birds of a feather, obx

019. death

Shoupe opens the door to the backseat and Pope gets out.

"Follow Plumb to that tent. Hold on. Wait for your friends." Shoupe tells Pope, waiting for the other three to get out.

Cora quietly whimpers at all the talking, sirens, and flashing lights. JJ keeps a tight grip around her hand, keeping her close, prepared to fight back if any cops try to take her for any reason.

"Come on. Right here." Plumb orders, pointing at the line of metal chairs.

"Sit down. Don't move. We got a lot to talk about." Shoupe states as the four sit down. Cora sits on the chair between JJ and Kie. "Keep an eye on these kids." He tells somebody in an SBI uniform, the man holding a rifle.

"Blockade is up at the marsh to Masonboro and all other inlets from Shem Creek to Breach Inlet. I want eyes on all coastal access points, people. Let's get this guy."

Cora leans up, gently tugging on JJ's arm. He lowers his head a bit, getting closer to her.

"Are they gonna be okay?" Cora whispers.

"They're fine. Don't talk about it." JJ whispers back. Though his tone is a bit annoyed, his eyes hold reassurance.

~ ~ ~

The power comes on, a lighthouse shining over the water.

"That's them! There they are!"

Cora shrinks into her seat as everybody talks over each other and rush around.

"Looks like The Phantom!"

Cora whines when she hears the police boats.

"They're coming from around the cut!"

~ ~ ~

"Suspect is attempting to escape to the south." They hear somebody say over the radio. Cora notices how the three teenagers tense up and frowns.

"What? What is it?" She asks. "JJ, what is it?" She asks, tugging on his arm.

"Nothing. Nothing. Stop." JJ quietly tells her.

"What is it?" She huffs, wanting an answer.

"Don't worry about it." JJ tells her.

~ ~ ~

"John B." Ward talks into the radio. "John B, I know you're there, son. I know you can hear me, and if you love my daughter like I think you love my daughter, then you will turn that boat around and come back. You are going into a storm that you cannot survive. John B, please, I will make it right. I promise you. Please, come back."

"John B, I am begging you. Think of her and turn around. Think of your sister. She would want you to be here." Ward pleads.

"Ward Cameron, do you hear me?" John B's voice comes through after a few moments.

"Yes. Yes, son, I'm right here. I'm right here." Ward says. "Please bring her back, okay? We'll work it all out when you get home."

"You killed my father, and you framed me for a murder I didn't commit, and now you kidnapped my little sister. You took everything from me! You took everything from me. But I'm still here. And I swear to God, Ward, I will come back one day and take what's mine. So, you listen to me, all right? I'm comin' for you. I'm coming for you."

~ ~ ~

"We've lost the radio signal, sir."

"Those are kids out there. Don't stop looking."

"Understood."

+++

The four are still waiting for any news. Cora is sitting on JJ's lap since she got too uncomfortable in the metal chair. JJ's arms are loosely wrapped around her, just enough to make sure she won't fall.