(Chapter 10)
Peter was resting when he heard the door open again, eyes slowly opening as heavier steps than those of his wife or the hospital staff moved closer and he turned his head to see who was coming. His vision was blurry at first finally clearing to reveal a figure he knew all too well. A hand held up told him to relax, his first instinct to stand at attention but Reese Hughes wasn't about to make a sick man stand for him. The older agent moved closer, sitting down at the chair by the bed and smiling at him slightly.
"Reese... What are you doing here? Are they letting me out already?"
He wasn't really sure how long he had slept but he knew he'd been in the hospital now about two days. He had yet to see Neal but his wife said his partner was still healing, the hospital keeping him one additional day before letting him go. The con was at home now with Jones and Diana taking turns babysitting him as she'd called it while he recuperated at June's. He was happy to know that Samantha was keeping the con busy with art lessons although his wife saying Neal was showing the kid how to paint a Monet worried him. He was getting tired of being in the hospital but mostly he was just exhausted, his whole body aching from his injuries. Simon was in the ICU under lock and key with guards. The man was in critical condition last he heard and he hadn't had the heart to tell his family what had happened. His parents weren't involved in the deal. Simon had done this on his own and now with Reese before him, he wondered how this would all turn out and if the truth would be set free for everyone to see. This involved Neal's past, the reason his life was turned upside down in the first place. Would he be allowed to continue as the C.I.'s handler?
"Sorry Peter, but you have to get better first. Those ribs take time to heal."
The agent paused, wiping at his face tiredly before speaking again. Hughes wasn't just here on a friendly visit.
"Have you thought about... about what we discussed when this started."
Reese wasn't smiling much anymore, a serious look in his eyes. They had initially discussed everything to do with Caffrey and how this could go wrong but it wasn't until today they finally had an end to what had begun the experiment of having the con as a C.I. Peter was accustomed to his partner much as he had been forced to say otherwise in recent days. No matter what had happened, Neal was his friend. Letting him go was no longer an option and Hughes, much as he was set in keeping this partnership afloat, knew those in OPR might not be as receptive with the lead suspect of their investigation finally in hand. Simon taken down meant they were pretty well done with their end of the deal. Caffrey was on his own.
"Yes... Reessse."
He wheezed a bit still but he could talk better now. He wasn't supposed to be too active or talk too much but he wasn't going to keep his thoughts quiet on this matter. Neal deserved better than he'd gotten and if it had been possible to change everything, Peter would have. He still had nightmares about what Adler had done. They'd been distracted by following Simon that other events had fallen by the wayside much to Peter's regret. He'd tried making a deal with Kate but Fowler's cover couldn't be blown much as he tried to help the young woman out. Fowler admitted after everything when he'd finally come out of hiding that Adler had done things behind his back. He had followed a lead on Simon, thinking the man was going to go after Neal but that left Kate vulnerable to her ex-boss. They thought Adler had gone underground but it had only been a ruse and Peter had arrived only in time to save Neal. He hadn't known about the bomb. Fowler was undercover and out of touch, the facts coming out later.
"He... Neal... can't... go back."
Peter was wheezing a bit, coughing and trying to catch his breath as his boss waved a hand for him to stay silent but he shook his head trying to get through the fit.
"No... I won't... let... them... do... that to... him."
He hissed the words as best he could but was left breathless, laying back heavily against the pillows. Reese nodded, patting him gently on the shoulder in a father manner.
"His record and yours are well received when it comes to closing cases. I think that will help to keep him and you out of the deep end. Rest, Peter. I'll let you know when I heard word from the board."
Reese was being honest with him, giving him the worse before the best but their record was good. It was one of the things everyone in the Bureau was jealous of. Neal and himself were great partners and he hoped in the end that would help the con stay out of prison. He thought about Mozzie leaving as he had, the gun in his hand before he tossed it aside and fled. The little guy was gone and Neal was more than likely finding every means to find the con man and make up with him. Everything had turned out nothing as he'd hoped but Simon was finally stopped. He was head of the operation and they could now go searching through his home and offices to find the others involved to be certain nobody else came after Neal or the box again.
"Thanks... Reese."
The older agent nodded back to him, leaving the room with little noise but his footsteps and the quiet click of the door closing as he exited.
Peter was alone again, Elizabeth home for the moment with her own security detail. She had wanted to be certain Satchmo was good, the neighbors taking care of him while they were gone. His wife had also needed to time to soak in everything that he'd told her and had been told to her by Hughes. It was only the three of them privy to the whole story. Jones and Diana knew enough but not everything including their boss' involvement through his uncle. That would remain sealed up in his records along with any other pertinent info not in public record. They still had to let Neal know but until Peter could tell him in person, they hoped to keep it out of sight out of mind. Reese had stayed back from the situation other than to inform Caffrey he was still their C.I. until otherwise noted. For now the ex-con seemed content with that. Elizabeth had talked to June but not Neal directly other than his time in the hospital. She said Neal was still anemic enough he was resting more than anything, only taking time to help June out with Samantha but not much more. At least his friend was safe now, the people who had helped to overturn his life finally put away. in that respect, Peter could relax.
Another day passed while he recuperated, the agent wishing he was anywhere but in the hospital. Peter shifted slightly, wanting to get up and go for a walk or something to clear his mind, not that this situation would ever be truly clear. He had duped both his wife and the man who had become not only a solid partner but a best friend to him. He had very nearly lost his life and theirs because he had chosen to fight what his uncle had so willingly tried to destroy.
Neal might be a con but he wasn't a "bad" person. His wife often said that his partner did the wrong things for the right reason and technically, that was the truth. Mozzie had told him once that the stuff wasn't what mattered. They wanted freedom from being stuck coloring within the lines. Neal had told him it was a thrill... a rush doing cons. If it wasn't illegal what his friend had been put away for, he'd be no different than the young men on the sports channel who skateboarded or snowboarded in dangerous terrain for fun. He suddenly laughed, wincing as the action moved him in the wrong way. He closed his eyes a moment thinking about conning as a spectator sport in the Olympics. Mozzie and Neal would have top prizes he thought, an almost pride at his friend's skill to deceive making him smile at the very idea of it. Neal was good at what he did whether you called it social engineering or conning. He was lost in thought about his partner winning gold when he heard a cough, turning to see a shadow standing near the closed door. He wasn't sure when it had opened that he missed the soft click or footsteps that must have echoed on the tile floor.
"Who's... there?"
Peter waited, seeing the figure of a man by the door, quiet almost inaudible footsteps moving closer. There was a certain fear in him about who this might be. The room was bathed in shadows except for the dim light near him, the figure moving closer until he saw their eyes flashed blue and a shape to face began to form as Peter felt his eyes widen in surprise and a much needed relief.
"Neal?"
The agent glanced up at the face of his partner and friend, the young man staring down at him curiously as he paused just between the light and dark. The contrast made Neal's features hard to read as Peter shifted to sit up and reach a hand out to who he hoped was still his friend. He waited for a response when a voice woke him, his eyes opening to find that he was still in the hospital bed staring up at the shadowy ceiling above.
"Peter... I didn't mean to wake you, honey."
Elizabeth's voice reached him from the door, her footsteps soft on the tile as she made her way to him and sat down beside the hospital bed. Peter blinked up at her, his mind trying to figure out what had just happened.
"Hey El. I was just resting my eyes. How are you?"
He sat up some with her help, hugging his wife and kissing her before laying back against the pillows, a disappointed sigh escaping his lips. He turned when he noticed his wife watching him with curious blue eyes. It reminded him of the dream.
"I'm good, hun. I have a temporary guard waiting outside but so far everything's good. June says Neal is still doing well. They went to the park with Samantha to get some fresh air. Something I know you and I will be doing with Satchmo once they let you out of here."
El was squeezing his hand in hers, leaning over to cuddle as much as she could considering the circumstances. He'd been in the hospital 4 days now and he wanted to see how his partner was. As always, El could read him and he was still surprised as ever she wasn't angry with him. They would have to discuss everything later in detail but for now she was accepting of what he'd done and although there was some minor tension, El hid it well for his sake.
"I could bring him to see you if you wanted, Peter. I know you want to talk to him but are you sure you want to do it here?"
He understood her tone. If he did this while he was still healing, the result would be Neal feeling pity for Peter and that's the last thing he wanted. He had done what he felt necessary to take down a dangerous kingpin while helping someone who had come to him for a second chance. The attention shouldn't be on his injuries or involvement beyond the cursory considering his involvement. He shook his head at her, smiling at her helping his decision.
"I suppose I'll be out soon. Our talk can wait,... but I don't want to put it off too... much longer."
He wondered about Neal and if he worried about him but that wasn't what he wanted. They were friends and friends were concerned about the other's well being but in this case the situation was far more complicated. Everything had to be perfect and there would be no guilt involved other than his own for what he'd had to do.
"Whatever you choose, honey. I'll keep June informed so she can let him know how things are."
She was asking his permission in her own subtle way, his slight nod back as he smiled making her grin coyly. They kissed again, the agent wishing El could stay the night but the bed wasn't big enough and he wasn't supposed to move much if any until his ribs had healed properly. It was getting easier to breath but still hurt like heck and he missed having his wife with him.
"So..."
He tried to think what else to ask about, Mozzie on his mind but he knew that bridge was probably long burned. El shook her head again.
"I tried another number he'd given me and June tried her own means to contact him. No response. I think he's gone for good. I feel so badly for Neal. They were close and now..."
She wasn't trying to make him feel guilty but he did, tension making him ache as he stiffened at the thought of scaring the little guy off. Much as Mozzie could be annoying, he was a smart guy and often more helpful than he like to admit. They'd come to a sort of understanding when it came to Neal, protecting the con in their own way and joining forces when their methods were working. Mozzie had come to him several times to keep Neal from getting in serious danger or trouble and he had tried to do the same on his end. Now the little guy was gone and he needed to fix things once he was free and clear to do so. He wondered if he could have enlisted the con to help him but it wasn't something he was authorized to do. It had been himself, Reese and a few other agents. Even Diana and Jones were out of the loop unless it was pertinent to getting at Simon or helping with the case at that time. He felt badly for lying but it had been a necessary evil and he would deal with the consequences. El sighed and he realized he had that face on that meant he was worrying. It was hard to hide his feelings when he felt terrible for the past 2 years. This would never just be water under the bridge between him and Neal or anyone once it came out, if it came out.
"Oh, honey... I'm sorry. It's not your fault. We'll figure this out. You know we will."
She hugged him, their hands held tightly in the other as he tried to think how he would go about repairing the damage Simon had caused. It was going to be a long arduous road but he was willing to walk if not run it for Neal. Diana and Jones would understand what they were told. It had been a far less detailed story than those closest to it were told but it was enough he hoped to mend some bridges.
()()()
Neal sat on the bench at the park, the laughter of June's granddaughter Sam wafting back to him as she played with Bugsy in the grass. June had left to get them something to drink, the con lost in his thoughts but keeping an eye on the 9 year old girl and bull dog. There was something in their play that reminded him of Kate and all the plans he had hoped to make with her. He had told Mozzie the truth when he'd gone to get the ring for Keller: Kate had been the one and he'd meant to marry her had things turned out better. She was gone and he'd used what he'd hope would win her to his side to return his friend and partner to his side.
"Neal, Peter... didn't break your trust. If you can believe anything you can believe that. He was asked by Simon to be your friend and gain your sympathies..."
She was going to say more but he interrupted her, sitting up straight and staring coldly back at her with more fury than he'd felt when he thought Peter was the ring man. Nothing but rage filled him now and he threw it at her venomously in a not so Neal Caffrey manner.
"He lied to me, El and to you! He played us like pawns on a chessboard and now you expect me to forgive him?! Why do you trust him so much after everything? How can you be certain it's the truth?!"
The monitor was growing in beeps but she just stared back at him, cool calm and collected as she was when she knew what the truth was. She'd been this way when he was upset with Peter having Kate and hiding her. There had been an explanation and now he wondered what words she had to sooth him if any. He calmed down enough to listen, not wanting the nurses or doctor here with them if he could get information. Neal needed answers.
"Neal, Peter is your friend. Believe me. He was only looking out for your well being as was Reese. This was a sting on Simon and his involvement with corruption. Peter's the one who brought it to their attention. He was protecting you... and me."
He watched her talk, no obvious signs of lying but she was tense if not upset by what she had to tell him. This wasn't going to be a pleasant story if anything. No matter what he thought of her husband, he still appreciated what kindness and acceptance Elizabeth had brought to the table during his stay with them. He nodded for her to continue, arms crossed over his chest a bit more loosely as he lay back again.
"Peter didn't want to bring you out of prison since then he was obligated to do what his uncle wanted. Hughes realized what was going on but without proof they could only allow everything to go... as it did and let things take their course from there. Some things were out of his hands like Keller, Adler and... Kate."
Her voice hushed on the last part and he saw tears in her eyes although she was trying hard not to be emotional. This was no act but genuine truth from Elizabeth. Why hadn't Peter told him this before? He would have helped and made Kate listen but he lived and she didn't and Fowler... When he didn't answer, she continued.
"There are no excuses, just explanations Neal. Peter should tell you what happened in his own words. He hasn't slept a decent night's sleep knowing that he couldn't stop what happened with Kate and Mozzie."
She had paled some, her cheeks flush and a hint of tears in her eyes as he listened and felt his reality fall somewhat back into place. He saw a different side to the agent now other than one who was just protecting him. Those times he was getting away with stuff he knew now they had let him go in order to draw Simon out or was he seeing too much into it? He still wasn't sure what to say, his mind reeling at the facts even more than the idea that Peter hadn't been his friend. Now he saw that everything had been to help him at least when it came to what Simon was involved with. He wondered about Hughes and anyone else involved in the sting. The agent had done things he found questionable not for himself but for Neal. He saw that now. The memory fading back to reality as someone tugged at his arm and he glanced up to see Samantha there, a gelato in her hand.
"Neal, Grandma brought you one too and an Italian soda."
She was holding another in her other hand, the con taking the green colored confectionery from her small hand and smiling at her thankfully.
"Thanks Sam... June."
June was sitting on his other side, handing him a bottle of reddish looking liquid marked "cherry." She was sipping at one of her own, another sitting next to Sam on the bench. His landlady handed him a napkin, leaning over as she did so to speak softly.
"You're awfully thoughtful today. Would you mind if Sam and I went home and left you for a few minutes?"
She knew he wanted some time alone in the sunshine and fresh air, the con feeling guilty at wanting the space but nodding thankfully. He watched as she rose, smiling brightly as she glanced over at Samantha.
"You have soccer practice to go to, dear. Neal, we'll see you later."
She left it open but he nodded with a wide smile of his own, Sam hugging him before she took Bugsy's leash in her free hand and the two walked away towards June's house. He was alone now, sitting on the bench and feeling a bit less cooped up as he had been. His head still hurt but that was an after effect of the anemia, the past three days having eked out the chloroform from his system when his last blood work came back negative for anything other than minor iron deficiency. He was glad the transfusions were done yesterday as he rose and started walking the small radius he had within the park. He didn't pay attention to the people he passed.
"I saw a mockingbird..."
He froze, uncertain if he had heard what he thought as he noticed someone hidden behind a large opened newspaper standing near the fountain. Neal wondered if he was hearing things but he stopped holding his breath and answered.
"Was it yellow by chance?"
This was usually the kind of thing that was bothersome and annoying to him but right now he was happy to hear those words from that voice. He acted casual, standing beside the figure who finally peered over the paper and glanced up at him over thick vintage spectacles and an unreadable expression.
"Maybe..."
The little guy didn't say anything else, not really looking at him even as he turned, folding up the paper and pushed it under his arm as he started to walk away. Neal followed, acting coy but curious what his friend was up to as they entered a more secluded area away from prying eyes. He stopped when Mozzie did, hopeful that things would be ok.
"I... know you're mad at me Mozz..."
He started out the only way he knew how, hoping for something more than coded messages or staring unemotional looks. He noticed the little guy was just standing there, back to him without turning and he wondered for a moment if he was being ignored. When the silence lasted for more than a minute he knew something was up, reaching to bridge the gap between them.
"Don't... I'm not here on a social call, Neal. I'm here to say goodbye. I've already booked passage to someplace warm. I'm taking what's left of MY treasure with me."
The words were final and he realized that much as he was just happy to see his friend again, this was the end. Mozzie was upset and he rarely changed his mind, Neal fighting with the sudden anger he felt at the last month. It was and it wasn't Peter's fault and knowing the truth confused things. He wasn't sure what he thought about his handler anymore. Mozzie had every right to hate him as he had every right to be angry with Peter and Hughes. They had pulled him into something he didn't want to be part of and he'd lost much doing it. Mozzie had been right to think someone was pulling strings because they had.
"I understand. I wouldn't expect anything less... Have a good life, Mozzie."
He was giving in, knowing he had betrayed his friend by taking Peter's side when things were bad. Knowing the truth didn't help and he had avoided visiting the agent because he was still uncertain what he felt, but letting Mozzie go was the right thing. The treasure wasn't his and the con was his own man. All good partnerships came to an end eventually.
"No fight? No smooth silvery words from the best front man I've ever known, not that I'm saying you're as good as... never mind. I guess you're more far gone than I anticipated if you act like this. The Suit really did a number on you, Neal. I wish I could release you from that spell but this is voodoo of the highest form. Stockholm x 10."
The little guy had turned, staring up at him directly now but still with very little more than a blank expression. There was a curiosity there about his manner but Neal wasn't ready to talk and nothing he could say was enough in his opinion to warrant Mozzie staying for him.
"That's about the short of it. Goodbye Mozzie."
He'd been happy to see the little guy but now he was depressed but he wouldn't let the con know, turning to walk away when a hand grabbed his arm most uncharacteristically. The hold was firm and something about it made him stay without turning around, shame making Neal not want to face his friend anymore.
"You... seem like you need an ear to bend. My boat doesn't ship for a while yet. I might be inclined to hear WHY you took the side of a bureaucratic Brooks Brothers wearing governmental Suit drone over me. I need something for my mind to mulch over while I stew in anger on my island."
There was a short pause before Mozzie spoke again, the hand never letting go as he turned to face him.
"If you have the time..."
Mozzie was almost smiling but not quite, his expression still fairly unreadable as the two men found a place to sit and talk. Maybe this day wouldn't be as bad as he thought after all.
()()()
It was another week almost two before Peter felt well enough to do more than walk in the backyard. El was helping him out with his one arm in the sling while he finally took Satch for a walk around the block for the first time in a bit. The dog seemed to enjoy it but Peter's mind was elsewhere as he thought about his partner and how much the younger man probably still hated him. June had called El and that was his only real intel knowing that Neal was going to the park with them or taking walks within his radius. Peter started following the young man's progress surreptitiously online not to keep tabs but to feel like he had some idea what was going on with his former friend. He doubted the young man was going to call him such considering the circumstances. He sighed, reaching down to grab his phone from his pocket when the leash fell out of his hand and Satchmo went running. The agent yelled, calling the dog back but he couldn't keep up, finally seeing the lab had stopped and was looking up at someone he couldn't see behind a staircase. Winded, Peter moved closer with slow curious steps seeing who was petting Satch and now glancing up at him surprised.
"Mozzie?"
The little guy stood from the stoop he sat on, looking innocuous like a common bystander. He could see how he always seemed to be the last person everyone suspected if only by looks. Something about that made him smile, the agent feeling some of the tension leave him as he watched the con nod back without giving him direct eye contact. Mozzie held out his hand and then he realized it wasn't for a handshake, taking Satchmo's leash as the con handed it to him. He felt a slight flush to his cheeks, no words exchanged yet but still feeling off about the unexpected meeting.
"You should be more careful, Su... Sir. Your dog seems friendly enough."
It was a start but it was awkward at best, Mozzie fiddling with his glasses as he removed them and wiped them on his shirt sleeve before looking a bit more directly at him.
"I'm feeling a bit parched. You wouldn't happen to have some oolong tea or orange blossom ginseng would you?"
Mozzie's words confused him but then he remembered his wife saying something about orange tea and keeping odd packets around for the con when he'd stopped by. In fact she still had some last he looked around for some sugar packets for his coffee. He only remembered because El had found them and sighed heavily, Peter going to see why.
"I might. Thank you for catching my dog..."
He wanted to say something more but he'd already called the con's name and Mozzie acted like they were strangers. The little guy led the way, slowing down at a point to let him and Satch catch up almost out of politeness.
"Dante. I have no idea who this "Mozzie" person is you speak of."
()()()
The little guy seemed to be roaming the house, pacing distractedly around the first floor and then back to the kitchen, Satchmo watching him from his pillow until the dog finally closed its eyes and slept. Peter felt about the same uncertain what the little guy was doing but not wanting to scare him off. They'd been like this for an hour if not two, Peter nursing a cup of coffee while sitting at the dining table watching the con look at him then turn back to his pacing as if debating something.
"Mistakes are always forgivable, if one has the courage to admit them."
Mozzie was quoting, a sign maybe there was some communication to be had as he smiled to himself.
"Bruce Lee... Smart guy like Neal."
He sighed, realizing he hadn't talked to his friend since that day he pretended to hate the con. Neal didn't know the truth far as he knew or why would he have stayed away so long. Peter didn't have the courage to go himself although now he was strong enough physically he might be able to visit. He suddenly turned to find Mozzie standing beside him, the con glancing at him curiously.
"Yes he was and much as I hate to admit it... you are too, Su... Peter."
The agent blinked realizing that Mozzie had addressed him by his first name, a rare occurrence at best but that meant something, didn't it? Mozzie remained near him, putting a tentative hand on his shoulder where he normally hated to be touched or reaching out in that manner to others. It was a minor breakthrough he thought and hopefully this meant he was forgiven to some extent.
"Neal knows. Someone told him the truth and he's been keeping it secret while he figured out what to do about it. I thought he was crazy, just saying... but I... I guess you did it for a good reason. I mean I allegedly took something that wasn't mine and got him in trouble for it. You basically did the same thing but to help him. We both screwed up."
Peter listened but the hand on his shoulder was distracting and finally Mozzie pulled it away slowly, not hiding the fact he was wiping it on his shirt hem ever so surreptitiously before sitting across from him and cleaning his glasses again.
"I guess... we did screw up trying to help him in our own ways. He seems to have forgiven you but I don't expect the same."
He felt more guilt than if he had been the one to do as Mozzie had and stolen a great treasure. He had manipulated the ex-con and been instrumental in some ways of getting Kate killed and Mozzie shot. All of that had not just been Adler but Simon's doing as well, manipulating a friend of Fowler's when he found the agent wasn't who he appeared to be. His uncle knew the man was working for them so they had pulled the agent out but not before Neal had almost killed him. Peter regretted that more than anything, a deep unhappy sigh escaping his lips.
"I wasn't sure I would come but he said he wasn't and knowing what I do, I think I can honestly comment that I might have done the same thing... in your situation, Suit."
Mozzie was on his side, something he was surprised more than anything. He'd love to use it to get Neal back but he wanted to do things on his own if possible. He was glad El hadn't brought the con in to see him as he had been in the hospital. Neal had no reason to feel guilty of anything.
"Thinking that hard is going to give you ulcers or wrinkles or both. June is at the park with Samantha. She's playing soccer..."
He left it open, an invite to go watch his partner's benefactress' granddaughter playing her favorite sport. Satchmo might like the air but as he turned he saw the dog was sleeping. Maybe next time he thought as he nodded back to the little guy and grabbed up his cell, wallet and keys.
"Sounds like fun."
()()()
June was sitting under a gazebo on a bench he knew well, Neal walking over and smiling as she noticed him.
"Neal. Mozzie told you then. I'm so glad he's back. He told me to tell you he might be delayed. Something about excess baggage for a trip. Sit..."
She scooted over, giving him space as he joined her, watching Sam playing in the distance. They weren't in uniform but practicing for their upcoming match. They had already played out of city but another game was coming soon according to his landlady as she talked quietly to him, her voice filled with pride for her granddaughter. He smiled more, happy to see her happy and forgetting for a moment that he was supposed to meet Mozzie here.
Thirty minutes passed before he felt a hand on his shoulder, Neal turning to see Mozzie there.
"Sorry for the delay, Neal... June. I had to pick up a Suit. I hope you don't mind."
June was shaking her head, saying something like "Didn't I send you to pick up Peter," Neal feeling a certain dread about him as he turned to see the agent standing there just within speaking distance. The agent looked about as happy to see him as he felt, the con uncertain what he wanted to do as he stood, Mozzie sitting on the other side of June.
"I need to take a walk. Thanks for the invite June."
He glared slightly at Mozzie who was acting rather like he thought nothing was wrong. Figured his friend would go behind his back. He sighed, hands stuffed in his pockets as he walked back towards June's house and his room. He just wanted to hide, his mind still trapped in that moment when Peter had told him bluntly what he thought was the truth. It had felt real despite the hurt and now he wasn't sure he could just forgive and forget. Peter had lied to him, the one person he had trusted and thought he could get the truth had been lying to him all the time. Neal kept walking, head down and feeling betrayed more than usual. Mozzie shouldn't have brought him...
"Neal!"
Peter was calling to him but he just walked faster, turning the corner and ducking into a doorway where he was hidden. He watched his friend and partner walk past, stopping and glancing around confused. Finally he saw what he thought might be true dejection, the agent's shoulders slumping as he gave an audible sigh and moved to hail a cab. He kept watching as Peter entered the vehicle that stopped and slumped back unhappily inside as the taxi took off into the distance. A part of him was glad to be rid of the man while another felt wretched. He couldn't just forgive after knowing what he did. Peter didn't deserve that yet if ever but the look on the agent's face and his body language spoke of a man less than happy with his choices. It didn't make Neal feel any better as he stepped out onto the street and returned to his path home.
"That was cruel..."
He jumped, Mozzie standing not too far away and showing up like he'd just appeared out of thin air. The little guy was good at that.
"Don't... do that, Mozz. I didn't ask you to fix things between us. I told you those things in confidence."
He was pissed at both of them now, turning to go when a cough made him pause.
"You were angry when I did what I did with treasure. Peter hated you but you forgave me. What's... so different? He didn't try to get you stuck in a criminal act. He was righting a wrong much as I hate to admit it. The Suit was doing good."
Neal turned away, not wanting to hear what his friend said as he felt the urge to be alone. Mozzie was back and now suddenly he was friends with Peter after everything? He started walking, footsteps following close behind.
"The evidence box is still out there. I know where it is, Neal. You can contact your dad about it now that it's safe. Simon's put away and Peter was the one who did it."
He paused mid-step, turning halfway and glancing at his friend a moment before he nodded in defeat. Mozzie wasn't going to give up on this and he needed to see what was in that box. James wasn't safe until they figured out what Ellen had left for them.
"Fine. Tell me where and I'll go get it with you."
He said it with a bit more anger than he meant, his mood less than happy. Mozzie coughed, a slight flush on his cheeks.
"Uhm... We need the Suit's credentials. It's in the Marshals' offices."
He watched the con glanced up at him over his glasses and realized he'd have to take Peter back if he wanted to know what was in the box.
oOoOoOo
Author's Note: LOOOOONG chapter again. Nearly done. Thought this would be it but unfortunately more to come. :) This next chapter will hopefully be the last. Don't want to drag out the unhappiness too much longer. We need our boys friendly again.