Set in mid season two. Some geographical alterations made in New York. Story is unbeta'ed. I apologize for any mistakes. Jeff Eastin owns the show, but toying with the characters makes me happy... seriously just borrowing them for a while.

Chapter 1: Road Rage

Peter remained focused on the intended task, as if his life depended on it. Meanwhile, Neal played the role of a guiding light, giving quick instructions,

"Strip the ignition wire… yes, this brown one…"

"Now touch it with the red ones - I said touch not twist!"

Trying to escape Richard's men was a hard nut to crack. After dodging them at the workshop, Peter and Neal hid in a packed parking lot, hurried along a line of cars in a crouched position until they located a car that (according to Neal's expertise) could be easily tampered with. Peter occupied the driver's seat of the now-stolen car. Neal was sitting next to him, gazing out of the window for any signs of potential danger, his arm propped up against the door. Just then the engine started to rev, indicating their success.

"You made me hot-wire a car", Peter remarked, trying his best to suppress a grin.

"Not your first time Peter… But no doubt, you have skills. This old GM model is difficult to start than the Lamborghini you stole- I mean steered a while ago… No spare keys, but to our advantage, no alarm system" fastening the seatbelt, Neal logically appreciated his maneuver.

"Yeah, but it was not as hard as I thought it to be" reflected Peter, with a sense of achievement. He looked at Neal out of curiosity, "the abundance of knowledge you have on cars makes me wonder... how many have you stolen so far?"

"Now is not the right time… Can I have my tie clip back?" Neal had to distract him because their ongoing discussion was heading nowhere safe.

Peter returned his fashion accessory or in fact a secret lock pick tool, which might come in handy in crucial moments. This time, it was used to take off access cover under the steering wheel.

All was going well.

Peter was reversing when they heard someone shout,

"Hey! Stop! That's my car!"

From the side mirror they could see a woman in mid-forties running towards them, holding a handbag, most likely coming back from work. She tried to follow them, cursing all the way but Peter sharply veered the car to the left, driving down a street.

They were speeding towards an upcoming busy intersection. The whole scenario changed. Peter was no longer proud of his act, feelings of guilt for stealing a civilian's car were more pronounced. Neal felt the same but he was better able to mask his expressions.

Peter had a slight frown on his face, his anger accelerating- almost complementing the driving speed, but he tried his level best to regain control by tightening grip on the steering wheel and avoiding speech altogether. Eventually words came out just the way they were banging inside his head,

"You made me hot-wire a car!"

"You had other options?" Neal asked in a matter-of-fact tone.

"Yes…no…well I could've thought something legal" Peter uttered, looking harried.

"Unless you're forgetting those GOONS were chasing us with guns at the ready…it was a life saving situation!" Neal quipped.

"Wonder how you make crimes sound more like a moral doing" Peter said to himself a little above whisper.

"I didn't catch that?" Neal prompted.

"Nothing…You got the evidence?" Peter extended a hand in his direction to grasp whatever he had to offer.

Neal made a face as if he'd forgotten something important.

"Stop messing around Caffrey… Give me the damn documents!"

"Easy there Tiger…here you go".

Peter was expecting Neal to give him a stack of papers, or a file, or maybe a flash drive, but just like a flip of a coin, suspense reached its anti-climax when Neal handed him something out of the blue,

"That's all I've got".

He is playing a prank... Can't he assess the seriousness of our situation!

"A floppy? - You sure this was all?"

"You're not pleased?" Neal scoffed. "Next time I'll tell Richard to be more tech savvy for hiding top secret information that might put him behind bars!"

Thoroughly disappointed, Peter just rolled his eyes and pocketed that disk, while single handedly controlling the steering wheel.

"The Bureau knows or you have suddenly volunteered to save my life?" Peter wanted confirmation because there was no sign of backup anywhere.

"Um-I don't think so they know- but they will Peter, they will!" Before Peter could lecture him again, Neal went on quickly, "I have a plan…" He raised his pant leg to reveal his anklet "We just have to cross my two mile radius limit".

Neal was eyeing Peter, waiting for a 'thumbs up' signal but his so-called plan was deliberately ignored.

Peter knew they were still in danger zone. Bluntly following Neal's previous plan had landed him on the run in a stolen car. He couldn't take any more 'career risks'. Of course they need to contact the FBI, he made a mental note of it. Just out of habit Peter placed his hand in his pant pocket, searching for something and then remembered…

"Damn it! ... Neal you have your phone? Those bastards destroyed mine at the workshop". Neal hesitated for a while and then handed his, saying in monotone "No use…low battery".

"Great! Of all the times…you decided not to charge your phone today" Sarcasm evident in every word Peter said.

"Hey stop blaming me…you confiscated it yesterday remember? While- I was having a little... pep talk" Neal averted his gaze at the last words, he knew he gave himself away this time.

"Yeah I remember now… vividly…coz that 'pep talk' continued for more than an hour...stop pretending all innocent here!…I can watch every move you make from my office. And during your intimate phone call, that 'smirk' on your face told me everything I need to know!…one hour long discussion with Mozzie and you were ready to plan something big again…tell me I'm wrong?"

Neal sighed "We weren't planning anything big…and show Mozzie some respect will you? His paranoia helps better than the F.B.I … By the way, he was the one who figured Richard won't consider your deal and because of him I found you".

Finally Neal made his point, Peter didn't argue any further, he wanted to ask how Mozzie knew his whereabouts but thought better of it.

The stolen car blended in with traffic. After few minutes of silent but speedy driving, Peter addressed Neal while gazing at the reflection of on-road traffic from the rear-view mirror, "So what now? We're not being followed as far as I can see"

Neal looked behind, "Hmm…I hope so…Anyways where are we headed? ... To the Bureau?" Peter just nodded in reply. "Please Peter it can wait, just go home to Elizabeth and give them a call that you're safe … it's past five already". Neal was literally pleading but Peter was used to such comments so the car followed route to the Bureau nonetheless, until Peter noticed something strange,

"I can see a cop car coming our way…"

"Peter… this is the first time I'm seeing cops take immediate action after a crime… are they going to arrest us?" Neal looked worried, on the contrary Peter perceived that finally help has arrived.

"I don't care… we'll accept charges". Peter replied, he was willing to assuage his guilt by making a full confession.

"But you're an FBI agent!" Neal had a fuzzy feeling, something doesn't seem right but Peter was oblivious to his silent warnings.

"Now unless you are forgetting… we did steal that woman's car but she doesn't know the context. I'm sure N.Y.P.D. will consider our statement… All right! Time to become law abiding citizens once again", he beamed at Neal while decelerating the speed of their car, "Hang on a sec…why is it trying to take a wrong tur-"

-BAM!-

Peter was about to say 'turn' when all hell broke loose. He heard screeching sound of wheels in reverse gear and then all engine sounds faded as their car jumped and landed a few feet ahead. Trunk lid of the car (now detached from main body) flew all the way through, till reaching the road surface with a huge 'thunk' in front of them. Neal was unprepared so the sudden impact propelled his head forward while his body didn't budge at all.

"I'm good" breathing heavily he answered Peter's worried glance.

"HEY!", Peter shouted back but soon realized that their car-banging-incident was purely intentional. That cop car was occupied by some very familiar faces he left at the workshop a short while ago.

"I think we're not the only one borrowing stolen property" Neal said, still panting, but Peter continued to drive- he had to. Apart from a slight bruise above his cheek bone he looked well.

Soon their chasers reappeared, making Peter and Neal become key characters of a violent road rage.

"Um- Peter?"

"Not now" Peter had no time for chat. He was driving with full concentration, but Neal had to speak as it was equally important, "Uh-I think we're driving back towards the workshop".

Neal was right indeed. Their chasers were gaining distance. Now Peter slammed on the brakes, took a wrong turn and Neal was amazed as if seeing Peter's true colors for the first time. Dire circumstances require dare, experiencing that today was hard for Peter. He missed his Taurus more than anything, realizing how much he blindly depended on his car especially in terms of directions.

Cop car succeeded to overtake. One of their enemies leaned out of the side window,

"Watch out!" Neal yelled.

Peter moved sideways, one gunshot whistle passed his ear which confirmed that Richard's men were armed. Since they were approaching closer, Peter ordered Neal to duck down and he obeyed without arguing, which was unusual but a blessing in disguise, because after a few seconds a bullet passed through their windscreen and lodged in the headrest of passenger seat right where Neal's head was supposed to be.

In that hour of need, Peter was on his own, as Neal remained crouched like a frog with arms covering his head to avoid any serious damage from fired bullets or shattered glass. He could only hear or feel engine vibrating with rapid momentum; ensuring him that Peter was still alive. Deep within he knew he could trust Peter, like always. Another smashing sound- probably a tail light got busted, Neal doubted.

When their rivals took aim for the fourth time, Peter swerved to ward off their deadly intent. He drove through a road signaling red light, changed lanes at random, mounted the pavement, smashed into a yard sale; dodged several passerbys and a stray cat (quick visit to the Bureau long forgotten). To add to his misery, onlookers viewed him as a suspect for whom the cop car took off in pursuit. He wanted to shout at them, I am FBI but failed miserably, he had already broken enough rules to strengthen their conviction.

Their chasers were tailgating them. Without warning Peter veered off the main road, hitting a "road closed ahead" sign. Soon Peter and Richard's men were driving neck and neck, slashing each other. Cop car even tried to overtake again but,

-WHOOSH!-

Are they retreating? No, this can't be possible … Why one of them is making the 'loser' hand gesture… Maybe my mind is playing tricks on me… they might come up with a more vicious strategy… Peter contemplated and kept on driving relentlessly.

Suddenly their car stalled.

"Shit! Oh Come on!" Peter cursed, trying to start the engine, repeating the wire sparking technique, he learnt from Neal a short while ago, it turned on for a second or two but then died because the fuel gauge indicated 'empty'. Also, their car couldn't keep rolling on a flat tire for long so their perilous expedition came to an abrupt halt in the middle of somewhere.

Agitated, Peter got out of the car, slammed his fist on the hood, rubbed his worrisome face with both hands and took a few steps away to cool his temper. Neal tried to relax his muscles by dusting off glass shavings and regaining a sitting position in passenger seat. Finally being able to see the bullet-punctured windscreen, Neal realized he owed Peter his life. No clue where their enemies fled but they both needed a break. Definitely it was no fun ride. Neal took a grasp of his surroundings,

"Peter, where are we?"

It was a one-way road, completely deserted; with buildings under construction on either side. Setting sun was casting warm tones across the horizon. A board was placed at a proximal distance, labeled:

ORIGINS

APARTMENTS FOR SALE

Find your dream property in this undisturbed and peaceful area

Peter closely studied that board and replied, "I know this place. El told me that they're advertising like hell… demolishing old buildings with the aim of establishing sound habitat in New York. Bet it will take years…they have just abolished few blocks".

"Meaning we're still in New York?" Neal questioned.

"Yeah, but until we get a ride, we're stuck here with no phone, no traffic no nothing!" Peter wistfully stated.

Neal was observing their current location with fascination while still sitting in the car.

"Don't even think about it", Peter threateningly pointed a finger at him.

"About what?", Neal prompted.

"About liquidating some more assets … to buy a dream home!", Peter clarified his assumption.

As a reflex of thinking, Neal narrowed his eyes, "Your theory taken into consideration" he said, "I won't lie to you…I'm intrigued".

That statement just added fuel to the flames for Peter so Neal decided to change the subject with high spirits, "Peter, we've made it…Sure, you drive like crazy… with no sense of direction, but you dodged them pretty good this time"

"Honestly-I don't know why they called off the chase but thank God we're alive" Peter was even smiling with relief.

"Why haven't I heard of this place?", Neal wondered.

"Because-", Peter moved closer to the car, "Hey, check your anklet this place is way out of your radius".

It seemed as if Peter had lifted a magical spell because just then, Neal started hearing a faint beeping sound. He laughed at the coincidence, "About time", but when he raised his pant leg, his insides lurched.

"Um-Peter, the anklet…its blinking no light"

"What?" Peter peered inside the window to view himself. Neal was not lying; his tracking anklet was indicating no signal.

"You sure you didn't do this?" Peter couldn't keep the anger from his voice.

"Wha- I'm telling you the truth…it was working at the parking lot, you saw it!" Neal was taken aback at this sudden temper outburst. Why can't Peter ever trust me? He thought.

-Beep Beep Beep-

"Wait- Neal did you hear that?" Now Peter's tone was a little skeptic.

"Yes, I can hear that, but haven't I told your already- it is NOT coming from my anklet!" Irritated, Neal almost shouted, but then the realization struck him- a time bomb, somewhere in the car.

Peter was way more coherent than Neal as he came in full agent mode, opening the side door, he commanded, "Neal you have to get out of the car…now!"

Neal was still stunned at the irony of his predicament. After all that has happened today, they have yet to become victims of a car explosion. It was difficult for him to get out. Not that he experienced any kind of pain but that recent alarm of a bomb existence made his muscles weak, all humor and satire forgotten. He had to comply with Peter on this one who supported him as they tried to run away from the car as fast as they could-

-BOOM!-

A fireball in the background tossed them like rag dolls, they were thrown three feet in the air, but managed to break their fall in time. Car exploded, which was expected, but both were out of harm's way, thanks to Peter.

They sat on the road, cross-legged, breathing heavily, gathering their recently lost strength. Neal was using his tie to soak blood drops oozing from his palm, wincing and jerking his hand occasionally. Sudden frictional contact of his exposed skin with concrete resulted in some mild abrasions.

"You all right?", Peter asked turning his head in Neal's direction, both now covered in ash and soot.

He nodded, "Yeah! … Just not expecting that…"

Late evening tranquility was disrupted by that big fiery explosion. They could still see the thick plume of smoke rising in the atmosphere.

"I think such blasts are common here. It's a construction site. No one will come for our aid" Neal sadly concluded.

Peter was submerged in his own thoughts. We need to get out of here somehow. Why the hell Neal's anklet stopped working? Imagining the worst case scenarios made him angrier. They were about to get killed today, not just once... All series of events leading to one possibility: Richard doesn't want to expose his criminal life rather he wants them dead by hook or crook… But Peter won't let him win.

"Ok time to walk…come on, we have to find a way to reach home…its already late…Another hour more and El will be worried sick…walking on foot is our best chance".

"I promised her I'll bring you back", Neal told him looking straight in the eye, which was enough for Peter to know how much he cared about them. "You did good today", Peter had to acknowledge with a proud-papa grin and a pat on Neal's shoulder.

They were not out of the woods yet. Neal was exhausted, he can see that but they had to keep going even if at a considerably slower pace.

"Peter look!" Neal pointed ahead.

Peter's first thoughts were that Neal was suddenly mesmerized by the cool pink tones of twilight but then he too noticed a distant light coming their way, most probably a car.

Their ray of hope was short-lived as that car rushed passed them without a halt, they both waved hands for a lift or help but to no avail. "In our present state, your charms aren't inspiring enough to hail a ride", Peter made an effort to lighten the mood but it made Neal more conscious of his appearance. He started to scrub ash from his coat sleeve.

"You know, it was Bryan's best", dejected Neal.

And Peter knew this was coming anytime now, he offered a practical solution, "It is soiled! Not torn apart along with you inside, so look at the bright side. Give it for dry cleaning and it will be good as new".

They walked for an hour, maybe half until,

-Beep Beep Beep-

Another one? They both panicked. Neal feared existence ofsome hidden explosive stuff in Peter's coat.

Peter frantically checked himself even though he knew nothing of that sort happened.

"Neal I think the voice is coming from you" so Peter checked Neal, and Neal checked himself.

-Beep Beep Beep-

"You remember detonating a bomb, right?" Peter asked sweating profusely.

"Yeah, but I have to see it first" Neal's condition was no different.

In their moment of panic they could hear sirens, soon two NYPD vehicles came in their range of vision, "those goons again" Neal whispered to Peter, "Yeah, this time they brought company" Peter nodded, but before they could even think of running in the opposite direction, police squads joined them with their guns pointed at Neal.

"Neal Caffrey, put your hands behind your head!... take two steps forward...you are under arrest for breaching your radius limit!"

"What?" This was unanticipated. Neal raised his pant leg to confirm that the anklet's light was reactivated, but blinking 'red' not 'green'. His impulsive action resulted in several guns being cocked so he did what was expected of him without ensuing further trouble.

At last they were caught by 'real' cops. He sighed with relief so did Peter, but the officers were exchanging confused looks. Peter had to explain them that he is an FBI agent and Neal is innocent, in fact a rescuer, and Neal smiled as if he deserved all applaud.

After another ten minutes waiting, in which Peter made a quick call to his wife, NYPD confirmed his designation at the FBI, they were joined by Jones and some paramedics. Neal and Peter were briefly examined for any serious injuries. Neal needed a band-aid for superficial cuts on hand while Peter was given an ice-pack for his face. Sure they look beaten.

U.S. Marshals informed Peter that they experienced power failure at the building caused by a short circuit. It took much longer to detect the fault, resulting in delayed GPRS response. For further investigation, Neal recounted the day's events for them, mentioning license plate initials of the alleged cop car and also physical description of Richard's men. Afterwards he and Peter were escorted safely to their respective destinations.

On their way Neal seemed slightly bemused, "What?"Peter asked.

To answer, Neal came within earshot of Peter and hissed, "See? My plan worked… in a mysterious way".

Peter tried to negate but no words supported him, he guessed the odds were in Neal's favor today.

To be continued...

A/N Hey all! I'm the backseat driver- I mean writer of the story :) Reviews will be much appreciated :)