(Chapter 9)
Two weeks ago...
The trial was supposed to be in a few days but with Peter still unconscious in the hospital three days after Scott and the agent had been brought in, the council and Judge approved a delay of two weeks to allow Mr. Rivers to get over the shock of what had happened to him as well as time to heal and get his case together with those that would be witnesses on his behalf. It had helped that his council Emily DuBois was a friend of Sara Ellis, recommended and apparently open to helping a young man who was trying to change his life as Neal apparently had. Neal thanked Sara for the recommendation and delay in going to court as he talked on his cell with the insurance investigator, limping around his room at June's. Scott was staying with the ex-con, currently leaning on the terrace wall staring out across the city at the million dollar view and then down at the thin anklet around his left leg. They had allowed him some leeway staying at June's, due to his innocence for Agent Marks' murder, but he was still liable for the robbery he had participated in that had caused Peter and Neal's participation in the current case.
"Scott?"
Neal's voice reached him despite the quiet din of city noise distracting him as he thought about the path that had brought him to this point. They had time to prepare now, bring in the evidence with Mozzie's recording if it was accepted and hopefully have Peter testify if he was well enough by then. All he wanted to do at the moment was run but it was impossible to do with the anklet on and his guilt telling him to stay and do the right thing. He glanced back at the older con and wondered if Caffrey had the same ideas when he first came to work with Peter. He'd learned some more about the con's background from talking to June the past couple of days but she was still very private about most of the information telling him he should talk to Neal directly.
"Was that Sara?"
Neal nodded as Scott walked back into the apartment off the terrace. The ex-con looked tired but mostly worried and he knew why.
"We need to talk. I know you're not happy with the situation but much as Mozzie would say I have Stockholm syndrome from my time with the FBI, I'm glad you decided to stay."
Neal wiped tiredly at his face, running a hand through his hair as he sat down at the sofa and propped his leg up. They had let him out early, his injuries healing well but he wasn't supposed to be walking on his bad leg if he could help it. The gunshot had gone through cleanly but it still needed time to heal. Scott joined him on the sofa as a knock on the door interrupted their soon to be heart to heart. It was June.
"I hope I'm not interrupting anything? I thought you boys might be hungry."
She held a tray of food on one arm as Scott moved to help her since Neal looked ready to get up despite his hurt leg. June smiled appreciatively as they placed the tray on the coffee table before them and Neal smiled up at her.
"Thank you June but you didn't have to..."
She waved a hand at him dismissively, smile still firmly planted on her face. There were some nice finger foods on the platter he was looking at appreciatively as Scott sat back down again beside Neal. June seemed excited about something.
"Elizabeth sent these over. She had to run an event earlier today so I was at the hospital with Peter for a bit. This was her thank you."
Her voice had turned down expressing her concern for the agent but there was still that sparkle of some hidden news. Scott could tell Neal was intrigued.
"How is he?"
Neal sounded less than happy, both himself and Scott left within the radius of the palacious estate June called home. It was a nice place but they were forced to stay in the gilded cage with no visits even to the hospital without Federal escort. They weren't taking a risk Scott ran, an unlikely event but also that anyone could take him or Caffrey out before the trial. Agents were watching the house as they spoke much to their benefactress annoyance but she dealt with it with grace as with everything else. June drew closer, sitting on the armrest beside the older con and touching his shoulder gently.
"He woke up! It was brief but the doctor said it was a good sign. Elizabeth is there now. I called her with the good news and she hurried over."
Scott saw the happy glint in both of their eyes and realized he was happy for the news on the agent despite his trepidation about the trial and facing Vega again. Neal was up despite the obvious twinge of his leg and hugged his landlady tightly. She reached over for the crutches he was supposed to be using as he took them with a wide grin.
"Can we go see him? I have to see him!"
Neal was more excited than the young man had ever seen, June nodding and smiling as another knock brought Agent Jones into the room.
"I heard someone woke up. I'm here to escort you to see Peter."
()()()
Peter remember little after the EMT and Sam. He had passed out in the back of the ambulance, the vehicle's soft rocking motion lulling him to sleep. He heard the soft sound of classical music in the background from the front of the cab which was open and connected back to where he lay. Off and on he got the hint of someone checking up on him then the soft rocking motion of bus again as it move along. There was some sense of motion and people around him but he was too far gone to respond or react as he lay in a kind of nowhere place. After a moment he was only just aware of his body placed in a comfortable bed and covered but still he was only just barely on the edge of consciousness, eyes closed, body limp and relaxed. He lay there for some time hearing the faint sounds of people around him but not knowing much of what was going on, his mind elsewhere as he floated in that other place. It was not too long after he sensed a hand touching his, someone speaking quietly to him their voice filled with relief. He thought he recognized the voice but his mind was too tired to try as he fell deeper into the darkness and finally slept.
His mind had stopped going to the water, few images ruining his rest but for flashes of memory from his recent kidnapping. He thought he heard someone humming softly in the background, a voice he knew well as he floated to the top of his consciousness and slowly opened his eyes. Someone sat nearby, their attention on something in their hands as he tried to focus on their face. Suddenly he saw their eyes meet his, a look of surprise there.
"Peter?"
It was June, her voice lilting as she spoke to him in soft relaxed tones. He nodded his head sleepily before closing his eyes again and falling back to sleep. She kept humming, speaking softly in-between as her hand patted his arm.
"Sleep dear. We'll be here when you wake."
Her voice was comforting as he fell back into darkness and slept for a while longer. How long, he wasn't sure but a familiar scent drew him back up from the gloom, eyes opening to find a dark haired woman he knew well watching over at him from the chair June had sat in earlier. His vision focused enough to draw his sight to her stunning blue eyes and peachy skin, a soft blush there on her cheeks he knew better than himself.
"E... El?"
She turned to face him, blue eyes wide and shiny. His wife gave a little sniffle before gently reaching over to grasp his hand in hers and hug him.
"Peter... Hun."
He felt himself smile back at her, shifting his body to kiss her. She melted into his lips and he into hers and everything was better.
"Hey hun... How did I get here?"
The agent remembered some of his journey but mostly his memory was fuzzy and blank. She continued to hug him, careful of his hurt shoulder and other injuries.
"Someone found you and they called an EMT who brought you in. Scott saw you in the ER and identified you. Nobody knew who you were."
He saw the worry there about what had happened, his hand squeezing hers for comfort.
"Scott Rivers? How did he ID me?"
El told him what happened and how Scott went in with Mozzie and some others with her help to find him since the Bureau refused to negotiate with Vega's men for his release when they asked for Scott as ransom. It almost blew up in their faces when one of Vega's men took the young con hostage and almost killed him. He was taken back to the ER for shock and that's where he saw Peter and let the FBI know he was alive and safe. It was a miracle they were in the same hospital or she couldn't imagine what would have happened, her voice emotional as she kissed him again. He mulled over her words and realized the con had saved him much as Neal had helped him in the past.
"How is... Scott?"
Peter was curious as to why Mozzie helped find him with Scott. Didn't seem like the con's thing but he did have an affection for El as a friend so that was probably part of it.
"They were trying to find you and prove Scott innocent of murdering Agent Marks. The man who tried to kill Scott confessed over a wire that he was the real murderer. Mozzie got it all on tape. Hughes is hoping it will go into the trial against Vega."
Vega... Peter felt a cold chill run down his spine. The man was merciless even with his own men and had tried to make Scott go back into a life of crime by having Jessica killed. The idea had him feeling both ill and angrier than he could express in his still weakened condition. His head started to ache as impotent rage simmered under exhaustion and pains from his torture at the gangster's men. Peter slumped back tiredly against the bed, El gently kissing his forehead and smoothing his hair as she whispered close to his ear.
"Sleep honey. I'll let Neal know you're awake. He's been anxious to see you."
()()()
Later that same day Peter found himself face to face with his partner. They hadn't seen each other in what seemed a very long time but had been mere days at best. Elizabeth left them alone but the silence between them persisted despite her best efforts to allow the natural flow of their usual chatter to start. Peter noticed the crutches and Neal's awkwardness with them meaning that although he was supposed to be using them he was only doing it for show.
"How's the leg?"
He suddenly remembered that his friend had been shot. He hadn't known much about that day they were in the water other than they had almost drowned. A Fed and Officer had jumped into the lake the rescue them and barely at that. Then he'd been taken not too long after by the hit woman disguised as a nurse so he hadn't seen his partner and charge in a while. Neal shrugged, eyes looking down some as if he were feeling guilty about something although why he would made no sense.
"It's fine. Supposed to rest and let it heal up."
Neal's voice was quiet, blue eyes finally looking up again as Peter gave a slight laugh that was more uncomfortable than humorous.
"Sorry, just this awkward silence... I heard Scott was the reason I was identified. How is he?"
The con smiled back and nodded.
"Good. He's staying with me at June's. They thought having us together was safer. They moved the trial down to later date."
Neal seemed to want to say more but there was another moment of silence between them before he coughed.
"Everyone was worried about you... even Scott."
That comment made the agent blink but he understood why the young Robin Hoodie would feel badly. Neal had helped him as had Peter and he had gotten them involved with some very bad people without meaning to. The agent patted his friend's shoulder.
"Good to know but I don't... understand why the trial was delayed. They have all the witnesses. Should be enough to put Vega away. Is there some element I'm missing?"
He watched Neal shrug but then he saw that look.
"Is there something I'm missing, Neal?"
Neal shook his head.
"I think they were waiting for you... well Scott and rest of us were. You're the biggest witness of them all if you think about it."
The consultant smiled back a bit chagrined but Peter nodded, his body still feeling tired despite all the sleep he'd had. His eyes were growing heavy again as he took it all in. Neal seemed to understand, patting him on his arm.
"I'll be here a while. Sleep. Glad to have you back."
Peter heard the young man's words, responding with a nod of his head as his eyes shut and he murmured something about missing him too. He felt a gentle squeeze of his arm before he passed out into a comfortable sleep. His mind mulled over their conversation: He was considered a witness? He had been held captive but he had no proof really since he had escaped that the men were Vega's. If he had stayed he would have died but for the fact he shot and wounded the man who tried to kill him. He remembered the event vaguely at best but unless they found that man and tied him to Vega, it was useless to use him as a witness. His mind went quiet after that, resting again and he felt peaceful for a bit.
()()()
Neal sat by the agent's bedside as he went back to sleep. Peter's skin was still a bit sallow from his blood loss and other injuries but he was alive and that's all that mattered to him. Somehow the agent had gotten away but it still confused him what Mozzie had told texted. Angelo had told Scott over the wire that Peter had been killed so it made no sense the agent was here now. No one had ever escaped from Vega's grasp but now the agent, Scott and Neal were the first ones they knew of to be alive to tell what happened.
He gave a deep sigh, adjusting his still injured leg as he sat in the chair by the bed. Peter was relaxed and peaceful which was more than he had expected to see after so long a wait. He held the agent's hand in his own and leaned forward so that his head lay lightly on his friend's chest, listening to his heart beating before he felt himself sit up and move back against the chair again. The door opened soon after and Elizabeth walked in with Scott, both talking very quietly. Neal pushed himself up to his feet with the crutches and moved aside as silently as he could as El motioned him back but he shrugged.
It wasn't long after that day ended that he was back at June's in his apartment with Scott, the young man downstairs with his landlady, when his cell rang.
"Neal?"
It was Peter's voice and he felt glad to hear it. The agent had slept the rest of their visit after their short talk but apparently he had wanted to say more.
"Peter... Elizabeth still with you?"
The agent made a sound indicating she wasn't before he spoke again.
"She left my cell with me. They took her to stay with an agent until everything is over with the trial."
The agent sounded like he wanted to chat if nothing else so Neal moved out onto the terrace for some privacy, leaning on the wall and staring out across at the view.
"Understandable. We have a slew of agents here much to June's dislike but she understands why. So... what's on your mind?"
He was favoring his good leg as he leaned on the wall, crutches discarded inside the apartment as he let the cool breeze play with his hair. Neal wanted nothing more than to be at the Burkes' having this conversation rather than knowing his friend was in the hospital and El was under protective watch. He wanted the trial over.
"Hughes is coming to talk to me tomorrow. Jones warned me since they know I've woken up. The doctor thinks it's too soon but the higher ups want this thing closed up soon as can be and they want to see if I know anything. I'm not sure what I can add since Vega was already in custody when I was taken."
Peter sounded frustrated if anything, Neal imagining him pacing the room if he had that ability but the agent was sequestered in the hospital bed as he was in June's home.
"We know it's Vega who had you taken. If not for Elizabeth and the doctor showing up, I'd have been taken too."
He didn't think about what he said until he heard the gasp on the other end and silence which made him think twice.
"Peter?"
There was a few more seconds of silence then the obvious breath of Peter Burke preparing to respond.
"I had no idea it went that far. El... nobody told me."
The agent's voice was quiet and awestruck at the idea of what could have happened if his wife had been taken too. Neal didn't know if he could go on and tell him the rest.
"Neal... I get the feeling there's more. Tell me what happened... please."
He heard the pleading in this friend's voice but was still uncertain what to say. He'd said more than he should but owed him the truth.
"I was unconscious so I only know what I heard. Elizabeth came back for her cell phone and found the nurse about to do something to me. She tried to stop her but the nurse had a gun. Then the doctor came in and she took him prisoner too. It was dumb luck that Diana and Jones came to visit you, found the real nurse out cold in your room and then rescued us."
He had made the story as concise as he could but he really only knew what he'd heard second hand. Peter was silent on the other end but then gave a gasp of relief before answering.
"Thanks. I'll... I might ask El about this tomorrow or Jones. Trying to figure out which is safer."
Peter chuckled slightly at that last part as did Neal. He knew what he meant. Nobody wanted him to worry about things in the past when they had more important things to worry about. It wasn't too long before the trial. They were going to wait and see if Peter qualified as a witness then start with or without him.
"Everyone's ok which is what's important. Vega isn't going to win."
Neal waited until he heard the sigh that meant Peter agreed and smiled knowing the agent was ok with things.
"You're right. Thanks for the talk. Night, Neal."
Peter's voice sounded nothing less than content as the con answered back.
"Night, Peter."
()()()
The nearly two weeks flew past and the trial was practically there before them ready and waiting. Neal and Elizabeth weren't testifying but Scott would be. Mozzie's tape recording was still under debate but since he had done it outside the FBI jurisdiction it was considered ok more so than if the Bureau had tried to do the same without a search warrant. Jones was going to present that evidence since Mozzie refused to go to the courtroom for fear it was really to prosecute him. Meanwhile, Peter was kept in seclusion with Elizabeth, his wounds healing but he was still a bit exhausted from his injuries despite the amount of time passed. Neal saw it in his expression when he visited with them. Closer to the date they started to go to the Bureau more often to discuss the case and what would be said. Peter was thought to be dead by Vega the more they heard chatter about the other side and that was how they wanted to leave it until the court appearance. Nobody had asked directly about Agent Burke so his appearing as witness to what the EMT and homeless man Sam said would be perfectly legal according to Ms. DuBois. She had everything under control in the case against Antonio Vega. It was certain he was going for 5 years minimum but they were looking for a life sentence if possible. After this they would work on Scott's case. If this came out in his favor, Scott would get a year or two but they were hoping for Community Service if she played it right for his part in the robberies with Vega's gang. They needed this win.
Scott for being innocent was feeling rather nervous. Elizabeth talked to him some while they were sitting in the lobby of the interrogation room on the 21st floor waiting to practice what was to be said in court. Ms. DeBois was making sure they had their stories and alibis air tight if not stronger. Hughes had offered her the White Collar interrogation room since Peter would have to be involved and Jones. Elizabeth wouldn't be testifying either but she was going to be in the courtroom to support Peter when he was called up to conform the EMT and Sam's words so she sat waiting for him with the young Robin Hoodie. Peter remembered the two men but it was vague at best due to the nature of his injuries at the time. They were still looking for some indication who it was he had shot. If it was one of Vega's men they could use that in their favor. Angelo was dead so they only had his words on the tape Mozzie made which had been lucky at best.
"Mr. Rivers..."
El nudged him as he stood and went into the FBI interrogation room that Emily was using for their test run. Peter walked out, his usual brisk walk still hobbling as he smiled at the younger man in a manner he associated with Neal. The agent obviously liked him, his voice whispering quietly.
"Just be yourself."
He was hoping he could be after everything that had happened. Would he freeze in court when he saw Vega? He had so many conflicting emotions. Part of him wanted to kill the man and the other half wanted to run. He could do neither if justice was to be done as he nodded back at his council.
"I'll do my best."
()()()
The trial date was finally here. Scott was dressed nicely, June having gotten him a suit of her son's fixed to his size. He had felt self-conscious about that but she had insisted as had El, Peter and Neal. It had made a big difference. Abe tried his best to bring the young man down to level but never quite succeeded to convince the audience or Jury. Then Sam and the EMT had come up and everyone went quiet, a few soft gasps as Peter Burke walked from the audience up to the stand. The judge had been aware of their possible extra witness but Garson hadn't asked and it had not been something they needed or had to reveal so it had been allowed. Vega looked pissed if anything else, eyes burning with anger as they narrowed in direction of his lawyer and Scott.
"Agent Burke⦠You work for the FBI, is that correct?"
The agent nodded, leaning forward towards the mic.
"Yes."
He said nothing else which was what Emily had told him to do. Peter didn't think it was going to help but if she felt he should be more concise, who was he to argue. She was winning the case so far as he could see. She smiled at him as she moved a bit closer and spoke again.
"You and your consultant were the reason Vega was arrested, is that correct."
Peter nodded his head.
"Yes."
She smiled at him making a motion for him to say more.
"My consultant and I were taken prisoner by Vega's men..."
He didn't get to finish as Garson stood and yelled out.
"Hear say!"
The judge raised his hand then looked at Peter and Ms. DuBois in a positive manner.
"I will let the statement stand. Continue, Agent Burke."
Garson looked peeved but Vega looked angry. Peter felt a small satisfaction at that considering what he and his friends had gone through.
"We were taken by Vega's men and nearly drowned in the Hudson."
He ended there, the rest not necessary as Emily smiled at him and the judge and continued talking to him.
"So after you were rescued from your captors, you were taken to the hospital. Is that correct?"
She waited for him to answer, Peter leaning forward to do so.
"Yes."
He could see Vega staring at him as if to punch a hole with his very stare into the agent but that didn't unnerve Peter. He felt confident knowing the man was going away and hopefully for good after all of this. Emily continued.
"While at the hospital, a nurse came into your room during the evening of your third day there. What happened during her visit?"
Peter remembered how they had rehearsed it, his memories vivid about that time. He calmed himself as he looked around the room quickly then started at a familiar face. He felt his heart racing at the sight of the man sitting a few rows behind Vega. Emily moved closer, the judge coughing for his attention when he came back to himself and nodded.
"The nurse... she wasn't really a nurse. I didn't know that at the time when she gave me the drugged soup. I began to feel sleepy before the nurse returned and she started talking to me. I don't remember much but I did see her inject something into my IV before my memory became fuzzy. She told me I was collateral and bound me in a wheelchair, holding me at gun point, taking me to a waiting van on the garage level. After that it's just a blur."
His eyes continued to eye the person sitting behind Vega. He knew this person, his memory fuzzy but...
Dammit! You shot me!
A voice in memory rang out in his ears, Peter's eyes boring into this man who was not aware that he was "staring" at him. His heart was still beating too fast, his pulse racing when Emily was suddenly near gently nudging him. The man didn't seem aware of his staring.
"Agent Burke... are you ok?"
He was going to lie but he couldn't, a sick feeling coming over him as he shook his head and felt about to slump over in a faint. She understood, speaking quickly to the judge who made a motion for everyone to take a 15 minute break. Elizabeth walked up quickly, helping with Peter as they led him to the mens room. Jones took him in and assisted as his boss threw up in a stall. Peter wasn't usually someone who reacted badly or emotionally to something but that man... The man from the stands brought back a feeling of helplessness he couldn't fight.
"Boss, you ok?"
Jones helped him back to his feet as he moved over to the sink and washed his hands, rinsed his mouth and splashed a little water on his face. He looked pale still, his not too recent capture and torture at the hands of Vega's men. Then it hit him... he knew this man; The man in the audience behind Vega. He turned to Jones and gathered his thoughts.
"Clinton... I know who that man is!"
The agent looked confused, glancing around uncertain who he was talking about as he realized they were alone. Jones pointed at the door as he led Peter towards it.
"What man, Peter? Should I call a doctor? Elizabeth is right outside..."
Peter shook his head.
"Emily... I need to talk to her."
oOoOoOo
Author's Notes: Getting more exciting! Get ready to tighten your seat-belts. It's going to be a bumpy ride!
