SUNBURN | JOHN B ROUTLEDGE

021

Back at the Chateau, the room was cast in a warm, flickering glow from the candles and lanterns scattered around, their flames dancing and casting elongated shadows on the walls. The storm outside had cut off the power, leaving the Pogues gathered in an intimate circle around John B.

John B's face was illuminated by the soft light, highlighting the intensity of his focus. His hands trembled slightly as he tore open the envelope, each movement deliberate and heavy with anticipation. Kiara, JJ, Pope, and Gabriella leaned in closer, their breaths held in suspense.

With a gentle, almost reverent touch, John B pulled out a piece of aged, weathered paper. Unfolding it carefully, his eyes widened. "Holy shit," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper, but the awe in it was palpable.

Pope edged closer, peering over John B's shoulder. "X marks the spot," he observed, pointing to a bold red X on the map. His voice carried a mix of disbelief and excitement.

Gabriella leaned in, her curiosity piqued. Her fingers traced the map, following the intricate lines and markings. "Longitude, latitude," she whispered, her voice filled with the thrill of discovery. Her touch was gentle yet purposeful, each movement betraying the knowledge she had accumulated from years of reading and studying maps.

John B watched her, captivated not just by the map but by her confidence and the way her fingers delicately moved across the parchment. The firelight highlighted her features, highlighted her determination, making her seem almost ethereal. He could see the reflection of the flames in her eyes, and for a moment, everything else faded away.

"We can find this," Gabriella continued, her voice barely audible. "If we follow these coordinates, we can find whatever it is your dad wanted us to find." JJ, standing beside them, let out a low whistle.

"Wait, there's something else." John B confesses he pulled out a tape recorder.

"What's that?" JJ asked.

"It's a tape recorder, dumbass." Kiara rolled her eyes.

Gabriella's hand lingered on the map for a moment longer before she looked down at John B, whose hand trembled when he pressed the play button on the tape recorder.

"Dear, Bird." The room went quiet, everyone letting out a shaky breath. It seemed as though time stood still, and Big John was in the room, in the Chateau, alive. His deep voice was clear through the tape recorder, sending chills down John B's spine.

"That's what my dad called me." John B whispered with disbelief.

"I hate to say, "I told you so," but I told you so. And you doubted your old man. I suspect at this moment, you're filled with guilt and self-loathing over our last fight, but don't kill yourself just yet, kid. I didn't expect to find the Merchant either. You were probably right to call me out. What can I say, kid? I could smell the barn." Big John sighed. "And hopefully, we're listenin' to this in our brand new sugar-shack down in Costa Rica, livin' off passive investments and pulling on permits."

Tears began to swell up in John B's eyes. He never thought he'd hear his father's voice again, and just like that, when almost all hope was lost, this package, this envelope was a guiding light.

"If not, and you find this for less than optimal reasons, well, that's what the map is for. There she is, the wreck of the Merchant. If something happens to me, finish what I started. Go for the gold, kid. I love you, Bird, even if I didn't always act like it. I'll see you on the other side."

The tape recorder clicked off, leaving only the quiet static hissing through the room. The dim light from the candles flickered, casting long shadows on the walls. John B shook his head, wiping away the salty tears that had escaped his eyes. Despite his efforts, the tears continued to pour out, the weight of his father's words too much to bear.

JJ broke the heavy silence, shouting, "Holy shit! He did it!" He began to jump around the room, unable to keep his composure. "Big John-- He found the Merchant--"

Kiara grabbed JJ's arm, her eyes wide with urgency. "Can you... can you please?" she whispered, imploring him to be quiet on this emotional night for John B. She bit her lip, wishing she could take away the pain of her friend who was suffering.

JJ mumbled a quick, "Sorry," as the room fell silent again, save for John B's soft sobs.

Gabriella didn't hesitate; she stepped forward and wrapped her arms around him, engulfing him in a comforting hug. John B clung to her, burying his face in her sweatshirt, his shoulders shaking with each sob. He gently punched her back in the embrace, a mix of love, frustration, and overwhelming grief pouring out of him for his dad.

Gabriella stroked his head, her touch gentle and soothing. "It's okay," she whispered softly. "Let it all out." John B's tears soaked into her sweatshirt as he clung to her, seeking solace in her presence. The Pogues stood around them, silent and respectful, sharing in the gravity of the moment. The static from the tape recorder continued to hum quietly, a background noise to the poignant scene unfolding.

In the dim, flickering light, Gabriella held John B tighter, her fingers gently combing through his hair. She whispered reassurances, her voice a soothing balm to his wounded heart. The pain of his father's absence and the weight of his legacy pressed down on him, but in Gabriella's arms, he found a small measure of peace.

They knew this journey was far from over, and they would face it together, as a family.

As John B's sobs began to subside, he pulled back slightly, looking up at Gabriella with red-rimmed eyes. She gave him a small, encouraging smile, her own eyes glistening with unshed tears. "We're going to find it, John B," she said softly. "For your dad. For all of us."

He nodded, his heart swelling with gratitude and love for his friends. The pain of his father's loss would always be there.

They were in this together, and nothing could tear them apart.