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Day One

Morning - Figure 8 Dock

(Song:) Where Do We Go From Here? - Wesley Attew

Sarah was standing on the dock that was behind her old home, sitting down, looking out over the water, deep in thought.

⚓️

Flashback - 1.05 "Midsummers"

Day - Midsummers

Everyone was gathered for the Midsummers party.

Lia, Kaylee and Kie hadn't wanted to come, but were forced to by their parents.

Topper, Rafe and Kelce were drinking

Lia, Sarah and Wheezie danced the night away as sisters.

Sarah: (voice over) "Kooks..."

⚓️

Flashback - 1.01 "Pilot"

Day - Pogue Party

The Pogues were throwing a party, having a blast.

Sarah: (voice over) "And Pogues."

Lia, Sarah, Topper, Kelce and Rafe had been at the party.

Sarah: (voice over) "Two tribes."

Isa, Kie and John B saw that Lia and Sarah were at the party.

Sarah: (voice over) "One island."

⚓️

Flashback - 1.04 "Spy Games"

Day - Ferry Dock

In the pouring rain, Sarah kissed John B passionately.

Sarah: (voice over) "I thought it was obvious. When I kissed John B, I gave up my Kook card."

⚓️

Flashback - 1.10 "The Phantom"

Night - Sea

Isa, John B, Lia and Sarah were in the Phantom, running from the cops over the ocean, heading into the storm.

Sarah: (voice over) "The deal was done."

⚓️

Flashback - 3.01 "Poguelandia"

Day - Poguelandia

JJ was hanging up the flag he made for Poguelandia, while Kaylee, Isa, Kie, Lia and Wheezie cheered him on.

The Pogues jumped from the cliff together in a group cliff dive and celebrated in the ocean together.

Sarah: (voice over) "It was Poguelandia forever."

⚓️

Flashback - 3.04 "The Diary"

Day - Back Streets

The Pogues walked down the back street, where they found Indy in the bushes.

Sarah: (voice over) "But when we got back to Kildare..."

⚓️

Flashback - 3.06 "The Darkest Hour"

Day - Esme's Cabin - Outside

The Pogues were hanging together by a thread, and Elyna, becoming integrated within the group, was the one providing the thread holding them together.

Sarah: (voice over) "It was all reversed."

⚓️

Flashback - 3.04 "The Diary"

Day - Clinic - Outside

The Pogues all reunited with Big John.

Sarah: (voice over) "Suddenly, he had a father. He and his sister had a home."

⚓️

Flashback - 2.07 "The Bonfire"

Day - The Chateau - Outside

John B and Sarah were standing on the dock outside the Chateau.

Sarah broke up with him, walking away.

Sarah: (voice over) "And me, I had nothing left."

⚓️

Flashback - 2.07 "The Bonfire"

Day - Tannyhill Estate - Living Room

Lia, Sarah, Wheezie, Rafe and Rose were watching the video Ward left as a confession and a goodbye to his family, all at various states of crying.

Sarah: (voice over) "No family."

⚓️

Flashback - 3.06 "The Dark Forest"

Day - Maybank Trailer - Outside

Lia, Wheezie and Sarah, looking for JJ, found the eviction notice on his door.

Sarah: (voice over) "No place to stay."

⚓️

Flashback - 3.06 "The Dark Forest"

Day - Tiki Bar

Sarah was shotgunning the beer.

Sarah: (voice over) "No money."

Topper arrived. "Sarah, what are you doing?"

Sarah: (voice over) "Nothing."

⚓️

Flashback - 2.07 "The Bonfire"

Day - Topper's House - Topper's Room

Sarah woke up in Topper's bed.

Topper sat next to Sarah, holding her hand.

Sarah: (voice over) "But I did still have my old friends."

⚓️

Flashback - 3.06 "The Dark Forest"

Night - Mase

The Kook party was raging on, as Sarah and Topper locked eyes across the fire.

Sarah: (voice over) "The Kooks."

⚓️

Flashback - 3.06 "The Dark Forest"

Night - Mase

Sarah thought for a moment before kissing Topper, starting to make out.

Sarah: (voice over) "Waiting to take me back."

⚓️

Now

Night - Figure 8 Dock

Sarah sat on the dock, deep in thought.

Sarah: (voice over) "Born a Kook. Became a Pogue."

⚓️

Flashback - 2.10 "The Coastal Venture"

Day - Poguelandia

Sarah sat on the beach.

John B knelt in front of her. "Till death do us part?"

Sarah smiled. "Till death do us part."

⚓️

Flashback - 2.03 "Prayers"

Night - Boat

On the sea, Isa and Lia had fallen asleep on the boat on the way home.

John B and Sarah got "married", kissing.

⚓️

Flashback - 2.06 "My Druthers"

Day - Figure 8 Dock

The My Druthers boat exploded, making the Pogues duck on the dock, along with the cops.

Lia and Sarah both started to break down.

⚓️

Flashback - 3.07 "Happy Anniversary"

Night - The Wreck - Outside

The Pogues - minus Pope and Cleo - stood their ground against Topper and against Mike and Anna and the crowd staring them down before leaving the party as one.

⚓️

Now

Morning- Figure 8 Dock

Sarah was still lost in thought. She turned around, walking away down the dock.

Sarah: (voice over) "So which am I really? Kook or Pogue? Honestly, at this point, I don't even know myself."

(Song Ends)

⚓️

Paris, France

Laurent Estate - Kitchen

Genevieve received word from the bounty hunter that he had failed in kidnapping Kaylee due to Rafe's interference, relaying the events of the previous night ending with Kaylee burning his face off just as she had done to Cian himself before Kaylee and Rafe escaped.

Genevieve then had to relay the information to Cian the morning that their gold transfer was set to go through to Leviathan.

Cian sat at the breakfast table, his fingers tapping impatiently against the polished surface as he reviewed the latest figures for their investments. The air was heavy with tension, and he stole glances at Genevieve, who moved about the kitchen with a practiced grace, seemingly unbothered by the weight of their impending scheme. But when she turned to him, her expression was tight.

"What is it?" Cian asked, pushing aside his work, sensing the shift in her demeanor.

"It's about the bounty hunter," Genevieve said carefully, her tone laced with frustration. "He failed to retrieve Kaylee."

Cian's brows knitted together in disbelief. "Failed? How could he possibly fail? That girl is nothing without her little gang of misfits. What happened?"

"He claims Rafe intervened," Genevieve explained, her voice steady. "It seems he caught Kaylee off guard when she confronted our man. There was a fight, and Rafe helped her gain the upper hand. She, of course, had her fiery weapon, and she..."

Genevieve hesitated before she gestured to Cian's face, referencing his intense and grotesque burns that morphed his once handsome face into a nightmarish mask of still-healing burns and scars.

Cian's expression darkened, his fists clenching at the thought of that girl evading them again. "So, Rafe Cameron decided to play hero once again, did he? What a nuisance."

"He's proving to be more than just a nuisance," Genevieve replied tightly. "And Kaylee, she... she burned him. The bounty hunter is fortunate he escaped with his life, just like you did."

Cian's eyes flared with anger. "That little brat is becoming a problem we can't overlook any longer. If she has the audacity to stand up to our plans, we need to change our approach."

Genevieve nodded, the gears in her mind turning as she considered their next steps. "We still have Leviathan on our side, and the gold exchange is set for today. If we move quickly, we can still execute the flooding plan and make an example out of her and everyone she loves."

Cian leaned back in his chair, his lips curling into a sinister smile filled with malice. "Then let's go through with it. Today. I don't want to risk anything else going wrong with this plan. Kaylee does not to get away with killing Tod or what she did to me, Genevieve."

Genevieve's smile was twisted as she leaned closer to Cian. "Absolutely not."

Cian's voice dripped with malice as he leaned forward, his eyes narrowing. "I want to make a statement. If Kaylee thinks she can evade us, then she needs to learn that the Laurents have eyes everywhere."

Genevieve's own expression hardened in agreement, a cold smile gracing her lips. "We'll use the chaos of the gold exchange to our advantage. While everyone is distracted with the transaction and the festivities on Kildare Island, we can execute our plan without any interruptions."

Cian nodded, contemplating the potential fallout. "And if Rafe gets involved again?"

"We'll be ready for him," Genevieve said smoothly, her voice rife with confidence. "He's merely a pawn in this game; he doesn't realize the lengths we're willing to go to make sure Kaylee pays for her defiance. To make her pay for taking Tod's life."

"Then it's settled." Cian's lips curled into a wicked grin as he leaned back in his chair, envisioning the destruction that would play out to ensure their revenge.

The cruel irony that they didn't know just how far Kaylee and Rafe had come and how resourceful they were with Elyna, Gael, Esme, Kie, Lia, Wheezie and others on their side would only ensure that their plan would fail.

⚓️ Worlds Colliding (Outer Banks) ⚓️

Kildare Island, North Carolina

Esme's Cabin - Outside

Today was the big day. The day that Kaylee, Rafe, Kie, Lia, Wheezie, Elyna, Gael and Esme would enact their plan to take the plane and the gold from the Laurents and expose them for the murderers and con artists they truly were. They knew they might not survive it, but they were prepared to do everything it took.

Rafe drove himself and Kaylee up to Esme's cabin, pulling over his truck as he and Kaylee got out.

Before they headed inside, Rafe caught Kaylee by the hand, pulling her closer, their night of passion the night before still running through his mind vividly as he guided her closer to him.

Kaylee gazed at him, relieved that Rafe did help her forget everything for an entire night, and it did help her figure things out in a way that already knew - she loved JJ and she wanted to be with him, but Rafe would always have an affect over her whether she liked it or not. Though it didn't necessarily have to be in a bad way like it used to be. Not after everything Rafe did to ensure her safety and everything that he did to help her, even just to escape her pain and turmoil.

Rafe reached up to brush a curl behind Kaylee's ear. "Here it goes."

"Here it goes," Kaylee agreed.

Rafe let out a deep breath. "I meant what I said last night, Kaylee. Even if last night was it for us, it was worth it. Especially knowing I might die today during this mission."

Kaylee's heart raced at Rafe's words, and she felt a mix of determination and fear settle in the pit of her stomach.

"We're not going to die today," Kaylee said, trying to project confidence, even as insecurity whispered doubts in the back of her mind. "We have a plan."

Rafe nodded, though there was a flicker of uncertainty in his eyes. "I know, but I can't help but think about everything we've put on the line for this." He paused, searching her gaze as if looking for reassurance. "If anything happens, I need you to promise me something."

"What?" Kaylee asked softly, her heart swelling with a complex mix of emotions.

"Promise me you'll take care of yourself," Rafe urged, his voice serious. "No matter what happens - if we get separated or things go sideways - you have to look out for you first. You sacrifice everything for your family, for the Pogues, and you pay the price for it every time, whether you risk your life, you get hurt, or you lose your family. I know that's who you are at your core, and I don't blame you for that. Just... look out for yourself, too. You deserve to come first for once, Kaylee. Don't forget that."

Kaylee swallowed hard, the weight of his words pressing down on her.

"Rafe," Kaylee began, her voice trembling slightly as she took in the seriousness of his request. "I appreciate that, but you don't need to worry about me. I promise I'll be careful."

"But you can't predict everything that might happen today, or anything else after today," Rafe countered, his brow furrowing with concern. He hesitated before squeezing her hands tighter. "This is serious, and we can't afford to lose sight of what matters."

Kaylee felt a surge of warmth at his protectiveness, yet there was a part of her that bristled at the thought of being treated like someone fragile, even if she knew it was because he cared.

"I know what I'm doing," Kaylee insisted, meeting his gaze with steely determination. "This is my fight too."

Rafe let out a breath that felt caught in his chest, clearly torn between wanting to shield her from harm and acknowledging her strength. "I know you're strong, Kaylee. I'm not denying that. I'm just... I wish that you wouldn't always sacrifice yourself to protect everyone else. That's all. The way you put yourself on the line for everyone even when it nearly destroys you. Every single time."

Kaylee was struck by the truth of Rafe's words, something that even JJ had brought up to her. Something they both worried about because she didn't know when to stop to keep herself from getting hurt or nearly killed in the process.

She realized that it wasn't them treating her like she was fragile - it was a valid concern when she acted like it was all or nothing to protect everyone around her, even when it almost got her killed, and it caused her to lose her parents entirely.

Rafe was merely asking she didn't go to extremes like she always did, to put herself first for once, so she didn't get hurt or nearly killed again and again, and she couldn't fault him for that, because JJ had brought this up to her too.

It was one promise that Kaylee felt like she could make.

"I promise," Kaylee said finally, her voice steady. "I'll do my best to look out for myself today, and every day after. I won't let my instincts drive me blindly into danger without thinking."

Rafe's tense posture relaxed just a fraction, gratitude flooding his expression, his voice softer now. "Thank you. That's all I ask."

With a final squeeze of her hands, Kaylee felt a wave of determination wash over her. They were about to face the biggest challenge of their lives, and she needed that strength - not just from Rafe but within herself.

"Let's do this," Kaylee said, straightening her shoulders and standing taller. Rafe gave her a small smile, and together they turned to head toward the cabin where the others were waiting.

With that newfound determination, Kaylee and Rafe walked inside.

⚓️

Inside

(Song:) 53 Years - Shawn Lee & The Soul Surfers

When they entered the cabin, they saw Lia, Kie, Wheezie, Elyna, Gael and Esme rushing to get everything ready for their mission today, which was expected.

However, they were surprised to see Sarah there.

Rafe looked from Lia and Wheezie to their other sister. "Hello, Sarah."

"Rafe," Sarah replied.

"What are you doing here?" Kaylee asked.

"Asking Esme if there's anyway to keep John B and JJ out of jail after Mike and Anna's threat last night to have them arrested after they technically trespassed onto their party," Sarah answered.

"And after John B, Elyna and Rafe 'assaulted' Topper at their party," Wheezie added.

Elyna snorted. "Topper assaulted Lia, Sarah and Wheezie first."

"Yeah, well, Topper has a doctor for a mother, a lawyer for a father, and a judge for a grandfather," Lia pointed out. "Who do you think they're going to believe? Kook royalty family or us?"

Kie nodded, looking at Kaylee and Rafe. "That's why Sarah's asking Esme for Interpol contacts to make sure that John B, JJ and Elyna can't be touched after last night."

Gael and Esme were determined not to let their daughter Elyna or her friends get in trouble for something Topper started because of his obsession with Sarah, and they were not willing to let Mike and his stance against the Pogues - especially after everything he had done to their family - further affect Kaylee, Kie, Elyna and their friends.

Esme looked up from her laptop, her brow furrowed with concentration. "I can reach out to some contacts within the justice system. They may have leverage we can use to prevent any unnecessary charges against Elyna, Rafe, John B and JJ. We can argue that their actions were in defense of Sarah and her well-being."

Sarah felt a rush of gratitude wash over her. "Thanks, Esme. I really appreciate that."

"It will be easier if you can get Topper to drop his assault charges against John B and Elyna, and potentially Rafe," Gael explained. "And if we can get Mike and Anna drop any trespassing charges against John B and JJ."

"Topper would only listen to Sarah if that's the case," Wheezie pointed out.

Rafe shot Sarah a look. "Don't go anywhere near him alone."

"Not after everything he's done," Lia agreed.

Sarah looked down, nodding.

"Yeah, but good luck getting our parents to drop the charges against John B and JJ," Kie told them.

Kaylee snorted. "Yeah, that's not going to happen. They'll want to use them to make a point against me and Kie."

"All I know is that John B can't get arrested," Sarah insisted. "Not now. If he's locked up, then he and Isa can't save their dad from Singh. We have to fix this. I can't let him get arrested while John B and Isa's dad is abducted."

Everyone nodded in agreement, moved by Sarah's loyalty despite her moment of confusion.

Elyna ran a hand over her dread-locked braids. "We have to focus on the mission right now. Everything else has to wait until after we pull this off. Just tell John B and JJ to stay clear from everyone until we get back."

Gael nodded, his voice steady as he looked around the group. "As soon as we get the gold from the Laurents, we can figure out how to protect everyone back home."

Esme joined their circle, a determined glint in her eyes. "I have contacts that can help with legal issues later, but we need to keep our focus on what's at stake today. The heist is our priority."

The others all nodded in understanding.

Kaylee felt a mixture of nerves and adrenaline coursing through her veins. It was time for them all to be brave and work together as a united front against the Laurents, determined to make it through this to get to the next challenge.

"Okay, after we get through this with the Laurents, then we have to find a plane that can get us to South America so that we can help Isa and John B save their father before Singh kills him," Kaylee pointed out. "Rafe even said that his jet might not survive this heist."

Lia lit up with an idea as she looked at Sarah, Wheezie and Rafe. "What about Dad's plane? He just got to town, he had to use his plane to get here."

"Do you really trust Dad to give you his plane?" Wheezie asked.

Lia shrugged. "He said that he was willing to do anything to make amends for trying to kill us. Let's see how far he's really willing to go to make up for what he's done."

Rafe thought for a moment before nodding. "Fine, but I go with you. There's no way in hell you should be going alone to see Dad alone after what he did, and I need to talk to him myself, anyway."

Lia, Sarah, Wheezie and Rafe shared a look, nodding.

"All right," Kie agreed. "That's settled. Lia and I have to stay behind anyway and Rafe doesn't need to leave on his jet until after you guys fly out, so it should work."

"It should," Elyna agreed. "Let's go over the plan one more time before we head out."

Gael nodded. "Kaylee, Wheezie, Elyna, Esme and I fly out to London on express flight. Once we're in the air heading for the location, Rafe flies on out in his jet. The ones of us on the plane take the pieces of the PSID that Elyna and Wheezie hid in our every day objects and take them out and hide them in the economy class bathroom hidden compartments. Wheezie comes down from first class and stashes them away until she heads back to first class into the bathroom to piece them into the PSID device and hides it in the ceiling compartment so that Rafe can fly up beneath the plane and we can mask the signals of the plane and the jet."

"That's when Whitaker will cover for us at Air Traffic Control in Brussels," Esme continued. "Lia and Kie, since you'll be down here at the computer, with the access that Whitaker gave you to his radar and his radio channel..."

"We can channel it to the computer so we have it here in the cabin," Kie finished. "He gave Lia the guidelines for us to speak so that we can sell ourselves off as people who work for air traffic control. As long as we stick to the script, we'll be able to handle things from here on the ground while you guys are up in the air."

Kaylee smiled proudly at her sister. "So you'll be able to monitor the skies while we're airborne."

Wheezie nodded, her expression full of determination. "Exactly. And since the plan relies on everything going off without a hitch, we need to be ready for any potential problems that might arise." She looked at Lia and Kie. "So you two are just as important here on the ground than any of us up in the sky."

Kie and Lia smiled.

Sarah looked between the group in awe, unable to believe what she was hearing, but enjoying every moment of it as she heard the plan that they had been working on for a week come together.

"Once I get near the exchange point, I'll release the drone that Wheezie and Elyna made and that will head off to Zurich to make the Laurents think that their gold landed for Leviathan to take as payment," Rafe went on. "It won't fool them or Leviathan long, just long enough for us to pull the rest of this off."

Gael nodded. "Kaylee's a decoy, pretending to be sick needing a set of oxygen tanks." He picked up an oxygen tank to demonstrate. "This oxygen tank contains a stabilizer I need to help crack the safe that holds the gold on the plane."

"If a fight breaks out on the plane, which likely it will, Kaylee, Elyna and I will handle that, as well as Elyna handling any hacking that comes her way," Esme added.

Elyna nodded, winking at Wheezie teasingly as she referenced what Wheezie said the night before. "Looks like I get to be your bodyguard after all, Wheeze."

Wheezie felt her cheeks flush with warmth at Elyna's playful wink and teasing words. She ducked her head slightly, a shy smile tugging at the corners of her mouth as she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. The butterflies in her stomach fluttered wildly, and she found herself struggling to maintain her usual composure.

"Oh, um, yeah," Wheezie stammered, her voice coming out softer than she intended. She cleared her throat, trying to regain her footing. "I mean, of course. That makes sense. I can't fight like you and Esme and Kaylee, so of course. So someone has to keep me out of trouble."

As she glanced back up at Elyna, Wheezie was struck once again by the other girl's easy confidence and the way her eyes sparkled with mischief. The morning sunlight streaming through the cabin windows caught the colorful highlights in Elyna's dark braids, giving her an almost ethereal glow.

Lia, Sarah, Kaylee and Kie smiled knowingly, practically beaming as they watched Wheezie and Elyna fall more for each other day by day.

Rafe smirked, shaking his head in amusement.

Gael and Esme watched the happiness that seemed to dance in Elyna's eyes and on her face as she interacted with Wheezie. They hadn't seen it up close before just then, but now they saw it as clear as crystal. Their daughter was truly happy, falling for someone before their eyes, and Gael and Esme couldn't help but smile at the realization and seeing the way their daughter glowed.

All Gael and Esme wanted was for their daughter to be happy, and if she found someone to love, as well as friends to be family with, that was all that mattered.

"Is that it?" Sarah questioned. "Is that all to the plan?"

"Not quite," Esme answered.

"After that, we let the Laurents' men catch us and take us onto Rafe's jet with the gold," Gael explained. "With the stealth mods on his jet that Elyna and Wheezie implemented, once they bring us to Cian and Genevieve, once they start being them, they'll expose themselves for the people they are without us having to do a thing."

"And the cameras on Rafe's jet will capture everything, and they'll pay for everything they've ever done," Kaylee finished. She smiled proudly. "That part was my idea."

"And once the cops show up, since we'll have access to the LED screens on Rafe's jet from the computer here on the ground, we'll just replay the videos recorded by the camera," Lia explained.

"And the rest, as they say, is history," Kie finished.

Sarah smiled. "I'm impressed. This might actually work."

Wheezie bowed. "Why, thank you. We put in a lot of effort."

"We have to stick to the plan, and no deviations," Rafe reminded, his tone serious. "The moment we veer off course, we risk getting caught and killed. This is a tight operation."

"Absolutely," Kaylee agreed, feeling a surge of adrenaline pumping through her veins at the thought of what lay ahead. "And if anything goes wrong, we need to regroup and improvise to make up for any mishaps. That's what me and Mom and Dad do best." She picked up a bag, winking at Kaylee and Wheezie. "Though I should warn you, what I do best is making sure we look fabulous during these heists, and you're both going to love these outfits. It's to make sure that no one recognizes us even if Cian's on that plane when we are."

Kaylee and Wheezie nodded in understanding.

Esme nodded to the three girls. "Go get dressed. We need to leave in the next few minutes if we're going to catch our flight."

Kaylee, Wheezie and Elyna went off to the bedrooms to go get dressed while the others waited.

Gael turned to Kie and Lia with a box of food. "Also, Kaylee and Elyna told us that Isa, John B and JJ were struggling with food given their circumstances. While you're here on the ground waiting for your turn on the plan, you should take this to them."

Kie looked at her uncle emotionally in relief, tears glistening. "Thank you, Uncle Gael."

Gael wrapped an arm around Kie gently. "Of course, Kie. I don't want you and your friends suffering anymore."

Esme walked over to place a six pack of soda in the box. "Here. They could use some of these too."

Lia smiled at them in appreciation. "If only all our parents were like you two."

Kaylee, Elyna and Wheezie's response were heard as they returned to the room from behind the group.

"It would make all our lives a hell of a lot easier," Kaylee agreed.

"That's for sure," Wheezie said.

Elyna smiled. "I'm more than willing to share my parents with all of you."

Sarah laughed lightly. "That's comforting. Thank you, Elyna."

Lia, Kie, Sarah, Rafe, Esme and Gael turned to take in the sight of Kaylee, Elyna and Wheezie's heist outfits that Elyna rightly proclaimed that they would look fabulous while doing so.

Elyna stepped forward first, her outfit a seamless blend of sleek and stealthy. She wore a fitted black jumpsuit adorned with dark green accents that glimmered faintly under the cabin lights, resembling the colors of the forest at night. The fabric hugged her form perfectly, allowing for fluid movement, while combat boots added a touch of practicality. She had a black utility belt around her waist with various gadgets and tools for need be on the flight.

Wheezie followed closely behind, donning a similar style but adding her personal flair. Her outfit was a deep navy blue, accentuated with silver metallic details that caught the light as she moved. She wore a bomber jacket over it, the kind that screamed 'cool' yet offered enough pockets to stash away essential items without drawing attention.

Kaylee brought up the rear, her ensemble equally striking but simple and passable for someone undercover in economy class. She wore a simple black top and leather pants adorned in glimmering gold studs with a matching black belt with a gold belt buckle. Over her black tank top, she sported a fitted red leather vest with matching red combat boots that went to her calves, which glimmered in the light. Practical yet stylish, the ensemble flowed effortlessly, designed for agility and movement.

The trio stood confidently before the group, their outfits a perfect blend of practicality and style. The outfits spoke volumes: they were ready for a challenge, ready to confront the chaos that loomed ahead.

"Wow," Kie breathed, stepping forward to admire her sister, cousin and friend. "You all look incredible!"

Kaylee grinned, feeling a rush of empowerment. "Thank. Elyna really outdid herself."

Sarah nodded in agreement, her eyes wide with admiration as she took in their fierce looks. "You really did nail it, Elyna."

Elyna winked, smiling. "Thank you, it's what I do."

Rafe cast a quick glance at Kaylee, noting how the colors of her outfit seemed to reflect her fiery spirit. "You guys are definitely going to make an impression."

"Let's hope it's the right kind," Lia added.

Wheezie took a deep breath, tilting her head. "When is it ever the right kind when it's with us?"

The others chuckled in acknowledgement.

Gael and Esme looked over the teenagers with a proud smile.

Gael checked the time on his watch before looking at Kaylee, Wheezie, Elyna and Esme. "We need to head out. Our flight won't wait for us."

Kaylee felt the familiar weight of determination settle in her chest as she exchanged glances with Wheezie, Elyna, Esme and Gael, nodding. "Let's do this."

Kie immediately embraced with Kaylee, pulling her sister into her arms. "For the love of God, be careful."

Kaylee smiled softly as the two sisters pulled away.

Elyna approached Kaylee and Kie as she smiled at her two cousins, the three girls sharing an embrace as well.

"Don't worry, Kie," Elyna murmured. "We'll be home before the day's out. I promise. I can't miss my Pogue initiation party, can I?"

The three girls laughed lightly as they pulled away.

Kie turned to Gael and Esme, smiling sadly as her uncle and aunt. "Please take care of them."

Gael wrapped his arms around his niece. "Of course. Just like we'll take care of all of you if we can, for as long as we can, Kie."

Once they pulled away, Esme embraced Kie. "It's going to be okay. Once we get back, we'll help your friends if they do get arrested, and we'll make sure Isa and John B get their father back. No exceptions."

The teenagers smiled in appreciation.

Kaylee and Elyna stepped closer to Gael and Esme for support, as Gael and Esme wrapped their arms gently around them.

Wheezie went to say goodbye to Lia, Sarah and Rafe, knowing that her siblings would be worried about her while she was airborne with the others.

Lia pulled Wheezie into her arms, protective but knowing Wheezie could handle this. "Be careful, Wheezie. Make sure to stick with Elyna and Kaylee. You know they can handle themselves, but it's about the team."

Wheezie nodded firmly, determination surging through her as she returned the embrace. "I will. I promise. We've got this." She felt a wave of reassurance from her siblings, knowing they were all in this together, as she and Lia pulled away.

Sarah stepped forward next, wrapping Wheezie in a warm embrace. "Just remember that no matter what happens today, we're all proud of you. You're not just fighting for yourself; you're fighting for all of us."

Wheezie squeezed Sarah tightly before stepping back, trying to mask the lump forming in her throat. "Thank you, Sarah. That means a lot."

Rafe approached last, his expression serious yet supportive as he met Wheezie's gaze. "Stay sharp up there, alright? I know you've got what it takes. Just remember what we talked about. Don't hesitate to use your instincts."

Wheezie nodded, feeling the warmth of his encouragement wash over her. "I won't."

Rafe couldn't resist pulling Wheezie into his arms, and his little sister melted into his embrace. Lia and Sarah smiled bittersweetly at the sight, knowing Rafe's sweet spot for Wheezie overpowered almost anything.

"I'll see you up there soon, okay?" Rafe asked lowly. "And anyone who hurts you is going to regret it."

The two siblings pulled away.

"I'll see you soon," Wheezie replied. "Just help Lia convince Dad to let us use his plane to get us to South America to save Isa and John B's dad, please?"

Lia and Sarah looked at Rafe pleadingly.

At that, Kaylee glanced over at Rafe, her eyes softening slightly, the request clear in her eyes. None of them could bear to let Isa and John B lose their father, and they knew that with Rafe's help, they could convince Ward to let them use his plane.

Rafe looked between his sisters and Kaylee, knowing that he wouldn't say no to the four of them when all he had been trying to do was make amends to them. With a sigh, he nodded in agreement. "I will."

Lia, Sarah and Wheezie couldn't help smiles of relief.

Gael clapped his hands. "Okay. Now that we've all said goodbye, we really need to go."

Esme shot the kids a knowing smile but quickly turned serious again. "Right. Let's move out."

(Song Ends)

⚓️

Outside

As Kaylee, Wheezie, Elyna, Gael and Esme gathered everything they needed, they started to head out together to the car. Lia, Kie, Sarah and Rafe followed them outside to watch them get into the car, each one trading looks as they prepared to set off for the journey that would set off the moment that they would leave for their flight.

With one final charged look, Kaylee, Wheezie, Elyna, Gael and Esme set off for their flight.

Lia, Kie, Sarah and Rafe shared a look, praying for the best - that everyone would make it out alive and continue on to the next journey.

Determined to make it through each of their tasks today, Lia and Kie went to retrieve the food box that Gael and Esme granted for the other Pogues, determined to take it to Isa, John B and JJ before Lia had to go with Rafe to see Ward.

Sarah walked over to her bike, picking it up, riding off in determination. Despite her siblings' warnings, she had to go convince Topper to not press charges against John B and Elyna. Even if she shouldn't be around him alone, she couldn't waste a second. She couldn't let anyone put her loved ones in danger with what was at stake, and she couldn't disrupt Lia and Rafe's mission for today, not when so many people were counting on them.

Meanwhile, Rafe stayed behind, mind wandering to his father knowing that he would have to take Lia to see him soon.

He remembered what Barry said. "It's either you or your pops, Rafe. If I was you, I would move to get him off the battlefield before he starts squawking."

He remembered what Kaylee said. "You gonna let him turn you against your dad like he did with you and Lia? You felt bad enough for everything you did to your sisters. You really think that it'll be any better if you do something to your dad?"

Rafe frowned, confused and conflicted, not knowing what to do. He didn't trust Ward not to turn on him and rat him out to get his old life back, but he didn't want to have to turn against his father and hurt him like he did with his sisters knowing how bad it got. He was also willing to do anything to keep this new life that he was building for himself, and to keep Ward from hurting him or his sisters again, leaving the question on if that included taking his dad out of the equation so his father didn't take this life from him, hurt him or Lia, Sarah and Wheezie.

⚓️

The Chateau - Outside

(Song:) Anything Could Happen - The Clean

JJ and Isa were sitting on the porch of the Chateau, looking toward John B out on the lawn.

John B stood at the bell in the yard, ringing it in the same pattern Big John always rang the bell to call his kids home.

Isa looked down, upset. All she wanted was for Big John to come home. She knew that she had to wait for Kaylee, Lia, Kie, Wheezie, Elyna, Gael, Esme and Rafe to succeed on their plane heist and for the Pogues to be able to get another plane for them to be able to get to South America to save Isa and John B's father. But that waiting... it was killing both Isa and John B slowly.

They had spent over a year thinking their father was dead. Their father had spent a year letting his children believe he was dead, and now he was kidnapped once again, and this time, he could be killed permanently.

Isa didn't think that she or her brother could survive that.

JJ sighed heavily.

John B came back over to them, using a skateboard on the porch, ranting about Topper. "It's something about the dude's face, you know? Like the whole, 'no hard feelings, bro'. You know what I'm saying?"

John B stepped off the skateboard.

JJ nodded, just as bitter as John B, if not more, about the night before. "'No hard feelings'. It's kinda hard not to have hard feelings about that."

"Yeah, especially when he was about to attack Sarah, Lia and Wheezie, not once, but twice at Mike and Anna's party," Isa agreed. "Rafe had to stop him the first time."

JJ snapped his fingers and pointed at Isa. "Exactly. Even that prick had to step in and be the hero again."

Isa sighed. "He's their brother, Jayj. Let it go."

"Yeah, well, I'm your surrogate brother," JJ pointed out as he gestured from Isa to John B. "And I claim Lia, Sarah and Wheezie as my sisters. And if Topper ever puts his hands on Isa again, or Lia, Sarah and Wheezie, I will personally kill him myself."

John B nodded in agreement. "Me too."

Isa couldn't help a small smile at the protectiveness from both her blood brother in John B, and her surrogate brother-figure in JJ. "Thanks, boys."

John B and JJ smiled slightly in return.

John B leaned forward, propping himself up on his knee. "It's just that--that look. That Kook look, you know?"

JJ nodded. "It was clear 'provucation'."

"Provocation," Isa corrected.

JJ pointed to Isa. "Provocation. And, uh, I mean, we had to do what we had to do. No choice about it."

John B pointed to JJ. "Thank you. No choice. But I will hand this to Elyna. She was a badass standing up to Topper like that, for Sarah, Lia and Wheezie and Isa."

"Yeah, and you," Isa added. "Elyna stopped you from getting your ass kicked by Topper again, and you know it."

John B waved Isa off, though he knew it was true.

JJ chuckled. "Yeah, Elyna putting Top in his place was definitely epic."

"We seriously need to throw her a Pogue initiation soon," John B remarked.

Lia and Kie walked up to the Chateau with the box of food and soda given to them by Gael and Esme.

"Yes, we do," Lia agreed. "Because Kaylee and Elyna told Gael and Esme about the lack of food issue that you three have been having, and guess what they told us to bring to you before our part of the plane heist starts."

"Provided by Uncle Gael and Aunt Esme," Kie teased.

John B's eyes lit up as he spotted the box of food in Lia and Kie's hands. "No way! You guys are the best!"

Lia grinned, lifting the box slightly as if it were a trophy. "Gael and Esme wanted to make sure you weren't starving while we wait."

JJ leaned in closer, peeking into the box with exaggerated excitement. "What did they bring? I hope there's pizza in there!"

Isa gave JJ an amused and exasperated look. "Does that box look a big enough to hold a pizza to you?"

JJ pouted.

Kie laughed and nudged him playfully. "Not exactly pizza, but we have sandwiches, chips, and sodas. You'll survive."

Isa felt her stomach grumble at the mention of food, a reminder that they hadn't eaten properly since returning to Kildare. "I'm definitely ready for some real food." She sprang up from the couch, moving closer to greet Lia and Kie instantly with gratitude. "Especially when it's brought by the two best girlfriends ever."

Lia and Kie smiled as they reached for Isa, pulling her closer.

"Well, our girlfriend is equally the best girlfriend ever and she deserves nothing but the best," Lia replied.

As Isa, Kie and Lia embraced, placing a kiss on each other's cheeks adoringly, the mood lifted, and Isa felt a wave of relief wash over her. Familiar laughter and camaraderie filled the air, driving away the darkness that had lingered since Big John's disappearance.

Isa reached for a sandwich, unwrapping it eagerly as she sat down with Kie and Lia sitting on either side of her, each one providing comfort. Kie reached for a soda to hand to Isa, and Isa took gratefully.

John B and JJ both took a sandwich and sodas, taking a seat as well.

"Did Kaylee, Wheezie, Elyna, Gael and Esme already leave for the plane?" John B asked.

"Yeah, just now, before we came here," Lia answered.

"How's everyone feeling about the heist?" JJ asked between bites, glancing up at Kie and Lia.

Kie shrugged. "Nervous, but also pumped. We've been waiting for this moment since we got back."

Lia nodded in agreement. "It's time we took action. We're not just sitting back anymore."

Isa looked contemplative, her eyes narrowing slightly as she considered their plan. "We just have to stay focused and stick together. No matter what happens, we can't let anything tear us apart again."

"Exactly," John B added, his voice firm. "We've overcome so much already. Together, we're unstoppable."

JJ chugged his soda, letting out a burp before speaking. "And after the heist, we go to South America to save Big John."

"That's right," Lia agreed. "My siblings and I figured that if Rafe's jet gets destroyed in the heist, since it likely will, we can ask our father for his plane that he used to fly into town so we can take it to South America so we can rescue Big John from Singh."

Isa, John B and JJ all looked at Lia in disbelief for a moment.

"Hang on," Isa said. "You seriously think that you can trust Ward after all he's done?"

"That's what Wheezie said," Kie admitted. "But like Lia pointed out, Ward said that he'll do anything to make amends to his daughters for trying to kill him, so Lia said this would be a way to test if he's telling the truth. And Rafe said he'll go with her to ask him, so that way she won't be in danger, and if it comes down to it..."

"Rafe can threaten Ward into letting us use the plane," John B finished.

"Basically, yeah," Lia answered.

JJ whistled. "Damn, that's rough. Letting out more of your dark side there, Lia."

Lia shrugged. "Just doing what I have to do, JJ. Especially if it means saving Isa and John B's dad."

Isa and John B smiled slightly in return, grateful.

"Even if this works, how can you trust Ward after everything?" Isa asked. "Rafe, I get, after he saved your life, Wheezie, Kaylee's, and mine. And everything he's done for you guys on the heist. But your father?"

"I don't trust him," Lia admitted.

"But what else are we gonna do?" Kie asked.

JJ stood. "Come up with a better plan on our own. If Lia's plan doesn't work out, we make a backup plan. Plan B, if you will."

"Yeah, because your Plan Bs always work out so well," Kie said sarcastically.

John B gestured inside. "Come on, let's go in."

Isa, Lia, Kie, John B and JJ stood, walking inside, taking with them the box of food and soda.

⚓️

Inside - Kitchen

As the group walked into the kitchen to put the box on the counter, they were greeted by Indy as the little kitten instantly tried to go to her mothers - Isa, Kie and Lia.

"Look who decided to join us!" Kie exclaimed, bending down to scoop Indy into her arms.

Indy purred loudly, nuzzling against Kie's cheek, her small body a comforting weight in Kie's embrace. Indy squirmed slightly but settled in contently as Lia reached out to scratch her behind the ears.

"You've really become the star of our little family," Lia cooed.

Isa chuckled, watching her girlfriends dote on Indy. The sight filled her with warmth despite the heaviness looming over them. "She deserves all the love after everything we've been through."

John B leaned against the counter, a thoughtful expression on his face as he watched. "You know, it's crazy how this little furball brings us so much joy, even after everything."

JJ smirked. "I swear that cat has more love from all of us than a celebrity idol with a thousand fans."

"You say that like it's a bad thing," Isa retorted, placing a kiss on Indy's head as she leaned into the embrace of Lia and Kie as the three lovers doted on their kitten.

Lia looked at JJ skeptically. "So if you're so determined to go with your Plan B, let's hear it."

"What, right now?" JJ asked.

"Yeah, right now," Kie answered. "We don't have all day. We have to get back soon, and Lia and Rafe have to go see Ward. So unless you have a better idea..."

John B and JJ shared a look before rambling on.

"So I was thinking passports," John B started. "We don't have those. Therefore, we can't fly commercial. We need other ideas."

"If we get my father to hand over his plane, we don't need passports," Lia retorted. "Therefore, we don't need to fly commercial, and therefore, we don't need other ideas. Next?"

JJ frowned as he looked between Isa and John B. "Okay, well, don't you have the money from Portis?"

Isa shook her head. "Our dad took that."

Kie nodded, not surprised. "Of course he did."

"So then what about a boat?" JJ asked.

John B went through the fridge, looking at the food that had rotted while the Pogues were away on Poguelandia - which Isa and John B did not have the time to clean out since they had returned. John B coughed and gagged at the smell of each item, which was completely inedible.

Isa rolled her eyes, cleaning out the fridge and throwing everything away to make room for the box of food that Lia and Kie brought.

Lia, Kie and JJ watched, exchanging a look.

"If we got a boat, maybe we could get down there," JJ said. "'Cause the HMS... yeah, you know about the HMS."

"Yeah, that's not going to make it to South America," Kie remarked. She remembered how the Routledges made it back to Kildare. "Oh, Limbrey. Limbrey has a boat. What if we took that one down?"

"Yeah, no, she took that back," John B explained. "So out on the boats."

Lia tilted her head in thought. "There's Rafe's yacht that we used to get back from Barbados, but I don't know if it could make the trip after the long one that we took it for to make it back here. And we're already asking a lot from Rafe with his jet that he's about to lose anyway."

JJ rolled his eyes bitterly. "Yeah, and I would rather Rafe not to be the hero of the scenario again, please? Let's remind ourselves that he's still a bad guy, yeah?"

The others exchanged a look, letting it go.

Kie sighed. "So what you're saying is, we don't got any money, and we also don't have a boat that can make it to South America. Great. Looks like Lia's idea about Ward might be the best bet after all."

Isa and John B couldn't bring themselves to trust Ward after he attempted to kill Big John the first time, and everything since, shaking their heads.

"After everything he's done?" Isa asked. "To his family, to us? I don't..."

Lia's expression softened as she looked at Isa and John B, understanding their hesitation. She gently placed Indy on the counter before stepping closer to the Routledge siblings.

"I know it's a lot to ask," Lia began, her voice gentle but firm. "Believe me, I understand your reservations about Ward. After everything my father's done to all of us, to our families... it's not easy to even consider trusting him again."

Lia paused, her eyes flickering between Isa and John B, gauging their reactions. The kitchen fell silent, the weight of their shared history with Ward Cameron hanging heavy in the air.

"But think about it," Lia continued, her voice gaining strength. "This might be our only real shot at getting to South America quickly. We don't have passports, we don't have a boat that can make the trip. Believe me, I struggle with the thought of even going to see my father and asking this of him. But right now, this might be our only shot at saving your father."

Isa's eyes welled up with tears, a mix of fear and frustration evident in her expression. "I get that, Lia. I do. But it's not just about trusting Ward with the plane. It's about trusting him with you. What if he hurts you again? Like he did last time with you, Sarah and Wheezie? I can't live with it if he hurts you again."

The room fell silent as the gravity of Isa's words sank in. John B moved closer to his sister, placing a supportive hand on her shoulder.

Kie's eyes flickered between Isa and Lia, the same fear in Isa's eyes reflected in her own. "I'm worried too, Isa. God knows I am. You almost died in that fight, too. Ward's the reason why you, Lia, Wheezie and Sarah all almost died. I have nightmares about that day all the time."

"So do I," John B murmured.

"If anything happens like that again, we'll go all catch ourselves a murder charge this time," JJ remarked.

Lia's expression softened as she took in their words, the weight of their concern was tangible, and she could feel their love and protectiveness wrap around her like a cocoon, though she knew she had to reassure them that she would be safe with Rafe at her side against her father, even if none of them could fully trust her brother either even with his help in their heist.

"I'm not going to put myself in harm's way," Lia said softly, meeting Isa and Kie's concerned gazes, taking her lovers by the hands, squeezing reassuringly. "Rafe will be with me, and he won't let anything happen." Her gaze flickered between Isa and John B. "Trust me, this is our best shot at getting your father back."

Isa opened her mouth to argue but closed it again, torn between wanting to protect Lia and understanding the urgency of their situation. "I just wish there was another way."

"Me too," Kie admitted. "But we can't keep waiting for something to fall into our laps. If we sit around doing nothing, we might lose our chance."

John B nodded gravely. "Lia's right. We can't let this slip away from us. But you need to promise us that you'll stay safe."

"I will," Lia promised, her voice firm as she squeezed John B's shoulder reassuringly. "This is about your family, and I need you both to believe that I'm doing this for all of us." She looked at JJ. "It's risky, but sometimes the biggest risks lead to the biggest risks lead to the biggest rewards, right?"

"Or the biggest disasters," JJ added, still skeptical, but knowing Lia had to do this. "Which is why I still think we should have a Plan B in case your plan with Ward falls through, but you should still try to go through with it."

"Okay," Kie agreed. "Find a Plan B, but you three are gonna have to do it on your own. After Lia gets back from talking to Ward, she and I are gonna have to focus on speaking through the radio channels to help maintain the radar for the plane heist."

Isa, John B and JJ nodded in understanding.

"Got it," John B said.

"And you have to be careful," Lia added. "With Topper pressing charges on John B, Elyna and Rafe for assaulting him at Mike and Anna's party, and them pressing charges on John B and JJ for trespassing at their party, you all might have to duck the cops until Esme gets back and uses her Interpol connections to get you out."

JJ shrugged carelessly, smiling. "We're good at dodging coppers. We got that."

Isa took Lia and Kie by the hands, pulling her girlfriends closer to her until they were within inches of each other. "You two just promise me that you'll be careful."

As the three girlfriends embraced lovingly, Isa, Lia and Kie pressed their foreheads together.

"As long as you make the same promise," Kie returned.

"That sounds fair," Lia murmured.

As the trio of lovers held each other close, the warmth of their bond seemed to spread through the air, pushing back the shadows that had lingered over them. They breathed in unison, drawing strength from one another before breaking apart.

Isa smiled at Kie and Lia, her heart swelling with gratitude. "No matter what happens, we'll figure this out together."

"Together," Kie echoed, her voice firm.

Lia nodded, her confidence returning. "And we'll make sure to keep everyone safe." She glanced at John B and JJ, who were watching with a mix of admiration and concern. "Including you guys."

JJ grinned, though there was a hint of seriousness in his tone. "Yeah, yeah. We can watch out for ourselves too. Just focus on your meeting with Ward first."

John B stepped forward, placing a hand on Lia's shoulder. "You know we've got your back no matter what happens. Just remember that."

Lia smiled in return. "You guys too."

Indy was still teetering on the kitchen counter, making her way over to Isa, meowing at her gently.

Isa smiled at Indy, picking the little kitten up, holding her gently to her chest as she cradled her. "Hey, Indy."

Kie looked at JJ. "So, more about this Plan B. Any ideas?"

JJ was thinking. "Actually, I might know a guy. I'm onto something."

"Is this a better option than Ward?" John B asked.

JJ tilted his head. "Eh, debatable."

Isa was not surprised by JJ's response, nodding sarcastically, running a hand through her hair to pull it back from her face. "Fan-fucking-tastic." 

(Song Ends)

Indy's attention was caught when she saw the Kildare Sheriff's car pull up to the Chateau from outside, hissing at the intruder approaching her home.

Isa frowned as she followed Indy's gaze to the police car outside. "Uh-oh."

Isa instantly ducked out of sight from the window with Indy still in her arms.

"You don't start with 'uh-oh', dude," JJ complained. "You guys are so negative."

Isa grabbed Lia and Kie's hands, pulling them down out of sight from the window, making them both look at her in surprise. "Get down! Shoupe is out front right now."

Lia nodded nervously in understanding. "Oh, so that's what the 'uh-oh' was for."

Isa nodded, giving JJ a look because of his remark about the 'uh-oh'.

JJ made a face. "My bad, I didn't know."

John B and JJ quickly ducked as well, knowing they could not let Shoupe see them or they would be arrested.

The group looked toward the window.

Shoupe got out of his car, walking up to the house. "All right. Isa! John B! I'm guessing JJ's in there too. Gotta talk about last night. Trespassing, assault. John B and JJ are on a roll, huh, Isa?"

"Shit!" Kie complained.

"Come on," John B whispered.

Indy jumped down from Isa's arms, the kitten quickly scampering across the floor.

Lia tilted her head, nodding for them to follow her. "This way."

Isa, Kie, Lia, John B  and JJ scrambled, crawling across the floor to hide, all muttering and whispering indistinctly, chaotically.

Shoupe called out. "Yoo-hoo! Anybody home? Isa! John B! JJ!"

John B pointed to the dining table. "Go under there, under there."

They all ducked underneath the table, as JJ and John B hit their heads on the table. "Shit."

"Come on, scoot," Kie complained.

Shoupe walked up to the front door, looking in through the window, but the kids were already hiding. "All right, Isa, John B, I know you're in there. JJ?"

Shoupe knocked on the door, making the teens tense nervously.

"If he sees us, that's game over," JJ whispered.

"We know, okay, JJ?" Isa whispered.

"Don't get that," John B whispered.

"No shit, Sherlock," Lia whispered.

Shoupe knocked again. "I know you can hear me in there." Isa looked at the others, a finger over her lips. "You need to come out and talk to me. It'll be a whole lot worse if you don't." Shoupe knew they weren't going to come out. "Okay." He walked toward the Twinkie, placing a tracker underneath the van that the teens would never know was there. "Okey doke. Have it your way. You know where you can find me."

Shoupe got into his car, driving away.

John B sighed in relief. "Okay, let's peel."

"Come on, go," Lia said.

The group slid out from underneath the table, standing.

JJ sighed. "All right, I got a plan, all right? I think it might work. It's a little sketchy. Might not like it, but I think it will work."

JJ took out the keys to the Twinkie, walking to the door.

Isa put a hand on his chest to stop him, wanting to know the plan before they headed off into danger recklessly again. "No, no, no, no. Wait, wait, wait. What plan?"

"If I tell you right now when the plan is half-baked, you'll get all negative," JJ told them.

"Look, I'd settle for a quarter-baked plan," John B admitted.

JJ made a talking hand signal while mumbling a weird sound like 'Na na na'. "Come on!"

The others made comedic remarks about the sound that JJ made.

"What the fuck is that?" Isa asked.

"Seriously," Kie agreed.

John B shook his head. "Don't you dare make that noise at me."

Lia couldn't help but burst into laughter at JJ's ridiculous noise, her eyes crinkling with amusement. "Oh, my God, JJ. What was that supposed to be? Some kind of mating call for half-baked plans? Because if so, I think you just summoned every bad idea within a 50-mile radius."

The others joined in her laughter, the tension from their close call with Shoupe dissipating slightly.

"Hey, don't knock my genius sound effects," JJ retorted, a grin spreading across his face despite his attempt to look offended. "That noise has gotten me out of more sticky situations than you can imagine."

"Yeah, I'm sure it has," Kie chimed in sarcastically. "I bet it works wonders when you're trying to charm your way out of trouble with the ladies too."

Before JJ could respond, Isa smirked. "Oh, don't worry, Kie. Once Kaylee and JJ figure their own things out and put themselves back together, JJ's still a one-woman kind of guy, and they'll be back together in no time."

JJ smirked sarcastically, though he couldn't help a blush that gave him away at Isa's words. "Oh, all three of you are comedians now? I see how it is."

John B couldn't help but smile slightly. "Yeah, your blush is kinda giving you away right now, dude."

"Let's get moving," Isa said.

Lia nodded in agreement. "I gotta meet with Rafe and my dad. Uh, Kie, while Isa, JJ and John B go with their Plan B, can you take Indy to the cabin?"

Kie scooped up Indy from the floor. "No problem. Luckily we still have food and some toys over there from the last time we had her over."

Isa and Lia both ruffled Indy's fur as they kissed her head while Kie scratched behind the kitten's ears, making her purr contently.

"We'll see you soon, baby girl," Isa murmured.

Kie, Isa and Lia each gave a kiss on each other's cheeks as they prepared to head separate ways for the day, each one making the same vow, "See you soon."

With that, Kie, Isa and Lia kissed their fingers and linked them together before releasing them.

They walked out of the Chateau, heading out.

⚓️

Fishing Shack - Outside

On a dock on the river in practically the middle of nowhere, Ward was staying in a fishing shack to stay hidden and off the radar.

Lia and Rafe both knew where to find their father despite Ward not telling any of his children where he was staying while on the island.

Rafe pulled his truck up with Lia in the passenger seat. They both climbed out, heading down the dock toward the fishing shack.

Lia suddenly stopped in panic, turning away, holding her head in her hands, pacing anxiously in conflict. She was in no way ready to see Ward again, let alone asking for his help to help save her friends - to help Isa and John B save their father - but she knew that there really wasn't any other choice. Despite her earlier confidence displayed talking to her siblings and the other Pogues about the plan, she was quite nervous and afraid of what might happen if Ward didn't say yes, and worse, if he attacked her again.

Rafe turned to Lia, sensing his sister's distress.

"Lia," Rafe said gently, stepping closer to her, the sun casting a warm glow over the dock. "You don't have to do this if you don't want to."

"I have to," Lia replied, her voice trembling slightly. She hugged herself tighter, a protective gesture against the emotions swirling inside her. "If there's any chance that he can help us - and that we can get Isa and John B's dad back - then I need to try."

Rafe nodded, understanding the gravity of their situation. "I'll be right here with you. I won't let him hurt you again."

Lia nodded slowly, trying to center herself as she felt Rafe's support, which was so different after everything that happened in the past two years. "I missed this. Us, like this. Before everything fell apart."

Rafe gave a small, pained smile as he looked down in regret for everything he did to Lia and Sarah in the past. "Yeah. Me too."

Despite everything that happened, everything that Rafe was doing in the present was to turn things around. He knew that it didn't erase everything he did, but it was pushing things in a better direction with his sisters and with Kaylee, even if it didn't change things with all of their friends.

And despite the madness and darkness that had taken over both Rafe and Lia, they were both fighting constantly to ensure that they were channeling it to protect the ones they cared about instead of letting it be a force of destruction like Rafe had succumbed to in the past. He would not go down that path again, and he wouldn't let Lia go down that path like he once did. He wouldn't let it ruin her life like it did with his.

"Are you ready?" Rafe asked.

Lia took a deep breath, steeling herself as she nodded. They had faced so much already; they could get through this too.

They walked down the creaking wooden planks toward the fishing shack at the end of the dock.

⚓️

Inside

Inside the fishing shack, Ward was sitting in a rocking chair next to a small table, cluttered with paperwork and an old laptop.

Rafe pushed open the creaky door as he and Lia entered the fishing shack.

Lia's hand rested on a pocketknife in her beltloop as a precaution, still capable of protecting herself. Rafe noticed from the corner of his eye - he himself had his gun in his holster for both protection and for the plane heist mission after he set off soon after this confrontation.

Lia glanced around, unable to help but make a snide and smug remark. "Tannyhill and Guadeloupe to a fishing shack? How the mighty have fallen."

Ward turned his head in surprise at hearing her voice, even more surprised to see Lia and Rafe side by side. He stood, using his cane to aid his steps as he tried to walk toward his daughter and son. "Lia. Rafe."

Lia recoiled slightly.

Rafe held out a hand to keep Ward from getting closer as he took a protective step in front of Lia, giving their father a warning glare. "Stay there."

Ward stopped where he was, sighing heavily, though he managed to give them a small smile. "I figured you two would know where to find me here, of all people."

Lia had her hands on her hips, looking away, pressing her lips together, tilting her head.

Rafe raised an eyebrow, tilting his head forward.

"I'm glad you did," Ward admitted. "Both of you. Sarah? Wheezie?"

"Not here," Lia replied. "They're... busy."

Rafe chuckled at the understatement.

Ward looked at Rafe. "Your sisters told me what you did. Saving Lia from herself when she tried to kill Barry. Helping her, giving her her medication to get better. You're helping her get better, like she wanted to do with you. How you saved Lia and Wheezie's lives, after what I did to them, and to Sarah. I'm proud of you, Rafe."

Rafe looked at Ward in surprise for those words, glancing at Lia. Those words were the only ones that Rafe had wanted to hear for so long from his father. And while it didn't fill him with the pride that it would have in his youth, it did make him feel warm inside.

Lia crossed her arms over her chest. "Yeah, Rafe did the good thing, fixing the horrible things that you did. While you drove me out of my mind, he gave me the medication to help me get better. And while you almost got me, Wheezie and Isa killed, he gave us the doctor to save our lives, and Kaylee's life."

Ward's expression shifted, the pride in Rafe's accomplishments faltering as he turned his gaze back to Lia, a weight of regret settling heavily on his shoulders. "I know I made mistakes, Lia. Terrible ones. But I'm trying to change, just like Rafe's trying to change. I wanted to protect you all, but I let my own demons get in the way. Just like Rafe did."

Rafe scoffed. "My demons got in the way because you let them."

"Rafe needed help since he was a kid, and you ignored it," Lia accused. "You know that. He needed help since he was ten, and every time Rose or I brought it up, or Rafe cried out for help, you told him to man up and handle it on his own, and you saw what it led to. It made him snap, and everything that happened last year is because of you. You did nothing to protect us. You nearly killed us! You handed us over to Eberhini like we were nothing! How do you expect us to believe that you care?"

Rafe clenched his fists at his sides, the tension palpable in the small space.

"I came here to apologize," Ward said, his voice strained.

"You can't just apologize and think we're all supposed to forgive you while you keep playing God with our lives," Rafe shot back. "You had your chance to protect us, and you failed. You stole from me when you gave the cross away and you act so surprised when I take back what's mine to get free from you and your control."

Ward opened his mouth to speak but hesitated, glancing at Rafe before turning to Lia. "I know I hurt you both, and Sarah and Wheezie. And I'm not asking for your forgiveness."

"Good," Lia interrupted sharply. "Because that's not something you get to demand."

Rafe took a deep breath, trying to steer them back on course. "This isn't what we came here to discuss anyway."

"Then what did you come here to discuss?" Ward pressed.

Rafe turned to look at Lia, nodding.

Lia sighed heavily, resting her hand on the pocketknife on her beltloop. "Big John. He's alive."

Ward showed no surprise to the fact that the man that he believed he had killed two years ago was alive. "I know. I've seen the news. The shock wore off since then. Imagine my relief when I realized I didn't actually kill my former friend."

Lia and Rafe rolled their eyes.

"The thing is, Singh's men kidnapped him and took him to South America," Lia explained. "They need him alive to translate an artifact, but time's running out. And we need to help Isa and John B save their father. We need a plane to get down there."

"And my jet is likely not going to make it through today after my mission with Wheezie, Kaylee and her family," Rafe finished. "We know that you used your plane to get here. And you said that you were willing to do anything to make amends for trying to kill Lia, Sarah and Wheezie, and everything you did for driving the two of us out of our minds. Consider this a test to see how far you're really willing to go to make amends."

Ward raised his eyebrows in surprise. "You two want me to give you access to my plane for you and the Pogues to go to South America?"

"To save Isa and John B's father, yes," Lia stated firmly.

Ward regarded Lia and Rafe with a mixture of shock and contemplation. "And you trust me to do this? To help you after everything that's happened?"

Rafe stepped closer, his voice steady. "This is about more than just us. You may think what you've done can't be erased, but this could be a step in the right direction."

Lia's gaze was unwavering, yet there was a vulnerability beneath her fierce exterior. "We need to know that you're not just saying this to buy our trust again. This is real for me, to help one of the girls I love to get her father back, while Sarah's trying her best to help the boy she loves get his father back, and we can't afford any more lies."

Ward sighed, rubbing his temples. The weight of their expectations pressed down on him like a heavy fog. "I understand your hesitance, I really do. But I promise you, I want to make things right. If my plane can help save Big John, then yes - I will give you access to it."

Rafe exchanged a look with Lia, both of them sharing a relieved sigh.

"Good," Rafe replied. "Then that just leaves what I need to talk to you about."

"And what's that, Rafe?" Ward asked.

"The family business," Rafe answered. "I'm taking care of the business, all right? I'm laying groundwork. I'm making connections. I'm trying to plant my flag here, okay? So, you just need to go back to your island where it's safe, and you need to stop jamming me up, okay?"

Ward sighed, turning to pour himself a drink.

"If you get caught here, it ruins everything," Rafe pointed out.

Ward looked up. "I think it's clear from what happened between you and me yesterday..." He placed on glasses. "I was right."

Lia frowned in confusion.

Ward turned to face his son. "You're on a very bad path, Rafe."

Rafe pointed at him. "Your opinion. Not mine. Okay? I'm good."

"Dad, this is the best path he's been on for years," Lia pointed out. "He's pulling himself together and starting a life for himself. You just don't like it because it's away from you, just like with me, Sarah and Wheezie."

Ward shook his head in denial. "You're all making the same mistakes again and again, the same ones I did, okay? So I'm gonna help you. I decided to make some changes."

"What are those?" Rafe asked skeptically.

Ward sighed. "I'm taking control of the company away from you."

Lia looked up in surprise, raising her head.

Rafe gave him a dark look. "What?"

Ward took off his glasses. "You're not in charge anymore, Rafe."

"What are you saying?" Rafe asked.

"My attorneys found a more recent document that left control to Rose," Ward told him.

Rafe scoffed, nodding skeptically, offended. "Rose?"

Lia knew that this was not going to end well, shaking her head. "Oh, God."

"Yeah," Ward answered. "You didn't think I was gonna give up complete control, did you, Rafe? Not be able to tap the rudder a little bit?"

Rafe nodded tensely, looking away, hands clenched at his sides, feeling as if this was a betrayal after all he did for his father, for his new life to already be threatened to be taken away.

"Dad..." Lia trailed off in warning, eyeing Rafe, not wanting Ward to set him off.

"What?" Ward asked, acting oblivious. "I'm very generous with my children."

Lia scoffed, while Rafe nodded sarcastically, neither one of them buying that line after everything he did to his kids.

"Oh, are you now?" Lia asked sarcastically.

Rafe glanced at Lia.

Ward gave them both a look for their reactions, gesturing to Rafe. "I gave you control of the company before you proved that you couldn't handle it, didn't I?" Rafe clenched his teeth, shaking his head. "Let you stay in Tannyhill until you could sell it and offered you a monthly stipend." Ward gestured to Lia. "I gave you and your sisters money and offered you to stay in the condo."

"After you've controlled Rafe for his whole life and almost killed me, Wheezie and Sarah," Lia replied. "Drove the two of us out of our fucking minds."

Ward sighed. "I'm trying to make up for all of that. But I'm not a complete fool."

"No, of course not," Rafe replied.

"It's clear to me you're in over your head, so control goes to Rose," Ward told him. "And we're cutting your stipend."

Rafe scoffed, putting his hands to his face, fists over his eyes in frustration, breathing heavily in anger and conflict.

Lia was worried, watching Rafe anxiously.

Ward continued. "We're selling Tannyhill, and I need you out of there by the end of the week."

Rafe started pacing.

"Okay, I think you could dial it back a little, please?" Lia asked, eye on Rafe in concern.

"It's fine," Ward replied. "I know this is hard, son. It's hard letting go of this old life, but that is exactly what you have to do."

Rafe returned to his place in front of Ward, staring at him with wide eyes.

Ward looked at Lia, still holding out hope for her, Sarah and Wheezie. "What you and your sisters could do with us, too." Lia scoffed at that, shaking her head, but Ward continued on. "Because we are starting a brand-new life." Ward chuckled in a way that made even Lia and Rafe look at him like he was the crazy one, as he sounded completely mad. "We're gonna be reborn. Right, but to do that, we have to let this life go. We have to bury it."

Lia pushed away from the wall, shaking her head, pacing, gesturing aimlessly with her hands as she spoke, out of it mentally as she tried to stay focused, mocking the words. "Reborn, reborn, reborn. Do you know how insane you sound? Are you for real right now?"

"Yeah," Ward answered. "Lia, you know that in order to get completely better, you need more than just medication. You need doctors and therapy."

Lia scoffed at that, shaking her head. "I'm not going through your version of 'help' again. That's what drove me into insanity he first time. I'll pass, thanks."

"You need help, Lia," Ward insisted. "And whether you like it or not, since you are a minor still, I am the only one that can help you."

Rafe's protective instincts flared at the memory of Ward's thought of 'helping' Lia after Robbie's death - when Ward would lock Lia away in her room, ensuring that the only people she would see were the doctors that he chose to make her think that she was insane, drugging her with medication that rewired her brain chemistry and started her downward spiral.

"I'm not a child anymore, Dad!" Lia shouted, her voice echoing in the cramped space. "You don't get to decide what 'help' looks like for me. You lost that right when you tried to control my life and then tried to kill me."

Rafe stepped forward, his jaw set. "You've done enough damage, Dad. We're not going down that road with you again."

Ward's expression darkened, frustration seeping into his tone. "I'm trying to save you both from making the same mistakes I did! You think this is easy for me? Watching my children spiral out of control?"

"You mean being the reason we spiraled out control," Rafe retorted.

Lia's hand fell to the pocketknife on her beltloop, her anger igniting anew, fighting the urge to lash out at Ward. "We are not your mistakes! We're trying to find our own way, and we don't need your twisted version of support!"

Rafe stepped forward, his voice low and defiant. "You think locking her up again is helping? That's what nearly broke her last time! You want to help Lia? Then stay the hell out of her way."

Ward's brows knitted together, frustration etching lines in his face. "I'm trying to protect my children! I know what it's like to suffer. To lose control. I lost everything because I didn't have anyone looking out for me."

Lia's fists clenched at her sides, anger building within her. "And look where that got you, Dad! What good is all your power if it just leads to manipulating and hurting the people you claim to love?"

Ward sighed, a weary look crossing his features. "I'm not trying to hurt you. You have to understand that I did all of this because I wanted to keep you safe. Even if it was twisted in my mind."

"Twisted is putting it mildly," Rafe shot back. "Friar Cameron. What do you think, Lia? Sounds like he wants control of all of us back, right? All of us under one roof? You drugged up out of your mind and locked away. Me doing everything he says for better or for worse, most of the time for worse. Sarah and Wheezie doing God knows what as usual."

Lia stepped closer to Ward, closer and closer to lashing out with each word. "You can take your idea of your psychotic little dollhouse and shove it up your ass."

Ward glared at Lia and Rafe in response, hating that his manipulation tactic to take control back of his children wasn't working as they stood together against him.

Rafe stepped closer to Ward, seconds away from snapping himself. "You can't stand that you lost Lia, Sarah and Wheezie because of what you did to them. That they have lives without you here. That I have a life without you here. You can't stand that I'm on my own right now! That I'm finally getting better! That I have the power!"

"Do you, Rafe?" Ward retorted. "Do you have the power? How long do the two of you think that you can stay here?" He looked at Rafe. "After everything you did?" He looked at Lia. "Without all the help you need without spiraling again? That goes for both of you, actually."

Lia scoffed shakily, shaking her head. "You don't get to hold that over our heads after everything you've done."

"What will you do, then?" Ward replied. "What can you do?"

Rafe shrugged. "I mean, I'll tell the police you're here. That you're alive."

Lia and Ward both looked at him in shock.

"Yeah?" Ward asked.

Rafe pulled a face, nodding, tilting his head. "So... I think I have some power. Something I can do."

Ward exhaled sharply, somewhat amused, nodding, looking away. "Wow. I guess I'd have to tell them that you killed Sheriff Peterkin."

Lia looked at Ward, not surprised by how fast he turned on Rafe when he wasn't under his control, shaking her head with a slight glare as she glanced at Rafe.

Rafe set his jaw, face stone cold.

Ward shrugged. "I mean, I wouldn't want to, but... in the end, it actually might be the good thing for you."

Rafe nodded sarcastically. "Hmm."

"To face up to some of these things," Ward told him. "I think they would go easy on you. I mean, you and Sarah would back me up, right, Lia? You both were there."

Ward hoped that he could turn sibling against sibling so they could no longer stand together against him like this - so that they would be more susceptible to his manipulation tactics, and more easily swayed back into his "psychotic dollhouse" as Lia rightfully called it.

However, Lia and Rafe had gone through too much for that to work.

Rafe stepped closer to Ward, his voice steady but laced with warning. "You think you can just twist this around on us again? You're underestimating how far we've come. I'm not the scared little kid you used to manipulate anymore."

Lia nodded firmly, crossing her arms. "And I'm not your puppet either. You can't control us like you used to. We're stronger than you think."

Ward's facade cracked for just a moment, revealing a flicker of uncertainty, glancing at Lia. "Sheriff Peterkin isn't the only case that Sheriff Shoupe is looking into. He's looking into whoever burned down Robbie Ramirez's old home down."

Lia and Rafe's blood ran cold at the implication.

Ward glanced between Lia and Rafe. "You both were there, I hear. Along with Wheezie. And Kaylee Carrera and her sister Kiara and their cousin Elyna Maverick. JJ Maybank. Not only did you commit arson, Lia. You were planning to murder Barry, drugging him with Fentanyl."

"But he's not dead, and he's a fugitive on the run," Lia retorted. "And you're a dead man in a city that would have you arrested the moment that you try to out either of us for any of this."

"True," Ward agreed. "But Rose could call all of this in very easily. How ironic would it be, Lia? That getting justice for Robbie by trying to kill his murderer Barry, the same one who almost killed you, is what could potentially put you away for good?"

Ward knew that Robbie and Barry were the buttons to push that could make Lia snap completely. His eyes were on her hand, which still rested on the pocketknife, intentionally pushing her until she broke as if he could prove to her how much she needed his help.

Lia's eyes flashed with a dangerous mix of rage and pain as Ward's words cut deep. Her hand tightened on the pocketknife, knuckles turning white. The small fishing shack suddenly felt suffocating, the walls closing in as memories of Robbie, of Barry, of all the trauma she'd endured came flooding back.

"Don't you dare," Lia hissed, her voice trembling with barely contained fury. "Don't you dare use Robbie against me."

Ward took a step closer, his eyes cold and calculating. "I'm just stating facts, Lia. You need help. You're out of control, just like your brother was. Just like I was. But I can fix this. I can make it all go away."

Ward's words echoed in her mind, each syllable a dagger twisting deeper into her psyche.

"You don't know what you're talking about," Lia sneered, her voice trembling with barely contained fury. "You have no idea what Barry did to me, to Robbie, to all of us!"

Ward edged closer, pushing further. "I know enough. I know enough. I know you're still that scared little girl who couldn't save her friend. Who couldn't stop herself from spiraling out of control."

Something inside Lia snapped. With a guttural cry, she lunged forward, the pocketknife flashing in in the dim light of the shack.

Lia's heart raced as she brandished the pocketknife, adrenaline surging through her veins as she swiped the pocketknife widely, slashing it across Ward's arm. The wound was feeble compared to the wounds that he ordered Eberhini to leave on Lia, Wheezie and Isa, but it was a testament all the same to the damage he had left on his daughters and their loved ones, her emotions boiling over in a surge of rage and pain. She felt a rush of power coursing through her veins as she heard Ward's groan of pain as her knife tore through his skin and blood dripped onto the floor, a fierce defiance against the very man who had once kept her cage.

Ward's expression was a mix of a cool facade of calmness and a subtle look of victory - he had succeeded in making Lia lash out at her own father, effectively proving just how volatile she was and how much help she truly needed.

Ward stepped closer to Lia with determined steps. "Don't you see now? You. need. me."

Lia stepped back while she raised her knife defensively, glaring at Ward, knowing that in his state, Ward could easily lash out at her if he wasn't stopped.

Rafe could see it too, and given that he was on a precipice of lashing out himself, he had no hesitation when he drew his gun and aimed it at Ward.

Lia and Ward both looked at Rafe in shock.

Rafe could no longer put up with the threats and manipulation. His hand was shaking as his finger rested loosely on the trigger, glaring at Ward in anger and betrayal, tilting his head, breathing shakily as he glanced at Lia, who fiercely held up her knife in defense against their father.

Rafe glared at Ward in warning. "Step back."

Ward slowly stepped back away from Lia, giving her space. "See? The devil's got you both. You two need me more than you realize."

"No, we don't," Lia insisted, the knife wavering in her hand as she struggled to gain control of herself.

Rafe was struggling himself, conflicted, torn on what to do, the dark side of him pushing him to pull the trigger while the side of him that still loved his father was struggling with everything his power not to pull the trigger.

Lia's breath hitched as she stood frozen, the knife wavering in her hand, torn between fear for her brother and anger at her father. "Rafe... put the gun down. Please."

Ward looked between the two. "You merely got me with the blade, Lia. But you couldn't kill me. We both know that Rafe can't shoot me. Because as angry as both of you are, I am your father, and you love me."

Ward held out his arms, waiting for whatever Rafe would do.

Lia looked at Rafe, becoming more and more worried, anxious for her brother while angry at the entire situation that their father dragged them into - provoking both of his children until they snapped.

Lia slowly stepped toward Rafe, speaking gently. "You stopped me from killing Barry. From making a decision that would ruin my life forever. This would be the one that ruins yours. You know that. I know you think it's too late for you. But it doesn't have to be. Just walk away."

The words were getting through to Rafe, weaving between layers of darkness that hadn't taken over him in over a month and guiding him back.

Rafe's hand shook violently as he fought for control, his face contorting into one of pure pain, conflict and anger, baring his teeth as he growled loudly from the war raging inside. He finally diverted the gun just a fraction away from Ward and pulled the trigger, shooting the ground next to Ward.

The gunshot echoed through the small shack, reverberating off the walls and sending a shiver of silence spiraling around them. Dust and debris scattered from the floorboards, settling slowly as Rafe's breath came in jagged gasps. He felt a rush of adrenaline as he realized what he had just done. He couldn't pull the trigger on his father, but h had let off some steam, and it felt like a boundary had been drawn.

Ward flinched, eyes wide with shock and something that resembled fear.

Lia held her breath, her heart racing as she steadied herself against the emotional whirlwind. "Rafe, look at me!"

Rafe's gaze snapped to Lia, and for a moment, it seemed like the storm inside him calmed, just enough for him to realize the gravity of what he had almost done.

"I can't let him control us anymore," Rafe whispered hoarsely, the gun still trembling in his hand.

'No one should control us," Lia insisted fiercely, as the knife was trembling in her own hand. "Not him. Not Barry. Not anyone." She stepped closer to Rafe, her voice lowering to a soothing tone. "You didn't do it. That's all that matters."

Rafe quickly put the safety on his gun and holstered it. "I need to go. I can't be late."

Lia nodded quickly in agreement. "Go." She turned to glare at Ward one last time. "If you truly meant anything you said before you pulled that shit... if you want to try and make things right, then help us. Help Isa and John B save their dad. That's all we ask."

Ward looked between Lia and Rafe for a long moment. Even after his manipulations - even after he pushed them until they snapped - and Lia was still asking for his help, he knew that there was still a chance to be able to do something right for his family, even if it wasn't the way he wanted.

Ward nodded slightly. "You'll have access to the plane. Tomorrow morning. I promise."

Lia and Rafe exchanged a glance, the weight of Ward's promise hanging in the air between them. Relief washed over Lia, though it was tempered by the knowledge that trusting their father would not come easily, the adrenaline coursing through her after the confrontation, her hand still gripping the pocketknife tightly.

"Thank you," Lia said cautiously, still wary but willing to take this small step forward.

Rafe shot Ward a look. "We'll be holding you to that. If you pull any more bullshit--"

"I understand," Ward interrupted, his voice low and steady. "I won't jeopardize this chance with you two again."

Lia held her pocketknife tightly, still unsure if they could fully trust him. "You better mean it. And I don't want you anywhere near the plane when we take it."

Rafe shook his head, agreeing. "Nowhere near Lia, Sarah or Wheezie, not after this. And nowhere near the others."

Ward nodded, his expression shifting to something more sincere. "I understand. I'll call my pilot and have everything set up for tomorrow."

As the tension in the room slowly eased, Rafe turned away from Ward and reached for Lia's hand, squeezing it tight. "Let's get out of here."

Without a look back, Lia and Rafe hurried out of the shack, not wanting Ward to push them any farther than he already had.

⚓️

Dock

As they stepped back onto the dock, the warm morning air hit them, offering a welcome contrast to the suffocating atmosphere of the fishing shack.

Lia could feel her heart racing, adrenaline still pumping through her veins from the confrontation. She had to lean against the doorway for support, trying to catch her breath. She leaned her head against the doorway, sighing heavily.

Rafe put his hands to his head, breathing heavily in conflict, completely overwhelmed. He stopped, looking over his shoulder toward the shack.

"Did that just happen?" Lia asked, shaking his head in disbelief as they made their way back to the truck. "I can't believe I stabbed him."

Rafe exhaled sharply, trying to process everything. "We held our ground, Lia. That's what matters. We showed him that we're not afraid anymore."

Lia nodded, though uncertainty flickered in her eyes. "Yeah, but at what cost? I didn't want to go that far."

"You didn't," Rafe reassured her. "We stood up for ourselves. You stepped back when it mattered most. And so did I. You got through to me like I did for you."

Lia took a deep breath, glancing back at the shack for a fleeting moment, nodding. "You're right."

Lia sighed before climbing into the truck, settling into the passenger seat.

As Rafe slid into the driver's seat. "I can't believe we actually got him to agree."

Lia nodded, her heart still racing. "Yeah, but it doesn't mean we can trust him. Not yet. You saw how fast he turned on us. How he was going to turn you in for Peterkin, and me in for arson, and for trying to kill Barry even after everything he did to me, to Robbie, to all of us."

Rafe sighed deeply, gripping the wheel tightly, seething at the memory. "I know. I'll make sure that he can't. But once he makes the call to his pilot and sets it up so we can use his plane, then it doesn't matter. You and your friends can use it to save Isa and John B's dad, and then it could change everything."

"Maybe," Lia said, uncertainty creeping into her voice. "But at what cost? What if this is just another way for him to get back into our lives? And what if he tries to manipulate us again? And if he can't get us into his psychotic dollhouse, what if he tries to kill us again, or turns us in to prison or psyche wards, or..."

Rafe looked at his sister. "Lia... if I can promise you anything, it's that I'm not going to let that happen. I promise."

Lia looked at Rafe, seeing the sincerity and intensity in his gaze. After a moment, she nodded. "Okay."

Rafe took a deep breath, his mind set on what he had to do. "I'm going to drop you off at the cabin so you and Kie can set up the radio channels and the computer to help the others on the plane. I have a quick stop to make before I take off on the jet."

Lia checked her watch. "You have 20 minutes."

Rafe nodded in agreement. "I know. I'll be up in the air by then."

Lia let out a breath, reassured. "Alright. Let's do this."

Rafe nodded in return, starting the truck, driving them away.

⚓️

Thornton House - Outside

Sarah walked up the steps of the Thornton house, looking for Topper.

Dr. Thornton was on the patio, pacing, on the phone. "Some derelict named John B. One punch and he was unconscious. Can you believe that? Thank God the CT scan and the BTI both came back negative. And then Kaylee and Kiara Carrera's cousin, Elyna Maverick, had the nerve to try and break up the fight by twisting my son's arm. And according to Topper, Rafe Cameron was involved somehow. They all need to be punished." She turned to see Sarah come up the stairs, sighing. "Oh. Let me call you back."

Thornton hung up, turning to face Sarah.

"Dr. Thornton, I am so, so sorry," Sarah apologized.

"Yeah, well, unfortunately, apologies won't heal my son, will they?" Thornton replied.

"No," Sarah answered sadly. "Can I please see him?"

Thornton was annoyed, waving her off. "Go on."

⚓️

Home Gym

(Song:) Lively Lads - APM Music

Topper was working out in his home gym, laying down on a weight bench to weightlift, listening to the song through headphones.

Sarah walked in. "Hey." She stopped when she realized what he was doing. "Shouldn't you be taking it easy? Topper!"

Topper put the weights up, sitting up, breathing heavily, turning to face Sarah from where he was sitting down. "You know I could have beat their asses, right? I've fought Rafe once, and I've beaten John B's ass twice already. He always has to have Isa and JJ swoop in to save him. This time, it was Elyna."

Sarah didn't like the way he was talking.

Topper put his hat on backwards, sighing heavily. He took a drink of water, turning off his music.

(Song Ends)

Sarah didn't bother reminding him that Topper provoked John B into starting the fight, knowing that it wouldn't help her cause right now.

Topper stood. "But now I look like I couldn't even take the guy, so, unfortunately for John B, I'm gonna have to get even. And it wasn't only him that assaulted me, but Rafe and Elyna."

Sarah stepped closer, worried. "Topper, I am sorry. I didn't mean for any of this to happen."

Topper glanced away. "All right, if you're really, truly sorry, Sarah... how about you go in and testify against them?" Sarah was stunned by the question. "Would you do that for me?"

Sarah swallowed nervously. "So you're really pressing charges?"

Topper nodded. "Yeah, I'm really pressing charges. I mean, did you see what happened? John B just sucker punched me. Kaylee sent her guard dog cousin Elyna to break up the fight and she humiliated me in front of everyone. And Rafe... he had the nerve to come at me."

Sarah was at a loss for words. "I know. But they were trying to protect me. They thought that I needed help."

"From me," Topper stated coldly.

"You were going to hurt me, and Lia and Wheezie," Sarah said softly. "They were just looking out for me and my sisters."

Topper scoffed, crossing his arms over his chest defiantly. "You really think they did it out of concern? They just wanted to make sure I got put in my place. They love playing the hero. It's all for show."

Sarah felt a wave of frustration wash over her, but she tried to maintain calmness so she didn't make him angry - she needed him on her side so he didn't press charges. "No, Topper. They care about me and my sisters. You have to see how your actions affect people. You can't use words or actions like a weapon."

Topper's eyes flashed with frustration. "So now this is my fault? You think I'm the villain here? I'm the one trying to protect what we had."

Sarah closed her eyes, resisting making a retort. Even if she knew there was nothing between them anymore, she couldn't say so otherwise she knew there was no chance of getting Topper on her side for this. "You can't force me to choose between you and my family because you feel threatened by them."

Topper's expression hardened as he stepped closer, invading her space once more.

Thankfully, before Topper could say a word, his mother interrupted from the doorway.

Thornton walked in. "We're going in this afternoon." Sarah looked over her shoulder at Thornton, desperate to know what to do to solve this situation. "You saw the whole thing. Would you come with us and do right by my son?"

Sarah turned to look at Topper.

Topper narrowed his gaze at Sarah, trying to see what she would do when he played on her guilt about causing the situation and had his mother on his side asking her to do right by him against John B, the one that she truly loved, after everything that happened between the three of them, along with Rafe and Elyna.

Sarah looked nervous by the way that Topper was staring at her, not knowing how to fix this right at the moment, so she said whatever she had to say to buy herself, and John B, Rafe and Elyna, some time to fix this. "Sure."

Topper nodded slightly, his expression not changing. "Yeah?"

Sarah became even more uneasy under the weight of his glare. "I'll meet you there."

⚓️

Outside

Sarah walked outside, breathing heavily, shakily, having to lean against the wall for support, trying to catch her breath, leaning her head back against the house, sighing heavily.

⚓️

Barry's Trailer - Outside

Barry was sitting outside the trailer, looking at Rafe in front of him. "So Little Lia had to talk you down from killing your pops like you had to talk her down from killing me, huh? You two cornered the market on complicated crazy siblings."

Rafe was pacing, still worked up after earlier. "Whatever. Listen, I've been going through it over and over and over again. Okay? You said it yourself, right? The only way this thing goes south is my dad. We gotta nip that shit in the bud. We gotta take him out. And anyway, who's gonna know? He's already dead. You can't kill someone who's already dead."

Barry watched him, not surprised that what he said got Rafe spiraling so bad to this point, pursing his lips slightly.

Rafe sat in front of him. "Hey, if my pop stays here, all right, our deal, us doing business together, using the company to launder the money, all that 50-50 shit... all that's gone."

Barry leaned forward. "What you're asking me right now is something that once it's done, cannot be undone. There's no going back. There's not gonna be any near misses like there always seems to be when it comes to your sisters and their friends. Alright, and you already proved that you felt bad about your sisters. And you've already come to save Little Lia from herself by killing me and helped save Lia and Wheezie and helped them and Sarah out, yeah? So what would you do when it comes to your pops really being dead? Hypothetically speaking, let's say I do it. And then, for whatever reason, you decide to change your mind. Sell me out. Like you tried to do to me before when it came to Lia before I sold your ass out."

Rafe shook his head. "No. That won't happen again. Yeah, this has been a long time coming. He's always had his boot on my neck. Holding me down. After he tried to kill Lia, Sarah and Wheezie... he's been controlling all of us for all our lives... and he proved that he wants to do that all over again. That's all gonna be over soon. It's not just about protecting me. It's about protecting them." He stood, walking away, drinking his beer. "I'm not changing my mind."

Rafe tossed the beer away, getting into his truck, starting it up, driving away.

Barry looked at the cash Rafe left him on the table, picking it up, but he knew he couldn't trust Rafe's mentality and instability. He would still go through with it, but not himself, so that it could not fall back onto him.

⚓️

Heathrow, London

Airport

Wheezie and Elyna were going through airport security, looking amazing in the disguises that Elyna chose for them.

Once they were through the metal detectors, Wheezie looked over her own navy blue jumpsuit before looking at Elyna's black jumpsuit, both of them glittering with their adorned silver and green accents respectively.

Wheezie couldn't help but smirk despite her sarcastic tone. "These are the outfits you chose for this incredibly serious operation?"

Elyna smiled, picking up her bag from the airport check. "The Laurents are gonna have guys on the plane. Sometimes the best way to blend in is to stand out."

Wheezie picked up her own bag, draping it over her shoulder. "Oh, really?"

"Yeah," Elyna answered. "Nobody's gonna suspect the rich bitch and her trophy girlfriend sitting in first class, sipping champagne."

Wheezie nodded sarcastically. "Oh, is calling me a trophy girlfriend your idea of flattery?"

"No," Elyna replied sincerely, smiling. "Calling you my girlfriend was."

Wheezie felt her cheeks flush with warmth, a pleasant tingling sensation spreading through her body at Elyna's words. Her heart raced as she processed the implication, the term hanging in the air between them, loaded with possibility and promise.

Wheezie ducked her head slightly, trying to hide the shy smile that tugged at the corners of her mouth. Her heart raced as she glanced back up at Elyna, taking in the other girl's confident stance and the playful twinkle in her eyes.

"Oh," Wheezie managed, her voice coming out softer than she intended. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, shy under Elyna's intense and playful gaze. "I mean, that's... that's nice."

Elyna's smile widened, a mix of mischief, affection and amusement dancing across her features.

Elyna offered her arm to Wheezie in a playful, chivalrous gesture. "Shall we board our flight, my lady?"

Wheezie giggled, the sound light and carefree as she linked her arm with Elyna's. "We shall."

Elyna smiled brightly as she escorted Wheezie toward their plane.

⚓️

Airbus A380

On the Airbus A380, Wheezie and Elyna walked through the spacious economy rows of seating and up the wide staircase, reaching the heavenly first class.

In first class, instead of rows, there were small booths meant for seclusion - privacy and comfort, widely spaced out. They were white and luxurious.

Wheezie and Elyna walked through to find their seats in a booth, sitting down.

In front of them, the booth wall held two TV screens and a table.

"This place is nice," Wheezie said in awe. "How anybody could afford to make this plane, I'll never know."

Elyna chuckled. "Don't I know it."

Just ahead, they saw Cian Laurent walking through first class toward his seat near the back of the room.

Wheezie and Elyna's eyes widened in shock as they took notice of Cian's burned face, the wounds becoming slightly more healed, and the scars becoming more grotesque.

Wheezie spoke through their comms, quiet and discreet. "Cian Laurent is on the plane."

"Luckily, he didn't recognize Wheezie," Elyna spoke softly. "Her disguise worked."

Kaylee arrived on the plane, making her way toward economy class. Along with her disguise, she wheeled her oxygen tanks behind her, appearing sick as the decoy for their plan. "Good. Let's hope mine does, too."

Kaylee walked past Gael and Esme who were sitting in economy.

"Don't worry, Kaylee," Gael told her. "Cian likely won't leave first class during the flight until things go south."

"You'll be safe until then," Esme agreed. "We'll make sure he won't do anything to you."

Kaylee nodded to them in return as she went to take her seat at the back of the room, leaving the oxygen tanks next to her, adjusting the tubes in her nose.

They heard a woman's voice over the intercom system. "Ladies and gentlemen, welcome aboard Airbus A380 with service to Zurich International Airport continuing to Melbourne."

In first class, Wheezie was looking around anxiously, relieved that Cian couldn't see her and Elyna in their booth due to the walls surrounding them.

Elyna glanced at her knowingly. "You nervous?"

Wheezie looked at Elyna. "Right now? Very much so. You?"

"No," Elyna answered with a shake of her head. "I love every second of this."

Wheezie gave Elyna an amused look, taking out their laptop from her bag, setting it on the table in front of them.

Gael spoke through their comms. "Is everybody in position?"

"We're all set up here," Wheezie answered.

In her seat, Kaylee acted the part of being sick with the oxygen tubes on her face and into her nose while using a handkerchief for her face. "Never better."

Esme nodded, looking at Gael next to her. "Kie, Lia, Rafe and Whitaker texted me that they're ready. Good to go."

⚓️

Kildare Island, North Carolina

Esme's Cabin

Lia and Kie were sitting at the computer as Whitaker - from his workstation at air traffic control in Brussels - gave them access to his computer and radio channels.

Lia linked the computer access to the computer in front of them while Kie adjusted the radio access to the radio they had on the desk.

Lia brought up the scripts that Whitaker sent them for whenever they would need it - whatever the case.

"We all set?" Kie asked.

"Just waiting for their signal," Lia answered.

Kie sighed in relief. "Good."

Little kitten Indy ran up to them to hop up into Lia's lap, brushing up against her, sensing her distress from her earlier confrontation with her father. She sensed that Lia needed her and hoped to cheer her up.

Lia smiled slightly as she held Indy close, cradling her as she doted on the kitten. "Thank you, Indy."

Kie smiled softly at the pair, scratching behind Indy's ears, making her purr in delight.

⚓️

Outside

In his private jet, Rafe was setting up the aircraft for takeoff, knowing he would have to move soon.

All of the cameras set up on the stealth mods surrounding the plan initiated, showcasing on Rafe's screens in the cockpit.

Rafe sighed, exhaling. "Okay."

Rafe pulled the jet out of the hangar, readying for flight. He took the plane into flight, cruising the skies as he made his way to meet the others on the plane.

⚓️

Heathrow, London

Airbus A380

On the plane in first class, Wheezie and Elyna were sitting together.

Elyna was working on her laptop. "Guys, it's not just Cian. We've got eyes on us. Two guards here in first class with Cian, and three in economy."

Esme glanced around economy, taking note of the three guards, making them easily. "Copy that. Keep your eyes open in case they make a move."

In economy, Kaylee glanced around.

A man's voice came over the PA. "Ladies and gentlemen, we have reached cruising altitude. You are free to move about the cabin."

Kaylee stood, moving to the bathroom at the back of the room. "Game on."

Kaylee walked into the bathroom to stash her piece of the PSID in the economy bathroom.

Once she left, Gael moved in to stash his piece of the PSID in their hiding place.

Once he was done, Esme finished with hiding her piece of the PSID in the bathroom.

Once she was done, Esme left the bathroom after she finished hiding the pieces, speaking through comms while walking back to her seat. "Wheezie, you're up."

In first class, Wheezie picked up her glass of champagne, drinking to ease her anxiety.

"10 minutes till we rendezvous with Rafe," Elyna told her. "You sure you're up for this?"

Wheezie put her flute down. "Yeah. I'm going in."

Wheezie unbuckled her seat belt, standing, walking out of first class without drawing attention to herself.

Cian, sitting at the back, looked up when he noticed the movement, but he didn't recognize her. He looked down as he continued working on his own laptop.

In the economy bathroom, Wheezie took the pieces of the PSID out of all of their hiding places, putting them in her bag before she left the room. She easily made her way back to first class and toward the bathroom.

The captain's voice played over the PA system. "This is your captain speaking. We're approaching a low-pressure system. Could give us a little turbulence up ahead. For your safety, I've turned on the fasten seatbelt sign."

Wheezie walked past Cian and the two other guards in first class toward the bathroom without drawing attention, glancing back at Elyna in their booth before she stepped into the bathroom, closing the door and locking it.

Once the door was secure, Wheezie placed her bag on the counter and took out all of the pieces - including hers and Elyna's - and began to expertly put them back together to form the bomb-looking device. She flipped three switches, which turned the lights from red to green, walking up to the ceiling shaft, opening it and attempting to put the PSID in the ceiling where it would be safe for the rest of the flight.

In that moment, the airplane shook from turbulence with a force that made Wheezie stumble and drop the PSID to the floor. The pieces came apart and some broke unevenly off the device.

Wheezie's eyes went wide in shock and worry. "Shit! No, no! No, no, no!"

Wheezie knelt down to pick up all of the pieces in a hurry.

⚓️

Kildare Island, North Carolina

Rockfish Bar - Outside

(Song:) Blood on the Tracks - Marcus King

The Twinkie pulled up outside the bar.

Isa was driving. John B was in the passenger seat. JJ was in the back.

John B nodded sarcastically. "Oh, perfect. Rockfish. The place you go to bash beer bottles on people's heads."

"I love that for us," Isa added sarcastically.

"There's a guy here, that's always here, moves a lot of weight," JJ explained. "My dad worked for him."

"Is that supposed to make us feel better?" Isa asked.

JJ got out of the back of the van, circling around to stand next to Isa's window. "Normally, no, but this time, it'll work, trust me. Come on now."

John B closed his eyes, sighing. "No, no, wait, wait. Please don't say Barracuda Mike'."

JJ shrugged. "Okay, I won't."

Isa and John B exchanged a look, sighing, getting out of the van, following JJ.

⚓️

Inside

Isa, John B and JJ walked into the bar.

"Come on, there's gotta be a better option than this," John B pointed out.

"Oh, you know what?" JJ asked. "You're right. There is a better option. Except there's not. All right, dude? Unless you wanna go back to Lia's option on getting Ward for help, and I can't imagine that's going so well right now."

Isa and John B sighed in frustration.

Isa showed JJ her phone. "Lia said that she got Ward to agree, JJ."

JJ tilted his head. "She also said that Ward pulled a psycho move, got her to stab him, and almost got Rafe to shoot him, all because he wanted to put them into his 'psychotic dollhouse' again. We can't trust that, Isa."

Isa and John B knew that he was right, looking down.

JJ nodded. "Seriously, we don't have a whole lot of time, and your dad needs help right now, and this guy is gonna be the key to getting down to South America ASAP." They looked across the way toward Barracuda Mike. "Trust me on this one."

"If you say so," Isa muttered, putting her phone away.

JJ led the way toward Barracuda Mike. "Let me do the talking, okay?" They sighed, following him. "Yo, Mike! Yo, you remember me, right? You know. It's on the tip of your tongue."

"Luke's son!" Barracuda Mike said, stabbing his knife into the table in front of them, where he was cutting up fish.

The three teens eyed that, slightly nervous.

"That works too," JJ said. "Uh, also go by JJ, but these here are my good friends, Isa and John B."

"Hey," John B said.

"Routledges," Barracuda Mike realized.

"In the flesh," Isa answered. "Yep."

"Heard stories about you three," Barracuda Mike admitted.

Isa, John B and JJ exchanged a look.

"Uh-oh," John B said.

"All good, I hope?" Isa asked.

A guy walked around the table toward them, causing the teens to cast him a nervous side eye.

JJ pointed to Isa. "Yeah, she almost killed the king of the island." He pointed to John B. "He's a stone-cold cop k--killer."

"No, I didn't," Isa replied.

"And no, I'm not," John B added.

"But your friend, that Carrera girl, she's the pyromaniac that lit that boy on fire, isn't she?" Barracuda Mike asked.

Isa, John B and JJ exchanged a look.

"That we can't really deny," JJ admitted.

"But she was defending herself," Isa hurriedly added.

JJ glanced at the guy next to them before turning his gaze to Barracuda Mike. "Mike, I'm gonna be honest about why we're here, okay? We're a little bit in a--a patch of trouble, and we're trying to get down to South America if that's--"

"I'm sorry, slick, but I done sold the travel agency," Barracuda Mike told him sarcastically.

JJ chuckled nervously. "Well, I mean, we're not looking for some free handout here, all right? We understand it's a two-way road. Symbiotic relationship."

JJ laced his fingers together for emphasis.

John B nodded. "Yes, yes."

Isa gave a weird look to JJ, impressed he even knew that word. "Symbiotic."

"That's what we're trying to get at," JJ stated. "We just need to 'parlee'--"

"Parley," Isa corrected. "Parley is what he's saying."

JJ nodded his head toward Isa in agreement. "Parley in, um..." He glanced at the guy next to them again. "In private, if that's cool with you."

Barracuda Mike nodded, pointing to only JJ, walking away.

JJ whispered to Isa and John B, who were all worried. "Just stay here."

"No, you're not gonna do this," Isa told him.

"You cannot go alone," John B whispered harshly.

"I'll be fine," JJ replied. "Just relax."

"Relax?" Isa repeated. "I'm so tired of people telling me to relax."

JJ scooted past the guy next to them. "Excuse me."

JJ followed Barracuda Mike.

Isa frowned. "Fuck."

They watched as JJ walked up to Barracuda Mike across the bar, near the doorway outside.

"Look, I know you got planes coming in with bales of weed from South America, and they need to be unloaded, right?" JJ asked. "That's what my dad did for you. And I can do the same thing, Mike." Barracuda Mike scoffed. "He'd come home and brag about how much he made in one night, which was 10k, right? That's a lot of cheddar. We're willing to do it for way cheaper. All right? Like--like free."

Barracuda Mike scoffed again. "Nothing's free."

JJ pointed at him. "I live by that one too. All right? So I'll be honest. All we want is just a little space in the cargo hold when you make your next trip down there."

"You just want a ride?" Barracuda Mike asked.

JJ nodded. "Just want a ride in that cargo hold. And then in exchange, you get four sets of free hands and another 40k in your pocket. I don't know about you, but that sounds pretty damn free to me. What do you say?"

Barracuda Mike considered this.

Isa was still watching JJ nervously.

John B was also worried, trying to distract his sister, turning to the guy next to them. "Yeah, so, uh, what do you... what do you guys catch out here?"

Isa gave John B a 'what the hell' look.

John B shrugged slightly, sheepishly.

"Money," the guy replied.

"Oh, cool," Isa said, nodding sheepishly, sarcastically, making small talk to distract herself from everything going on. "What kind of lure does that?"

JJ walked over to them, reaching for his friends. "Hey, let's go."

John B looked at Barracuda Mike and the other guy. "Nice to meet you fellas."

Isa took John B by the arm, pulling him along. "Come on."

⚓️

Outside

Isa, John B and JJ walked outside toward the van.

"Okay, what do we gotta do?" Isa asked.

"Just a little something," JJ replied.

"A little something?" Isa repeated.

JJ nodded. "Yeah."

"Every time you say 'a little something', it's never a little something," John B pointed out.

"You're getting negative again, John B," JJ told him.

John B and JJ started talking over each other.

"John B," Isa warned. "JJ. Knock it off, guys." They both stopped. "Now, what do we have to do?"

JJ turned to face them. "All right, it's literally the easiest job in the world. We just unload it. You know what they do on planes? You know on Delta and United when they take the bags off of the--" They nodded. "That's what we're doing, okay? Once we do that, we punch our tickets, go on to South America, sipping on pina coladas, all right? It's gonna be a piece of cake."

JJ glanced between the two as he walked toward the van, getting into the back again.

Isa got into the passenger seat.

John B got into the driver's seat, starting the van, driving away.

(Song Ends)

⚓️

Orinoco Delta, Venezuela

Singh's boat was going down river.

"Finally, the Orinoco, John," Singh told him. "The gateway to El Dorado. A graveyard of empires. Many have died, you know? Perhaps we add a few more to the list." Big John looked away when he saw a boat with two men rowing up next to them. "Say hello to our new river guide, John. It's four days until the solstice, you know, and on that night, you'll be a part of history."

Big John remained silent, nervous about what could happen.

⚓️

Kildare Island, North Carolina

Heyward's Shop

Pope and Cleo were going over what they found in the storage unit.

Cleo frowned. "I mean, we know this is some sort of translation key, right? I don't get it. I mean, look. This is the sun, and that's the glyph for sun, and this is gold, and that's the glyph for gold, but it's not like a dictionary. Don't you get the feeling like if you were to put it together in the right order, it'd mean something specific?"

Pope took the translation key. "Wait a second. I've seen this before." He walked away. "The sun. Sun, sun, sun, sun."

Pope stood at the railing on the dock, overlooking the water.

Cleo walked closer, standing beside Pope. "You know the part I can't understand? This man had one opportunity to send a letter to his daughter, and he sends this mishmash? Think about it. A translation of Kalinago? There must've been a reason."

Pope realized, pointing at her. "It's inheritance. Cleo, that's it. Isa and John B said that the idol, it's in Kalinago." He instinctively wrapped his arms around Cleo in an embrace. "He wanted her to find El Dorado." Cleo smiled, returning the embrace. When they pulled away, both seemed slightly awkward. "Um, we gotta check this out."

Cleo nodded sheepishly. "Yeah, we should do that."

Pope led the way away from the dock. "I think I know exactly where we need to go."

⚓️

Airbus A380

In first class - Elyna and Wheezie's booth - Elyna checked her watch, knowing that Wheezie should have been done with the PSID by now.

As Rafe flew his jet up to the plane, the time on his phone counted down from 3:20. "Here we go."

In the first class bathroom, Wheezie was picking up all of the pieces of the PSID and putting them on the bathroom counter.

When a loud knock on the bathroom door sounded, Wheezie froze, afraid that it could have been Cian or one of his guards catching onto her.

Elyna spoke softly through the door. "Wheezie, it's me."

Sighing in relief, Wheezie stood, walking to the door, unlocking it, opening it just a crack to peek out at Elyna. "Elyna, I need your help in here."

Elyna followed Wheezie into the bathroom, closing and locking the door. She looked at the pieces of the PSID on the counter, in shock. "What the hell happened?"

"The turbulence," Wheezie answered. "I was putting it in the ceiling hatch right when it hit."

Elyna sighed heavily, closing her eyes. "Damn it."

"Tell me you know how to help me fix this," Wheezie pleaded.

Elyna quickly took off her utility belt and placed it on the counter, unrolling it to show all of her tools on the belt. "Why do you think I brought this? In case something like this happened?"

Wheezie smiled. "You're brilliant."

Elyna grinned. "I'm glad someone appreciates it."

Instantaneously, Wheezie and Elyna worked in harmony with the tools from the utility belt to begin piecing the PSID back together. Once again, their synergy and chemistry was evident in every movement and every moment they worked together, intimate in a way that surpassed understanding.

As Wheezie and Elyna worked swiftly, the noise of the airplane engines hummed around them, punctuated by the occasional rattle of turbulence. The pressure was on, but Wheezie felt a strange sense of calm as they both focused solely on the task at hand.

"I need that piece over there," Wheezie instructed, nodding toward a small circuit board that had rolled under the sink.

Elyna retrieved it in a flash, handing it over with a determined look. "Got it. Now we just need to make sure everything is connected properly."

Elyna sighed, her fingers deftly working to reassemble the device. The tension of the situation seemed to dissolve as they fell into a rhythm, their movements synchronized like a choreographed dance.

"I can't believe I dropped it," Wheezie muttered, frustration creeping into her voice. "This was supposed to go smoothly!"

Elyna shot her a reassuring smile. "Hey, you're doing great."

Wheezie smiled slightly in return, her mind racing as she concentrated on the task at hand. "Just remind me again why we didn't plan for turbulence?"

Elyna chuckled, trying to lighten the mood despite the tension. "Because we were too busy planning for everything else that could potentially kill us. I guess Mother Nature wanted to throw a wrench in our plans."

Wheezie couldn't help but chuckle at Elyna's humor even in the intensity of the moment as they continued to work determinedly.

"Wheezie, Elyna, how long is it going to take to fix?" Kaylee asked through comms, glancing at her watch, which counted down from 2:50 with a timer. "We're running out of time. Rafe's almost on our tail."

As the two girls frantically and expertly began to fix the PSID, they heard a loud knock on the bathroom door.

Paired with Cian's Irish-accented voice. "Hurry up, eh? Come on."

Elyna and Wheezie shared a nervous look, eyes wide as they continued to piece the device together.

When Cian knocked loudly on the bathroom door again, Elyna knew that she had to put on an act for him to think that something else was keeping them busy in the bathroom.

Elyna began to moan loudly and fake having oral sex to buy them some time to fix the device. "Oh! Oh, yeah, baby!"

Wheezie shot Elyna a look of shock and wide-eyed disbelief.

Elyna gestured for Wheezie to keep working as she continued making those noises convincingly for their mission, though she couldn't help the smile on her face. "Oh, yeah!"

Wheezie could barely resist her own smile, both girls having to stop from laughing as to not blow their cover as they quickly continued their work to fix the PSID while Elyna continued her vocalizing to convince Cian that there was something else happening in the bathroom.

Wheezie's fingers moved deftly as she pieced the PSID back together, her heart racing not just from the pressure of the moment but also from the absurdity of Elyna's performance.

"I can't believe you're doing this right now," Wheezie whispered, trying to stifle a laugh.

Elyna shot her a wink, maintaining her act with surprising conviction. "Just keep working. We need to buy time."

Cian's voice came through the door again, laced with impatience. "Come on! What's taking so long? You two really need to wrap it up in there!"

Wheezie glanced at Elyna, who had a mischievous glint in her eyes. They were both aware that Cian was getting more suspicious by the second.

"Just another minute!" Elyna called back, pitching her voice higher as if she was on the verge of something climactic.

Wheezie stifled a snicker at Elyna's antics as they both scrambled to finish reassembling the device.

"You are insane," Wheezie whispered breathlessly, her heart racing not just from the pressure of their task, but from a rush of adrenaline mixed with something deeper she couldn't quite identify.

Elyna shot her a quick wink, smirking. "You love it."

Wheezie couldn't help a smile in return even as she blushed, focusing intently on the task at hand.

Wheezie connected the last few wires of the PSID together. The device was taking shape again, relief washing over both girls as they knew they were succeeding in their mission.

Meanwhile, in the skies outside, in his private jet, Rafe flew up right behind the plane.

An alarm started to blare from the console. "Traffic! Traffic! Collision alert!"

However, with an exhale, Rafe remained calm as he remained firmly beneath the plane, using the cameras on the stealth mods to ensure he was far enough down to avoid a collision.

In the first class bathroom, Wheezie and Elyna had fixed the PSID, now piecing it together in its full form.

Elyna was still putting on her act knowing that Cian was right outside of the bathroom, vocalizing her pretend pleasure. "Oh! Keep going!"

"How long until the switch?" Wheezie asked.

Elyna checked her watch while continuing to make her moaning sounds, making her answer seem sexual as part of the charade. "A minute, 30 seconds."

Wheezie couldn't contain her giggle in response, covering her mouth instantly afterwards.

Outside the bathroom, Cian raised his eyebrows.

In his private jet, his system was warning him to descend, though Rafe continued on his path, muttering to himself, remembering all of his practice runs. "Come on. You got this."

As Rafe got closer, he lost the signal on one of the cameras that allowed him to maintain visuals all the way around.

In the first class bathroom, Elyna continued her act, up playing her reactions as she moaned loudly as she and Wheezie finished putting the PSID together and powered it up.

In the private jet, Rafe continued to get closer. The cameras focused on the plane before him began to crack with turbulence, making Rafe lose the rest of his connections. Yet, as he remained firm and focused, imagining the brackets from the simulation test runs, and with five seconds to spare, he eased into the required space perfectly.

As he did, the alarms disappeared and silenced, his screen showing how his jet lined up perfectly with the plane, with a green notice saying "Ready to link".

With a victorious smirk, Rafe taped the button on the screen to link his jet to the plane above, speaking through his headset, which was linked to the comms with the others on the plane and with Lia and Kie on the ground. "We're linked in."

On the plane, Kaylee sighed heavily in relief. "Awesome work, people."

In the first class bathroom, Elyna and Wheezie were linking the PSID in perfect timing with Rafe's link.

Elyna moaned, keeping her act going for Cian outside the bathroom. "Almost there! Baby, don't stop!"

Wheezie smirked slightly, shaking her head, knowing that next up was Whitaker, Lia and Kie's turn.

⚓️

Brussels Air Traffic Control Center

Working for ATC, Whitaker noticed when the double signal popped up on his screen, prepared to play it off in case anyone else noticed.

Of course, the woman who worked next to Whitaker did. "Whitaker, do you see this? The board is showing two Victor Sierra 14-12s."

Whitaker played it off. "Oh, it's probably just a glitch. Happens every now and then."

The woman stood, walking closer. "I have never seen this before. Are you going to notify Jean-Pierre?"

Whitaker removed his headset. "Sandra, seriously, I'm gonna have to start reporting this relentless undermining behavior to HR."

Sandra looked at him in confusion. "What?"

Whitaker looked at her in feigned offense. "You clearly think I'm unable to do my job properly. Is it 'cause of the chair?"

Sandra glanced down at Whitaker's wheelchair, stunned. "What? No!"

Whitaker acted supremely as an indignant and upset man who constantly had his disability used against him. "'Cause your constant challenging of my decision-making, it--it makes me feel attacked, and--and frankly, unsafe."

Sandra looked at him, at a loss. "I'm... I'm so sorry."

Whitaker looked at the board in time to see the second dot disappear, smiling as if his point was proven. "There, see." Sandra looked at the board in confusion. "Like I said, all it is was a glitch. You really should look at your unexamined prejudices, Sandra, yeah?"

Sandra sighed, confused and shamed. "Okay."

Whitaker waved her off. "Course. Off you pop."

Speechless, Sandra returned to her seat.

⚓️

Airbus A380

In the first class bathroom, once they knew it worked, Wheezie threw the PSID pieces away, knowing they no longer needed it.

Elyna looked in the mirror, messing up her hair as if they had just hooked up.

Wheezie turned to Elyna. "Okay, let's go."

Elyna caught Wheezie's hand. "Wait, wait, wait."

Wheezie turned back, realizing just how close they were.

Elyna looked truly vulnerable as she gazed into Wheezie's eyes. "We might die today, and we both agreed that we wanted to give this a chance, between us, right?"

"Yeah, of course," Wheezie answered gently.

"Well, if we don't make it out of this, I would hate to bow out without doing this at least once," Elyna admitted.

Wheezie's heart raced at the implication of a kiss, and she realized just how badly she did want to kiss Elyna. The two of them leaned closer, closing the distance between them until their lips brushed together with the slightest touch.

As their lips met, the world around Wheezie faded away, leaving just the two of them. The kiss was tentative at first, a gentle exploration filled with uncertainty and excitement. But as Elyna deepened the kiss, Wheezie felt a rush of warmth spread through her, igniting something within her that she had long kept buried.

Wheezie's heart raced as she melted into Elyna's embrace, the tension of the moment dissolving into pure electric energy. Time felt suspended, and for that brief instant, nothing else mattered - no looming heist, no dangerous Laurents waiting for their chance to strike. Just them.

Elyna's hand found its way to Wheezie's cheek, fingers gently brushing against her skin as if she were afraid to break the spell that had woven around them. Wheezie responded instinctively, leaning into the touch, feeling a rush of excitement course through her veins.

With a soft gasp, they broke apart, both breathless and wide-eyed. Wheezie's cheeks flushed with warmth as she met Elyna's gaze; there was an undeniable spark between them, an unspoken promise for what lay ahead.

"Wow," Wheezie breathed. "That was... a lot."

"Yeah," Elyna replied, her cheeks flushed with color, but her eyes sparkled with mischief and warmth. "Just a little something for luck. You know, in case we don't make it out of this."

Wheezie felt a smile spread across her face. "We're gonna make it out of this, Elyna."

Elyna nodded, smiling, enjoying the determination and confidence in Wheezie's words. "You're right, Wheezie. And when we get out of this, I'm gonna take you on a date."

Wheezie was unable to help her smile, biting her lip. "Okay."

Elyna grinned in response. "Okay." She glanced a kiss on Wheezie's cheek, stepping around her to unlock the door. "Let's get the hell out of here."

Elyna opened the door for Wheezie.

Wheezie kept her head turned away from Cian, as if she was embarrassed - in reality, she kind of was after Elyna's act, so her own charade was convincing. "Excuse me."

Cian looked over his shoulder toward the two girls, raising his eyebrows. "Wow."

Wheezie darted past on the way to her seat.

Elyna smirked at Cian. "All yours, big guy."

Elyna walked away with Wheezie to return to their booth.

⚓️

Kildare Island, North Carolina

Esme's Cabin

Sitting at their computer and radio, Kie and Lia were patched into Whitaker's channel directly to the plane.

Lia had the script that Whitaker gave them direct access to, having the mic set up for either one of them to speak into.

Kie was holding the kitten Indy while speaking to make contact with the pilot of the airbus. "Victor Sierra, 14-12. Control."

"This is Victor Sierra, 14-12," the pilot replied.

"We have an AWOS warning coming out of Zurich," Kie stated. "High winds, extreme weather, low visibility and falling. Flooding on the runway. Zurich tower is diverting all inbound traffic to the nearest airport."

The pilot nodded. "Copy that, control. Yeah. We just felt a few bumps. Which airport would that be?"

Kie licked her lips, sticking to the script to be as professional and realistic as possible. "Please proceed to Charlie Delta Foxtrot. Short runway, but it shouldn't be too challenging for a pilot of your skill."

Lia and Kie tensed in worry when they didn't hear anything right away, afraid that they could have been caught, exchanging a look of concern.

The pilot responded a moment later. "Copy that, control. Proceeding as directed."

Lia and Kie sighed heavily in relief knowing that the pilot was rerouting the plane to Cortina.

Lia then contacted Rafe in his private jet. "Victor Sierra, 14-12. This is control."

Rafe smirked slightly. "VS 14-12, go ahead."

"You are clear for deployment," Lia informed.

"Copy that," Rafe replied.

Rafe descended his jet and flew away from the plane just as it turned to fly toward Cortina. In the process, he released a drone with the Victor Sierra 14-12 which flew toward the previous destination.

"Okay," Rafe said. "The drone is heading to Zurich. See you guys in Cortina."

Kie and Lia could see the path of the drone through their computer given the cameras on the drone.

Lia smirked, speaking through her headset. "Victor Sierra 14-12, confirming your approach to Zurich is on course."

Lia made a victory fist as she smiled, grinning.

Kie was in disbelief that it worked, but she couldn't be happier that it did.

As the drone sailed through the crisp sky toward Zurich, Kie and Lia exchanged excited glances. The tension that had filled the cabin moments earlier faded into a current of anticipation as they watched the screen.

"Everything's going according to plan," Lia said, her voice filled with a mix of disbelief and thrill. "I can't believe we actually pulled it off."

Kie leaned closer to the monitor, her heart racing with every passing second. "We can't get ahead of ourselves yet. We still have to secure the gold and expose the Laurents."

"Right," Lia agreed, nodding seriously. "But at least we're one step closer."

Kie nodded, taking a hold of Lia's hand. "We are. Once we get through this, then we can help Isa and John B get their dad back. And then after that, we can finally get a well-deserved break from all of this shit."

Lia gave Kie a small smile. "We all need that break."

Kie chuckled softly. "Yeah, we do."

⚓️

Field

The Twinkie was pulled over at the side of the road.

Isa, John B and JJ walked away from the van.

"I--I don't know about this," John B admitted.

"Bro, you're worrying way too much about this, okay?" JJ asked.

"Yeah, 'cause these people are drug dealers and we don't know if they can be trusted," Isa replied. "What if things go sideways?"

"They won't," JJ retorted. "It is just farmers who brought organic seeds from South America that we are gonna unload."

"It's a drug-smuggling operation," John B pointed out.

"Yeah, what could possibly go wrong?" Isa asked sarcastically.

JJ knew they had a right to be worried and nervous but was getting fed up, tilting his head. "Do you wanna get Big John or not?"

"Yes, we do," John B answered in frustration in response to JJ's attitude. "Look, this has to work out, all right? We doubted him, we blamed him."

Isa held her head in her hands, trying not to freak out. "I don't care what he's done, all right? He's gone, and we need a way to get him back before he's dead, and--"

JJ turned to face them, trying to calm them down, holding them by the shoulders tensely. "Isa. John B. Okay, listen, listen. I know. You know who you're gonna have to trust right now? Papa J." He pointed at himself. "Okay? I got this, 100%."

Isa tilted her head, managing to make a quip. "I mean, 60% would be good, honestly."

JJ and John B managed small smiles at that.

They walked around the corner into another field, seeing Barracuda Mike's plane and car.

"Holy shit, look at that thing," John B said.

"Yeah, man," Isa said. "It's like an RV with wings."

John B noticed Barracuda Mike's men unloading their shipment from a U-Haul. "Shit, they're already unloading."

"Shit," Isa said.

"Calm down," JJ told them. "I got this." He led the way up to Barracuda Mike. "Yo, we aren't late, are we?"

"No," Barracuda Mike answered. "There was a change of plan, though."

The three exchanged a nervous look.

"Oh, uh, okay," Isa said.

Barracuda Mike handed a delivery order to JJ. "You three are gonna drive the truck up to Elizabeth City to make the drop."

Isa and John B gave JJ an 'I told you so' look, while JJ had a busted look, but tried to play it cool.

"The address is in the truck," Barracuda Mike explained. "There'll be a dummy car for you to use to come back. The plane'll still be waiting."

"Right," JJ said. "Okay, so, um... you just want us to drive the truck?"

"Correct," Barracuda Mike answered, holding the keys toward JJ.

JJ hesitantly reached for them.

John B stopped him. "Actually, can I borrow them for one second?" He led JJ and Isa aside slightly. "Hey, hey, this is not what we talked about. This is way more dangerous."

"It don't matter what we talked about," Barracuda Mike told them. "In for a penny, in for a pound. You do this, you get your ride."

Isa scratched her head awkwardly. "Yeah, it's just that--"

Barracuda Mike cut her off. "If not, you know how this works, right?"

JJ, Isa and John B looked between Barracuda Mike and his men nervously, all of whom were staring at them.

"Now, Highway Patrol is changing shifts as we speak," Barracuda Mike stated. "This is the window. Take it to the drop house on Prospect. Directions are in the truck. Any luck, we'll have you back before sundown. Come on. Take the key."

JJ hesitated before taking the key. "Yeah, no problem." He turned to Isa and John B without looking them in the eyes, realizing how badly this could go wrong. "Get in the truck."

JJ walked up to the back of the U-Haul, pulling down the door.

⚓️

On the Road

(Song:) Can't Fool With Me - The Spaceshits

JJ was driving the U-Haul.

John B was in the passenger seat.

Isa was sitting on the bench seat just between them.

"Any idea what's in the back?" John B asked.

Isa tried to keep him calm, knowing that he was close to freaking out again. "Yes, John B, we know what's in the back, man."

JJ was frustrated. "And it's gonna be fine. It's gonna work out. Okay?"

Isa sighed, knowing that John B and JJ could explode with how tightly wound they both were after everything; and sadly, Isa wasn't much better, but had more luck with controlling herself than the boys did.

John B looked at JJ. "I am sick of your bullshit plans, man."

"Goddamn," JJ growled.

"Both of you stop," Isa warned. "We don't have time for this."

John B shook his head, pointing at JJ, gesturing from himself to Isa. "No, I'm just saying this might actually top the time you and Kaylee told me and Isa to fake appendicitis in jail."

JJ tilted his head. "Yeah, and that almost worked."

Isa couldn't help a snort, holding a hand over her mouth, chuckling hysterically.

John B and JJ glanced at her weirdly for that reaction.

JJ frowned weirdly in amusement. "I'm glad you think it's funny, Isa."

Isa shook her head. "I don't know what's wrong with me."

"Makes two of us," John B replied. "And I mean for myself, not for you."

JJ tilted his heads in acknowledgement, all of them knowing they were all in a bad place.

"Get the map out," JJ said. "I have no idea where I'm going."

John B took out the map. "All right, we need to get to 158, okay?"

JJ reached for the map book, taking it from John B, causing the map that he was looking at to rip off in his hand and fall onto Isa's lap. "Just give--"

Isa held up the map. "This one, man. You just ripped it out."

JJ took the map from Isa. "Jesus Christ. There it is. It's gonna be a nice--"

John B looked out the windshield, becoming extra worried. "Cop." He tried to get JJ to put the maps down and look at the road. "JJ. JJ, there's a cop."

JJ put the maps down.

"Shit," Isa breathed.

JJ tried to stay calm and keep them calm too. "Okay, play it cool. Play it cool."

"I'm cool," John B and Isa replied at the same time.

"I'm super cool," JJ added.

Isa rolled her eyes at the lie. "No, you're not cool. You look suspicious as hell." She released the tension in her body as much as she could to calm down and act naturally. "This is cool."

JJ and John B tried to follow suit, but they were still tense and ready to snap at a moment's notice.

"I'm super cool," John B said.

"I'm as cool as it gets," JJ added, practicing a wave at the window.

"What are you doing?" John B asked. "Don't do that."

Isa turned her head toward JJ.

"I'm just gonna wave," JJ told them.

Isa rolled her eyes. "JJ, you don't wave to cops while you're driving past. Don't get his attention."

JJ, of course, did it anyway, waving at the cop at the side of the road. "Hi, officer."

John B reacted out of instinct as he grabbed JJ's arm and yanked it back. "What are you--we told you--"

This caused JJ to swerve as they continued down the road until JJ got the truck back under control.

Isa was jostled between them, eyes wide at the two idiot boys on either side of her.

JJ raised his voice. "Why'd you touch me?!"

"Don't wave at cops!" John B replied. "Rule number one of driving a U-Haul!"

"Or, you know, doing a goddamn drug run," Isa agreed. "You don't draw attention to yourselves, yet you both did that brilliantly, congrats."

John B and JJ were sheepish and busted because she was right.

Isa shook her head, disappointed, exasperated and frustrated. "We've been in the car for five minutes."

JJ looked into the rearview mirror to keep eyes on the cop. "He's getting in."

Isa let out a breath. "Okay, okay. Just act very, very calm."

That was ruined the second that the police siren started wailing as the cop turned around to follow the U-Haul.

JJ tossed the maps aside. "Shit, he's coming! He's coming! Shit, damn it! Dude, goblin mode, all right?" John B and Isa looked at him in confusion. "We gotta lose him, okay?"

"Goblin mode?" Isa repeated. "What's that even mean, JJ?"

"That's what we gotta do!" JJ said. "Hang on! I got this."

John B held onto the dashboard. "JJ!"

Isa held on tight as JJ drove them down a small incline into the woods, hiding the U-Haul behind some trees.

JJ jumped out. "All right, get out!"

Isa jumped out. "Go, go, go!"

John B jumped out and gave JJ a look. "I swear to God, if we get through this, I'm gonna kill you."

"You probably won't have to because Barracuda Mike will kill all of us first," Isa replied.

They took off running through the woods before they could be caught.

(Song Ends)

⚓️

Orinoco Delta, Venezuela

Big John and Singh were now going down river in the guide's boat.

Singh looked around. "Pizarro. Sir Walter Raleigh. They also came up this river, you know, John, hmm? And they had the fever, you know, as we do, that set army upon army and atrocities beyond description. And all of that killing, John, for something only rumored to exist. Something no one ever found. My grandfather, he died on that ship, you know, John? As did many others. And for what, hmm? For what? For nothing. They failed."

"You murdered my friend," Big John told him. "Why? So your grandfather wouldn't have died in vain over 100 years ago?"

Singh pointed at Big John. "That is correct. And what about you, hmm? You had the fever a long time, you know. You sacrificed a promising academic career. Yet you went on. Why?"

Big John shook his head, looking down. "For the kids, I guess."

⚓️

Flashback

Day - The Chateau - Living Room

Young Isa and Young John B were sitting on the couch, listening to Big John ramble about the Royal Merchant and all the gold, smiling up at him; while they looked skeptical, they also dreamed that it could be true, that Big John could have his dream realized, not yet knowing all that it came with to get that dream to come true.

Big John: (voice over) "It was something we did together. I didn't care what others thought of me. I just wanted them to know that I..."

⚓️

Now

Day - River

Big John looked down. "That I wasn't nothing."

Singh raised an eyebrow. "We're not all that different, you and me, John. We're not that different, you know."

⚓️

Airbus A380

In first class, Wheezie and Elyna settled into their booth, adrenaline coursing through their veins as they exchanged conspiratorial smiles over their champagne flutes.

"That kiss was pretty great," Wheezie admitted shyly.

Elyna grinned, her expression playful yet sincere, a spark of mischief in her eyes. "How about we make this a little more interesting? If we get through this without any incidents, you owe me a proper date?"

Wheezie chuckled softly, feeling her cheeks flush once more. "Deal."

The pilot spoke over PA. "This is your captain speaking. Unfortunately, the weather in Zurich has taken a severe turn. We've been instructed to land in Cortina, the nearest airport."

The two guards in first class glanced back at Cian as he left the bathroom.

Cian nodded for them to head down to the vault in the plane below.

The two guards nodded, standing, leaving first class to head to the vault.

Wheezie and Elyna watched subtly from their seats.

"Mom, Dad, it's vault time," Elyna informed. "Our friends are getting restless, but we gotta stick to the clock."

Esme looked at Gael, nodding. "Go."

Gael stood, walking toward the back as if he was going to the bathroom, walking past Kaylee as he did, nodding to her. "Your turn."

Kaylee nodded, looking toward the nearest flight attendant, waving her handkerchief. "Miss." She walked closer as Kaylee provided a distraction for Gael. "I was wondering if you could... well, I'm having trouble with the flight entertainment."

"Of course, miss," the flight attendant replied, giving a polite smile. "It's a bit tricky, isn't it?"

Kaylee pointed to a button. "Yeah, I was wondering if it's this button."

As the flight attendant was distracted with helping Kaylee, Kaylee took one of her oxygen tanks from the wheelie and held it out into the aisle without drawing attention.

Gael took the signal, walking closer, taking the tank from Kaylee as he walked by, walking on without getting caught.

Kaylee kept the flight attendant's attention. "This button?"

"Yes, there you go," the flight attendant answered. "Then you just pick and choose."

"Thank you," Kaylee told her, giving a fake cough.

"Are you okay?" the flight attendant asked in concern.

Kaylee nodded. "Yes, thank you."

Gael took the oxygen tank to a hidden compartment in the plane which led down to the vault room. It would act as the stabilizer he needed for the laser to work on the safe down below.

Esme spoke through comms. "All right, Elyna, you're up. Lock down outside communications."

In first class, Elyna worked on her laptop. "Cutting off the Wi-Fi now."

In his seat, Cian was untwisting a vape.

A flight attendant noticed, walking toward him. "Excuse me, there's no vaping on the flight."

Cian held up his hands harmlessly in mock. "Oh, look at that. You caught me. I wouldn't dream of it."

Cian dropped the vape into his bag.

The flight attendant walked up to Wheezie and Elyna's seats to take their glasses. "I'll take these."

"Thank you," Wheezie told her.

The flight attendant walked away.

A flight attendant's voice came over PA. "We apologize for the interruption with the Wi-Fi. We are working to correct the problem."

In economy, the two guards that Cian had sent down walked down to join the three guards in their seats at the back of the room.

Kaylee and Esme watched them from their seats without drawing attention, noticing that the guards were taking out vaping oil, frowning in confusion.

The four guards put the vaping oil into magazines of their guns and clicked the barrels all while not drawing attention to the fact they had weapons.

In the vault room down below, Gael put his bag down and took out all the boxes he needed to quickly form the laser, putting up a tarp over the doors just outside of the vault.

As he worked, Gael spoke through comms. "Elyna, how's the door sensor?"

Elyna hacked into the door sensor so that it would open easily for Gael. "You're good to go."

"Just be careful of that pressure variance," Esme warned.

Gael put on a face mask as he took down the oxygen tank from the ceiling compartment he placed it in from above. "Yes, thank you, honey." He stepped through the tarp, zipping it up behind him taking off his face mask as he put in the code for the door. "Showtime."

Gael pushed the big red button to open the doors in front of him. Once they were opened, he walked through.

Gael put up the laser with the oxygen tank as the stabilizer, latching it onto the vault. With his tablet magnetically hanging onto the safe wall, he started the count down from 10 minutes. Placing his magnifying glasses on, he started to work on breaching the safe.

As the plane got closer to Cortina, they noticed weather wasn't great here either, flying past stormy gray clouds, experiencing some turbulence.

In economy, Kaylee and Esme both noticed that the guards were beginning to make their way toward the stairs that led down to the vault.

"Shit," Kaylee said.

Kaylee and Esme exchanged a look.

In first class, Wheezie and Elyna noticed Cian working on something they couldn't see - like his guards, he was loading his gun with vaping oil pins.

Once he was done, Cian stood, walking toward the exit.

The flight attendant from before who told him no vaping tried to stop him. "I'm sorry, sir, but you'll have to take your seat."

Cian swung his fist to smash the glasses in her hands and caused them to shatter on their way to the floor. "Slainte."

Cian picked up another glasses, draining it.

"Sir--" the flight attendant started.

Cian threw his glass down, slapping the woman in the face, gripping her by the throat, pushing her against the wall. "We're landing in Zurich."

Wheezie and Elyna watched in disbelief from their seats.

Cian turned the flight attendant around and pressed his gun against her back, pushing her toward the cockpit. "All right, page the captain. Tell him we got a medical emergency, oi?"

The flight attendant whimpered in fear. "They won't open the door."

"They will when they know you're the one with the emergency," Cian replied.

As Cian led the flight attendant past Wheezie and Elyna, they shared a concerned look.

"He's trying to get in the cockpit," Wheezie said.

Elyna stood. "We gotta buy Dad some time."

Wheezie followed suit.

In economy, Esme and Kaylee both stood as well.

As the plane hit a bout of turbulence that shook the entire structure, passengers screamed, and Cian was forced to let go of the flight attendant as they both stumbled back.

Oxygen masks fell from the ceiling for the passengers to grab.

Elyna didn't hesitant to run toward Cian, taking advantage of his unsteadiness to slam him into the wall, making him drop his gun.

Wheezie ran closer worriedly. "Elyna!"

Elyna pointed to the flight attendant. "Get her!"

Wheezie ran to help the flight attendant away to safety. "Come on."

Cian picked up his gun and swung around.

Elyna ran for cover just as Cian pulled the trigger, ducking behind the walls of the first class booths for safety.

Elyna picked up a bag that had fallen from the luggage suites during the turbulence, throwing it directly at Cian with all of her might.

Cian was struck in the face and chest with the bag, nearly falling. He caught himself against the wall as he pushed the bag to the ground. He noticed Wheezie and the flight attendant, trying to shoot them.

Wheezie pushed the flight attendant down as they both ducked for cover.

Elyna took advantage of the distraction to pick up a suitcase by its handle and swung it out at Cian, drawing his attention from the girls. As Cian tried to shoot her, Elyna used the suitcase as a shield.

Passengers started screaming.

Elyna ran closer to Cian as she kicked his gun from his grasp, ready to fight him hand to hand.

As their eyes locked, a fierce determination coursed through Elyna. She sprang forward, using the momentum of her kick to deliver a powerful punch to Cian's gut, forcing the breath from his lungs. The momentary shock in his eyes gave her just enough opportunity to sweep his legs out from under him, sending him sprawling to the ground.

Wheezie watched, adrenaline surging as she crouched low beside the flight attendant, who was wide-eyed and trembling.

"Stay down," Wheezie urged softly, her voice steady despite the chaos unfolding around them.

Elyna launched herself at Cian again before he could recover, throwing a flurry of punches that landed against his jaw and side. With every hit, she pushed him further back until he slammed into one of the plush seats in first class, struggling to regain his balance.

In economy, Kaylee and Esme went to confront the guards.

Guard 1 raised his gun to shoot.

Kaylee picked up her final oxygen tank and swung it at Guard 1 with enough strength to break his wrist before he could fire a shot, making him drop his gun. She ran closer to slam him into the wall as he yelled in pain, kneeing him in the stomach, throwing him to the ground, slamming the oxygen tank against his head to knock him out.

As Guard 2 tried to retaliate, Esme ran closer instantly, grabbing Guard 2 by the head and slamming him against the wall, her other hand pinning his wrist with the gun against the wall. She managed to break the barrel of the gun before he could shoot, tossing the pieces down to the ground. As Guard 2 tried to counter, Esme ducked his strikes and punched him viciously in the throat and stomach, grabbing him, flipping him through the air and slamming him onto the plane floor. Guard 2 held his throat in pain as if Esme had fractured his trachea, unable to speak or breathe easily. Esme spun around and kicked him in the head, knocking him out.

As the plane started to descend, it threw everyone off balance, making Kaylee, Esme, Elyna and Cian and his men all fall to the ground.

With Guards 1 and 2 taken out, it left three more, but they had dropped their guns in the turbulence when they all fell.

Guard 3 ran toward Kaylee. Kaylee picked up her oxygen tank from the floor and swung it to hit Guard 3 in between his legs, making him yell in pain and fall to his knees.

Guard 4 grabbed Esme, flipping her over his shoulder and onto a table nearby, making her groan in pain.

Guard 5 grabbed Kaylee from behind and threw her over a seat divider, making her fall. As he tried to kick her, Kaylee raised her oxygen tank as a shield, making him kick that instead, shoving it against his leg to push him back as she slid away over the floor, creating much needed distance to rise to her feet.

Esme shot up from the table, grabbing Guard 4 and slamming him onto the surface instead, throwing him to the ground.

In first class, Cian grabbed Elyna and threw her into the wall, making her fall to the floor nearby Wheezie and the flight attendant.

As Cian stalked closer, he tried an attack.

Wheezie grabbed the nearby airplane cart and moved it in front of them as a barrier, making Cian slam into the cart instead.

Elyna jumped over the cart and tackled Cian to the ground, punching him in the face. Cian grabbed Elyna as he rose to his feet, growling as he slammed her against the wall. Elyna fumbled for the plane on the wall behind her, slamming it over Cian's head, making him let her go as she drove her knee into his stomach, making him double over in pain.

Cian quickly pinned Elyna and wrapped the phone chord around her neck, attempting to strangle her.

Wheezie stood, running closer, grabbing a champagne bottle from the cart and slammed it over Cian's head, making it shatter upon impact.

Cian ducked as the glass raining over him and slicing into his skin and making him bleed, cutting into his still-healing burns and scars caused great pain, sending him stumbling toward the top of the stairs.

Elyna took advantage as she spun around to deliver a double-legged roundhouse kick to Cian's chest, making him spiral through the air and roll down the staircase and down to the floor below. Cian stopped halfway down the large staircase.

As Cian attempted to get his standing, Wheezie grabbed the cart and charged forward, pushing it forward and over the edge of the stairs, straight toward Cian. Just as Cian was starting to rise to his feet, he was plowed down by the cart that Wheezie pushed down the stairs, which pushed him down once more and made him roll to the bottom.

Wheezie glared down the staircase, breathing heavily. "Motherfucker."

Elyna gasped for breath as she removed the phone chord from around her neck, looking at Wheezie in awe. "Nice one."

Wheezie ran to Elyna's side, helping her pull the chord completely off. "Are you okay?"

Elyna nodded even as she was panting, desperately refilling her lungs with air.

Meanwhile, in the vault room, Gael finished successfully opening the safe with the laser. When he heard the locks unturn, he yanked his magnifying glasses off and threw them down in victory. "Yes!"

Gael opened the vault door, staring at the gold inside in the transparent crate. All 500 million worth.

In economy, Esme took Guard 4 and slammed him against the wall, throwing him to the floor, punching him viciously in the face, standing, delivering a kick so powerful she rendered him unconscious.

Guard 5 stood, grabbing his gun and aiming at Kaylee as she grabbed her oxygen tank. Kaylee swung the oxygen tank up at his gun to throw it out of his grip and to the floor again. When he was distracted, she slid closer over the floor and kicked him in the crotch, making him fall to his knees with a scream. Kaylee stood with the oxygen tank in hand, swinging it hard to hit him in the head, making his head hit the wall before he fell to the ground. She dropped the tank and grabbed Guard 5, spinning around to slam his head through a glass case with a yell, making him fall unconscious to the floor.

Wheezie and Elyna ran downstairs from first class to join Esme and Kaylee in economy.

"Come on," Esme ordered. "We gotta go check on Gael."

Wheezie frowned as she looked around. "You didn't see Cian?"

"No," Kaylee answered. "If he saw me, he likely would have shot me already. He must've already went down to the safe."

"Dad," Elyna sighed worriedly. "Let's go."

The four ladies ran through the plane toward the staircase that would take them down to the vault room.

Cian was standing at the top of the stairs, aiming his gun at them. "About to check on the gold, were we?" His eyes locked on Kaylee in shock and disbelief. "You."

Kaylee's breath caught briefly as she was ready to use the oxygen tank if necessary to stop Cian from shooting her.

Before either could make a move, as the plane descended and touched the ground in a chaotic display with the weather and turbulence outside, the entire frame of the ship shook violently, making everyone grab onto something just to keep from falling, rendering Cian unable to fire a shot, and making Kaylee drop the oxygen tank as it rolled down the stairs and out of reach.

The airplane rode down the rocky runway in the Alps, the wings gliding roughly against the cliffs on either side, making the passengers elsewhere in the plane scream, until the plane finally came to a stop.

In his private jet, Rafe was coming in for a shaky landing as well, though not nearly as bad as the plane, as the smaller jet remained easier to control as it came to a stop.

In the plane's vault room, Cian led Kaylee, Wheezie, Elyna and Esme down the stairs and toward the safe.

Cian grabbed Kaylee by the arm harshly, yanking her along. "To think, my wife Genevieve and I had sent a bounty hunter for you, started a riot to kill you, and were willing to pay Leviathan a half billion in gold to kill you and everyone you love... only for you to come directly to us yourself to finally meet your punishment at our hands. How very fitting. If you think you'll have a quick and swift ending, you're so very wrong, my dear. After you killed Tod and did this to my face, you'll be my little punishment project for at least a few weeks."

"Whatever you say, pepperoni face," Kaylee retorted.

Two guards, Guard 1 and Guard 2 had reawakened, and were holding Gael at gunpoint, shoving him toward the ladies.

"He got the vault open, but that's it," Guard 1 explained.

"Did you check it?" Cian demanded, keeping his gun aimed at the girls and Gael as he walked toward the vault, opening the door.

Gael sighed heavily. "I was so close. I'm sorry."

"You did good, baby," Esme spoke softly. She looked at Kaylee, Wheezie and Elyna. "All of you did."

Cian stepped into the vault, relaxing only when he saw the gold crate still there and completely filled.

"See, Cian?" Guard 2 asked. "We did you proud!"

Cian stalked closer furiously. "Oh, you think that, don't you? You think I'm proud of this?! You think Genevieve will be?" He gestured to the five captives to prove his point just as his phone rang. He pulled it out to answer, pacing, his eyes and gun never leaving Kaylee as he did. "Yes, dear?"

Kaylee swallowed nervously as she kept her hands up. Despite her fear, she retained her defiant and fiery aura, glaring Cian down even as she was shaken to the core by his burns and scars, evidence of her retaliation against him in order to survive.

In their French villa, Genevieve frowned. "Cian, I've just had a phone call from our men at Zurich airport. And you know what they told me? A drone landed in Zurich."

"It's under control," Cian assured. "Team of thieves tried to jack the payload, but we took 'em down. The gold's all here."

The cargo doors of the plane opened as he spoke.

"Where is here?" Genevieve questioned.

Cian walked toward the cargo doors. "It's a small airstrip in the Alps. These amateurs provided a second plane."

Gael, Esme, Elyna, Wheezie and Kaylee exchanged a look.

Genevieve tilted her head curiously. "Who are they?"

Cian looked outside of the plane toward where Rafe was being taken off of his jet by Guard 3 who kept him at gunpoint as well. "The Mavericks, Rafe and Wheezie Cameron..." He turned his glare on Kaylee. "And Kaylee Carrera."

With a menacing grin, Cian stepped closer to the edge of the cargo hold, his gun still aimed at Kaylee. "The little bird finally flies back home, but you forgot to check your tail."

Kaylee's heart raced as she glanced toward Rafe, who was being shoved forward, his hands raised in surrender, though determination burned in his eyes. She could feel the tension in the air thickening like a storm cloud about to burst.

"You're outgunned and outmatched," Cian taunted, looking back at his guards. "You think you can play with fire and not get burned?"

Wheezie stepped slightly in front of Kaylee, her voice unsteady yet defiant. "We didn't come here to lose."

Gael took a step forward, defiance etched on his face. "You think we're done? You don't know what we're capable of."

Cian's gaze narrowed, clearly annoyed by the unexpected courage seeping through the group.

Genevieve could not believe this turn of events. "To think, we were so willing to spend half a billion in gold to have Leviathan kill Kaylee for us to avenge Tod. Only for her to get involved with us directly."

"It seems they're trying to make a name for themselves and face their demons with us," Cian remarked.

"Then I can help them," Genevieve stated. "Bring them and the gold to me home."

"We'll be there in an hour," Cian replied, hanging up, nodding to the guards. "Take them outside."

As much as they wanted to fight back, they knew that they had to appear compliant for the rest of their plan to work. Gael, Esme, Elyna, Kaylee and Wheezie were led out of the plane onto the airstrip toward Rafe, all of them held at gunpoint by Cian and his men.

Cian aimed his gun at Rafe. "You're working for me now, boy. We're flying to Paris."

"It's just a little detour," Gael assured. "That's all."

Cian aimed his gun at Gael in warning. "Shut up. Rafe and the girls are coming with me."

"That's not a smart move," Elyna said.

"Interpol knows where we are," Esme explained. "They'll follow us."

"Not if they can't see us," Cian retorted. "We were tracking the Airbus the whole way, and we didn't see this jet. So neither will your friends." He gestured to his men. "Get the gold on board."

Two men went to get the crate of gold.

Rafe shook his head. "Wait. Wait, no. The jet can't take that much weight."

"That's why we got the trains," Wheezie told them. "It's right at the end of the runway. Look, if you don't believe us, send one of your guys so they can see."

"Well, I'll take my chances with the jet, but we'll lighten the load when Gael here won't be with us," Cian sneered. He ordered his men. "Dispose of him."

Gael put on an act of a struggle as he was grabbed by two men and hauled away. "No, wait, wait. Hey, hey!"

Elyna stepped forward. "Dad!"

Cian aimed his gun at Elyna to keep her contained.

Kaylee's anger and desperation was evident. "Uncle Gael!"

Cian raised his eyebrows in surprise. "Uncle? Really? I didn't realize that you were related to Gael and Elyna Maverick, Kaylee. That makes this all the more exciting, then. Ladies, Rafe, in the jet. Let's go. Let's go!"

Rafe looked at Esme, Elyna, Kaylee and Wheezie, nodding. "Come on."

The four of them were ushered into the jet by Cian and the rest of his men, as the gold was loaded into the back of the jet.

⚓️

Kildare Island, North Carolina

On the Road

Isa, John B and JJ ran all the way back to the Twinkie, all of them breathing heavily, catching their breath.

Isa had to lean against the Twinkie, shaking her head.

John B looked at JJ, exasperated and confused. "Our dad is somewhere in South America right now, probably with a knife to his throat, and what are we doing? Moving weight? In goblin mode? What does that even mean, JJ?"

JJ was fed up, raising his voice as he almost snapped. "How many times will you complain about me trying to help save your dad?"

Isa sighed, knowing what was coming. "Oh, fuck. Here we go."

John B raised his voice in return. "Help is the exact opposite of what you're doing right now!"

"Both of you stop it," Isa warned. "This isn't helping."

Of course, she was ignored.

JJ pointed at John B, nodding, pressing his lips together in a line. "You know what? You're right." He stepped closer until he got into John B's face. "You're absolutely right. But you know whose fault that is? You and your treasure-obsessed father." John B pushed JJ out of his face. JJ laughed. "Oh, okay. That's where we're going?"

"That's where we're going," John B replied.

Isa rolled their eyes. "For fuck's sake."

JJ pushed John B. "Yeah, and it looks like we just went there too."

John B and JJ started pushing each other, not even really fighting, just acting like childhood brother-figures taking out their frustrations on each other.

"Come on," JJ urged.

"Come on, man!" John B replied.

JJ wrapped his arms around John B's head and put him down in a lock. "That's it! I've been waiting for this!"

Isa rolled her eyes, leaning forward against the van. "Are you two kidding me right now? How old are you?" She couldn't help but smirk slightly, shaking her head. "I can't take this seriously right now."

Isa was on the verge of hysterically chuckles, just relieved that when John B and JJ's tension did burst, it was like wrestling brothers instead of brutal fights or explosions like she had been worried about happening again.

John B managed to get free of JJ's lock and tackled him to the ground, both still wrestling.

"Get off me!" JJ complained.

This caused Isa to snort and start to laugh hysterically. She walked closer, breaking John B and JJ up, pulling them up from the ground. "Are you two fucking done now?"

"I'm glad you found this funny," John B replied.

"Not really, but..." Isa trailed off. "We're all dealing with our own shit in different ways."

JJ nodded, looking down, clearing his throat nervously. "Right."

"Besides, you two fight like we're ten years old again," Isa remarked.

John B and JJ shrugged in acknowledgement.

When they heard a siren chirp, JJ, John B and Isa looked up behind the van.

Shoupe and Deputy Plumb had pulled up to them while they had been distracted, getting out of the cars.

"Howdy, kids," Shoupe greeted.

JJ, John B and Isa looked at them nervously, knowing how bad this could be.

"'Sup, Shoupe?" John B asked.

Shoupe walked closer. "You kids okay?"

Isa nodded. "Yeah, we're, uh, you know, just, um... we're good."

Shoupe removed his tracker from the Twinkie, uncaring in showing it to the kids. "Tracker. Makes it a lot easier to keep an eye on you hoodlums."

JJ, John B and Isa were not happy at all, sighing.

Man: (on radio) "All units, evidence team is en route to the abandoned U-Haul. Over."

JJ, John B and Isa exchanged a look.

Shoupe spoke into his radio. "Copy that."

"Sounds like duty calls," Isa told him. "So we wouldn't want to hold you up."

John B ran a hand through his hair, pulling it back out of his face. 

JJ nodded. "Yeah, we'll get out of your hair."

The kids walked toward the van, hoping that they could get out of this.

Shoupe stepped in their way. "Hold on a minute. We just found a U-Haul full of drugs out near 158. Y'all wouldn't happen to be involved in that, would you?"

JJ, John B and Isa put on convincing acts of incredulity, offense and surprise.

JJ pointed at Shoupe. "You see that? That's profiling, guys."

John B nodded. "I know."

"Yeah, and it sucks," Isa added.

JJ pointed to Isa in agreement. "Yeah, and I really don't appreciate it."

"Like, just 'cause we're Pogues, you think we're drug dealers?" Isa asked. "No, no!"

"No, we're not that desperate now, Shoupe," JJ told him.

Shoupe nodded, looking at JJ and John B. "You've been too busy crashing parties and beating people up."

"Okay, Shoupe, there's an explanation--" John B started.

Shoupe cut him off while looking at John B and JJ. "I hate to break it to you, kids, but I've got a warrant."

Isa looked at John B and JJ worriedly. "What, a warrant?"

"Topper's pressing assault charges on John B, Elyna and Rafe," Shoupe answered. 

"For what?" John B asked. "He started it."

"He did start it," JJ agreed. "Topper was going to hurt Lia, Sarah and Wheezie. Rafe, Elyna and John B were only defending them, dude. Even Rafe, and you know how we stand against him."

"And Sarah's gonna get Topper to drop the charges," Isa added. "And Esme Veilleux is going to use her Interpol connections to help us if she has to once she gets back to town."

"Even if that's true, Mike and Anna are pressing trespassing charges on JJ and John B," Shoupe explained. "So I hope your pal Esme gets back soon."

Plumb walked up to them, helping Shoupe lead John B and JJ to the van.

Isa started to panic, unable to deal with the anxiety and stress knowing that her brother and surrogate brother were both about to be arrested on top of dealing with the fact that her father was abducted by Singh and could possibly end up dead very soon. "Hold on, please."

"Hands up against the van," Plumb ordered.

John B and JJ hated this, but did as told to not make it worse on themselves, all frustrated to no end.

Isa put her hands to her head, stepping closer. "Shoupe, you can't do this, please."

Shoupe held out a hand to stop Isa. "Stay back, or do you wanna be arrested too?"

"Isa, don't," John B warned, not wanting to get Kaylee into more trouble.

"Seriously, Isa," JJ agreed. "Stay back."

Shoupe and Plumb were patting the two boys down.

Isa shook her head worriedly, feeling utterly helpless. "This is bullshit. Do you know what Topper did to Sarah, what he was going to do to Lia and Wheezie? John B, Elyna and Rafe were only keeping them safe."

Isa had to remind herself that Shoupe willingly ignored when the Pogues needed help, shaking her head in anger.

"No, but I know what these boys did," Shoupe replied, taking John B's hands, handcuffing them behind his back. "They crahed Mike and Anna's party. John B knocked out Topper in front of the whole town. Elyna helped humiliate him for everyone to see. And Topper might be a douche, but you know better than that."

As Shoupe and Plumb pulled John B and JJ away from the van and led them toward their police cars, Isa's panic and desperation rose to an all time high.

Isa followed quickly. "Shoupe! Come on, if you knew, or fucking believed, the things we do, you'd do the same."

"Shoupe, we get it, okay?" John B asked. "But we can't be locked up right now."

"Well, you should've thought of that beforehand," Shoupe replied.

As Shoupe and Plumb led John B and JJ to the police cars, Isa felt her world crumbling around her. Her breath came in short, ragged gasps as the reality of the situation hit her like a tidal wave.

With John B and JJ arrested, their chances of rescuing Big John plummeted to nearly zero.

"No, no, no," Isa muttered, her voice rising in pitch and volume as panic took hold. "You don't understand! Our dad is in danger! We need to save him!"

Her words fell on deaf ears as the officers continued processing John B and JJ. Isa's vision began to tunnel, the edges of her sight going dark as her heart raced wildly in her chest. She stumbled, catching herself against the Twinkie as her legs threatened to give out.

"Isa, breathe!" John B called worriedly, his heart aching at watching his sister crumble like this. "We're gonna fix this. I promise, okay?"

JJ's heart clenched at seeing Isa in such a way as he was forced toward Plumb's car. "Hey, Isa, we're gonna fix it. We're gonna get down to South America and save your dad."

As John B and JJ were forced into the back seats of Shoupe and Plumb's cars, the doors closing with finality that made Isa flinch and tears stream down her cheeks, Shoupe looked toward her with a rare concern as he walked toward his radio.

"Plumb, go check on her," Shoupe told her. "We can't leave her like that. I've got to radio back."

Plumb huffed in annoyance but complied as she walked toward Isa. "What's wrong with you?"

Isa could barely breathe, unable to truly answer, curled in on herself as she struggled to pull herself together from her panic attack.

The last thing anyone should do when Isa was having a panic attack was touch her before she was ready, especially when she was close to snapping from all of the trauma she had endured - especially in a moment like this.

Plumb - who was a heartless police officer who tormented the Pogues and stood with Ward on all fronts who had been paid off to nearly kill Isa and John B in prison when they had been framed for murder and one who tormented Kaylee and JJ with the thought that they would end up in jail because that was who they were - was the worst one to 'comfort' Isa during a panic attack.

Plumb harshly grabbed Isa, shaking her violently as if that could snap her out of it. "I'm talking to you."

The violence in Plumb's demeanor with Isa's fragile state only caused her to lash out.

Isa's instincts kicked in. She shoved Plumb away, instinctively pushing her hands against the officer's shoulders and creating space between them, her voice breaking through the haze of panic. "Don't touch me!"

Plumb stumbled back, surprised by the force of Isa's push. She quickly grabbed Isa's arms in retaliation and yanked her forward, turning her around and shoving her face first against the van, scowling. "You need to calm down."

John B and JJ both watched helplessly from the back of the police cars.

"Hey, get your hands off my sister!" John B shouted. "Shoupe, get your dog off of her!"

Shoupe turned his head toward Isa and Plumb, walking toward them quickly. "What the hell?"

Isa's breath still came in short gasps as she fought to rein in her spiraling emotions. "Get her off of me, Shoupe. My dad is in danger, and you think I'm just going to stand here while you take my brother and friend away? I'm having a panic attack and she attacks me? What is wrong with you?"

Plumb looked at Shoupe. "No, I tried to snap her out of it and she assaulted me."

Shoupe gave Isa a disappointed look. "Is that true?"

"No!" Isa answered in a cry. "They're going to kill my dad. Please, just--"

Plumb rolled her eyes. "Screaming and shaking won't change anything, sweetheart. Nobody believes your sob story."

Shoupe crossed his arms, visibly irritated. "And now you've gone and assaulted a police officer. What do you expect me to do? I can't let you walk away now, Isa."

Isa's vision blurred with tears as she tried to suppress the wave of emotions crashing over her as she realized that she, too, would be arrested now, feeling utterly helpless. A part of her wanted to shout at them, to tell them everything that had happened, the kidnapping, the bodies, their father's obsession with El Dorado.

But the other part knew that they would never believe her. They would blame it on a 'sob story' that she would be trying to use to escape going to jail and to get John B and JJ out of going to jail.

Isa felt utterly defeated, her panic attack taking complete hold as she felt Plumb roughly attaching her handcuffs around her wrists.

Isa felt the cold metal of the handcuffs bite into her wrists as Plumb secured them, tightening the clasps with an almost sadistic glee. She bit back tears, fighting the urge to scream. The weight of everything was crashing down on her - fear for her father, helplessness about her brother and JJ being taken away, and now this.

"You don't have to do this!" John B shouted from the backseat of Shoupe's cruiser, his voice laced with desperation. "You know she's not dangerous! We're just trying to save our dad!"

Shoupe shot John B a sharp look but didn't respond. Instead, he turned his attention back to Isa, who was struggling against Plumb's hold. "Listen, Isa. I know things are tough right now. But attacking officers isn't going to help your situation."

"It wasn't an attack!" Isa protested, her voice rising in pitch as panic clawed at her throat.

"Look, you need to calm down," Shoupe said, his tone firm but his expression softening slightly. "You need to think clearly about what's happening here."

Isa took a deep breath, trying to compose herself despite the overwhelming emotions swirling inside her. She glanced at John B and JJ, who were watching with concern etched on their faces. They were in this mess together, and it only fueled her determination.

"You don't understand," Isa said, her voice steadier now but still shaky. "Our dad is in danger. We need to get to South America before it's too late!"

Plumb rolled her eyes, clearly uninterested. "And how exactly do you plan on doing that while you're handcuffed?"

Shoupe glanced around. "If your dad is in danger, then you should be telling us everything you know, and not acting like some wild animal."

"She wasn't, and you know it," JJ retorted from the backseat next to John B, anger rushing through him in defense for Isa, protective. "But if you wanted to see a wild animal, I can show you one."

Plumb hauled Isa toward her car, and Isa knew it was useless to struggle against her. As Plumb forced Isa into the back of her car, her panic attack didn't fade, flinching as Plumb slammed the door behind her.

Isa looked out of her window toward John B and JJ in the other car, all three of them with wide, worried eyes, John B's eyes glistening in worry for his sister and father, while Isa's eyes were still streaming with tears from her anxiety attack while she was isolated - completely alone in Plumb's car.

Isa's heart raced as she took in the reality of her situation. She was trapped in the back of a police car while her brother and JJ were detained in the other, all while their father was missing and potentially in grave danger. The sound of Shoupe's voice faded into background noise as panic closed in around her.

She needed to focus. Isa closed her eyes, taking deep breaths to regulate her wildly beating heart. She visualized the beach, the waves lapping at the shore, the endless space where she could run free - not here, not now.

But how could she help? What could she do from this confined space? They had to find a way to save Big John, and fast.

Isa opened her eyes, determination igniting within her. She turned to look at Plumb, who was seated at the front of the car, glaring at Isa through the mirror with a smug expression.

Plumb smirked. "Congratulations, you just went from victim to suspect. Hope you're proud of yourself."

Isa swallowed hard, feeling a surge of anger mixed with panic. "I didn't do anything wrong. You don't understand what's happening!"

Plumb snorted derisively as she started the engine. "Save it for your lawyer. You can explain how you were 'just trying to save your dad' when you're sitting in jail."

The words stung more than any physical blow could have. Isa turned away from Plumb, fighting against the tide of despair that threatened to swallow her whole.

Isa, John B and JJ knew that it wouldn't work well for them if they attempted to explain more to Shoupe about Big John's predicament. Shoupe wouldn't be able to help them as South America was well outside of his jurisdiction anyway, if he would even believe them, which he clearly didn't.

All they could now was wait for the return of the others on the plane heist - most specifically Esme, and the pull she had from being an Interpol agent, to get them out of jail, hopefully by that night.

⚓️

Esme's Cabin

While Lia and Kie were waiting for their signal once again at the computer and radio, holding Indy who kept them calm, Sarah joined them once again.

Sarah looked at Lia in concern. "Dad really tried to turn Rafe against you again?"

"Just to prove that he could still control us, and it failed," Lia answered.

"Yeah, but he made both of you snap," Sarah pointed out. "You stabbed him, Lia. And Rafe almost shot him."

"To protect me," Lia pointed out. "And I talked him down. We're both fine. Dad just wanted to lure us back into his tyranny."

Sarah shook her head vehemently. "We cannot let that happen. The three of us, Wheezie, we came too far to let Dad take control of our lives again."

"Damn straight," Kie agreed. "There's no way in hell Isa, John B and I are going to let Ward pull you guys back into his mess. You have the rest of the Pogues helping you out with that too. Don't forget."

Lia and Sarah smiled at Kie gratefully.

"But Dad did say that we'll have access to his plane, and that he won't be there in the morning when we do," Lia pointed out. "His pilot will have everything ready."

Kie looked at Sarah and Lia in concern. "Yeah, but can you trust that after what Ward pulled this morning?"

"Not entirely," Sarah answered. "That's why John B, Isa and JJ are still going through with looking for their Plan B to find another plane to South America to save Big John, right?"

"Right," Lia answered, sharing a concerned look with Kie.

"What?" Sarah asked.

"We haven't heard from Isa in an hour," Kie answered, worried. "We were supposed to keep contact in case something happened."

Sarah knew that Lia and Kie were worried about their other lover, taking them both by their hands. "Hey, I'm sure she's okay. They're all okay."

Lia took a deep breath, nodding. "Okay, and you went to see Topper, even when Rafe, Wheezie and I told you not to go see him alone."

Lia shot Sarah a look.

Sarah nodded sheepishly. "I knew that you guys were busy with Dad and your mission with the heist, and I couldn't get in the way of that. I thought I could handle Topper alone."

"Any luck?" Kie asked.

"Not yet," Sarah answered. "I didn't have enough time to talk to him alone because his mother cut us off, but he's definitely determined to place charges on John B, Elyna and Rafe for 'assaulting him' in defense of me, Lia and Wheezie."

Lia rolled her eyes. "Of course he is, the psycho."

Sarah swallowed. "I just have to talk to him again, hope there's some way I can get through to him. Or at least use his feelings for me as an advantage to get him to drop the charges."

Lia and Kie frowned in concern.

"You're not thinking of giving that pervert what he wants, are you?" Kie asked.

"No, no," Sarah answered quickly. "Just... saying that I will so he won't press the charges."

Lia smirked slightly. "And since he's wrapped around your little finger, he'll fold like the pussy he is, and then you can ghost him. I like this plan. I'm proud of you, Sarah."

Sarah couldn't help a hysterical chuckle. "Well, I'm glad you like it, because I feel kind of bad about it."

Kie shook her head. "Don't. After what Topper pulled at the party, getting Kelce to call the cops on Kaylee and nearly getting her arrested... and then almost hurting you, Lia and Wheezie and starting the fights with Elyna, John B and Rafe all because they were defending you... he deserves it. And you're doing it to so that we can save Isa and John B."

"And to make amends for breaking John B's trust," Lia added. "You're more than making up for cheating on him with Topper if you do this, Sarah. I'm sure once you do this, you two are back together in no time."

Sarah's heart swelled with hope. "I don't know if I deserve that, but I hope so. I still love John B. I still want to be with him."

"You're proving that with everything you're doing today," Kie assured. "John B will see that. I promise you."

Indy crawled across Lia's lap to rest on Sarah's, hoping to cheer Sarah up as the kitten mewled and meowed at her.

Sarah smiled down at Indy, feeling comforted by the soft purring of the kitten against her.

Lia smiled at Indy, feeling a sense of warmth swell in her chest. "Looks like she's got your back too, Sarah."

Sarah chuckled softly, petting the kitten gently. "Thanks, Indy." She gently scratched behind the little one's ears. "I needed that."

The momentary calm amidst the chaos buoyed her spirits.

"Now if you can handle Topper's charges, we just need to make sure that we can handle my parents' trespassing charges against John B and JJ," Kie pointed out in concern.

Lia and Sarah nodded in agreement.

Just then, they heard the door to the cabin open from behind them.

Sarah, Lia and Kie turned to see Mike and Anna walking into the cabin.

Indy, still in Sarah's arms, bristled at the sight of unknown people, and hissed at the intruders menacingly.

Sarah held Indy close to her chest. "Shh, shh, it's okay."

Kie stood quickly, confused and alarmed. "Mom? Dad? What are you doing here?"

"We came to tell you there's no chance in hell that we're taking our charges off of John B and JJ," Mike answered. "They trespassed onto our party, and they deserve to be in jail. And so does Isa after what Sheriff Shoupe told us."

Lia, Kie and Sarah exchanged a confused and worried look.

"What are you talking about?" Lia asked.

Anna stepped forward. "Apparently, while Shoupe and Deputy Plumb were trying to arrest John B and JJ, Isa broke down into a panic attack. And Plumb harshly tried to snap her out of it."

"You mean Plumb, the violent one that torments the Pogues each time she gets?" Lia pressed. "The one we're pretty sure took bribe money from my father to try and kill Isa and John B when they were in jail, framed for a murder they didn't commit?"

"We're not here to talk about your crazy conspiracy theories, Lia," Mike retorted.

Lia and Kie shot Mike a look.

"Dad, if Plumb 'harshly' tried to snap Isa out of a panic attack, then that would've made her lash out, but that does not mean she was dangerous," Kie told him, desperate for her parents to understand.

"Not according to Plumb," Mike retorted. "She said that Isa acted as a wild animal and attacked her."

Lia, Kie and Sarah didn't believe this lie for a moment, shaking their heads worriedly.

"No," Sarah denied. "Isa wouldn't do that."

"Well, she did," Anna replied. "And Isa, John B and JJ are heading to the station as we speak."

Lia scoffed softly. "I hope you two are happy. Getting them arrested."

Mike shook his head vehemently. "They brought this on themselves. John B and JJ crashed our party when they knew they were not welcome."

"I'm sorry if they thought they were welcome because they're our friends and loved ones," Kie replied. "You didn't seem to mind when Isa, Lia, Sarah and Wheezie were there. But as soon as the boys show up, you wanna pull this shit?"

"After what happened at the party last night because of all of you, hell yeah," Mike retorted.

Sarah gave them a look. "That was not because of the Pogues. You have no idea what Topper did to us. John B, Rafe and Elyna were defending me and my sisters after Topper tried to hurt me, and Lia and Wheezie. You cannot blame that on Kaylee and Kie as your daughters, or on Elyna as your niece. Or the Pogues."

Mike barely acknowledged Sarah's words, as if he didn't believe them or care. "Yeah, and what about the cops showing up to try and take Kaylee away? She's always been a source of destruction in our family and for everyone surrounding her."

"That wasn't Kaylee's fault," Lia insisted. "That was Topper and Kelce trying to get revenge because she stood up to them at Rafe's party earlier in the day. They were just trying to create drama."

"You can't blame Kaylee for absolutely everything anymore," Kie declared. "I won't have it and neither will anyone else."

Lia shook her head. "And we can't do this right now. Wheezie, Rafe, Kaylee, Elyna, Gael and Esme are on the plane heist right now, and they need us to focus on the computer and the radio channels in case something comes up."

Reaching his limit, Mike slammed down two fliers in front of them. "You'll make time for this, Kiara. You want to know what you and Kaylee will be doing? It's no longer hypothetical after last night, believe me."

Kie picked up the flier for Asheville Academy. "A therapeutic boarding school for troubled girls? are you kidding me?"

"That's for you," Mike answered, holding up the other flier. "This one is for Kaylee when she gets back from her little mission with Elyna, Gael and Esme and the others."

"It's a wilderness retreat like we've been talking about," Anna explained.

Kie looked at them in disbelief and pain. "I thought we were past this."

"Kiara, you'll do so well in boarding school," Anna told her. "Where you can learn and thrive and make new friends. They'll help you recover and heal from everything that you two may or may not have gone through."

Kie shook her head worriedly.

Lia scoffed at the words, knowing that it meant that even if Mike and Anna believed some of the things they were told, they still didn't believe everything.

"And the wilderness camp is what she's been doing," Anna went on. "It's not having to sit at a desk every day. All wilderness activity stuff. She's been living in the woods in the treehouse and so much more. It just has structure and safety to it."

Lia nodded sarcastically. "And it also has people that come kidnap your children forcefully and drug them against their will and turn them into shells of themselves just like my father used to do to me to keep me under his control. It turned me into a fucking zombified version of myself, and that's exactly what you want to do to Kaylee. Wilderness therapy is just another word for a prison and punishment. They keep kids there against their will and loop them up on medicine and try and change the kids into perfect little dolls that their parents want them to be. You two are no better than my father at this rate."

Mike's face twisted in anger as he glared at Lia. "This isn't about your father, Lia! This is about helping my daughters! You can't see that because you're too busy defending their chaos!"

"Chaos? You think Kaylee and Kie are chaos?" Lia shot back, her voice rising. "They're fighting for their lives! Against people like Topper and the Laurents and your own family, who'd rather tear them down than understand them!"

Anna stepped forward, her voice shaky yet firm. "We're trying to protect our family, not hurt them. You all act like we don't care, but we do! We're just trying to steer them in a better direction."

"You call this better?" Kie demanded, her voice trembling with emotion as she held the flier in her hands like it was a weight threatening to crush her. "You want to lock us away! After everything we've been through? We need support, not punishment!"

Lia stepped in front of Kie, protecting her lover as they both felt the crushing weight of their third girlfriend torn away from them while she was sent to jail because of Mike and Anna's actions against John B and JJ.

Mike's face hardened, disbelief flickering in his eyes. "You think this is punishment? This is about getting you both the help you need! We can't keep living like this."

"Living like what?" Kie snapped, her voice trembling with anger and hurt. "Like we're some burden you want to cast aside? Like we're broken dolls that need fixing? This isn't about us needing help - this is you trying to control us!"

Anna stepped forward, desperation creeping into her voice. "Kiara, please! We're just trying to make things better. You both have been through so much; we want to ensure you're safe."

"Safe from what?" Kie replied. "From having friends who care about us? From standing up for ourselves?" Her voice cracked, emotions bubbling over as tears threatened to spill down her cheeks. "We don't need another layer of control. We need understanding and trust! If you understood, if you cared about anything that we needed, then you wouldn't have sent John B and JJ to jail, and you would care that Isa was sent with them because of a panic attack. You would care that the girl that Lia and I both love is going through hell once again, and that Isa and John B need to get out of jail so that we can go save their father from the same man who kidnapped and nearly killed Kaylee in Barbados. But you don't care or believe any of that, do you?"

Sarah looked at Lia and Kie sadly before looking at Mike and Anna. "You already said that you weren't taking the charges away from John B and JJ and you weren't going to help Isa. If you truly cared about what Kie and Kaylee want, you would help them. Not put them in jail when your daughters need you the most. When Isa and John B need to save their father."

Mike and Anna exchanged a glance, the tension between them palpable as Sarah's words hit home.

But Mike's stubbornness flared up again, pushing back against the rising tide of guilt. "Lia, Sarah, you don't understand. This isn't just about Kaylee and Kie. It's about keeping our family safe. Keeping them from making reckless choices that could lead to more chaos."

"Safe?" Sarah echoed incredulously, shaking her head. "You think sending them away is going to keep them safe? It's not."

Lia stepped closer. "You're pushing them further away! They need us, not a prison! They need their friends, their loved ones."

Kie stepped forward, her voice quivering with emotion. "You think you're helping us by controlling our lives? By deciding what's best for us without even asking? That's not love, Dad. That's fear."

The room fell silent, the weight of Kie's words hanging heavy in the air.

Lia and Sarah stood beside her, solidarity radiating between the three girls.

Before they could fight more, Pope knocked on the open door to the cabin, causing Lia, Sarah and Kie to look at him in relief for the interruption. "Hi, Mr. and Mrs. Carrera."

"I'm gonna get that," Kie told them, walking outside immediately.

"Kiara," Mike warned. "Come back."

Lia and Sarah quickly followed with Indy, walking outside.

⚓️

Outside

Lia, Sarah and Kie joined Pope and Cleo outside the cabin.

"Thank you two for the save," Kie told them. "My parents are on a literal warpath."

"This'll only take a second," Pope assured.

"Feel free to take more," Lia replied.

Cleo frowned in confusion and concern. "What happened in there?"

"Kaylee and Kie's parents have lost it and had John B an JJ arrested," Sarah answered. "Isa had a panic attack and when Plumb 'harshly snapped her out of it', she lashed out, and she got arrested with them."

Pope and Cleo looked at them worriedly.

"What?" Pope asked.

"Yeah," Kie answered.

Lia shook her head, trying to reassure herself and them. "Guys. It's okay, guys. Sarah will talk to Topper and get him to drop the charges against John B."

"That still leaves our parents' trespassing charges against John B and JJ," Kie pointed out. "And Isa supposedly assaulted a police officer, which I don't buy for a second, but..."

"We'll figure that out when Esme gets back," Lia assured. "She'll have something up her sleeve, I'm sure of it."

"I hope so, guys, because we have to figure out something, or Isa and John B's dad's gonna die," Cleo pointed out.

Kie shook her head. "It won't come to that. What do you y'all need?"

"Before Kaylee left with the others for the plane heist, did she leave her phone with you guys?" Pope asked.

"Yeah, obviously," Kie answered. "She didn't want it to get broken in the mission. Why?"

"I need to see if she still has that picture she took at Singh's," Pope answered.

"The one of the painting," Cleo clarified.

Kie took out Kaylee's phone, holding it out.

Pope instantly took Kaylee's phone, darting off to the side. "Thank you!"

Sarah frowned. "Dude. That was rude."

Lia nodded, somewhat amused.

⚓️

Inside

Anna was sitting down.

Mike was pacing. "You know Kaylee's totally lost it, right? And she's making Kie lose it."

"We continue to push Kaylee away, and we'll lose Kie too," Anna pointed out. "Both of them, entirely. It's like Elyna, Gael and Esme were saying, we have to find a balance."

Mike shook his head. "I don't care what Elyna, Gael and Esme said. This needs to be dealt with."

⚓️

Outside

Kie, Lia, Sarah, Pope and Cleo walked a bit away from the Wreck.

"What are you even looking for?" Sarah asked.

"Something Cleo found, actually," Pope answered. They sat down at a table. Mike was listening to them from the cabin's door. Pope took out the letter. "Here it is. It's a letter Denmark Tanny wrote to his daughter."

Pope handed the letter over to Lia, Sarah and Kie for them to read.

Cleo grinned. "We found it last night. Family heirlooms and thingums."

Lia eagerly read the letter.

"We think we found a connection to the idol," Pope explained. "Look, check this out. See the king sun glyph here?"

"Yeah," Kie answered.

Pope showed them the picture on Kaylee's phone. "It matches the one in the painting at Singh's house."

"Couldn't that mean it's pretty common?" Kie asked.

Lia realized what Pope and Cleo actually found, stunned, in awe. "No. These glyphs are Kalinago, which has never been deciphered."

Pope pointed to Lia in agreement. "Exactly."

"Never?" Sarah asked.

"Never," Pope answered.

"Never ever," Cleo answered. "That's why Isa, John B and their dad had trouble finding someone who knew how to read it."

"Some people believe that the captain of the San Jose actually found somebody who knew how to translate these glyphs because he found El Dorado," Pope explained.

Inside, Mike was still listening, looking back at Anna. "El Dorado."

Lia realized, her head spinning with the realization, excited. "The priest that talked to Denmark Tanny, that was on the Royal Merchant."

"Exactly," Pope answered. "Every glyph that is in this letter is in the artifact. This isn't just a random Rosetta stone for Kalinago. This is a direct translation key for the idol."

"And we can use this to save Big John," Cleo added.

Sarah, Kie and Lia smiled in awe and relief.

"Guys, we have to get this to Isa and John B," Pope told them. "I mean, once we get them and JJ out of jail, somehow. You're sure that your parents won't listen to you if you told them what's going on?"

"We already have, and they still think that we're fucking crazy," Kie answered. "They're not gonna help. They're just gonna let them rot while their dad dies. You guys go."

"Kie and I have to go back inside and focus on the radar and radio," Lia agreed. "Go, go."

The others nodded in agreement, as Sarah handed Indy to Lia.

Sarah, Pope and Cleo ran off.

Lia and Kie walked inside.

⚓️

Inside

Lia and Kie walked past them toward the computer to focus on the mission.

"If you two are done, we need to focus more on the mission rather than what you think your daughters need," Lia told them.

"Please just leave," Kie told them, trying not to be emotional. "We need to focus, and I can't do that with you hanging over my shoulder threatening to send me and Kaylee away to boarding school and a wilderness cuckoo prison camp like we're broken toys meant to be fixed for your control."

Before Mike could argue, Lia gave him a look. "If we miss a signal, then anyone we care about on that heist, including your daughter, brother, niece and sister-in-law, and my sister and brother, could die, so please leave."

Mike opened his mouth to protest.

Anna placed a hand on his arm, silencing him. "We should listen to them, Mike. They're right. This is about more than us. We can't let our issues interfere with that."

Kie glanced at her mother, surprised at the support. It was a step in the right direction, but it didn't erase the hurt from earlier. Still, she felt a flicker of hope.

"Just... just give us space," Kie repeated firmly, her voice steady. "Please."

Mike hesitated, exchanging a look with Anna that was filled with conflict. He didn't want to leave. But seeing Kie's determined face, and sensing Anna's unease beside him, he sighed heavily.

"Okay," Mike finally relented. "But this conversation isn't over. As soon as Kaylee is back, we're finishing this."

Kie looked at them nervously as Mike and Anna turned around and exited the cabin, her composure cracking slightly.

Lia took Kie by the hands, leaning closer to kiss her on the head, holding her comfortingly. "Shh. It's okay. We're not gonna let them send you two away."

"What if they do?" Kie whispered in fear.

"Then you know Isa and I will do everything in our power to get you back," Lia answered fiercely. "No exceptions. Because we love you, and we can't do this without you."

Kie's eyes glistened with unshed tears, a mixture of fear and gratitude swirling within her. "I don't want to be taken away from you or Isa, Lia. Not after everything we've fought through together."

Lia's grip tightened reassuringly. "You won't be. We're a team, remember? Nothing can tear us apart as long as we stick together."

Kie nodded, sniffling. "You're right. The three of us have faced worse than this."

"Damn straight," Lia agreed.

Kie nodded, feeling the warmth of Lia's reassurance wrap around her like a protective shield. "I just - I can't help but worry. This whole situation feels like it's spiraling out of control."

Lia gently squeezed Kie's hands. "We're not alone in this. We have each other, and the rest of the Pogues. We just need to stay focused on the heist and everything that comes after it. We'll figure out together."

Kie took a deep breath, drawing strength from Lia's unwavering support. "You're right. We need to concentrate on the mission and getting Isa, John B and JJ back. They're counting on us."

The tension within the cabin hung like a low fog, but Kie and Lia both steeled themselves for what lay ahead. As they settled in front of the computer screens, Lia's fingers flew over the keyboard, accessing data feeds related to their mission while Kie monitored the radio channels for any updates.

⚓️

Outside

As Mike and Anna walked away from the cabin and toward Mike's truck, Mike glanced at Anna, his frustration boiling higher than ever.

"I want you to call Asheville Academy," Mike told her. "We're taking Kiara to that boarding school tomorrow."

Anna swallowed, looking down. "And Kitty Hawk? The wilderness camp?"

"I'm calling them tonight," Mike answered. "I'm having them come for Kaylee tomorrow, too."

Anna winced as she looked down, a flash of guilt passing over her face as she thought about how Kaylee and Kie would react after the way the girls described places such as these - where these men kidnapped and forced girls like Kaylee against their will and put them onto medications they didn't want to take and turned them into shells of themselves.

Knowing the betrayal that Kaylee and Kie would feel, it was almost too much to bare.

Mike noticed the hesitance on Anna's expression. "Anna, you know this is the right thing to do."

Anna sighed, her heart heavy as she considered their daughters' pain. "I just... I don't want to hurt them more, Mike. They've been through so much already. They need us now more than ever."

Mike shook his head, frustration etching lines on his face. "They need structure, Anna. We can't let them spiral further into this chaos. It's not just about what they want; it's about what's best for them."

Anna frowned, her voice trembling slightly. "But taking them away from everything and everyone they love - how is that really 'what's best'? It feels like we're just abandoning them when they need us to be their support, not their jailers."

Mike's expression hardened. "It's not abandonment if it's for their own good! They don't understand the consequences of their actions. Kicking John B and JJ out of our lives is just the start. Even Isa - even if Kie thinks that she loves Isa and Lia, they are the chaos in her life that drags her further down, just like Kaylee. Separating Kiara from Kaylee, from Isa, from Lia, from Elyna, from the other Pogues, it'll be better for her. We need to make it clear that this behavior isn't acceptable."

Anna paused, staring into the distance. "Kaylee and Kie just got Elyna back in their lives. Their cousin. And now we're just ripping them all apart again."

"Elyna, along with Gael and Esme, are just another source of chaos," Mike told her. "It'll be better for everyone when Kaylee and Kie are far away from here, and separated from each other. At least then Kaylee's not going to be poisoning Kiara anymore."

Anna swallowed, remembering all the times that both she and Mike had blamed Kaylee for 'poisoning' Kie and turning her into a life of chaos with the Pogues, but it felt wrong now after everything she learned and seen. Yet, Mike's words slithered into her mind and made her think that maybe he was right and this was the best they could do for their daughters. She didn't know what else to do.

⚓️

Sheriff's Station - Outside

Topper and his mother were waiting outside.

"We're looking at 15 minutes late," Thornton told him.

"She'll be here," Topper told her. "I trust she'll be here."

"It's too bad she's unreliable," Thornton replied.

Sarah walked up to them. "Hey."

Topper smiled. "See? See, Mom? I'm not an idiot." He walked toward Sarah. "There she is. How are you?"

"Good," Sarah answered.

"Good to see you," Topper told her, giving her a hug. "So, um, I don't know if you heard, but they got them. They're in the station right now."

Sarah nodded knowingly, though she made it sound like a question. "They're in there?"

"Yeah, John B, JJ, Isa," Topper answered. "Anna and Mike's charges on the boys got them arrested. Apparently Isa had a freak out and assaulted Deputy Plumb. I'm still pressing on John B, Rafe and Elyna, and it'll be a relief when Shoupe finds Rafe and Elyna." He gave Sarah a skeptical, cold look, testing which side she really was on. "Right?"

Once again, Sarah was nervous by the stare, brushing her hair back out of her face. "Can we talk?"

"Yeah, yeah," Topper answered. "What--what's up?"

Sarah hesitated when she saw Thornton watching them like a hawk. "Walk with me."

Topper nodded, glancing back. "Mom, just give us a sec."

"Topper, we're late," Thornton reminded him. Topper led Sarah aside to talk to her alone. "Oh, of course."

Topper sighed. "All right. So come on, Sarah. It's not like I can't guess what you're gonna say right now. Are you on my side or theirs?"

Sarah stepped closer, resting her clasped hands on his chest. "I'm gonna say something really crazy." She took his hand in hers. "And I just need for you to hear me out, please. Isa and John B's dad, Big John, is in South America right now. And he's in a lot of trouble, and Isa and John B need to go help him, but they can't do that if they're arrested."

Topper nodded sarcastically, in disbelief. "If they're arrested. Oh, so it is that."

Sarah shook her head. "No, Topper."

"You want me to not press charges," Topper said.

Sarah reached up to cup his face. "No, that's not what I'm saying."

"Just tell me," Topper told her.

Sarah lowered her hands. "I'm saying, just wait a day. And then after a day, you can do whatever you want because Isa and John B are gonna be off the island. Do you see what I'm saying? Like, maybe forever. And honestly, same with Elyna and her family. They came to help Kaylee and Kie with a mission to stop Tod's parents from flooding the entire island in revenge for Tod's death, so once they succeed, Elyna and her parents Gael and Esme could leave forever, too. We don't know. And then I don't know if Rafe's staying. He could be gone." 

Topper looked down, chuckling lightly. "Forever. I get it." He walked past Sarah, sitting down on a nearby bench, facing her. "Okay, so if I just wait a day..." Sarah turned to face him. "John B and the others will be gone. Yeah?"

Sarah nodded, stepping closer, sitting next to him. "Yes."

Topper considered this, nodding. "And what? You'll go with him? Them?"

Sarah shook her head, saying whatever she had to. "I'll stay here."

"You promise me that?" Topper asked.

Sarah nodded, displaying no guilt and no sign that she was lying. "Promise."

Topper pressed his lips together, nodding, looking down intensely. "All right." He looked up at her. "All right, I trust you." Sarah nodded. "I'll give you a day. But just because John B won't have to worry about my charges, doesn't mean that he, Isa and JJ are free to go."

"I know," Sarah agreed. "We'll figure out the rest. Just... either way..."

"You had to get me to agree to let him out in the end," Topper finished, not happy, but willing to do this if it meant that he had a shot with Sarah.

"Thank you," Sarah told him, standing, turning to face him. "I'll hit you up tonight."

Topper nodded.

Sarah put a hand on his shoulder. "Okay."

Sarah turned to go.

Topper caught her hand. "Hey, uh..." He pulled Sarah closer, looking her in the eye. "I love you."

Sarah became overwhelmed, breathing shakily, but didn't answer, turning around, walking away.

Topper closed his eyes, standing, walking toward his mother.

"Topper, where is Sarah?" Thornton asked.

"Just get in the car, Mom," Topper told her.

"They're waiting for us inside!" Thornton snapped.

Topper opened the passenger seat door, getting in. "Let's go."

Thornton scoffed, walking to the driver's seat. "Oh, I should've seen this coming." She got into the car. "You are just like your father. So weak." She slammed the door, starting the car, driving away. "We worked very hard for our reputation!"

⚓️

Paris, France

Rafe's Private Jet

As Rafe was forced into the cockpit of his jet by a guard, held at gunpoint to force him to fly the plane to Paris, Kaylee, Wheezie, Elyna and Esme were in the back of the jet, sitting in the four luxurious red leather seats, guarded by Cian and three of his guards.

Cian paced in front of the four women, his scarred face twisted into a cruel smirk as his eyes locked onto Kaylee, never leaving her as a predatory grin spread across his scarred face. The burns that marred half his visage were a constant reminder of their last encounter, the skin pulled taut and shiny in places, mottled and discolored in others. He seemed determined to make her pay for every inch of damaged flesh and the death of his son at her hands.

"Well, well, firestarter," Cian drawled, his Irish lilt more pronounced with his barely contained rage. "Not so brave now, are you? No flames to save you this time. From Tod, from the bounty hunter Genevieve and I sent for you, or from me."

Kaylee clenched her jaw, refusing to look away from his grotesque visage. The scars pulled at his features, giving him an almost demonic appearance in the dim lighting of the jet.

Cian leaned in close, forcing Kaylee to look directly at the worst of his scars. "How do you like my new look? Your handiwork, isn't it? You've left quite a trail of bodies in your wake looking just like me, haven't you?"

Kaylee tried to lean away, but one of the guards grabbed her shoulder, holding her in place. She glared defiantly at Cian, refusing to show fear despite the hammering of her heart.

Cian's smile widened, a twisted satisfaction gleaming in his eyes. "You know, Genevieve and I had plans for you, Kaylee. For all of you. We were going to use Leviathan to flood Kildare Island, just to kill you and everyone you love. But now? Now, I have a better idea. I'm going to make you witness how I take back what's mine." He stepped back, gesturing grandly toward the crate filled with gold behind him. "This will fund Leviathan's next move, still, and nothing would please me more than to have you at my mercy, making you watch as it all unfolds. I'll still use this to kill everyone you love and watch you squirm as it kills them all. In the meantime, I'll have you as my little toy to vent all of the damage that you did onto my son, and onto me."

Kaylee glared at him despite the terror that tore through her at the words. "I'm not afraid of you, Cian."

Cian's grin faltered for a moment before he regained his composure, the anger twisting into something darker. "Ah, but fear isn't the only thing that drives people. Pain does, too, and I have plenty to share."

Esme shifted in her seat, eyes narrowing at Cian. "You won't get away with this. Interpol is already on your trail."

Cian chuckled darkly, his gaze flicking toward the cockpit where Rafe was held captive. "Interpol can't save you now. They'll be too busy chasing ghosts while I leverage this gold into power. And by the time they catch up to us..." He paused for effect, letting the tension hang thick in the air. "There won't be anything left for them to save."

As Cian spoke, the jet lurched slightly, and the noise of the engines shifted. Kaylee exchanged a worried glance with Wheezie and Elyna, both of whom were visibly tense, their hands clenched tightly in their laps.

Esme scoffed. "You think you can just take us and fly off? You underestimate us."

Cian laughed dismissively. "You're all cute in your little rebellion act. But let's be clear: right now, you're just bait. And we'll reach Paris before anyone knows what hit them."

Elyna leaned forward, her voice low but fierce. "I bet that's what Tod said before Kaylee took him down."

Kaylee smirked slightly, proudly at her cousin's words.

Cian's face twisted with anger as he regarded Elyna with a hint of annoyance, masking it with a fake smile. "So feisty. Just like your cousin, Elyna. It makes the game all the more exciting."

Cian turned back to Rafe in the cockpit, who was visibly focused on keeping his composure despite the threat looming over them.

Rafe glanced at the screen, where it showed the camera's visuals of the jet, and the stealth mods that were covering it which kept them undetectable to Interpol.

Glancing back for a brief moment, Rafe hit a button on the screen, which caused the jet's PA system to beep as a signal to the girls in the back.

Wheezie looked up, glancing toward Rafe in the cockpit, as the two siblings had come up with this backup plan just in case. She looked at Kaylee, Elyna and Esme. "You strapped in tight?"

The women buckled themselves in tightly.

"Now we are," Kaylee answered.

Wheezie couldn't help a small smirk. "Good."

Making sure the girls were buckled in, Rafe started to tilt the jet to the right violently, making Cian and his men all crash into the right wall, while he and the girls were protected by their belts.

With the turbulence and the back and forth flying, the stealth mods started to shake violently, making sure a few of them were torn off and flying away through the air on the first try.

Rafe smirked as he put the jet upright.

Cian stood, raising his gun, yelling. "What the hell was that?!"

The guard in the cockpit aimed his gun at Rafe. "Answer him!"

"It's the gold," Rafe replied. "It's throwing us off balance. I told you."

Wheezie whispered to the other girls. "He's not done."

Rafe tilted the jet to the left violently, making Cian and his men crash into the left wall. In the process, a couple more stealth mods were torn from the jet and flew away in the wind.

"He's shaking off the stealth mods, isn't he?" Kaylee asked.

"He sure is," Wheezie answered.

Elyna and Esme smiled.

As Rafe pulled the jet upright, he noticed that the stealth mods were so shaken loose that they were being flown off and away even when he was no longer tilting the plane back and forth. Just enough to where the jet was traceable again.

⚓️

In the Alps

In the Alps down below, the two guards took Gael to the middle of nowhere, hoping to dispose of him.

"Keep it moving," Guard 1 ordered.

"Those are cool guns," Gael remarked. "I'm guessing the barrels are carbon nanofiber harvested from a vape pen with liquid propellant. That's great."

"Turn around," Guard 2 snapped.

"Okay," Gael agreed, turning around with his hands held up in surrender.

However, Gael spun around and punched Guard 1 in the face, grabbing him by the head to slam it against Guard 2's face, making them both drop their guns. Gael spun to elbow Guard 2 in the face, kicking him to the ground, punching Guard 1 in the face, taking his gun, slamming it over his head to knock him unconscious. As Guard 1 fell to the ground, Guard 2 stood to try and grab Gael from behind. Gael slammed his head back to headbutt Guard 2 in the head hard enough to make him let go and fall to the ground. Gael took the guard's gun and ripped off the top of the magazine.

Gael dropped the gun to the ground. "I don't do guns. We're cool now, yeah? I go my way, you go yours."

Guard 2 lunged for the gun and aimed it at Gael. However, when he pulled the trigger, it didn't shoot Gael. The bullet backfired and shot straight through Guard 2's hand, making him scream in agony as he fell to the ground.

Gael shrugged, smirking slightly. "Should've taken my offer."

Gael kicked Guard 2 in the head hard enough to knock him out, watching him fall to the ground. He turned around and walked away.

⚓️

Interpol Headquarters

Agents Huxley and Ross were discussing Rafe's jet from Interpol headquarters.

Ross showed Huxley his tablet. "We've located the jet, sir. It's headed toward France."

"Don't the Laurents have property there?" Huxley asked.

"Yes, there's an estate under a shell company in Paris," Ross answered. "Should we send in the Carabinieri?"

Huxley shook his head. "We don't have hard evidence on them yet." He thought for a moment. "Get me a line to NATO. I'll tell them we have an unidentified jet that's a terrorist threat, and we need to shoot them down."

Ross looked at him in disbelief. "But Agent Veilleux could be on it, with the Mavericks, Camerons and Kaylee Carrera. You wanted them all involved. You're willing to sacrifice one of our own agents, Maverick and four teenagers, people you brought in?"

"We can't risk the Laurents getting that gold," Huxley replied. "Get me NATO."

⚓️

Paris, France

Laurent Estate - Outside

Genevieve walked outside to join four people who had arrived from a private jet, led by a woman in an all white business suit named Sierra.

"Oh, Leviathan," Genevieve greeted the group. "Nice to meet some of you in person."

"Where is the gold?" Sierra questioned.

Genevieve sighed. "Ah. Right to business then."

"Leviathan didn't send me here for small talk," Sierra replied.

Genevieve gestured to the villa behind her. "Come in, take a seat. We'll talk."

⚓️

Inside - Living Room

Once they were inside, Genevieve and Sierra took a seat in the lavishly grand living room.

"My colleague in Zurich says your plane did not land," Sierra stated.

"That was our plan to distract the authorities," Genevieve replied smoothly. "The gold will arrive here."

"Well, I hope so," Sierra said. "We don't want to have to empty all your bank accounts."

Genevieve frowned. "What do you mean?"

Sierra tilted her head, listing all of the places where the Laurents had bank accounts. "The Caymans, Monaco, Panama, Switzerland, Singapore, and the Maldives. We know where your money is. And we can make it all disappear in seconds. That's why we only deal in gold. Unhackable, untraceable."

Genevieve remained calm and collected. "It will be here within an hour."

⚓️

Kildare Island, North Carolina

Esme's Cabin

On the ground back home, Kie and Lia were still using Whitaker's air control access, using the computer radar and the radio channels when they heard NATO over the communications.

"Launching NATO planes to confront potential terrorist attack in jet Victor-Sierra A380."

Lia realized that they were going after Rafe's jet with the others inside, worried and horrified. "Oh, shit."

Lia and Kie exchanged panicked glances, their hearts racing as the gravity of the situation sank in. They couldn't let NATO shoot down the jet with their families on board.

Without hesitation, they dove into action, frantically rifling through the pages of scripts Whitaker had provided, eyes scanning the text at lightning speed.

"Come on, come on," Lia muttered under her breath, desperation evident in her voice.

Kie leaned in, her fingers flying across the keyboard as she pulled up the relevant air traffic control channels. "We've got to act fast. If we don't convince them to stand down..."

Kie couldn't finish the sentence, the thought too horrifying to voice aloud.

Lia's fingers flew through the pages as she searched for the right script. The rustling of paper filled the air, punctuated by their rapid breathing.

Lia's eyes lit up as she found the page they needed. "Here! I've got it!"

Lia grabbed the page labeled 'Emergency Protocols - Terrorist Threats'.

Lia's eyes darted across the lines of text. She took a deep breath, steeling herself as she reached for the radio mic.

⚓️

Multiple Places

On Rafe's jet, the group inside could see the NATO planes arriving and surrounding them.

A NATO pilot made contact through the radio, his voice amplified over the jet's speakers. "This is NATO First Response. I say again, this is NATO First Response. You are in direct violation of civilian aviation regulations. Identify, or we will engage with force."

Cian stormed up to the cockpit, aiming his gun at Rafe. "Don't answer."

The NATO pilot continued. "Establish radio contact immediately, or you will be fired upon with live ordnance."

On the ground in Esme's cabin, Lia spoke through the radio following the script Whitaker sent. "NATO Air Control, this is Brussels ATC. November Foxtrot Romeo 180, please be advised. You're tracking a private aircraft. There are civilians onboard. Repeat, there are civilians onboard."

In response, NATO air control contacted Agent Huxley, who was flying in a helicopter with Agent Ross. "NFR to Commander Huxley. We have unconfirmed reports of civilians onboard."

"Say again," Huxley said.

"Unconfirmed from Brussels ATC, civilians on the aircraft," the pilot answered. "Repeated attempts to contact have been met with radio silence. Please advise."

Ross shook his head, pleading with Huxley not to make the call, knowing that they were on the jet.

Huxley rubbed his forehead. "Look, we don't know for sure if they're on that plane. If that plane makes it, then people are gonna die. We can't let Leviathan get that gold. Do you hear me? Whatever they're planning is bigger and deadlier than Madrid, and we can't risk it."

Ross looked at him in disbelief. "They have a plan. You said so."

Huxley ignored him.

"What's your order, Commander?" the pilot asked.

Huxley ignored Ross's pleading look. "Shoot it down."

The pilot sighed. "Copy. NFR 180, continue to attempt contact. If unresponsive, commence 60-second warning on aircraft."

In the cabin, Lia and Kie heard their voices over the radio, terrified for their families.

Lia shook her head repeatedly in denial as she thought of her brother and sister on that jet. "Oh, shit. Shit, shit, shit."

Kie's breath hitched in fear for her sister, cousin and step aunt. "No, no, no."

In the cockpit of Rafe's jet, Rafe looked back at Cian. "They're gonna shoot us down."

"They're bluffing," Cian replied, his gun pressed against the back of Rafe's head.

The NATO plane's systems were armed and their weapons hot as they followed the jet through the sky.

"Unidentified aircraft, be advised," the pilot communicated through the radio. "You have 60 seconds to establish radio contact on 132.175."

Kaylee, Wheezie, Elyna and Esme shared a terrified look.

With Guard 1 aiming his gun at Kaylee yet looking out of the window toward the planes behind them, Kaylee saw her opening.

Unbuckling her belt, Kaylee grabbed the remote control for the plane's system, bringing up the poles from the middle of the floor.

The top bar slammed into Guard 1's hand, making him drop his gun. Kaylee stood and grabbed onto the top bar, swinging underneath it to slam both of her legs into Guard 1's chest with a double legged kick, sending him crashing into the wall and falling to the floor.

The other girls quickly unbuckled to face the other guards on the plane.

Esme grabbed Guard 2's arm before he could shoot, spinning them around and slamming him face first into the poles in the middle of the plane cabin, elbowing him in the head, kicking him to the ground.

Guard 3 lunged for Wheezie to push her back into her seat. Wheezie ducked, sliding between his legs over the floor, punching him in the crotch on her way behind him. As Wheezie turned to face him in a crouch, she stood, running closer to kick Guard 3 into the plane wall, making him fall to the ground.

While Wheezie couldn't fight like the others, she could use simple moves to fight back.

Guard 4 (in the cockpit) saw this, coming out to stop them. Elyna grabbed onto the pole and swung forward, sending a double legged kick into Guard 4's chest, making him crash to the floor and drop his gun.

Cian stormed into the back, coming face to face with Kaylee, punching her in the chest, making her stumble back, trying to punch her again. Kaylee raised an arm to block the move, punching Cian twice in the face, spinning to elbow him in the chest.

As Kaylee tried to kick him, Cian ducked, catching Kaylee's arm, twisting it to push Kaylee face first into the wall, slamming her to the ground, aiming his gun at her. Kaylee kicked the gun up to the ceiling, making the shot fire against the glass ceiling of the plane - luckily, it was bulletproof. Kaylee punched Cian in the stomach, kneeing him in the groin, spinning closer to elbow him in the face, making him back away.

Esme pushed Guard 1 into the wall behind him, twisting his wrist to take his gun and slam it on the ground, stomping on it to break it, punching him in the face, kneeing him in the gut, slamming him head first into the poles in the middle of the plane, pushing him down.

Elyna grabbed Guard 2, kicking him in the back, making him fall to the ground. Guard 2 stood, trying to punch Elyna. Elyna pushed his arm aside, punching him in the face. Guard 2 ran toward Elyna. Elyna ducked down to the floor to make Guard 2 miss her when he went to tackle her, making him roll over her to the floor and hit into the wall. Elyna turned to elbow him in the face as she rose to her feet, spinning to back kick him in the face, making him crumple to the floor.

As Kaylee tried to punch Cian, Cian raised either arm to block the moves, grabbing Kaylee by the throat, lifting her up, strangling her as he flipped her onto the table next to them, punching her in the head. Kaylee headbutted Cian in the face, kicking him in the leg, punching him in the stomach, making him double over in pain and let her go. Kaylee spun off the table and finished the spin with a back kick directed at Cian's back, making him crash into the wall beside them and fall to the floor.

"Wheezie!" Elyna called. "The screen!"

"Where is it?" Wheezie asked.

Kaylee tilted her head toward the remote - where she had left it, nodding for Wheezie to know where to grab it.

Wheezie nodded, ducking past Guard 3 to make a dive for the remote control where Kaylee had left it. Guard 3 grabbed Wheezie by the ankle, dragging her back. Wheezie forced both feet into Guard 3's face to kick him with all of her might, breaking free as she slid toward the remote control.

Guard 4 walked closer to Wheezie, aiming his gun.

Before he could harm Wheezie, Elyna ran closer, leaping into the air to wrap her arm around Guard 4's neck from behind the same time she thrust both feet forward into Guard 3, making him crash into the wall. As Elyna fell, she used her hold on Guard 4 added with gravity to pull him down with her, landing on top of him as she punched him in the face. Elyna and Esme kicked them both in the heads, knocking them out.

Wheezie grabbed the remote from the floor, hurriedly typing in: Civilian hostages onboard!

"20 seconds," the NATO pilot warned.

Behind Wheezie, the fight continued with Kaylee, Esme and Elyna fighting the best they could against the guards and Cian. Three of the guards were unconscious now, leaving Cian, Guard 1 and Guard 2 awake.

Esme leaped up to grab onto the poles, spinning around them to wrap her legs around Guard 1's neck. As she spun them around, she grabbed onto the other pole and flipped Guard 1 to the floor in front of them, while she remained suspended in the air, letting herself down.

"10 seconds!" the NATO pilot warned.

Wheezie finished her message. "Rafe, now!"

Rafe quickly turned the plane over midair, making everyone in the back fall from the floor onto the glass ceiling, everyone groaning at the impact and temporarily stopping the fight.

In the process, Rafe showed the LED screen on the bottom of the plane - with Wheezie's message - to the NATO planes up above.

In the cabin, Lia and Kie heard the NATO's response from the ground: "Control, we have contact. Civilian hostages onboard."

Lia made a gesture of frustration and exasperation. "That's what I've been saying, you dumbasses!"

Kie rested her hand on Lia's shoulder calmingly.

"Please advise," the pilot said.

The NATO control responded: "NFR 180, stand down. Repeat, stand down and break off."

On the Interpol helicopter, Ross also sighed in relief as he glared at Huxley, who looked slightly shamed.

"Commander Huxley, we have confirmation of civilians onboard," control told him. "We're tracking the flight now, and we'll notify the local authorities upon its descent and landing."

Huxley sighed in frustration. "Copy."

The NATO planes flew away from Rafe's jet.

"Stand down and break off," the first pilot said. "Repeat, standing down and breaking off."

In the cabin, Lia and Kie sighed heavily in relief, wrapping their arms around each other, each with tears in their eyes from joy knowing their families were going to make it out of this alive.

Once they pulled away, Lia threw her arms up in a slight cheer that they managed to pull through and help save their loved ones. "Yes! Yes!"

Little kitten Indy ran around them in delight as if she was celebrating with Lia.

Kie smiled at Lia's enthusiasm along with Indy's. "Don't throw the party just yet. It's not over."

"Not yet," Lia agreed. "But it almost is."

Kie nodded in agreement. "Just a little bit more."

⚓️

Paris, France

Rafe's Jet

On Rafe's jet, while it was still upside down, Kaylee, Elyna, Esme and Wheezie continued to fight against Cian, Guard 1 and Guard 2.

Guard 1 tried to punch Esme. Esme caught his arm, kneeing him in the stomach, and still holding his arm, she spun around to flip him over her shoulder and to the ground - or in this case, the glass ceiling of the jet. She broke his arm in her arm lock, making him yell out in pain, kicking him in the head, knocking him out.

Cian ran toward Kaylee, grabbing her by the head and slamming it against the wall, looking back at Guard 2. "Make sure he lands the damn plane!"

Cian punched Kaylee in the face.

Elyna and Wheezie ran closer to tackle Cian away from Kaylee, making him fall into the wall.

As Guard 2 returned to the cockpit, he aimed his gun at Rafe. "Right the plane!"

Rafe turned the plane right side up, making everyone tumble to the floor as he did.

As soon as the plane was steady, Rafe put it into autopilot before he unbuckled his seat belt and stood.

Guard 2 went to stand. Rafe instantly punched him in the face, kicking him in the chest, making him fall back into the wall and crash to the ground. As Guard 2 grabbed Rafe and slammed him back into his seat, Rafe turned to grab Guard 2 and slammed his head against the center console, knocking him out, while making the plane descend toward the ground.

In the back, the girls, Cian and the unconscious guards were thrown to the back of the plane. The guards were beginning to wake up.

Wheezie was closest to the remote, as she had caught onto the poles in the center of the jet, keeping her suspended in air.

"Get the remote!" Elyna called up.

Wheezie leaped off the poles and onto the furniture, climbing up to the remote, grabbing it.

Kaylee kicked Cian off of her to the plane floor below. "Hit it now!"

Wheezie hit the button for control panel of the jet door, which caused it to snap open.

As the guards were waking up and trying to attack Esme and Elyna, they kicked the guards right out of the open door, but they were almost sucked out of the jet with them in the process.

Wheezie quickly used the remote to close the jet doors before Esme and Elyna could be swept away like the guards who were flung out of the jet and into the roaring sky outside.

Wheezie smirked slightly. "Bang bang."

Kaylee kicked Cian off of her, punching him in the face. She stood and ran toward him - as they were on unsteady levels with the plane in a fast and violent descent, Cian was unsteady on his feet, and Kaylee grabbed onto the poles to suspend herself in the air and swing forward to kick Cian with all of her might, sending him crashing through a wall of glass just behind him, making him crash to the ground, unconscious for now.

In the cockpit, Rafe righted up the plane once again, allowing the girls in the back to stand up freely on their own.

Elyna helped Wheezie up. "You okay?"

Feeling the rush of adrenaline, Wheezie smiled, recalling Elyna's words from the plane. "I'm loving every second of this."

Elyna grinned in response. "I knew you would."

Esme chuckled. "Let's get to the cockpit."

The girls walked into the cockpit to join Rafe.

"All good back there?" Rafe asked.

"Yeah, for now," Kaylee answered. "The guards are gone, but Cian's passed out. Until he wakes up, anyway." She patted Rafe on the shoulder. "Also, I didn't know until today just how useful stripper poles could be."

Rafe smirked, laughing lightly. "I told you how they could help in the fight today."

On the outside of the plane, one of the stealth mods tore free from the plane and slashed against the plane on its way through the sky.

Elyna's eyes went wide. "What was that? What just happened?"

An alarm on the jet's console started to blare.

"No, no, no," Rafe said.

"What happened?" Esme asked.

"Rafe!" Wheezie told him. "What just happened?"

"We lost the hydraulic pump," Rafe answered.

"What does that mean?" Kaylee pressed.

"Steering is almost impossible," Rafe answered. "We've got to land now, or we'll lose control. I'm gonna try to steer us using the engines."

As Rafe began to use the engine's control panel to steer them, they broke through the remaining clouds and noticed the estate compound on the edge of the water up ahead.

"That's the Laurents' compound," Esme informed.

"No, no, no," Rafe muttered. "We're coming in too fast. We can't make the landing strip."

"We're gonna have to use the road," Elyna pointed out.

The group exchanged a look, worried.

⚓️

Laurent Estate - Outside

Outside the estate, Genevieve and Sierra were sitting together, watching the descent of Rafe's jet.

"There's your gold, right on time," Genevieve stated.

After a moment, as the plane came down in a chaotic rush, Genevieve's eyes went wide as she realized something was wrong.

Rafe pulled up the levers with everything he had while steering the plane, making a rough landing that jostled him and the girls violently.

In the back, the crate that the gold was in had been strapped in safely for the ride. But finally, the straps snapped, and the gold crashed into the back wall of the jet, making the jet's front wheels pull off the ground and hang precariously in the air as the plane skidded down the road violently, making everyone scream as the plane spun around, sending up sparks, flames and debris. The wings of the jet were torn off as they crashed into trees and rocks, the back of the jet now facing the estate.

Genevieve and Sierra rose to their feet in disbelief as they watched the jet crash through the stone gate on the edge of the property, turning onto its side as it rolled and finally came to a stop on its side.

Wheezie was breathing heavily. "I can't believe it. We did it."

Kaylee nodded, deadpanning her voice. "Yeah. We successfully landed the gold on the Laurents' estate."

The back door of the jet flew open, causing the crate filled with gold to fly out and crash on the ground. The gold spilled out of the crate and all over the cement, glittering in the sunlight.

In the chaos, Cian had awoken and stormed into the cockpit, aiming his gun at the group, sneering at them. "Outside. Now."

Kaylee, Wheezie, Elyna, Rafe and Esme exchanged a look, knowing they couldn't risk another fight when they arrived to the estate where many more guards would be outside waiting for them with guns.

Esme nodded slightly. "Listen to him."

As they filed out of the destroyed jet, they coughed against the smoke and debris. Cian shoved Kaylee forward, holding his gun at her head to keep the others from getting any ideas.

Several more guards walked closer, aiming at Wheezie, Elyna, Rafe and Esme.

Meanwhile, in the Alps, Gael was returning to a vehicle, speaking to Lia and Kie through his phone. "Lia? Kie? You ready?"

In the cabin, Kie was working on the computer. "Tapping into the cameras on the stealth mods now. Hitting record. They won't even know it."

Gael nodded proudly. "Good girls."

Lia and Kie smiled in response.

Outside of the estate, Genevieve walked up to Cian and their hostages, looking at her husband in concern. "Cian!"

"I'm fine," Cian told her.

Genevieve instantly drew her own gun, aiming it at Kaylee with a glare. "You. You killed my son."

"I'm more than just fine," Kaylee retorted defiantly, her eyes narrowing as she faced Genevieve. "You should be the one who's worried."

Cian tightened his grip on Kaylee's shoulder, squeezing just enough to remind her of the power he wielded. "Easy there. You're in no position to threaten anyone."

Genevieve smirked, lowering her gun slightly but not relinquishing control. "Oh, but you misunderstand, dear Kaylee. You're not just a hostage; you're our ticket back into power. Your stunt with our son and with Cian only made this personal."

"Your son was a psychotic rapist that wanted complete control over my life," Kaylee spat furiously. "He got what was coming to him. And so did your husband." She looked at Cian, not even flinching as she glanced at the burns and scars on his face that she left on his skin. "Freddy fucking Krueger over here."

Cian's face contorted with rage at Kaylee's words, his scars twisting grotesquely as his lips curled into a snarl. In a flash of movement, he released his grip on Kaylee's shoulder and backhanded her across the face with such force that she stumbled sideways, nearly falling to the ground. The sound of the impact echoed through the courtyard, followed by a collective gasp from Wheezie, Elyna, and Esme.

Kaylee's head snapped to the side, her cheek already beginning to redden and swell where Cian's hand had connected. She tasted blood in her mouth but refused to cry out, instead straightening her posture and glaring back at Cian with defiant eyes that blazed with a mixture of pain and fury.

"You insolent little bitch!" Cian snarled, spittle flying from his lips as he advanced on Kaylee, his hands curling into fists at his sides. "I'll teach you to mock me!"

"Already got that down," Kaylee retorted.

Rafe, unable to contain himself at the sight of Kaylee getting hurt, lunged forward. Before he could reach Cian, however, the guard next to Rafe swung his gun to strike Rafe in the stomach, making him double over in pain.

"Rafe!" Wheezie cried out, worried about her brother.

Genevieve rested her hand on Cian's arm. "That's enough, darling. She'll get what's coming to her. But we don't want it to be easy and quick, do we?"

Cian glared at Kaylee, shaking his head. "Not after all this."

Kaylee stared them down defiantly in return.

Sierra walked closer, glancing at the gold that had showered over the ground, turning to the men that had came with her. "Get the boats ready."

As the men walked away, Sierra stayed with them.

"It's, uh, Leviathan, right?" Esme asked.

The Laurents and Sierra looked at them in surprise.

"What is going on?" Sierra asked.

Genevieve held a hand toward Sierra. "I assure you, all is under control."

Sierra showed them her phone. "One of them is Interpol."

Esme and the teens shared a look.

Genevieve turned to face them. "Kaylee, Rafe and Wheezie we know are not because we've known them for years on Kildare. Elyna Maverick here is the daughter of Gael Maverick. World renowned thieves." She turned her gun on Esme. "So that just leaves you."

Esme stared her down unblinkingly.

Sierra shook her head, backing away. "This is over. We're out."

As Sierra attempted to leave, without hesitation, Genevieve turned her gun on her and shot Sierra in the leg, making her scream and fall to the ground.

Kaylee, Elyna, Wheezie, Esme and Rafe stared in shock.

Genevieve stared at Sierra in cold detachment. "That was a clean shot through your leg so you can still type on your computer. Next shot, no more typing. No more anything. Do we still have a deal?"

Despite her fear, Sierra shook her head. Genevieve didn't hesitate to shoot Sierra in the head, killing her instantly.

Kaylee, Elyna, Wheezie, Esme and Rafe flinched, as Kaylee, Elyna and Wheezie gasped slightly.

Cian smirked, keeping his gun trained on the group, a cruel grin spreading across his features. "Now we get to have some real fun. First, we'll demonstrate what happens when you play with fire to your family and friends here... starting with the Interpol agent."

Cian turned his gun on Esme.

Elyna's breath hitched in fear for her mother. "Mom..."

Genevieve raised her eyebrows in intrigue. "Mom? The world renowned thief is the daughter of an Interpol agent? That should be quite the story."

"And given your family connections to Kaylee, sadly, you won't be around to tell it," Cian retorted, ready to fire the shot to kill Esme and the others in front of Kaylee.

As the group stood frozen, the sound of approaching vehicles with sirens echoed down the road from the estate. Several dark SUVs pulled up, filled with police officers.

Shock registered over Genevieve and Cian's faces. They both knew that even if one of them was arrested tonight, both of them couldn't be.

Police officers all stormed out of their, shouting in French for the guards to lower their guns and raise their hands, which they all did.

Esme stood. "Agent Veilleux, Interpol." She pointed to Sierra's body. "She's been shot." She pointed at Genevieve. "It was her!" She pointed at Cian. "They both tried to kill us."

The police took the guns from the guards, keeping them along with Genevieve and Cian at gunpoint.

Genevieve spoke calmly, hoping to talk her way out of this. "These people are intruders. We were defending our property."

The police turned their guns on Kaylee, Elyna, Wheezie, Esme and Rafe.

Rafe held out his hands. "Now, hold on."

Elyna looked at Genevieve and Cian. "You collect art, right? NFTs. You know, some people say that they're a passing fad. I say that all art just depends on the artist."

Esme put her finger to the comms in her ear. "Kie, play it."

In the cabin next to Lia, Kie smiled. "My pleasure."

Lia winked at Kie. "This should be great for theater."

Kie rewound the video that she had recorded of the entire confrontation via the cameras on the stealth mods on Rafe's jet, broadcasting the video on the LED screen on the bottom of the plane to show them the evidence of what Cian and Genevieve did, including striking Kaylee, threatening Esme, Elyna, Wheezie and Rafe's lives, and killing Sierra when she attempted to leave.

Genevieve and Cian watched in disbelief, shocked that they had caught them on camera, as all the police officers turned their guns on Genevieve and Cian.

Wheezie smirked. "Enjoy prison."

Kaylee smiled victoriously. "Where you and your family belong to be."

Genevieve glared at them murderously, though a smirk tugged at her lips. "We won't be there for long."

"Keep dreaming of freedom," Elyna retorted. "At least we have time. Yours just ran out."

As the police came to arrest Genevieve and Cian and take them to their cars, Cian cursed in Irish. "Fucking hell."

Rafe smirked triumphantly. "Yeah. We did that."

The women grinned.

The Interpol helicopter landed on the airstrip just outside of the villa.

Huxley and Ross got out of the helicopter and walked closer to the group instantly.

Ross sighed in relief to see that they were okay. "Agent Veilleux."

Esme placed a hand on Elyna's shoulder. "Stay here with them."

Elyna nodded in agreement.

Esme walked toward Ross. "Thanks for the backup, Ross."

Ross glanced toward Huxley, who was speaking with the officers who arrested Genevieve. "To tell you the truth, I wasn't sure you were going to make it."

Esme looked toward Kaylee, Elyna, Wheezie and Rafe. "Neither was I."

"Esme, the NATO jets were this close," Ross pointed out.

"Yeah," Esme agreed. "Thank God Huxley stopped them." The look on Ross's face caused her to second guess her commander. "It was Huxley that stopped them, right?"

Ross sighed, shaking his head. "Huxley called them in, Esme."

Esme's eyes went wide with rage as she realized that Huxley, her boss and the one that pulled her and her family into this, was also the one that almost had them all killed.

Huxley approached them, giving Ross a glare for telling Esme the truth about what he did.

Ross quickly walked away.

"Esme, let me explain," Huxley attempted.

Esme instantly punched Huxley in the face, making him groan in pain as his head snapped to the side. "No need. I quit."

Esme took out her Interpol badge and slapped it on Huxley's chest.

Huxley stumbled back, rubbing his jaw where Esme had struck him. His eyes widened as he realized the gravity of the situation. "Esme, wait. Let's not be hasty here."

Esme's eyes blazed with fury. "Hasty? You nearly had us all killed! My daughter, my husband, those kids - all of us were expendable to you."

Huxley stared at Esme, not the least bit shocked. "Your daughter and husband?"

"Don't act surprised," Esme retorted. "That's why you brought me this case, and you know it. You knew I was connected to Elyna and Gael from the beginning. And you almost got us all killed."

Huxley held up his hands placatingly. "I had to make a difficult decision. The greater good--"

"Don't you dare," Esme snarled. "Don't you dare try to justify this."

Elyna, Kaylee, Wheezie, and Rafe watched the confrontation from a distance, tension evident in their postures. Elyna's hand was clasped tightly in Wheezie's, while Kaylee leaned slightly against the remains of Rafe's destroyed jet. Rafe smirked slightly at the drama unfolding before them.

Esme's eyes blazed with righteous fury as she faced down Huxley. The wreckage of Rafe's jet smoldered in the background, a testament to how close they had all come to disaster.

"You're going to give them all pardons, just like you promised when this started," Esme demanded, her voice low and dangerous. "Elyna, Gael, Kaylee - full immunity for everything. No exceptions."

Huxley's eyes widened. "Esme, be reasonable. We can't just--"

"Reasonable?" Esme interrupted, her voice rising. "Was it reasonable to nearly shoot us out of the sky? Was it reasonable to risk the lives of civilians - of children - for your greater good? When you brought me this case, you swore that you were going to give Elyna, Gael and Kaylee their immunity and their freedom. They've more than earned it. Elyna and Gael have been running their entire lives, and Kaylee's been through hell and back. It's time for that to end. We've kept up our end of the bargain. It's high time for you to keep yours."

Huxley's face contorted as he struggled with the weight of Esme's words. He glanced over at the group of young people standing by the wreckage of Rafe's jet - Elyna and Wheezie, hands clasped tightly, drawing strength from each other; Kaylee, leaning against the twisted metal for support, her face still bearing the mark of Cian's strike; and Rafe, standing protectively close to Kaylee and Wheezie.

The enormity of what he had nearly done hit Huxley like a physical blow. These weren't just names on a file or pawns in a larger game. They were real people - young people who had risked everything to bring down a criminal empire. And he had nearly sacrificed them all.

Elyna's eyes flickered between Esme and Huxley, a blend of hope and fear, a longing for freedom in her eyes.

"Look at them," Esme told him. "Really look. Elyna and Gael have never hurt anyone, and they worked alongside you to shut down a criminal empire, not just to save their family, but billions more lives. Kaylee never deserved to be charged with Tod's death after she was a victim of his and defended herself to survive. Wheezie is as young as my daughter and she did the impossible to help us take down Cian and Genevieve. And Rafe... he may have a history worse than theirs, but he did everything to protect Kaylee and Wheezie, and thereby everyone else. And you almost killed them all, and me. You have Genevieve and Cian, Huxley. And we stopped Leviathan from getting the gold and being funded for what happened in Madrid or something worse. We did our jobs and upheld our word. You do the same."

Huxley turned to Esme, sighing heavily, knowing there was no way he could deny their deal after they had fulfilled theirs.

Huxley's shoulders sagged as the weight of Esme's words settled upon him. He looked at the group of young people again, really seeing them for the first time - not as assets or liabilities, but as individuals who had risked everything to bring down a criminal empire.

"You're right," Huxley admitted, his voice heavy with regret. "I lost sight of what truly matters. These kids... they've been through more than anyone their age should ever have to endure." He turned back to Esme, his expression softening. "I'll make the calls right now." He pulled out his phone, his fingers hovering over the keypad for a moment before he dialed and called it in. "Full pardons and immunity for Elyna Maverick, Gael Maverick, and Kaylee Carrera. No exceptions, no strings attached. I'll need you and Gael to help me finalize everything tomorrow morning, but I believe everything will be done."

Esme nodded, relief washing over her features. She walked away toward Rafe, Kaylee, Wheezie and Elyna.

As Esme approached the group, her heart swelled with pride and relief. Rafe stood upright, still processing what had just transpired, while Kaylee and Wheezie exchanged glances filled with unspoken gratitude. Elyna stepped forward, a mixture of concern and hope etched across her face.

"Did he really mean it?" Elyna asked, her voice trembling slightly.

Esme nodded firmly. "He did. Full pardons for all of you. No more running, no more hiding."

A collective sigh of relief swept through the group.

Kaylee's eyes sparkled as she grasped Wheezie's hand tightly.

"We did it," Wheezie whispered, almost in disbelief as she squeezed Elyna's hand, glancing toward the wreckage of the jet, then back at Kaylee and Rafe. "We actually did it."

Rafe smirked. "Yeah, we did." A little worry wormed through their victory. "But it's not over yet. Cian's still out there, and we'll have to find him."

Esme nodded solemnly. "That's true." She looked at Kaylee in concern. "How are you holding up?"

Kaylee rubbed her cheek tenderly, where Cian had struck her, but the fire in her eyes still blazed fiercely. "I'm fine. Just a little bruised ego. You should see him, though. Pizza face."

Rafe chuckled softly, shaking his head at Kaylee's defiance.

Elyna walked up to Esme, embracing her mother tightly. "I'm so proud of you. The way you went off on Huxley was fucking perfect."

Esme held Elyna close to her chest, inhaling deeply. "It was long overdue. Come on. It's time to go home."

⚓️

(Song:) Out on the Weekend - Joy Oladokun

There was a big aerial shot of the island.

Sarah: (voice over) "Outer Banks. Paradise on Earth."

⚓️

Barry's Trailer - Outside

Barry was drinking, walking toward his trailer.

Sarah: (voice over) "One side for the Pogues."

⚓️

Sunset - Dock - Bar

Topper walked through the bar, getting a drink.

Sarah: (voice over) "Another for the Kooks."

⚓️

Skies

An airplane was flying home to Outer Banks just as the sun was setting.

Sarah: (voice over) "From the moment you're born, you're told what side you belong on. But I think it's not what people tell you you are."

⚓️

Airplane

Kaylee, Wheezie, Rafe, Elyna, Gael and Esme were on the plane, each banged up and ready to be home after everything they did today to save everyone back home.

Sarah: (voice over) "It's which side you choose. It's which side your heart's on. And how far you'll go for the ones you love."

⚓️

Esme's Cabin

Once Kaylee, Wheezie, Rafe, Elyna, Gael and Esme arrived home in Outer Banks, they reunited with Lia, Kie and Sarah in the cabin that night.

Lia and Sarah instantly ran to embrace their little sister. Wheezie met her big sisters halfway with the fiercest hug they had ever had. Rafe couldn't help a small smile at his three sisters.

"Oh, my God, Wheezie," Sarah breathed. "I was so worried after Lia and Kie told me about the NATO jets."

"Yeah, we were scared, too," Wheezie admitted.

Lia stroked Wheezie's hair. "You're okay now, though."

Rafe walked closer, nodding. "Yeah, we all are."

Lia and Wheezie smiled slightly at Rafe. Sarah nodded slightly in response as she gave Rafe an awkward smile.

Kie instantly ran to embrace her sister. "Kaylee! I was so scared. Are you okay?"

Kaylee hugged Kie tightly, relief flooding through her. "I'm okay. Just a little banged up. How were things here?"

They pulled away.

Kie's eyes were wide. "We kept the computer on the air control feeds and followed the whole thing from here. We got so pissed when NATO wasn't listening to us about hostages on the plane."

Elyna walked toward her cousins with a grin. "Well, thanks to quick thinking and some clever flying on Rafe's part, we made it out just in time."

Kie grinned as she looked at their cousin. "Elyna."

Elyna smiled as Kaylee and Kie embraced their cousin tightly. "I could get used to this."

"Good," Kaylee replied. "Because we don't want you going anywhere."

The three girls laughed.

Esme and Gael smiled softly. Esme brushed a stray hair from Elyna's face, her heart swelling with pride for her daughter and the courage she had shown.

Gael cupped Elyna's cheek as he kissed his daughter's head, looking from Elyna to Kaylee and Kie as he gave his nieces a smile as well. "I'm so proud of you three and what you've done today." He looked over each of the teenagers in the room. "All of you."

"So am I," Esme agreed. "You all did something remarkable today. Something that no one can take from you."

Elyna could feel the warmth of her parents' pride wrap around her like a blanket, smiling softly as her voice dropped to a whisper. "Thanks, Mom. Thanks, Dad."

Kaylee and Kie basked in the pride and warmth from their uncle and aunt, something that they never received from their own parents.

Lia, Sarah, Wheezie and Rafe even relished in the same feeling, as it was rare for them as well.

Wheezie leaned against the counter with her arms crossed with a small smile on her face. "What happens now? Are we safe?"

"For now, yes," Esme answered. "Interpol has the gold and enough evidence to bring down Cian and Genevieve for good."

"But just because they're behind bars doesn't mean they're no longer a threat," Gael pointed out. "Like Genevieve said, they could get out, and sooner than we'd like."

Rafe nodded thoughtfully. "We need to make sure they can't come after us again. We'll have to figure out what their next move is."

"We will," Gael assured. "For now, take it easy. You kids deserve to rest. We succeeded in this. Go be with your friends, do whatever it is you need to do."

Lia tilted her head. "Well, we did bring home a story that will go down in Maverick, Cameron and Carrera history."

"And I did out my cover as being Elyna's mother and Gael's wife when I quit Interpol," Esme agreed.

Kie's eyes went wide. "You quit and came out?"

Elyna grinned, proud of her mother. "You should've seen it. Huxley tried to have us all killed with the NATO planes, but when Mom found out that he was behind it, she punched him out and demanded that he followed through on his deal for giving us pardons and immunity. We're fucking free."

Kie smiled in relief as she took Kaylee by the hands, glancing between her, Elyna and Gael. "You're free."

"We're all free," Gael agreed, wrapping his arm around Elyna and Esme as he held his wife and daughter close, smiling at Kaylee and Kie as he gave his nieces a nod.

Lia, Sarah and Wheezie smiled at the scene before them.

Rafe smirked slightly, crossing his arms. "So what's next for the Mavericks?"

Gael and Elyna exchanged a meaningful glance, a silent conversation passing between them. Gael cleared his throat, drawing everyone's attention.

"Actually," Gael began, his voice tinged with a mix of excitement and nostalgia. "Elyna and I have been talking, and we've decided it's time for a change."

Sarah raised an eyebrow, curiosity evident in her expression. "What kind of change?"

Elyna stepped forward, her eyes sparkling with determination. "We want to get rid of the name Maverick. It was never really ours to begin with - just another mask we wore to stay hidden."

Gael nodded, a wistful smile playing across his lips. "Maverick served its purpose, kept us safe all these years. But now..." He reached out and took Esme by the hand, giving his wife a smile that made her heart melt for him all over again. "We were thinking about taking your name, Esme. Veilleux. If that's okay with you."

Esme's eyes widened in surprise, a mix of joy and disbelief sweeping over her. "You want to take my name?"

Esme felt a swell of pride for her family, the bond they shared growing even stronger.

Elyna nodded enthusiastically, her voice laced with excitement. "We want to start fresh, as a family. We're not just thieves anymore; we're fighters. We've fought for our freedom and for each other."

Kaylee smiled, feeling the warmth of their unity wash over her. "I love that idea. It suits you both perfectly."

Kie chimed in, "Yeah! The Veilleux family sounds pretty badass. It's like reclaiming everything together - starting anew with everything you've fought for."

Wheezie chimed in with a teasing grin. "As long as I'm still invited to the next holiday gathering, I'm all for it."

Gael chuckled, easing the tension that always seemed to follow them. "Of course, Wheezie."

Esme felt tears prick at the corners of her eyes as she looked at Gael and Elyna, seeing the determination etched on their faces. They had been through so much together, and now they stood on the precipice of something new. "I love that idea."

"We'll have new stories to tell," Gael agreed, his eyes brightening with anticipation. "We can finally live without the constant fear of looking over our shoulders."

Esme nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. "It's time we celebrate our victories." She turned to Kaylee and Kie. "And you two should do the same; after everything you've been through, it's time to embrace your lives for what they truly are now - free."

Kaylee held Kie's hands tighter, her gaze softening. "You're right. I've spent too long running from shadows. It's time to create new memories instead."

Wheezie walked closer enthusiastically. "After we help Isa and John B save their dad and help the Pogues with finding El Dorado, we need to have a celebration party. We can toast to freedom, new beginnings, and maybe even some good old-fashioned shenanigans."

Elyna raised her eyebrows playfully. "Shenanigans? Count me in!"

They all laughed.

Rafe raised his eyebrows. "Maybe you Pogues will actually be able to keep the gold this time."

Lia's eyes sparkled with mischief as she turned to her brother. "Oh, please. As if you have any room to talk about keeping gold, big bro. If I recall correctly, you and Dad were constantly the reason why the Pogues lost their treasure before. How many times did you swoop in at the last second to snatch it away?"

The group erupted in laughter, the tension from their recent ordeal melting away. Rafe's cheeks flushed slightly, but he couldn't help the smirk that tugged at the corners of his mouth.

"Hey now," Rafe retorted, holding up his hands in mock surrender. "That was the old me. The guy who was so obsessed with proving himself to Dad that he'd do anything."

"That was literally a couple of days ago when you stole the cross from us," Sarah retorted.

"Actually, the cross was mine to begin with, and Dad tried to give it away," Rafe corrected. "I just kept it."

Lia, Sarah and Wheezie rolled their eyes but didn't argue the matter further.

Rafe shrugged, his gaze softening as it flickered between Lia, Sarah, Wheezie and Kaylee. "But things are different now. That was then, this is now. Besides, I think we've all grown up a bit since then, don't you?"

Kaylee smirked, crossing her arms. "I don't know, Rafe. You did just crash a multi-million dollar jet. Some things never change."

Rafe chuckled, his confidence unshaken. "Hey, I call that innovative problem-solving. Besides, any landing you can walk away from is a good one, right?"

Kaylee raised an eyebrow, a playful glint in her eye. "If that's your definition of a 'good landing,' I'm not sure I want you piloting anything else."

Sarah laughed, the sound brightening the mood even further. "Well, at least you're all alive to argue about it."

Lia giggled, shaking her head. "Just stick to the flying part, Rafe. Leave the landing to the professionals next time."

Everyone laughed.

Esme reached out, placing a comforting hand on Elyna's shoulder. "And now we have a future to look forward to - a chance to build something meaningful together."

Elyna smiled at her mother.

"What else has been going on here?" Wheezie asked.

Lia, Sarah and Kie exchanged a concerned look.

"Uh, Mike and Anna paid a visit earlier," Lia answered.

"They said that Isa, John B and JJ got arrested," Sarah explained. "I got Topper to drop his charges against John B, but Mike and Anna refuse to drop the trespassing charges against John B and JJ."

Everyone looked at them worriedly.

"Wait, I know why John B and JJ got arrested," Wheezie said. "But why would Isa get arrested?"

"Because Isa got a panic attack when John B and JJ were being taken away," Kie answered. "With John B being her brother, and JJ being her surrogate brother, and the fact that her dad's abducted and could be killed by Singh, it must have pushed her over the edge. And Deputy Plumb tried to snap her out of it."

Kaylee scoffed. "Oh, you mean the deputy that taunted me about Tod trying to rape me and saying that JJ and I belong in jail because it's in his blood and it's where I belong? The deputy that put her hands on Lia because she's in Ward's back pocket?"

"The one that we also think that our dad paid to have Isa and John B killed in jail when they were framed," Sarah answered. "So we know that Plumb would have been sadistic with Isa and she lied about Isa 'assaulting' her when she snapped her out of the panic attack."

Lia bit her lip. "So we were hoping that even if Esme quit..."

"That she could still use her Interpol connections to get Isa, John B and JJ out of jail," Elyna finished.

"Is it possible?" Wheezie asked hopefully.

Esme nodded. "More than. Huxley owes me a couple favors after what he pulled today, and this is definitely one of them. I'm calling it in right now. I'll have them out by tonight, I promise you that."

Sarah lit up in relief. "Thank you."

"And I double checked with our father," Lia added. "Even after this morning, we'll still have the plane for tomorrow. We'll be set to go to South America to save Big John."

Rafe nodded, looking down. "Good."

In the process, Rafe frowned as he saw the flier for Kitty Hawk wilderness camp - which Mike and Anna had left behind after they confronted Lia, Kie and Sarah earlier in the day.

Realizing what it was, Rafe picked up the flier, memorizing the name, throwing the flier away, hoping Kaylee wouldn't see it so it wouldn't upset her.

Esme was already making the call to Huxley.

Gael nodded to the girls. "You should go wait for them at the station. This won't take long."

Kaylee, Lia, Kie and Sarah nodded in agreement, smiling thankfully in relief.

Elyna and Wheezie smiled at them knowingly.

"We'll get Pope and Cleo and meet you guys at the Chateau," Elyna assured.

Wheezie picked up Indy from the floor. "Yeah, you don't need us tagging along to the station."

Kaylee, Lia, Kie and Sarah smiled as they walked out of the cabin.

⚓️

Night - Sheriff's Station - Outside

Kaylee, Lia, Kie and Sarah were waiting outside of the station for Isa, John B and JJ to be released.

Kaylee was nervous to see JJ after the exes' last encounter, which had been an argument turned into an understanding where JJ had said if anything happened between Kaylee and Rafe, he wouldn't hold it against her - and something did happen between them.

Lia and Kie were anxiously waiting to see Isa, hoping that their girlfriend was okay after everything that she went through today. They knew that their other lover needed all of the comfort she could get after what happened earlier with the arrest and her panic attack.

And Sarah was worried about seeing John B after she cheated on him, yet she had hope that he could forgive her. After he defended her from Topper, and after she did everything she could to get him out of jail, she knew that there was a chance that Lia and Kie could be right - that they could get back together by the night's end. All she wanted was for him to be happy and to help Isa and John B save their father.

When Isa, John B and JJ finally walked outside, the girls looked up.

As Isa stepped out of the police station, her eyes immediately locked onto Lia and Kie. The world seemed to slow down, the bustling sounds of the station fading into the background as relief washed over her like a tidal wave. Her breath caught in her throat, tears welling up in her eyes, a mixture of relief and overwhelming tidal wave of emotion washing over her.

Isa's legs felt weak, her body trembling as the full weight of everything that had happened crashed down upon her. The fear, the panic, the helplessness she had felt while in custody - it all came rushing back. But now, seeing her girlfriends waiting for her, a lifeline in the chaos, it was almost too much to bear.

Lia and Kie didn't hesitate for a moment. They rushed forward, their arms outstretched, ready to envelop Isa in their embrace. As they collided, Isa felt her knees buckle slightly, the weight of everything she'd been through threatening to overwhelm her.

Lia's arms wrapped around Isa's waist, pulling her close and anchoring her to the present. Kie's hand found its way to the back of Isa's neck, gently cradling her head.

As Isa melted into Lia and Kie's embrace, she felt the tension and fear that had been building up inside her finally release. Tears began to flow freely down her cheeks as she buried her face in the crook of Kie's neck.

Lia's hand rubbed soothing circles on her, murmuring softly, her voice thick with emotion. "We've got you. You're safe now."

Kie pressed a gentle kiss to Isa's temple. "We're here, baby. We're not going anywhere."

Isa clung to them tightly, drawing strength from their presence, her fingers gripping them tightly as if afraid they might disappear. The warmth of their bodies against hers grounded her, reminding her that she was no longer alone in that cold, sterile interrogation room.

Isa felt a rush of shame of breaking down like this, for her earlier panic attack that led to this situation. Even if Deputy Plumb had lied and said that Isa had attacked her when she hadn't, it had caused all of this to spiral to this state.

Isa swallowed. "I'm sorry. For all this. For acting like..."

Lia shook her head reassuringly. "No, you don't have anything to apologize for, love. You've been through so much."

"You were bound to break down at some point," Kie murmured in agreement. "That wasn't your fault. You didn't do anything wrong. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise."

As Isa, Lia and Kie held each other close, JJ approached Kaylee tentatively. There was an awkward tension between them, both unsure how to act after their last encounter and everything that had transpired since.

JJ cleared his throat. "Hey."

Kaylee looked up at him, her eyes filled with a mix of relief and apprehension. "Hey. Are you okay?"

JJ nodded, shoving his hands in his pockets. "Yeah, I'm alright. It wasn't so bad in there." He paused, searching for the right words. "Look, about what I said before..."

Kaylee shook her head, cutting him off. "JJ, you don't have to explain. I understand."

"No, I do," JJ insisted. "I meant what I said. If something happened with Rafe... I get it. You two had a mission today with everyone else. You thought you were gonna die. And..."

"A bounty hunter tried to kidnap me and take me to the Laurents last night," Kaylee added, nodding.

JJ's eyes widened in shock. "I did not know that."

Kaylee pressed her lips together. "Yeah, it was after the party. After everybody split up. Rafe was there. He helped me."

JJ couldn't contain his scoff. "Of course he did."

Kaylee tilted her head at JJ.

JJ sighed, closing his eyes. "Sorry, force of habit." He opened his eyes, meeting Kaylee's gaze. "I'm glad someone was there. That you weren't alone. That you're okay."

Kaylee nodded in agreement. "I'm okay. I burned the bounty hunter's face off and Rafe threw him off the pier, but we were unharmed. Which seems to be a recurring theme at this point."

JJ tilted his head in acknowledgement, raising his eyebrows. "If you think I'm gonna judge you for that, I'm not going to. You were protecting yourself."

Kaylee shook her head. "I'm not judging myself either. Not anymore. I don't... hate myself like I used to."

JJ sighed heavily. "I noticed that. That he... helped you accept this darkness."

"So it's not eating me alive anymore," Kaylee finished. "But you helped me with that first, JJ. I hope you know that. You showed me a life where there's light when I thought there wasn't any. He just showed me that I don't have to be terrified of the dark inside of me. And that just because I have darkness inside doesn't mean that it'll take away all of the light. It wasn't just about taking control back from everyone else, Jayj. It was about taking my own power back from this other side of me. And I'm finally doing it."

JJ processed all of this, nodding slowly, biting his lip. "That's fair."

Kaylee swallowed slightly. "And yeah, something did happen."

JJ closed his eyes, shaking his head. "I don't want to know, Kaylee. I told you I won't hold it against you, but I don't want to know."

Kaylee looked up at JJ, nodding in response. "That's fair."

"I'm just glad that whatever you had to do, you did it," JJ admitted. "You seem a lot better than before."

"I am," Kaylee admitted. "Because it wasn't just about him, but about me. And my family. My parents are still a no-go, but I'm in a better place with Kie, and definitely with Elyna, Gael and Esme. Esme's actually how we got you guys out."

JJ couldn't help a small smile. "I figured."

JJ marveled at how Kaylee seemed to light up again. He hadn't seen her this bright and fiery in so long, and he longed to see her like this many times more. This was the girl he loved. This was the girl he wanted to be with.

And he was coming to realize, maybe he didn't have to keep pushing her away to protect her either, like everyone kept telling him. If she was reaching a point of becoming the best person she could be, maybe he could, too. Maybe they could reach that point together.

That was all either of them wanted.

John B and Sarah locked eyes. For a moment, they just stared at each other, the weight of everything that had happened between them hanging in the air.

Sarah took a hesitant step forward, her voice soft and uncertain. "John B, I..."

Before she could finish, John B closed the distance between them in two quick strides. Without a word, he pulled Sarah into a tight embrace, burying his face in her hair. Sarah let out a choked sob, wrapping her arms around him just as tightly.

"I'm so sorry," Sarah whispered, her voice muffled against his chest. "For everything."

John B pulled back slightly, his hands coming up to cup Sarah's face. His eyes searched hers, filled with a mix of pain and love. "I know. I am too. God, Sarah, I really thought I was screwed. But you..."

"I bought you a day," Sarah finished. "So you don't have a lot of time."

John B nodded in understanding.

The couples (or ex-couple in Kaylee/JJ's and Sarah/John B's cases) broke apart.

"And Wheezie, Elyna, Pope and Cleo are at the Chateau," Kie explained.

Isa nodded in understanding. "Okay."

Lia took Isa and Kie by the hands, leading them down the street. "Come on. They're waiting for us."

Isa and Kie walked hand in hand with Lia as they followed her down the street.

Kaylee and JJ exchanged a look with each other, and John B and Sarah.

Kie looked back at them. "You guys coming or what?"

Isa smirked. "Seriously, guys."

With a slight smirk, Kaylee walked toward the three girls.

JJ hesitated before following.

John B and Sarah exchanged a look.

Sarah turned around, walking away to follow the others, looking over her shoulder at John B as she continued walking. "Are you coming?"

John B gave a shake of his head, confused but willing to go with it. "Yeah, yeah."

John B followed the others down the street.

(Song Ends)

⚓️

The Chateau - Outside

Wheezie, Elyna, Pope and Cleo were waiting in the front yard of the Chateau.

Wheezie was holding Indy, putting her down, letting her run around and play.

Indy ran up to Pope and Cleo, hoping to play with them.

Pope laughed lightly. "Hey, Indy."

Cleo grinned. "The kitten's crazy cute."

"Absolutely," Elyna agreed.

Kaylee, Lia, Kie and Sarah walked up quickly to the Chateau, smiling at the others.

"Hey, thanks for waiting," Kaylee told them. "Look who decided to come home."

They looked behind them just as Isa, John B and JJ walked up to the group, flashing smiles at Wheezie, Elyna, Pope and Cleo.

"Hey, guys!" Cleo greeted. "Welcome back."

Wheezie immediately stood and ran over to hug Isa. "Oh, my God."

Isa returned the embrace gratefully. "Hey, Wheezie."

JJ pulled a face. "Where's my hug, you little squirt?"

"Yeah, or mine?" John B added teasingly.

Kaylee pulled an upside-down smile, shrugging, shaking her head. "Isa comes first."

Everyone laughed.

Wheezie quickly embraced John B. "Okay, okay, you get one, too." She then pulled JJ into an embrace, just as JJ lifted her off the ground and spun her around teasingly, making Wheezie squeal. "JJ!"

JJ laughed, putting Wheezie down. "That's for making me last. Then again, you know what they say. They save the best for last."

"Oh, whatever," John B replied.

The warmth of their camaraderie brought an instant lightness to the heavy air that had lingered since the party's chaos.

Isa looked at Kaylee, Kie, Lia, Wheezie and Elyna in concern. "Did everything with the plane heist go okay?"

"Yeah, actually, it went as smoothly as it could," Elyna answered. "We took the Laurents down and they're behind bars."

"Which means that come tomorrow, Kaylee, Elyna, Gael and Esme are free and pardoned," Lia finished. "They're all in the clear. Gael and Esme are finalizing it all in the morning."

The Pogues let out a victorious cheer.

"I can't believe you guys pulled that off," Pope admitted. "Congratulations."

"That's cause for celebration right there," Cleo admitted.

"Don't celebrate just yet, because there's more," Sarah added.

Pope pointed to Isa, John B and JJ. "Yeah, like how did you guys get them out of jail? I mean, it's good to see you, guys, but how..."

"Sarah took care of John B, Elyna and Rafe with Topper's side of things, at least for the day," Kie answered.

"And Esme's connections with Interpol surpassed Mike and Anna's charges against John B and JJ for trespassing onto their party," Lia added. "And it got around Plumb's lie about Isa 'assaulting' a police officer while she was having a panic attack."

Isa, Lia, Kie, Kaylee, Elyna, Wheezie, Sarah and Cleo stood together, facing John B, JJ and Pope. The Pogues looked between each other with slight tension after all the drama, all the angst, all the distance... but they were relieved beyond words to be together here again.

Sarah: (voice over) "I made my choice. What I didn't know is if the Pogues would take me back."

The Pogues processed everything that had come to an end today.

"With Sarah buying us a day with Topper to not press charges against John B, Elyna and even Rafe, and with the Laurents taken down, we can finally focus on saving Isa and John B's dad," Kie told them.

Lia nodded. "And I can get us down to the Orinoco to do so."

Cleo and Pope looked at Lia in shock but happiness.

"The Orinoco," Kaylee repeated.

"Are you serious?" Pope asked.

Elyna nodded, looking down. "Yep."

"Okay, and how's that gonna happen?" Cleo asked.

Isa frowned. "Lia, I thought you said that things with your dad weren't going good because of what happened before with..."

"They weren't, but she managed to get past that and get him to agree," Wheezie explained. "Our dad's going to let us use the plane."

JJ looked at Lia, raising his eyebrow in surprise. "So your plan with Ward actually worked?"

Lia shrugged.

"Your dad?" John B asked in disbelief.

Obviously, there was distrust and skepticism amongst the group when it came to Ward, but they knew that they didn't have much other choice.

"We lay low tonight, then wheels up first thing in the morning," Sarah explained.

Pope nodded slightly, mind racing. "Okay, that's a lot to process. Your dad actually helping us. After Rafe turned around and started helping us."

"So we trusting Ward now?" Cleo asked. "We can barely trust Rafe as it is, even after he helped with your heist."

"Trust Kaylee, Lia, Sarah and Wheezie," Kie told them. "They got Rafe to help before. They're getting Ward to help. Maybe this will work too."

Kie looked at Isa and Lia, giving a slight smile, as they both gave small ones in return.

JJ rubbed a hand over his neck as he glanced at Kaylee. Kaylee met his gaze briefly before looking away with a nod.

"Alright," Cleo agreed.

"That's all I needed to hear," Pope admitted.

"But wait," Sarah said. "I also just have one more thing to say. Um... since we've gotten back from the island, I've done some things that I regret." She glanced at Lia, Wheezie and John B. "A lot."

John B looked down. "Yeah, uh..." He cleared his throat, looking up at Sarah. "I feel... I feel like we've all done a thing or two that we regret."

JJ scoffed softly in acknowledgement to John B's words, looking at Kaylee. Kaylee looked at JJ, nodding slightly, running a hand through her curls.

Sarah shook her head. "And I don't... Poguelandia, guys. It's all I've been able to think about. We were all together on that island, and it was a good thing. And I don't want to ruin a good thing. And I... I just wanna know, are we still all in? Are we still all together? Because I am."

Lia nodded instantly in agreement. "Me too."

"Hell yeah, baby," Kaylee answered.

Kie nodded. "Yeah."

Isa tilted her head with a slight grin. "Abso-fucking-lutely."

Wheezie's arms shot up in a cheer. "When I said Pogues for life, I meant Pogues for life!"

(Song:) Young Lovers Do - Tilly VW

Everyone smiled as Isa, Kaylee, Lia, Kie, Sarah and Wheezie brought each other into an embrace, the girls holding each other close.

Cleo smiled, tilting her head back. "We pon road!"

All the girls laughed, as they pulled Cleo into a big embrace with them.

"I love you," Lia told her.

Kie smiled. "I love all you guys."

Elyna chuckled, shaking her head. "I might be the new person, technically, if you don't count childhood friends returning as teenagers. But I'm a ride or die kind of girl. All or nothing. I'm all in. For Kaylee and Kie and all of you."

Isa smiled slightly as she reached for Elyna's hand, pulling her toward the girls. "That's exactly why you're perfect Pogue material, Elyna. Especially after everything you've already done for the team."

Kaylee and Kie smiled at their cousin as they pulled Elyna into the girls' embrace.

"You wanted friends and family, Elyna?" John B asked. "You got it."

The warmth of their embrace enveloped Elyna, filling her with a sense of belonging that she had longed for since reuniting with her family. She looked around at the faces of her friends, each one glowing with an unbreakable bond forged through trials and triumphs.

Wheezie held Elyna's hand with a bright smile on her face. "And we mean it when we say you're one of us now, Elyna. Welcome to the craziness that is being a Pogue."

"Yeah, craziness is definitely a part of it," JJ added with a laugh. "But it's also laughter, loyalty, and some wild adventures along the way."

Kaylee squeezed Elyna's hand tightly, her gaze softening. "Just remember, no matter how tough things get, you'll always have us. We'll always have each other's backs."

Lia nodded in agreement. "Exactly! We're going to see this through together, no matter what comes our way."

"Still can't believe Esme got them out of jail and got the plane," Pope admitted.

JJ nodded in agreement. "I know."

Pope hugged the girls. "That's actually insane."

Elyna grinned. "My mom's a badass like that. You should've seen the heist. It was completely awesome."

JJ walked over to the girls and Pope to join them. "Let's go get Big John, all right?"

The girls and Pope all had their arms around each other, though they were facing John B, the embrace held wide open, as Pope had his arms over Kaylee and JJ's shoulders when JJ joined the hug.

JJ looked over to John B. "What do you say there, shit bird?"

John B smiled a little as he looked over each of them.

"I think this deserves a woogity," Pope said.

Isa tilted her head at her brother. "How long you gonna pretend you're not coming over here?"

"Come on!" Lia teased.

John B smiled sheepishly, shrugging.

"Come over here, funny man," Cleo teased.

"We don't bite," Kie agreed.

John B started to walk closer.

"Let's go, let's go," Wheezie cheered.

"Yeah, there you go, JB," Kaylee told him.

Once John B was within the embrace, between Sarah and JJ, they all closed the circle in a big group hug.

"Now we woogity!" Pope cheered.

"Oh, we're really doing this, aren't we?" John B asked.

"We're doing it, man," Elyna answered.

"We're really fucking doing it," Isa answered.

Sarah nodded. "Mm-hmm."

Indy ran up to the group, hyper and wanting to play.

John B picked Indy up. "Yeah, I think Indy is officially the Pogue mascot, what do you guys think?"

They all laughed, nodding in agreement.

"Indy's an honorary member," Isa agreed.

"More than honorary," Lia corrected. "She's full-fledged."

"Hell yeah," JJ laughed.

Kaylee grinned. "Absolutely."

Wheezie, Kie and Sarah laughed.

Cleo and Pope shook their heads in amusement.

They all smiled at each other happily, content for the first time in so long.

Kie turned to her cousin. "By the way, I think we promised Elyna a full Pogue initiation party."

Wheezie smiled. "That's right. Might as well celebrate our successes before we head out to South America in the morning."

Elyna's eyes sparkled with excitement as she turned to Kie. "Really? You're serious? I mean, that would be amazing!"

"Of course we are!" Wheezie exclaimed, clapping her hands together. "We're not leaving you out of this! A full-on Pogue initiation party is exactly what we need before our big adventure."

"Yes! Count me in!" Elyna cheered, her face lighting up with genuine joy. The idea of celebrating with her newfound family felt exhilarating, a breath of fresh air after everything that had happened.

Kaylee exchanged glances with Isa, Sarah, Wheezie, Kie and Lia, each of them grinning from ear to ear. After the chaos they'd endured, they all desperately needed a moment to let loose and celebrate their bond.

"Impromptu initiations are our specialty," Isa mused. "Let's get the beers."

"Don't need anything special to make it a night to remember," Kaylee agreed. "Just us and a beautiful night."

"Yeah," Sarah added, her spirit lifting even higher. "We could do some games."

"At my initiation, it was small but awesome," Wheezie recalled. "We just drank sodas and beers, and John B did a backflip into the water."

John B grinned. "That was fun."

Everyone laughed.

"Count me in for some prank wars," JJ said with a devilish grin. "I've got a few ideas up my sleeve."

Indy let out an enthusiastic meow, feeling the uplifted atmosphere and wanting to join in on the fun.

"Looks like even Indy is ready to party!" Kie laughed, scratching the little kitten behind her ears as she squirmed in John B's arms.

Sarah grinned. "How about we set up a surprise challenge for Indy? Best trick or pounce wins."

The group erupted into laughter, their spirits buoyed by the idea.

Kaylee pointed at the group. "We've got a lot to celebrate tonight, and it'll be even more fun with our furry friend as the star." She smiled at her cousin. "Plus let's not forget our Pogue initiation party."

"Of course not," Lia agreed. "We have to show Elyna how we do it right!"

Elyna grinned widely. "I'm ready for whatever you guys throw at me."

"Okay, let's get this party started," John B declared. "We've got everything we need right here."

Wheezie nodded, her heart swelling with warmth as she looked around at the faces of her friends and sisters, bouncing on her toes in excitement. "This is what it's all about - us together, no drama, just good times and laughter."

"Exactly!" Cleo added, pumping her fist in the air. "Let's make some noise! I say we start with some music!"

Isa grinned at Cleo's enthusiasm. "I can handle that! Who's got a speaker?"

"I've got one in my bag!" Pope exclaimed, already rifling through his backpack.

(Song Ends)

Within moments, he produced a portable Bluetooth speaker that pulsed with life.

"Nice!" Sarah cheered. "Let's hook it up!"

As Pope started hooking up his speaker, Kie spoke up. "And next up, we need drinks. Who's in for a roundup?"

"Count me in!" JJ exclaimed, pumping his fist in the air, running to grab the beers.

As JJ tripped over his own feet doing so, he leaped back up and continued running to get the beers.

"You okay?" Sarah asked.

"Yep!" JJ replied without stopping.

Everyone laughed.

Once Pope got his speaker hooked up, Lia reached for his phone. "Let me pick the song."

Pope smiled, handing his phone over.

(Song:) Someone to You - Banners

Lia picked the song "Someone to You" by Banners, a song that reflected how each of the Pogues felt in their lives, wanting to belong, and finding their place in this family together.

As the upbeat melody filled the air, the energy among the group soared. The sound of laughter and music intertwined, creating a vibrant atmosphere that pushed away the shadows of their recent troubles. Everyone began to move to the rhythm, swaying and dancing as Indy darted between their legs, her playful spirit contagious.

Kaylee suddenly broke out into an impromptu dance, showcasing her best moves in a way that made everyone cheer. "Check it out! The Pogues have officially entered party mode!"

Kaylee twirled dramatically.

"Let's see if you can keep up with me!" John B challenged, mimicking Kaylee's wild dance moves.

John B grabbed Isa's hand and pulled his sister into the center of the makeshift dance floor formed by their friends, hoping to cheer his sister up after the long and few days they had.

Isa laughed, her heart racing as she easily kept pace with John B's exaggerated spins and jumps. "Alright, Mr. Show-off! Let's see what you've got!"

The others joined in, forming a loose circle around John B and Isa, everyone laughing and enjoying themselves.

JJ dove into the fray with exaggerated flair, tossing each Pogue their beer. "Hey, up to, up to!"

Everyone caught their beer, opening them and cheering in turn, toasting their beers.

"Hey!" Kie cheered. "To Elyna's transformation into a full Pogue!"

The others raised their drinks, echoing her sentiment with enthusiastic cheers. "To Elyna!"

Elyna raised her beer high, a bright smile illuminating her face. "To new beginnings and the best family I could ask for!"

The group echoed her cheers, their voices blending together in a joyful cacophony as they all clinked their cans against one another. The sound of laughter, music, and camaraderie filled the air, washing away all remnants of doubt and fear.

As the song played on, Kaylee broke into another dance, encouraging everyone to join in. "Come on, Pogues! Show me what you've got!"

JJ smiled as he joined Kaylee in a dance off, spinning and twirling with wild abandon. "You think you can outshine me? Bring it!"

As laughter erupted around them, Sarah pulled Wheezie into the center of the circle. "Let's see your moves, Wheeze!"

Wheezie giggled nervously but quickly found her rhythm, throwing her hands in the air and shimmying with glee.

Cleo pointed to the other girls. "I'm still cross with you. I might have had to work yesterday, but I want a rematch for the party you girls went to."

"Don't feel bad," John B replied. "None of us boys got to be involved either."

"Oh, don't worry, Cleo," Elyna told her teasingly. "The next time there's a fancy party and we get to go all out, I'll make sure I get to do the fashion designing for everybody."

Everyone laughed at Elyna's response as they all continued dancing and drinking, having a grand old time.

Elyna and Wheezie were dancing together happily, smiling at each other, the air between them charged and electric after they had shared their first kiss on the plane during their heist.

The other Pogues seemed to sense the difference between them.

"Oh, hold up," Pope said.

"You two seem different," Sarah agreed.

"Did something else happen on that plane, lovebirds?" Cleo teased.

Elyna and Wheezie exchanged a sly glance, their cheeks flushing slightly as they both tried to answer at the same time.

"Well, um..." Wheezie began.

As Elyna began at the same time, Wheezie's response drowned out, as she spoke coyly, smiling brightly at Wheezie. "We might have shared a moment or two."

The way Elyna looked at her sent a rush of warmth through Wheezie's heart.

Isa raised an eyebrow, feigning shock. "Just a moment? You mean the entire flight back wasn't enough for you two to realize you're practically made for each other?"

Lia chimed in with a teasing grin. "Seriously, we've all seen the way you look at each other. It's like watching a rom-com unfold."

"Okay, okay! Yes!" Wheezie admitted, throwing her hands up in playful surrender. "We definitely kissed on the plane!"

The group erupted into cheers and playful whoops, celebrating their friends' newfound romance.

Kaylee, Isa and Lia grinned as they turned to Sarah, Kie and JJ smugly.

"Boom!" Kaylee cheered. "We won, bitches!"

"Pay up," Lia agreed.

Sarah, Kie and JJ groaned but pulled out the cash and handed it to Kaylee, Isa and JJ respectively.

Wheezie and Elyna's mouths dropped in disbelief.

"Wait, you bet on us?" Elyna asked.

John B laughed lightly. "Of course they did."

"Yeah, we totally did," Kie admitted with a grin. "We knew something was brewing between you two, and we just couldn't resist making it interesting."

Wheezie shook her head in mock annoyance, though her smile betrayed her amusement. "You guys are the worst! But I guess it's kind of sweet that you believed in us."

Elyna beamed, warmth flooding through her as she looked at Wheezie. "I loved every second of it. And it was definitely a moment I won't forget."

The crowd erupted into cheers and playful jeers, their excitement palpable.

Sarah clapped her hands together enthusiastically. "Yes! That's what I'm talking about! Love is in the air, people!"

Isa nudged John B and JJ playfully, nodding to Sarah and Kaylee. "Looks like love is officially in the air tonight, huh?"

John B and JJ couldn't help but smirk at Isa's hint.

John B threw his arm around Isa's shoulders as he leaned his head against his sister's. JJ threw his arm around Isa's waist in a playful brotherly gesture.

John B glanced at Sarah as she caught his gaze. "And it's about time we celebrated that too."

"Damn right," JJ agreed, looking over to Kaylee.

Kaylee smiled in return.

Cleo looked at Wheezie and Elyna with a grin. "You two are adorable together. This calls for another toast."

"Absolutely," Pope agreed.

Indy darted between their legs, making everyone sidestep the kitten with bursts of laughter as she mewled and meowed, playfully zigzagging through everyone to play around through the party atmosphere.

As Indy danced around their feet, her little paws moving swiftly across grass, a kind of joyous energy enveloped the group.

Lia knelt down to scoop up the frisky kitten, cradling her in her arms while she laughed. "Looks like she's ready to party too!"

"She definitely is," Kie remarked, grinning as she reached over to scratch behind Indy's ears.

Isa smiled as she pet Indy gently. "Just a Pogue. Always ready for a party and adventure."

"Okay, okay, everyone!" John B called out, raising his beer high in the air. "Let's toast to new beginnings, fierce friendships, and unexpected romances!"

Wheezie and Elyna exchanged glances before raising their drinks alongside the others. A chorus of cheers erupted, echoing through the night as they all knocked their cans together.

"To family!" Kaylee chimed in, her voice bright and clear.

"To adventure!" Cleo added.

"To kicking ass together!" JJ shouted, his enthusiasm infectious.

"Saving Isa and John B's dad," Sarah added.

Pope nodded. "And finding El Dorado."

Everyone clinked their drinks together, drinking.

Wheezie glanced at everyone curiously. "So what was the bet about, if you knew that we were gonna kiss anyway?"

Everyone smiled.

"JJ, Kie and Sarah thought that you and Elyna could keep your hands off each other until after the plane heist," Kaylee answered. "But Isa, Lia and I knew you two were gonna kiss either on that plane or by the time we got home before the mission ended. You two are just so irresistible to each other, Wheezie."

"And who could blame you?" Lia teased.

Everyone smiled and laughed, enjoying the party as it continued on.

(Song Ends)

⚓️

Marina Club

Topper was sitting at a table, trying to call Sarah, drinking a lot until he was wasted.

Sarah: (on voicemail) "Hi, you've reached Sarah. You know what to do."

Topper drank his glass, standing, trying again. "All right. Let's try this one more time."

Kelce was sitting at the bar when he saw Topper there.

Sarah: (on voicemail) "Hi, you've reached Sarah. You know what to do."

Topper stood at the bar, freaking out, sighing. "All right, all right."

He didn't notice that he now stood next to Kelce.

"Who are you calling 50 times?" Kelce asked. "Huh? Who's not answering?"

Topper turned to face him, leaning against the bar. "I don't know, Kelce. Uh... does Sarah ever do what she says she's gonna do?"

"I don't think so," Kelce answered.

Topper nodded, not surprised. "Oh."

Kelce smirked in amusement, walking closer. "Ah. How'd she screw you this time?"

"So, I did Sarah a favor, right?" Topper asked. "Got reamed by my mom. I mean, it's a shit show, man. So, I do this favor. She's like, 'Oh, I'll hit you tonight'. It's tonight. Haven't heard a thing. Been calling her. Nothing. She's just ignoring me. So, I don't know, man. I'm just a little confused. That's all."

Topper grabbed a new drink, chugging.

Kelce shook his head. "Listen, listen. Let's sit."

They went over to Topper's table.

"Ah, shit," Topper said, sitting down.

Kelce stood next to him. "Uh, she's playing you like a fiddle, bro."

Topper shook his head. "No."

"She's been playing you since day one," Kelce told him.

"It's a lot different now," Topper told him.

"You know why she can't hit you up right now?" Kelce asked. "It's 'cause she's with John B."

Topper frowned. "Isa, John B and JJ are still in jail. Mike and Anna wouldn't take back the charges."

Kelce gave Topper a look. "Dude, we called the cops on Kaylee, who was wanted for murder, and her aunt Esme got her free and clear from being arrested because she works for Interpol. You think that that she won't do the same thing for Isa, John B and JJ?"

Topper realized that Kelce was right. "Okay, but even if Esme did get them out of jail, it doesn't mean that Sarah's with John B."

Kelce nodded sarcastically. "Oh, okay."

Topper was messing with a book of matches in his hand. "She wouldn't do that."

"Well, Sarah, Lia and Wheezie all think they're Pogues now, just like Kaylee and Kie," Kelce pointed out. "Can't trust a Pogue, right? Not that you could trust any of them anyways. And now, Sarah's with John B, and you're looking at me like I'm the bad guy, right? Listen, she's gonna keep doing this again and again..."

Topper finished his drink, standing. "Just leave me alone right now, Kelce."

Topper knew that Kelce was right, which only made it worse. He stormed away, determined to find out one way or another if Kelce was right, and when he did find out the truth, he would unleash hell.

Kelce stood, turning to watch him go, way too amused. "All right, Top." He raised his glass. "It's good to see you."

⚓️

The Chateau - Living Room

Cleo and Pope were playing games and cards.

"So what kind of plane is it?" Cleo asked.

"Well, it's Ward's, so I'm guessing something lit," Pope answered.

Cleo smiled, drinking. "That's what I'm talking about. Flying private, baby."

Indy ran around the inside of the house, going to get her food.

Pope laughed lightly at that. "What are you doing, Indy?"

Cleo shook her head in amusement. "Who knew Indy could help more than just the girls?"

Pope shrugged in agreement.

Pope and Cleo exchanged a look, smirking slightly, their small smirks turning into smiles as they gazed at each other.

⚓️

Outside

(Song:) Us - James Bay

Isa, Lia and Kie were sitting outside alone for the moment, looking up at the night sky, staring at the stars.

Isa shook her head. "You know, sometimes all of us are beaten and broken. Like there's a secret or a code to living in this world. And for a while, some of us lost hope after being beaten down so much. We just wanted to feel no pain anymore. I know I lost hope in a lot of things. But I always believed in something. I always believed in the three of us."

Lia and Kie looked at Isa in touched, awed silence.

"I did too," Lia agreed. "I still do."

Kie smiled. "So do I."

"Like, even with everything going on, tearing through our lives, even in my mind..." Lia trailed off. "I know that the two of you are why I'm still here. Still okay. Even remotely. Because even over all the riots, above all the noise, through everything... I still hear your voices. And I still think of you... to pull me back."

Kie took both of their hands. "I know it's really dark right now, for all of us, but we'll get out of this. Us and the other guys. I promise. We will find a way, because somehow, miraculously, we always do. If you believe in anything, believe in that."

Isa and Lia nodded in agreement.

"Just with all of this, piling up, everything crushing down around me..." Isa trailed off, taking a shaky breath, still looking like she could be on the verge of breaking down. "I just felt like I could scream forever and it still wouldn't be enough to stop me from breaking down or snapping, like John B and JJ and Kaylee did more than once, and you, Lia. And I don't know if I could survive breaking down like that, Kie."

Lia considered this, before standing, taking Isa and Kie's hands, leading them over to the dock over the water. "Come here. Maybe this will help a little bit, Isa. I know it's helped me sometimes. Kie, don't laugh."

"Uh, no promises," Kie replied, amused.

Lia stood on the edge of the dock, letting out a long, angry, devastated scream.

Isa and Kie jumped only slightly, but realized what Lia was doing.

"This your trick?" Isa asked.

Lia nodded. "Better than getting high and fucking everything up again. Even if it means looking crazy again."

Isa nodded in agreement. "I'll second that. I think after all this shit, we just need to scream."

Isa didn't even hesitate, letting everything out that she had been going through over the last year, finally just letting it out as she let a scream that had just as much anger and devastation as Lia's did.

Kie looked at them sympathetically; after everything she had gone through with her own parents, she knew that it could help. "I want to give it a try."

Kie's scream was not as angry or devastated or filled with pain and regret or self-hate like Lia and Isa's, but it did show all the conflict and confusion and pain that she had gone through.

Isa, Kie and Lia took each other by the hands to comfort and be there for each other before all screaming together to let it all out. When they finally had, they looked like a weight had lifted off all their shoulders, like for the moment, they could finally breathe, tears in their eyes; for a moment, they felt free. Kie instantly wrapped her arms around Isa and Lia to pull them in on either side of her, as the three of them wrapped their arms around each other tightly, leaning their heads together, looking over the water in silence.

After a moment, they pulled away, still holding hands, walking back toward the Chateau.

"I think that's enough sadness for a year," Isa pointed out.

"We definitely deserve some happiness," Kie agreed.

Lia smiled, taking out two boxes. "Yeah, luckily for you two, I actually got you two something. Hoping it could make you feel better or make things better between us again." She put the boxes in Kie and Isa's hands, who looked at them curiously. "Go ahead and open them."

"You aren't proposing to us, are you, Lia?" Kie asked.

Lia rolled her eyes teasingly. "No, just open it."

Kie and Isa's eyes lit up in surprise and delight as they opened the boxes and saw the matching bracelets. The leather was braided, soft and sleek, the black color representing strength and unity. The personalized markings on the bracelets shimmered in the light, symbolizing their unbreakable bond. They closely resembled the one that Lia was wearing, but now they could see the details up close.

K - I - L

ALWAYS

"Kil?" Kie asked, before realizing. "Kie, Isa and Lia."

Lia smiled. "Yeah."

Kie beamed, her eyes shining with appreciation. "Lia, these are beautiful! You made us matching bracelets?"

Lia smiled, pleased with how happy this made them. "Yeah, I found leather at the cabin, and I braided it and engraved it myself. Elyna helped me out. She's really good at artistry, of course."

Isa's fingers traced the engraving, her heart swelling with emotion. "Always, huh? I love it."

Lia nodded, her expression earnest. "I wanted us to have a tangible reminder of our bond. No matter what happens out there - whether it's battles with our pasts or our families - we're tied together. Always."

Kie slipped the bracelet onto her wrist, fastening it with a soft click. "This is perfect."

Isa mirrored Kie's movements, securing her own bracelet. The comfort of the leather against her skin felt grounding. "Thank you for this, Lia. It means more than you know."

Lia couldn't help but smile as she watched them both wear their bracelets proudly.

Kie took Isa and Lia by the hands, their bracelets now side by side as they completed their circle. "I love it. We're always stronger together."

Isa smiled, wrapping her arms around both Kie and Lia. "Always. If we face the storm, we do it as a team."

Lia leaned her head against Isa and Kie's. "I'm so glad you like them."

"Absolutely," Kie murmured.

As they pulled away, Isa looked at Lia teasingly. "I don't know, Lia. I mean, if this was a ring, it'd definitely be a proposal for me and Kie."

Lia lightly pushed Isa, teasingly. "Whatever, Routledge. Don't act like you wouldn't say yes to me."

Isa shrugged, a soft smile on her lips. "I definitely wouldn't not say yes."

Kie smiled, happy that they were happy and that they finally had a moment like this again. "Me too. It's gonna be okay, guys. Promise."

The three leaned their heads together, pulling away as they continued on toward the Chateau.

"To think, all of this started to achieve my family's dream," Isa mused.

"Pope says dreams are just your subconscious regurgitating," Kie pointed out. "Like puke for your brain."

Isa wrinkled her nose. "Thank you. Why are we talking about that?"

Lia perked up. "Did you know that dreams are often the result of sensory memories and sensory input? So if you're dreaming of, like, a really specific memory from when you were a kid, it's because you're probably smelling something that reminds you of that while you're sleeping, or there's some other sensory trigger pulling you back."

Kie loved the spark in both Lia and Isa's eyes when talking about dreams like this, the way their eyes lit up. Though to be fair, all of their eyes always lit up whenever they talked about something they were passionate about, like saving sea habitats, swimming with the turtles and dolphins on Poguelandia, giving back to the people from the Cut, traveling the world and visiting so many places. And all three of them loved how their eyes lit up, in love with the spark from their loved ones.

"So when we dream of each other, it's because we have some sensory memory of them with us, right?" Isa asked. "Even if they're not there."

Kie smiled teasingly. "Aw, this your way of telling us that you were dreaming of us even when we weren't together?"

Isa poked out her tongue but didn't deny it. Lia and Kie grinned, and Isa couldn't help but return the beaming smile.

"Me too, Isa," Lia told her.

Isa smiled a bit more, eyes flickering between Lia and Kie, feeling more at ease yet nervous when she saw that their looks, their desiring and loving looks from before everything got so tense, were finally back and the three were just drinking each other in.

"Kie, have you ever had a lucid dream?" Lia asked.

Kie tilted her head in thought. "Maybe. I get the thing about sensory memory. When I sleep here or the Pogue Nest, I dream better. I guess because it smells like home. Sometimes, at my parents' house, I don't dream at all. And I wake up so tired."

Lia nodded in agreement. "I don't dream much. Except for nightmares, maybe. But I do have good dreams when I'm here and at the Pogue Nest."

"Same here," Isa agreed.

"What about you?" Kie asked.

Lia leaned forward. "What do you dream, Isa?"

Kie pointed at Isa. "And don't say us again."

Isa hesitated at the way that Lia and Kie stared at her so earnestly, looking up at the stars over their heads, shining so brightly down at them. Lia and Kie looked up at the stars as well.

"I dream of the Pogues," Isa answered, giving a slight smile. "Just us being happy for once. Getting everything we've ever wanted. Still adventuring all to hell. Because that's just who we are."

Kie and Lia smiled softly.

"Yeah, it is," Kie agreed.

"When I have dreams like that, I wake up feeling like we can fight our way out, even when it hurts, and that we can finally be safe someday," Isa admitted. "And knowing that whatever happens, wherever we end up, even if it's stranded together on a deserted island, we're home. When we're together at least."

Lia and Kie looked at Isa with bright smiles, as they clearly felt the same. Isa gave a smile in return. Lia took Kie and Isa both by the hands, holding them together. Kie finished by taking Isa's hand in her other, squeezing both of their hands. The three looked into each other's eyes and smiled, soft and content, happy for the first time since they got home.

Lia looked at Kie, speaking softly. "What about you, Kie?"

Kie bit her lip. "I dream of making everything up to you guys. Of never hurting either of you like I did. And never letting anyone else come between us again. Not even our crazy, fucked up, dysfunctional and overbearing parents. Families in general."

Isa and Lia couldn't help but smile at the true description of all their parents who all made it hell for them to try and be together.

Isa swallowed slightly, nodding a bit, biting her lip. "Good thing we have all the time in the world to make things right."

"And all the time in the world to do what we want," Lia agreed. "With us, together. We're still all together, right?"

"Absolutely," Isa answered. "All together."

Kie nodded. "All together. Isa, Lia, whatever the two of you are doing, wherever you're going... I'll be there with you."

Without hesitation, Isa let go of Kie's hand to cup her cheek, kissing her slowly and passionately.

Kie's eyes fluttered shut as she melted into the kiss, feeling the warmth of Isa's lips against hers. It was a soft, tender moment that seemed to stretch into eternity, a promise of their unwavering bond amidst the chaos surrounding them.

When they finally pulled apart, Kie opened her eyes to find both Isa and Lia looking at her with a mix of affection and intensity. The air around them felt electric, charged with emotions that had been simmering just beneath the surface.

Lia stepped forward before she could speak, her voice barely above a whisper. "I love you both so much." There was an earnestness in her gaze that made Kie's heart flutter. "No matter what happens next, I want us to remember this - what we have here."

Isa nodded, her expression mirroring Lia's sincerity. "We're going to fight for each other and our dreams. Together."

"And we won't let anyone tear us apart," Kie added, feeling a surge of determination. She took Lia by the hand, pulling her closer teasingly. "Your turn now, Lia."

Lia feigned surprise teasingly, unable to hide her smile. "What? Me? Not fair."

"Definitely not fair when you're the one who started this," Isa insisted with mock seriousness. "You should've been the one who got the first kiss."

Kie laughed. "Exactly. You gave us these thoughtful gifts. How could we be so careless?"

Lia smiled. "Well, we've all had so much to worry about. Who could blame you?"

Lia let Isa and Kie pull her closer to their embrace as she gave an inviting smile, not sure who was going to kiss her first.

Kie smiled, cupping Lia's head, kissing her with all their shared adoration.

As Kie's lips met Lia's, the warmth of their connection enveloped them in a haze of comfort and understanding. It was a gentle kiss, one that conveyed all the emotions bubbling just beneath the surface - the love, the hope, and the unwavering support they promised each other.

Isa watched, her heart swelling as she took in the sight of her two girlfriends lost in this moment together. She felt an overwhelming wave of gratitude wash over her; despite everything they'd endured, this was their sanctuary - a bubble where nothing else mattered.

When Kie pulled away, Lia's cheeks were flushed with a rosy hue, her blue eyes sparkling with delight.

"Okay, I see how it is," Lia teased lightly, a playful grin tugging at her lips.

Isa crossed her arms over her chest dramatically, feigning exasperation. "Oh no! Are you jealous now?"

Lia laughed, shaking her head. "Not at all. Just... wouldn't mind a little more attention."

Isa grinned as she leaned closer, pulling Lia closer to her. "I can help with that."

Kie kept her hands cupping Isa and Lia's hands, smiling at both of her lovers as they returned her gaze with a smile of their own.

Isa cupped Lia's cheek, meanwhile Lia played with the ends of Lia's hair. The two leaned in closer, closing the distance between them to kiss softly and sweetly but with the same level of passion as the two kisses before.

As their lips met, the world around them melted away, leaving only the warmth and sweetness of their connection.

Each kiss became a reaffirmation of their bond, a silent promise that they would face whatever challenges awaited them together. It showed all the pain, joy, love and their journey that each girl had to take to get to where they were now, for better and for worse.

Kie watched with a smile, her heart full as she felt the love radiating between them. It was moments like this that made all the chaos worthwhile. They were not just a trio of lovers; they were an unbreakable team, fiercely intertwined in each other's lives.

Breaking the kiss, Lia grinned at both Isa and Kie, her eyes shining with mischief. "Okay, so now that I have both of your attentions... what's next?"

Kie laughed softly, her cheeks still warm from their shared affection. "Well, considering we just let out a bunch of pent-up emotions by screaming, how about we celebrate our survival and tonight's fun festivities with something uniquely us?"

"Like kissing until the sun comes up?" Lia asked sarcastically.

Kie smiled, wrapping her arms around Isa and Lia in an embrace, pulling them close. Isa and Lia wrapped their arms around Kie and each other to complete the embrace.

Isa took their hands in hers. "I have a slightly better idea that just kissing until the sun rises." She smiled mischievously. "Come on."

They stood, walking inside.

⚓️

Inside - John B's Room

John B was sitting on his bed.

Sarah walked in, handing John B a beer.

"Oh, thanks," John B said.

"Yeah," Sarah agreed, going to lean against the wall.

John B looked at Sarah curiously. "What is it you really want?"

Sarah sighed, putting down her beer on the dresser, walking over to sit in front of John B on his bed.

John B put his beer down and turned completely to face Sarah.

"Honestly, before I saw you tonight, coming out of the station, I didn't know the answer to that question," Sarah admitted. John B nodded, not surprised, looking down. "But now I do." John B looked up. Sarah leaned closer, resting her forehead against his, noses grazing. "By the sea, the stars and the sky, John B."

John B, recognizing their vows, couldn't help but smile, laughing lightly. Sarah returned the smile, both of them happy and content to be with each other once again. John B cupped Sarah's cheek as they went to kiss passionately, laying her down on his bed, as they both started to pull each other's clothes off.

⚓️

Dining Room

As Pope and Cleo were still playing card games while playing around with Indy in the living room, Wheezie caught Elyna's eye and tilted her head slightly, gesturing away from the group. Elyna nodded, a small smile playing on her lips as she followed Wheezie to the dining room. The two girls stood close together, the buzz of conversation from their friends and family fading into the background.

Wheezie fidgeted with the hem of her jacket, suddenly feeling nervous now that she was alone with Elyna.

"So," Wheezie began, her voice soft. "We did it. We actually pulled it off."

Elyna grinned, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "We sure did. You were amazing out there, Wheezie. The way you handled that PSID and kept your cool under pressure... I was impressed."

Wheezie felt a blush creeping onto her face, her heart racing as she stole glances at Elyna. The adrenaline from their recent adventure was still coursing through her veins, but now it mingled with a different kind of excitement. She couldn't help but think about their kiss and recall Elyna's words on the plane, the promise of a date hanging between them like an unspoken challenge.

Elyna, for her part, seemed perfectly at ease. She ran a hand through her tousled hair, her eyes sparkling with mischief as she turned to face Wheezie, smiling slightly. "It's so easy to make you blush."

Wheezie felt her heart flutter, a mix of embarrassment and giddiness at Elyna's teasing. "Well, maybe I just can't help it around you."

Elyna stepped closer, lowering her voice. "I mean it, Wheezie. You were incredible today. We couldn't have done any of this without you." She paused, searching Wheezie's eyes, a seriousness creeping into her playful demeanor. "And when this is all over... I want to take you on that date. Just us."

Wheezie's breath hitched at the prospect, the thrill of it sending a rush of warmth through her. "Really? You mean it?"

"Absolutely," Elyna replied, her smile widening. "How about we celebrate our new freedom together? Just you and me. No crime syndicates, no secret missions, just... us."

Wheezie couldn't help but grin back, the weight of their recent struggles lifting for a moment as excitement coursed through her veins.

"Okay," Wheezie said, her heart racing at the prospect of what a date with Elyna could be. "I'd like that a lot."

Elyna's eyes sparkled as she leaned in closer, the air between them charged with a newfound intimacy. "Is there a cafe with outdoor seating in OBX? Out by the water would be perfect so we could watch the sunset."

"Not yet," Wheezie answered hesitantly, smiling. "But if me and the Pogues actually make it happen with El Dorado and get the gold, I would totally love to be able to make one."

Elyna smiled at the thought of Wheezie planning something like that for them, spending time with her in such a beautiful place. "That sounds perfect."

Wheezie smiled, feeling lighter than she had in ages. "So we might not be able to have that date now, but definitely after we get the gold."

Elyna laughed. "Sounds like a plan."

"And we can get ice cream after, too," Wheezie added.

"Definitely," Elyna agreed, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. "What else would you do with the gold, besides making such a beautiful cafe place for us?"

Wheezie pondered for a moment, her mind racing with possibilities. "Well, aside from the cafe, I've always thought it'd be cool to create a scholarship fund for kids in the OBX who want to pursue art or music. You know, give back to the community and help others chase their dreams."

Elyna beamed at the idea, her admiration for Wheezie's heart growing tenfold. "That's amazing. You really have a big heart. It would mean so much to those kids."

Wheezie felt a swell of pride in her own aspirations coming alive amidst all the turmoil. "Yeah, I just think it's important to inspire creativity. We've seen how art and music can change lives."

Elyna nodded, stepping even closer, their shoulders nearly brushing together now. "And if we get involved in something like that together? Just imagine! Helping people while building our own dreams."

Wheezie could feel her pulse quicken at the thought, smiling. "I love that. I actually am helping my sister Lia with one of her dreams too, once all of this finishes. She wants to write a book based on the Pogue adventures. She's in love with history and writing, so that's perfect for her passion. And I'm always writing in my journal, so the Pogues gave me this adventure journal where I could write about all of our adventures for Lia's book, so we're basically working on it together. We didn't want to forget a single thing. We wanted everyone to know the truth about everything that really happened, so people will stop thinking of us as liars. And we get to spread the word about the truth and have our own justice."

Elyna smiled at this. "That sounds amazing. Lia sounds pretty cool with all this."

Wheezie smiled. "She is."

"So you're a tech savvy genius with a journalist passion to top it off," Elyna mused. "I love that for you."

Wheezie's cheeks flushed with warmth, a shy smile spreading across her face. "Thanks, Elyna. I just want to make sure people know the real stories behind everything we've been through."

Elyna nodded, her expression earnest. "And you will. I can already picture it. An inspiring tale of bravery, adventure, and friendship, with plenty of moments that showcase how strong you and your friends and sisters all are."

They shared a moment of comfortable silence, allowing the weight of their experiences to settle around them like a protective cloak. The laughter and chatter from their families echoed in the background, a reminder that they weren't alone in this journey.

Wheezie took a deep breath, finding courage in the connection they shared. "So, aside from the cafe and helping kids, what do you dream about doing next?"

Elyna's eyes lit up with excitement as she leaned closer. "Honestly? I've thought about starting an organization that focuses on helping victims of crime find their voice again. Kids like Kaylee after everything she went through with Tod. The Laurents tried to silence her repeatedly over it, yet she never lost her voice and came out victorious. I want to help other kids just like her."

Wheezie's heart swelled with admiration for Elyna. "That's such a powerful idea. You'd be helping so many people reclaim their stories and find strength after trauma."

Elyna nodded, her determination palpable. "Exactly! I know how hard it can be to break free from the shadows of our pasts, and I want to create a safe space where people can share their experiences without fear. Maybe even partner with local artists and musicians to help them express their stories through their art."

Wheezie felt an electric thrill at the thought of Elyna pursuing such a meaningful cause. "You've always had a way of inspiring people. I can totally see you leading something like that."

Elyna met Wheezie's gaze, her eyes shimmering with excitement and hope. "And who knows? Maybe we can work together on this someday. My artistic skills paired with your passion for justice could create something incredible."

A smile broke across Wheezie's face at the prospect. "That's incredible, Elyna. I really do wanna help. I can see this really making a difference."

Elyna smiled, her excitement palpable. "I just think it's so important, especially for young people who feel like they've lost everything. They need to know that their voices matter and that they can reclaim their lives."

Wheezie nodded earnestly. "You'll be amazing at it. Just like you were today."

"Thanks," Elyna said softly, her gaze lingering on Wheezie. "But you know, I wouldn't be half as brave without my friends and family by my side."

Wheezie beamed, feeling a warmth spread through her chest at Elyna's words. "I know the feeling. We're all in this together."

As they stood in the dim light of the room, Wheezie felt a warmth spreading through her at the thought of what lay ahead for them. It was like they had stepped into a new chapter of their lives, one filled with hope and purpose, forged through trials but now marked by determination.

Elyna leaned closer, her voice barely above a whisper. "After everything, it feels like we've finally found our footing. What's next for us?"

Wheezie thought for a moment, glancing back at the group of friends and family gathering around as they shared their own stories of survival and triumph. "I think we need to take some time to just be... us. Enjoy being free. Whatever that means for each of us."

Elyna nodded, a bright smile lighting up her face. "I like the sound of that. Maybe we can explore new places together? We still have so much out there to discover."

Wheezie's eyes sparkled with excitement at the thought. "Absolutely! We could plan a road trip along the coast or go hiking in the mountains. Just us, no worries about what we left behind."

Elyna grinned, already envisioning the adventures ahead. "Imagine all the places we could explore. We can make a list of everything we've wanted to do and just go for it."

"Like a bucket list?" Wheezie suggested, her heart racing at the possibilities.

"Exactly!" Elyna replied, her enthusiasm infectious. "And we can document everything. You know, share our adventures through your writing and my art. It'll be like our own little movement."

Wheezie nodded eagerly, feeling inspiration flow through her veins. "We can even invite everyone to join us now that it's safe. Just picture it: The Pogues, your parents... They deserve to celebrate too."

Elyna's smile widened as she considered it. "It'll be perfect."

Wheezie grinned, the thought of a grand celebration with family and friends filling her heart with joy. "We could do a big bonfire on the beach! Roast marshmallows, tell stories. Celebrate our freedom and make new memories."

Elyna's eyes sparkled at the idea. "Absolutely! We can share our favorite moments from our adventures and how far we've come. It'll be an unforgettable night."

Wheezie felt her heart swell with happiness and triumph. They succeeded in this mission, and she knew that the Pogues would succeed their mission in El Dorado - she could feel it.

Wheezie felt her heart flutter as she gazed at Elyna, marveling at how quickly and unexpectedly this girl had become such an important part of her life. It was like a whirlwind had swept through her world, leaving everything changed in its wake. Just weeks ago, Elyna had been a stranger, a mysterious figure tied to the dangerous world of international crime. Now, she was so much more.

Elyna's eyes sparkled with a mix of mischief and warmth that made Wheezie's breath catch in her throat. There was something magnetic about her, an irresistible pull that Wheezie couldn't ignore even if she wanted to. It wasn't just Elyna's bravery or her quick wit, though those qualities certainly added to her appeal. Elyna was brilliant, brave and passionate about making a difference in the world. But there was also a tenderness that had blossomed between them, born from shared experiences and the vulnerability of opening up to each other.

Wheezie marveled at how quickly Elyna had become such an integral part of her life. It was as if a missing piece had finally clicked into place, bringing clarity and excitement to her world. She found herself captivated by the way Elyna's eyes lit up when she talked about her dreams, the determined set of her jaw when faced with a challenge, and the gentle encouragement she offered without hesitation.

And the way Elyna looked at Wheezie, like she truly saw her for who she was, beyond the facade of strength or what was on the surface. It gave Wheezie a sense of belonging she had never truly felt before outside of the Pogues.

"Wheezie?" Elyna asked softly, pulling her from her reverie. "You okay?"

Wheezie blinked, suddenly acutely aware of how close they were standing. She nodded, feeling a rush of warmth flood her cheeks. "Yeah, just... thinking about everything that's happened."

Elyna smiled knowingly. "It's been a lot. But look at us now. Standing here, free and ready to live our lives on our own terms."

Wheezie took a deep breath, a blend of excitement and trepidation coursing through her. "It really is incredible, isn't it? I can't believe we made it through all of that."

Elyna stepped closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "And now we get to make our own stories. Ones that are ours to write.'

Like Wheezie, Elyna was utterly awed by how quickly their bond had formed. She had vowed to not let herself fall for anyone like her parents had - she had seen Gael and Esme struggle to maintain their marriage because of their circumstances with Gael and Elyna always on the run and Esme working as the Interpol agent keeping them safe from the people who would cause them harm or force them to be locked away.

Yet, she saw how Gael and Esme had made it work. The love her parents had for each other was evident and overwhelming. And now, Elyna realized, everything had changed for them. Gael was free - he was pardoned. No more running, no more hiding. And Esme was no longer working at Interpol after Huxley had endangered her entire family for their mission. Her parents wouldn't have to struggle to maintain their relationship or their family any longer.

And, as Elyna realized, she was free, too. She wouldn't have to be forced into the same circumstances as her parents that caused her to make her vow that she wouldn't put someone else through a relationship with such hardships. She realized that, if she and Wheezie were to begin a real relationship, it would be as two free teenage girls. As Elyna had explained to Kaylee and Kie before, she couldn't hurt someone with her way of life. But now that she was free, she came to the realization that she wouldn't be hurting anyone.

Elyna's heart raced as she gazed at Wheezie, marveling at how quickly this girl had become such an integral part of her world. Just weeks ago, Wheezie had been a stranger - a name connected to the Pogues and the Cameron family, but nothing more. Now, she was everything.

Elyna found herself captivated by Wheezie's unwavering determination, her quick wit, and the way her eyes lit up when she talked about her dreams. There was a strength in Wheezie that Elyna admired deeply - a resilience born from facing challenges head-on and refusing to back down. Yet beneath that tough exterior was a gentleness, a compassion that shone through in every interaction.

As they stood close together in the dim light of the hangar, Elyna felt a warmth spreading through her chest. She thought back to how Wheezie was the girl who was nervous to break the rules, and yet now, Wheezie had overcome that anxiety and was determined to do whatever it took to ensure the safety of her family and friends.

Now was only the beginning for Wheezie and Elyna, and they were determined to navigate the further together.

⚓️

Isa's Room

Isa, Kie and Lia sat in Isa's room.

Kie idly picked up her ukulele, strumming.

Isa and Lia watched her with lovestruck eyes.

Kie finally looked up, smiling as she finished the melody. "What?"

"You," Lia answered.

Kie set her ukulele aside, scooting closer. "What about me, Lia?"

"You're beautiful," Lia answered. She stroked her fingers lightly over Isa and Kie's cheeks, eyes never leaving theirs. "Both of you. Has anyone ever told either of you that?"

Kie chuckled. "No, no one's told me that. You?"

"No," Lia answered.

Lia and Kie both looked at Isa.

"But I bet we're not the first people to tell you you're beautiful," Kie pointed out flirtatiously. "You used to hook up a lot with a lot of guys, Isa. With both genders."

"True," Isa agreed. "But that's all they were. Hookups. One-night flings. You two are obviously so much more than that. Permanent. The only ones that matter."

Lia smiled. "Good. Because I don't intend to go anywhere."

"Neither do I," Kie agreed.

Isa pecked Lia on the lips. "That's good."

Isa pecked Kie on the lips. Kie pecked Lia on the lips. The three of them smiled.

When they heard a feminine moan from John B's room next door, Isa, Kie and Lia each made a face, knowing exactly what John B and Sarah were doing right now.

"Ugh," Kie groaned. "Did they even close the door?"

Lia's nose wrinkled. "I hope so. It's only going to go downhill from here."

The three laughed lightly.

Isa's eyes sparkled with mirth as she looked at Lia and Kie, smirking slightly.

Kie knew that look. "Uh-oh. What are you thinking?"

Isa's smirk turned into a grin. "Fair play."

Lia and Kie couldn't help their soft gasps or smiles of excitement.

"I couldn't agree more," Lia replied.

Isa moved closer, lips colliding with Lia's. Lia opened her mouth automatically, allowing passage for her tongue, her fingers fisting in her hair, pulling her impossibly closer. This kiss was heated, fiery with passion and longing, as were all the ones after this between the three.

Kie kissed Isa's neck, starting to lift her shirt. In turn, Isa took Lia's shirt and raised it, breaking the kiss with Lia so that Kie could lift her shirt off over her head and place it aside, the same time that Isa removed Lia's shirt.

Lia then took Kie by the shirt, pulling her closer to kiss her heatedly, passionately, before removing her shirt and placing it aside.

Isa cupped Lia and Kie's cheeks, whispering, sultry seductive yet sweet, smirking slightly. "We still got time. If you wanna put on a little show."

Lia and Kie looked at Isa, both returning the slight smirk/smile.

"I'm not really sure how..." Lia trailed off. "This is the first time we've really been able to..."

"I know," Isa agreed. "Don't worry. I'll take the lead."

Kie smirked slightly. "Knew you would say that."

With a hand at the nape of Kie's neck, Isa eased her down onto the bed alongside her, wrapping her hands around Kie's wrists, flipping them both over, pinning Kie beneath her, bringing her knee up between Kie's legs, which parted readily, and she whimpered when contact was made.

Isa and Kie kissed, making out as Lia reached over to take both of their shorts down. The three of them couldn't help their laughter, giggling lightly as it was becoming all too real and exciting for them once again.

Isa took Lia by the arms and laid her down next to Kie on the bed, as Isa stayed in front of them, kneeling before them as she took Lia's shorts and removed them, tossing them down to the rest of their clothes.

Kie and Lia looked at each other, both of them smiling slightly, looking at Isa.

Isa blew a kiss at them, waving her fingers at them, winking with a slight smirk.

Isa leaned in, kissing Kie deeply as her hands roamed over her body. Kie arched into her touch, moaning softly against Isa's lips. Lia watched them hungrily, her fingers trailing lightly over her own skin.

After a moment, Isa broke away from Kie and turned her attention to Lia. She captured Lia's lips in a searing kiss, nipping gently at her bottom lip. Lia whimpered, threading her fingers through Isa's hair to pull her closer.

Kie propped herself up on her elbow, watching Isa and Lia with dark eyes. Her hand drifted down Isa's back, tracing patterns on her skin. Isa shivered at the touch, breaking away from Lia with a gasp.

"God, you're both so beautiful," Isa murmured.

Kie took the opportunity to sit up slightly, wrapping an arm around Isa's waist and pulling her closer. Her other hand found Lia's, intertwining their fingers.

The three moved together in a slow, sensual dance. Hands roamed over soft skin, lips exploring and teasing. Quiet gasps and moans filled the room as they lost themselves in each other.

Isa's fingers dipped lower, eliciting a sharp gasp from Kie. Lia leaned in to capture Kie's lips, swallowing her moans as Isa worked her magic.

Kie's hips bucked against Isa's hand, chasing the building pleasure. Lia broke away from the kiss, trailing her lips down Kie's neck and chest. She took one of Kie's nipples into her mouth, swirling her tongue around the sensitive bud.

Isa watched them with hungry eyes, her own arousal building. She curled her fingers just so, causing Kie to cry out.

"Shh," Isa whispered with a smirk. "Don't want the others to hear, do we?"

Kie bit her lip, trying to stifle her moans.

Isa trailed kisses down Lia's neck, nipping lightly at her collarbone. Lia tilted her head back with a soft whimper, giving Isa better access. Her free hand tangled in Isa's hair, holding her close.

The room was filled with the sounds of their passion - breathy moans, whispered names, and the rustle of sheets as they moved together. Time seemed to stand still as they explored each other's bodies, rediscovering familiar territory and finding new sensitive spots.

Kie was the first to fall over the edge, crying out softly as waves of pleasure washed over her. Isa and Lia held her close, whispering words of love and adoration as she trembled between them.

"That was..." Kie panted, unable to find the words.

Isa grinned, capturing Kie's lips in a tender kiss.

"Just the beginning," Isa murmured against her mouth.

As Kie came down from her high, she pulled Lia in for a deep, passionate kiss. "Your turn."

Isa's hand trailed down Lia's back, causing her to shiver, gently pushing Lia onto her back. Lia went willingly, looking up at Isa and Kie with hooded eyes. Kie and Isa exchanged a heated glance before turning their attention to Lia. They worked in tandem, hands and mouths exploring Lia's body.

Kie's hand snaked between Lia's thighs, finding her wet and ready. Lia gasped against Kie's lips as skilled fingers began to work their magic.

Meanwhile, Isa kissed her way down Lia's body, trailing her tongue over heated skin. When she reached Lia's center, she looked up with a mischievous glint in her eye before diving in. The combination of Kie's fingers and Isa's mouth soon had Lia writhing in ecstasy.

Lia gasped, her back arching off the bed. "Oh, God, yes..."

Isa and Kie worked in perfect harmony, bringing Lia closer and closer to the edge. Lia's hands fisted in the sheets, her body trembling with building pleasure.

"I'm... I'm so close," Lia panted.

"Let go, baby," Kie whispered, curling her fingers just right. "We've got you."

With a muffled cry, Lia came undone, waves of ecstasy washing over her. Isa and Kie slowed their movements, easing her through the aftershocks as they held her close, whispering words of love and adoration as she rode out her orgasm.

As Lia caught her breath, Isa and Kie shared a heated kiss above her.

"You two are incredible," Lia murmured, pulling them both down for languid kisses.

The three girls lay tangled together, basking in the afterglow. Soft kisses and gentle caresses were exchanged as they caught their breath.

"That was..." Lia trailed off, unable to find the right words.

"Amazing," Kie finished for her, pressing a kiss to her shoulder.

Isa hummed in agreement, her fingers tracing lazy patterns on Kie's hip. "Definitely worth the wait."

They fell into a comfortable silence, simply enjoying the closeness. After a few moments, Kie propped herself up on an elbow, looking at Isa with a mischievous glint in her eye.

"You know," Kie said, trailing a finger down Isa's chest. "I don't think we're quite done yet."

Lia caught on quickly, mirroring Kie's position on Isa's other side.

"You're right," Lia purred, voice low and sultry. "We still need to take care of our Isa. Haven't properly thanked her for taking such good care of us."

Isa's breath hitched as she looked between her two lovers, eyes darkening with desire. "Oh, yeah?"

"Mm-hmm," Kie hummed.

"And what did you have in mind?" Isa asked.

Kie and Lia exchanged a heated glance before turning their attention back to Isa. Without a word, they began to explore her body with hands and mouths, leaving trails of fire in their wake. Isa gasped and arched into their touch, her head falling back against the pillow.

Kie's lips found Isa's pulse point, sucking gently as her hand trailed down her stomach. Lia captured Isa's lips in a deep, passionate kiss, swallowing her moans as Kie's fingers dipped lower.

Kie took the opportunity to trail kisses down Isa's neck, nipping gently at her pulse point. Isa moaned softly into Lia's mouth, her body arching into their touches.

Lia broke the kiss, trailing her lips down to Isa's chest. She took one of Isa's nipples into her mouth, swirling her tongue around the sensitive bud. Isa gasped, her hand tangling in Lia's hair.

Meanwhile, Lia's hand trailed lower, joining Kie's between Isa's thighs. Isa's hips bucked at the dual stimulation, a breathy moan escaping her lips.

"Shh," Kie whispered against Isa's neck, echoing Isa's earlier words. "We wouldn't want to alert the whole house, would we?"

Isa bit her lip, trying to stifle her sounds of pleasure as Kie and Lia worked in tandem. Kie's fingers circled Isa's clit while Lia's slipped inside, curling just right.

"Oh, God," Isa gasped, her head falling back against the pillow.

Lia's mouth moved to Isa's other breast, lavishing it with attention. Kie captured Isa's lips in a deep, passionate kiss, swallowing her moans.

Isa could feel herself getting close, the coil of pleasure tightening in her core. She broke away from Kie's kiss with a gasp, her body trembling.

"I'm so close," Isa panted. "Please, don't stop."

Kie and Lia exchanged a heated glance, their movements becoming more focused and intense. Lia curled her fingers inside Isa, hitting just the right spot, while Kie's thumb circled her clit with increasing pressure.

"Let go for us, baby," Lia murmured against Isa's skin. "We've got you."

Isa's back arched off the bed, her body trembling on the edge of release. Lia leaned down, capturing Isa's lips in a deep kiss to muffle her cries as she finally tumbled over the edge.

Waves of ecstasy washed over Isa as she came undone beneath her lovers' touch.

Isa's body shuddered as the waves of pleasure crashed over her. Kie and Lia slowed their movements, gently easing her through the aftershocks. They peppered soft kisses across her flushed skin, whispering words of love and adoration.

As Isa's breathing began to slow, Kie and Lia snuggled in close on either side of her. The three girls lay tangled together, basking in the afterglow.

"That was..." Isa trailed off, still catching her breath.

"Incredible," Kie finished for her, pressing a tender kiss to her shoulder.

Lia hummed in agreement, nuzzling into Isa's neck. "Mind-blowing."

They fell into a comfortable silence, simply enjoying the closeness and intimacy of the moment. Soft caresses and gentle kisses were exchanged as they caught their breath. A comfortable silence fell over them, broken only by their quiet breathing.

Isa gave them a grin. "Round two?"

Lia and Kie laughed.

⚓️

Kitchen

In the kitchen of the Chateau, Kaylee and JJ were sharing a drink of beer after all of the fun with the Pogues, relieved that the tension between them was finally fading.

Kaylee looked down in thought for a moment. "Jayj, I know that you don't want to know what happened with me and Rafe. And I'll respect that. But what matters is that we're still here. And you said that I needed to figure shit out, and you were right. And I did. But one thing that I never had to figure out? The only person I want to be with is you."

JJ looked at her in surprise for being so blunt, open and honest from the start. "Kaylee..."

"Let me talk," Kaylee pleaded. "Please."

JJ hesitated before nodding.

"I'm not going to let you continue to punish yourself for something that is not on you," Kaylee told him. "Okay? Because that is the only way you're ever gonna hurt me again. And I know that you think I deserve better, but so do you. And we will both get better. We will both get what we deserve, when we follow through on this mission, and we find what we've all been looking for. The gold, El Dorado. We'll be able to have real homes. Ways to take care of ourselves and our loved ones. To protect each other and ourselves. We'll be able to do it all, including all of the things that we talked about that could help me and Lia control our darkness. And it's because we did it together. So everything you said that you couldn't do because we didn't have the money, like Rafe can? You're not going to have that excuse much longer."

JJ bit his lip, knowing that Kaylee was right, unable to help a small smile. "Guess not. If we actually do find El Dorado."

"And we will," Kaylee assured. "Third time's the charm, right?"

JJ couldn't help a chuckle. "Third time's the charm."

"But more than anything, we'll be with our friends, our family, who we love more than anything else, and help them with everything they need, just like they help us with whatever we need when we actually let them," Kaylee pointed out. JJ nodded slightly, looking down. "Because that's what we do. Whatever we do, we do it together."

"Yeah," JJ agreed. "Always."

"You do fit in my life, JJ," Kaylee told him. "Because you fit with me, okay? Because I love you. No one else. And I need you. You're my person, Jayj. You're it. Everything that's happened made us who we are. And you are not fucked up. You've got through so much too, JJ. And the fact that at the end of it, you still became the most loyal, caring and brilliant human is incredible."

JJ blushed slightly, still having a hard time believing the words, but appreciative in hearing them. "Same could be said to you."

Kaylee nodded shakily with tears in her eyes. "What happened to me is not your fault. Just like what happened to you wasn't mine. I know it took a long time for me to believe that it wasn't my fault. But now you have to believe it's not yours too."

JJ didn't know how to respond to that, looking down.

"I know that we still have to work shit out, especially after everything that happened," Kaylee admitted. "But whatever happens, I still want to be with you. Can you tell me that you don't want to still be with me, even after all that you've done to push me away? Say that you don't, and that's that. Fine. But..."

JJ closed his eyes in conflict and pain after all that he said and did to push her away and everything they had gone through, but he knew one thing over all else. He cupped Kaylee's head, kissing her forehead. "I want to be with you, Kaylee. More than anything. I shouldn't be shocked that you still want to be with me after all the shit I did and said."

Kaylee shook her head. "You were trying to protect me from yourself. But you don't have to do that. You never did."

"Neither did you," JJ replied.

Kaylee looked down.

JJ couldn't help but bring Kaylee into his arms, the two embracing as his hand trailed over her back. Kaylee nestled further into his embrace.

JJ murmured into Kaylee's hair. "You're right. I'm tired of fighting about it. Stressing about it. I do wanna be with you, Kaylee. I miss you. I'm sorry."

Kaylee leaned her head against his shoulder. "I miss you. So much. And me too."

They pulled away, looking each other in the eyes, the distance that JJ had worked so hard to put between them melting away.

JJ's thumb wiped away a stray tear that Kaylee didn't notice had fallen.

Kaylee sniffed. "I don't think we were a mistake. I never did. When I told you I loved you, I meant it. Always."

JJ brushed a stray curl behind her ear, his own smile emerging. "I did too. I didn't mean it when I said that. That we were a mistake."

"That's enough then," Kaylee told him. "We'll deal with the rest along the way, okay? Together. You and me."

JJ nodded. "Me and you, baby."

Kaylee and JJ finally managed to smile, feeling more at peace, less at pain and at odds than they had since returning home, looking each other in the eyes, clearly drawn in to the other like always. No matter what they had gone through, their feelings, their desire and love for each other, never changed. But they both knew that they weren't quite ready to be together again. Though both of them felt like they were close to being ready, if they just worked through the rest that they needed to.

(Song Ends)

⚓️

Outside

Topper pulled up to the Chateau in his car, getting out of the car, walking up to the house, looking in through the windows.

In the living room, he saw Pope and Cleo still playing their games and playing around with Indy.

In the kitchen, he saw Kaylee and JJ embracing after they made up.

In the dining room, he saw Wheezie and Elyna flirting and having a blast.

In Isa's room, he saw Isa, Lia and Kie making out and in the process of hooking up round two. Topper raised an eyebrow at that, hesitating as he saw them through the window before continuing on.

In John B's room, he saw Sarah and John B hooking up.

Topper was furious with the knowledge that Sarah lied to him, played him, only for her to end up with John B again, breathing heavily, shakily, backing away from the house, kicking something over.

Topper turned back to the house, still seeing John B and Isa's windows as he saw the two hook ups going on, only furious about one, his anger and jealousy boiling over an edge as he looked down and spotted a can of gasoline, picking it up, starting to pour it around the house, over the steps outside the front door, everywhere that he could pour the accelerant.

In the process, through the windows, he saw Kaylee, JJ, Wheezie, Elyna, Cleo and Pope still inside.

Topper didn't give a damn that he was about to try and kill all of the Pogues and a kitten inside the house if it meant getting back at Sarah and John B by trying to kill them all. "Oh, I'm done with this."

Topper took out his book of matches, taking one, striking it aflame, and lit the rest of the matches on fire with the flame. He backed away from the gasoline, throwing the burning matches onto the gasoline outside of the house.

The gasoline lit ablaze immediately, the fire starting the surround the Chateau instantly.

⚓️

Inside - Kitchen

(Song:) Caught in the Fire - Tommee Profitt

Kaylee and JJ were still sitting together, drinking, when something caught her eye through the window behind JJ. A flicker of orange light, growing brighter by the second.

"Oh, my God," Kaylee gasped, her eyes widening in shock.

JJ turned to follow her gaze, and they both watched in horror as flames began to lick up the side of the old boat shed next to the Chateau.

JJ quickly moved. "We gotta tell them. Tell 'em, Kaylee! Get the girls and John B. I'll grab Wheezie, Elyna, Pope and Cleo." JJ and Kaylee ran through the house to try and get everyone. "Hey, fire! Yo! Guys, guys, guys!"

⚓️

Hallway

Kaylee was closest to John B and Sarah's room, throwing the door open, averting her gaze to the naked couple that was in a rather compromising position.

"What the fuck, Kaylee?" John B gasped.

Kaylee closed her eyes. "Put your clothes on. There's a fire!"

"What?" John B asked, too dazed to process yet. "Fire?"

Sarah shot upright. "Wait, what? Kaylee, what are you talking about?"

Kaylee kept her gaze fixed pointedly on the floor as she scooped their clothing into her arms, flinging it at them. "Get dressed! We gotta get out of here!"

Kaylee ran to Isa's room, throwing the door open, hand covering her eyes as she looked for their clothes.

'Compromising position' when it came to the throuple was an understatement, all three of them looking up in complaint. "Kaylee!"

Kaylee found their clothes in the pile, which made it easier for her to pick them up and throw at the girls. "Get dressed. There's a fire, let's go!"

Isa looked out her window, seeing the fire spreading around this side of the house. "Oh, shit!"

They got dressed as fast as they could.

Kaylee ran away from the room.

⚓️

Another Hallway

JJ ran through the house after getting Wheezie, Elyna, Pope and Cleo. "Kaylee!"

Kaylee ran toward the sound of his voice. "JJ, I'm over here!"

JJ ran to Kaylee's side, coughing painfully as the air thickened with smoke. "Did you get them?"

Kaylee nodded, coughing, eyes watering at the burn in the air. "Where did it come from?"

Wheezie, Elyna, Pope and Cleo ran closer.

Kaylee sighed in relief to see them. "Guys."

The smoke was getting thicker, making it nearly impossible for them to breathe.

Wheezie called out desperately. "Kie, Isa, come on! Lia! John B, Sarah!"

John B, Sarah, Isa, Lia and Kie stumbled into the hallway.

They were all desperately trying to get out as the fire started to overtake the Chateau.

The heat enveloped them, and the acrid smell of smoke clawed at their throats. Panic surged through the group as they realized the inferno was spreading quickly, devouring everything in its path.

"Move!" Cleo shouted, her voice echoing with urgency. "We need to get out - now!"

"Where's Indy?" Isa gasped, her heart racing as she scanned the chaos for their kitten. "We can't leave her!"

"Kaylee, Lia, go check the living room!" John B directed, adrenaline coursing through him. "Wheezie, Elyna, you two help Sarah, Isa and Kie clear a path to the door!"

"We'll find Indy!" Lia yelled back, dashing toward the living room while fighting against the smoke that stung her eyes.

Kaylee ran after Lia to help her.

"Go!" Sarah cried, pushing forward as she grabbed Wheezie's hand, pulling her toward the living room.

The flames crackled in an ominous chorus behind them.

Isa, Kie and Elyna followed closely behind to help clear a path to the front door. John B, Pope, Cleo and JJ trailed behind.

⚓️

Living Room

Isa, Kie, Elyna, Wheezie and Sarah were clearing the way to the front door.

Sarah went to touch the doorhandle, which was metal.

Elyna tried to warn her. "Sarah, don't touch that bare--"

When Sarah touched the door, the metal burned her hand from the heat and flames, making her cry out as she pulled her hand away. "Ow!"

As the flames quickly surrounded the front door, leaving them trapped, the Pogues started to shout in desperation, quickly realizing that they could not escape through the front door.

Kie became worried when she realized that Kaylee and Lia didn't make it back yet. "Where's Kaylee and Lia?"

Isa turned to shout through the house. "Kaylee! Lia!"

Every Pogue called out for Indy, hoping to help find her so that everyone could make it out of the house alive. "Indy! Indy!"

⚓️

Outside

Topper sat in his car, watching the house burn, overtaken by flames, tears streaming down his cheeks, yet he couldn't care less about the people that he left to die inside, starting the car, driving away.

⚓️

Inside - Hallway

Pope pointed into a room where they could see past the flames. "Window in here!"

⚓️

Bedroom

They all filed into the room, scrambling for the window.

John B picked up a book and threw it through the window, making it shatter, so that he could climb out fast. Sarah climbed through next, and John B caught her as she fell to the ground, pulling her away to safety.

JJ climbed through, jumping to the ground, turning back to the window. Kaylee climbed through, jumping down into JJ's arms as he caught her and pulled her away to safety.

Pope climbed through, jumping to the ground, turning back to the window. Cleo climbed through, jumping down into Pope's arms as he caught her and pulled her away to safety.

Elyna climbed through, jumping to the ground, turning back to the window. Wheezie climbed through, jumping down into Elyna's arms as she caught her and pulled her away to safety.

Kie and Isa were frozen inside as they were waiting for Lia and Indy.

"Isa, Kie, get out!" John B told them desperately. "Where's Lia?"

"Lia!" Kie and Isa screamed. "Come on!"

"Where's Lia?" Sarah asked worriedly.

JJ and Wheezie looked at the rest of the burning house worriedly. "Lia!" 

⚓️

Hallway

Kie and Isa sprinted back to the hallway, coughing violently, tears streaming down their cheeks from both the smoke and the fear and desperation of losing their girlfriend and kitten in the fire.

"Lia!" Kie called. "Lia!"

Lia ran through the house toward them with Indy in her arms. "I found her!"

Isa and Kie sighed in relief at finding Indy and Lia, taking Lia's hands and pulling her with them down the hallway.

The smoke was so thick and suffocating, black and dark. It surrounded Isa, Lia and Kie. They almost didn't make it back to the room, as they fell to their knees, coughing and hacking, lungs screaming for air that they couldn't find, vision blurring as the world spun.

Isa powered through as much as she could, getting Lia and Kie to their feet, getting them to the room. "Go!"

⚓️

Outside

Outside, the rest of the Pogues were waiting for the girls.

Isa took Indy from Lia, moving her out through the window. "Indy, go!"

Indy jumped down through the window and ran toward the other Pogues outside.

Kaylee instantly picked up Indy, holding the kitten in relief. "Oh, my God. Indy."

"Fucking Indy," JJ said in relief.

The other Pogues yelled for the girls. "Isa! Kie! Lia!"

Isa picked Kie up from the floor, moving her closer to the window. "Kie, go. Go!"

Kie could barely move as she climbed out through the window, almost falling.

Kaylee, Elyna, John B, JJ and Pope instantly caught Kie as she fell, moving her out of the way to safety.

Kaylee worriedly checked on her sister. "Kie, you okay?"

Elyna looked at her cousin with concern. "Kie?"

Kie gasped for breath, nodding.

John B nodded, rubbing Kie's back as she calmed down. "You're okay."

Kie looked at John B, nodding in agreement, breathing heavily.

John B, JJ and Pope moved back to the window.

"Isa, Lia, come on, girls!" Cleo called.

"Come on, guys," Pope repeated.

Lia could barely move, coughing.

Isa grabbed Lia, helping her up through the window, ushering her forward. "Go, go, go."

Lia climbed through, instantly falling from the window. John B, JJ and Pope caught Lia, moving back from the window, placing her down next to Kie, Kaylee, Elyna, Wheezie, Sarah and Cleo.

Sarah and Wheezie instantly knelt next to Lia, holding onto their sister in relief. "Oh, my God, Lia."

Kie and Lia's hands found each other, gripping tightly as Sarah, Wheezie and Kaylee held their sisters, and Elyna grasped her cousin's hand, and Cleo watched them in concern.

"Kie..." Lia gasped.

"It's okay, Lia," Kie told her.

Kie and Lia called out hoarsely. "Isa!"

"Isa, come on!" John B, JJ and Kaylee called desperately.

Inside the house, Isa felt relief that she was able to get the girls she loved out, even though it was taking all of her strength to and not to fall asleep now with the smoke in her lungs. Her vision was so blurry. She couldn't see, couldn't think. Body barely moving. She gripped the window frame with as much strength as she could, weakly crawling through.

In the room behind Isa, an explosion of fire launched out and pushed her out of the window, throwing her out as she was too weakened to climb out on her own - the flames searing into her back and shoulders as it did.

As Isa was blasted out of the window, she felt the intense heat brush against her skin like a thousand burning needles. Time seemed to slow as she spiraled through the air, and hit the ground hard, the shock radiating through her body. Instinctively, she tucked her chin to her chest and rolled, desperately trying to shield herself from further injury.

Her world spun as she lay on the grass, gasping for air amidst the suffocating smoke that hung in the night air. The heat from the fire licked at her back, and the impact left her unconscious.

"Isa!" Kie and Lia's voices pierced through the chaos, filled with panic and desperation, fearing the worst.

The rest of the Pogues were screaming with desperation and fear, a nightmare come to life.

John B, JJ and Pope quickly pulled Isa away from the Chateau, toward the other girls on the ground with Indy, placing her down, kneeling down in front of the girls.

Each of the Pogues had tears in their eyes from the smoke and the fear of losing one of their own, all of them desperately trying to wake Isa, tears beginning to fall.

Kaylee crawled closer as she cradled Indy in her arms. "No! Isa!"

JJ held desperately onto Kaylee and John B as if he could anchor both of them and himself as they stared at Isa in worry and horror.

John B gently took Isa by her hands, trying to gently wake his sister, terrified of hurting her worse in her condition. "Isa, wake up. Please wake up!"

Sarah held onto John B with one arm as he other arm held onto Lia and Wheezie as she started at Isa in horror and worry. She hated knowing what both her lover and her sister were going through in a moment like this.

Kie and Lia were so close to breaking at the thought of losing their lover like this, tears streaming freely down their cheeks, desperately trying to wake Isa, unable to bear the thought of losing the girl they loved.

"Isa, please!" Kie cried, her voice cracking as she shook her girlfriend gently, desperation lacing her words. "You have to wake up! We need you!"

Lia's hands trembled as she brushed Isa's hair back from her face, trying to soothe her and will her back to consciousness. "Come on, Isa. Open your eyes. We're right here. Just come back to us. We made a promise not to bail on each other, remember? So don't you dare leave us."

Pope had tears in his eyes as they threatened to spill at the horror and worry for one of his best friends. Cleo had tears in her eyes from how close she had gotten close to Isa, Lia and Sarah even before becoming a Pogue, holding an arm around Pope comfortingly.

"Come on, Isa," Pope whispered. "P4L, remember? Don't bow out now."

Elyna was using her phone to call for 911 hurriedly with tears in her eyes as she held an arm around Wheezie comfortingly. Wheezie's tears spilled down her cheeks as she gazed at Isa's still form.

"You can't leave us like this, Isa," Wheezie whispered, more to herself than anyone else. "You're too strong for this... Please."

"Isa, open your eyes," John B told her desperately. "Look at me."

After a moment, Isa's eyelids fluttered as she started to mumble weakly at the sound of her brother's voice as she started to come to. "John B?"

Everyone gasped slightly in relief as they shared a look of wonder.

"Yeah, it's me," John B answered in pure relief.

"Isa, hey," JJ said softly. "Open your eyes, girl."

"We're right here," Kaylee murmured. "We're all here."

It took everything Isa had to force her eyelids open, looking from John B as her brother to JJ as her surrogate brother. "JJ?" She looked at Kaylee as her best friend and a sister figure, smiling softly. "Kaylee?"

"Yeah, we're right here," JJ said.

Then, Isa's gaze fell onto her girlfriends over her head, fighting to keep her eyes open, her voice broken yet filled with relief. "Lia? Kie?"

John B instantly helped Isa sit up, holding her gently, trying not to hurt her burns on her back and shoulders. "Oh, my God. Isa."

Isa groaned in pain, every movement of her body feeling like fire coursing through her veins as her skin pulled at itself. The burns were heavily serious, and she was lucky to be alive.

Isa leaned her head on John B's shoulder as she let her big brother hold her protectively for a moment before John B looked at Lia and Kie, and slowly let Isa go, letting the three lovers have their moment.

Kie and Lia enveloped Isa in a fierce embrace, their hearts racing with relief that she was alive, even as panic streaked through them at the sight of her injuries.

"Isa, you're okay," Kie whispered, her voice trembling. "You're safe."

"Don't you ever scare us like that again," Lia added, tears glistening in her eyes as she cupped Isa's face in her hands. "We thought we lost you."

"You can't put us first and yourself last like that ever again," Kie told her. "You almost sacrificed yourself for us to get us out alive."

Isa leaned her head against theirs with a weak smile, though pain flared through her body with every breath. "Not... going anywhere. Not without you guys. I just had to make sure you two got out."

As Lia and Kie held Isa close, the rest of the Pogues gathered around them, each one silently grateful for Isa's survival but still shaken by the chaos of the fire. While they knew that Isa was in too much pain to embrace with every single Pogue, they each placed a hand on her arm or leg as a form of connection and solidarity, each one there for each other.

Elyna hung up her phone. "The fire department is on their way. They should be able to take Isa to the hospital and treat her there." She glanced at the superficial burns that Kaylee, Kie, Lia, Wheezie and herself had all gained on their arms or wrists during their fiery escape from the Chateau. "And us too."

Isa frowned in concern. "You guys got hurt too."

Wheezie shook her head. "Not nearly as much as you. We're fine. Don't worry about us."

"You'll all be taken care of," Sarah assured. "I promise."

Kaylee put Indy down, kissing her head.

Indy crawled timidly over to Isa, laying in her lap, looking up at her with saddened, frightened eyes, as if even the kitten had been afraid of Isa's demise, curling up in her lap, unwilling to part from her after the fearing close call.

Isa smiled weakly at Indy, gently stroking the kitten's fur with trembling fingers.

"Hey, little one," Isa murmured, trying to soothe both Indy and herself. The warmth of the kitten against her skin felt like a lifeline amid the chaos.

John B crouched close, his eyes scanning Isa's face for any signs of further distress. "You're going to be okay." The tremor in his voice betrayed how shaken he truly was. "Help's on the way."

"Yeah," JJ chimed in, eyeing the bright lights of the approaching fire trucks that illuminated the night sky. "And they're gonna make sure we all get fixed up." He tried to sound confident, but it was hard to shake off the fear that rattled within him.

Kie and Lia squeezed Isa's hands tightly, their hearts aching at the sight of their girlfriend in pain.

Pope looked at them each reassuringly despite his own fear from their near brush with death tonight. "Just focus on breathing, okay? One breath at a time."

"We're gonna be okay," Kaylee murmured.

"We have to be," Elyna whispered.

Everyone looked at the burning home before them, watching the Chateau, surrounded by a thick plume of smoke, orange flames climbing and dancing, consuming the wooden shack as the flames reached sky high.

All of their hearts sank as they watched, knowing that so many memories were being lost to the blaze.

Together, all of them watched, reminiscing on what they were all individually losing.

Elyna was losing the place where she had officially become one of the Pogues. Found a real family with her friends, her loved ones, so soon after she had.

Cleo was losing the first home she had ever stayed in. The first place she had ever lounged around in. The place where she had realized she had a family.

Pope was losing a place of laughter. A home where he could let loose and forget about his schoolwork or disappointing his parents. A place where he could be carefree.

Kie was losing a place filled with memories, both good and bad. The day she had left her friends, and they day she had returned.

Lia, Sarah and Wheezie were losing a life. When they had made the choice to surrender their Kook Card, this was the place where they got their new identity. Their new life. Their family.

JJ was losing the only place he had ever felt safe growing up. This was the home where he could escape from Luke, the place where he could feel comforted and loved in the company of his best friends. In many real ways, the Chateau and the Pogue Nest were the only true homes he had ever known.

Kaylee was losing the only other place that felt like home. Knowing that her parents' house was never home and knowing that the Pogue Nest was far from the safest place to stay but that it was taken from her, this was the only place where she could be truly free, happy, herself, with her friends, her family. The only place she felt like she had been accepted for her, good and bad.

Isa and John B were losing it all. Photographs, personal belongings, memories of sweet moments with everyone. They were losing their only constant, the only thing that had ever remained certain and true. Isa and John B's mother had left. Their father let them believe he was dead for a year and abandoned them to the hell that their lives were turned into, and once he came back, forced them into scenarios they didn't want to be in and forced them to do things they didn't want to do, traumatizing them even more and almost getting them killed three times within the span of a week, before he was kidnapped again and could be killed. This house, the Chateau, it was the only thing that had ever felt true, the only thing that had ever felt permanent.

They all lost something that night. It was different to each of them. For some, it was something tangible, others something mental. A shelter. A house. A home.

They all sat there for what felt like hours, watching the blaze burn and spread, watching the flames consume first the walls, then everything inside. They watched the roof cave in, watched the glass windows melt. They watched as the fire died, leaving nothing but a charred, ruined home in its wake.

(Song Ends)