A/N: Disclaimers are in part one. Sorry for the delay to this part, but there was this holiday *flaily handwave*
His smile faded at whatever he heard, and Peter guessed he didn't expect the reply he got. Peter sucked in a breath and started doing his best to yell to her. Neal backed away a few steps, still listening. "No, he can't, Elizabeth, I'm sorry." A pause, while Neal looked resigned. "Because he's gagged right now. Yeah. His tone changed to pleading. "I didn't, Elizabeth, you know I wouldn't do that, it's just that I have to go—"
Keep him talking, Elle, Peter prayed, though he hadn't thought of anything he could do at this point, even with more time. He wasn't going to get out of his own handcuffs, and the silk tie was not going to break. No one would check on them for some time. Still, the longer he could keep Neal in the room, the less of a head start he'd have once Peter was free.
He watched, fascinated, as Neal's expression went slack as he listened to whatever Elle was saying. Neal's gaze flicked to the window and back, never resting on Peter. He shook his head. "I don't think so. No, I just don't see how—" Then a slight tip of his head, a tiny "tell" that spoke volumes to Peter who had studied the man so long. She'd caught his interest. "I – no really, I'd like to. I like the idea. Really, but at this point, I'm not sure I can." The briefest pause for a query from Elle, and then, "Because, I've already assaulted a federal agent – " Neal almost dropped the phone at Elle's reaction to that. A distant part of Peter's mind noted that he'd laugh at Neal's discomposure if the situation weren't so dire. Neal's eyes went wide at the response he was getting. "No, no," he cried. "Assault. It's not the same as battery. I swear to you I didn't hurt him. I told you that. He's all right. I'm a little worried about his left hand, but as soon as I'm away—" Neal tossed the phone on the bed and stared at it like it was a wild animal that had bitten him.
Now Peter did chuckle. He couldn't help it. This was the moment when he'd probably lost Neal forever; Neal had cut Elle off and would go out the window now, but Peter would always treasure the ability his darling wife had to strike terror in men's hearts. He knew exactly how Neal felt, and when Neal met Peter's gaze, Peter let his amusement show. Abruptly Neal lost his horrified expression and laughed.
Slowly Neal picked the phone back up and put it to his ear. "Elizabeth? You still there? Please don't worry. You okay?" He must have been reassured, because he relaxed and took a deep breath, running a hand through his hair. "Okay, okay." He listened some more, a slight smile on his lips. "It's a good idea, but I may have gone too far to go back at this point."
Go back? Elle had actually said something to make Neal think of going back?
"Oh," Peter yelled. "Oh, oo haa-eh"
Neal crinkled his eyes at him. "Yeah, you say that now, but once I untie you, everything's different."
Peter shook his head vigorously. "Oh," he said, feeling ridiculous.
Neal turned his attention back to the phone. "Elizabeth, I have to talk to him. Please give me five minutes. Don't do anything for five minutes and I promise either Peter or I will call you back. Okay? Five minutes." He listened. "Okay, thanks. I mean it. Thanks." Neal clicked the end button and tossed the phone on the bed again. He regarded Peter soberly. Peter waited.
Neal took a breath and spread his hands. "Peter, I'm sorry," he said. "I'm not going to try to negotiate here, or ask you for any promises. I know it doesn't work like that. Just let me say I'm sorry and all I want is to go back to how things were." Peter gave him a steady look. Neal swallowed. "I know you think it should be easy to stay straight and honest all the time, but it's not that easy for me. It's not my habit like it is yours. I fall off the wagon. You didn't turn me in over the Haustenberg. I'm sorry about that, too. Moz says I have no impulse control. But I want back in. Please." He glanced toward the door. "I'll take out the gag, and I'll leave the tv off. You can yell for help if you want to, or just tell me to unlock the door and invite the guy in so no one has to break the door and I will." Peter nodded.
Neal hesitated a bare moment, then walked to Peter's chair and took out the belt and the counterpane. Peter worked his dry mouth for a moment and then said, "Neal, untie me now."
Neal's eyes grew large with apprehension. "What are you going to do?" he asked in a shaky voice.
"Untie me, and then you'll know."
Neal went to the desk for the key and returned, looking pale. He paused before reaching for the cuffs. "I really don't want to go back to prison, Peter. I want to help you and keep doing what we've been doing."
"Unlock me, Neal. You can't trust any promises I make like this, and I'm not going to give you any. And you'd better not expect any special consideration unless you act in good faith. Unlock me now, with no promises."