you're on your own, kid... obx

027. car troubles

The pogues are in class and it's quiet as they're taking a test. Erin feels JJ start to mess with the ends of her hair when he starts to get stressed. The door opens and a guy in a suit steps in.

"Mr. Sunn, can I borrow Pope for a minute?" The guy questions.

"We're in the middle of a test." Mr. Sunn quietly informs.

"I'm from the Vanderhorst Foundation." He says.

"Mr. Heyward, it's for you." Mr. Sunn says.

Pope gets up and walks out of the classroom with the guy. After a few moments, Pope hurries back into class and to his seat.

"Okay, what was that?" Kie whispers. Pope holds up an envelope that's sealed by wax.

"Is that the wheat symbol?" Zack whispers.

"Yeah." Pope nods.

"What the f-f-f--" JJ stops himself when Mr. Sunn looks at him. "Fu... fu-- fudge?" He attempts to save himself.

"Smooth." Erin whispers and JJ flicks her in the ear.

+++

"Is this a game of tag?" JJ asks as they reach the library.

"I don't know." Kie says.

"Am I gonna have to beat you with your protractor?" JJ asks Pope. "What's going on?" He asks, gaining a shush from the librarian.

"Seriously, Pope, you are driving me insane." Kie says quietly.

"Okay, so that guy was from the scholarship committee." Pope starts, the five gathering around one of the tables that has four computers on it. Kie sits down in one of the chairs.

"Take a look at this." Pope holds the letter out to them, JJ quickly snatching it. "Read it." He orders as JJ takes the letter out of the envelope. Erin and Zack both lean over JJ's shoulders.

"Out loud." Kie tells the blonde. JJ awkwardly glances between them, looking back to the paper.

"Oh, yeah, he can't." Zack says, noticing the writing on the paper.

"He can't?" Kie asks.

"I can't read cursive." JJ states. Kie gives him a look before taking the letter.

"You-- okay." Erin says, shrugging.

""Dear Mr. Heyward, I am reaching out because I have material evidence that can exonerate John B Routledge."" Kie reads. ""It is of vital importance that you come and meet with me in person at my offices at 27 King Street, Charleston at 8:00 p.m. sharp tonight. Please come alone. Regards, C. Limbrey.""

"That, uh-- that sounds like they wanna kill you or something." Erin says.

"Charleston?" JJ asks.

"I know, it's like an eight hour drive plus the ferry. How are we gonna get there tonight?" Pope asks.

"Yeah, we'd have to leave, like, right now." JJ whispers.

"I have a free period." Kie says.

""Material evidence"? What does that even mean, "material evidence"?" JJ whispers.

"It means he can clear John B." Kie says as Pope gets on the computer.

"Oh, shit, then we're going to Charleston." JJ states loudly, earning a disapproving look from the librarian.

"I gotta tell my mom. Look, if we get it this time, we are not giving it to Shoupe." Kie states.

"Well, that's fucking obvious." Zack scoffs.