Outer Banks (JJ Maybank x Reader) Book 4

The Deal

"Do you guys know anybody that's been here?" Kie asks as we fly through the water towards Goat Island. "Cause I don't," She says. "Nope," JJ says. John B shakes his head. "Hey, Sarah, you must know somebody who's been here right?" Pope asks. Sarah makes a weird face. "I mean, like, all kooks, they know each other, they go to the same parties, right?" He asks. 

"Are you kidding me?" She asks. "You've heard the rumors, right?" She asks. "Oh yeah, about the daughter?" JJ asks. "I mean that she drowned with her baby? That's what I heard," He says. "I heard that too, but I heard that she was possessed first or something," I shrug. "And then I heard, that was all bullshit because... what?" Pope asks. "Okay, why are we doing this again?" Cleo asks. "We need the money," Pope and Sarah say at the same time. 

"This place has been around for 200 years and they still don't have a single road that doesn't go underwater twice a day," Pope says as we pull up to the dock. "You check in and you don't check out," Kiara murmurs. A bald old man with one normal eye and one squinted greets us as we pull next to the dock. "Afternoon sir," JJ calls. He takes the ropes from Pope without a word, eyeing us. "Welcome to Blackstone," He grunts. 

We follow him up the dock and onto a path through the woods. He carries a shovel with him. JJ clears his throat. "So, uh... what have you been digging?" JJ asks. "Ditches," He grunts. "Ditches," JJ nods. "At least it's not graves!" I say. "All the same to me!" He says. "What?" I mutter. "Why would he say that?" Pope swallows. JJ takes my hand, staying close to my side. "Uh, so how long have you been working for Mr. Genrette?" John B asks. 

He stops in front of a big set of wooden stairs, half hidden by all the greenery. "As long as I can remember," He grunts. John B nods. He starts to walk up, we follow. He stops at the top, pointing forwards to a big white house. "There," He nods. JJ looks at him. "Thank you," He says before walking towards it. We all follow him. 

We walk up onto the porch, looking around at the enormous house. I shudder. Something feels off. JJ picks up the knocker on the white door and uses it. "Hello?" He calls. "Anyone home?" He calls, knocking again. He continues to bang on the door. No answer. "Hello! Anyone home?" He asks again. "Maybe?" He asks, turning to face us. "Oh, just a little quick FYI, they drug you up before they chop you up," He nods. "So, don't eat or drink anything," He says. I roll my eyes.

"Not funny," Cleo says. Still no answer. "Yeah, guys, I think I've changed my mind about this one," I shake my head. "I-I really don't wanna be here," Kie agrees. "Can we go?" Sarah asks. "I admit the risk-reward is very off," Pope says. "Hey someone's coming," JJ hushes us. We hear footsteps and then a shadow appears behind the door.

Multiple bolts unlock before we hear the door pulled open. "Hi," The man smiles. "I'm sorry to keep you waiting. It's quite a big house, and I'm... I'm afraid the servants have all gone," He says. "All except uh, good old Demp," He grins, pointing at the man that brought us up. "I just can't seem to get rid of him," He chuckles. I catch JJ's eye. I have a really bad feeling about this.

"You must be the... the Pogues!" He smiles. "The great seekers!" He chuckles. "Yeah, I... I don't know about that...," John B swallows. "Oh, now, don't you, don't you be modest. I've read of your adventures," He smiles. "It's quite thrilling," He laughs. "Uh, come in, come in! I'm the son-in-law, Chandler Groff," He says, stepping aside to let us through. "Wes was really, really hoping you'd show," He smiles kindly. 

"He's been waiting," He tells us. JJ scratches his head. "Yeah, pleasure. JJ," He nods, stepping through the threshold. John B clears his throat. "Wanna go Pope?" He offers. "After you, Great Seeker," Pope scoffs. John B nods, swallowing before following JJ. "Right," He nods. The rest of us look at each other. "Well, I'm not going last, so...," Kie says quickly, following John B. The rest of us follow him through. "Hi," He nods at me, smiling. "Come on in," He laughs.