With The Tide (Outerbanks JJ Maybank x OC)

Chapter 18 - Secrets in the Crypt

Yes i know medically the story is probably not accurate.

When Ricky returned, he had JJ and John B help me to a table off in the corner of the room. Helping me up, I laid back, putting my arm over my eyes as Ricky started looking at the gash again.

"Alright kid, I'm gonna have to clean the area before I can get this stitched up." He said putting gloves on and grabbing a few pads of gauze. I nodded looking away from him, not wanting to know when he was going to do anything, hoping it would lessen the pain I knew was inevitable.

"Somebody start talking," I said as Ricky started swiping at the area around my injury and I started to tense up. "Seriously."

"We figured out the secret message in the compass." Kie said quickly and John B nodded pulling out the gold object opening the back.

"Yeah, its not a place, it was a hint towards my great great grandma Olivia Redfield Routledge." John B added. I scowled as he explained what they had found but was distracted by JJ pacing behind Ricky his hand running through his hair. I was about to comment when I felt the cool liquid go around my wound before being placed in it.

"Son of bitch!" I said through clenched teeth closing my eyes fighting every instinct that told me to pull away from Ricky.

"Sorry, if you don't know its coming it doesn't hurt as bad." Ricky explained and all I could do was move my head to the side trying to blink the tears that came to my eyes.

"Okay..." I finally responded after a few deep breaths, blinking several times turning to look back at John B. "Okay so what does that mean?"

"We think Big John may have hidden something in the cemetery at his grandma crypt." I lifted my head as Pope made his statement.

"What?" Sarah and I both stated at the same time.

"Are you serious?" I asked looking to John B. I could see JJ still pacing as his cousin gathered a few items from his kit setting them on the table. I refused to look, I wasn't looking forward to what was about to happen. "Okay so you guys should go before it gets too late."

"What?" Kie asked standing up. "No way."

"Hear me out okay." I said putting my finger up to stop any further arguing. "Hold on Ricky, give me a sec... I will literally be no help, there is no point waiting around here and listening to me cuss Ricky out once he starts. By the time you go find what you need to Ricky will be done and we can move on from this whole ordeal."

"Rowyn..." John B started but I shook my head.

"Seriously, I don't need you all here watching this." I say, "John B this is about your dad, finish this."

"Okay." He said standing up coming up to me putting his hand on my shoulder. I took his hand and smiled. "If you're sure."

"Trust me, I am." I nodded with a smile, "and take him please." I point at JJ who finally stopped pacing and scowled.

"Fuck that..." he started.

"JJ you are about to walk a hole through the floor. You look like you are about puke. Come here." I instructed pushing myself up on my elbow, ignoring the ache at my side. JJ came around to the other side of the table palms down bowing his head. "Listen, you trust your cousin, right?" He didn't answer me, "Right?" I asked again. He still didn't answer but he did nod his head.

"Then so do I." I said.

"I am not leaving you..."

"You're not." I shook my head, "I am asking you to go with them. I would feel better if you were with them, you know 'properly protecting them'" I smiled at him thinking back to the conversation we had had the night we opened the case of gold. As much as I could see him fighting it, he smiled.