Here it is. Last chapter.
Holy Moly guys i am surprised about how long this story went. This was my first fanfiction and i am so happy it was well received.
Keep in mind this is not the last time you will see Rowyn and the Pogues. Series 2 will be out shortly. Look for "Caught in the Current" This one will follow Season 2 and the Pogues as they navigate through their losses and a new enemy.
Hope you enjoy and will continue reading :)
I woke up the next morning pillowed on JJ's chest, to the radio. "Good News for residents of the Outer Banks. Dominion power says the underwater transmission line, which will restore power to 90% of the area should be functional in the next 24 hours."
JJ startling momentarily as a cop car rushed by in front of the place we were hiding. Placing my hand on his shoulder I felt him relax a bit as we watched the cops pass in front of us. "And still no arrest in the shooting death of Sheriff Susan Peterkin. The state police have issued a statement regarding a local person of interest, a juvenile from…" Kie quickly shut the radio off.
"Maybe you guys can help, being the smart ones an all but… who are the cops going to believe? Ward Cameron or us?" JJ asked. "So, the accuser is a bigshot developer, kinda lord of the island, got governor on speed dial kinda person… no offense Sarah… and the accused is John B. who is, pretty much of a homeless 16-year-old boy at the moment?"
"Thanks." John B breathed out and I sat up, stretching my neck out. My hand went to my side as I slid from JJ's embrace. Luckily the bleeding seemed to have stopped or at least slowed.
"What about Sarah and I?" I asked pulling everyone's attention. "We were both there."
"At this point, my dad will have spouted some lie about being unstable, or that John B convinced us or threatened us…" Sarah whispered. I bit my lower lip nodding.
"We've gotta get you off the island man." Pope commented from the back of the car.
"Where would I go Pope? I have nothing man." John B asked frustrated.
"I… I have a one-way ticket in my safe deposit box at the bank on the mainland." I say quietly which again took the conversation from the vehicle, everyone turning to look at me. Keeping my eyes averted to the ground I anxiously fiddled with the frayed end of my shorts.
"Care to explain?" Kie asked turning in her seat to look at me and I just shrugged. Next to me JJ nudge my arm and I rolled my eyes looking up.
"Before you guys… I… I was in a dark place alright; I didn't see a reason to stay. I didn't have many other options." I spoke. "I decided I needed out and started to plan my 'escape' I guess. I bought a one-way ticket to the west coast and put a bunch of cash away to start over." I looked at JJ who scowled, I had never told him this and I could see the betrayal in his eyes. "Once I met you guys, I just sort of forgot about it."
"Why didn't you tell us before?" Sarah asked.
"I haven't thought of it for a while." I shrugged. "It was never a secret from anyone, but I haven't been in that dark space for a while, I didn't really want to go back to it."
"Okay so the ferry, that's the only way." Pope said sitting up.
"Yeah, before the entire island gets locked down." JJ nodded.
We agreed to get to the ferry. I got out to stretch my legs as we waited for Pope to get the ticket for the ferry. Leaning on the car, making sure to obscure any obvious view of John B, who had reclined the seat back as far as it would go, JJ came out and stood beside me. Hands in his pocket he leaned on the car beside me.
"Why didn't you ever tell me?" he finally asked.
I gave a big sigh looking out at the ferry and the crowds of people. "When I met you guys, I gave myself a month longer and then I was going to leave. I knew with everything I couldn't stay in that house with my dad, I couldn't take it, couldn't continue doing it alone. As cliché as it sounds, it all changed when I met you guys, even if you didn't like me at the time." I turned to look at him, but he was scuffing his boot on the ground avoiding my gaze. "It was at such a low point in my life that it's just… The money for the restitution, or actually the money I gave Topper, it came from the money I put away to leave."
He looked up at me with a scowl. "I didn't need it anymore; I had no use for it you know. I wasn't planning on leaving, at least not leaving without…" I trailed off chewing on the inside of my cheek nervously, he wrapped his arms around me, and I calmed a bit. "As cheesy as it is Jay, you saved me, I wouldn't be here without you." I heard him take a shaky breath before pulling my face up so his lips could connect with mine his thumb caressing my jaw.
"Guys!" Pope was calling out to us walking quickly back to the car. "We have a problem." He handed a paper to JJ as he passed us and move to the drives seat of the car tapping the wheel nervously.
"Pope can you act normal?" Kie asked she had switched seat to rest for a bit and was now wide awake looking annoyed as Pope panicked beside her. I followed JJ back into the car looking at the wanted poster in his hand my eyes widening as I read everything.
"Okay… so … Bad news, ferry's closed and there's that." Pope said pointing to the paper.
"Holy shit, 25 thousand dollars!" I exclaimed trying to keep my voice down.
"'Well John B., this is a good framer of you," JJ stated passing the paper to his friend still reclined back in the seat. Sarah looked over his shoulder and read the document with him. "Congratulations John B. you're famous now."
"Now what?" I asked
"We need to get to the HMS Pogue. We need small, no running lights…" Kie suggested.
"It's at the Chateau, Kie." John B sighed.
"And I wonder if the cops got the entire place staked out? Let me think oh, yeah no, they devintely have that place locked down." JJ rolled his eyes, and I smacked his arm scowling at him.
"Okay let me think…" Pope said and just as quickly he turned around to look at JJ, "JJ do you have your dad still have the boat… the cigarette boat, "The Phantom?" he asked.
"The one he used to race?" I questioned and I could feel him tense at the mention of his dad.
"Yeah, that one." Pope nodded.
"Maybe." JJ responded with a shrug.
"You could get right up the coast, no problem," Pope stated everyone realizing where he was going with the suggestion. Pope started to put the car in gear but the cars around us were at a standstill.
"I guess but it's not gonna be easy I mean I don't even know where the keys are." JJ said uneasy and I took his hand squeezing it.
"Well find them," said Pope as his anxiety rose with the lack of movement from the line of traffic.
"I'm thinking." JJ stated annoyed.
"Why is nobody moving!" Pope asked.
"Can you relax!" Kie stated from beside him, "JJ, how much weed did you give him?" Kie's question was overshadowed by Sarah commenting about the wanted poster. The jeep we were currently in was listed as a possible vehicle. 'shit' The realization of the situation on being made worse by Pope honking the car and yelling for the vehicles to start moving. I reached forward trying to stop him, but he kept yelling and honking.
"Look there he is!" a kid from the road pointed at us and John B tried to cover his face.
"We got a snitch, Pope we gotta go." JJ stated.
"Lets go Pope!" I said and another man came running up to the jeep banging on the passenger window confirming John B's presence. The car jerked forward suddenly hitting the car in front of us and I was thrown forward, JJ grabbed onto my waist and pulled me back, despite the pain I was happy for the secure grasp keeping mee in place. Pope reversed hitting another car. Ignoring Kie and JJ yelling at him he accelerated forward again, jumping the curb, and driving down the sidewalk around the line of cars.
"Jesus Pope slow down!" Sarah stated her grip firmly on the back of our seats trying not to bounce around the back.
"Watch out Pope, Watch Out!" Kie exclaimed just as he hit a warning sign on the side of the road. Her exclamation didn't seem to faze him as Pope yelled in enjoyment letting out a 'whoop!' as he sped down the road.
"I'm living my best life right now" he yelled.
"Dude I am the last one to say this, but you are not okay to drive. Stop!" JJ said his hand still around me. Without any warning he hit the brakes.
"John B get out." Pope stated turning to where John B got out of the vehicle.
"Dude he's right." JJ agreed. "We'll draw the cops you run."
"I'm going with you" Sarah said moving to get out of the jeep. She gave one look to John B that told him not to argue.
"Okay look I'll get the rig and meet you in the dump tomorrow alright?" JJ said.
"Three o'clock okay." I added and JJ nodded.
"Three o'clock at the dump."
We parted ways and led the cops through the cut ditching them once the sun went down on the far side of the island. Wanting to stay close to one another we decided staying at The Wreck would be best. It was still close enough to the dump for tomorrow but far enough from the Chateau and the police station. Pope and Kie still were keeping their distance from each other. I fell asleep with JJ holding me. Between getting shot at, running from the airstrip, driving through the cut we were all running on empty.
The next morning the sirens could still be heard. I sat at one of the tables next to JJ who was flicking his lighter staring out the window. He hadn't slept much last night, then again neither did I. Pope groaned as he sat up rubbing his neck walking behind JJ.
"He's pinched for sure man." JJ said is eyes not leaving the window.
"They wouldn't be patrolling if they go him." Pope shook his head.
"Let's hope." I whispered quietly. Kie moved from her spot behind moving to stand beside me. "You know we were in the car too. They're probably looking for us."
"Well, I guess if we're gonna be outlaws too, we might as well help John B." Pope shrugged, and I nodded smiling.
"So, find him before they do." JJ nodded. "Plan?"
"We need gas for the boat, provisions, and the key for The Phantom." Pope said. "I can get gas from Pops' place."
"Okay you and Kie get the gas, its right down the road and JJ's bike is right outside. Meet us as the Dump. JJ and I will get some food and head to his house…" I paused looking to him as I mention his home. His lips pursed but I saw him nod. "Kie can I borrow your jeep, mines still at John B's"
"Yeah. Okay. Take some food from here. It will be quicker then stopping at a store." She nodded. We followed them out and watched them ride off. Kie uncomfortably putting her arms around Pope. "What's going on between them…" I was cut off as a helicopter flew over us. "Who the hell is that?"
"Not a clue." JJ shook his head, and we went back inside. We wasted no time getting a box and filling it with non-perishable foods. With two boxes full we went out to the jeep putting the food into the back. Anna was suddenly there staring at me surprised.
"Rowyn, what are you doing here. Where's Kiara?" she asked, and I looked at JJ.
"Mrs. Carrera. She um… She was here a bit ago, went out with Pope." I said pointing in the direction they drove off in. "We um… we stayed here last night."
"Rowyn, we have been up half the night looking for her scared to death." She said her hands were on her hips. Biting my bottom lip, I moved to the driver's side of the car.
"Look I'm sorry. That wasn't what we wanted we just…" I stammered and I could feel tears burning the corner of my eyes. Anna had been there for me for years; been the mother I never knew. Seeing her so distraught, so hurt, I never wanted to bring this on them. They were good people.
"What are you guys doing?" she asked as JJ closed the trunk.
"I'm sorry Miss Anna, we gotta go." JJ said holding the straps of his backpack looking at his feet.
"I'm sorry." I say moving to sit behind the wheel.
"No. absolutely not." Anna shook her head moving closer to me. "Have you not heard what's going on out there. Have you seen the storm coming in?"
"Anna I'm sorry but we have to go." I apologized to her.
"It's not safe out there." She exclaimed. "These cops are armed Rowyn. You and Kiara, you are gonna get yourself shot."
"We're gonna be fine. She will be fine." I tried to reassure her.
"I am not letting you do this."
"John B needs us!" I yelled and I cringed. I had never raised my voice to the Carrera's, would never but the pressure of the situation was becoming too much, and we needed to leave. JJ beside me was avoiding eye contact cringing as our voice grew. Starting the car, I pulled the door shut saying I am sorry as she yelled for me to stop. As I drove away, I could see her in the rearview her hand over her mouth and I gripped the wheel tighter letting out a heart shattered breath. Beside me JJ pride one of my hands from the wheel holding it, bring the back of my hand to his lips. Taking a deep breath, I controlled the emotional break down on the verge of taking over and focused on the drive to the Maybank household.
As we inched closer, his hand was still holding mine, but his posture changed. His leg started bouncing and he turned his head away from me bringing his other hand to his face chewing on his nail nervously. Pulling up to the house I put the car and park and looked at JJ.
"Home sweet Home." He sighed looking up at the house.
"Do you want me to come in with you?" I asked.
"No." he shook his head with a heavy breath. "This will only take a second." He added opening the door and walking up to the door. He looked back at me, and I gave him a soft reassuring smile, he gave me a nod and disappeared through the door.
It was only a couple minutes later when he came out, slamming the screen door open. He didn't look up at you right away as he walked to the car pulling the door open and sliding in. My eyes trailed over him and there was no indication of a fight having happened.
"How'd it go?" I asked quietly. He kept his head down as he nodded, and I heard a small sniff before he finally looked up at me. He had tears in his eyes that were unshed and the smile he gave me felt forced, holding up the key, the chain tangled in his fingers. We rode in silence both of us lost in thought.
"It's gonna be fine Roe. It'll be fine with the Phantom; she'll get out quick." He stated for the both of us.
"Hope so." I whispered. My grip tightened on the wheel as police sirens grew louder and several SUV's sped past us on the road. I sat up straight and JJ sunk down into the seat trying to hide himself, his hand pulling his hat further down. "They're still looking. That's a good sign." I said making a quickly glance over my shoulder. It wasn't long after that we reached the storage building where the Phantom had been housed.
"There she be," JJ said his hand running down the side. "Hey girl, A 1983 Formula 402 SR1. The Phantom. First boat to make the run to Bermuda in under 16 hours… forty years old! Forty, and its still the fastest thing Kildare's ever seen."
Crossing my arms, I raised an eyebrow at him as he fawned over the large boat, "Would you like me to leave you two alone?" The reaction I received was an eye roll from him as he jumped from the trailer. I laughed and backed the jeep up to the hitch. "Well, let's hope your forty-year-old side piece runs."
"Oh, she'll run alright. She's faster than any cutters the boys in blue have." He stated.
"God its about time." I said hearing a motorcycle outside the storage building. Leaving JJ to hook the boat up I made my way to the back to help Kie and Pope with the gas. Rounding the corner my heart dropped as I came face to face with someone else.
"Hey there Rowyn, whats going on?" Rafe asked. Keeping my eyes on him I walked backwards towards JJ. Looking over my shoulder I cringed as I saw Barry jumping over the hitch and stalking up to him. "How you guys doing?" he asked whistling as he looked at the Phantom. Keeping an eye on Rafe I turned to watch Barry.
"Well, Well…" he said admiring the boat. The gun in his hand was not lost to either of us, Barry raised it and pointed it at JJ. I heard the audible click of him cocking it and chambering a bullet. "See, don't think I forgot about me and you on the side of the road." Barry continued to move closer to JJ, "I'm here because I want my motherfucking money!" he exclaimed, and his fist came across JJ's face.
"Hey!" I yelled and ran towards Barry. I was able to push him back, but as I reached down to JJ, Rafe grabbed my arm and pulled me backwards. A screamed left my throat as he yanked be back and against the iron support beam. I could hear Barry yelling at JJ and the grunts of pain, but I couldn't pull away.
"We're only here for him," Rafe stated point to JJ, "and John B. Where is he?" he asked moving closer to me. I spit in his face in response, and he backhanded me, before grabbing me by my throat.
"You gonna… you gonna do the same thing to me?" I choked out keeping my eyes locked on his.
"Whats that?" he asked with a smirk.
"Kill me… like you killed Peterkin." I said and his hand released my throat and I dropped to my knees coughing. Barry stopped his current beating of JJ to look at Rafe almost impressed.
"You have no idea what you're talking about." He hissed kneeling down next to me.
"I was there Rafe. I know what you did." I glared at him before throwing my body into him. He fell on to his back but was quick to push me off to the side. I groaned holding my still injured side rolling so I could pull myself up on my knees. In front of me there was a metal pipe under one of the boat tires that I started to crawl towards.
"You don't know what you saw!" he exclaimed reaching out grabbing my foot and pulling me back. He quickly rolled me onto my back and placed his legs on either side of me. Grabbing the collar of my shirt he pulled me up to his face. "Where is he Roe, where's John B?"
"Get off her man!" JJ yelled from his own place on the ground but received a kick to his abdomen as a response.
"Shut up boy." Barry yelled.
"Stop!" I yelled fighting against Rafe to try and get to Barry who continued to punch JJ.
"Where is he!" Rafe yelled again shaking me, but before I could answer Kie was on his back yanking him off me. I heard him yelling at her, but I was too focused on getting to JJ who had curled in on himself trying to protect his rips. Scrambling to my feet I grabbed Barry's arm as he pulled it back again. Unfortunately, Barry was stronger than me which made tossing me to the side an easy feat for him. The tossed me into the boat hard enough that my head slammed into it, and I landed on the ground stunned and disoriented.
There was yelling and I blinked a few times to see Pope hitting Rafe in the back of the head with the metal pipe I had seen earlier. Rafe had released Kie who was holding her throat begging Pope, who had abandoned the pipe and started to use his fist, to stop. Barry turned away from JJ realizing Rafe was now on the losing end of his own battle. JJ reached out grabbing his foot as he went to grab his gun and move towards them, and Barry tripped the gun sliding beside me as I slowly stood up using the boat as support.
"Roe, the gun!" JJ yelled, "Kick it!"
I did so without hesitation, kicking it under the boat and across the building. JJ then grabbed Barry who was trying to pick himself up and started to land his own punches in his face before pushing him to the ground. He turned to me grabbing my face before wrapping his arms around me.
"Are you okay?" he asked quickly, and I nodded. Holding him for a bit of stability… for both of us… I watched as Pope continued to punch Rafe.
"Pope!" I yelled despite the pain I felt in my chest and side as I did so. Pope was seeing red, and he was no longer listening to the world around him. JJ let go of me and walk over to him.
"Pope! That's enough!" he yelled. Kie attempted to grab him and pull him away, but Pope easily pulled free and grabbed a rope that had been laying off to the side wrapping it around Rafe's neck.
"Snap out of it!" I yelled walking over quickly standing beside Kie as JJ continued to try and pull Pope off. With a final pull JJ was able to pull him far enough back to let Rafe fall to the ground gasping for air. I watched stunned, Rafe had blood running down his chin. "We… We gotta go." I stammered pulling Kie back with me. JJ followed next to me holding onto me as we walked out. Looking over my shoulder Pope had bent down so he was eye level with Rafe.
"Stay off the cut."
We all piled into Kie's jeep, Kie taking the wheel pulling the large boat out of the storage lot and towards the dump. Using the last of the gauze in the first aid kit I dabbed at the cut bleeding above JJ's eye. Once I was satisfied, I sat back trying to relax into the seat wincing.
"You sure you're, okay?" he asked beside me. I didn't think I could answer verbally so I just nodded putting my hand at my side closing my eyes. His fingers started running softly through my hair. Once we got to the dump it was quarter to three and we were all starting to get anxious as JJ help back the boat into the water.
"Where is he?" Kie asked standing beside me on the dock. JJ was on the boat getting it ready and Pope was standing at the end of the dock looking towards the road.
"He's coming. He'll be fine." JJ reassured coming around the bow of the boat.
"He still has a few minutes." I agreed, but the confidence of my statement quickly waivered as sirens got closer and a police truck came into view.
"Oh shit!" I said grabbing Kies arm as I watched the truck get closer. "JJ"
"Get in the boat." He said quickly. I moved to untie the line when John B stepped out from the driver's side of the car, and I froze.
"Hold on… What?" I scowled in confusion.
"No way." JJ started to laugh his hands on his head. "You gotta be kidding me.
"No effing way." Pope said. JJ jumped from the boat and walked up to his friend. John B was putting his backpack on as he walked up to us.
"Shoupe let me take it for a spin." He shrugged.
"Sure, he did," I rolled my eyes as he came up to me wrapping his arms around me. Kie made a comment about how believable that was as she hugged him. JJ presented him the Phantom, but I could see John B was distracted looking around.
"Where's Sarah?" he asked. The last I had seen her they were running off together as we led the cops away. Looking at the other we all shook our head.
"What happened? Wasn't she with you?" I asked.
"We separated when I went back to the Chateau." He shook his head and he started to panic. "She said she'd meet me here."
"We haven't seen her." Pope said shaking his head and John B stepped back.
"I'm not leaving without her."
"You don't have much of a choice." I said firmly and JJ grabbed onto his shoulders.
"John B look at me. I know you feel bad for leaving, but there's no time man. You got plenty of gas, plenty of food. Once you get around the point, it's a straight shot across the sound to Dismal Swamp, Okay?" JJ was staring at him holding him so he could emphasize his words. Nervously I looked over my shoulder at the truck that sat a few feet away. The cops would be here soon, tracking the vehicle. John B had to go… now. "Once you get there, lay low. Hang out for a couple weeks, then go overland, corss the border to Brownsville, Okay?"
"Brownsville." John B nodded tears in his eyes as he stepped onto the boat. Climbing towards the wheel, he quickly stopped turning towards us the tears spilling down his cheeks. "Hey… Hey I'm sorry for basically throwing us off a cliff with this whole thing."
"Hey." I said stepping forward jumping up on the boat pulling him into a hug. "You have nothing to apologize for." I felt him wrap his arms around me and I could feel his chest heave as he let out a cry.
"Take care of him Roe." He whispered and I nodded pulling away and wiping my eyes. Stepping away JJ had his hand held out for me helping me down, easing be back to the dock beside him, his arm staying around my shoulder so my head could pillow on his shoulder.
"We were bound to run off a cliff at some point, right?" he shrugged with a chuckle his other arm going around Kie who was standing on the other side. John B let out a small laugh wiping his eyes.
"At least we did it together." Pope said his own arm around Kie.
"Pogue style." Kie nodded.
"Pogue style." John B whispered. We were all a mess of tears. JJ's arm running up and down my own holding me tighter.
"Get out of here dude." I finally said with a wink pointing to the marsh behind him.
"We'll see you in two months down in Mexico." Pope said and him and JJ moved to push the boat out. I moved to stand next to Kie and she leaned her head down on my shoulder holding herself as we watched the boat move away from the dock.
"Love you." JJ stated
"Wait… tell Sarah… tell Sarah I said goodbye, okay." John B called to us.
"We will." I said and he let out a breath nodding.
"Don't forget." JJ yelled. "Cross the border at Brownsville, okay?"
"Got it," He called, and we watched him start the motor of the boat. We stood on the dock until the boat was out of sight. Rubbing my arm as if I was cold, I walked towards the end trying to wrap my head around watching one of my best friends sail away.
"Hey." JJ said coming up to me. Standing in front of me he pulled me into him, so my head was on his chest. I reached my arms around his waist and closed my eyes listening to his heartbeat. We turned to watch the water. Out on the edge of the dock we watched as Kie leaned in and kissed Pope.
"Guess they made up." I whispered and he chuckled. The serene moment was quickly interrupted by police. We were forced into the squad cars while they continued to ask where John B was. None of said anything I anxiously head in my hands. We didn't drive long before we pulled up on the edge of the coast. We were led through the crowd of people, several pointing at us, yelling in our direction.
JJ held my hand as we sat long past the time the sun had set. There was yelling as all the lights came on, on the island and the light house lit up the waters. There, quietly trying to pass out of sight was the Phantom. I stood with the others watching as the SIU guy started yelling for the officers pointing out the boat. I held my breath as the rain started and they disappeared from view, going in the other direction.
It wasn't long after that when Shoupe and several other officers came in pulling the hoods of their raincoats down. We all quickly walked up to them.
"Where are they? Did you find them?" Kie asked quickly. I could see Shoupes expression change and felt like the air was pulled from my lungs.
"No." Shoupe shook his head.
"So that means they got away, right?" She said relief in her voice. I watched as Shoupe looked away from us and down at his feet taking a deep breath.
"We uh… we lost them… I'm sorry."
"What…" I scowled a new set of tears coming forward.
"You lost them?" Pope asked, "What do you mean you lost them?
"They took an open boat into a tropical depression." Shoupe tried to explain.
"So, they're dead?" Kie asked.
"We… We don't know." Shoupe looked unsure. I watched as Kie started to cry and Popes face crumbled.
"You drove them right through the storm, man" JJ yelled pulling away from me. "Are you kidding me?" I watched in shock as he went after the man reaching out to grab him. Everything seemed to be happening in slow motion. I watched JJ be pulled back by two other cops, watched as Pope started yelling, Kie crying. Before I knew what was happening Kie's parents and Pope's ran into the tent hugging their children. I felt out of place. Pulling JJ to me I held him, his arms came around me in a bone crushing hug, but I didn't mind I held him that's what he need.
When we separated JJ looked broken. We looked up and both the Heywards and Carrera's were there. When we pulled away Heyward pulled JJ to them, and Anna grabbed me and I cried harder. This would change everything we knew. Our lives… part of us died on the boat and I wasn't sure how we would survive now.
Everything we thought we knew about each other, about ourselves was going to change now.
Thanks again!
Keep an eye our for the next series. I already have two chapters completed just need to make a few adjustments and will have that uploaded here soon.