(A/N): So this is my first fanfic, and I know its probably terrible, so bear with me! This will be sort of a continuation of 'Under the Radar'. Mistakes you find are my own, and I don't own anything (sadly!).
Chapter 1
Neal continued to gaze at the treasure that surrounded him. Just a few hours ago he though it all burst into flames in that old warehouse. Now, he had it all to himself! Billions and billions of dollars worth of art all in his reach! The only question—what now? He turned around at the sound of the storage door opening, bracing himself for any unwelcome visitors, or perhaps the cavalry. But instead, it was none other than Alex. Of course it's Alex, Neal thought.
"It's about time you showed up, Caffrey." Alex started with her usual sly self.
"I can't say I haven't been busy." Neal countered. And that was the truth; he had been through a heck of a day. Almost getting killed, watching your partner kill the man that killed the love of your life, and get accused again by that same partner does take some time out of your day.
"Uh huh… Well? Aren't you going to say thank you?" Alex said as she walked over to the center of the storage room.
"I don't understand. Why? Why leave all this…for me? I thought this was your destiny." he said as he tried to think of any reasons why Alex would lead him to all of this.
"Have I really stumped the Great Neal Caffrey?" Alex said with a smirk. "You can't think of any reason?"
"Actually no, I can't."
"Well, I would have thought it was obvious. Here's your chance at getting back in the game! The Feds think all this was destroyed, this is your perfect opportunity to run and make sure you never get caught again." Alex said as she placed her hands on Neal's shoulders.
"You're the one who blew up the warehouse?" Neal asked, hoping she wouldn't sense the slight anger in his voice. The one who placed my paintings in instead? The paintings that made Peter accuse me of everything?
"Yeah, and I'm sorry I had to use your paintings. They were truly beautiful works, but there was no way I was going to let Adler get away with all of this. Like you said, this was my destiny, my grandfather's secret. So, I needed some canvas as evidence for the Feds if they looked for remains of the art." explained Alex.
They were silent for a while, just standing there as they waited for each others next move. Neal didn't know how to go about this. You can either be a con or a man, you can't be both. Peter's voice echoed in his head. Should he take it all now, cut the anklet, and run away with Alex with no regrets? Or should he stay, with people that care about him? If Neal was asked the question a year ago, there would be no doubt that he'd run with the treasure. But now…now he has a life here.
Alex knew what Neal was thinking. She wasn't stupid; she knew that this might happen. Neal did have a life here and there was nothing she could do about it. And while she will never change her ways, it doesn't mean Neal won't.
"Its fine, Neal." Alex whispered with a hint of regret as she cupped Neal's face with her hands and leaned in for a kiss. To her surprise, there was a kiss back from him. Not just a kiss, but a goodbye kiss…
"Oh no, you won't be getting rid of me that fast, Caffrey." Alex said as she pulled away and handed Neal a slip of paper. "Got a new phone, I'll keep in touch." she said with a smile.
"Bye, Alex."
"Bye, Neal." And with that said, Alex walked out of the storage room.
I can't believe that just happened. Neal thought. If he ever thought he was close to understanding Alex before, he certainly wasn't now. Neal flipped open his cell as he clicked through his contacts. He scrolled down to Mozzie and paused. Once again he scrolled up and down the list until he finally knew who he was going to call and pressed the call button. As he heard the person on the other line pick up, he sighed and prepared himself for what he was about to do.
(A/N): Yeah, its short, sorry. I think I know where I want to go with this and would be happy to continue but don't know if I should. This is just my take on what could possibly happen next. Please review and let me know what works and doesn't. :) Thanks!
