I'm so so overwhelmed by the response that this sequel has received. Seriously, I didn't think that you guys will come back to read this. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart :)
Ally- Thank you so much for your kind words. I'm really flattered :) Guest1- Thank you for coming back to read this sequel. Your review meant a lot to me :) Guest- Thank you for such a nice review and following my story from the start :)
I forgot to mention in the first chapter that English is not my first language, so you see any grammatical errors or typos, please bear with me and let me know :)
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"This was planned from the beginning!" Peter stated more than asked. His head was pounding viciously but he didn't think that he had suffered any concussion. He once again tried to loosen the ropes but he failed. Suddenly he was hit by a strange pungent smell. Why hadn't he noticed it earlier? Maybe he was too engrossed in finding out who had fired the shot when he had entered. It was this very familiar stench but the severity of the whole situation was hindering his ability to think clearly. How could he have been this stupid! He was an FBI agent for God sakes! To his defence he had thought that this whole thing wasn't that dangerous and because of that he had acted irrationally, and it didn't even occur to him that he should have called for the backup for entering this damn warehouse. Damn it! He cursed himself. And he thought Neal was the one who was always careless.
Neal! Neal was still in the car! Peter prayed fervently that the kid stayed put. That way he would be safe. If only he had given his cell to Neal. At least he could have called for backup. He needed to buy a personal cell phone for the kid for times like these. The kid had told him that his cell that he had received as a Christmas gift had been destroyed by Max but then it had totally skipped out of Peter's mind to get a new one for Neal. He was seriously regretting his mistake now.
Peter was brought out of his musings as the balding man started to talk once again,
"A little late in realising that this was planned, don't you think?" He smirked. "Check his pockets." He turned to his partner and ordered, and his companion complied immediately. Peter grimaced even as he twisted himself to get rid of his bonds. The lanky guy quickly patted Peter down and took away latter's wallet and cell phone and handed the said items over to his partner, who didn't waste any time and crushed the cell phone under his booted foot.
"Hey!" Peter protested as he stared at his now broken cell phone but the balding guy ignored him and was now checking out Peter's wallet. Great! Peter thought. Now how in the hell was he going to call anybody for help. The guy holding his wallet smirked and removed the cash, and pushed the wallet back in Peter's pants pocket carelessly.
"You must be wondering why you were led here?" The balding man asked, pocketing the cash that he lifted from Peter's wallet. He didn't wait for Peter's reply though and continued, "You remember Ted Mckenzie? Whom you arrested for smuggling diamonds."
Peter screwed his face as racked his brains. Ted Mckenzie? Why did that name sound familiar? Peter suddenly remembered the famous diamond smuggler that he had arrested a few years back. It had been a difficult case but Peter had nailed it eventually. Looking at the two guys standing in front of him, Peter could now easily tell that they were all related. All three definitely shared some common facial features. Maybe they were brothers.
"Yeah, I remember him. So, I arrested him and now you guys want revenge? But Ted Mckenzie is dead, right?" Peter asked calmly even though his insides were screaming at him that his question was the answer itself and he was already dreading the outcome of all this.
"Our brother died because of you, Agent!" The lanky guy spat in anger because he didn't like it that the agent was calm when he should have been panicking, and his partner mirrored his expression. They were indeed brothers.
"Me? No!" Peter exclaimed. "That was an accident. He was caught between the two rival prisoners. I had nothing to do with any of it."
"But he was in the prison because of you, Agent!" The lanky guy snarled again.
"I did that only because it was necessary for me to do as an FBI agent. I never held any personal grudge against him." Peter tried to reason with those two men.
"We don't care! His death is on you!" The lanky guy sneered. Seriously the guy's upper floor was empty. Peter thought bitterly.
"And so now you die too!" His partner said in a matter of fact tone.
"What?" Peter gasped out. "Listen, this is not the way to go about it. I am truly sorry for your loss but revenge will not bring your brother back." He tried to make those guys understand but apparently Peter's plea fell on deaf ears as the balding guy spoke,
"You are going to regret that day, Agent. Going to regret meeting our brother at all. But, you should be glad that you won't be having much time to ponder over your actions." He smirked coldly.
Peter's eyebrows furrowed. "What are you talking about?" He dared to ask. He feared that they might just shoot him on the spot.
"You see, Agent, This warehouse- we have already doused it with kerosene." Peter's eyes widened in shock. So that was this peculiar odour. This was even worse.
"Yeah! One lit and Boom!" His partner beamed and Peter's stomach dropped. These guys had actually planned all well in advance.
"What? Are you crazy? Do you have any idea, how much you are going to pay for killing an FBI agent?" Peter asked harshly.
"Oh, believe us, Agent! We know exactly what we are getting into. But we don't care! We only want you to pay for our brother's death." The lanky guy replied smiling in satisfaction.
Fear coursed through Peter's entire being. Out of all the possibilities of dying, he didn't think he was going to face death by burning alive. He once again cursed himself for dashing in without any backup. "No! You can't do this! This is insane!" He cried out in desperation.
"But we are exactly going to do just that!" The balding man replied cackling. Peter struggled helplessly against the ropes that were binding him to the pole but the ropes just wouldn't budge.
The lanky guy pulled out a matchbox from his pocket and removed a stick from it. He purposely raised the stick in front of Peter, taunting him and then lit it.
"No! Please! Don't!" Peter yelled. He struggled harder but the ropes remained tight as ever.
"Goodbye! Agent Burke!" The balding man laughed in amusement and Peter wanted nothing but to wipe off that smug expression on that guy's face.
The lanky guy suddenly threw the lit matchstick far across the warehouse in one corner as instantly bright flames started dancing in front of them.
"Damn it!" Peter cursed as his eyes took in the bright yellow flames.
"Have fun! Enjoy your last minutes in peace, Agent! It's only a matter of time before you go poof!" The lanky guy's partner drawled. He and his companion then turned away from Peter and were out of the warehouse within seconds through the back door.
Peter resumed twisting himself free valiantly but it was fruitless. The flames were slowly circling the warehouse and Peter knew that it wouldn't be long before the flames approached him, and engulfed him completely.
Suddenly, Peter began to feel the difference in the room's temperature as he continued to struggle. Beads of sweat had started forming on his forehead and it was getting increasingly hot with each passing second. He eyes involuntarily went towards the roaring flames. It was fast approaching and Peter's chest constricted as smoke started filling the air and he coughed.
"This is it!" He muttered to himself in defeat because the ropes just wouldn't give away. He closed his eyes. El's beautiful face instantly came to his mind. How would she live without him. At least she will have Neal with her. Neal! As if Peter had just now remembered bringing the kid to this site. Damn it! Peter cursed. The kid was still inside the car. He prayed that those guys hadn't seen him. He should have brought the kid along with him into the warehouse. But no. It was better this way. Those insane men would have taken Neal too. At least the kid was safe. The kid must have seen the fire by now. Peter just hoped that Neal didn't do anything crazy.
Peter was so engrossed with his thoughts that he didn't notice a person enter the warehouse. Suddenly he felt a tug at his bonds. Someone was trying to release him. His eyes shot open. "Oh! Thank God!" He stuttered in relief even as he twisted his body to get a look at his saviour. His relief quickly turned into shock when he realised that his saviour was none other than Neal.
"Neal!" Peter coughed out.
"Shhh.. Dad! Don't talk!" Neal worked furiously to untie the ropes. "Save your breath, Dad! Or else.. You will run out of the much needed oxygen. Don't talk!" Peter nodded weakly and waited for Neal to do his work. After what seemed like eternity, Neal was finally able to get rid of those nasty ropes.
Peter instantly brought his hands forward and stretched his muscles to get them to work as his limbs had become numb after being tied like that. He then quickly turned to Neal. The kid was smiling- in relief. Peter shook his head. He was going to murder the boy for not following the orders but for now Peter was glad that he was here. Neal's timing couldn't have been more impeccable.
He hugged his son fervently and then let him go when from the corner of his eyes Peter saw the yellow flames nearing them rapidly. "Damn! Come on, kid! Let's get out of here!" He started to walk in the direction of the back door but Neal's grip on his wrist stopped him. He turned back to the kid and frowned.
"Those guys have locked the doors from outside. I saw them coming out of here and locking it. I didn't have enough time to pick the lock." Peter's eyes narrowed at Neal's last words and Neal visibly cringed. "Uh.. I mean that I had no time to unlock it." Peter now rolled his eyes and Neal ignored it and continued, "I mean I couldn't let you be here for long." He coughed a little and continued, "We can't get out from there, Dad!" Neal said, wiping his sweaty forehead with his shirt sleeve.
"Then how are we supposed to get out of here?" Peter asked. Desperation and frustration clear in his tone. His head was spinning, making him nauseous. The warehouse was now completely filled with smoke. It was getting really difficult to see. Both, Peter and Neal's eyes started watering and they began coughing more violently.
"I came through the main door, Dad! It's open. Come on!" Neal replied in between coughs.
Peter nodded. He was quickly loosing his strength. The smoke and heat was making it very difficult for him to breathe. His head was pounding too. The hit hadn't broken his skin and so no blood had oozed but it still had hurt like hell. He feared that he would loose consciousness even before getting out of the warehouse.
Neal gazed at Peter with concern. He knew he had to get him out soon. He scanned the area. The flames had completely surrounded the warehouse. It had swallowed majority of the crates but miraculously the front area was still free from the fire. Not completely free, but free enough to get out. Neal put his arm around Peter's shoulder and supported most of his father's weight and started guiding them both towards the exit.
The warehouse was like a huge burning furnace now. Both Peter and Neal were completely drenched in sweat and were coughing harshly as they inhaled the smoke unwillingly.
Halfway through and they heard a loud creak. They glanced upwards just in time to see a large wooden beam dislodging itself from the ceiling and falling rapidly down towards them. Without any further thought, Neal hurled himself forward along with Peter and landed on the floor, hitting the ground hard. The wooden beam fell on the ground harmlessly behind them with a huge cracking sound.
Neal let out a howl of pained cry as an excruciating pain shot through his left forearm which was pinned under his entire weight. Peter was lucky to have landed on the floor with a slight hindrance. His fall was broken by the crate that was resting on his way. Peter's hands had clutched the crate right before landing on the ground, sending the contents of the crate flying around in every direction of the warehouse.
"Wow!" Neal exclaimed despite himself. The floor was sparkling brightly as it was covered with the precious stones. Peter shook his head in disbelief at Neal's apparent excitement upon seeing those priceless gems. Even in danger, Neal's eyes had lit up seeing those stones. Sometimes the kid was just impossible. The fire was creeping towards them real fast. Peter managed to get on his feet after couple of tries. He coughed, inhaling some more of the swirling smoke. He saw through his watery eyes that Neal had gotten to his feet too but was clutching his left arm closely to his chest. He would check it out when they were out of danger.
Neal stumbled towards Peter and once again hooked his arm, his right arm around Peter's shoulders and walked as quickly as possible towards the exit. Neal kept glancing between the roaring flames and Peter, who looked like he was about to pass out. "Shit!" He cursed. He had to get out and that too quickly. He forced himself to keep going despite the agonising pain in his left hand and being tired himself and after a few precious seconds was finally able to get out of the burning warehouse.
Neal didn't stop though. He kept stumbling towards the car all the while supporting Peter's weight against him. They both began coughing violently as soon as their lungs hit fresh air. But Neal kept going stubbornly. When they reached the Taurus, Neal dropped Peter gently on the ground, leaned him against the passenger side door and stood there trying to get his breathing in control.
Peter had his eyes closed. The fresh air had done miraculous job in making him feel better. The small cuts and bruises were now stinging less. The monster of an headache that he had, had eased to a bearable state. His lungs were becoming clearer and clearer of the inhaled smoke and his breathing was getting better with that too. But he still was exhausted. He just wanted to go home and sleep. This whole thing was so overwhelming. He shouldn't have come here after all. He kept his eyes closed and took in deep breaths, coughing a bit here and there in between the breaths.
Neal was starting to breathe a lot more better now that they were out in the open. He glanced down to his left arm that he was holding so tightly to his chest. Even the slightest movement was causing blinding pain. He grimaced. His wrist was definitely broken.
Neal gazed at Peter. Peter was still sitting in the same position with his eyes closed. His face was marred with various cuts and bruises here and there. His clothes had blackened and were tattered at some places. Neal bit in lower lip in worry. He knew that they had to get checked out. They had to call 911. He asked softly, "Dad! Need your mobile. Got to call 911."
Peter didn't reply instantly and Neal's heart stopped for all two seconds. He feared that Peter might have finally succumbed to the darkness, but then Peter's weak reply came. " No, mobile. Those guys broke it! Will have to go to the nearest hospital ourselves."
"Oh! Okay! Just rest for a while. We can leave as soon as you start feeling better." Neal replied. "Who were they? Why did they do this?" Neal asked after a few seconds of silence.
Peter shrugged and replied panting, "Long story. Will tell you later."
Neal nodded even though Peter's eyes were still closed and he couldn't see him. His eyes went downwards to the broken wrist but then Neal's eyes suddenly widened in shock.
"Damn!" He cursed.
He shook his head and glanced at Peter and then to the warehouse. He nodded licking his lips as he made up his mind. "Dad! You stay right here! I will be right back! Alright!" He said and did not wait for Peter's reply, and stumbled into the direction of the burning warehouse as quickly as his legs could take him.
It took a few seconds for Peter to realise what Neal had just said to him. His eyes flew open. "What the hell?" He asked in apprehension but Neal was nowhere in view. "Neal!" He called out but no reply came. Peter's heart skipped a beat when it dawned on him that Neal might have been talking about the warehouse and gone back to the doomed building. His eyes darted towards the burning building just in time to see Neal's body disappearing into the warehouse.
"Neal!" He cried out in fear and desperation. Seeing Neal disappear into the warehouse brought back Peter to his senses. He became more alert and all his fatigue vanished at once. He got to his feet with the support of the car. He took in a few breaths to gain control over himself.
"Damn it!" Peter growled. He pulled himself straight and started walking towards the deadly building. His heart pounded in his chest in tune with each step that he took forward. What the hell was that stupid kid thinking- going like that, straight away to his death! No! Peter cried out! Neal was not going to die! He would kill the kid himself if he died.
He came to a halt in front of the building. Huge flames bellowed from the said building and Peter's vision became hazy because of the large cloud of smoke. Bits and pieces of wooden splinters and broken glass were thrown out here and there. He let out a choked sob when he realised that the entrance was almost completely engulfed in fire. He entire body went cold and dread pooled in the pit of his stomach, and he felt weak in his legs, as if they could no longer bear his weight.
"Neal! Neal!"
Peter cried out. He trembled in panic. He shook his head. This was not the time to panic. He had to go inside and save Neal. He had just taken a step or two when a huge explosion rocked him backwards and Peter had only enough time to register that Neal was thrown out through the entrance, or did the kid threw himself out- Peter would ask that later, that is after he made sure that the kid was alive.
Because Peter was standing directly in front of the entrance, Neal collided straight into Peter and they both went down hard on the dirty floor. This collision caused Neal to let out a strangled cry of pain as it jarred his broken hand.
For a few seconds or minutes, nobody moved but then it was Peter who shifted and pushed Neal's weight off him as gently as he could and got to his feet. He wavered a bit but then had his bearings under control after a minute or so. His entire body ached but it was nothing compared to the fury he was feeling right now.
Peter saw that Neal too had managed to get up and was standing in front of him. He was somehow miraculously alive. The kid stared at him with a nervous smile! How dare him! First he put his life in danger and then he had the gall to smile it off. Peter's gaze shifted from Neal to the burning warehouse and his fury doubled.
Neal's eyes followed Peter's and they too locked onto the warehouse. He shuddered. A tad second late and he would have become history. But he knew that he had to take the risk. It was important. He turned his attention back to Peter who was now glaring at him. Neal gulped.
"It was really a close call, huh?" Neal chuckled nervously.
Peter's stare hardened as his eyes noticed just in time of Neal pocketing something- something that Peter had noticed had glinted before it disappeared into Neal's pocket. Peter turned away from Neal fearing that in his rage he might do something that was not acceptable. But then the kid just continued talking, his right touching Peter's shoulder, nudging him to turnaround.
"But I guess it's our lucky day! Good that I slipped those handcuffs, huh! But seriously, those guys were idiots to leave those crates of gems like that!" Neal's chirpy voice angered Peter even more. Peter whirled around, making Neal's hand slip off his shoulder with a sudden jerk, and without thinking his hand flew towards Neal and Peter slapped the kid hard across his face.
Neal's head was jerked to his right side because of the impact of the slap. His entire left side of the face burned where Peter had slapped him. His good hand instinctively reached for left cheek. He was stunned. His eyes began to sting but Neal knew that it wasn't because of the physical pain. Peter had never hit him before. He knew that by going back to the warehouse he had angered Peter enough to make him act like this. It was entirely his fault. But it still hurt.
"How dare you!" Peter snarled. His hands clenched into fists. Peter's generally warm brown eyes were cold and dark, and filled with blinding rage. Neal flinched and instinctively took a step back.
"Dad.. I.." He started to apologise for going like that into the warehouse but Peter's sharp, unforgiving words cut him off.
"Don't!" Peter roared. "Don't you dare call me that!"
Neal's heart stopped beating for all two seconds and his gut curdled. His entire body went cold. It was as if his heart had been ripped out and crushed like a bug. "What?" He gasped out in shock and disbelief.
Peter was too angry to realise the impact of his words and simply continued. "What the hell were you thinking, huh? Going back like that into the burning warehouse! And for what?" He growled.
Neal was trembling. He opened his mouth to tell Peter that he knew that it was a mistake but he had to make Peter understand. But as soon as he opened his mouth, his mouth went dry. What was he supposed to call Peter? "D.. Pe.." He tried getting in the word but once again was interrupted by Peter who in his anger didn't notice Neal's dilemma.
"Do you have any idea what I was going through seeing you disappear into the warehouse like that?" He paused to take in a sharp breath. "Actually..you know what? You will never get the idea what was going through my mind at the time! You just don't care!" He spat angrily. "And for what? Huh?" He repeated again. "Some stupid useless gems! You will always remain a criminal! Like just how they say- once a criminal always a criminal!"
Peter was breathing heavily as he finished his ranting with a snarl. Neal looked stunned. Peter's words held so much venom that Neal felt his heart break into a million pieces. His entire body went numb and tears welled up in his eyes. If Peter noticed all this, he didn't let it show on his face.
"I.." Neal began but Peter raised his hand to stop him again.
He shook his head as if he was disgusted by Neal. He ran his hands through his hair and closed his eyes. When he opened them again his face remained hard as he spoke, "Let's just get out of here." And without even a second glance at Neal, he turned away and started walking but after a few steps when he realised that Neal hadn't followed he turned around.
"What? Not coming? Plan to rake in some more of those priceless gems?" He asked sarcastically.
Neal closed his eyes. He feared that if they remained open then those tears that were threatening to flow down would actually succeed. He choked back a sob and swallowed painfully. How had things suddenly taken this turn? Not more than ten minutes ago everything was okay but now? It was as if all his worst nightmares had come true. After he was sure that the tears would remain at bay he opened his eyes and followed Peter to the waiting Taurus.
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Hope you enjoyed it.
I will be writing this as a multi chapter fic because almost all of you want me to do that exactly :) Once again thank you :)
