GOLD RUSH

“We're the Pogues, and our mission this summeris to have a good time, all the time”

Regulus Black loved the view in the Outer Banks, here with just himself facing the waves he felt the heady feeling of home. 

“That’s what a three story fall to the deck? With your scrawny body I give you a one in three chance of survival” Evan remarked standing below on the balcony of the abandoned houses roof Regulus was balancing on. 

Evan loved a good statistic.

“Hmm” Regulus said pretending to contemplate Evans words “Should I do it?” 

“Yeah jump” Barty said emerging from inside to stand next to Evan “Put us out of our misery…”

Barty stopped speaking as he tried to steal the screwdriver in Evans hands which seemed to start a minor scuffle between the two until Evan took his precious hat so they called a truce.

Victorious holding the screwdriver like a gun Evan pointed it upwards to face Regulus.

”Do it, I’ll shoot you on the way down.” Evan laughed making pow pow noises.

”That’s so unfair if anyone deserves a gun it’s me” complained Barty who liked to think of himself as some sort of vigilante.

“Excuse you Barty I’m the one being shot here” Regulus snarked always enjoying Barty being annoyed as he joined in with Evan dramatically acting like he’d been shot. 

“I can’t believe it” Pandora said anguished “They‘re going to have Japanese toilets with seat warmers.” 

“Of course. Why wouldn't they? This used to be a turtle habitat, but who cares about the turtles, I guess?” Dorcas rolled her eyes annoyed as the two girls walked around the side of the house to lean on the railing. 

Regulus snorted, Pandora and Dorcas were as Evan called Eco warriors and Barty called destroyers of fun as they continued lecturing on turtles and importance of recycling. 

“Well I for one would hate to have cold towels” Barty interjected before warily looking above at Regulus imperiously “Can you please not kill yourself?” 

Regulus was a little surprised, Barty didn’t usually care about safety or liked to even indicate he was worried about anything, God forbid he show some emotion. Was this the maturity they had all been waiting for, even Evan who usually enjoyed Bartys reckless behaviour looked approving. 

“Don't spill that beer. I'm not giving you another one.” 

There it was, at least Barty never changed as he prioritised the important things.

“I’m not going to spill it” Regulus replied annoyed that he would have anything but perfect balance but as he went to tell him off his foot slipped and he did actually drop it “Whoa! Oh, shit.”

“Of course you did. Smooth.” Barty groaned “Right after I said it.” 

“A-plus work Reg as usual” Evan added amused as always. 

“Dumbass” Dorcas chimed in as she did a small cheers with Barty as they clinked their beer cans to Regulus’s incompetence. 

“Hey! Hey, uh, security's here.” Pandora called out as she pointed to the incoming police car nearing the construction site.

“Let's wrap it up.” Dorcas acknowledged as she began grabbing their stuff.

“Boys are early today.” Evan said aloud as his face scrunched up in thought.

“Ooo it’s Humpty Dumpty, let's roll.” Barty jeered as he realised it was one of the cops he liked messing with before slinging an arm around Evan to finish up his half empty beer.

Regulus realised as usual it had descended into madness and if they didn’t go soon even a stupid cop would be able to catch up, the five of them had never quite got the knack of being law abiding citizens so this wasn’t exactly new. 

“Yeah. Let's go, boys.” Regulus gestured rounding them up and pointing towards the van as he sat down on the roof before jumping down to the balcony. 

Barty shouted out the guys name in excitement, he’d had enough run ins with the outer banks police department that he knew their names. 

“Gary, is that you?”

Evan exasperated hit Barty over the head to get his attention, he let out a small sound of offence. 

“Get down.”

Barty ignored him now giving a friendly wave to piss of one of the ‘pigs’ as he lovingly referred to them. 

“It's me. Gary, good to see you, man!” 

Only stopping the shouting when Evan firmly put a hand on his mouth to shut him up, he got a sharp elbow to the ribs though. 

“Is it time?” Regulus mused to the group as they nodded, it was time to head out.

Gary called out “You're asking for it. Crouch” to Barty but the five of them had already started running. 

“Woo” Dorcas cheered before grabbing Pandora’s hand as they ran out of the building. 

Regulus saw Evan hop the fence in front of him, Barty as usual taking his time at the back distracted by taunting them to actually run. 

“Hey, stop!” Gary shouted to the group before turning to his partner in the car “Get 'em! They're comin' your way!”

“I got him” one of the guards said as they attempted to grab Barty. 

Regulus almost felt sorry for the poor bloke as Barty simply ducked away and jumped over the fence in a flash. 

“Not much of a hugger man” Barty said apologetically with a shit eating grin on his face before winking at the man. 

“Your such a dick Barty” Evan groaned as Barty caught up but he was grinning too, Regulus knew he wasn’t actually pissed off because Evan had stayed there to wait for him. 

“Go, Evan! Go! Go, go, go, go, go, go!” Barty grabbed Evan as the two pushed down the gate to the outside where Pandora, Dorcas and Regulus where waiting. 

Evan in his hurry almost tripped before Barty caught him. 

“Get up, Evan, fatso's coming.”

“Hey Come here, you little pricks!” One of the guards shouted. 

“Great you pissed him off even more.” 

“Seriously Ev you wanna start this now.”

Regulus knowing how long the two of them spent arguing simply honked the horn to remind them they were on a time crunch. 

“Bus is leaving!” Dorcas shouted out the window as Regulus began slowly driving off. 

“Come on, boys! Whoo!” Pandora whistled to signal they should move it along, she opened the side door and left her hand out to haul them in. 

Evan grunted but managed to make his way in before lying back on the ground floor with Barty smirking beside him. 

“Hey, hey! Hey! Hey!” Gary called aloud running in the rear view mirror to try to catch up.

“Check out Gary, gunnin' for a raise.” Evan said to Barty with one eyebrow raised, Barty leaped up and leaned out of the open side door to continue harassing the man. “Come on, Gary!”

“Hey! You're gonna give him a heart attack.” Pandora grumbled staring at the half running man like he was about to keel over. 

“He would only be so lucky” Dorcas remarked as she stared at her nails bored of the cat and mouse game by now.

“Little less negativity more shutting whatever those two are doing now please” Regulus suggested jutting one thumb to dumb and dumber who’s continued jeering is probably what meant the man wasn’t giving up. 

“You're so close! You can do it.” Barty egged him on. “There you go.”

Barty reached his hand out as the man almost caught up before quickly pulling away only to turn and high five Evan.

“They don't pay you enough, bro.” Evan said in sympathy in hopes the man might give up but with their luck probably not. 

“Barty, Evan stop.” Regulus called put 

“Oh, come on.” Evan rolled his eyes, he knew Reg found it funny too.

“That sort of initiative is just begging to be punished.” Barty said as an explanation, he was firmly anti-work, anti-cops and pro occasional crime which was not a good combination. 

Gary worn out gave up as he bent down to try to breathe easier, he let out a simple groan in defeat as he was left in the dust as the five teens got away again. 

Regulus joined in with the laughter and whoops of victory as he caught the eyes of his four friends who were worn out and leaning on the floor and seats of the van. 

“Hey put some music on Dora” Dorcas shouted from the back, Pandora obliged her by leaning over beside him to connect her phone as she played a song from the group playlist.

At the beginning chords of left hand free, Regulus relaxed as he drove past the welcome sign, which simply said Welcome To The Outer Banks, Paradise on Earth.

It may be beautiful but it certainly wasn’t paradise it was something else entirely. Overall it was a complicated and delicate ecosystem, it was the sort of place you either had two jobs or two houses.

A mixture of the haves and have nots. Two tribes. One Island. So tension’s usually ran high and in a place where everyone knew everyone’s business things could quickly get out of hand. Regulus knew of generational conflict where one persons great grandad had pissed off some other member of the community and the two families still hated eacthother.

There was figure eight the rich side of the island, home to the ‘Kooks’ and sadly not were they lived. 

And then there was the south side or the cut as it was commonly called, home to the working class who made their living cleaning tables, washing yachts and running charters.

The natural habitat to the one and only Pogues. Which is what the five of them were…Pogues, pogies, the throwaway fish.

Lowest member of the food chain. Okay. So, the downside of Pogue life was being ignored and neglected.

But the upside of Pogue life? They were ignored and neglected, which means they do whatever they want, whenever they want to.

“Cmon don’t even get me started on zombies” Barty began in the back as he pulled out his vape as he leaned against Evan to stretch his legs. 

“Oh the zombies” Evan muttered flicking Bartys head.

“We aren’t doing this again.” Dorcas muttered as she reached for the vape.

“That’s not very environmentally conscious of you Dorcas.” Evan said pointedly before gesturing for that same vape. 

“Still better than you” Pandora said in a sing song voice before socking him on the shoulder when he stuck his tongue out.

“Can we get back to the zombies please” Barty suggested a little put out at the subject change. 

Regulus had to stifle a laugh at his crestfallen expression at the zombie conversation they have basically once a day was again being ignored. 

Barty had been his best friend since the first day they met in the third grade, Regulus who was intent on getting ignored had been confused when the loudest boy he had ever met sat beside him and just started speaking straight at him. He’d offered him an Oreo which Regulus had accepted to his detriment when the teacher came over to tell them off for stealing food from other students bags and they had both got detention. 

Regulus had been furious and worried about getting in trouble but Barty simply made a joke about her horrible breath and bad blue hair resembling a Smurf and he’d laughed so hard he forgot to be mad. 

Which was sort of an indicator for the rest of their friendship. Barty would do crazy things and rope Regulus in.

He was about as local as they come. Latest in a long line of fishing, drinking, smuggling, vendetta-holding salt-lifers who made their living off the water and making a name for themselves in the local prison for a penchant for crime and never backing off a fight. 

The best surfer he’d ever met and fiercely loyal but a serious klepto with an habit for trouble and an avid conspiracy theorist. 

Like seriously don’t get him started on the Bermuda Triangle, he may act like an idiot but he’d got razor sharp smarts when things interested him. 

“Get off me Barty” Dorcas protested as Barty was messing with her hair pulling her black braids  “Don't even get me started on microplastic. Have you even heard about that island? That little island of just...” 

That was Dorcas Meadowes the coolest girl in the OBX. 

When not saving turtles with Dora, or listening to Marley, or getting a dolphin tattoo, she hangs out with them.

At the beginning they weren’t really sure why cause she’s a rich kid actually, but she has a foot in both worlds due to her parents to her displeasure and definitely not appreciative of being called a kook. 

Her family owns The Wreck, this Outer Banks institution. Total cash cow with the tourists and the place to go to get good quality fish. Even though she’s a Pogue through and through her parents aren’t necessarily fans of the rest of the being her friends but Dorcas never lets that stop her and is the person to call on in a fight or an argument. Her tongue as sharp as her slap.

“You know are you two identical” Barty asked a little confused, he always got philosophical when smoking weed as he pointed to Evan and Pandora. 

“Obviously not we’re male and female Bart” Evan said looking at him perplexed. 

“I like to think we’re psychically linked” Pandora replied sweetly. 

“Alright what am I thinking right now” Evan responded while he adjusted a sleepy Barty to lie not on his shoulder which he kept drooping off of but on his knees. 

“I don’t think you’d like me to say aloud.” Pandora snapped pushing her blonde locs from her face before staring at him pointedly until he turned a little red. 

The final two of the five were the twins Evan and Pandora Rosier and polar opposites. 

Evan loved statistics, maths and science so much so he was the finalist for the Lucas T. Vanderhorst Merit Scholarship and the brains of the operation.

Him and Barty were a bit of a double act and as much as Evan attempted to resist he nearly always ended up involved in one of his schemes. Brilliant at school but clueless in everyday life Regulus was pretty sure the two had one brain cell among them they shared for emergencies.

Pandora as well as Evan was a bit of a weirdo, in the best possible way though, she said everything she thought and changed hobbies like people change outfits. Pandora was one of those emotionally intuitive people who could just see through you and a dreadful gossip but she was also the sweetest in the group and the usual peacemaker compared to the rest of them. 

Their father the legendary Bellamy Rosier could get you anything you wanted to get he was the man to go to. None of them are sure what he makes of the pair but none of that matters when your a Pogue. 

They were one of them. 

And finally the last of their motley crew was himself, Regulus Black. 

———

“Hey can you pass me the butter” Dorcas called from the sitting room. 

“I’ve lost the scissors?” Evan shouted back in response. 

“Someone find me a god damn skewer” came from the kitchen and a loud thud as something fell off the couch. 

And here was where he currently lived, an old fish shack on the marsh. Or the Chateau as Uncle Alphard used to call it. Poor guy disappeared at sea nine months ago, which he wasn’t sure happened an awful lot these days but he missed him like crazy. 

Staring at the family photo along the living room wall was him with Sirius. Apart from Uncle Alphard they’d never known any other family, their parents who stayed unnamed and unmentioned had died too long ago to remember and Uncle Alphard who had left them all behind and moved to the Outer Banks took them in.

Sirius his only brother had left at sixteen, he’d hated the island and always wanted to leave and now he lived on the mainland and was planning to go to College alongside his two jobs. He’s supposedly his legal guardian and he flys over occasionally but he has other things on so that means it’s just him at the Chateau right now with his friends. 

Three months after he was missing Regulus was supposed to sign the papers declaring Uncle Alphard was dead but until he sees a body he’s not giving up on him yet, he’d been the closest thing he had to a father.

A couple of weeks ago DCS had planned a visit and if Sirius wasn’t there he was going into foster care but he didn’t have to worry about any of that right now because he’d finally caught a break. 

“Cmon you got to roast them so they’re crispy” 

“Mines underbaked” 

“It’s paler than you Barty”

The group were laughing at the marshmallows Barty was using a lighter to roast on skewer sticks. 

“You’re all so ungrateful” Barty replied half weary “A master chef is at work and all you do is complain.” 

“A master Chef?”

“Careful the lighter doesn’t singe my hair” 

“Barty don’t mess with fire you might catch something alight” 

“You know every year house fires cause nearly seven billion in damages, I think it’s a real issue.” 

“You think everything’s a real issue Evan.”

——— 

The news had said a hurricane was coming but Storm Agatha was turning out to be one nasty bitch. 

“Hey Harold” Regulus waved to the men on the beach who were grabbing sand bags and passing them round as the storm siren blared. 

“I need some sandbags over here!” one man shouted as the wind blew harder. 

Evan and Barty had grabbed the bags necessary and the other two were loading them into the van. 

“We gotta board this up!” an elderly woman shouted to the men around her as the door kept hitting the wall. 

Regulus thought it was a good a time as ever to inform DCS they probably wouldn’t be able to make it. How sad. 

“DCS, can I help you?” an overly polite woman spoke into the phone. 

“Yeah, uh... I think we're probably gonna have to reschedule.”

Regulus attempted to sound as disappointed as possible but he wasn’t sure it was very effective, the lightening sound behind him was though and the woman sounded too genuinely frightened to even think about getting on a boat in these conditions. 

In the early evening when the weather was so dire the island was a ghost town the three boys stood by the beach and stared at the mighty power of the waves crashing against the shore. Evan had needed some convincing as he rattled off statistics about why this wasn’t a good idea but Barty was so excited it was practically a lost cause. Regulus was a good surfer and the idea of being able to tell people they surfed in this was basically once in a lifetime. 

“It's a double overhead out there, bro. Double overhead?” Regulus said to a bopping Barty how was practically buzzing even with the thunder rumbling in the distance. 

“Those aren't surfable waves, bro.” Evan said a little anxiously as the thunder clapped above them. 

“Says who?” Barty laughed and grabbed Evan to shake him a little. 

“Cmon Evan we’ve got this” Regulus said trying to reassure him. 

“Course we do” Barty scoffed like it was a no brainer before turning to run into the waves.

When Barty was a fair distance in front Evan turned to him with a serious expression. 

“If I die my ghost is going to haunt you and if either of you die I’m going to raise you from the ground to strangle you myself.” 

“Please” Regulus interrupted a grin making its way onto his face at the threat “Barty would love that the potential of a ghost being in the Chateau or a Zombie I think he’d die”

Evan just let out a reluctant laugh at the two lost causes before they joined Barty in the ocean. 

“Whoo!” Barty panted looking so genuinely happy and Evans hard expression turned soft “Took you two slow pokes long enough.” 

“Who are you calling a slow poke” Evan pouted ignoring Barty's snickering as he attempted to hit him on his board without falling in. 

Regulus just rolled his eyes at the pair who were splashing water in each others faces.

Odd, across the horizon in the distance seemed to be a lone boat battling against the waves but as Regulus went to draw their attention to it a large wave came and brought the three of them straight into the water. 

“Cmon let’s get going” Barty shouted over the howling sounds erupting from the sky as they walked back to the Chateau “Your boy has Lucinda coming around…” 

“Ew that’s nasty” Regulus shuddered “Don’t be as loud as usual please some of us don’t want to hear you like it’s some sort of porno.” 

Evan didn’t seem to be paying attention so Regulus gave him a little nudge. 

“Eh yeah what Regulus said.” Evan said with none of his usual bite. 

“Cmon guys where’s the support?” Barty asked rhetorically. 

Evan seemed to raise his eyes from the ground to argue back but as he did Barty saw Lucinda in the window and ran off. 

“Ignore Barty you know him” Regulus didn’t appreciate Barty being a self proclaimed ladies man especially since it usually brought him trouble but Barty had issue learning lessons without facing the consequences first. 

“Cmon let’s get a beer”

Regulus figured Barty wouldn’t be long and sure enough Lucinda and him had their usual blowout and she stormed out. 

“Uhh women” Barty complained as he sunk into the couch grabbing Evans beer and taking a sip before slinging his arm around his shoulder “I don’t understand them.” 

“Thank God for that” Regulus muttered. 

“Whatever virgins” Barty laughed “Let’s get wasted.” 

Regulus looked at Evan, he wondered if he felt a bit better now and funnily enough he was sat at ease listening to Barty rambling on about something or other. Some people never changed. 

As they passed the beers round and the sound of laughter filled the Chateau the sounds of the storm seemed to fade into the background.

———

One of the roosters crowed to wake Regulus up and he realised he’d fallen asleep on the ground as the seabirds called and the sun shone in he figured it was time to get up. 

He checked his phone, they had no power or signal, which was just perfect. 

“Yo, Barty, you been outside?” Regulus called into the sitting room 

“I have polio, bro. I can't walk bro.” Barty responded with his face flag into the couch.

“Oh, man.” Regulus shouted as he stepped outside and saw the damage “Agatha did some work, huh?”

“Yeah, she did.” Barty groaned as he got up and surveyed the outside as he joined him. 

Barty did a small burb and Regulus grunted as they went to move some branches to clear off the boat. 

“What you thinkin'?” Barty asked conspiratorially as he examined Regulus’s thinking face.

”I'm thinkin' that storm surge pushed all the crabs out on the marsh maze. All those drum are gonna chase the crab.” He explained.

“What about the DCS? Wasn't that today?” Barty asked confused.

“Nah, they're not gettin' on a ferry.” At Bartys reluctance probably due to a hangover he lightly hit his shoulder.

“Come on, think about it. It's God tellin' us to fish.” 

“Mmm yeah” Barty nodded in agreement as he walked over towards the boat Regulus owned which was sort of a smugglers boat, The HMS Pogue. 

“Let’s go get the rest of ‘em” Regulus said once they got onto the water. 

“Where did Evan get to anyway” Barty asked nonchalantly.

“He ran home.” 

“What in the storm” 

“I guess he’s more worried about his dad finding out he surfed then getting hit by lightning.”

“Uh... Good mornin'!” a man called from his dock as he watched them go past. 

Barty waved back and as usual seemed to recognise the man, he had an awful amount of nosiness. 

“Sure hope Guffy's boat didn't sink.” Barty jutted his thumb at the man they’d passed “He doesn't have insurance.” 

“Yeah” Regulus answered as he turned the steering wheel of the boat. 

“Hi, Miss Amy! You guys get through it?” Barty asked the passing woman who gave a cheery wave at the two boys. 

“Still here.” She said cheerfully with a big smile.

“She totally looked at me.”

“I saw it.” Regulus nodded amused at Bartys antics. 

“Dude, look at this place.” Barty whistled at the crazy amount of damage.

“Agatha, what did you do? She is a crazy lady.”

“Hard-core. Phew.” Barty huffed as placed his hand over the sun to get a better look. “Hurricane surge. Yeah. We'll be cleaning this all summer.”

“That is my nightmare.” Regulus murmured.

“Well, look who we have here.” Barty called out with a whoop as they approached the Rosier dock where Pandora and Evan where helping their dad clean up. 

“We have a safety meeting. Attendance mandatory.” 

“We can’t guys. Our pops got us on lockdown” Pandora shrugged. 

“Come on, man.” Barty whined before placing his hand over his mouth to mimic a static radio “Your dad's a pussy. Over.”

“Oh, I heard that, you little bastard.” Bellamy shouted gruffly pointing a figure at Barty who held his hands up.

“We need your son.” Barty explained.

“And your daughter.” Regulus interjected.

 “Yeah, and island rules. Day after a hurricane's a free day.” Barty said like a smart arse to an unimpressed Bellamy. 

“Who made that up?” He asked with his arms crossed.

“Uh...” Barty began trailing off

”Pentagon, I think.” Evan said saving it before Barty jumped in to join. “We have security clearance. I have a card.”

“Think I'm stupid?” Bellamy tutted turning to his idiotic son. 

‘We’ll do it tomorrow. We promise. Tomorrow.” Pandora reassured. 

“You think... No, no. Hell no. You doin' it right now.” Bellamy raised his hands in the air exasperated.

“Get in the boat.” Barty whispered gesturing to the two of them “Make a run for it.”

“Boy, if you get in that boat...”

But Evan just ignored him as he jumped in next to Barty, Regulus wondered why he bothered arguing with those two it had been a lost cause since the beginning. 

Sighing at what was going on Pandora looked at Regulus as if to ask if they were really doing this and with his nod she accepted her fate and joined them. 

“How does that feel?” Barty asked turning to the two. 

“Go, go, go.” Pandora said in response to make Regulus hurry it along. 

“Bring your ass back up here.” 

“I promise I'll do it tomorrow, Dad. Whoo!” Evan shouted as he turned back around.

“You gonna clean shrimp, clean fish.” Bellamy threatened.

“Love you, Pops.” Pandora shouted back.

“You'll clean your dirty-ass room!” He said know pointing to Pandora.

“We'll bring him back in one piece.” Regulus promised.

“Look after your sister Evan! And I don't like your friends!” Bellamy said finally shaking his head as he muttered about idiot children.

“Missed you too Bellamy sir” Barty said with a salute to the man in the distance only turning away when Evan started to speak.

“Oh, top o' the mornin' to ya.” Evan said to an incoming Dorcas as they made their way down to her house as she was walking down her own dock.

“Good morning.” Regulus waved.

“Morning.” Dorcas answered as Pandora helped her get in the box.

“Whatcha got? You got some juice boxes?” Barty moved towards it with his hands open eagerly awaiting a beer.

“You know, just some yogurts and carrot sticks.” 

“How about my kind of juice box? Yeah.” Barty smirked as he pushed his sunglasses down his face slowly until she began laughing 

“Brace for impact.” Regulus called as they turned the corner

“Salud.” Evan said putting his own drink in the air

“Skoal.” Pandora answered ignoring the others curious looks. 

“Bet you can't do this.” Dorcas laughed taking Bartys beer and chugging it.

Barty accepted his drink before clinking a new one against Evans.

”Tell the world.” He began dramatically “A party trick.”

“Terrifying.” Regulus snarked already knowing where this was going.

“Hey, Reg. Can you go a little faster?”

“Here we go. I'm movin’.”
 
“Doesn't work. We've tried this like 6,000 times.” Evan huffed but still watched as Barty placed himself on the bow of the boat with his beer and taking Bartys hat for safekeeping.

“I got this. It's gonna work!”

“You're getting beer in my hair!” Pandora shrieked while Evan laughed unsympathetically.

“Oh, my God.” Dorcas was doing a little prayer at her friends idiocy

“All right. All right!” Barty shouted out “I’m king of the world”

“All right, you're done.” Regulus responded to that declaration 

“All right, stop!” Evan shouted as the boat seemed to shift, the motor rattled and the teens screamed as it halted and they all fell to the ground while Barty went tumbling into the water.

”Jesus, Reg!” Dorcas groaned as Pandora had fell on top of her

“You okay, Barty?” Regulus called out as he managed to get himself up 

“I think my heels touched the back of my head.” Was all he said as he lay with his eyes closed in the water grumbling

“Dora, you okay?” Evan asked as he helped her up.

“I'm all right.” She moaned but managed to get herself up as well.

“Reg, what did you do?” Barty interrupted as he began to move himself more upright. 

“Sandbar. The channel changed.” Regulus explained with a click of his tongue.

“No shit.” Evan said sarcastically.

“Ugh, this is probably gonna mess this whole place up.” Dorcas complained as she picked up her red cooler

“Hey, I saved the beer, though.” Barty grinned triumphantly.

“Congrats, Barty” Regulus answered rolling his eyes at his priorities.

“Guys... I think there's a boat down there.” Pandora exclaimed pointing into a shadowy part sticking out by the ocean floor below them.

“Shut up. What?” Dorcas said disbelieving “No way.”

“No, no, guys. I'm serious. There's a boat down there.” 

“For real.” Evan moved his head to the side to get a closer look 

“Guys... is this...It's a boat!” Barty said swimming over.

“Holy shit, he's right. Let's go.” Dorcas shouted already taking her shirt off where her bikini was underneath to jump in.

“You think there's a dead body down there?” Evan wondered aloud. 

“God you’d love that” Barty said seriously, Evan wanted to be a forensic scientist studying dead bodies. Barty didn’t get it really but he thought the job looked seriously sick when the two watched NCIS and Evan always liked explaining how the show got things wrong.

“Guys, wait up!” Pandora shouted out as she struggled with removing the straps of her top.

“Whoo!” Dorcas cheered as she jumped on Bartys back who only did a mock protest.

“Get your ass in here! Reg.”

“Come on!”

“What the...” Evan and Barty laughed as they emerged from the water “That's a Grady-White.”

“A new one of those is like 500 Gs, easy.” Regulus said aloud.

“Okay!” Barty said excitable now “That's a primo rig”

“Yeah. That's the boat I saw when we surfed the surge.” 

“Maybe it hit the jetty or something.” Evan spoke up giving the likely answer.

“You surfed the surge?” Pandora said looking between the three boys.

“Yeah. That's my boy. Pogue style.” Dorcas said giving Regulus a high five.

“What the heck?” Pandora began to give a lecture before deciding it was pointless “Wait, wait. Do we know whose boat that is?” 

“No, but we're about to find out.” Regulus answered his face set in determination he loved a good mystery.

“Dude, it's too deep.” Barty complained.

“Oh, for the weak and feeble, Barty.” Regulus mocked.

“Well, I'm not resuscitating you. I'm just making that clear up front.”

“That's fine.” Regulus turned to Evan who was looking at him expectantly “What?”

“Diver down, fool” Evan said like it was obvious.

“Diver down.” Pandora stated when she saw Regulus go down into the water and it had been a few moments.

“Yeah, he is.” Dorcas answered her shaking her head. “Should we go get him?”

“Oh, my God. That took forever! Ah, jeez. I thought you drowned.” Worriedly Pandora came closer to him.

”Any dead bodies?” Evan shouted out.

“Looting potential?” Barty jumped in.

“No. No.” Picking up what he’d found he showed the group who in the time he’d been in the water had got back on the boat “I found this motel key.”

“A key.” Evan stated unimpressed.

“Yes, a key, Evan.” 

Great! We salvaged a motel key.” Dorcas muttered annoyed they hadn’t found anything good.

“Guys, we should report the wreck to the coast guard.” Pandora brought up to the group.

“Maybe we'll get a finder's fee.” Evan said much more impressed now.

”Yeah, and not work all summer.” Barty added imagining the money they might get and all the fun they could spend it on “Thanks, Agatha, ya batch.”

———

At the McKinnon estate sunbathing was Lily Evans and Mary MacDonald while Marlene’s little sister Matilda was explaining middle school drama.

“You haven't seen him since?” an unknown woman was asking near them “Not since before the storm”

“What did the police say?” Logan McKinnon, Marlene’s father asked concerned.

“Well, they said I have to wait 24 hours before I can report anything, but I know something's wrong.” The woman said panicked and close to tears.

“Nothing is wrong.” Logan reassured. “You know, it's Scooter. He knows how to handle himself in a storm.”

“Well, when was the last time that you saw him?”

“Uh, last time I saw him, he was prepping the Druthers with Marlene.” Logan answered before calling for her “Marlene? You seen the princess?” He asked the two girls who were Marlene’s friends and his younger daughter 

“She's out back.” Matilda answered without looking up from her phone which she was hitting rather angrily. 

The engine powered on and he turned smiling to the three girls.

“Let there be generators.” He declared.

”Thank God. It's like living in Nicaragua.” Mary said looking straight at Lily who had her head in a book. 

“It didn't fall near the house. It completely uprooted it.” One of the gardeners began speaking. 

“Oh, look at this. Storm blew it right into the pool.” Lily observed as her and Mary got up to walk towards Marlene.

“Be careful with that. Rose is gonna kill me.” Logan turned to one of the workers who were moving a branch.

“Yes, sir, Mr. Cameron. I don't wanna know how much it cost.”

“Dad, the Wi-Fi's not working. I can't post anything.” Matilda called out with a whine.

“Tilda, there was a hurricane, sweetheart.” Logan said attempting to make Tilda understand the sensitive situation afoot.

“No. No, no, no!” Marlene shouted out from behind the trees.

“What is your sister doing?” Logan asked confused.

“Saving mice.” Matilda said shortly 

“I'm sorry. Marlene!” Logan called out as he walked town the steps to the back.

“I'm busy!” She explained as she was running around with her hands in the air while her two friends Lily and Mary sat waiting for her to finish.

“What are you doing?”

“The burrows filled with water from the surge.The birds are having a field day.” Marlene answered in a duh tone like it was obvious.

“The birds have to eat too, Marlene.” Logan said gently 

“No, it's a mouse genocide out here. No!”

“The cycle of life is what it is, sweetheart. Now, come on.”

“I can't be a part of it. First they came for the mice, Daddy.”

“I have a human being...” Logan interrupted

“Oh, my God.” Marlene said turning to the crying woman.

“...you might help. Hi.”

“I'm Marlene, I'm so sorry.” Marlene was embarrassed she hadn’t noticed the obviously upset woman and Lily and Mary seemed to find that hilarious as they sat watching. 

“This is Lana, Scooter's wife. You were storm prepping with him, right?” Logan explained.

“Yeah. He helped me latch the cabin on the Druthers.”

“Last night? Yeah.” Logan stated.

“And did he go out after that?”

“From here?” Marlene muttered confused “No. Are you crazy? There was a hurricane.

“Well, did he say where he was going? Get a phone call or mention anything?” The woman spoke up but her face was still pale and her shoulders shaking.

“He didn't say anything to me.” Marlene began apologetically “I'm so sorry. Is he okay? He's absolutely okay.”

“I hope so.” Logan answered reassuringly “I bet, he's hunkered down somewhere.We'll find him.”

”Sorry. I couldn’t be more help.” Marlene said to the woman finally before giving a nervous smile to her father.

“Thank you.” He placed a hand on her shoulder and squeezed it “I’m sure he's hunkered down somewhere with a six-pack...”

———

At the docks the whole place was jam packed with screaming people and the lost and found office was no better as the five friends managed to push themselves in.

“She doesn't need to talk to the coast guard. It's a dog.” One of the workers complained.

“How about the Humane Society?” The other worker suggested.

“He's diabetic!” The woman was protesting to the crowd.

“He's a... he's a diabetic!” The man beside her was pointing to a photo on his phone.

“A dog...” the worker murmured as he typed it into the system.

“No, I understand that. Excuse me!” A separate young man in front of them started shouting to the available worker.

“Excuse me. Hey, man, we... we found a boat.” Barty tried to butt in.

“Please... I...” the woman with the diabetic dog began becoming hysteric.

“You're gonna wanna hear this. Hey! Calm down.” Regulus spoke sharply to the worker.

“Now... Canine diabetes is very...” The worker began shaking his head sympathetically.

“Oh, my gosh. Diabetes for a dog?” The other young man declared now looking similarly worried.

“It is so awful!” The man beside his crying wife grimly nodded.

The worker overseeing the room turned to the five of them annoyed. “Your boat? We're not worried about your boat right now, okay?”

“Well, that went well.” Evan shrugged as they made their way back to the boat.

“So, what's the plan?” Pandora asked the group before her eyes settled on a serious Regulus.

“I know how, we're gonna find the guy who owns that boat.” Regulus declared getting their boat started.

“We don't know whose room that is. It could be anyone.” Evan spluttered already not liking the plan. 

“I'm in. Come on. I'll be lookout.” Barty assured already excited about the plan which only meant it probably shouldn’t be happening in all honesty.

“Finder's fee. Just sayin'.” Regulus said to Evan “And, hey, at least you'll only be an accomplice.”

“Man.” Evan said already knowing he was defeated.

“Come on, Evs it’s an adventure.” Pandora grinned and gave a little giggle when her brother just gave a deadpan expression back.

“I thought the Chateau looked bad.” Dorcas said with a small whistle.

“This place is a shitshow.” Regulus answered in acknowledgment.

“Motel or meth lab?” Barty questioned.

“You be the judge.” Evan answered back.

“Doesn't look like a place somebody with a Grady-White stays.” Regulus said taking the place in.

“No. Looks like a place someone with a Grady-White would get killed.” Pandora responded matter of factly.

“All right. Here we go.” Dorcas said as they docked up 

“This is your captain speaking. HMS Pogue comin' in for landing.” Barty spoke into his hand like a radio again.

“Whoo!” Pandora cheered encouragingly.

“All right. Here goes nothin'.” Regulus said gesturing to Barty as they began getting out of the boat to check the place out.

“Hey.” Evan spoke stopping them.

“Yeah?” Regulus responded turning around.

“Don't let him do anything stupid.” Evan said pointing to a faux offended Barty.

“Oh, we will. I'm not making promises.” Regulus said wearily.

“Yeah, I know.” Evan shrugged already knowing the answer. 

“If you’re so worried come Ev.” Barty gave him a suggestive eyebrow raise and did a mock whisper “That way you can stop us from being naughty.” 

“Ew Barty.” Pandora said crossing her arms but in her pocket she found some lollipops.

Ignoring the innuendo Evan rolled his eyes and picked up an orange one for himself and passed Barty a red one which was his favourite.

“I can’t because of my Musophobia.” Evan answered simply as he began removing the wrapper.

“I’ll kill any rats that come your way.” Offended Barty stared at him seemingly hurt. “Do you not think I could kill a rat.”

Regulus was just surprised Barty knew what Musophobia even was.

“Uh, be careful.” Dorcas interrupted staring right at Regulus “I mean it.”

“Yeah.” Regulus replied with a half smile.

Barty just stared between the two with a wide grin while his red lollipop hung in his mouth 

“Let's go.” Barty declared pulling Regulus away before he gave a final wave.

“Why are all these mattresses out?” Regulus wondered aloud when they climbed up the stairs and saw what was across the floor

“After a hurricane, they ditch 'em 'cause they're moldy.” Barty explained before he chucked the empty lollipop stick out of his mouth and onto the floor.

In a high pitched voice he went behind Regulus and began whispering. “Just be so careful, Reggie.”

“God, you're so weird.” Regulus said pushing Barty away embarrassed.

“What was that about?” Barty said raising his eyebrow.

“I don't know. Maybe she wants us to be careful.” Regulus assumed.

“Since Dorcas heard you're being threatened with exile, she's just been, like, "Oh! Be so careful, Regulus."

“Get off.” Regulus said failing as Bartys arms went over him again.

"Oh, give her that Reg Vitamin D already." Barty said ducking as Regulus tried to hit him to shut him up. “When are you gonna swoop on that, man?”

“Bro, you know the rule. No Pogue-on-Pogue macking.” Regulus responded a little red. “You're the one always hitting on her.”

“Of course I'm hitting on her.” Barty said like it was so simple “She's a super-hot, rich, hippie chick slumming with us.”

“Why? I can't figure it out either, but who cares, bro?” Barty said as he stuck a cig in his mouth while he shrugged his shoulders and used the other hand to light it. “I know that door's locked because I've tried it. Have you?”

“You need help.” Regulus shuddered “Not a little help, you need a lot of help. It's like every girl who just has a heartbeat, you're like... "Uhh!"

“What? It's not a big deal.” A little put out by the observation “Is that us? Twenty-nine.” Barty said effectively ending that conversation.

“This is it. Okay.”

Regulus paused bracing himself to knock on the door. 

“Housekeeping.” Barty said high pitched as he began knocking bored of the suspense.

“Should we try it? Yeah.” Regulus said reassuring himself “No power. No security cameras. No one's gonna know.”

Entering the motel room it was fairly empty but there was still enough for them to look into.

“Huh. Okay. Check the bag. See if there's a name on there somewhere.” Regulus suggested looking at the clothes sprawled on the floor. 

“A jacket.” Barty threw behind him 

“Denim slides.” Regulus added.

“No name on the jacket. It's a nice jacket, though. Definitely over 50.” Barty observed.

“He's got New Balances.”

“Yo, dude, come here. Maybe this is where they were fishing.” Barty said getting his attention.

“Let me see. Right there.” Regulus pointed on the map “No, that's off the continental shelf.That's Big Swell. Nobody fishes there.”  

“Okay.” Barty reasoned as he turned away “Coffee? Yeah. Standard. Tissues for when you get lonely...Ooh!”

“Did you find anything?” Regulus said as he came back from the bathroom.

“A really awesome Dopp kit you won't let me steal.” Barty said annoyed. 

“Yeah, 'cause we're not stealing shit.” Regulus said amused at that 

Barty only grunted and Regulus spotting the safe leant down and pressed some buttons that should surely open it “One, one, one, one.” 

At a beep of failure Regulus just turned to Barty with one eyebrow raised when he started laughing.

“You really thought that would work.” 

“I don’t see you with any ideas?” Regulus bit back annoyed that it had failed.

———

“Biggest pet peeve” Dorcas asked the two twins, she was currently lounging against the boat while they waited for the other two to finish checking out the room.

“Small rooms.” Evan said with a sign misunderstanding the question.

“Evan being annoying about his claustrophobia.” Pandora snappily replied as she played with her hair.

“Appreciate the enthusiasm Evan but that’s not a pet peeve.” She smiled reassuringly before turning to Pandora “And don’t make fun of his claustrophobia it’s very serious.” 

“Exactly.” Evan victoriously said in Pandoras face happy it was currently two against one.

“Whatever” Pandora hit him lightly before thinking about her answer “Fine mines people chewing loudly.”

“That’s pathetic” Evan complained “Mines joint cracking or losing things or-”

Dorcas interrupted his ranting with her answer. “Mines giving one percent to the environment.”

“What's wrong with that?” Evan asked confused.

“We only have one Earth, Evan.We should be giving it 100 percent, bare minimum.”

Pandora clicked her fingers in agreement.

“Right. That's not fiscally sound.” Evan annoyingly reasoned.

“Neither is destroying the planet we have to live on.” Dorcas argued back.

“Hey, hey, cops.” Pandora pointed out as cop car pulled up round the front of the motel.

“Shit. Call them.” Evan hit Dorcas’s shoulder while not taking his eyes away from the cops.

Dorcas kept hitting her new phone, she had the nicest model compared to the rest of the, and to Bartys envy unlimited data. “I can't. Towers are down.”

“If I lose my merit scholarship, I'm gonna kill someone.” Evan hissed.

“Ah. Okay.” One of the officers said to the other as they seemed to be checking something on the radio

“Maybe they're not going up. Maybe...” Pandora was spouting off reasons to calm the other two done.

“Okay.” The second officer said into the radio before they shut the car doors.

“Maybe they're looking for a room…They might not even be going that way.” 

“They're going up.” Evan groaned thinking again how it was just their luck.

———

One, one, one, two. Regulus hit the four codes again pointlessly they were never going to get it. 

“Punching shit at random. That will... definitely work.” Barty said amused.

“Wait a second. Here.” Regulus paused as he saw a piece of paper on the beside table.

“I don't know. I don't know about the second one.” Sticking his tongue out and looking closely at a map on the bed Barty was examining the markings. “These coordinates, they...Wait. My cousin said you could catch swordfish here.”

Six, one, six, six, six. Regulus hit the numbers from the paper ignoring Bartys rambling.

“Nah, that wouldn't make any sense.” Barty said basically “What about a surf spot? That could possibly be it or shoals. Holy shit. Is this a surf spot? Have you heard of shoals?”

The lock clicked open.

“Uh...Barty?” Regulus called out from crouching next to the now open safe.

“Hm?” Barty replied finally looking up 

“You're gonna want to see this.” Regulus said fully shocked at the contents of the safe.

———

“Okay, do something. Do something.” Pandora said panicking to Dorcas as they got out of the boat and made their way to the back of the motel near the outside of the room where Barty and Reg where still in unaware of the incoming caps.

“Go, go.” Evan said panting. 

“Okay someone’s going to have to the window to get their attention.” Dorcas breathed out it was their best course of action. 

“Alright, alright.” Evan said picking up a large rock. 

“Stand back. Okay. You got it.” Pandora muttered putting her thumbs up in encouragement.

The rock Evan threw pathetically missed the window and thudded against the ground.

”Didn't you ever play baseball?” Dorcas put her hands up in the air in astonishment before looking for another rock 

“Dude! He was on the math team.” Pandora answered patting a sulking Evan.

“Yeah and we won the state championship, I don’t think our baseball team has ever won a trophy.”

”Go mathletes!” Dorcas said sarcastically ignoring Evans continued rambling about the importance of mathematics.

———

The safe beeped open and Barty gave a small whoop and a victory pat to Regulus’s shoulder.

”Dude, dude, dude! You grabbed the gun.” 

“This is a SIG Sauer” Barty explained as his wide eyes took in the beauty of the gun, Regulus thought he looked like he wanted to propose to it right then and there.

“Put the gun back, Barty!” Regulus warned coming to the conclusion Barty besides Evan was the least helpful person to hold a firearm especially a probably illegal one he wanted to steal from their shady motel guy.

“This is a fucking spendy gatt, man. Just... Bam! Bam!” Barty shouted out in awe as he acted out scenes from an action movie with the gun. “Bam! Bam!”

“Hey, think about it!” Regulus said hoping for him to see reason.

“Bam! Bam!” Barty continued putting the gun up in the air and the flashlight in his mouth as he pointed at Regulus.

Annoyed now at his antics Regulus took the gun ignoring Bartys complaints. “We are not stealing anything.”

“You want a free mattress?” One of the cops outside said as an attempted joke kicking the mattress, it fell flat when their partner simply gave them a deadpan look.

“Now, here is Scooter Grubbs' luxury suite.” The partner said as they began making their way to the doors.

“Just take a pic of me. Right here.” Barty ordered once he’d taken the gun back and he was now posing squatted down with the gun and cash’s from the safe.

“You want me to take a picture of you?”

“Yeah, dude, like...Get all the angles.”

“Make our own incriminating evidence? Is that what you're talking about?” Regulus said slowly in the hopes Barty might catch on to the idiocy of his request.

“Uh just get one where I look sexy at least-”

Regulus turned when he saw something hit the window.

“Wait, what was that? What?” 

“Maybe it’s hailstones.” Barty shrugged.

Opening the curtains Regulus saw below them outside the window was Evan, Pandora and Dorcas waving their arms and mouthing the words - Cops. Cops! Cops!

“Twenty-eight, 29.” The cop said as they found the door.

“Shit.” Regulus whispered chucking the money back into the safe and shutting it.

“What is it?” Barty whispered back confused.

“Cops.” Regulus began to say before knocking on the door interrupting them.

“Kildare County Sheriff's Department!” The cop shouted announcing their presence. 

“Should we peel?” Pandora asked as they watched the empty window in suspense.

“You never leave a Pogue behind.” Dorcas shortly said as her answer, Evan thought they were quite sound words to live by.

All they could hear was a man shouting in distinctly.

“No, seriously, should we peel?” Pandoras asked a few moments later.

“Maybe.” Dorcas admitted it would do no good if they were all caught. 

“Go ahead and check the bathroom.” The senior cop spoke to the other as they entered the room.

“Yes, sir. It's clear.”

“What are you guys doing?” Evan whispered as he saw Regulus and Barty having made their way to the roof below the bathroom window.

“Oh, my God.” Pandora placed her hand over her eyes unable to look.

“I said it. Didn't I say it?” The office who Barty recognised as Rookwood began saying to his partner quietly smiling for what Barty thought was the first time under his life.

“Go ahead. Throw these in a bag, would you?

“Yes, sir.” The younger officer dutifully answered though looking slightly confused, Barty recognised him as Shane or Shackleton, no Shacklebolt that was it. 

“Everybody's gotta dip their beak.” Rookwood answered as he took the money and split it out 80-20 between him and Shacklebolt.

“What the f...” Regulus whispered disturbed.

“Right, right. Their beak. Yeah.” Shacklebolt chuckled nervously.

“Can you believe those pigs..” Barty nodded pissed off if anyone deserved to steal that money it was them, he was about to rant about police corruption before he stupidly dropped his gun which clattered to the floor loudly.

Regulus winced he really hoped the cops hadn’t heard or they were so screwed especially after witnessing what they just saw.

“This is... Wow.” Rookwood whistled counting the stacks of cash.

“Yeah... Um...” Shacklebolt stuttered.

“All right. Let's go. No one's here”

“Well that was fun.” Barty recalled to the group.

“Could have warned us sooner.” Regulus suggested as he steered the boat away from the motel.

“We would have, except Evan was on the math team.” Dorcas explained as she looked at him disappointed his aim needed serious improvement.

“Yeah I remember. I used to sneak into practice! I didn’t pay much attention still…” Barty reminisced before nodding enthusiastically “Oh yeah that was in tenth grade didn’t you win a national award for nerds or something…”

Evan just hit him as Barty kept teasing playfully.

“The cops took everything like it was a crime scene.” Regulus explained to a listening Pandora and Dorcas.

“Did you guys find anything?” Pandora asked looking at both Regulus and Barty curiously.

“Did we find anything? No, I don't think so.” Barty said pretending to be put out, after a dramatic pause he pulled the gun that he stole out of his back pocket with a flourish and pointed it at her face. “Oh, yeah, we did.”

“What the hell? Dude, what?” Evan hissed standing up and trying to take the gun out of Bartys hands but he missed.

“Dude, chill. Come on. Why take that from a crime scene?” Dorcas said with a disapproving sigh though not at all surprised.

“Better than cops having it.” Barty corrected completely serious like that wasn’t an insane link of logic.

“You serious?” Pandora questioned staring intensely at Regulus as if asking how he allowed this to happen. 

In response Regulus just pointed to a Barty who was running around the boating squatting up and down with one eye shut like he was Rambo and Pandora subsequently gave up with her objections.

“I'm gonna lose my merit scholarship.” Evan spoke out in realisation and began breathing out heavily like just the thought brought on enough panic he had to sit down.

“Hey, hey, hey. Sh, sh, sh. sh, sh.” Barty murmured reassuringly squatting down now so he was opposite Evan as he began patting his head in comfort.

“At least you have us, right?” He quipped with a big smile spread across his face as his left hand rested against Evan and his right hand firmly holding his newfound firearm.

“I'm living the nightmare.” Evan groaned and pushed his hands away before staring upset at the gun like it had personally offended him.

“I thought you’d appreciate the gun.” Barty legitimately pouted as he watched Evan walk away. “I knew they’d think I was a crazy but I thought you’d think it was sick y’know.” 

At that Evan deflated and gestured for Barty to show him the gun in interest, Dorcas watched on disappointed as much as Evan tried to be a hard ass he gave into Barty far too quickly.

“So, what happened?” One of the workers said to the man closest to the desk inside the dock lost and found office.

”Well, I was up at the Mason Outlet, and, uh, I seen this lump, and the crabs was just goin' to town on it, you know? So, I figured the best thing to do was, uh... throw him over in the ice chest and then call y'all.”

“Six-seven. Call the ME.” The paramedic on sight said running over to the body that had been unveiled on the dock.

“I never saw anything like that before.” The man who brought him in gestured as he turned away in disgust.

“Scooter?” Lana screamed out knocking the crowd out if the way who had formed around the dead man’s body out of newfound curiosity. “Scooter? Oh, God!”

“Who's that?” Pandora asked to the girl beside her.

“It's Scooter Grubbs. He was out during the storm.” The girl informed before taking her phone out to show Pandora. “Check out this pic I got.”

“Dead body.” Barty whistled as they stared at the photo. “Insane.”

“Holy shit.” Evan breathed out in shock as he craned his head to get a better view.

“What kind of boat did he have?” Regulus asked in realisation catching Dorcas who had a similar thought with wide eyes.

“Somehow, that dirtbag copped a brand-new Grady-White.” The girl informed them with delight at being able to spread some insider information. “Everyone's out looking for it.”

———

“Okay. So, um... we didn't see anything.” Dorcas said panicked when they arrived back to the Chateau. “We don't know anything.”

“We need to have total and complete amnesia.” Evan quickly added staring specifically at Regulus and Pandora who weren’t nodding in agreement.

“Actually, Evans right for once.” Barty interrupted as he leaned against the beam taking his vape out of his mouth, at Evans scoff to that statement he turned happily. “See, I agree with you sometimes.”

“What do you suggest we do then Barty.” Regulus queried hoping to avoid a sermon before they got to his point.

“Simple” Barty answered with a smirk. “Deny, deny, deny.”

“Guys, we can't keep that money.” Dorcas sighed not exactly on board with what Barty was insinuating.

“Okay. Not all of us can afford unlimited data plans, Dorcas.” Barty bit back annoyed, Dorcas might not need the money but Barty could sure make good use of it as he played with his lighter 

“We have to pass that off to Lana Grubbs.” Pandora explained. “Otherwise, it's bad karma.”

“Bad karma to be implicated in a felony, too.” Evan added with a shrug. “We gotta go dark.” 

“If that means we get to keep the money, then I agree.” Barty replied with a nod and a fist bump.

“I don't agree.” Dorcas said raiding her hand in the air.

“What? Why?” Barty groaned not interested her whole helping people schtick.

“Hold up.” Regulus interrupted standing up to pace as the others watched in interest as the cogs in his head spun. “Just think about it. This is Scooter Grubbs we're talking about. Same dude that's buying individual cigarettes at the Porthole.”

“Shit, one time I saw this dude begging for change in the Save-A-Lot parking lot because he needed gas.” Evan remembered his face scrunched up at the memory, he turned to nod at Regulud this whole thing felt shady. “We're talking about a dirtbag marina rat who's never had more than 40 bucks in his pocket, and all of a sudden, he's got a Grady-White? Just sayin'.” 

“All right, so think about it, Evan. How does a marina rat get a Grady-White?” Dorcas asked trying to understand the theory.

“Prostitution. Square groupers, bro.” Barty added without second thought. “Okay, flying under the radar, no aerial surveillance.”

“They don't do that stuff during a hurricane.” Pandora said in an attempt to stop this new spiel.

Dorcas looked up not liking to be out of the look when she saw the grim expressions of realisation making their way onto the other fours faces. 

“What does that mean Barty?” 

“They were straight smugglin'. Smugglin'.” Barty chimed in as he passed round the fishing rods with one cigarette dangling out of his mouth and Pandora and Evan sat either side of him at the Chateau docks.

“And I guarantee there's a serious amount of contraband in that wreck.” Regulus added after a moment of thought before shaking his head and gesturing for a rod.

“Hell, yeah.” Barty whooped “Fish on!”

“For the record, if that is a smuggling ship with illegal contraband on the inside of it...” Pandora said taking the fish Barty had caught and throwing it back into the water despite Evan and Barty’s complaints added. “Mm-hm? ...it probably belongs to someone else.”

“Minor details.” Barty said holding out a chips bag too the group, Evan guessed he probably stole it but it was baby steps at least.

“They could come looking for it.” Regulus sighed in agreement though it didn’t seem to put him off the idea, he needed cash as much as Barty did. Pandora and Evan had two loving parents who worked hard to support them and Dorcas as much as she hated it was in the kook end of the tax bracket.

“Taking it would be catastrophically stupid.” Evan said his tongue clicking the inside of his teeth, he didn’t like the idea of imminent danger coming their way.

“Right.” Dorcas stated hoping that meant that conversation was over.

“Well, stupid things have good outcomes all the time.” Barty said leaning across to stare directly at Evan as he picked up one of the stacks of cash. “All we need to do is figure out a way to get into the cargo hold of that wreck.”

Noticing he’d got all their attention he leant forward to wrap up his plan. “Until then, we just lay low. Just act normal.”

“Right. And how exactly do we do that?” Evan sighed already accepting defeat.

“Kegger?” Dorcas suggested and hearing the sounds of agreement stood up quickly to get them moving.

———

“Tally-ho.” Pandora greeted one of their friends as she clicked for a beer.

“Hey-up.” Barty shouted his hands cupped as he reached across the table for a red solo cup to pass down.

Regulus sat on a log around a bonfire to take in the scene.

“Chug it! Chug it!” A girl named Aurora shouted to her other friend before the whole group started laughing when she began spluttering.

It was impossible to say you’ve visited the Outerbanks without having been to the boneyard, in its three layered insane and glorious self.

”Yo, what's up, homie?” Frank shouted walking over to meet him with a one armed hug.

“What's up, man?” Walden said in greeting as he gave a nod “What's goin' on?”

There were the Pogues, Regulus and his friends the working class derelicts.

“Yeah. Hey, hey.” Regulus answered standing up to greet them with a half smile.

Then there are the Kooks, the rich second-homers who mostly go to poncy ass boarding schools with rich trust funds.

The Pogues natural enemies.

And then there are the tourons totally oblivious tourists here on vacation.

“Want a beer?” Regulus heard Barty ask a pretty blonde touron in front of a seething Lucinda, he had to stifle a snort he never learnt his lesson.

“Thanks.” The girl said coyly as she followed him to the side.

“Hey, you, uh... you want a beer?” A boy named Xeno asked Pandora across the camfire.

“Oh, my God!” Pandora cheered with a laugh when she heard the song that was on. “We are family!” 

Xeno cluelessly followed a dancing Pandora like a lovesick puppy. 

“Oh, really? Yeah.” Dorcas agreed as she sat around the bonfire with a group from their year who were debating the best zodiac signs. “Virgos are, like, so organized. Like, all my friends that are Virgos are like...”

“It's kinda weird when on TV, we see people die, and they just kinda sit there…”

Evan was explaining to a girl who had walked over in the hopes of flirting but had incited some sort of rant as Evan oblivious as always just kept talking. “But in actuality, they would be shitting and farting up a storm.”

“Mm-hm...” The girl nodded opposite as she just sipped her drink uncomfortably.

“...you read about...” Frank was speaking but Regulus got distracted when he saw who arrived.

“Marlene, Marlene be careful, okay?” Amos Diggory shouted as Marlene was leaning against something unsteady as she seemed to be ignoring her boyfriend.

“What is she doing here? It's so... Huh?” Dorcas hissed as usual shooting daggers at Marlene.

Regulus noted Marlene McKinnon, Kook princess had made her entrance with the boyfriend of the month and her entourage.

Dorcas had been her best friend in ninth grade and worst enemy in the tenth which means she’s public enemy number one in the chateau.

Regulus works at the docks on some of the kook boats including her dads, so he’s seen her and that group around.

“What are you doing?” Amos Diggory her not so pleasant boyfriend complained though he kept being ignored to Regulus’s amusement. 

Following behind them were Marlene’s friend's, Lily Evans, Mary MacDonald, Peter Pettigrew and James Potter. Some of which he liked more than others but who all he was intent on ignoring, the boneyard was the one neutral place on the island but it didn’t mean he had to like it.

“Sorry, museum's closed.” The worker inside smiled apologetically to Officer Rookwood. “Yeah, sure, chief. I'll be just a minute.”

“The Royal Merchant sunk in the great storm of 1829 with $400 million of British government gold onboard.” The worker said pointing to the prototype that hung in the museum. “The dream of generations of islanders.”

“Yeah. Huh. Lovely work, don't you think?” The worker said pushing her glasses up her noise.

“Mm-hm. Yeah. Lovely.” Officer Rookwood chuckled softly as he stared at it like it was about to materialise out of thin air.

“Let's go.” Evan asked after taking a large sip as he stumbled slightly before Barty put an arm around his shoulder to steady him.

Regulus saw him whistling him over so he went to join the pair who were beside a group of teens dancing and laughing next to the kegger. 

“Regulus.” 

“What're you doing?” 

“Yo, what's up? I got this for you.” Barty said as he slipped out from under Evan to pass Regulus a cup of beer and passed Evan a water.

“Want it?” He asked Evan who seemed to be swaying as he’d had a bit too much too quick.

“For me? Yeah, I'll take a sip.”

“Hi. Oh, wait. Hey, hey. Hey, Marlene!” Barty called as he walked over with a red solo cup to lean closer with a smirk. “Marlene, can I interest you in a tasty Milwaukee beverage or any of you other lovely ladies.?

“No, thanks.” Marlene said apologetically though Mary beside her gave a little giggle even if Barty was a Pogue had a rather infamous reputation.

“Is it not fancy enough for you?” Barty asked holding his chest with fake hurt.

”Oh Barty-“ Mary began to say as she approached closer Regulus noted Evans chest was heaving like he might throw up.

“No. We were just leaving.” Marlene interrupted sharing a specific look at Mary though her friend didn’t seem to quite get the message.

“Hey, you know what? I'll take it.” Amos answered swooping in smelling of hair gel and bad cologne. “I'll... Thank you, man. I appreciate it.” He continued condescendingly.

“That's nice, but I didn't ask you.” Barty said shaking his hand off as he’s eyes didn’t leave Mary who seemed to be enjoying the attention until Barty looked over at Amos with a malicious fling in his eye. “If you said pretty please, maybe, but you didn't. Oh, pretty please.”

“Yeah. Mary. Pretty please?” Barty sighed already bored at not getting a reaction. “You can have it.”

“She doesn't want it, you...” Amos spat full of fury.

“Alright.” Marlene interrupted in hopes of calming things down until Barty pushed his shoulder lightly.

“You're so funny, man. Hey.” Barty laughed as Amos’s face turned redder.

“Dirty Pogues!” Amos shouted before he pushed Barty into the ground, Barty who was as good with his mouth as he was with his fists grabbed Amos on the way down before the two began wrestling on the floor.

“Oh!” Pandora shouted as she ran over to Dorcas.

“We're supposed to be incognito, remember?” Evan panted before he tried to push Amos off Barty before he got a punch to the gut. 

The crowd gasped as Regulus tried to make his way to Barty to stop the fight.

“Babe, babe, babe, babe...” Lily said holding Marlene back. “James, Peter get over here.”

Evan grabbed Barty and held him back as he kept punching Amos in the face.

“Guys? Guys!” James shouted shouldering his way in to Regulus’s displeasure as they both grabbed Barty and Amos respectively.“Chill!”

“Hey, Regulus, don't make me drown you like your old man, all right?” Amos shouted out pointing his finger and in that moment all Regulus saw was red and he lunged.

“Fight! Fight! Fight! Fight!” The crowd chanted as the small brawl turned into a full fist fight.

Regulus got a good hit to his face before Amos pushed him into the sand by the water.

“Fight! Fight! Fight!” The sounds of the crowd continued as they both kept grunting and pulling the other down.

“Give it to him!” Barty shouted as he was being held back by Evan.

“Regulus, let it go!” Pandora called out in anguish.

“Stop, you guys!” Dorcas shouted as she watched the two boys get closer to the water.

“Amos! Stop!” Marlene exclaimed.

“Come on, Regulus!” Evan yelled out for encouragement.

“Fight! Fight! Fight! Fight!” The cheers continued.

“That's what I'm talkin' about! Come on!” Barty whooped.

“Come on! Yeah, you wanna go?” Amos muttered in Regulus’s face thoroughly egged on now by the crowd.

“Stop!” James bellowed in the hopes of calming things down.

“Go, Regulus!”

“Oh! Amos!”

“Come on, Amos!”

“Let's go!”

“Come on!”

“Oh, my God.”

As the fight intensified Regulus felt Amos push him head first into the water before he turned him around to get another hit to the face.

“Come on, man!” Amos screamed into his face before he pushed him further out into the water and kept kicking his stomach over and over.

Regulus took a pained gasp.

“Amos!” Someone shouted further out then he could hear.

“Amos, stop! No!” Came the familiar voice of Dorcas.

“No!” Pope called out as he loosened his grip on Barty when distracted watching the scuffle. “Stop…”

“I know. He's drowning him.” Lily nudged Marlene in the hopes she might stop him. 

Regulus gulped in a wave of water and began gurgling as Amos kept him head first in the water.

“Amos!” Barty hollered to get his attention, he moved up behind him as the safety of the gun clicked finally getting his attention.

“Yeah, you know what that is.” He said with a small forced laugh as he placed the metal part on the back of his head. “Your move, broski.”

“Come on.” Evan called out as calmly as possible like any sudden movement might make Barty freak.

“Chill, dude!” Pandora yelled out “Barty!”

“Stop! Barty!” James called out like he was a damn police negotiator.

“Put the gun down.” Marlene shouted exasperated.

“Did you say somethin', princess?” Barty gritted at Marlene though he didn’t move from behind Diggory.

“We're good.” Diggory whimpered before getting back his voice. “We're good. Put the gun down!”

“All right? Come on, man!” 

“Dorcas! Can you check your psycho friend, please?”

“Okay, everyone, listen up!” Barty yelled putting the gun in the air and taking a warning shot. “Get the hell off our side of the island!”

At the gunshot the crowd began screaming and shrieking and dispersed quickly as sirens sounded in the distance.

Amos quickly got pulled up by Pettigrew 

“Are you crazy? You idiot! Stupid!” Dorcas hissed as she pulled him back. 

“Why do that? It's not worth it!” Pandora called out as she ran over to pull Regulus out of the water.

“I'm saving his life, okay?” Barty panted and pushed Evan way who was approaching with a similarly pissed expression. “Stupid!”

“You're gonna jeopardize everything!” Evan shouted a hurt look across his face as he turned away from Barty and helped pulled Regulus up out of the water.

At the sound of talking around him Regulus was brought back to a memory of him and Uncle Alphard sat on their boat fishing. 

When he was younger he’d been scared of the water but Alphard had told him the water was sacred, something they should treasure. Regulus had never seen a better man on a boat. 

The week before he went missing he said to him, “Birdie, I think I found something. I might have to vanish for a bit…”

And then he talks of vanishing and vanishes just like that.

Everyone talk around it, says he was lost at sea buts he’s out there he’s sure of it. And with that final thought for Regulus the world went black.

———

The rooster crowed and a loud knock woke Regulus up as he saw the person he least wanted to see at his door. 

Anxiously moving some beer bottles under the couch he ran over and opened it for Sheriff Bones.

“Get decent, sweetie. We need to talk.” She said walking past him and into the living room. “Sorry to break in like this, but DCS called. They wanted me to check on you. See how you're doin'.”

“So, how are you.” She asked not unkindly but with that same adult attitude that said she thought she knows better than you.

“Besides the...” And then she pointed to the recently forming black eye.

“Oh, no, I'm...” Regulus stuttered trying to steady himself and tried to think of the quickest way to get her out. “I'm great. Yeah, fantastic. Uh...Thanks for comin' by.”

She sat down opposite him and leant backwards like she had all the time in the world.

“I'm so glad to hear you say that, Regulus, but I heard a few things that worried me.”

“Let me see if I can remember.” She explained after a pause. “Oh, yeah. One of the things I heard was that your brother Sirius, your guardian, hasn't been in the state for three months.”

“That's false-“ Regulus began before he was interrupted.

“You don't have to say anything. I know it's true. I called the school.They said you used to be a good student, but now you're failin' all your classes.”

“No. No, I'm only failing one, and it's history.” Sweating now Regulus just kept talking in the hopes of convincing her. “He's a dick. He's out for me...”

“I heard there was a fight on the beach yesterday, and a gun was involved.”

“Okay. A gun? I don’t think so. Did I get in a dustup? Yes, but was there a gun?” Regulus quickly scoffed and schooled his expression into one of disbelief. “No. No way.”

“That's okay. I know who it was. I'll get to him. All I'm worried about right now is makin' sure you're in a safe home.”

“Yeah, super safe. Super sound, sturdy. You know?” Regulus tapped the table as if to show this ignoring her amused expression. “Sirius’s coming, so...”

Noticing the sheriffs nod he paused in confusion. “That what he told you?”

“Yeah. If he is coming, I think you should be allowed to stay.” The sheriff said with a small smile.

“Thank you-“

“But if I stick my neck out for you, you have to help me.” She surveyed him now, Regulus knew the drill people didn’t do things like this out of the kindness of their hearts. They want something.

“Tit for tat.”

“What... what does tat mean?”

“Let me see, how can you help me? Oh, I know. So, a body was found in the marsh yesterday. Were you in the marsh yesterday?”

Regulus figured it was better to give a half truth than a lie.

“Yeah, we were fishin' for some drum…”

“You catch anything?”

“Nah, we were skunked.”

“Strange. Fishing's usually good after a storm.” Sheriff Bones leaned closer. “All sorts of things get stirred up. You come across a wreck yesterday?”

“No.”

“You skimmin' just above the surface, Regulus.” She gave an exasperated sigh like she was dealing with an idiot. “Now, down here is foster care, juvie. Pretty big drop for a smart kid like you. Up here is you and your little friends doing whatever you want.”

“Outer Banks...” She lifted one hand up and one down. “Or foster care on the mainland.”

“You are one inch above the surface, Regulus. If I was you, I'd start flappin' my wings.”

After thoroughly spooking him with her mild threats she sat back, Regulus realized why she was so relaxed she’d already known all the answers before she even came.

“Now, you sure you didn't come across a wreck yesterday?”

“Yeah. Yeah, I'm sure.”

“It's better if you didn't, you understand? I'm gonna look the other way, as long as you stay out of the marsh.” 

Standing up to leave she noticed the pile of dirty clothes on the floor and plates stacked in the sink.

“I got dogs livin' better than this, Regulus.” She tutted before scrunching her nose like she’d encountered a bad smell. “You might wanna think about cleanin' up.”

Evan threw a can that clattered by the outside coach he, Dorcas and Pandora were sat on in the deck by the Chateau.

“Look, I'm callin' it off. All right?” Regulus explained to the group. “Bones said, if I stay out of the marsh, she'll help me with DCS.”

“And you believed her?” Barty questioned as he leant on the side of the coach with his vape.

“Yes, I believe her, Barty.”

“An actual cop, Regulus. You believed a cop.”Evan repeated with disgust like the word cop was a slur.

“All I gotta do is stay out of the marsh for a couple days, and she'll help me out.” Regulus said catching Dorcas’s eye who seemed to be in agreement with him, all this was more trouble that it was worth.

”It doesn't help that your ass was the one shooting a gun.” He pointed to Barty who just rolled his eyes like he hadn’t almost got them caught.

“You know what I should have done? Just let Bitch Boy Diggory drown your ass.”

“ Amos was gonna drown me?” Regulus asked rhetorically.

“Sure looked like it.” Pandora added as Barty passed her the vape.

“Funny.” Dorcas deadpanned as the sight of Regulus being drowned had been awful actually.

“Have you looked in a mirror?” Evan suggested moving his arm so Barty could lean back.

“Tell me some more. Come on.” Regulus complained as he put his head in his hands.

“They always win, don't they, man?” Barty stood up and kicked the side of the coach angrily, ignoring the others grumbling. “Kooks versus Pogues. They always, always win!” 

“Goddamn!” Dorcas commented at Bartys tantrum.

“Look, it's okay!” Pandora soothed in the hopes Barty might stop kicking the beam lest the whole thing fell down as the Chateau wasn’t the most structurally secure.

“No, it's not okay!” Barty breathed out looking intently between Evan and Regulus. “It is not! They don't want us to go down into the marsh. That means there's something valuable down there, and you know it.

“I know you do. And I understand why you don't wanna go.” Barty pointed to Pandora before turning to Evan. “You're the golden boy. You got way too much to risk. And you...” 

He did a one eighty and pointed at Dorcas. “I mean, you're already rich as fuck anyway. Why would you bother?”

“But you and me, man, we got nothin' to lose!” Barty said a little more desperate now as he stood opposite Regulus and jabbed a finger into his chest, it was weird Regulus thought how Barty was taller than him now a few years ago they had been the same height. 

“We really don't, all right? But Barty come on it’s —”

“And I know it didn't use to be that way for you.” Barty interrupted a little sadder. “I really think all of this means something.

“I don't want to talk about this. I don't want to talk about it.” Regulus continued dismissing him,

“So that's it?” Barty asked frustrated still looking down at him, holding eye contact.

“Just get out of my way, bro.” Regulus said pushing him away to stand with his back to Barty and the other three who were just watching in suspense at what decision Regulus was going to make.

“Regulus, listen to me. I have a plan.” Barty came closer calmer this time. “You got the key to Cameron's big boat, right?

“No…” Regulus attempted to stop this new and probably dangerous train of thought.

“There's scuba gear. We borrow that, and then we go down to the wreck this afternoon, and that is what's gonna save you, man.” Leaning in and smiling now he turned to the other four to give his final point. “You don't see rich kids going into foster care, do you?”

Regulus turned to look at Evan and Pandora who were nodding and Dorcas who was just giving a what can you do look. 

———

He should have learnt by now to never listen to Barty he was only filled with bad ideas like stealing from one of his rich bosses.

But he had been right about one thing, he had nothing to lose. His uncle once said the Island was America on steroids the haves and have-nots like anyplace, but magnified and multiplied.

The game was rigged like it’s always been and maybe this is the only way to get the odds back in their favor.

No parents, no money, no one looking out for him and Barty was no better. 

“Oh! Hey.” James Potter waved pushing his glasses up his face as he walked onto the McKinnon boat with Marlene.

“Are you stalking us? Plotting your revenge?” Marlene narrowed her eyes but Regulus could tell she was only teasing even if she looked significantly less happy to see him then Potter was.

“Yeah. Why don't you just tell your daddy I blew the bilge on Druthers?” He explained hoping to make everything seem normal and leave quickly. “Everything's good to go. Just toppin' off these tanks.”

“Hey, are you okay?” James asked him as he followed behind him onto the docks.

“'Cause that eye of yours looks really gnarly.” Marlene added as she pointed at the black eye everyone seemed to want to comment on.

“You know what?” Regulus spun around careful not to drop the tanks. “You can tell Amos he won the first round. I'll get him next time.”

“So there's just gonna be a reign of terror on this island now?” James Potter laughed nervously a little shocked at the answer 

“Wars have been started for less, James Potter.”

“Okay. Can we drop the whole Pogues versus Kooks thing?” Marlene interrupted stoping the staring contest between him and James. “It is really stupid.” 

“Oh...” Regulus sighed bitterly. “You know, it's easy to say when you're a Kook.” 

He turned and walked off ignoring the hurt look on James's face and the curious one on Marlene.

At the docks the sheriffs got the engine started as they rallied the search party.

“All right. Now, all kiddin' aside, your job today is to help keep privates off the marsh so we can do our job and find this wreck.” Officer Rookwood shouted into the megaphone. “That's straight from Sheriff Bones. Do not forget your sunscreen, ladies. Bring a lot of liquids.”

“Does that include Natty Light?” A woman joked from the crowd as the others laughed similarly.

“I don't care what swill you bring. That's on your own recognizance.” Rookwood chuckled. “All right. What else do you got to worry about? Let's go!”

“Pull that for me, will you? Thank you, ma'am.” Officer Shacklebolt said with a small smile.

“We're here about the missing boat. Yeah?” A large unrecognizable burly woman asked.“Here to help however we can.”

“Uh-huh. Right.” The smaller man said loosening his arms as he placed a cap on his head. “We're devastated about Scooter. We just feel sick about it.You mind if we join your armada? Take a look for ourselves?”

“Yeah, why not? Extra set of eyes.” Officer Rookwood said shaking the larger man’s hand.

“We'll let you know if we find anything, Officer.”

“You do that.” Officer Rookwood nodded as he started his engine and turned left.

“This is empty. You took empty tanks? I...” Dorcas picked them up to inspect them as the boat was stopped next to where they were going to have to dive down.

“Okay, this one's a quarter full.” Pandora pulled the third one up. “It's enough for one of us.”

“Love it when a plan comes together.” Evan shook his head and sat back down to pull his hat over his eyes.

“Does anybody know how to dive? Uh...Anybody?” Regulus checked as he looked over the other equipment which seemed to be in good condition.

“It's kind of a Kook sport.” Barty whistled through his teeth.

“I... read about it.” Evan raised his head.

“Great, Pope read about it, so someone's gonna die.” Pandora noted as she turned away in thought.

“Look, y-you put the thing in your mouth and breathe. How hard could it be?” Barty suggested as he picked up the tank.

“If you come up too fast, nitrogen gets into your blood, and you get the bends.” Evan informed looking up to see Barty peering down at him.

“Bends like, bend over and...” Barty joked as he backed up to bend in Bartys face.

“The bends kill you.” Evan hit Barty away but it didn’t stop him going red.

“Alright I guess-” Evan went to suggest he would do it before Barty put his hand over his mouth to stop him.

“Right. I can... I can dive.” Regulus admitted defeat as he stared at the tank.

“You can dive. I'm cool with that.” Barty nodded removing his hand and smirking at Evans annoyed face.

“Since when can you dive?” Pandora asked raising her hand.

“I'll do it. It's fine.”

“Let me do some calculations real quick.”

“You serious?” Barty nudged Evan as he sat beside him and took his vape out.

“That boat's about 30 feet down. Okay. So it'll take 25 minutes at that depth.”

“Twenty-five.” Evan said half to himself as he bit his lip in thought. “Which means you need to make your safety stop at about... ten feet.”

“All right? For two minutes.” Dorcas acknowledged as she followed along with Evans calculations.

“Yeah, yeah. Ten feet, two minutes. Got it.” Dorcas nodded as she took her top and short off and dived into the water with her bandanna.

“Uh...” Regulus asked. “What was that all about?”

“I don't know, but I liked it. A lot.” Barty admitted as he leaned backwards and whistled until Pandora hit him.

“Uh, so...” Evan said clearing his throat and turning to look at Regulus. “All righty. Yeah. Uh, when you... uh, when you're down there, you look for the cargo hold. You stick this thing inside and twist and pull, okay?”

“Stick in, twist, pull.” Regulus repeated to put it into memory.

“Yeah. My dad moved weight back in the day like that.” Barty nodded while putting his sunglasses on.

“Who didn't?” Evan said as he leaned back and adjusted his hat.

“Hey! I tied my T-shirt to the anchor chain about ten feet down.” Dorcas panted getting out of the water and pointing down. “It's where you need to do your safety stop.”

“Cool.” Pandora smiled as she placed another lollipop in her mouth.

“Keep an eye on this.” Evan pointed on the tank. “You need to make sure you have enough air to decompress.”

“Okay, how much do I need?” Regulus asked waiting for an answer. 

“Unclear. Breathe as little as possible.” Evan answered apologetically as he didn’t actually have an answer.

“Zen. Think Zen, you know?” Pandora pointed out as she imitated tree pose.

“Yeah. Got it.”

“Hey, if we get caught in the marsh, we're basically screwed, so... better get a move on.”

“Copy that. Dorcas.” Regulus nodded as he went to get a move on.

“Diver down?” Evan suggested.

“Diver down.” Regulus nodded as he went into the water. 

“All right. See ya, dude.” Barty said with a small wave as Regulus went straight in. 

“You think he’s going to actually do it.” 

“Have a little faith Evan.”

A siren whooped in the distance and it meant they should officially panic.

“Shit. Barty.” Dorcas nudged as she pointed at what was approaching. “Guys, that's the police.”

“Oh, you gotta be kidding me.” Evan sighed.

“Yep, that's the police. Just act frickin' normal.” Barty hissed as he lay back and closed his eyes as if to imitate normality. 

The siren blared closer and Pandora jumped up to greet them. 

“Evening, officers. Evening.” She said with a small smile to the younger of the two.

“Hello.” Officer Shacklebolt smiled back.

“Evening.” Deputy Rookwood replied more coolly.

“Barty, tie it off.” Evan whispered as he pushed the equipment behind him.

“How you kids doing? You know the marsh is closed?” Officer Rookwood said stonily staring at the four like he was one second away from bringing them to the station.

“No. No. Wow.” They chorused looking amongst themselves.

“I didn't know that. Why... why is it closed?” Dorcas asked politely putting her kookiest voice possible on.

“Well, we're conducting a search out here. Boat went down.” Officer Shacklebolt explained.

“Mmm. Seen anything?” Rookwood said his eyes narrowing in on Barty.

“No. No boats. No.” He answered as begrudgingly as possible.

“Where's your friend you always hang with? He here?”

“He's working.” Pandora said fairly believably as far as excuses usually go.

“Hm. I'm gonna check your little boat out.” Rookwood stated jumping on and surveying the place.

“Yeah.”

“Sure.”

”Yeah, hop aboard.”

“You wanna check... uh, check her out.” 

“Uh... you got another one?” He pointed to one of the safety kits. “Yeah, yeah. Of course. It's, uh... it's in the hold.”

“Yeah. Show him.” Evan pointed Barty to the box.

“Okay. Yeah, here we go.”

The latch clicked open and he checked under the steering wheel while Shacklebolt watched awkwardly.

“Uh...” Pandora pointed out the water on the floor 

“Be careful. You don't wanna slip.” Dorcas advised the absolute last thing they needed was the man staying any longer when Regulus was still in the water with the faulty tank.

Pandoras timer went off on her phone and she shared a worried glance with Evan, Regulus would need to come up soon.

“Beautiful day.” Shacklebolt nodded as he looked up at the clear sky.

“Sure is.” Barty nodded slowly.

“Very.” Evan agreed as he looked down at his hands and had to physically stop himself from tapping.

“Let us know if you see anything on your way out.” Rookwood noted as he got back onto his boat, confident there was nothing suspicious going on.

”Will do. Will do.” They responded as the engine started. 

“We'll be gone soon, sir.” Pandora said innocently.

“Yes, you will.” Rookwood shook his head as the enhine whirred and they drove off.

“He's definitely out of air.” Evan hissed as they peered over the boat and into the water.

“There he is! Oh, God! Jesus Christ!” Dorcas said turning around and moving her hand to help Regulus up into the boat.

“Don't scare us like that!” Pandora complained as she hit him but she put a towel round him as well so Regulus didn’t seem to mind.

“How'd it go down there?” Barty wondered.

Regulus muttered but Evan couldn’t quite hear him. “Did you find anything?” He asked again.

“Did I find anything?” Regulus broke out into a smile as he moved his hands from behind his back to show the group a mysterious bag.

“Yeah, there we go! That's my boy!” Barty whooped and went behind Regulus to shake him.

“Jeez, dude!” Evan breathed out in shock. “Never doubted you for a second…”

“You okay?” Dorcas asked as she knelt down to check Regulus over.

“Yeah, I ran out of air.” Regulus panted though at Barty and Evans victorious shouts he quickly smiled. 

“You scared the shit out of me.” Pandora whispered as she patted his hair down.

“Yeah, the cops were up here, but, uh...we took care of 'em.” Evan informed him raiding his eyebrows to let him know it was sorted.

“My bad.” Regulus answered a little self consciously he didn’t like to think why the police had such a hold over him.

“You're all good.”

“Yeah, you kinda missed the show, brother.” Barty complained as he went into the story of Rookwood and the newbie Shacklebolt…

“Hey, guys? Guys, bogey, two o'clock.” Dorcas informed them as she put her hand over her eyes to block out the sun.

“What?” Regulus looked up bewildered. “Do you recognize that boat?” 

“I've never seen it.” Barty stared at it, if anyone was going to recognise it would have been him.

“What are they doing here? The marsh is closed.” Pandora remarked, Barty didnt want to say they were probably here for the same reason they were in the supposed closed marsh.

“Let's not stick around and find out.” Evan declared as he went to turn the engine on “Barty, get the bowline.”

“Should we wait on 'em?” Dorcas noted.

“No, let’s not.” Regulus got an odd feeling of dread as he watched the two figures get closer, it didn’t feel right. “Go get the stern. Go!”

“Are you joking?”

“Barty, hurry up.”

“Guys, don't wait for me. Go.” Barty signaled as he moved closer to the front of the boat.

“Let's go!” Pandora gestured.

“Pull out the stern.” Evan shouted over the noise of the engine.

“I don't like this.” Regulus stated like there wasn’t two psychos approaching. “Are they coming for us?”

“Maybe they're fishing.” Barty said sarcastically raising his hands in the air. “Go, go, go, go!

“Go into the marsh.” Evan shouted frantically.

“Let's go!” Dorcas shouted to Regulus who began steering in the other direction.

“I'm going. Act natural.” Regulus explained as the boat engine revved.

“Hey, guys, they're following us.” Pandora pointed out.

“This can't be good. Shit.” Evan added alarmed as Pandora gripped his hand.

“Dude, you gotta go faster!” Barty yelled.

“I'm going! Gun it!” Regulus declared frustrated as he tried to make the boat go as fast as possible yet they weren’t losing them.

“What the...” Evan whispered in disbelief as he saw the large woman grab a gun and point it in their direction.

“Holy shit!” Dorcas called out as she heard the sound of gunshots being fired before she knelt down to avoid the incoming bullets.

Pandora grabbed Evan and Barty and jumped to the ground to hide.

“Regulus, get down!” Barty roared out as the bullets began flying.

“We're gonna die!” Evan murmured panicked.

“Shit! Evan, move.” Barty groaned as he tried to make the boat go faster.

“Get down, Barty!” Regulus shouted this time, this was not the place to act the hero.

The sound of another gunshot ringed over Pandoras screams and Bartys yells.

Regulus moved his foot to the side to kick the engine, it clanged before whirring as Barty turned the wheel to the side and they made a sharp left.

All five of them fell against the boat but the woman and man’s shouts faded further into the distance.

“Let's go, let's go, let's go!” Pandora repeated still in shock but raised her head to see they’d lost them 

“Oh, my God! Whoo!” Barty whooped as they drove off in victory.

“Whew!” Evan chuckled out of breath.

“Booyeah! Pogue god, man!” Barty hollered grabbing Evans shoulders and shaking them as the two laughed out their nerves.

“That was insane!” Regulus said as his brain tried to wrap around what had happened.

The seabirds called above them and they docked the boat taking a second to sit there in silence before making their way into the chateau.

“Oh, God.” Dorcas muttered looking up in annoyance at whatever God was up there.

“What do you think it is?” Regulus wondered as he stared at the mystery bag.

“Gotta be money, right?” Evan guessed, money always had a way of bringing out the worst in people and whatever they had was sought out. 

“That or a couple of keys with street value to the low-to mid-mils!” Barty nodded in thought, it would make sense for it to be something illegal, two strangers with guns had tried to shout them over whatever it was.

“Can we please just open the bag?” Evan shouted out in frustration shocking everyone.

“Wow, Evan.” Pandora paused thinking it was admirable Evan was finally practicing communication.

“That's a rare outburst of emotion.” Regulus snarked which always happened when he was nervous.

“Okay. You guys are literally killing me with anticipation.” Dorcas said unapologetically as she pointed at the bag.

“Open the bag.” Evan ordered again to Regulus, the group always talked far too much instead of just doing stuff.

“Jeez.” Barty muttered an odd expression on his face as he took in Evan.

“We almost died over this.” As he took the bag from a quiet Evan and turned it over.

A small canister clanged out rather small and disappointing looking.

“Oh, wow. Yup. That's about right.” Evan shook his head annoyed he’d got into the fantasy this might have been something interesting.

“Good job, everybody. We found a compass.” Dorcas breathed out standing up to pace next to the table.

”I think it’s pretty.” Pandora observed as she picked it up.

“Dude, what? It's not worth anything.” Barty groaned they wouldn’t even be able to pawn it off for anything.

“This was my Uncles.” Regulus stated quietly to the shock of the other four who stared with new admiration at the mysterious compass.