Chapter 7 Heartbeat of the Hunt
The hospital loomed ahead, fluorescent lights flickering faintly against the evening sky as the Twinkie pulled up to the emergency entrance. John B barely had the van in park before the group piled out, their adrenaline still running high from the diner.
"Move, move!" JJ yelled, rushing ahead to hold the door open as Sarah, pale and trembling, leaned on John B for support.
Inside, the sterile hospital smell hit them, cold and unfamiliar. The group stumbled into the brightly lit hallway, their voices overlapping as they tried to explain what was happening. Sarah was clutching her stomach, her face pinched with fear. Kiara, looking frantic, waved at the nurse behind the reception desk, trying to get her attention.
"Please, someone help us!" Kiara called out, her voice strained with panic.
The nurse, a middle-aged woman with greying hair tied back in a tight bun, looked up from her desk, startled by the sudden commotion. Her eyes quickly darted between the group, assessing the situation. JJ was the loudest, talking over everyone else while waving his arms.
"She's pregnant, she's bleeding!" JJ practically shouted, his voice bouncing off the hospital walls. "We need a doctor, like, right now!"
The nurse raised her hand, trying to cut through the chaos. "Alright, alright, I need one of you to explain."
Kiara stepped forward, her voice shaky. "She's pregnant… she's bleeding… we don't know how bad it is."
The nurse's eyes softened at Kiara's words, and she immediately picked up the phone. "We'll get a doctor to see her right away." She motioned for Sarah to follow. "Come with me, sweetheart."
Sarah was breathing hard, her grip on John B's arm tightening as the nurse led her toward the back. Her legs felt weak, the fear bubbling up in her chest like it might choke her. John B moved to follow her, but before he could take more than a step, the nurse turned around, blocking his path.
"Family only beyond this point," she said firmly, her eyes narrowing.
Without hesitating, John B blurted out, "I'm her husband!"
The nurse paused, studying him for a moment. There was something about the intensity in his eyes, the raw desperation in his voice, that made her nod.
"Alright, come on then," she said, her tone softening. She glanced at the rest of the group. "The rest of you will have to wait in the waiting room."
The others stood frozen for a moment, processing John B's quick declaration, but then nodded in silent agreement. Kiara, JJ, Pope, and Cleo watched as John B guided Sarah down the sterile hallway, the doors swinging shut behind them. The nurse turned to the others.
"Waiting room's down that hall," she said, pointing to their left. "We'll come get you when we know more."
They all nodded, their faces pale, then shuffled toward the waiting room. The heavy tension followed them like a cloud.
The waiting room was stark and quiet, save for the faint hum of the TV mounted in the corner and the occasional sound of distant footsteps. A few other families were scattered around the room, but none of them paid attention to the Pogues as they took over a corner near the window.
JJ sat down, immediately bouncing his leg in nervous energy. "Man, I hate hospitals," he muttered, rubbing his palms on his jeans. "It's always bad news here. Always."
Kiara slumped in the chair next to him, her hands fidgeting in her lap. "This isn't supposed to be happening," she said, her voice small and shaky. "She's… I mean, she's barely pregnant. How can something already be wrong?"
Pope, who had been pacing near the door, stopped and crossed his arms over his chest, his brow furrowed in deep thought. "Bleeding doesn't always mean something terrible. I read that it can be normal in early pregnancy."
Kiara shot him a look, her eyes wide. "Normal? Pope, it's Sarah. This is serious."
JJ looked up, trying to add his usual levity. "Yeah, Pope, no offense, but your not a Doctor yet."
Cleo, sitting quietly in the corner, observed the group with a calm gaze. She leaned forward, her elbows on her knees, and locked eyes with Kiara. "Worrying isn't gonna help her, Kie," she said, her voice low and even. "What she needs is us staying strong, so when she gets out of there, we're not a mess."
Kiara took a shaky breath and nodded, though her hands were still trembling slightly. "You're right. You're right, I just... it's hard."
Cleo's expression softened, and for the first time since they sat down, she reached over and gave Kiara's shoulder a firm squeeze.
JJ watched the exchange silently, feeling a strange mixture of anxiety and admiration for the way Cleo seemed to keep it together. But the nervous energy inside him was starting to spill over, and before he knew it, he was on his feet, pacing the room again.
"Man, this is some heavy shit." JJ muttered, his hands running through his hair in frustration. "I'm just—" He stopped mid-sentence and sighed heavily, his shoulders sagging. "I just want her to be okay."
Behind the double doors, the atmosphere in Sarah's room was tense but quieter. She lay on the examination table, her hand gripping John B's tightly. He hadn't let go since they walked into the room. His face was pale, his usual easy smile replaced with a tight-lipped mask of worry. His heart was hammering in his chest, but he was doing his best to keep it together—for Sarah.
The doctor, a calm woman in her early 40s, entered the room with a clipboard and a kind smile. "Alright, Sarah, I'm going to ask you a few questions to understand what's happening." She sat on a stool beside the bed, pen poised over the chart. "How far along are you?"
"Ten weeks," Sarah replied, her voice barely above a whisper.
The doctor nodded, making a note. "Bleeding during early pregnancy can be normal," she reassured them gently, though her tone remained cautious. "But I'm going to run some tests and do an ultrasound to make sure everything is okay."
Sarah swallowed, gripping John B's hand tighter. He leaned down, pressing his lips to her forehead, trying to offer comfort despite the fear gnawing at him. The doctor prepped the ultrasound machine, her movements steady and calm, but the weight in the room was palpable.
As the cold gel was applied to Sarah's abdomen, she flinched slightly but remained silent, her eyes fixed on the ceiling. John B stayed by her side, his hand still in hers, trying to stay strong. But inside, his mind raced through every possible worst-case scenario.
The doctor moved the probe over Sarah's stomach, her eyes trained on the screen. The seconds dragged on, every moment stretching into an eternity for John B and Sarah. The silence was suffocating, and Sarah's breath hitched in her throat.
Then, the doctor smiled softly. "There's a heartbeat."
The sound of the tiny, steady thumping filled the room, and Sarah let out a soft sob of relief, her tears spilling down her cheeks. John B's knees almost buckled, the relief overwhelming him. He leaned down, kissing Sarah's hand, his eyes glistening.
"Thank God," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. He leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to Sarah's forehead again, his hand still gripping hers tightly. "We're okay, baby. We're okay."
The doctor continued her exam, her gaze flicking to something on Sarah's abdomen. "I noticed you have a scar here," she said, pointing to a small, healed wound. "Can you tell me about that?"
Sarah glanced down at the scar, her face tightening. "I was shot. A few months ago. It… it's a long story."
The doctor raised her eyebrows slightly but nodded, jotting down a note. "Well, I'll take some blood to run a few more tests, just to be sure, but from what I'm seeing, everything looks good so far. The heartbeat is strong, and there's no sign of immediate concern."
Sarah nodded, the weight of the situation still pressing down on her, but there was a flicker of hope in her chest now. The doctor drew a vial of blood and then stood, giving them both a reassuring smile.
"I'll be back with the test results shortly," she said, giving Sarah's hand a soft pat. "Try to relax."
As the doctor left the room, the tension ebbed slightly, but John B could still see the fear in Sarah's eyes. He squeezed her hand, trying to ground her.
"Hey," he whispered, leaning in closer, "you heard the doctor. The baby's okay. We just have to wait for the tests."
Sarah nodded, though her eyes were still filled with worry. "What if something's wrong? What if—"
John B shook his head, brushing a strand of hair away from her face. "Nothing's going to happen. We've been through worse, right?" He tried to keep his voice steady, but the truth was, this was different. This was a kind of fear he'd never known before.
Sarah gave him a weak smile, her hand resting protectively over her stomach. "Yeah. I guess we have."
"I'm gonna go let the others know what's happening," John B said after a moment, standing up from the chair beside the bed. "I'll be right back."
Sarah nodded, watching as he slipped out of the room, the door closing softly behind him. As soon as he was out of her sight, John B's strong façade crumbled. He ducked into the nearest bathroom, locking the door behind him, and leaned heavily against the sink. His hands trembled as he gripped the edges of the counter, his reflection staring back at him.
Of all the life-threatening situations they'd faced—storms at sea, armed enemies, and near-death experiences—this was different. The fear gnawed at him, more intense than anything he'd ever felt. He couldn't lose Sarah. He couldn't lose the baby.
Tears spilled from his eyes as he clamped a hand over his mouth, trying to stifle the sobs that wracked his body. He wasn't used to feeling this helpless. He had always been the one with the plan, the one leading the charge. But here, now, in this hospital… he had no control. He couldn't fix this.
After a few moments, he splashed cold water on his face, trying to pull himself together. He wiped his eyes, took a deep breath, and forced himself to leave the bathroom. The others were waiting, and he had to be strong for Sarah.
John B walked out into the main reception area, his heart still pounding from the intensity of it all. He wiped his hands on his jeans, trying to shake off the nervous energy coursing through him. The door to the waiting room creaked as he stepped inside, his friends immediately sitting up straighter, their faces etched with concern.
JJ was the first to speak. "What's going on, man? Is she okay?"
John B swallowed hard, rubbing the back of his neck. "They're running some tests. The doctor said bleeding at ten weeks can be normal, but… they're checking everything out. We heard the heartbeat, though." His voice cracked slightly, but he pressed on. "The baby's still there. Still hanging on."
A wave of relief washed over the group at the mention of the heartbeat. Pope let out a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding. "That's a good sign, right?"
John B nodded, though he still looked rattled. "Yeah, but they won't know for sure until they get the test results. The doctor is drawing blood, and they'll do some more tests. It's just… it's a waiting game now."
Kiara wrapped her arms around herself, trying to stop the shaking that had settled into her bones. "Waiting is the worst part."
John B sank into the chair beside her, leaning forward with his elbows on his knees. "I know. I hate this. Not being able to do anything."
For a few moments, no one spoke, the weight of the situation sinking in. JJ stood up abruptly, pacing the small room. "I can't sit still. I need to do something." His voice was tight, filled with restless energy. He glanced at Kiara. "Kie, you wanna get some air?"
Kiara hesitated, glancing between JJ and John B, but the tension in her chest felt like it was closing in. She needed to breathe. She nodded and stood, following JJ out the door, leaving Pope and Cleo to keep vigil in the waiting room with John B.
Outside the hospital, the night air was cool, a sharp contrast to the suffocating tension inside. JJ shoved his hands into his pockets, his steps quick and anxious as he walked ahead of Kiara. She followed a few steps behind, her arms still wrapped tightly around herself.
JJ finally stopped near the edge of the parking lot, his back to the hospital, his eyes fixed on the stars overhead. He was breathing heavily, like he'd been running, though he hadn't moved that far.
"I hate this," JJ muttered, his voice low but rough with frustration. "I hate not being able to do anything. I hate seeing John B like that, man. I hate seeing you freaked out."
Kiara's breath hitched as she walked up beside him, her own emotions teetering on the edge. "I just… I don't know how to help," she admitted, her voice small. "Sarah's always been so strong. And now… I'm scared for her. I'm scared for the baby."
JJ's face softened, his anger ebbing into something more vulnerable. "Hey, Kie," he said, his voice gentler now. He reached out, grabbing her hand and pulling her closer. "It's gonna be okay. Sarah's a fighter. She's been through way worse than this. And John B? That guy's not gonna let anything happen to her."
Kiara's eyes filled with tears, her walls starting to crumble. "But what if something does happen, JJ? We've been through so much, but… but this is different. This is like actually adult shit."
JJ's hand tightened around hers, his voice dropping to a whisper. "I know. I know it's different. And I hate it, too." He paused, searching her eyes. "I think we have all been in fight or flight mode for so long, like we got so used to being shot at and running for our lives that we forgot how fragil life really is."
Kiara's bottom lip trembled, and she let out a shaky breath. "That's really deep Jaj.
"Well occasionally I have a bit of incite." He joked once again trying to light the mood.
"I don't know what I would do without you."
JJ gave her a small smile, one that didn't quite reach his eyes but was full of sincerity. "You don't have to find out, Kie. You're stuck with me. With all of us."
For a long moment, they stood there, just holding onto each other as the world felt like it was spinning out of control. JJ pulled Kiara closer, wrapping her in a tight hug, resting his chin on the top of her head as her tears finally spilled over.
"I've got you," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. "I've got you, Kie."
She held onto him, her fingers digging into his shirt, grateful for the solid presence of JJ. For once, his usual cockiness was replaced with something real and steady, and it was exactly what she needed.
Several hours later, after what felt like an eternity of waiting, the doctor finally returned to Sarah's room, holding a folder of test results.
"Everything looks good," the doctor said with a reassuring smile. "Your hormone levels are where they should be, and the baby's heartbeat is strong. The bleeding seems to have been a minor issue, and your iron levels are a little low, but that's common. I don't see anything that suggests there's anything wrong."
Sarah let out a shaky breath, relief washing over her like a wave. "So… we're okay?"
The doctor nodded. "Yes, you're okay. Just take it easy, rest up, and stay hydrated. I'll write you a prescription for some iron supplements, and you'll need to schedule a follow-up in a few weeks with your OBGYN."
As the doctor left, John B leaned over Sarah, brushing his hand through her hair gently. He kissed her forehead, then softly whispered, "Don't worry. We got you, baby."
For a moment, Sarah wasn't sure if he was talking to her… or the baby. But either way, it felt like a promise.
After hours of tension and waiting, the hospital felt oddly quiet as the Pogues gathered in the sterile hallway, the sound of Sarah's good news still settling into their bones. They stood by the exit, taking a collective breath after the emotional rollercoaster, the weight of fear starting to lift now that they knew Sarah and the baby were safe. The relief in their eyes was palpable, but exhaustion had begun to creep in.
John B wrapped his arm around Sarah as they stepped out into the crisp night air, the cool breeze brushing against their faces. It felt surreal—like they were walking out of a nightmare and into some kind of temporary peace. Sarah leaned against John B, her body feeling weak but her heart a little lighter.
"Let's get you home," John B whispered, his voice tender as they approached the Twinkie parked at the curb, waiting for them like an old, faithful friend.
JJ, who had been pacing restlessly near the van, rushed to open the door for them. "You guys good? You okay?" he asked, his usual cockiness gone, replaced with genuine concern.
"We're good," Sarah said softly, giving JJ a tired but reassuring smile.
Pope, standing by the passenger door, rubbed his eyes. "It's been a long night. Let's get on the road. We'll drive straight through, no stopping unless we have to."
Cleo nodded in agreement, her arms crossed against the chill. "We'll take turns. Just get us home."
John B helped Sarah climb into the back of the van, the weight of the night's events pulling heavily on his shoulders. The adrenaline that had kept him going was starting to fade, leaving behind a deep exhaustion. Sarah settled herself on one of the makeshift seats, and John B slipped in beside her, sitting down as she gently rested her head on his lap.
"Sleep," he whispered, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. "I've got you."
Sarah sighed softly, her body relaxing into him as the van's engine roared to life. Within minutes, she was asleep, her chest rising and falling in a slow, steady rhythm. John B stared down at her, his hand resting protectively on her stomach as his thoughts raced. He was still reeling from everything—the fear, the relief, the uncertainty. But for now, all that mattered was that she and the baby were okay.
JJ climbed into the driver's seat, slapping the steering wheel lightly. "Alright, folks, it's a ten-hour drive from here to Kildare. Time to power through."
Kiara, sitting in the front passenger seat, groaned softly. "I'll take the second shift."
Pope and Cleo, slumped in the seats behind them, gave small nods of agreement. The entire group looked beat, their bodies drained from the emotional toll of the night. But there was a shared sense of determination too—this was something they had to push through together, just like always.
The Twinkie pulled out of the hospital parking lot, the hum of the tires on the asphalt lulling everyone into a quiet trance. JJ drove with his usual reckless confidence, but for once, he kept the radio low, respecting the silence that had settled over the group.
The first hour passed in a blur, the darkness of the highway stretching endlessly ahead. The only light came from the dim glow of the dashboard and the occasional flash of headlights from passing cars. The steady rhythm of the road and the soft breathing of Sarah lulled John B into a state of calm, his hand never leaving her stomach as she slept.
At one point, Kiara turned slightly in her seat, glancing back at John B with a tired smile. "How are you holding up?"
John B gave her a small nod, his fingers brushing through Sarah's hair. "I'm okay. Just… glad she's alright."
Kiara's eyes softened, and she reached back to squeeze his hand briefly before turning her attention to the road again. She didn't need to say anything more—they all knew how much Sarah meant to him.
As the hours ticked by, JJ's energy began to wane. He glanced over at Kiara, his eyelids heavy. "You ready to take over?"
Kiara stifled a yawn but nodded, unbuckling her seatbelt. "Yeah, I've got it. Go get some rest."
They pulled over at a quiet rest stop, the exchange swift as Kiara slid into the driver's seat and JJ collapsed onto passenger seat his hand finding its to the back of Kiara's neck where he rubbed soothing circles.
The next few hours passed quietly, with Kiara keeping her eyes on the road as the others dozed in the back. Every now and then, she'd glance into the rearview mirror at John B and Sarah. John B's face was tight with worry, even in the calm of the moment. His hand stayed protectively on Sarah the entire time, as if he needed to feel the reassurance that she was still with him, still safe.
By the time the first rays of sunlight started to peek over the horizon, they were only an hour away from home. The golden light filtered through the van's windows, casting a warm glow on their tired faces. John B stirred slightly, his back aching from sitting in the same position for hours, but he refused to move. Sarah was still asleep in his lap, her face peaceful for the first time in what felt like forever.
Kiara pulled off the highway and into Kildare as the streets slowly began to wake with the early morning. The familiar sights of home brought a strange sense of comfort, even after everything that had happened. The Chateau wasn't far now.
"We're almost there," Pope murmured sleepily from the backseat, rubbing his eyes as he sat up.
JJ groaned as he stretched his legs, kicking Pope lightly. "Thank God. I need my bed. That seatback is not ergonomic."
Kiara turned into the long dirt driveway leading to the Chateau. As the van rattled over the bumpy road, Sarah stirred, blinking her eyes open. She looked up at John B, a sleepy smile tugging at her lips. "We home?"
John B nodded, brushing a kiss against her forehead. "Yeah, we're home."
Kiara parked the van, and one by one, they clambered out, their movements sluggish with exhaustion. No one even bothered to unpack the bags or camping gear piled in the back of the van. They were all too tired to care.
JJ threw an arm over Kiara's shoulder as they walked toward the house.
Pope and Cleo exchanged weary smiles as they followed behind, their steps slow but content. It had been a long night, but they had made it through. Together.
John B helped Sarah inside, guiding her toward the bedroom. "You should sleep some more."
She gave him a soft, grateful smile, leaning into him. "Only if you stay with me."
He nodded, knowing he wouldn't leave her side no matter what. He was just as tired, but the weight of everything that had happened kept him alert. As they collapsed into bed, John B held Sarah close, his arms wrapped protectively around her.
They had made it back home. But for now, they just needed to rest.
The rest of the world could wait.
The afternoon sunlight streamed through the windows of the Chateau, casting a soft glow over the worn furniture and the Pogues as they slowly came back to life after their long journey. The air was thick with the scent of chilli and cornbread, warmth radiating from the kitchen as Cleo stirred the pot on the stove and Sarah whisked the batter beside her. It was the kind of calm, domestic moment that felt almost foreign after the chaotic days they'd been through.
"Looks like you've got some real skills," Sarah said with a small smile, glancing over at Cleo as she expertly handled the wooden spoon.
"Had to learn young," Cleo replied with a grin, stirring the pot. "Cooking was survival back home. But don't worry, this'll blow your mind."
Across the room, Pope sat hunched over his laptop, his eyes glued to the digital scans of Anne Bonny's journal. He was lost in concentration, furiously cross-referencing the entries with Big John's notes. Despite the smell of food filling the air and the easy chatter around him, Pope barely looked up from the screen.
Every now and then, Pope would glance up, watching Cleo and Sarah work together. A small smile played on his lips—there was something so normal, so grounding about the scene. After everything they'd been through, this moment of domestic calm felt almost surreal.
Meanwhile, in the small bedroom at the back of the Chateau, JJ stirred beneath the covers. He blinked his eyes open, squinting against the soft light filtering through the curtains. As his vision cleared, he became acutely aware of the warmth pressed against his side—Kiara was tucked into him, her head resting on his chest, one arm draped lazily across his stomach.
For a moment, JJ didn't move. He simply lay there, breathing in the quiet, savouring the way her body fit so perfectly against his. It was peaceful in a way he wasn't used to, and it took him a second to realize just how much he liked it. The corners of his lips tugged upward as he gently kissed the top of her head, the scent of her hair filling his senses.
Kiara stirred slightly, letting out a soft, sleepy sigh as she shifted against him. JJ immediately closed his eyes, pretending to be asleep, a grin tugging at his lips as he felt her slowly pull away. She moved carefully, almost as if she didn't want to disturb him, and when she finally slipped out of the bed, he peeked through his lashes, watching her tiptoe across the room.
She glanced back at him once, making sure he was still asleep, before quietly slipping out of the bedroom and closing the door behind her.
Once she was gone, JJ let out a soft chuckle, shaking his head to himself. "Nice try, Kie," he whispered under his breath, amused at how careful she'd been.
He rolled over onto his back, staring up at the ceiling for a few more minutes, letting the moment sink in. There was something different between them now—something that hadn't been there before. He wasn't sure exactly what it was, but he wasn't in a hurry to figure it out. For now, he was content just knowing that it was real.
Ten minutes later, JJ emerged from the bedroom, his hair disheveled, wearing the same clothes from the day before. He strolled into the kitchen, opening the fridge and grabbing a beer without a second thought.
"Morning, sunshine," Kiara teased from the counter where she was cutting the cornbread into slices.
"Morning," JJ replied, popping the cap off the beer and hopping up onto the kitchen counter like he belonged there. He took a long sip, leaning back against the wall as he watched the others move around the kitchen. "What's for dinner?"
"Chilli and cornbread," Cleo answered, shooting him a look. "And don't even think about eating anything until it's ready."
JJ grinned, taking another swig of his beer. "Who, me? I'd never."
Kiara rolled her eyes, but there was a fondness in the gesture. "You're lucky we're letting you eat after all the good snacks you devoured yesterday."
JJ shrugged innocently, winking at her. "Hey, I'm a growing boy."
Across the room, Pope snorted without looking up from his laptop. "Yeah, well, you're gonna have to wait. I'm not done deciphering this thing."
As the banter continued, John B stirred in the back bedroom. His eyes fluttered open, the world still blurry from sleep. For a split second, everything seemed peaceful—but then he felt the empty space beside him, and panic gripped his chest.
"Sarah?" he called, sitting up quickly and glancing around the room. But then, from the kitchen, he heard her soft laugh, and his heart finally began to slow.
Rubbing a hand over his face, John B swung his legs over the edge of the bed and padded out into the living room. As soon as he stepped into the kitchen, his eyes found Sarah. She was leaning against the counter, her face lit up with a relaxed smile as she helped Cleo finish up dinner. Seeing her safe and smiling felt like a wave of relief washing over him.
"Hey," he said softly, stepping up beside her.
Sarah turned toward him, her smile widening. "You finally decided to wake up."
John B wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her close and kissing the top of her head. "Had a mini heart attack when I didn't see you."
Sarah laughed gently, leaning into him. "I'm sorry. I just needed to help out."
John B pressed his lips to her forehead, his voice soft and reassuring. "I'm glad your feeling better."
As they all gathered around the kitchen table, the mood shifted into something lighter. Plates clattered, and conversation filled the room as they tucked into Cleo's chilli and the fresh cornbread Sarah had made. The warmth of the food and the camaraderie between them was enough to lift everyone's spirits, even if just for the evening.
But Pope, as usual, couldn't tear himself away from the computer. He sat at the head of the table, his plate barely touched as he continued to scroll through the scans on his laptop. His fingers flew over the keys, eyes darting back and forth between the digital journal entries and Big John's notes beside him.
JJ nudged him with his elbow, his mouth half-full of chilli. "Dude, you're gonna go blind staring at that thing. Eat something."
Pope waved him off, still focused. "I'm close. There's something here… I just—wait. Wait, I think I've got it." His voice was low but filled with sudden excitement, causing everyone at the table to look up.
"What is it?" John B asked, leaning forward in his chair.
Pope sat back slightly, his eyes still glued to the screen. "It's this line from the journal… 'The sun stands longest where the mermaids dwell, and on that day, the path is revealed.'"
Kiara furrowed her brow. "What does that even mean?"
Pope's fingers tapped the keyboard rapidly as he cross-referenced the note with Big John's research. "I think it means the first step of the treasure hunt can only be uncovered during the summer solstice. There's something about the tide—when it's at its highest during the solstice, it'll reveal a hidden lagoon."
Sarah leaned forward, suddenly intrigued. "A lagoon?"
Pope nodded, his excitement growing. "Yeah. Big John had some notes about rocks that resemble mermaid tails. He was convinced that they were some kind of marker for the treasure. But it only works during the summer solstice because the tide reveals something… a path, maybe."
JJ's eyes widened. "So, you're saying we need to be there when the sun stands longest—on the summer solstice."
"Exactly," Pope replied. "And from what I can tell, the mermaid rocks are in the Caribbean."
John B's mind raced as he processed the information. The solstice was only a couple of months away, and now they had a clear lead. He glanced at Sarah, who was chewing on her lower lip, her eyes filled with excitement and worry in equal measure. There was still so much to figure out, and now the clock was ticking.
JJ grinned, leaning back in his chair. "Well, looks like we're heading to the Caribbean."
Kiara shook her head but smiled. "One step at a time, JJ. Let's figure out how we're getting there first."
As the evening wore on, the group finished their meal, slowly settling into the familiar rhythm of laughter and teasing as they digested the latest clue in their treasure hunt. But beneath the lighthearted banter, there was an undercurrent of tension. They were getting closer, but that also meant things were about to get a lot more dangerous.
