So, I watched "Free Fall" this evening and Holy Cow, say it ain't so, Peter!
I came rushing over here to see if someone had a reasonable explanation-- and Redconky's version ("Divide and Conquer", read it) was brilliant, and it really helped . . . but I couldn't stop thinking about what Fowler had said when Neal charged into room 525. And I have to get up early tomorrow.
So here's what I came up with.
***
"Hello, Kate."
"Hello, Peter."
"We need to talk about Neal."
Kate shut the door behind her. "Is something wrong? I made the call like you--"
"We need to ramp it up," said Peter. "Neal's almost there, but we can't afford to take our time anymore."
"You mean Fowler?" she said, coming further into the apartment. "I thought you said he left." She slipped off her coat and draped it over the other armchair.
He snorted. "Fowler won't give up--not after we ruined his trap. I can hold them off for a while, but if Neal gets wind of Mentor, he's going to spook." He tapped his fingers on the arm of the chair. "And a spooked Neal is an unpredictable Neal."
She yanked off her scarf. "You told me he'd be safe if I helped you--"
"I meant it. And you are helping." He pulled off the ring and set it down on the small end table. "This was a nice touch. He showed me the photo."
"I don't like lying to him."
"You aren't lying, Kate. I do want something from Neal. And I've kept him as safe as I can--he's no use to us if he breaks." He sighed and rubbed the back of his neck. "His' lawyer friend' isn't helping, by the way--except by accident."
"Mozz. He means well, but . . ."
"But he isn't exactly on our side."
"He's on Neal's side."
Peter gave her a level look. "So are we."
Kate took a deep breath and nodded. "I'll think of something else. Something new--"
"But classic?" His lips twitched.
She narrowed her eyes. "You know, it isn't exactly easy, keeping just one step ahead of him."
"You can do it if anyone can." He smiled. "You're the only one who knows him better than I do."
"This is getting so complicated. Why can't we just tell him what you want?"
Peter shook his head. "He has to figure it out himself--that's the deal. That's the point. Besides," he added, "you know Neal. He'd never believe all we want from him is him."
Kate dropped into the chair. "Neal Caffrey, intelligence agent."
"Where did you think we get our best people? Harvard?"
She shrugged. "I just never thought I'd see the day."
"I hope we both will. Soon."
***
Okay, now maybe I can sleep. . .