Audacious//JJ Maybank (Outerbanks)

Chapter 124

The air is filled with the melodic, haunting call to prayer, the sound echoing through the busy streets and over the water, blending into the ambient noise of the town. I glance at JJ, my brow furrowing as I try to assess our next move. He pulls out a length of rope, glancing between the man down at the wharf and me, a flicker of worry in his eyes.

"They'll never hear us," I say, my voice barely a whisper against the chant.

JJ nods, his jaw tight. "I know." He grips the rope tighter, clearly trying to come up with a plan, but I can see the tension growing in his posture, the frustration simmering beneath the surface. I can sense that he's not comfortable with letting me get anywhere near this guy, but I've already made up my mind.

"JJ, you're not going to like this," I say, my voice calm but firm. "He's definitely armed, and he knows you. If you go down there, he'll recognize you in an instant."

JJ's face hardens, his hand still gripping the rope. "Jackie, no way—are you kidding me?"

I turn and start down the steps without another word, ignoring his protests behind me.

"Jackie, are you kidding me? Jackie, no!" JJ's voice carries down after me, urgency and frustration thick in his tone. I feel the pull to turn back to him, but I steel myself, knowing that someone has to make the first move, and it can't be him. I can sense his fear, his anger, but I keep going, steadying my breath and preparing myself.

I reach the bottom of the steps, where the man is still standing with his back turned, oblivious to my approach. The soft murmur of the call to prayer surrounds us, and I take a deep breath, hoping it will hide my footsteps as I edge closer.

From behind, I hear JJ's voice again, quieter this time, a mix of worry and resignation. "Stay here... stay safe, Jackie. Please."

With one last glance over my shoulder, I look up to see JJ watching me from the top of the steps. His face is a mask of concern, but he nods slightly, the small gesture reminding me that we're still in this together, no matter what.

I turn back to face the man, nerves tightening in my stomach as I take another silent step forward, inching closer and closer. All I can hope is that this risk is worth it, that somehow, it brings us one step closer to Groff, to the blue crown, and ultimately, to home.

My heart races as I catch up with the man, trying to keep my voice steady and casual. I bump into him, forcing an innocent smile. "Whoops. Sorry," I apologize, pretending to be just another lost tourist.

The man eyes me suspiciously. "What do you want?" he asks, his tone cold.

"Actually, maybe you can help me out. I'm just a little lost," I say, trying to sound light and harmless. "I'm looking for a pirate... it's like, a statue?" I feign a confused smile, hoping to keep his attention.

His eyes narrow, but he answers, "Murad. The Barbarian."

"Yes, that's it!" I sigh with fake relief, hoping I sound sincere. "You're so... you're so smart!" I add, touching his arm lightly, hoping to disarm him with a friendly gesture. "I mean, how did you even know that?"

"What?" he grunts, now clearly annoyed but slightly intrigued.

"I don't want to bother you," I say, lowering my headscarf just enough to appear more vulnerable. "But I was wondering if maybe you could... show me around?" I continue, casting a nervous smile. "I'm traveling alone." I lie, throwing in a bit of hesitation, "It would just... help a lot if you could show me."

The man's eyes flash with suspicion, but before he can catch on, I start turning him away from the wharf, making a big deal out of directions. "So, if I go to the entrance... is it left?" I ask, playing dumb as I try to keep him focused on me instead of the boat.