AN: This story hasn't been beta-ed. I've re-read it several times, and used 2 different grammar/spelling checking tools. But still, since I'm not a native speaker there will be some errors left, waiting for you to find them. I do apologize sincerely beforehand for any of those.
Matter of personal interest: I'm looking for a beta for my next story which will be no fluff at all. Any native speaking volunteer interested?
Anyways, I'd like to utter this WARNING: if you feel offended by poor spelling and grammar, please do not continue to read and enjoy your day without getting annoyed by this story.
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Peter Burke was early. Literally speaking, he wasn't early, but actually it was too early for this partner. The FBI agent wasn't surprised. Having worked with Neal Caffrey for 4 years, this has become a kind of ritual…
Burke would want to make the most of the day to solve a new crime. Therefore, he would pick up the consultant at his apartment early in the morning, and they would drive to the office or wherever they had to start the investigation.
Only, the younger man wouldn't be ready at the agreed time. He would be sitting in his dressing gown at the breakfast table and sip some fancy Italian roast or nibble at a croissant. Every decent person would show at least some remorse and hurry up to get dressed. But of course, not Neal Caffrey. He would act as if he hadn't expected his guest, offer some coffee and start chatting.
Finally, he would rise calmly and vanish into his bathroom. It would take at least another half an hour until he was dressed and styled to meet his own high expectations. Meanwhile, the FBI agent would read the newspaper, check emails on his phone, or search the apartment for anything suspicious.
At some point, the suave ex-con would stand in the door, juggle with his hat and ask slightly irritated, "It's getting late. Are you ready to leave or should I ask June for more coffee?" Now, Peter would roll his eyes and express his annoyance.
He had tried to come half an hour after the agreed pick up time. Same course of events. With the side effect that they'd lost 30 more valuable minutes. After all, Peter has accepted this as a standard operating procedure. Truth to be told, it wasn't an ordeal to enjoy a first class breakfast.
Anyways, this was the first time he came to pick up Neal after the ex-criminal had returned to New York to work as a free consultant for the FBY. Free – in the literal meaning, no anklet, no radius, no constant threat of prison.
The ex-con was working for the White Collar division whenever his services were requested. He wasn't a fulltime employee but worked freelance. He's chosen to skip the boring mortgage frauds, but would hurl himself into the interesting cases full of enthusiasm. That way, he had more time to pursue other projects which was ok for Peter and his team - unless those projects didn't involve any criminal actions.
While the agent was sitting on the roof-top terrace and poured coffee, he was amused. "Mmh. That's good. Everything's back to normal. I've to admit I'd missed this coffee, you, this view – all of it."
The cocky C.I. threw him a grinning look. "Tell me about it!"
"Hurry up Caffrey, I can't work overtime today. It's my anniversary, but probably you know that already. This evening belongs to El and me."
"Any plans yet, or do you need my advice?"
"All clear. I have booked a guided art tour through Uptown galleries with champagne, canapés and all that goes with it."
"She'll love it. And I know how much you enjoyart tours yourself. Very selfless and touching indeed."
Neal needed his usual time to get ready. Peter had seen some new paintings when he had entered the apartment. He used the time to check on those. Obviously, the ex-forger had started to copy masterpieces again. The paintings were not in the usual impressionism style which was Caffrey's trademark, and they were far from a Rafael. But still, they looked decidedly precious.
His thoughts were interrupted when the consultant called from the door. "Come on, let's start solving some cases. It isn't me who wants to get home early. Before I forget … here's a little gift for El. It's sort of compensation to put up with you for 16 years and counting." It was a nicely wrapped packet. From its shape one could guess it contained a painting.
"I'll give it to her tonight. Probably, it's something extraordinary which makes my own present look cheesy. But never mind. She's going to love it. Nothing else matters. "
