AN: I wish to once more thank everyone who has followed, favorited, or reviewed my story. I even amaze myself that this story has gone on this long, I've never written anything this long even when I was in school lol.
AAN: Thanks again to my beta Jackilee, without all the help this story would've been abandoned a long time ago lol.
Without further ado here's chapter 14...
A Change of Plans Ch 14:
A few hours later:
After Peter flashed his badge and demanded immediate action for his friend, and after Neal was assigned a room, the federal agent took up a vigil by his partner's bed. He knew he should sleep. But he needed to know Neal's side of the story as soon as possible. Peter looked at his watch once more, and then ran his hand over his face in frustration. Neal's doctor had told him that the conman probably wouldn't wake up until after midnight, and it looked like that was going to be the case.
In an effort to stay awake, Peter decided to take up pacing back and forth in front of Neal's bed. 'Maybe it wasn't a good idea to send Sara and Mozzie back to the hotel. If they were here, at least I'd have someone to talk to.' The agent thought to himself as he, once more, sat down in the uncomfortable hospital chair.
"Finally, I thought you were going to wear a hole in the floor with your pacing." Neal stated roughly. His throat was very dry after being asleep for so long, and his talking induced a coughing fit.
"A little warning next time, Buddy, you almost gave me a heart attack. How are you feeling?" Peter asked as he placed his hand over his heart in shock. Then he brought a small cup with water into Neal's field of vision.
"I've been better." Neal replied as he tried unsuccessfully to sit up more, so as to receive the cool liquid. After taking several small sips, he collapsed against the numerous pillows that were supporting him, placing his arm across his now very painful ribs.
Once he got his breathing under control and the pain from his ribs subsided, Neal ran his right hand through his hair as he tried the recall what had happened. "Where am I, and where is Kramer?" He quickly asked hoping to divert Peter's previous line of inquiry. Noticing the bandage on his left hand and feeling the small bandage on his head, he began to realize that neither injury hurt as much as it did before, leaving Neal to deduce that he must be in some kind of medical facility.
Peter noticed the look Neal often had when he had solved part of a case. "Well, by the look on your face, you have deduced correctly, you're in the hospital. After you left your phone with me and after I talked with June, I realized you had to be in some sort of trouble. Anyway, long story short I discussed everything I knew with Mozzie, and I asked him to come down here and make sure you were alright." Peter started to explain as he sat back down.
"You must've done some fast talking to convince him to come to D.C., willingly." Then he remembered the last time the FBI asked Mozzie for a favor. "You didn't actually give him the DOD access codes did you?." Neal laughed. He then tried to sit up again, this attempted as unsuccessful as the first. But, at least, it was much less painful.
"Actually, that idea never crossed my mind but maybe next time." Peter replied. He then located the controls for Neal's bed and adjusted it so his friend was able to sit up easier.
"Now Neal, I know you don't feel a 100%. But I need you to tell me what happened after you left New York with Collins and Kramer?" The agent insisted as he placed a small recorder on the bed. "I swear, you're not in trouble and nothing you say will be used against you. I just need your side of the situation so charges can be filed against Kramer and Collins." Peter continued after he noticed a look of fear flash across his partners face.
Not wanting to relive the 24 to 36 hours, Neal shook his head slightly and placed his right hand over his eyes as he felt tears start to form. "I appreciate your concern, but as everyone constantly reminds me, I'm a convicted felon. No lawyer on the planet would take my word over that of two high ranking federal agents. Can we please just go home and forget the last few days." Neal pleaded as he squeezed his eyes shut to hold back the tears.
Peter switched off the recorder and sat down at the foot of Neal's bed. "I wish I could, buddy. But after seeing what Kramer did to you the night you arrived in D.C., and the injuries you've sustained since then, I can't turn a blind eye to what he and Collins have done. You are correct that given your history, it would be hard to convince people that you're not trying to con them. But you have told me repeatedly that you have never outright lied to me. With that said, I'm willing to stand up for, or rather with, you in front of any level of federal office or judicial branch we have to, to get justice for you." Peter swore as he watched his friend fight to maintain control.
After a few moments Neal realized that he wasn't going to talk Peter out of his decision to file charges on the conman's behalf. He took a deep breath his ribs protested his movements. He groaned softly before he began. "Tell me what you know, and I'll fill in the blanks." Neal conceded. He suddenly found the bandage on his left hand very interesting.
Given their history, Peter knew that Neal was all about compromising when it came to a tough decision. "Fair enough." He agreed then turned the recorder back on. "After you left with Kramer and Collins I was still furious about everything and Hughes decided to send me home for the rest if the day. So I called El and we went to lunch, that's when I found your cellphone. That was very clever by the way, also extremely foolhardy for someone in your world." They both laughed, agreeing it was a serious risk for both parties.
"Anyway, realizing something was wrong. I decided to get in contact with your little friend. Since I didn't have his current number, I figured the best place to start looking for him would be at your apartment. And besides someone had to tell June, what had happened. I assumed Kramer wasn't going to take any chances and took you directly to the airport." Peter stopped, indicating that he was done, and Neal could start his story.
"You're correct, after we got into the elevator Kramer handcuffed me with a special set of cuffs that were pick-proof. I kept trying to convince him the cuffs weren't needed. I told them that after my island adventure, I had sworn to you and myself that I wouldn't run anymore. But neither Collins nor Kramer believed my word, surprise, surprise. After arriving at the parking garage, Collins grabbed my arm and started to lead me towards Kramer's car. I simply shook his hand off, not wanting to be lead around. Next thing I knew, he had me shoved up against the wall and pressed his gun into my face. Then threatened to shoot me if I didn't do everything they said exactly how they wanted it." Neal started.
"Collins finally let me go after I agreed, then we walked silently to the car. After arriving at the car, Collins shoved me against the trunk area and pressed his gun against my neck. I have to tell you, I've never been more in fear of my life then at that moment. I really thought he was going to shoot me again." The conman explained as he rubbed the back of his neck, subconsciously, at the memory.
"I remained frozen in place as he, not too gently mind you, searched me. Then Kramer confiscated my lock picks and all my credit cards. Kramer then informed me that all of my transactions from there on would be in cash, only, and that the only time he would let me have my picks would be for authorized use. Then we headed for the airport." Neal finished as he started to drift off slightly.
After a yawning fit Neal continued to recount everything that had happened after they had landed in D.C., including his botched escape attempt. Neal then told Peter Kramer's list of rules and the consequences if Neal broke them.
"Kramer actually told you that he would beat you!" Peter exclaimed then started to pace again. He didn't want to believe that the man he once admired would actually beat another human being.
"He didn't come out and say it, but Collins clarified the situation." Neal stated, not wanting to go into detail as to what had happened next.
"Umm...Neal, I know you're not going to like what I'm about to tell you. But, I have a pretty good idea of what actually happened next. I had your friend set up surveillance outside Kramer's place. And when he saw you the next morning, he took some pictures. I need to know who hit you, was it Collins or Kramer?" Peter asked as he stopped pacing and leaned against the foot of the bed.
"Seeing as I'm not going to break my vow of never directly lying to you, I'm going to tell you straight out, you're not going like my answer." Neal started to speak but before he could tell Peter anything, the two men were interrupted by a commotion in the hallway.
Neal started to panic, as the voice came closer to his room. Someone was looking for him. "Where's Kramer? Don't let them take me, please." Neal pleaded as he tried, unsuccessfully, to get out of the hospital bed.
"Neal, calm down. It's alright, you're in my custody. Nobody's going to take you anywhere. Just calm down, I'll take care of everything." Peter explained as he tried to calm his friend.
Neal trusted Peter with his life but he couldn't fight his instincts when he was cornered. It took a few minutes for Peter to get Neal under control, but he was aided by the sleep and pain medications that were being pumped through the IV.
Please Peter, I'd rather...go back to prison...then go with...them." Neal rasped as he slowly drifted off. Peter held his friend until he was certain the conman was out, he then tucked the blanket around him.
"The only place you're going is home, with me." The agent vowed, as he squeezed Neal's shoulder ressurantly. "Now, to take care of our unwanted guest." Peter said as he left the conman's room.
Upon exiting Neal's room, Peter saw Agent Collins searching the other rooms on their floor. As he set he sight on the agent, Peter had to fight the urge to draw his weapon and shoot the bastard. Ignoring his first instinct, Peter closed the door and stepped out into the main hallway while Collins's back was turned. He would've preferred to deal with Collins after he 'spoke' to Kramer. But with Collins looking for Neal, he realized Option A was out the window. Peter made it a few steps from his friend's room (and towards the agent) by the time Collins noticed him.
"Burke! Where the hell is Caffery?" Collins demanded, as he stomped towards Peter. "How dare you come here and interfere with Special Agent Kramer's affairs!" Collins declared as he got right up into Peter's face.
"What 'affairs' might those be? And how do they authorize you or Kramer treating one of the most non-violent men I've ever known like your personal punching bag?" Peter demanded, not letting the other man's attitude or closeness unnerve him.
"That's none of your business; it's above your pay grade. I could arrest you right now for aiding and abetting Neal Caffery in escaping federal custody. Now this is your last chance to not ruin your career, where are you hiding Neal Caffery?" Collins demanded watching Peter, very carefully, for any sign of vulnerability.
"I hate to burst your bubble. No, actually this I'm going enjoy. As for your deluded theory of me aiding or abetting Neal Caffery's escape, it's completely unfounded. As per Director Reese Hughes of the New York White Collar Division, Caffery is in my custody and is coming back to New York with me." Peter announced. Then he watch with satisfaction as total shock flashed across Collins's face. Collins stood dumbfounded, unable to process what he was hearing.
"Why don't you run on back to Kramer and tell him that Neal is no longer his concern. Also you and he might want to start cleaning out your offices while your at it. As soon as we get back to New York I'm going to file charges, on Neal's behalf, against both of you for assault and unlawful imprisonment. And make sure to tell Kramer, that I might just throw in a jaywalking charge for good measure." Peter stated firmly, then turned his back on a rather stunned Collins and headed back to Neal's room.
"You haven't heard the end of this, Burke! You still have to get Caffery out of the city." Collins vowed as he watched Peter walk away from him.
Just as Peter made it to Neal's room, he heard Collins on his cellphone. And he couldn't help but smile at what he heard. "Agent Kramer, Sir, we have a problem." Collins commented as he turned on his heels and made his way out of the hospital.
Peter started back to Neal's room, though still feeling uneasy about his encounter with Collins, he cut down a side hallway and approached the Nurses station. He informed them that no one was to enter his friend's room without his express permission. He then gave the Nurses a list of approved visitors which only included Mozzie and Sara. He also instructed them to call security immediately should anyone else tried to get information Neal. Peter made sure that Collins wasn't still hanging around, then entered Neal's room and once more took up his vigil by his friend's bedside. "See buddy, everything is fine." Peter promised as he sat down and watched his friend sleep. "We'll finish your testimony in the morning. Now it's time for both of use to get some rest." He stated as he got comfortable in the uncomfortable chair.
Please review. I'll be starting chapter 15 soon.