Henry Lin is dead. Killed by a soon-to-be-dead rat from a rival group, for a heinous crime he never considered committing. The Chinese have already taken their payback from the traitor, leaving emotional cuts on him that will scar and never fade away. Still unknown to them the real perpetrators remain far outside the prison's walls, planning on cleansing any trace of the triads from their Mayberry town.
Flashes of Lin's murder filter across Juice's eyes, sharp metal cutting through skin like butter, crimson waves coating Juice's arms and spattering his front, Lin's body laid slack on the floor with dead eyes staring at him, accusingly. Afterward, he headed back to his cellblock in a daze. The officers left a new uniform out for him, at least that small mercy was granted. Once he changed, he noticed a layer of dried blood coating his hands, picking each fragment off took under an hour but he continued to scratch, clawing away at his hands like a twisted imitation of Lady Macbeth.
And now he sits before Samcro's king. With his eyes lowered passively, he informs Jax of Lin's passing, of his own success. Finally glancing up, he expects to see pride or at least mercy but catching Jax's eyes his stomach drops at the pure hatred glistening from them. Jax's next words shatter all hope Juice naively possessed. Jax knew about the lie. The lie that entered the world on the day of Tara's passing, born from the need to protect the only mother Juice has ever known, the lie that started a war. Entangled in his own web of deception Juice knows the truth needs to be released into the world. So, somewhat belatedly, he tells the truth, knowing it will free him from this tragic excuse of a life and save Jax from the agony of not knowing his wife's killer.
Juice's revelation hangs heavily in the air before Jax makes his next statement. ''Bobby's in hospital. Mark's guys grabbed him the day after you came here. He won't ride again.'' Guilt gnaws at Juice; till all he wants is to beg for forgiveness. There'll be no opportunity for that though, not when Jax refuses to listen. Jax adds one more lie before leaving,'' It'll be quick'' he says not sparing Juice a glance on his way out.
Less than a day after his conversation with Jax, Juice is released from isolation. Unser and Jarry have already paid him a visit trying to convince him that they could help in return for his cooperation. Unser had already offered his support weeks ago and that didn't work out, his worry seemed to be genuine though. Juice has always been vulnerable to men like Unser, older guys who in another life could have taken the role of the father he never had, that's why he spent months at Clay's beck and call after his injury. So whilst Juice never warns Unser directly, in fear of being seen as more of a traitor to Samcro than he already is, he does suggest they should be finding Gemma. After all, at least a couple of people should be allowed to find an ounce happiness or at least peace in the tragedy of Tara's death.
Walking through the cafeteria he wonders if Unser will grieve over his death, although its inconsequential. In six months time Unser will be dead too and there won't be a soul to left on this planet who will mourn him, not the Sons, not his two sisters who he hasn't spoken to in what's approaching a decade and certainly not Chibs. He notices the Chinese watching him as he makes his way to the AB's table. They'll be expecting him to complete their task, to dispose of Tully in return for his own life. Little do they know that Juice has his own plan.
''We need to talk. Alone'' Juice says once he arrives at the table, standing directly in front of Tully. With a slight indication of his head, Tully sends the rest of the table on their way, a flash of envy hits Juice, what it must be like to be more than just a pawn on the chessboard. Perching down on the seat opposite Tully he dives straight into conversation, ''The Chinese aren't real happy about Lin.''
Scanning over Juice's battered appearance Tully replies, ''Clearly not.''
''They want me to kill you.''
''Makes sense... You do realize you've lost the element of surprise.''
''I know Jax has tasked you with killing me. And if the Chinese do it, it could impact your relationship with the MC. '' Juice glances around after speaking before reaching down picking up his scalpel, its ice-cold in his trembling palm and he tries not to think of what it'll feel like when it's sliding into his flesh, cutting all life from within him. He lays it on the table directly in front of Tully. Just for a moment, he looks surprised before it's covered with his usual cool indifference. Juice speaks what will be his final words, ''Just let me finish my pie.''
A riot is started seconds before Juice finishes eating, it starts between the AB and Chinese before expanding as quickly as a raging forest fire, blocking the sight of Juice and Tully from guards posted around the room. Everything feels painfully clear once Juice has gotten up, cherry pie resting in his stomach, every movement of the people around him is vivid in his eyes. He doesn't tremble when he walks with Tully to a quieter part of the floor. Tully wraps one arm tightly around Juice once he's turned, in his other hand the shiv gleams in the light as its raised, before it plunges down, blood spurts out as the blade slices through the skin under Juice's collarbone. It'll leave a scar Tully will always be remembered by, a claim to Juice but not fatal.
Tully leans forward whilst simultaneously holding Juice's body up ''I'm afraid that it's not your time just yet, sweetheart.'' he murmurs before giving him a slight nudge forward, whilst nodding at one of the AB members to escort him out of harm's way. Juice allows himself to be pulled along without resistance still in shock from brushing fingertips with Mr. Mayhem, he grips the wound, warm blood leaking through shaking fingers.
