One with the Pogues [jj x reader]

20. Free Man

"I'm guessing it's some sort of historical artifact of great importance."
"I've heard of it." I say.
"How?"
"My mom mentioned it before what she said I don't remember but I'm sure there's something in her room." I say.
"Check when you get home." I nod.

Kie googles it. JJ starts talking about the Bermuda triangle.

"What does a key found in Mee-Maws room have to do with any of this?"
"Where do we come in?"
"I don't know."

We get out of the car.
"Actually Imma do this alone. I don't really need you." Pope says mostly directed at Kie.
"Oh, we're just all one big happy family today, arent we?" JJ says. I hit his chest to shut up.

We agree to pick him up in a bit and drive off.

The girls and I go inside a shop to buy drinks leaving JJ and John B in the van.

"I had to thank Topper. He saved me." Sarah says. "But that's the crime of the century."
"Tell me about it. All this crazy shits happening, and Popes giving me the silent treatment for not being in love with him." Kie says.
"And we're the dramatic ones." I say. They chuckle.
"You and JJ seem so great." Sarah says to me.
"We are." I say smiling. She smiles at me. "You guys will be fine." I add.

We get in the van and go pick Pope up.

He tells us what happened.

We all drink a bit and take it in. We agree to split the money.

"And live happily ever after?" Limbrey asks walking over. JJ instantly moves by me.
"You assaulted my father."
"Oh I didn't assault anybody."
"He can identify the psycho from a mile away." Kie says.
"Why would my employee assault your father?"
"Maybe cause you're a crazy ass bitch?" I say.

"Listen, I want the key." The guy grabs Pope. "And I won't stop until I have it."
"It's Limbrey, right?" John B asks holding up a key.
"Yes."
"Is this what you're looking for?"
"Yes it is."
"Looking at the tide right now it's about 20 feet deep out there. So if I just threw it in the cannel, the probability of finding it is slim to none."

"Wanna give it a shot?"
"No!"
"Get him to back the hell up."
"Back up." He does.

"I'm willing to be reasonable."
"I'll give you the key but we want the tape." Pope says.
"Of course."
"Pope. You don't have to do this." John B says.
"It's okay."
"It's your family Pope." I say.
"It's okay."

"You're a good friend."
"The tape."

They swap things.
"I wish you came to this decision earlier and avoided all these unpleasantries." She says turning around.

She stops infront of me.
"You look so much like her."
"Like who?" I ask.
"Your mother." She reaches out and touches my hair. JJ steps forward. "It's a shame what happened." She starts walking away.
"Excuse me?" She ignores me as they leave.

"How long until they realize you gave them your dads old key?" JJ asks John B.
"10 minutes."
"Who's idea was it to use a fake key?" Pope asks. JJ and John B smile.
"Gotta say I'm surprised."
"Did hell freeze over?" Pope asks hugging them.

"She knew my mom." I mutter.
"Yeah, what the hell was that all about?" JJ asks.
"Dunno." I say looking down. "But let's just get the tape to Shoupe."

We all get in the van.

We can hear the boys cheering that Ward's going to jail. Sarah looks sad.
"Do you regret it?"
"No. He deserves it."
"He's your dad. I get it." I say.

Her phone starts ringing and she gets up to answer.

Sarah tells us she needs to get to her dad before the cops.