Chapter 12 · Neon Zero - Chapter 12: Neon Shadow Deal

"Don't move, Mara."

Knox's pistol came up between us, not aimed at me. He pointed it at the black camera tucked above the train door.

The red light blinked once.

Then the speakers crackled.

"Officer Arden," the unseen voice said. "Step away from Zero."

I looked at Knox. His jaw tightened. Blood had dried along his temple from the fight at Gate Nine, and his left hand was still pressed against his ribs. He looked half-dead, but the gun in his grip didn't shake.

"You heard the order," the voice continued. "Put the weapon down. Leave the courier in the car."

"Come say it to my face," Knox said.

"I don't need to. Your spine is still connected to my system."

A thin blue line flashed across the inside of Knox's wrist. His fingers jerked around the pistol.

I caught his elbow before the gun could drop.

"Hey." I shoved his arm back up. "Nobody puppets the guy holding the gun except me."

His eyes snapped to mine. Gray. Cold. Too close.

"Let go."

"Make me."

The train lurched. My shoulder hit the wall, and Knox caught my waist before my head did.