(Chapter 3)
Peter and Neal sat in the park again drinking the smoothies and talking before the agent looked down at his watch and thought maybe he should go home. He had already let Elizabeth know where he was but the pain in his jaw was still bothering him as was his fixed tooth. It was only three or so days since the incident so he dropped Neal off at June's to find Mozzie answering the door.
"Mozz... what are you doing here? Wait, don't tell me..."
The little guy just shrugged as he looked between him and Neal.
"I'm glad to see you're feeling more yourself, Suit. I have a dentist friend if you're interested a less non-invasive means of dentistry. I could scan you for bugs..."
Neal blushed, putting a hand over Mozzie's mouth.
"Did you need me to go with you again tomorrow, Peter? I don't mind. Just call me, ok?"
Peter could tell Neal was worried about him and nodded as he said good-bye to them both and left. It puzzled him a bit why the young man was so concerned with his well-being but at the same time it didn't. They had become good friends since their unlikely partnership and it was usually Peter worrying about Neal so maybe that's why it felt so strange. He shrugged at the thought as he slid into his car and started it up. His phone rang almost immediately, piped through on the dash of the Taurus. It read "Markson-Aaronson Clinic" when he looked at the screen. He picked up.
"Peter Burke."
There was a slight hesitation then the crisp professional voice of the receptionist, what was her name?
"Mr. Burke? This is Ingrid, Dr. Markson's receptionist at the clinic. He wanted me to remind you of your appointment tomorrow. It's at 9 am."
Peter nodded at the dash.
"Thank you for the reminder, Ingrid. I'll be there."
She gave him crisp good day and they hung up as Peter parked in front of his home. El was inside when he entered sitting on the couch napping with Satchmo curled up on the floor beside the sofa. He tiptoed inside, slipping off his shoes quietly and removing his coat. He gently crept over and leaned down to kiss her on the lips. Her eyes fluttered open as she kissed him back.
"Hey... Must have dozed off there a moment. How are you feeling, Peter?"
She sat up and made room for him on the sofa as he leaned tiredly against her, El's fingers brushing at his hair as he closed his eyes and relaxed.
"You seem to be feeling better. How is everything?"
He knew she was fishing for things but he let her.
"The usual. When I dropped Neal off at June's, Mozzie offered to recommend a dentist friend of his and scan me for bugs." He looked up at her and made a face. She smirked and continued to gently brush at his hair with her fingers.
"He means well, you know that. Anything new with Neal?"
Peter shook his head as he leaned against her and started to feel himself dozing off a bit.
"The... usual. He seems to hate my new dentist or something. Can't say I blame Neal but I think it's Mozzie rubbing off on him. We also have a new case at work."
His eyes were closing, Peter slumping back against the sofa as El moved away and let him lie across the top. He felt her stand and gently kiss him on the forehead as he started to doze off.
"Sleep honey and I'll have some dinner for you when you get up."
Peter nodded sleepily as he felt himself drift off into the darkness.
Agent Burke...
Agent Burke...
Someone was talking to him as he opened his eyes or thought he did and peered up into a bright light. It flickered oddly as he squinted against it but found where he could close his eyes he couldn't move his head.
I believe he's under. Now... we want as much information as we can get about Agent Ruiz and his habits. We want to get as close to Nelson Angelos as we can. Do you have the delivery man paid off? Ok. Thanks Roberto. Now I have to actually fix his tooth enough so it looks believable. Yes and come Friday. I'm certain he'll move his appointment up. These pills won't do much more than mask the pain enough to make him want to come back immediately.
Someone continued to talk as he stared up into the light and could see little else. His head was trapped in place and his body was strapped down when he tried to move. He heard the tapping of someone on a phone and more talking.
Ingrid, mark these names in red: Nelson Angelos and Peter Burke. Yes. Thanks.
Peter tried to figure out who was talking. It was important but he was fading away as a figure loomed over him with something shiny in their hand and he faded into the darkness again.
When he woke up he was standing in his kitchen as he had the other night but couldn't remember how he got there. He heard a sound upstairs and moved away from the sound as he opened up the basement door near the pantry. He made his way quietly down the stairs, stopping at the bottom and looked around.
We can't let him talk. He needs to disappear. Snitches don't deserve to live.
Peter turned but nobody was there as he tried to figure out who was talking to him.
Roberto, yes... We'll have an in. Don't worry. Agent Burke is going to help us.
Peter turned again and this time he found a figure laying on the ground in a heap beneath the stairs. There was a pool of blood around them as he approached, crouched nearby as he rolled them over and nearly screamed.
"Neal? No... Neal..."
He looked down to find a gun in his hand and saw the figure had a hole between their eyes. He dropped the gun and moved away, his back against the wall as he slid to a sitting position and stared in shock.
"Peter? Honey? Where did he go?"
He looked at the gun and the figure and then up at the top of the stairs where the door was opening up. She would see and he... he didn't remember what happened. How...
Peter stood up quickly ready to have her call 9-1-1 if he had to turn himself in but how... had this happened? He moved to the stairs and started up as if to block her view.
"Peter... why are you in the basement?"
She started down and saw his expression and his eyes moving downward and El's eyes widened.
"Not Satchmo again? I thought we closed the door so he wouldn't hurt himself on the stairs again! Honey..." El looked worried then calmed when she saw nothing there where he was looking, a confused look on her face and his as he looked and saw nothing where Neal had been.
"Honey... you had me scared."
She turned and saw the huge lab looking down warily at them from the top. El grabbed Peter's arm and looked at him curiously as they went back upstairs together. He looked back remembering what he saw and wondering what hallucination this was as they reached the top and closed the door.
"Peter... you look like you saw a ghost. Are you ok? I looked all over the house for you when you weren't on the sofa. I only went upstairs for a moment. Were you looking for me? Honey?"
He started to shake his head then stopped and nodded.
"I... I don't know what's going on. I just woke up and I was here. I didn't... I thought you'd worry more if I told you. I'm so sorry for scaring you El."
Peter held her close to him and she wrapped him in her arms pushing him to arms length after a few minutes.
"Honey, if you're sleep walking then we have to let the dentist know. Maybe it's the drugs he's giving you. You have been a bit out of it. I've been worrying about you driving to work. I'll take you to the dentist tomorrow, ok? I can reschedule tomorrows meeting."
She look worried if not frightened but he shook his head.
"I'm fine. I can have Neal go with me again. Go to your meeting."
El looked about to protest but then nodded.
"Ok, if that's what you want Peter. Just be careful and take a cab. Tell Dr. Markson those pills are making you feel odd. Maybe he can give you something less potent."
She hugged him close and kissed him gently on the lips before drawing him to the sofa again.
"Sit Peter and I'll bring you something to eat. I was heating up some soup and the last of the dumplings."
()()()
Peter got little sleep when they finally went to bed. He tossed and turned and finally got up with El asleep and went downstairs to watch TV. There was some old movie, Dark Corner. He watched it till he must have dozed off and someone shook him. It was El.
"Honey, what are you doing down here? Come back to bed."
He nodded as he let his wife pull him up to his feet and they walked up arm in arm up the stairs. It was just after 3 am and he had a few hours before the appointment. This time he was able to sleep, El keeping her arms around him as she gently brushed at his hair and he slept quietly. He had no dreams and woke up around 7 am to get ready for his appointment. El had already called Neal and let him know to come by. Peter thanked her as he finished dressing and worked on eating his oatmeal.
Neal showed up just before 8, taxi waiting for them outside.
"Ready?"
The young man was being awfully polite and he saw the look between his wife and the younger man realizing they must have talked about more than just escorting him to the dentist. He didn't mind for once waiting till after he'd kissed and hugged his wife good-bye and entered the cab to turn to his partner.
"El told you?"
He said it plainly and slowly the con nodded, his blue eyes turning to look at him worriedly.
"Sleepwalking isn't something to mess with Peter. Trust me, I almost walked off a 5 story roof once thinking I was boarding the Eurorail in my dream. It was all Alex could do to stop me and wake me up."
Peter blinked, nodding at the story. Neal looked worried about him and it was a good feeling.
"Thanks, Neal... for coming with me."
Neal smiled softly at him.
"No problem. I'll hold your hand too if you like in the office."
Peter blinked but saw the smirk and sighed with a light growl.
"Don't make me drop you off here, Caffrey."
()()()
The office was as posh and overtly expensive in its appearance as they entered through the front sliding doors. The carpet was plush under their shoes as they entered and Peter took the lead this time. Ingrid was behind the desk along with a young man in blue scrubs they could only guess was a hygienist or assistant. The young woman smiled up at them her eyes on Peter as she stood and spoke.
"Mr. Burke, so glad to see you again. Just follow Roberto here to the back. Dr. Markson will be with you soon."
She glanced at Neal briefly making a motion for him to go to the waiting area as Peter nodded and followed the man in scrubs. The man walked somewhat bow legged with a slight limp, a tough look to him he wouldn't think would befit a hygienist but what did he know about dentists? He just followed the man to the same room as last time, sliding into the same chair.
"Please, Mr. Burke. Be comfortable."
The man had a thick Brooklyn accent that made him think of Keller for some odd reason. He shook it off and lay back in the chair as the hygienist lowered the chair till Peter was almost on his back in the seat.
Roberto placed the paper bib around his neck and turned on the light over his head. It flickered oddly making him blink a few times as he felt himself slump back further against the seat and relax. Roberto was a blur now as the man spoke but the voice barely penetrated past the flickering light. At some point Dr. Markson showed and he took the same pill as last time.
"Relax, Agent Burke. Stare at the lights and talk to me."
Peter felt the pill start to make his body feel heavy as Roberto busied himself around him and he was only vaguely aware that they had strapped him down again, his head secured and the syringe tapped where he could see it. He was supposed to tell Markson something... what was it?
"Tooth hurts... pills... pills too... strong."
He could barely talk but he watched the blurry face of Markson nod.
"That's nice. Now, tell me what you know about Nelson Angelos."
Peter felt his mouth open as all the thoughts he had on the topic rushed like a river to the surface.
"Safe house... he's under watch. Ruiz asked me to... help out."
He sensed a smile on the man's face, Markson's tone amused if not happy.
"Good good... tell me if you can see him. Give my friend here an in. Nelson has a very bad cavity. I've been treating him. Roberto wants to help end his pain. If you help... I can end your pain."
Peter blinked but felt his head nod.
"Ok..."
Peter felt his head grow heavier as Markson leaned over him with goggles, face mask and gloves now.
"Good good... let me look at that tooth. I think your next dose will be a bit higher but you'll have to come back once Robert sees Mr. Angelos. I'll have a surprise for you."
Peter nodded slightly although his body was secured, eyes closing as he lay there and felt the dentist work on his tooth.
"Mr. Burke... Mr. Burke..."
Peter came to to find Roberto gone and Dr. Markson looking at him with a smile.
"How do your feel? We're done."
Peter blinked looking around and feeling a bit less spacey than the last time but still very relaxed. His mind felt somewhat blank.
"Jaw doesn't hurt so much. What did you do?"
He saw the dentist smiling as he stood and led him to the door.
"I numbed the nerve a bit. Should help for now and I've given you a different dosage for your pain medication. I guess the last one was too heavy? Just take it like the last one. No more than 6 a day."
Peter nodded as the doctor handed him the bottle of pills and continued to smile at him as they walked down the hall. He felt a bit dizzy but not so much as last time as he entered the lobby and found Neal waiting for him. The young man was sitting in the seat slumped, eyes shut with his hat over his face. Next to him sat a paper cup with what smelled like coffee as he neared.
"Looks like your friend fell asleep waiting for you. I'll set up another appointment for two weeks from now. Just call me if you need anything."
Peter nodded as they shook hands and he moved to wake his partner. Neal didn't rouse at first then slowly he looked up, hat spilling into his lap.
"Peter... done so soon?"
The agent laughed with a yawn, Neal yawning in response as he stood up and smiled at the doctor ever so briefly before they left. He noticed the younger man looked a bit groggy where he had been awake before.
"You ok Neal?"
The young man looked at him and chuckled.
"Should I be asking you that? Looks like he didn't drug you up as badly this time. How's the tooth?"
Peter rubbed at his jaw tenderly and smiled.
"Good. Hey, let's get one of those smoothies on the way."
()()()
Neal watched as his partner and friend went back with the hygienist, Roberto and he went to wait in the sitting area. At some point Ingrid appeared beside him with a cup of coffee. He looked at her cautiously uncertain why she was being so nice this time but then thanked her when she smiled shyly at him. Neal wondered what had warmed her up to him as he took a sip. The coffee was sweet as he took another sip. After a few minutes he felt a bit sleepy as he leaned back in the chair, placing the cup beside him and dozed off. He thought he saw Ingrid smiling at him sinisterly as he faded away.
It felt like only minutes but he woke up to see Peter standing over him with Dr. Markson. Peter looked pretty happy although part of it might be the drugs. He was standing on his own this time so Neal rose and nodded in response as they said their good-byes to the doctor and left.
After they had a smoothie at the shop, Neal went with Peter to his home. He saw a shadow at the edge of the stairs to the Burke home and realized it was Mozzie. Peter saw him too.
"Tell him I do not want to be scanned for bugs, Neal."
Peter gruffed as he went up the stairs and into the house. Neal stayed outside long enough to talk to Mozzie.
"Why are you hiding outside here, Mozz? You look suspicious."
Mozzie looked nervous as he looked up with a quick motion at the door above.
"We need to talk where ears and eyes cannot hear nor see."
Neal rolled his eyes but motioned for him to follow up to the door. They sat on the sofa and waited as Peter moved around upstairs.
"Hurry, Mozz. We have to head for work soon. Why are you creeping around here?"
The little guy glanced up at the stairs where they could hear Peter moving around overhead.
"Dr. Markson. You told me to look into him..."
Neal blinked as they sat on the sofa and he leaned in a little closer.
"You found something out? Tell me..."
Mozzie started to open his mouth, paused then spoke.
"Actually no. He's pretty clean... but that in itself is odd."
Neal looked at his friend and shook his head.
"That's it? Mozz, I need something solid. I still haven't been able to charm Ingrid but she gave me coffee today. Very sweet."
Mozzie looked back at him and rolled his eyes.
"Don Juan... I'm hacking into his site. I found a few barriers but I'll figure it out and let you know what I find. I still don't understand why a dentist needs such high encryption."
Neal nodded, both men turning as Peter came down the stairs a moment later and was looking at them with an arched brow.
"Do I want to ask what you're discussing? You ready Neal?"
The consultant nodded rising to his feet as Mozzie did.
"Just asking how you're doing but you seem more chipper than the last time. I'll show myself out."
Mozzie disappeared outside, door closing behind him as Peter turned and looked at Neal curiously.
"What?"
Peter opened his mouth then stopped, seemingly relaxing a bit before he actually spoke with an amused smile.
"Let's go."
()()()
At the bureau offices, Peter read through the rest of Agent Ruiz' file and information on the case against Macchione. He saw the evidence brought to light by Angelos' whistle blowing and smiled. This was all they needed in two weeks to put the mobster away and most of his gang with him. He pushed the file aside as he wrote down some notes and picked up the folder to go to the meeting. It only took a few minutes but he turned back to see Neal looking at him curiously from the open doorway.
"Your tooth hurting you so soon?"
Peter blinked at the consultant not understanding what he meant.
"I heard you talking to Markson. You looked a bit spacey."
Peter wasn't sure what to say because he didn't remember using the phone much less calling Markson.
"Neal... why would I call Markson? I was picking up my folder to go down to the conference room. We have a meeting. Get ready."
Peter's tone was somewhat gruffer than he meant, Neal standing there with a defiant look before it wavered to something more obedient as the younger man nodded quietly and left the office. Peter watched his partner turn and look at him as he descended the stairs and walked down to the conference room. There was something there he hadn't seen before that bothered him. Had he spaced out and made a call? He looked at the phone a moment and was about to disregard what Neal said when he picked up the receiver and pushed *69.
"Thank you for calling Dr. Markson. Your time is important to us. Please wait on the line and someone will be with you in just a moment. Thank you for your patronage!"
Peter hung up the phone and sat heavily in his chair. Neal had been right but why didn't he remember making the call? What had he asked the dentist or receptionist so soon after his appointment? He sat there trying to think straight when he heard a knock and saw Hughes standing there.
"Every one's downstairs waiting for you, Burke. Everything ok?"
Peter blinked a moment as he stood and nodded.
"Fine, was just getting my folder. Is Ruiz there?"
Hughes nodded as Peter smiled slightly, following his boss to the meeting.
()()()
The meeting went without a hitch. Diana and Jones were going to help with the detail that transported Angelos in a few weeks while Peter would supervise their end of the operation with Ruiz in charge. Neal would help with any paper work and small details that might need his expertise. Ruiz didn't think they'd need Neal's help but Peter stopped him from insulting one of his team who obviously wanted to provide assistance. Neal was good at escaping so who best to come up with a backup plan if something went wrong. Ruiz couldn't argue with that.
Peter stood and talked with his team a while before finally retiring to his office, his body feeling a bit tired. He looked at the amber bottle of pills on the desk from the dentist and realized he hadn't taken any since this morning. It was already passed noon now and his jaw was beginning to ache a bit. He popped two pills from the bottle and pulled out a bottled water from his drawer to take it with. He downed half the bottle when he started to feel a bit strange.
Lights...
Bright lights flashed before his eyes.
He saw himself on the phone suddenly as the glare diminished and he was dialing a number. He tried to look closer but couldn't see the exact numbers. He listened in on himself and heard a kind of monotone version of his voice speaking.
"Yes... I understand... of course. I'll call you as soon as the meeting is over. Not a problem."
Meeting? What...
Peter came to when someone touched his shoulder and he jerked awake. Had he fallen asleep at his desk? He looked to see the pill bottle by his case file for Angelos and the nearly empty bottle of water. Neal was standing there.
"Hey, it's just me. The meeting's over. Why don't you ask Hughes to go home. I'll stay here and work on those escape routes and paper work for Ruiz."
Peter blinked looking at the con being responsible, his eyes narrowing a moment in suspicion but nodding when he saw the worried look in those blue eyes. Neal was just trying to be helpful.
"Sure. Thanks but you can probably work on that from June's or my house if you want. El's going to be out tonight on an event. Would like the company."
Neal smiled and nodded.
"Sure. I'll wait at my desk."
Neal patted him on the shoulder as if he'd vanish then finally let go and left the office. He was starting to think everyone was right and he was acting oddly. He couldn't explain what was going on with him. He pushed the pills into his coat pocket and walked next door to Hughes office.
"Sir... Do you have a minute?"
Hughes looked up and nodded, waving him in.
"Tooth still bothering you, Burke? If you want to take the afternoon off, feel free. You can work on the details from home. Say hi to El for me."
Peter nodded pausing a moment to look out and over at Neal who was talking to Jones about something. Hughes noticed he was still standing there.
"What is it Burke?"
Peter had a sheepish look as he peered back towards Neal.
"I'm feeling a bit off from the meds I took from the dentist. Not sure I can drive myself home...:"
Hughes arched a brow at him with a slight smile.
"Fine, take Caffrey with you. He's on paper duty for now but that can wait. Have him go over the escape routes with you if possible. I hope you'll feel better this next week."
Peter nodded, smiling as he said his good-byes and left. He watched Neal look up as he gave his partner a slight thumbs up and went back into his office to grab his jacket and coat. He reached for his notes when he saw something that drew his attention. There was a piece of paper on the floor he hadn't noticed before, wadded up and crumpled. He picked it up and opened it up as he started to read the familiar handwriting on it.
"Angelos, Nelson:
1) Find out all possible routes and where he's being kept
2) Have Neal come up with possible escape routes. Keep list of these.
3) Call Markson..."
Peter stopped right there, reading the last line and not being able to remember having written this list or throwing it away.
I heard you talking to Markson. You looked a bit spacey.
Peter remembered what Neal had told him and now he wondered if something else was going on. He heard a knock and wadded the paper up in his hand again, seeing Neal standing at the doorway.
"We good? I can drive if you want."
Peter didn't say anything as he looked down at the wadded sheet and then up at his partner as he stuffed it into his pocket and stood, pulling his jacket on.
"Yes."
Neal blinked at him till he confirmed what he meant as they left the bureau.
()()()
Peter sat on his sofa and stared at the paper a moment as he flattened it neatly on the coffee table. Satchmo watched him with solemn puppy eyes till he couldn't stand it anymore and wadded the paper up again. He heard a cough and saw Neal coming down the stairs looking at him curiously.
"Something you'd like to talk about, Peter? You've been acting squirrely all day."
Neal sat beside him on the couch and with a heavy sigh Peter handed him the sheet of paper.
"I think El told you I've been sleep walking? And you noticed I've been less than my self this week?"
He hesitated, Peter unable to say what he wanted to say until he noticed Neal's eyes widen a bit at the last part of the wadded paper.
"Why would you write 'Call Markson' on your list for this case? Peter, what's going on?"
Peter shook his head.
"I don't know but ever since that first visit to Markson I've been feeling strange. I was having nightmares. Waking nightmares when I sleep walked. One of them involved a dead version of the whistle blower who turned Lansing in but the other two..."
He didn't want to tell his friend but he had to come clean. Neal was his friend.
"The other two involved you."
He left it at that as he stood and paced the floor and rubbed at the bridge of his nose. His head was beginning to hurt quite a bit.
"Peter, you have to tell Hughes."
The agent turned to look at his partner and nodded.
"Don't you think I know that? Sorry... just... when I saw the note I realized what you meant by my being spacey. I know I wrote this. It's my handwriting but I can't remember writing it."
He thought about the drugs Markson gave him and then remembered he just took a dose not too long ago. His head started to hurt a bit more or maybe the room was stuffy?
"Peter? Hey... look at me."
Neal was blocking him now, staring at him with clear blue eyes that looked worried and concerned. His head was hurting more, his jaw throbbing.
"Head hurts. Let me sit down."
Peter went back to the sofa and sat heavily, leaning back and pulling his tie loose. Neal was helping him when it seemed he was all thumbs.
"Thanks, I... could you get me a glass of water. I feel thirsty."
Neal nodded as he left his friend and went to the kitchen. He reached up in the cabinet for a glass and felt something cold pressed against the back of his neck.
"Just move slowly and I won't kill you... yet."
Neal nodded at the whispered voice as he let go of the glass and pulled his arm back down. Someone pulled and twisted the same arm back tight behind him as he was dragged at gun point out into the den again where he found Peter slumped across the sofa and another gunman in a black ski mask sitting beside the agent. He struggled a bit but stopped when the gun was cocked.
"Keep it cool. We're just going to leave the Fed a little note and you're going to come with us. He needs his rest for the days to come."
Neal watched the other man leave a note and then stand up, reaching in his pocket for a small bottle and cloth. He dipped the cloth over the mouth of the bottle and then moved forward pressing it against Neal's face as he struggled, arm still pulled tightly behind him. The sickly sweet smell filled his nostrils and finally he slumped in the gunman's arms as they carried him away.
"No worries. You'll see him again... at your funeral."
Neal's eyes closed and he passed out.
()()()
Peter woke up to find it dark. He couldn't remember much but noticed he was laying on the sofa part way. Someone else had been here. He knew that much but who? He tried to think when he saw a note on the coffee table. Peter opened up the folded piece of paper, eyes widening as he read the contents.
If you want to see your colleague again,
come to the following address at ten.
Tell nobody and come alone.
Peter tried to think who they were talking about when he had a flash of memory.
Why would you write 'Call Markson' on your list for this case? Peter, what's going on?
Neal. His partner had been with him and then... he'd asked him for water and he'd passed out because his head was aching too much. He had a vague recollection of someone talking in the background other than Neal and then the sound of footsteps leaving.
He stood up as he pushed the paper into his pocket and headed upstairs. He quickly changed into some jeans, sneakers and a polo shirt. If he was going to do this he was going to be comfortable. He also packed his gun and a pocket knife. Never can be too careful he thought as he finished and went downstairs. It was after 8 pm now as he pulled out his cell and started to text. He waited for a reply, hearing his cell beep. He looked down at the screen to see the answer and nod as he went out the door.
()()()
Neal had a horrible headache when he woke up, his head throbbing with a rhythm all its own. He found himself looking up into a bright light, eyes squinting against the glare but he couldn't move his head away as he found it secured by something on either side. Something that felt like a clamp held his jaw shut but his lips were pried open as he tried to glance around the light to see where he was.
"Our guest is awake. Good. I think you probably know who I am, Mr. Caffrey."
Neal thought he recognized the voice as he moved his eyes to his right and saw a figure with a surgical mask and goggles looming overhead. He gave a muffled sound of protest but the figure just laughed as they pulled on rubber latex gloves.
"Don't try to speak or you'll pull a muscle or worse put your jaw out of alignment. I've wired it shut in a manner to keep you quiet. Let's see, we should really rinse your teeth before we start."
Neal tried to move but his body was strapped down securely from what he could feel, keeping him from moving little to any. He watched the figure pull something across and stick it into the edge of his mouth. Suddenly he felt cool water flowing into his mouth as he tried to breath and swallow at the same time.
"I'd ask you to spit but it's going to be hard with the clamps in place. We'll see how long you last till your agent friend shows. Roberto, watch him."
That's when he realized who this was. Markson! Neal struggled to get free but he was tied down securely and he was unable to move and see where the locks were to free himself as he shifted slightly. Another figure with dark hair and a mask loomed over him, their hand over his face till fingers pinched his nostrils shut and he struggled to breath and swallow as the water continued to fill his mouth.
"A tame con with the Feds. Snitches like you should be killed like the dogs you are. Angelos is going to get what he deserves for talking to the Feds about Macchione."
Roberto laughed as he continued to hold his nose shut till Neal thought he couldn't hold on. Roberto let go and Neal sputtered as well as he could with a wired jaw.
"Your friend will be quite cooperative if he thinks he can save you. Macchione was happy to find Markson had such an exclusive client. Killing Angelos should be a charm with your agent taking the blame."
()()()
Peter was happy when Hughes and Jones showed up at the place he asked. It was an abandoned warehouse they had recently finished up a case in. He wasn't sure what was going on but he had to talk to someone before he went to rescue Neal.
"Burke, what's going on? Why the cloak and dagger?"
Jones was looking like he wanted to ask the same thing but just nodded in agreement. Peter felt badly but he had to talk to Hughes first before Jones.
"Jones, give us a moment..."
The agent nodded as Hughes and Peter moved aside.
"The Angelos case has been compromised."
He watched Hughes' eyes widen as he whispered back.
"By who and how do you know this? Burke. What is going on?"
Peter glanced around and finally pulled out what looked like a crown for a tooth. Hughes stared at the object curiously before Peter turned it around and showed the small mechanical bug underneath.
"This was in my mouth. I didn't think of it before because I was so out of it with pain. Caffrey's friend found it when I asked him to meet me earlier tonight. I don't have much time but they have Neal."
Hughes seemed to know what he meant but had a questioning look.
"Your dentist wants Angelos dead? I don't understand, Peter... This makes no sense!"
Peter nodded grimly.
"I just know that since day one I've been having strange lapses of memory and sleepwalking. I figured it was the drugs Markson gave me for the pain but earlier today Neal was with me. I showed him a note I found crumpled up in my office from before the meeting. It said: "Call Markson" and Caffrey said he heard me calling the dentist earlier but I have no memory of it. I don't even remember writing the note. I can't work on this case but I need to find Neal. I wanted Jones to tail my wife since El is coming home late."
He showed him the address he was left and the note from Neal's captors. The older agent nodded.
"Whatever you need. Thank you for coming to me with this. So how did Caffrey's friend find this? I'm surprised the metal detectors at work didn't go off."
Peter had a sheepish look on his face.
"Don't ask. I was just glad for once his paranoia was useful. I took some regular pain medication not from Markson. Neal's friend is analyzing the meds from the dentist for me. I'll give you the report as soon as I get it. Thanks for coming, Reese. I really appreciate it."
Hughes nodded turning to motion Jones over.
"Jones, we have a situation. There's possibility someone found out Burke is on the Angelos case and is coming after Peter and his wife. We need you to monitor her and guard her once she's home."
Jones nodded affirmatively but he still looked confused.
"She's not at home now? Where do I find her?"
Peter gave him the details of her event downtown as the agent nodded and took off. Hughes walked outside the warehouse with Peter as they walked to their cars.
"Peter, do you know what you're getting yourself into? I shouldn't even be letting you do this alone but I don't blame you. I'd do the same for my partner."
He smiled at his boss' use of the word and nodded with a thankful smile.
"Let Diana know where I'm going. They didn't take off his anklet so I know where he's at. I'm guessing they anticipated turning his tracker off or removing it would bring more heat so they left it running. The tracker is on right now since we were technically together. He's technically out of his radius but it hadn't been set back when he was taken."
Hughes nodded.
"I'll get Ruiz on this too. We'll be discreet. Just tell me what you need and I'll get it for you. Caffrey is one of us."
Peter smiled thankfully.
"He was the only one that noticed anything was wrong."
Peter looked at his watch and sighed. It was just after 9 now.
"I have to head for that address."
Hughes patted him on the shoulder.
"Be careful Peter."
oOoOoOo
Author's note: Uh oh! Evil dentist has been discovered and he has Neal in his clutches! At least Peter has help. Let's see if that's enough. Thank goodness for Mozzie's paranoia or nobody would have known about that bug!
