Author's Note: I don't own White Collar. A quick thanks to Sparky Dorian, my awesome Beta who helped to make this the best it could possibly be.
Lost and Found
Neal Caffery was bouncing off the walls with excitement. Peter Burke ran a hand through his hair, groaning. An important case they'd been given was pointing to the Metropolitan Museum of Art as the target of a fast approaching art theft, and Peter was going to have to send Neal undercover. While Neal was ecstatic to go into the museum that he had loved since childhood, Peter was extremely annoyed that he would be stuck chasing Neal around the museum the FBI's operation was over.
For the case, Neal was undercover as an art forger, particularly talented with 19th and 20th century paintings. The man running the theft, known only as the Dreamer, was going to steal "A Woman Reading" in three days, to sell to an art collector in Houston; right before the re-opening of the 19th century and early 20th century art exhibit. An extremely generous donor had paid to update security in the permanent exhibit, but had forced the art work into storage for a month. The security system would be turned on after all of the art was in place. The lack of security would make it easier for the Dreamer to steal the painting.
The Dreamer and his men believed that Neal would be posing as a part of the Director of Exhibitions' team that was putting the final touches on the exhibit.
Neal would let the Dreamer in and he would take out the security program. As a safety net, Jones would also be part of the team. Peter, along with several field agents, would be nearby in the Modern Art exhibit hall that had been completed the week before. The FBI had gotten the tip from Director of Exhibitions herself, who had received a call from the Dreamer. She was pretending to be in on their plan, but was really helping the FBI.
"So Peter, tell me about Miss Director of Exhibitions," Neal said with a cheeky smile, his feet on the conference room table and his hat in place.
For a moment the FBI agent considered telling Neal exactly who he would be working with, but then he thought of the surprise Neal would be in for. Perhaps it would prevent Peter from searching all over the large museum for him.
"Brooke Davis is happily engaged for her September wedding. She began doing internships with the museum in college and was the assistant to the previous Director of Exhibitions. The first exhibit that she did was in November 2009, something about musical instruments. Miss Davis decides everything from where things go in exhibits to what colors the walls are. Before you even think about pull a stunt that you think is just funny, know that Miss Davis knows when the smallest thing is wrong with anything." Neal simply grinned at this, not committing either way, but thinking to himself 'I guess we found your clone Peter.'
On the day of their operation, Neal was excited. The 19th century exhibit had always been a favorite of his growing up. Peter kept nagging him as they rode to the museum in the large FBI van, but he had stopped listening after about the first five words. Suddenly, a pair of gloves hit him in the face, bringing him out of his bliss.
"What was that for?" Neal asked, surprised.
Jones was snickering behind Peter with the other field agents. Since Lauren Cruz had left for DC Jones had been pretty bored, and was happy to finally be back in the field.
"You've been assigned to put up paintings." Lowering his voice and giving Neal a menacing look, Peter added, "If you drop anything I will have your head mounted about my mantle."
Neal flashed him a grin. "You really think I would drop art?
The agents and Neal began taking their equipment into the museum. A fidgety intern showed them the way to the Modern Art Exhibit Hall and offered to go on a coffee run. Everyone obviously said yes, as it was 6 am on a Friday morning.
Before the intern could return with the coffee, a petite young woman walked into the gallery that the FBI was half-finished setting up.
"I've got twelve hours before the re-opening party between the Museum's President and donors who helped get this new security system, Agent Burke. Where are the helping hands you promised me?"
Neal heard the unmistakable voice of a young woman he hadn't spoken to in well over four years. A young woman whom he was sure hated him with all of her being, and had told him she never wanted to see him again. Turning around from admiring a painting Neal saw the young woman whose voice had shocked him. Brooklynn Caffery, his baby sister smiling at everyone around the room. Surprisingly, this even included himself.
"Hi Neal," the young woman greeted as she smiled more and locked eyes with her brother.