White Collar: The Labyrinth ch 12
Chapter Twelve
"Ugh, Peter, your breath…"
"Sorry about that."
"That is powerful." Neal wrinkled his nose. "Wait, did you…did you eat that cat food Jake left us?"
"Honestly it's not much different than regular canned tuna."
"Or deviled ham?" Neal teased.
"Or deviled ham." Peter agreed with a smile.
"Actually it's probably healthier than deviled ham, less salt if nothing else."
"Salt never killed anyone." Peter shrugged.
"That's not even remotely true." Neal chuckled. "Seriously though, there is no reason to be eating that just yet. We still have better options."
"I'm leaving most of that for you, you have a far more refined pallet that I do."
"I can't argue that point, but we still need to divide resources equally."
"No." Peter shook his head. "That is what York and Jake are counting on. Equality isn't going to keep up alive it will just end in you weakening quicker than me."
"Peter..."
"Facts are facts, Neal. I have more mass to start with than you and therefor more I can safely lose, not to mention you have a significantly faster metabolism."
"It's been slowing down lately." Neal lamented.
"You can't make it an hour through a stake out without complaining of being hungry." Peter pointed out rolling his eyes.
"That's more about being bored than hungry per se."
"That I believe." Peter smiled. "Still, I know what I'm doing, Neal, trust me."
"Fine." Neal sighed. "But I did have my eye on that Fancy Feast Duck Pate."
"I left that one for you. I'm more of a 'Nine Lives' man."
Neal laughed and then not so gently suggesting that Peter go back and try brushing his teeth again. Peter had brushed them during a much needed shower, but after the feline snack he agreed that it wouldn't hurt to try again. Appreciating that Neal was still able to laugh easily Peter got to his feet and wandered back towards the bathroom. He glanced through the open door that held the small gym behind it, if there were going to be down here much longer they were going to have to use it. For mental health if for no other reason. He had been concerned that Jake was going to return to drag them back out to the ring tonight, but hours had passed since the subway had quieted down so apparently there was no fight tonight. Peter was relieved that they had a chance to catch their breath, but eventually even in a dire situation monotony and boredom were going to become a threat that they'd have to combat as well. Peter also knew that he was going to have to teach Neal to fight, but he couldn't face that reality right now, and Neal's shoulder needed to heal for at least twenty-four hours to reduce the risk of just reopening it while training.
In the bathroom Peter did his best not to look in the mirror. It wasn't that he couldn't stomach the sight of the bruising and blood himself, it was that seeing the injuries made him think about what Elizabeth's reaction to the sight would be. He'd come home from work with a black eye or a few stitches on more than one occasion, particularly during his earlier years with the FBI, and it never failed to deeply upset her. He had tried the first time to reassure her by saying it could have been a lot worse but that was exactly the thought that bothered her so much when he came home with a minor injury.
Brushing the fishy taste away as best he could Peter rinsed the minty foam out of his mouth and dismissed the blood that tainted the water when he spat. With the bite mark in his arm throbbing painfully and radiating heat he spent a moment just running it under cold water. After having taken showers they both needed to have the cuts around their wrists rewrapped, but they hadn't gotten around to it yet. After turning off the water Peter went over to the supply box and knelt down find the gauze when he was interrupted by Neal rushing into the bathroom with an excited aura that gave Peter the distinct impression that if Neal had a tail it would be wagging right now.
"Neal?"
"I think the FBI found us." Neal beamed.
"What?"
"'Clear!'." A distant voice in the hall called. "'Move down, door on the right, announce before breach.'."
Peter scrambled to his feet at hearing the distinctive orders of SWAT on a sweep. Following Neal out into the main room Peter and hurried over to the door with him, elated by the thought of rescue. However when Neal reached out to throw the deadbolt Peter reached out and stopped him. Neal flashed Peter a questioning look that quickly turned to one of anxiety when he noticed the concern etched into Peter's brow. The pair both jerked back when a heavy hand pounded on the door from the far side.
"FBI!" A strong voice barked. "Anyone inside identify yourself!"
"We're here, one by one." Peter replied.
"One by one?" Neal questioned quietly.
"One Agent, one civilian." Peter explained.
"Agent Burke?" The voice asked directly before sounding like he'd turned to talk to someone else. "Command, I think we found them. Agent Burke, is that you? Can you open the door?"
"I can't believe they found us."
"Neither can I." Peter said seriously.
"Agent?" The man asked. "Can you open the door?"
"What's your badge number?" Peter demanded.
"Sir?"
"Your badge number, what is it?"
"…790-555-29131."
Neal swore under his breath as he backed away from the door dragging his hands through his still damp hair in disappointed frustration. Peter took a step back as well with a sickening pit churning in his stomach as the hope of rescue was shattered. He obviously didn't know the ID number of every Agent, but all FBI badge numbers were alphanumeric not just a string of numbers. Getting so close to rescue and having it taken away made it feel like the walls suddenly closed in around them a little closer. Peter's claustrophobic reaction to the deception was quickly followed by a flash of rage.
"I know it's you, Sawyer." Peter snarled.
"Very clever, Burke." Sawyer chuckled. "I wasn't expecting you to call my bluff like that. I thought you'd be too desperate for a chance out. You have to admit though Alan did a good acting job. I would have opened the door for him. Did your boyfriend fall for it? I'd love to see the look on his face right now or yours for that matter."
Neal shot a deadly glare at the closed door but to Peter's relief he didn't engage with Sawyer in a pointless argument. However when Sawyer and his friends laughed Neal stepped forward aggressively and raised his arm as though he was going to strike the solid door. Stepping between him and door Peter put his hand on Neal's chest to calm him and shook his head to remind him that Sawyer wanted nothing more than to get a rise out of him. Although still clearly seeing red Neal put his hands up peacefully and stepped back. Neal ground his teeth together and paced back and forth a few steps as his excitement at the prospect of rescue turned to an angry frustrated nervous energy. Peter was right there with him but knew he couldn't show how furious he was with Sawyer's deception if he was going to keep the situation from escalating.
"It's awful quiet in there, you two alright?" Sawyer snickered. "Hey, I'll make a deal with you, Caffrey, open the door and I'll let you liv…"
"Sawyer!" Jake's voice suddenly barked. "What did I tell you about Burke?"
"What? He's a dead man anyway, I don't see why you don't just hand him over. I'm starting to think you've got a crush on these two." Sawyer taunted.
"I'm going to crush your skull if you don't leave them alone!"
"Look I know you'd rather not deal with me, just let me kill Burke and I promise to leave your precious Labyrinth."
"We both know you'd just be back in a week, you are by far the *worst* gambler I've ever dealt with." Jake said in obvious disdain. "You know eventually York is going to get sick of letting you pay off your debts in the ring and when he does I'm going to take great personal pleasure in branding you and then throwing you to the wolves. You won't have your friends then, and you won't last a week without their protection down here."
"Don't think for one second that I'm not eagerly waiting for the day that you fall out of favor with York yourself." Sawyer sneered. "I can't imagine you'll be under his protection forever."
"Fuck off before I decide to take more than just your key away from you."
Peter and Neal had been listening to the confrontation outside with their breath held. Jake was a dangerous psychopath but he was also their main line of defense against Sawyer. If Jake ever decided that he was tired of them all he had to do was let Sawyer off his leash. Peter also worried about Sawyer losing his patience and breaking free of whatever hold Jake had on him and just decide to attack Jake directly. Jake had keys into their room and Sawyer knew that. However Jake's unusual power over Sawyer held and Sawyer backed down and left with his friends.
Peter jerked as he heard the key grinding into the lock and he backed away from the door forcing Neal to step back as well. He didn't back them up against the wall but he wanted to put some distance between them and Jake when the door opened. Neal allowed Peter to guide him back but once they were a safe distance Neal stepped up to be at his side rather than hide behind him. Jake invited himself into the room, leaving the door open, he looked the pair over and smiled at them as though he was genuinely happy to see them.
"Glad to see you're not stupid enough to fall for Sawyer's tricks." Jake smiled. "Although I have to say that you two are very lucky that I hate him more than, well more than just about anything. The enemy of my enemy and all that, right?"
"What do you want, Jake?" Peter asked rather than responded.
"What? Not even a 'thank you'?" Jake smiled. "Fine, be that way. Caffrey get your sweet ass over here, I want to borrow you for a little while."
"Jake, please, stop this." Peter said as he stepped out in front of Neal. "It really is only a matter of time before the FBI finds us, help us before that happens and I will protect you."
"You can't protect me from York."
"York?" Neal questioned. "Jake, are you afraid of him?"
"Everyone is afraid of York." Jake said matter-of-factly. "Now stop stalling and get over here before I lose my temper."
"He's not going anywhere without me." Peter said firmly as he held his arm to out to make sure Neal didn't step forward.
"Is that so?" Jake asked dangerously.
Peter knew that saying 'no' to Jake was a quick way to anger him but he couldn't just stand-by and let Jake separate them. Peter braced himself expecting Jake to pull out his baton and rush at him, but Jake just smiled mischievously.
"Sawyer!" Jake called. "I know you didn't go far, get back here if you want your shot at Burke!"
"No," Neal said quickly as he stepped around Peter "I'll go with you."
"Neal…"
"It will be okay, I'll be back. I promise." Neal said with more confidence than he felt. "If Jake just wanted to kill me he would have done so by now, and if he wants to hurt me refusing to follow him isn't going to stop him."
"He's not wrong." Jake chuckled.
Although he did so reluctantly Peter honored Neal's decision to leave peacefully and backed down. He had several ideas as to what Jake would want with him alone and none of them were good. Clearly having the same thought Neal flashed him a brave smile before turning to follow Jake. Jake motioned for him to turn around and Neal did so, automatically bringing his hands behind his back knowing Jake was going to want to secure them there. Peter winced in empathy as Jake tightened a plastic tie around Neal's wrists that he had never gotten the chance to rewrap.
Understandably having trouble with his decision despite his early resolution Neal looked up at Peter with barely contained panic sparkling in his sapphire eyes before he forced himself into a blank stare of resignation. Jake pulled on his injured shoulder to get him to turn around. Neal bit down on his lip but didn't give Jake the satisfaction of crying out as he was turned around and shoved out into the hall.
"Jake, please don't do this." Peter begged. "I'll do whatever you want, just don't take him."
"Don't worry, Burke," Jake winked "I'll bring your friend back…when I'm done with him."
Jake's taunting innuendo was more than Peter could take but he only got as far as clenching his fists before Jake sprung into action and attacked first. Even though he had just been about to charge Peter was taken off guard when Jake rushed him forcing him to take a step back which set him off balance and less capable of defending himself.
"Peter!"
Neal's warning cry didn't help as Jake pulled out his metal baton with practiced ease. With blinding speed Jake struck the side of Peter's leg that was already bruised from the last time he had attacked him. As Peter collapsed from the debilitating blow Jake brought his knee up into his stomach before letting him drop to make sure he wouldn't get back up again. Gasping for breath again a powerful fit of dry heaving Peter couldn't even pull away when Jake bent down to growl in his ear.
"Do yourself a favor, Burke, don't even bother imagining what I'm going to do to Caffrey, I can guarantee you what I actually have planned is far worse."
Chapter 13: (Soon)
"Ugh, Peter, your breath…"
"Sorry about that."
"That is powerful." Neal wrinkled his nose. "Wait, did you…did you eat that cat food Jake left us?"
"Honestly it's not much different than regular canned tuna."
"Or deviled ham?" Neal teased.
"Or deviled ham." Peter agreed with a smile.
"Actually it's probably healthier than deviled ham, less salt if nothing else."
"Salt never killed anyone." Peter shrugged.
"That's not even remotely true." Neal chuckled. "Seriously though, there is no reason to be eating that just yet. We still have better options."
"I'm leaving most of that for you, you have a far more refined pallet that I do."
"I can't argue that point, but we still need to divide resources equally."
"No." Peter shook his head. "That is what York and Jake are counting on. Equality isn't going to keep up alive it will just end in you weakening quicker than me."
"Peter..."
"Facts are facts, Neal. I have more mass to start with than you and therefor more I can safely lose, not to mention you have a significantly faster metabolism."
"It's been slowing down lately." Neal lamented.
"You can't make it an hour through a stake out without complaining of being hungry." Peter pointed out rolling his eyes.
"That's more about being bored than hungry per se."
"That I believe." Peter smiled. "Still, I know what I'm doing, Neal, trust me."
"Fine." Neal sighed. "But I did have my eye on that Fancy Feast Duck Pate."
"I left that one for you. I'm more of a 'Nine Lives' man."
Neal laughed and then not so gently suggesting that Peter go back and try brushing his teeth again. Peter had brushed them during a much needed shower, but after the feline snack he agreed that it wouldn't hurt to try again. Appreciating that Neal was still able to laugh easily Peter got to his feet and wandered back towards the bathroom. He glanced through the open door that held the small gym behind it, if there were going to be down here much longer they were going to have to use it. For mental health if for no other reason. He had been concerned that Jake was going to return to drag them back out to the ring tonight, but hours had passed since the subway had quieted down so apparently there was no fight tonight. Peter was relieved that they had a chance to catch their breath, but eventually even in a dire situation monotony and boredom were going to become a threat that they'd have to combat as well. Peter also knew that he was going to have to teach Neal to fight, but he couldn't face that reality right now, and Neal's shoulder needed to heal for at least twenty-four hours to reduce the risk of just reopening it while training.
In the bathroom Peter did his best not to look in the mirror. It wasn't that he couldn't stomach the sight of the bruising and blood himself, it was that seeing the injuries made him think about what Elizabeth's reaction to the sight would be. He'd come home from work with a black eye or a few stitches on more than one occasion, particularly during his earlier years with the FBI, and it never failed to deeply upset her. He had tried the first time to reassure her by saying it could have been a lot worse but that was exactly the thought that bothered her so much when he came home with a minor injury.
Brushing the fishy taste away as best he could Peter rinsed the minty foam out of his mouth and dismissed the blood that tainted the water when he spat. With the bite mark in his arm throbbing painfully and radiating heat he spent a moment just running it under cold water. After having taken showers they both needed to have the cuts around their wrists rewrapped, but they hadn't gotten around to it yet. After turning off the water Peter went over to the supply box and knelt down find the gauze when he was interrupted by Neal rushing into the bathroom with an excited aura that gave Peter the distinct impression that if Neal had a tail it would be wagging right now.
"Neal?"
"I think the FBI found us." Neal beamed.
"What?"
"'Clear!'." A distant voice in the hall called. "'Move down, door on the right, announce before breach.'."
Peter scrambled to his feet at hearing the distinctive orders of SWAT on a sweep. Following Neal out into the main room Peter and hurried over to the door with him, elated by the thought of rescue. However when Neal reached out to throw the deadbolt Peter reached out and stopped him. Neal flashed Peter a questioning look that quickly turned to one of anxiety when he noticed the concern etched into Peter's brow. The pair both jerked back when a heavy hand pounded on the door from the far side.
"FBI!" A strong voice barked. "Anyone inside identify yourself!"
"We're here, one by one." Peter replied.
"One by one?" Neal questioned quietly.
"One Agent, one civilian." Peter explained.
"Agent Burke?" The voice asked directly before sounding like he'd turned to talk to someone else. "Command, I think we found them. Agent Burke, is that you? Can you open the door?"
"I can't believe they found us."
"Neither can I." Peter said seriously.
"Agent?" The man asked. "Can you open the door?"
"What's your badge number?" Peter demanded.
"Sir?"
"Your badge number, what is it?"
"…790-555-29131."
Neal swore under his breath as he backed away from the door dragging his hands through his still damp hair in disappointed frustration. Peter took a step back as well with a sickening pit churning in his stomach as the hope of rescue was shattered. He obviously didn't know the ID number of every Agent, but all FBI badge numbers were alphanumeric not just a string of numbers. Getting so close to rescue and having it taken away made it feel like the walls suddenly closed in around them a little closer. Peter's claustrophobic reaction to the deception was quickly followed by a flash of rage.
"I know it's you, Sawyer." Peter snarled.
"Very clever, Burke." Sawyer chuckled. "I wasn't expecting you to call my bluff like that. I thought you'd be too desperate for a chance out. You have to admit though Alan did a good acting job. I would have opened the door for him. Did your boyfriend fall for it? I'd love to see the look on his face right now or yours for that matter."
Neal shot a deadly glare at the closed door but to Peter's relief he didn't engage with Sawyer in a pointless argument. However when Sawyer and his friends laughed Neal stepped forward aggressively and raised his arm as though he was going to strike the solid door. Stepping between him and door Peter put his hand on Neal's chest to calm him and shook his head to remind him that Sawyer wanted nothing more than to get a rise out of him. Although still clearly seeing red Neal put his hands up peacefully and stepped back. Neal ground his teeth together and paced back and forth a few steps as his excitement at the prospect of rescue turned to an angry frustrated nervous energy. Peter was right there with him but knew he couldn't show how furious he was with Sawyer's deception if he was going to keep the situation from escalating.
"It's awful quiet in there, you two alright?" Sawyer snickered. "Hey, I'll make a deal with you, Caffrey, open the door and I'll let you liv…"
"Sawyer!" Jake's voice suddenly barked. "What did I tell you about Burke?"
"What? He's a dead man anyway, I don't see why you don't just hand him over. I'm starting to think you've got a crush on these two." Sawyer taunted.
"I'm going to crush your skull if you don't leave them alone!"
"Look I know you'd rather not deal with me, just let me kill Burke and I promise to leave your precious Labyrinth."
"We both know you'd just be back in a week, you are by far the *worst* gambler I've ever dealt with." Jake said in obvious disdain. "You know eventually York is going to get sick of letting you pay off your debts in the ring and when he does I'm going to take great personal pleasure in branding you and then throwing you to the wolves. You won't have your friends then, and you won't last a week without their protection down here."
"Don't think for one second that I'm not eagerly waiting for the day that you fall out of favor with York yourself." Sawyer sneered. "I can't imagine you'll be under his protection forever."
"Fuck off before I decide to take more than just your key away from you."
Peter and Neal had been listening to the confrontation outside with their breath held. Jake was a dangerous psychopath but he was also their main line of defense against Sawyer. If Jake ever decided that he was tired of them all he had to do was let Sawyer off his leash. Peter also worried about Sawyer losing his patience and breaking free of whatever hold Jake had on him and just decide to attack Jake directly. Jake had keys into their room and Sawyer knew that. However Jake's unusual power over Sawyer held and Sawyer backed down and left with his friends.
Peter jerked as he heard the key grinding into the lock and he backed away from the door forcing Neal to step back as well. He didn't back them up against the wall but he wanted to put some distance between them and Jake when the door opened. Neal allowed Peter to guide him back but once they were a safe distance Neal stepped up to be at his side rather than hide behind him. Jake invited himself into the room, leaving the door open, he looked the pair over and smiled at them as though he was genuinely happy to see them.
"Glad to see you're not stupid enough to fall for Sawyer's tricks." Jake smiled. "Although I have to say that you two are very lucky that I hate him more than, well more than just about anything. The enemy of my enemy and all that, right?"
"What do you want, Jake?" Peter asked rather than responded.
"What? Not even a 'thank you'?" Jake smiled. "Fine, be that way. Caffrey get your sweet ass over here, I want to borrow you for a little while."
"Jake, please, stop this." Peter said as he stepped out in front of Neal. "It really is only a matter of time before the FBI finds us, help us before that happens and I will protect you."
"You can't protect me from York."
"York?" Neal questioned. "Jake, are you afraid of him?"
"Everyone is afraid of York." Jake said matter-of-factly. "Now stop stalling and get over here before I lose my temper."
"He's not going anywhere without me." Peter said firmly as he held his arm to out to make sure Neal didn't step forward.
"Is that so?" Jake asked dangerously.
Peter knew that saying 'no' to Jake was a quick way to anger him but he couldn't just stand-by and let Jake separate them. Peter braced himself expecting Jake to pull out his baton and rush at him, but Jake just smiled mischievously.
"Sawyer!" Jake called. "I know you didn't go far, get back here if you want your shot at Burke!"
"No," Neal said quickly as he stepped around Peter "I'll go with you."
"Neal…"
"It will be okay, I'll be back. I promise." Neal said with more confidence than he felt. "If Jake just wanted to kill me he would have done so by now, and if he wants to hurt me refusing to follow him isn't going to stop him."
"He's not wrong." Jake chuckled.
Although he did so reluctantly Peter honored Neal's decision to leave peacefully and backed down. He had several ideas as to what Jake would want with him alone and none of them were good. Clearly having the same thought Neal flashed him a brave smile before turning to follow Jake. Jake motioned for him to turn around and Neal did so, automatically bringing his hands behind his back knowing Jake was going to want to secure them there. Peter winced in empathy as Jake tightened a plastic tie around Neal's wrists that he had never gotten the chance to rewrap.
Understandably having trouble with his decision despite his early resolution Neal looked up at Peter with barely contained panic sparkling in his sapphire eyes before he forced himself into a blank stare of resignation. Jake pulled on his injured shoulder to get him to turn around. Neal bit down on his lip but didn't give Jake the satisfaction of crying out as he was turned around and shoved out into the hall.
"Jake, please don't do this." Peter begged. "I'll do whatever you want, just don't take him."
"Don't worry, Burke," Jake winked "I'll bring your friend back…when I'm done with him."
Jake's taunting innuendo was more than Peter could take but he only got as far as clenching his fists before Jake sprung into action and attacked first. Even though he had just been about to charge Peter was taken off guard when Jake rushed him forcing him to take a step back which set him off balance and less capable of defending himself.
"Peter!"
Neal's warning cry didn't help as Jake pulled out his metal baton with practiced ease. With blinding speed Jake struck the side of Peter's leg that was already bruised from the last time he had attacked him. As Peter collapsed from the debilitating blow Jake brought his knee up into his stomach before letting him drop to make sure he wouldn't get back up again. Gasping for breath again a powerful fit of dry heaving Peter couldn't even pull away when Jake bent down to growl in his ear.
"Do yourself a favor, Burke, don't even bother imagining what I'm going to do to Caffrey, I can guarantee you what I actually have planned is far worse."
Chapter 13: (Soon)