𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐅𝐋𝐈𝐂𝐓𝐄𝐃─𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐛𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐬

one hundred seventeen.

─☼☼☼─

RAFE AND CHARLOTTE were still tangled in an embrace when the sound of tires on gravel cut through the quiet afternoon. 

Charlotte stilled for a moment, knowing it was no doubt her friends finally making their return from Charleston. She could feel Rafe stiffen as he turned his head, eyes landing on the Twinkie travelling down the driveway. 

"That's my cue," he muttered, untangling his arms from Charlotte before taking a small step back. His features had darkened slightly, as if preparing for a fight he was sure to happen. 

Feeling like her heart was tugged in a million directions, it took Charlotte a moment to decide how she wanted to respond. Ultimately, her response shocked Rafe. "No," she argued firmly. "Don't go. We could, uh...we could actually use your help with something."

She knew the Pogues wouldn't be happy to see Rafe, but he wasn't their biggest enemy anymore. And she knew that if they hadn't found what they were looking for in Charleston, Rafe might be their only hope at saving Poguelandia. 

Rafe quirked a brow, looking over his shoulder toward where the Pogues were piling out of the vehicle, Kiara and JJ joining them from the shop. "Are you sure? Your friends hate my guts, remember?"

Charlotte started walking down the driveway toward them. "Don't care," she argued. "They'll get over it."

Which after all Rafe had done, she didn't really expect them to, but she at least expected them to trust her. 

It took a couple seconds, but soon enough she could hear the sound of Rafe's footsteps behind her, it only taking him a couple of strides to catch up to her. 

"Is this about the rezoning hearing tonight?" He wondered, digesting her determined face as she approached her friends. Charlotte nodded, knowing he that Rafe was well informed as to what was going on. 

It was JJ who spotted the two of them first, his face instantly darkening. "What the fuck is he doing here?" He demanded, drawing the attention of the other five. Everyone's face darkened in the same way, aside from Kiara who looked rather impassive. 

Charlotte ignored him, coming to a stop in front of them and positioning herself in a way that almost protected Rafe from their hate-filled glares. "Did you find it?"

John B tore his eyes away from Rafe long enough to shake his head. "No. Too late."

"You didn't answer my question, Charley." JJ pointed out, angry eyes still locked on Rafe. 

Focusing her eyes on her best friend, Charlotte maintained her composure, finally finding it in herself to be confident in both her friendship with the Pogues and whatever relationship she had with Rafe. "I think he might be able to help us tonight."

Pope scoffed, "How do we know he's not the one doing this."

"He's not," Charlotte assured instantly. "But he knows a lot about real estate law. He's our best bet right now." She stole a quick glance at Rafe, giving him a chance to back out. But he didn't take it. He gave her a small nod, letting her know that he was going to stick by her side. 

"You think you can stop it?" Sarah questioned, hesitantly looking toward her brother. Their history was as messy as it could be, but Rafe had made a promise to be better for his sister, Charlotte hoped he was willing to stay true to that.