everything about you •• jj maybank

four

The boat stops at the dock in town and I look around me, watching as people frantically run around, their voices filled with worry. The storm affected so many people, and I couldn't help but wonder if anyone would be here looking for the same Grady-White that we were. I trail behind the group as we walk into a little shack where a police officer stands.

John B cuts to the front of the line and I give the people we pass smiles of sympathy. John B and JJ try to get the officers attention to let them know about the boat. Over all the talking and the noise, I can hardly hear them myself. The officer outwardly ignores the two boys and I step next to JJ.

"Excuse me sir, you're gonna want to hear this!"

I get no response, and sigh quietly, tapping his shoulder with my pointer finger.

"Sir! We have an emergency," I repeat, widening my eyes as he continues to ignore me. "Excuse-"

My smile drops as he puts his hands up and waves them in my face, "Hey! Calm down, miss!"

I drop my hands from the table and JJ peers down at me, tapping a pen repeatedly against the podium. I roll my eyes as John B and I share a look, him immediately walking away in frustration. I look up at JJ whose eyes soften when he looks as me.

"Dude's a dick. Let's go," he spits, beckoning me with his hand.

We follow John B out back to the dock and I lean against the wood, my face curled up in a pained expression as I stare at the group.

"That went well," Pope says dryly.

Kiara stands next to me and my mouth forms a line as I give her a pathetic smile.

"Splendid, actually," I add.

"So, what's the plan?" JJ wonders, his arm leaning on John B's shoulder.

John brings the key up and shakes it in front of Pope's face. "I think I know how we are gonna find the guy who owns the boat."

I watch as Pope immediately shakes his head, not approving of John B's plan.

"We don't know who's room that is. It could be anyone."

Kiara and I share a grin as we chuckle lightly at Pope's nervousness.

JJ throws the key to Kiara, "I'm in!"

Kiara flashes her eyes at Pope, "Come on! We'll be lookout."

John B walks past Pope and I, and he stares at me, looking defeated.

"You can't possibly in on this now."

I bite my lip and throw my arm around Pope. Worry flashes across his face and I giggle lightly, pulling him forward alongside me.

"I'm in on this now, Pope. If I'm in, you're in right?"

John B turn around and looks at us, shrugging. "At least you'll only be an accomplice!"

Pope's eyes squint shut and I laugh at him. "Come on, Pope. I'll keep you safe."

He reluctantly follows suit and we follow the rest of the group back to the boat. Pope climbs on first and grabs my hand, helping me onto the boat and I thank him with a smile.

I turn my head and catch JJ staring at the two of us. His jaw is slightly clenched, and when he notices I've caught him, he clears his throat and averts his gaze to Kiara.

Fifteen minutes later we pull up to a white motel with black trim. Shutters are falling off the roof and paint and debris scatters the parking lot. I grimace at the sight and hear JJ whistle from behind me.