"Bratcher, have your guys stand down," Shoupe yelled at one of the SBI agents as he climbed out from one of the police cruisers, "Let me talk to these kids. All right, where did he go?" Shoupe asked, looking at the four teenagers. When they didn't answer Shoupe asked them again where John B went, "JJ, I see you're living up to your name." "Don't talk to him like that," Dakota snapped. "Miss Thornton, you're really not in the position to make demands," Shoupe told her, "Let's go," he said pointing JJ and Dakota to the back of his police cruiser and Pope and Kie to another. After Shoupe shut them in the car Dakota looked at JJ, "I always knew I'd end up in the back of a cop car with you," she told him smiling. Glaring at her JJ shrugged, "I keep shit interesting," he told her before grinning. Sliding across the seat Dakota laid her head on JJ's shoulder as he took her hand. Glancing back at the two teens Shoupe climbed into the front driver's seat.
"Okay, you two. It's just us so you need to tell me where he went; this isn't a fucking game. There's a storm heading in and if he's not careful he's gonna get caught in it. I need you to trust me and tell me the truth," Shoupe lectured them as he drove. "We already did tell you. I know you talked to Topper," Dakota responded. "Yeah and he told me about Rafe, but here's the problem, Ward Cameron is telling everyone it was John B. With him running the way he is he's just making himself look guilty," Shoupe told them. "So what are you saying? John B turns himself in to prove he's innocent and then what? You throw his ass straight in jail anyway because king of the island says so," JJ said, rolling his eyes. "We ain't gonna sort anything out with him running," Shoupe replied. Scoffing JJ shook his head, "When have the police ever sorted anything out into our favor? Kooks always win, you know that," JJ reminded him.
"Dakota, I'm talking to you here. I've known you your whole life. Your daddy's a good man. He'd expect you to cooperate and tell me everything," Shoupe said glancing at Dakota in the rearview. Narrowing her eyes Dakota slid forward leaning against the grate between the seats, "What aren't you telling us, Officer?" she asked, "You seem awfully convinced there's another truth to be heard." Pulling to a stop outside of the police command center, Shoupe turned to look at the two teens, "Sheriff Peterkin was a good woman who was keeping secrets. I can't do my job without the truth," he told her simply. "You know enough of the truth. Ward lied; Rafe shot Peterkin. You can't trust a thing Ward Cameron says and you don't need me to tell you that. I know my father's told you that for years," Dakota reminded him.
After letting them out of the back of the police car Shoupe led them to a tent set up at the command center where Pope and Kie were already sitting. "Sit down and don't move," Shoupe instructed, before leaving them there and walking out to the next tent. From where they sat they could hear one of the SBI agents barking orders, " There's a blockade up at the marsh and Masonboro and all other inlets from Shem Creek to Breach Inlet. I want eyes on all coastal access points," the agent instructed. "He's not going to make it," Dakota whispered. Taking her hand JJ squeezed it, "He can outrun them and the storm. He knows to go north," he told her as the sky opened up and it started raining outside of the tent.
Leaning heavily against JJ Dakota was listening to the police activity happening in the other tents when suddenly everyone was running past and she could hear sirens in the distance, "Screw this," she muttered when the officer assigned to watch them went running out after everyone. Standing she hurried to the opening of the tent to see what the commotion was about, with the others not far behind her. "The lighthouse," Kie pointed out the lighthouse circling with the light on. "They're chasing something," Dakota realized when several police boats with their sirens on, passed by the coast. "They'll never catch him," JJ said confidently. "You four get your asses back to those seats," Shoupe instructed, hurrying past the tent. "We want to know what's happening," Dakota called to the new sheriff. Turning Shoupe glared at her, "Your friend is not only going to get himself killed, but Sarah Cameron too. We're trying to prevent that," Shoupe told her before turning and heading into another tent.
"Sarah?" Kie questioned as the four sat down again. "They must've hooked up again on his way out," Pope reasoned. "I think we need to tell them the absolute truth. Everything, including Ward killing Big John," Dakota told them. "What's that gonna do? It's not going to get John B to turn around," JJ responded. "I know, but I think Shoupe knows more than what he's letting on. Obviously Peterkin knew something; John B said she was arresting Ward. So maybe if we tell him everything he can figure out what Peterkin had on Ward," Dakota proposed. "Princess, you've got too much faith in cops," JJ said, putting his arm around her and kissing her temple. Sighing Dakota leaned into his side, "I just want everyone to be safe," she said. "Maybe Dakota's right. Maybe we should tell them everything," Kie agreed quietly. "I feel like he's going to believe us," Dakota told them looking at Kie and Pope.
Standing when Sheriff Shoupe, Deputy Plumb, and Deputy Thomas entered the tent the four teens looked at them expectantly, "Did you find them?" Pope asked. "No," Shoupe answered. "So they got away?" Kie questioned. Watching their faces Dakota reached for JJ's hand as Shoupe shook his head, "We uh…...we lost them. I'm sorry," he told them. "You lost them," Pope repeated, "What does that mean?" he asked. "They took an open boat into a tropical depression, Pope," Shoupe answered. "So they're dead?" Dakota asked. Sighing Shoupe shrugged, "We don't know," he replied.
"You drove them straight through the storm, man!" JJ yelled, letting go of Dakota's hand and shoving Shoupe. "JJ," Dakota cried as Thomas pulled a struggling JJ off of Shoupe, "Let him go," she cried, pushing on the officer. "Thomas let him go," Shoupe told his officer. "He knew not to go south. He only went that way to get away from you," JJ yelled as Thomas let him go. Standing between JJ and Shoupe Dakota turned to the officer she'd known her whole life, "You know. You know he didn't kill anyone," she cried as tears ran down her face. "We're still looking for them," Shoupe told them.
Sucking in a breath Dakota shook her head before turning to look at JJ. Wrapping his arms around her Dakota gripped him tightly as she cried into his chest. "They didn't make it mom," Dakota heard Kie crying behind her. Lifting her head Dakota saw that Kie and Pope's parents had arrived and were hugging their children. Knowing no one was coming for her and JJ; Dakota cried harder, "It's okay, Kota, we've got each other," he whispered to her, hugging her tighter.
"These two are mine, Shoupe," came a voice from behind JJ, "If you're not charging them with anything I'm taking them home." Gasping Dakota looked around JJ to find her father standing there, "Daddy?" she whispered. "What?" JJ asked confused, turning to look at the man behind him. "Dakota, you and your friend go wait in the car," Preston Thornton instructed, "I need to speak with Sheriff Shoupe." Wide eyed Dakota simply nodded before grabbing JJ's hand and pulling him out of the tent. Hurrying through the rain Dakota led JJ to her father's car. Opening the back door they climbed into the car. Shaking rain water from his hair JJ looked at her, "Wasn't expecting that," he commented. Blinking Dakota shook her head, "Neither was I," she told him, "What is he doing here?" she questioned.
"You've certainly made a mess of things, young lady," Preston stated as he drove through the rain. Feeling JJ stiffen next to her Dakota took his hand, "When did you get back?" she asked. Glancing at the two teens in the backseat Preston sighed, "Your friends and their parents are coming to the house to sort everything out. I've spent a fair few days trying to clean up after you kids, while building a case against Ward Cameron," he told them. "What do you mean about building a case against Cameron?" JJ spoke up. "You'll find out when we get home," Preston answered. "Home?" JJ whispered confused. "Yes, home, you'll find I've been busy setting a few things in motion," Preston told him.
Following her father into the house Dakota was surprised to find Anna waiting for them in the foyer, "Anna it's late what are you still doing here?" she questioned the housekeeper as Anna wrapped her arms around both Dakota and JJ. "I was worried. I wanted to make sure you kids were okay," Anna answered. "Anna, if you could, there will be guests arriving in a few moments. Can you send them to the living room?" Preston asked. "Of course," Anna answered before smiling at JJ and Dakota, "Go, go. You'll be so happy," she told them shooing them down the hall towards the living room.
Walking into the living room Dakota stopped dead causing JJ to run into her. Wide eyed her breathing grew heavy as she swatted at JJ, "Am I losing it?" she whispered. "Princess, if you're losing it then I'm losing it too," JJ replied, staring across the room. "No one's losing it," John B announced, "We're really here," he told them as he and Sarah stood from the large wraparound couch they were sitting on with Topper. Running across the room Dakota threw her arms around both Sarah and John B, "I don't understand. How are you here?" she questioned, stepping back looking at both of them. "Your father sent Topper after us. It took some convincing for us to believe anything he said but eventually he convinced us he was trying to help and after that I don't really know," John B told them as he hugged JJ. "I'm not following any of this. We thought you fucking drowned, man," JJ said, running his hand through his hair. "Young man, if you're going to be living in this house, you'll refrain from that language," Preston scolded as he entered the room, "And all will be explained once the rest of your friends arrive."
Super confused JJ looked at Dakota as she shrugged at his silent question, "Daddy, what do you mean about JJ living here?" she asked. "Do you really think, Dakota, that I don't know he stays in your room most nights?" Preston questioned eyeing the two from across the room. Swinging her glare towards Topper he immediately raised his hands in surrender, "Don't look at me!" he exclaimed, "I didn't tell him." Pulling files from his briefcase Preston glanced at his children, "He didn't rat you out, Honey, the private investigator I hired did," he told his daughter. Clearing her throat Dakota rubbed her forehead, "Private investigator?" she questioned. "Of course, how else was I supposed to know what you kids were up to? Now I hear Anna coming with your friends, I suggest you sit so things can be explained," he instructed, pointing to one of the recliners.
"What the fuck is happening?" JJ muttered to her as they wedged themselves onto the recliner together as Preston greeted Kie, Pope, and their parents when Anna led them into the room. "I have no fucking clue," Dakota whispered back as Kie and Pope both bolted across the room hugging John B and Sarah. "I'm very confused right now," Heyward spoke up, "We were told these two capsized in the storm," he said pointing to John B and Sarah. "Good. That's exactly what I want everyone to believe until we arrest Ward and Rafe Cameron," Preston responded, "Please take a seat all of you and I'll do my best to explain what our kids have been getting into," he told everyone.
Once everyone was settled Preston thanked them for coming, "I want to start by telling you Sheriff Peterkin called me about a week ago to not only inform me of what my daughter was getting herself involved in, but to also help build a case against Ward Cameron," he told them all. "What kind of case?" Mike, Kie's father asked. "Murder," Preston stated, "Based on your expressions I'm going to guess you don't think Ward Cameron capable of murder," Preston said looking around at the parents, "I assure you I know him much better then you do and he's capable."
"I never would've imagined it myself, but I've seen a side of my father I can't trust," Sarah spoke up gripping John B's hand tightly, "My brother shot Sheriff Peterkin and my father put the blame on an innocent person." "From what I hear through my contacts you attempted to tell the SBI agents the truth, correct?" Preston asked looking at Sarah, "When we're done here if you're willing I need a sworn statement from you to take to the police," he told her when she nodded. "It's the right thing to do," Sarah said nodding in agreement. "As it is I have a sworn affidavit from a witness confirming Ward Cameron to be responsible for John Routledge's death. The former sheriff provided a file of evidence to my office that I've handed over to Shoupe. He should be arresting both Rafe and Ward right now," Preston told the group.
"Can they arrest Rafe before having Sarah's statement that he shot Peterkin?" John B asked. "He's not getting arrested for that, yet. He's getting arrested for assault," Preston answered, "Which they'll be sending someone to take pictures of your throat, Dakota, and you'll need to provide a statement too." Blinking Dakota looked at her brother, "What about Topper? If we have Rafe arrested for what he did to me they could just as easily come after Topper for what he did to Rafe." "They could try, but based on what happened we can claim he was acting within self defense on your behalf," Preston told her.
"This all seems so crazy," Anna, Kie's mother, spoke up. Smiling Preston nodded, "It's about to get crazier since our kids found 400 million dollars in gold too," he told her. Pope and Kie's parents all started talking at once while the teens in the room looked at each other bewildered, "Daddy how do you know about that?" Dakota asked, "You said something about a private investigator, earlier," she reminded him. "Yeah, and if you had someone following us you'd also know Cameron stole it from us," JJ spoke up. "You're right he did steal it from you, which is why my sister, Liana, was waiting at the airport in Nassau with the paperwork proving you kids have claim over the gold," Preston responded.
"I'm sorry I'm so confused, "John B spoke up, "How do you have paperwork?" "I have to second being confused by all of this," Heyward voiced as the other parents nodded. "I apologize. Maybe the kids could tell us how they were able to find the gold of the Royal Merchant," Preston decided, "And then I can fill in some of the blanks," he said looking between John B and Sarah, JJ and Dakota, and Pope and Kie. Clearing his throat John B spoke up, "Ummm…...well as everyone I'm sure knows my father spent his whole life looking for the Royal Merchant," he began, "Well he uhhhh….found it," he told them shrugging.
"Care to elaborate that?" Mike asked. "We found Big John's map and followed it but there wasn't any gold on the wreck," Pope picked up the story, "John B with the help of Sarah figured out a slave, Denmark Tanny, survived the wreck and brought the gold to shore." "Using a survey map of Tannyhill I got from my father's office we found the gold at the old Crain house," Sarah continued. "Before we could get it out though Cameron figured it out and stole it," JJ finished.
"Which is where I come in," Preston said, "I got a call from Peterkin after someone sunk my boat," he said looking at a shame faced Pope and then JJ, "She informed me that my daughter and her friends were searching for gold along with someone willing to murder for it, Ward Cameron. I hired an investigator to follow the kids and when he reported they'd found the gold I immediately filed the paperwork claiming ownership. Unfortunately I got tied up on the mainland and was unable to get a team down there before Cameron got to it. Fortunately my sister is in Nassau and I faxed her the paperwork this morning. I haven't heard from her yet but she should have no problem recovering what was taken." "Daddy, are you telling us that the gold is really ours?" Dakota asked wide eyed. "As soon as I can get it back here," Preston answered. Laughing Dakota hugged JJ before jumping out of the recliner to hug her father as everyone in the room began talking at once in excitement.
Once everyone had settled Pope and Kie left with their parents leaving Preston with John B, Sarah, JJ, Dakota, and Topper. "So I know it's late but there are a few more things we need to speak about," he told the group, "Mr. Routledge and Mr. Maybank I've filed the necessary paperwork for emancipation," Preston told the boys, pulling out papers from the files he'd taken from his briefcase earlier. "I'm sorry, what?" JJ questioned. Glancing at Anna who'd been sitting in the corner quietly Preston looked at JJ, "It's come to my attention that you've been living in a less than desirable environment. Was I too presumptuous in thinking you'd want a way out of your situation?" Preston questioned. Blinking JJ shook his head. Smiling Preston nodded, "I didn't think so. Now I've looked into the Routledge home and the current owner has agreed to keep renting to you two boys once the emancipation goes through. You will need to provide a form of income and you both have two years left of school. Grades will be part of the deal," Preston informed them.
"We'll do whatever we have to do, sir," John B promised after a quick glance at JJ. Nodding in agreement JJ looked a little bewildered as he gripped Dakota's hand. "In the meantime Mr. Routledge and Miss Cameron you will be staying with Anna. She's generously offered to house you two while we deal with the upcoming case against your father and for the emancipation to go through," Preston told them, "I don't think Ward will find you two there before you can testify but I will have someone watching the house just in case," he declared. "Do you think that's something we need to worry about? Ward, trying to silence us," John B asked. Sighing Preston shook his head, "It's hard to say but we aren't taking any chances," he replied.
"Mr. Maybank you are welcome to continue staying here, but not in my daughter's bed," Preston said, turning to glare at JJ. "Dad," Dakota whined clearly embarrassed. "He will stay in the guest bedroom," Preston told her, "Now there's plenty more we have to discuss but it's getting very late. We can pick this all up in the morning. Someone should be coming by for those pictures and Dakota's statement and hopefully I'll hear from my sister by then. Miss Cameron I'll be by tomorrow afternoon to record your statement to take to the police as well." After saying goodbye to John B, Sarah, and Anna, Dakota took JJ's hand, "Come on I'll show you to your room," she told him. Saying goodnight to both Topper and her father the two left the room and headed upstairs. Stopping at the door across from hers Dakota smiled, "This is it," she told him.
"Are you okay?" Dakota asked a still silent JJ. Chewing the inside of his cheek JJ looked around as he shook his head, "I feel like I'm dreaming. Why would your father help me like that?" he questioned. "Maybe because he sees what I see," Dakota told him, wrapping her arms around his neck and kissing him. Deepening the kiss Dakota pushed JJ back against the wall only to step back immediately when she heard his grunt of pain, "I'm sorry; I forgot," she said lifting his shirt to look at his ribs. Leaning his head against the wall JJ attempted to smile, "It's okay," he assured her, "Especially if you're going to run your hands all over me like that," he told her smirking at her. Rolling her eyes Dakota ran her hands down his chest to the waistband of his shorts. Dipping her fingers under the waistband she grinned wickedly at him, "Wouldn't it be rude though to get you all worked up when we can't do anything about it?" Humming he turned her and pressed her against the wall, "I can be quiet, Princess, can you?" he questioned kissing the breath out of her.
"For fucks sake," Topper hissed from down the hall, " I'd stop doing that before dad sees you," he warned before shutting himself in his room. Breaking apart Dakota took a few steps back, "He's right. Tempting fate with my father in the house, probably not a good idea," she said smiling at him, "I guess I'll see you at the breakfast table," she told him winking before opening her bedroom door and stepping inside. Wide awake Dakota glanced at the clock reading 2a.m. and decided to get some painting done. An hour later she stood from her easel and stretched out her back. Glancing at the clock she bit her lip before undressing and slipping one of JJ's shirts on from her bottom drawer. Slowly she opened her door and listened for any signs of someone awake. When she didn't hear anything she quickly crossed the hall and slipped inside the guest bedroom.
Letting her eyes adjust to the dark she approached the bed where JJ lay on his back wide awake watching her, "That took longer than I thought it would," he whispered, grinning at her, before pushing back the covers to reveal his state of undress. Giggling Dakota peeled the rest of her clothes off and slid in bed with him. Kissing him she climbed on top of him and let out a contented sigh as she slowly lowered herself on him. Watching her as she moved above him JJ grinned, "You're going to get me killed," he whispered. Moaning as he took her breast into his mouth Dakota arched her back, "Dear God it'll be a good way to go though," she muttered as she moved faster above him. "Fuck yeah it would," he whispered pulling her down to kiss her.