Neal
How on earth they manage to keep this poor excuse for coffee down, I will
never know. I speculated, stirring my own cup. No wonder the FBI is so
rigid. Coffee should be rich, with a enticing, slightly nutty aroma. Like
that coffee I drank while I was on that job in Brazil. Well I wasn't
exactly on the job while...
"Neal, any thoughts?" Peter urged, dragging me back to the present.
"Actually yes" I set my cup down on the conference room table "He's
losing confidence, the amounts he's taking and the growing space between
each transaction means..."
"We're getting closer" finished Peter with a grin. "All we can do is wait
for..." I felt my phone buzz in my pocket, a text from Mozzie flashed across
the screen.
"The wise man does not expose himself needlessly to danger, since there
are few things for which he cares sufficiently; but he is willing, in great
crises, to give even his life - knowing that under certain conditions it
is not worthwhile to live." Aristotle, I though before the message sunk
in. Blood pounding in my ears I looked up, the meeting was over and
everyone was heading out for lunch.
"Coming with us Neal?" Diana was asking me.
"Not today" I said graciously, before making my exit. I needed to get
home, and quick.
Peter
Where the hell is Neal? "Diana, did Caffery ever come back from lunch?"
"Not that I saw boss" she replied.
"Damn it Neal" I muttered. What is he up to? Usually Neal jumps on the
chance to go anywhere outside of his range, especially if its a new
restaurant. But he didn't even consider it today, he just rushed off, without bothering to show back up. Suspicious.
I dialed Neal's number only to have it go straight to voice mail. Looks
like I'll be making a house call. He better have a good excuse.
Be careful what you wish for. Elizabeth is always saying that, and as
usual she was right. Why, Why, Why don't I listen to her more often!
I knew something was wrong the moment I walked into Neal's room. He and Mozzie
were staring at the laptop, a look of horror laced with panic etched across
their faces. I have never know Neal to panic, not when his cover was blown,
when I arrested him, or even when Kate's plane was blown up. Yet there it
was, not quite boiling over, but still there, clear as day. "What's going
on?" I demanded, "Start talking, both of you."
"They have Mozzie's Sister." replied Neal, eyes not leaving the screen.