𝖀𝖓𝖉𝖊𝖗 𝖙𝖍𝖊 𝖘𝖚𝖗𝖋𝖆𝖈𝖊-━━-sarah-cameron

𝕌𝕟𝕔𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕖𝕕

The sun beat down on the open waters of the marsh as the familiar hum of the HMS Pogue cut through the lazy waves. John B was at the wheel, his eyes hidden behind his favorite sunglasses as the salty wind whipped through his hair. JJ sat on the side of the boat, legs dangling over the edge, while Kie and Pope lounged in the back, soaking up the warmth of the day. Sarah sat near the front, her fingers trailing in the water as they sped along, the peace of the marsh surrounding them. For a moment, everything felt calm, like the weight of their chaotic lives had been left behind on shore.

But Ryder wasn't with them today.

While the Pogues headed out for another adventure, Ryder had responsibilities. He'd taken a job working on Ward Cameron's boat, scrubbing decks and doing grunt work to get by. It wasn't glamorous, but it paid, and Ryder wasn't about to ask anyone else for help, especially after everything that had happened.

Kie's voice broke through the calm as she leaned forward, squinting at something in the distance. "Yo, John B, are we good? The boat feels off."

John B furrowed his brow, slowing down the engine. The HMS Pogue jolted slightly, the hull scraping something underneath the water. The sudden impact sent JJ stumbling, catching himself on the railing.

"What the hell?" JJ muttered, looking over the side.

Pope stood up and peered into the water, his eyes scanning the marsh. "Wait... there's something down there."

John B shut off the engine completely as they all gathered at the edge of the boat, staring down into the murky water. The shadow of something large and metallic sat just below the surface, partially submerged, as if it had been there for a while.

"Is that... a boat?" Sarah asked, her voice uncertain.

Pope leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. "Yeah. And it looks like it's been sunk."

The realization sent a chill through the group. They weren't just floating in the marsh anymore—they were above something darker, something buried beneath the surface.

.

Meanwhile, across town, Ryder wiped sweat from his forehead as he crouched on the deck of Ward Cameron's boat, scrubbing at a stubborn patch of grime with a brush. The sun was relentless, baking the wooden surface under his hands as the boat rocked gently in the marina. It wasn't the worst job he'd had, but it wasn't easy either.

The sound of footsteps clacking against the deck caught his attention, and Ryder turned to see Ward Cameron striding towards him. His polished shoes clicked with every step, and his presence, as always, filled the space with an air of authority.

Ryder pushed himself to his feet, standing tall, but kept his eyes forward, professional. He knew how Ward was—he didn't want to give him any reason to look down on him more than he already did.

"Morning, Ryder," Ward said, his voice smooth and friendly, but with that undertone Ryder had learned to recognize. There was always something else behind his words, something calculating. "Getting everything cleaned up?"

"Yes, sir," Ryder replied, wiping his hands on the rag hanging from his belt.

Ward took a few steps closer, his eyes scanning the boat before settling on Ryder. "You're a hard worker. I can appreciate that."

Ryder nodded, keeping his expression neutral.

Ward leaned against the railing, glancing out at the marina. For a moment, it seemed like small talk, just a casual conversation, but Ryder could feel the shift in the air before Ward even opened his mouth again.