The world seemed to swirl around Neal in slow motion as he stepped into the Burke house. The FBI agents on site were nothing more than anonymous black blurs in his peripheral vision as Neal pushed his way inside. He set his sights on Elizabeth who was standing in the kitchen with her head in her hands.
All at once, Neal's heartbreak turned to terror as he realized that he alone was responsible for destroying her life. His wet eyes widened at the sight of her, but despite his fear, he couldn't keep himself from her.
An agent stepped into Neal's path, blocking him. "Mrs. Burke has requested privacy at this time," he demanded coldly and sternly. Elizabeth looked up just in time to see Neal push past the man with disgust and determination.
"Elizabeth…" he uttered helplessly, stepping forward to envelop her in a desperate and protective hug.
"Tell me it's not true," she begged, gripping Neal's shoulders and sobbing openly into his suit.
"I wish I could," he retorted softly, and Neal couldn't hold back the tears any longer. He cried. He held Elizabeth and he cried like never before. "I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry," he repeated over and over, stroking her hair. "It should've been me."