AN: I am a huge fan of White Collar and I hope you all enjoy my imaginative twist.

WARNING: This fanfic contains spoilers of Season 1 and Season 2, especially the episode "Front Man".

"Life is nothing but a competition to be the criminal rather than the victim." –Bertrand Russel

Neal twirled the fedora in his hand. Then he tossed it from one hand to the next, then back again. Peter slammed his fist on his desk. Neal jumped and dropped the fedora. "Problem Peter?"

"Yes Neal, you. You are my problem." Peter said. He pinched the bridge of his nose. "Don't you have a hobby? Something to get you out of my office?"

"I have hobbies." Neal said. Then he mumbled. "They just aren't legal."

Peter looked at Neal and then rolled his eyes heavenward. "I didn't hear that."

Neal said. "Of course you didn't. Any cases today?"

"No." Peter said, teeth gritted. "No new cases have shown up since you asked me five minutes ago. Most people would be happy with how little crime is happening right now."

Peter looked up at Neal, "Oh forget it. Look who I'm talking to."

Neal frowned, "I can enjoy good things."

"Really, somehow I seriously d–" Peter stopped as the door opened and a pretty redheaded woman walked in. "Agent Rice."

"Hello Agent Burke." Rice said. She closed the door behind her and saw Neal. "Caffrey is here too. Good."

Neal smiled that smile that had won many ladies hearts. "Well Agent Rice, I'm happy to see you too."

"Be quiet Neal. I wouldn't take you if you came gift wrapped and free." She replied. Apparently the smile wasn't going to work on Rice.

As Neal's smile faded Peter's grew. "Every time I see you I like you more and more."

Neal regained his composure and replaced his smile. "What can we do you for Agent?"

"I…well I have some bad news and I thought it best that I deliver it in person." Agent Rice said.

"Enlighten us." Peter said.

Neal shrugged. "It can't be that bad."

"Wilkes is out." She said. "And he's coming after you Neal."

Elizabeth sang loudly along with the radio, some song about lost love and broken hearts. Dishes had never been her favorite chore but it wasn't as bad as laundry. Besides, with the music playing it wasn't so bad. There was a knock on the door. She yelled, "Coming!"

She wiped her hands off on the front of her jeans and turned the radio down way low; another knock. She rolled her eyes at people's rudeness. "I'm coming!"

She took her time walking to the front door and managed to open it with a smile on her face. It was a man at the door, a black man. "Hello there. What can I do to help you?"

He pulled out a gun and aimed it at her. "It's nice to finally meet you Elizabeth, or do you prefer El?"

Elizabeth tried to slam the door in his face but he managed to get a shot off. Elizabeth collapsed to the ground and Wilkes laughed. Time to play another round.

Peter stood. "What do you mean he's out?"

"He escaped. The U.S. Marshalls are hunting for him now but…no luck yet." Agent Rice said. "After what happened with Wilkes before I believe that he'll be coming after Caffrey for revenge."

"You FBI agents have trouble keeping people locked up don't you." Neal sneered and shot up out of his seat. "I escaped, Wilkes escaped, and who knows who else. You guys can't do anything!"

"Neal!" Peter yelled. "Get control of yourself."

Neal glared at Agent Rice before sitting down, his arms crossed. Peter stared at him. He knew Neal wasn't really angry, he was scared. Neal had almost lost his life and the life of another hostage. Wilkes had forced him to jump through the proverbial hoops to save the girl and himself and when Neal didn't comply he was nearly shot. Neal had recovered quickly like Neal always did but the idea of being forced into submission again would scare anyone, even Neal.

"I know that we made a mistake but I thought you should know now." Agent Rice said. "Wilkes is a vindictive bastard. I would be watchful of yourselves…and your families."

Peter slid into his seat as her meaning sunk in. "El."