Rogue | outer banks

018 - Arrested

Just as the events of yesterday couldn't have been enough, I woke up with a visit from Shoupe. My stomach churned with a mix of anxiety and disbelief as I anticipated the news he was about to deliver. Rafe had confirmed to me that it was Pope and JJ involved, but a part of me desperately clung to the hope that it was just another one of Rafe's excuses, a false accusation.

Topper stood nearby, leaning against one of the terrace's poles. I was seated on the garden couch, bracing myself for whatever revelation Shoupe was about to unveil.

"We got lucky," he spoke. As Shoupe took a seat across from me, he took his phone out and turned the screen for me to see. A blurry image appeared, and I strained my eyes to make out any recognizable features. "We can't make out the face, but we were able to ID the other boat," he explained.

Topper chuckled at the image, making me frown in annoyance.

"Whose boat is it?" I asked, my voice betraying the turmoil within me.

"It's registered to Hayward," Shoupe confirmed, and for a moment, the world seemed to blur around me. This revelation didn't change anything for me; it only added another layer to the complex web of emotions. "We think Pope did it, Lia," he carried on hesitantly, aware of the deep connection between me and the Pogues.

"You can tell her again, Deputy," Topper chimed in triumphantly. "Because she thought this was my fault," he remarked, directing accusations my way. "Didn't I tell you I'm not that stupid?"

"Oh, don't you worry," I retorted, annoyance evident in my tone, "We'll talk about this privately."

The need for a private conversation with Topper became increasingly evident, especially after the chaotic events of Movie Night.

Returning my attention to Shoupe, I inquired, "So what now?"

"Well, if you guys decide to press charges, it'll be up to juvenile court," he explained, the weight of potential consequences hanging in the air. "Pope is 16, and he could be tried as an adult. He'd do time."

"God, no," I shook my head vehemently, earning a scoff from Topper. "Pope's a good kid. We're not pressing charges," I asserted, dismissing the idea immediately.

"It was an expensive boat," Topper argued.

"You'll live," I told him, my patience waning.

"Topper, whatever feud you boys have going on, it could ruin his future," Shoupe interjected, attempting to reason with him.

"No charges," I asserted, locking eyes with Shoupe to emphasize my decision.

"I'll see you kids around," Shoupe said, rising from his seat and leaving Topper and me alone.

"Don't do anything stupid," I warned Topper before getting up and walking inside the house.

The weight of the situation lingered in the air as I closed the door behind me, leaving me with a mix of annoyance, concern for Pope, and the persistent chaos that seemed to follow every interaction between us and the Kooks.

The weight of the day hung heavy on my shoulders as I decided to soak away my worries in a long bath. Topper's rogue actions, the strained interactions with Rafe, Pope, and John B's mysterious absence all gnawed at me, each pulling me in a different direction. The water was meant to be a balm, a sanctuary from the chaos outside, but even the serene embrace of the bathwater couldn't wash away the turbulence within.

After what felt like an eternity, I reluctantly decided it was time to face the day. I emerged from the bath, the steam dissipating around me as I entered my room, each step a reminder of the chaos outside. Getting ready felt like a mechanical process, my mind preoccupied with the looming uncertainties.