A Reason to Live
Disclaimer: White Collar belongs to Jeff Eastin and USA network.
A/N: as usual, please review and let me know what you think!
Chapter 7
"Amber, this is very important. You said that this happened seven years ago, correct?"
"Yes, that's right."
"Ok. After you had gone out with Neal several times you said you took him on a tour of the Rijksmuseum. What did you show him?"
"I just took him through all the exhibits, we met Dad's friend who worked in security and exchanged pleasantries. I swear I didn't tell him anything security related. I would never do that, I loved my job. Neal seemed very interested in the museum, and his knowledge of art always impressed me. That was one of the things I just loved about him."
Peter noted that she looked a bit embarrassed after she said that. Neal certainly had a way with women.
"Did you ever see Neal painting? Anything that would have made you suspect that he might be forging something to take to the museum?"
"Well, he always loved to sketch, he made several of me that I've kept, but nothing that ever made me suspicious. He and my dad got along very well, until…well, I had always assumed they just had a common interest in art. I had no idea what they had in mind, until one day I was at home in my room. I had called in sick that day, but I never told Dad. I just stayed in my room. Neal came over and he and my Dad started talking about the paintings in the Rijksmuseum. Neal said that he wanted to help and they started discussing museum security and which paintings would be the easiest to steal, but yet worth the most money. I couldn't hear all the details; they weren't talking loud enough, but I'm sure they never knew I was there."
"Did you actually see Neal?"
"No, I never came out of my room. I didn't want them to know I was there. I was so mad at my Dad and Neal. I had trusted both of them. Several days later I told Neal I couldn't see him anymore because I knew what he was going to do. He never asked me how I found out. I told Dad's friend in security what I thought would happen, but he must have been in on it, because nothing was ever done. The museum never reported the robbery. I didn't know if they even knew. It wasn't too long after I had overheard the conversation and broke up with Neal that Dad told me we needed to move out of the country. I asked him why and he said we could never come back, he seemed very upset about it. I assumed that meant he and Neal had been successful, but that someone knew and was chasing us. We moved from place to place, and Dad and I both had jobs here and there to keep food on the table. I know he kept stealing, just to provide for us. I thought it was strange, because Dad had assured me that we were about to have a better life. He wouldn't tell me directly, but I knew why. I don't know what happened, but we never got the windfall of money that he and Neal had discussed. He never spoke of Neal again, so I assumed that Neal had taken off with the painting and didn't give my dad his share of the money. I didn't even know Dad still had it until I was going through his things, and it brought back all of these painful memories. I hope you understand…I had to tell someone."
"Is there any evidence you might still have that would tie Neal to this theft? Anything at all?"
"I know he did it Agent Burke and I know my Dad was with him. I just can't tell you when they did it. I don't have anything in writing. I never actually filed a written report at the museum. I thought it would look bad to write a report accusing your father and your boyfriend of conspiring to rob a museum; I couldn't do it. I loved both of them too much. Please understand. I don't have anything else except the pictures Neal drew of me."
"Why are you here Ms. Van Nuys? Is it just to tell me about the painting, or are you looking for Neal as well?"
"I've never tried looking for him Agent Burke. I wouldn't know what to say to him if I did, but I'm sure it was because of him that my father and I had to leave the Netherlands. I just can't prove anything."
"I can't prosecute him on this evidence Ms. Van Nuys. It's all hearsay…all circumstantial. I need something physical that will tie him to the crime; otherwise it's your word against his."
"I'm sorry I can't be of more help in that regard. I just didn't want anyone to think that I had anything to do with the theft of this painting. I want it returned to the museum as soon as possible. I wanted to tell someone the truth, but I didn't know if there was anything that could be done after all these years."
"It's no wonder you two never worked out."
"Excuse me? I'm not sure what you meant."
"I'm sorry, I was just in awe. It is so seldom that I actually get to speak with a person that wants to tell the truth and doesn't have ulterior motives. I tracked Mr. Caffrey myself for several years and I can assure you, he is quite the charmer. Please don't feel guilty that you were under his spell."
"I won't. Thank you again Agent Burke. It has been a pleasure speaking with you. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. Here's my card."
Peter reached out to take the card and shook her hand.
"My pleasure, Ms. Van Nuys. Thank you for coming in. Do you know the way out?"
"Yes, I'll be fine, thank you."
Amber Van Nuys turned and left Peter's office feeling an immense weight lifted off her chest.
##
Neal was fuming as he rode the elevator back up to the 21st floor. How of all times, did this case suddenly appear on Peter's desk? After all these years, it still made Neal feel guilty. He reminded himself that Van Nuys had turned on him; he was just fortunate he had escaped at all. Neal pushed through the double glass doors and saw a woman of medium height with long dark hair shaking Peter's hand. As she turned, Neal gasped in recognition…it couldn't be. He wasted no time darting to the left to hide in the file shelving. He absorbed himself in finding a case file he didn't need while his eyes, concealed beneath his fedora, carefully observed the lady that was just leaving.
##
"Thought I might find you here."
Peter scared Neal so bad that Neal literally jumped. The file he had been holding fluttering to the ground.
"A little jumpy aren't we?"
"Still not helping, Peter!"
"From the look on your face, I'd say you recognized the lady that just left my office."
Peter looked Neal straight in the eye, daring him to lie.
"She may or may not have looked familiar."
"She came here to tell the truth Neal, something you might want to consider doing before I personally haul your butt back to jail based on her story."
"She couldn't possibly have had any evidence on me."
"You really believe you are that good, don't you?"
"Could we maybe talk about this in a more private area, say like your office?"
"Neal, this is the FBI, all the walls have ears."
"Point well taken."
"We can talk in my office with the door closed."
"I didn't say I wanted the door closed Peter. I don't need you trying to kill me twice in the same week. I'd like an escape route."
"So you admit there might be something worth killing you over?"
"I'd say there is a distinct possibility and I'm definitely not drunk or on medication this time."
"You know, I told you that I had considered it once or twice, well, it's looking like the third time might be the charm."
