Back To You

Plan In Motion

Maureen

Three days had passed, but Maureen Ashby's mind was still reeling from the phone call with Elise. The girl's voice had been calm but full of urgency, as she laid bare the details behind why Clay really came to Ireland two years ago. The son of a bitch had framed John's boy, Jax... Got him sentenced to death. Same way he had taken John's life years before. The thought brewed in Maureen's head like a dark storm. John Teller had been a part of her, a piece of her heart that had never fully healed after his death, and now to hear that his son was suffering at the hands of the same man who betrayed him? It felt like a fresh wound being doused in rubbing alcohol.

She couldn't let it slide. She told the girl she'd see what she could do, but she wasn't even sure where to start. How was she going to carry out a plan that would bring down a man as dangerous as Clay Morrow, especially with the IRA providing him protection?

It was late now, long past dark, and after a long day at the shop, dealing with customers, and shipments, Maureen found herself closing up the shop and heading out. There was only one person she could talk to about this. Her brother, Kellan.

The streets of Belfast were quiet, as she made her way to the church. Kellan would still be there, as he always was. The church was always more than just a place of prayer for him, it was his safe haven. Somewhere he could go to escape from the burdens of the outside world.

The large wooden doors creaked open, and the dim light from the candles lining the altar flickered against the stone walls. It was past nine, and the pews were empty. The church was quiet, and the only sound was the echo of her footsteps as she walked slowly down the aisle.

Kellan looked up as she approached. "Mo." He said softly. "What are ye doin' here this late?"

Maureen sighed, sliding into the pew next to him. "I came to vent, I suppose. Too much on my mind, and I Couldn't keep it to myself any longer."

Kellan raised a brow, turning his full attention to her. "What is it?"

For a moment, Maureen didn't answer. She stared at the altar, trying to gather her thoughts before speaking. It wasn't easy. Talking about John never was. Even after all these years.

"I miss him..." She whispered. "John."

Kellan let out a slow breath, and his shoulders relaxed a bit. He knew what John meant to her, what his loss had done to her heart.

"Aye, Mo... I do too." He said gently. "But ye can't keep lettin' the past weigh on ye. It's been years."

"It's not just the past, Kellan." Maureen said sharply, before finally turning to look at her brother.

"Clay Morrow... He framed John's son. The one meant to carry on what John left behind. And Ye're protectin' that bastard." Her voice wavered as the words spilled out, making her frustration clear.

Kellan frowned deeply. "Clay Framed Jax? What are ye talkin' about, Maureen?"

"I spoke to a girl, Elise. From over in the states. She claims to be Jax's ex ol lady. Told me Clay killed her ma, and set Jax up for the murder of some officer, and that's why he's here... hidin' from the club. They've locked Jax up, and Clay's sittin' here in Ireland, protected by the IRA like nothin's happened. I feel terrible because it all stemmed from John's letters I slipped into Jax's bag back when they came here lookin' fer Jessica."

Kellan remained quiet, but his face remained thoughtful. He folded his hands in his lap, processing what Maureen was telling him.

Maureen took a breath, trying to relieve some of the tightness in her chest. "This can't stand, Kellan. We owe John better than this. Jax deserves better than this."