¥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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{The Tape}
We drive back to Heyward's shop in complete silence, the tension in the air so thick you could cut it with a knife. "I still can't believe you're related to Denmark Tanny," John B says, handing a beer to both JJ and Pope. Pope had just filled us in on everything his Mee-maw had told him, and the significance of the key.
Outside, under the roof of the residence, the rain comes down in sheets. I lean against the railing, holding a glass of water, as the others stand around, their faces lit with excitement. The smiles never leave our faces, even in the midst of all the chaos.
"Are we in the presence of royalty?" John B asks with dramatic flair.
"A king?" JJ gasps, his voice taking on an exaggerated tone.
"We shall crown him! All hail the lord of Tannyhill!" JJ continues, pretending to place a crown on Pope's head in a mock ceremony. I can't help but burst into laughter at their antics.
"We're not worthy!" We all chant together, playing along.
"Everybody relax," Pope says, embarrassed. "Can we relax, please?"
I giggle and throw an arm around his shoulders. "This is amazing, Pope," I say, ruffling his hair.
"Thanks," he mutters, fixing his hair and trying to hide his discomfort.
"I need to use the bathroom," I announce, feeling a wave of nausea hit me.
"You okay, babe?" JJ asks, his hand instinctively resting on my arm as I walk past him.
"I'm fine," I reply, though I speed up my pace as I head inside.
"Feeling alright, darling?" Heyward calls out as I make my way to the bathroom.
"Just a little unwell," I answer, closing the door behind me.
"I'll get you another glass of water," Heyward calls, but I barely hear him as I kneel by the toilet. After a few moments, I sit back, breathing heavily. "I'll never get used to this," I mutter to myself before standing, washing my mouth and hands, and tying my hair into a messy bun. I exit the bathroom to find a fresh glass of water waiting for me on the counter.
Walking back outside, my heart nearly stops as I see Limbrey and the man who chased us in Charleston speaking with Pope. "What's going on?" I ask, my voice trembling with confusion.
Before anyone can respond, the man grabs me by the neck and presses the barrel of a gun to my head. My breath catches in my chest as my eyes widen in fear.
"Let her go!" JJ yells, his jaw clenched, ready to charge the man. But the man pulls me closer, digging the gun harder into my skull.
"Don't come any closer. I'll shoot her," the man warns.
I glance at JJ, tears welling up in my eyes. "Just give us the key, and no harm comes to your friend," the man orders, looking at Pope.
"Limbrey, right?" John B asks, raising the key. Limbrey's eyes lock on it, and her face shifts, realizing what she's after.
