(Chapter 2)
That evening was far from eventless. Neal was upset if not curious by what had been on the video. They discussed it in private without Elizabeth or Mozzie around thinking they should probably keep what they thought between the two of them for now. Peter thought he would keep this to himself until he was certain what to tell Simon. His uncle would be eager to know what was on the video and what he had learned. Much as his uncle was all knowing, he still had gaps in his knowledge.
"Neal... go home and rest. Call me if you need anything or Cyrus is in contact. Ok? We keep this between us for now."
The con nodded back, a look on his face that he was anxious to have everything before him but being patient only because he couldn't be anything else right now. The key to everything, literally was something only Peter could get (once he figured out how to) but he was also shocked by the story on the video. He knew what he had been told and this matched most of what Simon had told him with a few extra bits and pieces that made him think he might have some leverage to get something he wanted in return. No more errand boy. Peter was in his own rights a decorated agent, playing the part for his career so that other players would pull strings to push pieces on the board. Peter had never actually done anything dirty perse, mostly helping to place things where they might in as natural a manner as possible. He could play the game too but he was master of his destiny now with this new info.
"Ok, Peter. Tell me what you find out about this. See you tomorrow."
Mozzie left with Neal, the three of them chatting briefly as El stayed to the side not wanting to interfere until she was certain what was going on. Peter had told her enough but for her safety he had kept her from watching the video. Simon was ruthless in so many ways and as much as he approved of his marriage with Elizabeth, in his uncle's mind it was more a means to an end when he commented how well she got on with Caffrey. They had spoken little during the time of his assignment except through the occasional email but the phone call had at best been a surprise. They waved to Neal and Mozzie as they caught a cab. El wrapped her arms around him, kissing him lightly on the lips as he turned to do the same.
"I guess I can't know what you watched but it seems to have been hard on Neal. Anything I can do to help?"
Peter thought back to Simon's words about El being an asset while she was friendly with Neal and shook his head. He didn't want her involved in this if possible. Maybe his own priorities had changed a bit but he knew more ways to get things done than having his wife spy, much as he knew she liked to. It was part of her charm and attraction how smart and beguiling she could be.
"I'll talk to him. I can't say anything else but thanks for trying to help, hun. This is something we need to deal with on our own for now."
El nodded back, that look in her eyes that reminded him sometimes of Neal. She had a willful side but it was more reined in than his partner's so he wasn't worried she would do more than pay a small visit to their friend on her own.
"It's late, Peter. Let's go to bed. I'll clean up in the morning. I'll be working from here so it's not a problem."
()()()
It was a long sleepless night, Peter dreaming some of what he'd talked to his uncle about and his discussion with Neal. Now that the assignment was back in the forefront again his mind turned to darker memories. Keller had not been part of the master plan, something from Neal's past that had nearly caused him to end his relationship with the con. Elizabeth wasn't part of the deal, her presence having changed his mind on many things since he started. Simon obviously was still in his original mindset to use Caffrey to get at the evidence Ellen had been killed for, something he only had vague knowledge of until Fowler's presence. How much his uncle was involved was something the agent wasn't sure of other than Simon being in charge of finding said evidence. His uncle rarely got his own hands dirty, involving hired guns and outside manpower. In that respect Peter had a real chance to find the information for himself and see what his uncle and colleagues were so afraid of. He liked to dig into things, reminding him in the back of his mind that his current troubles and Neal's had involved the con's past as Kramer kindly reminded him. His former mentor had been tolerable until then, but once Peter had seen the means the man would go to ruin even him despite Simon, the agent had broken off any ties with him once Neal was back on terra firma in the U.S and their deal was back on. Did they think he couldn't take care of his charge? This was HIS assignment.
"Hun... your phone..."
He was wakened by a gentle nudging of his wife in bed, a buzzing sound suddenly evident the more he woke up. There was a faint blue light to his left as he rolled over and looked at the number calling. It was Neal and the time was only 2 AM. He hadn't slept much at all apparently, both having gone to bed around midnight. He rose, taking the cell with him to the hallway as he closed the door and entered the bathroom for some privacy.
"Neal... it's after 2... what's wrong?"
His voice was a bit testy but he figured his friend wouldn't call unless it was necessary, a silence there before breath could be heard and the click of a light.
"Cyrus. He wants to meet in the morning early at 10 AM. I have an address and details, Peter. Should I come over?"
The agent thought a moment then shook his head, glancing at the tired man staring back at him in the bathroom mirror. This was a work matter so they should probably meet outside his home.
"Mind if I go over there? El's asleep and we can head for the office. I'll page Diana and Jones along the way."
He heard a confirmation, hanging up the call as he quickly washed up and made his way back to the bedroom in his robe. El was already sitting up, a lamp on as she rubbed at her eyes and gazed at him sleepily.
"What's going on, Peter?"
He was already packing up a small bag just in case and pulling out a suit for later he placed in a garment bag and lay across a chair as he dressed casually in a comfy polo and khaki pants.
"Work. I need to go pick up Neal and call in the calvary. I'll hopefully be back for dinner."
He leaned over and kissed her as she sat up a bit more and hugged him.
"Be careful, hun. Tell Neal he's invited to dinner too. I'm testing out some new recipes for work."
She smiled sleepily back up at him as he grabbed up his things and she followed him downstairs in her robe and slippers.
"You didn't have to come down here. Go back to sleep."
El gently turned his head towards her, a flash of playful defiance there.
"Well, Agent Burke... I wanted to see my favorite agent off."
She was smiling at him, their lips meeting as he grinned back.
"Favorite... out of how many?"
Peter grinned as she playfully hit him on the butt and he kissed her again as they said their goodbyes in the early morning. It was still dark out as he closed the door behind him and walked out into the cool air. He packed up the car and slipped into the driver's side, starting up the car. A part of him wanted to skip out on the work thing but this was work so he had to go. His eyes went back to his wife who was peeking out the window at him, blowing a kiss as he pretended to catch it and then finally took off.
()()()
The agent was surprised when Mozzie answered the door dressed in a monogrammed wine red smoking jacket he recognized from a past case. He didn't say anything, the look on his face apparently speaking volumes as the little guy blinked back at him curiously.
"What?"
Peter shook his head, waiting to be let in and wondering if they were keeping June up. Mozzie seemed to have read his thoughts.
"June is out of town for a few days. Samantha is having a soccer tournament so she went to cheer her on in Albany. We have the place to our... uhm selves. Come in."
Mozzie finally moved, allowing him to enter the palacious house of the woman whom Neal had befriended his first day out of jail on their agreement. It had been convenient that June had been there, again nothing to do with Simon's plan so his uncle had been doubtful that someone with a past con man would interfere but June had been a less interfering presence so far. She had actually been more helpful in many cases although not on the front that Simon knew. Peter was still curious how much everyone was being watched suspecting bugs even after the Fowler incident.
"Is Neal upstairs?"
The little guy glanced at him with a blank look and nodded.
"Where else would he be, Suit?"
They closed the door, Mozzie very careful to make sure it was bolted up tight before they went across the foyer to a large open space with a huge hearth Peter was more than familiar with. June had a very nice home her late husband and former con man Byron Ellington had built for their family. He was never anything but impressed when he walked into the home and more so that Neal had charmed his way into her life. She seemed to have a soft spot for the con much as his wife did. It wasn't a long walk, heading up the stairs to the top floor and knocking in iambic pentameter to the agent's frustration as a sleepy Neal Caffrey answered, already dressed in dark jeans and an ash gray tee, feet bare as he greeted them.
"Peter... (yawn) I'm kind of wishing Cyrus had later hours now but he was always the early bird gets the worm type. I have a bag packed already. Coffee's on the counter if you want a cup."
The agent nodded, taking up the younger man's offer as he and Mozzie walked inside and he headed directly for the coffee while Mozzie opted for wine. Figured. Peter smiled slightly, sipping at the coffee and feeling a bit more awake.
"I think there's some croissants in the fridge and cream cheese... maybe some fruit."
Mozzie was offering as if he lived there, Peter turning to Neal who rolled his eyes slightly in amusement but nodded as he walked over to offer it himself.
"Thank you Mozz. You're such a great host."
Peter smirked at his friend's comments, joining them at the small dining table as they sat down to eat. They discussed the case, Mozzie piping in when he had something to add. The little guy was remarkable at not leaving any traces behind or being seen, his mannerisms and look blending in to most situations. He could see how he had survived on his own so long but Simon said he knew enough about the man to reveal a name and parents. Peter hadn't known that aspect until the phone call, a part of him almost tempted to ask and pass it along to Mozzie for spite. He doubted his uncle would tell him but it was worth a shot now that they were talking again. Obviously the assignment was coming to the apex with the reveal of the "evidence" Ellen Parker / Kathryn Hill had discovered. He now understood his uncle's patience with Neal Caffrey.
"Peter..."
He blinked, still sleepy from the lack of such as he nodded at them.
"Sorry, just thinking how to hide some kind of tracker on you that Cyrus wouldn't be able to find."
The con nodded back, interested in the same thing as Mozzie piped in.
"There are isotopes but they're highly dangerous to humans..."
The two looked at him with narrow eyes, the con shrugging.
"It was just a suggestion. I even have... well I have the geiger counter but the isotope is far harder to acquire."
It was then Peter realized they should probably take off. It was past 3 now and they would have to get Diana and Jones out of bed to join them for a conference to get Caffrey ready for the meeting.
"Thanks but no thanks, Mozzie. We should go..."
Peter said the last bit to Neal who nodded back as they picked up the con's things and started out followed by Mozzie.
"I'll keep an ear out for uhm things..."
()()()
The drive to the FBI offices was quiet, Neal slumping a little in the seat when Peter realized the younger man had actually fallen asleep. He grinned to himself, the innocence of his partner endearing in a way he wish he could explain away. He a pretty good idea what Simon had planned but a part of him almost wished he had let the younger man stay on that island. Maybe there would have been less hassles but Peter knew he had to keep tabs on the young man and keeping him in New York was the only way.
"Something on your mind Peter?"
He suddenly found himself staring into two blue eyes as his partner turned and looked at him, a silent yawn on his lips.
"Just the case. You can take a nap on the sofa in the back room before you go in. I want you alert for this, Neal."
He watched his partner nod and yawn again, this time with a bit of sound as he sat up a bit more and stretched.
"No arguments from me. I need to be alert if I'm meeting up with Cyrus. weren't you going to call Jones and Diana?"
The agent nodded, hooking his phone into the dash to make a hands-free call. Traffic was light for now so early in the morning but it was still a bit damp from humidity and some light rain. They finally made it to the Federal Building, Jones and Diana promising (with a few yawns thrown in) to be at work soon. It was just past 3:45 now as they headed up the elevator with a wave to the night guard, bags in hand. Neal smiled sleepily, eyes looking at Peter with an amused expression.
"Something funny, Neal?"
The agent glanced down but saw no reason for smiles, still too sleepy to think of anything much but the case and assignment. Neal shrugged.
"I saw the dry cleaning tag on your bag. Made me think of you picking locks."
Neal seemed truly amused by the idea, Peter smiling back as he realized how much he'd started to learn from the con despite himself. Picking the locks of cuffs when taken by Keller's goon had been a useful skill even if he wasn't great at it. Neal, June and Mozzie had all taken the time to teach him enough to get by along with his own skill set he'd picked up doing odd jobs undercover.
"Yeah... well, I'll let you do that legally as needed. Go rest. I'll get some of the other things ready while waiting for Jones and Diana."
Neal nodded back, Peter watching his partner head over to the back break area back by the interrogation rooms. It was more a converted holding cell but the con could sleep there and change as needed. Peter would have to go back there later or the men's room to do his own change of clothes for work. Right now it was early enough he didn't need to have a suit on as he sat in his office and turned on the PC. There was an email waiting for him almost immediately.
Need to talk.
Will be in touch soon.
~S~
Peter sighed, closing the email as he did his usual subterfuge by hiding it away and deleting it off the server before going into the files for the current case. It was going to be a long day.
()()()
Cyrus was prompt. Showing up at 10 AM to the second, something Neal apparently found annoying about the man but hid well. The man was dressed almost as fastidiously as himself, Peter commenting on the fact in the background as Neal smiled at the other con.
"Cyrus... been a long time."
He watched his partner doing his thing, charming and acting cool and collected with just a hint of caution as Cyrus nodded back, a narrow eyed glance around before he answered. Peter wondered what was going on if the man was looking around expecting something.
"Yes, it has Nick. I believe it was Cypress or was it Crete? How has life been to you? You fell off the radar for the past 5 or so years. Did you finally get that golden parachute we used to laugh about?"
Peter heard a certain edge to the man's voice but wasn't sure if that was part of the act or just Foxboro's manner. They knew just a bit about the con and mostly it was bad. Neal seemed to be the one person Cyrus hadn't killed or maimed after their acquaintance ended and he hoped to keep it that way. Neal smiled back, shrugging enigmatically.
"I've done alright for myself. How's Antonia? Did you two ever marry?"
Neal was keeping it light, not bringing up business which seemed to calm the edge in their suspect as the man shook his head ever so slightly.
"Bullet got her. Mine... she was spying for another forger it seems. You know how much I dislike lies. Wasn't I always honest with you?"
Peter noticed a slight stiffening of his friend's shoulders, the consultant relaxing a moment as he nodded back.
"Probably why you liked me so much. I've always been a big fan of transparency."
Neal kept his tone light despite the topic, those narrow eyes from the other man finally widening as if he had relaxed some. A less scary smile appeared on Cyrus' face, slapping Neal on the shoulder in a friendly way.
"True... so will you help me? I know you're the man I need for this project."
Jones made a comment about Cyrus not checking for bugs, something he was known to do but maybe Neal was right to think the man wasn't suspicious of him despite his actions earlier. Peter shrugged, glad they didn't have to worry about Neal being hurt or found out by Foxboro. His rep was anything but friendly towards his other clients and the fact he admitted to a random murder... that just added more complications but nothing solid they could use against him.
"Tell me more about it. I only heard you were looking for a partner. My calendar is currently open for the right opportunity."
The two men talked but nothing came up, only coded messages from what Peter and Jones could hear. It was frustrating as if Cyrus thought there could be ears so he was being careful. Still, he wasn't acting suspicious of Neal himself so that was good. When Cyrus was gone, Neal walked back towards their meeting point, a small cafe nearby. Peter pulled on his jacket, dressed a bit more casually for this since Neal said Foxboro might keep eyes on him after. The agent slipped out of the van, Jones and their crew telling him it was clear of eyes as he moved away down the street towards the cafe. He took a few minutes longer when he thought he saw a man across the street that wasn't one of theirs watching, as he bought a newspaper from a machine and then went inside. Neal was already sitting along the wall away from the windows at a table for one but there was another behind him with his jacket draped over it as an obvious sign to sit there. The con didn't look up, attention on his own paper as Peter walked over and ordered something then looked around the mostly crowded space acting like he saw the jacket on the chair at the empty table.
"Someone sitting here?"
Neal glanced up without much expression but for his eyes, looking the part of a stranger answering someone.
"No... go ahead."
Neal removed his jacket and draped it over his own chair, newspaper held up as he turned his head slightly, the noise keeping prying ears away.
"I guess you heard everything..."
His voice was a bit worried, Peter noting that his friend seemed nervous despite his act. The agent sat, head turned towards the wall and an obvious local artist painting as if he were interested. He spoke through the side of his mouth.
"Yeah... nothing useful even with the murder he admitted to. I'll see you at June's."
Peter had his paper out now, getting comfy as Neal tapped the paper two times as a Yes, stood and left. A few minutes later Peter rose, leaving the paper behind as he grabbed something for Jones and left. There was someone following him but he acted normal, watching through shop windows for the man and seeing their face finally. The person dropped something before passing him, no look back to see if he stopped to grab it up but he did. He only paused briefly, palming the paper and opening up to see it was a note.
Peter,
We need to talk about Caffrey.
Meet me at your earliest convenience.
~Simon~
He crumpled it into his pocket, moving along quickly until he was in view of the van. At least it wasn't one of Cyrus' goons or something. He'd read the file thoroughly and Neal's comments on what he had found on his own were scary enough. Now he had Simon to worry about but again, the case was first on his mind as he entered the Municipal Utilities Van and saw Jones looking at him curiously.
"That was a long coffee break. Anything the matter?"
Peter heard the concern but he handed over the bag of food and coffee with a shake of his head.
"Just cautious. Felt like someone was watching us but it was a false alarm. Neal went home for now. I'm going to meet him for a debriefing. Cyrus likes to check on his cohorts so going home was safest for now. What did our eyes and ears pick up?"
Jones showed him the list but there was little on it. Cyrus had simply vanished around a corner about a block from here. Nobody was sure where he went but it was obvious he was being stealthier than usual. Something was up. He felt the need to phone Neal but they were meeting soon anyway so he would wait.
"So I guess I'm taking the van back alone?"
Jones was astute as ever, Peter nodding as he went out to catch a cab. He just needed a few minutes with Neal to cement some elements of their plan then leave him to work with Cyrus while they found an angle to catch the man on.
"I'll see you at the office."
()()()
Neal took a cab home, Peter obviously worried as was he that Cyrus could be following him. The man was fastidious when it came to watching his contacts and for good reason. This was why he'd never been caught red handed and most of his contacts were dead. It was much like the Franklin saying: Two can keep a secret if one of them were dead. The idea while strangely Mozziesque gave him the creeps as he exited the taxi, paid the driver and walked up to June's front door. He locked the door behind him and made his way upstairs when he noticed the door partially ajar. June was out but the housekeeper had greeted him on the way in so he wasn't sure who else was here.
"No one can ever enter the celestial kingdom unless he is strictly honest. (Joseph Smith, Jr)"
The con blinked, sighing when he realized who it was and relaxed.
"Mozzie... what brings you to June's so early? She's out to committee meetings until 2 I think... Is that my Chateau La Mondotte?"
He felt a bit unhappy about letting his friend know he had it although it had been Mozzie who helped him get the wine in the first place. The bottle looked half empty.
"I thought it would help with the Cyrus issue. It's an 86... would you be able to stop drinking it?"
Mozzie was redirecting but he wasn't wrong to think that although much as he was impulsive, his friend was more so when it came to wine.
"I guess not... thanks on that, Mozz. Peter appreciated the intel as well. Cyrus is supposed to contact me again soon."
He removed his tie and tossed it on his bed as he removed his jacket and did the same, sitting on the edge before moving over to where his friend sat at the small dining table. Mozzie had already grabbed him a glass and started to pour him some of the wine, Neal grateful.
"Foxboro? He's a maniac! What business could you possibly have with him?"
Neal watched the widened paranoid glance of his friend, knowing he was worrying about him or the idea of what could happen working with Cyrus but he couldn't let that get to him.
"Forgery case. I'm the only one who knows him and lived to tell about it. Cyrus likes me but he is a cautious man. I think he might have had me followed when I left the rendezvous. Peter seemed to feel the same way when we met afterwards."
He saw Mozzie pale slightly, eyes on his glass a moment as he stared at the wine.
"Surprised the Suit didn't get you both killed. He sticks out like a sore thumb. Did you do the newspaper thing?"
Now he was just being silly, rolling his eyes but nodding.
"Sort of... so any news? Anything else Cyrus might be working on? He seemed very antsy for someone looking for a forger. More so than what I recall of him. He also didn't check me for bugs."
That really made Mozzie stare at him, the little guy curious now and more blatant about it.
"Really? That's his trademark. He once smashed someone's rolex thinking it was tracking them. Was just the anti-theft RFD chip but that's another story... That is very odd."
They talked a few minutes before there was a quiet knock at the door. They were both silent, Neal holding up a hand as Mozzie tip toed to the kitchenette and he called out.
"Who is it?"
Neal waited for a reply, Mozzie tip toeing towards the back door when they heard a voice they didn't expect.
"Foxboro... Do you have a moment, Halden?"
The cons looked scared but Neal watched Mozzie quickly and silently vanished into the back hallway with his drink. Nick mussed his hair slightly, putting on a tired look as he pulled out his shirt before opening up the door and peeking out. Cyrus looked fresh as he had earlier, a little less suspicious than earlier as he gave him a look with one raised eyebrow. Neal finally stepped aside, letting the man in knowing there was nothing suspicious laying around. He had tidied up earlier in the week in anticipation of this case. He watched Cyrus glanced around the room, looking at the clothes on the bed, the wine bottle and glass on the table and finally the back door.
"She left in a hurry? Guessing your landlady doesn't approve of outside visitors?"
Neal sighed, seeing the smirk on Cyrus' face. He remembered the man liked to tease him in the past about himself and Alex. Might work to his advantage now.
"Just me for once. I was about to take a shower when you knocked. Did you want a glass?"
The other man shook his head at the offer, moving back towards the door again, closing and locking it. Cyrus obviously wanted to talk business.
"Just thought I'd see where you lived. I hope you don't mind me following you. Have to be careful in my trade. You understand..."
Neal nodded back at those words, offering the man a seat as they moved to the sofa. His cell buzzed in his pocket, Neal taking it to see who it was. It was Peter, a certain fear overcoming him as he read the lines of the text.
"Anything the matter Nick?"
Cyrus sounded a bit suspicious but he hid his fear well, shaking his head with a frown.
"Someone I owe a favor too."
He texted Peter back quickly, rereading the original back in his head:
Peter: I'm outside.
Neal quickly wrote back:
Neal: Dog star present.
Peter: Hubble will orbit.
He pushed the phone back into his pocket, sitting down with his glass of wine and sipping at it casually despite his hidden nervousness. He really was tired despite it barely being noon. Getting up at 2 AM had been hard. He knew Peter was running on fumes as well, their coffee consumption higher than usual but it was for a good cause. Cyrus continued to watch him curiously, a tight smile on his face.
"Pushy clients. Hate dealing with them... Always think they are right. Speaking of which, I have your assignment if you're ready for it."
Neal felt a moment of fear wash over him. This was what Peter wanted on audio and Cyrus had waited until they were alone to do it. He could still pass the information along but without it on tape it was more hearsay than proof. He nodded, his own tight smile on his lips.
"So I'm guessing I have the job then..."
Cyrus nodded brusquely, a less scary smile on his face now.
"Of course. Did you ever doubt you'd get it, Nick?"
oOoOoOo
Author's Note: Looks like Neal is in with Cyrus, Mozzie is overhearing things more than likely and Peter is outside somewhere in the wings. I wonder what Simon has in mind...