𝐇𝐄𝐋𝐋 𝐂𝐀𝐓 / / 𝐉𝐉 𝐌𝐀𝐘𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐊

CHAPTER 19

Rixon's Cove was a hideaway that they had discovered long ago, her and John B to be more precise. The two had a habit of running away when they where younger, and this would where their parents would find them. It was a woodland area in the Cut, close to the marshes and near a large cave that had been blocked for as long as they could remember.

JJ had carried her all the way there and not complained once about her weighing him down, only finally setting the girl on her feet once they arrived at the fire pit. John B used some fire lighters to get the flames going, and soon they crowded round for warmth.

"So, like, my dad is already gonna kill me..." Pope said. "So what's this mandatory meeting about?"

Stella wondered that too and glanced over to John B for an answer. He remained silent at first, waiting until JJ reappeared from changing out of the tuxedo they had stolen from god knows where. He looked normal once again, more like JJ, and she found herself staring as he sat down next to her and passed her his sweatshirt. She eagerly put it on, pulling it over the dress she still wore and thanked him quietly.

Though she tried not to think to much into it, being the person that she was, Stella's mind kept wandering to the same question. Why the hell was JJ talking to Sarah Cameron? It was really bugging her, despite the fact that she had no right. Her main concern, although selfish, was wanting to know whether JJ had found out about her regular hookup's with Bohdi. She knew that she deserved the payback, if such was the case.

"Might as well tell him man," the blonde boy shrugged. "Before we're gaffed."

John B looked around the group. "You guys ready for this?"

"Talk about creating tension, JB." Stella snorted. "Just get on with it, dude."

He hid a smile. "So, the gold never went down with the Royal Merchant."

Pope rolled his eyes, upset that he had been dragged away from work and ultimately getting into trouble with his dad. "Oh, my god. Here we go again, with this."

"No, alright, wait." JJ pleaded. "Hear him out, alright?"

Stella wasn't sure what she thought about this whole treasure hunting situation they had going on at the moment. It was nice to believe that maybe they would find the treasure and become rich and all their problems would be solved, the same kinda nice how people believed in religion for a purpose of comfort. If she was being honest, she didn't believe in the treasure or religion. Stella was a pessimist, she had to be with how she had been brought up, combined with the tragedy that had hit her family heard, nobody could blame the girl. Yet, she sat quietly and kept her mouth shut for once as John B sat smugly opposite her. If this helped JB overcome the loss of his dad, then so be it.

"It's been here the whole time." He could hardly keep the grin from his face. "It's on the island."

"Are you serious?" Kiara looked around, still dressed head to toe in her Midsummers outfit, flower crown and all. "Oh my god!"

Pope held his hand up. "I'd like to voice my skepticism."

"Oh, god Pope." Stella covered her eyes, speaking quietly. "Can't you just let them have this one thing?"

"I'm sure you would, Pope." John B either didn't hear her or ignored her comment, and Stel was sure it was the latter. "But can I please present you with my evidence, sir?"

"Proceed."

"Alright, so!" John B jumped to his feet. "In my backpack I have a letter from Denmark Tanny."

"Who the hell's that?" Kie rushed her words, eager for their friend to get to the point.

"Denmark Tanny was a slave that survived the Royal Merchant wreck." JB unfolded the piece of paper in his hand, handing it to Kie. "Check this out?"