Audacious//JJ Maybank (Outerbanks)

Chapter 111

The early morning sunlight glints off the water as I walk down the dock, watching JJ moving around on the boat, getting the dive gear ready. There's a tension in his movements—determined but closed off, like he's steeling himself for something. I take a deep breath, steadying myself, and step onto the dock, calling his attention as I approach.

"I've been thinking," I say, my voice softer than I meant it to be. "I know things are tough right now, but you can't dive alone, JJ. Not without a buddy."

He glances up briefly, a small, wry smile tugging at his lips. "Sure I can."

I roll my eyes, stepping closer. "It's not safe, JJ. I'm going with you."

He stops what he's doing, finally looking at me with genuine surprise. "Jackie...It's 80 feet down. In the dark. Moving through who knows what wreckage."

"Exactly." I cross my arms, trying to match his stare even though I feel a knot tightening in my stomach.

"Even for experts, it's a hairball situation," he mutters, half a warning, half an exasperated reminder.

I raise an eyebrow. "Which you're not."

He lets out a short, soft laugh, shaking his head. "Neither are you."

A small smile escapes me despite the tension. For a second, we just look at each other, and it's almost like old times—like all the stress, the arguments, the distance fall away. It feels like we're back to who we used to be, just for that brief moment.

"I already decided," I tell him, my voice steady. "We've gotta save the farm...our family's future. I'll do whatever it takes."

He studies me, and I can see him processing my words, the look in my eyes. Finally, he nods, a small, familiar smile touching his face as he hands me the scuba gear. "Okay, then. Let's do this."

As I take the gear from him, he reaches out and places a hand on my arm. "I love you, Jackie," he says softly, his voice barely above a whisper, his gaze unwavering.

I hold his gaze, feeling my heart twist. "I love you too, JJ."

With that, I drop Suzie off at Pope's parents' house, watching as she toddles off happily into the warm arms of Pope's mom. A small ache tugs at me as I kiss her soft cheek and whisper that Mama will be back soon. She just giggles, too little to understand, and I pull myself away, heart tightening as I head back to the house to meet the others.

When I get there, everyone's already on the boat, the tension thick. We know what we're heading into, and despite our talk, my nerves are frayed. I climb aboard, forcing myself to breathe as we set sail for Goat Island. The salty air fills my lungs, sharp and fresh, grounding me a bit.

John B stands in the middle of the deck, his tone serious as he goes over the plan. "We're in and out, all right? We slip down. We stay under the radar. JJ, you're going down." His eyes flick to me, and I don't hesitate.

"I am too," I say, determined. If JJ's going down there, I'm right beside him.

John B gives me a look, one that's both resigned and understanding, and he sighs. "Okay. JJ and Jackie go down. Me, Pope, and Kie stay up top." He glances over at Sarah and Cleo. "You guys drive out to the lighthouse by the coast guard base. Stand watch. Do this right, we're home by midnight."

Everyone nods, absorbing the seriousness of it all. Just as I'm about to turn back, Cleo strides over to me, her eyes filled with something fierce and protective. She gives my arm a squeeze, leaning in close. "Good luck, girl," she murmurs, a quiet strength in her voice. It's like she knows how much this means to me—how much I need to do this, even though it terrifies me.