Chapter 6

It was a painful decision to make. Neal Caffrey was putting his life on the line. He sincerely hoped he was correct in the assumption that his one-time accomplice was responsible for Peter's disappearance.

He had called the number Edward White had given him. With a feigned attitude of hostility, Neal had bluffed to White that after thinking over the events of the day and researching FBI documents he was convinced that Peter Burke had sold him down the river. He offered to deliver Burke to White's location. He offered to do it quickly before he changed his mind!

White had laughed uproariously. "No time to explain, Neal," said the boisterous felon. "If you are sure you feel that way come on over to my warehouse location. We'll discuss the details then."

Neal agreed. "Everyone told me not to trust the Feds!" he exclaimed with a vindictive and enraged outburst. "I can't thank you enough for sharing that document with me!"

"I'll be waiting for you," warned White. "But Caffrey, to ensure you are sincere about this come without your ankle monitor. If I find out you have contacted anyone, anyone at all, I'll be sure to have one of my associates put a bullet through your head and then pick one of your friends for the same treatment!"

"Hey Edward, "gasped Neal, "threats are not necessary. You know I'm not a fan of physical violence."

White responded, "Same old Neal Caffrey. Too idealistic to play with heavy fire. Come see me, Neal, and I'll offer you a deal you won't be able to resist. How would you like to find your little girlfriend Kate Moreau?" White ended the call.

Neal quickly cut off his anklet. He didn't have time to ponder the repercussions. He would not take the chance in warning any of the other White Collar agents. Would they really believe anything he had to say? What if one of White's alleged agency- placed friends discovered Neals' deception. Peter would be killed. No, this was something Neal felt he had to do alone. He would never jeopardize his friend's life. Yes, Peter Burke was not only his partner but his friend. This admission surprised him! Until today Neal had not confronted this reality even with himself. It left him too vulnerable.

He quickly left June's home. He was glad that both she and Mozzie were out of town at the same time. He didn't want to have to worry about their immediate safety if his encounter with White went awry. He borrowed June's vehicle and headed out toward the business district. Neal's leg felt light and unhampered. He had conceived of the time he would be free of the imposed fetter, but never in this type of circumstance. Neal pondered his plan of action. What had White meant when he spoke about Kate? Was that another piece of bait?

Neal went over a game plan in his mind as he drove quickly through the New York streets. If Peter had been waylaid at the warehouse and was now being held by White, it was imperative for Neal to appear to be in White's camp. He had to gain the forger's trust by appearing to betray his federal handler. It would hopefully provide Neal some free access in the warehouse to locate Burke and somehow initiate a rescue. He hoped he would somehow convey his true motives to his companion, but if not it would be safer to just play the suspected traitor. This all hinged on two assumptions; one, Peter was being held hostage at the book warehouse and two, he was still alive.

Neal refused to go further with that thought. Instead, he replaced that image with one of Agent Peter Burke sparring verbally with White and refusing to name the man Edward so desperately needed identified. Of course, the loathsome forger would not kill the man who held the key to his planned retribution. Not until he had a name. Was this what this whole grandiose setup was about? White's enlarged ego had nurtured a grand desire for revenge during the years of his imprisonment. Take out two adversaries at the same time. White would take down both the man who had initially betrayed him to the feds and the agent who apprehended him.

Neal was probably one of several pawns that Edward White had planned to use to achieve his plan. If he didn't work out there others he would utilize. White had mentioned mystery accomplices in the agency. Maybe, forcing Peter Burke to divulge the name would have been the last option in the plan if Peter hadn't rushed over to the warehouse and thrown himself in front of White.

Neal pulled into the parking lot of the now darkened warehouse. The few front windows were illuminated with feeble light from inside. He uttered a quick prayer for courage and approached the front entrance. One of White's compatriots must have been waiting for his arrival as the door swung open as soon as he was in close proximity.