I was feeling a little better when morning came and ready to sell some of the treasures I had acquired. I knew there were plenty of secret wealthy buyers but I had to be careful of police traps which why I had gotten into the habit of checking IP addresses. Carefully; I opened my laptop and logged into my private treasure site. I had a few generous offers already and after making arrangements with those clients; I saw one offer that really caught my attention and I read the letter. It was a huge offer from a gentleman wanting the perfect gem for his wife and the offer was for the dragon blood ruby I had taken from China. The message also mentioned that the client wished to remain anonymous and would be sending his advisor.
After a moment of thinking; I wrote back and agreed to the meet, asking though if the meeting could take place here in my suite as well as what time I should be expecting them and the advisor's name. I had a reply within seconds telling me 2pm and the advisor's name was Nicholas Halden. I rang the front desk and told to send Mr. Halden up when he arrived. I typically didn't have clients at my suite but I was still feeling slightly off. I had just enough time to clean up and make myself presentable. I had no clue I had stepped right into a federal officer's trap.
Neal's P.O.V
I was at my desk, looking through some files when Peter signaled for me to get in the conference room. "She take the bait" I asked. "Yes; she's agreed to a meeting at 2pm" Diana replied. "So Mr. Halden; can you check this ruby for my wife" Peter asked. "Let's make it one to remember" I replied.
The team and I piled into the van and Peter turned off my tracker and gave me the watch that included a transmitter which I usually wear on cases. "Alright Neal; you remember the move in phrase" Peter asked. "Must be nice to travel so much" I answered. "Good and remember; don't say it until you are positive you have the ruby and have seen the royal medal" Peter instructed. "No trouble on that" I answered as the van came to a stop. "She's got a swanky address" I noted. "Keep your mind on your work today" Peter commented. I got out of the van, grabbed the case of money Diana handed me as Jones walked behind me to wait in the lobby to move in.
A doorman stopped me soon as I walked in and asked "Here to see someone?" "Yes and I'm Nick Halden" I replied. "Oh yes; Miss Agron is expecting you. She's on the top floor. I'll let her know you're coming" the doorman replied as I headed for the elevator. I got in and was taken up to the penthouse. I had no idea what I was about to encounter.
Regina's P.O.V
I heard the elevator outside coming up as I set out two teacups and a fresh pot of jasmine tea. Right then; the doorbell rang and I hurried to answer it. I opened it to find a very handsome guy at the door and finally asked "Mr. Halden?" "Yes; I'm Nick Halden and you must be Miss Agron" he answered, giving me quite the smile.
"Nick; please call me Regina. Won't you come in" I asked, allowing him room. "Thank you and you're beautiful" he commented, taking my hand and kissing it. I blushed deeply and finally asked "Won't you please come in?" He walked in, looking at everything before taking a seat on the couch. I sat in the couch across from him and I asked "Would you care for a cup of jasmine tea?" "Please" he answered. I carefully picked up the kettle and poured the tea and handed one to him.
After a few minutes; I asked "Would you care to see the ruby your boss is interested in?" "Yes; I'm sure you can imagine my boss is expecting nothing but the best for his wife" Nick told me. "What's the occasion" I asked. "It's her birthday and he really wants it to be special" he answered. "Then I'm sure that she'll be really pleased" I replied and added "Follow me Nick." We set our teacups down and stood before making our way to my secret room. I had Nick cover his eyes as I put the code in. The door opened and I turned the light on.
"It's not often I have clients up here Mr. Halden. My stomach has been off these last couple of weeks" I told him, getting queasy again. "Actually; can you excuse me" I added, leaving a moment to empty my stomach again. I hurried off and returned a couple minutes later after I had rinsed my mouth out. "I apologize for that Nick" I told him after returning to the room.
"Nothing to apologize for Regina; you aren't contagious, are you? The boss wouldn't want me missing work" Nick asked in reply. "No need to worry Nick. It's just a minor problem or I wouldn't have agreed to today" I replied, leading him to where I kept the ruby. I put the code in for the case and lifted it out. He took out a pair of gloves from his jacket pocket and I asked "What's with the gloves?" "Boss wouldn't like it if I got prints all over the ruby" he answered as I handed it to him.
He looked over the necklace and finally asked "It's perfect; what's your asking price?" "However much your boss is willing to pay" I answered. "Is two million reasonable" Nick asked, holding up the case. "Very much so" I replied before asking "Do you see anything you like?" He looked around and replied "Yes; is that a royal medallion?" "Ah yes; I found that at an antique store in Iceland. I couldn't believe my luck" I replied. "Must be nice to travel" Nick commented, looking around.
Right then; I heard the door burst open and a voice shouted "FBI; come out with your hands up Regina!" "Nick; you might want to get out of here" I pleaded, looking at him. "I can't Regina. I am one of them" he told me, taking my arm gently. "Who are you then" I asked. "Neal Caffrey, CI" he answered, showing me his real ID. "Bring her out Neal" another voice called. "I'm sorry for this Regina but I have to do my job" he told me, now leading me out of my room and handing me to his boss, who handcuffed me. They led me out to a car and I was taken away. Little did I realize what was about to unfold.