"Hey Peter, I knew you would come," Neal said. Trying not to sound as desperate as he felt.
But Peter saw through him, as always. He got to know the conman all those years when he was chasing him. Yes, Neal always was charming and perfect. If someone who didn't know him had a look at him, they would have thought that this guy has never struggled for a day in his life or never shed a tear. Who could blame them? Caffrey's charming smile would always do the trick. But Peter knew better; he wasn't sure why? But he could always see the real Neal through the cracks that only he could find in Neal's diligently worn armor.
"Yeah, well, you said you wanted a meeting, you got your meeting, what's going on? What happened to your face?" Peter said in a neutral tone. When all he wanted to say was who did this to you? How are you feeling? Shouldn't you be in an infirmary?
Neal pointed at his face and said: "Oh, this? This is nothing, I'm fine. How are you? How's Elizabeth?" As fine as anyone can be after being jumped by a few other angry inmates. Or as fine as not being able to sleep because you are terrified and do not feel safe. He could not tell Peter about his condition and break in front of him. He could handle the punches, but what he could not handle was Peter telling him to "Cowboy up" or "That's what you get for being a criminal, deal with it." He knew those, but it didn't make it any less painful.
"Sure, you are! she is fine; what is it you wanted me here, Caffrey? Surely wasn't asking how's my wife doing!" Peter said impatiently. He could not handle small talk when Neal was sitting in front of him injured and obviously in pain.
Neal flinched at Peter's tone. He didn't expect Peter to care about him like a friend, but he thought he would care a bit at least to see him like this. But NO. This was not a time to feel sorry for himself. This wasn't about him. Instead, he tried to focus on what he had to say before Peter had to leave. This was his only chance. It was all business, not like a friend visiting a friend. Oh, God, how much he wished it was like that...
"Peter, I need your help. I know you are the last person that I should ask for help, but you are my only chance. It's about Kate. I need your help finding Kate!" There! He said it.
"Kate? What happened to Kate? Is she missing?" Of course, it was Kate. It was always about her with Neal. He was even in prison because of her. That's how they arrested him after all.
"I don't know, she hasn't been visiting me for five weeks now and I need to know she is ok! I figured you could find out for me." Neal couldn't help the desperation in his voice anymore.
"Neal, slow down; what happened five weeks ago? Didn't she say anything? Maybe she is just on a trip, or she has a family emergency that she couldn't visit you!" But Peter knew nothing is ever that cut and dry with Neal's life.
"No! I can feel there is something wrong! She wouldn't just disappear; she wouldn't just leave like this. She said we should break up, and this is goodbye, but I know she didn't mean it. She is…"
"Wait, wait, she broke up with you?" Peter interrupted.
"Yes, but…"
"Oh, Neal, come on. She broke up with you. That's why she isn't visiting you anymore. You know this. You should just accept it and move on!" Peter may have sounded a little bit annoyed, but frankly, he was feeling empathy towards him. He knew how much Neal loved her. And being dumped while in prison must've been painful for him when he couldn't do anything except thinking about what went wrong and how helpless he is in fixing everything.
"Peter please, you don't understand, she wouldn't just break up with me, not like this, not now! When I have only three more months to go, I know her. I believe she is in trouble; she could even be in danger. What if someone from my past is after her? And…and I can't help her. I can't do anything…" Neal was shaking at this point, and Peter could almost see the tears.
That was then it hit him. How hard all this must be for Neal. How hard is it not to be able to make sure Kate is ok. Peter thought if it was Elizabeth, how he would've felt? He knew he wanted to be sure of her safety. And suddenly, he felt terrible for his tone earlier. He thought how desperate Neal must have been to ask him for help or even how alone someone must be to ask their arresting officer for help? But then, he never was just an officer on Neal's case. Was he? And what was the alternative? Just say no to Neal's pleadings and leave? Could he forget the pain in the young man's eyes and go on with his life?...
Neal had become quiet and... and he looked exhausted. He did all he could do. He thought about how to tell Peter for days and now… and now he felt empty. What had he thought, asking Peter for help? All this time, he was the one writing the cards; he never got anything in reply as much as he liked and hoped for. Peter may have been one of a few people in his life, but had he really thought he is an important person in the agent's life? He would have laughed at that notion if he wasn't so damn tired. Suddenly, he thought he has to leave. He could not handle Peter's gaze anymore. He had broken down in front of someone who really didn't care about him. How stupid and weak he was.
Neal stood up abruptly and said: "I'm sorry Peter. This was a mistake. I shouldn't have asked something like this from you. I shouldn't have asked you to come here. I'm sorry. You should just leave. Thanks for coming this time, but I promise I would never bother you again. Say hi to Elizabeth from me."
Neal went towards the door and called out for the guard.
"Neal, wait..." Peter stood up and came toward Neal. He couldn't tolerate this any longer. He couldn't see Neal in this much pain and ignore him.
"Wait, listen, I really believe she has just left you. That's sad and painful, but that's all there is. That's just life. However, I can see how you must feel. So, I'm going to have a look at her whereabouts. The only thing is you have to promise me when I tell you she is Sound and happy; you are going to let this go, Ok? Do we have a deal?"
And with that, Peter saw a real smile on Neal's face. A smile that reached his eyes this time. "Thanks, Peter, I promise, thanks for doing this, thank you!" The shining in Neal's blue eyes reminded Peter of a child opening his Christmas gift. And Peter couldn't help but smile himself.
And with that, the guard came to take Neal back. Peter stood in the room for a few more minutes before leaving. What had he done? What had he agreed to? He knew how unprofessional all this was. But then again, could he really have said no and leave with himself afterward?