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≫ ──── ≪•◦ ❈ ◦•≫ ──── ≪
''Where the living and the dead collide, John B will provide,''
≫ ──── ≪•◦ ❈ ◦•≫ ──── ≪
THE RISING SUN painted the horizon in soft golds and pinks, but the beauty of the scene felt distant, irrelevant. Terrance's body was wrapped in a makeshift shroud, lying ominously in the center of the boat. No one spoke. The hum of the motor and the gentle sloshing of waves against the hull were the only sounds accompanying us.
John B was at the wheel, his hands gripping it tightly. Sarah sat beside him, her face pale and drawn as she stared out at the water. Pope and Cleo were huddled toward the back, their expressions unreadable. I sat closer to the center, my eyes fixed on the bundle. Every now and then, I caught myself holding my breath.
''Hey,'' Pope broke the silence,. ''I think we're being followed.''
I turned sharply, scanning the water behind us. Sure enough, a small Johnboat trailed in the distance, its motor chugging steadily as it closed in.
''Oh, shit,'' John B muttered under his breath, his grip on the wheel tightening.
Sarah straightened. ''Lose him.''
''He's in a Johnboat,'' Kie pointed out.
John B reached for the throttle. ''Hold on, y'all.'' The engine roared as he opened up the jets, and the boat surged forward. The speed sent a rush of cool air whipping past my face, but I barely noticed. Glancing back, I saw the Johnboat struggling to keep up, its wake small and sluggish compared to ours.
Before long, we'd left it behind, the tiny vessel fading into the distance. John B eased the throttle, and the boat slowed.
We reached the deeper waters where the current was strong, the kind of place where things disappeared. John B killed the engine, and we all sat in silence, staring at the wrapped body.
''One, two, three...'' John B counted quietly. He and Pope heaved the body up, grunting with effort as they maneuvered it onto the edge of the boat. My chest tightened watching it—this wasn't something anyone should ever have to do, let alone people my age.
Cleo stepped forward. ''I know you guys didn't know Terrance that well, but... he took care of me when no one else did.'' She paused, her gaze locked on the bundle. ''He was like a father to me. And, um... I loved him. And I'm gonna miss him.'' Her voice wavered, but she didn't let it break. ''I ain't forgetting who did this. I got you, boss.''
After her speech John B and Pope pushed the body into the water. It hit the surface with a soft splash, sinking quickly into the depths.
Pope spoke up after a moment. ''I'm sorry,'' he offered, his voice gentle.
