The Woman in Blue

Chapter 13: The Trident Maneuver

New York Garment District. Friday, October 15, 2004.

The address El had provided Peter was for a large theatrical supply warehouse in the Garment District. They were supposed to meet Janet on the third floor. Peter had never met her, but based solely on her help during the last case, he was convinced she had a wicked sense of humor. He wasn't looking forward to what would take place during this afternoon's foray. Personally, he'd much rather have gone after an extortionist than be faced with an afternoon of costume-fitting.

The others didn't appear to share his sense of foreboding. During the drive over, Tricia and Diana spent the entire time discussing the finer points of wrist gauntlets and goddess sandals. Jones and Neal were arguing over helmets and leg guards. White Collar would never be the same.

When they got off the elevator, El was waiting for them. "How was boot camp?"

"The grunts all turned in kickass performances," Diana replied. "Your husband won a prize."

"Really?" El said, arching an eyebrow at Peter.

"Diana is being overly generous. We all won prizes," Peter explained.

"We took pity on them," Jones admitted. "Determination made up for their lack of skill."

A woman came out from the back and El made the introductions.

Janet Dodson was a tiny woman with short, black spiky hair and wearing large turquoise frame glasses. She was simply clad in an oversized sweater and black leggings. A cloth tape measure was hung around her neck along with a small pair of scissors on a chain. "I'm delighted to be able to help the FBI again," she said with a knowing nod to Peter. "Elizabeth gave me the general outline of what you're planning. I gather you want to be outfitted for Roman cosplay?"

"You got it," said Diana. "Jones and I thought it would be best for us to go as named characters rather than generic types." Turning to Peter, she said, "Boss, you've been cast as Julius Caesar."

Neal immediately smacked his hand on his chest and saluted. "Hail, Caesar!" he boomed, stifling his laughter while the others didn't bother showing any restraint.

"Very appropriate," Peter said and couldn't resist adding, "Just remember, you plebes have to follow my commands at all times."

"Caffrey, it seemed only fitting that you should be Mark Antony," Diana said, "and Jones will be going as Scipio."

Nodding with satisfaction, Jones said, "One of the greatest commanders in military history, victor in the Second Punic War, vanquisher of Hannibal, I'll rock it."

"What about you and Tricia?" Peter asked. "If we have to go through with this masquerade, I hope you've thought of something suitable for yourselves."

"Amazon warriors, of course," replied Tricia. "I shall be Hippolyta, Queen of the Amazons, and Diana—"

"That choice is mine, Neal said, interrupting. "In my august role of Supreme Butt-Kicker, I've picked Cleopatra for Diana."

"Caffrey, what makes you think I would possibly go along with—"

"You said I could have first pick in exchange for a few gold coins," Neal retorted. "And as I recall you didn't designate who the costume was for."

"Cleopatra is an outstanding choice for Diana," Janet agreed as Neal nodded smugly. "You won't even need to wear a wig. I don't foresee any difficulty in achieving any of your desired looks. I've already set up dressing areas with a wide choice of costumes. Are you ready to go Roman?"

Janet led them down a corridor to the fitting rooms. The room for Tricia and Diana was next to the one for the men. Saying she'd be back in thirty minutes for critiques and adjustments, she left them to make their selections. El joined Tricia and Diana for their fittings.