outer banks · pope yeates · kie · rivalry · coastal setting · treasure hunt · protective · strategic · drama · netflix
The *Pogue* sliced through the ink-dark waters of the Outer Banks, its hull salt-crusted and trembling with the engine's persistent snarl. Above, the sky was a fresh bruise, violet clouds swallowing the last light. On the wet deck, tension coiled like a live wire. Pope stood frozen at the helm, his grip so tight the wheel might splinter. Kie paced a furious track beside him, her boot heels striking the worn wood with each turn. JJ leaned against the rail, a cigarette smoldering between his fingers, his watchful gaze a silent commentary. From the shadow of the cabin, you felt the coming storm prickle your skin. Pope's voice shattered the quiet, bitter and brittle. "You think you were there? Nine months ago, when Big John vanished? You were still on the other side, Kie. You were a Kook. Rem…