Life In New York City

AN: This is just a little one shot, another view of Judgment Day. A 'what if Neal didn't run?' view. I hope you like it. Thanks, in advance, to all of you who will review and/or alert. Jackie

"You didn't run!" Peter stated, surprised as he entered Neal's apartment, without knocking, and found him there.

"Was I supposed to?" Neal asked.

"Well," Peter nodded. "…I expected it."

"I considered it. But, like I said, Peter, this is my home. I know Kramer could take me to D.C. I know he wants me there. I can't run from that. It won't' help. It'll only make things worse, for you and for me. It'll only postpone the inevitable."

"You sound like you're resigned to go to D.C." Peter said, surprised by Neal's reaction.

"No, not really…" Neal replied. "…but I can't let myself think it couldn't happen either. He…Kramer has found some stuff to use against you, against me. And the bad thing is he didn't have to look too hard to find it." Neal shook his head. "The treasure, the thing with Kate…." Neal shook his head.

"The treasure was never found to be in your possession." Peter replied.

"Officially." Neal corrected.

"And you didn't get on that plane with Kate, you turned around." Pete continued.

"I narrowly escaped death." Neal stated.

"You've done well here." Peter said.

"I could do well in D.C." Neal replied.

"He's not going to take you! Kramer will not have you working for him in D.C." Peter insisted.

Neal stood up shaking his head. "You don't have the last word here, Peter. You don't get the final say."

"I'll talk to Hughes. I'll…." Peter scrambled.

"Thank you." Neal said as he gave Peter a quick hug. "I…you've done a lot for me. You trusted me. Few people in my life have done that. I'm not talking about the anklet thing. I mean…you trusted me where it counted, with Elle and Satch. I…I won't forget that."

THE END? (What do you guys think?)