This hasn't been a breeze to write. In fact, this is the third revision and I am still not sure it clicks the way I wanted it to. However, I want it off my computer so I can move onto another story. Have mercy and be kind.

Of course, I own nothing but the mistakes, for which I accept all responsibility.

The Escape Plan Chapter One

"Your reputation precedes you, Mr. Caffrey."

"That has not always proven to be a good thing," Neal said easily, unable to keep a smile from his lips. He made himself comfortable, stretching out on the luxurious sofa. The room was more that nice; Money was apparently not a problem for Don Teagan. "What aspect of my rather extensive reputation are you referring to?"

Keagan stepped over to the bar and poured himself a drink. "There was an incident in a Villa outside Rome a few years ago," Teagan began "involving a Onity Electronic Locking System." He held up a glass in offer to Neal, who declined with a shake of his head. "Quite an impressive accomplishment."

"For someone, I agree; those are quite challenging systems, " Neal said. "What does that have to do with me?"

Teagan chuckled "Modesty was not one of the traits that I was told you possessed." Teagan, drink in hand, returned to his place in the chair across from Neal. There was a glimmer of amusement in his green eyes. "I know you broke that system, Mr. Caffrey, and absconded from the Villa with some very valuable art."

"And are you interested in my art collection or my rumored experience with the Onity System?"

"The latter," Teagan answered. "That exact system-right down to the dashes and zeros- is protecting a small office complex right here in New York."

"Not surprising, in fact I am sure the system is protecting dozens of complexes in the city. The company has been around since 1941 and has over a million customers worldwide." Neal sounded like a salesman selling a product, and smiled like one, too. "They offer discreet delivery and expert installation."

"So I have been told," Teagan answered. "But what was surprising was to learn that one of the few people in the world to have successfully cracked this system was also right here in New York. Quite a fortuitous discovery, since my associates and I require assistance to access said complex."

"So you need me to get you into a building protected by an Onity Locking System?" Neal raised his eyebrows, "And the compensation for my efforts? The original reference was rather vague," He held up the card, "My hearts desire?" Neal's voice was sarcastic, "How does that translate into dollars and cents exactly? My heart desires quite a lot."

"I can offer you one million dollars," He began, "and since I am aware of your current, tethered situation with the FBI, your hearts desire is a new identity and a ticket to a place with no extradition. How does sound to you, Mr. Caffrey?"

"Sounds too good to refuse," Neal answered, clearly impressed with the offer. Money was always nice but the other perks, though unexpected, were very inciting.

"Good, Mr. Caffrey," Teagan breathed what sounded like a sigh of relief. "Accepting my offer is a wise choice. My associates had a different plan in mind, but I convinced them that hiring you for this endeavor is a better option than the one they originally crafted. But if you had declined my offer, I am afraid their original plan for you would have come into play."

"I take it that would not have been a good thing?" Neal asked.

"No, their plan was to force your assistance, and then put a bullet in your brain for your troubles."

"Then I definitely chose wisely."

"Very wisely indeed." Teagan stood up. "It is now time for us to depart."

"I will need a little time," Neal said, not expecting an instant departure. "I need to work out a couple things…Pick up a few things, get a few things removed…"

"Sorry, part of my convincing my partners to let me make you this offer is that you come back with me now." He motioned for Neal to join him. "We will take care of all your needs from this point on."

Neal stood up, tugged at his pants leg, revealing the anklet. "Sorry, tethered, remember?" He dropped his pants leg. "I need to get Agent Burke to let me out of the anklet," He shrugged, "I have managed it before, but it might take a day or two. Then I am all yours."

"You are all mine, now, Mr. Caffrey," he insisted, "and I can take care of that." He motioned to one of the men who were hovering by the door. He stepped forward producing a pair of shears.

"Snip, snip," Teagan said.

"It's not that simple," Neal warned, "believe me."

"Why not?" he asked, "They are quite sharp and up to the task."

"I am sure they are," Neal said. "It isn't the actual cutting of the anklet that presents the problem. It what happens immediately afterwards that you have to worry about."

Teagan raised his eyebrows "Do tell."

"My tracker is monitored 24/7. If the anklet is cut the NYPD will be on us in less than ten minutes, with a perimeter established three blocks out faster than that. They will have the feed from every CCTV in this hotel and everywhere else; they will track me down." He shook his head, "Like vultures, Burke and the Marshal's are ready to swoop down at a moments notice to pick the flesh off my carcass. That's why my way is better; get Burke to remove it."

"Not going to happen," Teagan said, "you're not getting out of my sight until this job is completed. But not to worry, we just need to be sure that your carcass is not here to be swooped down upon and I have that covered, Mr. Caffrey. I have a route of fast escape." The whir of the helicopter was heard. Teagan smiled at Neal's expression.

"This hotel has a helipad," Neal said obviously impressed. "No perimeters or CCTV in the air. Nice."

"Exactly," Teagan smiled, "You ready?'

"One million dollars, a new identify and a ticket out of the country?" Neal asked with a lift in his voice that could only be excitement. "I was born ready." Neal reached down and pulled at his pants leg, exposing the anklet again, and looked up with a smile that was sudden and bright.

"And by all means, snip snip."