Chapter 12: Under the Radar

The heavy freighter rumbled beneath the Pogues as they neared the Bahamas. Morning light seeped through the thick mist hanging over the water, casting everything in a dull, almost eerie glow. Gathered on the deck, the group huddled close, feeling the raw bite of the ocean air. Cleo stood at the front, her stance steady and her gaze intense as she took in each of them.

"All right, listen up," Cleo began, her tone serious, each word carrying a weight they weren't used to from her. "When we land, we're sticking to the edges, lying low. And remember, this isn't Kildare. Eyes are everywhere here. Stick together, follow my lead, and don't do anything stupid. Got it?"

The Pogues nodded, their faces set with resolve. JJ broke the tension with a mock salute, a grin pulling at his lips. "Captain Cleo, keeping us out of trouble. What could go wrong?"

Pope let out a nervous chuckle, though his gaze stayed fixed on the endless stretch of water. "Just about everything, JJ. Let's just hope Cleo's friend isn't the type to sell us out," he murmured, his unease all shared a look, unspoken tension rippling through the group. This was the first real stretch of their journey where they felt the weight of being "on the run."

As the freighter slowed, Cleo gestured to the side. A beat-up dinghy approached, weaving through the surf toward them. In it was a lean man with a scruffy beard and a worn-out cap tilted low over his brow. Cleo broke into a grin, nodding as he drew near.

"Desi," she called, tossing him a wave.

Desi tipped his cap, a rough smile curling beneath it as he looked them over, his eyes sharp and assessing. "Been a while since I had to pick someone up off a freighter," he laughed, his voice scratchy, soaked with salt and years spent on the water. He sized them up, not unfriendly, but with the air of someone who's seen just about everything. "Cleo, you always did bring in a wild crowd."

A few of the Pogues laughed, but Desi's expression quickly sobered as he leaned in closer, speaking with quiet urgency. "Listen, I'll get you to land, no problem. But once you're there, you've got to lie low. Word gets around here real fast, especially about a group of treasure-hunting kids. You keep to yourselves, keep your mouths shut, and move fast. Got it?"

Cleo's expression hardened as she met Desi's gaze. "Got it, Desi. Thanks for the heads-up."

Desi motioned towards the ladder, and John B was the first to step up, glancing back at the group before descending. His movements were quick, but he kept one eye on Sarah as she approached the edge, her hands gripping the rough ropes. Her eyes widened slightly as she looked down at the rocking dinghy below, feeling her balance shift uncomfortably. Lately, her body felt foreign, her centre of gravity altered, and the thought of the climb made her bite her lip in hesitation.

John B caught her expression and called up gently, "Take your time, Sarah. I'm right here."

She forced a brave smile, determined not to let her nerves show. With a steadying breath, she began her descent, feeling the ropes sway under her weight. Her knuckles turned white as she gripped tightly, moving slowly, focused on keeping her balance. When she finally made it down, John B was there, steadying her with a warm hand on her shoulder.

With a deep breath, Sarah made her way down, her face set in determination. She finally hopped into the dinghy, breathing a sigh of relief as John B wrapped a reassuring arm around her shoulders.

"You did great," he murmured, giving her an encouraging smile.

One by one, the others followed, climbing down the ladder until they were all packed into the small, swaying dinghy. Desi steered them away from the looming freighter, navigating the choppy waters with ease. Spray misted over them, and Desi cast a sideways glance at Cleo, his eyes crinkling with amusement.

"You sure know how to pick your crew, Cleo," he chuckled, a glint of affection in his gaze.

She grinned, leaning back in her seat. "Wouldn't have it any other way. Boring company just isn't my thing."

The island began to take shape on the horizon—a strip of sand lined with palms, rocky outcrops jutting up from the water like watchful sentries. Desi guided the dinghy to a quiet inlet far from the main docks, bringing them close enough to jump into the shallows.

As the Pogues waded ashore, Desi gave Cleo a final nod, his voice low and firm. "Remember what I said—don't stick around too long. People might already be asking questions."

Cleo nodded, gratitude and respect in her expression. "Thanks, Desi. We'll be careful."

Desi nodded, tipping his cap one last time before he turned the boat back towards the open water, leaving the Pogues alone on the quiet, unfamiliar beach. For a long moment, they stood together, taking in the vast expanse of sand and palms, the waves rolling gently against the shore.

Sarah slipped her hand into John B's, her gaze serious. "We're really doing this."

He squeezed her hand, a reassuring smile on his face. "Yeah, we are. All of us."

They exchanged silent, determined glances, knowing they were in this together, whatever came next.

The shoreline loomed, dotted with jagged palms and stretches of bright, untouched sand. Desi cut the engine as they drifted in, each of them jumping into the shallow water to haul their bags ashore. Once they were on dry land, Desi gave Cleo a final nod.

"Good luck. And don't stick around too long—people might already be asking about you."

With that, he turned the boat around, disappearing into the horizon, leaving the Pogues standing in the sand, feeling small against the wide expanse of the Bahamas.

The shoreline gradually gave way to a narrow, winding path shaded by clusters of palms, leading the Pogues into a small village that felt worlds away from Kildare. The place had a charm that was almost surreal; the narrow streets were lined with pastel-painted buildings, their walls worn and faded from years under the intense Caribbean sun. Bougainvillaea spilled from every corner, its bright pink and purple blossoms adding splashes of colour against the pale walls. Locals strolled about, offering polite nods and curious glances toward the group as they moved through, the scent of salty sea air mingling with hints of grilled fish and citrus from nearby food stalls.

Cleo took the lead, her familiarity with the place evident as she navigated the winding streets. "I know someone here who rents places out by the night, nothing fancy," she explained, her eyes scanning the street ahead. "Just… remember, everyone here can be bought if the price is right. So don't go trusting just anyone."

The Pogues waited in a shaded alley near the village's edge, leaning against the cracked stucco walls of an old shop while Cleo and Pope went to arrange the bungalow. The air was thick with the scent of salt and sizzling street food, mingling with the low hum of conversation from passersby. JJ kicked at a pebble, looking slightly bored as he scanned the nearby market stalls, his gaze lingering on a vendor selling sunglasses and trinkets.

"Think they'll get us a place with a pool?" he joked, glancing over at John B, who rolled his eyes.

"Yeah, because we're all about luxury right now," John B replied with a smirk. "Let's just hope they found somewhere with walls."

Sarah chuckled, shifting her bag on her shoulder. "I'd settle for a bed and no cockroaches."

Kiara grinned, nudging Sarah lightly. "Fingers crossed. I mean, it can't be worse than the Island.

Sarah shook her head, smiling. "Yeah, here's hoping we've upgraded. Maybe a celling"

As they laughed, John B pulled a small bottle from his bag, popping the cap and holding out Sarah's prenatal vitamins and iron tablets, barely breaking the rhythm of their conversation.

"Here," he said casually, handing her the tablets as Kiara handed her a bottle of water with an easy, practiced gesture.

"Thanks," Sarah said, taking the pills, her voice softening as she glanced between them. There was a warm familiarity in the way they cared for her, so natural and unspoken that it had become part of their routine.

JJ watched, eyebrow raised with a playful grin. "You two are like a health squad," he teased. "Keeping her on track and everything."

Kiara shrugged with a smile. "What can I say? We've got each other's backs. Besides, that's our Pogue baby she's carrying."

Sarah couldn't help but laugh, swallowing the pills with a sip of water. "Glad to know you all have so much confidence in me."

Just then, Pope and Cleo emerged from a narrow side street, Pope holding a small set of keys in his hand with a satisfied grin.

"Alright, we got it," Pope announced. "Small place, but it's tucked away and not too expensive."

Cleo nodded, her expression practical. "It's got walls, a roof, and a lock on the door. We'll be fine."

JJ clapped his hands together with mock excitement. "Sweet! The dream vacation continues."

Kiara grinned. "You'll survive, JJ. Let's go check out our new digs."

They followed Cleo and Pope through the winding streets, passing colourful buildings with peeling paint and locals going about their daily routines. The bungalow was nestled between two larger houses, its faded blue exterior and crooked shutters giving it a quirky, worn charm.

"Home sweet home," Pope said, unlocking the door and stepping inside.

The inside was simple and cozy. A small living room with a couch, a rickety coffee table, and shelves filled with seashells and odd trinkets greeted them. A kitchenette sat in one corner, and off to the side was a small bedroom, just big enough for the whole group to squeeze in.

JJ glanced around, raising an eyebrow. "Well, it's no Château, but I think we'll manage."

John B smirked, setting his bag down by the couch. "Could be worse. At least there aren't any rats this time."

"Yet," Sarah teased, flopping onto the armchair by the window with a sigh.

Cleo crossed her arms, looking pleased. "See? Told you I could get us a place."

Pope patted his wallet, looking slightly relieved. "It didn't cost us too much, but we should definitely keep an eye on the budget. We've been spending faster than I'd like."

JJ grinned, holding his hands up in mock surrender. "Hey, you're the treasurer, not me."

Pope gave him a pointed look. "Yeah, and there's a reason for that."

As they continued to settle in, the lightness of the banter eased some of the tension that had settled over them. They were far from home, hiding out in a place where every face felt unfamiliar and every word of warning echoed in their minds, but for now, they had each other—and a place to rest. And that was enough.

The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm, amber glow over the village. The Pogues strolled down cobblestone streets lined with vibrant buildings painted in shades of turquoise, coral, and yellow, each storefront glowing under hanging string lights that cast soft shadows over the bustling village. The air was filled with the scent of tropical flowers, salt, and street food wafting in from nearby stalls.

A live band played rhythmic island music in the village square, and JJ immediately spotted the band, his eyes lighting up. "Think they'd let me get up there and jam?"

Pope chuckled, shaking his head. "Might want to save that for a smaller crowd, man."

Kiara's eyes sparkled as she grabbed Sarah's hand, practically bouncing. "Come on! We're in the Bahamas; we can't just stand around looking like tourists. Let's dance!"

John B leaned in close to Sarah, his smirk mischievous. "Ki's right. We could all use a little break from the seriousness."

Sarah hesitated, instinctively touching her belly, but Kiara tugged her forward, her grin infectious. "Come on, Sarah, you've been through way more intense situations. A little dancing won't hurt!"

Laughing, Sarah let herself be pulled into the open square, where locals and visitors alike swayed to the music. Cleo seized the moment to grab Pope's hand, flashing him a challenging look. "Come on, big brain—show me what you got."

Before long, they were all dancing, blending into the crowd. JJ and Kiara swayed with easy rhythm, while Sarah tried to keep her steps steady. John B couldn't help but keep his gaze on her, mesmerised by the way her body moved. Even as she grew, even with her cautious steps, Sarah had never looked more beautiful, more confident. There was something almost magnetic in the way she swung her hips to the music, her laughter and bright smile lighting up the evening. He found himself momentarily lost, caught between awe and the rush of knowing this was his family, right here.

As the song ended, Sarah leaned against John B, catching her breath. "I didn't realise how much I missed this," she admitted, her cheeks flushed.

John B smiled down at her, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "You look amazing. You're beautiful."

Pope staggered over, breathing heavily, his arm slung around Cleo's shoulder. "I'm done for the night. That was my cardio quota for the month."

Cleo gave him a teasing nudge. "Not bad for a mainlander though. I'll give you that."

They wandered to a nearby row of food stalls, each one fragrant with sizzling spices, fried plantains, and grilled fish. JJ snagged a few skewers for the group, grinning. "This, right here, is the life."

They moved along the beach, finding a quiet spot where the village lights softened to a distant glow. JJ sat in the sand beside Kiara, his arm slung casually around her shoulders. "You know, if this treasure thing doesn't work out, we could just settle here, off the grid," he said, only half-joking.

Kiara smirked. "You? Settle down? You wouldn't last a week."

JJ shrugged, tugging her playfully. "Hey, maybe you'd keep me grounded."

Cleo stretched her legs out in the sand, looking up at the stars. "You all talk a big game, but the island life isn't all parties and sunsets."

Pope raised an eyebrow. "What, you don't think we're tough enough?"

Cleo laughed, her grin wide and teasing. "I'm just saying, a few more days of this and you'll be whining about the heat and bugs."

John B leaned back, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth as he took in the scene. This was it—these people, these moments. It was messy, complicated, and not always easy, but right now, with Sarah by his side, he couldn't imagine wanting anything else.

The following morning, the Pogues gathered around a small, weathered table in their bungalow. Sunlight filtered through the open window, casting a warm glow over the room, but the easygoing vibe from the previous night had shifted. Today, they were focused, eyes on Pope as he studied a hand-drawn map of the island.

"So, the solstice is in a few days," Pope began, his voice steady as he traced a route with his finger. "We need to scope out the lagoon beforehand, figure out any obstacles, and make sure we're not walking into a trap. We'll need a way to get there quietly. We can't just stroll in on foot."

JJ leaned back in his chair, a hint of impatience on his face. "Okay, so we need a stealthy way in… anyone have any brilliant ideas?"

Sarah hesitated before clearing her throat, her gaze darting around the group. "Actually… I might have an idea." The others looked at her, eyebrows raised. "My family has a house over on Paradise Island. It's gated, but there's a boathouse on the property with a couple of jet skis. They should be in the boat house, which is separate from the main house, so we wouldn't trip any alarms if we're careful."

John B's expression brightened. "Jet skis? That's perfect."

"Yeah," Sarah continued, confidence building as she saw the plan starting to take shape. "I know the code for the key box. We could use the jet skis to get to the lagoon undetected, especially if we leave early enough to avoid other people on the water."

Pope nodded, his brow furrowed as he considered the idea. "It sounds risky, but it also sounds like our best shot. We'd be faster on jet skis, and we'd have a way to get out quickly if things go south."

Kiara grinned, leaning over the table. "Nice thinking, Sarah. Who knew being a Kook would come in handy?"

Sarah rolled her eyes with a small laugh. "Yeah, well, let's just hope the code still works and that nobody's checked the jet skis recently."

JJ slapped the table, a grin breaking through his otherwise serious expression. "Alright! Jet ski heist. I'm in. So, when are we doing this?"

Pope looked around the group, his face calm but determined. "I'd say tomorrow night. We'll go as early as we can, scope out the route to the lagoon, and make sure we know the layout. We need to keep our profiles low, though. Cleo mentioned people might already be asking around, and if anyone recognises Sarah, we're done."

Cleo nodded in agreement. "Everyone on this island has a price. We need to stay out of sight."

John B shot Sarah a reassuring look. "You okay with this? Going back there, even just to the boat house?"

She took a deep breath, nodding. "Yeah. I just want to get this done and get us closer to that treasure. If it means using what my family has, then so be it."

Pope folded up the map, a look of satisfaction crossing his face.

"We'll have to go tonight to get those jet skis," Pope said, his voice low. "We don't want anyone noticing them gone too early, and early morning isn't the best time to break into a Kook property."

Sarah nodded, feeling a mix of nerves and determination. "The boat house is far enough from the main house that we shouldn't be seen, but we'll have to keep quiet. I know the alarm system like the back of my hand, but if anyone gets suspicious, it could trip."

John B leaned in closer, looking her straight in the eyes. "How do we get in and out without raising suspicions?"

Sarah thought for a moment. "There's an entry gate at the side of the property near the beach. It's rarely used, and the code hasn't changed in years." She smiled wryly. "It's like Ward never imagined anyone would be bold enough to break in."

Cleo chuckled. "Guess he never met the Pogues."

Pope laid out a rough plan. "Alright. We'll split up when we're close. Sarah and John B will go through the side gate, get the jet skis, and make sure they're ready. JJ, Kiara, and I will stay just outside the property in case anything goes sideways. We'll be lookout."

JJ cracked his knuckles, grinning in anticipation. "Finally, some action. Been getting bored down here playing house."

"Careful, JJ," Kiara whispered, smirking. "Don't get too excited. Remember, we're lying low."

JJ gave her a teasing nudge. "Yeah, yeah. Just wait until I'm speeding over the waves tomorrow."

Pope raised his hand to bring everyone back. "Focus, guys. If we get caught on that property, we could all be back on a one-way trip to Kildare—or worse."

Sarah exhaled slowly, steadying herself. "Okay. We head out just after midnight. We go in, grab the jet skis, and get out. Quick and quiet."

John B reached over and took her hand, squeezing it. "We got this." Their eyes met, a silent understanding passing between them.

The moon hung high and bright over Paradise Island as the Pogues made their way through the quiet, darkened streets toward the sprawling estate Sarah once called home. They kept low, slipping through shadows until they reached the side gate Sarah had mentioned. It was rusted but still functional, and with a few quick punches of the code, they were in.

"Alright," Sarah whispered, steadying her breath as she led them towards the boat house. "The jet skis should be docked inside."

They moved carefully, but tension crackled in the air. It felt surreal, sneaking back onto her own property, her memories flooding with glimpses of her past life as Sarah Cameron. She shot a quick glance at John B, who gave her a nod, his eyes filled with silent encouragement.

Pope, JJ, and Kiara fanned out to stand watch by the treeline, keeping an eye on the main house and surrounding grounds. Sarah and John B slipped into the boat house, the faint glimmer of water and the sleek shapes of the jet skis emerging in the moonlight.

"Three," John B whispered, grinning. "Perfect. Let's get them out of here."

They began untying the jet skis from the docks, working quickly but carefully. Just as they were finishing up, Sarah's heart skipped a beat as she heard footsteps crunching in the distance.

"Security's coming," she hissed, her grip tightening on the jet ski's handles.

John B's eyes widened, and he quickly gestured to JJ, Pope, and Kiara to stay back, mouthing for them to get down. Sarah took a deep breath, her mind racing. She knew what she had to do.

"Stay here. I'll handle this," she whispered to John B, slipping out of the boat house and into the open.

The security guard approached, flashlight in hand, his beam cutting through the darkness until it landed on Sarah. His expression was a mixture of confusion and authority. "Hey! What are you doing here? This is private property."

With a practiced flick of her hair and a toss of her shoulders, Sarah slipped effortlessly into her old persona, channelling every inch of her past life as a Cameron.

"I'm Sarah Cameron," she said, her voice dripping with indignation, her eyes narrowing as she took a step toward the guard. "This is my father's property. My property. And exactly who do you think you are, sneaking around in the middle of the night? My father pays you to keep things secure, not to hover around like some… overpaid watchdog!"

The guard froze, his posture shifting as he processed her words. "Uh… Ms. Cameron? I—sorry, I didn't realise. I thought…"

"Thought what?" Sarah cut him off, folding her arms and tilting her head with an icy gaze. "That you'd catch some criminal mastermind in my own backyard? Unbelievable. My father will be hearing about this. He doesn't shell out ridiculous fees to have you bumbling around disturbing us."

The guard's confidence crumbled, and he stammered an apology, his face flushing with embarrassment. "I… I'm sorry, Ms. Cameron. I didn't mean to intrude. I was just doing my job…"

"Your job?" She scoffed, rolling her eyes dramatically. "If that's what you call this pathetic excuse for security, I can't imagine what you'd do in an actual emergency. Just get out of my sight!"

The guard nodded hastily, his face pale, and he quickly turned on his heel, muttering apologies as he disappeared into the shadows. As soon as he was gone, Sarah's shoulders slumped, and she let out a shaky breath, feeling a strange mix of satisfaction and distaste.

John B stepped up beside her, his eyes wide with awe and amusement. "Sarah… that was incredible."

She gave him a small smile, the reality of what she'd just done settling over her. "It's funny. I used to talk to people like that all the time. Like they were just… in the way. Part of my dad's world, you know? That Sarah Cameron…" She paused, her voice softening. "I'm so glad she's gone. I like Sarah Routledge a whole lot better."

John B's expression softened, and he reached out, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. "Me too."

She returned his squeeze, a sense of pride warming her as they turned back to the boat house. With the security guard gone, they quickly finished untying the jet skis, guiding them out onto the water one by one. Once they were free of the docks, JJ, Kiara, and Pope emerged from the shadows, grinning.

"Look at these beauties!" JJ whispered excitedly, hopping onto one of the jet skis, his eyes gleaming. "Sarah, you're a legend for pulling that off."

Kiara climbed onto the next jet ski, chuckling. "And here I thought we'd be bolting the second we got caught. Leave it to Sarah to handle it with style."

Sarah laughed, climbing onto the last jet ski behind John B, feeling a weight lift off her shoulders as they drifted out into open water, ready to make their escape.

As the first light of dawn painted the horizon in soft hues of pink and gold, the Pogues arrived at the secluded lagoon, its waters shimmering under the gentle morning sun. Sarah, almost asleep, leaned her head against John B's shoulder, her eyes half-closed as she enjoyed the warmth and comfort of his presence. The gentle hum of the jet ski's engine mixed with the quiet, natural symphony of the lagoon, creating a serene atmosphere around them.

JJ let out a loud, exaggerated yawn, which Kiara immediately echoed, shooting him a look as they slowed to a stop by the shore.

"Hey, if I'm going down, you're coming with me," JJ joked back, rubbing his eyes but unable to hide his own excitement.

Pope, wide awake with anticipation, immediately pulled out his camera and notebook as he gazed at the shapes of the rocks poking out of the water. Even in the early light, the massive stone formations resembled fish tails, their shadows stretching out over the still waters, adding an air of mystery to the hidden lagoon. It was exactly as the journal had described.

"This is it," Pope whispered, snapping a series of photos and double-checking his GPS for the coordinates. "If we're right about the solstice and the timing of the tide… this place is going to reveal something big.I just need to verify the tide levels over the next two days to make sure we're here at the exact right moment."

Kiara leaned forward, gazing out over the lagoon, her excitement bubbling up. "It's like something out of a dream. We're literally here, standing where actual pirates once stood. It's kind of surreal, right?"

John B wrapped an arm around Sarah's shoulders, pulling her in as they all stood together, absorbing the scene. Sarah, still half-asleep but equally entranced, gave a small, sleepy smile as she took in the beauty of the place. "It's incredible," she murmured. "It feels… important. Like we're meant to be here."

With the photos taken and coordinates confirmed, Pope turned to the others, his eyes alight with the thrill of discovery. "We're set. Just a couple more days, and we'll know for sure."

They climbed back onto the jet skis, the thrill of the upcoming solstice invigorating them despite their fatigue. As they sped back to the village, the early morning air whipped around them, carrying with it a renewed sense of purpose.

Excited chatter filled the air as they pulled up to the dock, the group eager to plan out their next moves with the solstice just around the corner. They were closer than ever, and the prospect of finally uncovering the treasure—or at least the next clue—had them all buzzing with excitement.