AFTER OBX

CHAPTER 1- "in fact you seem pretty normal, but i can tell you're broken"

2 years ago, Morocco.
The Last Act of JJ Maybank

Morocco was supposed to be their last adventure. After years of chasing treasure and dodging danger, the Pogues had found something extraordinary: the legendary blue crown of a Spanish king, said to be worth more than any treasure they'd ever imagined.
But with great treasure came even greater danger.

The crown had brought them more
enemies than they could count, and this time, it wasn't just about survival. JJ Maybank knew that their lives would never be normal if they kept living like this.

The Pogues deserved better. Sarah and John B deserved to raise their family without fear. Kiara, Pope, and Cleo deserved lives where they could dream bigger than running from danger. JJ felt it deep in his bones: the chaos always seemed to follow him. He had to
end the cycle, no matter the cost.

In a hidden riad at the edge of the city, JJ sat across from Groff. The man was a mercenary, a treasure hunter who cared about one thing: profit. He'd been on their tail since they discovered the crown, and the Pogues hated him with a passion. That made him the perfect accomplice.
"
You want the crown?" JJ asked, pulling the velvet-wrapped artifact from his backpack. Groff's eyes lit up, his greedy smirk confirming everything JJ already knew about him.

"That's what I've been after all this time, Maybank. Hand it over, and maybe I'll consider sparing you and your friends."

JJ gave a dry laugh. "No, this isn't a negotiation. You get the crown, but on one condition —you help me disappear."

Groff raised an eyebrow. "Disappear?"

"I need you to make it look like you killed me. Stab me, just enough to make it real, but not enough to kill me. Leave the rest to me."

Groff leaned back in his chair, stroking his stubble as he considered. "And why the hell would I do that?"

"Because once you stab me, the Pogues will think I'm dead, and they'll stop running. You'll have the crown, and they'll vanish. Everybody gets what they want."

Groff chuckled darkly. "That's twisted, even for you. But it works. Fine. I'll do it. But if I miss and you die, don't haunt me."

JJ slid the crown across the table. "Just stick to the plan, and you'll never hear from me again."

The Pogues had agreed to meet in a courtyard near the edge of the medina, far from the bustling souks and prying eyes. JJ arrived early, his heart pounding as he scanned the
area.

This was the last time he'd see them—not alive, anyway.

He heard footsteps behind him.
Groff emerged from the shadows, his hand resting on the
hilt of a small but deadly-looking knife. "You ready for this?"

JJ took a deep breath, his fingers twitching at his sides. "Just do it quick."

Groff stepped closer, the blade gleaming in the faint light. "You'll want to brace yourself. This is gonna hurt."

Before JJ could respond, Groff plunged the knife into his side, just below the ribs, exactlywhere they had planned. Pain shot through JJ's body, stealing the air from his lungs. He staggered backward, clutching at the wound as blood spilled over his fingers. Groff pulled
the knife free, leaving JJ gasping as he collapsed to the ground.

Groff smirked, wiping the blade on his jacket. "Good luck, kid," he muttered before vanishing into the night.

Kiara arrived moments later, her heart stopping as she saw JJ lying in a pool of blood.

"JJ!" she screamed, running to him and dropping to her knees. She cradled his head in her lap, her hands trembling as she pressed them against the wound. "No, no, no. Stay with me. Don't you dare leave me!"