The Escape

The warm glow of the setting sun cast a golden light over the small beach house, illuminating the tension that lingered between Kristina and JJ. The air was thick with unspoken words, and the sound of the waves crashing against the shore seemed to amplify the awkwardness. Kristina, still fuming from their earlier encounter, turned to her brother and assistant. "Let's get settled in. We have a lot of work to do, and I don't want to be distracted." As they busied themselves unpacking, Luke excitedly explored the beach house, his eyes shining with anticipation. "This place is awesome! I can already imagine us finding that gold and becoming legends." Max chuckled, shaking his head. "Let's not get ahead of ourselves, kiddo. We still have a lot of ground to cover." Meanwhile, JJ watched them from afar, his eyes narrowed in suspicion. He couldn't shake the feeling that the newcomers were trouble, and he made a mental note to keep a close eye on them. As the sun dipped below the horizon, JJ made his way back to the Maybank's, where his friends were waiting. Inside, the shack was alive with music and laughter. JJ slid onto a stool beside Pope, his friend and confidant. "You won't believe who just showed up," he said, his voice low and serious. Pope raised an eyebrow. "Who?" JJ's eyes locked onto the beach house across the way. "The rich kids from the city. They think they can just waltz in here and start searching for the Royal Merchant." Pope's expression turned thoughtful. "You think they're after the gold?" JJ nodded. "I'm sure of it. And I don't like it one bit." As they spoke, Kristina appeared at the window, her eyes locked onto JJ with an unnerving intensity. For a moment, they just stared at each other, the tension between them palpable. The sound of JJ's phone ringing broke the spell, and he answered it, his voice low and urgent. "What?" There was a pause, and then JJ's expression turned grim. "Where?" He listened for a moment longer, his eyes locked onto Kristina. "I'll take care of it." As JJ hung up the phone, Pope looked at him expectantly. "What's going on?" JJ's eyes narrowed. "It's JJ's dad. He's been in a fight with some of the Pogues. I need to go bail him out." Pope nodded, his expression serious. "I'll come with you." As they made their way out of the shack, Kristina watched them from the window, a sense of foreboding settling in the pit of her stomach. She couldn't shake the feeling that she was being watched, and the tension between her and JJ was only just beginning to simmer. The sound of the waves and the cries of seagulls filled the air, but Kristina's senses were on high alert, waiting for whatever was coming next.