COMFORT CROWD [3] , jj maybank

4. then we are dead together!

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THE PIN LEADS US to a marina. We duck behind some pallets, eyes everywhere. "Guys, Singh's men could be anywhere," Pope says. "No shit," I curse as my eyes scan over people. "Guys, is that her?" JJ points to a girl across the marina that looks similar to Kie. I narrow my eyes on her. Bailey sucks on her teeth, "No, Kie's taller."

   "Gimme the phone," Cleo says and Bailey hands it to her, "I'll take care of this." Cleo examines the pin for a second. "That boat," She points at a big white boat, "....that's the pin. The white one right there."

   Suddenly, a gun cocks next to me. I turn to face JJ as he places the gun in his back pocket. "What are you doing?" Sarah asks. "Only one way to find out. Let's go, Bailey," JJ says and the two walk towards the boat despite us calling their names.

   "Dumber and dumbest. My God," I exclaim. "Better to stay hidden in case they need help," Cleo says. JJ keeps looking back at us while Bailey's eyes stay on the boat. Then, I see someone walk onto the deck of the boat.

  Chills run down my body. Kie is unharmed from what I can see.

  "Bailey?" Kie calls out. Bailey freezes, like she can't believe Kie is right there. Kie gets off the boat, running towards Bailey and tackling her in a hug. I emerge from our hiding spot, smiling ear to ear at the sight of one of my best friends.

   "Oh, baby," Bailey cries into Kie's shoulder. Their grip on each other is tight. Kie let's go first, "I didn't think I'd see you ever again."

  "Hey, don't say that shit. I'm here. We're here," Bailey says, wiping tears on Kie's face away with her thumb before the two kiss.

   Kie's gaze falls on JJ and I as the rest of the Pogues run up behind us. Overwhelmed with emotions, I left out a laugh mixed with a cry of relief as we give Kie a group hug.

    "They gave you silk pajamas?!" I ask with a laugh. Kie laughs as well, "Yeah, they gave me the real queen treatment!"

  JJ being JJ, looks towards the boat, the extremely nice boat. "Is this you?" He asks. "Yeah, you wouldn't believe me if I told you," Kie says as we board the boat. JJ helps me over.

  "Okay, I have a couple questions," JJ starts and I can see his eyes light up as he analyzes the boat, "A Lagoon 620 with twin 150 Volvos. You understand we can go anywhere with this thing, right?" Bailey wraps an arm around Kie's waist, "That's my girl. Only the best for the best."

   "Oh, don't be so cheesy," Kie says, planting a quick kiss on her cheek. "Way to be discreet. No one will notice the big boat, Kie," I chuckle, blocking my eyes from the sun. JJ is just still geeking out next to me, "Babe, do you see this? This boat is a home on the ocean!" My lips are pressed together in a tight smile, "I see, JJ."