(Chapter 4)

Peter looked at the still figure of Neal laying there on the floor and wondered what he was going to do. He really didn't understand anything that had happened but he had to find a way to explain it all to himself. He heard a knock at the door and turned.

"Peter? Neal? Open the door..."

It was his wife's voice. How could he face her with Neal dead? He slowly rose, walking towards the door when he felt a sudden weakness. It was as if he were walking through molasses, the atmosphere thick as he stumbled slowly forward, the room starting to phase out as the scenery spun sickeningly around him. He closed his eyes feeling that odd nothingness he had felt before and the vertigo, then someone touched his shoulder as the world seemed to fall back into place.

Honey... Peter? Honey wake up...

He took a moment to get his wits about him, his head heavy with sleep as he opened his eyes and gazed around.

"Peter, wake up already. You're going to be late for work."

He looked up to see Elizabeth sitting on the edge of the bed beside him. She was wrapped up warmly in her pink fuzzy robe, smiling at him. He blinked a moment trying to remember something then shaking his head as he sat up and put an arm around her, pulling her close for a kiss. She grinned back at him.

"Someone woke up in a good mood. I'm about to fix some coffee. It should be ready by the time you come downstairs."

Elizabeth kissed him once more before standing up and leaving the bedroom. Peter just looked at the spot she had stood then around the room. Hadn't he just been elsewhere? He tried to think about it then sighed. Another dream. He'd been dreaming a lot lately but not remembering much. He sighed again as he dragged himself from the bed into the semi-coolness of their apartment. He saw that his suit was already out and hanging on the back of the door, a smile forming on his face as his thoughts went to El. She always made sure he had everything taken care of.

It took him all of 20 minutes to shower, shave and get dressed before he was downstairs. He heard giggling from the kitchen curious what his wife found so amusing. Then he heard the other voice and sighed, moving across the den to the kitchen and peering inside.

Fortunately for him, Elizabeth had already dressed as she stood before the stove chatting with a tall figure with dark wavy hair. Peter stood there watching a moment before coughing. Both figures turned, Elizabeth smiling brightly while the other smiled charmingly back.

"We have a visitor, Peter. Neal was showing me how they flip eggs in Milan." She was grinning from ear to ear as they finished up the food and Peter walked over to join them.

"Milan? I didn't realize they had such techniques there. Do tell."

Peter was looking at Neal curiously who just blushed slightly and smiled. He walked over to Peter as Elizabeth told them to go sit and she'd bring the food out in a moment. Both men complied as they left through the swinging door and sat at the dining table. Peter narrowed his eyes across the table at his partner.

"So... what brings you to my home so early in the morning? I would have been at June's in a few minutes to pick you up. Something eating at your conscience?"

Peter had a feeling something was going on but Neal shook his head then after a moment nodded.

"Keller. Mozzie told me he's escaped."

Peter looked at the younger man in disbelief. Keller was free? How come he hadn't gotten a call? He checked his cell and saw he had a missed call from when he was getting ready earlier. He pressed the voicemail and pushed the phone to his ear.

"Burke, This is Hughes. We were just informed that Matthew Keller escaped the Supermax. Keep an eye out and call me when you get this message. Make sure Caffrey knows."

Neal was looking at him expectantly as he nodded.

"Hughes called me a few minutes ago about the same thing but I missed it. I'm going to have to call him back but I don't want to scare Elizabeth. I'll be upstairs a moment."

()()()

The work day was finally over and Peter was just glad to be heading home.

Neal was flipping his hat around like a kid who just learned a new trick. Peter rolled his eyes as they stepped out of the elevator and into the lobby of the FBI building. Neal finally tossed his hat jauntily up on his head, Peter tempted to knock it off but not actually doing it as he grinned with a fatherly look.

"Cartoon." Peter muttered as he smirked at the younger man. Neal just shrugged back.

"Maybe, but people like cartoons Peter. Ever watch Looney Tunes or Tex Avery? Classics!" He was grinning like a little kid, Peter rolling his eyes more as they walked out into the cool wintry air outside the building and headed around the corner to the garage.

"So are you the Roadrunner? Never mind don't answer that." Peter watched his partner and friend start to open his mouth but just smirk as they entered the parking garage and headed for the Taurus. Peter pulled out his keys as he moved ahead of Neal to open the doors. He turned when he heard voices behind him.

"Neal Caffrey..."

Peter turned to see someone blocking Neal's path. The voice was familiar as was the situation. He felt a strange sense of deja vu suddenly as he moved from the car and started to loosen the strap on his gun. He could only see the back of the figure but that sense of this happening before bothered him as he approached them.

"Neal..."

Peter put enough emphasis that he hoped Neal could move around towards him. The man raised a single hand, his right, as a dismissive gesture. He was certain he knew who this was as he saw the look on Neal's face reflecting that it was the same man.

"Keller I don't know what you were thinking but you know I can have the law here in seconds. Neal, come on."

Peter was already removing his gun from his holster. Neal didn't look comfortable either if a bit afraid though he hid it as well as he could. Peter would have to end this and quickly. Neal nodded at him as he tried to move around Keller as if he wasn't there. He had barely moved a couple of feet when the man grabbed Neal around the neck, a pistol appearing in his other hand as if by magic. It was too quick for Peter to act as the man pressed the item to Neal's temple and smiled that cold heartless smile.

Neal winced as Keller pushed the gun against his skin, cocking the gun. He was trying to pull away but Keller had him in a headlock. Peter could see him clearly now.

"Let him go, Keller."

Peter felt his heart racing as he saw the fear on his friend's face. Keller just laughed.

"After what he did? Sergev is out to kill me and I get put into prison? I think not. I think my old friend here should pay for what he did."

Keller's hand was tightening on the trigger as Peter watched his partner look at him with a terrified look. Neal was going to die and he couldn't let that happen. He held his gun up steadily as he pointed it right at Keller's chest.

"Let him go, Keller. Last chance!"

He watched the con smile, his finger tightening more on the trigger until there was a loud report. Peter felt something hit him hard in the chest around his heart as he was flung back and hit the pillar behind him. His head made a cracking sound as he hit the cement and slid to the ground. He could just hear a scream as Neal cried out. His vision swam in and out of focus but he heard another loud report, his chest hurting more when he thought what it meant.

Neal was dead.

He heard the sound of someone falling to the asphalt and footsteps echoing towards him. Peter couldn't move, his body slowly shutting down as he felt his eyes start to flutter closed. A blurry figure knelt beside him and leaned close. Keller was going to gloat.

"Peter?" Neal was there when he opened his eyes, a small bruise across his cheek as he looked down at the agent with a worried expression. He pulled out his phone and started to call 9-1-1. Peter lay there exhausted, his head aching as he tried to stay conscious.

"Youuu... huuurt?" Peter found it hard to speak as he tried to catch his breath but mostly he just felt a bit out of sorts with his head and chest hurting. Neal kept a hand on his shoulder as if to comfort him but he thought the younger man looked more like he needed the comforting. He could hear him giving directions to the EMTs to the Bureau building before hanging up and calling another number.

"Jones? We're in the garage. Peter's hurt. Yeah... I called them. Hurry and thanks."

He heard Neal hang up, shift and then felt something pushed under his head. Peter noticed Neal didn't have his coat on anymore.

"I'mmm oookaaaay, Neeeal. Juuusssst tired." Peter started to close his eyes but felt another nudge.

"Stay awake, Peter. Please." Neal's voice sounded tight making Peter shift slightly to look at his partner better. The young man looked a bit pale. The agent lifted his hand to touch the bruise. Neal moved back at first but the stopped when he realized what Peter was doing.

"I'm fine. Stay awake, Peter. I don't want Elizabeth to worry about you." Neal sounded upset but obviously relieved suddenly as he felt the wound. Peter nodded, regretting it immediately as he groaned from the slight motion. His chest was hurting like someone had hit him with a 2x4. Neal was shaking him slightly, trying to keep him awake.

"You're wearing a vest... Peter, did you know something? Peter?"

"Couldn't let him win, Nee... awl." His voice was started to trail off, eyes too heavy to keep open. He felt someone nudge him but he was too tired to react, closing his eyes when the sound of sirens and the echoing of footsteps approached.

()()()

Neal had been surprised Keller was so fast when he felt himself trapped in a headlock, a pistol pushed against his temple. He struggled but the cocking of the gun made him stop. Keller had him held tightly as they watched Peter just a few feet away with his gun drawn. The agent looked determined, trying to talk Keller down or at least find an opening to shoot him before he killed Neal. He thought of Elizabeth and tried to convey that his friend should go without saying anything but Peter was stubborn. He ignored his silent pleas as Keller cocked the gun and slowly pulled the trigger.

There was a shot that echoed around the space as Neal winced but felt nothing. He opened his eyes to see Peter thrown back into a nearby pillar, his head connecting with the hard concrete with a loud crack before he collapsed to the ground. Neal screamed, crying out as he fought with Keller, pulling himself loose and fighting for the gun. The con gave him a hit across the cheek with the pistol, bruising him but he managed to twist the gun downward till there was another report. Neal froze as he saw the look in Keller's eyes. The man was smiling although the color had started to drain from his face.

"You finally came over to my side, Caffrey. Welcome to Hell." Keller was smiling and gave a weak chuckle as he collapsed to the ground and lay still. Neal looked down to find the smoking gun in his gloved hands, a bit of blood splattered on him as he dropped it with a horrified glance. He had killed a man, although it was accidental and in self defense, he had still murdered another person. Neal felt the shock wash over him as he thought he might faint till someone called his name. He turned to see Peter still conscious at the foot of the pillar and quickly made his way over to the wounded agent.

Neal did what he could to keep his friend conscious, calling 9-1-1 and then Jones upstairs to come help. He was panicked, wondering what to tell Elizabeth when her husband didn't come home. Warm tears were starting to roll down his cheeks when he checked the wound and found something hard underneath. Peter was just conscious enough to talk to him as he realized what had happened. The agent had been wearing a vest. How had the agent known. They knew Keller was free but how had he known about this moment? What were the chances he'd have a vest on when they were here. It defied logic till he heard the ambulance coming and found Peter had passed out. Jones showed up just as they were loading the unconscious Peter into the back, Neal following. He gave Jones the information about the hospital, the junior agent grabbing his sleeve.

"It's ok. You did it for a good reason. I'll have Diana check the tapes. Whatever happens, I'm sure you'll be ok."

Neal nodded at the agent hopefully as the doors shut and the ambulance took off.

()()()

Peter was dreaming. He was remembering something he would probably forget but for now he was replaying the incident in his mind.

Peter had excused himself that morning to go upstairs and call Hughes, closing the bedroom door behind him as he did so. He had barely pulled his cell back out when he saw a text message appear. He pushed the button to read it and blinked.

"Today's a good day for inVESTing for your future."

Peter couldn't see any kind of name or number associated with the text having clicked it out of habit. He noticed the capital letters, something occurring to him as he quickly stripped out of his shirt and went to the closet. He put on his shirt again as he was dialing Hughes.

"Yes sir. You wanted to speak with me? Yes I got the message. Caffrey knows. He told me about it and that's why... Yes his 'sources' always seem to be a step ahead. Good thing. Thanks. See you in a few."

The dream and memory faded away, another voice taking over that soothed his spirit.

Take care of him, Peter.

He was nodding to himself as he slowly felt himself coming to. Someone was brushing at his hair, warm lips touching his forehead. His eyes fluttered opened to find Elizabeth hunched over him as she lay her head gently on his shoulder. She had her eyes closed but her hand was still playing with his hair when he gave a soft kiss back to her on the cheek.

"Peter? Peter!"

She looked absolutely ecstatic as she hugged him a bit tighter till he gave a slight wince and she eased up. Her blue eyes were sparkling with relief and joy as she kissed him on the lips. He reached up as much as he could and held her closer before a cough interrupted them. Elizabeth was smiling with a slight blush as Peter turned to see who had made the noise.

Across the room on a couch sat Neal, his head slumped over against the sofa arm as he lay there partially upright. His eyes were closed but he was moving slightly, arms curled up under his head. He looked like a boy when he slept, Peter sighing as he turned to his wife.

"He's been sleeping since just after you were brought in. He refused to leave your side so I told the staff he's your younger brother. They wouldn't let him stay otherwise." She was smirking a bit as she saw the look on his face.

"Younger... brother? Bad enough he's my partner." He smirked to let her know he was teasing when she arched a brow.

"Thanks, El. I guess one little white lie will be ok. So how long have I been asleep?" He shifted his weight a bit feeling stiff and sore as he realized his chest had been wrapped tightly and a crinkling came from the back of his head where he could still feel the knot. Elizabeth helped him by raising the bed some and fluffing his pillows.

"About 8 hours. Hughes says they'll be able to ensure he won't get in trouble for what happened. It was obviously self-defense and they have it on tape to prove it. Jones and Diana found enough footage to show what happened in the FBI garage. I wish you had warned me this morning but I guess you know me too well."

She was looking at him somewhat dismayed he hadn't trusted her with the info but he shrugged with a chagrined look.

"I didn't want you to worry and I had the vest on. I had a feeling... you know that gut of mine. I was going to make sure I came home to you no matter what. I'm wondering how he's doing. Neal hates violence. I can't imagine..."

He hugged his wife closer to him as they watched the younger man sleep and spoke quietly amongst themselves.

()()()

Neal may have looked peaceful sleeping but he had nightmares about Peter being shot and Keller's blood on him. In other versions he saw Peter covered in blood and Keller left, the gun and the agent's blood in his hands as he tried to wake Peter. The second dream felt so real but he knew it was false despite the fear and terror he felt. He twitched ever so slightly then someone touched his face and gently brushed his hair. He felt safe and he saw a beautiful figure of an older woman with stark white hair. She was smiling at him her blue eyes sparkling. He let her hold him and she spoke quietly about not worrying and things were going to be ok. He nodded to himself in his sleep relaxing ever so slightly as her hand continued to brush his hair.

He woke up to the same sensation thinking he must still be dreaming but finding himself looking up into two bright blue eyes. Elizabeth was sitting beside him on the sofa, gently brushing at his hair. He coughed and she turned to look at him, a soft smile on her face. She held up one finger to her lips and pointed. Neal turned to see where and saw a figure asleep in the hospital bed. It was Peter. Even in sleep he looked a bit stern but in a fatherly sort of manner. Neal grinned, sitting up enough to whisper in her ear. Elizabeth turned to him and stifled a giggle before they both heard a voice call out.

"I heard that... my ears are burning. What are you two up to down there?" Peter arched a brow as he smiled down at the both of them. Neal sat up and stretched as Elizabeth moved over to her husband and kissed him.

"Oh just the usual. Glad to see you up, partner." Neal was grinning as he saw the agent blink back then nod.

"Yeah... Happy we're both in one piece." He held out a hand as Neal walked over and took it. They were silent a moment and Elizabeth took that moment to excuse herself.

"I'm going to get some coffee. Be right back." She winked at them as she left the room, Neal taking her place in the chair beside the bed. Peter looked across at the younger man noticing his look.

"Do I have a horn growing out my forehead? What's on your mind?"

Neal wasn't sure what to say but he had to know.

"I was curious how you knew to have a vest. I mean even with the threat, there was no certainty we'd bump into Keller. I never thought he'd be so bold as to be in the parking lot of the FBI." Neal tried to be calm but it was hard when he thought about what could have been. It scared him. Peter shrugged.

"Actually someone sent me a text. I still don't know who but it was that text that told me to wear a vest. I have my suspicions but until I know for certain I can't say who it was. Didn't you say Mozzie knew about Keller?"

Neal nodded at Peter's comments curious about the mystery text.

"What did the text say?" Neal waited for Peter to answer, the agent thinking a moment before he answered.

"Today's a good day for inVESTing for your future. The word VEST was uppercase. Sound like anyone you know?"

Neal thought a moment then laughed. No... Mozzie probably didn't do that but it sure sounded like him. Peter looked at him as he laughed and he shook his head.

"I was just thinking it's something Mozz would do but he would have told me if he did that. All he told me was that Keller was out. I still don't know how he knew before the rest of us." Neal shrugged as Peter nodded and mussed his hair. Neal moved away with a mock look of annoyance.

"Peter, what was that for?" Neal was staring at Peter as he smirked at him in a big brother sort of way.

"For good luck." Peter was smiling now, an honest smile as Neal grinned back.

"I'm not a lucky rabbit's foot you know but I am good at cards."

(the end)

oOoOoOo

Author's Note: Someone asked me to explain some things. I will be adding an epilogue soon. It will fill in a few blanks. Thanks for reading!