(Chapter 6)
When they'd brought the con man back, Agents Efran and Denis were exhausted. Stan was more so than Jack, his colleague happy to be rid of the con and worried more about his own neck than anything. Once he was alone, Stan thought more about what he'd observed than what he had been told by Kramer. Two other agents, former colleagues of Caffrey had been there to hand him over at the New York offices. From what he could tell from the exchange neither seemed happy about what was going on any more than the con. It confused the agent and made him try to talk to the C.I. once they were on the plane. The nagging questions about why Kramer treated this man as he did when it was obvious to anyone he was far more worthy of clemency confused matters more. He saw trust in those agents' eyes when they handed him over but more he saw a loss of one of their own. There was an almost animosity despite the appearance of cooperation. He would have to dig deeper on his own but now he had to make his report to his boss now that they were back in town.
Stan turned to find Jack already heading up to the offices without him, Caffrey in the hands of two new temporary agents leading the not so happy con away from the offices in chains. He watched them transport the C.I. back to his apartment he guessed, the black SUV disappearing down the street as he walked up to the Bureau entrance. He was in a thoughtful mood, strange ideas roaming through his mind as he consider the excitement of Caffrey's escape. Agent Denis might be happy to be rid of the con but there was something there that made Agent Efran want to help the con if not find out more about the why behind his move to D.C. With this thought in mind the agent headed upstairs towards his own cubicle prepared to empty it out after what happened. He honestly didn't care anymore despite what it would look like on his record. He would find other means to support himself if need had it, sick of the hypocrisy in the Bureau but for now he had to do what he could to prepare for the worse. There was something worth salvaging there as he saw Philip Kramer walking across to the elevators and moved quickly towards him.
"Sir... do you have a moment?"
He put his hand on the elevator door stopping them from closing as he entered and stood beside the seemingly affable Agent Kramer. The man nodded, nobody else with them as he seemed to give a silent assent for him to be quick. The doors shut and Stan spoke quickly.
"I wanted to talk to you about Caffrey. It was my fault he got away. I take full responsibility for what happened."
That seemed to have gotten the man's attention, cold blue eyes turning to look at him as if he were a specimen under a microscope but still smiling ever so slightly. Stan felt nervous but he was going to finish this the way he thought fit as he stood tall beside his superior. Kramer gave him a slight nod, the doors opening as he motioned for him to follow.
"So... Agent Efran, you're telling me that you're taking all blame for what happened with Caffrey. You're willing to have this black mark on your record and possibly be relegated to desk duty or something worse for the rest of your career with the Bureau. Is that what you're telling me."
Considering it should have been a question, Kramer said it all so matter a fact as if giving him an out or maybe threatening him with those actions should he take this route. Stan thought it was more the latter, his nerve faltering a moment at the repercussions but then he nodded firmly.
"I am willing to take that chance, Sir. I was at fault."
Kramer stopped walking, turning to eye him curiously with that cold stare he had become accustomed to the past year.
"Thank you for your input, Agent Efran. I will take it into... consideration."
The agent's tone was dismissive, Stan giving a stiff nod back as he watched Kramer leave him and head for his offices. It had been over 6 hours since he had gone chasing after Caffrey in New York. He was exhausted but he was still technically on duty so he went back to the elevator and headed down to his own small space he called an office. Jack was across the way at his cubicle on the phone casually chatting business it seemed as he sat down and leaned back tiredly. There was more to this story than he knew and if he could figure it out on or off the job, he was going to get down to the truth. Maybe the law wasn't as black and white as he thought. Perhaps Agent Burke had discovered that very same quality or why else would he have been so buddy buddy with Caffrey as those agents in New York had seemed to be. Even Senior Agent Hughes looked unhappy about the situation when they'd finished their exchange. Stan would dig deep if he had to, his curiosity piqued by recent events as he sat up and started his PC. No better time than the present to begin he thought as he got down to work.
()()()
A week passed since Peter had woken and Dr. Sanji said he was progressing well enough he might be able to go home. His blood count was higher than it had been and his chest wound and lung seemed to be healing as they should. Elizabeth was more than happy about the news as were Hughes, Jones and Diana. June came to visit a few times with food for them and offering El an ear to bend as needed. She had heard so much about Neal's brief visit and felt badly she had not been able to visit or help but they told her it had been a surprise for all of them he had showed up at all. Mozzie was oddly out of sight even for him, the agent curious what he might be up to unless he had gone back to ground because of the recent events. He had his suspicions from what his wife had told him of Neal's mystery appearance that the little guy had been pivotal in helping said visit. For that, he was most thankful but would act as if he didn't know for now.
"Peter... hun, there's a call for you..."
He glanced up from the wheelchair, his own robe on him and pajamas for once. Once he'd been feeling stronger he had changed from the drafty thin hospital gown to his own clothes El had brought for him. They were current relaxing in the hospital lounge, a skylight overhead and several flowering potted plants, ferns and palms scattered around making it feel more like a garden than anything. He took the cell and pushed it to his ear curious who it was calling from the look on his wife's face.
"Agent Burke? You... you don't know me but we have a mutual acquaintance. I believe you now Neal Caffrey?"
Peter perked up, glancing up at his wife with a certain look that meant he needed to be alone. She nodded quietly, pointing at a small fountain to the side as she walked that way. He was out of earshot of others in the area, the garden mostly empty this time of day as he answered the mystery caller.
"I might... Who is this?"
He heard a hesitation on the other side, silence with a hint of breath before the person spoke again.
"Let's just say I'm an interested party. Is there a way that we can set up a visit. Make this more official?"
Peter's gut told him this person might just be legit but there was still a hint of uncertainty as he nodded to the air and answered back.
"I get out in three days. Do you know Bethesda fountain in Central Park?"
He heard the person writing the information down then reply.
"Yes. Bring both of the agents from your department... Jones and Barrigan I believe were their names. I think... well, you may all be interested in what I have to tell you."
()()()
Neal found the case they'd postponed due to his walk off the reservation to be a little more exciting than he had hoped. The person he was working for seemed to be another C.I. only temporarily out by Kramer's request. They had worked with the agent before and seemed happy to help considering they could get out and about. This other con was around Peter's age but that's where the similarity stopped. They had blondish brown hair with gray highlights, green eyes and scarred, pocked skin. The man had obviously lived a hard life, voice raspy like someone who had smoked or still smoked a lot although while they were working Neal notice the light indication of nicotine patches under their shirt. He didn't say anything but there was a hint of menthol when they talked which made him want to gag at times but he was polite since they had to make due.
"So you're THE... Neal Caffrey. I thought you'd be much older with all the escapades I've read. Surprised you have so much experience for such a pup of a man."
He glanced up at the man from the manifest he was reading in Kramer's case file. The agent had left the two alone for a bit to get whatever they needed to do done. They were supposed to be coming up with a plan to go to the street with some of Angus Morgan's old friends. Kramer thought one of them if not more could be the man they were looking for.
"I've gotten around... So, who are these friends we're supposed to meet with? How much credibility would we have with them if they think you're still in prison and I'm an outsider?"
Neal was doing his best to be friends with the man but it seemed Angus was just sizing him up, lightly yellowed teeth grinning darkly back at him.
"If you're with me, you're in. Don't worry, kiddo. I know my way around a con when need has it. Just keep your mouth shut and everything will go smoothly."
The con's tone made him nervous as he opened his mouth to say something but Kramer was back and he had lunch for them.
"You boys getting along? I hope Angus hasn't been boring you with his tales of deftness, Caffrey. He seems to think he's up in the same level with you."
Neal flinched at the man's words, seeing Angus's smile turn even colder towards him as if to indicate what he thought of him. If the agent wanted them to play nice, he wasn't helping the case by bragging on him and comparing the two like prize calves. This wasn't going to go well and if it didn't, Neal would know why even if Kramer put the blame all on him.
"Caffrey is a bit on the quiet side. I get the impression he doesn't like to hobnob with other criminals. Thinks he's too good for the likes of me. I'm kidding... We are like old friends, Agent Kramer. Good old friends."
Angus looked at him with a bit of a crook eye only he could see but smiling brightly towards Philip who either ignored the action or just didn't register it as he dropped the bag of food before them.
"Chinese. I hope you like General Joes and Sesame Chicken. What do you have for me?"
Neal started to get out his notes, collecting his thoughts when Angus interrupted.
"I just need to contact my friends, Agent Kramer. I'm pretty certain someone in the group is your forger and Caffrey here can help me find out who. I'll need a few things to get started."
The man was lying through his teeth now that Neal listened more closely. He was angry in a way with being treated like some kind of cliquish snob but he'd been underestimated before and Angus would get a surprise if he expected him to just lay back and not participate. Kramer nodded, his eyes looking over at Neal who just nodded in agreement back despite his better judgment.
"Good! Give me a list of your needs and I'll see what we can do within reason. Thank you again for helping with this Angus. Caffrey is the new guy and he needs some street cred for the city."
He felt his cheeks blush at the man's words as if he were some tenderfoot new employee getting a heads up from the old timer. Angus was anything but legit and he felt there was more to the man than the obvious. Kramer smiled at them both, his usual cold yet seemingly affable smile before leaving them to their lunch and work. Neal reached out to grab the food when a hand grabbed his and nearly twisted his wrist around as he pulled it back and stood up. Angus grinned that yellowish grin of his, reaching for the food as he stared up at him.
"Didn't your parents ever tell you to respect your elders."
The man started to pile food onto a small plate, more than his share before finally putting the packaging back as Neal rubbed at his wrist tenderly and sat down. He hesitated a moment before finally reaching for the remaining food and making his own plate as Angus watched him. It had only been two days and the man was doing his best to undermine him at every turn. Kramer's jibes didn't help as he felt again like those first few days of his arrival in D.C. when he had no friends and he had the feeling everyone was out to get him. He worried about Peter, no news since that one day with Kramer saying that his friend was better. He picked at his food, looking down at the notes he had on the painting style and any small details necessary to find the artist / forger. Angus didn't seem the art crimes type but there must be a reason Kramer had picked him.
"You going to eat that or ruminate over it?"
Neal glanced up, the man already done with his huge serving and eying his. The man had territorial issues and personal space problems if nothing else. Angus also seemed far more dangerous than the usual C.I. for this kind of job making him question Kramer's choice even more. He nodded, moving to take another bite when he sensed movement and was up and out of the way before the man could swipe at him. Angus laughed raspily, taking his plate and already starting to eat from it. Neal had barely taken a few bites but now he was going to go without lunch apparently. This reminded him of his first week in prison. Angus was a whole other deal. He wasn't just dangerous but smart. Neal would have to watch his back around this one.
()()()
His stomach growled and churned at 10 PM, Neal trying to ignore it as Kramer walked in on his researching.
"Neal..."
He glanced up at the man tiredly, eyes swimming from reading, researching and writing notes. He'd looked over every inch of the forged paintings once Angus was gone and his work had gone so much faster without the man although he was doing the brunt of it. It was serendipity they had passed a desk between transfer points and he'd managed to swipe an apple and granola bar off two desks. It was all he'd had to sustain him since breakfast and his not so successful lunch with Angus. He felt sick at the memory of the man and having to continue working with him again. It was no use complaining to Kramer or any agents here. Nobody had his back and he just had to "cowboy up" despite the lack of friends.
"Let me finish this up, Sir."
Neal kept writing his notes when a hand touched his shoulder in an attempt to be gentle. It made him think of Peter but this wasn't his friend telling him it was time to go home. This was his jailer. He nodded his head reluctantly, stopping what he was doing and pushing everything back into the folder. He walked it over to a locker and placed it inside as Kramer locked it up for him and swiped him out of the room. Surprisingly no other agents were around, including the new ones that had been assigned to him at his apartment. He suddenly worried about Stan and his partner if they'd been transferred or put in paperwork Siberia. They had pretty much vanished from his sight after that day he was brought back and never seen again. For all he knew they had been fired.
"Are you in the mood for a drink? I know I am."
Kramer's voice was friendlier despite everything but Neal was prepared for a catch as he shrugged and followed, the man swiping him out until they were at his office.
"Sit, Caffrey. Do you like Scotch?"
Now he wasn't sure what to think. Kramer was being nice to him? He must want something else from him but what it was...
"Sure... what's the occasion?"
He saw the agent stiffen slightly despite outer appearances at his tone but why wouldn't he be suspicious. Kramer poured them both a small high ball and handed one to the C.I. as he motioned for him to sit.
"I'm sure you're wondering why I picked Morgan as a consultant for a case as refined as this one."
The man could read his mind, Neal feeling a coldness wash over him as he tried to prepare himself for the worse. Kramer seemed to relax, leaning back in his chair despite everything between them. He wasn't afraid of Neal hurting him obviously despite his former attempt to wring the agent's neck after hanging up on Sara. He mirrored the man to some extent, nursing his drink and watching the agent get a little buzzed by the liquor.
"You've worked with worse types haven't you, Caffrey? Ryan Wilkes comes to mind... Matthew Keller. Somehow you make it work despite everything but you leave when things don't meet your expectations... am I wrong?"
Philip paused, pouring himself more scotch before he continued his speech.
"What was so different about Petey? Was it Elizabeth?"
He made it sound almost salacious what he was insinuating, Neal feeling disgust but shaking his head.
"If this is what you want to discuss, just take me back to the apartment or prison. It's been a long day and I just want to rest."
Neal didn't hide his unhappiness at the comment or man, the agent smiling as he poured himself more scotch getting drunker it seemed. Was this some kind of weird test? The con wasn't sure what to think as the agent left to answer his cell, leaving him alone for a few minutes. The door was shut and he was alone in the man's office. Suddenly he remembered the plan as his eyes gazed over the desk and found the iPad in the corner under some papers. He only had to get that information for Mozzie if he could be certain this wasn't some kind of trap. He waited 5 minutes before he finally quickly pulled the item out using his tie clip to take a pic of the mac address and user name. This felt way too easy, the office the only room he noticed had no cameras. If his tie clip was taken then he'd know the man was onto him as he put things back, sat down as if he had never moved and waited. 20 more minutes passed before Kramer returned looking a bit more sober than he had.
"I guess our heart to heart will have to wait for another day. That was Angus. He says his friends want to meet tomorrow night. Sooner than we planned but it will work. I'll have an agent take you home, Neal."
Kramer was done with him it seemed for now, Neal standing up as he left the glass on the desk and waited by the door to be let out. It was a few minutes before two agents showed and he left with a passing glance back at the man he hated more than anything at the moment. Still... there was something he was curious about as he left, a thought percolating in his head as he was led away.
()()()
Peter took Diana to the park with him three days later for his mystery meeting. Technically he was out of the hospital and coalescing from home under his wife's care. Elizabeth had to work today which helped him pretend he was going to stay home and rest instead of going to this meeting. He didn't want to worry her any more than she was about his health or Neal's captivity by Kramer. Jones had been off on a case so Diana had come alone as support.
"Boss... do you know who it is you're going to meet with?"
She sounded worried if not uncertain of his plans but he calmed her as best he could despite his own uncertainty.
"My gut says they're legit. You're here as back up. Let's hope they keep up their end of things. Keep your eyes open."
The agent nodded, moving away to do a quick sweep around the fountain as Peter acted casual and sat on the edge of it watching for anyone that looked suspicious. The person was male but that was all he knew from having spoke with them briefly on the cell. He wondered how they had gotten his wife's number when he saw them. A man slightly younger than himself was looking at him curiously, casual clothes with sunglasses as they approached. Diana was coming around the corner at the same time and they met eyes as she nodded slightly and moved slowly closer as the man came up to Peter.
"Agent Burke... I'm sorry for the cloak and dagger. Is Agent Barrigan or Jones going to join us?"
The man was looking around when he spotted her and Peter motioned for her to come over. Once they were all together the man led them to a nearby park bench out of the way so they could talk.
"My name is Stan Efran. I... work with Agent Kramer... at least for the moment. I was one of the agents watching Caffrey when he ran."
Peter blinked, looking over at his second as Diana nodded back as if to confirm what the man said.
"We've met, boss. He's who he says he is. So why am I here, Agent Efran?"
Diana was to the point but it was obvious she was curious as to what the man wanted from them. Peter was too but there was a certain something there he could sense that he needed to learn more about.
"I am curious why you wanted to meet with me and my team. Jones is off on assignment or he would have been here too. Just what is it you wanted to talk to us about, Agent Efran?"
Peter tried to be as polite as he could not to scare the man off as the agent rubbed at the back of his neck, looked between them both before answering.
"Neal Caffrey. I think I know what it is Kramer is holding over him. May I speak freely?"
The agent was asking his permission which meant he was going to get into something that was of a sensitive nature. Diana took the hint despite the invitation and went for a little walk. Peter watched Efran glance after her before their eyes met again.
"Plausible deniability. So... what is it you wanted to speak about?"
Agent Efran sighed deeply, pulling out his phone and handing it over to Peter to view. The agent had a bad feeling but pushed play on the grainy street surveillance footage. Something about the scene was familiar but it wasn't the one with Neal and Keller moving the treasure. He glanced at the two men in military garb and his eyes widened. It was the same day as the other footage only moments earlier when he and Mozzie had fooled the cops into taking the truck inside. It had been a classic move, a Trojan Horse moment, but now he realized what resources his former mentor had.
"Where did you find this?"
Peter was feeling sick all of a sudden, handing the phone back and trying to figure out what it was Kramer was doing. Why would he have this footage at all?
"A secret server of Kramer's at the Bureau. Let's just say I was hired for my hacker skills. Does it make any sense to you?"
Efran seemed to be innocent of what the implication of this film was. This wasn't a frame up but why did Kramer have it? Did he know it was him and Mozzie or was it there for some other less insidious reason. He nodded to the agent without giving too much away.
"I can't go into details... but I thank you Agent for bringing this to my attention. How... is Caffrey?"
Peter didn't want to ask but wondered if his friend was ok knowing what the con had done to come visit with him. The agent sighed.
"You can call me Stan. I'm on leave at the moment trying to figure out what I'm going to do. Caffrey... I guess he's alright. I was taken off that detail. Wish I had more to tell you."
The agent took out a card from his phone and handed it to him as he hit format on the device.
"You obviously know what it is and I don't want to make things worse for myself or your friend..."
He nodded back at him smiling.
"You can call me Peter. Neal is a survivor and thank you for this. I appreciate the effort. If you need anything..."
Stan smiled back.
"Thanks. I may take you up on that if things change. It was nice to meet you, Peter."
()()()
Diana and Peter talked but he didn't tell her about the film only that the chat with Agent Efran had been informative. Technically he couldn't tell her much less Hughes what he had done to protect Neal and save his wife. He wasn't about to get the department mixed up in his mess. Maybe he could confront Kramer but then he would have to explain how he had the footage which wasn't a much better solution.
The agent sighed, sitting at home now as he waited for El to return. He turned on the sports channel but he was tired as he curled up on the couch and fell asleep. His dreams went back to that day when his wife had been taken and he had been angry with Neal Caffrey. Much as he wanted to help Neal change, that had been one moment he could have let the young man fend for himself. The one instant if anything had actually happened to his wife he would have set the con adrift to deal on his own. He had been so close to doing that until he understood why. Neal had stayed for them... for his wife, Sara, June and the people he worked with. He had stayed for Peter, the thought changing his mind quickly from hating his friend to working through what happened. He would never truly be over the fear and betrayal but he could live with it knowing that it hadn't been something Neal would have seen coming. Who would?
Shhh... Looks like he's sleeping. You may want to come back...
Peter woke up to hear his wife whispering to someone at the back door. His eyes focused to see a small hint of a balding bespectacled man beyond peeking over and seeing him with a surprised look.
"I think he might be more awake than you suspect..."
Elizabeth had her hands up on her hips as if to debate the topic when she turned and saw that Peter had woken up.
"Peter... uhm... Give me a second."
The little guy nodded as she closed the door partway and moved towards him. He stood up with a stretch and yawn, hugging her as she leaned up to kiss him.
"Mozzie wants to talk to you but... well you were asleep. Are you ready for visitors?"
He'd forgotten she didn't know he'd gone out to the park today, his conscience bothering him about lying as he nodded less than convincingly. El winked back.
"I'm sure it's nothing. Humor him a few minutes and if he gets too be too much, I know ways to make him leave."
She winked again, moving over to the door to let their guest in. Mozzie shuffled inside, messenger bag hugged close to his body meaning he had something valuable inside. Peter could only imagine what it was as his wife offered them coffee and snack before leaving them alone as she went upstairs to fold some laundry. Maybe he had been asleep longer than he thought as he gave a little yawn, Mozzie coughing to get his attention. There was a silence between them for a few minutes before Peter finally felt the need to break it.
"How is he?"
Peter watched Mozzie act about as nonchalant as he could before finally shrugging with a slight frown.
"Not good... not bad but Kramer has him working slave hours. At least you have a wife to go home to that kept you from beating the horse dead."
Mozzie blushed at the realization of what he said, an almost apologetic look on his face but Peter found himself suddenly laughing at the comment despite everything. Maybe he was still too much in shock from the shooting, his injuries and everything else that had happened. Mozzie looked worried, eyes glancing upwards as if he might psychically call El back down but Peter shook his head.
"I get the point. So, what's in the bag?"
He was still curious why the little guy was hugging it so closely, the comment making Mozzie look a bit paranoid.
"Bag? What bag... oh, you mean my messenger bag. I... how do you know there's something valuable in it, Suit?"
Now the little guy was being coy but Peter was patient despite himself as he shrugged and pulled out his phone. Maybe he could ask him about that video Agent Efran had given him. It was something more than sitting here waiting for this game of sharing Mozzie was playing with him.
"You might want to see this. Maybe you can tell me what it means."
He handed his phone over and pushed play, Mozzie peering down at the screen as the reflection of the grainy film flickered on the screen. Suddenly the little guy gave a bit of a screech, dropping the phone on the table as he stood up and glared accusingly at him.
"You had this all along?You didn't... He could have... Why...!"
Mozzie was red in the face, an angry look directed at Peter which confused and almost frightened the agent as the little guy stood up.
"What do you mean? I only just received this today from someone who told me they had information about what was going on."
The con looked about to explode but something seemed to snap and he finally collapsed back into the chair as if he had no more energy to spare. He picked up the phone after a moment and watched the clip again before looking over at him again. Peter was still not certain what was going on, footsteps hurrying down the stairs and over to them.
"What's going on? I could hear your voices yelling from upstairs."
El looked worried if not upset, her arms hugging him as Mozzie finally tore his eyes from the phone and handed it back.
"I saw a spider... Peter squashed it for me."
Peter blinked but the little guy made a motion with his eyes to go with it so he sighed and nodded.
"Big wolf spider. It's gone now. Sorry hun. I didn't think you'd hear us from up there."
El nodded, her expression doubtful but she kissed him and left them alone again with a quick glance down from the stairs before disappearing. Peter would have to tell her eventually what happened today but not now, Mozzie's quick thinking keeping him out of hot water.
"Good one, Suit. So, if you know about the clip you're going to help Neal, right?"
Mozzie looked hopeful which made him feel worse considering what would happen if he brought this up to his agents much more Hughes. Technically he could do nothing official on this. It would have to be in the background as he tried not to look too unsympathetic. He wanted to help Neal but in helping his friend he would ruin himself and the con would be thrown back in prison if not Peter for being an accessory. He was in a tight spot.
"Mozzie... how was it you knew about this clip?"
The con looked back at him curiously that shuttered looking coming over him Peter thought before Mozzie spoke.
"Neal told me. Said Kramer blackmailed him with ruining you if he didn't go to D.C."
Now he understood. Kramer wanted Neal so badly he blackmailed... He would never have thought his former mentor would be so cold blooded even after everything that had happened. This was too much. Maybe... maybe he had to tell Reese. It would ruin him and his department perhaps but... but it would be for the best. It would bring out the corruption in the system he was slowly becoming aware of.
"Mozzie... contact Sally. I think..."
The little guy held up a hand and smiled at him knowingly.
"Neal said the same thing. Sometimes I think you two have been mind melding despite the separation but uhm yeah... Sally is in the loop. We're just waiting on a few details from Neal. He's been quiet the last two days."
Peter heard the worry in Mozzie's voice and realized something might be going on. He had the weekend to travel but would El let him when he was supposed to be resting from his injuries...
oOoOoOo
Author's Note: More and more details coming out. Atleast everyone's seemingly on the same page. For the reviewer that mentioned Agent Efran (Stan) he's going to be around. I like him too. :)