(Chapter 6)

Sunday, the day before the gala and Neal was ready to get it over with. It wasn't one of his most stressful times but with preparation to get the house taken care of (Theo had agreed to take over the place while they were gone, Sally happy to assist), call his agent Hale who was more than happy to keep him on despite the commute and find a place for them both once they arrived. He had savings and so did Sara, enough to find a decent place near her work. They would go house hunting online but also in person once they had taken the time to go on their honeymoon. A short stop in London on the way to Monte Carlo would sort things out or get them started.

Neal was deep in thought when he answered the door, surprised when he saw who was standing there.

"Peter?"

The stranger had returned but now he was dressed a bit more nicely although the Brook Brothers look was not one Neal himself liked. He was more into high end suits like Devore or Versace that had been personally tailored but the man had cleaned up nicely and after the last visit looked like he might remember more.

"I didn't want to bother you but since you had been so kind to me before. Here…"

Peter handed him a small red envelope. Neal nodded with a smile, taking the item and opening it up. Inside was a simple holiday card thanking him for his patience and help along with a gift card to a nearby bakery.

"I finally figured out who I was. I don't know how I thought Ms. Mitchell was my wife but I am married. Her name is Jill. Apparently we had our wedding catered by Elizabeth some time ago and I guess that's why I remembered her. Thank you again for helping me."

Peter gave him a firm, friendly shake of the hands, Neal smiling despite himself. He wanted to know more but he saw a car, a black Taurus waiting with a woman at the wheel.

"Your wife?"

She looked pretty and blond. Such a change from Elizabeth who now seemed more Peter's type than the woman in the car but who was he to say anything. It was more an impression than a fact.

"Yes. I told her I would only be a moment. We have tickets for the Yankee's game tonight and I wanted to drop this off before I forgot. Oh and if you ever need an accountant… Apparently I am a very good one."

Peter winked at him, handing him a card before he shook his hand again, a bright gold wedding ring evident as he let go and left. Neal watched and waved. The Taurus pulling out onto the slushy streets as his eyes moved downward.

Peter Burke - CPA

Brooklyn

There was a flash of memory suddenly, something he didn't remember after wards but it hit him hard like the original migraine from weeks back. He managed to close the door and lock it but that's all he remembered before he collapsed to the floor. The image from before of smoke and haze was making him choke but now he felt someone shaking him.

I found someone! Neal… Neal wake up!

He thought he should know the voice but he didn't recognize the man immediately as he glanced up at them blankly. Apparently he had been face down or on his side, seeing what looked like rubble and debris as the figure pulled him up into a fireman's carry. Where was he? What had happened? Neal was trying to sort things out when he saw another figure laying prone on the ground, their arm laying across the space he had just been lying down. It was dark, smoke and dust making him cough as he tried to see more of them. A flashlight brightened up the scene for a moment, eyes trying to focus on the figure below when…

"Neal?"

Someone was shaking him gently, eyes looking upwards now instead of down. How had he come to lay down again when someone had just pulled him up? He blinked up at the figure to see it was Sara, her purse and briefcase on the floor beside her as stood beside the now partially open door, nudging him.

"Wake up, Neal... Please!"

Sara looked worriedly at him, giving a relieved sigh as he nodded sluggishly upwards. She helped him sit up, hazel brown eyes full of concern as she hugged him close.

"I was so worried! I put my key in the door and it wouldn't budge. I pushed hard on it and saw you there blocking the door. What happened? Do I need to call a doctor?"

She was panicking some, pulling out her cell but he stopped her, groaning as he reached up and felt a slight bump on the side of his head. At least he wasn't bleeding this time but maybe he should see a doctor about this. It was the second migraine of this magnitude in a month and the last thing he needed was to pass out behind the wheel of his car.

"Call Dr. Monroe."

()()()

Considering it was Sunday and after noon, Dr. Monroe saw them and scheduled some tests for that day. The man had been his doctor for as long as he could remember, a gentle physician who treated him when he'd broken his arm skiing one winter and the one time someone had sideswiped his car at an intersection. The man was like a father to him.

"Right now I can't say I see anything obviously wrong with you Neal. I'm glad you brought him in, Sara. I'll have to see what the result of the tests are when they come back Tuesday. I would tell you to rest but I know that will fall on deaf ears. Make sure he at least stays stress free for the next few days."

He said the last part to Sara who shrugged, Neal giving a sheepish grin. He had too much to take care of to relax even if he knew the doctor was right.

"I have a gala event tomorrow. Big PR event since my art is being shown. I'm a guest of honor. I can't miss that."

Now he was feeling somewhat petulant, pouting but Dr. Monroe sighed like a father, rolling his eyes.

"I said to relax, not stop your life, Neal. Just don't overdo it and have someone nearby to help if you feel faint again. I don't see any obvious cause for these blackouts or migraines but Tuesday will tell us more. Here's a prescription for the bump. Get some rest."

The doctor patted him on the shoulder gently, Sara nodding back as she wrapped an arm around Neal.

"I'll make sure he doesn't overdo it, in fact… I wasn't able to go to the gala due to work but my evening just became free for tomorrow. My boss will understand."

They left the office, the doctor seeing them out. Sara drove their Benz, Neal slumped slightly against the cool glass of the passenger side door. His eyes were only partially open, the scenery of the city passing by as they headed for the testing location. Dr. Monroe had scheduled him for a CAT scan and MRI at a nearby hospital. His head started to ache again as they approached the place.

I'm not getting any breath… Are the medics here yet?

The voice sounded far away and distant but something about their tone made him worry. Slowly the scenery turned from the city and the car to rubble and debris. He was back in the nightmare from his migraine, laying on a stretcher. More men were huddled over another figure nearby, only a hint of a hand sticking out with a large gold ring. He thought back to earlier in the day...

"Neal?"

He snapped out of it, sitting up to see that Sara had parked the car and was looking at him curiously. They were at the hospital ER, her eyes worrying until he smiled sleepily back.

"I'm ok. Just dozed off. Let's get this over with."

()()()

The tests only took a couple of hours, Neal more tired and ready to relax with what was left of his Sunday. Sara picked up some food on the way back, calling someone else he was only vaguely aware of as he slumped tiredly in the passenger seat. The dream he had been having didn't return but another image replaced it. A memory from earlier in the day.

Oh and if you ever need an accountant… Apparently I am a very good one.

Peter had handed him a business card, a large gold ring around one finger with some kind of insignia on it. Neal tried to see what the symbols were in his memory but woke as the car slowed and pulled in front of his place on Riverside Drive. He sluggishly fumbled at the door latch, slipping out into the cool night air. Sara had already come around to his side, food in one arm and key in the other hand as she waited for him. She tried not to act worried but Neal knew she cared enough to let him have his space while still watching out for him. Neal wrapped an arm around her waist, her free arm going around his as he took the key and they walked up the steps to their stoop. Their stoop. That's right: they were getting married over the holiday. Only a few more days. He still had so much to get done before then. Sara coughed, drawing his attention to her as he realized he had been lost in thought again.

"Was thinking about the holidays."

That brought a smile to her lips as he unlocked the door and they walked inside from the cold, shivering slightly until the door had been closed and bolted. They both left their shoes by the door, walking on the cool marble floor of the entryway until they touched the warmer wooden floors just inside the huge living room. Sara took the food to the kitchen, kissing him before she disappeared into the other room, Neal moving to the hearth to start a fire. His head was no longer bothering him and something about that seemed strangely comforting.

"Neal?"

Sara's voice was soft but when she saw him look up at her, the worry in her eyes left as she brought two plates and some other items for their feast. Neal pulled a throw off the sofa, tossing it on the floor by the fire as she put the food down on the blanket and they had a kind of indoor picnic.

"We can pretend it's Central Park… wait, what's a large park in London?"

He looked at her as she leaned closer and kissed him, a wide grin on her face.

"Hyde Park. And weekends in Paris so you can sketch at the Louvre or the Eiffel Tower. Italy and Madrid when we get tired of the rest."

Her voice had lowered a bit, husky with affection as he kissed her back and they ate, feeding the other like two love struck teens.

"Oui Oui Mademoiselle."

The rest of the evening was quiet, Sara and Neal on eggshells at the beginning as if waiting for him to be sick again. When nothing happened they just fell into their normal routine. The fire was comforting so they napped there, wrapped up in each other until Sara woke him and they went upstairs to the bedroom to finish their picnic. Neal felt calm, stress free and most of all happy. The migraine was once again forgotten as was every other negative thing.

()()()

"I can't believe you didn't call me. After everything we've been through…"

Theo went off on one of his usual rants but mainly he was expressing his worry, a haunted look in his eyes. Neal hadn't forgotten the last time he fainted from the migraines. If not for Theo who knows what may have happened. He held up a hand, his friend pausing long enough for him to talk.

"I didn't want to worry you and besides, I had Sara with me."

He tried to change the topic, Theo for once going for the bait as he shook his head.

"Why you would ever want to leave New York, not that London isn't a great place to visit… You'll write won't you?"

Obviously his friend was going to miss him and seeing how close they were, Neal felt a twinge of regret for leaving him behind but now they could both start again. Theo would have Sally and Sara, would have him. It was a win win for both of them. When vacations were available, they'd fly over especially when he had to visit his agent Hale. Neal had decided not to change agents after all.

"Of course."

They were about to say more when Sally walked into the room, Sara behind her as she called to Theo.

"Mozzie… your Salieri is waiting for you."

Her tone had turned sexy, Sara raising an eyebrow as Neal just shrugged and tried not to laugh. Theo nodded back, a large grin on his face.

"What? We both like um classical music… didn't you ever watch Amadeus?"

Theo's explanation just made things so much more awkward, the two excusing themselves to get ready for the Chrysler party. Tonight was the night, Neal as relaxed as he could be as he started upstairs to shower and shave. Sara stopped him briefly, kissing his cheek.

"Let me know if you need me to fix your bow tie…"

She left it at that, a sly grin on her lips as he kissed her back on the lips and nodded.

"Of course mademoiselle. And should you need help with a zipper…"

She chuckled at his comment, his hand slapping her on the butt gently before they parted. It was a big night and he had to be at his very best. Neal was presenting one of his most epic paintings, one that could make him even more famous than he already was. His main worry wasn't the event but having another migraine. So far he had been well all day. He meant to keep it that way if possible.

()()()

"Andre… thank you for this opportunity."

He was thanking the man who had commissioned the painting from him, an old acquaintance, the two in a quick hug.

"No, Neal… Thank you! I don't think anyone else could have made such a beautiful painting. The committee was very pleased. VERY pleased."

Those words made him smiled but he hid his joy, Andre giving him a wink before parting to talk to some other guests. It was still early in the evening, the uncovering of his canvas not for another hour. Neal felt happy, giddy almost as he looked for Sara, his fiancee glittering in a bright red dress that brought out the highlights of her light brown hair. She had styled it specially for the evening, long ringlets running down her shoulders and framing her face beautifully. He was about to join her, a large man in a tux talking to her at the moment when someone grabbed his arm and he turned to see who it was. Words stuck in his throat, Neal uncertain what to say. Alex stood there smiling sweetly up at him, arm entwining around his. Finally he could speak, a combination of anger and fear washing over him.

"You..."

He was trying to stay calm, hoping the she didn't have a gun, the young woman continuing to act as just another guest at the party. He assumed she crashed it, trying to move away when she tsked tsked him.

"I told you we weren't finish and you still owe me a painting. "

She opened up her purse revealing a small revolver among other things, the threat more than obvious.

"I'm not asking, Neal."

Alex had her arm wrapped around his, leading him back to the end of the hallway where they could see not just the main hall but had a clear view of Sara. The young woman pointed directly at his fiancee then back at the cameras nearby.

"She's such a beautiful woman. It would be a shame to show her and your snooty friends footage of you and I together."

Alex pulled out her cell, showing him pictures and film of them at the park the other day. She was blackmailing him!

"Now that we understand each other..."

Neal moved ever so slightly but felt breath against his cheek, Alex whispering into his ear.

"Don't think I'm not taking footage now."

Neal nodded his head uncertain what kind of deal he was getting into. He knew Sara wouldn't believe the lies but others might. He had a reputation to keep up but mainly he wanted to keep his future safe.

"What is it you want? If it's cash…"

He started to pull out his wallet but Alex frowned at him like a woman who had been given the wrong bouquet of flowers.

"I don't want YOUR money, Neal. I told you that before. You owe me a painting."

The last words made him curious. They were in the Chrysler building which held quite a bit of valuable art works. His painting was upstairs on the top floor for the committee and a few select guests to visit. He had access and Alex needed that. The guards would never suspect the guest of honor taking someone upstairs to look at his painting, add all the party goers to the equation and you had a perfect alibi for stealing something that wouldn't be noticed for some time.

"You want me to help you steal something? There are guards on every floor…"

He would have said more, his eyes scanning the party for someone to help. Alex seemed to know, kissing his cheek when he least suspected it. He twitched but let her continue rather than make a scene. So far nobody had noticed them yet and that's how he wanted it to remain as he pulled her aside behind a pillar. She seemed rather pleased at his embarrassment, reaching up to gently caress his chin.

"You'll figure out a way for us to get up to the top level. There's a certain office I need to make a withdrawal from…"

()()()

Neal stopped to talk to Andre, his friend waving him down against his better wishes and Alex's who patiently went along for the ride. They had been walking towards the elevators which were now only a few feet away.

"Neal… I wanted to introduce you to someone. This is Jill."

Neal smiled at the woman, her hair a light blondish color with golden brown streaks. She was wearing a tight silvery gown top with dress pants, a different look for an event like this but still very nice.

"It's good to meet you. I'm looking forward to seeing the piece you created."

They shook hands, something about the woman familiar but his mind was on what he was about to get involved with as he replied quickly, looking at his watch.

"Yes, I'm looking forward to everyone seeing it. My apologies but I have to take care of some last minute details. If you'll excuse me?"

Andre smiled at him curiously, glancing briefly at Alex, arm wrapped in Neal's as they hurried along towards the elevators. Neal had a key card, using it to swipe them through as the guard moved aside and they waited for the elevator. Alex pinched his arm when he started to tap his foot nervously, the guard paying them little attention which upset him more. The elevator arrived, Alex hurrying him as they went inside.

The music in the background was the usual elevator fare. Neal sighed, watching the floor numbers change as the elevator kept going until finally it stopped but not at the floor they wanted. The doors slid open, Neal looking to see two honest brown eyes staring back at him blankly at first then with some recognition.

"Are you going dow… Mr. Caffrey?"

Peter Burke was smiling at him with a surprised look, his eyes moving from Neal to the woman beside him, Alex nodding with a coy glance.

"I had no idea you had offices in this building. I just found out my partnership had moved here. I guess that's why I was in the city. It's my first day back at work and now I'm going to meet my wife at the party below… wait. You were painting that canvas of the Chrysler Building. Of course… I should have remembered that. Congratulations! I'm glad I was able to get a sneak peek at the piece. You're a very lucky man."

Peter had stepped into the elevator, the door closing behind him as he shook Neal's hand. He was looking at Alex a moment before glancing back at Neal nothing in his manner suspecting anything awry. Suddenly the elevator started up again, moving towards the top floor as Peter turned and sighed.

"I guess I can follow you up and then go back to the lobby. So, who's this beautiful woman beside you?"

Neal was surprised that Alex wasn't being more obvious as she smiled in an almost friendly manner, holding out her hand.

"Just a friend. Neal, this is our floor."

Alex pushed the button for the 2nd to last floor, Peter giving him a curious look but acting more like he was interested in chit chatting then anything else. He put a friendly hand on Neal's shoulder, squeezing ever so slightly before the doors opened on the next floor. Alex grabbed Neal by the arm and pulled him out.

"It was nice to meet you, Peter. Come on Neal, we have that thing to do before you can go back to the party."

Her voice was ominous despite trying to hide what they were up to. Peter just watched them with what seemed innocent curiosity before the door shut again and it was just Neal and Alex. He suddenly felt vulnerable.

"The office is just around the corner here. Help me, then our deal is over."

She had planned this perfectly, Neal trapped for the moment. He glanced around, cameras everywhere. Did they see them get off the elevator? Was there footage of him here with Alex? They snuck around the corner, an office he didn't recognize with no name on it. She smiled, pulling something out of her small handbag that looked like lock picks. Neal watched as she got them into the place in only a few minutes. He had played at being a magician when he was younger, his knack for getting out handcuffs not something he shared with everyone but this woman had skills. He shouldn't be impressed but he was, both slipping inside the office. It was dark but she turned on a small desk lamp revealing a comfy leather office chair, a large cherry desk and a painting he never thought he'd see up close again.

"St. George… you… You're Alex Hunter?"

Suddenly it all made sense, his memory going back to the day he met Sara. She had been looking for someone named Alex and this was the same person. He noticed she was already on a chair removing the picture from the frame with a small scalpel and rolling it up. He felt sick watching her careful yet thorough work. She was obviously an expert thief and now he was an accomplice, following in shock as she hissed at him to go. They left the office, locking it back up and headed towards the stairs. He was still stunned at her boldness, barely noticing how close she was, one hand caressing his cheek as he came back to himself and saw her smile.

"I guess you did remember me after all."

She was about to kiss him when someone stepped around the corner surprising them both. Neal blinked, uncertain what to expect as brown eyes met his.

"Peter?"

The man was looking at him curiously, an almost fatherly disappointment on his face as he tried to explain. How could he in sight of the glaring facts or false ones. It was just the three of them, the floor empty at this time of day.

"It's not what you think…"

He was about to say more when Alex pulled out a gun, the rolled up painting still under her arm as she moved towards the stairs waving them back. There was a hint of panic in her eyes, hidden beneath the sly smile on her face. Nobody moved for a moment and she took advantage of that fact.

"I guess this is where we say goodbye, Neal. You're as much involved with this crime as I am… The footage I have will say so if you try to turn me in. Now… nobody follows me and everyone stays bullet free."

Alex pushed the door open to the stairs but paused, everyone turning as the ding of the elevator became obvious. It was the perfect distraction, Peter moving to grab her. Apparently the man understood he wasn't cheating but now a new situation was forming. Neal watched in horror as her hand pulled on the trigger… There was a loud pop as the gun went off. The elevator doors stayed open only a moment showing them nobody was in the car as the doors shut once more.

"I… We could have done this the easy way..."

Alex held the gun on Peter, smoke spiraling upwards from the barrel. There was regret in her eyes, hands shaking slightly, but not enough to stick around as she ducked down towards the stairs quickly. Once the door shut Neal sensed something wrong, looking down to see a large wet stain coming through his tux. He opened his jacket and vest and saw the stain was red, growing through the white of his starched shirt as he collapsed to his knees and then the floor. There was a tightness in his chest, a throbbing in his temples but someone caught him, holding him close as they spoke quietly. He barely remembered what had happened, only realizing now he had moved to block something. The scent of gunpowder was still in the air, burning at his nose as he gave a weak cough and sputter, something wet in his lungs. There was a taste like copper in his throat.

"9-1-1… yes. Someone was just shot. We're on the 70th floor of the Chrysler building… yes I said the Chrysler building by the staircase. Hang on, Neal…"

The pain in his chest was increasing, Peter's voice a buzz now as he started to pass out. He was losing too much blood, the room spinning all the while his eyes on Peter talking on the phone as the scenery changed from the building hallway to another place, a hazy scene with smoking debris around him as he tried to sit up and found himself pushed back, his chest tight. He wanted to speak but couldn't, eyes looking up to see that another figure sat beside him, a man with dark skin and a concerned expression on his face.

"Caffrey… Caffrey hang in there… Caffrey..."