(Chapter 4)

Neal didn't remember much about his trip in the cab, his stomach aching like he had done one too many crunches as he hunched over and felt like curling up in the back of the vehicle. The man was talking to him, obviously having some experience with sick people and asking if he needed to throw up again but he wasn't feeling nauseated so much as sick in general. Maybe it was the chloroform, Neal wasn't sure as the pain distracted him from what he had meant to do. Finally the car stopped and he heard the driver come around, the door opening as the cabbie pulled him out carefully and helped him over to the door of the clinic. Someone was watching them, a gurney waiting.

"I don't know him. He just hailed my cab and was retching. Probably too much to drink but I can't say."

The cabbie was talking to someone, their voices subdued by the pounding in his head as he was placed on the gurney and gentle yet efficient hands settled him in and rolled him inside the clinic. He watched the lights go by overhead before his eyes made contact with brown, a woman stood over him talking, talking to him he realized as he came back to the present.

"Neal... I didn't... didn't drink. Just need to go home and rest."

He felt confused, knowing what happened but just not awake enough to make his thoughts clear. The doctor or nurse was still talking to him and he answered vaguely at best before she said something about "sleeping it off" and left him in a room. They only bothered him a few times to check his blood, a pinch making him shift in the bed they'd put him on but he was still too tired to do more than sleep. He dreamed he went to Peter's house, that's where he had been headed when he got sick. The front door was open and saw Satchmo sitting on the stoop, a low whining from the dog as Neal neared and entered the house. Someone had smashed open the door when he looked closer, glass everywhere and the living room messed up as if there had been a struggle. He saw the back door had been kicked in, a bright red crimson handprint on the doorknob making him flinch as he turned to follow the trail from the door to the kitchen. Someone was breathing hard, sitting on the floor holding someone.

She's... dead. Someone broke in...

Peter sat on the floor looking sadder than he had ever seen the man. In his arms the agent held his wife, Elizabeth but she wasn't breathing anymore. She was dead, eyes closed but red stained her chest and Neal felt himself back away. A hand grabbed his arm and spun him around, Cyrus standing there smiling coldly.

I told you I don't like dishonesty, Caffrey. Why did you lie to me? See what you made me do?

Neal woke up, sitting up immediately and staring around at the small clinic area filled with lines of hospital beds. He was the only person in here tonight although one bed looked like someone had been there but left. The con didn't want to take a chance Cyrus wouldn't take revenge on Peter and especially El as he eased himself out of the bed and stood up. He was still in his clothes, shoes set aside by the bed. Neal slipped his feet into them quietly, walking out of the room and pausing as he heard people talking down the hallway.

"Caffrey, yes... I'll wait."

Someone was asking about him? He checked his pockets and found his wallet gone, wondering how he would pay for another cab when he saw the nurse step into view, his wallet held loosely between two fingers. He would have to deal, sneaking out the opposite end of the hallway as she disappeared from view again and he made it out into the cool evening. He was technically in Brooklyn, just had to get to Peter's and hope he was in time. He passed a mirrored window and saw how tired and disheveled he looked, but he felt better than he had earlier. A clock on the wall told him it was 3:20 AM so he had slept 2 hours and time was ticking away if he was going to keep his friends safe

()()()

Elizabeth woke up, a hint of sunlight through the gloomy early morning peeking in through the curtains next to their bed. She looked down to find Satchmo sleeping next to her side of the bed, eyes open and staring upwards as she smiled and quietly exited the bed without waking Peter. The clock read 3:55 AM as she thought about their late night visitor. Something was bothering him since his partner's visit, making him toss and turn most of the night before he finally settled, his lips mouthing the name Neal a few times and making her wonder what was going on with their current case that her husband was worrying so much. El pulled on her robe, pushing her feet into her fuzzy slippers and headed downstairs to start the coffee maker, Satchmo in tow. His tongue hung out happily as she filled his bowls with water and food before pulling a few things out of the pantry and fridge to get breakfast ready. She normally didn't get up for another 45 minutes but something about Neal's visit was bothering her too. Peter had been acting oddly lately in regards to his friend and partner and she was avoiding asking what and why.

She gave a stretch and yawn, the coffee percolating quietly in the machine as she moved to the front door and opened it to get the newspaper outside. It wasn't on the stoop when she opened the outer door, her eyes noticing it in the bushes below at the edge of the stairs. It was cool outside but not freezing as she quickly popped out, making her way to the bushes to get the paper. It was in plastic and dry thankfully, Peter particular about how his paper was delivered as she moved back to head up the stairs. Someone grabbed her shoulder gently, making her gasp before they were revealed.

"Neal?"

The young man looked tired, unlike his usual suave confident self as he nodded silently. His face was paler than normal or maybe it was the early morning light which also seemed to make his eyes look more glassy than usual.

"El... Where's Peter?"

He sounded worried, desperate almost and that's when she thought back to how Peter had been sleeping. Maybe Neal had done something wrong?

"Sleeping... finally. Ever since you left my husband has been worrying about something. Kept me up half the night tossing and turning. What's going on and who is Cyrus?"

She wanted answers and figured maybe this was her only chance. Neal tended to be honest with her, Mozzie more so but the little guy wasn't around and she had to hope for something to explain Peter's behavior. The consultant seemed to pale more, shaking his head a moment as he took her arm in his hand and pulled her towards the stairs and door.

"We need to go inside..."

Neal didn't finish his words, El hearing the squeal of a car coming to a stop nearby as she was pushed back to the side of the stairs with a hard shove. She was going to complain, eyes looking at her husband's partner curiously when the unthinkable happened. There was a large black SUV, one that had stopped suddenly nearby, double parked with a window partially rolled down. She couldn't see who was inside but a flash or two along with a loud bang startled her to duck beside the stairs even more. Neal was standing there when his body moved to dive away but twitched as if he'd been hit hard with something. El watched in horror as he collapsed with a thud to the sidewalk before their house, the car window closing before the vehicle squealed away with the smell of burning rubber. She gave a little cough from the stench, gazing in fear from her hiding place before feeling brave enough to step out.

"No!"

She ran to the fallen ex-con without a second thought, collapsing beside him to her knees and shaking him gently as she held his head in her lap. Peter was calling to her now, footsteps nearing as she tried to think straight. He left her at some point, the cold forgotten for a moment as she wrapped Neal in her robe, kneeling on the cold sidewalk and tried to keep him from bleeding out. Peter returned after what seemed a long time, first-aid kit in hand. She noticed despite everything that he seemed uncertain of something but for the moment she pushed the thought aside as sirens neared and she became aware of flashing red and white lights as an ambulance stopped nearby. Two EMTs came running over quickly with a gurney and gear, taking Neal from her lap as they lifted him gently up onto the stretcher and started to move away. Another EMT was nearby, asking questions and writing what happened down. Peter let her answer, telling what he knew before he knew what had really gone down.

"We can't let you ride with him, but we're going to St. Joachim Hospital. You're welcome to follow."

She was shell shocked but nodded, wanting to be with the young man who had saved her life yet again. Neal had given up so much for them despite his past. He was a good person underneath his suave cover, the shell a protection and a means for him to survive. Now he was just Neal, unconscious and in the back of an ambulance as it quickly took off and officers showed, taking their statements again as they went inside to change and hurry after to the hospital.

"Hun... I'll be ready in a moment."

She went into the bathroom to wash off the blood, dropping her robe in the tub as she quickly washed up and felt tears running down her cheeks. El pushed her head under the water and tried to hide them, sobbing quietly before exiting the shower a few minutes later and pulling on a clean white robe they usually left for guests on the back door. She left the old one to soak before leaving the bathroom to get dressed, Peter looking at her curiously.

"You've been crying... El... honey?"

There was something about the way he asked her. Something had changed between her husband and his partner but El wasn't sure what it was yet as she nodded, wiping at her eyes.

"It's Neal. He's had your... our back for so long. Why are you upset with him?"

Suddenly she heard those words of accusation pop out of her mouth, worry about the young man who'd saved her from being shot giving them the strength to be expressed. Peter had always been close to the young man but now... something was wrong. Brown eyes blinked back at her and there was a shuttered expression there. Peter was holding back on her, his lips pursed into a tight little frown.

"I'm... not mad at him. Why would you think that?"

Peter was telling her one thing but she could tell it wasn't what he was thinking or feeling but she let it go for now, for Neal's sake.

"I... I'll call Mozzie and let him know on the way. Let me finish getting dressed."

El hugged and kissed him but she felt as if she were holding a stranger now. Peter was different and yet... he wasn't. He left her for downstairs, the sound of his cell phone being dialed beeping audibly before it faded along with his footsteps to the first floor. Something had happened and Peter didn't want to share so it must be bad. That's all she could assume at this point and she didn't like doing that about Peter. El found a comfortable outfit of black knit pants and a long navy blue tunic, slipping on warm socks and soft leather loafers, her eyes starting to tear up again as she thought about what happened. Neal had known something was up and come to warn them, even Peter and yet... Peter was angry or at least indifferent towards his partner. She had to find out what was going on, her hand reaching for her purse and cell by the bed.

"The number you have dialed better have been dialed for a good reason."

There was a beep as she licked at her lips and spoke quietly.

"Mozz... It's Elizabeth. Neal's been hurt. We're taking him to St Joachim's. Call me back."

()()()

Neal was in darkness, pain evident in the background but the gloom seemed to protect him as he floated weightlessly in his unconscious mind. There were hints of faint voices coming from outside but he ignored them as he did the sense of people moving and touching him before it all stopped and only a few small sensations remained. Footsteps echoed quietly in the background becoming part of his dreamscape as did a certain voice and the words they spoke quietly but still audibly enough he could make them out.

Someone shot my CI... but I think they were going after Elizabeth. No, I haven't told her anything. Neal was shot instead... thankfully.

The last word made him twitch even in the darkness. Peter was glad he got shot? That didn't sound right. The agent was his friend, wasn't he?

This is behind the scenes... I want to be sure this Cyrus person gets what he deserves. He threatened my wife. Thank you Jay. I owe you one.

Peter's voice was cold, almost heartless but when he mentioned El it seemed to soften a little but still far from the man Neal thought he knew. Had it all been a lie? He heard the beep of the cell hung up, the footsteps continuing as Peter paced back and forth a few minutes then stopped.

Why did I ever take this offer? I don't care what Simon wants with you. I'm going to find that box from the video and then we're through! I can't afford the costs anymore.

Neal felt something akin to finding out his father was a dirty cop wash over him as the truth sunk in despite his being unconscious. Maybe he was dreaming and this was just a result of his wounds and the hit to his head? He wanted to believe that as what little consciousness left him and he fell further into the darkness and slept, Peter's words still echoing through his head.

()()()

Peter glanced up as his wife walked into the room, cell pushed into his pocket as he tried to act the grieving partner. There was a part of him thankful that maybe the con had saved his wife but it was his fault somehow that this had happened. Simon had urged him to do this partnership and now he realized with the changes in his life that he just wanted out. El was all he needed and a new life elsewhere once he figured out where the box was would be the cure. To heck with con men and their weird little friends.

"El..."

She looked concerned, handing him a cup of coffee as she hugged and kissed him before moving to sit beside the unconscious Neal Caffrey. He didn't understand why his wife liked the con but she did and his friend too. He could live without either one complicating his life but for now he had to play the game until they had the box and he could leverage for a way out. It wasn't that he didn't like the FBI, he did find his job fun and challenging at times even when he was chasing Caffrey but it had been an assignment. It wasn't something he had chosen although he had to think the con was definitely one of the smartest guys he'd met.

"The nurse said he lost nearly half of his blood before they got to him... but he's going to be ok, Peter."

Her voice sounded rough as if she'd been crying a bit, her blue eyes turning to him and he could see the unshed tears now and felt a bit of guilt wash over him. Much as he disliked this deal, he didn't like to see his wife unhappy. Lying was part of his plan to keep her safe until he was free of his uncle but now everything was unraveling. He moved closer to console her, wrapping his arms around her as his eyes glanced down at the con. Caffrey was coming between himself and El and he couldn't have that when he was so close to being a free man. Maybe it was selfishness but Peter just wanted away from everything he had been. They both turned as the door opened quietly behind them and they saw Jones peek in. He made a motion towards Peter who kissed his wife and left to see what was on. She would be safe there, his worry pushed aside as he closed the door and stood outside in the hospital hallway.

"Was there anything on the traffic cams to indicate it was Cyrus? He called and threatened both me and my wife. Neal took that bullet for Elizabeth, Clinton. I need something to work with."

He was frustrated but he kept his tone low, only a slight growl to his voice as Jones nodded back.

"The car was black, an SUV but no plates. We did find something odd on the side of it though. A symbol... Looks like it was on the back of the vehicle then pulled off leaving the imprint."

Jones pulled out his phone, showing something to Peter on the screen. He took the phone in his hands, enlarging the image before he gave it back.

"The team is looking to figure out what it means."

The agent looked apologetic but Peter knew he was competent enough to get things done as he nodded back, his mind still too distracted by thoughts of finding the box and getting out of New York.

"Thanks, Clinton. Let me know first thing you find out."

Jones nodded back at him before leaving his sympathies for their fallen friend. A con man was their friend. Peter still found it hard to believe he was friends even if pretend with an ex-con. He had to admit the kid was smart and had helped with plenty of cases but that was secondary to what he was supposed to be. Simon had made sure he got close to the con, giving him the case. Now he had to make sure he finished it on his own terms.

"Hun?"

He turned to see Elizabeth standing in the doorway watching him, Jones having been gone a few minutes. He nodded back, smiling as softly as he could considering the situation. He wasn't happy the con had been hurt but it was beyond his scope now. Peter wanted to run away with El to the farthest reaches. It wasn't just con men and their friends who wanted to escape to somewhere exotic and be off the map.

"Jones was just filling me in on their investigation. How is Neal?"

He had to keep pretending although knowing his wife was safe because of the con made him reconsider in the back of his mind that maybe Caffrey wasn't all he seemed. They went back into the room, El holding his arm as she wrapped hers around it.

"Still unconscious. He saved me... Peter. This wasn't his fault or yours."

She seemed so certain of Neal's innocence and his own something in the back of his throat tightened up and he couldn't speak for a moment. El was more perceptive than he counted for at times.

"It... you shouldn't have been involved at all, El. We'll find a place to stay in the meanwhile. Diana and I can pick up some things for us."

He hugged her close, El's eyes turning to look at the hurt con in the hospital bed a moment. Peter could see her concern there and for a moment he thought he felt some himself for the fact that his wife was still with him.

()()()

One Week Later...

A security detail had been placed on Neal's hospital room while El and Peter stayed in a safe house. Peter used the excuse of finding the shooter, Cyrus, to continue going out on the case despite his wife's and Hughes' wishes. He had to know why they had been targeted when everyone had been so careful not to implicated Neal as an informant. Peter was curious how they'd found his residence. Neal must have messed up and had to find out where.

"I'm sorry, Peter. I haven't seen Mozzie for over a week. If I hear from him, I'll send him your way. How is Neal?"

June sounded worried, wringing her hands before her as he tried to sound reassuring. Peter wasn't good at this sort of thing and although she was technically the widow of an ex-con, she did have a certain mystique about her that helped when they needed advice about cases. He could see how she would like Neal and Mozzie.

"He's still unconscious. They say he's healing well but he will have to wake up on his own. Neal's not in a coma."

Peter watched her nod, his partner's benefactor obviously concerned and relieved at the news. He could see the question coming before she spoke it.

"I'll make sure there's a pass for you if you want to visit with him. Jones is usually helping to guard the room. Thanks for being there for him. Let me know if Mozzie is in contact."

They chit chatted a bit after that, June sending him with something homemade for Elizabeth since they were stuck in a safe house and not a fancy one either. It was nicer than some but he missed his house as did El. This would help and it smelled good too.

"Be safe Agent Burke and thank you for stopping by."

He nodded without much more than the usual "Well find out who did this" before going back to his car and taking off. After he'd rounded the block, Peter parked, just sitting there, staring out the window. Neal had screwed up somewhere he thought or how else did Cyrus know about himself and El? It didn't make any sense. They had been so careful. He jumped when his cell phone rang, breaking the reverie as he came back to his senses and answered it.

"Burke..."

There was silence on the line a moment and he suddenly had a very bad feeling, looking at the number and finding it was blocked.

"Who's there?"

He could hear breathing after a moment and then a familiar sigh.

"Paranoid much, Suit? I just had to be sure you were alone. We need to talk."

Peter was surprised to hear from the little guy, his preference not to be involved with him but he had some good insight at times and Neal trusted him. It was a packaged deal apparently when he got this assignment.

"So I guess you talked to June?"

It had been over a week since the day he'd picked up Caffrey from Ms. Ellington's and now the little guy was here. Mozzie had his ways of hiding although Simon had told him otherwise. Maybe he could help find the box. Neal had said the little guy had found something. He jumped as someone knocked on the passenger window and he saw a hooded short man outside and realize who it was. Peter rolled his eyes, popping the lock as the door opened and Mozzie slipped into the back seat.

"I'm being followed and no, Suit, I'm NOT being paranoid. It was after I told Neal about... well what I've found in relation to the motion picture we watched. They wear suits like you only more expensive. Is there something I should know?"

The man was coming to him for help, Peter surprised but maybe Neal was more valuable than he thought. He knew where the box was or at least he hinted that Mozzie had found out where but they'd had little time to discuss it before everything went down as it had. Maybe Mozzie would tell him where it was...

"I don't have anyone stalking you nor do my colleagues. Can you ID them if I took you to a safe place?"

He had to play along, be the friend until he had what he needed. Mozzie nodded, Peter seeing the bald man's head bob in the background through the rearview mirror. He took off into traffic surprised the con was trusting him but under the circumstances, it made sense. Now to take advantage of what he could.

()()()

Mozzie refused to stay under another Federal safe house roof but said he would be in touch as he vanished before Peter could do more than agree. It had been a long day but he found out that the box in question might be at a local government package depot that the FBI had a box at for excess materials. It was secure and safe but he could find a way in if he had to. They had had no luck identifying Mozzie's tail. He thought everyone looked suspicious but it was apparent he wasn't seeing the faces of his followers so he'd let him go. That's when he thought El was probably worried about him so he headed to the safe house she was at, taking the roundabout route and finally parking a few blocks away before walking to the place in question. El was happy to see him, hugging him tightly and giving him a lingering kiss on the lips. The agents watching them raised a brow at the scene, leaving them alone as they stood outside.

"I always thought staying at home like this would be fun but I'm feeling a bit stir crazy. Any chance we could walk around the hotel? Isn't this floor secure?"

El was obvious getting sick of being indoors and Peter wanted to make her happy so he nodded, peeking outside at their guards.

"We're going to walk down to the patio at the end. You're welcome to follow..."

He was being sarcastic on the last part but seeing as they were hired to watch them they couldn't leave them alone.

"No problem, Agent Burke."

Peter had stopped off and bought some food using cash to keep the trail as to their whereabouts from Cyrus. They sat out on the small balcony patio area of the hotel, the wind gently playing with their hair as he handed her the bags and El laid the food out for them. It was like a picnic of sorts although he wished they were home in the backyard with Satchmo doing this. The dog was with friends and well taken care of so they were here without their surrogate child.

"This isn't our usual Chinese but these dumplings are to die for, hun."

She fed him a little bit, Peter taking the food and smiling as she grinned at him. Once Mozzie helped him get that box, he could get back with Simon and end this assignment once and for all. Hughes might be surprised he wanted to leave but he could say health reason or maybe they could steal away in the night. Neal had done it, why not him? Just himself and El on their own...

"You're awfully thoughtful, honey. What's going on? Is Neal ok?"

That worried look she'd had earlier replaced her current happy air as he put on his best smile and nodded.

"He's fine. I... someone came to visit me. Hell may have froze over... at least the 8th tier of it."

He hoped she figured out the reference seeing her blue eyes blank a moment then brighten and nod.

"Oh... Ooooh! Well, angels be found in weirder places, dear."

She winked at his reference, poking him slightly for the sneer at Mozzie before continuing to eat. He's watching his wife, knowing if they just left it would be awkward but they'd be free in a way of his uncle and everything he wished he'd told her about. His thoughts are interrupted by the buzz of his phone as he pulls it from his pocket and pushed it to his ear.

"Burke..."

He was smiling at his wife, her blue eyes showing curiosity at who was calling when he heard a voice and saw his concern reflected in her eyes. He smiled again, reassuring El before taking the call off in the corner out of earshot.

"Peter... we have some things to discuss. Important things..."

There was a certain edge to his uncle's voice but he was in no mood to deal with this as he was busy finding Cyrus and how he knew about himself and his wife. Caffrey was hurt and for the meanwhile he had to play the caring partner until he had that box.

"Not now, Simon. My plate is a bit full at the moment..."

He was keeping his voice low, hoping to keep this from El and the agents watching them a bit longer. He wasn't expecting the words he heard next.

"I know. And if it hadn't been for that 'assignment' of yours, maybe you'd be thinking of ways to make up your treachery to me. Don't think I don't know about you watching the video and the box..."

Simon's words dripped with venom and although he was used to his uncle being cold, this made him realize just how much he had underestimated the man. Had he ruined the sting to get back at him by targeting Elizabeth? There was a black hole in him for a moment, darkness deep and cavernous and turning slowly to anger which he had to hold back enough to keep from letting El and the agents on to him.

"You sent Cyrus to shoot my wife?!"

He hissed it quiet enough that El didn't hear but he could tell she was watching him tense up as he spoke and stood as if she might come over. He held up a hand, mouthing "Work" and she stayed where she was, worry on her face. Simon had been responsible for this... not Caffrey. The con had saved her on his own but it still changed very little and more than anything he wanted to run now.

"You didn't think I was going to let you get away with lying to me... your own flesh and blood? We are family and they... THEY are an assignment, Peter. Remember your place, get me that box and maybe... maybe I'll let you out of your contract. That's what you want, isn't it?"

Peter seethed at the words, so much anger in him but the call ended abruptly and Simon was gone. He couldn't call back knowing the man used a burner half the time and the number in his log read as "unavailable." The agent was in a tough spot, collecting himself so he could rejoin his wife and smile at her despite the anger he felt.

"Peter... hun? Who called? Is everything ok?"

He realized she was thinking it was about Neal, her worry about the young con evident and now maybe he should have thought through his blame. Simon was cold but he had taken credit for what he thought Caffrey had done. The con was innocent of blame and maybe... well he might have to reconsider his opinion if only for a little bit.

"Neal's fine. That was NYPD. They still don't know who shot at you or Neal. I guess I was a little upset about it. Sorry."

El seemed to take his reply as he said it, his tone as honest and simple as possible as she nodded back and they went back to eating. He wasn't very hungry how, Peter thinking about how close he had come to losing everything he cared about and that maybe, he had chosen the wrong side in all of these games.

oOoOoOo

Author's Note: So yes, Peter is kind of evil in this but not a bad person. Obviously he realizes his mistake in blaming Neal if the con man saved his wife from Cyrus, still... Simon is a bastard and doing all he can to get the evidence that could clear Neal's family name and hide it forever. More excitement and whump to come.