(Chapter 2)
Neal barely slept, pacing his apartment on the terrace, staring out across at the city lights and thinking about what he had seen and heard. Peter and he had talked a long time until it was time for Neal to go home and El had called to say they had finished up with the "party" and cleaned up. Sara had gone home as had Diana and Jones. It was only June, Mozzie and El left when they arrived, the agent giving a weary good-night and thanks to June as they headed home. Neal walked them out, standing by the door and watching them drive off as Mozzie sidled up beside him.
"That bad?"
Mozzie's tone was quiet, almost reverent and apologetic as Neal gave his friend a slight nod of his head and finally closed the door. June was busying herself with things, getting ready for bed but obviously watching them with worried looks. She had left a pot of coffee with some left over cake on a tray on the table, Neal moving over to see what was left of the kitty with the anklet. Only one orange leg with the frosting anklet remained, green dot for the tracking light catching his eye. Hang in there. That's what it had said. Neal sighed, taking the piece of rum filled pastry, alcohol evident when he moved it near his nose and sniffed. Elizabeth had been true to her word and he needed something to make him feel better. Mozzie watched him in silence, taking the tray of coffee and cake with him as they trekked up to Neal's room and slipped inside.
"I don't think coffee is going to do it for me, Neal. Mind if I have some wine?"
He blinked, turning as his friend seemed to be waiting permission to drink where he never did before. He smiled slightly and nodded, taking the cake out to the terrace with him. The wind was stronger than it had been earlier that evening, whipping at his clothes and hair as he continued to hold the small paper plate with the slice of one of his possible futures in his hand. There had been a moment when he thought the flowery cake might be his fate but then it didn't matter. He wanted to stay, the kitty with the anklet more than apparent. Now... perhaps that third cake said it more eloquently than most with nothing more than frosting on it and no words at all. There were no words to describe what fate had in store if Kramer got his way. He would go to prison if he had to rather than work with Peter's former mentor. It was obvious the man cared nothing for his so called "friend." Neal felt sorry that Peter had to see what a horrible nightmare his mentor could turn into. He had seen it with Vincent Adler and now his partner saw it for himself.
He took a small bite of the cake but it was too sweet with the amount of rum they'd added. He walked back inside and threw it into the trash, grabbing up a glass of wine and joining Mozzie on the sofa.
"Lollana is still waiting if things don't..."
Neal turned and nodded, the little hula girl statue on the coffee table bobbing slightly. His first instinct since he'd left home at 18 was to run when things went bad but now... now he wanted to stay. He had a family here and a real home. They'd find a way. Peter...
"I'm not running, Mozz. Not anymore."
That's what he had told his friend some hours ago, the little con man now asleep on the sofa. Neal walked over and lay a blanket on his friend as he moved back over to his own bed and sat down. Something buzzed quietly on the nightstand, his eyes moving over to see his cell blinking softly. Neal picked it up and gazed at the text on the screen:
Peter: You awake?
Neal didn't know what to say, stepping back out onto the terrace in the early morning light. His future seemed so uncertain at the moment but he felt he had made the right choice by not leaving in haste. After what seemed minutes he finally texted back.
Neal: Yeah. Did you sleep?
Peter: Not a wink. You?
Neal: Same.
There was a moment of silence as the texts stopped and Neal worried a moment. What was his friend thinking? Finally the cell buzzed in his hand and the light flickered up at him in the dimly lit room as he read the new message.
Peter: We'll figure this out. Trust me.
()()()
Peter sent the last text, his mind exhausted from lack of sleep and yet still active enough from stress worrying over the previous day's events. Kramer was determined to take his friend away and there seemed to be nothing he could do about it.
"Hun? What are you doing down here so early in the morning? I thought you were off today."
Elizabeth came down the stairs quietly, sitting next to him on the sofa in the dimly lit room. A hint of early morning sun rose over the buildings outside, the sky a gloomy grayish blue.
"Couldn't sleep. Did I wake you?"
He hugged her close, wrapping an arm around her as she leaned her head on his shoulder and shook her head.
"No. I woke up and you weren't there. Were you texting with Neal?"
She was astute as always, Peter smiling at her as they kissed and he nodded.
"He didn't sleep either. I... just can't understand Kramer's thinking! I don't know him anymore, El. Maybe I never did."
Peter lay his head on her shoulder, his wife holding his close as she stroked his hair and he started to calm a bit.
"He won't win, Peter. Neal belongs with us. We're his family."
Elizabeth sounded so adamant but deep in his heart he knew this would not turn out well for any of them.
()()()
The board didn't call until after 10 AM but everyone had been preparing for the call for hours. Neal had showed up at the Burke doorstep around 9 AM his face slightly pale, eyes tinged with red despite the usual mask of confidence on his face. The con looked like he hadn't slept a wink but Peter was certain he looked the same as they sat on the sofa and pretended everything was normal for the moment. El fixed them a light breakfast of fruit, oatmeal and toast they all shared while chatting lightly and trying not to think of what was to come.
"Burke... yes... No, Ma'am. Yes... I understand. Of course. Thank you."
Peter had finished with his call when Neal's phone rang and the younger man took it in their presence.
"This is he."
Neal was quiet, nodding his head slightly but not speaking as he listened to someone on the other end. Finally he spoke.
"I understand. Thank you."
He hung up the cell, dropping it to the coffee table beside a blue plate with crusts, his face a slight bit paler. El looked worried and Peter reached out to squeeze his shoulder with his hand in a gentle manner. Neal finally looked up at them both and shuddered slightly.
"The... The Marshals will be here to pick me up."
The normally cool con was anything but as he stared at his friend, eyes looking for solace and seeing the same reflected back.
"I'll have Jones go with you. Let me call him now."
Peter stood up and moved aside long enough to make the call to Hughes and call in his favor. Neal watched and saw that perhaps they didn't have the IN they had hoped for. Peter hung up the cell and gripped it almost white knuckled as he stood there, back to them. El put an arm around Neal, hugging him close as they waited for what the agent had to say.
"Hughes said he would try but Kramer requested one of his agents to watch you. White Collar isn't invited to the meeting."
The agent looked pissed if nothing else, hand still holding the phone as if he might crush it in his grip. El stood and moved over to remove the phone from his hand and they left Neal alone as they walked into the kitchen out of sight. He could just hear their voices talking softly, the subject him and his future. Neal couldn't stand it anymore, going to the front door to take a step outside and get some air. He had barely opened the door when he saw the blue shirt and khaki pants of a Marshal standing there, hand poised as if they were about to knock. The man gave him a quick once over before reaching back for a pair of cuffs. Neal felt the panic of his past, that urge to just shove the man out of the way and run for it but footsteps approached as Peter and El moved towards them. There was that look, like parents seeing their child taken away from them as he slowly held out his wrists and let the marshal put the metal shackles on them. Peter started to move towards him but Neal shook his head, following the man in the blue shirt as the door closed and he was taken away.
Neal looked up as they closed the door of the SUV, locking him in the back of the vehicle. Peter stood in the doorway now, El at his side as they watched the vehicle drive away until soon they were nothing more than distant indistinct shapes. He closed his eyes and leaned tiredly against the door, emotions threatening to overcome him but he had told Mozzie and everyone else he wasn't going to run and he meant it.
()()()
Peter wanted to move forward, jump into the vehicle with his friend but he couldn't. Hughes had told him he was banned from the meeting today. Kramer had found a way to keep them out of the negotiations, their role apparently done by the commutation board's standards. He sighed, moving out of the house and down the steps as El looked worried at him.
"Hun?"
He looked up at her as he reached the bottom of the steps and she nodded in silence letting him go as he went to take a long walk with his thoughts. Peter thought about those first days after he had initially freed Neal into his custody. The young man was going to run, he had been playing him as a mark but Peter had just let it be to see just how far Caffrey would go. The agent had been upset when he found him in his house but also relieved. After the initial shock and a long talk with his wife later that day it was revealed that maybe Neal and El meeting wasn't as bad as he thought. Neal took to her and El to him, his wife an almost grounding presence as time passed. It seemed Neal might stay after all.
Peter took out his cell, dialing a number and pushing it to his ear.
"Burke... no we're not. Do you know where? Meet me there. 1 hour. Thanks."
It had been Diana he called, his go to agent wondering about today's hearing and surprised he hadn't gone. She told him where it was being held having overheard Kramer in passing. Even if he wasn't supposed to be there in an "official" capacity, Peter should at least show up to give Neal a show of support. He headed home with a bit more jump in his step.
()()()
Neal was taken from the SUV once they reached what appeared to be the Bureau offices. He was surprised for a moment, curious why he was brought here if Peter wasn't allowed in. He saw Hughes outside watching, talking to a marshal that gave him a brush off despite his seniority. Kramer was no where to be seen at the moment as they led him inside the building and up to the 4th floor. There was a holding cell he was taken to, the door shut and an obvious two-way glass on one end. What was Kramer playing at? The con sat with his back to the glass, feet up on the table casually despite his lack of confidence in the situation. He could at least pretend to be his usual suave self if nothing else.
After about 10 minutes of his back to the glass and nothing else, he heard voices outside and the door opened. Neal didn't move, glancing up as if someone were disturbing him in his home as Kramer walked in. The door was shut behind the agent as he stood there staring almost incredulously at the con. Neal wouldn't give him the benefit, turning back to what he had been doing which was nothing really. After a few moments of silent treatment, Kramer slammed his hand on the table. Neal jumped only slightly, glaring up at the man who suddenly smiled coldly down at him.
"Enough games Caffrey. The board has decided to give you a choice: You can come with me to D.C. or stay here and return to prison for the rest of your life. Choose wisely, Neal."
Kramer was smiling at him like a tiger that knew it's prey couldn't get away from it but little did he know what price Neal was willing to take for his friends and family.
"I always did like orange. When do I head back?"
He gave the man a blank innocent stare with only a hint of smile, enough that Kramer looked about to explode. The man didn't say anything else as he left the room, door slamming behind him. Once he was gone the con smiled broadly despite his choice. He would never betray Peter to work for someone as devious as Phillip Kramer. Maybe he could have an appeal before the board once Kramer left for D.C. again. He thought about the possibilities when he heard the door opening again and saw a marshal standing there. The man made a motion, taking Neal to another room, one that didn't have a mirror and seemed more for solitary confinement than anything. They left him alone for a few minutes still cuffed when the door finally opened again and Kramer stood there once more. He was getting tired of the man's persistence.
"I told the board that you were still trying to make up your mind."
His tone held some menace and subterfuge that made Neal looked up at the man curious to know why he would have said that.
"I already gave you my answer."
His tone made the agent scowl before that cold smile appeared and a tablet was pushed in front of him. There was a still photo on the screen, a play button evident.
"I think this might change your mind, Mr. Caffrey."
Neal wasn't sure what to say, looking down at the blurry image of a military truck. Despite the encumbrance of the cuffs he pushed the play button and watched as the surveillance footage played. It showed two men in military clothes getting out of a truck and walking up to a man from NYPD. One was evident on the film as Neal's eyes widened and he gazed up at the agent. Kramer was absolutely grinning ear to ear now, no soul in his eyes. The man had him now and there was nothing he could do about it.
"Who else has seen this?"
He had to know if this was a trap or something else. Kramer took up the tablet and smirked back.
"No one but you and me, Neal. It can stay that way if you come to D.C. with me."
Neal thought back to that day, rescuing Elizabeth and fighting Keller to do so. He had given up so much for his friends and family and willing to do so much more he hadn't been able to when Keller had taken the blame for Adler and the treasure. Kramer had found the one thing that could not only destroy himself but those he cared most about. He hung his head down, shoulders slumped as he nodded.
"How do I know you won't post it any way?"
He wanted to be sure of Kramer's intentions and suddenly it was all so very clear as he looked up at the man.
"Oh, I don't want to hurt Peter. I was being honest when I said I didn't want you to tarnish his image. He did this because you tricked him into thinking you cared. I just need you to do for me what you've helped Burke with. Simple terms and this goes away."
The man was smiling broadly and it scared him but he was stuck between the proverbial rock and a hard place with nothing to get him out but his own sacrifice.
"Fine..."
He felt as if he had just signed a deal with the devil, which is exactly what he had done. Neal was in deep and it seemed he would never have that happy ending he had hoped for. His past would always come in and ruin things even for those he cared most for. Kramer clapped his hands together in excitement, moving close to pat him on the shoulder when he glared up at the man and he stopped.
"Shall we go tell the board of your decision or do I give them an eyeful?"
()()()
Peter showed up at the Bureau offices, Diana already upstairs waiting without appearing to do so as he entered the White Collar division. He knew Kramer had Neal on the 4th floor but would play his cards carefully to get to that point. Hughes was looking over at him from his office, giving him a two finger wave as he approached the stairs and walked up them.
"You're not supposed to be here..."
Reese didn't look or sound angry, only curious. He obviously knew that Peter was aware of the situation below them as he motioned for him to close the office door and sit.
"The board said they would phone with the decision. My friend said it sounds like Kramer was more convincing than we thought."
Peter tried not to react to the news but it was hard not to. Neal had agreed to go with Kramer? Something stunk.
"Neal wouldn't work with Kramer. I know him. He told me he'd rather go to prison. There's something else at play here, Reese. You know it."
He was going to say more but his boss held up a hand and shook his head.
"I'm sorry, Peter. If Caffrey told them he would work in D.C. then they have no other choice than to offer that plea under consideration. Kramer is well known and established as a pillar there. He will win."
Reese would have said more but the phone rang and he held up a hand as he answered it.
"Hughes... yes... he did? Thank you for the update."
He hung up the phone, Peter waiting for the news. It was more than obvious what it was going to be.
"It's official. Caffrey will be working with Kramer now. I'm sorry Peter but he's made his choice."
()()()
It wasn't until two days later that Peter was allowed to visit with Neal. The young man was under guard in a safe house, June upset that an agent had been sent to retrieve all of his things. Mozzie had been there and nearly arrested trying to keep them from taking his friend's possessions. Now that he could see his former partner and friend, he saw the bags under Neal's eyes and stress in his usually cool manner.
"Peter... I didn't expect to see you. Kramer told me we're leaving tomorrow."
His voice hitched slightly on the last two words, an obvious hint to his emotional state of mind he was trying to hard to hide as they chit-chatted before several agents guarding him. They were given no privacy.
"Tomorrow? I heard that he packed up your possessions already. June said she'll miss you."
He hated to add anything else to the young man's plate but when he saw the change in expression, quick as it was, he knew that Neal wasn't going of his own free will. Kramer had threatened him and if they were alone he could possibly ask how.
"I needed a change... It's for the best."
()()()
Peter went home after an hour, the agents sending him away despite his need and want to chat with his friend and soon to be ex-partner. Neal had done his best to be cheerful but it was obvious that the con was wanting to talk to him too but their audience made that impossible.
"Hun?"
He looked up finally from his thoughts and the plate that held the same sandwich El had given him over 30 minutes ago. Peter blinked, sighing and feeling his cheeks flush.
"Sorry. I guess my mind is elsewhere right now."
Elizabeth took his words with a smile, moving to hug him as she kissed his cheek and held him from behind.
"It's ok. You're worried about Neal. Why don't you rest and we can eat later."
They kissed as he rose and nodded back, hugging her close and glad she was with him. He had told her about Neal leaving with Kramer, El just as devastated as he had been but hiding it by fixing them a nice lunch. It had failed to a point, his mind still chewing over what he had been told by Reese and his visit brief as it was with Neal himself.
"I think... I'll walk Satchmo."
El nodded understanding he needed some air as he took the dog, clipped on the lead and they took off. Peter walked the block without really thinking about much of anything. His mind wandered through his gloomy thoughts and losing someone he and his wife cared so much about. Neal had made a big difference in their lives and his friendship meant more than he thought it could, considering their shaky start. Several memories came to mind, especially ones that included the young man having his back, his life saved by Neal when it may have been lost otherwise. If anything he could thank his friend for getting him back to his wife more than once. He pulled out his cell and made a quick call, hoping it would be what he expected.
"Burke... Yes sir. Reese... I need to ask you a favor."
()()()
It was early the next morning when Neal woke to the soft buzzing of his cell under his pillow. He had kept it hidden up until now, Kramer's men watching his every move. He glanced down at the message seeing it was from Peter. A smile curled at his lips as he stayed hidden under his blankets in his temporary room and answered back.
Peter: I'll be there to see you off. Hughes got approval but it will only be me.
Neal: Really? I was hoping... Tell Elizabeth I'll miss her.
Peter: She knows and she misses you back.
Neal was going to text again when he heard his door opening. It was 5 am and he still had a few hours before he was going to take off. He acted like he was just sleeping when a hand gently shook him. Neal pretended to rouse, gazing up with squinting eyes at the man looking down at him. His name was Agent Darrison, but he knew little else about the man.
"Change of plans. Kramer says we're leaving in one hour. Get dressed and packed."
The man barely gave him time to register what was said, a horrible thought coming over him. Why was Kramer changing their plans so suddenly? The door shut and he pulled out his cell, quickly texting Peter.
Neal: Something's wrong. Kramer is having me leave in 1 hour.
He held the cell, waiting for a reply for what felt hours but was mere minutes when the phone buzzed again.
Peter: What? I'll be there. Don't worry.
Neal: Thanks.
He hid his phone again, under the pillows as he got up and went to the adjoining bathroom. Neal had slept little if any, worried nobody would be there to see him off. Kramer had made it clear he was going to isolate him from everyone if he had to threaten him with posting that video as evidence again Peter. The man acted as if he cared for his former protege' but it was obvious he only cared for himself and his own career. It stunk but Neal was trapped and he wouldn't be the cause for Peter's career ending if he had to be enslaved to D.C. art crimes until Kramer fell over from natural causes. It would be worth it.
()()()
It was just after 6 AM when they reached the hanger, one that reminded Neal of the one he had almost left Peter in the beginning. A flash of memory of fire and flames made him hesitate leaving the SUV that Kramer had hired to take them to the airport. He wasn't cuffed this time but he was sitting between two agents so he had little choice if he wanted to run. Kramer was in the front of the vehicle, peering back off and on with a slight sneer on his face as he ignored the con and spoke to his cohorts in the front of the car. Neal tried not to think about where he was going or who with until he heard a curse from the front of the vehicle and perked up to see what was wrong. The SUV was pulling up as another vehicle and person standing outside waited for them. It took the young man a moment to figure out who it was as a smile curled his lips.
"Dammit... How did he find out we changed the time?"
Kramer turned to look at Neal who had changed his expression to a less happy expression, eyes averted downward. The agent gave him a curious raise of his brow but then turned back to the front, hissing in low tones to the others as Neal felt a relief at seeing his friend outside. It was the least he thought he deserved to say good-bye to the one person who might still believe in him. He needed that if he was going to do this. He felt the vehicle finally roll to a stop, Peter's face evident outside near the hanger entrance as they started to exit.
"Agent Burke..."
Neal was surprised he didn't call Peter by his first name. It was obvious despite the forced smile that Kramer had hoped to keep the two men apart. Now that he had failed he motioned back towards the con with a slight scowl, keeping the smile too firmly in place as he pointed at the plane.
"We haven't much time, Petey. Keep it short. I have a time-table."
Kramer didn't ask how the agent knew they were there much less how he had figured out they were leaving earlier than planned. He probably suspected Hughes or Diana at worse, they were on the inside still far as Neal knew but for now he was glad to have a few minutes alone with Peter. Kramer walked away, the agents following at his command although two stayed nearby but out of earshot. There was a moment of uncomfortable silence before Peter reached out and patted him on the shoulder. Neal looked up into watery brown eyes.
"I promised Elizabeth I wouldn't ask..."
Peter paused, his voice quavering a bit but he was obviously upset at Neal choosing Kramer over him. It didn't help he had acted as if he wanted to go the other day but it had been show for the agents present. The last thing he wanted to do what alienate himself from his friends and new found family.
"Don't... Peter. I told you it was for the best and I meant it. Leave it alone."
His tone held no threat but Peter blinked back as if to ask with his eyes what Kramer held over him. Neal wouldn't tell although he hoped one day he could. Maybe he could steal the evidence and destroy it but for now he had to do as the senior agent asked. It was for the best in that case. Peter gave a slight nod of his head as if to say he would let it go for now, both hands reaching out to touch the younger man's shoulders. Peter squeezed them gently then suddenly he was being held. He wrapped his arms around his friend, no audience stopping them from showing how much the other meant for once. They were family. Family hugged.
"El... El sends you her best."
It was quick but gentle, the agent's words tickling his ear as Peter gently kissed him briefly upon the cheek before pulling away. There was a flush to the man's cheeks but it wasn't from embarrassment. Neal felt his own cheeks reddening some but again, it was emotions running high more than anything and the fact his friend had given him that gift despite his trouble at showing emotions was more than he had expected. They were men but they were going to skip that excuse today.
"Tell her... thanks."
Peter smiled lopsidedly, still keeping a hold on his shoulders until the two agents waiting moved a bit closer. It was time. Kramer peered out the window at them, an annoyed look on his face as he tapped his watch. Despite the nightmare of what happened to Kate, Neal started to imagine horrible things with flames and planes but shook it away as the imagery became too real. Kramer was a horrible person but he deserved to get what he had coming through the law. There had to be a way out and hopefully, they would find it. Peter nodded as if reading his thoughts.
"I'll keep working on things here. You'll come back to us, Neal. You belong here."
Neal smiled at him despite himself wanting to believe it as they gave a quick half hug and the agent whispered: "Call me if you need anything." They pulled away, both men trying to act as if they'd see each other again soon but Neal knew in his heart it might be a while before he ever saw his friend's face again. Any of his friends.
oOoOoOo
Author's Note: Finally got this how I wanted it. More to come of course but now you see the lengths Kramer goes and how much Peter truly cares. And no that wasn't meant to be slashy. I figured... well Tim Dekay is always kissy huggy on the set and such it would be fun to add that in as an honest emotion, no strings attached.