Fic: The Con and the Gun (Chapter 4)
See Master Post for header info.
"You want to get Chris Rhodes for diamond smuggling," Finch started off once he was inside the apartment. Neal hadn't offered him to seat down, and he didn't ask. Bear looked up at his master, assured from his demeanor that he wasn't currently in any danger. Still, he kept a watchful eye.
Neal eyed the dog, then crossed his arms over his chest. "And if I do?"
"Rhodes is a nobody. He got caught up in the excitement. I'm sure you know how that goes." Finch's eyes didn't leave Neal's. "This is the person who should really go down for this." He fumbled in his briefcase for a minute and then handed Neal a picture.
Neal glanced down at it for a second. The guy didn't look familiar at all. "Who's this?"
"His name is Per Marten. He's the puppet-master controlling Rhodes. He's also the guy who tried to kill you."
Neal glanced up at the short, funny man who had popped up at his door, and chuckled. "Why should I believe you? I don't even know your name."
Finch ducked his head at that. "Harold."
As if Neal was supposed to feel better with that. "Okay. I still don't trust you."
"I believe you have my partner's phone." Neal didn't bat an eye. "So you know Chris set up a meeting at Grand Central this evening."
After a short pause, realizing Caffrey wasn't going to respond, Finch continued with a light tap on the picture. "This is the man he was talking to. We want Marten where he belongs, in jail, and you can help us."
Neal shook his head in wonder. These guys were really something. With tentacles in every branch of government, what did they need him for? He handed the picture back to his guest. "I'm sorry. I have no idea who this guy is, and thanks to you, I have enough troubles of my own right now."
Finch took the picture with a quick shake of his head. "Do I need to remind you this guy tried to kill you? Marten doesn't like leaving loose ends. Sooner or later, he's going to try again." Harold had thought he would have an easier time of convincing Caffrey. The conman was obviously willing to take risks, and this mission was practically tailored for him.
"Yeah," Neal smiled sweetly, "I'll take my chances. So, if you don't mind, I think our talk is over."
Finch cleared his throat. He hated going this route, but Caffrey didn't leave him much of an option. "Let me make it easier for you, then. You're a fugitive on the run. You've disconnected your tracking anklet, and are suspected of killing two NYPD police officers. You either help us, or you'll be explaining everything to the police. I'm sure they'll believe you when you say you're completely innocent."
Neal's smile disappeared. The man didn't look threatening, but Neal knew it wasn't an idle threat. Neal had no idea how this guy had managed to find him so quickly, and frankly, he had no idea how he was going to explain this to the police. "You're going to call the police on me?"
"In less than five hours, Marten's men are going to try and kill Rhodes," Finch's voice rose as he spoke, trying to get the conman to understand the urgency of the matter. "I can prevent them from doing so, but Marten will then disappear without a trace. We need you, Mr. Caffrey."
"To do what?"
"Get Marten to confess to killing those police officers. We'll take care of the rest."
And there it was. That 'we' again. "That's it, huh?"
"From what I've heard about you, Mr. Caffrey, this should be quite simple for you."
Neal didn't hurry to accept the offer, such as it was. He looked down at his bare feet. "I'll need a new suit."
"Shouldn't be a problem."
"A real suit. Not like the one your friend wears. I'll need to call a friend to bring me one."
Finch sighed. "You are not going to call your Federal friends." He could not trust the Feds to focus on the right person.
Neal grinned. "Oh, trust me, this is no Fed."
--------------
Ever since the news broke that NYPD were looking for Neal - and it was hard to miss, since Neal's face featured in every newscast - Peter had been fielding calls. First from Elizabeth, then June, even Mozzie called. All wanting to know what the hell was happening and what he was doing about it. As if it was his fault that Neal was now wanted by the police. As if it was his fault that Neal had decided to throw all caution and common sense to the wind and break into a suspect's apartment. Was Neal even aware of how much trouble he was causing? Peter already had his speech ready for when he caught the errant CI.
But that would be later. For now he had to make sure the FBI would find Neal first.
"There's no way Caffrey could be involved in this." Peter was sitting in Hughes' office, and he couldn't believe he even needed to argue the point.
Hughes held up a hand. "I agree it's unlikely, but we've got to face the facts. Caffrey is very probably facing jail time. He might be desperate."
"He's never been violent before, why would he organize a police ambush?" Neal had almost killed Fowler, and shot Keller, but in both cases Neal had other people's interest in mind. Peter couldn't see Neal killing two innocent cops just to escape jail.
Hughes stood up from his chair, circling his desk to come close to Peter. "Let's take this one step at a time. For now, Caffrey is FBI. Find him before the police does, or this discussion will be moot."
Peter nodded, getting up and heading out. His phone rang, an unlisted number. Hoping it was Neal, Peter answered the call. "Burke."
"Suit," Mozzie hurried to speak before Peter could override him. "I've got a message from Neal."
"I'm listening."
------------
John had picked up Neal. It was a quiet drive, each man deep in his own thoughts. The two now approached a large warehouse. "We're at Marten's warehouse," John updated Harold.
"I've got Rhodes on a bus out of town," Harold replied.
John was impressed. "How did you manage to do that, Finch?"
"You'd be surprised how persuasive I can be, Mr. Reese."
"I have a vague recollection."
"You're sure this is the place?" Neal interrupted. He was wearing a new (and dry) suit, care of Mozzie, which already made him feel a lot better. He just hoped Peter got the message.
"Yes." John didn't feel like giving Caffrey the long story. Finch had said his analysis of Marten's finances had showed this is where the man was holed up, and Finch was almost always right.
Neal shot him a quick look. "I'm sorry I left you stranded like that." He wasn't really, but 'John' was holding the gun, and they were going to be working together. "No hard feelings, right?"
John barely spared him a glance. He got out of the car.
Neal hurried to follow the taller man as he headed towards the warehouse. "So, how are we going to do this?"
Instead of an answer, John lifted a finger to his lips, and pointed out two guards. They were smoking and joking with each other.
A moment later they were on the floor, unconscious.
"Wow."
"Come on." John stepped over them, and after a moment of hesitation, Neal followed him.
They met several more guards inside, which John disarmed without a word. Neal was just starting to think he could get used to this when the taller guy held up a hand to stop him. "That's Marten over there." He pointed towards a little office area carved out of the warehouse.
Neal nodded. He recognized him from the picture 'Harold' had shown him.
John handed Neal a small audio recorder. "Take this."
"Wait." Neal looked up at him in surprise. "You're not coming with me?"
"I'll have you in sight at all times."
Well, that was a comforting thought. "Great."
------------
"Mr. Marten." Neal stepped out from behind a partition.
Marten looked up from his work, not bothering to hide his surprise. Or irritation. "Who are you?"
"I'm Mr. Rhodes' new business partner."
Marten blinked, making the connection. "Neal Caffrey."
"I see my name precedes me," Neal said with pride.
Marten just harrumphed at that. "I no longer work with Mr. Rhodes."
"I know. I called the police on him."
"Really? And why was that?"
"I wanted to get him out of the way."
--------------
Peter parked the car across the street from the warehouse where Mozzie had told him Neal would be. Mozzie had insisted he come alone, but Peter wasn't that stupid. He brought Diana as backup.
"You're sure this is the place?" she looked at it doubtfully.
"So said Mozzie." Peter double checked his gun. "He said Neal would be here, and needed help."
"Boss," Diana caught his attention. Peter looked up, following her line of sight. Two figures were sneaking towards the other side of the warehouse.
Peter and Diana hurried to follow them. They met up with the two - which Peter now recognized as Detectives Carter and Fusco of the NYPD Homicide Task Force - by one of the side-entrances to the warehouse.
"Detectives," Peter greeted them.
"Agents." Carter pursed her lips at the sight of Peter. "What are you doing here?"
"I could ask the same question. Expecting a murder?"
Truth be told, that's exactly what Carter was expecting. Or hoping to avoid. "We got a tip a suspect might be hiding here. You?"
Peter smile was strained. "Funny, I also got a tip. You didn't seem to bring your TAC team along."
Now it was Carter's turn to smile. "Neither did you."
They all glared at each other for a long minute. Carter continued, "How about you tell me what you're really doing here. Who's inside?"
"I'm not sure." Not yet knowing what this was about, Peter didn't want to mention Neal's name. "Which suspect are you after?"
Diana exchanged a quick glance with Fusco. The police officer just shook his head. But before she could say something, they heard shots coming from within the building. All four law-enforcement agents drew their guns. Carter signaled Peter, and he nodded. They were going in.
--------------
Neal was standing in front of Marten. The latter had just pulled out a gun.
Neal chuckled. "You think those things scare me?"
It wasn't the reaction Marten expected. He moved his gun just a bit and fired a shot. Neal could swear he felt the bullet whizzing by.
"You think this is a toy, Caffrey?" He aimed the gun back at Neal. "I don't know how you're still alive, but I don't start a job if I don't intend to finish it."
This was the moment when John was supposed to step in and do his stuff. But there was no John. This wasn't part of the plan.
"Look." Neal raised his arms to ward off any future shooting. "Whatever disagreements we have, I'm sure we can work them out. Right?"
Neal's change in tone caught Marten unaware. But then he grinned. "Wrong."
Neal tried to think what else to say. "You sent those men to kill me."
"That's right, and now I'm going to finish the job."
"What about those police officers?"
"Collateral damage."
He was just about to pull the trigger when John finally showed up, gun in hand. "I wouldn't do that if I were you."
"Really, and why's that?" Marten sneered.
"Drop the gun!" Peter and Diana stepped out of the shadows, their guns trained on Marten.
"Peter!" Relief was evident in Neal's voice.
Marten swung his gun towards the new arrivals.
Carter and Fusco appeared behind him. "Drop the gun!"
Marten considered the situation and then slowly lowered his weapon to the floor. Carter quickly stepped up to cuff him.
Peter meanwhile trained his gun on Reese. "Hands on your head."
Carter looked over at him, surprised. "What do you think you're doing?"
Peter's gun didn't move. "From where I stand, I see an assault suspect."
"Really." Carter took a step away from Marten, drew her own gun, and aimed it at Neal. "Because from where I stand, I see a burglary suspect."
Neal exchanged a glance with Reese. For a long moment, nobody moved.
Carter finally put down her gun. "A word, Agent Burke?"
Peter nodded. Holstering his gun, he followed Carter to a secluded corner.
The discussion, as it were, didn't last long. The two law enforcement officers soon came back.
Peter grabbed their cuffed perp with one hand, Neal with the other. "Come on, we're going."
"But what about the man in the suit?" Neal tried to break away, but Peter kept a firm grip as he dragged Neal along. "Do you realize what level of conspiracy we have here?"
"You prefer serving time for B&E?"
Neal considered that for a moment.
"Come on," Peter urged him along. "We'll get him next time. Besides, you've got some explaining to do."
"About what?"
Peter just shook his head.
--------------
Carter watched as the FBI cleared out, taking their suspect along. She hoped John would appreciate the sacrifices she was making for him.
He raised an eyebrow at her. "You gave up your collar for me?"
"Didn't want you questioned by the Feds."
"Much appreciated. What about Caffrey?"
Carter shook her head. "That guy's courting trouble. I'm sure I'll catch up with him soon enough. So, tell me, any reason you waited to draw?"
"Marten wasn't pointing a gun at me," John explained. "And that arrogant son of a bitch deserved to be shaken up a bit."
She shot him a long look.
"Besides," John added with a smile, "I could have dropped Marten at any point."
Having seen John's gun handling skills, Carter could believe that.
"Mr. Reese." Finch's voice sounded in John's ear. "I hate to interrupt, but-"
"Let me guess, Finch," John answered dryly. "We have a new number."
"This one should be somewhat easier than our last number."
"I'm sure." John didn't bother pointing out that anybody would be easier than their last number. "I'm on my way."
THE END
"You want to get Chris Rhodes for diamond smuggling," Finch started off once he was inside the apartment. Neal hadn't offered him to seat down, and he didn't ask. Bear looked up at his master, assured from his demeanor that he wasn't currently in any danger. Still, he kept a watchful eye.
Neal eyed the dog, then crossed his arms over his chest. "And if I do?"
"Rhodes is a nobody. He got caught up in the excitement. I'm sure you know how that goes." Finch's eyes didn't leave Neal's. "This is the person who should really go down for this." He fumbled in his briefcase for a minute and then handed Neal a picture.
Neal glanced down at it for a second. The guy didn't look familiar at all. "Who's this?"
"His name is Per Marten. He's the puppet-master controlling Rhodes. He's also the guy who tried to kill you."
Neal glanced up at the short, funny man who had popped up at his door, and chuckled. "Why should I believe you? I don't even know your name."
Finch ducked his head at that. "Harold."
As if Neal was supposed to feel better with that. "Okay. I still don't trust you."
"I believe you have my partner's phone." Neal didn't bat an eye. "So you know Chris set up a meeting at Grand Central this evening."
After a short pause, realizing Caffrey wasn't going to respond, Finch continued with a light tap on the picture. "This is the man he was talking to. We want Marten where he belongs, in jail, and you can help us."
Neal shook his head in wonder. These guys were really something. With tentacles in every branch of government, what did they need him for? He handed the picture back to his guest. "I'm sorry. I have no idea who this guy is, and thanks to you, I have enough troubles of my own right now."
Finch took the picture with a quick shake of his head. "Do I need to remind you this guy tried to kill you? Marten doesn't like leaving loose ends. Sooner or later, he's going to try again." Harold had thought he would have an easier time of convincing Caffrey. The conman was obviously willing to take risks, and this mission was practically tailored for him.
"Yeah," Neal smiled sweetly, "I'll take my chances. So, if you don't mind, I think our talk is over."
Finch cleared his throat. He hated going this route, but Caffrey didn't leave him much of an option. "Let me make it easier for you, then. You're a fugitive on the run. You've disconnected your tracking anklet, and are suspected of killing two NYPD police officers. You either help us, or you'll be explaining everything to the police. I'm sure they'll believe you when you say you're completely innocent."
Neal's smile disappeared. The man didn't look threatening, but Neal knew it wasn't an idle threat. Neal had no idea how this guy had managed to find him so quickly, and frankly, he had no idea how he was going to explain this to the police. "You're going to call the police on me?"
"In less than five hours, Marten's men are going to try and kill Rhodes," Finch's voice rose as he spoke, trying to get the conman to understand the urgency of the matter. "I can prevent them from doing so, but Marten will then disappear without a trace. We need you, Mr. Caffrey."
"To do what?"
"Get Marten to confess to killing those police officers. We'll take care of the rest."
And there it was. That 'we' again. "That's it, huh?"
"From what I've heard about you, Mr. Caffrey, this should be quite simple for you."
Neal didn't hurry to accept the offer, such as it was. He looked down at his bare feet. "I'll need a new suit."
"Shouldn't be a problem."
"A real suit. Not like the one your friend wears. I'll need to call a friend to bring me one."
Finch sighed. "You are not going to call your Federal friends." He could not trust the Feds to focus on the right person.
Neal grinned. "Oh, trust me, this is no Fed."
--------------
Ever since the news broke that NYPD were looking for Neal - and it was hard to miss, since Neal's face featured in every newscast - Peter had been fielding calls. First from Elizabeth, then June, even Mozzie called. All wanting to know what the hell was happening and what he was doing about it. As if it was his fault that Neal was now wanted by the police. As if it was his fault that Neal had decided to throw all caution and common sense to the wind and break into a suspect's apartment. Was Neal even aware of how much trouble he was causing? Peter already had his speech ready for when he caught the errant CI.
But that would be later. For now he had to make sure the FBI would find Neal first.
"There's no way Caffrey could be involved in this." Peter was sitting in Hughes' office, and he couldn't believe he even needed to argue the point.
Hughes held up a hand. "I agree it's unlikely, but we've got to face the facts. Caffrey is very probably facing jail time. He might be desperate."
"He's never been violent before, why would he organize a police ambush?" Neal had almost killed Fowler, and shot Keller, but in both cases Neal had other people's interest in mind. Peter couldn't see Neal killing two innocent cops just to escape jail.
Hughes stood up from his chair, circling his desk to come close to Peter. "Let's take this one step at a time. For now, Caffrey is FBI. Find him before the police does, or this discussion will be moot."
Peter nodded, getting up and heading out. His phone rang, an unlisted number. Hoping it was Neal, Peter answered the call. "Burke."
"Suit," Mozzie hurried to speak before Peter could override him. "I've got a message from Neal."
"I'm listening."
------------
John had picked up Neal. It was a quiet drive, each man deep in his own thoughts. The two now approached a large warehouse. "We're at Marten's warehouse," John updated Harold.
"I've got Rhodes on a bus out of town," Harold replied.
John was impressed. "How did you manage to do that, Finch?"
"You'd be surprised how persuasive I can be, Mr. Reese."
"I have a vague recollection."
"You're sure this is the place?" Neal interrupted. He was wearing a new (and dry) suit, care of Mozzie, which already made him feel a lot better. He just hoped Peter got the message.
"Yes." John didn't feel like giving Caffrey the long story. Finch had said his analysis of Marten's finances had showed this is where the man was holed up, and Finch was almost always right.
Neal shot him a quick look. "I'm sorry I left you stranded like that." He wasn't really, but 'John' was holding the gun, and they were going to be working together. "No hard feelings, right?"
John barely spared him a glance. He got out of the car.
Neal hurried to follow the taller man as he headed towards the warehouse. "So, how are we going to do this?"
Instead of an answer, John lifted a finger to his lips, and pointed out two guards. They were smoking and joking with each other.
A moment later they were on the floor, unconscious.
"Wow."
"Come on." John stepped over them, and after a moment of hesitation, Neal followed him.
They met several more guards inside, which John disarmed without a word. Neal was just starting to think he could get used to this when the taller guy held up a hand to stop him. "That's Marten over there." He pointed towards a little office area carved out of the warehouse.
Neal nodded. He recognized him from the picture 'Harold' had shown him.
John handed Neal a small audio recorder. "Take this."
"Wait." Neal looked up at him in surprise. "You're not coming with me?"
"I'll have you in sight at all times."
Well, that was a comforting thought. "Great."
------------
"Mr. Marten." Neal stepped out from behind a partition.
Marten looked up from his work, not bothering to hide his surprise. Or irritation. "Who are you?"
"I'm Mr. Rhodes' new business partner."
Marten blinked, making the connection. "Neal Caffrey."
"I see my name precedes me," Neal said with pride.
Marten just harrumphed at that. "I no longer work with Mr. Rhodes."
"I know. I called the police on him."
"Really? And why was that?"
"I wanted to get him out of the way."
--------------
Peter parked the car across the street from the warehouse where Mozzie had told him Neal would be. Mozzie had insisted he come alone, but Peter wasn't that stupid. He brought Diana as backup.
"You're sure this is the place?" she looked at it doubtfully.
"So said Mozzie." Peter double checked his gun. "He said Neal would be here, and needed help."
"Boss," Diana caught his attention. Peter looked up, following her line of sight. Two figures were sneaking towards the other side of the warehouse.
Peter and Diana hurried to follow them. They met up with the two - which Peter now recognized as Detectives Carter and Fusco of the NYPD Homicide Task Force - by one of the side-entrances to the warehouse.
"Detectives," Peter greeted them.
"Agents." Carter pursed her lips at the sight of Peter. "What are you doing here?"
"I could ask the same question. Expecting a murder?"
Truth be told, that's exactly what Carter was expecting. Or hoping to avoid. "We got a tip a suspect might be hiding here. You?"
Peter smile was strained. "Funny, I also got a tip. You didn't seem to bring your TAC team along."
Now it was Carter's turn to smile. "Neither did you."
They all glared at each other for a long minute. Carter continued, "How about you tell me what you're really doing here. Who's inside?"
"I'm not sure." Not yet knowing what this was about, Peter didn't want to mention Neal's name. "Which suspect are you after?"
Diana exchanged a quick glance with Fusco. The police officer just shook his head. But before she could say something, they heard shots coming from within the building. All four law-enforcement agents drew their guns. Carter signaled Peter, and he nodded. They were going in.
--------------
Neal was standing in front of Marten. The latter had just pulled out a gun.
Neal chuckled. "You think those things scare me?"
It wasn't the reaction Marten expected. He moved his gun just a bit and fired a shot. Neal could swear he felt the bullet whizzing by.
"You think this is a toy, Caffrey?" He aimed the gun back at Neal. "I don't know how you're still alive, but I don't start a job if I don't intend to finish it."
This was the moment when John was supposed to step in and do his stuff. But there was no John. This wasn't part of the plan.
"Look." Neal raised his arms to ward off any future shooting. "Whatever disagreements we have, I'm sure we can work them out. Right?"
Neal's change in tone caught Marten unaware. But then he grinned. "Wrong."
Neal tried to think what else to say. "You sent those men to kill me."
"That's right, and now I'm going to finish the job."
"What about those police officers?"
"Collateral damage."
He was just about to pull the trigger when John finally showed up, gun in hand. "I wouldn't do that if I were you."
"Really, and why's that?" Marten sneered.
"Drop the gun!" Peter and Diana stepped out of the shadows, their guns trained on Marten.
"Peter!" Relief was evident in Neal's voice.
Marten swung his gun towards the new arrivals.
Carter and Fusco appeared behind him. "Drop the gun!"
Marten considered the situation and then slowly lowered his weapon to the floor. Carter quickly stepped up to cuff him.
Peter meanwhile trained his gun on Reese. "Hands on your head."
Carter looked over at him, surprised. "What do you think you're doing?"
Peter's gun didn't move. "From where I stand, I see an assault suspect."
"Really." Carter took a step away from Marten, drew her own gun, and aimed it at Neal. "Because from where I stand, I see a burglary suspect."
Neal exchanged a glance with Reese. For a long moment, nobody moved.
Carter finally put down her gun. "A word, Agent Burke?"
Peter nodded. Holstering his gun, he followed Carter to a secluded corner.
The discussion, as it were, didn't last long. The two law enforcement officers soon came back.
Peter grabbed their cuffed perp with one hand, Neal with the other. "Come on, we're going."
"But what about the man in the suit?" Neal tried to break away, but Peter kept a firm grip as he dragged Neal along. "Do you realize what level of conspiracy we have here?"
"You prefer serving time for B&E?"
Neal considered that for a moment.
"Come on," Peter urged him along. "We'll get him next time. Besides, you've got some explaining to do."
"About what?"
Peter just shook his head.
--------------
Carter watched as the FBI cleared out, taking their suspect along. She hoped John would appreciate the sacrifices she was making for him.
He raised an eyebrow at her. "You gave up your collar for me?"
"Didn't want you questioned by the Feds."
"Much appreciated. What about Caffrey?"
Carter shook her head. "That guy's courting trouble. I'm sure I'll catch up with him soon enough. So, tell me, any reason you waited to draw?"
"Marten wasn't pointing a gun at me," John explained. "And that arrogant son of a bitch deserved to be shaken up a bit."
She shot him a long look.
"Besides," John added with a smile, "I could have dropped Marten at any point."
Having seen John's gun handling skills, Carter could believe that.
"Mr. Reese." Finch's voice sounded in John's ear. "I hate to interrupt, but-"
"Let me guess, Finch," John answered dryly. "We have a new number."
"This one should be somewhat easier than our last number."
"I'm sure." John didn't bother pointing out that anybody would be easier than their last number. "I'm on my way."
THE END