Wow, two chapters in two days! I'd like to apologize in advance for my crazy updating schedule. Or rather, lack thereof. Sorry, but I'm just starting college, so I can't guarantee how regular I'll be!
Chapter 2
'Suspicious?'
Neal's Apartment, New York
Knock, knock. The pounding woke Neal out of a sound sleep. He glanced at the clock and frowned. Who was knocking at his door at five-o-clock in the morning? Knock knock.
"Coming!" He half-growled. He shrugged on a shirt, then opened the door as far as the chain allowed. A deliveryman stood outside, a flat, rectangular box awkwardly balanced in his arms with a clipboard on top.
"Uh, delivery for a Mr. Neal Caffery." The man said, straining to see his clipboard. Neal undid the chain, then opened the door wide. The man set the box down just inside, then handed him the clipboard.
"Just sign right on the line." He said. Neal nodded and signed his name. It was difficult for him not to use an alias, but he resisted.
When the delivery man left, Neal immediately opened the box, excited. Michael hadn't said who the artist was, but he doubted it was a large one. Probably somewhat popular, but he didn't care. He just wanted to see it. When he pulled it out of the box, he was shocked.
"Michael's been holding out on me." He said, running his fingers over the canvas. He could tell by the feel that the painting was a forgery of the original, a very good forgery, but still a forgery. He whistled. Giotto Di Bondone. Who was Michael associating with? He pulled out his phone and pressed the speed dial for Mozzie.
"Hey Moz, you gotta see this." He said with a grin.
FBI Office, New York
Peter glanced at the clock in his office and growled. Neal still wasn't here. He had told his partner to be at the office by seven. It was now eight, and no sign of the conman. He sighed and grabbed his jacket. He wasn't doing anything right now, so he might as well go get him. Knowing Neal, he was distracted by some 'amazing work of art that he just couldn't pass by.' He waved at Diana, who gave knowing smile, then headed towards the elevator with another sigh. Keeping track of Neal was a full-time job in itself.
Neal's Apartment
Once again, a knock sounded at the door. Neal paused in his inspection of the painting and Mozzie's head shot up.
"Neal, open the door!" Peter's irritated voice sounded. Neal winced, and went to open it while Mozzie covered the painting, then reclined in his seat.
"Peter! Listen, I'm sorry I didn't show up today, but-" Peter cut him off with an upraised hand, his eyes sweeping the room. Neal crossed his arms.
"Looking for something?" He asked smartly. Peter shrugged.
"You never know what I might find up here." He replied, going over to the painting that was covering the forgery on the easel. "This yours?" He questioned. Neal chuckled.
"Yeah Peter, it's mine. You ready to go?" He asked, amused by the inspection, but still a little tense. Peter was just a little too close for comfort. Peter nodded.
"Yeah, let's get going." He said, turning. However, his suit jacket caught the painting and tugged it off the easel. In an uncharacteristic show of bad luck, the forgery was revealed. Neal grimaced and Mozzie jumped out of his seat to head for the door. Peter glared at him.
"Sit." He said, pointing at the chair. Mozzie sat. Neal, however, remained standing with an easy grin.
"Problem, Peter?" He asked.
"Yeah, I want to know why you have a copy of Giotto's Lamentation in your apartment." Peter replied. Neal shrugged. He honestly hadn't expected Peter to recognize the painting.
"It's not mine, if that's what you're thinking. I'm helping out a friend, confirming that it's forged." He replied. Peter raised an eyebrow.
"Who is this friend?" He questioned. Neal shook his head.
"Oh no. He wouldn't appreciate you getting involved." He said, then grabbed his fedora. "Ready to go?" He asked, heading towards the door. Peter followed, a serious expression on his face. He was going to find out who Neal's "friend" was.