But Daddy I Love Him ✸ JJ Maybank

Chapter Twenty Eight

CHAPTER TWENTY EIGHT

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"Okay, guys. I think this is El Tesoro." Natalie said, pointing to a spot on the map. "The trailhead to the mountain is supposed to start here."

JJ turned his head, his blue eyes widening in panic. "Oh shit. That's one of Singh's guys. What are we gonna do? We gotta get past them somehow."

Pope came up with an idea that involved them hiding in one of the shacks and throwing some fireworks. They connected a note to a fishing rod and threw it to one of Singh's men.

The second the man sat up, Pope threw one of the firecrackers his way, startling him. Natalie covered her mouth to muffle her laugh as she watched Singh's men freak out, frantically looking around.

This time, JJ threw a firecracker.

"Is he buying it?" JJ asked.

Before anybody could respond, gunfires echoed in the air, and the five of them ducked down. JJ dashed over to Natalie, covering her body with his body. Pope tossed another firecracker, it landing right next to their boat.

That one made them flee.

JJ smirked, him and Pope doing their handshake. "Think we're getting better at this."

Pope smirked back. "Oh yeah."

"Hey, hey. Ain't no time for celebrating. We didn't do nothing yet." Cleo said, pushing herself between them.

Natalie followed her, nodding. "That's fair."

Kiara nodded in agreement, following them.

"I thought we did something." JJ said to Pope with a frown.

"We did."

"Well done, soldier."

—

Natalie felt like they were walking forever.

Her feet was starting to hurt so she made JJ carry her on his back. He didn't complain. He happily carried her on his back like she was sack of Christmas presents.

Natalie was in the middle of ruffling JJ's hair when a sound of an explosion was suddenly heard. They all froze and stared at each other with wide eyes. Natalie jumped down from JJ's back and ran to where the explosion came from. The others followed her.

"Nat, slow down!" JJ yelled, trying his best to catch up with her.

They stopped running when they heard talking. They walked closer until they saw John B, Sarah, John B's dad sitting on a rock, looking injured, and Ward, who was pointing a gun at John B's chest.

The sight of Ward pointing a gun at John B made Natalie's jaw clench. John B was her brother and if Ward shot him, she's going to have his head.

"So, what are we gonna do?" Pope asked quietly.

"Is this ride or die?" JJ said quietly.