(Chapter 8)
Nick was angry. Neal wasn't staying back like he was supposed to, keeping him from killing the one person that tied them to their old life. He left the room, running back out into the hallway where he saw a figure slipping out to the maintenance tunnel. It was Chris but he was carrying someone. Nick went running after the figure, running out into the tunnel but ducking back a moment as a bullet narrowly missed him. He laughed darkly.
"Going to have to do better than that, Chris!"
Maybe he had a death wish or maybe... he just liked living dangerously. He had his gun but Chris didn't know it was empty. Nick smiled as he ran out after the other con, ducking bullets.
"If you had a voice, maybe you'd be a better shot!"
A bullet whizzed close to his ear but Nick just smirked as he continued to follow the man. He watched Chris duck behind an old switching board, dropping who he was holding before pointing the gun at him directly. Nick was far from scared and besides, he had already died once. One more time wouldn't hurt him. He held up his own gun, empty as it was and smirked.
"Do it Chris! I shoot you... you shoot me... it all works out in the end."
He felt a certain amount of fear wash over him despite his brave front. Neal must still be in there somewhere making him feel afraid of what he was about to do. He heard the gun cock across the tunnel and saw Chris staring coldly at him as Nick cocked his own gun. Chicken was never one of his better games but he wasn't afraid to try something new. He had nothing to lose.
There was a certain tension as they played their hands. He heard Chris' gun go off, the bullet headed towards him as he watched the flash of the barrel from afar. It seemed to take forever to reach him and then he was suddenly on the ground, something heavy on top of him as he tried to figure out how he had fallen down. Had he been hit? He felt no pain as Nick turned to see what heaviness held him down and realized it was a person. It was Agent Burke.
()()()
Peter saw the game Neal was playing. The con wasn't himself so he didn't play by his usual rules. Nick was going to get himself killed and Neal would die for real. Whatever Soren had done to his partner it had screwed with his morals and mindset. Neal was anything but normal at the moment as he moved along the shadows and made his way towards the two men. Nick / Neal was holding up the empty gun, cocking it back as Christophe did the same only Chris was going to win this match. The agent saw the smirk on Nick's face but knew it was only a facade. There was a slight trembling to his body that was only just noticeable. Neal was still there and he was scared. Peter had to protect the con from himself the way he had protected El from Nick. He heard the report but was already moving, running till he felt the impact from the blow hit him hard in the upper right chest. His earlier injury was still aching from Sorenson's shot but the pain merged, knocking the agent out a moment as he collapsed to the ground and passed into semi-consciousness.
"He saved you! Stupid Fed got shot for you... I can't believe it!"
He heard Nick's voice but there was a bit of Neal stuck in there voicing what he felt as he was rolled aside with a grunt from the con.
"Peter, wake up. Peter!"
Neal was talking now, Nick firmly pushed aside as the con shook him and he felt something wet dripping onto his cheek, warm breath against his face as he felt his friend hovering over him.
"Peter! NO... don't!"
He felt the young man yanked from him, the sound of footsteps shuffling away as Neal continued to cry out in protest.
"Chris, stop this! Chris!"
Peter started to rouse but slowly, eyes rolling back but opening as he did. Everything was blurry and dark as they came forward and turned towards the sounds of struggle.
"Chris... Soren is dead! He lied to you. He lied to all of us! He used you... for the sucker you were."
Peter heard his friend's voice change to that of Nick's again, the tone smug and indifferent as he blinked several times to get a focus on the scene. He saw Chris holding his friend with the gun at his temple but a smirk was still firmly planted on Neal's lips. Nick had returned.
"You're such a sap! Ten years and you never once questioned what he told you? He probably said that Neal killed you. The truth is harder to accept than a lie obviously, so kill me! Take out your anger on that lie you've lived this long to kill. Do it, Chris. Maybe Alex will forgive you."
He saw Chris stiffen, turning his head momentarily to the unconscious form of Alex off to the side. Peter wanted to go check on her, help Neal but his body ached from the two shots and he wasn't sure he could move. He heard a chuckle escape as a low murmur came from Alex's lips.
"She's not calling your name, Chris. She's saying his. You were dead. Everyone thought you had died. They... killed you. Sorenson's the one you should hate."
Peter saw Chris cock the gun and start pulling the trigger back but Nick kept talking. If anything he was a more annoying version of Neal but with a lot more nerve.
"Do it Chris and you'll have nightmares like he does. They both remember what happen that night. Why can't you? Was Soren so much stronger he made you forget?"
Chris was opening his lips, face reddening with effort. Peter thought he heard a sound, soft at first then growing stronger.
"... kill... ed me. You... ou... lefff... t."
It was low and gravelly but it was a voice. Chris was talking. Peter watched curiously as he sat up a little more, leaning back on the wall and finding his breath still hard to catch as he felt around for his gun. He hoped he wouldn't need it but just in case Nick couldn't handle himself.
"They were cutting the ropes. I had to tie Alex's to mine before she fell and then they started on mine. I had no choice but to leave! I thought... Chris they cut your throat!"
Peter listened to the conversation, head pounding but mostly his chest ached where he'd been hit. He wasn't sure if he hadn't broken anything as he leaned back and watched the two men. Neal was back, telling his lost friend what had really happened. Maybe things would be fixed? He hoped so as he felt a tightness in his chest, wheezing audibly as he fought to catch his breath. He thought he saw Neal look his way.
"You're free now, Chris. You know the truth. Let me help him the way I couldn't help you. Please..."
Chris looked less than certain, eyes looking between him and Neal before finally he put the gun away and made a motion.
"G... go..."
Neal nodded, finally moving painfully to his feet as he moved back towards him and climbed up onto the small walkway. Peter was struggling for breath now, his chest hurting as his friend looked at him. Was it really Neal or was Nick still there waiting to pop out?
"Peter, tell me where it hurts."
He was loosening up the agent's collar and tie, looking at the bullet hole in his chest and noting the lack of blood till he'd opened up this shirt to see why. The look on Neal's face indicated he was scared of losing him if anything as he continued to unbutton the shirt, a look of surprise as he saw why there was no blood.
"A vest? There's two bullets here, Peter. Chris only shot once."
Peter gave a weak shrug before slumping back against the wall with a wheeze.
"Soren... son. He's... dead. Call Jones."
Neal nodded, feeling around the agent's jacket till he found the cell and cursed.
"No signal. Can you make it back up the stairs? Peter? Hey... stay with me."
He shook his head, eyes rolling back as he started to give in to the pain. His chest was really aching now as he sensed a shadow over them, eyes seeing the blurry form of Chris hovering over them. The thief spoke.
"Take... her."
Chris was motioning for Neal to take Alex as he started to grab up Peter who winced and cried out ever so slightly. He couldn't help it. Maybe he had a broken rib or two from the bullets' impact but he hurt, the wheezing sounding worse as he felt a tightness around his neck and in his throat. It was harder to breath as Chris jarred his body with each step and carried him across the tunnel to the maintenance door. Peter tried to walk with him, legs mostly dragging along uselessly when the pain became too much or his head ached. He had possibly been concussed he thought, his body going limp as Peter finally passed out.
()()()
Neal wasn't sure where he was or why but Peter was hurt, Alex was still in danger and Chris was threatening him. He finally convinced his friend to let them go and help, Neal gently lifting Alex up till she was looking at him. Her eyes were still large as saucers on whatever drug Soren had kept her on but she was alive. She seemed to be looking at him, her lips curving into a smile.
"Ne... al, You... urrr... he... here."
Her smile was more drunken than anything as he did his best to hold her up and follow Chris who was helping Peter along. The agent looked poorly, ashen almost when they reached the top. Neal sat Alex along the wall while checking the phone for a signal. He had two bars but it was better than none. He dialed Jones off the speed dial and waited.
"Peter... we were worried about you. The Count's office was on fire. What happened?"
Neal cleared his throat.
"It's Neal. Not sure what happened but we're in an alley not too far from the scene. Peter's hurt and we found Alex. Trace this if you can."
He heard Jones nod, surprised if anything to hear the con alive and well after everything that had been going on. He wasn't sure why Jones sounded surprised to hear from him, Neal still a bit fuzzy on how he had come to be where he was. Last thing he recalled was coffee with Elizabeth at their home. Peter had left...
There was a sudden flash of memory as he bent over and dropped the phone beside him. He saw himself walking into the kitchen with two coffee cups, rinsing one out and then...
Neal stood up in a half-crouch, moving from the others to a dumpster and threw up inside of it. His head was aching, body suddenly tense as he slumped beside the metal container and tried to breath normally. There was a voice in his head smirking at him.
Wimp! Like I could have hurt anyone with the conscience you have! Shameful excuse for a conman! You're a lot harder to get rid of than Soren thought.
He covered his ears, the voice smug and cold as he curled up on the ground and tried not to listen. He heard someone wheeze nearby and then a hand on his shoulder as he flinched. His eyes opened and looked up to see Chris over him looking almost worried he thought. He saw Peter laying across the way near Alex, ashen and pale but obviously worried about him. He suddenly felt very guilty for everything that had happened. It was all his fault.
That's right. Blame yourself when he's the one who got you involved with this case. Wasn't his the case file that brought you into the mess we're in? He can't be trusted!
Neal turned his head from Peter, standing up despite himself and running off down the alley towards the street. He passed a few flashing blue and red cars he recognized as FBI cruisers but kept going, Nick's voice still in his head.
You can't get away from me! How dense can you be? Soren woke me up and I'm not going away any time soon.
()()()
Peter was only semi-conscious, his chest hurting more now but he was still worrying about Neal. His eyes opened when Chris finally put him down and he heard his partner calling Jones. He was watching the con carefully, looking for signs Nick had really left but then Neal was sick, throwing up in the dumpster before running off. He wanted to follow but he couldn't even sit up on his own but for the wall he was leaning against. Alex lay slumped against the same wall a few feet away, drunk it seemed as she started to come out of her drug induced slumber. Soren might be dead but his meddling was still troubling everyone as he watched Chris start to dash after Neal then stop as if realizing he couldn't leave Alex if not Peter. Peter thought more the former since the man had tried to kill him and Neal earlier. He might have changed since his little talk with Neal or he may not have. The verdict was still out as he saw the man torn between what to do as the sound of sirens came closer and finally the dead end alley was blocked by several FBI cruisers. Peter turned as much as he could which was mostly his eyes and saw both Jones and Diana headed his way.
"FBI! PUT YOUR HANDS WHERE WE CAN SEE THEM!"
Chris looked like he was going to panic, Peter seeing the man back up near him as he reached out, pulling at the cuff of the younger man's pant. The con was reaching for his gun but Peter looked up at him and shook his head with a pained groan. He saw fear in those eyes but also a need to trust someone so Chris nodded, dropping the gun on the ground by Peter and holding up his hands as the agents moved forward. Jones came up first, two other agents beside him about to frisk and take down Chris when Peter held up a hand. Jones crouched beside him.
"Jo... Joness... he's ok."
He saw the questioning glance his junior agent gave him but nodded in understanding as Jones stood back up and whispered to the agents who nodded back with equally confused looks. They escorted Chris to one of the cruisers while two more agents were taking a look at Alex who was still coming out of her drug induced stupor. Diana and Jones crouched near their boss and started to ask him questions.
"Took a bullet... or two. Vest... helped... some."
He was trying to smile, Diana rolling her eyes as they started to help him up but he winced. They left Peter where he was, making him comfortable as they called for an ambulance. There was one already headed over just in case. Jones asked about Neal.
"Ran... off. Not sure wh... ere he went. Be care... ful. He'ss... con...fused."
He didn't have much energy for anything else, slumping back a bit as he felt consciousness leaving him again. Diana was trying to keep him awake but he was soon out again. He started to dream.
Nick: You think you're doing him good but you're just confusing him. He can't be like you no matter how much you hope to change him. Neal will never fit in your world, Peter. He's a con and he'll always be a con.
Peter blinked at this other Neal who was telling him what to think of his friend. He knew better than this. His partner and friend had changed for the better since their partnership. True it was forced initially but now even when Neal had the chance to run, he hadn't. It made him think the young man was changing and seeing he could do more than just cheat and swindle his way through life.
I think you're wrong. You let Neal help me so you must think I'm valuable to him.
He saw the man that looked so much like his friend smirk and smile.
Nick: Valuable? Ha! You must have me mistaken for someone who cares. Neal is just a means to an end. I die, he dies. He dies, I die. I don't care but apparently he does. You're lucky that he cares, Agent Burke because if it were up to me... we'd have been long gone by now.
Peter woke up in a bit of a panic, a wheeze escaping his lips just before he fell into a coughing fit and felt a hand touch his arm gently. Someone was talking to him but he couldn't hear over the pounding in his ears from the coughing.
"Peter calm down. Breath... come on..."
He turned to see who was talking to him and saw Elizabeth sitting beside him. His wife looked prettier than ever as he started to relax and the fit began to pass. She reached over and pushed the nurse call button before kissing him gently on the lips as his coughs subsided. He gently kissed her back.
"Hey hon..."
He blinked up at her but smiled, hand holding hers tightly.
"Hey hon... I thought you were in... a safe house?"
She shrugged, pointing at the door to the room.
"We have some agents outside watching us. Hughes came by earlier but you were still asleep."
El leaned closer to him, their cheeks touching as they did their best to hug and cuddle. He thought about what she said.
"How long have I been unconscious? I feel like I've been sleeping for a while."
His wife nodded back, a concerned look on her face.
"A couple of days. The doctor said over all you're ok, Peter."
He wasn't buying it, her voice tight when she mentioned the doctor. He sat up with a wince, El helping him as he tried to get her to talk to him.
"Tell me the truth."
El looked at him curiously but nodded.
"You hit your head pretty hard, Peter. They want to do an MRI when you're feeling better just to make sure there's nothing wrong."
He nodded, giving her an apologetic look for being so adamant.
"I guess I broke a rib or two?"
She nodded, gently squeezing his hand.
"They said you'll heal. Just need to take it easy for a bit."
He reached up to brush at her hair, looking into her worried blue eyes knowing what she meant by taking it easy. Suddenly he thought about Neal.
"Speaking of taking it easy, have they found Neal yet?"
Her eyes betrayed her feelings, a slight watery look coming to them before she shook her head gently. Peter leaned back against the bed heavily and sighed. This had all been to solve a mystery from Neal's past and he'd failed. El brushed at his hair as she leaned close.
"You're worried about him. I am too, Peter. Mozzie's been searching night and day with Jones and Diana helping."
She seemed to be asking him something but he didn't know how to answer. El didn't know about Nick, well not this Nick. This wasn't his usual alias but a whole new personality. Neal was basically in conflict with himself and if that's what made him run. Peter wasn't sure how he'd find his friend and partner and if he did, would it be Neal Caffrey or Nick?
"If you know something Peter, tell me and I can pass it along."
He shook his head as he tried to think of something to divert the conversation so he wouldn't worry. Peter didn't want her to know yet but he hated to keep secrets. Luckily his body was telling him it was time to sleep as they heard a soft knock on the door and a nurse peeked inside.
"I see he woke up. Hello, Agent Burke. How are you feeling?"
Peter glanced up at the perky brunette and shrugged with a slight wince.
"Like I was hit by a bus."
The nurse nodded as she moved closer, glanced at his vitals and then started to take his pulse etc. Elizabeth moved to the other side of the bed to hold his hand as the nurse continued her check-list then finally finished.
"I'll make sure you get some oral pain medications now that you're awake. The doctor wants us to schedule you for an MRI to make sure that knock to your head wasn't as bad as he thought. He should come to visit you in the next hour or so. I'll be sure to let him know you're doing better."
She smiled kindly at him and at El as she asked if he was hungry. His stomach growled back in response as both women smirked.
"I'll take that as a yes. I'll have someone bring you a tray and something to drink. Shouldn't be more than a few minutes."
The nurse left, El fluffing his pillows to make him more comfy as he started to drift off.
"I thought you were hungry? Go ahead and rest, Peter. Get better."
He nodded tiredly, eyes drooping before he suddenly opened them and grasped her hand in his.
"Neal..."
She nodded, brushing his hair as she leaned over and kissed him on the forehead.
"Jones and Diana are taking care of it. Just rest."
()()()
Neal couldn't remember how he got to the burnt out shack he found himself in. It was in a woodsy area within a large park or private area filled with trees and brush. He was curled up on a dusty tarp with his jacket over him for warmth as he shivered in the cool night air. It wasn't as nice as being in the real outdoors but the stars seemed to twinkle above him a bit more brightly than if he had been at June's. His mind started to wander when he saw another figure sitting nearby and realized who it was.
"Go away."
He mumbled the words as he curled up back under his thin jacket and tried to sleep. The figure didn't go away, their voice grating on him as they moved nearer.
"I can't. You know that better than anyone, Neal."
Neal opened his eyes and stared at the figure with a narrow glance, sitting up after a moment. The figure looked exactly like him to the tee only... there was something missing.
"You're the dark place that Mozzie hates. I'm... not hurting so go away."
Nick laughed back, his eyes a bit darker shade of blue and his laugh just a bit harsher.
"I could ask you the same question. I don't feel like doing good deeds and yet you're still here. We're two sides of the same coin, Neal. I could live without you, but you can't live without me. I'm what makes you such a good con."
Neal stiffened at that remark even though he knew he was just talking to himself. Nick smiled and laughed again, a deep low chuckle that made him think to a few cons he had used a persona close to this. A chill washed over him and he shuddered trying not to think of himself always being so cold and unfeeling.
"You're a figment of my imagination. I'm going to sleep and when I wake up you'll be gone."
Nick smirked at him, Neal closing his eyes as he rolled over and turned his back on this other him. There was some truth to what Nick said but he didn't want to think about it. He wasn't a killer or a cold, ruthless person like Nick was. He pulled his jacket closer around him, a whisper of something in his ear as he tried to sleep.
"I'm not going away, Neal. Deal with it! I was here before only... you were the one in charge. You'll have to find a way to let me loose or rein me in before I decide to do something myself."
()()()
Another two days went by before Peter was allowed to leave the hospital. They hadn't found any clues to where Neal had gone but there was hints he was still in the city. Jones and Diana made a point of coming by each day to visit while he stayed at home and rested. There was also an agent watching the house just in case Nick showed up instead of Neal. It had been hard to explain exactly what was up with the con to Reese. He had promised to keep it quiet for now till they had finished their evaluation of Chris who had become quite cooperative. Peter had heard Alex was helping the thief deal with what had happened to him and what he had done. Jones said it was about as close to living an episode of Dr. Drew as possible but they were making some headway. They had a shrink talking to Christophe who was trying to work out what Soren had done to him and hoping it would help once they found Neal. Only a few people knew what was going on and for the meanwhile, it was being kept under wraps to protect the department and Neal.
Peter hobbled down the stairs and into the living room, Satchmo looking up as he limped towards the kitchen. He could smell something delicious cooking as he turned past the bookshelf and saw his wife standing by the stove. He stood and watched her in silence a moment before moving a bit closer and gently wrapping his arm around her. She jumped slightly before relaxing.
"Peter... you scared me. Did you come down the stairs all by yourself? I thought the doctor told you to rest."
She turned and kissed him as she finished stirring something on the stove top. His right arm was in a temporary sling for the moment to keep him from moving that side too much while his ribs and shoulder continued to heal. The doctor found a small tear in the muscle after the fact so Peter was short an arm for the meanwhile. He scratched at his shoulder under the sling with his free hand once El had moved away to grab some spices from the cabinet.
"Is it bothering you again? I could ask Dr. Atkins for some padding."
Peter shrugged.
"Just wish I knew where Neal was. He looked at me as if he felt everything that happened was his fault."
El put the lids on both pots before motioning for him to sit at the table as she joined him. She looked as worried as he did once he stopped to look at his wife closely. He knew she was upset he had been hurt but he had been on duty and wearing a vest. He hadn't anticipated being shot by Sorenson much less Chris trying to kill Neal. It had just been a bit of bad luck but now he had to deal with the aftermath and find his partner before something happened.
"You're worried about him, Peter. I am too. I... know about what happened the other day."
He looked at her curiously before he realized what she meant. Peter had hoped she'd never find out but El was a smart woman.
"I... I was afraid to tell you. I was scared to think... if he had actually gone through with it. Hughes showed me what they'd found. How did you know?"
He saw a certain look cross her face, one of uncertainty before she shrugged and smiled slightly.
"Some of the agents were talking near me. I don't think they realized I was listening but I heard them mention a knife on the coffee table. It wasn't there when we were drinking coffee."
She saw the sticken look on his face and shook her head quickly, decisively.
"Neal's not a killer. Whatever was possessing him... he stopped before anything happened. He was in control and I'm sure he still is, Peter. When he wants to be found, he'll let you know. Now... you need to rest. Dinner is almost ready. Go wash up."
He nodded, hugging her with his one good arm as he stood and made his way back towards the kitchen to wash his hands. There was a knock at the door as he was drying his hands, El moving towards the front door to answer it. Peter wondered who was coming to visit them when he heard a familiar voice and winced slightly.
"Mrs. Suit... I thank you for your kind invitation to dinner. Tell... (he is here right?) The Suit that I may have some new... ssSuit! Should have guessed you were listening around the corner. What else did you hear?"
Mozzie was staring at Peter who had peeked around the corner curiously. El turned to see him and gave an apologetic glance before he moved a bit closer to their guest.
"I heard the knock on the door. What kind of news would you have for me?"
Mozzie stared at him then at El, removing his coat after she motioned him inside and his wife took it to hang up. They stood there somewhat awkwardly till El gave him a look and Peter nodded.
"Maybe we should sit down and discuss this news you might have."
El was smiling at him, giving him a look and making a sign of someone drinking someone. Peter sighed but nodded.
"Would you like something to drink, Mozzie?"
He didn't sound too enthusiastic but El patted him on the shoulder as she moved to the kitchen and left them alone. Peter's gaze followed her before a cough drew it back to the little con before him.
"Yes... would you happen to have some organic, freshly picked chamomile tea form New Guinea? With Agave sweetener please."
Peter blinked at him a moment wondering what kind of foolishness this was when El returned, coughing to let them know she was there. She had two cups of what smelled like Italian roast as she handed one to each man. Mozzie gazed into the cup then took a sip and smiled.
"Thank you Mrs. Suit. This will do quite nicely."
Peter looked back at her with a 'don't leave me with him' look but she motioned with her eyes for him to 'hear him out. dinner's almost ready' glance so he nodded and turned back to their strange guest.
"So you have news about Neal?"
He asked the question when Mozzie didn't say anything for a few minutes and El was back in the kitchen. He wanted to go help her and leave this strange man but if it was news on Neal...
"You guessed right, Suit. I can't say I know where he is but a friend sent me this feed from a local wildlife sanctuary. This is definitely a unique type of bird."
The little guy was pulling out his laptop from the huge messenger bag he carried on him, setting it up on the coffee table with his usual degree of annoying habits from wiping down the screen till it was spotless, to wiping down the keyboard with antibiotic wipes. Peter went to refresh his coffee, Mozzie holding up his cup as if he were the waiter but finally noting his sling and letting him walk away without it. El was looking at him and his expression.
"I can deal with this... You'll stop me if I don't."
El slapped him gently on the shoulder, hugging him as she gave him more coffee and kissed him on the lips.
"He's Mozzie honey... Now, tell him dinner is ready. I just need to bring these dishes out and we're good."
He nodded, taking his now full cup, his patience and going back to find Mozzie looking like he had finally gotten the feed up and was being made to wait. Peter took a deep breath before he sat beside the con and took a peek. He saw a color feed from a hidden camera over a nest of some kind. There were definitely leaves in the shot hiding the lens some but it was a frozen picture looking from the tree over the nest to a park-like setting.
"Roll film!"
He jumped at the call but Mozzie just smiled nervously as he pushed play and the film started. There was no sound but a bird flew up and landed in the nest, blocking the shot for a bit before finally Peter wondered why they were watching this. He coughed as Mozzie nodded and fast forwarded the movie. After a moment he stopped it.
"My favorite part of the flick, Suit."
Peter sighed and nodded again, watching till a gasp left his lips.
"STOP!"
He didn't realize he had screamed out till he heard a scared yelp from Mozzie and heard El come running around to see what was up. Mozzie calmed and reversed the film, pausing it at the right spot.
They were looking at a blurry figure of a man passing the camera behind the bird. Slowly the bird moved from view and flew away. As the camera auto-focused on the scenery beyond, the man became clearer. He wasn't as neat and fastidious as normal but it was obvious who this was. It was Neal Caffrey.
()()()
Neal was hungry but he didn't want to go out too far. Nick was still around and he was afraid what he might do so he stayed near the burnt out shack, stealing food from a nearby vendor who had a very poor lock on their cart. Their freezer luckily was stocked with enough food to keep him happy till he could find a way to control Nick.
I can go without food for some time but you, you're going to kill yourself eating that junk. We should be going to a fine restaurant if you're going to eat something but I guess you couldn't pass the dress code.
Nick was laughing, Neal gritting his teeth as he tried not to listen.
Come on... ease up already! It's been almost a week and nobody's come looking. They aren't going to, Neal boy. They've forgotten you even existed! You're just a con to them. A tool in a belt that's been abandoned. Let me out and we'll have some real fun. You'll be out of this city and living it up with some real friends.
Neal shook his head.
"Shut up! You're the reason I'm here."
He rolled over to his side on the tarp in the shack, covering his head as he curled up into a ball and tried to sleep. Nick clucked his tongue.
You can't shut me out, Neal. All you can do is use me or let me loose and I refuse to be your helper unless I get some out time!
Neal moved his hands to cover his ears when he suddenly realized he was standing. Not only was he standing and didn't remember getting up, he was no longer in the burnt out shack but standing beside a now opened door, inside what appeared to be a jewelry store. He shook his head not understanding where he was or why as he heard quiet footsteps and turned to see a bright light flashing in his face. He couldn't see who was behind it but the hint of metal gleaming behind the light made him think they had a gun.
"Don't make a move! I've already called for backup. Put your hands where I can see them!"
He was confused, looking around at the dimly lit shop uncertain how he had come to be here. He tried to think back. He was at the shack trying to sleep and Nick...
"Certainly, officer. I'm unarmed. You can check me yourself."
He felt an odd smile cross his face, Neal holding up his hands as the security guard moved closer and he could see the man's face. The guard had barely started to frisk him when there was a loud thud and Neal looked down at the unconscious figure at his feet. His heart was beating faster than it should, his face flush with warmth as he felt something hard and metallic in his hand. He was afraid to see what it was but saw to his relief it was the flashlight.
See Neal. I can be useful too. We have to go before the cops come. Move!
Neal saw the man laying there, a hint of something dark staining his face where they'd... he'd hit the guard. He had hurt someone. Neal didn't hurt people! He had a feeling suddenly as if someone was shaking him, Nick looking at him in the darkness, those dark blue eyes sparkling.
Move it! Do you want to get caught? I can shoot him if you want me to give you a reason to run...
Neal shook his head as he dropped the heavy flashlight and started out the back door. He already heard sirens coming down the street as he ran down the side of the building and leaped over a small fence to a personal yard beyond. It was empty, the windows boarded up as he crossed the small courtyard and made his way over the opposite wall to the next street. He slowed down and started to walk normally. He probably looked terrible but all he did was act innocent. He was just a guy minding his own business as he made his way back towards the sanctuary of the shack he'd been hiding in. He collapsed to the floor on the tarp and tried not to hyperventilate as realization came over him. Nick laughed.
The look on your face. You'd think you hadn't killed anyone before. Oh wait... you haven't! I would have used the gun instead but you're the non-violent type. Fine... we can always use it later.
Neal didn't understand at first till he saw Nick point at his pocket and he reached inside. He tossed the item aside as if it were a venomous snake.
"W... we don't need a gun."
He couldn't think straight as he wrapped his mind around what had happened. Neal was feeling scared. He was way over his head in this now with nobody to help.
Check your other pocket, buddy boy. We're checking into a nice hotel tonight and you're going to like it.
Neal shook his head, an ache filling it till he thought he was going to scream from the pain.
"Sir... excuse me are you ok sir?
Neal blinked finding himself no longer in the burnt out shack but standing in a plush hallway. A young man in a bellhop uniform was looking oddly at him.
He looked down to see he had cleaned up some but was uncertain where he had found the clothes.
"Your room key. If you have a headache, I could get you some aspirin."
Neal just nodded weakly, taking the key and reaching for a tip when the young man shook his head.
"You've already tipped me. Let me know if you need anything else, sir."
Neal could only nod as he watched the young man walk away and vanish around the corner out of sight. He wanted to call to him to help but knew it would just complicate things worse than they already were. He wanted to call Peter but maybe Nick was right. Peter would have found him by now.
Good boy, Neal. You're learning! Now... enjoy yourself. We have enough cash for a few days here before we have to do any more hunting for our next mark. You're finally doing what needs to be done.
oOoOoOo
Author's Note: Nick is getting to be a bit of a hassle now. Peter had better find Neal and fast before he's gone for good! Hope you're all enjoying this story.