Audacious//JJ Maybank (Outerbanks)

Chapter 102

{Saving Big John}

We waited until Ward fell asleep before discussing our plan of action. JJ leaned over his seat to ensure Ward was out for the count, nodding his head in confirmation when he saw that he was indeed asleep. "So, Tres Rocas. That's where Neville said we'd find this guy. Solana, that's the archaeological site. I think that's where they're taking our dad." John B pulled a crumpled piece of paper from his pocket and pointed to a spot marked near Solana.

Sarah leaned in, grabbing the paper from him. "This is the map we're following?" she questioned, eyebrows raised.

"He's the only guy who's been there," John B shrugged. "Pretty janky, John B," Sarah commented.

"They're going to go there, find Singh, rescue your pops. And then we'll find El Dorado. It's a layup," JJ said, his enthusiasm barely contained as he nodded in agreement with John B.

"You sure he doesn't know anything?" I asked Sarah, glancing at Ward, still fast asleep. "Not from me," Sarah hesitated, biting her lip. "Okay, first thing, we've got to find this guy named Jose and then head upriver," John B explained.

About ten minutes later, the plane landed on a dirt airstrip, and we all climbed out, greeted by armed guards surrounding the area. I swallowed hard, instinctively interlocking my fingers with JJ's.

"Sarah!" Ward called out, rushing out of the plane after us. "What are you doing?" she scoffed.

"I'm coming," he insisted, his voice urgent.
My stomach dropped. I knew he couldn't be trusted. Even if he was trying to redeem himself, his primary concern was always his own interests.

"No, you're not. You just got us here like you said you would. Now go back to Guadeloupe," Sarah argued. "You're in over your head. Let me help. Please."

"No!" Sarah shouted, exasperated. "Get back on the plane." Ward stared at her sadly, but ultimately turned and limped back into the plane. "Let's get the hell out of here," Sarah muttered, her frustration evident as she walked past us.

As we ventured into the town, the bustling atmosphere felt at odds with the urgency of our mission. It was a small place, and with Singh's men patrolling, it wouldn't be hard to be spotted. I hoped they were still in Tres Rocas and hadn't moved to Solana yet.

"Looks like it's a local holiday," JJ remarked, glancing around at the vibrant decorations, dancers, and music filling the streets. "We're looking for a Jose," John B explained, scanning the crowd. "Do you have a last name?" JJ asked.

"I do not have a last name," John B shrugged."Shit. It's going to be like trying to find a teardrop in the ocean," JJ sighed.

"I assume river guides probably hang out by the river," Sarah stated, glancing around. "But if they're anything like the guides at OBX, they're probably getting drunk on holiday," JJ pointed out.

"So, let's start with the bars," I suggested, squeezing JJ's hand. "Dive and conquer." I shot a smile at John B and Sarah as JJ and I walked down a different road from them, waving goodbye.

We went from bar to bar, asking around for a man named Jose but came up empty. Eventually, we regrouped with John B and Sarah. John B and JJ began brainstorming a plan when suddenly I heard a familiar voice shout, "You rat bastard!"

My heart dropped, and I whipped my head around, scanning the building behind me. "There's only one person on this planet who would say something like that," I said, glancing at John B.

"That's Dad," he gasped. JJ and Sarah's eyes widened in shock. "That's Singh's men," JJ pointed out. That means they didn't take him upriver. We can still save him," John B said, determination flashing in his eyes.