𝐕𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐧𝐚 // 𝐉𝐉 𝐌𝐚𝐲𝐛𝐚𝐧𝐤

14

"So find him before they do?" I ask, referring to helping JB. Pope stands up and grabs the keys, heading for the door. "Pope?" "I'm gonna get gas for the boat."

"Hey, you be careful? Okay?" Kiara says, Pope only looks at her before turning back to us. "Meet me at the dock at 3. Don't be late."

"Okay, what is your problem?" Kie yells, storming after Pope as JJ and I follow, leaning in the railing of the deck.

"No problem, Officer. I'm just doing my job." He responds, getting on the bike.

Kiara tries to talk but Pope revs the engine, drowning her out before speeding away. Kie sighs and makes her way back to us.

Helicopter blades whir from the sky, mixing with the thunder from sea.

"Who is that?"

"You sure he just wasn't being weird Pope?" J asks as I hand him a canned soup. "Wasn't really the kind of thing that needed interpretation." Kie sighs.

"Are you sure that's enough food for them?" I ask, peering into the bag. "I mean for a couple of weeks that's all they need, so."  JJ says, slinging the last overly stuffed bag over his shoulder, placing in a cardboard box.. "I think they need more J." "It's fine Jack." I throw in another pack of bread, just in case.

"Look, I think I actually hurt his feelings." Kie says. "Look, don't beat yourself up too much. He's completely changed his feels. The past 24 hours have been like Jekyll and Hyde." JJ points out, ringing the bell when we open the door and rush to Kie's car.

"I hate to admit it, but I miss the old Pope. At least I knew what to expect from him."

"Where you been?" Kiara's mom stops us, standing in front of her daughter.

"Uh... I'm fine. I slept here." "Well, we were up half the night, scared to death, lookin' for you. Were you even gonna tell us?" "Well, I'm telling you right now."

"What the hell are you three up to?" JJ pushes me behind him lightly once her attention turns to us. "I'm sorry, Miss Anna, we gotta go." He says, guiding me into the car and closing the door while holding my hand.

"Sorry." "No. I'm sorry. Absolutely not. Have you heard what's going on?" "Mom, I'll explain later." Kie says, getting herself into the car and starting it.

"Have you seen the storm? This is not safe." "I'm sorry, Mom. I have to go!" "These cops are armed, Kiara. You'll get shot." "I have to go!" "I am not letting you do this!" "Mom, John B needs me!"

Anna continues to yell and tears stream out of her daughters eyes while she apologizes repeatedly, closing the door and speeding off. Leaving her mother in the dust.

We drive through the faint dirt roads of The Cut, pulling up in front of JJ's house. "Home sweet home." He mutters, getting out of the car, I sit there for a moment before following him.

Rushing up beside him I grab his hand but he stops. "Jackie. please go wait in the car." He says softly. "J, I don't want you to get hurt." "This'll only take a second Jack." "Which is why I'm coming with you." "Jackie." "JJ. I'll be next to you the whole time. I swear." J caresses my cheek softly while I look him in the eyes. "Okay. Okay, yeah. Let's go."

His arm finds its rightful place on my waist and I lean into his gentle touch.

JJ opens the door and calls for his father. I almost follow him into the living room but he places a hand on my chest. "I need you to stay here Jackie." He gives me a short kiss and I lean against the door frame, my heart beat speeding up as JJ tries to remove the keys from the chain around Luke's neck.