Back To You

Heading Out

It was still dark outside when my eyes fluttered open. I hadn't even moved yet, but I could already feel the tension in my neck and shoulders from tossing and turning all night. I didn't get but maybe two hours of sleep, but I mean, how could I rest when my mind wouldn't shut down? My thoughts were too consumed with the plan, the risks, how I didn't want any anything to go wrong. I reached over to grab my phone off the nightstand, and checked the time to see that it was 3:07am. I had set my alarm for 3:30, but I guess I didn't need it. My body knew what today was.

It was the day we were heading out to Belfast, to meet with the IRA. Tomorrow we would make our presence known to Clay, and the thought of seeing the look of shock on his face when he saw us, was enough motivation for me to get up and get ready. I tossed the covers off and sat up in bed, running my hand over my face before getting up and shuffling over to the restroom.

The light hurt my eyes, when I flicked it on, but I didn't mind, as it helped to wake me up completely. I went through my usual morning routine, showering, brushing my teeth, washing my face, and pulling my short hair back into a tight ponytail. I was gonna keep it up the whole time, so that I wasn't worried about anything but what we were there to do. I threw on a pair of black leggings, a tank top, and a light hoodie. Something simple, and comfortable for the 13hour flight.

After getting dressed, I headed to the kitchen and grabbed a quick breakfast... A blueberry muffin, a banana, and a berry smoothie. I wasn't exactly hungry, but I knew I needed to keep my energy up. As I ate, my eyes darted to the backpack and duffel bag I had packed the night before, sitting by the door, ready to go. Inside them were all the things I would need for this trip. Gaalen's money, my toiletries, a change of clothes, my pistol, some ammo, a neck pillow, and a blanket for the plane. I'd thought of everything, keeping in mind that this trip wasn't a vacation. We were there to get shit done and get out.

Once I finished my breakfast, I quickly washed out my smoothie cup. Then I grabbed my keys off the counter, and slung my bag over my shoulder, before heading out.

When I walked into the clubhouse, I spotted Piney in his usual spot at the bar, watching the news on the tv that was mounted on the wall, probably thinking about what he wanted to drink. He wasn't suiting up or making any moves to get ready like the rest of the guys, so it made me wonder if he was staying behind.

"You're not going or what, old man?" I asked, as I walked up to him, and he shook his head, tapping his oxygen tank.

"Not unless you want the plane to explode...Besides, someone's gotta stay behind and look after Gemma."

I raised an eyebrow. "She's not coming, either?" I asked and he shook his head again.

"Doesn't even know what's going on. Just thinks the boys are going on a regular run til tomorrow. Chibs thought it best she didn't know, given her past with Clay, so we haven't spoken on it with her." Piney said, and I nodded in understanding.

"Yeah it's probably for the best that she doesn't know... A reunion with Clay probably wouldn't be good on her heart anyway." I said just as the chapel doors opened, and Chibs walked out. The energy in the room immediately shifted, and everyone was dead serious now, no more wisecracks or half smirks. The chatter in the clubhouse suddenly died down, as everyone naturally waited for Chibs to speak. I leaned with my back against the bar, crossing my arms, as I watched him look around, scanning over each of us like he was taking a mental roll call.

"Everyone got everythin' they need? Guns, ammo, a change of clothes?" He looked at each of the guys, and everyone gave a small nod or a grunt of confirmation. He turned to me next.

"You got the money, lass?" He asked, and I nodded, tapping the duffel bag that was slung over my shoulder.

"200k... Just like the Kings asked for." I replied, and he gave me a quick nod.