Thank you so much for for reading, reviewing, following and favoriting my story. As always, I want to thank all my Guest reviewers- Stormie, Gf56, walter, coffee bean, Ines, No1butNeal, Jim Chou, t and other Guests :)
I want to thank Herperson too as I couldn't send you a PM- Thank you :)
Seriously guys, you all brighten up my otherwise crappy day :)
...
Everything was set. Agent Diana Berrigan had made all the arrangements. A private jet was ready at a private air strip. A van big enough to load all the money was waiting just outside the Burke house.
The pilot of the jet who was waiting at the air strip was given all the instructions. He was told that he was to stall the take off for as long as possible so that the FBI agents could make their move and apprehend the criminals.
Agent Clinton Jones was prepared too. He was seated in the FBI van along with Diana and other FBI agents. He was going to follow Peter. Not too close for the criminals to find out that Peter didn't come alone and not too far if Peter needed his help immediately.
El was sitting on the couch looking at how everything was being set. She kept praying inwardly. She just wanted everything to be over quickly so that her Neal could be back to her. Suddenly sitting there made her feel very lonely and suffocating. Her eyes roamed around and landed on her husband who was busy talking to Reese Hughes. She felt an overwhelming urge to be in the warmth of her husband. She got up from the couch and strolled towards Peter.
"Hon.." El called out when she came within the reach of her husband.
Peter turned away from Reese and faced El. One look and Peter knew what his wife needed. He too was longing for the same comfort. He gently wrapped El in his arms. El hugged Peter back fervently.
"Just be careful, hon." El said.
Peter tightened his grip on his wife and replied, "Of course, El. I will be careful and Neal will be back before you even know it."
El nodded. They parted after a few seconds and Peter kissed El's forehead. He grabbed his jacket and turned to leave but was interrupted by Reese.
"Peter, be careful and bring Neal home." Apparently Hughes was still feeling guilty about the harsh words that had come out of his mouth.
Peter smiled tightly. "Of course, Reese."
...
Peter quickly sat inside the waiting van and pulled out his cell to check the address Diana had texted him. It showed that Neal was being held in a remote area where an under construction building remained under construction for a few years now.
He clicked the cell shut and took a deep breath. He glanced at the rear view mirror and saw that Jones and Diana were ready in the other van too. He closed his eyes and automatically Neal's smiling face lit up his mind. 'Please, kid, just hang on for a little more. I'm coming.' Peter said even though Neal wasn't there to hear him. He started the van and drove off to the destination.
...
Neal was jerked awake with a sharp kick to his ribs. He groaned in pain. He blinked rapidly to clear his vision and saw that Ron and Jason were back in the room. Ron was the first to speak,
"Come on, kid. Wake up. Time's up."
"Yeah, it's showtime." Jason added.
Neal tried to get on his feet but found out that the task was extremely daunting as any small movement was sending waves of pain to his body. He was hating himself for being so weak. 'Come on, come on." He mentally forced himself but he kept failing miserably. His body was just not cooperating.
Ron who was watching Neal with a disgusted expression had enough, so he mercilessly hauled Neal to his feet who bit his lip to refrain himself from crying out in pain. Jason shook his head, "Get yourself some grip, kid. Don't want you dead on your feet. It will be very difficult. "
Neal refrained from rolling his eyes. How the hell was he supposed to get a grip when he was in so much pain. He then asked the question that he wanted to ask so badly.
"Is Peter here?"
Ron shook his head. "No, not yet." He then turned to Jason. "Shouldn't he be here by now?"
Jason shrugged his shoulders and went over to the window which gave the view to the outside. He kept glancing between his watch and the road outside. Seconds turned into minutes but there was still no sign of the Agent. He ran his hand through his hair in frustration. Why wasn't the Agent here? He was beginning to think that the Agent wasn't going to show up.
"I think you were right, kid. Your Dad doesn't care about you. Still no sign of him." Jason spoke to Neal even though his eyes still flickered between his watch and the road.
Neal didn't reply but his mind was suddenly swirling with doubt. Peter had sounded really worried on the phone. Hadn't he? He had talked like he had actually cared for him. Neal was good at reading people. He could tell easily if the person was lying or not. Peter sounded genuinely worried about him. Was he wrong this time? Was it because he was some random person who has been taken hostage and not because he was Neal, that Peter was worried for? No! He mentally scolded himself. Peter cares for him. He will be here to save him.
But as seconds stretched into minutes Neal was seriously beginning to think that Peter was not going to come and even if he was going to come it would be only because Peter was a cop and he had an innocent life to save, cop ethics and no other reason.
"He's here." Jason's voice cut through his thoughts. Neal's heart began thumping loudly in his chest. Peter came.
"He's alone?" Ron asked.
"Yeah, it looks like that. I see only the van." Jason turned away from the window and strolled towards Ron and Neal. "I will go out and see him first." He said to Ron who nodded.
...
Jason stepped out of the building just in time to see Peter park the van and get out. Peter quickly shut the door of the van and started walking towards Jason. He was half way through it when Jason suddenly spoke,
"Stop right there, Agent Burke." Then he wrinkled his face and asked, "You are Agent Peter Burke, right?"
Peter stopped walking and nodded. "I'm Peter Burke." Peter's eyes roamed around in every direction searching for Neal but he couldn't see him anywhere so Peter deduced that Neal was inside the building.
"So glad to meet you, Agent Burke. I have heard a lot about you." Jason spoke bringing Peter's attention back to him.
Peter ignored Jason's words and asked instead, "Where's Neal?"
"What? No small talk, Agent?" Peter remained silent. "He's here only. First tell me, is everything ready?" Jason continued after Peter's silence.
Peter spoke nodding, "Yes. The van is right here and there is a private jet waiting for you at the airport. "
"Good work, Agent."
"Where's your vehicle?" Peter asked curious.
"Don't worry about it, Agent. Don't want to use that stolen vehicle any ways."
Peter held the urge to roll his eyes. If the previous vehicle was stolen then what about the one that he came in. That definitely wasn't theirs either.
"I want to see Neal." Peter requested.
"Yes, of course, Agent. You can see your son now." Jason answered.
Peter nodded, relaxing a little at the words of the criminal in front of him. His eyes shone in anticipation. He really wanted to see Neal and be sure that the kid was okay.
...
After what seemed like a long time Ron came out of the building with Neal walking beside him. Peter reacted instinctively and stepped forward towards Neal but Jason's voice stopped him again.
"Uh..huh, Agent Burke. Don't take a step forward or else." Jason removed a gun from his pocket and pointed at Peter.
Peter froze. He nodded and then turned to Neal. It was dark. The only light was coming from the moon but Peter could easily tell that the kid looked awful. Even though only a few hours had gone but Neal's appearance had changed drastically.
His face was bruised and he looked pale. The way he was clutching his right arm, Peter could tell that Neal's right arm was wounded and it seemed to be excruciatingly painful.
Blood boiled inside of Peter. He clenched his fists. He just wished he could just cause the same amount of pain or even more to these guys who had hurt Neal.
He spoke softly, "Neal.. Buddy.. You alright?"
Neal was staring at Peter. He didn't dare blink. He was afraid that if he blinked then Peter would disappear. The doubts that were swimming in his mind were slowly disappearing. Peter was here and that's all that mattered. It was not like Peter was his real Dad. His own Dad didn't think that he was worth saving so even if Peter was here for any other reason other than that he was worried about Neal, Neal would take it.
He spoke, "Peter.."
Peter's eyes were still searching for any other injuries that Neal might be sporting. He asked again, "Answer me..You okay, kid?"
Neal smiled. All his doubts clearing. Peter was making it very clear that he was very much here only because he was worried for Neal. He was here so that he could take him home, safe.
"I am okay, Peter." Neal spoke trying to sound strong but winced when his arm protested in pain.
Peter's heart clenched seeing Neal in pain. He closed his eyes. He took a deep breath and spoke, "How many times do I have to remind you, Caffrey, that it's Agent Burke to you."
Neal smiled automatically. He knew Peter was telling this only to distract his mind from his pain. "Whatever, Peter."
Peter smiled too. He was glad that Neal had temporarily forgotten his pain.
Ron spoke interrupting them, "Well, as much as I am all in for this family reunion, I'm afraid that we are running out of time."
Jason nodded. He strode forward and came and stood directly in front of Peter. Peter looked at him with a confused expression.
"Gotta make sure that you aren't carrying any weapons."
Peter nodded, "Of course."
Jason then pocketed his gun and patted Peter down and was satisfied with him. Peter was weapon less. "Alright, Agent Burke, get in the van's drivers seat."
Peter brows furrowed, "Wh..What, Why?"
"You're going to take us to the airport, Agent. Now come on, hurry up, don't waste time."
Peter glanced nervously at Neal who was equally nervous as him. "What about Neal?"
This time Ron answered, "Oh, don't you worry, Agent. The kid will be coming with us. Not gonna let him out of sight." He gripped Neal's arm more tightly to emphasize his words. Neal closed his eyes and waited for the pain to subside.
Peter shook his head in disgust, "But.. But I have arranged for everything. The van, the jet. Let him go. Please. I will come with you guys. Just let him go."
Ron clucked his tongue, "You really think we are stupid, Agent Burke? We know that you aren't going to let us go easily. As long as we have the kid here, nobody is going to stop us."
To prove his point, Ron removed his knife from his jacket and poked slightly into Neal's ribs who gasped in shock.
"No! Don't do anything to him. I will take you to the airport. " Peter said urgently seeing the metal glinting in the moonlight.
Jason removed his gun once again and ordered, "Get in the van. Now!"
Peter hesitated before speaking, "Can I.. Can I just hold him."
Jason didn't reply at first, seemingly thinking about what Peter had requested for. Then he just shrugged his shoulders and nodded. Peter was elated. He quickly covered the distance between himself and Neal and enveloped him in a gentle hug. Neal hesitated first but then melted in the hug. He felt like he was in the safest place he could ever be. The feeling was so overwhelming that he could hardly breathe.
Peter hugged Neal like he was his lifeline but still mindful of Neal's injured arm. He kept caressing Neal's hair softly and kept murmuring into his ear, "It's okay, kiddo. It's okay. We will be home soon."
Neal only nodded clinging to Peter even tighter. For once he was actually thankful to his Dad for sending him on this job.
Jason came forward and broke them apart. Ron came and grabbed Neal.
"Get going, Agent, NOW!" Jason ordered.
Peter looked at Neal one more time and silently promised him that all this was going to get over soon. He was going home soon. Neal smiled, confirming Peter that he had gotten his promise.
Peter looked away from Neal and went and sat on the drivers seat of the van. He kept his eyes on the front. He was hoping that Jones was close enough to move in when required. He then heard a scuffle and instantly knew what was happening. Jason was loading all the boxes of money into the van. He then saw through the mirror that Ron was dragging Neal with him. Jason came and joined Peter in the passenger seat while Ron pushed Neal roughly in the backseat and joined him.
Jason kept his gun trained on Peter. "No smart move, Agent. I really don't want to see the kid's blown up head on Christmas Eve."
Peter clutched the steering wheel hard. "I know. One wrong move and Neal pays." He said coldly.
Jason smirked, "I knew you were intelligent." Peter ignored him.
In the backseat, Neal was struggling hard to not pass out. He really wanted to be on his feet and help Peter when time came but his resolve was weakening with each passing second. Ron still had his knife trained on Neal. He knew that the kid was weak but he wasn't taking any chances.
...
Peter kept driving to the airport in a tense silence. He was constantly glancing at Neal through the rear view mirror. He could see that the kid was making a valiant effort to stay conscious but Peter knew that Neal was getting weaker with every gone second and in lot of pain and that he wasn't going to last long.
His concentration was once again on the road in the front but internally his heart was beating very fast. He was acutely aware of Jason's eyes on him. He just hoped that Jones was following them very closely. He reached the airport after another fifteen minutes drive. He parked the van a short distance away from the jet that was ready for take off.
"We are here." Peter stated the obvious.
Jason nodded and waved his gun up and down in front of Peter. "I am not an idiot, Agent Burke. I can see that we are here. Now slowly get out of the van. No tricks or else.." Jason didn't complete the sentence, leaving it to Peter's dreadful imagination.
Peter nodded and got out of the van. From the backseat, Ron too got out dragging Neal out with him. Neal was barely able to stand on his feet. He completely sagged into Ron.
Peter's face crinkled in worry. "We are here. You guys got what you wanted. The jet is ready. You both can go in and it will take you to your freedom. Let us go now."
Jason and Ron looked at each other and burst out laughing. Peter and Neal's stomach dropped to the ground. The way the criminals were laughing, they were making it very clear that they didn't have any intention of letting them go, not at least alive.
Peter's eyes searched in every direction but there was no sign of Jones and the other agents. 'Where are they?' Peter muttered worriedly.
Jason spoke, confirming Peter's fear, "Sorry, Agent, can't do that! You can leave but the kid stays."
Neal's eyes widened in horror. "Peter?" He was scared now, what if Peter left him.
Shock was written all over Peter's face. "What?... Are you kidding me? This was not the plan. No ways! Neal is not going with you guys." He growled. He took a step in the direction of Neal only to be stopped by Ron.
"Uh..huh.., Agent. Don't even think about it." He dragged Neal in front of him, his one arm tightly around Neal's throat and the other holding the knife against Neal's ribs. He went a few steps backwards.
"Please..Peter.." Neal pleaded Peter to do something to save him.
"Stop! Don't hurt him, please." Peter begged.
Jason waved his gun again, "Sorry, Agent Burke, it looks like my partner here has set his mind on the kid. You, my friend, will have to celebrate Christmas without your son." He cackled.
"Take me!" Peter spoke.
"What?" Jason asked confused.
"I said take me with you guys. I will also come with Neal. I cannot leave him alone. I can't." Situation was getting out of hand and the FBI rescue team was nowhere in sight, so Peter did what he thought was best. He just couldn't let the bad guys take Neal with them. What was he going to say to El if he came home empty handed. What was he going to do if Neal didn't come home, which would no longer be called home without Neal's presence, his laughter and his talks and his everything. No! Peter's life was unimaginable without Neal.
Neal's eyes widened in surprise. Was Peter actually willing to sacrifice himself for him? "Peter, you don't have to do it. Please, El will kill me."
Peter chuckled despite himself, "Your life is already in danger, kiddo, and you are worrying about El killing you."
Jason spoke, "Alright, Agent, if that's what you want. Come on. We will ask the pilot to bring in all the boxes." He pointed his gun at Peter and gestured him to start walking towards the jet. He followed Peter and slowly Ron joined them dragging Neal with him.
Neal's mind was reeling with all that was bound to happen. His Dad had clearly indicated that his life was worthless and he was okay with that but Peter? How could he let Peter risk his life for him. He couldn't let that happen. He had to do something. They couldn't board the jet. No he had to try a way to get Peter out of this mess.
Neal saw that Peter and Jason were walking a little ahead of him and Ron. He closed his eyes and prayed that his plan worked. He took a deep breath and called out, "Um..Peter.." He didn't wait for Peter to turn around and just melted into a dead faint at Ron's feet.
At the same time, he rolled into Ron and pushed him backwards and Ron stumbled off balance. Because he was unprepared for this the knife left his hand and clattered to the ground. Neal immediately flung it away and brought his foot forward and sent a sharp kick to Ron's legs who cried out in pain and went to the ground in a heap.
"You little shit." Ron growled. He tried to get to his knees but Neal beat him to it and landed a solid punch across Ron's face. Ron's world started spinning and the next thing he knew, he was lying on his back on the ground and Neal was straddling him. Neal repeatedly punched him. His wound arm protesting angrily at every punch it was delivering but Neal kept going and going until Ron finally lost the battle and was out cold.
"Guess I won this round, huh!" Neal stuttered.
Neal's world was dizzying too. He was about to collapse on top of unmoving Ron when he heard a shout. It was Jason.
"Hey, kid! You are going to die! Merry Christmas!" Jason then cackled. Neal looked over his shoulder just in time to see Jason firing the shot and Peter yelling and coming in between them. Neal's mouth escaped a cry of horror. "No! Peter! "
...
The moment Neal called out his name, Peter turned around to face Neal. He let out a horrified gasp when he saw that Neal just crumpled to the ground unconscious. But then his eyes widened the next second when he saw Neal throw Ron off balance. Everything clicked for Peter and he knew that this was all Neal's plan to distract Ron. From the corner of his eyes he saw that Jason was distracted just like him. He was still facing Neal and his partner. Peter quickly turned this into an opportunity and knocked out the gun from Jason's grasp.
Jason cried out in surprise. Before he could recover Peter punched him hard into his stomach. He bend over in pain gasping for breath. Peter then landed a right hook across Jason's face who grunted but otherwise remained standing. Peter then hit him with a left hook and Jason stumbled and swayed licking his bleeding lip and wiping his bloody left brow with his hand. Peter then shifted his attention to Neal who was straddling Ron and punching him. Big mistake. Jason turned this to his advantage and quickly retrieved his gun which was lying just a few steps away from him and smacked Peter hard in the head.
Peter cried out in pain and automatically his hands clutched the sides of his head to stop the piercing pain that was shooting through his skull. His vision darkened. He swayed. Jason smacked the gun again and this time Peter went down on his knees.
Jason then turned his attention towards the other fight. Anger coursed through his veins. He couldn't let the kid win. No! He readied the gun in his hand and shouted, "Hey, kid! You are going to die! Merry Christmas!" He then let out an evil laughter. Jason then fired the shot.
...
Peter who was still miraculously conscious heard Jason shout out to Neal. Through haze of pain he saw that Jason was about to pull the trigger. His heart hammered in his chest. He couldn't let anything happen to Neal. No matter what. He steeled himself and got to his feet quickly despite the pain and rushed to stop Jason.
Peter reached just as Jason fired the shot and the bullet hit him in the chest. At first he didn't feel anything and then came pain. White hot blinding pain. He clutched his chest with his hands and looked down and saw that blood was seeping through the fingers. In the distance he heard someone shout. Maybe Neal. Everything was quickly turning into black. He felt himself dropping to the ground. He landed on his side with a soft thud.
Consciousness was slipping away from him fast. He closed his eyes. He then felt gentle hands on his face. Neal. His fuzzy mind told him. He then felt wetness on his face. Tears. Neal was crying. He was telling something but Peter couldn't register. He opened his pain filled eyes and he gasped out, "Sorry, son.." Peter was sorry that he couldn't do anything to save Neal and gave in to the darkness unwillingly.
...
Neal quickly got off from top of Ron. His world tilted but he stubbornly stumbled towards Peter. On reaching near Peter, Neal quickly dropped to his knees ignoring the pain and gasped in horror when he saw blood leaking freely from Peter's chest. Tears began to form in his eyes. He gently placed his fingers on Peter's face even as tears rolled down his eyes.
"Peter.. Peter..please..don't.." Neal stammered.
To his surprise, Peter opened his eyes and gasped, "Sorry.. Son.." And closed his eyes again and he remained that way.
"Peter.." Neal called out, turning white as a sheet. Suddenly he felt a sharp kick to his right side and he toppled onto the ground. His breath was coming in short bursts. Struggling he looked up to see Jason standing over him with the gun trained on him. He looked maliciously at Neal.
"I missed. This time I won't. I am going to waste you." Jason spat viciously.
He started to pull the trigger when Neal heard shouts that he'd never thought he would be so happy to hear them. Neal no longer could keep his eyes open and finally succumbed to the oblivion.
"FBI! Drop your weapon! I repeat, drop your weapon!"
...
Okay, so I am not at all happy with the chapter, as my life is going through a horrible horrible phase but I really didn't want to keep you all waiting. I'm so sorry if it didn't live up to your expectations. Will try to be better next time. :)
Also I wrote this chapter When I was not in the right frame of mind (yeah, horrible horrible phase of life :(..), so if you see mistakes, please do let me know :)