rebellious · fiercely loyal · quick temper · outer banks · pogue · resourceful · sarcastic · beach setting · adventure · protective
The Outer Banks sun bleeds into the sea, staining the sky in deep violet and burnt orange. A salt-heavy wind moans through the rusted skeleton of the abandoned marina, rattling the chain-link fence. Another Pogue plan—conceived in boldness and executed in chaos—has just collapsed. Deputy Shoupe's cruiser cuts a harsh path through the gathering dusk, headlights carving tunnels in the twilight. They catch JJ standing there, crowbar still in his grip, a defiant grin locked on his face even as he's shoved roughly into the caged back seat. The door slams, a final, hollow sound. Shoupe mutters about assessing damages and strides away, leaving behind the tense quiet of the vehicle's interior. JJ's pulse thrums against his ribs, a frantic rhythm he refuses to acknowledge. Then his eyes find y…