Past Haunts: Chapter 2

Thanks so much for all of the positive feedback!:) Here's an early Chapter 2 to express my gratitude:)

It's AU with an integral OC, so disregard anything we have learned of Neal's past so far. (BTW all of my fics will be rated T cause I'm just paranoid. I don't curse in any of my fics, but there might be hints to some past/current non con. Never any description! Just mentioned, and dealing with after affects of trauma, possibly) Anyways, I'm rambling. SORRY! To the story!:)

Warnings: Oh! and don't kill me! Has Neal whumpage, and some mentions of past non con. as stated above, never anything desrciptive. Read these warnings BEFORE you read please!

Disclaimer: I don't own white collar, just this plot line and OC. *sigh*

So, what is going on? Read and find out. (evil cackle)

Headed Home

The elevator ride was tense and silent, as was the taxi ride to June's. Neal didn't want this man anywhere near June or his place, but their wasn't much he could do about it. When they reached Neal's apartment, the older man let Neal lead the way, mocking his attempt at a new life. Neither of them saw the short balding man watching them approach from down the sidewalk. One thing Neal could be grateful for right now was that June was out of town for the weekend. As soon as Neal opened the door, 'John Caffrey's' entire demeanor changed. He sneered at the younger man.

"So, you decided you would start over without me, boy? Was I not good to you? Didn't I give you a roof over your head and clothes on your back? And this is how you repay me? By running off to some random state, changing your name, and, what," His sneer turned into a malicious grin, "making friends?" Neal kept his eyes downcast, but his mind was racing. Maybe he could call Mozzie to get help. Or he could try to get a hold of Elizabeth-

"Look at me, boy!" Neal's eyes snapped up. He saw a familiar anger flash in the man's eyes. He barely had a chance to shield his face when he was roughly shoved up against the wall and held their by a large hand encircling his throat.

"I said, look at me." The voice hissed in his ear, so close he could smell the man's putrid breath. Neal, all light gone from his eyes as he was thrown back into his nightmare, slowly lifted his gaze to meet the matching sapphires.

"There's the good boy I remember. Now what do you say?" The young con man's voice shook.

"It's good to see you..." He stalled. Thinking the words brought bile to the back of his throat. The hand around it tightened.

"Boy," he growled, "Say it." In case he needed more motivation, the hand squeezed even harder. Neal finally choked out the words as silent tears fell from his eyes.

"It's good to see you, Dad." The older man's grin widened.

"Now that's what I wanted to hear."

FBI Office

Peter spent the rest of the day bugging Jones. He had a really bad feeling about this hole thing. But Neal Caffrey was the best con man he knew. He was probably just messing with Peter, right? This was just another one of his schemes to get out of doing paperwork. Peter sighed. It was time to go home, and he had called El earlier to mention what had happened. He was going to get an earful when he got home. He walked up to Jones's desk ono his way out.

"Jones, anything?" The junior agent showed Peter the tracker's information.

"Nope. Still where he was ten minutes ago boss." Peter ignored the smirk on Jones's face.

"Right. I still have a bad feeling about all this. See you tomorrow."

"Sure thing. Oh, and Peter, try to get some sleep. Don't let Caffrey keep you up tonight." Burke replied as he headed for the doors.

"Very funny, Jones. You'll have to answer to El for that one."

Burke Home

When Peter opened the door to his home, he was greeted with the scent of his wife's cooking. All thoughts of Neal flew out of his head.

"El, I'm home. What's for dinner? It smells amazing." She stepped out of the kitchen wielding a spatula.

"Your favorite. I thought maybe a good meal would distract you from worrying about Neal for one night." He smiled and kissed her.

"How did I ever get so lucky?" She giggled.

"I don't know. Maybe you should ask the people you put in charge of my surveillance team." It worked. For the rest of the night, Peter Burke thought only of his wife. He had no idea the turn of events that he would encounter the next morning, and at the moment, he didn't really care.

Ba Ba Ba BUMMM!

Once Peter got into work the next morning, he surprised Jones by being in an especially good mood.

"Uh, have a nice night boss?" Peter threw his coat over the back of his chair and jovially went to get a cup of terrible coffee.

"That information is classified." Though the smile playing on his lips told Jones more than enough.

"Ugh. Even that was too much information right there. Well, just so you know, Caffrey was at home all night. No alarms went off, no phone calls from the marshals. Looks like you're getting paranoid, Boss." And just like that, Peter's good mood went out the window.

"You can never be too paranoid when it comes to Neal." The elevator doors opened, revealing a fedora slipping in and quietly heading for his desk.

"Well, that may be true, but here he is." Clinton checked his watch. "And right on time too." Jones walked off to start his paperwork for the day, and Peter stood with his mug debating whether he should talk to Neal. Well, it couldn't hurt. He reached his CI's desk and immediately knew something was wrong. Neal's fedora was pulled down low over his face.

"Hey, Neal. How was your night?" Neal didn't look up at him, just kept working on the paperwork he had started.

"Oh, you know. Nothing too exciting. Didn't rob an exhibit or anything. I'm sure my anklet can testify for me." Neal always looked for an excuse to get away from paperwork.

"Neal, look at me." Instead of drawing it out, Neal rolled his eyes and sat back, going for the annoyed teenager look. He rolled his eyes further when he practically heard Peter's shoulders tense at the bright shiner staring at the agent.

"Neal-"

Neal put his hands up.

"It's nothing, Peter! Look I just-"

Burke's eyes narrowed. The look shut Neal up real fast.

"My office. Now." Neal stood and followed his partner to his office, and Peter couldn't help but notice his friend's limp. He silently opened the door for Neal and pointed at the chair. Closing the door and making sure he didn't slam it in his anger, he sat down in his seat and waited for Neal to start. He refused to look in Peter's eyes, crossing his arms in a pseudo six year old persona.

"Well? You gonna tell me you fell down the stairs or something?" Peter's voice rose. "Cause I am really looking for a good explanation as to why my partner walked in here looking like he got caught up in a prison riot."

"It's nothing, Peter, really. It's New York, and someone decided they needed some extra cash from my wallet. No big deal." The agent didn't buy it for a second.

"Uh huh. So, how's your... dad then? He get caught up in this too?" The con man visibly stiffened.

"No. He's fine. We talked and had dinner. He's staying in one of June's other guest rooms for a while, before he heads back home." Peter sighed.

"Neal, I've been chasing you for three years and have been working with you for one. I know when you're lying." Neal was battling within himself. He could just tell Peter. Peter could help him, protect him. Who would believe a worthless con like you? Ha! No one. No one cares, and why would they? Neal forced himself not to visibly cringe as his dad's words drifted through his head. No, he couldn't tell Peter. Who knew what would happen to him if he did?

Ooooo! Cliffie! Sorry, but that's all you get for a little bit. Promise more will be revealed. Stay tuned!:)