FUMES [2], jj maybank

16. WE'LL MAKE IT THROUGH THE NIGHT

   

   

  WE'VE BEEN SITTING AT the dock as John B explains everything and how the fucking gold is gone. I've been finding rocks and throwing them.

   I feel drained again. He explained how my dad and Ward took Big John's body off the boat after an argument. JJ keeps a comforting hand on my back the whole time. "You sure he got everything?" Kie asks sadly. "Every bar. The whole enchilada," John B grunts and then rips off his cast, "It's not like I expected a happy ending—"

"What in the world? Put that back on John B!" I bend down and pick it up. "It's a hairline fracture. Who cares?"

"You should care. Your arms are gonna be messed up for life," Kie says. John B puts his hand out and wiggles his fingers, "It's fine. See." I roll my eyes, take JJ's blunt and take a hit. I see someone running towards me and squint my eyes, "Pope?"

  "Huh?" JJ turns. "Guys! Guys!" Pope is panting as he runs down the dock, "Oh! I ran all the way here," He bends down with his hands on his knees to catch his breath. "You alright?" John B quietly asks. "How was the interview, Pope?" JJ takes another hit and asks Pope. "Don't ask!" Pope grunts. "Okay, damn," I say.

Once he catches his breath, Pope starts, "JB, look, I'm sorry, dude. About everything," I frown in confusion trying to figure out what was so urgent that he had to run here, "But I don't have a lot of time, and I have information that is tactically relevant." JJ and I look at each other, "Spill!" We both shout.

   "So, before I had my interview, my dad said he was going down to the private airstrip to cut palms for Cameron's big plane. Because it was too heavy and needed a longer landing strip to take off. So, I'm there sitting in my interview, thinking to myself, 'Hm. Why would Cameron need a longer airstrip to take off?' What could be so heavy to weigh it down?" Realization hits every one of us. "Gold," JJ says. Pope does a little dance with his hands, "Exactly!"

   "Guys, we have to go now. It's probably leaving tonight!" I shout. "We can't give up now," Kie hops off the railing of the dock with a smile on her face. "What's the plan, big man?" JJ asks. I look back at John B with a smirk, "We're gonna steal that shit back." We all smile and for the first time in a while, it all feels alright. That we're gonna get what we worked for all this time.

  We all run down the dock, "Let's go boys! And girl!" Kie yells and I chuckle. We all go to the van but then I stop, "Guys, I have to go home for a second. Can you take me home?"

  "Sam—why?" John B asks and I can tell he's frustrated and I feel bad. Do I even have to go? Maybe I'll make up for it by giving them money with the gold. "Oh—I know why. It's Justin's birthday," JJ throws his hands in the air and I cover my face. "I'm sorry, it'll be two seconds! I just need to give my mom my gift to Justin so she can wrap it!" I look at all of them with a nervous smile. "Why can't the gift be a gold bar?" Kie asks. "Guys, just please?" John B sighs and holds his head in his hands,"Fine, fine. Be quick!"