Blood and Water

Chapter 98: When the Music's Over

When the Music's Over - The Doors

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When Chibs got to Red Woody, the rest of the club was there waiting for Jax. No one had heard from him since the night prior. They sat and watched the newest film as Lyla was shooting it. Chibs hopped up on the counter, setting an ashtray in between his feet. 

When Jax walked in, Chibs slightly nodded, looking down at the ground. He walked over to T.O who was sitting at one of the back tables. Once Jax was close to him, he stood up to greet him.

"You good?" Jax smiled.

"Yeah," T.O sighed, clapping Jax's back. 

Chibs said, "We're all set here, Jackie."

"Alright," he said, turning back to T.O. "Hang out. We'll let you know how it goes."

He nodded, "I'm here, brother."

Tig said, "Enjoy the rehearsal."

The club walked into the back room, waiting for Jax. He walked in a few minutes later. As he sat down, he asked, "Where are we at with Tyler?"

Chibs shrugged, "Well, he's left messages for Connor, but hasn't heard anything back."

"Gave him a time and place," Happy said. "Lowry Field, ten o'clock."

Jax said, "Let's go early, talk to Tyler. Make sure the Niners are moving on those Chinese blocks."

"I'll let him know."

Tig sighed, "Hey, boss. We heard that Hench and Monroe are still in town. We're all kinda wondering why."

"Yeah," Chibs sighed, leaning forward. "We gotta know, Jackie, what went down with this forum."

"I got their recommendation," Jax said, "I'm still thinking about it. Trying to figure out what's best for the club. You'll know soon, alright? Right now, let's vote on something that actually makes sense," he smiled. "T.O." Everyone tapped the table as Ratboy stood up to get a cut. "I talked to Packer and the others. I told them, it's a charter by charter choice. They don't have to like it, but I need support from club leaders. This can't cause any kind of exodus. We need this to land. And they agreed."

Chibs said, "Beautiful." Turning towards the rest of the club, he said, "Then, I nominate Taddarius Orwell Cross...Jesus Christ...for the SAMCRO patch."

Tig laughed and raised his hand. "I second it."

Jax asked, "All in favor?" The guys cheered and hit the tabletop. "Any discussion or dissent?"

"His name is Taddarius?" Ratboy asked.

"Call him that and see what happens," Quinn chuckled. 

Tig said, "He should have the top rocker, my brother. T.O should not be prospecting. I mean, he led the Bastards for a decade now."

"And what he's done for us the past few weeks..." Chibs sighed, trailing off.

Jax nodded, "Agreed. He waits a year before he can hold an office, he should be a full patch." They all nodded in agreement.

"So?" Chibs asked, gesturing to the club. "We're all good with that?" They cheered and hit the table again. 

"Well, go get him," Jax sighed.

Ratboy stood and went to the door. Looking out into the studio, he called, "Taddarius?" Tig started cracking up laughing. "Come on in."

T.O said, "Unless I came out of your godd*mn womb, don't ever call me that. You dig little indie biker boy?" Chibs chuckled, covering his face with his hand. Ratboy gestured into the room.