MI MILAGRO, JJ maybank

Chapter 10 - Iris

"Pope, chill out, dude! We're not stealing the drone, we're borrowing it," said John B, without taking his eyes off the road.

They were all cruising in the Twinkie towards what appeared to be a parking lot for boats and cars, where, according to JJ, the drone they needed was located.

While Maria was busy with the beach cleanup activity, John B, Pope, JJ, and Kiara went to the library to search the computer for the coordinates marked on the map left by John B's father. Upon entering them on the 'maps' website, it showed that the marked coordinates led to a remote point in the water, hence the need for the drone.

"Humans are the only animals that can't tell fantasy from reality," Pope quoted, reproachfully looking at his friends.

John B turned slightly to look at his friend, with an expression of astonishment and surprise. "Did you just make that up?"

"No, it's a quote from Albert Einstein," Maria interjected. Pope smiled at her with gratitude, as it wasn't common for someone to catch his references.

"But hey, it applies to the situation we're in," the boy continued.

JJ looked at him disapprovingly and, putting a cigarette in his mouth, honestly asked, "Why are you so weird, Pope?"

Maria lightly tapped him on the shoulder. "Anda, déjale pobrecito (Come on, leave him alone, poor thing.)"

Kiara was studying the map they had. She tried to be optimistic and be there for her friend, but honestly, she didn't believe in the treasure story. She thought John B was trying to convince himself to avoid facing the possibility that his father might not be alive.

Pope extended his arms, as if inviting his friends to respond. "So, what is it? Reality or fantasy?"

"Fantasy, although possibly reality," Kiara said.

"Nah, I believe in miracles. I vote for reality," Maria replied.

"Or virtual reality," JJ shrugged as he got out of the car.

John B gestured for everyone to gather around him and, forming a circle, slightly lowered his head. Everyone mimicked his gesture.

"Alright, here's the plan. Kiara and Maria, you two will distract the guard while JJ, Pope, and I steal the drone. Once we have it, I'll send a message to Maria, and you'll come to the Twinkie."

Maria and Kiara glanced at each other. They weren't convinced about their role in the supposed plan. How were they supposed to distract the guard? By playing Monopoly?

"And how do you expect us to distract him?" Kiara asked.

"I don't know, flirt with him or make up something about a flat tire. Anything," John B replied.

Maria furrowed her brow and, stepping out of the circle, placed a hand on her hip defiantly.

"Oh yeah? What else, maybe hike up my skirt, pout my lips, strike some sexy pose for a horn dog trucker? You flirt with him, you sexist toad."

John B threw his head back in frustration and, grabbing her by the shoulders, stared at her intensely.

"I don't care how you do it, just make sure he doesn't realize we're up to something, okay?"

"Aye aye, captain," Maria said, saluting with her hand to her forehead.

Maria and Kiara approached the fence where the guard was stationed in the surveillance room. Maria took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. The last thing she wanted was to flirt with this guy. And to think that he might actually reciprocate? Disgusting. It's unthinkable for an older man to be interested in young girls.