Disclaimer: I don't own White Collar or any of the characters.
Note: Spoilers for 2x14 (the latest episode)
Ruthless
By: Lost-Remembrance (Red Tail)
Chapter One
"Hey hon," Peter said with a smile as he wrapped his arms around Elizabeth. He looked down into her eyes, seeing the relief that he knew was reflected in his own.
"Hey hon," Elizabeth replied with a lilt of laughter and a choked suppression of emotions in her voice. She knew her eyes were teary and that he could tell. To think that a silly fight would be the last thing that they did together before all this happened.
Together, the two leaned in and their lips met not once but twice.
The world didn't matter to them. It was only each other.
Neal looked at the two with a smile on his face, feeling an odd bubbling feeling in his gut. What a strange sensation. It was an achievement unlike any other he had felt before. He'd given up his ring, one that was his connection to Kate and his future dreams, and helped bring his partner and his wife back together.
The ring of his cellphone drew him from his thoughts. His jaw tightened and his teeth clenched as he pulled the phone from his pocket and glanced down briefly. He noted the number. Keller.
He accepted the call, pulling it to his ears. "Keller." He ground out, determination flooding his eyes.
"I saw the little welcoming party you left me. Sorry I couldn't make it."
Neal was less than amused at his rival's wit and escape. "I'm going to find you, Keller. This isn't over."
"You know, I don't really like the sound of that Neal. We used to have so many good times together."
"No matter where you go, I will find you."
"Even if I'm outside of your radius?" The man laughed and then paused, "Though I do know that if anyone were to find me, it'd be you Caffrey. This latest escapade just proved that." Keller's voice held an odd tone.
Suspicion crept through Neal.
"This is my last move Neal, I've gotta make it count." The man laughed and then disconnected. Neal pulled the phone away from his ear quizzically, pondering the conman's last words to him.
Burke leaned in for another kiss from his wife when he heard it. The sharp crack of gunfire, muffled with a silencer, but too powerful to be masked by the white noise of the city.
El gasped and Burke pushed her down behind one of the FBI cars and looked up just in time to see Neal's body tip backwards, limp and lifeless.
All the officers drew their guns, ducked for cover, or quickly scouted the area looking for the sniper. Peter felt the world close in and all happiness drain from him. As soon as Neal's body tilted backwards, he was already racing for his partner, screaming his name.
Neal's cracked cell phone lay beside his still body as blood erupted from his chest.
Too late.
TBC