Chapter Seven


When we got back, Peter called everyone to order. "Some of you have heard about Neal's reveal at the bust. Right now, I need you to ignore that and complete the paper work, and then at five, we'll have an explanation from him. That way, those of you who will be distracted, will have the work done and the evening free to think about it."

The team went to work with the promise of an explanation later. Peter already knew the basics, so he went to work doing his part towards closing the case against James. Since I was the victim and not allowed to help, I was detailed back to cold cases.

While I was working, there were a lot of curious glances cast my way, but I ignored them as their questions would be answered later.


As the time was drawing nearer, a visitor arrived.

Surprised, I was taken off guard. "Sara? What brings you in from London?"

Sarah, Chuck, and Peter were paying particular attention to us, but I didn't know why.

Since I stood up in surprise upon her entrance, she threw her arms around me and held on as she talked. "A local position opened up due to a sudden death and the boss transferred me back, so I am in the city again. When I came to fill out the paperwork, I ran into Elizabeth and she filled me in on some of what was going on. I visited, but you were out of it with fever, so you probably don't remember our conversation." There were tears in her voice as she continued. "You were hurt so bad… they said that you had died Neal! Who did that to you?"

Pulling her closer, I told her. "James."

She pushed back away from me in shock. "Your father did that to you?"

"Yes, and he was arrested for it this morning. By the way, I'm only referring to him as James now." I'm not sure if she caught the second part because she was crying and furious.

Ushering her down the hall, I took her to an empty room in the back and let her yell and cry her emotions out in private.

When she was done, she stopped to freshen up before walking back to the office with me. It was five o'clock, so I invited her to listen to my announcement.

"What else do you have to reveal today... I doubt you could top that unless it was something like you secretly being an agent."

Smirking at her flippant remark, I walked up the stairs to stand by Peter. With a wave, he gave me the floor so I began by pulling out my badge. Those who saw what it was gasped and I began my story. "It's time to share the truth of my past. When I was eighteen, I actually went to college…"

As I told the story, it was interesting to watch the expressions play over my audience's faces. Sara looked even more interested in talking, Sarah was watching her and giving me looks, Diana and Jones seemed to recognize the name Bryce so they had expressions of respect, and the rest of the team seemed to be rather surprised and unsure of what to think.

Once I was finished, the room hit me with questions. 'Why did I agree to do such a dangerous operation?' 'Was this a promotion or a demotion?' The question that I didn't immediately know the answer to was how things were going to proceed in the future.

Peter stepped forward and answered for me. "He continues to do his own paperwork as we know he is trained for it. The anklet and criminal record are already closed with his transfer, but he can use the Caffrey alias when needed. As a fellow agent, he will be carrying a badge, weapons, and a full range work load like anyone else on the team. His desk is the same and he is officially my partner now. Also, he said there will be some minor personality changes, interests introduced, and some other noticeable differences as he won't be playing his character anymore."

That started a whole new conversation on me verses the character Caffrey had been. They were relieved to learn that I was mostly myself with them.

With the reveal done, most of the team made their way home. Walking back down the stairs, I watched Sara and the main White Collar team. Jones and Diana welcomed me to the agency and made a few comments. Then Diana tried coming up with a new threat, but decided to work on it, while Jones invited me to a technology conference that was coming up. As they were leaving, Sara stepped up and slapped me.

"That's for lying to me the whole time." Then she kissed my cheek. "And that's for making it worth it."

While everyone laughed, Sarah and Chuck gave me looks that they approved of Sara.

Rolling my eyes at them, I tried to ignore their efforts at match making only to be caught up in Peter's.

"Welcome back Sara. Why don't you and Neal join Elizabeth, Chuck, Sarah, and I for dinner tonight? Neal should tell El in person, and you're welcome to join."

Chuck and Sarah weren't surprised, so they were in on the ploy.

They could all read the expression on my face, but Sara agreed to what was essentially a triple date.

Shaking my head at the others, I turned to Sara. "I think you noticed their goal… You don't have to if you don't want to." It had been a while, and she might not be interested anymore, so I gave her an out just in case.

For a few moments, she looked me over and tried to determine if I wanted her to take the out, or if I was just being courteous in offering it. Since my expression left the choice to her, she said, "I'm game if you are?" She was extending the offer of an out if I wanted it.

"I'm game too." Looking at her, I wondered if we were just talking dinner, or if we were dating again. We would have to talk about that.

Focusing back on the conversation, I was embarrassed to hear Sara exchanging contact information with Sarah and joking. "So, you're also his ex-girlfriend… we should talk." Standing in awkward silence, I didn't know what to do with that.

Peter and Chuck snickered while Sara and Sarah exchanged grins.

"I might have some stories for you." Sarah gave me a devious smile.

Fortunately, Peter took pity on me as there had been a lot going on lately. "How about we all freshen up and regroup at the restaurant. It's nice, but not dressy, and I'll text you the address."

We split up with Chuck and Sarah going their way, Peter went home, and I got a taxi with Sara.

As we rode along, I decided to broach the date subject. "Do you want me to pick you up?"

It was a little awkward now that we were alone again. "Sure, we could go to my place first so you'll know the address."

I agreed to the arrangement and tried to figure out how to ask further into the subject. "So that conversation…"

"Yeah they seemed pretty determined." She looked like she felt uncomfortable. Was she reacting to pressure?

"I'm sorry. We don't have to do this if you don't want to." I tried to hide my hurt, but saw her flinch anyway.

"No, I want to. It's been a while since I've seen the Burkes, and it would be interesting to meet your friends… unless you don't want me to come, or if this seems too much like a date to you?" I had hurt her.

Sighing, I reached out and took her hand. "That doesn't bother me at all. I meant that I didn't know if our conversation was just about dinner, or if there was more to it. Were you talking about more than just dinner?"

Widening her eyes, she hadn't expected that. "Not intentionally… were you?"

"No, but I'm not adverse to the possibilities. I'm not undercover anymore, so I can be myself entirely instead of holding back aspects, or pretending to be what I'm not." It was out there, so I waited on bated breath to see how she would react.

"It's still weird to know that you're actually an agent, and going by one your legal names instead of your birth name." Looking down at our intertwined hands, she was lost in reflection for a moment. "Yes. I would like to get to know you for yourself, and my boss seems open to me staying in the city."

Letting out my air, I smiled and leaned over to kiss her cheek, but she turned and reciprocated for a moment.


That night the six of us went to dinner and had a great time, despite the teasing. Elizabeth was surprised to hear that I am an agent and was interested in knowing more about my real history. Everyone had plenty of questions for me, but after a while I was tired of being the focus.

Changing the subject, I asked about how Chuck and Sarah were doing, what Sara had going with her new position, and what the Burkes had in mind now that they were staying in the city.

After dinner, I dropped Sara back at her place before going home to talk to June. We rearranged my lease, and she insisted that I bring my personal things in and make it my own.


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