(Chapter 7)
Neal grabbed a cab, locking the door when Mozzie came closer. The driver looked at him curiously and then at the little guy wondering what was going on.
"Neal... you need help!"
He saw the driver's eyes looking at him before he handed him some bills and simply said.
"Go."
The man nodded, curious still but more interested in the money as he drove off leaving Mozzie behind with a not so happy expression. Neal was beyond caring, leaning back tiredly against the seat as the man asked where he wanted to go. After the second query he finally told him the Federal Building.
"You must really need help if that's where you're going."
Neal didn't answer the driver, slumping back against the door as he closed his eyes. Cold fingers and icy breath tickled his cheek, eyes opening enough to see the woman in black sitting there. He no longer cared, closing his eyes again as he fell into a light slumber.
You stole them didn't you, Anatole. Where are they?
Neal felt himself staring up at the speaker, Kios glaring down at him but he just smiled, still drunk from whatever they'd given him. Someone hit him hard across the chin but he just slumped more, head ringing with the blow as he heard someone curse.
Take him to the boat! If I have to tear the place apart, I'll find those statues but our friend here... he's going to take a nice long swim.
Neal felt his wrists cuffed behind him, carried between the two goons towards the docks only a few yards away. He could smell the salty sea air as they neared, the wind warm and spicy with the scent of sea and neighboring aromas from the other buildings. Someone was cooking, his eyes roving around at some point to see a woman, dark hair over her pale face watching them without emotion. It was too late in the evening to see much of her besides the hint of pale skin, shadowy eyes and the hint of a dark colored dress before they had passed out of sight and he felt the graveled road turn to wooden boards. Their steps creaked on the pier and he could feel the slight motion of water hitting up against the pilings below as they continued on. At the end he saw a boat, The Lorelei which they boarded, Neal dropped to the damp floor as the two men muttered around him. He was too tired to move, knowing he should but the drug was still making him less than steady much less conscious as he started to close his eyes. He saw the image in his mind of that strange woman who had watched him being taken away, something about her familiar as his mind drifted into the darkness.
Sir... hey... sir
Neal came to, looking up to see the cabbie looking at him worriedly. He tossed more bills his way when he saw he was across from the FBI offices, slipping unsteadily out of the cab and slamming the door as he stood on the sidewalk and turned to face the building. The windows shimmered and blinded him in his feverish mindset as he started forward to cross the street. He was thinking about Peter and what he would tell him when someone pulled him back, a strong grip on his arm.
"Mr. Caffrey. You're looking a bit peaked."
The voice sounded familiar although the tone was different, more clipped than it had been in the past. He saw a beautiful sunset and a younger version of the same person with a less eloquent tone speaking. They were drunk and sailing on The Lorelei. He pulled away, eyes narrowing.
"I told you I wouldn't give them to you, Kios. You'll never find out where I hid them!"
He saw the look of calm turn to controlled rage, lips curling into a tight frown as green eyes glimmered back at him.
"I'm sorry you feel like that, Mr. Caffrey. I had hoped if you did remember you might be a bit more cooperative. I am offering you an antidote for the Agent's wife and your landlady's granddaughter if you tell me where they are."
Neal felt torn, looking at the man who had betrayed him so many years ago. He was still seeing the past despite knowing time had passed. The fever was mixing the two times as he backed away, Gravan reaching to grab him as he turned and half ran into the street. Suddenly his legs seemed to freeze, that woman in the black standing there before him as he debated which was the lesser of two evils. He heard noises around him but his attention was on the dark figure and the man chasing him.
"No, Let him be. He's going to die to keep his secret. Nobody will know who I am or what happened."
He heard Kios... no Ambassador Gravan speaking but he didn't turn around, eyes firmly on the woman in black as he started to walk towards her. He wasn't cognizant of the traffic swerving around him until someone flashed by, grabbing him up as they crashed to the asphalt in a roll. Neal felt strong arms wrapped around him, keeping him from the brunt of the fall as a blur of yellow flashed by in a crescendo of honking. He gazed up briefly into brown eyes and tried to speak, but he was burning up, body shivering from the loss of heat the fever was taking from him as he passed into a semi-conscious state, someone talking to him worriedly. He sensed he had spoken, said enough in his feverish haze but soon he felt consciousness returning if only for a moment, something wrapped tightly around him and a hand holding his own. He squeezed and tried again to speak, those brown eyes staring down at him worriedly until he could hold on no more. She was there for him, caressing his cheek with cold soft hands.
(v1) Marko mustn't know about this. Understand?
The voice was feminine but he couldn't see, an urgency there.
(v2) They probably had another disagreement with a new partner. He's not a bad looking one but why does Marko work for that man?
(v1) His father is rich and powerful. A diplomat so he can hide what he does. You can't say anything, Nika. Nobody says anything bad about the Katsivales without trouble. We will hide him here until it's safe.
He opened his eyes only briefly, two dark pale blurry figures that seemed to be women looking down at him. They had long dark hair and one wore a dark blue dress. Her eyes were a deep color... maybe brown or violet as he tried to see but finally passed out again. The voices continued.
Get me ice and the medical kit. We have to take care of his leg. He's burning up with fever, Nika. Hurry!
He heard footsteps move away quickly. Someone close by gently breathed on his cheek, cool fingers gently feeling at his neck, a relieved sigh tickling his ear.
You're still alive, but for how long... Surely there will be vengeance from all involved if they found you alive. No matter what sort of man you are, if you live, that will be no sign the gods favor you.
Her voice was soft, a little husky maybe, a scent of jasmine and roses around her as he opened up his eyes again and looked at her. She just stared back, only those dark eyes set in pale skin staring back at him. She didn't breathe a word before he heard himself speak.
Is there still hope?
She gazed at him curiously as if uncertain how to answer but he wasn't sure himself why he asked that as he passed out and finally felt the dream fade away, the sound of soft beeping in the background as he heard new voices speaking.
"Is he going to be ok?"
It was a man speaking, someone he knew well as he heard a groan and then movement nearby as someone touched a hand gently to his shoulder. His eyes opened and brown eyes peered down at him.
"Neal?"
Peter was talking to him but he was far from conscious enough to think of answering back. He closed his eyes again and moved slightly, shifting on the mattress, his body coated in sweat. He heard the groaning again and suddenly realized it was himself.
"He had a much higher dosage than the rest of you. Seems the most toxic part of the compound works best in colder temperatures. His body is trying to rid itself of the toxins but unlike yourself and your wife, his body is taking longer to push it out. Whoever made this cocktail knew what they were doing."
Neal gave a horrible cry, hands holding him down when he fought to get up, eyes open now as he stared around the unfamiliar room at blurry forms. Only brown eyes calmed him finally, a voice he knew well talking calmly to him as he started to relax and grow still. He was so cold and yet his face burned brightly or so it felt as he reached up and grabbed Peter's hand.
"He has... the antidote. Kios..."
He watched those honest brown eyes blink back at him, then a slight smile despite the worry and concern as someone gently smoothed the damp hair from his face.
"It's ok, Neal. I figured it out... Well, Satchmo did. El's going to be ok. Samantha too."
Peter's voice was trembling despite what should have been good news. Neal was happy if the agent knew. Maybe he had said more than he thought, his voice raspy as he replied guilt free.
"I'm sorry... I didn't think... you'd forgive me. She won't... until I return it but if you know... then, she can take me. Gavan will get what he... deserves."
Neal was fading away again, his body giving into the poison in his system. Maybe guilt fed it or maybe he was truly that sick but he was happy if everyone else was safe. He would let himself follow her now as he started to ease into the darkness. It was short lived as a hand gently tapped at his cheek.
"Neal... What do you mean Gavan will get what he deserves? How is he involved with this? Neal?"
His friend's voice sounds desperate but Neal relaxed because the truth is out. He's finally remembered. The treasure is safe and Kios would never find it again.
"Neal... answer me. Doctor?"
There is motion around him, hands gently touching his neck and wrists while something cold touches his bare chest. His eyes shut as he starts to fade again but the question hangs there and he feels he has to answer it before he goes. He opens his eyes and smiles up at his friend and partner.
"Gavan is... Kios."
()()()
Peter doesn't know what to think, swearing the doctor to secrecy but the man is a friend of his own physician, promising not to speak a word. He's dealt with law enforcement before it seems, the agent more than grateful. He stays by Neal's bedside, curious what he meant. The con is deathly still as he had been in his guest room. This only reminds him he's not with his wife, Elizabeth having talked to him a few hours before. Jon had called to let him know she was doing much better and resting well. They had passed the information along to the hospital and the doctor's friend from med school, a Dr. Argas. He was a favorite with law enforcement apparently the more he talked to the man.
"His body is fighting the toxins but something else is keeping him sick. I know this is hush hush but if there's something else I could help with agent, please let me know."
The doctor left him alone and Peter tried to piece together all that had happened over the course of the day. He'd received nothing from Jones or Diana since he'd left the Bureau and scraped himself up saving Neal from getting killed in traffic. It was minor injuries compared to what Neal was fighting, Peter refusing treatment until he knew his friend was stable. It had been touch and go for a while but Neal pulled through and now he was still fighting to break the fever. He heard a knock and was surprised to see a worried June walk in, Jones in tow. The agent nodded at him before leaving them alone. It was obvious he had news, Peter wanting to leave but not before talking to June.
"How is he, Peter?"
She sounds like a mother asking about her child, afraid to know the truth. He feels the same way only in a more brotherly manner as he can only shrug with uncertainty.
"His fever hasn't broken yet, June. How is Samantha?"
He can see the tiredness in her face and stance but she holds herself well much as his wife does under pressure. Both are strong reliant women, their love for Neal as a mother and sister type more than obvious. She smiles slightly.
"Much better. We heard about the toxin afterwards. They had been giving her transfusions to figure out what was going on, her white blood count too high to be normal. Mozzie told me about what happened. I had no idea I was poisoning them. I drink mineral water so I never became sick but Samantha and Neal... "
Her voice trailed off, a hint of guilt there as he stood and put an arm around her. Peter wasn't the comforting type but she was a rock to his friend and at times had helped his wife and him when they needed it. He hated to see her blame herself.
"Not your fault, June. The person behind this... we're going to get them."
He watched her glance up at him, eyes bright with unshed tears but also something he could only sum up as anger. June wiped her eyes, Peter handing her some tissues as she nodded back.
"Thank you, Peter. I hope you'll allow me to be witness for our side at the trial of this person. Anyone who would attack people in such an underhanded way... I hate to see Neal so helpless. You're both the reason why Samantha was back on the donor list. Don't think I will ever forget that."
She squeezed him slightly, both in a half hug as they glanced at their ailing friend. The door opened quietly and Peter saw Jones giving him a look he wanted to talk. June took his seat by the bed as he excused himself and went outside. Clinton looked like he knew something.
"How is Caffrey?"
Jones looked about ready to beat someone up for what had happened, Peter shrugging again. He had nothing. Neal was still fighting for his life and those words he spoke still lingered. Clinton nudged him as he realized he had been lost in his own thoughts.
"His fever hasn't broken yet. They're not sure how much longer he can fight if it doesn't break soon."
He stopped, his voice trembling some. He had to think positively, hands balled into fists then slowly releasing as he tried not to let the pressure get to him.
"I might have a little more info on who has stock in Annapolis Water."
Jones' tone told him he might already know.
"Kios?"
He was surprised when Jones nodded, the younger agent seemingly impressed he knew. Peter thought back to what Neal told him.
"And it's not under his name. At least it seems the two might be related. Someone named Minerva Katsivales."
So a false name or someone related in some way to Kios, Ambassador Gravan if Neal was right, had stock in this water company. It couldn't be a coincidence. He pulled Jones even closer, whispering for only their ears.
"Neal told me... well he said that Kios and Gravan are the same man. See what you can find out about the Ambassador's past. Considering what Angelos told us, I'm thinking this might all be truth."
Jones nodded before he left. Peter paced to keep track of the thoughts flicking through his head. Neal had worked with Kios on this job but there was no record of the heist or anything of an Anatole Adoni other than that grainy picture and name. Most people might not even notice it was Neal which is why he didn't mention it. If things went ok, he might not have to mention his partner's involvement but if they went south...
"Peter..."
He turned to see June there, a worried look on her face. She pointed at the room.
"I need to check on Samantha. Her operation should be next week once they know she's doing better. Please watch over him. Tell Elizabeth I hope she's feeling better."
Peter nods back to her, Neal's landlady giving his hand a brief squeeze before leaving. He might visit Samantha once he knew Neal was well and his wife was better. He goes back inside not certain what to expect as the closes with a quiet click behind him.
"I... can't return. Just... take me. Leave them... alone!"
Neal is talking quietly but his tone is anything but relaxed, his voice raspy and weak. Peter moves quickly to his friend's side and takes the con's hand in his own. Blue eyes open and turn towards him, a haunted look there.
"Water... safe from him. Can't... return. Can't..."
Neal's eyes roll back and close, Peter worried but then he hears his friend still breathing, chest rising and falling enough that he's content. He checks the cooling pad on Neal's forehead. It's still more than cool but the young man continues to burn with fever. He pushes the nurse call hoping someone can make his friend more comfortable as he covers him with the blankets. Neal doesn't fight or move much, sleeping fitfully, eyes moving quickly beneath closed lids. Peter turns when he hears the door open and sees two large orderlies there.
"I need you to call Dr. Argas. He's not doing very well."
The two men nod, Peter turning towards Neal as he hears the young man start to speak softly in his sleep.
"Water... can't be reached..."
Peter is trying to figure out what Neal is saying when he feels strong arms wrap around him. Suddenly a rag is pressed over his nose and mouth firmly. He's taken by surprise so it's almost immediate when he starts to slump in the chair, someone holding him before he can hit the floor. He's only just aware of the two men, not having given them a second glance so he probably won't recall who did this, his thoughts randomly thinking about such things as he feels the world turn to gray. His vision is tunneling to black when he sees them lifting Neal into a wheelchair.
No... don't take him!
He hears himself groan where words should be, trying to sit up but one of the men moves over and flips him onto his stomach, arms pulled back and cuffed at the wrists. Peter struggles weakly but something is stuffed into his mouth as he makes more sounds. He's sat up against the nightstand, both men blurry as the chloroform takes over.
"Should we take him with us? He's seen who we are..."
He watches them contemplate what to do with him, Neal slumped in the chair with a blanket over him. The man by the chair shakes his head.
"Gravan said to only take him. Use this. He won't remember what happened."
Peter is only just aware of something in their hands as the man next to him pushes his head to the side and he feels a pinch.
"Mmmph!"
He can't make anything more than a weak muffled cry, warmth emanating at the spot of the injection as Peter starts to feel sleepy. So very... sleepy... Someone lifts him up onto the hospital bed and he feels something stuck onto his finger as one hand is freed and the other wrist cuffed to the bed.
"Just in case. Let's go..."
()()()
Elizabeth is feeling better, waking up to a much cooler room but her head hurts a bit and the light, although dim, is a bit too bright for her. She glances around her bedroom to find a young woman in scrubs nearby in a chair reading, the sound of voices talking downstairs. She shifts slightly, the bed giving a slight creak as the nurse looks up at her.
"Mrs. Burke... did you need something?"
The woman is immediately at her side, book forgotten as she checks her vitals and gently feels her forehead.
"You're still cool. Dr. Manus is downstairs. I can call him if you like?"
Elizabeth nods but first things first.
"Could I have a drink of water... not bottled."
The woman looks at her curiously but nods, a pitcher on the nightstand with ice in it. She pours some into a small disposable cup and hands it over. El sits up with the nurse's assistance, pillows fluffed up behind her as she sips at the water and the woman leaves to find the doctor. She wonders where Peter is, assuming he must be downstairs with the doctor. He had been so worried about her, Elizabeth feeling guilty for getting sick but knowing it's foolish.
"Thank you, Elise. You didn't say anything yet... good. I'll deal with it. Thanks."
She's curious what the doctor is talking about, worry filling her but she has to think positive. Peter was fine earlier so they must be talking about Neal. Her heart breaks at the thought of their friend being hurt. Neal isn't a bad person but he often does things rashly which causes him to do bad things. She gives a tired sigh, placing the cup on the nightstand as the door opens and Dr. Manus walks in.
"Elizabeth... how are you feeling today?"
He is smiling but is obviously hiding something else. El allows him the temporary facade as she smiles tiredly back, glad for the fever to be gone.
"Much better. How long did I sleep?"
She figures it must still be Friday but the doctor moves closer to sit on the edge of the bed, patting her on the shoulder in a fatherly manner.
"Early Saturday morning. You slept nearly 12 hours. It's a miracle the fever broke so soon. I'll send out for some more blood work today. Make sure there are no complications now that you're over the worst of it."
He's still smiling but she can tell there's something he's not telling her. El wonders what's going on as she asks the one question that seems to break his mask.
"May I talk to Peter?"
Elizabeth sees Jon blink, his expression changing to one of uncertainty but finally he nods, taking her hand in his as if to comfort her.
"Peter's at the hospital. He's not hurt... someone drugged him but he's sleeping off the residual. I wasn't going to tell you unless you asked about your husband. He should be here later today. I'm sorry."
His voice was gentle but apologetic, El shaking her head. Someone had drugged Peter? She's worried but if Jon says he's ok... she believes him.
"Not your fault, Jon. Just tell me what happened. Is Neal ok?"
She sees more surprise, an expression telling her something is very wrong as he turns to see that the door is shut before he continues.
"Maybe I should wait for the agents that work with your husband to tell you what's happening. One of them is downstairs now... An Agent Jones. They have other agents guarding your husband at the hospital until further notice."
He sounds like he wants to tell her but knows it's a complicated matter, El nodding in understanding as he gently pats her hand then stands, going to the door.
"I'll call the agent up to chat with you. Let me or Elise know if you need anything."
He leaves, door partially open as she hears his footsteps disappear down the hallway. The door opens a few minutes later and Elise is there with a small tray of food.
"I thought you might be hungry after your rest. I have chicken soup and crackers with Juice. I hope that's alright."
Elizabeth nods, sitting up a bit more as the nurse positions the tray on her lap. There's a knock on the door frame and she sees Jones there. Elise excuses herself, closing the door so the two have some privacy.
"Mrs. Burke..."
Jones is being polite, his nervousness obvious as she motions for him to sit down. He grabs up the chair by the bed and moves it a bit closer as she tries to eat. Her appetite is there but she's feeling anxious for news about Peter and Neal.
"Jon told me that Peter had been drugged? What's going on, Jones?"
She's staring at him without trying to push him but Jones is doing his best not to give too much away. He leans over some, glancing at the door and keeps his voice low.
"I only know it has to do with this case we just closed. Peter is fine. They said whatever he was given should be out of his system later today. He was sleeping soundly when I left. We have a guard on him. I'm here with two other agents watching this place."
He still looked nervous, licking at his lips as he grabbed a cup and poured himself some water after a quick motion to El. She ate another spoonful of soup but the fact that Neal wasn't mentioned bothered her. He was at the hospital too. Had he been drugged as well? He was already sick with fever.
"What about Neal? Is he ok?"
She noticed Jones stand, her hand reaching out for his arm as he paused and finally sat down again, one hand rubbing nervously at the back of his neck. He wasn't telling her something.
"Caffrey... he's missing. Someone took him. We... We'll find him."
El raised a hand to her mouth, uncertain how to take the news. Her husband had been drugged so they could take Neal? How was he involved in all of this? Hadn't Peter mentioned something the other night about Neal? She wasn't sure what to think as she nodded at him and smiled gently.
"Thank you Jones. I won't tell anyone you told me what happened. I'm just glad that Peter is ok. Neal..."
She couldn't think what to say. She worried about him too like a big sister or mother but he was a grown man. He could take care of himself. Despite all of that, whomever took him had to know her husband and his team would search for Neal. She sighed, drinking some of the juice but still not having much of an appetite as she set the tray aside. Jones took it for her, placing it on the dresser.
"I'll let Peter know first thing. He's supposed to be let go later today. I'm glad you're feeling better."
Jones squeezed her hand before letting go and exiting the room. Elise came back almost immediately after the agent left, seeing the tray on the side and taking it.
"I'll bring you something later if you feel up to it, Mrs. Burke. Let me know if you need anything."
El nodded at the nurse, glancing around at the few monitors and IVs connected to her and sighing. She wanted her husband here with her but for now it was impossible. The case had been nothing but bad luck it seemed but she no longer saw the woman in black. Something about the figure made her curious. Had Peter created her or had Neal? She tried to think of what she'd been told and what little she knew of what was going on with the case. Once Peter was back, maybe things would make more sense. A part of her hoped Neal was ok as she grabbed a magazine from beside the bed and started to leaf through it.
"Is it ok for him to visit? It's awfully late, Agent."
She heard Jon's voice near the stairs and Jones talking then someone else she knew better than anyone. Finally there were footsteps coming closer and a knock. Jones peeked in, looking a bit uncertain before another figure pushed by him looking annoyedly back at him.
"Are you up to having another visitor, Mrs. Burke?"
Elizabeth saw Mozzie staring at the agent as if he had just asked if she needed air to breath. It almost made her want to laugh, some relief in seeing the con man giving her hope. She nodded to him as Jones left them alone, the door partially open. Mozzie closed it, leaning on it with an almost mock snub for the agent and the others here, El tsktsking him.
"Mozzie... what brings you here so late?"
She doesn't want to push him, the little guy talking more than enough if she lets him. He seems to trust her in his own odd way, a look on his face that worries her that he might not have good news.
"I guess the Suits haven't told you what happened?"
El isn't certain what he means, his tone his usual sarcastic self as she gives him a curious glance.
"I'm not sure what you mean. What happened, Mozz?"
She's hoping it's not anything new as he moves closer and sits in the chair by the bed as if he were meant to. She turns to face him as he fiddles with the strap of his messenger bag before speaking.
"Your husband. He's in the hospital drugged and Neal... he's missing. I just found out something for him too. The Suits would want to know but not sure I should share if they're this incompetent."
Mozzie's tone is less than admirable, her knowledge of his dislike for government entities and institutions well known but he sounds more hurt and upset than angry. He's worried and it seems to apply to her husband as well as Neal. She feels a certain satisfaction there, reaching to grab his hand in hers.
"I heard. They are working on finding Neal, Mozz. I promise. They told me Peter would be ok. Thanks for coming to tell me."
She noticed he looked almost relieved at her knowing and that he wasn't the person to give her the bad news. There's almost a respectful look there as if he thinks maybe the Suits are doing better but she doesn't say anything as he continues to sit with her, a quiet falling over them. Finally he speaks.
"I know who's behind all of this. I was supposed to get the information for Neal but he's... Anyhow, I don't know who will find him if Peter isn't available. I don't know how much stock I put in the other Suits abilities."
Now El understands why he's feeling the way he does. It hadn't felt like his usual distrust or dislike of the Feds but something else. He believes in Peter much as he won't say anything to her husband's face. Mozzie trusts him even if he won't admit it but now he sort of has told her what she already suspected. She pulls him close and kisses him on the forehead, Mozzie glancing up at her with a slight blush.
"Peter will be ok and once he's up and about, trust me Mozzie, Neal will be found. Jones and Diana are on the case. They're just as competent as my husband. You know that though, don't you?"
She's prodding him and finally a smile sort of breaks out on his face, followed by a look hiding such an idea as him trusting Suits when the door opens and Jones pokes his head in.
"Kind of quiet up here. Everything ok?"
He's addressing El more than Mozzie, the con man acting his usual untrusting self.
"Have you ever heard of knocking, Junior Suit? It's an old custom people perform when asking permission to come into a room. We could have been discussing something of a phenomenal scale and you butt your head in here without so much as a warning."
Jones blinked back at the the two of them, his eyes pleading to El for some explanation but all she can do is stifle a little chuckle as she calms Mozzie and nods to the agent.
"We're fine, Jones. Thanks for checking in."
She gives the agent a look that he can leave as he nods and closes the door with a muffled "I don't get paid enough to deal with him..." comment she can only giggle at as Mozzie looks at her oddly.
"You could be nicer to him, Mozzie. He's protecting me and they're looking for Neal. Might help to be friends."
She's giving him the look she would give her husband or Satch when they've done bad. Mozzie shrinks back a bit and nods, getting up as he stretches and yawns a bit.
"I might go downstairs and get some coffee. Possibly bump into Junior Suit and say something nice. No guarantees!"
He's obviously still learning to deal with being so friendly with those he's hid from for so long. Mozzie is a good person but his lack of trust makes it harder for him to deal with most people. Lucky thing El has a gift dealing with difficult individuals. She just hopes he can deal long enough to help her husband find Neal. It's the one thing they all agree upon.
oOoOoOo
Author's Note: Long LONG chapter. I had more but figured I'd move it to the next chapter. This bad guy keeps making things complicated for everyone and me as a writer. He's not easy to get rid of and I've been trying. More on everyone's conditions and locales soon. Promise!