¥showing a willingness to take surprisingly bold risks¥
In which Jackie Routledge and her group of friends from the south side of Outer Banks try to have the summer of their lives, but end up it being filled with mystery, tragedy, risks, adventure...
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{Operation Liberation}
After Pope left, I grabbed my jacket, took the last bit of cash I had left in my room, and set off down the street in the pouring rain to the store. I picked up essentials for the baby, like vitamins and supplements. By the time I reached Greta and Vivian's house, the rain had let up. It felt strange to be back here.
"Viv? Greta? You home?" I called as I stepped inside, but there was no response. "Vivian?" I called again, but still no reply. I walked into the kitchen, and my heart dropped as I saw Rafe Cameron standing in front of me, holding up my pregnancy test. "I kinda guessed it was you," he said with a chuckle. My throat went dry as fear washed over me. "So JJ Maybank's going to be a father," he sneered, taking slow steps toward me.
"W-What are you doing here? Where's Vivian and Greta?" I stammered, trying to back away, but he grabbed my wrist, stopping me. "Don't worry about them. They went on a little vacation," he smirked. "Now, I can't have you and your friends ruining things for my dad and me."
Before he could do anything, I raised my hand and punched him in the face. He staggered back, and I didn't hesitate—this was my chance to run. I bolted out the door, sprinting down the yard. When I reached the gate and turned around, I saw Rafe running after me.
"Shit!" I cursed, heart racing. I had no idea where to go, but the police station was the only place I could think of.
By the time I reached the station, Rafe had stopped following me a few blocks back. I saw JJ pull up on his bike, wearing sunglasses, his lucky cap, and a toothpick in his mouth. "JJ!" I yelled, sprinting toward him. His eyes widened at the sight of me, and he immediately opened his arms to pull me in for a hug.
"What are you doing here?" he asked, his voice soft, as I cried into his chest.
"I... I went to check on Greta and Vivian, but they weren't there, JJ. Rafe was there. He knows I'm pregnant. He was going to knock me out, but I got away. He chased me, but I lost him..." I sobbed, unable to stop the tears. JJ's jaw clenched in anger, and I could feel his body go tense.
"C'mon, you're staying with me now. No more going anywhere alone, okay?" he said, cupping my face in his hands and making me look at him. "Okay?"
I nodded, and he kissed my forehead. "I won't let him get near you again, I promise."
"Do you want to come inside or stay out here?" he asked, nodding toward the station.
"I'm coming in," I replied, taking his hand as we walked toward the building. As we passed some officers leaving, JJ gave them a salute, and once their backs were turned, we both flipped them off. We laughed as we entered the station.
I stayed behind him as he approached the front desk. "I'm here to see John B Routledge," he said loudly.
"No music, and get rid of the toothpick," the officer snapped.
