Hello everybody. So glad to see you all again. I really hope you guys are glad to hear from me too :-)

Here's my new story but before I start I have a confession to make... I don't own White Collar. Sad right? I know!

...

"FBI! Drop your weapons!"

FBI agent Peter Burke's voice boomed in a secluded warehouse in the city. The White Collar division had received an intel on Neal Caffrey. Yes, the famous Neal Caffrey who was a conman, a thief and a master art forger though the FBI never got any solid proofs against him other than for bond forgery. They didn't even know what he looked like and how old was he. But with only a few days left before Christmas ,Peter thought this was the best gift he could get.

Peter had decided to immediately grab the opportunity to nab the criminal, proof or no proof and so he was at the warehouse in a record time. Well, keeping in mind the traffic, the slippery roads because of the snow and the signals. He had been very careful when he had come barging into the warehouse with his team because as an FBI agent, he knew he couldn't afford to think that it was going to be easy. So he had estimated at least more than a couple of criminals to be present at the warehouse. Instead the sight that met him made him cringe and he cursed himself internally for not being careful enough.

The warehouse was buzzing with a truckload of men. Damn! He cursed again. But what was done was done. They were already in the building and there was no going back. He yelled again,

"FBI! Freeze!"

The men stopped doing whatever they were doing and turned to face the law, their eyes locked but then instead of heeding Peter's command they opened fire! Peter mentally kicked himself for a millionth time for not coming prepared for this outcome. He hoped that after all this mess they were still able to apprehend the famous Neal Caffrey for whom they had come for.

Peter and his team fired back and then chaos ensued. Each man was firing and trying to dodge the bullet at the same time. While the FBI agents were aiming for spots that were less deathly, the criminals were firing to kill.

Peter had his gun aimed at one of the perps and was about to fire when suddenly another perp came in line of his vision and kicked the gun out of his hand. Peter quickly recovered and punched the perp in the stomach. The latter doubled over in pain and Peter then hit him hard across his face with a right hook. The perp lost his balance and went down on his knees and Peter quickly produced his set of cuffs and tied his hands behind him. The man glared at Peter but he ignored him.

One for the good guys! He mentally congratulated himself. He then let his eyes roam around the warehouse and saw with satisfaction that his team was winning. He then started to look for his gun. He whirled around and saw it lying a few feet away from him.

He walked towards it and that was when he heard somebody scream.

"NOO!"

Even before he could turn around to check out who had screamed, Peter felt himself being grabbed by the waist and then he was propelled sideways and he felt his feet airborne and then he landed hard on the ground on his side. He lay there in that position and took a few moments to control his breathing. Then he felt something heavy pressing him down. It wasn't too heavy but still Peter could feel the weight enough.

He turned slightly into a more manageable position and saw that a boy was lying across on top of him and he seemed to be unconscious. He gently grabbed the boy's shoulders and laid him on his back.

Peter gasped. He was horrified to see the unconscious boy. The boy was a teenager and seemed to be around 15 and 16. He had a mop of brown curls but that was not what had horrified Peter. Blood was oozing from the boy's temple. His entire left side of the face was covered in blood. Had he been shot? Peter had heard gunshots in the distance but he couldn't tell if a particular gunshot was fired in his direction or if this boy here had taken the bullet for him.

But then he thought about how he was grabbed and thrown to the ground and how this teen was sprawled across him. Yes, definitely the kid had saved him. There was no doubt about it in Peter's mind now. Peter bent down to look closely at the wound. He softly grabbed the teen's chin and rolled his face on his right so that he could look at the gash on his temple on his left side properly.

Peter sighed in relief and sagged to the ground. The bullet had just grazed the temple. It wasn't serious. It was like one of those wounds which just bled more than the actual injury. But then the teen was unconscious and wasn't showing any sign of coming around and that had Peter worried enough.

He quickly pulled out his cell and dialed 911 and gave them the location of the warehouse and also described the condition of the boy. Peter's eyes again roamed around and saw that his team had apprehended most of the criminals. But yes, much to Peter's dislike, more than two of the members of his team were injured in the process.

Agent Diana Berrigan came towards him and spoke, " Boss, we managed to get them but we think that the main perp escaped. "

Peter nodded in satisfaction. At least the entire operation wasn't a failure. " What about Neal Caffrey? You got him? "

Diana shook her head, " No idea Boss, we are taking the lot to the Bureau and are going to interrogate them there and find out if anyone of them is Neal Caffrey. "

Peter nodded again and remained silent. His eyes went unintentionally towards the unconscious kid. Where the hell was that medical team.

"Who's the kid?" She asked in worry at the sight of the bleeding unconscious teenager.

Peter was startled by Diana's voice. He had assumed that she had left him and gone to the van. He rubbed his hand across his face and sighed,

"I have no idea Diana. He just saved me by taking the bullet that was meant for me. The paramedics must be here in any second." Peter paused and then spoke again as an afterthought, "I think he must have been kidnapped and kept here. His parents must be worried sick about him. "

"Yeah, but it's good that we are here now. After he's treated he can go home. "

Peter nodded and he was relieved when he heard sirens approaching in the background. The kid was going to be alright. The paramedics arrived and laid the unconscious teen on the stretcher, inserted an IV and loaded him in the ambulance. The medics carried the injured FBI agents in another ambulance too and took off to a nearest hospital.

Diana took her leave too and promised Peter to report back to him as soon as she got some information on the caught perps. Peter then walked out to his Tauras and also headed to the hospital where the paramedics had taken the teen who had saved his life.

...

Peter reached the hospital in ten minutes. It was snowing softly so he wasn't hindered much by that. He then went in and asked the receptionist about the teen who had been brought there with a gunshot wound. The receptionist told him to wait in the waiting room and that somebody would come soon and meet him and let him know about the boy.

Peter then went and sat in one of those plastic chairs in the waiting room and waited for the doctor. It was pretty chilly in there. Peter wasn't sure if the chill was because of the winter or the thought that boy was unconscious because of him. He laid his head back and closed his eyes. Now that everything was over he was really tired. He really wanted to head home to his lovely wife but he didn't think he could just leave the boy on his own when the kid had risked his life for him.

He pulled out his cell and dailed El's number. His wife answered on 2nd ring.

"Hey hon!"

"Hey El.."

"Don't worry, I haven't made dinner which means I was not expecting you to come home for dinner." El said sensing the hesitation in her husband's voice.

Peter had to smile at that. He knew his wife definitely had made dinner and was waiting for him so that they could spend some time together but for his sakes she denied it.

"Yes.. Actually that's exactly why I called El. I will be late so please don't wait for me. "

"It's okay honey. Busy catching the bad guys? "

"Yeah.. Caught most of them but right now I am in a hospital.."

"Wait.. Hospital?.. Are you hurt honey?" Worry clear in her voice.

"No.. No.. It's not me.. I am fine.." Peter rushed to assure his worried wife.

"Then what are you doing there Peter?"

"Actually.. We had a lead on Neal Caffrey.."

"Of course.. It had to be Neal Caffrey!" El sighed.

"Well.." Peter didn't comment on his wife's comment. If he was obsessed with Neal Caffrey then he was! There was no use denying it.

"Yeah..so we went to the location and then we were met by more criminals than we had anticipated and there was this chaos and then suddenly there was this boy. He pushed me away and took the bullet himself..so I had to be here to ensure that he was okay."

El gasped softly. " How is he doing Peter? How old is the boy?"

"He seemed to be around 15 and 16 , El. But don't worry honey, it's just a flesh wound. I'm sure he's fine." He better be.

"I'm coming over there Peter.. Just message me the address.." And even before Peter could retort El had disconnected the call.

Peter combed his hair with both hands and sighed. He should have known. El had weak spot for kids. She would do anything for them. Maybe it was because they didn't have kids even after all these years of their marriage. No! No use going there. Peter quickly sent the address to his wife and laid back his head and closed his eyes again.

...

Peter was jerked awake by the ringing of his cell. For a few seconds he was confused as to where he was and what was happening. But then he got his bearings back and realized that he was still in the hospital. He must have dozed off. He checked the time and it proved that he had indeed slept but only fifteen minutes had gone by. He fumbled for his cell and answered,

"Burke."

"Peter, we interrogated everyone who we captured." Agent Clinton Jones' voice floated over the phone.

"Good..good.. So did we get who we wanted so badly?" Peter asked rubbing his eyes.

"Um.. Nobody is here who goes by the name Neal Caffrey.."

Peter groaned. Great! Another failed operation. " It's okay Jones. Keep them there. I will talk to them in the morning. "

"Peter.. "

"By the ways did you get to know the name of the kid who saved me? I'm sure his parents are going through hell right now." Peter asked , not having listened to Jones calling his name.

"Yes Peter, we know what the name of the kid is. You are going to be just as shocked as we are."

Peter frowned, " What is the name of the kid? Who is he Jones?"

"Well.. According to everyone who we caught tonight, they all have unanimously agreed that he's Neal..Neal Caffrey."

Peter was stunned by this revelation. That kid who had saved him was the famous Neal Caffrey? The thief, the art forger, the conman! How was that even possible? He's only a kid! How can a kid in this age be a criminal when most teens in his age are going to school, dating and playing baseball!

"Peter..Peter..you there?" Jones voice brought him back to the present. Apparently Jones had thought that Peter had disconnected the call.

"Yes.. I'm here.. You are sure Jones? Are you hundred percent sure that the boy in the OT is Neal Caffrey?"

"Yes Peter..everybody has confirmed that he indeed is Caffrey."

Peter nodded, " Okay Jones.. Good work.. "

Peter really didn't know what else to say to Jones. He was still not able to grasp that they had finally caught Neal Caffrey and the cat and mouse game that the two were playing for God knows how long had finally come to an end.

But if he was being true to himself then he definitely wasn't happy. He always thought that the moment when he caught Neal Caffrey was the moment he treasured for life. But instead he felt cold inside. How was one supposed to arrest a kid? And the kid who had saved his life too? But then another thought crept into his mind. So what if he saved your life? Caffrey was a criminal and you definitely aren't supposed to have a soft spot for him. Peter was surprised by this that he infact had a soft spot for the kid. Maybe it was because he had saved him. Yes, that had to be the reason, Peter forced the thought.

...

When finally the doctor came in to meet him in the waiting room, Peter was still seated in the same position. He was still wrapped up in the fact that they had finally caught Neal Caffrey.

"Hello.. I'm Dr. Colin Grant.." The doctor spoke in a slightly higher tone in order to catch Peter's attention.

Peter was startled from his thoughts and quickly got out of his seat and asked,

"How is he doctor?"

The doctor smiled. He had a kind smile that immediately relaxed Peter.

"He's fine. The bullet had grazed his temple. We have cleaned the wound, stitched it and bandaged it. Though I must say it might leave a scar. "

Peter nodded, " Thank you so much doctor." Peter let out the breath that even he didn't know was holding.

"He's still unconscious. I'm positive that the bullet didn't do any damage internally but because he's unconscious we will have to wait until he wakes up so we can know more about the damage. That is, if there is one."

"Of course doctor."

The doctor faltered. Peter guessed there was something that the doctor wanted to say so he asked,

"Is there anything else doctor?" He asked encouragingly.

"Yes..yes I am afraid there is something I did like to tell you agent Burke."

Peter only nodded and waited for the doctor to continue.

"We have treated the boy for his bullet wound but we also came to know after thorough examination that he's malnourished too. It seems that he hasn't eaten properly in more than a week. His sugar levels were very low."

Peter gasped in disbelief, " What? .. "

"Yes.. We have started giving him the necessary fluids. I am sure they will improve his condition immediately."

"Thanks doctor. I actually didn't know anything about it. Actually he's.. He's a criminal and I just.."

"I understand.. " The doctor smiled. " There is another thing that I did like to draw your attention to. "

"Yeah.. Of course doctor, what is it?"

" There are marks on his body that shows that he was abused. Some are fresh while the others have faded but are still there."

Peter was stunned to hear this. Not only was the famous criminal a kid but he was abused too. What was the mystery behind the kid?

"Now since you are an FBI agent Mr. Burke, I did like you to investigate about this. Whoever is behind these definitely should be behind bars. He is after all just a kid." The doctor continued after he didn't get any answer from the Agent.

Peter nodded numbly. But then another thought horrified him. He had to know.

"Was he.. Um was he.." Peter just couldn't continue but the doctor seemed to understand his dilemma and spoke,

"No.. Agent Burke, he was not abused sexually." The doctor assured him.

Peter sagged in relief. He didn't know why but he just wanted the kid to be safe. He wanted to protect him from the entire world. The feeling was so strong that it took his breath away.

"Thank you, thank you doctor! "

The doctor smiled once again. " we are shifting him in a private room in a few minutes. A nurse will come and let you know about it and then you can see him."

Peter nodded.

...

Peter Burke entered the room where Neal Caffrey was kept in as soon as the nurse told him that the patient was awake. Upon entering the room his eyes locked into the bluest eyes he had ever seen. Even El didn't have such brilliant shade of blue eyes. The kid himself looked like an epitome of innocence. Peter suppressed the urge to roll his eyes. If anything Neal Caffrey was definitely not innocent.

Neal was wearing the hospital gown and had bandage on his temple. The kid looked very young like this. But there was this charm in his face that Peter was unconsciously drawn towards the kid.

He instinctively smiled at the kid. The kid seemed to be alert but he didn't return the smile.

He padded towards the boy until he was only a foot away from him.

"How are you feeling kid?" Neal didn't reply.

"So we finally meet." Peter said after a few seconds of silence.

The boy kept staring at him and didn't respond in any other way.

" I never thought that I'd be able to catch you. But you proved me wrong. The famous Neal Caffrey finally apprehended by the FBI." Peter went on undeterred and he gestured with his hand that he was talking about the kid himself.

The kid stared long. Peter was getting frustrated by this. He ran a hand through his hair. He was about to speak again but then the kid spoke,

"My name is Neal? " he had this look like he was confused as hell.

Peter scoffed at the kid. He sure was one hell of a conman. "Yes you are Neal ..Neal Caffrey."

Neal screwed his face in confusion and remained silent. Peter rolled his eyes. The kid sure could win an oscar for his performance.

"Alright, Caffrey. Admit it that your name is Neal. All your fellow criminals have already admitted that."

"Criminals? " Neal's eyes widened. " I am a criminal? ..but..but I don't remember anything." He said in a scared tone.

"You can't fool me Caffrey. You are a conman and have conned many in your life but just give it up. No use acting like you actually don't remember anything." Peter replied with a shake of his head.

"I swear.. I swear.. I don't remember anything. Is Neal really my name? Am I a criminal? What crimes did I commit?" He asked and then his eyebrows shot up so high that they disappeared beneath his mop of brown curls.

"Did I kill anybody?" He was shaking now and Peter was starting to think that the kid wasn't acting after all and so he was really worried now and he immediately pressed the call button and waited for the doctor.

...

Dr. Colin Grant came inside and immediately took Neal for thorough examination of his head to access the damage done by the bullet after Peter told him that Neal didn't remember anything, not even his name.

The doctor had asked Neal various questions and Neal had answered them correctly but they were all general questions. When asked any personal question his face had gone blank. He had trembled like a leaf in the stormy weather.

The doctor had then decided to go for MRI to know the exact condition of Neal. Peter was left alone in the room and had been asked to wait for the answers.

That had been an hour ago and now Peter was getting antsy. He had called El to know where was she as she hadn't yet come to the hospital. El had told him that she was stuck in the traffic because of the snow. Peter had then asked El to be more careful on the road. He now just wanted to know how was Caffrey doing.

...

Neal was wheeled back into the room and the doctor had followed him. Neal was propped on the bed in a sitting position. He still had that blank confused and terrified look on his face. Peter found it hard to look away from the kid but he somehow managed and turned to the doctor expectantly.

The doctor sighed and spoke,

"It seems Agent Burke that Mr. Caffrey here is suffering from amnesia."

Peter's eyes widened and it was a miracle that they didn't pop out of his head. "What?" He turned back to Neal who was looking like a lost puppy.

"Agent Burke, the MRI scan has reported nothing but the brain is a complicated organ of the body. Nobody can be sure how it works. But at present I am pretty sure that Neal is suffering from amnesia because of the bullet to his head. "

Peter only blinked in shock!

...

So this is it. Hope you liked the first chapter. Should I continue? Do review and let me know :-)