(Chapter 6)

Diana and Jones spent the afternoon and early evening Sunday tracking down the phone data from the cell she'd found. It hadn't taken as long as they thought to track the device, the last call having been made to another disposable phone at a warehouse on the outskirts of town. Maybe it was nothing but they had to follow every lead. Forensics had already left, fingerprints from the phone being traced to Peter Burke. This shocked both agents who were wondering why Peter had a burner phone, rented a car under an FBI alias and was tracking Neal without anyone knowing. Something was going on here and it was starting to look bad for their boss.

They had checked the rental but found nothing but minor residual hairs and fibers indicating both Peter and Neal had been in the vehicle but nothing else that could be incriminating to either man or helpful in the case. Their only lead for now was the warehouse. Hughes approved a search of the facilities, the place long abandoned when they looked up an owner. Even the city didn't know it was abandoned apparently, giving full permission for the area to be searched. Diana and Jones made their way there with some other agents and gear just in case.

(What about Elizabeth?)

Elizabeth heard the yelp as Satchmo cried out in pain. She started to rouse, feeling more than seeing her husband moving in the darkness. She made to sit up when she heard him give a muffled sound and fall to the floor. El felt hands grabbed her and wrap themselves around her arms and mouth tightly. She could just make out masked forms in the dimly lit room, the light from the windows all the light she had to see by. The person holding her was dragging her away as she whimpered quietly, fear overtaking her when she saw the men hovering over her husband on the floor. She struggled but someone stuck her in her neck with something sharp as warmth and sudden unconsciousness overcame her.

She wasn't sure how much later she woke up, her body tired and sore. Her head was throbbing with what felt something akin to a hangover. She couldn't open her eyes yet, her body still sluggish as she heard voices speaking around her in echoing tones.

"That's right... Don't worry, We'll get rid of all three of them. I'm only letting them think they have a chance. What kind of fool would I be to let a Fed go much less Caffrey. Not a problem..."

She heard the voice stop, a beep as they hung up a cell phone obvious. Something filled her mouth and her lips were tightly closed with what felt like tape. El wanted to wake up and figure out what nightmare she was in but realized whoever was speaking was the same person who had taken her from their home. She wondered if Peter was here with her. Why had they talked about Neal? The voice wasn't a familiar one except as one she had heard when kidnapped. She heard the dialing of a cell and then the man spoke again.

"I never thought I'd see the day. The Fed is following his little pet con around the city but he hasn't done anything yet. Maybe he doesn't love his wife as much as we thought. Any other man would have killed the person who meant their wife was free but Burke... he has morals apparently even when it comes to his wife. I wonder what she would think of his protecting Caffrey when her own life is at risk." The man speaking was smug, a hint of Brooklyn accent evident. He was a New Yorker and possibly a criminal she thought but she couldn't be sure of anything other than what she could pick up. Someone moved around her, footsteps and shuffling sounds evident till they went still again.

"Caffrey was worthless when it came to saving Kate. He could never do what had to be done and so far it seems his keeper is of the same ilk. No wonder they get along so well. It's a miracle they ever caught me but here I am, out and free and soon to have my revenge. You're sure the plane is ready for me once I get this done?" The man continued to speak, the hint of a person on the other end obvious but too quiet to hear more than a whisper in the quiet room. Her captor was pacing now, his footsteps moving close and far at times as she kept herself still and looking unconscious.

"Good... Good. I just want assurances I will get out this time, Sergi. It wasn't my fault with the money last time. I thank you for your understanding and helping me catch these men who kept me from paying you back. Yes... I will. Thanks. Da Svidaniya." The man hung up the cell again, his pacing continuing as she continued to listen to him.

"I can't wait till Monday as I promised... but I have to at least keep up appearances." He sounded frustrated if not excited by something. El heard him make another call.

"Follow the Fed and tell me what he does. If he meets with Caffrey, go in and grab them both. I'm not waiting till Monday." The man's tone was urgent as he hung up the phone, footsteps disappearing into the distance as a door shut with a clang. Elizabeth finally made an effort to open up her eyes and blink, closing them when the dim light hurt them. She tried again, lifting her head to see a single bare bulb lighting the room dimly. She was sitting along one wall at the edge of the light, the room gray and dreary. El wanted to move but found herself tied down to a wooden chair securely. She sighed to herself quietly, looking around the room hoping for a means to escape but seeing none.

He's trying to hurt Peter by having him hurt Neal?

Peter hasn't hurt Neal even though they told him I'd be free...

Peter... don't do it! I love you no matter what!

She was thinking to herself since she couldn't talk, trying to piece everything together. This man she heard must be someone they both know. Perhaps a case that Peter and Neal worked on together if he was talking about them both but his anger seemed more directed at Neal than Peter. El tried to think about any cases the two men had worked on together that involved people from Neal's past. There had been two she could think of off the top of her head: The Franklin Wine Bottle and the kidnapped daughter of the man Neal had forged bonds of. Those were people involved with Neal's past who might seek revenge although it wasn't from the man who's daughter was kidnapped but the man who had kidnapped the girl.

Footsteps approached again so she slumped in the seat again and closed her eyes. She didn't want to think what would happen if they knew she was awake. The steps came closer and someone grasped her chin and raised her head. She did her best not to flinch, controlling her fear. They let go almost immediately, her head slumping back as she acted the part of the unconscious prisoner.

"She's still out of it. It's Saturday night already... grab them tomorrow at the first opportunity. I need to end this so I can get on that plane. Sergi isn't going to wait forever. He's still mad I couldn't get him the money from the Franklin Bottle. Damn that Caffrey! He might not be willing to get his hands dirty but he's got smarts. I'll give him that much."

(Sunday Evening...)

Neal could feel sweat forming on his brow despite his body and mind still feeling calm from the drug in his system. It felt as if he had been standing for days as he fought the urge to collapse, the stool wobbling slightly beneath his feet. He could just see Peter out of the corner of his eye, the agent still curled up on the floor unconscious, unsuspecting. Neal's eyes went up to the ceiling where the rope around his neck connected to a pulley, the other end of the rope around Peter's throat. If Neal fell, his weight would cause the pulley to yank his friend and partner up to the ceiling, hanging him. Neal winced at the thought, his resolve failing a moment but he kept himself from wavering. If he had to stay up here like a statue for a year, he was going to do it if not for Peter then for El. Consciously it didn't occur to him that Keller may not keep his word but in the back of his hazy mind that thought was evident as he remained upright, the metronome ticking by the seconds.

"You're doing well, buddy boy. Only 55 minutes to go." Keller was laughing now, Neal feeling like he could turn and jump off the stool to kill the man but he refrained from doing so knowing it would kill Peter. He bit the inside of his cheek to keep himself conscious and alert. Neal didn't want to pass out, the minutes ticking away so slowly he wasn't sure he could do it but he had been patient about far worse things and this was life or death. This might not be waiting for the opportunity to walk in and steal something valuable when the crowed was confused but it was still something important. He had to remind himself of that every moment he stood there that without Peter he would be in jail rotting away for another four years. Peter was his friend and in some instances his savior almost. He would never admit that but he knew it was true.

Sweat dripped down his temples, nose and cheeks like so many distractions. His nose itched, his hand slowly rising to scratch at it. He couldn't move much or the stool would fall over. Not to mention his body was still rather sluggish, his movements not very coordinated as it was when he did move his arm. He heard Keller sigh.

"This is getting boring... maybe we should make it more interesting. What do you think, Caffrey? Are you game?" Keller wasn't really asking, the question more rhetorical but Neal wasn't able to speak, his throat dry and sore from trying to concentrate. He wondered if more time had passed and Keller was just messing with him. Maybe he had been standing here for an hour but Keller was telling him only 5 minutes had passed. He wouldn't put it past him but how would he know without seeing a clock? Neal felt fear replaced by anger, frustration and then helplessness. He was stuck playing the man's sick game till Keller was tired and let them go if he even intended on letting them go. Neal had no way to get down without hurting his friend and how would he explain that to El? He prayed she was still alright.

"I've always been a fan of target practice and you're the perfect target, Caffrey. Shall we see how well you dodge bullets?" Keller's tone was dark, the sound of a gun cocking filling the space. Neal gulped as he heard the first report but didn't feel anything. He gave a sigh, trying not to react to the sound but guns had always bothered him. Neal was far from a novice with one, his expertise amazing in some circles but he had never been a fan of the violence guns could cause. The chaos they created and pain they left behind in their wake; He had seen too many horrible things in his life that guns were one thing he refused to take on whenever possible. He had a crafty mind and could often come up with other means to get what he wanted without fear or injury. Chaos was good at times but it had to be controlled and managed so that nobody was hurt and everything was back to where it was before minus whatever he had stolen in the midst of it.

Another report and he felt a sting on his right arm, wincing slightly but only just so much. The drug apparently acted like a kind of anesthesia too because he felt little pain beyond a slight burn and throbbing. His body wobbled a bit on the stool but he kept his balance, a laugh from Keller.

"The pillar of good behavior. That's you Caffrey. He's not awake to see your show of strength. It's a shame you were never able to help Kate the way you're trying to help your keeper here. He's seeing what you saw. Knowing how you felt. Helpless to do anything. Weak as you were to do what needs to be done to save the one he loves." Keller was smiling when Neal turned his blue eyes to the con and glared angrily at the man. Neal felt his hands curl tightly at his sides, the taste of something salty and bitter in his mouth as he bit hard into his cheek.

"Take it back..." His voice was quiet, small but far from unnoticeable. Keller blinked at him curiously, that smile still evident.

"Did I hear someone say something... you have to speak up. Maybe you could move a little 'closer' so I can hear you better?" Keller was smirking now, his hand cupped to his ear in a taunting manner. Neal felt himself shift his weight ever so slightly, the ticking of the metronome the only sound.

"I said, Take it back!" Neal's voice was heard that time, his eyes still flashing like two cool icy pools at the other man, his face tight with anger. Keller was smiling, a chuckle coming from his throat that grew with glee as he watched Neal fume quietly with impotent anger.

"Oh... you are too funny, Caffrey. What is it you want me to take back? The nights I spent with Kate when you weren't there to protect her? Or perhaps you want me to take back the time you spent in jail." Keller was closer now, the gun still cocked in his hand.

"We would have made an excellent team had you the guts to see things through. I had to teach you a lesson so... let's just say I may have let it slip out that you had forged a bond here or there. Word gets around when you pass it to the right people." Keller was looking up at him now, grinning as he pulled up a chair and stood nearly eye to eye with him.

"You're a smart con, Caffrey. I give you that but you haven't the guts to do what needs to be done although I have to say, you've been up here for three hours thinking five minutes has passed. I have to give you credit for being able to manage that with the conditions. Still... I can't let you or your friends go. You understand right?" Keller wasn't smiling now, the gun pressed up against Neal's thigh as the trigger went off.

Neal had never felt such pain before as the bullet ripped through flesh and muscle. He couldn't stand up anymore, grasping for Keller who just jumped aside and smiled darkly at him. His body was collapsing under the pain, the stool toppling over as Neal fell out into open space and stopped short of hitting the ground. He heard the sound of something moving, the pulley he realized when his eyes moved languidly upwards. They soon moved down to see Peter's body being yanked up by the neck as the noose pulled tight.

"Pe..." He tried to call out but he had fallen short of the floor to a kneeling position the rope taut around his own neck as he struggled to breath. He saw Peter weakly jostling against the rope that suspended him just a few feet above the ground. Neal gasped for air, his leg burning with pain but he had to do something before his friend was killed and he passed out from the pain and lack of air.

"Tick tock, Caffrey. Guess you didn't have it in your after all." Keller's tone was smug as he started to walk away, heading across the large room. Neal's vision was graying out but he knew he had to save Peter. He started to stand up slowly, the pain in his right leg throbbing beyond any imaginable pain. He stood regardless as he pulled hard on the rope above him and felt himself suddenly suspended, his feet leaving the ground. He heard the pulley turn again and heard a thud as Peter collapsed to the floor, the barely conscious agent breathing hard. Neal felt the rope grow tighter around his own neck, his eyes looking at his friend hopefully. It was only a moment but he saw Peter open his eyes slowly, surely and then two brown pools looked up at him before everything went black.

()()()

Peter shot the hidden figure as he pretended to hold the gun to Neal's temple. The goon hadn't expected it, Peter rising quickly to his feet as he punched the man. They struggled for a moment the guy staying up as they fought for control and to grab a gun as his own fell to the floor of June's.

He was only just aware of Neal in the background behind him as he continued to hold off the goon, their struggles getting more violent as he felt a punch to his stomach. He gave out a loud intake of air but just stood up and hit the guy square on the chin as hard as he could. He hard a pop as the man's neck swung back and then a horrible burning pain as something hit him in the shoulder, flinging him against the goon and then to the ground. Peter lay there on his stomach, cheek feeling the ply of the oriental rug he had fallen upon. He kept thinking June was going to be upset he was bleeding all over her valuable rug when he saw a blurry form laying a few feet away.

"Ne...al?" He barely got that out before he was clocked on the back of the head and passed out.

Peter woke up later feeling far worse than he had when he first got shot. He couldn't open his eyes but he was conscious of things around him. He heard someone trying to talk to him in muffled tones and gave an answering groan back. He faded in and out of consciousness only coming to when he felt something tighten around his neck. Peter was flung up into the air, his feet dangling off the ground as he tried to reach up but was unable to move. His arms were free but he had lost too much blood to have the strength to respond to whatever was strangling him. He gave a faint gasp as he felt his windpipe slowly pinched tighter and tighter. Then he heard another gasp from someone else and the sound of something whirling as he fell to the ground. He lay there weakly, hands trying to pull the taut rope from around his neck but too weak to do so. His eyes opened and he caught a blurry figure dangling a few feet away. His vision cleared and his eyes saw two blue one staring back before the figure slumped and stopped moving.

He was staring at them, his brown eyes widening as realization set in. He made a more desperate attempt to remove the rope from his neck, getting enough of a grip to pull it off as he dragged himself towards the now unmoving yet dangling form above him.

"N... N..." He couldn't talk, his throat bruised and hurting. He made an effort to rise but couldn't, his hand barely grasping the figure's foot. Apparently that had been enough as he heard the pulley whirl again and then a thud as the figure collapsed to the floor unmoving beside him.

"Ne... Ne... a..." Peter tried to talk but his throat hurt. His hand gently nudged the pale form of Neal Caffrey, blue eyes staring up sightlessly.

"Ne... Nea..." Peter felt himself losing consciousness but fought to stay awake. He had to wake his friend up.

"Ne..." He had barely said a syllable when he heard footsteps hurrying towards him and a cry he thought he'd never find more comforting.

"FBI!" Someone yelled, the voice sounding somewhat familiar. Peter moved his eyes to see who it was that was coming. He heard lots of footsteps, his head throbbing as he tried to remain conscious. His hand was still nudging Neal as he lay beside him unable to move much at all.

"AGENTS DOWN! Need a Paramedic!" It was Jones' voice he was hearing. Peter felt his lips curve into a smile as he started to close his eyes, his body way too heavy, eye lids like lead weights.

"Peter... Hey... Peter wake up... Peter..."

Peter heard the other agent's voice but was unable to respond, his hand still gripping at Neal's arm trying to wake him. He thought he heard the young man talking to him.

"You're the only one..."

"I'm the only one what?"

"You're the only one I trust..."

Then everything went black.