Hey guys. Thank you SO much for your support. I didn't expect it at ALL when I started the story! A special thanks goes to Dobby and Padfood, who accompanied me from the beginning and Happy reader70. Makes me very happy! ;) It's only a short one today, too. But I promise there will be a longer one tomorrow or maybe the day after tomorrow. Had a lot of work recently. Thanks for reading and please enjoy!
When Neal woke up, he felt his head pounding and could smell damp musty air. He looked around bewildered and found himself lying on an old mattress in an otherwise bare room with raw concrete walls and a massive door. The only light came from a single light bulb over his head.
He hastily tried to get up, with wobbly legs and a feeling of dizziness, but then recognized something strange around his ankle. When he pulled his leg up, his eyes widened in shock. There was a shackle made of iron, attached to a chain, leading to a ring in the wall right behind his mattress.
A gush of nausea hit him, and he was fighting the urge to vomit. What the hell was this all about? He sat down again and wrapped his arms around his knees. He was terribly cold and about to panic, but he knew that he had to calm down. Therefore, he tried to focus. Everything will be fine, Neal. You can fix this mess, you've survived worse, just breathe! he told himself, over and over again. The pain in his head felt almost unbearable and he closed his eyes. He called for Keller and tried to reach the door with his feet but couldn't make it. After what felt like an eternity, he sank onto the mattress and fell into a restless sleep.
Suddenly the door opened, and Neal rushed to sit up. There he was, Keller himself, with a derogatory grin.
"Hope you enjoy your stay in my establishment, Caffrey. Is everything to your satisfaction?".
Neal looked at him with pure hatred in his eyes. "What do you want, Keller?", he spit out.
"Ohh, you know what I want. But unfortunately, you and your little friend weren't able to fulfil my wish. But I'll work something out, don't worry. To my regret, I can't let you go until I have what I need. I can't take the risk of you disappearing, you know. But I'll keep you busy, until we have a new plan, I promise."
Neal stared at him in disbelief. "I will never ever work for you again, you evil bastard." He spat at Keller's feet.
The older man looked slightly amused. "I'll give you some time to think about it. Let me tell you, your attitude towards our collaboration won't help any of you two. Your friend will suffer just as you will. I'll come back later, take your time to come to senses!"
He went out and gestured for his bodyguard to come closer. "Have some fun!", se said in a cold voice and left.
Neal tried to retreat and covered his face with his arms when the huge and somber looking man entered his cell. With the chain around his ankle, he felt like a caged and tortured animal in the zoo.
"Let's get over with this shit!", the giant sighed and Neal stiffened and started to breath quickly.
Swooosh! Neal felt a boot hitting his side and he slammed against the cell's back wall. He coughed hard, but had no time to recover. The man pulled him up and rammed his knee in Neals stomach. He couldn't breathe at all, squirmed and whimpered desperately. The man held his chin and looked him in the eyes.
"You'd rather do what he says kid, unless you and your friend want to suffer for a long, long time. He'll be next.", he said. Neal could see a little spark of pity in his eyes.
"You…don't… have to. Please!", he brought out imploringly.
"You don't know what you're talking about, boy. I have no choice, just as you have no choice. Even if you intend to learn your lesson the hard way. But don't think this is fun for me!", he told him and brutally pushed him against the wall.
Neal passed out for a few seconds and slipped on the ground. The bodyguard knelt to him and roughly pulled the boys sweatshirt over his head.
"I'm sorry, kid.", he said softly. With one last hit against Neal's already injured head, he left the cell and locked the door behind him.
Peter was about to lose control, when he finally left the interrogation room after three hours with no progress at all. The burglar didn't even reveal his name, let alone details about the heist.
Maybe an uncomfortable night in a nice little holding cell would help to loosen the men's tongue. Hopefully. The thin and dumb looking man obviously wasn't the mastermind behind all this mess, but their only chance to find the backers for now.
Peter went up to his office, stretching his aching back while walking. Jones followed him.
"Any news boss?", he asked.
Peter groaned. "Not at all, he's like a dead fish. I'm not even sure whether he is able to talk or not."
Jones shook his head. "What a shame! But boss, there is something in your office that might help. The painting that this boy wanted to steal was delivered."
They both entered Peter's office and faced a large packet on his desk. It took them ages to unwrap the well protected piece of art. Peter leaned down to take a closer look at the painting.
"Doesn't look like anything special to me." he announced dryly.
Jones chuckled. "It's worth about half a million dollars. So, it is special after all. But you know what, boss? There are tons of artworks in there that are worth significantly more. Why especially this one?".
Peter shrugged. "Maybe a rich costumer with a strange taste?" Jones chuckled again.
Peter yawned. "Enough for today, Jones. Let's take this to the evidence room and get off after that."
On his way home he couldn't help but think about that thin, desperate looking boy. He really hoped that kid was fine despite everything. He couldn't explain himself what this boy was triggering in him, but felt the growing desire to learn more about that boys history and arrest, but also help him after all.
I'll find you, Neal Caffrey, no matter where you are!
