White Collar: The Nightingale
Chapter twenty-one
The next evening all of Chinatown was in the streets celebrating. Neal wasn't exactly sure what they were celebrating, but it involved a lot of bright costumes, food, and fireworks. Neal did his best to keep from attracting attention to himself by wearing black pants with a matching silk shirt. However there were not many non-Asians at the festival which did earn him the occasional stare.
Neal held his jacket casually in his hand with the Nightingale katana concealed inside. Getting the sword had not been easy, and if everything didn't go perfectly tonight Neal knew he risked losing everything. Taking a deep breath to calm himself Neal slipped through the crowd of the increasingly drunk inhabitants of Chinatown.
A twenty foot paper dragon puppet being controlled by over a dozen men came running down the street. The men inside ran back and forth so that the colorful puppet moved like a snake. It had moving eyelids covered in sparkles that it flashed at the cheering crowd. Several men started doing acrobatic backflips along side the dragon. Neal couldn't tell if they were part of the act or just random participates from the crowd.
"Do you know why the Nightingale's song is so mournful?"
Neal spun around at the sound of the familiar voice. Mozzie had snuck up behind him. Neal furrowed his brow at Mozzie's choice of wardrobe. He had a large rick picker type straw hat to cover his face with a bright red silk pants and matching shirt with golden dragons embroidered into them.
"Mozzie, I said to try and 'blend in', not 'dress like a road flare'."
"Look around you, Neal. You're the only one in all black around here. Makes you look suspicious."
"Whatever. Did you find me a place to do this?"
"You mean to get yourself killed? Yeah, I'm all over it."
"Zhang isn't going to kill me."
"You don't know that. He already tried once."
"No, he hired someone to do it for him. He's very careful to keep his own hands clean when it comes to blood. He had every chance in the world to kill me himself and he didn't."
"I still say this is crazy. I can't believe you have the sword. Peter..."
"Don't worry about Peter." Neal interrupted sharply.
"You're right, I should be busy worrying about you. Are you sure about this?"
"Not really, but I'm all out of choices."
"Neal..."
"Mozzie, do you have a location or do I have to pick some place at random?"
"Right this way." Mozzie sighed.
Mozzie lead Neal through the streets of Chinatown towards the fish markets. The scent of low tide hung heavy in the air. All of the shops and warehouses were closed due to the festival. They passed through the market area and traveled uphill until they came to a traditional ornate Taoist temple.
"A temple? Mozzie, there will be people in there."
"This one is closed for renovations, it opens next week. No one will be here. It's perfect. Lot of exits, a upper half story to watch Zhang from, plenty of places for your back up to hide."
"Back up? No way, Mozzie. You're not staying. This will be just fine. I'll get in contact with you when I'm safe."
"Can I say something for the record?"
"Sure, Moz."
"This is the stupidest thing you've ever done and I disagree with it one hundred percent."
"Thanks for your support, Moz." Neal said drily.
"You do realize that once you do this there is absolutely no going back?"
"That thought crossed my mind." Neal admitted.
"I hope you know what you're doing Neal."
"So do I."
Mozzie hesitated to leave, but eventually Neal chased him away. Neal looked around to make sure he wasn't being followed before stepping up to the large temple. The lock on the hand carved double doors was not difficult to pick and he left it unlocked as he stepped in. The interior was breathtaking in detail even though it still had large sheets of plastic hanging in places to protect the art work during the renovations.
Making his way to the main room Neal studied the large statue of the Jade Emperor, the ruler of Heaven, and all realms of existence below. The Taoist deity was sitting cross legged on a dais that held a deep sand box for setting and lighting incense in. Bright red silk sheets hung from the exposed rafters swayed slightly from a breeze that blew in from a high open window. With the subdued lighting the temple had a very mystical feel to it.
Other statues, boxes of work equipment, plastic sheeting, and hallways leading off in different directions made the temple a perfect labyrinth. Neal looked around for the best place to set himself up and decided that behind the statue of Guan Yin, Goddess of Mercy, would be best. He would have a chance to see Zhang long before he saw him. It had just turned ten o'clock when Neal's phone rang.
"Hello, Zhang." Neal greeted.
"So Agent Burke does remember me."
"Of course."
"You impress me, Caffrey." Zhang said honestly.
"How so?"
"It can't be easy to steal from F.B.I evidence, but it made front page news today."
"It just took a signal act of sleight of hand to get Peter's access card, he sends me on errands so often that no one questioned me signing out a piece of evidence."
"So they just let you walk out with the sword?" Zhang asked doubtfully.
"Basically. I know every exit out of that building and once in the city I'm impossible to find if I don't want to be."
"I'm surprised that Burke hadn't already slapped a new tracking anklet on you."
"I think he was feeling sorry for me."
"I'm sure he regrets that now."
"Are you interested in the sword or not?" Neal hissed.
"I am. Where would you like to do this?"
"The closed Taoist Temple on Kwun Street. Be here in exactly one hour."
"Who was your friend in the bright red?" Zhang asked casually. "I don't think I recognize that one."
"Had eyes on me the instant I stepped into Chinatown, didn't you?"
"Of course. I needed to be sure you were alone."
"You let him leave unharmed I hope."
"He's back at the festival. I however have one change to the plan."
"No changes, I've wrapped the sword in my jacket, the pockets of which are full of thermite. Anything goes wrong and I'll melt the sword into a puddle."
"I simply want to get this transaction over quickly. I can be at the temple in fifteen minutes. I don't want any blood shed. The money you are asking for is nothing to me."
"Come on in, stand in front of the Jade Emperor."
"Yes. He will judge out actions and ensure peace." Zhang said seriously.
"If you are not alone, if I sense any kind of betrayal I will ignite the thermite and disappear."
"I know you are not a killer, Caffrey. I feel perfectly safe making this transaction with you."
"I wish I could say the same."
"Once you get a taste of true freedom you will thank me for all I have done for you."
"Right...I'll send you a card."
Neal hung up his phone and slipped it into his pocket. He pulled the sword out of his jacket and stared at it. He'd been lying about the thermite, but it seemed like a believable bluff. The only thing in his pockets were some fireworks that would give off the appearance of thermite if he needed a distraction to escape.
Hidden behind the large statue Neal waited for Zhang to approach. He feared that his pounding heart was going to give away his hiding place from all the noise it was making. True to his word fifteen minutes later Zhang entered the temple. He was dressed in a fine tailored suit with a thin blood red tie. He had two briefcases with him which he brought up to the statue and placed them down on the floor. Without being asked he opened them and took a step back. Neal peered out form behind the statue to see the one case full of cash and the other stuffed with the bonds and gems he'd asked for.
"I've shown you mine." Zhang announced as he closed the cases. "Now show yourself."
Neal silently pulled the Nightingale out of its sheath and stepped out into the open with the blade drawn. Zhang turned around and smiled brightly as Neal approached. Neal got close enough to bring the sword point to rest on Zhang's stomach where he himself had been shot. Zhang showed no fear. Neal sheathed the sword once again and was about to hand it to Zhang when he heard the familiar click of a gun being cocked.
"F.B.I." Peter growled darkly. "Turn around, slowly, bring your hands up where I can see them."
Zhang and Neal turned in the direction of Peter's voice. Peter stepped out from the archway from the main entrance. He had his gun drawn, but was not aiming at either one of them in particular. Neal had never seen him looking so angry before.
"A transaction has not yet occurred. I have done nothing illegal." Zhang said calmly as he turned and laced his hands behind his head. "No jury wil..."
"I'm not here for you Zhang," Peter trained his gun on Neal.
"Peter..."
"Put the sword down, Caffrey." Peter demanded.
"Peter, it's not what you think..."
"How stupid do you think I am?" Peter snarled.
"Stupid enough to come here alone." Zhang pointed out.
"Peter, just go home." Neal begged. "Please. Just walk away."
"Not a chance you ungrateful traitor. I trusted you!"
"He is only being true to himself." Zhang chuckled.
"Shut it, Zhang." Peter spat.
"My son's blood was not enough for you? You'd gun me down as well?"
"Only if I have to." Peter said honestly. "Put the sword down Neal, I'm not going to ask again."
"Okay, Peter, just...just calm down." Neal said holding his free hand up in a placating manner.
As Neal bent down to place the sword on the floor Zhang casually pulled up on the collar of his jacket slightly. The shift in Zhang's jacket gave Neal a view of the small hand gun tucked into the back of his pants. He had known from the start that there was no way that Zhang would come without a gun. Neal put the sword down on the floor. As he stood back up he slipped his hand under Zhang's jacket and grabbed the gun.
Peter took a step back in shock as Neal drew out the gun and pointed it at him. Zhang smiled to himself and took a small step to the side to make sure he was out of the line of any cross fire. With his eyes wide with fear Neal suddenly found himself panting for breath making it difficult to keep the gun steady.
"Peter, you have to let me go. I'm not going to ask twice."
"Easy, Neal...easy." Peter tried to defuse the situation. "This isn't you, just calm down."
"I'm sorry, Peter, I can't face a life sentence. The first four years almost killed me."
"So you're going to shoot me?"
"If...if I have to." Neal stammered.
"I don't believe that." Peter said softly as he relaxed his aim. "I am going to put my gun down, I want you to do the same."
"Peter..."
Peter slowly took one hand off his gun and flicked the safety on as he switched his grip on it. Neal kept his weapon trained on Peter's heart even as Peter was placing the gun on the floor. Standing back up Peter held his hands up to show that he wasn't a threat. Neal trembled slightly, but kept his deadly aim.
"Put the gun down, Neal." Peter said softly. "Don't make this any worse than it already is."
"You will never escape him..." Zhang whispered to Neal. "He has all he needs to place you in a cage for the rest of your life."
"No." Neal shook his head.
"Nea..."
Peter was cut off by the sharp crack of gunfire as Neal jerked back on the trigger. Caught dead center in the chest Peter was thrown backwards and hit the floor. Frozen in shock Neal still had the gun raised as the dust and smoke slowly cleared. Horrified he scrambled backward, tripping over the sand box for the incense. Sitting down hard in the sand Neal stared at the pool of red that was spreading under Peter.
"Wha...what have I done?"
"You've chosen a side. Congratulations." Zhang chuckled. "I wish you luck in your future life, Neal Caffrey. Keep the money as my gift to you for killing the man who slaughtered my son."
Zhang knelt down and picked up the Nightingale sword. He glanced at Peter before leaving. Still sitting in the sand Neal heard the doors closing behind Zhang. He waited a few more minutes before getting to his feet and walking over to Peter. Sprawled out on the floor Peter was perfectly still. Despite the protest his injured side made Neal knelt down next to him and smiled.
"He's gone, Peter. You okay?"
"Ow..." Peter moaned.
"Come on, sit up."
Neal helped Peter sit up. Peter shook his head and looked down at the bright red dye that stained his ruined shirt. Ripping the shirt open he pulled off the plastic bag filled with fake blood that the bullet had ripped through and then dug the slug out of the kevlar vest that he was wearing underneath. Peter looked up at Neal.
"For someone who doesn't like guns it's a damn good thing that you're a good shot."
"You were twenty feet away, I couldn't miss."
"Still felt like getting hit by a truck." Peter complained as he rubbed at his sore chest.
"The point is that Zhang bought it. He thinks your dead and that I'm on the run. He'll feel perfectly safe going ahead with whatever deal he has planed with the sword."
"Hopefully the tracking device inside the Nightingale doesn't get discovered."
"It took a master sword maker to take it apart and put it together again. He won't risk damaging it. It worked perfectly, he will lead us right to whatever he is doing and also to Hsing."
"I can't believe I let you talk me into this."
"Zhang is planing something big, we both know arresting him won't stop it. My fear is that Hsing isn't the only one Zhang has bought and sold."
"Let's go nail the bastard."
Neal tried to help Peter to his feet but the pain in his side wouldn't allow it. In the end it was Peter who got up first and had to help Neal up. He went over to the cases and opened the one with the bonds and gem stones. Neal ran his hands over the precious stones as Peter came over.
"Pretty." Peter approved.
"I was hoping the Sapphire Waterfall would be here."
"It's not?"
"No. In fact a lot of these stones don't look real."
"If you can't trust an organized crime lord, who can you trust."
"Yeah." Neal chuckled.
Neal closed the case and picked it up. Peter took the case with the cash and they headed towards one of the back exits. Peter radioed to Diana and Jones to make sure everything was clear. The whole team had been in place early in the day to keep Zhang from suspecting anything. The show with Mozzie was all for Zhang's benefit since they knew that Neal would be tailed the instant he entered Chinatown. Before they stepped out of the temple Neal reached out and stopped Peter.
"Peter, I just wanted to say thank you."
"For what?"
"For agreeing to my plan."
"As crazy as it sounds it was the best way to find out what Zhang is really up to and stop him."
"Still it took an amazing amount of trust and faith in me for you to allow me to shoot you."
"You make it sound like this was first time my life was in your hands."