fearless

four; don't be suspicious

TW: GUNS, CHILD ABUSE, PTSD

The morning was slow, especially for Jj and Lettie, who stayed wrapped up in Lettie's duvet for as long as possible. But then, like everything good, it came to an end when Donavan burst into the room, asking Jj to build legos with him. So, Jj went, and Lettie started helping her mom make breakfast, eggs, bacon, and french toast. Lettie checked the swells around the island, but didn't see anything that excited her. It had been two days since her last surf, and she was starting to feel fidgety. So, after calling out to Jj about going to the chateau, she has her plans for the day.

A knock on the front door snaps Lettie's attention away from the eggs, she looks over at David, who takes over her position as she moves to the door.

Lettie opens it, her heart skipping at the sight of Sheriff Peterkin, "Good morning," The sheriff greets. Lettie spots the cop car parked in the driveway and frowns slightly.

Lettie steps out onto the porch, closing the door behind her, which earns a suspicious look, "Morning, sorry. My little brother has really bad anxiety, especially with cops," This isn't a lie. One time while David was driving to one of Lettie's soccer games Donny looked out the window and saw a squad car. He didn't stop crying until the game ended.

The woman nods, "I understand. I'm just here because I heard there was a party last night? A fight, Involved a gun." Lettie keeps her muscles tight as she prepares to speak, knowing she's about to lie. She hates lying.

"There was a party, a fun party," Lettie says, nodding, "And sure, there was a bit of a scuffle, but I don't remember any guns."

"I see," Peterkin hums, looking beyond Lettie into the window of the home, "Do you remember who was in the fight?"

"Topper," Lettie immediately states, "He started it, John B just defended himself."

"Alright, I'll look into it. Thank you, Scarlett," Peterkin moves to step off the porch, but she stops and Lettie internally curses, "Before I go, is Jj Maybank here? I've been trying to find him all morning. You're his girlfriend, aren't you?"

Lettie's response is automatic, "I am, but he isn't here. I haven't seen him since he walked me home last night."

Peterkin's eyes narrow, and for a second Lettie thinks she can see straight through her lie, "How chivalrous."

Lettie shrugs, a tight smile on her face, "Yeah, well, I'm a lucky girl."

"Could you let me know when you see him? Tell him I'd like to talk to him."

"Of course."

Peterkin steps off the porch, waving at the brunette before she gets in her car, and backs out of the driveway. Lettie stays outside until Peterkin's car is out of sight. Stepping back inside, Lettie is nearly knocked over by Donavan, who is excitedly running around the room, holding his finished lego set.

Lettie smiles as an arm goes around her shoulders, "You finished it," She observes, her heart swelling at Donavan's grin.

Jj kisses the side of her head, humming in agreement, "Who was at the door?"

"Peterkin," Lettie responds quietly, and Jj's eyes widen slightly, "Don't worry I didn't tell her anything. But somehow she knows about the gun, so, be careful."

He nods slowly as Lynette calls them into the kitchen for breakfast. In her mind she wants Jj to throw the gun back into the ocean so they can forget about it, but she knows him, he thinks it's awesome.

As soon as they're done eating, the teenagers help to clean up the kitchen. Then, Lettie slips away to her room, she throws on a bikini, some jean shorts, and a tank top before packing her bag with her usual essentials, plus a rash guard in case she decides to go for a swim. She holds her car keys in her mouth while she shoves her feet into her vans, tying her hair into a bun at the same time. Jj meets her at the door, in one of the shirts she had stolen from him a while ago and his favourite red hat. Lettie yells goodbye to her parents before the couple heads out to the bug.