Chapter 4

Peter Burke began to make preparations to leave the federal building. He had sent Neal back home to June's around dinner time. The younger man had been distracted and edgy ever since viewing the classified material he had requested. He still hadn't opened up verbally in any way to Peter. Burke felt it was better to deal with Neal in the morning. They would hash it out and clear the air. Whatever White told Neal, Peter would successfully dispute.

Peter originally planned to stop at a friend's home to pick up some tickets for tomorrow's Ranger's game. It was unusual that he would have the chance to see some live hockey action. He was excited about the rare prospect. As he entered his vehicle he made a spur of the moment decision. Peter decided to deviate temporarily from his plans. He was still worried about Neal. It would only take a short time to drive by the warehouse White now owned and check it out. He wouldn't enter the building he told himself but just do a quick visual. He hoped to gain some insight on what was going on. Peter intentionally did not tell anyone about his destination. He wanted to protect Neal if his impetuous colleague was contemplating something stupid! Sometimes Peter became tired of his seemingly endless pursuit of keeping Caffrey on the up and up.

The traffic in the city delayed him further along than he expected. It was well past seven o'clock when he arrived in the vicinity of White's new enterprise. The warehouse was small and located on an isolated lot. White was now, supposedly, in the book distribution business specializing in rare manuscripts. Sure he was, thought Peter.

Even though some buildings in the area were dark and deserted this particular warehouse was well lit inside. Even the outer exterior was brightly illuminated. Since there were still several cars in the parking lot Peter didn't feel he would be too conspicuous if he pulled to the side of the road and parked for a short time. He slowly vacated his Taurus and walked around the perimeter of the building. Although he had no warrant or specific knowledge of criminal conduct, White was still on parole and had initiated contact with another known felon (i.e. Neal Caffrey). Burke felt justified in nosing around.

Peter scrutinized the outside vicinity. Nothing looked out of place. There were sounds of movement inside. Maybe it was forklifts distributing and stacking pallets of heavy books. Maybe he was crazy for stopping here and investigating on the way home. Sure, El would not be home for another hour but he could have picked up his tickets by now and be sitting at home drinking a beer. The night was becoming blustery and cold. It was time to call the day complete and resolve to confront Neal tomorrow morning.

Just as Peter turned to head back to his car a large-sized man approached him from one of the warehouse's side doors. The man spoke into some sort of walkie-talkie, and then asked with a surprising degree of friendliness, "Can I help you, buddy?"

Burke could either try to bluff his way out of it with some story of being lost in the area or report of robberies in the neighborhood, or he could be upfront. Since he was still angry over White's contact with Neal he chose the latter. It was his first big mistake. He had no idea that White was eager for the opportunity to confront him privately. Peter thought that if White had gone to the trouble of buying a legitimate business he wouldn't jeopardize his cover with overt hostility toward an officer of the law.

Peter pulled out his identification. "I'm Federal Agent Burke and I am investigating a possible parole violation," Peter responded. "I plan to be back tomorrow with some questions for Mr. Edward White the proprietor."

White's employee shrugged and turned away. Again, out of earshot, he talked in a low tone to someone on the radio. Burke, keeping his sight on the man, slowly turned aside to return to his vehicle. He hadn't traveled very far when the man shouted to him. Peter again directly faced the man.

"Hey, Agent Burke, Mr. White is inside and would like a word with you. I'll show you the way if you like. Mr. White even said he would give you a tour of the premises."

Peter hesitated. For a moment he was puzzled by the offer. If he was able to converse with White maybe he could pick up some clues about Neal 's unusual behavior.

As he approached the open door and took out his cell phone, in precaution to call Jones with his whereabouts, a shot rang out from some distance away. Peter fell backwards to the ground stunned. He wasn't wearing a protective vest. A bullet had passed through his right shoulder. His actions were slowed by shock and intense pain. As he reached for his own weapon White's burly associate slammed Peter's right arm to the pavement and grabbed his pistol from the holster. As Peter struggled to rise, White's now very hostile employee, inflicted additional pain by wrenching on his injured shoulder to pull the agent forcibly to his feet.

The man quickly thrust Burke through the door and slammed it shut. As he manhandled the staggering agent they passed through a dim hallway and entered a large dock. It was filled with additional men and pallets of books. Peter grasped his injured shoulder and felt blood seeping through his shirt and suit coat. He still had the presence of mind to quickly observe the area for any possible escape route. Unless the cavalry was coming unbidden he was in deep trouble. Unexpectedly, a random hope crossed his mind. Neal! If he failed to show up in any length of time Neal might suspect he would investigate White. Peter and Neal were often on the same wavelength.

A smiling individual surrounded by thugs came into Peter's view. Even though it had been years since he had last seen him in the courtroom during sentencing, Peter instantly recognized Edward White. Here was the man he had been responsible for arresting and incarcerating. Why would this intelligent felon serve his time, be released on good behavior, open a legitimate business and then assault a federal agent? It didn't make sense to a confused and dazed Peter.

"Peter Burke", chuckled White. "I didn't need Caffrey to personally arrange a meeting. You came on your own. Are you really that protective of your favorite felon?"

Okay. Be patient. The next chapters will deal with Neal's side of the story…………………………..