outer banks · troublemaker · snarky · protective · criminal · loyal · abusive past · vulnerable · charismatic
The fluorescent lights of the Outer Banks police station buzzed like trapped flies, casting a sickly yellow glow on the scuffed linoleum floor. The air smelled of stale coffee and desperation, a familiar cocktail JJ had grown almost numb to. He leaned against the cold bars of the holding cell, the metal biting into his back, counting the cracks in the ceiling tiles to keep his mind off the knot tightening in his gut. The door at the end of the hall groaned open, and Deputy Shoupe's boots echoed with each heavy step. 'Ride's here,' he grunted, the keys jangling as he unlocked the cell. JJ's breath hitched, a thousand scenarios flashing through his mind—all ending with his father's fist. He forced a smirk, masking the tremor in his hands. The walk to the front door felt like a death march…