Now or Never ⇀ John B Routledge [1]

xxii. something to believe in

John B sat behind the wheel of his Volkswagen Bus listening to Pope's last minute directions whenever he'd spot landmarks that resembled the old map clutched tightly in his hands. Everyone impatiently waited for something to happen, curious to learn if this was yet another dead end or if today was the day they'd finally uncover the Royal Merchant gold.

The brunette mainlander sat behind her long haired counterpart, peering over his shoulder from time to time to look out at the passing scenery. She'd never been to this part of the island before and from what she overheard, hardly anything had been touched since the day it was built.

Ashtyn was intrigued because when life tries to tear you apart at the seams, it's good to take a step back and enjoy the little things. This 'enjoyment' was short lived though because John took yet another sharp turn, per Popes request, causing her to fly forward.

Her body was caught by Emerson and JJ, who sat side by side on the carpeted floor, causing her to let out a groan. "Chill it with the turns John B!" Annoyance was evident in the young girls voice as she pushed herself back onto her seat. "We aren't looking to die before we find this gold."

JJ's blonde head popped up, something obviously catching his eye as he pointed toward a wall lining the side of the road. "That looks like a stone wall to me."

"That is it." Pope whispered in agreement, nodding his head subtly as he folded the map back up.

"Are you kidding me?" Emerson's voice rose an octave as JJ pulled the sliding side door open, jumping out first and offering his girlfriend a hand. "Not the Crain house..."

JJ gulped, "Worst-case scenario..."

"Who's the Crain family?" Ashtyn piped up, stepping into the vacant spot next to Emerson once she was out of the van.

An old white painted house could be seen looming in the distance, a dreadful aura emanating from it's obviously dry rotted exterior. Just by the look and feel of the place, the mainland girl could already tell that this place was a living nightmare for locals.

Pope stepped out on her other side, shaking his head at the sight in front of him. "Only the most infamous family on the island. Legend says, Mrs. Crain offed both her husband and daughter..."

"It's not a legend," JJ interrupted, "It's true."

Ashtyn could tell that the young couple to her right had a different relationship with this location than the rest of the Pogues. The duo clutched onto one another as if they were each other's lifeline, and JJ's straight spine told her that his senses were on high alert.

"I never guessed I'd see the day that I'd be back here..." Emerson mumbled, shaking her head. "I might just throw up."

"Uh..." Ashtyn trailed off as she shifted her attention to Luke for help. Seeing her friends so distraught put her on edge, and if he was uncomfortable too, then she'd know that there was a definite problem.