Neal woke up feeling refreshed. It was one of the best night's sleep he had had in quite a while. The bed was comfortable and the sheets were soft, two of the many things he didn't get in prison.
He couldn't believe his luck when he ran into June at that thrift store. They had hit it off right away and Neal had felt an immediate connection. She was a nice lady and Neal truly did appreciate her letting him live in her loft. In fact, she had insisted after hearing about the less than ideal conditions that the FBI had set him up in. June also had a wariness for law enforcement, another thing they both had in common.
Neal put on his robe and walked out onto the balcony where the maid had laid out a spread of coffee and pastries. The view was spectacular and Neal couldn't help the grin that came across his face. He could get used to this. If he played his cards right, there would be no more prison for him and he would be free to find Kate. Or as free as he could be with a tracking anklet and a two mile radius. But that was a problem for a later time. Right now he needed to play nice with Peter and solve the Dutchman case. That was the key to him staying out of prison.
He sat down and poured himself a cup of coffee. He couldn't wait to see Peter's face when he came to pick him up. Technically, he didn't break any rules. Peter did say if he could find something nicer, he could take it.
Right on cue, Peter walked through the balcony doors with a not too happy look on his face. After enjoying a cup of coffee that even Peter couldn't deny was delicious, he left to wait for Neal downstairs.
Neal carefully chose one of Byron's Devore suits and a jaunty fedora to go with it. He always felt confident when wearing a nice suit. It was an armor of sorts. It made him feel like he could be anyone and do anything. And right now he had to be a helpful asset to the Bureau. Neal felt nervous for the first time because he needed this work release to be successful. His and Kate's future depended on it. He had to find Kate. He knew in his heart that this wasn't how their story was supposed to end.
He shook his head to clear his mind. "It was just first day jitters." Neal thought. He always felt them when he started a new "job."
He was Neal Caffrey, conman extraordinaire. Peter was smart, very smart but Neal would find a way to gain his trust. Finding Kate depended on it. She and Mozzie were his family. Peter and the FBI were just a means to an end. Taking a calming breath, Neal gave himself a final once over and smoothed down the front of his suit. He put a smile on his face and walked out the door, ready to start his new journey with the FBI.