One Stupid Thing

2:4:54

I walk off down the beach, kicking the sand beneath my bare feet with each stride. I swing my arms at my sides and grip my sandals loosely. After Sarah drove off on the Pogue, I decided that I needed some time alone with just my thoughts and the salty breeze. JJ was hesitant in letting me go off on my own, but Kiara had convinced him to help her gather driftwood for a fire later tonight instead.

There is no way that my sister's crazy plan is going to work. Our father is so twisted and selfish. Taking our side would admit to the world that he witnessed Rafe shoot Peterkin and lied about it all this time. No matter how much he loves Sarah, his name and his reputation has always come first.

Out on the open water, the Pogue reappears and edges towards the shore. I turn-tail and make my way back down the beach towards camp. I watch as Kie and JJ return with arms full of wood, drop their bundles on the sand, join John B and Pope, and hurry out to my sister for news.

JJ and Pope help beach the Pogue, while John B hurries to her side and assists her in getting out of the boat. As I approach, I notice a solemn look on my sister's face. I stand next to Kie and cross my arms as I wait for answers.

"So, how'd it go?" John B asks her. The two of them walk up the shore towards where Kie and I stand. Pope and JJ follow closely behind, listening in.

"You guys were right," Sarah admits, shaking her head in defeat. "It didn't work. Sorry."

"I hate to say 'I told you so' but, I told you so," I shrug. John B shoots me a glare but I just glare right back. It was completely ridiculous to think that this would work.

"Welp, then that settles it, guys. Now, ya'll need to load up in the paddy wagon and get the heck out of Dodge right now," JJ points out. My heart sinks. I know he's right. They can't stay here now that Ward knows they're back. Word spreads fast on Kildare and soon, the whole island will know that they are alive and back.

"Right, you'll need supplies, and you'll have to split as soon as possible," Pope says logically.

"Guys, I think it's too late." I look over at Kiara and her expression drops. She stares out at the open sea and I follow her gaze. At least three police boats approach quickly and their sirens begin to blare out.

"They followed you here?" John B asks. It was a question that didn't really require an answer. "Must've been your father."

"Was there ever a doubt?" I scoff.

"We're gonna have to find another way out of here." Pope frantically glances around us. There is nothing but tall grass and marsh-land.

"Stay on the beach with your hands in the air!" one of the SBI agents shouts through a megaphone.

"Go! Guys! Now!" John B shouts over the sirens.

"Run! Come on! Come on!" Pope leads the way up the sandy shore.

"Shit!" I groan. I toss my sandals on in a flash and before I can even begin running, JJ grabs my hand and pulls me forwards. I almost fall on my face, but my feet start churning up the sand and I regain my balance.

We all run down the beach, out of breath, but full of adrenaline. As Sarah, starts to slow due to her injury, John B ducks his head under her arm and helps her along as fast as he can.

"We've got to outrun them!" JJ yells. He pulls into the lead with me in tow, sprinting around a curve in the beach and heading towards a small river that separates us from the actual mainland.

"Come on! Let's go! Let's go!" Pope encourages us. I splash into the water, feeling it spray up and dampen the fabric on my denim shorts.

As the SBI advances, armed and ready, I can hear the distant sounds of radio chatter over their walkie talkies. I hear their heavy, boot-covered footsteps on the sand and their equipment jingle and jostle as they run.