By the Book

Chapter 14

Chapter 14: Big Brother

A New York City park. January 7, 2004 – Wednesday evening.

Neal watched as Henry and Peter sized each other up. He would rather have avoided letting them meet, but he had to play the hand he was dealt. "The stare down is impressive," he said, "but it's getting dark. I vote we take this indoors. Preferably someplace with food."

"There's a sports bar –" Peter started.

"There's a pizza place –" Henry said at the same time.

"Right. Irish pub it is. Follow me." Neal took off, hoping they would follow rather than stand around arguing about where to eat. But he knew there was a good chance their mutual love of arguing would win out.

"Why'd you want him to take your wallet?" Peter's voice came from behind. Good, they were following.

"It was a test. He was in the hospital a week ago. I should ask how he's doing, but I know he'll say fine no matter what. This way I could see for myself that he's still physically and mentally able to keep up."

"I'll have to remember that," Peter said. Neal wasn't sure he wanted Peter to learn these tricks.

"That's why you came to New York?" Neal turned around to ask. "It wasn't anything about Shawn having plans here?"

Henry shrugged. "I can multitask."

"I'd like to meet Shawn," Peter said. "Can he join us?"

"No," said Henry.

"Not gonna happen," added Neal, as he opened the door to the pub.

They were seated in a booth, with Peter and Henry taking opposite sides. Neal slid in next to Henry and ordered wine, while they selected beer. When they had drinks in hand and food ordered, they really started to talk. Henry kicked off the conversation with, "How do you like working for the FBI, Neal?"

Neal stared at his wine glass as he answered, "It's great."

"Not as enthusiastic as the last time we talked," Henry said.

"Are you trying to make this awkward?" Neal asked. "Because if so, you're doing a fantastic job."

"Neal," said Peter, his voice full of authority. Sometimes he really did sound like a dad.

Neal sighed, and reluctantly met Peter's eyes. "Thirty days, Peter."

"I knew you wouldn't be happy about that. You're right, it's excessive. I choose something that long as a starting point, to negotiate down once you were ready."

"You want something from him," Henry said.

"I want to make sure he's safe," Peter countered. "And honestly, I'm concerned that you might be a bad influence. Something he definitely does not need if he's going to turn his life around."

"I'm a bad influence? Are you kidding me? He wouldn't have survived past his teens if it weren't for me."

Neal said, "True, but you were still a bad influence."

"I taught you important life skills."

"Like picking pockets, picking locks, hot wiring cars."

"Like playing poker, reading your opponents and bluffing."

"Like card tricks and sleight-of-hand."

"Who doesn't love a good card trick?" Henry asked. "And I introduced you to Shawn. What more could a teenage runaway ask for?"