Having deviated from my original story line, it took a bit longer than usual to complete this chapter. Usually stories are complete, and I just edit and polish each chapter as I go. I don't know how you folks write chapter by chapter: you are better writers and much more creative than I! After the next chapter, I should be mostly back on track. Thank you to all who are reading and reviewing.

I own nothing but the mistakes for which I accept all responsibility.

Chapter Ten

The only thing more surprising than Koffman's offer to let him attend the meet as Steve Tannenbaum was Peter's refusal of it. When Mozzie had appeared on his doorstep with the news of Neal's call, Peter had all intentions of insisting that Koffman let him attend the meet. He didn't think Koffman would like it, but he felt that he would be able to apply enough pressure to get his way in the end. After all, Neal had fallen into trouble under Koffman's watch, and Peter could tell that fact bothered the young agent. But now that he had learned that Neal wouldn't be attending the meet but had been left behind, injured, at another location, Peter wanted to be elsewhere. He wanted to be mobile; able to get to Neal the minute his location was revealed. It was for this reason he had declined the offer to be a part of the exchange and subsequent arrest of Jeffrey Jacobs.

Mozzie was in agreement with Peter's decision even though it meant that he would be working closely with another Suit. Once the decision had been made, Mozzie began to converse with Agent Koffman without a translator, instructing him on the finer points of portraying a paranoid millionaire while purchasing a stolen painting from a murderer. Regardless of how the man acquired such knowledge, listening to Mozzie was still an education. Peter had learned that already; Koffman was learning it now. It was very un-Mozzie-like for the man to speak so openly about his obvious experience in such matters. The words allegedly, theoretically and hypothetically had been used quite often. Peter realized that it was Mozzie's determination to help Neal that had overridden his aversion to working with what he referred to as the Suit Convention.

Peter had to give Koffman credit as well. After his initial protest about the phone call being taken at the Burke house, his concern had shifted from protocol to getting Neal back safety. That had prompted a hug from Elizabeth, much to the young agent's discomfort and made a difference in Mozzie's attitude toward him as well. As much as he wanted to nail Jacobs, he kept the focus on recovering Neal. To do so, he was willing to walk into an undercover operation with a man whose real name he didn't even know and who obviously had a questionable background. He hadn't asked how Mozzie knew the things he knew, or how he had access to a place like the one set for the meet. During the preparation, Koffman had dealt with Mozzie's strange habits remarkably well. He even patiently listened as Mozzie rattled on in the nervous way that only Mozzie could about conspiracy theories and covert operations.

After counting out his fifteen percent of the three million dollars and placing it in a separate bag-to make the payment process faster-Mozzie took the opportunity to educate Koffman on the painting they were supposed to be purchasing. Anyone buying the Portrait of Ahko, he explained, should know something about both the work and the man who painted it. Peter sighed heavily, already having experienced Mozzie's apparent passion on the subject.

Mozzie began in his usual dramatic way, "The story of Arshile Gorky is one of a life marred by tragedy that gave birth to artistic brilliance." With only forty-five minutes before the meet, Peter hoped it would be the abridged version. The story was a sad one; Peter had to admit. Abandoned by his father at the age of four, Gorky had lost his mother when he was only fifteen. At seventeen, he had found his way to America, changed his name and reinvented himself. Having little formal art training, the man had taught himself by copying masters such as Cézanne and Picasso. It was through his art that he expressed himself. His works found their way into many art shows, galleries, and museums.

"Neal has always been fascinated by Gorky," Mozzie continued, "I guess he kind of identified with him, especially with the loss of his parents." He zipped the last duffel bag containing the payment money. It had taken three to hold three million dollars. "It hard for a kid to have to start over on his own like that."

Koffman's look held curiosity; Peter knew he was wondered why Neal would identify with the artist. Peter could see many reasons. Neal had been in essence without parents from an early age and completely on his own by eighteen. Like Gorky, he had changed his name and reinvented himself, starting a new life on his own. Unfortunately, although he too expressed himself through his painting and possessed the skill to be an artist, he had chosen a different use for his talent. His works, which Peter was certain hung in many galleries, where under someone else's name. Neal, too, had copied the masters; but as a forger.

"So Caffrey identified with the man?" Koffman directed his question to the bald man, inviting him to elaborate. Caffrey's brilliant mind had landed him the opportunity to serve out a prison sentence working for the FBI, but there was obviously more to the man than that. It took more than criminal brilliance and a winning smile to earn a place in the family of your FBI handler. Not to mention earning the trust of someone like Mozzie, who trusted no one.

"Neal has sympathy for people who start their lives without parents," Mozzie met Peter's eyes, "We both do."

"Yeah, I can see that about him," Koffman nodded, remembering his first meeting with Neal Caffrey. He looked at Peter, "It was when I told him about the boys that he was determined to be a part of the operation."

Peter had known that was the turning point as well; he had seen the look in Neal's eyes and the almost imperceptible way he clenched his jaw. It wasn't the first time that Peter had seen Neal become emotionally invested in cases involving parents and children. Especially fathers and sons. It was one of the few things that shook the usually unflappable CI.

"I've told Neal its okay that he and Gorky have similar talents and starting places," Mozzie remarked, "as long as their endings are different."

At Peter's questioning look, he explained, "He hung himself in despair at the age of forty-four. In spite of his efforts and his talents nothing ever went right for the man." Mozzie shrugged, "I told you before, Suit, a tragic figure."

"Well, Neal Caffrey isn't going to become a tragic figure on my watch," Koffman said firmly. He looked at Peter, "You ready?" At Peter's affirmative nod, he gaze found Mozzie.

"Okay, Mr. Haversham," He picked up two of the duffels and Mozzie, following his lead, picked up the other, "Let go buy a painting."

"Not just a painting," Mozzie corrected, "A Gorky."