(Chapter 3)
Neal had done the only thing he could think of, pushing Peter out of harm's way and feeling the agent grab him long enough so he was pulled in with him. The car sped past but the driver had turned purposely to look at them. There was no denying who was in the car, Neal had seen that face in his nightmares too many times to easily forget it. Chris was driving the car that had nearly killed them.
Peter had shaken him, tried to keep him from breaking down as he muttered who had been driving. Chris was dead he had seen the man die with his own eyes or at least Neal knew that the wound was mortal if anything. Chris couldn't have survived all the blood loss. Why would the Count have saved him?
"Neal... Neal look at me."
He finally turned and looked at the agent, Peter giving him not just a thankful glance but one that was worried. Dead people didn't come back and try to run you over a decade later. Neal knew that but he knew what he had seen. It had been Chris.
"Peter... he's dead. How..."
He let the agent lead him over to the Taurus and into the passenger side. Peter tried to calm him, settling the con in the seat before closing the door and pulling out his phone. Neal paid no attention to the sound from his friend but he knew he was talking to one of the agents. His mind was concentrating on what he had seen. Chris had tried to kill them or... someone that looked remarkably like him. Could he have had a twin or a brother? Alex had never mentioned it but again, they had only done the one job together. There had been only enough time to get to know each other on a cursory level but they had bonded. Was someone trying get revenge for his death? Neal didn't understand what was going on.
The door opened to his left and he saw Peter slip inside and pull on his belt. Neal finally did the same, hooking the seat-belt in place. Peter put a hand on his shoulder.
"Jones is getting traffic cam feeds to see where the car went and what the plates were. Diana is looking up rental and sales records for that type of vehicle. I'm taking you back to the office with me for now. This Waldorf thing... it will have to wait. I'm sorry."
Neal nodded although the apology was more for having to abandon Alex than anything. Peter liked the fence despite his disapproval of her methods and lifestyle but he wanted to keep Neal safe so they were going to wait on looking into her location. He wiped at his face, something wet flowing down one cheek before he looked out the window and stared out. Peter pulled out into traffic, the city moving past at a fast rate.
"We'll figure this out, Neal. I'm not going to let you be a statistic."
The agent was doing what he knew how but would it be enough against a ruthless Count and a dead man's revenge?
"Neal... thanks."
He saw the look in the agent's eyes. He was thanking him for pushing him out of the way. He nodded trying to smile back. Neal felt the agent squeeze his arm before concentrating on the road again. Neal was starting to doze off if only a little, his mind going back to the scene when he felt his phone buzz. He had a new text.
Next time... I won't miss.
He blinked at the text, turning slightly to see Peter watching the road and traffic. The con texted back.
Chris?
There was a hesitation as he sent it and finally received an answering text.
You left me to die. You both did.
Neal noticed Peter still wasn't looking at him so he tried to hold his emotions in despite what was happening and had happened. He texted back.
We'll meet. Let Alex go. Take me.
He waited for the answer back as Peter parked in the garage. He had to hurry it up or explain. Neal waited and heard the soft buzz as his reply came.
Fine. WA 10 PM rm 425. Come alone.
He was about to answer back when Peter peered over.
"Mozzie?"
Neal felt guilty but he had to say something. He hated to lie after everything that happened but he had to protect Alex.
"Yeah... he's upset he can't join us for dinner."
Peter nodded as he took the explanation as truth and they both slipped out of the car, heading to the elevator and upstairs. It was just before 5 PM so there were still a few people parked meaning agents were upstairs. Neal felt his phone buzz and looked to find a new text.
Found Alex yet?
It was from Mozzie. Neal felt guilty but he didn't want to send his friend to check out what he was supposed to see. Still... He could use some eyes on that end but he'd put Mozzie in enough danger with the cuff-links.
Not yet. Might need a distraction soon. Details coming.
He sent the text, Peter watching him curiously as he tried to be less than obvious but the agent was obviously worried about him if not wondering what he was up to. His phone buzzed again and he looked at it quickly.
Aye Aye Capitan!
()()()
Peter suspected Neal wasn't telling him something but at the moment they were still both a little shell-shocked so he was willing to look the other way till he had the info needed from his crew. Jones sidled up to him immediately, Peter leaving Neal at his desk when he was certain the young man was capable, before he listened to what Jones had to give him.
"Car was as you said. Red sports car, driver clearly seen but he does magic."
Peter blinked uncertain what that meant as they went to see the footage. They watch the man driving, a face visible and then he parks some blocks away, leaves the vehicle and is never seen again. All cameras in the area catch nothing resembling the young man driving the car. It's like he was a ghost. The agent blinked not wanting to think about it. Neal said this man was supposed to be dead but there had to be some kind of explanation.
"Vanishing act. Must be a way he did this. Nobody just 'disappears' Jones. See what you can find out about the suspect. Match up his face in the database... search out the area."
He would have said more but Jones was smiling.
"Done Done and Done, boss. Sent agents out. They found nothing but the car as it was left. No finger prints, not even any trace hair or skin. The car was cleaner than show room condition."
This case was getting trickier by the moment and maybe Neal was starting to sound right. Could they be tracking a ghost? Peter shook the idea away as Jones handed him a file.
"Christophe Dupri, alias Christopher Warren, alias Chris Northton and more than I can say without just having you read the file. He fell off the radar ten years ago and hasn't been heard from since. Those crimes from the mystery case file... they match his MO but I'm guessing you already knew that. He's also associated with a certain fence friend of Caffrey's."
The junior agent let his voice trail off as their eyes both moved to look at Neal who sat at his desk looking less than himself. In fact the young man looked haunted if anything. Peter nodded, thanking the agent for the information and moving up to his office to drop off his jacket and coat. This was going to be a harder mystery to solve than he first imagined.
"Neal... You said they have Alex. I get the feeling you know where..."
The con looked up at him but soon averted his eyes.
"Dead end. I've called all the hotels I can think she would have stayed and tried all her aliases. Mozzie was helping me with this. No hits. She's disappeared and they have her. That's all I know."
Peter nodded, looking back to see Diana catching his eye. He patted his friend on the shoulder promising to be back soon. Neal looked at him with a slightly calmer glance as Peter moved to hear what she had to say.
"Boss, you ok? How's Caffrey holding on?"
They looked back briefly before he shook his head.
"I'm fine but Neal's convinced we were almost killed by a dead man. Long story, I'll fill you in later but what do you have for me?"
She handed him several copies of receipts and print outs for a car lease.
"Car lease paid in cash for said sports car. ID is obviously a fake with the name "Christophe Dupris" as the alias and a signature that matches what we have of Caffrey's so called dead friend. If he's dead, someone's doing a great job of copying him from his aliases to his look and signature. What aren't you telling us Peter?"
He couldn't say yet, having promised Neal immunity from it as well as privacy. Diana obviously wanted to help as did Jones but he couldn't say anything yet till he got approval from Hughes. The case was unofficial at the best. He looked up to see their boss up in his office getting ready to go. He gave her a look to wait.
"Let me talk to Hughes. This case is still unofficial till he approves what we have. I'm not sure if what we have is enough but it concerns Neal. Give me a moment."
()()()
Neal knew that Peter was watching him, worrying about him but he was more worried about Peter. Chris or the ghost of his friend had tried to send a warning by nearly running the agent down. This was getting to be a bit too personal. Alex was missing, Mozzie had been drugged senseless and now Peter... he had to make this end! He opened up his phone when Peter left to talk to Diana. He reread the texts from Alex's phone and the time he had to meet. It was after 5 PM now so he had 4 hours or so before the meeting at the Waldorf Astoria. He would have to prepare, knowing at the very least he was sacrificing himself for a good reason if it came to that.
He typed something onto this PC, hacking into the FBI database with Peter's user name and password. He found current information about Count Rudolfe. The man was currently visiting friends here in New York on a temporary VISA. He was a diplomat from Paris on business for his government. Highly convenient he was here and Alex went missing. Mozzie had indicated a lack of fingerprints on the box beyond their own. Even the prints found on the packaging were from the courier company and not Rudolfe or Chris. They had no proof Rudolfe was behind any of this beyond what Neal knew of the original incident. He had to get some air, his mind trying to figure things out when he heard a cough and Diana stood there.
"Going somewhere Caffrey?"
Neal put on his best innocent act considering he wasn't feeling like himself and using that to his advantage.
"Just need some air."
Diana raised an eyebrow then nodded with a soft smile. She believed him apparently but he did need some time alone.
"Don't go far."
He nodded pointing up then pulling up his pant leg.
"I won't. You can check for yourself."
()()()
Neal sighed as he reached the roof top and gazed out across the city. It was a glorious view but he was searching for Alex. He knew where she was but Peter would never go for him meeting with the people behind this without a herd of agents behind them. That might be the worse thing at this point if the Count, Chris or whoever was behind this was desperate enough to kill. He had his anklet so that would be a way for Peter to find him if he set things up correctly. He just had to find Alex then figure out what to do next. His phone buzzed.
Distraction?
Neal sighed, it was too soon but Mozzie wanted to help.
Not yet. See what you can find out about Count du Rudolfe.
He waited, Mozzie answering back.
Will do.
Neal smiled but it wasn't a happy smile. Getting Mozzie involved with more of this wasn't his plan. Only he and Alex were involved technically. He still didn't understand how Chris was here. It was too impossible to think about but it had been their cohort and he'd died. How could he be back? He'd seen Chris' injuries. No one could have survived so much blood loss...
"Neal?"
He pushed his phone into his pocket as he turned to see Peter standing there. The agent looked concerned.
"Peter... just getting some air. I guess Diana told you?"
He said it with a bit more testiness than he meant. He didn't like being on a leash but he knew that Peter was worried. If not for the anklet... he didn't want to think about it. He knew it was a necessary evil till his release but he didn't have to like it.
"Yeah... Rudolfe is here in town. I gave Hughes all the information. He thinks we have enough of a case so we are waiting on a warrant to check the Count's current residence. He's staying at the Waldorf Astoria, penthouse suite."
Neal blinked in surprise but nodded as he moved closer. Maybe he could do this without lying. If they were going there already...
"I can't let you go in on this one, Neal. You're going to stay behind with a few agents to watch you at my home. Elizabeth said she wouldn't mind the company."
Peter was serious. Neal nodded despite knowing he had to be there. Mozzie would be his distraction and he would be there but for now he had to be coy.
"He has Alex, Peter. I should be there."
The agent shook his head.
"You're safer and so is she if you aren't there. I'm not taking any chances. We're serving him tomorrow once the warrant comes in. Stay put."
Neal nodded but knew he would find a way to be there tonight and find Alex. Peter glanced at him in that fatherly manner but he just held back as if giving in. He had to pretend till tonight. It was for the best.
"Fine... but tell me soon as you catch him and find Alex."
()()()
Peter finished up with what they had at the office by 7, taking Neal back with him to June's to grab up a bag of clothes before heading to his own home. Elizabeth knew what was up as the two men showed along with two other agents.
"Honey... Neal... Dinner's almost ready."
She hugged and kissed Peter before gently hugging Neal who looked like he could use it. The young man still looked pale from earlier.
"Come on Neal... your room is ready and we can drop your bag upstairs."
El gave him a look as she took Neal upstairs. He sighed, talking to the two agents and letting them know what was up before one went outside to stay in a car while the other stayed inside with them. Peter went upstairs to find his wife fixing up the bed while Neal was down the hall washing up in the bathroom.
"He doesn't look very happy, Peter. Tell me again why he's staying here?"
Peter hadn't given her all the details yet but they had no secrets.
"Someone's after him. They left us a case to solve but it's just a lure to get at Neal. Hughes finally believes we should pursue it. We're getting a warrant to check out the person we believe is involved. Old grudge apparently from his past. I just want him safe."
She nodded but pushed the door shut as she confronted him.
"So does this have to do with why you're protecting him?"
El pointed at the scuffed part of his suit as he looked down and had forgotten about that while he worried about his partner. He blushed, rubbing at the back of his neck.
"Yeah... about that. Someone may have tried to uhm... run me over. I didn't want to worry you."
She looked at him horrified a moment, her arms wrapping around him as she looked up.
"Are you ok? Was Neal..."
He nodded then shook his head.
"Neal was the one who pushed me out of the way. I'm here because of him but the driver... it's why I'm on the case."
She nodded back, holding him close to her as they heard footsteps and turned when the door opened. Neal stood there looking at them awkwardly.
"I guess I have the wrong room..."
El shook her head as she smiled back.
"I need to finish up dinner."
Peter hugged and kissed her before she gave Neal a quick peck on the cheek and left them alone. He could see the look on the con's face.
"I told her what was going on. I couldn't hide it as well as you do."
He pointed down at the scuffed tear of his suit as Neal made an "oh" of his lips.
"You're ok. I'm ok... everything will be ok. Let's go downstairs and eat."
Neal nodded as they left the guest room. Peter took a quick detour to his bedroom, changing clothes and washing up before he joined them downstairs where his partner and the other agent were helping set the table and bring out food. El was keeping them busy which made him smile.
"Smells good, hon."
He hugged her as she walked out with a bottle of wine and placed it on the table.
"Thank you. Everyone sit down and enjoy."
()()()
It was closer to 9 when Neal excused himself, going upstairs and pulling out his cell. He sent a quick text.
Now...
He waited while the text was sent and another one came back to him.
"You coming down for dessert, Neal?"
El was calling up to him from the stairs as he looked at the reply to his message and called back.
"Just a moment."
Neal looked at the message and smiled.
As you wish...
Neal left the bathroom, going back downstairs to see Peter getting up and excusing himself to his wife. He was grabbing up his jacket, keys and going to the front door. The con was curious.
"Clue to our case. Jones texted. Stay here."
Neal nodded obediently as he watched El and Peter say their good-byes and his phone buzzed again.
Wild Geese are fun to chase.
He blinked realizing what it was Mozzie was telling him as he saw Peter leave and El lock the door. He hid the smile, a bit of guilt washing over him before he moved towards her and gave her a little squeeze. She looked back at him curiously.
"He'll be ok. Might not be anything."
She nodded but looked worried regardless as they both went back to the table to finish eating and have dessert. Neal did his best to act normal but he had little time to play with if he was going to get away and find Alex.
"I need some air."
He pointed at the back door, El nodding as he went outside and closed the door behind him. He thought he heard a cell ring and a familiar voice answer. Another text showed up.
Mrs. Suit will be busy too. Ready?
Neal nodded at the text, answering quickly back before he took off into the darkness and up over the small fence.
Thanks!
()()()
Peter was surprised when Jones texted him, going out to the site which was an abandoned building on the opposite side of town. Jones and Diana were there when he showed up, both looking like they had been waiting for his orders.
"What's up? Why are we here?"
Jones and Diana glanced at the other then at him.
"That's what we were about to ask you, boss. You paged us."
He blinked not certain what to think when he pulled out his phone and showed it to Jones.
"Tell me you didn't send this text."
The junior agent blinked but read it then shook his head.
"I didn't... and I received this one."
Peter saw the text on his agents' phones before wiping his face and trying to think who was playing them.
"Neal... He must have... dammit!"
The two agents looked at him curiously.
"Jones... take some agents and case out the Waldorf. Diana, come with me. I may need your help finding Neal."
()()()
Neal showed up at the Waldorf Astoria less than 30 minutes later. He paid the cabbie and walked in as the valet opened the door for him. He smiled at the man and entered the bustling hotel, pulling out his phone as it buzzed in his pocket. What could Mozzie be sending him now?
Go to Reception. Ask for Rebecca.
He read the message before walking confidently towards the front desk and reception. A pretty young woman stood there in a uniform, smiling at him as he gave her his best grin.
"I'm here to see Rebecca Chartres."
The young woman gave a wider smile and nodded back, turning to grab something up.
"You must be Nicholaus. She said to expect you and left a package. Is it your anniversary?"
She looked excited if not genuinely happy for him as he nodded without knowing what she meant till he saw said package. It was smaller than the one he had received before but silver and wrapped with a blood red ribbon marked "Happy Anniversary" in silver lettering. He kept up the facade, the receptionist handing him a room key and note.
"You can go up."
She gave him a wink as he nodded with his own smile and walked away. His eyes glanced down at the package like a snake about to bite till he found a quiet corner to sit in and finally opened up the note.
Dearest Nicholaus,
In this box is something that will open your eyes. Put it on and then go to the bar and have a drink. Join me in my room, 425 when you're ready.
~Rebecca~
This was definitely not something Alex would have written although it was in her handwriting. He finally pulled the ribbon on the box and opened it up, gingerly removing the tissue paper inside till he had found the gift. It was a beautiful silver ring in the style of the cuff-links and pin they'd received just a few days before. He was supposed to put this on? It wasn't a bad ring but he knew the consequences of touching any of these so called gifts. With a little prayer, and hope that Peter might find him at the end of all this, Neal pulled the ring out of the box and pushed it onto his finger. He felt something scratch the underside of his finger, a thin cut bleeding slight as a paper cut as he finished pushing the ring on and stood up. He read the note again, moving over to the hotel bar and sitting at a stool.
"You must be Nick. I was told to hand you this."
He saw a drink pushed his way but shook his head.
"I want scotch on the rocks. Make it where I can see it."
The bartender shrugged and nodded, making the drink as he watched and then handed it to him.
"One scotch on the rocks on the house."
The man smiled at him with a coy wink as he moved along and helped other customers. Neal nodded, taking the drink and taking a sip. He was already feeling a bit fuzzy realizing if alcohol was the trigger, he had had a glass of wine with dinner at the Burkes'. He didn't care so long as he was able to find Alex and get her back safe. Peter would find him. He always found him.
()()()
El was surprised when Peter showed back at the house not long after he had left. She was more surprised for him to be asking about Neal.
"He's in the back getting some air. Why?"
Peter nodded, sending Diana to look out back while he ran upstairs. When he came back down Diana was shaking her head.
"He's not back here, boss. Are you certain he didn't leave while you were here?"
Elizabeth looked a bit shocked but shook her head.
"I was busy on the phone with my assistant. She said someone paged her about an event we're getting ready to do. Ends up it was just a false alarm. We started talking about some other preparations and I lost track of... time. Is something going on here I should be worrying about?"
She was looking at Peter and he didn't know what to tell her. Neal had vanished from his home and he had been taken on a wild goose chase. He started to think back to all the texts his partner had been getting and how private he had been about them.
"Diana, go find Neal and help Jones. I'm going to see what a certain small time con might know about our missing CI."
()()()
Neal was tipsy within a few minutes and only two sips of his scotch. It must be whatever drug was in the ring but he felt most of his senses starting to act up, things glowing that shouldn't and sounds warping oddly around him. He left a small tip on the counter, standing up shakily as he weaved and wove his way dizzily from the bar out to the lobby. Something vibrated in his pocket, the young man reaching in with nothing but thumbs but finally getting his cell out. He had a new text.
Rm 425. Don't be late.
Neal nodded at the message, pushing his phone into his pocket as the elevator doors opened and he talked in slurred tones.
"Hold the... car."
The person complied as he got in and they exited. The doors shut but the elevator didn't move till he remembered he had to push a button. He leaned forward with a dizzy sway and pushed the button hard before leaning back on the railing and lurching slightly as the car began it's ascent. He watched the elevator lights glowing blurry above the closed metal doors of the car, legs beginning to buckle beneath him but he held on, slapping at his face to wake himself up. He saw dried blood there on his hand where the ring had cut him but he didn't care, the elevator dinging as it reached the fourth floor and the doors swooshed open. His phone rang again.
To your left. Third door on the right. She's waiting.
Neal didn't care anymore what was going on. The drug made him feel nothing, everything muted in his mental stupor. He just pushed his phone back into his pocket, making his way drunkenly down the hallway to the left and found room 425. He fumbled in his pocket for the key, finally able to push it into the lock despite his blurry vision. The lock clicked open as he pushed the door open and stumbled inside.
"A... Alex?"
He looked around till he saw the blurry figure on the bed. Neal blinked till he could see her more clearly as he moved to her side.
"Alex? Alex... wake... up."
His voice continued to slur as he stood beside her and shook her gently. She was wearing a pretty dress similar to the one she had worn that night of the robbery. Her eyes were partially open, staring up at the ceiling glassy and blank. He sat on the edge of the bed and grasped her hand in his, holding it tightly till her eyes moved to meet his.
"Alex... it's me. I'm here."
Her lips moved as if to speak but nothing came out. He moved closer to hear and thought he could just hear her say: Neal... trap.
He nodded, moving to kiss her on the cheek when someone clapped nearby and he turned to see who was there.
"Bravo! Our hero rescues the damsel in distress or does he? I think you have more issues than just a beautiful thief in danger, Nicholaus. Yes, I know that was your name at the time. A very European name if I might say so myself."
Neal just stared at the man, Count Rudolfe. He was nothing like he had thought with salt and peppery hair and deep green eyes that flashed at him brightly despite his blurry vision. He pushed himself to his feet, placing himself between Alex and this man who wanted to gain revenge on them. He didn't care what happened to himself at this point as he narrowed his eyes at the man in challenge.
"You said you'd free her for me. Keep your... promise."
The man kept smiling, bright white teeth gleaming dangerously.
"I would let her go if it were just up to me. I think you remember your dearly departed cohort in crime?"
Neal didn't know what to expect as another figure walked out from a back doorway. His strong stance was breaking down as he saw Chris come into view. Their friend looked exactly the same as he had that day, a scar around his neck where he had been cut by Rudolfe's guards. Neal saw the image in his mind all too vividly, his stomach wanting to protest as he grew sick just thinking about it.
"Chris... you're alive? How..."
The count was smiling still as he made a motion and Chris was suddenly slamming Neal hard against the wall by the bed. The dead man pushed his arm hard against Neal's throat choking him as he kept him pinned in place.
"He's alive because of me and he's very loyal. He knows what you did and he wants his revenge on both of you. I don't think Ms. Chartres here will be leaving us too soon."
He could hardly breath, his face flushing warmly as the figure of their dead friend held him tight and suffocated him. Neal struggled but the drug rushed through his system quickly despite his will to fight it. Rudolfe must have sensed his uncertainty as he walked back over with a syringe, tapping it.
"Just in case... Hold him Christophe."
The dead man nodded as his grip grew tighter like a vice. Neal could barely take a breath now as the needle pushed into his neck and he felt warmth there. With the alcohol, the original drug and this new addition he felt his heart fighting to beat normally, a kind of arrhythmia forming as he felt a skip.
"You aren't dying but it will feel like it. Let him go, Christophe. Remove his phone and anklet."
The dead man nodded, reaching inside and grabbing his phone and tossing it aside. Rudolphe gave him what looked like the key to his anklet as Chris dropped Neal to the floor and quickly lifted up his left leg and removed the device. He was helpless to do more than sit there, body succumbing despite his fight for consciousness.
"It's a shame we couldn't have included your FBI friend. Would be nice to have that kind of influence but you will do. Your knowledge will be quite useful after the change. Sleep well, dearest Nicholaus."
Neal felt his body slipping away, his mind going with it as he finally slumped over even more, eyes rolling back. Chris crouched over him with a look that could kill as Neal wished he'd told Peter where he was going and everything went black.
()()()
Mozzie was surprised when Peter showed up at Neal's room so late. June had let him up but it wasn't a happy agent that greeted him.
"Where is he, Mozz?"
The little guy wasn't sure what to say since Neal had only asked him for a distraction. He hadn't asked for details.
"I... I don't know. He just asked... I'm saying too much. I want my lawyer present."
Peter rolled his eyes at him but he knew the agent was pissed. Something bad must have happened but Neal could take care of himself. Right?
"Don't give me that legal bull, Mozz! He's in danger. Tell me where he went!"
The agent was hovering over him, trapping him against the wall as the con finally flinched.
"I don't know. I just... he was looking for Alex. He knew where she was but that's all I know. He wanted a distraction. I did what he asked."
Peter wiped at his face but nodded, leaving the premises as quickly as he had entered them. June met him downstairs with a curious glance.
"Peter... is Neal in trouble?"
The agent turned to look at her shaking his head after a moment.
"He's in danger and he purposely... if I don't find him our case will turn into a murder investigation of one Neal Caffrey."
Her face paled as he softened his stance and apologized.
"Just contact me if he calls you. You have my number?"
He handed her his card just in case, June nodding.
"He'll be ok. Neal's strong and Mozzie... he was just helping."
()()()
Peter found Jones and crew at the Waldorf, Diana calling to say she had found no sign of Caffrey any where. He told her to join them here as he pulled his agent aside and spoke quietly to him.
"The texts earlier... it was a ruse. Mozzie did it on Neal's instructions. He was trying to lure us away while he came here. Any sign of him?"
Jones shook his head as they entered the hotel and moved to reception. The young woman there smiled warmly at them till they flashed badges and her expression went stark.
"Agents, what may I help you with?"
Peter took control of the situation as he tried to be civil.
"I'm looking for a man who may have come in looking for someone. Have you seen this man?"
He held up a picture from his wallet of Neal. The young woman glanced at the picture then nodded with a smile.
"Yes... he was here to see his fiancee' I think. She left him a box and key to her room. Rebecca Chartress, room 425. Is something wrong?"
Peter shook his head as he asked her where Neal had gone before thanking her for her time. An agent came back with a box they'd found near a chair in the lobby.
"He was here... any other clues?"
One of the agents nodded.
"Bartender says a man matching Caffrey's description was inside there just a little while ago before he went upstairs using the elevator. Someone had left orders to give him a drink on the house."
Peter nodded, grabbing up Jones and two agents while leaving the rest below to search for Neal. He sent one up the stairs as he and Jones went up the elevator to find room 425.
"The stairway and hall are clear, sir."
Peter nodded as they exited the elevator and moved down the hallway till they found the right room. The door was unlocked as they pulled out their guns at the ready then quickly moved inside.
The room was posh, if not plush but empty. There was evidence someone had been on the bed a long dark hair found by Peter when he looked, handing it to Jones for evidence.
"Get forensics up here on the double! I'm calling this in to Hughes. We're going to need that warrant now!"
Peter was just calling Hughes when Jones tapped him on the shoulder.
"Boss... we have a problem."
Peter turned to look as he saw the anklet dangling from the bedpost.
"Neal... Uhm yes sir. Sorry to call you so late but it's important."
He listened as Hughes replied and asked what was wrong.
"Caffrey... he's been taken. Yes, the same case. He came out here on his own. Somehow his anklet's been removed. I'm getting forensics in here and we're going to need that warrant ASAP. Thank you sir... not a problem."
Jones looked at him with a worried glance as they searched the room for anything from fingerprints to any sign Neal might have been there. Peter saw it first, picking up the cell pushed under the bed. It was Neal's. He scrolled through the texts seeing what had been to him nothing suspicious at the time but told a whole other story.
"Book this into evidence, Jones. I just hope we can find him before whoever has him and Alex disappears for good."