Chapter 7: Lost
A week later Neal's name had finally been cleared by the FBI and the man who had stolen the real necklace had been found, and he was currently sitting in prison for his crime. Everything was back to normal. He was the FBI's consultant that they so desperately needed back. Neal was glad to be back, living at Mozzie's was starting to drive him up the wall.
"Peter, you know I'm not going to run, I have this tracker back on remember you don't have to keep checking the computer to see that I'm sitting right across the table from you." Neal said putting his legs up on the table he pulled the left pant leg up to reveal the anklet on his left leg.
The FBI agent looked at the other man "I'm not stupid, I know you wouldn't try that stunt again but I really just don't trust you right now. Instead of waiting to be cleared you escaped a judge's chambers. So I'm a little weary now to let you out of my sight." Peter said as he closed the window on his computer and turned to the young man.
"You're not tricking me Peter, you want something from me what is it?" Neal asked with a charming smile.
Peter sat there for a moment in thought "Well after your last little stunt you're on even stricter probation, starting tonight at midnight; you have been knocked down to a one mile radius from either June's or my house it's your choice for a month, next you have a curfew of nine p.m." Peter said looking at his partner.
Neal's mouth was hanging open "A mile, you can't be serious Peter and a curfew… I'm not a kid anymore… this isn't fair" Neal whined crossing his arms over his chest and pouting.
Peter opened his mouth to say something but shook his head and thought his words over carefully before speaking. "Neal, you almost went back to jail I had to fight to keep you out. You better just cowboy up and deal with it for the time being then you'll be back to your two mile radius." he said trying to cheer Neal up though he realized he was failing at it when Neal took his legs off the table and stood up to leave.
"Don't worry, I'm not going far. I'm still allowed to go to my desk right? Or is that off limits too?" Neal asked in a sour tone, Peter knew that his day had just gotten worse; Neal would be completely worthless until he got out of his mood. Neal walked out of the office and down the small stairs, when he got to his desk near the front doors he planted himself in the seat and started to type on the keyboard and ignoring the files Peter had him get earlier that morning.
Jones had walked into Peter's office just as Neal left "I see you told him about his new arrangements. If I were you I wouldn't leave your things laying around for a while especially your wallet." Jones said as he watched Peter check for his wallet and finding it in his pocket.
"Don't even joke like that, I don't need him maxing my cards out on things that he wants or things to embarrass me" Peter said looking at the other agent. "I just know that somehow he's going to retaliate for this, I don't know how or when but I know that it is coming and I just have to be careful" he added as he got up from his seat.
The older agent looked out the glass wall "How are you doing with the Reaper case? Is there any sign of him yet?"Peter asked not taking his eyes off Neal. Jones sighed "Nothing, he's off the radar. Is Neal still having the nightmares?" he asked looking at his friend.
"The nightmares aren't as frequent as they used to be, or at least that's what he says. He stayed away for the week he ran from the judge's chamber then he just appeared on my doorstep the other day just before his name was cleared. I don't think he likes the thought of being alone just yet." Peter said moving from the wall. He knew going to speak with Neal would end in a fight but he needed Neal to work.
Peter walked out to his partner's desk and looked at him "Neal…I'm sorry abou… are you hacking my files on the Reaper case" he demanded looking at the computer screen as it went blank. He looked at the younger man and saw the look on his face.
Neal moved quickly and shoved past Peter and left the office and headed for the bathroom when he got in there he started to pace the empty bathroom.
Peter followed the young man into the bathroom and grabbed him by the arm "Neal, hey look at me" Peter demanded as Neal kept his head turned away. Peter got fed up with the young man and grabbed him by the chin and forced him to look at the agent. It was at that moment Peter saw the scared look in Neal's eyes. "Hey you're worried about him finding you again. Neal… he's not going to come back."Peter assured as he let the other man go.
"I know that, but it's because of me that he got away. I made those passports too good and I didn't sign them because he told me too." Neal said softly pulling away and backing up slowly.
The agent sighed softly "Neal, he's not going to come back for you. The last known sighting was in Taiwan. He's not coming back I'm sure of it. You're safe here and El and I, Jones, Cruz, we would protect you. You have nothing to fear" he reassured the other man.
Neal gave a small smile "Thanks, and I'm sorry about how I acted before in your office." He apologized. "Come on we have cases to go over. " Neal said leaving the bathroom and heading back to the office, he grabbed the top folder on his desk and opened it. "Mortgage fraud again" he almost whine but he knew it was un-Neal Caffrey of him to whine more than once a day.
The con man sucked up his pride and sat back down in his chair. He knew it was karma that had gotten him back for acting like a spoiled child before, now he had to suffer with boring cases for his actions. He had been working for an hour when felt that he couldn't stare at the files anymore. Neal rubbed his eyes and stretched his arms over his head.
As Neal was leaning back in his seat his cell rang. Letting out a loud yawn he sat up and grabbing his phone and answered it "Hello" he asked rubbing his eye a bit.
"Neal… it's me, don't speak just listen, you have to bring the music box to Belvedere castle in the tower at quarter past twelve one week from today. Come alone… if he sees any agents then the deal is off" Kate said calmly over the phone. "Good bye Neal" Kate said before hanging up the phone. Neal sat there looking at his phone before closing it and putting it back in his pocket.
I have to get that music box…I have to call Moz and get him to track it down. Neal thought standing up and walking toward the elevator, when he was sure no one was looking he hit the down button and walked into the elevator as the door opened. Just as he stepped in he hit the button to close the door before anyone saw him.
When he got downstairs he passed Lauren in the lobby "I'm not running away I just need some fresh air." He said, he looked pale and he knew Lauren was buying it. "I'll come with you" she said walking the young man outside to the small sitting area and having him sit down.
Lauren normally didn't believe Neal when he looked like he was trying to charm his way out of something, this time was different. The man was pale and it looked like was going to be ill. "Are you feeling all right, you look like you're going to be ill, should I call Peter down here?"
Neal put his head into his hands as he sat on the stone bench. "I'll be fine in a few minutes; I just needed to get some fresh air is all, you don't have to worry Peter about me. He's worried enough about me he doesn't need to have worries added to his load" Neal said giving a small smile. He knew he needed to talk to someone about the call from Kate but he had to choose wisely or it would backfire.
When he had felt like he wasted enough time Neal stood up. "I feel better now; I guess I should get back to work before Peter thinks I ran again." Neal said with a smile. When he started to walk away he noticed Lauren hadn't moved.
"You were almost sick to your stomach and you don't want to talk about it…there must be something wrong with you" Lauren said following behind the con man. Neal stopped walking and turned around "If I tell you what's wrong will you swear not to tell anyone else I don't need Peter knowing right now, the truth is I drank too much last night and if Peter knew I would be in deep trouble. So you can't tell" Neal lied.
Lauren nodded her head "I'll keep in a secret, just be careful is all and don't drink so much" she said walking back inside and heading to the white collar division. When they got there Peter was waiting by the elevator. "You come with me…" he said pointing at Neal and leading him into the conference room.
"Neal… one of the passports you forged was just checked into customs at the airport, now we don't know who it is it's been a while he could have changed his looks. When security tried to detain him he vanished. So I think it would be best if you stayed close for now until we can locate him." Peter said having his partner sit down. "Hey you're in one of the safest buildings in the city and we're going to protect you." Peter added as he sat down next to Neal.
Taking in a deep breath Neal sat there "Peter, could I stay with you for a while?" Neal asked looking at his partner.
Peter looked at the consultant sitting beside him "Of course, we would love to have you stay with us until this passes."He said putting a comforting hand on Neal's shoulder.
Neal smiled and looked at the man beside him "Thanks Peter, I'll pay you back by making dinner for you guys." He said.
He knew he needed to locate the music box before the deadline. "I should get back to work, I still have a lot of work to do" Neal said leaving his partner and heading to his desk. When he got there he pulled his cell phone out and dialed Mozzie's number. "Hey Moz I need you to locate something for me, do you remember the amber music box… yeah that one… can you possibly track it down. I'll explain later." Neal said as he made sure no one was listening to his conversation. "You're a prince Moz… I'll talk to you later" he said hanging up and putting his phone away.
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The week was passing by slowly by Saturday Neal met with Mozzie at the dog park while he walked Satchmo though the park. "Mozzie if I don't get that box then something is going to happen to Kate. I have to find it and save her." Neal said softly as he walked down the path.
Mozzie looked at his friend and sighed "Neal, it's in a private collection you would have to steal it. That is if you didn't build a fake." He said as he walked down the sidewalk.
Neal bit his lip as he looked around "Moz I have to do something" Neal said as they turned around and started to head back to the Burkes house.
"Neal…your ready to bend over backwards to save Kate when she might not need saving. I think you should talk to the suit about this he has a right to know why you're so determined to be thrown back in prison." Mozzie said as they left the park and headed down the sidewalk.
Satchmo tugged on his leash as they headed home it jerked Neal from his silence. "Kate said no FBI or the deal would be called off. I knew I shouldn't have said anything…Mozzie please don't say anything when we get there." Neal pleaded as they arrived in front of Peter's front door.
The older con man sighed before he spoke Peter and Elizabeth were both outside heading down the front steps. Peter didn't even let Neal speak. "There's another bug, this time in the cable box, we can't go back in there until the place is searched. I can't call it in because this is Fowler's work I can just tell" Peter said petting his dog.
Neal gave a wide smile "I'll get someone I know you can trust to search the house." Neal offered
Peter looked at the con "No… no more con men in my house him stopping over to visit you is where I draw the line." Peter remarked pointing at Mozzie.
The reaction made Neal chuckle a bit "Well then you have nothing to worry about Peter because Moz has what need to sweep your house. I'll go in with Satch and Moz you go back to your place and get what you need, Peter why don't you and Elizabeth go out for a little while." Neal offered with his charming smile.
"If one thing is missing from the house when we get back I swear Caffrey it will be the last stupid thing you ever do" Peter warned as he led his wife away slowly. Neal could only smirk; his partner trusted him more than he ever did with leaving him alone in his house. Neal watched as Mozzie took off for his storage locker. When the other man was gone Neal headed inside with the loveable dog.
All right Fowler where are you hiding… Neal thought as he walked into the living room and sat on the couch. He turned the television on and glanced around the room carefully looking for any signs of things being out of place. Everything looked to be in perfect order; there wasn't even a speck of dust out of place it seemed. He got up from the couch and walked toward the dining room it was at that moment he finally noticed something near the trim on the ceiling, a small well hidden camera.
Neal walked into the kitchen and opened the fridge he started to look for something to eat for lunch, while checking under the cabinets for any bugs. When he couldn't see any obvious ones he smirked. He knew not to put too many in the house or they would be spotted and he would be found out. Neal thought as he walked around the kitchen grabbing a plate and making him-self a sandwich. When he was done he walked into the living room and sat on the couch as he began to eat.
At that moment Neal loved not having to work and having free reign of the house it made him feel like it was his home. By the time he finished lunch Mozzie had arrived and had started to sweep for bugs.
"Hey Neal is this real silverware or is it silver plated?" Mozzie asked as he swept the silver drawer. Neal got up and followed his friend around "Don't even think about it Mozzie, hey put that vase down." Neal said grabbing the vase and putting it back on the stand.
When Peter and Elizabeth got home Neal was napping on the couch with Satchmo lying on the floor beside him. Elizabeth smiled at the young man. "That's so precious" she said almost squealing. Peter just scoffed "Oh yes he's so precious" he scoffed grabbing a pillow off the floor and tossing it so it hit Neal in the head. Groaning softly Neal rolled so his back was facing Peter.
Peter was at the point that he didn't like to be messed with. Grabbing the pillow again he swatted Neal on the lower back making the younger man jump. "Glad to see you're still in the land of the living." He said looking at Neal "So did your friend clean us out?" he asked with a chuckle.
"Hey, now I made sure that Mozzie didn't take anything, so I took a nap, and you should see this" Neal said leading his partner to the dining room table where the small camera was laying on a small cloth napkin. "I disabled it, it was pointing to the living room" Neal said as Peter looked at the camera closely.
Neal grabbed a sheet of paper and drew a small box. "This is your house; the camera is a short range which would mean that someone would be within a hundred yard radius." He said drawing a large circle around the box. "There is a problem though; the camera was attached to this transmitter that we found in your attic. The only problem is the transmitter works on a Wi-Fi system so it works off the internet in your house." Neal said putting the pencil down.
Peter sat down on the closes chair. "So this guy could be anywhere in the city, were there anymore?" Peter asked pointing to the remains of the camera and bugs. The con man shook his head. "No more, I think we're really clear. Moz searched the house from top to bottom." He said picking the camera up and looking at it. When he put it back down he sighed softly. "I'm going to head upstairs for a while" Neal said walking away and heading upstairs.
"Peter you should go talk to him I think something is wrong. He's not himself right now." Elizabeth said pushing her husband up the stairs till he was walking up the stairs under his own power. When Peter got to Neal's room he listened outside the door for a moment before he knocked. "Neal, can we talk for a few minutes?" Peter asked carefully.
Neal opened the door; he had been in the process of changing out of his work clothes, his shirt was unbuttoned and hanging from his shoulders. "Well come in, it is your home I'm just staying here." Neal said moving backwards letting Peter come into the room. Peter walked into the room and closed the door behind him.
"El thinks that something is bothering you and that I should talk to you about your problems." He said taking a seat on the bed looking at the younger man who he learned at that very moment wasn't shy about removing his clothes in front of others.
Peter looked away as Neal changed he glanced in the mirror above the dresser. He looked away before he was caught "Neal what is wrong, your too quiet even for you." Peter said looking to see where Neal was.
The younger man was standing beside the bed wearing nothing but a pair of plaid pajama pants and his anklet showing from under the pant leg. "I'm going to turn in early I'm kind of tired." Neal said crawling toward the top of the bed and leaning against the pillows. He yawned and put his arm over his head. "Also I'm not keeping anything from you Peter so don't worry you can trust me." Neal said shifting around till he was comfortable.
Giving a small chuckle Peter stood up "I'll have El save some dinner for you if you get hungry later." He said as he left the room and turned the light off. Neal's mind buzzed with thoughts about Kate and how he needed to get his hands on the music box. He had planned on staying up longer but the feel of the blankets under him was starting to get to him. Neal started to drift off a few moments later despite the fact he was laying on top of the covers.
Elizabeth opened the door later to check on Neal and found him asleep on the guest bed she smiled and grabbed a few of the quilts from the hall closet and covered him up so he wouldn't get sick. When she left the room she could have sworn she heard Neal whimper in his sleep. Neal what won't you tell us… She asked herself as she closed the door quietly and went back to watching the movie with Peter.
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The days slid by at a snail's pace by Tuesday night Neal was pacing the living room he knew Peter had become suspicious of him over the last few days. Peter walked over and grabbed Neal by the forearms and forced him to stand still "Neal, there is something really bothering you and I'm not going to let you go until you tell me what is wrong."Peter said looking at the other man
Neal stood there and looked at Peter; he wanted to give Peter plausible deniability in the case but the look on his friend's face made Neal's self control buckle. Looking away for a moment he bit his lip. "It's Kate, she called me last Wednesday. I have to bring the music box to Belvedere castle tomorrow at quarter after twelve… the thing is… I don't actually have it. I never stole it. I just let everyone think I did." Neal confessed as he looked away from the man who currently had him captured by the arms.
Peter stood there and looked at Neal "So you were going to con your way into saving her life by using a forged music box that you probably made over the last three days with your friend." He said as he slowly let Neal go.
Neal sighed "So are you going to hand cuff me to my desk tomorrow or are you going to help me get her back?" Neal asked searching Peter's eyes to make sure he wasn't being lied to.
"You know you have me and the others, we would do anything to help you if you just asked. We're partners Neal; I would hope you would give me enough respect to tell me what was wrong."Peter said with a small smile. "Now tell me everything" Peter ordered as they sat on the couch together.
Both men spoke all night and into the early morning. By three Neal and Peter had finished two pots of coffee and had come up with ten different plans on how to approach the situation. "You know Peter; I think this plan might actually work. I can't believe I'm saying this but you are a genius." Neal said complementing the other man.
"Don't strain yourself; I know complementing me must be very hard for you." Peter said has he collected the coffee mugs and brought them into the kitchen to refill them. When he came back he set Neal's mug down in front of him.
When the morning light finally broke through the cloud cover that had blanketed the city over the night it looked like a scene out of a movie. Neal looked out the front window at the sky above; his stomach began to twist in knots. "Peter if anything goes wrong you have to promise me you'll make sure that Kate is safe" Neal said as he adjusted his tie.
The FBI agent just stood there " Nothing is going to happen to you as long as you just follow the plan" Peter warned as both men left the house and headed for the FBI building.
As they traveled down the busy city streets the rain had begun to fall over the bustling city. Peter turned the wipers on as they moved down the street. It was five after eight when they arrived in the office. Jones and the others were waiting. Peter didn't waste any time filling the other agents in on the plan. By nine thirty everyone was ready.
Neal was shocked to see how Lauren, Jones and six others had offered to help him. What really was the most shocking to the con man was when Hughes walked up to him and handed him a brand new bullet resistant vest. Neal looked at the clock, in just under three hours the plan would be put in action.
The rain outside had only gotten heavier as the seconds ticked by. When eleven rolled around the nine agents piled into their respective vehicles. Neal had been given Peter's keys and he had been given permission to drive to the meeting under the pretense that if he tried to run it would end up as a one way ticket back to prison. Neal drove carefully as made his way uptown.
By quarter past he arrived on Fifth Avenue, after parking Peter's car he made sure his jacket covered the body armor he was wearing. Neal locked the car doors and made his way into the park. He smirked when he saw that no one was around. He made his way into the castle and up the stairs toward the tower. As soon as Neal stepped on the bottom step of the tower a loud rumble of thunder filled the air.
With his hands in his pockets he felt the forged music box under his hand. Neal knew that it would fool a person who wasn't as skilled in art as he was for a very limited amount of time. Neal checked his watch as he stood on the lookout; Neal looked at the pond as the lightning flashed in the sky.
"Neal…" a soft voice called Neal spun around as fast as he could and looked at the young woman standing there in the rain. "Kate…" he said softly moving from the wall.
Kate stood there her hair plastered to her face and neck. She kept her ground as Neal walked closer to her. For a second Neal forgot to breathe. "Kate where is he?" Neal demanded. It was at that moment the sky lit up again revealing another figure walking up behind Kate.
Peter and the others were sitting in the dry truck just outside the park. Peter was glad that he had forced Neal to wear a wire and earwig along with his body armor. It was the only request he asked his partner to do. "Remember, we don't move unless he gives us the distress word or there is any sign he is in danger." He said as he listened to the audio through the headphones.
"Stop hiding Fowler I know it's you" Neal demanded as he pushed some hair off his face as he moved closer it was at that moment he stopped when he saw a silver gun come out of Fowler's pocket. Neal gave an inner reminder to himself to thank the others that they made him wear his vest.
Fowler moved from behind Kate "All right Caffrey hand it over and no one is going to be hurt. You wouldn't want to be responsible for a certain someone getting shot." He said chuckling though it was covered by a low rumble of thunder.
The con man reached into his pocket and pulled the music box out and held it in his hand. Backing up a bit he looked at the two in front of him. "Before I even think of handing this over I have to know Kate, did you leave to protect me or did you leave for the money?" Neal asked his voice was thick with harsh tone that could put a snake's venom to shame. Kate bit her lip as she paused before speaking. The moment of silence between them was killing Neal. "Neal…" Kate cut herself off she couldn't bring herself to tell him the truth.
Neal searched her eyes for the truth; the look in her eyes stabbed him deep in his heart. It stung him deeply when he played the recording for him but seeing the look in her eyes for himself hurt him more than anything in the world. His memories of them together flashed before his eyes as he stood there.
Peter grabbed the microphone to Neal's earwig and clicked it on and sighed softly to let Neal know he was going to speak. "Neal… you have to stick to the plan I know you're hurting right now but just concentrate, don't let your emotions get the best of you." He said softly hoping he would be the voice of reason to his partner at that moment.