chapter seventy:
❛ something is fishy ❜

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can you guys please stop being ghost reader and just freaking vote please. this is so annoying

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STOP BEING A GHOST READER!!
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✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸

Clementine stood on the porch, her suitcase propped up against the wooden railing. The early morning sun cast a soft golden light over the neighborhood, illuminating the dew still clinging to the grass. The air was thick with that bittersweet tension - the kind that comes with big goodbyes. Robby was just inside, helping her double-check their passports and confirming the flight details one last time. In less than an hour, they'd be on their way to the airport, bound for Hong Kong.

She sighed, brushing her fingers against the worn handle of her suitcase. The reality of it all was sinking in. A whole new adventure awaited her - a new city, a new job, a new challenge. She was excited, but it didn't make leaving any easier.

Just as she glanced down the driveway, the distant hum of a car reached her ears. Clementine squinted, expecting to see a neighbor heading out for work. But when a sleek black car turned the corner and rolled toward her house, she froze.

The car pulled up slowly, the tires crunching over the gravel. And when the door opened, Clementine's breath caught in her throat.

Her father, Caleb, stepped out first. He looked tired but relieved, his usual composed demeanor wavering just slightly. But it wasn't just him.

"Aunt Anastasia?" Clementine's voice was barely above a whisper.

And there she was. Anastasia, with her sun-kissed skin and effortlessly tousled hair, dressed in a flowy blouse and jeans like she'd just stepped off a plane. Clementine hadn't seen her in over a year - not since she had disappeared without a trace. Yet here she was, standing in the driveway like it was any other day.

"Clem," Anastasia said softly, her voice cracking.

Before another word could be spoken, Clementine sprinted toward her. The suitcase toppled over behind her, forgotten as her feet pounded against the pavement.

"Aunt Anastasia!"

She crashed into her, throwing her arms around her aunt's neck. Anastasia held her tight, her fingers trembling against Clementine's back. The familiar scent of her aunt's perfume, like lavender and citrus, washed over her. It was so painfully nostalgic that tears immediately pricked at Clementine's eyes.

"I thought- I thought something happened to you!" Clementine sobbed, her voice muffled against Anastasia's shoulder. "Tyler's been- he's been looking everywhere!"

"I know, sweetheart. I know," Anastasia whispered, her own tears wetting Clementine's hair. "I'm so sorry. I should've called. I should've-"

She pulled back, cupping Clementine's face like she needed to make sure she was real. "You've grown so much. Look at you."

Clementine laughed shakily, her cheeks still damp. "Where have you been? Tyler was all over Europe. He thought- we thought-"

Anastasia's face twisted with guilt. "I know. I didn't mean to disappear like that. I just... I needed time. Things didn't work out the way I hoped. The guy I went with- it was a mistake. I ended up stuck in this mess, and I didn't want to drag anyone else into it." She shook her head. "But I'm back now. And I'm so sorry for everything."

Caleb, who had been standing quietly beside them, cleared his throat. "She called me a few days ago. Told me she was coming home. I figured you deserved to see her before you left."

Clementine's heart twisted. "I wish I could stay longer. I wish we could catch up." She brushed the tears from her face, her voice thick with emotion.

Anastasia smiled through her own tears. "Your dad told me about the job. You and Robby, taking on Hong Kong like badasses. I'm so proud of you, Clem."

Clementine felt the warmth of those words settle deep in her chest. But before she could respond, a familiar voice echoed from next door.

"Clem!"

Clementine barely had a chance to turn before Alison came barreling across the yard. Her pink pajama shorts and oversized t-shirt with the words "Salty and Sweet" were completely mismatched, her hair a wild mess - but none of that mattered. Her best friend was in full panic mode, tears streaming down her face as she sprinted over.

"You were gonna leave without saying goodbye to your twisted sister?!" Alison wailed dramatically, her voice cracking.

"Oh my God, Ali," Clementine gasped, instinctively opening her arms just as Alison crashed into her.

Alison clung to her tightly, practically squeezing the air from Clementine's lungs. "You're really going," she sobbed, her tears soaking into Clementine's hoodie. "Like... actually going. For months."

"I'm sorry!" Clementine whispered, her voice thick as fresh tears welled up. "I was gonna come over - I swear. I just... I didn't think I'd cry this much."

"Too late!" Alison sobbed. "Now I'm crying and you're crying and I probably look like a swamp monster!"

Clementine laughed, sniffling. "You do. But I love you anyway."

Alison pulled back, her face red and blotchy, but a small smile managed to break through. "I hate you for leaving me."

"I know."

"But I love you for going after your dream."

"I know that too."

Alison's lips quivered. "Ugh, I'm a mess."

"Same," Clementine admitted with a watery smile.

"I'll write you so many texts you'll get sick of me," Alison promised, sniffling hard. "And we better have, like, weekly FaceTimes. I want to see your face so much that it's annoying."

"You got it." Clementine gave her one last squeeze.

Alison pulled away, dramatically wiping at her face. "Go. Before I chain you to the fence and refuse to let you leave."

Clementine laughed softly, turning back to Robby, who had stepped out onto the porch, his bag slung over his shoulder. He smiled at her warmly, pride and affection shining in his eyes.

"Ready?" he asked.

She nodded, though her heart still ached from the goodbyes. "Yeah."

Anastasia stepped forward, her hand resting on Clementine's cheek. "Take care of yourself, okay? And kick ass over there."

"I will."

"And call me. I want all the details."

Clementine grinned. "Promise."

With one final glance back at her aunt, her dad, and Alison - her family, her world - Clementine climbed into the car. Robby settled into the driver's seat, his fingers brushing against hers as she stared out the window.

As they pulled away, Alison stood in the driveway, waving dramatically, while Anastasia and Caleb watched on with bittersweet smiles.

And Clementine? She smiled through the tears. Because even though she was leaving, she knew this wasn't goodbye. Not really.

The salty breeze from the harbor stirred Clementine's hair as she stepped onto the wooden planks of the dock. The sun hung low in the sky, golden light bouncing off the rippling water. Boats of all sizes were moored along the pier, some creaking softly as the tide shifted. The hum of engines and distant chatter mingled with the occasional squawk of seagulls, but none of it settled the uneasy knot in Clementine's stomach.

Her duffel bag hung from her shoulder, bouncing lightly against her hip with each step. She scanned the docks until she spotted Robby leaning against a post, hands tucked into the front pocket of his hoodie. His tousled brown hair caught the breeze, and he wore that lopsided grin that never failed to make her heart skip.

"There you are," Clementine called, though her voice was tight with nerves.

Robby's grin widened as he pushed off the post and walked toward her. "Hey, Clem."

Before she could say another word, his arms wrapped around her, pulling her close. Clementine buried her face in his chest, the familiar scent of his cologne mixed with the salt air. He felt solid, grounding her in a way that nothing else could.

"You okay?" Robby murmured, his lips brushing her hair.

"I think so," she said, though it wasn't entirely true. "I'm just... it's a lot."

He pulled back slightly, his hands resting on her shoulders as he studied her face. "It's a big deal," he agreed. "But we're doing it together."

Clementine nodded, forcing a smile. "Together."

She reached for his hand, lacing her fingers with his. They stood like that for a moment, the water lapping softly against the docks, the wind tugging at their hair. Clementine wished she could freeze time, just stay in this moment where the nerves hadn't fully caught up to her yet.

But the creak of a gangway and the distant chatter of dock workers quickly reminded her that the boat wasn't going to wait.

"Ready?" Robby asked, giving her hand a gentle squeeze.

"As I'll ever be."

They didn't make it far before a booming voice called out from further down the dock.

"Ah! You two must be Clementine Katz and Robby Keene!"

Clementine turned to see a tall, wiry man striding toward them. He had a rough, sun-worn face, a patchy beard, and a captain's hat perched crookedly on his head. A toothpick jutted from the corner of his mouth, and his grin was far too wide to be comforting.

"That's us," Robby said, though his hand instinctively tightened around Clementine's. "I'm Robby, and this is Clementine."

"Pleasure to meet ya both!" The captain extended a large, calloused hand, which Robby shook. "Captain Bryce Callahan. Been sailin' these waters longer than I can remember." He barked a laugh as if the thought amused him. "Ain't a storm I haven't faced."

Clementine's smile was polite, but something about the man's energy set her on edge. The way he scanned her up and down, like he was sizing her up, made her skin prickle.

"And this here's my right-hand man," Callahan added, jerking a thumb toward a stockier figure who stood a few steps behind him. "Lars."

Lars was built like a brick wall. Broad shoulders, thick arms, and a beard that practically swallowed the lower half of his face. His expression was unreadable, dark eyes staring straight through them. He didn't offer his hand. He didn't even smile.

Clementine shifted uncomfortably.

"Boat's all set for the trip," Callahan continued, far too cheerful. "We'll have you to Hong Kong in no time. Smooth sailing, guaranteed."

"That's great," Robby said, forcing enthusiasm into his voice. "Thanks for taking us."

Callahan grinned, showing a row of yellowed teeth. "No problem at all, kid. We'll have a good trip." He clapped Robby on the shoulder, the gesture a little too rough, then turned toward the boat. "Boarding's soon. Get yourselves settled."

Lars gave one last unreadable stare before following Callahan down the dock.

Clementine waited until they were out of earshot before she turned to Robby, her voice low. "Okay... what the hell was that?"

"What do you mean?" Robby asked, though he clearly knew.

"The captain!" She gestured toward the retreating figures. "Did you see the way he was acting? And Lars? He looked like he was planning our murder."

Robby chuckled, though there wasn't much amusement in it. "Clem, come on. Some people are just... rough around the edges."

"Rough? That guy was practically drooling over the idea of throwing us overboard." She crossed her arms, the uneasy knot in her stomach twisting tighter. "And Lars didn't say a single word. Not even a 'hello.'"

"Maybe he's just quiet."

"Or maybe he's plotting something."

Robby exhaled through his nose, giving her a look. "You think they're secretly pirates?"

"I'm serious!" Clementine shot back, though she couldn't help the slight twitch at the corner of her mouth. "I'm getting a bad vibe."

"You're overthinking it," Robby said, reaching for her hand again. "Not everyone has bad intentions."

Clementine chewed her lip, her gaze lingering on the boat. The white hull gleamed in the sunlight, but the ominous feeling in her chest wouldn't go away.

"Maybe," she muttered, though her voice lacked conviction.

"Look, we'll be fine." Robby brushed his thumb along the back of her hand. "And hey, if Lars does try anything, I know karate. I'll roundhouse him into the ocean."

That earned a small laugh from Clementine, but the unease remained. "I'm holding you to that."

"Deal."

He kissed her forehead, and for a moment, the warmth of his touch eased her nerves. But as they turned back toward the boat, Clementine couldn't shake the lingering dread.

Something wasn't right.

And she only hoped she was wrong.

The room Robby and Clementine were given wasn't much - just a small cabin with a narrow bed shoved against the wall, a small porthole that gave them a view of the endless ocean, and a wooden dresser that creaked every time it was touched. The mattress was stiff, the sheets scratchy, and the low hum of the boat's engine vibrated beneath their feet.

Clementine sat on the edge of the bed, wringing her hands. The walls felt like they were closing in. Robby, on the other hand, was moving around like they were on some kind of luxury cruise. He tossed his duffel onto the dresser, popped open the drawer, and started unpacking as if this were all just part of the adventure.

"Not bad, huh?" he said, holding up a small pillow like it was something to admire. "Beats a Cobra Kai locker room."

Clementine shot him a look, her lips pressed into a tight line. "That's a pretty low bar."

Robby shrugged, clearly unfazed. "Still. We've had worse."

But Clementine wasn't so sure. She hadn't been able to shake the gnawing feeling in her gut ever since they met Captain Callahan and Lars. Every glance they exchanged, every shift in their expressions, made her skin crawl. Something was wrong - she could feel it.

Robby finally noticed her tense expression. He stepped closer, brushing a loose strand of her hair behind her ear. "Clem, you've been weird ever since we got on this boat."

"Because something is weird," she replied, lowering her voice as if the walls had ears. "That captain? And Lars? They're not normal, Robby."

"They're sailors," Robby pointed out. "Sailors are always a little rough around the edges."

"Callahan isn't just 'rough.'" She shook her head. "He's... slimy. And Lars? I swear he didn't blink the entire time we were talking to him."

Robby exhaled, frustration creeping into his voice. "Clem, I get it. You're nervous. But we're fine. No one's trying to kill us." He smirked slightly. "Unless you really think we're on some pirate ship."

Clementine didn't laugh. "I just... I need to talk to the captain."

Robby blinked. "What?"

"I need to see for myself." She stood, her fists clenching at her sides. "If I'm wrong, fine. But if I'm not-"

"You think he's just going to admit something shady?" Robby stepped in front of her, his hands on her shoulders. "Clem, this is a bad idea."

"I have to know." Her voice cracked, but she kept her chin high. "I'll be careful. I just... I need to trust my instincts."

Robby didn't argue this time. He stared at her, concern etched across his face. "Just... be quick, okay?"

She nodded, though her heart was already racing. "Okay."

Without another word, she slipped out the door, leaving Robby standing in the middle of the small room.

⸻

The hallway was eerily quiet. Dim lights flickered along the ceiling, and the faint smell of saltwater clung to the air. Clementine's footsteps were soft, barely making a sound against the worn-down floorboards. The ship creaked with every subtle sway, the occasional groan of metal making her skin crawl.

It didn't take long to find the captain's quarters. The door was cracked open just enough for a sliver of light to spill into the corridor. Clementine paused, her pulse pounding in her ears. She could hear the low murmur of voices from inside.

Just listen, she told herself. You don't have to go in. Just listen.

She leaned against the wall, careful not to make a sound.

"I told you we'd be clear to leave port without any questions," Callahan's gravelly voice rang out. "No one's keeping track of this ship. Not after what we pulled last time."

Clementine stiffened.

"You sure about that?" Another voice - Lars. Deep, rough, and low. "We don't need another situation like before."

"There won't be." Callahan's voice was smug. "The Katz girl and her boyfriend? They're just a couple of kids. They'll be out of our hair soon enough."

Clementine's breath caught.

"What about the cargo?" Lars asked. "Captain, we-"

"Enough." Callahan's voice sharpened. "We'll deliver what we promised. And once we're done, it won't matter who suspects what. By then, we'll be long gone."

Clementine felt like the floor was tilting beneath her feet. She didn't need to hear more. Her heart pounded, and her hands trembled as she stumbled away from the door. The air felt too thick, and every shadow in the dim corridor seemed to move.

She needed to get back to Robby.

She practically ran down the hall, her breath ragged. The ship's narrow passageways twisted and turned, every creak of the wood sending a fresh wave of panic through her. When she reached their cabin door, she didn't bother to knock. She shoved it open and slammed it behind her.

Robby, who had been sitting on the bed scrolling through his phone, jumped to his feet. "Clem?" His eyes scanned her face, instantly noticing the fear in her wide eyes. "What happened?"

Clementine's chest rose and fell rapidly. She tried to speak, but the words stuck in her throat.

"Clem." Robby was in front of her now, his hands cupping her face. "What is it?"

Her lips parted, her voice barely above a whisper.

"They're not who they say they are."

Robby's brow furrowed. "What?"

"I heard them." Her voice shook. "The captain and Lars. They're hiding something - something about cargo. And us. Robby, they're planning something."

He held her tighter, his jaw clenching. "What did they say?"

Clementine's pulse thrummed beneath his touch. "They said... they'll be gone before anyone suspects anything."

Robby's face darkened, but before he could respond, the faint sound of footsteps echoed from the hallway. Slow. Heavy.

They both froze.

Clementine's hand gripped Robby's wrist. "Someone's coming."

And then - a knock.

ASH SPEAKS!!!

OOO CLIFFHANGER
i'm trying to spread this out into multiple chapters! i got this idea after watching dangerous waters!!! (obviously with my own twists)

there will be probably 2 more chapters based on the boat situation

then probably 2 or 3 chapters of them in hong kong competing

then a chapter based on alison & eli

then chapter based on tory & jackson

then thats it :(

RANT TIME!!! (hopefully for the last time)🙏🏻

the reason i keep unpublishing and republishing is chapters in a row on this chapter is because when i see views go up and votes aren't... its really annoying. cause its not hard to vote and show support on fanfics.

i dont understand how hard it is for people to vote. i know im annoying with the unpublishing the chapter and republishing every few minutes or hour but its because of these freaking ghost readers.

can you guys please stop being ghost reader and just freaking vote please. this is so annoying

okay end of rant.

PLEASE DONT BE A GHOST READER!!!!!
COMMENT AND VOTE. IT HELPS US WRITERS STAY MOTIVATED:) STOP BEING A GHOST READER!!! PLEASE JUST VOTE!!!! PLEASE!!!!

PLEASE STOP BEING FREAKIN A GHOST READER!!! PLEASE VOTE! PLEASE!!!!! stop being ghost readers!!!! its really annoying!!!

the reason i keep unpublishing and republishing is chapters is because when i see views go up and votes aren't... its really annoying. cause its not hard to vote and show support on fanfics.

can you guys please stop being ghost reader and just freaking vote please. this is so annoying

THIS IS VERY ANNOYING TO SEE VIEWS GO UP BUT NOT VOTES. its annoying for us writers. so please just vote and comment!! its not that hard!!!!!!

STOP BEING A GHOST READER!!
im so sorry for all the notifications but please stop being a ghost reader!!!! i dont how many times i have to say this. i am so sorry for the notifications but this is really annoying to see views go up when the votes aren't. PLEASE JUST FREAKIN VOTE!!!