney replied in a manner too excited for the situation.
"She'll be right Hap. She defused a goddamn war bomb," Tig mentioned. "I can't believe she's here. Like why? This morning she was teasing me about boyfriends and talking about her birthday and now she's defusing bombs? How the hell does that work?" Happy wondered. "Like father, like daughter," Jax added. "There really is no need for a DNA test is there," Happy decided. "Nope," the boys chuckled.
"Alright. Let's do this," Courtney clapped, pulling the wires out from her pocket. She bent down and analysed the compartment. "This will be a piece of cake," she smiled. But then she saw a wire that was not usually on the stereotypical pipe bomb. Her smile faded and Alvarez noticed. "What's wrong?" he asked. "They're Russian Chechens aren't they?" Courtney asked. "Yeah. Why?" "Shit," she muttered. "What's wrong?" "They're known for their own little fancy pipe bombs, adding an extra wire to have another detonator connection." "Can you defuse it or not?" "I will. Just hope for the best." "Shit." "Here it goes." Alvarez stood behind Courtney, watching with intent. She cut three wires. It was the fourth that was going to cause the problems. "Alright Alvi-boy. Pray to God that this is the right one now." "Alvi-boy? Really?" "What? Never had a nickname?" Courtney asked bluntly. "Well, not something like that from the daughter of a member of another club," he replied. "There's a first for everything." Courtney slowly lifted the plyers around the green wire. She took a deep breath. "Come on. Come on. Come on," whispered to herself. Alvarez stood behind her praying. It was the most vulnerable anyone had been. She cut the wire and the whoop of the time whooshed down. The timer died. Courtney sat on the ground in relief. "Oh thank God," Alvarez sighed. Courtney wiped the sweat from her forehead. What would these guys do without her?
"Juice!" Courtney called out. Juice made his way over to her. "Have you done it?" he asked. Courtney took a deep breath and let out a smile. "Oh my God. Thank God," he breathed. "I wanna open the door," she insisted. "Sure," he laughed. "Give me a hug first though," he ordered jokingly, wrapping his arms around Courtney. "You are a legend!" he exclaimed. "She's actually amazing!" Alvarez laughed. "She is!" Garcia agreed as he and Alvarez walked outside to tell the niners.
Courtney put her hand on the door handle and pushed down to open it. "Hello boys!" she mocked in a British accent with a massive smile across her face. "Oh thank God," Tig exhaled, bending over. "Young lady! You are a hero!" Chibs stated. Courtney lifted her hands up, not denying that statement. Jax, Nero and the rest of the boys agreed. Happy didn't say anything. He rushed over to her and lifter her up into his arms. "Don't do that again," he whispered. "Too much stress is it?" she wondered. "Way too much for me," he replied. The rest of the boys walked out of the room, glad to get out of there. They all pounced on Juice as they walked out. "JUICEY BOY!" They all cheered. The pain from Tig's arm was changed to relief and happiness.
"Thanks baby," Happy smiled, still hugging his daughter. "Anytime daddy," she replied. "I love you so much." "Love you too." "How the hell did you know we were here?" he asked as he finally let go of Courtney. "I had a bad feeling. Like a really bad feeling. And then my face started throbbing right here," she explained, pointing to the exact same place Happy had been hit. "Shit. Are you serious? And Juice and all them believed you?" "I can be very convincing," she joked. "I can tell." "What even happened?" Courtney wondered. "Ah, the Chechen Russians kind of went sideways on our deal and yeah. Wanted to blow us up," Happy explained. " Fair enough. Why the hell are you doing business with them psychos?" "Good question." "And the face?" she wondered. "That's what happens when you have a reputation," he answered. "Right fair enough. Hang on, you have blood right here," Courtney pointed out. With her sleeve, she rubbed away the blood along his jawline. "What the hell would we do without you?" He asked. "I was asking myself the same question," she smiled.
"And here comes the hero of the day!" Alvarez called out. Everyone there cheered. "You should proud of her," he told Happy, giving him a hug. "Trust me. I am," Happy replied. "Yeah cheers Alvi-boy," Courtney laughed. "Yeah yeah. Alvi-boy. Nice doing business with you," he joked. "Likewise." His phone began ringing and he answered it. "Alvi- boy?" Happy and Jax questioned. "What?" Courtney asked. Jax and Happy chuckled to themselves.
"Hey Jax, someone wants to talk to you," Alvarez stated, handing his phone to Jax. "Who?" "You're good buddy Volkov." Jax smiled. "Hey Volkov! How's it going brother?" Jax cheered. "Put it on loudspeaker," Chibs whispered. Jax did just that. It was silence on the other end of the line. "I see you got out of that one. How did you do it Mr Teller?" Volkov mumbled. He had a gun to his head. "We have our own special forces," Jax replied, winking at Courtney. "I should maybe look into those special forces next time huh?" "There won't be a next time," Jax grinned, waiting for the sound of gunshots. Bang. Bang. Bang. "And the hunter becomes the hunted once again," Bobby cheered. "Let's go home everybody!" Chucky called out from the van. "CHUCKY!" They all exclaimed, running over to him.
Juice hobbled behind everyone, trying to avoid any contact with Happy. "Juice!" Courtney called out from behind him. He turned around but we wish he didn't. "How's that leg doing?" Courtney asked. "Painkillers haven't worn off yet," he replied, looking at her but not looking at Happy.
Happy glared at him. Courtney noticed. "Dad, don't do this now. If it wasn't for Juice, everyone would be blown up into smitherines!" She exclaimed. "It's because of him, you could have been blown up too!" he replied. "I'm sorry Happy," he mumbled. "No Juice. Don't be. He's just unappreciative," she said. "Courtney, the only thing I could think about when I was stuck in that room was you. How is being concerned for your daughter unappreciative?" "Dad, we're alive. Everyone is in one piece. It's over. Time to move on." Happy didn't want to give in but Courtney was right. He bit his lip and glanced back at the warehouse. "Did you really detonate that huge ass group of bags over there?" he asked. "Yep," she replied. "I am so proud of you," he smiled with a change of heart. "Least I could do." Happy looked up at Juice. "Thanks brother," he whispered giving him a hug. Juice was shocked by the change of heart. "All good Hap." "Alright. Alright. Don't squash me. I'm human too," Courtney called out from under Happy's arm. "Group hug!" Chibs called out, rushing over to them. "Oh God no. Get me out of here," Courtney laughed as she managed to release herself from their grip.
She jogged over to Tig. "How's that arm doing?" She wondered. "Only a flesh wound. All I can say is I'm glad it's not my ass for once," he commented. "Wow, too much detail," she replied. "Sorry," he apologized. "Did you get shot or something?" "Yeah. When one of Russki Chechens clocked your dad I was about to get him but then he shot me...or tried to anyway," he explained. "Even I have better aim than that." "Yeah. Did you really defuse that stack over there?" "Yes. I did actually," she smiled. "How the hell did you even know what it was?" "My mom dated a bomb disposal sergeant for two years. Marines," she answered. "I was in the Marines back in the day," he added. "I know," she stated. "How? What?" "I do communicate with my father." "Right. Fair enough." "But yeah, this guy taught me a whole heap of stuff." "Well, I know who to call next time in this situation."
"How did you drive with a busted leg?" Chibs asked Juice. "I didn't." "Then how did you get here so quickly? Chucky can't drive." "Yeah...Courtney drove here too.... Happy- that daughter of yours is one crazy ass driver," Juice mentioned. "What do you expect? Like father like daughter," Chibs laughed. "I don't know whether to be proud or pissed off," Happy stated. "Proud brother. Not everyone's daughter knows how to pull off the shit she did today. Pfft. My one- doesn't even know how to turn a switch on!" Happy smiled. He was proud. Very proud.
"Let's head home boys!" Chucky announced, beeping the horn of the van. The boys thanked the one-niners and Mayans one more time and then headed home. "Tara can patch you up Tiggy," Jax mentioned as Tig jumped into the back of the van. Chibs, Happy and Bobby helped put Tig's bike in the back too. "I'm driving!" Courtney announced. "No. Get someone else to drive," Happy ordered. "I will. Everyone here who hasn't got a bike is incapable of driving. You have Popeye here and Fingerless over there!" Courtney pointed out. "Fine. Just don't do the erratic driving thing Juice told me about," Happy replied. "Well sorry for not being a Sunday driver and allowing you all to be blown up," she snapped back. "You're gonna use that against me now aren't you?" Happy realised. Courtney nodded. "Damn. Fine. I expect all four of you back in one piece," he added. "I'll do my best dad," she grinned. "Why does that scare me?" "We're good. Don't worry." "Alright. I'll see you soon," he said, kissing her on the forehead. "Bye."
"Do you guys ever have music in this thing?" Courtney wondered as they drove down the highway. "Well, not really no," Chucky replied. "Car trips without music are boring. Here connect my phone," she instructed. "Juice," Chucky denounced. It was a tiny little bit difficult for him to plug in the chord. "Sorry, but I'm not listening to Justin Bieber and those singers," Tig mentioned. Courtney pressed down on the breaks in the middle highway. She then drove to the side of the road. "What the hell was that for?" Juice, Tig and Chucky jeered. "Do not. Ever. Ever! Insult my music taste. Ok. Do not- stereotype me. You do that again- you will beg for your mothers. Got me?" Courtney declared. Juice, Tig and Chucky were taken aback. She was Happy's daughter. "Sorry," they all mumbled. "Now we got that covered- put on some Bon Jovi thanks," she ordered. "Yes ma'am," Juice replied. "Let's keep moving fellas."
Juice daintily glanced at Courtney. He was love-struck. She was beautiful, she was smart, she was tough- she was perfect. Actually beyond perfection. He followed every movement she made as she sang along to In These Arms by Bon Jovi. The lyrics summed up how he felt. His deep thoughts were halted by Tig's out of tune vocals.
"I'D HOLD YA! I'D NEED YA! I'D GET DOWN ON MY KNEES FOR YOU!" They sang. Juice joined in to try to act normal. Courtney tapped the steering wheel to the beat. The roar of the Harley Davidsons mounted behind them. "Open the windows Juicy," she ordered. He did as she asked. "Sing it boys," she laughed as she noticed Jax leading the rest of the crew by the van's right.
Jax rode up by Courtney's side of the window. "Bon Jovi ay?" he called out. "Only the best," she replied. "Turn it up. These boys love a good song." Courtney turned the volume knob to the max. "That's the way," Jax laughed, lifting his fist in the air and over-taking the van. Chibs rode past singing along to the song. "Put some Elvis on too," Bobby mentioned. "Sure thing," Courtney replied. Happy rode up next to her. "You are unbelievable," Happy stated. Courtney smiled and over exaggerated the her singing which was met by Chucky's air-guitaring and Juice and Tig's Richie Sambora and Tico Torres impersonations. Happy shook his head and rode on. The boys following behind him sang along to the words of the song.
"Next song please!" Tig cheered. He was enjoying himself. "Oh shit! Change it!" Courtney urged as Acapella by Karmin came on. "Nah. Nah. No stereotypes huh?" Tig teased. "Well it's not Bieber," she replied. "Right. It's pop music though." "Well, it will youthen you lot up. Age is getting to a few of you," she returned the teasing. "You are a cheeky one," Chucky joked. No one ended up changing it. Even Juice knew the song. So did Rat and Jax. The three of them sang along to the song as Tig, Chibs and Happy tried to jazz up their hand moves.
Juice kept staring at the way Courtney was dancing. Damn she was sassy, he thought. The song stopped for a second because it was the video version. It took Juice out of love struck mode again.
"NEVER MIND BRING THE BEAT BACK!" Courtney quoted. Tig pointed to her. "Damn girl. No boy is messing with you," he commented. Courtney laughed as she kept singing.
"Juice, put some Elvis on," Courtney instructed. "Alright," he replied, picking up her phone to look through the songs. Of course, he picked Can't Help Falling in Love With You......by the A*Teens. "Elvis brother. Not teeny boppers of the 90s," Tig scoffed. "Can't help falling in love with you is an Elvis song!" Juice replied. "DON"T CHANGE IT! THIS IS MY CHILDHOOD!" Courtney exclaimed. "Whatever boss," Tig surrendered.
Bobby heard the words. It was still an Elvis song at the end of the day. He lifted his hand up and gave a thumbs up. Courtney tooted in reply.
"Take my hand!" Tig mocked. "TAKE MY WHOLE LIFE TOO!" Courtney sang. "BUT I CAN'T HELP FALLING IN LOVE WITH YOU!" Juice sang, subtly aiming it at Courtney. Tig noticed and slapped him on the arm. Courtney noticed too and smiled to herself. "TAKE MY HAND! TAKE MY WHOLE LIFE TOO! FOR I CAN'T HELP FALLING IN LOVE WITH YOU!" She sang in response."Alright. That's enough. You two. Stop this thing you got going right now. RIGHT NOW!" Tig ordered. Juice and Courtney smiled at each other cheekily. "What?" Courtney wondered. "THIS! THIS whole I can't help falling in love with you bullshit. It has got to stop!" He explained. "What? Can't two friends confess how much they love each other? Jesus. Not everything is about relationships Trager," Courtney stated, getting her and Juice out of trouble. Juice's eyes widened. That whole argument did not tarnish the tiniest little love he had for her. "Yeah Tig," he choked. Tig had no response. "I'm watching the two of you," he acknowledged. "You do that," Courtney smiled. She glanced over to Juice and he winked back. "HA! Did you see that Chucky?" Tig exclaimed. "See what? Man in Motion is on right now?" Chucky replied. "Agh Jesus Christ. I'm talking to your father," Tig announced. "You do that," Courtney smiled.
"I actually love this song!" Courtney exclaimed. She looked ahead of her at the muscly machines riding in front of her. "Damn! This song suits you guys!" she added. "It's a fantastic hit," Tig commented. Jax and Happy pumped their fists in the air as the motorcade raced down the highway with the music blaring. They sang their way home as they pulled through the streets of Charming.
Courtney pulled into the back carpark of the clubhouse. "Never have I been so happy to be back here," Tig mentioned. "I think everyone can agree."
Suddenly Gemma burst through the back door. Tara followed behind her. "Gemma!" Courtney called out. "Oh my god! What happened to you all? Is everyone alright?" Gemma asked repeatedly as she hugged Courtney. "Yeah. Everyone's fine. Tig got a bit of a flesh wound but he's right," she explained. "I'll fix it up. Where's Jax?" Tara wondered. "They're coming now," I replied. "I'm so happy everyone is ok now. We were so worried," Gemma stated. "We're fine now," Tig assured as he wrapped his good arm around Gemma. "I'm glad baby. Why don't you head inside and get patched up," she suggested. "That sounds like a great idea," he agree and walked inside. Chucky followed after him.
"How you doing Juice?" Gemma asked him as she hugged him too. "Good. Good. Leg's sore. But good," he replied. "This one didn't do anything to stupid did she?" "Let's just say she saved everyone," he answered. "Saved everyone? Why? How? What?" she quizzed. "Not my story to tell," he replied.
The roar of the Harleys came booming through the carpark. All the boys parked their bikes in their usual spots. Jax ran up to Tara the second he saw her. "I love you," he whispered in her ear. "I love you too," she replied, kissing him. "What happened?" she asked. "Courtney saved us," he answered, looking over to Courtney who was being teased by Chibs and Bobby about the music. "Jax...baby....what did she save you from?" Jax stared at the ground, flashbacks of the days previous events circled in his mind. His eyes began to water. "Jax? Baby? What's wrong?" He regained his composure. Being with Tara and thinking of the boys made him realise how close they were to losing him. He looked back at his wife. "If it wasn't for her, all of the boys would not be here right now," he explained simply. "Jax? Why?" she asked worriedly, running her hands through his hair. "The Russian Chechens stabbed us in the back, wired the place up and left us 67 minutes to figure out our last words. The outside building was wired and so was the room we were stuck in. Courtney had some feeling so her Juice, the Mayans and One Niners turned up, Courtney defuse the bombs and now we are here," he described. "Oh my God," she sighed, wrapping her arms around his neck. "We're here now. That's the main thing," he assured. "Don't do that to me again," she added. "I won't."
"Hey mamma," Nero smiled as he saw Gemma. "Missed you today," Gemma replied. "Missed you too. You don't know how happy I am to see you," he stated. "What happened there baby?" "That young lady saved us all," he explained, pointing to Courtney who was standing with Happy. Gemma looked over to her and back at Nero, confused. "What do you mean?" She asked, half pleading for an answer. "She saved us Gem. The Russian Chechens back stabbed us and then that one came to save the day," he told her. She watched Happy tease his daughter, noticing the swelling across his face. "Holy shit," she murmured. "What?" "She was right. Today, she had this feeling something went wrong at the warehouse. She said she had a kind of throbbing pain....in her right cheek....right across here." Nero spotted the bruising. "Shit. One of the russki Chechens clocked Happy across the face with a rifle," Nero mentioned. "That's some crazy father daughter telepathy shit right there," Gemma muttered.
"She defused two bombs too," he decided to quickly add. "WHAT?" Gemma shrieked. "Yep."
"Courtney!" Tara called out. Courtney turned around at the call of her name. Tara did not say a single word to her as she ambled her way towards her family's saviour. "Thank you," she whispered as she hugged her. "All cool," Courtney replied, realising the situation. "We owe you everything. I don't what I would have done if I lost him....or any of these guys for that matter," Tara added. "Why do you think I went? Wasn't gonna let this one get out of fatherhood that easily," Courtney joked. "Hey! That's not fair," Happy grumbled. Her and Tara laughed. Tara walked up to Happy and hugged him too. "Thank you- for giving us her," she smiled. "The only good thing I've ever done in my life," he replied, smiling to himself. "Alright. Alright. Lets get these 'men in motion' inside and patched up. You might want an ice pack on your face dad. You're starting to looking like that creepy panda in those cheese ads," Courtney exclaimed. "Panda? Really? Tara, I don't look like a panda do I?" Happy wondered. "Well.... The bruising is in a...uh....bit of an awkward spot...and... I think....yeah just out ice on it," Tara concluded. "Great. I'm a panda now. Is that my next tattoo?" Courtney glanced at her father with a cheeky grin. Happy had to double take his daughter's grin. "No. I was joking... No way. Not Panda tattoo," he argued. "It'll fit right in.." She counter argued. "Panda yeah....I'll be that Panda in the cheese ad when I knock you out," he laughed, lifting his daughter over his shoulder. She let out a little shriek which then turned into constant pleas to be put. Those pleas were falling on deaf ears.
"Alright. Listen up everyone!" Chibs called out. The club rooms turned to silence. Jax jumped up on the bar bench with Thomas in his arms. Courtney sat next to Tig and Nero, who were teasing her about music again. Juice sat at the bar, trying to convince himself to not love Courtney but it was failing miserably. Happy stood around with Chibs, Rat and Bobby. "Ok. Just a quick speech. I think after the day we had- we need a few words," he began. "After today, nobody's complaining about them words," Nero called out jokingly, making the club room erupt in chuckles. "See. It taught you a lesson to listen. Anyway, today, was one of the hardest days I can remember for the club. For once, we didn't know if we would be able to get out of the mess we were in. And for a minute- we thought we were....we were never gonna see the people we love again. Never going to talk to them. Never going to hug them. Never going to see their smile. For a minute, we thought everything we had fought for as a club and as a family, was going to be drawn to an end in that warehouse," Jax continued, taking a few seconds to compose himself, kissing Thomas. The room was silent. Everyone stared at the ground. Tara subtly wiped her eyes of her tears. "As we sat in that room, we knew how lucky we were to have lived the life we had and how blessed we were to call everyone here our family. Our prayers worked and a miracle occurred. And that miracle saved all of us and allowed us to be here tonight. She defused the two time bombs and saved us. This miracle, only recently joined our family. She's sitting right over there and I can speak for everyone here now, that we owe everything to you Courtney. I can't even begin to say how glad I was when I saw you walk through that room's door. We owe our lives to you Courtney and we are glad to have you as a part of our family. To Courtney!" "To Courtney!" Everyone repeated.
Courtney felt so embarrassed. She hated being in the limelight. "Yeah you go Chica," Nero teased, putting his arm around her. "Thanks baby," Tig smiled, kissing her on the cheek. "I wasn't gonna let you get out of me kicking your ass in the ring that easy," she joked. "I love her man," Nero stated to Tig. "Same here," Tig agreed. Amongst the teasing, Courtney noticed Happy glancing at her. "I'll be back in a second guys," she muttered and walked over to her father.
"Hey baby, hows it going?" He asked her as she came up to him. "Great!" She exclaimed. He put his arm around her. "I don't think I've thanked you enough?" He whispered to her. "What for?" "For everything. Mainly today, but for everything. I'm proud you're MY daughter." "I'm proud to be your daughter," she smiled, wrapping her arms around him. He kissed her on the head and smiled.
"And it's the hero herself," Chibs announced as he strolled over towards the father and daughter. "It wasn't only me! Juice helped get you guys out too," Courtney clarified. "JUICEY BOY!" Chibs called out to Juice. Juice went over to join them. "Now we have two heroes in one place." "Two? There's only one and that's Courtney. She's the one that defused the bombs not me," Juice reiterated. "How would I have done that without you telling me the address?" "But you're the one that did the stuff to save everyone!" "It was a team effort!" "No. You are the hero! Don't shine the glory on someone else." Courtney looked deep into Juice's eyes. He was being so sincere and meaningful. "Shots... For the both of ya," Chibs decided. "I'm 17 but ok," Courtney muttered. "You're with family. Who cares?" Happy smiled. Chibs handed the two shots of Ireland's finest. "To Juice and Courtney," he declared. "To juice and Courtney," the surrounding people repeated. Something about the combination of their names made Happy flinch. He felt like he had a flashback of the future....like a déjà vu moment in the making. It stuck with him and annoyed the hell out of him too.
Juice and Courtney sculled the shots. Juice flinched at the strength. Courtney stood like she had had a sip of water. "3 more years and you'll be drinking these boys under the table," Chibs announced. "No she won't," Happy replied. "Woah hoooo hoooooooah! Happy my brother, you are a changed man," Chibs joked. He grinned. "My baby girl ain't outclassing anyone in anything unclassy," he answered. "You did not just say what I think you just said," Jax wondered as he was in earshot distance. "What? I ain't letting no animals near my daughter. She ain't going out with nobody. She's gonna finish her schooling and she sure as hell gonna find a good job before she even thinks about going near any guys," Happy declared. "Amen to that," Chibs laughed. "I'm gonna leave you guys to it," Courtney muttered, sneaking away from their shock.
Courtney thought about looking for Juice but he was nowhere to be seen inside. She decided to check out in the car park. Walking outside, she saw the headlights of a bike turn on, accompanied by the gush of the exhaust firing up. Of course it was Juice. "Juice!" She yelled out but he didn't hear her. Courtney stood in the centre of the car park, watching Juice ride off out of the compound.
An hour later, Happy and Courtney headed home. She loved riding on the bike at night. There was a peace and serenity to the darkness.
"I'm heading to bed. I'm so tired I feel like I could fall asleep on needles," she stated. "Thats a great thought," Happy joked. "Yeah. Really is. Anyway, good night daddy. Make sure to go to bed too," she ordered. "Yeah I will. Good night gorgeous," he replied. She began to walk off when he decided to call her back. "Courtney?" "Yeah?" "I know you're tired.....but can....you sit here for a few more minutes?" He wondered awkwardly. "Sure!" "Thank you," he mumbled. Courtney plonked herself down next to her dad. "What's up?" She asked. "Nothing. It's just....no....don't worry...." He muttered. "Today isn't it?" She realised. Happy sat forward and and leaned his face in his hands, nodding to the assumption. "Dad, it's over. It's not going to happen again," she assured. "The only thing I thought about in that room was you. You were the only thing I worried and cared about. If it wasn't for you, I don't think I would've cared about being blown up. But you kept me going. I didn't want to lose you and I didn't want what we have to be over before it really started," he explained. "I know dad. It's ok. I felt this. That's what lead me to you guys. I want going to let you give up easily. You're the only proper family I've got..I've ever really had. I didn't want to lose you either. Never do," she responded. "You're perfect," he smiled. "I love you dad." "I love you too sweetheart." Courtney rested her head on her day's chest and fell asleep.
Happy didn't want t move from where he was. He wished he could stay like that forever. But in reality, he couldn't because they would then have to pay for medical bills for back pain. Happy picked his daughter up and carried her to her room. She was so delicate and fragile when she was asleep. The only thing he could think of was how he never wanted to miss another moment with her. He already missed too much and he wasn't going to miss out on anymore. Happy placed Courtney in her bed and covered her with the sheets. "Goodnight baby girl," he whispered and kissed her on the forehead. He tiptoed out of her room so he wouldn't wake her. Closing the door, he glanced back at the angel that was daughter and smiled to himself. Chibs was right, he was a changed man. A changed man for the better. He crashed back on the couch and fell asleep soon after.