By The Way

Chapter 18

One day, I came home from school to find Mozzie intently studying Bugsy, June's dog.

"Is that Neal's anklet?" I asked, slinging my backpack off of my shoulder and onto the floor.

"Yeah, it is," he answered without turning around.

I started from the doorway, for I had seen the sunlight glint off of something on the table. Upon investigating, it dawned on me what I was looking at.

"Moz, Neal has a gun," I breathed.

He immediately called Peter, and I stepped out onto the terrace. I closed my eyes and whispered into the air, looking for some sign of where Neal could have gone.

It hit me suddenly, and I was out the door in a flash. By the time I found him he had crashed through a window on the second floor. I ran around to the door for the room where Neal was.

"Neal, it's me. Let me in for goodness sake," I shouted.

I pounded the door with my fist, but I quickly realized that he wasn't going to open the door. After Peter busted the door open, I slipped inside and found myself face to face with Fowler. I made a low noise in the back of my throat. Just then I heard a gun cocking with a familiar click. Neal had it aimed at Fowler which made me quickly realize what was going on.

"Neal, don't you dare. Peter will send you back if you do this. I can't lose you again. Please put the gun down," I pleaded with him.

He looked so lost; I knew that he wasn't listening, so I did something I rarely do: I made myself cry.

The tears welled up in my eyes, and I saw Neal start to focus on me. I tried again.

"If you pull that trigger, you'll be back for life. I know you're angry. I am, too. But, Neal, you can't shoot him. I won't lose you again. Not right now."

Neal softened a little, and I could see him considering what I was saying. Peter had Diana cuff my brother and Jones took us both home.

I watched as Neal paced the apartment for hours. I could see how bored he was and how angry and confused. After some time, Alex showed up, so I gave her a hug before ducking into the back room.