Strays

I'll Protect You

Chapter Two

Wendy's Apartment

Jaycee

This boy better be thanking his lucky stars that I love him. I had to slip past everyone at TM and get Nero to lend me his car. I don't enjoy playing fast and loose like this. Getting the groceries I just bought I head up to Wendy's apartment.

Doing the secret knock I hear shuffling on the other side of the door. It opens a crack and I see half of Juice's face in it. He opens it all the way and lets me in. 

" I'm pretty sure I got everything. " I say setting the bags on the kitchen table. 

He gives a small smile. " Thanks. I've been living off of bread and water for the last two days. " 

" No offense, but you look like shit. " I say giving him a once over. " When was the last time you slept? " 

He shrugs. " I can't remember. I have to be on guard at all times. " 

" If you don't sleep you're going to be delirious. It's going to make you more paranoid than you need to be. " I tell him as I start taking food out of the paper bags.

Huffing he snips, " and how paranoid should I be? I'm running from literal death. " 

" Paranoia from lack of sleep is going to make you sloppy. " I say putting my hands on his shoulders and turning him around. " Go lay down and I'll make you a hot meal. "

He turns back around to argue but I snap my fingers and point to the couch. " Go! " 

Heaving a huge sigh he finally does as he's told. He knows better than to argue with me. Especially since I'm putting my ass and possibly life on the line to help him. 

I know what you're thinking... Jaycee, why are you helping a rat? 

Well... Aunt Gemma is in on it as well. They won't tell me exactly why but it really doesn't matter at this point. It's such a long story that I barely know where to begin telling it. The short version is that he's my best friend. In every sense of the word. Having lost so much recently, I'm not willing to lose him too. I don't care what he did. 

I watch him lay there until I'm sure he has fallen asleep. Then I start searching for a pan so I cook the ground beef I bought. His favorite meal is spaghetti, especially mine so that's what I'm going to make. The upside is that I always make enough for an army so at least I know he'll be well fed for at least a few days. 

Jax

We're stopped at a fruit and veggie stand waiting for Jury and his guys to show up. This war is just getting started and today is the day we start dismantling Lin's business piece by piece. 

Hearing motorcycles coming closer I nod at Chibs and Bobby and we meet them.

" Hey, bro. " Jury says as we hug. 

Patting his back I say, " appreciate you coming ".

" Good to see you home. " He says pulling back. " I know how deep this is for you, brother. Indian hills has got your back. What happened to Tara... That shit should never happen. I'm sorry. "

I nod because what else am I supposed to do? Tara was my world and I'm tired of hearing condolences. " Yeah. Thank you. 

" I just need to let my crew know what else you're gonna need from us. We've been doing some muling for the Vegas triads into Mexico. " He says and I know the position he's putting himself in.

Jury was one of my father's closest friends. I would never ask him to put his ass on the line like this. " Look, Jury, striking back at the Chinese is Redwood's war. If you're worried about blowback reaching Nevada... "