Meanwhile, Jax heads over to Piney's impressive spread. (Seriously: It's all river rock walls and a gorgeous hardwood porch, and it is the most persuasive argument for crime I have ever seen on this show.) Piney and his firearm inquire as to whether or not Jax is "on task, or is this a social call?" Jax says he's just checking in. Naturally, Piney does NOT take this opportunity to tell Jax about the existence of the letters, because heaven forfend anyone on this show communicate useful information in a timely manner. Instead, he just spouts more twaddle about Saint John Teller. Jax isn't having it, and he shouts at Piney that he does agree that the club has lost its way, but believing one man can change that dysfunction is ridiculously arrogant and/or suicidal. Piney shouts, "Defeat is not what killed your father!" but does not add, "It was Clay and Gemma" ...because I guess the breakfast tequila has killed the portion of his brain that used to exercise common sense? Jax then babbles something about how "this" isn't about Clay, but about Jax figuring out what he has to do today to stay alive to tomorrow, and he's doing it for his family. Piney once again invokes JT, and honestly, if he's going to burnish JT's halo with "he's the best man I ever knew, and before you let him die, you should know that for yourself," then PASS ON THE FREAKIN' LETTERS ALREADY.

(Sweet fancy Moses, but Piney is a frustrating personality. He's a curdled romantic who can't live up to his own ideals, so he projects his disappointment onto everyone else when they turn out to be human too.)

Anyway, Jax leaves silently, since it's evident that he and Piney are never going to see eye to eye on this vote.

We go to the fundraiser. Roosevelt and Rita meet under a tree, and she bemoans the lack of success the fundraiser is having. Roosevelt tells her, "You went with your gut. You did something because you knew it was right." Rita moans, "I created tension between you and the mayor..." and Roosevelt grins, "Well, you know that's my favorite part. I love getting under that guy's skin." (Y'all, I like these two so much. They are Charming's new fun couple so far as I am concerned.) Clay then comes over with Gemma and says gently, "Mrs. Roosevelt? Excuse me? Uh, I was hoping I could say a few words to the folks and make a formal donation? Family friendly, I promise." Roosevelt looks at Rita all, "This is your call, babe," but Rita knows Gemma will have Clay's guts for garters if he messes with this, so she okays it. After Roosevelt stalks off, Gemma chirks up Clay with, "That went well," and kisses him. He grins at her in return. Clay is never happier than when he thinks his schemes are rolling along unimpeded.