(Chapter 11)

Peter was more than alert when he heard the chatter on the wire. Jones was on the line remote from the site when he heard the conference room door open and Diana stepped in. He was already getting up before she walked over to help him. She looked as excited and hopeful as he did.

"They found Elizabeth... well I should say Ms. Hunter did. Jones and crew are already taking her to the ambulance. Mozzie found Neal." Her voice sounded less enthused on the last one only because of what they'd heard over the wire. He was unconscious and badly hurt. He wasn't responsive but he was alive. Peter nodded, his expression sober as he hobbled with her out of the conference room and over to the stairs. Maybe he would chance them to see Hughes. He could see the senior agent up in his office talking on the phone excitedly. Diana seemed hesitant but he insisted, going up the stairs slowly until they saw the older agent looking out at them, hanging up the phone. He looked surprised if anything.

"Barrigan... why did you bring him up here. Burke, you know you're supposed to be resting!" He sounded upset but there was a hint of worry under that gruff exterior. Reese made a motion to put Peter in a chair and the agent sat as Diana excused herself and closed the door. Hughes looked a bit upset but relieved. They had caught Sergev's men and gotten the hostages and money back in one piece it seemed. Peter was thankful if anything as he slumped against the chair.

"I want to go see my wife... and partner, Reese. Please." His voice sounded a bit raspy but it was strong and he was going to be stubborn till he got his way. Hughes finally relented, standing up and making a motion out the door when he opened it again.

"We do need to take you back to the hospital. You're looking a bit peaked. I guess this is as good an excuse as any to do so. I'll have Barrigan and Rhodes take you." He seemed hesitant about something as he opened the door then helped Peter to his feet. Diana had waited outside, immediately there to assist them. Reese leaned over and whispered something to Peter.

"Tell that consultant he did good but next time... he has to get our permission first. We back up our team members."

Peter smiled at his boss with a nod of his head and Diana helped him back down the stairs as Hughes went back into his office. Below another agent moved to help, Miranda Rhodes. She pulled on her jacket, grabbing Peter's and both agents helped him into it before they gently led him back out to the glass doors and the elevator.

()()()

It was one of the longest trips to the hospital Peter had ever taken. He was in the back of the vehicle laying across the whole seat, a blanket over him. Diana had insisted and he finally relented. He was feeling a bit off and his body was shivering slightly. It had seemed like weeks had passed but it had only been three days since the whole Keller / Sergev thing had started. Keller had already been taken to Rikers and although they hadn't capture Antov Sergev they at least had his men in custody including Aeronson. Peter wanted to get his hands on that one especially after thinking about all his wife had gone through. He felt his jaw clench in memory and tried hard not to stress himself. His chest still ached from his injuries, his head throbbing from the concussion he had sustained. He really should have stayed in the hospital but it hadn't been his choice after all Aeronson and his cohorts had managed.

When they finally reached the hospital, Diana parked the vehicle at the ER where Dr. Monroe was waiting. He had a nurse and wheelchair nearby. Diana and Rhodes helped the agent out of the vehicle and walked him to the wheelchair.

"I was wondering when I would see you again, Agent Burke. I guess things have toned down a bit?" He patted the agent gently on the shoulder, Peter looking up tiredly with a faint nod of his head.

"You could say that. I want to see my wife. Where is she?" He started to stand but the doctor pushed him back.

"Now now... we need to look over your injuries and then you can see her. She's sedated right now and in her own room. Let's run some tests to be sure you're healing. You look a bit ashy." Dr. Monroe put a hand to Peter's forehead and sighed.

"Feels like you're running a bit of a fever. We'll get you in a room soon enough and get that taken care of. Thanks for bringing him back Agent Barrigan." He smiled at both agents, holding out his hand and they shook it.

"I was worried about him but he's stubborn. No offense meant boss." She was smirking down at him and he gave a smile back up.

"None taken. I just hate staying still for so long." He crossed his arms as best he could over his chest as he slumped back in the chair and allowed himself to be taken inside the hospital. He could understand Mozzie if not Neal's dislike of the place but it was a necessary evil in this case. He just hoped he could see Elizabeth soon. Diana was walking beside him while Rhodes went to move the car to another spot.

"Can you go check on my wife for me? Let me know how she is?" He took her hand in his and Diana nodded, leaving his side as the doctor gave her the room number. Peter watched her leave and wished he was able to just go visit his wife but they wanted to run tests on him. He leaned back and closed his eyes, head feeling a bit heavier than usual. Peter started to think about what he'd heard on the wire. Neal had been badly hurt trying to save his wife. He had gone in his place to spare him any undo suffering but had ended up nearly dying. His guilt at all the things that had been going on made him feel worse, the pain in his chest increasing. He gave a little wheeze, Dr. Monroe pausing to listen with his stethoscope.

"This sounds bad. Come on. Let's get him to the X-Ray room."

()()()

Elizabeth didn't remember when she woke up again. She had seen the ghost of Kate she thought just before passing out. She was thinking about Neal in that room, those men torturing him with the water tubes and cracking his ribs and yet his eyes had given her a look that made her think he was doing what he could for both of them. Sacrificing himself for Peter so he wouldn't have to suffer.

She felt a bit of anger at his lack of resolve. Yes he had come to her rescue only to be caught without any backup or anyone to jump in when he needed help. Peter must be rubbing off on her because she knew Neal had just foolishly let himself be taken even if it was to possibly save her, he should have thought things through. She was more angry at the thought he may have died without a reason. What if...

Elizabeth rolled over in the hospital bed, her back to the door and tried to relax. They had given her something to sleep but she was far too stressed to do so. She was shivering and shaking, her mind a whirlwind of motion from her ordeal as thoughts, ideas and what ifs ran through her tired, frightened head. Mostly she was worried about Neal. She hadn't heard anything about him in all the rush to rescue her, she was only vaguely aware of agents having taken her to an ambulance but not much else. Her mind was still very fuzzy on how she had gotten out of the trunk of that car or who had rescued her. The drugs were starting to wear on her as she sunk deeper into exhaustion. She thought she heard the door open and voices but she didn't turn around, her body suddenly very heavy.

"Mrs. Burke? You have a visitor. (there was a pause) I think she's asleep. The doctor gave her some sedatives when they saw she was in shock. She needs rest but you can stay for a few minutes."

She wasn't sure who was speaking but it sounded like a woman. Maybe it was a nurse? She shrugged to herself in her head wanting to turn and see but finally feeling the drugs working. Her thoughts were calming a bit but she was afraid of sleep. She'd been having horrible nightmares about what had happened and of seeing Neal still and lifeless. She'd also dreamed of Peter crying for both of them, losing his drive because he had lost his wife and his best friend. Her eyes started to close of their own volition and she fought to stay awake so those dreams would stay away. She felt a presence before her, Elizabeth trying to focus on them but not seeing more than a blurry outline as she started to fall into sleep.

"Mrs. Burke, it's Agent Barrigan. Peter will come see you soon but he sent me while they do some tests. Mrs. Burke?"

Diana? Peter's here? Where? I want to see my husband!

Her thoughts were still fairly clear but her body was already succumbing to the sedative, her eyes closing as darkness fell upon her.

Peter was here? Why wasn't he at her side. Was he hurt?

Her thoughts were filled with worrisome things until even that faded into nothingness and she finally fell asleep.

()()()

Peter felt more exhausted after all the tests Dr. Monroe performed on him. Among the many tests were a CAT scan of his chest and MRI. His head injury seemed to have stabilized so his tiredness and headaches was being associated more with his chest scans which showed some swelling and infection. His ribs had shifted some so they had to put them back in place which made him feel worse, the pain adding to the already tight feeling he had. The doctor guaranteed he would feel better soon. It was a minor chest infection easily cured with antibiotics. They would monitor his progress over the next few days. He hoped now with all of this behind him he could finally see his wife but the nurse and doctor wheeled him into a room. Nobody was there and he saw another nurse already there setting the bed up for him. He glanced back at Dr. Monroe confused despite his exhaustion. The doctor patted him on the shoulder and they helped him up into the bed his reluctance obvious.

"I want to see my wife. I need to see how she is." He was trying to make himself sound angry but he was still too tired from the fever and pain of getting his ribs put back into place to fight much less yell at anyone but it was obvious he was unhappy. Dr. Monroe smiled at him and tried to comfort him.

"She's resting next door. I'm going to make sure she comes to visit you as soon as she feels up to it. We had to sedate her so she would relax and rest. Once she feels better we'll make sure you two visit but you need to sleep. That fever and chest cold aren't going to cure themselves. Nurse." Dr. Monroe made a motion as they finished pushing in the last of the IVs. Peter saw the nurse had a needle and cringed.

"I don't need anything to help me sleep." He whined weakly but the nurse already had his arm swabbed and was pushing it in gently. He winced briefly as the fluid was injected and the nurse pulled the needle out just as gently. He gazed up at the doctor with a less than happy expression although he knew he needed to rest. He'd had little since the whole event had started. Peter could already feel whatever they gave him working and he fought it as the doctor spoke.

"Rest, Agent Burke. When you wake up you'll feel better. We have you on some antibiotics so you'll definitely feel less discomfort. Make sure his vitals are monitored. I want to be sure his fever doesn't get any higher. Thank you nurse."

Peter listened as long as he could before his eyes drooped and he finally passed out into the first deep sleep in three days. It was deep but not entirely devoid of dreams. He kept seeing a very lifeless and dead Neal Caffrey in his dreams followed by the scornful face of his wife asking why he had allowed the young man to sacrifice himself. The dream transformed at some point to the day of the plane explosion and finding himself too late to tell Neal everything he had wanted to. The young man didn't turn but continued to the plane before he saw the terrible explosion and his partner and friend was dead.

No... it didn't happen that way! Neal isn't dead! He's alive. I'm sorry Neal I wasn't there to protect you. I forgive you.

Peter kept dreaming strange nightmares of things that might have been including a version of their imprisonment but he woke up to find everyone dead, holding his wife in his arms and crying as Diana and Jones came rushing in. His eyes moved to the figure of his partner dangling from the ceiling ashen and unmoving and then over to a prone figure of Mozzie. They were all dead and he had been helpless to do anything. He should have had some control. Some power to stop this...

Peter...

He shifted in his sleep but he felt some pain and aches so he stopped but someone touched him gently on the cheek and it calmed him. He knew that touch and nestled his cheek into it.

Peter it's ok.

He slowly opened his eyes which seemed to take all the effort he had and glanced up into two light blue ones. A smile curled his lips and he started to open his mouth, wanting to speak but she pushed a finger to his lips.

"Peter, just relax. Did you want something to drink?" She was smiling down at him although he could see the paleness of her skin and bags under her eyes. She had been through a lot, his hands reaching up to pull her closer, his head raising enough to kiss her. Elizabeth looked surprised but happily so, her face relaxing as she kissed him back and hugged him gently. He just wanted to breath her in, holding her close forever. After a few minutes she pulled gently away and he fell back against the pillow tiredly and she put a hand on his forehead.

"You feel cooler than yesterday. You slept a long time, honey. Doctor said you needed to after all the excitement." She tried to smile but it came out as more of a half frown. He kept a hold on her hand and finally spoke.

"How are you?" He stared up into her blue eyes but she turned slightly, her glance looking at the window then back down at him.

"Ok, I guess. It's over right? They caught everyone? Keller... those men?" She squeezed his hand tight and he nodded back.

"Yes. Sergev won't dare come back here. Keller's in isolation at Riker's. He won't be getting out again." He was firm about what he said seeing comfort in his wife's eyes as she realized he told her the truth. He knew he was. Sergev wouldn't dare come back after losing his men to the FBI and Keller being out of reach along with the bottle. The bottle had been put in a separate area with tighter security. He felt her relax beside him a bit less tense as she lay her head on his shoulder.

Elizabeth looked up after a few minutes and her tenseness had returned some, Peter reaching up to sooth her but she seemed unable to calm down.

"Peter... Neal... they... They hurt him and made me watch." She tensed up further, her face paling at the memory of whatever she'd been made to watch and he sat up with a groan and wrapped his arms around her. Elizabeth turned to scold him for rising but didn't. Instead her face was suddenly streaming with tears as she buried her face in his shoulder and he held her tightly. She just cried and he felt tears rolling down his own cheeks. Neal had sacrificed himself for them. The ex-con was impulsive and hot-headed at times but his heart was in the right place no matter how reckless or stupid his actions seemed. He did the right thing but he almost died to save his wife and Peter knew he owed the con something for that. It felt odd to owe his life and well-being to someone he spent so much time trying to jail. They had gone from criminal / Fed to partners / friends. He needed to talk to Neal about what they had left unsaid. He owed the con for his wife's life and his own.

"I'm sorry Elizabeth. I... I'm just glad you're safe."

()()()

Peter found out he had been asleep for 2 days since being admitted and at least one of those days had passed before Elizabeth had been well enough to be allowed to visit him. He was glad for it, thanking the doctor when he saw him next. Dr. Monroe was glad to see his patients healing so well bringing them the news they wanted about Neal.

"He has two broken ribs and there was quite a bit of fluid still in his lungs but we reset his ribs and cleared his lungs as much as possible. It's up to him now. He hasn't waken up yet but we do have him on a slight sedation so he can rest and heal. We should ease the sedative up soon so he'll be conscious in a day or two. Once your fever goes down a bit more I'll have a nurse bring you to him. I think he's going to be fine but we need him awake to be certain there was no damage from his intake of water." The doctor sounded a bit angry at what he knew of the situation. He had been their doctor in the past so they had let him know some of the facts of the situation. Peter was surprised how loyal the physician was to them. He took his job very seriously.

"Thank you doctor. We appreciate everything you've done for us." Peter held out a hand, Elizabeth helping him sit up so he could properly shake hands with the physician. Dr. Monroe blushed slightly with a smile.

"I'm just glad you're doing better. Your fever is going down and so is the swelling around your chest. I think you'll be out of here in another three days if all goes well. I guess it helps that your wife is nearby. I find the presence of one's spouse always helps in the healing process." The doctor smiled warmly, Elizabeth nodding as she hugged her husband.

"More so than you know, doctor." She sounded better if not nearer to her old self as they both started to deal with what had happened. She might have been crying a few minutes earlier but knowing they still had each other had helped them to release that stress they both felt at not knowing. He hoped Neal knew he was still wanted and loved. Peter wanted to visit him as soon as he could as did El.

"I'll leave you two till the next check up. The nurse should be here soon with lunch."

()()()

It was another two days before Dr. Monroe kept his promise and Peter woke up to find Elizabeth nudging him gently.

"Hey honey, how are you feeling?" She was brushing his hair gently, kissing him on the lips and smiling. He yawned, smiling up at her and nodding.

"Better. Not so warm. Chest feels a bit better. What's up?" He started to shift a little, his wife helping him to sit up. She brought him a cup of water and he sipped at it noticing a glitter in her blue eyes. She seemed rather happy about something but was trying hard to hide it or at least hold back till he finally put the cup aside and had to ask her.

"Ok... What's going on. You seem way too happy about something." He was teasing her but she nodded back, glancing at the door when it opened up and a nurse came in pulling a wheelchair. Peter glanced at the nurse than his wife and then it hit him.

"Neal? Is he..." He wasn't sure what to say but she finished his sentence.

"Awake? No but Dr. Monroe said it was ok to go visit. I already saw him while you were resting. He's looking so much better." He saw her eyes grow shiny with tears and he hugged her, hoping to comfort her. She sniffled and nodded, only pulling away to help the nurse as they prepared him to get off the bed. The IVs were attached to poles on the side of the chair as he was settled into it gently. It felt odd not to just use his two feet to walk but he wasn't going to complain with his wife healthy and alive by his side and getting to see his partner.

"Are we ready, Mr. Burke?" The nurse smiled down at him with a warm look and he smiled up at her with a nod.

"I think so." He looked from her to Elizabeth who stayed by his side and held his hand in hers as they headed out of the room and down the hall.

The trip down the hall made him nervous, Peter uncertain why but he almost didn't want to see Neal. He was afraid of what he might see but Elizabeth seemed relieved and happy so maybe his fears were unfounded. El squeezed his hand and he looked up at her, her smile easing his fears as they finally turned down another corridor and the nurse paused before a door. El opened it while the nurse eased Peter inside.

The room was no different than Peter's but for a few small decor changes like different pictures or wallpaper but it still looked like a hospital room. A figure lay sleeping in the center of the room with just a minimal of IVs and monitors so it wasn't as severe as it could have been. Peter wanted to get up and walk over to the figure but couldn't with the nurse around. He was still achy but he would walk to see his friend regardless. He could just make out a bare chested Neal, wrapped like a mummy in that area and then around the left arm which was back in its sling. The young man's face was mostly relaxed with a slight tenseness around the eyes and mouth. Peter wondered what he was dreaming about and hoped it was something pleasant.

The nurse left them alone after checking that Peter was comfortable and Neal's vitals were ok. Elizabeth coughed and he looked at his wife curiously.

"Get up if you want. I'll help you over to the chair." She knew he wanted to get closer than the wheelchair provided, El moving the chair close enough so he was still comfortably connected to his IVs. Peter sat stiffly as he reached to grasp his partner's right hand. At first observation Neal's hand was limp in his own, thin fingers feeling almost fragile. The consultant's face was pale but not so much as it had been the first time he'd seen him when he'd been shot. His eyes looked a bit sunken in as did his cheeks but over all his friend looked well as if he were just sleeping. Peter always marveled at how innocent Neal looked when resting. He felt Elizabeth squeeze his shoulder gently.

"He'll be ok, Peter. He's strong. We just need to be there for him." She sounded confident although he could see the worry for his partner he felt himself. Neal was like family to them. He stood up just enough to lean close to his friend's ear and whisper.

"Hey buddy... get better soon. And thank you for Alex and Mozzie. They were a big help." He patted his friend on the shoulder gently, moving backwards towards the chair when he felt a tightness around his right hand. He looked to see that Neal was squeezing his hand, gripping it tightly. El looked at him quizzically till he pointed down at his hand and Neal's obvious muscles bulging ever so slightly as he continued to grip Peter's hand. She covered her mouth with one hand, eyes watery but with tears of relief.

"Neal? Hey... can you hear me? Squeeze twice if you can hear me. It's Peter." Peter waited, the continual squeeze hurting his hand a bit until he felt it loosen and grow limp again. He waited but nothing happened, until he felt thin fingers gently squeeze once then a second time before holding on with a more gentle grip. El looked at him and he smiled.

"Good... can you open your eyes? Elizabeth is here with me. We're both ok. Everyone's ok." He waited, his wife holding onto his shoulders gently as they watched Neal. His face didn't seem to move at all till they noticed the slightest of tics along one cheek and then a fluttering of lashes till his lips started to move a little, parting ever so slightly.

"Neal? Hey buddy... we're right here. Come on." Peter kept talking to him, Elizabeth smiling at his side and waiting till finally a crack from the left and then the right eye lid and Neal squinted up at them before closing his eyes tight again. His lips twitched and they thought he spoke but it was too quiet. Elizabeth moved closer to listen.

"Neal... what is it? Speak up." She placed her ear next to his and Peter could just make out his lips moving, Elizabeth's face smiling and nodding.

"He says it's too bright. I'll close the shades and turn the lights down." She was up in a second, quickly crossing the room to close the blinds and curtains and Peter managed to stand and dim one lamp next to him while Elizabeth dimmed the one on the other end of the bed. Once the light was a bit more subdued they watched as Neal's eyes began to flicker open a bit more certainly. Two dull blue eyes gazed up at them, the pupils a bit larger than normal as they squinted slightly, focusing on their surroundings. Neal seemed to be looking for something when El gently squeezed his left arm gently. He turned and smiled ever so slightly, licking his lips and closing his eyes again.

"Neal?" Elizabeth kept her hand on his slung arm finally he opened his eyes again looking a bit more awake, pupils a bit smaller as he smiled again.

"E...L?" His voice was just audible as his smile grew and he tried to reach for her hand with his slung arm. El shushed him and reached across to take his hand in hers.

"I'm ok, Neal. Thank you... but if you ever do something so stupid again..." She gently slapped him across the shoulder, smiling as he gave her a chagrined looked back. His cheeks flushed ever so slightly and El felt his forehead worriedly before realizing he was just blushing.

"El, you're going to traumatize the poor man. That's my job." Peter teased as he watched Neal's head swivel ever so slowly over to look at him, blue eyes blinking a bit less dully. He wasn't smiling so much, the blush still there and Peter thought he knew why.

"I'm not mad at you, Neal... well no that's not true. You did a stupid thing." Peter saw those blue eyes widen a bit then close ever so slightly but never turn away, a kind of shame showing there. He felt guilty for saying it but it had to be said as he softened his glance.

"But I couldn't be happier you did it. Just... be careful next time. You know Hughes would have set you up with a wire and backup if you'd asked." He saw Neal's face calm and he finally smiled up at him feeling a bit more relaxed now that they had it out in the open. Neal's lips parted and he seemed to swallow hard then finally spoke again.

"Pee... ter?" Neal paused, swallowing again and licking at his lips. Elizabeth got up and walked quickly over to the sink grabbing up a disposable cup from the dispenser and filling it with some water. She placed it on the nightstand as she carefully adjusted the bed so he was sitting up, fluffing the pillows beneath him to raise his head.

"Here sweetie. Drink this." El held the cup to his lips and he slowly raised his head and drank from it in little sips, coughing a bit here and there before it was empty and he nodded that he was good. Peter watched his partner lick his lips again and turn his eyes back towards him.

"I... mm... Sor... rry." Neal paused, swallowing hard as he licked at his lips again. Elizabeth asked if he wanted more water and he nodded tiredly as she rose to refill the cup. Peter kept his hand in his partner's, waiting for the young man to finish.

"Sorry for what? You were the one who got us out. You tried to protect Elizabeth. You did good. Hughes even said so but he said you better let him know next time so it's official." He winked at the young man who blinked at him with wide eyes. Elizabeth came back and helped him drink the water again till he was full and able to speak again.

"I... waaasss... ssstuuuupiiid. Al... ex ssaid... sssooo." He blushed again, that chagrined look returning but Peter turned the young man's face towards him.

"Yes it was a stupid risk but you did it for a good cause. Heck... I may have done the same if I'd been able to. You're a lot more heroic than you think, Neal. Your heart is in the right place." Peter hoped the young man believed him, Neal nodding up at him sleepily as his eyes started to droop some. Elizabeth nudged him gently from her side.

"Neal honey, rest. We'll be here when you wake up, ok? I'm going to take Peter back to his room. We're just down the hall." She brushed a stray hair from his forehead before planting a small kiss there. Neal's lips curved in a soft smile as he eyes shut and he slumped back into sleep. His breathing was slow and relaxed, face less tense than it had been even around the eyes and mouth. Peter squeezed his friend's hand and stood slowly.

"I'm here for a few more days. We'll visit again, buddy." Elizabeth pushed the nurse call button then walked around to help her husband back into the wheelchair. A few minutes later the same nurse returned, glancing at them curiously.

"Ready to go back to your room, Mr. Burke?" She was smiling kindly, Peter nodding as he turned to look at his friend on the bed, the young man sleeping peacefully. Elizabeth moved away a moment to speak to the nurse. He could just make out what she said, his own head nodding off in the chair.

"Neal woke up. We got to chat with him. It was only a few minutes but I gave him a little water. He was thirsty. I hope that's ok?" She looked worried but the nurse just nodded.

"That's fine. We were wondering about his fluid intake since his injury had reopened. I'm glad he's coming to. The sedative must be wearing off. I'll let Dr. Monroe know soon as possible. Thanks for telling me."

oOoOoOo

Author's Note: Guess I have one more chapter. Had hoped to tie it all up by now but just keeps going and going like the Energizer bunny. :P Let me know if you like. Thanks for reading!