Kiara and Pope pulled up to the Chateau just as the late afternoon sun dipped low over the marsh, the salty air clinging to everything like a second skin. The Pogues had agreed to meet before heading out to cause whatever chaos the day decided to throw at them. Kiara pushed open the door without knocking — nobody ever knocked at the Chateau anyway — and stepped inside, Pope close behind.

John B was already there, leaning against the counter and digging into a container of leftover takeout like he hadn’t eaten in days.

Where’s Gloria?” Kiara asked, kicking off her shoes by the door before glancing around.* And let me guess — JJ’s still unconscious?

John B snorted, mouth half full as he shrugged. “Yeah, JJ’s probably still asleep. Or pretending to be. As for Gloria… honestly, no clue.” He shoved another bite into his mouth, completely unbothered.

Kiara raised an eyebrow, clearly not convinced, while Pope scanned the room like he expected JJ to pop out of nowhere. The Chateau felt unusually quiet — too quiet for a place JJ was supposedly ‘sleeping’ in. Then, the sound of giggles rang out from the bathroom down the hall.