So, I am spread way too thin across the networks online and the many sites I've joined. I should probably just close a few accounts but I guess I am a bit of a "digital" hoarder. :P

So, back I am to this account for now. I will clean it up and dust it off and put up some new curtains.

(Chapter 4)

Elizabeth stood up, holding out her hand as Peter smiled and moved to take it. They should just enjoy the holiday, the nagging at the back of his mind and that gut feeling something was wrong still with him as the agent stood. He immediately jumped, something buzzing in his pocket as Peter pulled the cell from his pocket and glanced down. He blinked a moment, the number unfamiliar but he opened the message thinking it could be someone from work.

Text Message from Unknown:

Jimmy Burger

Peter was confused, looking at the time stamp and short message but finally understanding its meaning as memory of a former case hit him. Elizabeth peeked over at the screen, curious what he was looking at.

“Hun? Who is it?”

El was calm, Peter uncertain what to say. He felt relief wash over him but now with this random message, that wasn’t so random, he wasn’t sure what to feel. He showed it to his wife as El read the two words and blinked.

“Jimmy Burger…?”

Her eyes lit up and that’s when he knew she remembered the incident with Neal and the clinic. The con had just been trying to help June and her granddaughter but things had almost turned out badly.

“Does it say where he sent it from? Hun… Is it really him?”

They were now both in shock from the surprise text but Peter had a job to do. Vacation or not, he had to find a way to get in touch with whomever had sent this text and find Neal’s location.

“Just unknown. If… It might be a burner. I need to call Jones to get a fix on the GPS if there is one. I might have to leave…”

He was feeling terrible, disappointing his wife with their visit to their in-laws. She shook her head, El taking his chin with her right hand and kissing him on the lips.

“Do what you have to do hun. I’ll be here. Make sure he’s safe then come back to me.”

()()()

Peter looked up an old friend of his, the local Bureau office a small one in a nearby town. He’d felt awful leaving his wife alone with her parents but she was safe. He just had to find a way to track the call and all he could think of was his old classmate who just happened to be here.

“Peter! What brings you to my neck of the woods? How long has it been?”

Patrick Harris was a tall, dirty blond haired man with flecks of gray here and there indicating he might be a bit older than Peter but he was still a very distinguished looking figure. His chocolate brown eyes blinked back in surprise and genuinely seemed happy to see the agent. They gave a short handshake that turned into a quick man hug before the other agent smiled broadly and hit him with a friendly slap across the shoulders.

“5 years I think. The last alumni dinner maybe? How is the family?”

Peter did his best not to be too hasty on his reasons for being there. Technically his friend could just as easily want to turn Neal in for running but he was hoping their friendship and past acquaintance would make Patrick help him.

“Good… good. Marion is still teaching at the university and Max just got picked for the High School Intramural Softball team. Go Rockets! He’s taller than his father now and more athletic but I help him practice when I can. How is Elizabeth? Any children yet?”

Patrick nudged him in a friendly manner but Peter just shook his head with a slight blush, smiling as he shrugged.

“No time. Between El’s business and my fieldwork, Satchmo is our baby. I think you remember our yellow lab.”

They chit chatted a bit longer, Peter trying to get to the point but finding it hard to know if he could trust his friend. He had been burned too much by the system and one false step could get him in deep even though Neal needed his help. If Patrick couldn’t help, he would have to do what he could on his own.

“Yes of course… but let’s get to the real reason you’re here…”

The agent’s tone had changed but not in a bad way. He noticed the confidential manner, relaxed tone and then something else.

“I was just going to take off for the day. Crime never stops but I have some shopping to do before the holidays begin. Mind joining me?”

Patrick gave him a certain look, something Peter recalled from the good old days when they could read the others minds. They’d been on the same team at Quantico, always one step ahead of the others due to their inexplicable means of silent communications. He nodded back.

“Sure. I need to find something for my in-laws. Supposed to be there now but had to come do some last minute shopping.”

The two acted normally, chit chatting about this and that with their families as they left the office and went out to the street. Peter offered his car but Patrick shook his head.

“Let’s walk. The mall’s just around the corner.”

Patrick’s tone made him think something was up but he nodded, the two walking a block over to a large shopping center. Once they were away from the offices, his friend leaned over.

“This is about Caffrey, isn’t it.”

The easy tone and wording made the agent pause a moment before he answered, uncertain what would happen next.

“You’ve heard? I was hoping… well, news spreads fast I guess. What were you told?”

He kept it quiet, cool. No need to show his hand if he didn’t have to but his friend just patted him on the shoulder as they entered the mall.

“Nothing beyond the bulletins actually… just friendly concern. I think your friend may have been kidnapped by someone I’ve been investigating.”

Peter blinked in surprise at the comment but Patrick acted like they were just discussing a football game or something, leading him over to what appeared to be a small sports bar in the food court.

“Are you hungry?”

()()()

Neal had been swallowed up by the darkness, odd sounds emanating from the gloom making him twitch and respond as much as he could in his weakened state. He sensed someone nearby, touching him on the forehead and faint voices.

His fever is down but he’s still got a ways to go…

He’s more tenacious than I figured…

The voices were not familiar but they were faint enough he could hear them, the darkness making him want to see who was talking as he fought for consciousness.

I think he’s waking up. Go in the other room. I’ll deal with this.

This was the second voice, the tone less than kind but he fought to know who regardless. How long had he been unconscious? Neal felt his lips part, a gasping sound evident as he took a deep breath, body spasming with aches and pains he hadn’t felt while in his deep sleep. He twitched, eyes still not open as he heard himself breathing hard at first then more calmly as he relaxed and consciousness slipped over him. He opened his eyes cautiously, uncertain who he might see as the con found a blurry scene before him. The room was dark wood paneled, the bed a real mattress so he wasn’t in a hospital unless it was some kind of private clinic. IV’s were attached to him with clear liquid he didn’t recognize. It took him a moment to realize he’d been placed in dry clothes but he was still grimy. Now he was starting to remember. He’d been in a well…

“Mr. Ashton… how are you feeling?”

His eyes turned in response to the voice before his head did. It took a moment for Neal’s memory to come back about who was talking but soon his pulse quickened. Jack Eckert. Now he remembered… The con shifted his body, aches evident as he gave a weak groan but he wanted to get away, finding himself unable to move much if any. His vision was clearer, more focused as he looked down and saw he was bound to the bed with straps around his wrist and body holding him down. Jack smiled at him.

“I did a little digging after your escape. You’re not just a security expert are you, Jeremy. In fact… There’s an escaped fugitive who’d be an excellent match for your looks…”

Neal had stopped obviously trying to fight his bonds but that didn’t stop him from trying to find a way to slip out of them. They were too tight for the con to do more than watch as Eckert pulled out a piece of paper, the size of a wanted poster.

“I’d say the bounty on your head is worth keeping you alive. I just have to collect on this and you’re back in prison for life. A waste of your talents but no hair off my chin.”

The man smiled coldly at him, Neal wanting to speak but he was still too exhausted from his ordeal, throat dry from lack of water. He saw a pitcher beside the bed, licking his dry lips as Jack smirked back, laying the wanted poster on Neal’s lap.

“Chasing you was thirsty work but the payout looks like it will be spectacular. I just have to call the Feds… unless you give me reason otherwise.”

Eckert poured himself a glass of water, Neal watching as the man slowly sipped at the glass before putting it aside. There was a second glass sitting empty nearby, unused.

“That job I was going to have you do… much more of a pay off but quick money is just as good. Don’t you agree, Mr. Caffrey?”

Neal watched him cautiously, knowing what the man was asking him, but too tired to respond to the request or the fact he had been made. His memory was still a bit foggy on what had happened to him recently but he knew he’d hoped to be found by someone other than this man. His eyes went back to the water, throat and mouth dry as a desert. Jack coughed, drawing his attention back to him.

“Not sure you want to drink or eat anything too quickly. You’ve been in a bad way for three days. My physician has you on a saline drip. If my men hadn’t have found you… the elements or something else would have. Anyhow… rest. We’ll talk when you’re feeling more cooperative.”

The man patted him on the head like a child, Neal wanting to spit on him but he was too tired much more there was little saliva to expel until his body had recovered to waste on his captor. He struggled with the bindings but Jack just clucked his tongue at him.

“Those are for your own good. In your weakened condition, would hate to have you hurt yourself.”

Jack smiled like a predator that had cornered its prey, leaving the con alone as the door to the room closed behind him, a click of the lock indicating that even with his injuries and bindings, they thought he might escape. Good. Neal didn’t want to stick around if he could help it. The con was tired but he pulled at the bindings, soft ones like they use on mental patients so he could get free with some work. The only problem was he’d been unconscious when they put them on so the bindings had little room for him to navigate, his bones popping in both hands as he worked on forcing them free. He almost had one when the sound of a bolt being pulled back was heard. Someone was coming as he slumped back and pretended to be asleep.

“He’s not going anywhere. Trust me. He’s too malnourished. Of course…”

The voice, a new one was talking to someone and he cracked an eye open to see that a man in a white polo top and tan khaki pants was easing into the room with what looked like a tray of food. Something that smelled like oatmeal or grits was filling his nose with a wonderful aroma, a low grumbling from his stomach the only sound to give him away as he tried to remain in his pose of sleep.

“Of course… Yes, I’ll remember that. Yes… bye already. Geesh…”

The man placed the tray of food on the nightstand on the other side of the bed, Neal watching him quietly but then closed his eyes as he tried to look relaxed as if he hadn’t woken up. The man talked to himself, a beep indicating he had put the phone on standby as he grumbled slightly.

“Keep him alive after everything you did to him… I’d rather let him go.”

The man kept muttering to himself, Neal feeling his bindings being loosened despite everything. Maybe he would be able to get away without a hitch…

“Can’t take a proper blood sample or pressure count if he’s bound up.”

The last strap was removed and Neal took his chance, hoping his body would cooperate. It did to a point, pushing the man aside with a groan as he rolled off the opposite side of the bed. He had barely taken two steps towards the door when he collapsed, his body reacting to days without food or water. Someone was nearby, the door shutting with a click as gentle hands helped him sit up and he found himself staring up into surprised hazel eyes. Neal made to run again but the man stopped him.

“You’re not in a position to run much more, the guard outside will stop you. Trust me. He’s not a lightweight.”

The man was being kind, honest but not because he wanted to, his manner very matter of fact. Neal wanted to speak but suddenly he felt exhausted, slumping against the man who supported his weight and gently led him back to the bed where he was gently laid back against the soft mattress. His body refused to move, rebelling on him from the abuse he’d been through as he felt someone adjust his position on the bed so he was more comfortable before he felt the pinch of the saline drip back into his arm. That made him open his eyes again, staring up at the man curiously but mostly his vision was in and out of focus as he squinted up at the figure the get a better idea who he was dealing with.

“Jack is an idiot but you didn’t hear me say that. He doesn’t know the subtleties of negotiation. I could have easily provided him something to make you more pliable than starvation.”

Neal felt himself wake up a bit more, his brow furrowing with worry at the man’s words before he heard the man chuckle, a low humorless laugh.

“My apologies. My name is Mel Saunders. There is food if you want to try eating. I’ve had you on the drip a few days so you might be able to take something in. Water?”

The man held up the glass Neal had eyed earlier, the con nodding despite himself. He was licking his dry lips but there was little moisture still in his mouth to help the situation as he took a slow, uncertain sip then another. The man helped him sit up and drink and somehow his body took the sips, three in fact before the man pulled the glass away.

“Slow steps. Try a bit of food.”

The man adjusted the bed so he was sitting up enough to take the small spoonful of grits. Neal was uncertain he wanted to eat them but his body was craving nutrients, his mouth taking the bite before he had time to think it through. The grits were warm, soft and slid down his tight throat easily. His stomach gurgled ever so slightly but he didn’t feel nauseated as the man held up another spoonful for him.

“Two more bites if you’re not feeling ill. Baby steps.”

The man smiled at him despite everything, Neal feeling more at ease but still taking a cautious view of the situation. The food could be spiked but he didn’t feel any more tired than before, taking the few bites of food he was allowed before the man helped him sip some water, putting everything aside and grinned.

“Much as I’d like to hope Jack doesn’t get his way for once, you’re going to be ok if you can eat this much so soon. Let me do my work up on you before I go, then you can rest.”

()()()

Peter went back to his car, his friend Patrick bidding him goodbye before heading back to his office with a promise to help behind the scenes. He’d actually been relieved to have help nearby and not more of the same “he’s just a criminal” thrown at him as most of the agents other than Jones and Diana tended to do. Neal was so much more than a criminal and he knew if the con had taken off on his own it had been for a good reason. Actually he knew it had been for a worthy reason although at the cost of adding more years to the already parole weary young man’s time. If anything he was brash and impulsive… He stopped mid thought, grabbing his phone from his jacket as it buzzed quietly.

“Hey hun… no, everything’s fine. How are… oh… tell your mother I’ll be there tomorrow. Yes. I have a possible lead. Not yet but hopefully soon. Love you.”

The agent smiled as he hung up the cell, pushing it into his pocket after a moment of thoughtful contemplation. He should be with his wife and his in-laws but he was out here looking for… his friend. He easily pushed the stigma of criminal away from the young man now. Too much had happened in their past for them to be any more than friends and now that he knew how much his “friend” had given up for him, guilt at his recent behavior washed over him. Justice hadn’t been there for him as he’d hoped, a criminal the one who fought to free him when those he thought were his friends and colleagues were willing to toss him aside like… like a criminal. He just wanted to…

“Smith… I didn’t know you were in town…”

Peter didn’t react at first but then someone walked up and he realized they were talking to him. It was Andrew Cutter. The man was dressed for the weather but more casually than when he’d last seen him, obviously off for the holidays. Peter did his best to smile and act like the man he had been on that day only a couple of weeks ago.

“Mr. Cutter… I hope you’re not still holiday shopping.”

He was casual as he could be but still thinking about the talk he’d had with Neal the last time he was here. Had it really been two weeks? Cutter smiled and held up a hand.

“Call me Andy… we’re not in the office and no, I was just out for a walk. My wife is shopping nearby. How about you?”

He held out his hand, Peter taking it as they shook and stood on the sidewalk in the cool air. The walks were mainly shoveled with only a bit of slush on the sides at the curb or along the sides of the stairs as they chit chatted a moment.

“Call me Peter then… My wife is with her folks but I wanted to do some last minute shopping. They live a few miles outside of town…”

He had barely said that when Andy nodded, smiling at him curiously then shaking his head as if the thought was too silly to mention. The action made him curious as they continued their chat, interrupted by the buzzing of Cutter’s phone.

“Looks like my wife is calling me. Having as many siblings as we both do, lots of nieces and nephews to shop for. It was nice chatting with you, Peter. Let me know if you have any questions about our services.”

The last part seemed to be a question not only about his alias’ last visit but also related to Neal’s sudden departure. At least it seemed that way to him as the man shook his hand again and they parted ways, Peter to his car and Andy to a figure of a well dressed woman across the street. When they were out of sight, the agent took out his phone and stared at it a moment before scrolling to the text he’d received. Jimmy Burger. Neal knew that would get a response but what sort of trouble was the con man in and would Peter find his friend in time. Patrick had told him about Eckert and he’d felt a need to ask Cutter but there hadn’t been time to think of a reason why without sounding like a Fed as Mozzie would say. His cell buzzed again, the agent pulling it out again. It was Jones.

“Boss, I have that info for you. It looks like this Eckert person has his hands in several pies. There’s nothing to prove him guilty of taking Caffrey or anything else your friend told you about but he has conveniently been at some scenes where mysterious but natural deaths have occurred.”

Peter blinked, listening to the whole story before putting in his two cents.

“Hunting and car accidents but no proof he’s guilty of sabotage or theft?”

He heard a confirmation from the agent as he tried to figure out what Eckert’s game was. The people who had died near him were associated with large holds on companies he wanted, control of assets he was in need of or skill sets such as database and computer manipulation that would be invaluable while the person did his bidding. He wondered why they were interested in Neal but something about what he’d seen in the files told him he could guess.

“Keep digging, Jones and thanks.”

The call ended and Peter was again alone with his thoughts, wondering what would be the best way to find Eckert. They’d done a trace on the burner phone but it had been general to say the least, showing the call from a mostly forested area outside of town to the west. There were a few cabins out that way but to search each and every one on a whim would get him demoted if not piss off the local authorities and he had no jurisdiction here. Thankfully Patrick was working on a search in the area so that was one element he could count on but how soon the con would be found before Eckert found him irrelevant was what worried him.

Chapters: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10

(Chapter 10)

Peter glanced up as they approached the mansion that Neal called home. It wasn’t his house exactly but the woman who owned it, June Ellington allowed the con to stay in her top floor apartment. He wasn’t jealous in the least of his partner’s luck but he did worry from the beginning that things would get out of hand. Finding out that June had been married to a former con didn’t make it any easier but she was on the right side of the law so it helped him keep an eye on Neal when things got out of hand. He could trust her when it mattered, the agent pushing those thoughts aside as he exited the car with a quiet groan. His body still ached from being in the car accident, as did this head. The rental was ok but he had to duck a bit to get out, Elizabeth coming around to stand beside him.

“Mozzie said the door was open.”

He muttered the words tiredly, his wife nodding as they crossed the street arm in arm. Immediately they noticed someone lurking about on the front steps, Mozzie shivering slightly as he greeted them.

“Suit… Mrs. Suit…”

The little guy seemed a bit more nervous than usual but not in the sense that anything was wrong. Mozzie just looked happy to see them but also worried about something and he suspected it was Neal.

“Mozz… how is he?”

Elizabeth spoke, the three shivering slightly in the cold air before Mozz pointed at the door.

“Could we finish this where it’s warm? I made some coffee and tea if anyone’s interested.”

Mozzie was being sociable as they entered the palacious home and saw the large hearth had been filled with wood and lit. They stood by the fire warming up as the con went and tinkered in the kitchen. After a moment he came out with some cups on a tray, Peter sniffing in appreciation. Two cups were of tea and one was Italian Roast for him. El gave him a look, smiling slightly as they stood around awkwardly.

“I’m guessing you came to see Neal. You’re welcomed to go up and see him, Suit. I can keep your wife entertained while you kids visit.”

Mozzie’s tone although normal didn’t match what he was saying as Peter rolled his eyes, his wife stifling a laugh as she nodded.

“I’ll be up in a moment, hun.”

Elizabeth was smiling at him, turning her attention to Mozzie once Peter smiled back, not commenting on the con’s words as he headed up the stairs to see Neal. The house was quiet, most of the windows shuttered against the winter weather and possibly because June was out of town far as he could guess but that didn’t mean she hadn’t given Neal or Mozzie an open invitation. She had taken the young man back several times with open arms.

Peter finally reached the top of the stairs, knocking on the white wooden door at the end of the hall and waiting. There was no reply so he knocked again and said “Neal?”

Again there was no reply as he waited, finally testing the door to see that it was unlocked (probably Mozzie’s doing) and opening it slowly as he peeked inside.

“If you don’t want me to see something, hide it now or…”

The agent didn’t finish as he peered around and found the room empty, the bed to the left of the door messy as if someone had been sleeping there. The terrace french doors were curtained but you could just make out a hint of snow piled in drifts outside against them. Peter walked more casually in now that he thought he was alone, looking around for something or someone, noting that the back door past the kitchenette was slightly ajar, and listening to something in the distance. He went towards the door to go through but it suddenly swung open in a slow arc, a figure walking out from the back hallway, brown eyes meeting blue. They stared at each other a moment, both blinking at the other in curiosity before Peter coughed and so did Neal. He suddenly noticed the way his friend was standing, one arm covering his side and the paleness of the con’s face which was marred with a single black eye and some minor scratches. It was noticeable on a face as handsome as Caffrey’s, Peter wondering how his friend had been hurt as he moved closer.

“What happened to you?”

It sounded better in his head and he knew that wasn’t what his wife would have said but now it was out there and he watched Neal blink back and blush slightly.

“Nothing that won’t heal… How’s your head?”

Neal was smirking slightly, limping with some effort towards the kitchenette but Peter moved closer and stopped him, putting an arm around his friend as he helped him to a chair. Neal didn’t argue, his slumping shoulders an indicator he was far more exhausted than he was expressing and there was something under his nightshirt that looked like bandages that worried the agent.

“Still a little dizzy but my head is about as hard as yours. They caught Boggs. Looks like he’s going away for a long time.”

Peter said the words quietly, glancing over to see blue eyes looking at him with relief but also with a look of knowing. Obviously the con would know Boggs was caught but how he had gotten away without a trace… Peter tried not to think about the description of the thug covered with blood that wasn’t his own as he worked with the fancy coffee grinder and then started up the equally fancy perkulator. It was bad enough it took him forever to learn to use a regular coffee maker but this…

“Let me…”

Neal was standing beside him suddenly, that slump in the shoulders less obvious as he took Peter’s place and started easily turning on the small pot of coffee, a rich aroma of Italian roast permeating the room. Once it was on they moved over to the sitting area, Peter on a chair and Neal leaning back tiredly on the sofa. They were quiet for a moment, nothing said as they listened to the quiet pop of the coffee pot and soft hiss of wind outside. Peter got up after a moment and moved over to the sofa, sitting beside the con as he placed a hand on Neal’s shoulder.

“I… “

He wasn’t sure what to say. He was glad his friend was ok, glad the young man had been willing to help him even if he didn’t agree with the methods but Neal hadn’t had a choice and now… he was thinking about the future. Would he be able to bring the kid back to where he belonged. Would the powers that be…

“My blood’s on Boggs so they’ll come looking for me at some point. Don’t worry…”

Neal was so casual about being taken in it worried the agent as he glanced over and saw there was an unusual calmness on his friend’s face only broken by the fear twinkling through blue eyes. He wondered if his own face expressed the same fear as he glanced around a moment, wildly trying to come up with some plan. Neal didn’t deserve this. Yes he had run but he had been forced to do the last part against his will and almost died. If only Eckert had been implicated… if only… His eyes spied something underneath the bed frame that looked out of place. The agent stood and walked over to the back of the room, Neal getting up to follow him.

“Peter? Peter??”

Neal was stumping along behind him, pain evident in his voice from moving but he followed just the same as Peter bent over and dragged the item out. It appeared to be a wadded up piece of paper stained in red. The agent could only imagine what the contents were as he opened up the paper and read it. There was a list of names among other things, incomplete but it made his brown eyes open wider the further he went down the page. Slowly a smile touched his lips and he made a whooping sound, Neal giving him a weird glance as he paused beside him.

“Neal… I think you’ll be going back to work with me. I need to make a phone call.”

()()()

One Month Later...

“Caffrey!”

Peter’s voice bellowed from the top level where his office was located, a commanding tone in it that was neither angry or upset. Blue eyes looked up and nodded, rolling just a bit in exaggerated boredom as the head they were attached in gazed upwards.

Neal walked through the bullpen, Jones and Barrigan looking up at him briefly before returning to their own work. He limped slightly going up the stairs but not enough to be noticeable by most as he strutted up to Peter’s office, the ASAC motioning for him to sit as well as close the door.

“They just convicted Eckert on blackmail,  murder and attempts to tamper with evidence of that murder. They don’t need our disposition, Patrick took care of everything and Saunders went state’s evidence. They don’t even know we were involved which is probably for the best. Your trip off the reservation for now is considered a minor offense in light of this case being solved. Eckert was a big fish.”

Peter was smiling and it was the best thing Neal could see after everything that had happened. For a moment he didn’t realize he was smiling too, the agent grinning at him with a “I told you so” look as the con waved him off casually.

“So, that’s it? All that over a little bit of paper? I didn’t think they could convict over such circumstantial evidence. You’d think I’d know better than that.”

He was grinning now but he was also a bit confused. The list had been pretty extensive but not enough to put someone away. The grin on Peter’s face was now full on beaming as the agent leaned back casually. It meant his friend was about to tell him something he didn’t know so he sat and listened.

“Well… it also may have helped that someone conveniently found a satchel full of papers and evidence outside the precinct. It matched up with the paper you had and shut Jack up fast when they showed him the video in the pile. Apparently his late partner filmed his own murder and that’s what got Eckert convicted along with Saunder’s admission of being blackmailed into working for him.”

Neal gawked, his jaw dropping a moment before his usual mask returned and he grinned back. Saunders had turned state’s evidence… it hadn’t been what he expected but the evidence being found was even more of a surprise. He thought he had seen the bag fall back to the floor of the vault… Who would have had the motive to turn it in? It had only been Boggs, Mozzie and himself at the scene.

“Whatcha thinkin?”

Peter was looking at him curiously as Neal shrugged back.

“That some Italian roast might be good about now. I’ll buy.”

Neal stood, stretching his legs and wincing a bit as his wound, although healed still ached enough to bother him. Peter rolled his eyes but stood up as well, pulling on his jacket.

“Fine but then we have to get back to work. Crime never rests…”

The agent was trying to be profound but he sounded a lot like Mozzie suddenly.

“Nope…”

Neal winked at his friend, the agent giving him a curious look before following him out of the office. Things were back to normal.

The End!

Chapters: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10

(Chapter 9)

Neal had everything he needed but the job still wasn’t going to be easy. Boggs was going to be his pointman, Jack taking no chances Neal would run off but this could be to the con’s advantage considering the professional consideration between the two men.

“Have you ever done a job like this before?”

Boggs was picking at his nails borely, the two sitting in a building across from the one they needed to be at. It was 3 AM and the city had started to slowly come to life as Neal worked out exactly how to break into the vault he was supposed to. He had little choice other than to just burgle the place mainly because posing as maintenance, security or something other than a forced entry wasn’t an option with his short window of opportunity. He shrugged.

“Yeah… Pass me those pliers...”

Neal almost had part of his plan in place along with a chance he hoped would either get him out of Jack’s clutches or at least distract so he could get the job done without getting caught. He only had a small window.

“Let me see your phone a second…”

He casually held out his hand but Boggs just stared at him, eyes narrowing slightly as if suspicious of his request. Neal rolled his eyes back.

“Jack wanted me to tell him when I’m ready.”

Neal waited while the con nodded back, giving him a shrug as he handed the phone over but drew closer, watching him.

“No funny stuff. I wasn’t joking about losing you as a card player but I will kill you if you do anything off script.”

Boggs was threatening him, Neal nodding back slowly as he pushed the phone to his ear and called their boss.

“How is he doing?”

Jack’s tone was less than hospitable, Neal clearing his throat as he answered.

“I’m doing just fine. Wanted to let you know I’m going in.”

There was silence after he replied then a cough to acknowledge him.

“Good. Let me know the minute you have my item. TaTa...”

The man’s tone was annoying, Neal nodding as the call ended. He kept the phone to his ear, acting as if they were still talking. This was his chance to get a text out and thankfully he could do it without looking. He had Mozz to thank for that. He noticed Boggs giving him a curious look then getting up and moving away towards the door of the room they were in and listening. It was a chance find that the building across from their site was closed up and under renovations. Eckert must have known this when he suggested it, Neal finding the man more devious than he previously believed.

“Yes… I understand. Of course, Jack. Everything’s under control. Exactly… Bye.”

Neal smiled, walking over to Boggs and handing him the phone back.

“Jack says Hi… Are you ready?”

()()()

Elizabeth’s parents were surprised to find not only their son in law at home again but another man talking to him outside on their porch in a suit early the next morning. Peter left his wife to explain for the moment, Patrick getting everything from him about his whereabouts and the cabin Jack had kept him in.

“Rest, Peter. You’ve done more than enough and you’re on vacation still. I’ll be sure to keep you in the loop.”

His friend smiled reassuringly, pausing only to answer his cell.

“He did? Where?”

Peter was trying to listen in as his friend spoke, the look on Patrick’s face indicating it had to do with Neal. Finally the agent put the phone on speaker and held it between them.

“Someone was just caught outside of the Trinity Building in Manhattan. The man has blood on him but it’s not his according to the EMTs. They’re looking for a body.”

The words made him cringe. What had Caffrey done that he was covered in blood? Was it even Neal they had caught? He gave Patrick a silent look asking what his friend knew he wanted to know.

“Jay, was the man caught the person I told you to look for?”

They both looked about to jump through the phone to see for themselves, Peter holding his breath as he waited. Finally Jay answered back.

“No… another man. Uh… Boggs. He’s on the local roll call for small time theft and thuggary. Small fry but he’s going to be in prison a while… Anything else you needed boss?”

Jay was addressing Patrick now who put the phone off mute and spoke in private.

“No, that was it. Keep me informed. Yes… thanks.”

The agent hung up the phone and turned to Peter who was looking about as relieved as he could despite not knowing where Neal was. He was happy the con hadn’t been caught but where was he?

“Your friend Caffrey is smart. He probably got away. Maybe he refused to do the heist. You know him best.”

Patrick was trying to be positive but as an agent he had to think of the law too and they were pretty much the same in their thoughts, Peter nodding.

“Yeah. He’s smart. Thank you again, Patrick. I appreciate everything.”

His friend shook his head, smiling as they grasped hands.

“I trust your judgment and this is as close to Eckert as we’ve gotten. Maybe next time. I hope you find your friend. Merry Christmas.”

()()()

Elizabeth was quiet in her understanding manner as they packed to leave. Her parents were curious what was up with the man in the suit of course but El did what she could to let them know it was just a friend of theirs checking up on Peter. They didn’t understand why the sudden need to go but again his wife came up with another explanation about work and an event she needed to prepare for and that seemed to keep both her folks from asking much more. Now they were in the car, El driving as Peter took it easy for once but stayed awake in case she needed him to navigate.

“Hun… My cell is buzzing in my coat pocket… can you see who it is?”

El was keeping her eyes on the road, the plows thankfully having cleared the roads well before their departure. Peter nodded with a sleepy yawn, retrieving the cell and giving it a quick look before his eyes blinked and then looked again, a surprised look on his face as he answered.

“I thought you might want to tell the Suit that Neal’s safe…”

Mozzie’s voice was sudden and without more than the usual emotion. Peter felt relief but mostly he needed answers, remembering what Jay had said about that other con having blood on him.

“Mozz, it’s me. El’s driving us back to New York.”

There was silence a moment then a cough.

“Ah… well I’ll forgive you this once for answering for her. Neal’s resting at June’s if you want to visit. The housekeeper let us in. So… how’s your head?”

Mozzie went from being his usual paranoid self to being something closer to normal people as he asked about his injuries. Peter smiled looking at his wife and seeing her blue eyes glance back with happy curiosity.

“Good to hear… and I’m feeling better. Thanks for asking. We should be back in the city in about an hour depending on weather. We’ll stop by.”

There was silence after he spoke then a quiet sigh before he was given a reply.

“I’ll leave the door unlocked.”

The call ended abruptly, typical Mozzie but at least they knew Neal was ok.

Peter was sitting up now, Elizabeth doing her best to listen in as the call finished up and Mozzie as usual just hung up without a goodbye. He wondered if it was just him or everyone the con did that to but at the moment he was just happy to know Neal was ok. El was giving him a happy but expectant smile as he shared the news with her.

“Neal is safe. Mozzie said he’s at June’s resting. He’s ok.”

He put her phone down, her right hand reaching for his as they held each other’s, fingers clinging tightly.

“See… Neal is safe, you’re safe and we’re headed home. This really didn’t feel much like Christmas but now… it does.”

She leaned over and kissed him before turning back to the road. The city wasn’t far away and soon they’d be visiting with Mozzie and Neal like old times. He had hoped with Patrick’s help they’d be able to convince a jury Neal had been taken by Eckert but without any proof against the millionaire that was going to be a hard sell. Those details would have to wait while they found a means to get Neal back in at the Bureau. Peter was too excited to sleep now but he tried to relax, leaning back in the seat and staring out the window at the passing snowy landscape of rural New York.

()()()

Neal opened his eyes and stared around at the familiar space. He had been gone a while but June hadn’t changed a thing, Mozzie telling him she knew he would be back. For once it would have been nice not to be but knowing he had a place to return to wasn’t a bad thing. June was like the mother he would have hoped to have. She took him as he was and seemed to understand both himself and Mozzie. She was truly a rare breed and he appreciated her kindness everyday. Neal wondered if she was with her granddaughters as he rolled over and gave a low groan, slipping off the bed to his feet, pain shooting through his side. He really needed to get to the bathroom but the floor was as far as he got as he slumped to the ground and failed miserably. A moment later he heard the door open and footsteps hurrying towards him.

“You’re supposed to be resting.”

Mozzie was there helping him back up onto the bed but Neal shook his head.

“Bathroom… please.”

He could barely talk through the pain but Mozz nodded back at him, walking with him as support until he reached the bathroom and could go in on his own. Neal wasn’t sure how he had come to return to June’s but he was glad he was here and Mozzie was with him. His memory was a bit fuzzy of all the details but he suspected the heist hadn’t gone as expected. He flushed the toilet, washed his hands and then threw some water on his face. He looked pale but mainly he looked beat up, a few cuts and bruises here and there with a slightly blackened right eye coloring his face. Mostly he lifted up his pajama shirt and stared at the bandages wrapped around his abdomen. There was a hint of dark color seeping through that made him curse silently.

“Do I need to come in and make sure you’re not unconscious again?”

Mozzie’s voice broke through this thoughts from behind the heavy wooden door indicating he had taken too much time. Neal opened up and shook his head gently. He felt a bit dizzy doing that and stopped as quickly as he started.

“Just looking at the damage… How did I… get here? I don’t remember too much.”

He had a flash of memory for a moment but then it was gone, only a hint of something pungent in his nostrils but what it had been he could only guess. Mozzie walked along side him as they went back down the dimly lit hallway to the main room.

“I brought you back in my cab. You texted me. They caught the guy watching you. He’s not going to be a problem.”

Mozzie’s voice was a little dark at the end which meant he must have done something extreme as when Keller took Elizabeth. The little guy always talked about Neal spiraling into darkness like when he tried to shoot Fowler but his other self was no where near as dark as Mozzie’s. That was one thing they differed in but it also made them understand the other better than most.

“Boggs… he was making sure I…”

He paused, memories flashing before his eyes like a movie being fast forwarded. It was way too quick for him to see but only get a brief look at what had happened before he felt a slight slap to the face and realized Mozzie was giving him a worried look. The most he had caught by seeing those memories was a hint of metal glinting near his face and a scent of gunpowder.

“Making sure you what, Neal? You didn’t finish your sentence.”

Mozzie was feeling his forehead, the con moving away as he slid up onto the bed and leaned against the pillows as he sat up.

“He was supposed to be sure I finished the job. Eckert’s orders. We were supposed to go back together…”

He had done it for Peter, wondering suddenly where the agent was but remembering something in a flash of insight.

“Peter’s ok, isn’t he? I seem to remember you telling me he was free.”

He didn’t feel panicked but the look Mozzie gave him made him relax. One less thing he had to worry about. If Peter was ok then everything else was secondary. He could deal with the pain and whatever consequences were to befall him for his step off the reservation. He closed his eyes and started to fall asleep, a sigh from his friend making him turn and give one last look at Mozzie who was walking away mumbling.

“I’m not supposed to be a bloody hero… why am I always helping people?”

Neal felt a smile curve his lips as he passed into blissful sleep. He was still curious what had happened, Mozzie’s explanation enough for now but he wanted to remember for himself. His mind started to slip into dreams, memories coming back to him as he relived the past.

Open the safe already, Caffrey!

Boggs was yelling at him in a hissing tone, the two having broken in through a ventilation duct. It had been Neal’s fast thinking that got them in without detection but something about the other con’s manner was distracting. He was trying his best to delay, partially for authorities to come and partially he really was having a hard time breaking into this vault. Eckert couldn’t have picked a harder place for him to get into, Neal wondering if he could actually distract Boggs long enough for his own backup plan to work.

This is a delicate job if you don’t want to get caught. Besides, we have an hour before they figure out we’re here.

He was casual, more so than he felt but it seemed to make Boggs antsier, the thug looking around with a glance that made Neal think of past associates like Keller and Wilkes. Something didn’t right but he had to do this or Peter was going to be hurt. Neal pushed his ear to the safe, listening directly and also with the electronic equipment Eckert had gotten for the job. Boggs wasn’t helping, only watching him as a heavy and a guard when he didn’t whine about it taking too long.

Got it! Bring the bag.

Neal moved to go inside, Boggs on his heels with a large satchel. They knew which shelf was the one they needed, pushing in the code stolen from a dead man that Eckert had given him. Blood money was all this was even if he wasn’t profiting but to save Peter. It still made him sick to work on this job but he had little choice as he moved to pull the files out. He notice Boggs take his cell out and look at it with a curious look.

What the hell… Suit has left the cleaners? I don’t own any damn suits…

Boggs was cursing and that was just the beginning, Neal pocketing a small box cutter from the bag and hid it inside his sleeve before the thug came back and huffed at him.

“Fill the bag already.”

He basically threw the bag at Neal’s feet, the con nodding as he filled the items into the satchel, eyes looking quickly over some of the papers and books which were open. These were financials, a second set of books hidden from the IRS he expected and which had possibly gotten into Eckert’s partner’s grasp, the only man to manage to blackmail him. Neal pulled a particularly interesting paper out and folded it one handed, shoving it quietly into his shirt sleeve with the box cutter before Bogg’s could see. He finished packing the items, picking up the bag but a click drew his attention up to Boggs who had one hand out and the other holding a pistol on him.

“I’m sorry, Caffrey. You’re a great poker player but your luck just ran out. I’ll… make it as painless as possible.”

Boggs made another motion, Neal pushing the bag over with his foot as the thug kept the weapon on him and slung the satchel over his shoulder.

“Turn around…”

He could tell Boggs was debating his orders but not enough to NOT kill him. Neal was going to have to come up with something and quick. He shifted as he began to turn, the box cutter falling from where it was hidden in his sleeve as it clattered to his feet.

“What the hell?!? Were you going to jump me? Perhaps I underestimated you, Caffrey.”

The man started to move closer, trigger finger pulling taut when an alarm went off. Boggs paused, looking around and back, the satchel on his shoulder falling to his feet. He looked confused a second before he picked up the bag again and moved over to the door to peer out of the vault. Neal could just make out the shadow of a guard, a short balding one from what he could see. Boggs pointed his gun towards the shadow but Neal jumped him, the two struggling as the bag of evidence was kicked away. They were rolling around on the floor, punches flying, limbs akimbo when Neal heard a loud pop and grunted, slumping against Boggs who pushed him painfully away, gun out as he stood.

“You were good, Caffrey. I’ll admit that. It’s a shame it has to end here…”

Boggs was about to shoot when a loud thud was heard, Neal in too much pain to pay attention why or how as he started to black out.

Neal… Hey, wake up… shit, you’ve been shot. Don’t die on me now, Neal… Neal…

He felt himself look up as someone slapped him hard, grimacing as best he could despite the pain. He saw a blurry balding figure with glasses hovering over him.

“Mmmm… Mossszzzeee?”

He was slurring, the pain unbearable but another slap made him growl, grasping the hand about to do it again as he heard a reply.

“If you can growl at me, you can walk. Come on… Don’t you want to see Peter?”

The last word made him perk up, his eyes looking up at the little guy he called friend as he nodded, drawing himself up painfully to his feet. Mozzie supported him, the two leaving Boggs on the floor of the vault unconscious. They heard voices and footsteps moving closer but somehow they were unseen as they snuck away. He was going through the motions, Mozzie leading him like a blind man as he saw little and was only just aware of getting in a vehicle before he passed out.

Chapters: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10

(Chapter 7)

Mozzie found the car, wrecked as his GPS hack had said and lacking a certain Federal Suit. He shivered from the cold and the thought of looking for a possibly dead or frozen Peter Burke out in the wilderness. The road wasn’t much more than a snowy muddy expanse, narrow and winding through the woods heading up to what appeared to be a cabin not listed on the map. It was on his map of the state when Mozz had searched the satellite view not shown on a certain public website. This smelled of conspiracies.

“If I were a Suit… where would I wander to in a concussive haze?”

He muttered to himself, looking down at his regular cell to see he had no signal but for a single bar that blinked in and out depending on where he was on the tree line. That would explain the Suit not calling and maybe that he was laying frozen somewhere waiting for help. Calling Elizabeth on his satellite phone would not be a comfort until he had some conclusive proof of the Suit’s presence and if he was indeed still alive. The cabin would be a first thought to look as he cautiously headed up the hill on a snow mobile.

()()()

Peter glanced around the room once the doctor had left, more questions than answers as he found himself free to roam. He was still feeling dizzy but he was no longer strapped to the bed, pulling the IV around with him but having been disconnected from the monitors by request much to Saunder’s disapproval but he had done it. The door to the room was locked on the outside, no lock on the inside as Peter cursed to himself at the hope of picking it to escape. He found his cell in his jacket as he expected and his wallet obviously rifled through but there was no signal as he tried to text or call out, giving in to the idea he was stuck here for a bit with strangers who may or may not mean him harm. At least he was protected from the weather outside, the hint of wind and the blizzard the man had told him about howling through the walls. He opened up the curtains to peer out and found them boarded up with heavy shutters, the memory of his dream coming back to him. It was strange to think he had known this might be but for now he could do nothing, the window nailed shut tightly against opening as he continued his walk around the rather large bedroom.

There were two other doors, one a closet and the other a small bathroom with a sink, small shower and toilet. He saw clothes in the closet that fit him, a dark blue flannel shirt and some heavy corduroy pants among the items as he gently removed the IV, the bandages from his head and his clothes, starting up the shower with the hottest water he could stand. He sat on the edge of the small tub a moment before carefully slipping off the rest of his clothing and entering the shower, hot water cascading thankfully upon him. There was a bit of blood washing down the drain but he realized it was the excess from his head wound, a large bump when he had looked at it in the small bathroom mirror, and what was dripping from his arm when he’d removed the IV. Peter was only in a few minutes before he turned off the water, toweled himself off and padded out to pull the clothes on. He put on his boxers under the clean clothes, drying his hair gently to avoid hurting his wound as he found a first aid kit in the bathroom under the sink and wrapped his head back up in bandages. He put a bandage over his arm where the IV had been and eased himself back over to the bed to lay down. Now he almost felt human again, curious what to do while he waited for the doctor to come back. He’d only seen Saunders for now but had the feeling other eyes were looking at him as he started to drift off. No matter of will was going to keep him awake with his aching head so he let his body relax and finally fell into a light asleep, quietly snoring after a moment. His mind wandered to the last time he saw Neal at the coffee shop. The kid had been acting squirrelly and he had all but ignored it because they had a win that day against Hagen and his lawyer. He virtually kicked himself for not acting on his instincts then as his mind fell deeper into the land of sleep.

()()()

Neal paced the den with the fireplace, tempted to pull out a log and smack his “host” across the head with it if he could. It wasn’t his usual smart thinking but violence in its own way was slightly comforting if not cathartic in times of stress, the thought calming him a bit once the fantasy ended and he plunked down into the comfy chair he was in before. Jack had left him to his own devices for the moment as he visually searched for a way out of this place.

There had to be an exit!

His captors needed supplies and they were coming and going or they wouldn’t have found Peter on the road outside. Obviously Jack thought he could keep him here indefinitely and right now he had the best bait with Peter as his other prisoner. His mind wandered through every possible scenario since he’d come up here. Maybe he could get the doc to tell him. Mel seemed a bit more on his side since they were both being blackmailed by Jack. They weren’t hired muscle like Boggs or the others.

“Sorry to have kept you waiting. I had some pressing business to attend to. You’re welcomed to stay up here since you have no way of getting out as I said. The door is only known to those that are loyal to me. You’ll be taken out blindfolded when the job is ready. It’s just a precaution in case you try to get your FBI friends up here…”

Eckert was playing part of the evil host, a cold smile on his face indicating he thought he’d won and for now, he had. Neal could only play along until he had some idea where he was and how to get away with Peter in tow.

“The FBI are not my friends whatever you may think. I just don’t believe in violence for the sake of violence.”

Neal kept his voice level, trying to be casual despite his worry as he stood and walked over to face his captor. Jack was a petty man in many ways and it made him ugly despite his looks.

“You still have to tell me what exactly I’m stealing for you and where. I can’t work miracles if I don’t have details.”

It was hard not to be angry at the man but he had to keep Peter safe and still act like he was the criminal the man thought him to be. It was all that was keeping them alive for now. If he failed… the thought wasn’t one he wanted to think about as he stared hard at Jack who coughed uncomfortably remembering the con’s threat from before. That might work for him, Neal making himself seem more dangerous than he was. Files aren’t everything and most of what was in his file had been rewritten he knew to reflect his good points rather than bad by Peter. He had to thank his friend for that and the fact there was the mention of his “gun” skills.

“Details are coming. Boggs was out for a reason getting intel. The weather should clear up soon and we can go.”

The man was talking to him more like a colleague now which meant Neal might get more privileges but Peter up close wouldn’t be one of them until he had finished the job. That was a certainty.

“I might sit by the fire for a bit, Jack.”

Neal made his voice go down a few levels to a menacing voice he didn’t use very often. Even in the dimly lit room he could see a shiver from the man. Jack was more bark than bite but he had the pleasure of hiring men who would bite for him like Boggs although they were semi-friends however long that would last. The others he wasn’t as friendly with so Neal had to play the game as he could, shifting from “I’m not a threat to you” to “Don’t mess with me, I’m a con” depending on who he dealt with. Jack was definitely in the latter category and falling for his performance poor as he might think it was. Mozzie would probably rate it a subpar 2 at best but he had to try anything at this point since it wasn’t only himself he was worrying about.

“Boggs will take you back to your room when you’re ready.”

Jack nodded at him with a slight uncertainty before turning and disappearing through a door he never noticed before. This cabin was beginning to interest him more and more as he moved closer to the same exit and found it flush with the wall. There didn’t appear to be any conventional lock so it must be remote control. Perhaps that side of the house had the exit? Neal would have to do some careful pickpocketing to be sure but for now he went back and sat by the fire, his thoughts going back to Peter. If not for the agent he would have just stolen whatever electronic key Jack had and left by now. He was stuck here a while longer now, his mind still working out the mechanics on escaping with his friend in tow. At this rate he’d need a miracle.

()()()

Mozzie peeked around outside the cabin he’d found. It seemed to be the one on the map so that meant it belonged to Jack Eckert. Peter thought the man might have Neal but there was no actual proof of it beyond a guess by one of his FBI snoops in town. He was prepared for the worse weather in a genuine Russian surplus Siberian weather proof coat and hat but his nose was a bit on the icy side. He adjusted his goggles and scarf, covering more of his face as he slinked around in the darkness like a cougar… no a fox. He smiled at the thought, passing stealthily through the snow on some old snowshoes he’d borrowed from June’s. She had given him a second glance but let him go with them since they weren’t being used. He promised to bring them back or replace them. Now it was time to put them to good use. He had to finally abandon the snowmobile a for less noisy means of transportation the closer he came to the cabin. The snowshoes worked better than he thought as he walked nearly effortless upon the fluffy drifts.

The little guy found a good spot a few yards away, set up his equipment quietly and pointed what looked to be a large parabolic dish the size of a banquet serving bowl at the very large cabin, particularly a window to the side. He had headphones on and they were crackling with static at first before it settled and another sound came through.

Voice1: I never expected to be a babysitter to another con much less to a Fed.

Voice2: I don’t think the boss knows what he’s doing but who am I to question him…

Voice1: Yeah… I’m only in it for the cash. He’s not completely right in the head if you ask me. I never agreed to kidnapping although making people hurt and fear is more my bag.

There was silence after that, the two voices quieter or they had moved out of range. He wasn’t sure as Mozzie tried to hone in for more tidbits. At least he knew he had the right place if they had a Fed, it was probably the Suit which meant Neal might be here. He could hope that was the case.

He threatened me…

This was a new voice, Mozzie honing in on its location and trying to figure out what it was saying.

I’ll make sure after the job is done Caffrey will disappear and nobody will ever guess he didn’t just “run.”

The voice was ominous, Mozzie feeling colder suddenly and not from the weather. Neal was here? The little guy was conflicted briefly, remembering his own anger when he realized that his partner in crime had dumped him to run off without a trace. The emotion was brief when he realized regardless of that he could understand perfectly why, having done the same when Neal refused to go with him and the treasure. He had chosen the Suit and New York over himself and riches. Heck, maybe in his case he’d have done the same if Sally were part of the picture. Sara had been part of Neal’s life still at the time and having family was better than being alone… At least, Mozzie was beginning to understand that notion.

Mozzie got back on track, putting away the listening device and trekking quietly towards the building. There wasn’t much in the way of outside security but he figured with the heavy shutters, bars and a more than likely state of the art alarm system, he was going to have his work cut out for him but he had tricks up his sleeve.

()()()

Jack was in his room cursing to himself. He had thought Jeremy Ashton just a simple sales man with useful skills but now he had himself a genuine con and was still on the fence about how much he could trust the man to get the job done. Neal Caffrey was more stubborn than his alias but blackmail worked where simple coercion could not. Fate had placed someone in his hands who would make the con help him or at least stick around long enough to think he was free once the job was done. Eckert wasn’t going to settle for just handling another convict. He had the doctor and his hired thugs, more than enough for his gang which meant he could easily get rid of Caffrey once the job was finished. Loose ends were meant to be eliminated and Neal would be that if he were freed. The agent was another issue but he could have Saunders give him something. The man was their prisoner and if he was drugged or otherwise incapacitated, they could easily put him back where the car accident was. Nobody would know that he didn’t die of natural causes. Winter wasn’t the nicest season in this part of the world.

Eckert smiled at himself as he realized he had figured it all out. Now to get what he wanted and rid himself of the con and Fed. He’d be long gone before anyone thought to place him as the killer. He was just a man out at his cabin in the woods for the past month. Nobody at his job suspected him of any foul play. He was feared by his employees but also revered for his fast thinking and ability to make money. They were paid well enough not to ask anything beyond work requirements. Cash shut them up.

“Yes…”

He listened as Boggs told him that he had finally put Caffrey down below again in his room. Once he had dismissed the hired gun, Jack sighed, moving over to an easy chair. The room was decorated like a private library, the chair leather, desk cherry wood with dark paneled walls. Books lined the walls along with some animal trophies. He considered himself quite the connoisseur, a glass of scotch in his hand topping off the image he’d built for himself.

Once he steals the contents, there is no one who will be able to prove I’ve done any wrong.

His thoughts were dark, storm clouds brewing from the look in his eyes as he gave a sinister laugh to nobody particular. He knew what he had to do, his fear of reprisal from the con less than his glee at getting rid of someone who could implicate him as a criminal. Jack had to keep his reputation clean, the Feds who had talked to him before about his partner’s untimely death only the first of many to ask him of his bad luck with partners. There was nothing to show he was responsible. This too will pass without proof he was involved. He was good at covering his tracks.

Jack spun around, suddenly on his feet as he heard an alarm go off. It was for the perimeter but it had been reset recently not to go off with snow fall or other similarly natural occurrences that had sent it off in the past. He picked up his cell and phoned his guards.

“What the HELL is going on?”

He was less than pleased, his evening of calmly plotting the perfect crime interrupted by this cacophony of noise. He could sense the nervousness of his men, they were well versed in how he dealt with troublemakers but finally he got a clear answer.

“Shoot them if you have to. We can use them if need have it… Take care of it!”

He hung up the phone, plopping back into the easy chair and sighing heavily, his brow furrowed in annoyance.

If it wasn’t one thing…

He took a long gulp of scotch then refilled it, the liquor warming him and cooling his anger as he felt a bit more drunk than before.

Much better...

He was back to plotting but his mind was thinking more about sleep, the alcohol going to his head. In the morning. He was going to make Caffrey aware of his plans then. It was time to use his asset before more people came looking for him…

()()()

Mozzie regretted his plan only partially as he watched three men in heavy jackets come out and shoot the deer he had left feed for. They were nearby as he had tracked the cabin. He used them as a diversion but hadn’t thought they’d be shot. Most of them got away except for one buck and two does. Now there were more orphans in the world because of him, a heavy sigh making his breath go through like steam around his mask and scarf wrapped heavily around his face. All he could do was sneak around, looking for the entrance as the three men were distracted by shooting the deer completely dead, each shot making the little guy wince. They had unknowingly sacrificed themselves for humans in need and he quietly thanked them before entering the large cabin unseen and making his way to wherever he could hide and listen. Neal had to be here somewhere if not the Suit.

“Dammit! Wipe your damn boots before you come in here! You know how HE is.”

Someone was whining about them not wiping their boots or maybe they’d seen his footprints but they blended in with the others, grumbling with some four letter words about whomever HE was. Neal had to be here within the compound as they passed by, the smell of blood and animal musk evident. He heard the scraping of horns on the wooden floors and then silence as a door shut and the wind and cold air were replaced with silence and warmth. Mozzie was too warm now, removing all but a bit of his winter clothes. He kept the cap and scarf on, keeping his face covered as he slinked out of the closet he’d hidden in and made his way through to a long hallway. He heard voices far ahead and avoided them by ducking into another door and finding himself in a cosy den with a fire burning. Nobody was around as he started to close the door and realized there was no knob. He pulled a gum wrapper from his pocket and stuffed it between the wall and door as a reminder and a way to keep the entrance from locking. He removed the scarf after a moment leaving it hanging loose around his neck as he investigated the room. There was another smaller room in the back, a large mirror that reminded him of two ways in interrogation rooms hanging on the wall. He saw a button and pushed it, a quiet buzz startling him into ducking and looking around but nobody came as the mirror cleared and he could see a room beyond.

“Suit?”

Mozzie got closer and peered through, seeing Peter Burke apparently sleeping and maybe snoring on a bed in a very cosy room. He couldn’t see much more about how to get in and out but he had a good idea where the door was as he went to find it. He saw it was electronically locked, pulling out his gear and working on the system until it beeped at him in a positive manner. He had cracked the code, the door unlocking as he walked inside. Mozzie watched the agent sleeping quite calmly, more so than the con thought he should be considering everything. He was feeling a bit angry about this when he noticed the bruises around the Suit’s face and neck and the bandages. Mozzie pushed his annoyance aside and quietly spoke.

“S… Peter, wake up. Wake up…”

It took a moment before a drowsy pair of brown eyes peered back at him and blinked, looking around and over at the now opened door. The Suit was obviously surprised but wiped at his eyes.

“Either I’m dreaming or this head injury is far worse than I thought.”

He watched the agent blink at him again before reaching out, Mozzie pinching Peter who ouched and pulled his hand back defensively.

“You’re very much awake Suit. Your wife was worrying about you so here I am. Where’s Neal?”

He was anxious to leave but more so to get them all out of there before his little rescue operation was discovered. Peter nodded, wiping at his face tiredly as he stood up and eased himself over the side of the bed with a groan. The agent was shaky on his feet but not so much he wouldn’t slow them down as they walked towards the open door. Peter pulled on his sweater and jacket, grabbing his cell as he slipped on his shoes and followed.

“He’s here?”

Mozzie shrugged at him. Peter had no idea Neal was here all the time, if he was here, but it explained a few things. His friend’s analysis of Eckert was all coming together now.

“I traced both of you to this Eckert person. I’m guessing his men found you at the car and brought you back. So you really haven’t seen Neal?”

The little guy was adamant like a kid who didn’t realize his train of thought was going back to one thing and one thing alone. Peter wasn’t sure what to think, his head still ringing from the hit to the dashboard and the airbags.

“They found me and I’ve been in here the past 5 hours or more. How did you know where I was? This isn’t on any maps…”

The agent was surprised but then shook his head with a do I really want to know expression. Mozzie grinned.

“Russian surplus GPS. Sees more than Google Maps and Bing combined.”

They slipped out of the room into an empty hall and the cosy den. Peter glanced around at the opulent decor. Eckert definitely went all out for his den, the two passing through when they heard someone coming. They both ducked respectively behind a large shelf and a bear poised to pounce. They could just see the room and saw a panel in the floor open up, two men coming through.

“He’s going through more trouble than I would for someone like that. He is clever but I don’t see it lasting.”

“He’s not all there in my opinion but he pays well. I won’t complain until the money stops. Come on… We have to clean those deer. He wants the meat.”

“I’m not a bloody chef!”

The two men were arguing about the deer and apparently what Eckert made them do for their pay as their voices faded away. Peter peeked out from behind the shelf first, Mozzie looking up from underneath the giant grizzly’s arm.

“Looks like another place to search, Suit. Shall we?”

Chapters: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10

(Chapter 6)

Elizabeth was worried when Peter didn’t show for Christmas Eve or even Christmas Day without a call. She wondered if he had found Neal and that had kept him away but it didn’t explain why he hadn’t called or answered her messages. Her parents were curious in their own manner as to his absent but she had told them it was work related quoting her husband’s favorite phrase: The FBI never rests. She saw they were trying not to ask too many questions but as midday arrived on the 25th, El knew she had to find out if everything was ok as she dialed the only person that might have that answer.

“The Underground leaves no rock unturned. Leave a message and your rock may be the next.”

Elizabeth rolled her eyes slightly at Mozzie’s new cryptic message, listening as she heard a tone and then replied.

“Mozz… Peter said you were helping him find Neal. Call me back.”

She hung up, leaving it basic for now unless Mozzie didn’t call her back. The thought of that occurring made her sigh, pushing the phone back into her cardigan sweater pocket and laying back on the guestroom bed. Her eyes counted the bumps on the popcorn ceiling of her parents’ home to ease her worries until the buzzing of her phone made her pause and sit up.

“Hello?”

There was silence on the line a moment and then a quiet voice.

“How is your holiday with the in-laws going. Ugly sweaters making their rounds yet?”

Mozzie was his usual facetious self, El smiling only slightly in relief he had called her back. Maybe the con could give her something to ease her mind.

“Hey Mozz. Happy Holidays… Uhm…  I was curious if Peter had called you about that tip you gave him on Neal.”

She could hear something in the background suddenly, a sound like when you’re in a car driving. Mozzie had a cab once and he did drive, the background sound making her curious where he was if not in one of his hideaways.

“I’m actually up in your neck of the woods as they say. Thought I’d give the Suit a helping hand. He never called me back considering the tip I left him…”

Mozzie sounded slightly miffed but he was always upset about something and usually not even really upset. This was just his manner. She sensed a slight worry in his tone more likely about Neal than towards her husband.

“Peter hasn’t called me back either. Said he was checking out something you had told him about Neal and then disappeared. It’s been almost 20 hours…”

She didn’t want to panic, her parents oblivious to what was going on but she knew they must be thinking something about their marriage as much as she told them it was work. Her father had started to bring up little things about working late at the office that a client of his had noticed about their own husband… She just rolled her eyes and changed topics, her father more the Psychoanalyst than comforting father figure while her mother just plied her with sweets and stories about helping her to sew Peter a new sweater and what colors to make it… Their attempts to calm her were making things worse she was hiding in her room on Christmas afternoon after the initial morning breakfast and some opening of presents. Mozzie was a breath of fresh air in comparison.

“The Sui… your husband hasn’t been in touch. Let me look up the GPS for his car…”

His comment was comforting yet alarming, not so much for her but what Peter would think if he knew that Mozzie was tracking their vehicle.

“Mozz… you have our GPS info on the car? How… wait, don’t tell me. Just tell me where my husband is.”

She would deal with this later, glad for the con’s peculiarities in this case. He had his ways and means to glean info and she was happy for it if it found her husband and Neal safe and sound. She heard a not so comforting cough and then a low “uh oh” from the con as she sat down. She’d been pacing the whole conversation until now.

“I’ll give you the good news: It looks like the airbags deployed as they were programmed to. (short pause) Your husband is probably ok but the front end suspension is going to cost a bit to get reworked. I can stop by the site and see if the Suit is still there. It’s a rural area so he might not have been able to make any calls out. Thankfully I brought a satellite phone for such inconveniences...”

He was trying to be comforting but the airbag comment made her realize Peter hadn’t called because he had been in a car accident. She gave a quiet gasp, standing up again and doing her best to hold back worry and tears. Mozzie was probably right. Peter might not be hurt but he might be stuck in the freezing cold. It had snowed heavily in the last two days since his call and that would account for the lack of contact. She had to know more.

“Tell me what you find Mozz and call me back immediately.”

He gave her a reply indicating he would before hanging up. Now she knew why Peter hadn’t replied back to her. Hopefully he was ok and not hurt. She had been in a car accident before, a hit and run as a teen which left her and a friend stranded beside a country highway. They hadn’t had a cell between them but thankfully her dad and friend’s father had gone looking for them when they hadn’t shown up for over 5 hours. She shivered thinking of Peter stuck out in the cold possibly alone for the past 2 days, a guilty feeling at assuming he had just not answered because of finding Neal. Now all she could do was wait, no idea where this site was that her husband had been heading to and praying for the best.

()()()

Peter didn’t remember much, the airbags hitting him hard in the face, the side of the head and body as he was buffeted around. The impact knocked him out for a while, a dream of being back home in NYC with his wife and Satchmo. There was a knock at the door, El asking him to answer from the kitchen as he got up from the warm comfort of his sofa and peeked out to see the last person he expected but he opened up the door regardless.

“Happy Holidays, Suit… Are you going to invite me in?”

Mozzie was being pushy but in a nice way, dressed in what could only be a very old fashioned suit something like what a vintage Malt Shop worker of slinger of ice cream would have worn. Peter sighed and motioned him in reluctantly. Elizabeth peeked around the corner and smiled, waving at Mozzie and winking at her husband as he closed the door. She had an apron around her waist, wiping her hands on it to give the odd little man a quick hug as she glanced around them curiously.

“Hey Mozz. Neal didn’t come with you today?”

El sounded worried as the little guy shook his head and sighed, eyes looking back at Peter with an expectant glance.

“Your husband hasn’t found him yet so it’s just me…”

The con’s tone was matter of fact as he went from semi-blaming Peter for Neal’s absence to asking about what smelled so good. The scene started to fade away, the agent wondering what his wife was cooking which seemed odd as he felt himself coming too.

Just a slight concussion from the looks of it but I don’t have the tools to be sure it’s not something worse. I think the airbags in that fancy car of his helped to ease the worse effects of the wreck but he really needs a hospital, Jack. Just my humble opinion of course…

The voice was sarcastic enough it reminded him a bit of Mozzie or maybe Hughes. Someone was gently pulling a cover over him, machines beeping nearby like in a hospital and something pinching his arm like a needle. He was still partially unconscious, eyes shut and only sound getting through with the occasional sense of something around him. Another voice coughed replying quietly.

Make sure he’s patched up but not too much. Keep him under if you can for now. Perhaps providence will work out in my favor… I’ll be back.

Peter thought he didn’t trust the last voice, the one before had been disgruntle but not as shady as the one after it. He wanted to open up his eyes and see who was there but the first voice spoke again under their breath in a rhetorical tone.

Guess it’s just you and me. You need your sleep anyway so this will help.

He wasn’t sure what the man meant until he felt a kind of warmth wash over him from the spot where his arm felt pinched. It was a slight feeling at first that grew stronger, his consciousness fading away until he was back in the dream with his wife and Mozzie again. He was still in the den while everyone had moved to the table which was now set and full of food. Elizabeth was looking at him curiously, a smile on her face.

“Hun… Come sit.”

Peter walked over and sat near his wife, their hands touching a moment before he started to put food on his plate and he heard a cough. Mozzie was looking at him with his usual fidgety paranoid glance that made him wonder what the little guy was going to say.

“Neal ran away from us for a reason. You know that don’t you, Suit.”

The last part was overemphasized, Elizabeth seemingly unaffected by the comment as she continued to eat and look at him lovingly. Peter knew he was dreaming but curious as to where this line of subconscious thought was leading to. Obviously Mozzie was the voice of reason or at worse his own unspoken thoughts on the situation. He was feeling a little more himself suddenly as he replied with a nod.

“Hagen… Neal’s admission was what helped us catch him. I’m well aware of that but it’s no reason to disappear without a word. I told him…”

He was interrupted by Elizabeth, her blue eyes flashing.

“He did it for us, hun. For you… He respects you and wanted to help. You know he meant no harm.”

Her tone and words reminded him how angry he had been initially to know what had happened but he’d pushed the anger aside long enough to catch Hagen and his lawyer, both in prison now for terms that meant they’d never see the light of day ever again. He was happy for that but it just reminded him of Neal’s impulsiveness and how…

“What is it hun… you didn’t finish your thought.”

Elizabeth was looking at him as if he’d spoken but he had been thinking those words, forgetting about this being a dream as Mozzie nodded, everyone looking at him with pointed interest.

“There is no crueler tyranny than that which is perpetuated under the shield of law and in the name of justice. (Charles de Montesquieu).”

Peter blinked, the quote indicating his thoughts perfectly. How did Mozzie know what he…

Suddenly he was awake, eyes staring up at a blurry but grayish ceiling as the agent sucked in a deep breath then let it out. He wasn’t home but he was in a bed covered with a warm blanket and connected to monitors like at a hospital but he was pretty sure this wasn’t one. His vision was blurred, head aching as he glanced around the room in a slow turn of his eyes then moved his head with a slight wince to see more. He started to see more details after a bit and then finally his vision cleared enough his surroundings were easier to see. This wasn’t his in-laws and nobody he knew had a cabin or at least, not one he should be in at the moment. His memory was foggy as he tried to figure out why he was in a strange cabin, the windows covered with heavy drapes and only a single softly glowing bulb filling the room with light. He moved to sit up, the monitor beeping growing in speed for a moment before he lay back again exhausted. The room swam some as his head throbbed, the crinkling of bandages around his head making him feel around to see why.

A tree… He had been driving… there had been snow and then… a tree…

The memory was faint, mental hands trying to grasp at the thought but it vanished like a ghost and suddenly he couldn’t remember what he’d been trying to recall. He just knew he had to call his wife before she worried. Whatever had happened, he was safe for the moment as he again tried to sit up, monitor beeping faster in response as he managed better to get up this time and hung his feet over the side of the bed. His cell wasn’t in his pocket and he could now see his jacket slung over a chair next to the bed as he reached for it. Peter had almost reached it, his feet touching the floor when he felt weakness overcome him, a dizzy spell making his head spin as he collapsed to the floor with a loud thud. He pushed weakly at the wooden floorboards to get up but his body was working against him, a pinch at his arm indicating he’d pulled off the monitor cords and maybe an IV needle. He was bleeding… the flow slow as it dripped down his arm and pooled beside him. His eyes went in and out of focus as he tried to stay conscious.

“Shit… he’s up… someone help me with him!”

A voice spoke nearby but he was too out of it to look up, only a vague hint of facial features coming to him as he shuddered slightly, eyes rolling back into his head as he passed out.

Suit… Suit…

Mozzie was talking to him but it was faint at best, eyes opening to focus on himself sitting back at the table where he had been having dinner in his last dream. The only difference now was that his wife and Mozzie were missing, everything set as it had been, the food smelling delicious but he was alone.

“El?”

When had they left and why had they gone without him? Peter was confused as he stood and searched around the room. Nobody was in the kitchen but a pot continued to bubble quietly on the stove. He turned it off before checking out the back door but the patio was quiet, not even the dog present.

“Satchmo? Here boy…”

There was no responding bark, the agent uncertain why he was alone as he went back inside and checked upstairs. He was alone, no sign of his wife or the con man he’d come to know through his ward and partner Neal Caffrey. Frustrated, Peter came back downstairs and went to the front door. That was the only place left as he tried to open the door and found it locked or jammed. When it wouldn’t open and he couldn’t see out the windows, he checked the large window by the sofa, pulling aside the drapes to find a brick wall blocked his view.

“What the hell?”

He would have said more but suddenly he found himself awake again, the cabin he had woken up to before back again. There was a soft beeping of the monitor beside him and he felt that pinch on his arm again along with some pain as his eyes moved to see what it was, an IV tube snaking up to a bottle of something not completely clear. His eyes focused on the text of the IV bag and saw it was just a plain saline drip, nothing he would blink an eye at in a hospital but this wasn’t a hospital. Peter moved to get up but found he was unable to move, a large strap keeping him firmly in place across his chest and more straps around his wrists and legs, holding him down. He squirmed in an attempt to get free but he was too tired to struggle long, the beeping on the monitor growing as his motions increased them dying back to a slow beep as he gave in to exhaustion and lay back again. Why would he be strapped to the bed even if he had gotten up earlier? Wherever he was he was certain he needed to get out of there and get out of there now.

He’s still sleeping. Why do you think, Jack? Yes… I know… of course. He’s not going anywhere in his current condition. Please… give me some credit. (pause with lots of “uh huhs”) Of course… right… (sound of cell beeping as it hung up and then a low hiss of breath) Moron...

Someone was outside talking on their cell to someone named Jack. The name seemed familiar to him but he wasn’t sure why as he struggled to get comfortable now that he was awake. He feigned sleep as the door opened somewhere out of sight and someone walked across the room to stand beside him.

“Pulse seems a bit high…”

The man spoke, touching his wrist gently but firmly as he seemed to be checking his pulse manually.

“Can’t get a good reading with all these straps…”

Peter waited as the man talked to himself, unhooking several of the soft straps around him and his arms. He would take his chance when he could, wondering why they had him prisoner.

“I’m not going to hurt you.”

The man was addressing him now, Peter opening his eyes after a moment to stare up at a semi-blurry figure before him. Finally his vision cleared and he could see a man just a bit older than himself giving him a wry grin. It didn’t seem right but he nodded slightly, head hurting as he did so and winced in response.

“I wouldn’t recommend too much motion at the moment. You had a pretty good knock to the head.”

The man was smiling back at him in a humorless manner but he could tell it was more than just friendly chat as he made a move to sit up slowly, head aching as he did so but the man helped, fluffing the pillows behind him.

“Thanks. Where… am I? I don’t remember much.”

He could play dumb, hoping for some insight but the man’s glance showed he was holding back something as he spoke.

“A cabin in the woods. Your car was wrecked but you’re lucky we found you before the blizzard blew in.”

Now he had some answers. There were more people here if the man used WE but he continued with the headache routine despite some real pain, the man bringing him some pain relievers and doing a quick check of his vitals as he unfastened the rest of the straps.

“Sorry about the straps but you were delirious and I didn’t want you to hurt yourself. Are you hungry?”

The man walked over to a nearby mini fridge and pulled out a bottle of water and what looked to be a yogurt or pudding cup. He handed them to Peter who nodded back with a silent thank you. He was eating the yogurt and quietly taking in what the man was doing and picking up what clues he could as they chit chatted.

“So how long have you been a doctor? Is this some kind of rural clinic or your own personal abode?”

He was being casual, sipping at the water and suddenly realizing how thirsty he had been. He finished the yogurt, placing the now empty cup on the nightstand as he waited for the man to answer.

“Retired… I think you’re going to live. There’s a button you can page me with right beside the bed. I’ll come back and check on your in a few hours if not sooner.”

The man was being distant suddenly, something in his manner too formal despite his bedside manner before. Peter took his chance.

“Thank you…”

He left it open as if to ask the man’s name, the retired physician turning to give him a long thoughtful look before answering.

“Saunders…”

He left it at that as he started to leave and Peter replied in kind figuring they had probably looked at his wallet already.

“Burke.”

()()()

Neal wasn’t sure that he wanted to meet anyone Eckert introduced him to but at this point he didn’t have a choice. The man took him to the back of the cabin, a small study with a large curtained window where there shouldn’t be a window.

“This was going to be your room but when I found out who you were I had you moved downstairs…”

Jack’s voice trailed off as he pulled the curtain aside, pushed a button and the window went from mirrored glass to see through. Neal wasn’t sure what he was looking at in the beginning but then he gawked, his mask of indifference hard to keep up with the sight before him.

“Apparently someone’s been looking for you and had a little accident up the road. He’s very lucky someone was coming back up or he’d have frozen to death.”

Jack sighed, a dramatic sound as they watched two men on the other side of the glass talking. One was laying in bed with bandages around their head and the other was Dr. Saunders. Neal still wasn’t sure how to reply to the situation, words deserting him as he watched Peter eating what appeared to be yogurt and drinking water.

“Your friend is very lucky my men found him. It would be a shame if we hadn’t and he was found frozen to death in his vehicle…”

It was only a slight change of verbiage but it caught Neal’s attention as he turned and stared at his captor, the man smiling grimly back at him. He was being blackmailed not for his past but for his friendship with a man who had done nothing but try and help him. Peter didn’t deserve this nor did Elizabeth but now they were involved and he had promised her long ago not to let her husband be hurt. It was his turn to sigh but it was inward, not anything the industrialist would be aware of as Neal watched his friend through the one way glass and finally nodded.

“If anything happens to him…”

He felt anger rise inside, glaring up at the man as he drew dangerously closer, his hands clenching into fists. Jack looked a bit surprised, coughing as he stepped back slightly. Neal wasn’t faking his anger and Eckert knew it as he coughed uncomfortably.

“As you wish but you’ll be stuck with me as my inside man. Agreed?”

That hadn’t been a stipulation but now that it was out there Neal gave a hard swallow, eyes turning to look at his friend and then steely back at the man who was again putting chains around him.

“Agreed.”

Chapters: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10

(Chapter 5)

Four days passed and Neal felt better than he had with the care that Saunders was giving him. He was already eating something slightly more solid than oatmeal and grits, the former physician bringing him cheese and turkey sandwiches with only a few extras like a leaf of lettuce and maybe a tomato along with a small salad when possible. He could drink something other than water now, apple and orange juice one of his choices but no coffee yet. He hadn’t been starved for too long a period but with the fever he’d developed from being in the damp, cold well and the minor infection from the manacle around his ankle. He was better now, the doctor chit chatting with him his favorite part of the day even if he was still a prisoner. Neal didn’t fully trust Saunders but compared to the others he’d met so far including Eckert, this man was more trustworthy than the rest. The doctor was no angel much like Neal but he didn’t come into the criminal business until late, finding himself caught up with Eckert’s schemes due to a debt he owed the man. He had the feeling that although the threat of being turned into the FBI (although he’d prefer the authorities over the business man any day) was still evident, nothing had been done to show he was going to be turned in. This meant Neal was still expected to do whatever it was Jack had in mind and at the moment the con man was just biding his time hoping to get well enough to escape before anything else came up.

“I brought you a few rice pudding cups. I’ll put them in the fridge over here. It took me quite a bit of convincing to make Jack let me put this in for you but he’s still convinced you’re going to help him…”

There was a hint of sarcasm in the doctor’s tone, Saunders giving a humorless laugh as if he’d been where Neal’s was once before. It gave the con little hope on getting Eckert to back off but he wasn’t about to give in yet. He still had his wits about him even if he didn’t have Peter or Mozzie to come help.

“I’m sure he’s not going to let me go just like that when I’m well. Could I ask you a favor, Mel?”

He had a plan already in progress but it depended on knowing who was outside guarding him. He’d come to know the guards pretty well, two men of shady but negotiable natures who liked to play cards when he was bored. It had been his way to find out more and deal with his ordeal but also to get a little trust between himself and the guards without Eckert around. Jack didn’t know his men were being friendly with his prisoner and so far nobody had said anything to him. He was doing the same with Saunders, the doctor nodding with a raised brow as if to ask if it was something he could get in trouble for but Neal shook his head.

“I just need to scratch my ankle and this thing is hampering my attempts to do it. Boggs was laughing at my attempts to push my fingers through the side to get at the itch.”

He didn’t put on anything other than sincere discomfort, puppy eyes not working with these men. Saunders nodded, pulling out a key from around his neck. It was secured well enough Neal wouldn’t be able to take it and he was trying not to do any of his usual tricks to gain some trust to get out of this place. The doctor unlocked the manacle, removing the metal clasp and letting Neal get up and walk around as a free man for a moment. The con took advantage of the situation, scratching the itch that was really there while also making sure he would be able to get out of the manacle at a later date of his choosing. He could see that Saunders was giving him a cautious benefit of the doubt, the door to the room latched on the outside. There was no way to get out even if he overtook the man and at this time he needed the doctor to trust him a bit too, getting much more out of their conversations than Saunders did. He took a quick run to the bathroom, Mel letting him wash up without the manacle but hissing for him to hurry back when they heard voices on the other side of the door. They had barely put the clasp in and locked it back up when Jack entered the room and glanced between them curiously. The doctor put on a pretense of taking his blood pressure before removing the velcro covering and shaking his head slightly.

“Still a little low but you’ll live. Few more days of re…”

He paused and looked over at Jack as if he hadn’t noticed him, his sentence obvious but incomplete as he packed up his things automatically and moved towards the door. The men talked briefly and whatever Saunders said in whispers made Eckert frown heavily, eyes looking over at Neal with an expression of annoyance one has when their pet misbehaves or someone over starched a shirt. Mel left without a glance back, leaving just Jack and Neal, the tension obvious as the con played with the chain that kept him tethered here. If not for that, he’d have found a way out of the building. The room was sealed up tight but there was always a way.

“Saunders says you’re still not up to any capers at the moment. I should be happy with that knowing what I know about you but my mind is still on the fence about whether to let you loose to the Authorities or convince you that working for me is your salvation…”

The man’s words trailed off eerily, Neal uncertain he wanted to ask about the third unspoken option. He didn’t know enough about Eckert but he was certain disappointment wasn’t taken lightly after his kidnapping, near murder in the well not to mention the blow to his head with the night stick he’d gotten when he’d gone home to pack just 2 weeks ago. The silence between them was palpable until Jack coughed and smiled tightly, walking back towards the door then pausing before walking back again.

“Weigh your options carefully, Mr. Caffrey. I’ll let you rest but I need an answer and soon. The wanted poster didn’t indicate I had to return you alive.”

Eckert smiled coldly back before tapping the door to exit. Neal stared after the now absent millionaire unhappily. He stood and removed the manacle since he could. The doctor didn’t realize what he had done to make this so as he moved easily beside the bed, pulling something from out of the mattress. It was a cell phone, one he had palmed off Boggs during their last card game. The man didn’t seem to notice right away, complaining about his phone being gone but not suspecting him as he listened through the wall. His partner told him to stop whining and just get another one as they grew silent and Neal smiled realizing he now had a means to call out. At least that’s what he had hoped until he tried the cell and found no bars evident from this room. Maybe it was something Jack had cooked up knowing his past. He could use the walkie talkie function but that would do him no good as he fumed, realizing he’d been too quick to think his usual tactics would work here. Eckert was several steps ahead or maybe it was just the building in general. He’d never seen any of the guards calling except on walkie talkie function. Perhaps the signals in here were all shut off for some paranoid reason only their boss knew.

Neal still had a few tricks up his sleeve as he placed a text, cryptic as it might be and set it to not only send at a later date when the signal came on but come up as a blank text nobody could read but the person you sent it to. It was a trick Mozzie had showed him and tonight at the usual card game, Boggs was going to find out he had his old cell again before he left the building and hopefully sent the text tonight after his shift when he had a signal. It was still a few couple of days before Christmas or so he thought, time in this place standing still as he was forced to comply with rules stricter than any tracking anklet.

()()()

Peter headed back to Elizabeth and his in-laws. Patrick promised to keep in touch, no news yet on Eckert’s whereabouts or Neal’s. They were investigating the possibility of a cabin nearby in the wilderness that Eckert was known to winter at. Maybe Neal was a prisoner there? The agent wanted to go search but had no jurisdiction here much more he was on vacation and as much as El had given him leeway to look for Neal, he knew she wasn’t happy with his absence. It was Christmas tomorrow. He needed to be with his family, his wife. Neal wasn’t on the backburner, just…

“Burke…”

He was surprised when Mozzie answered, the little guy having been silent for the past week the agent hadn’t been sure they were on speaking terms anymore. The con sounded excited.

“I got a text, Suit! Neal needs our help and I know more or less where he is.”

The little guy had more certainty in his tone than was conveyed by his words, Peter blinking a moment as he pulled over and left the car in park.

“Wait… you know where he is? What exactly was in this text, Mozzie?”

His interest was piqued as he sat in the car on the side of the road and waited for what he hoped was a sure lead to their friend. There was silence for a moment making him think he’d lost the connection when Mozzie finally answered.

“Not a sure location. I did a GPS data search on the text meta data and I am 99.999999% sure he’s really close to where you are right now. It looks like a cabin just outside of town sits on that location. There’s no information on who it belongs to but I’m still working on hac...on legally finding the information on that abode for you Suit. I’m texting you a satellite view of where the cabin is.”

Peter heard a beep, seeing he had a new text. He told Mozzie he would call him back, opening the message to see a photo of the area he was in and one circled in the forest outside of town. It was only a few miles outside of town, the area a rough one with what appeared to be dirt roads at best to get up there. Seemed Eckert liked his privacy. He took a moment to memorize the route before putting the car back into gear and taking off down the road. Peter made a quick call.

“Hey hun. How is everything? My parents were asking where you were and I told them you were out doing some last minute shopping. Tell me you found what you were looking for?”

He knew she meant Neal but for now he had to be cool, calmly coming up with something to keep her hopes high.

“Maybe, hun. I just talked to Mozz so I’m going to check out a lead but I’m headed your way. Miss you.”

They exchanged a kiss over the phone before he hung up and he concentrated on the road, the snow in higher drifts and the roads less safe as he moved from the city to the country. Peter kept going, chains on the tires making it safe for him to drive but the snow was packed in large drifts around the road and sloping onto his path before he found the road leading up to Eckert’s cabin. This was the moment of truth, the Beamer turning smoothly onto the rough icy road which made him bounce about the inside of the car as he fought for control on the rocky path. Peter kept going, not letting a little thing like a rough road keep him from finding Neal. The road was narrow, trees forming a thick wall along with the snow on either side as he led the car through the winding path and finally found himself going over a steep incline he wasn’t ready for. The brakes squealed, wet from the snow and possibly frozen as he fought for control but soon realized the car was going of its own accord towards a large tree. Peter braced himself…

()()()

Neal woke up in a panic, something told him he should worry about still being in Eckert’s compound but so far nobody had stormed in for or come to his rescue. He was pretty sure it was Christmas day, only 48 hours since he’d slipped Bogg’s phone back into his pocket at their clandestine poker game, and yet he was still here. It was still early in the morning from the clock on the wall but he knew he had little time before he’d be anything but a nuisance to his captors.

Had his message gotten through and had Mozzie and Peter figured out where he was? Either they had and couldn’t get in or they hadn’t which was the most likely scenario. He wasn’t even sure he knew, sitting up and dangling his feet over the side of the hospital bed with a despondent sigh. The IV’s and monitors were gone for the past day or two once the doctor had determined him healthy enough for whatever Eckert had in mind. Suddenly he felt very thirsty, slipping down to the floor and walking over to the small fridge the doctor had left him. He grabbed a mini rum from the back, something he’d been given as a kind of gift from Saunders without Eckert knowing, the doctor definitely not his friend but not cold enough to keep him from some creature comforts. Neal took a long sip from the tiny bottle draining it dry. It was just enough liquor to get him buzzed, calming him as he tried to think how much longer he could hold out here until Eckert finally killed him. It was the next logical step to his refusal. Dead or alive the man would still get a reward from his body if he turned it into the right authorities. He shivered at the thought, digging around for more and finding a small scotch behind a bottled water. He downed this one in two gulps before he sat down on the sofa and leaned back tiredly.

Someone was whispering outside the door and not very well as Neal got up and went to listen, sitting on the floor with his ear pressed to the wall. He was certain it was Boggs, the man was terrible at spreading gossip but he heard little to nothing, their voices low enough he couldn’t pick up exactly what was said.

There was silence after that, footsteps walking away and the creak of a chair being sat in. Neal wanted to know what they said. Maybe Eckert had other irons on the fire, he didn’t doubt it but right now he was the only prisoner according to what the doctor mentioned when they spoke. What if they’d found someone else to do their con. Neal was considering cooperating just to get more intel when he heard voices again and stood up, moving over to the bed and quickly laying down under the covers to hide being up. He felt a little too buzzed to be sure what he was doing as he closed his eyes and heard the door open up. There was silence and then the door shut again.

Sleeping?

Eckert’s voice was clear, footsteps nearing and then a hand nudging him unceremoniously awake. Neal played the tired prisoner, opening his eyes with a false expression of surprise he hoped fooled the man as he sat up wiping at his eyes sleepily. Jack looked like he was trying to be friendly again if only in trying to smile with his own fake smile.

“It’s Christmas, Caffrey. I think you deserve some time away from your little space here. Get dressed… Boggs will bring you.”

The man smiled coldly back before exiting the room and leaving Neal alone again. The con wasn’t sure what to think as he felt a simultaneous sense of relief and dread. He was going out which was good but at the same time there was a catch he would find out about. Jack’s words were enigmatic at best as he dragged himself over to the bathroom and showered quickly. Death or not, he might as well go well groomed. Nobody could say Neal Caffrey didn’t care about his looks as he dressed and fixed his hair just perfect. If only he could be home with his friends at June’s…

It was a few minutes later Boggs came in, a key in his hand as he released the con from his manacle and lead him at gunpoint towards the door. He had been in this room for just over a week, ready to see the rest of the compound but uncertain today was anything more than them fattening the sacrificial lamb before its death. When he didn’t move he felt a poke in his back by cold metal, the gun cocked for emphasis.

“Get moving. I don’t care about shooting you except I’ll lose my best poker buddy.”

Boggs was playing nice while still being himself, Neal nodding as he was herded along down several gray corridors and then up a flight of stairs and through a panel in what appeared to be a wooden floor to a cabin. The place was rustic with a look like you saw in most stylish architectural magazines. They appeared to be in the den of the cabin, a roaring fire in a nearby hearth making Neal smile slightly as a rich hickory scent met his nose. The place was something he wasn’t particularly fond of with over stuffed seats and hunting related items strewn about but it made him think of Peter. The agent would love this cabin.

“Mr. Caffrey… sit. Boggs, you can leave us alone now.”

Jack showed up from an open door in the far corner of the room he could only guess led to bedrooms or maybe a bathroom and kitchen. The thug nodded, leaving them be as he exited back down the panel in the floor closing it behind him. Jack made a motion for him to sit near the fire in one of two over stuffed armchairs as the industrialist offered him some scotch.

“No amount of coaxing seems to bring you around to my side of the road and I respect you for that. Sticking to your guns is something I believe in and find honorable.”

Neal sensed there was more to this friendly conversation as they sat and stared into the fire. He had immediately started to casually case the room, looking for a way out now that they were alone. A humorless laugh came from his captor out of the blue.

“The windows are barred and the door is made of steel with a wooden exterior and hidden lock that is beyond your skillset. Feel free to try if you want though. I could use a good laugh.”

Jack was mocking him, Neal doing his best not to get caught up in hopelessness or anger at being played. Even at his worse, Peter never teased him this much but then the agent never kept him prisoner.

“I figured you didn’t send Boggs away because he was boorish. This is a good scotch. 1970?”

He was changing the subject to lessen the heavy atmosphere, Jack shrugging with a slight shake of his head.

“65 but close enough to know you have a healthy respect for expensive things. Whatever became of that Franklin bottle you were involved in? Sounds like an interesting story.”

The story came up casually but Neal wasn’t prepared for the man to know that much about him. What kind of file had he been given or stolen to know he had been at that particular auction? He shrugged as he tried to control his feelings and the situation but it was hard under the circumstances.

“If I hadn’t been on the run, I’d have kept it. Besides, I had bigger fish to fry. So… What is it you have that’s so important for me to get for you? I’m guessing it’s not easy to acquire.”

Neal decided to play nice, act as if the scotch had softened him up but he had barely had 2 sips although he’d managed to drain half of the glass to make it look like he had. Eckert smiled genuinely back at him.

“Just something a partner refused to hand over when he left this world. His partners have it in a particularly hard to break into safe at a securities firm. I’ve read enough of your exploits with the FBI to know you’re the man I want to do this job. I had a feeling you were right for it before but this file proved my theory correct…”

He tossed over a large manilla folder, Neal surprised as he caught it and saw his name on the outside. It was a copy of his official background from the FBI including all of his work with them and Peter as he read further into the file. He glanced up briefly to find Jack smiling at him with an “Ah-Ha” kind of look that made his eyes sparkle in the firelight like a jaguar. The man rose, putting down his glass and motioning for Neal to do the same.

“Come with me… I have someone I want you to meet.”

Chapters: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10