[Chapters 1-3 take place between S05E11 and S05E12 of White Collar. The case in Episode 12 ends at 9am Friday morning, and then almost a whole day is lost, until Saturday morning at 4:30am. Now Chapter 4 (this one) attempts to fill in some information about that lost time.]

As anticipated, Rebecca was in too much of a rush to get to the diamond first, and she had neglected to take her normal precautions. Her capture was swift and went without a hitch. Soon she was back behind bars.

Mozzie recently purchased seven new safe houses to replace the ones the FBI confiscated last year. (Long story.) Yesterday he was busy babysitting, but most of today he's been in the safe house he calls "Thursday" (so named because it's where he generally likes to spend his Fridays). He has been dividing his time between pacing the floor and staring at a sheet of paper full of curious symbols. In a brief visit to the local public library earlier, he printed out a chart of known Masonic symbols, and he has been pondering what meaning they might hold in terms of finding the Hope Diamond's lost twin.

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Neal has been on his tracking anklet long enough now that he can stay within his legally mandated radius without paying conscious attention. This morning, leaving the FBI office, he turns off his cell phone and wanders aimlessly, trying to clear his head. He has a lot to think about.

After a bit of a walk, he finds himself absently munching a cronut as he strolls past the tall church where he and Mozzie committed a robbery in broad daylight. He can't resist pausing a moment to admire their handiwork. He remembers how Mozzie masterminded the operation, how they basically just sauntered in dressed as workmen and came back out with a 200-pound stained-glass window. He remembers how cleverly Rebecca distracted the real workmen by pretending to lose an earring. Her disarming smile, the clever little flip of her hair . . . the fact that she's actually Rachel Turner, professional assassin for hire. At this last thought, a cloud passes over his features. He could never love a cold-blooded killer. She broke his heart. Last in a trail of lost loves, she just hammers in the point that there can never be a happy ending for a person like him.

Then there's that lost diamond that Rebecca wanted to find so badly. What will he do with it once it is found?

Mozzie wants to use the diamond to fund a criminal empire. Mozzie, his loyal and indispensible genius friend, once his mentor and teacher, now needs to be protected from himself; his criminal tendencies need to be kept somewhat in check. Can Neal maintain friendship with Mozzie without being dragged back down into his former way of life?

But with the money from the diamond, he can get back on his feet, become his own man, go anywhere he wants, do anything he wants. Even disappear, maybe. Cut all ties with everyone here, including Mozzie. Start fresh.

Neal's wanderings bring him at last to the wharf. He sits silently and watches as night falls and the light of day is gradually replaced by little lights shining out from thousands of windows. Seeing the Empire State Building brings back thoughts of Sara. He smiles at the memory of her enthusiasm as she accepted his marriage proposal. Even if it was all a sham. The glass of wine they shared at the very top of the building. The thrill of seeing the dirigible flying away with Ellen's box.. . . of evidence . . . which could incriminate some very powerful people. . . who could still be hunting him.

Disappearance is sounding better and better.

Disappearing would mean leaving behind the one who has meant the most to him through it all, Peter Burke. Every time he has fled before, Peter has found him and brought him back. But would Peter chase after him again this time? Peter was once his friend, but now he has given up on Neal and is abandoning him for good. Once upon a time, Peter had given him the hope that he could turn his life around; his loss of faith has strengthened Neal's determination to prove that he can. Will Peter write a letter of recommendation for him, or will he have to find a way on his own?

Everything and everyone Neal has ever cared about is gone - all the people, all his wealth, his prospects, his freedom. Most of this is because of Peter. And now once again his future is in Peter's hands. Without Peter's recommendation, what options does he have?

There is no reason to stay. No reason to stay.

His hand reaches down to pat his new passport, a new identity he has recently obtained. And a new burner phone. Should he use them?

Ellen, if you were still here, he thinks, what would you do?

The temperature is dropping, and Neal wraps his jacket closer. Finally, his thoughts still, he sits silently observing the night.

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