Rogue | outer banks

020 - P4L

Not wanting to take any chances, we quickly put out the small fire and scrambled up into the trees, our hearts pounding as we tried to move as silently as possible. Whoever was coming wouldn't think to look up — at least, that's what we hoped. The branches dug into my palms as I climbed higher, my breath coming in shallow gasps. We settled into our hiding spots, the silence thick with tension.

But as soon as I saw who emerged from the shadows, my heart sank. From behind the trees, two figures stepped into the clearing — Rafe and Barry. My pulse quickened, a cold sweat breaking out along my spine. Barry was scanning the area with an air of confidence, his eyes sharp and calculating. Rafe, on the other hand, looked different. His usually pristine appearance was disheveled; his curtain bangs were damp, clinging to his forehead. He was sweating, on edge, and likely high. To make matters worse, they both had guns in hand, fingers resting dangerously close to the triggers.

Rafe stopped right by the now extinguished fire, his eyes darting around nervously, while Barry barged into The Chateau, kicking the door open with casual force. My eyes stayed glued to Rafe, my heart squeezing painfully at the sight of him. His head twitched slightly, his gaze sweeping the area with a mix of frustration and desperation. I could hear him muttering to himself, "Where the hell are you...?"

John B shot a glance at JJ, who then looked at me, his eyes filled with concern. I furrowed my brows, my gaze never leaving Rafe. There was something unhinged in his demeanor, something that made my stomach churn with unease. He began pacing around as Barry reappeared, looking just as frustrated.

"Anything?" Rafe asked, his voice tight.

"Nah, ain't shit in there," Barry replied, approaching him with a swagger that only added to my unease.

"No? Nothing?" Rafe pressed, his agitation growing.

"No, nothing, Rafe," Barry said, his annoyance evident.

"They were obviously just here based on the smoke, man."

"Great observation, Boy Scout!" Barry shot back sarcastically, rolling his eyes.

Just then, Rafe turned towards the tree we were hiding in. My breath hitched as I saw his jaw clench and his eyes narrow. He was fixating on something, and it didn't take me long to realize what it was — the carving on the tree. The letters P4L, etched into the bark, stared back at him like a taunt.

Barry noticed it too, a twisted smile curling his lips. "P 4 L..." he said, the words dripping with mockery.

And then, just as suddenly, Rafe burst into laughter, the sound harsh and unsettling. He pointed his gun towards the tree, looking at Barry with wild eyes. "Well, shit," Rafe managed to say between laughs.

"Looks like your sister and girlfriend are Pogues for life." Barry snickered, the sound low and dangerous. "Who would've thought?" he mused, his tone dripping with malice. "I mean, we already know who's claiming your sister..."

Rafe's laughter stopped abruptly, his jaw clenching so hard I could almost hear his teeth grinding from where I was perched. His eyes were locked on the carved letters again, something dark and terrifying brewing behind them.

"But who do you think is claiming Lia?" Barry continued, his words hanging in the air like a loaded gun.

That was it. I could see it, feel it — the exact moment Rafe snapped. His face twisted into a mask of rage, his entire body trembling with barely contained fury.

"SHIT!" he screamed, his voice raw with anger.

Without warning, he raised his arm, aiming the gun at the carving, and fired twice in quick succession. The sound echoed through the trees, the sharp cracks piercing the night air. I flinched, my heart lurching in my chest. Barry quickly stepped in, trying to stop him, but Rafe's finger twitched again, and another shot rang out, this time hitting higher.