(Chapter 6)
Neal was pushed into the back of a vehicle, an agent he didn't recognize grasping him firmly by his cuffed wrists as he helped him inside. The door was shut and the driver turned around. It was Jones. Neal was hunched over, eyes looking out the window at Roberto being pushed into another vehicle. Once the other car took off, Neal relaxed and lay back against the seat. Jones smiled.
"You did good, Neal. Peter wouldn't say anything less about how this turned out. You actually got Romani to talk. Now to pick up his little friend Vinni. I know you had Mozzie on him." Jones pulled out a key and Neal blinked and nodded with a slight grin as he turned around.
"You guys know me too well. I don't think he got very far and Roberto didn't tell him where the meeting was. Romani didn't feel Vinni needed to know everything about his old friend Nicki." Neal pulled the cuffs off as Jones unlocked them and rubbed at his wrists. It felt good not to have that kind of jewelry on anymore. Brought back far too many bad memories.
"I'm going to take you to the hospital first and then back to see Hughes." Jones turned and pulled on his seat-belt as Neal slipped into the front seat beside him and pulled on his own. He spoke into the boutonnière quietly.
"Peter? Can you hear me? We did it! Roberto's going away…" Neal's voice was excited as he turned and looked at Jones curiously.
"Hughes won't be mad we went to see Peter first?" Neal blinked as he saw Jones shake his head with a grin but was interrupted as his phone buzzed. Neal received a new text from Mozzie.
"Vinni got wise and found a ride to somewhere I didn't figure. Still following up."
Neal was about to answer back when the phone buzzed again. This time it was a call from Elizabeth Burke. Neal picked it up and answered.
"Hey El, how are... What?! How is he?" He pulled the phone away from his ear a moment and cursed, Jones looking at him curiously. Neal pushed the phone back to his ear and nodded.
"We're headed your way. Just wait for me. Jones is with me. I'm so sorry, El..." Neal's voice trailed off as he hung up the phone and looked at Jones.
"Neal, what's wrong? Why was El so upset?" The agent looked concerned, Neal turning to answer him, face pale.
"Peter... Vinni found out he was alive and went after him in the hospital. They caught him but Peter's... he's unconscious." He looked like he wanted to cry, eyes shiny with tears. He slammed his fist against the side of the door and cursed again.
"El found the room locked and called a nurse. Vinni was still there, pressing the pillow over Peter's face when they entered the room. He didn't have time to get his gun so he just pushed past them but security jumped him on the way out." Neal wiped at his eyes, his brow furrowed in a combination of anger and sadness. He picked his phone up again as it buzzed and saw a new text from Mozzie.
"I just heard about Peter. I'm sorry."
Neal dropped the phone on the seat and leaned against the door, face buried in his sleeve. He didn't want to cry but this was just too much. Neal had done the sting on Romani for Peter, who should have been safe and yet... now he was hurt again and El was going to suffer. Why couldn't... He lifted his head as the car stopped and he saw police outside the hospital entrance. One car stuck out and he saw Detective Maxwell there talking to someone a few feet away, a figure sitting in the backseat. It was Vinni. Neal opened the door of the car, seat-belt already unlocked by the time Jones had parked and walked out quickly. Jones was calling after him, Maxwell looking up at the sound.
"Caffrey? What are you doing here?" Thomas Maxwell saw Neal walking towards him, eyes widening at something and realized what was up. He held up his hands and gave Neal a warning glance.
"This isn't going to help anyone, especially your partner and his wife. You'll go back to prison..." Maxwell's voice paused as Neal held up a small pistol not at the detective but just to let him know it was there. Other officers saw it and started to react, trying to figure out what was going on but Neal only noticed the smirk on Vinni's face. It made him angrier as he made a motion of his head towards the mobster.
"I just want revenge. That's it, Maxwell. Let me have that and you won't even have to try him." Neal's voice was a growl, unlike his normally gentle tone. He was angry and he had to take it out on the man who'd hurt his friend not once but twice. Maxwell held up his hands to the other cops and told them to stand down.
"You can do this Caffrey and go back to prison for good, or you can let Vinni rot in prison where he belongs. You know Burke wouldn't want this. I read his file on you; He only wants what's best for you and this isn't it!" Maxwell's sentiment was sincere but Neal's anger was seething like a caged animal tearing at the bars, bending them out of shape to get out. He had the gun he took from Jones' car and pointed it at Vinni who still sat in the car smiling although now his smile seemed less than happy once he saw the gun. Neal could feel himself letting go, his finger tightening on the trigger. He hated guns but in this case he could live with himself. He was going back to prison but it was for a good cause.
"Neal, don't do this. Please..." A familiar voice piped up, gentle with a hint of regret. Neal didn't turn, finger still tightening on the trigger.
"Peter wouldn't want you to throw your life away for his, Neal. You know he'll never forgive you if you throw the chance he's given you away on this man. Don't do it. Give the detective the gun." El's voice rang through his rage like a steel hammer and shattered it into a million pieces. Neal slowly let go of the trigger and his arm fell limp to his side. Maxwell gently remove the gun from his hand and patted him on the shoulder, continuing to tell the officers to stand down. He moved close and whispered for his ears only:
"Don't think I haven't felt the same way about things. I'm sorry about your friend." Neal nodded, eyes staring blankly ahead as the anger and rage drifted away and were replaced with a dull feeling of despondency. Someone took his hand and led him away from the sirens and officers and back into the bustle of the hospital lobby. Neal just followed unaware of where he was going or who was taking him until he heard a voice speaking.
"He's in here, Neal." El eyes met his suddenly as she turned his face towards hers. She had been crying but her expression was more angry than anything.
"Tell him what you were going to do, Neal. Tell him about Gambosa. You have to be honest." El reached up and kissed him on the cheek before moving away and nudging him towards the door. Neal finally opened it up and walked inside. The quiet click of the latch seemed so much louder than it should be. Neal looked across at the unconscious figure of Peter on the bed who looked peaceful like he was just sleeping. He almost turned and left but it was as if Peter called out to him, chiding him to come forward and be honest. Neal nodded to nobody and walked towards the bed and stood there, rubbing the back of his neck nervously.
"I know what you're going to say: What was I thinking? Well, I wasn't, Peter. I let my emotions get the better of me." He paused pacing around the bed a moment then back again, face flushed.
"I'm sorry, Peter. Sorry I hid in the closet instead of being there with you. Sorry I couldn't stop Vinni from getting to you here. Mozzie was trying to distract him but it didn't work. Everything I did was wrong. It's all my fault!" Neal stomped his foot like a little boy, collapsing to his knees, forehead leaning on the edge of the bed.
"I'm sorry, Peter... forgive me..." Neal's voice cracked with tears the young man crying. Guilt filled him with despair as he tried to forgive himself for what had happened. It wasn't his fault and yet he felt responsible. He should have been here for Peter the way the agent had tried to be with him by setting up the boutonnière and keep tabs on him. It wasn't fair! He just cried for once, not caring about who heard or saw when he felt someone brushing at his hair. Neal looked up as he sniffed and wiped at his eyes.
"Peter? You're awake?" Neal just blinked, tears still dripping down his blotchy cheeks, eyes pink and puffy. He saw the agent smiling at him almost wryly.
"I've been awake. Vinni thought he suffocated me but I was only knocked out and then El came back to get her wallet. When the nurse let her in, Vinni had only just pushed the pillow on my face. I heard El scream before I passed out and woke up some time later after she called you. They said it was a lucky thing El forgot her wallet." Peter gave a weak shrug and smiled. Neal stood up and grabbed his friend in a tight hug only letting go when Peter winced from his shoulder wound.
"I'm..." Neal paused when Peter held up a hand and glared in mock threat at him.
"If you apologize one more time, I'm going to have Jones come and arrest you, Neal." He smirked after a moment and Neal pulled up the chair and sat down in it, slumping some. The young man looked exhausted.
"I thought you were... I felt like I had failed you after trapping Romani, like it had all been for nothing." He felt Peter's other hand sandwich his and Neal found himself staring into those honest brown eyes that saw everything. He could never lie to this man no matter how much he tried. Peter was his moral compass. He sighed.
"El said I should be honest with you. I thought you were unconscious so I was ready to do it figuring you wouldn't hear but now... here goes: " Neal took a deep breath but Peter pushed a finger to his lips and stopped him.
"It's ok. We can talk about it later. We've both been through enough today and this week to push some of the discussion to a time when we're feeling a little more ourselves. Agreed?" Peter patted his friend's hand and Neal smiled looking somewhat relieved. Peter sat up a bit, looking at Neal curiously.
"You sent Mozzie out to distract Vinni? What did he do?" Peter watched as Neal wiped at his eyes a moment, pulled out his phone and showed him the text.
"Ah... sounds like Mozzie was having a little fun at Vinni's expense." Peter smirked, mussing Neal's hair when he wasn't looking.
"Hey, what was that for?" Neal started smoothing his hair back down, Peter smiling like a big brother.
"For hiding in the closet. Smart move. Would have done neither of us any good if you had been captured too. I'm just worried if Gambosa will send more men. He's bound to know what happened with Romani and Vinni." His brown eyes looked worried if not a little fearful, his glance moving towards the door. He was thinking about Elizabeth and her safety.
"Peter, you shouldn't have to worry about Gambosa. He deserved to be put away." Neal stood up as he said that and clasped his friend's hand tightly in his. Peter narrowed his eyes slightly as if trying to figure out what Neal was up to.
"I have to go talk to Hughes but I'll be back later." Neal sounded off. He was lying but Peter wasn't sure how, his expression showing his knowledge of what was going on but nodding regardless.
"Don't do anything stupid, Neal. Please..." Peter grasped the young man's hand tightly then let go as Neal pulled away.
()()()
Neal stood inside the Super max for the first time since he had been there himself, although now he was a visitor awaiting a conference with Antonio Gambosa. Neal sat in the small booth waiting till he saw a distinguished salt and peppery haired Italian man with olive toned skin and piercing green eyes walk over and sit on the other side of the partition. The mobster was possibly pushing 60 but he didn't look a day over 45 which always puzzled the con. Gambosa smiled, picking up the phone and talking.
"Nicki! I see they let you go. Have you heard anything about Romani or Vinni? It's nice to see you again." The mobster seemed genuinely glad to see him so he may not have heard yet what happened. That made things a bit easier though not much. Neal gulped.
"Tony, I'm not the Nicki you knew anymore. I'm here to ask a favor." Neal's voice was right to the point knowing that if he didn't sound strong the mobster would refuse to listen. He pooled up his courage and went in for the kill.
"I don't understand you, Nicki. Why this anger? You know I only want what's best for you, my favorite pick pocket. You only have to ask and I'll carry it out." Gambosa looked genuinely confused till Neal continued.
"I want you to call off the hit on Peter Burke." Neal didn't say anything else, his breath stuck in his throat as he watched the mobster look at him curiously. Tony seemed to be sizing him up, green eyes glittering with a combination of admiration and something that scared the young man. Finally Gambosa nodded, hands clasped together as he looked at Neal.
"Fine, a favor for my favorite pick pocket." The mobster smiled at the young man but he knew it wasn't a friendly smile and gulped ever so slightly knowing something else was coming around.
"I will do this for you, Nicki. I never believed the stories of you going Fed but now... well... we all choose our own paths in life. You were obviously never made to be a mobster with that conscience of yours. It was all I could do not to break you but you did good when you worked with me, although albeit tame when you used your charms rather than muscle. I have to admire you for that but..." Tony paused, his voice growing quiet as he whispered into the phone.
"...This ends our friendship. You let Romani and Vinni get put away, I can't forgive you for that. Romani was like a brother to you and you do this to him. I won't go after Burke or his lovely wife but watch your back, Caffrey." The mobster grinned like a tiger at it's prey, Neal's face blanching as he realized Gambosa had known about him the whole time. Then why did he let Romani go in and get caught unless it was some kind of test. Neal felt a cold chill wash over him as Tony smiled and stood, hung up the phone and walked away. Neal just sat there a moment trying to take everything in and figure things out. Finally he stood and walked out of the prison.
Outside, Neal started walking back to the street to catch a cab when a black sedan blocked his path. The young con took a few steps back till someone grabbed him from behind, a rag pushed over his face, arms pinned to his sides.
"Tony said we show you some appreciation for your honesty." Neal felt the rag pushed into his open mouth as he was roughly dragged into the back of the vehicle and it drove away.
()()()
Two days went by and nobody had seen hide nor hair of Neal Caffrey. Because of the sting, Neal's anklet had been removed and they had no way to track him. Hughes had been furious when Jones admitted to taking Neal to the hospital before the meeting with their boss but he felt he deserved it after everything that had happened. Hughes had everyone he could looking for Caffrey although Peter was still out of commission but at home with his wife recuperating. It was all Elizabeth could do to keep Peter inside and not go half-cocked looking for the young man.
"I knew he was up to something but why would he run? I didn't get that feeling from him. I knew he was going to do something stupid and I should have called him on it." Peter sounded angry but he was really worried more than anything. El just hugged him gently, careful of his shoulder and sat beside him on the sofa.
"You know he didn't run, Peter. Neal wouldn't do that after everything that he did to help you." She started to nestle close to him, her head laying on his chest when the doorbell rang. Both of them looked up in surprise, Peter glancing at his watch.
"Who comes for a social call at 11:30 pm at night?" Peter started to push himself up but El held him down, standing up instead.
"I'll check through the peep hole. Maybe it's Jones and they found something out." She kissed him on the lips and he grumbled slightly though he grabbed her and kissed her again before she winked at him and walked over to the door. El looked through the peep hole of their door but nobody was there. She turned confused.
"I know I just heard the doorbell unless they had the wrong... door." The doorbell went off again several times as if a kid were holding it down as she peered out the peephole again. Nobody was there although she suddenly saw a slight movement near the bottom of its range. El started to open the door, chain in place when the door pushed open against her as if someone had leaned on it. She gave a little gasp making Peter stand up and walk over.
"Peter!" El was looking down through the partially open door, only held shut with the safety chain. Someone WAS leaning against it, sitting on their porch, slumped against the frame. It was Neal. Peter pushed the door slightly closed and unlatched the chain. The door fell open and Neal tumbled back onto their entrance way. The young man did not look good, his face and naked chest covered with bruises. He had taken a terrible beating.
"Call 911 El, I'm going to pull him inside." Peter took a gentle hold under the young man's arms and dragged him inside, grabbing a blanket from the sofa and wrapping Neal in it. He also grabbed a sofa cushion and pushed it gently under the young man's head.
"Neal, what did you do?" Peter crouched beside his friend and tried to wake him up, gently patting his face and arms. Neal didn't move, eyes fluttering slightly beneath closed lids. El was still on the phone talking to the paramedics when she went into the kitchen and came back with a small medical kit and placed it next to her husband. She had also brought a bottle of water and some clean wash cloths.
"Please hurry!" She hung up the cell and dropped it on the coffee table, taking up the medical kit and opening it up. Her eyes looked down at Neal and grew shiny with tears. Peter looked conflicted. He knew El wanted to help but he didn't want her to deal with this much trauma after everything that had happened already.
"El, can you get me a bowl of hot water to clean his wounds?" Peter couldn't think of any other way to make his wife leave but she knew what he was up to and shook her head.
"I want to help, Peter. Please... I'll be ok. Really..." She still looked like she was going to cry but he realized it wasn't because she couldn't handle the situation but because she cared so much. He finally assented and they started to do what they could for the young man before the paramedics arrived. One of Neal's eyes was partially swollen shut, making the agent want to kill whomever had done this. He could only think it was Gambosa's men but he had no proof.
Elizabeth perked up as they heard sirens. She ran to the door and looked outside.
"They're here!" She walked outside and waved to the EMTs as they made their way up the stairs and into the house. They checked out his injuries and vitals then lifted the unconscious Neal onto a gurney and strapped him in. Peter walked along side as they took the con back to the ambulance. They allowed him to ride along, Peter promising to call El when he heard anything. The ambulance doors shut and Peter saw El waving sadly at him as it took off.
Peter felt his eyes grow wet and warm, wiping at them with his free hand as he tried to remain emotionless. He didn't want to cry because he knew he wouldn't be able to stop if he did. His friend was hurt and he didn't know why other than it might have to do with Gambosa. He wondered what hair brained scheme Neal had gotten involved in to get beat up like this. He felt someone squeeze his hand and looked down to see two blue eyes staring up at him. Even swollen, the young man's eyes opened enough to show how sorry he was for worrying the Fed.
"Neal? Who did this to you? Was it Gambosa's men? Tell me..." Neal shook his head but smiled ever so slightly, his swollen lips splitting when he did so. He coughed but kept smiling, his expression relaxed.
"He won't... chase you... any... more. Promised." Neal coughed again but he kept smiling which made Peter worry for his friend's well-being.
"Had... to ask... favor. Only... way." He kept smiling till his eyes rolled back into his head and he passed out. Peter gently shook his friend but the EMT stopped him.
"He's just sleeping. Your friend took quite a beating but so far his vitals are strong and steady. Let him rest."
