White Collar: An unofficial novel - part 9

Rocker

Peter was not entirely pleased to make a deal with a man he preferred to have behind bars for many years. This man had drawn a gun and had most likely been ready to shoot Neal.

"The Mandalay Ruby theft was quite impressive," he said.

"Well, thank you." The young man named Andrew Collins gave him a smug smile. "In my field, it's rare to be recognized for your work."

"And this statement covers the entire theft?" Peter placed the written statement on the table.

"I didn't leave out a detail, per our agreement." An agreement that meant that he would not be charged with attempted murder among other things.

Peter showed him a photo of Chris.

"Have you ever seen this kid?"

The ruby smuggler looked at the photo with a blank face.

"Nope."

"Are you sure?"

"I prefer to work alone."

Peter smiled. There had not been a wink of any recognition on Collins' face.

Jones followed Collins out of the building. Peter gave the statement to Diana to deliver to the Burmese consulate. He walked back into the office and the conference room where Wilson was waiting with Neal.

"Chris will be fine. The ambassador promised to call as soon as Collins' statement to the Burmese authorities has been taken and Chris is released."

"I won't believe anything until he's free and home."

"When was the last time you saw your son?" Neal asked.

"Eight years ago."

"I'm sure it must be pretty difficult with your position," Peter said, trying to comfort the man.

"My divorce was messy," Wilson explained. "I tried to remain close with Chris, but he ended up resenting everything I stand for. And ultimately, he said he didn't need me."

"A 12-year-old doesn't know what he does or doesn't need," Peter heard the kid say with a tone of accusation. He turned and looked at Neal, and to his surprise, he saw a pool of sad memories in those blue eyes.

"He didn't want to be my son. There was nothing I could do," Wilson defended himself.

"Yeah. Well, you're his father. You should have kept trying." Neal rose, leaving. Peter could not keep his eyes from the mystery he had in the very room. There was something about this young man's dad that caused him pain, of that he was sure.

"I realize that," Wilson shot back. "That's why I'm here now."

"Peter," Diana said from the doorway, "the ambassador's aid just called. They want to see you."

When Neal saw Collins sitting beside Ambassador Kyi he knew something had gone horribly wrong.

"Do you agree this is Mr. Christopher Harlowe?" The ambassador held the new well-known Burmese version of the mugshot of Chris out to Peter.

"It is," Peter nodded, teeth clenched.

"Mr. Collins here claims that he was not alone on the ruby theft," the ambassador continued. "Could you please show this photo to him?"

Peter pushed the photo across the table to Collins.

"Mm-hmm, absolutely. That's him. That's the guy who helped me with the ruby theft."

He did not even pretend that he did not lie.

"I showed you this photo," Peter said. "You said you'd never seen him."