Unintended Consequences

DISCLAIMER: White Collar belongs to Jeff Eastin and USA Network.

A/N: I know this is a short chapter for me, but I just had to end it here, the next chapter is at least twice as long…

Chapter 9

Wednesday 8:45 p.m.

Peter, Diana and Jones were sitting in the surveillance van about two blocks away from the rendezvous point specified by the kidnappers.

"You're good to go boss. The wire is in place and the money is here. We'll monitor your conversation and move in if necessary."

"Until we have him confessing on tape, do not come in, ok? We need physical or verbal evidence to tie him to this. I don't want him to have any chance of walking. I do not want to tip them off that you're here, understood? Protecting Grace is of the utmost importance!"

"Yes, Boss."

The reply from both Jones and Diana was perfectly in unison. They didn't want to alert the kidnappers to an FBI presence unless it was absolutely necessary. What they really wanted was to get some hard evidence on what Frank was up to and why.

##

Wednesday 8:50 p.m.

Neal had changed into an all black ensemble complete with a black ski mask to conceal his pale skin. He had humored Mozzie by putting a piece of the black electrical tape over the green light on his tracking anklet. Actually, it was a very brilliant idea and Neal didn't know why he hadn't thought of it himself. He slipped up to the building quietly. He was confident though that this would be the one where Grace would be. If not, it was only a few minutes before Frank would make the drop and give him a call with her actual location. Well, at least if everything turned out ok. Frank seemed to be really worried that the painting might not be enough and they would want more and refuse to tell him where Grace was.

Seeing no evidence of anyone in sight, he quickly turned on a small flashlight and held it between his teeth while he hurriedly picked the lock to the rear warehouse door. The knob clicked open on his first try. Neal turned the flashlight off so as not to alert anyone inside to his presence. He silently turned the knob and carefully opened the door trying to avoid any creaking. He slipped in quietly and stood still for a few seconds trying to get his bearings. Neal finally found what he considered to be office rooms. He didn't expect to find Grace among the products lining the shelves. A break room or office would be the most convenient place to stash someone. There were several windows in the office letting moonlight flow freely into the room illuminating a figure. He hoped it was Grace, but he needed to be closer to be sure.

##

Wednesday 8:58 p.m.

The moon was shining brightly as Peter quickly scanned the landscape for anything that might be out of place. He waited a minute listening for any noises nearby to indicate anyone approaching. Hearing nothing, he stealthily crept toward the building, the case with the money in his left hand. He reached the edge of the building and carefully peeked around the corner. He could just barely see a door on the far end and eased around the corner slowly inching toward it. He carefully turned the knob and entered the warehouse. Suspicious as to why it would be dark, he drew his gun from his holster, released the safety and quietly entered the building. Peter crept further into the warehouse, gun gripped tightly in his hand resting at his side.

"Jones, this isn't looking like an ordinary drop. There aren't any lights on. I'm proceeding with caution."

"Copy that."

Wednesday 9:00 pm

Peter felt reassured that Jones and Diana could hear everything going on, because wandering around in a dark place was not his favorite pastime. It helped to know backup was mere minutes away. Peter knew this was the right place; Frank must have something sinister planned. It was 9 p.m. Frank had to be here somewhere; just because he couldn't see him didn't mean he wasn't here. He was certain Grace was here as well and he fully intended to rescue her at all costs; this was personal. Taking one step at a time, Peter slowly advanced toward a small office room ahead on his left spilling moonlight out the warehouse floor. The moonlight was briefly interrupted and Peter realized he was seeing a shadow of someone moving. He crept closer and stood at the edge of the doorframe just out of the moonlight. He set the case down and brought his gun up to eye-level. He realized his hand was trembling slightly and he steadied it with his other hand.

He realized that he wasn't dealing with a school bully anymore; this time he had a weapon and this time his sister was in real danger. He leaned around the corner daring to step into the moonlight and saw a man dressed in black with his hands on his sister. Assuming it was Frank, Peter felt fury at his brother-in-law wash over him. The protective brother instinct that had been hidden for so long merged with his FBI persona. His reflexes kicked in when he saw a flash of silver and recognized it to be a knife. Fearing imminent danger, his finger squeezed the trigger sending the bullet rocketing out of the chamber and into the man Peter thought had ruined his sister's life.

##

"Bang!"

The sound of the gunshot through their headsets startled both Jones and Diana.

"Peter!"

Diana felt a wave of guilt that they had sent him into an ambush situation all alone. She didn't remember him grabbing a vest. She felt Jones' hand on her shoulder looking at her.

"He's ok. He's gonna be ok."

"We just let him walk into an ambush!"

"He has a weapon and he knows how to use it!"

"There was only one shot! This was supposed to be a simple drop. Give Frank the money and he gives up Grace. We were only supposed to listen and record audio to nail Frank; not hear Frank shoot Peter!"

"So much for not alerting him to an FBI presence. We have to go, Peter needs us."

Jones hustled to the back throwing the van door open and jumping down. Shaking her head and grabbing her gun, Diana yelled after him.

"I'll radio for an ambulance and backup. I'll be right behind you!"

As she hit the button to radio for help, she inwardly pleaded Peter, please be all right!

Jones ran toward the abandoned building and waited less than a minute for Diana to join him. They both crept forward afraid of what they might find.