Everything Old is New Again

Chapter One

Who let the dogs out

Trying to concentrate on a recon meeting, Agent Peter Burke was distracted by a small rubber band ball moving up and down to his left. Getting frustrated, he said in a controlled voice, "Neal, do you really need to do that now?"

The meeting was threatening to become boring, Neal just wanted Peter to get on with the case. Grinning impishly, Neal knew his mission was accomplished. Peter would now try to get the meeting done a bit quicker. His smile slowly curved to a frown, he stopped throwing the ball and feigned the look of a reprimanded little boy.

Feeling guilty, Peter said, "Why do you keep doing that?"

The smile returning, Neal flipped the ball again with one hand. "It's an old trick I was taught to keep the fingers limber. Keeps me in condition to be the best possible CI I can be for our next case." Catching the ball, he gave Peter a faux salute.

Sighing in resignation Peter said, "You mean the art theft cases." The moment he saw the file, Peter knew Neal would be anxious to work on this case.

He addressed the four agents in the room. Each had a folder opened to the specifics of the case. "As I was saying, the past nine months there has been seven robberies of art galleries in several large cities. In those robberies, they only take paintings done by old masters. Unfortunately, the thieves are not above using guns, the last robbery four people were killed. We've received a reliable tip that New York may be hit next."

Several books lay on the table. They were opened to pictures of painted masterpieces. Sitting on an easel in the room was a painting that Neal had done.

Walking up to the painting, Peter looked at the corner, he was happy to see it was signed, Neal Caffery. "Neal was gracious enough to bring in a painting that he had done to show us the quality of the paintings that have been stolen."

Neal happily stepped up to the painting. He was proud to show off his work. "Johannes Vermeer's most famous painting, Girl with a pearl earring. It is estimated that he painted it in 1665. He is well known for his use of light in his work. Vermeer was also known for using very expensive pigments in his paintings. Most old masters made their own pigments, that's why it's so difficult to paint a perfect copy today."

Jones stared at the painting. "She's got no eyebrows, is she related to the Mona Lisa?"

Neal was in his glory. Finally, they were talking about something that was close to his heart. "Some feel that the lack of eyebrows and solid background was Vermeer's idea of an intangible face."

Glancing at the books on the table, Diana asked Neal, "Have you painted any of them?"

Neal fondly recalled the paintings that he had done in the past. "Everyone was a joy to paint and ste…" Seeing a flash of anger run across Peter's eyes, he added, "Painted strictly as a recreational capacity."

Peter slowly nodded his head, "Better be." Staring at the painting, Peter was reminded that his CI was not an ordinary conman. His talents were many. The Degas he painted was the best that he'd ever seen. Even Kramer remarked how Neal's painting was a perfect forgery.

"I've always meant to ask," Jones said, "Being a conman, what got you into painting?"

Neal's eyes fondly smiled as he recalled the man that taught him how to paint. "My teacher was the finest painter of his time. He was known as Le Peintre. It's French for 'The painter'."

Peter's eyes grew wide in new admiration for Neal. "Neal, you know Le Peintre?"

"Who's Peintre?" Jones asked.

"Twenty years ago," Diana said. "He was the best art forger in the world. Everyone knew his name, but no one knew what he looked like. He would paint masterpieces and exchange them for the originals. There was also a rumor that he sold forged paintings for a high price. He's never been caught. He's elusive as a ghost."

"A ghost that created some of the best forgeries of old paintings," Peter said.

"Ten years ago," Diana said. "He just seemed to drop off the map, no more thefts." Getting curious looks, Diana said, "What? I did a thesis on him."

Peter knew the name well, Le Peintre was a legend in the agency. "I can't believe you actually know him, Neal."

Seeing a look of surprise and respect run across Peter's face, Neal told them a little more about Le Peintre. "I met him just as I was getting started. He realized that I had a talent for painting. He taught me everything I know." His blue eyes flashed with pride, as he said, "Before I left him, he said that I had surpassed the master." Sadly smiling he said, "He was the best."

"Well, the skills he taught you will definitely come in handy in this case," Peter admitted.

"Perhaps to handy," Reese Hughes said from the doorway. Neal quickly hid the rubber ball in a pocket. Hughes stared at Neal's painting. Wearing his usual frown, he nodded to Peter, "Peter, can I speak with you for a moment?"

"Yes, sir," Peter said. "The meeting is done. Jones, Diana, Neal, we'll be leaving in an hour."

Entering Hughes room, Peter closed the door. Hughes was sitting at his desk. "Peter," Reese said, as he Impatiently tapped a pencil's eraser on the desk. "After stealing the Pascal, I'm not sure making Caffery a part of this sting is a good idea."

Once again Peter saw the distrust Hughes had for Neal. "Sir, we already proved that he was being blackmailed by Kincaid. Remember, he did call me right after he handed it to her."

Once again Hughes saw Peter jump to protect Caffery. "Peter, it's not just that, he's still on thin ice after fleeing to the island. The bureau is keeping a close eye on everything he does. Some believe that this art theft case may even be of his own doing."

"Someone being Kramer, sir?" Peter hoped Kramer had backed off on trying to bring Neal to Washington and work for him. Even after he was given a pardon for helping to get Mcleish, he realized that his old boss wasn't about to give up on taking his CI.

"Sir, you and I know that Neal doesn't like guns. He is not and never has been a killer. I can say this as a fact, he is not a part of these robberies."

"I still have reservations," Hughes said, with a slap of his pencil on the desk. "Since you already know Kramer's feelings about Caffery, I had a conversation with another old coworker of yours, a soon to be retiring coworker."

"Rory Sullivan," Peter quickly replied. When Peter was in Washington, one of his coworkers was Sullivan. They never got along. Peter didn't like the way he handled their arrests. It wasn't surprising to find some of the men he arrested to have bruises. "I heard he was retiring. I can't believe he's actually doing it."

"Budget cuts are hitting everyone hard. He's supposed to retire in three months. Word on the wire is he either had to retire with a benefit package now or be busted down to desk jockey with a drastic pay cut until he reaches retirement age. Anyway, Sullivan is here. He said Kramer told him he's sure that Caffery has something to do with the paintings being stolen. Kramer also mentioned how Caffery's forgeries are the best he's ever seen." He pointed to the meeting room. "Case in point." Peter knew he meant the painting that Neal brought in. "Kramer said the Degas was perfect, to perfect."

Now Peter was confused. "What do you mean by that, sir?"

Hughes leaned back in his chair. "The painting is why Sullivan is here. He said that the Degas is missing. Someone stole it right from under their noses. Not a single clue was left as to who did it. The reason Caffrey isn't in cuffs and on his way to Kramer right now is because it happened when he was working with you. There was no way he could have been in Washington at the same time."

"Sir, why would he even steal the Degas? He could just..."

Looking uneasy, Hughes said, "I know, Peter. Paint another one."

Once Keller kidnapped Elizabeth, Hughes had to admit, Neal did something that most CIs would never do. He risked his life to save her. When Peter told him that Neal was willing to take the blame and confess to taking the NAZI treasure, he agreed to let Keller take the credit instead. He had to admit, Neal was not like most CI's. But his years of experience told him that it's hard for a thief to change their old ways. He felt that the thief in Caffery would always be there.

"Look, other than the deaths, what makes you think that Caffery has nothing to do with this new case?"

"Since returning from the island Neal has worked hard on getting back our trust in him. I stand by what I said at his commutation hearing, treat him like a criminal and he's going to act like one. Before I testified, he told me that he was going to step off that elevator Monday morning with or without the anklet. I was the one that gave him the signal to run when Kramer was going to use a trumped-up charge to take him to Washington, permanently. That one's on me, I was willing to pay the price and I did, I served my penance.

Sir, all you have to do is look at what he's done since he's come back. Neal saved Ms. Covington twice and risked his life to stop Mailer from taking her money. He earned our trust that day, sir. He wouldn't risk all that he's done by stealing some paintings. I promise you, I'll keep a very close eye on him. You also have to admit, he's the best man for this case."

Hughes read the file. They received a tip that someone was selling old master paintings. Something that they all knew was Caffery's specialty. They needed to know if any of them were the paintings that had been stolen. Hughes knew that Caffery was one of the top conmen out there. That's what made him the best CI he's ever seen. But Kramer told him that he wouldn't put it past Caffery to try something so soon after getting back into the good graces of white collar. He needed to know who was right, Kramer or Peter.

Hughes leaned forward and placed his arms on his desk. "Sullivan is going to be in on this investigation." Hughes held up his hand as he saw Peter ready to protest. "I don't want to hear it, Peter. He's coming with you as an observer. Sullivan said Kramer is still after Caffrey's ass, Sullivan's words not mine. Kramer want's Caffery watched like a hawk until this is over, and I agree. Now you'll do as I say, or I'll bust you down to coffee boy and Caffery's going back to jail. We've had budget cuts too. Got it?"

Peter nodded his head. "Yes sir, my ass and Neal's are on the line, again. I got it, sir."

Standing up Hughes waved him off. "Then go, have Caffery meet with these dealers. Hopefully, he'll bring us back some info on who's been stealing these paintings. Four people have already lost their lives. That's four to many. They need to be stopped."

"I agree, sir. We'll find out one way or another."

Leaving Hughes office, Peter saw Neal leaning on the railing of the balcony with Diana. He was throwing his rubber band ball from hand to hand. "Did I get you into trouble again?" Neal asked Peter.

"Since working with you, it's something I've learned to expect," Peter said. Leaning close to Neal he said, "Kramer sent an agent to keep an eye on you. His name is Rory Sullivan. Apparently, Kramer still wants your ass. Sullivan's words, not mine."

"He spoke to me earlier, Boss," Diana said. "Asked a lot of questions about Neal."

"I used to work with him in Washington. The job is his life, or it was. He's here to be Kramer's eyes and ears." Peter shook his head. "I never liked him. Someone always ended up 'accidentally' bruised when he made arrests. But the bureau liked him because he got results. Be careful around him, Neal. I don't want you 'accidently' bruised."

"Don't worry about me," Neal said. "I'll stay out of his way."

"I want to stress that we need a win here, Neal. We need to find out if whoever's selling these paintings are connected to the robberies. I'm not having anyone die here on my watch." Peter hated telling him the next part of his meeting with Hughes. He knew how Neal would react. "It appears that someone really liked your Degas painting, Neal."

"Really?" Neal's eyes lit up. He was always excited to hear when someone liked his work.

And there it was, Peter thought. Neal loved to be told how good he was, he ate it up. "Yes, apparently they liked it so much they stole it right from under the nose of the FBI."

Neal made a tsking sound, "I don't know how they managed to get past the electronic retinal reader and the pressure plate floor. I've been…" Noticing Peter's smile fading, Neal shrugged his shoulders. "Not that I would know anything about stealing something from the fantastic group I am proud to be a part of."

"Good save," Peter said. He felt he needed to give Neal an incentive to be serious and help solve this case. "Neal, if we can find these killers, I promise you that I'll call in some favors from the Marshalls and get us more information about Ellen's death and finding Sam."

A grateful smile crossed Neal's lips. He blamed himself for exposing her to her killer. If he never went to her house to get the Rafael, she would still be alive today. He made a promise that no matter what it took, he would find her killer. "Peter, if you can do this, I'll walk on hot coals to solve this case."

"Hopefully, it won't come to that. This one could also help keep the dogs off my back and yours."

Neal widely grinned, he winked at Diana, "Always been good with dogs."

Grabbing the ball in mid throw, Peter handed it to Neal. "Let's go. We break this case, and the dogs will go back in their kennels."

Neal tucked the ball in a pocket. "You know you just called your fellow FBI workers a dog."

Winking at Diana, Peter said, "Who said I was talking about them?"