(Chapter 3)

Peter had started to think by the end of the day he had actually just fallen asleep in his chair and had a terrible dream. He'd done it once before and Jones had just been able to keep himself from laughing out of respect as he helped him up from the floor. Maybe this was just a repeat of that. He'd been having odd nightmares he couldn't quite remember and Elizabeth had been worrying about him getting enough sleep. Nothing was wrong so he didn't know why he would be having nightmares or hallucinations of small men with glasses who were balding. He sighed as he turned off the lights, locked his office and started downstairs. He had the files from Diana under his arm so he could study them more at home. He waved at the few people still in the office as he pushed the elevator button. It rang as the doors opened and he stepped inside.

The trip down was uneventful as he thought about the day's events and laughed to himself. The man who'd approached him was actually kind of funny looking if anything like a character in a cartoon.

Cartoon...

The word conjured up an image of the same mythical young man he had imagined at that empty desk; The dark haired one with bright blue eyes and a hat. Who still wore hats? Especially fedoras.

He laughed at the thought as the bell rang and he exited the elevator to the lobby. Cartoons wearing fedoras. He was going to have to tell his wife to stop watching the classic movie channel before bed. It was probably what was causing his odd dreams. He yawned as he waved at a few people and exited the building to the Bureau garage. Peter was walking to his car when he felt a dull pain in the back of his head. He paused a moment as he rubbed at the spot but felt nothing. His eyes moved to a nearby pillar as he felt a kind of weird deja vu moment about the garage. He'd been feeling it since the nightmares started almost a month ago. He shook the idea from his head as he approached his car and started to pull out his keys.

"Do nothing in haste, look well to each step, and from the beginning think what may be the end. (Edward Whymper)"

The voice startled him from his thoughts as he turned to see the little guy with glasses again. There was something about his manner that was familiar despite his annoyance at the man bothering him.

"You... how did you... don't tell me. I get the feeling no matter what happens I'm going to be committed if I speak with you so I will just get into my car and act like none of this is happening."

Peter started to open up the car but felt someone tug his sleeve and turned to find the man beside him. Those eyes behind the glasses seemed to plead with him despite their general mistrust.

"You need to fix this, Suit. He needs you and you need him even if you don't realize it. You may have found him guilty but no man lives without fault (Joseph Smith, Jr)"

Peter paused a moment, kicking himself he knew for listening but something made him take the moment to do it. He turned to the man, closing his car door and locking it.

"So you think I caused this Caffrey person to be banished, did you say? I can't believe I'm saying this but, prove it to me. If I did wrong, show me. I'll fix it if it's my fault but I think you have the wrong person."

He sighed watching the shorter man nod as he took out some strange looking device that reminded him of a taser. He stepped back but the little guy shook his head.

"Not a weapon Suit. Now, hold onto my sleeve and close your eyes. Hold on tight or you might find yourself drifting in a place you don't like. I don't want to have to tell your wife I stranded you in the middle of nothingness."

Peter looked down at the man curiously.

"You know my wife? Who are you?"

The little guy looked nervous a moment but he finally just nodded and sighed.

"Yes, we were great acquaintances through Neal's friendship. It's a shame what happened but I need to change that or everything goes south. Now, hold onto my sleeve like I asked or it won't work."

Peter was confused if anything but something made him listen so he grasped the jacket sleeve of the man and after an annoyed glance from his strange visitor, closed his eyes.

"If this is some kind of a prank, I'm going to strangle the person who..."

He didn't finish his words as something akin to vertigo hit him hard. He was barely able to keep holding onto the man's sleeve as he felt himself jerked around as if he were falling but not actually falling. He could feel nothing under his feet and yet he was standing with the strange man beside him. He wanted to open his mouth but was paralyzed to do much if anything but hold on and hold on he did as fear came over him. It was a short stop before everything seemed to come back and the ground was once again beneath him. Peter's leg's felt like jelly as he felt things fall back into place and he slumped down to the ground a moment and lay there. He felt someone nudge him gently and opened his eyes finally to see the little guy kneeling beside him.

"I should have given you a better warning. That first step is a lulu but that's only the first time through. Once you've traveled a few times it gets easier. Come on."

The man sounded impatient suddenly, holding out a hand to help him to his feet. Peter stood looking around at the new environment he found himself in. They were no longer in the parking garage for the Bureau but in some kind of a loft with an Asian theme. There was a small zen garden in the middle and sounds like waterfalls and birds playing in the background. It was a bit disorienting but he gained his wits about him and followed the little guy as they crossed the room and entered a large freight elevator.

"I brought Tuesday back once you were... well I brought it back when I knew nobody could find it again. Your rake came in handy. I'm sorry I never thanked you for it."

He blinked down at the man who just seemed so strange and comical. He felt like he was in some weird Alice in Wonderland kind of story only it involved a person he'd never heard of and a strange little man. Maybe this was his equivalent to the White Rabbit. He shook his head hoping he would wake up soon.

"This is very real, Suit. You have to see why he's being persecuted then maybe you'll know more. If they find us it will be bad but I removed the tracker from this one when I stole it. Would have been easier to do with Neal around. He was always a bit of a techie."

The elevator finally came to a stop and Peter could smell fresh air although it really wasn't fresh so much as a natural breeze. Something felt wrong as he followed the little guy off the elevator and down a long crumbling corridor of brick and mortar. At the end there was a metal door.

"This isn't going to be pretty, Suit. Just a warning."

The door opened and Peter found himself looking out at the city of New York only it was in ruins. He took a few steps back wondering if he was hallucinating but now he knew what he had smelled with that breeze: death and decay. The little guy took his arm and pulled him outside.

"We have to make a run for the next place. If you thought the wild west was bad, you haven't seen this place yet. Hurry!"

Peter let the little guy lead him on as they trotted along the broken sidewalks and roads the ruined city around them. He couldn't believe what he was seeing as he continued to follow and they soon stopped to rest in an alleyway.

"I don't understand... is this... where is this? This can't be real! I have to be dreaming." Peter was trying to make sense of it all when he saw a newspaper blow by and reached to pick it up. The man tried to stop him but he had to know if he was dreaming or not. Peter's eyes widened as he saw the date.

"It can't be... only 30 years and this happens? I'd be..."

The little guy interrupted him.

"You would have been in your late 60s and El..." The man stopped as if he was saying too much. The hesitation about his wife made him nervous. He was living in the moment as he shook the little guy.

"What about Elizabeth? Tell me. Why did you say I would have been? I don't understand..."

He felt a chill as the breeze blew across them, pulling his coat tighter but the little guy just pulled him forward.

"Later. We have to go to this place before they discover us much less you. You don't belong here but I'm willing to do this for him. Hurry!"

Peter nodded as he dropped the paper and followed the man against his better judgment. It felt right despite the incoherency of it all. Who was this man he supposedly banished and why did he of all people need to help him. Again for a moment he had an image in his mind of a young man in his 30's, dark wavy hair and deep blue eyes. It seemed so clear the image for a moment and the voice he heard.

...You're the only one I trust...

He blinked, the little guy pulling at him and urging him to move faster. He did what he could in his suit and dress shoes as they made their way down what seemed to be Times Square but this version was far from festive. It looked like a bomb had hit it. He winced at the thought, tears forming in his eyes a bit as he wondered what happened to cause this.

"Come on. We don't have much time for me to show you stuff before they discover the flux. I can't afford to get caught with all the risks I took. You need to remember, Suit. He still trusts that you'll help him and that's the only reason why I brought you. You're the key to everything. Whatever Nolan was thinking, he really wanted to make sure Neal was hurt."

Peter grabbed the little guy by the arm and stopped him.

"Nolan... Nolan Franks?" Something about the name rang true but he couldn't be sure what it was or why he knew it but he did. The little guy nodded at him with a curious look.

"You've met him? Talked to him? I'm surprised he would have given you much of a chat considering how he wanted to be sure you condemned Neal without a trial. Dammit... he used the inducer. Smart fellow but devious. Let me see your hand."

Peter didn't even get a chance to comply as the man took his hands and then nodded looking at one that had a small red splotch on it. Peter had never noticed it, thinking it was a bug bite or scratch.

"I can fix this but first we have to find Neal. If you see him you'll understand."

He started to take off again but Peter stopped him again.

"Tell me who you are. You know me and my life, who are you?"

The man looked at him a moment uncertainly then nodded.

"You can call me Dante for now. I can't tell you anything else or something bad could happen. Now come on!"

Peter finally nodded as they continued to run across the city, finally stopping before Peter's offices. He blinked looking at the building which seemed one of the few that had been rebuilt or survived whatever disaster had befallen the city. Dante pulled at his sleeve.

"This way before someone sees us!" He hissed as they went around the back of the building to a familiar spot. It was the Bureau parking garage. Peter followed him inside and saw that it was mostly collapsed and dilapidated. He saw the remains of cars that had been caught in the aftermath, slowing to look at the mess but then moving when the odd man pulled on his sleeve.

"What happened here? How could all of this happen in so short a time? Dante... I don't understand how this has to do with me and this Caffrey person. It doesn't make much sense."

The man slowed down only a little but he seemed to be trying to think what he should or shouldn't say.

"I can't really tell you Suit since things can change but I can't do anything to help them change. It has to happen naturally or this will be the future and I'd prefer to be able to visit that oyster bar at Grand Central again. Call me selfish but I miss the old New York and no... this isn't technically yours or Neal's fault alone. Hurry... we have to get in and out before they track us. This way."

Dante led him along a broken tunnel he immediately recognized as the old files archive and computer core. There was nothing here now but pipes and rubble. Peter followed the man till they came to a Fork that went two ways. Dante took a minute then pointed right as they followed a much cleaner path and ended up at a large metal door that looked reinforced. Dante didn't seem worried and Peter thought he must be dreaming for all the ridiculousness of this. He hoped he would wake up soon but for now he would go along with the madness. Dante smiled at him, pulling out something familiar.

"Lock picking kit? Why does that feel familiar?"

The man smiled up at him with a grin.

"Don't worry, we're not breaking too many laws considering how they're denying Neal his rights. You're a man of the law. This is for the greater good I do this."

Dante messed with the lock before there was an audible click and the door was open. He motioned for Peter to walk in first, the agent going in with a cautious glance around followed by Dante who quickly closed the door behind them. They appeared to be in what looked like a morgue but all the cabinets had monitors on them like you'd see in a hospital. All the monitors were off but one, Dante moving swiftly towards it. He pointed.

"There... that's Neal Caffrey."

The man pushed a few buttons on the outside and the monitor that was showing heartbeat and other vitals suddenly showed the face of a young man who appeared to be asleep. Peter blinked moving closer as he gazed at the image and thought back to his imagination. He had pictured this man in his memory although he shouldn't have been able to.

"Neal? He's... he's alive? I don't..." He felt a tingle from his hand again and slipped to his knees as he leaned on the bank of cabinets and sat there feeling as if all his energy were being drained. Dante moved to help him and he could see the little guy jump as if he had been shocked. He was about to touch him again when the door they had entered opened and a man with a shock of white blond hair entered the room along with four other men all dressed in black duster type coats. Peter thought this felt familiar, the man in the front with blond hair vaguely familiar as he started to pass out. Dante shook him but he couldn't respond as he did his best to remain conscious.

"Mozzie... I knew you would try something if anyone would but this. I'm surprised. He shouldn't be here and you... well I think you've been a thorn in my side long enough." The blond man made a motion and two of the men grabbed Dante and started to drag him away. Peter wanted to help, to say something but he was too weak to do anything but lay there where he leaned against the metal cabinets.

"It's a shame Agent Burke. I would have spared you all of this if you'd just have continued as you were. We may have been able to change things for the better but now... well, those pictures you destroyed will have to come out. I had hoped you wouldn't protect him but you did. He's the death of you and yet you risked your life."

The man looked angry if not a bit resentful of something not just for the young man in the cabinet but of Peter.

"She'll never be happy now and things will go on as they would have only... you'll be in prison and Neal Caffrey will simply vanish. Send him back."

The blond man made a dismissive gesture as two of the man grabbed Peter and held him upright between them. He stared at the man as he turned and looked at the monitor again and recognition hit him.

Neal!

"No... He's... inno... cen... t. No..."

His words were cut off as he felt that vertigo again and the strange feeling of nothingness. As he stared into the nothingness around him all he could feel was the grip of the two guards on him, his eyes apparently blind in the weird flashes of light around him. He finally closed his eyes when he couldn't keep them open anymore, passing out.

()()()

"Honey? Peter... why would you wish such a thing? Neal's your partner. I just don't understand why you would be so angry at him."

Peter woke up to find himself standing holding his wife and her blue eyes staring back at him with a kind of unhappy dismay. He tried to think back and realized he remembered again. He had wished Neal away like so much bad luck and now some how he was back here at that very moment and remembered.

"I didn't mean it. I was just angry. I need to talk to him actually but first... I need to tell you something, El."

He pulled her with him to the sofa and sat her down as he paced a bit then stopped and sat beside her.

"Something happened. I can't explain what but someone sent me pictures of Neal doing something illegal."

He ran a hand through his hair not knowing how he was going to tell her this and she would understand but she was listening, her eyes still staring at him lovingly.

"Did he actually commit the crime, Peter? They weren't photo-shopped or something? I mean people do make fake pictures."

She was holding his hand in hers and he nodded.

"I thought the same thing... hoped that was true but when I showed him the pictures, he looked so guilty. He did it, El. I knew he had done many thefts but to know for sure hurt. I wasn't certain what to do."

He paused as if the next thing he said was very important.

"I do think of him as a friend despite everything. He's changed so very much since I first caught him. I..."

He hesitated as he took both her hands in his and looked into her eyes. Peter knew she would understand but the consequences would be great. Would she understand them?

"I burned the pictures. I burned the evidence but I think the person who sent them to me might have sent more to another person but I don't know who. I'm going to be in trouble, El. I might go to prison for this."

He saw the look on her face and then a smile although it was a sad smile. She hugged him tightly despite the news. She was smiling. He felt confused but she just shook her head, wiping at her eyes.

"Honey... I understand why you did it. I don't think Hughes is going to let you take the heat. If anything Neal can turn the item back, can't he? That would make everything better before things turn out worse?"

Peter shook his head, eyes lowered.

"The person doing this took Neal. The only person taking a fall is me. I don't know how this is going to end up. Neal will disappear and I'll be in prison for who knows how long."

He sighed but she held him closer, hugging him tight as they sat there dreading the inevitable.

"I'm sorry Peter. Can't we get to Neal before these other people do? You went to visit him didn't you? Call him. Tell him what you told me. There has to be a way."

Peter turned his head wondering if there was time or not. His mind was fuzzy on where he had been but he knew he had to find Neal.

"I don't know... let's go over there."

()()()

They were in the car, Elizabeth driving when Peter decided to use his cell and dialed Neal. Although he couldn't be sure, he had a feeling Neal wasn't there. He waited for voice mail to pick up surprised when he heard a sleepy voice on the other end.

"Peter?"

Neal was answering but he sounded like it was taking effort for him to speak. Peter looked up as he saw June's house coming up in the distance. A sense of relief came over him as he started to remove his belt just before El pulled into a spot across the street.

"Neal... listen to me carefully. You need to come downstairs now. We're parking the car now but I'm heading your way."

Peter listened as the younger man made a sound of acknowledgment but made no other sound. After a moment he heard a thud as he left the car and ran across the road. Elizabeth was on his heels as he quickly made his way to June's front door and knocked frantically. It took a moment before June showed up looking curiously at the agent.

"Agent Burke? What's wrong? Is that Elizabeth walking over?"

She looked just beyond him at a figure crossing the street. He nodded asking if he could enter and she moved aside as he apologized for his haste and ran down the hall and took the stairs two at a time. He hoped he wasn't too late as he turned the knob and the door to Neal's door opened up. Peter searched frantically around till he found the figure of his friend laying unconscious on the floor near the terrace door. He moved quickly towards his friend as he shook the ex-con and tried to rouse him. Neal didn't respond at first but slowly a low moan passed his lips and his eyes opened if only a tiny bit.

"Neal, wake up. It's important. I'm sorry for everything." He continued to nudge the younger man but Neal was only just conscious enough to let him know he was breathing and alive but no more. Nolan must be doing this he thought as Peter tried to wake his friend.

"If I have to go to prison for holding back evidence I will. I can't let them take you. I won't let them." He was angry now, a fatherly concern coming over him as he thought of all the good Neal had done and it had been stricken from the record to make sure the con didn't have a chance of freedom. If that was the future maybe it was better he didn't live to see it if what he guessed was right. Dante... and older Mozzie at best had told him that if not in so many words. He sighed only turning when he heard someone clapping and the click of the bedroom door being locked. Peter turned to see Nolan Franks standing there, a smug look on his face.

"Such a sweet speech Agent Burke but he's going to judgment regardless. They WILL find him guilty if I have anything to do with it. He ruined my life and all because you two were friends. I can't allow this to continue."

Franks pulled out the small taser looking device and pressed a button on it. Peter immediately felt a kind of shock from his hand pass through him and he collapsed to the floor. The blond man smiled darkly.

"You were killed because of him and a very dangerous man was let loose who caused the destruction you saw. If you had never freed Neal, had never been friends with him then this would have never happened. Keller would have just kept to smaller projects rather than funding terrorists."

The man looked angrier than he could ever imagine anyone being as he crouched down beside him and spoke candidly.

"My mother never got over your death. She may have remarried but she was never happy. Even with all the things my father did for her she missed you. When I found out more about her former husband I knew that it was his fault you had changed. You were an honest cop who trusted the system till he infected you with his ideas and his nemesis killed you."

Nolan looked like he would strike him but he didn't his angry eyes turning to Neal and sparkling with dark thoughts.

"He didn't even go after your killer. He ran off and hid. Left my mother to wonder where he went and why. She always thought he didn't kill Keller because of you but I think he was just a coward. I know he's a coward if you have to sacrifice your career for him. You just protect and perpetuate his weakness and the future changed for the worse because of it."

Peter stared up at the man unable to speak, a tear rolling down his cheek. Nolan just ignored it as he moved across the room to the terrace and peered out.

"He will disappear, you will go to prison for his crimes and maybe the future will be better for that. However I can, I will make sure that future doesn't happen."

Nolan reached for the device and blinked, finding it gone as he looked around and found Neal holding it up in one hand. Nolan looked afraid if not angry but his fear was more evident. Neal was looking up at him with narrow eyes as his body trembled from the effort of staying conscious.

"Let... him... go and... I'll go... willingly. He's... a go... ood... man." Neal had managed to stand up as he looked ready to smash the object. Nolan looked terrified at the thought but he nodded finally as he looked at Peter then back at Neal.

"Push the red button and that will reverse the effects."

Peter watched Neal looking down at the object uncertainly as his hand hovered over the the buttons. His hand shook from more than a lack of trust. Nolan was standing by the terrace doors waiting.

"Push it, Con. You want to save your friend don't you or was that all words that you would sacrifice yourself for him? Is that why you run when Keller killed him? Did you chicken out when your friends needed you most? Admit it... you're weak and useless."

Peter felt anger surge through him but he couldn't move or react, his rage impotent as he watched the scene from where he lay. He saw Neal's hand trembling more as he finally reached down to push the button. Nolan seemed excited.

"Good. Your friend will be free and you'll come back with me. The name Neal Caffrey will never be heard again."

Nolan looked happy as Neal pushed the button and it was almost instantaneous that Peter felt the paralysis lifted and his breath came easier as he could speak again.

"Neal, don't do this."

Peter moved to stand as Neal moved forward a step then stopped. He showed the button his finger had pushed. It was blue not red. Nolan seemed surprised if not a bit angry. Peter didn't understand at first but slowly it dawned on him what Nolan had tried to do. The agent felt a surge of anger run through him at what had almost happened. It was then he realized that Neal had saved him again. He'd had his back just like he'd had his. He patted his friend on the shoulder as he stood beside him. Neal smiled but kept his eyes on Nolan.

"You think I would believe you after all your did to us? If you were a real officer of the law, you'd be more like Peter here. He's the reason I know I won't kill Keller. Revenge creates more chaos while Justice is restoring honor, not fostering chaos. Do what you want with me but I won't play your pawn in this game."

Neal sounded sincere, turning to look at Peter with a soft smile just before his eyes rolled back and he collapsed to the ground. The control fell from his hand and rolled towards Nolan who promptly picked it up. Peter knelt beside his friend feeling his neck and not getting a pulse or breath. The agent glared up at Nolan.

"Don't look so stricken. He gave his life for yours. You should be happy. I no longer exist and Keller won't be freed. Things are back to how they should be."

He smiled coldly as he pressed the button on the device and disappeared. Peter cursed as he nudged his friend, rolling him to this back as he started CPR. Neal remained still, his face relaxed as if he were sleeping as he gently parted his lips, cleared his air way and pushed air into the con's lungs. He saw Neal's chest rise slightly then lower without any change. Peter kept trying to revive his friend till he knew it was impossible. He leaned his head on this friend's chest and felt a pain in his own.

"I'm sorry Neal. This is all my fault. You're my friend regardless of what you've done. I'm glad I burned those pictures."

He was crying now, his face flush with warmth as he turned and wiped at his eyes. Someone touched his shoulder and he suddenly noticed a very attractive woman standing there. She was probably about as old as June but something seemed familiar about her. Her hair was a stark white but long and beautiful regardless as he stared into her clear blue eyes.

"My son is being taken care of. He never forgave me for mourning the loss of my first husband. I should have gotten over it but it's hard to forget your one and true love."

She smiled down at him as she grasped his hand in hers and touched something like the device Nolan had to it. He felt a slight sting then the red mark started to leave. She turned and did the same to Neal's neck as she knelt there with him.

"I never blamed Neal for my husband's death. He wouldn't have let me knowing the circumstances. It wasn't Neal's fault he died nor was it his fault Keller went free. Nolan never understood that only that he felt he had to fix the wrong. His father was quite the strong willed one but his real father, had he known him would have taught him better."

She just blinked at him as he started to understand and open his lips. She placed a finger on them to quiet him as she rose to leave.

"It was good to see you again, Peter. Keep him safe."

She smiled a sad smile as she disappeared in a flash of light. He blinked at the light then looked to see she was gone.

"El..."

oOoOoOo

Author's Note: Ok so I think I pulled another Robot Chicken Shyamalan: "What a TWIST!" Anyhow, hope you're enjoying. Just a bit more then I may or may not write another story. Just depends on the schedule this week but knowing me, I will write something. ;)