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''You killed my father! And you framed me for a murder I didn't commit. You took everything from me, Ward! But I'm still here. And I swear to God, I'll come back one day and take what's mine. I'm coming for you.''

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THE POLICE CAR doors slammed behind us, and I blinked as the harsh tent lights filled my vision. Police officers swarmed around, setting up stations, speaking in low, tense voices. The place felt like some command center, every detail focused on one thing: finding John B.

''Sit down. Don't move,'' Shoupe directed, his voice like steel as he pointed us toward a bench in the center of the tent. We obeyed reluctantly. ''We've got a lot to talk about,'' he continued, crossing his arms as if daring us to make any sudden moves.

Then a sudden shout rang out from somewhere in the crowd. ''That's the Phantom!'' My heart jumped, and before I knew it, I'd bolted from the bench, weaving through the officers to get a clear view. My friends followed. The light had shifted outside, and on the water, silhouetted against the fading daylight, was the Phantom, with John B and Sarah on board.

A collective murmur rose from the crowd as several police boats roared to life, taking off after them. For a second, the entire tent was silent as we watched, every eye locked onto the chase unfolding across the water. Then, through the static of a radio, Ward Cameron's voice cut in.

''John B, I know you're there, son. I know you can hear me.'' His voice was oily, trying to sound fatherly, but I could hear the manipulation hidden underneath.

''No matter what he says, he's lying!'' JJ's shout startled everyone, and he tried to push forward, but a cop held him back. ''He's a liar! A murderer—''

Ward's voice droned on, ignoring JJ's outburst. ''And if you love my daughter, like I think you love her, then you'll turn that boat around and come back. You're heading into a storm you cannot survive. Please, John B. I'll make things right. Think of Sarah, and turn around.''

I felt a twinge of worry twist in my gut. But then, like a spark in the darkness, John B's voice crackled through the radio.

''You killed my father!'' His voice was full of rage. ''And you framed me for a murder I didn't commit. You took everything from me, Ward! But I'm still here. And I swear to God, I'll come back one day and take what's mine. I'm coming for you.''

A charged silence settled over us, and I could feel all eyes shift onto Ward, who was standing rigidly. Kie raised her voice. ''It's true! Everything John B said—it's true! Ward's a liar, a murderer!''

A cop turned toward us, his voice hard as he gestured for us to sit back down. ''Ma'am, you need to settle down, all right?'' he instructed, but I barely heard him. I was too busy watching Ward's face, noting the flash of panic that broke through his composed facade, a moment of fear before he masked it again.

Minutes passed as we sat there, straining to hear any updates. The officers had moved to the edge of the tent, scanning the horizon, hoping to catch a glimpse of the chase. Each passing second felt like an eternity until finally, one of the officers returned to us. We all sprang to our feet, searching his face for answers.

''Did you find them?'' Pope's voice was hoarse, barely a whisper.

The officer's face softened, and he shook his head. ''No.''

Kie took a shaky breath, her face crumbling. ''So... they got away?''

Shoupe stepped forward, his voice low and regretful. ''We... we lost them. I'm sorry.''

''You lost them?'' Pope demanded, his voice rising. ''What do you mean you lost them?''

My own voice came out in a raw, choked shout. ''What the hell do you mean, 'they're gone'?''

Shoupe hesitated, clearly struggling to explain. ''They took an open boat straight into a tropical depression,'' he muttered.

Kiara's face fell, tears welling in her eyes. ''So... they're dead?''

''We don't know,'' Shoupe mumbled, looking away. His words felt like a blow, and I could feel my chest tighten. JJ's fists clenched beside me, his whole body trembling as he glared at the officer.

''You drove them right into the storm, man!'' JJ yelled, his voice breaking as he tried to lunge forward. ''Are you kidding me? You killed them!'' He pushed against the officer, who held him back with an arm.

Pope's face twisted in anger. ''You killed them! He didn't kill anyone, and you know it!''

''You murdered an innocent kid, Shoupe!'' I shouted, my own anger boiling over. Shoupe opened his mouth to respond, but another officer stepped in.

''We're still looking, all right?'' he said, trying to ease the tension. ''We're not giving up yet.''

A sudden noise caught our attention, and we turned to see Kie and Pope's parents rushing into the tent. Kiara practically collapsed into her mom's arms, while Pope's dad wrapped him in a tight, relieved hug. 

JJ and I exchanged a glance. I felt my eyes sting, and without another word, I pulled him into a hug. For a brief moment, I let myself lean on him, feeling his steady grip as he held me close.

After a second, Kiara looked over and called out to us. We broke apart, joining the others in a group hug with her and Pope's parents. The embrace was warm and as I stood there, I let the tears flow freely, letting them out even as the storm raged inside me.

I looked around and felt a hollow ache in my chest. John B was gone, and my dad hadn't even shown up. Even now, work was all he cared about.

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