JJ can feel his pulse going off. He knows that this is the best opportunity they'll get to save Kie. The balance has changed. They're on their own grounds. They can use that to their advantage.
He scales the stairs, two at a time, needing to reach the top floor so they get this rolling before they're set upon by Singh's men. All the Pogues follow obligately.
"What are we doing, JJ?!" John B shouts after him.
"Hostage situation!" JJ yells over his shoulder and propels himself into the top room where they've been staying. He skids to a halt and points towards the pole near the back. "We'll tie Sarah and John B there."
"Then what?" Cleo asks, waiting.
"I'm getting to it, uh." JJ scours the room for anything and remembers the hole at his feet. Perfect. "We need–we need..." JJ locates a ratty old sheet in the corner. "Aha!" He flaps it out. "We'll use this to cover the hole. They won't see it coming. They'll fall right through. Cleo and Pope, you'll be in the room below and jump the men that fall through. Take away their weapons. Restrain them by any means possible."
"Singh would have a whole army, you're making it sound like there'll only be one or two men coming up here. What makes you so sure that Cleo and I will be able to take them?" Pope frantically questions, the clock ticking. They're running out of time.
JJ's lip tilts up in a lopsided grin. "Because everyone underestimates a group of teens. They always do."
Which is true. They've had so many exploits where others assumed they couldn't achieve them because of their age and attitudes. They would be proven wrong pretty quickly though. The Pogues don't receive credit where it's due.
Cleo, Pope, John B and Sarah glance between one another doubtfully.
"I don't know, JJ..." Sarah begins sceptically.
JJ huffs out, growing frustrated at their hesitance. He doesn't lose his head though. "We don't have time for this. You're all in. We're doing this so we can get Kie back. No Pogue left behind."
The mention of the Carrera girl and the well established rule are well and truly enough to get them all on board. He still sees the unconvinced looks lingering in their eyes but they're in on the plan no matter what.
"Cleo, tie John B and Sarah up. Pope, we'll lay out the sheet," JJ directs and whips the sheet out in the Heyward boy's direction. He catches the other end.
"What are you gonna do, JJ?" Pope breathlessly asks him as they flatten the sheet over the hole and use loose rocks to hold it down. The two stand after the sheet is in place.
JJ adjusts his hat. "I'll lead the Singh's men up here. I am Portis after all."
Pope manages a scoff.
"All right, Rude Boy. Lovebirds are tied up. T'is better work." Cleo steps up to him, twirling her knife. John B and Sarah are facing one another against the pole with their hands subdued by the rope.
JJ lifts his chin and looks to Cleo, readiness in his blazing blue eyes. "With lots of hope? It will." The dark-haired girl offers a smirk at this.
"We'll just be here hoping not to get shot," John B comments and struggles to wave towards him, Cleo and Pope.
"Play your role, Bree. You too, Little Blonde," JJ tells them and then spins his finger. "Let's roll out!"
JJ, Cleo and Pope shut the green doors behind them and hastily descend the stairs onto the floor below. The three share a firm nod before the pair disappear into a side room, leaving JJ to his own accord.
YOU ARE READING
The Sky & The Earth
FanfictionJJ Maybank and Kiara Carrera traverse the challenges posed by a relentless new enemy and the intense feelings they have for one another that they cannot seem to resist. (This is a fic that explores Jiara throughout the entirety of Outer Banks' Seaso...