SWEET NICOTINE | CHAPTER NINETEEN (NICE WORK RUDE BOY...)
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Cleo directed the group through the town and towards somewhere she insisted was a place they go stay, lay low and come up with a plan. "Cleo, do you actually know where you're going?" JJ questioned, voicing most of their thoughts aloud.
The girl ignored the question as she continued to walk, leading the others down a shoreline. She slowed and the rest looked up. AJ had to admit, it was better than sleeping on the sand again. The large white, abandoned half-torn-down building in front of them taking up AJ's view.
"We can hole up here. It ain't the Taj Mahal but" Cleo trailed off with a nod and she started to walk forward again.
"It'll do" John B shrugged, the first to follow after her. AJ shared a look with Pope before letting out a sigh and walking down the beach.
"I get the biggest room" Cleo called dibs as they climbed up the large rocks in front of them. The girl slowing and signalling for the pogues to stay close. AJ could feel an arm brush against hers and she turned to meet the person.
Pope didn't meet her eyes, instead climbing faster and turning to help the blonde girl the rest of the way up. She smiled and accepted his outstretched hand. The hum from ATVs finding its way to the pogues' ears.
Pope stood slightly in front of AJ as they walked, still following Cleo. They all ducked down, hiding from the view of the men on the ATVs as they passed. A sigh left AJ's lips when they didn't slow or turn around.
"go go go go" JJ let out.
"Come, quick" Cleo led them into the building, lights from more atvs shone in. AJ looked back, watching as one passed, patrolling the area. One of the men called out that the area was clear and she moved closer.
AJ felt a tug on her hand and she turned, Pope leading her away from the opening and to the staircase. She ran after him, the pair slowing when they caught up with the others.
"Are you sure this is safe?" John B asked as they entered another room.
"You got a better idea?" Cleo asked, turning down a hallway. "We can say here. It's an old hotel." They entered a room, the entrance covered with a tarp. A few chairs were spread around. "Terrance and I squatted here before"
"Five stars" JJ let out as he looked around.
"four at least" AJ added, following JJ as he walked to the edge of the room where the openings from windows were.
"at least" JJ laughed, looking out at the island.
"nothing'll beat Poguelandia though" AJ breathed, her voice quiet enough for only JJ to hear. The pair sharing a look.
