The Frame
Summary: A double drabble set pre-series. Neal robs the same gallery for a second time.
Neal hurried down the dark Italian alley, art tube slung across his body, adrenaline still coursing through him. It was the second time in 14 months he had stolen a piece from that gallery and the rush this time was slightly different. The first time he'd replaced an original with one of his forgeries. That theft still hadn't been detected. This time the client didn't want to waste time or money on a forgery and actually wanted the theft noticed. Neal hated cutting a painting from its frame, but it made both the theft and get away quicker and easier. Besides, despite what Mozzie said, Neal neither liked nor trusted this client. He wasn't going to put in the additional effort needed to steal and escape with a framed painting for the odious man.
It was a shame though. It was a beautiful frame, handcrafted and stained over a period of weeks by the painting's artist to perfectly compliment his work. Neal knew of only one other like it in existence. And Neal would know. As he hurried towards Mozzie for the handover, Neal smiled knowing that their abhorrent client was paying for the original but getting Neal's forgery instead.