The Sky is Falling

Chapter Thirteen - Elliott Moore

"The person that you'd take a bullet for is behind the trigger."

Monday, May 25th

6 A.M.

"It seems that the armed kidnapping suspect is identified as David Moore."

The words that crackle through my phone hit me like a punch to the gut, and I can't even begin to fathom the reality crashing down around me. My own father's name echoes in my mind, twisting everything I thought I knew about everyone. I sit frozen in front of my phone screen, my heart racing as the news anchor continues, but all I can focus on is the figure on the screen: my dad, with a gun in his hand. I can tell at this moment that this image will forever be burned into my mind.

Finn's voice breaks through my shock. "Elliott! We need to move. We can't stay here."

I shake my head, my mind racing. "How can I? That's my dad!"

"Yeah, and he's a criminal," Finn replies, urgency creeping into his voice. "We need to think! We can't be tied to this. We need to get somewhere safe."

"No! I don't care–we have to get to Zach! I didn't spend the last week of my life trying to find him, and when I finally do, just give up!"

Reagan steps in, trying to mediate. "Elliott, we're not saying to give up on Zach, but we have to be smart. Your dad is unpredictable right now."

"Smart?" I scoff, anger spilling over. "You think being smart means letting my friend suffer?"

Reagan steps closer, her voice steady but firm. "We want to help, but we need to think clearly. The park rangers might think we're involved. If your dad has a gun, rushing in could make it worse for all of us."

"We have to face him! I'm not going to sit here and wait for the worst to happen!" I shout, fists clenched at my sides.

Reagan steps closer, her eyes narrowing. "You're being reckless. You're not just putting yourself in danger; you're putting us all in danger. Do you even care?"

"Of course I care!" I retort, feeling the heat of anger flush my cheeks. "I care about my dad, about Zach—about everything! But you two act like I'm the problem!"

Finn takes a deep breath, his voice calming but firm. "You are the problem right now, Elliott. If you keep this up, you'll lose us both. You can't just run into chaos and expect us to follow you blindly."

Fury ignites inside me. "Finn, you don't understand what it feels like to have someone you love turn into a monster. I have to do something!"

Finn's expression hardens. "Actually, I do. Why do you think my face looks like this?" His face is all red and splotchy. "I've dealt with my own monsters. But charging in could make it worse for Zach."

Reagan steps up beside Finn, arms crossed, her expression fierce. "And running into danger is your solution, Elliott? You're not thinking straight!"

"Thinking straight? You think I'm not thinking straight?" I can feel my voice rising and some of the cops turn around. "I'm the only one who has ever cared enough to fight for Zach! You're both just hiding, pretending this will blow over!"

"Stop!" Reagan's voice pierces through my spiraling thoughts. "We're not hiding. We're protecting ourselves. If you can't see that, then I don't know how to help you."

The world feels like it's closing in on me, my breath coming faster. "I can't believe you guys! You're turning your backs on me when I need you the most!"

"We're here for you, but we can't support a rash decision. Let's come up with a plan, one that keeps everyone safe. We can't lose you too," Finn assures.