Audacious//JJ Maybank (Outerbanks)

Chapter 109

"Maybe we need a couple more grouper rigs. They keep running out," Kiara says, glancing at me as I jot down notes in my notepad. I'm half-focused on the list for the house and shop, while also keeping an eye on Suzie, who's sitting nearby playing with her doll. She's just turned one, and nine months have passed since we opened the shop and brought her home. Everything feels like it's finally falling into place. We're happy—really happy. It's been peaceful, and for once, we're content.

"Popular," I mutter, scribbling down Kiara's suggestion, as Sarah and John B restock the shelves. The sun filters in through the windows, casting a warm glow on everything, making this moment feel almost too perfect.

Just then, Kiara's voice cuts through my thoughts. "Hey, welcome in. Uh, let us know if we can help you with anything."

I turn, furrowing my brow as I see a man standing behind me. Something about him instantly puts me on edge. He's not like the usual customers who pass through. There's a quiet intensity in the way he moves, an unsettling energy. I set down my notepad and pencil, feeling an instinctive need to be closer to Suzie. I scoop her up, and she nestles into my arms, murmuring, "Mama." I stroke her hair gently, trying to shush her while keeping a watchful eye on the man.

He walks around the shop in silence, ignoring Kiara's greeting. My unease only deepens as I watch him pick up a knife still in its package. He slides it out, holding it in his hand with a casual familiarity that feels anything but casual. My grip tightens around Suzie as I exchange a glance with Kiara.

"What can you tell me about the currents out at Teacher's Hole?" the man finally speaks, addressing Kiara without looking at her. His voice is low, almost too calm.

"Uh, nasty rips," Kiara replies with a shrug, trying to play it cool. "Most locals won't go near it. Why?"

The man twists the knife in his hand, a slight smirk forming at the corner of his mouth. "Heard there's some good action at the jetty there. All that structure." He glances over at me, his gaze lingering a moment too long.

My stomach knots. Something isn't right. The way he's acting, the way he's looking at us—it feels off.

"You're those treasure-hunting kids, huh?" he finally says after a long pause, his eyes flicking between us. "I've heard about you guys."

I feel a wave of protectiveness surge through me. How does he know about that? I glance at John B and Sarah, who are now also watching him carefully. Holding Suzie tighter, I glare at the man, my tone cold. "Not anymore."

"Can we help you with anything else?" I add, trying to steer this encounter toward an end, my voice firm and edged with suspicion.

The man tosses the knife and its package onto the counter carelessly and starts to walk away, ignoring John B as he calls out, "Hey, you gonna pay for that?"

But the man doesn't answer. He just keeps walking, heading out of the shop and toward his boat, not looking back.

"What the hell was that?" Sarah asks, her eyes wide with concern. I shake my head, still holding Suzie close, feeling her small, steady breaths against my chest.

"I don't know," I reply, my voice low, but my mind racing. That was no ordinary customer.

Kiara crosses her arms, still watching the man as his boat drifts away from the dock. "That was weird."

"Yeah," I deadpan, glancing down at Suzie, who has no idea of the tension in the air. I kiss her head gently, my gaze drifting back toward the water where the man's boat is now just a small dot on the horizon. Something tells me this isn't the last time we'll see him.