Live Long and Prosper

Chapter 2: Engage

Winston-Winslow. Tuesday, May 12, 2009.

"Got a minute?" Jones asked, standing at the entrance to Peter's office.

Peter waved him in. "I'm glad you came by. Henry just phoned in an update."

"That's what I wanted to talk with you about. As Langton's data is processed, copies of all relevant files are being sent to John Hobhouse in London."

The Red Diamonds con had taken a long time to pay dividends, but it had finally proved its worth. The hacked data had already provided confirmation of Alice Langton's identity as well as details about the jewels Tulane had stolen. The buyers of the Sancy Diamond, the Grand Sapphire, the Habsburg Emerald, and several other gems were now known. Langton's files even included emails detailing the commissions. Since the buyers had, in effect, hired Tulane to steal for them, they were also in legal jeopardy. Hobhouse would coordinate the raids as soon as Tulane and Langton were captured.

For Neal, it was particularly satisfying to have the confirmation that Tulane had also stolen the McNally Solitaire. That gem had already been recovered, but emails proved that yet again the buyer had commissioned the theft.

"Has anything come out on where Tulane and Langton are?" Peter asked.

"Not precisely, but I've been working on a theory that Langton might return to Providence, Rhode Island. She grew up there. It's close to New York and would make a good home base for future transactions with Caffrey. When Aidan's worm started transmitting data, the initial IP address indicated New England." Jones shrugged. "Assuming the pair are coming to New York, the lead's not as useful, but I'd still like to check it out."

Peter hesitated. "I'd say go ahead, but Mozzie's convinced they'll arrive in New York any day. I'm also concerned about Keller. So far nothing has been found in the files, but my gut's telling me Keller's already here, simply biding his time to make a move."

Jones scratched the side of his neck. "Why would Tulane want to associate with Keller?"

"Henry thinks it's to get a better read on Neal. Klaus told Neal that his brother Rolf consulted with Keller about Neal. Since Langton worked with Rolf, she could be familiar with Keller."

"There have been zero sightings of Keller since he escaped," Jones pointed out. "Neal thinks he saw him in Paris, but we don't have any confirmation. If Keller's smart, he'll lay low and assume a new identity."

"I agree, but I keep thinking we're missing a puzzle piece."

The Russian mafia had been linked to Keller's escape, and that was in itself a mystery. When Keller was captured, he'd made a plea deal to avoid extradition to Russia where he was accused of stealing gold bullion. The Russians tried to make him a scapegoat for the oligarch Bolotnov, but Keller claimed Bolotnov had ordered him to abduct Neal. His claim was substantiated when Neal encountered Bolotnov in Cyprus.

Bolotnov had ties to the Russian mafia so Keller must have had many contacts with the criminal organization. What had he offered to obtain their help?

"Is this a private meeting or can I join in?" Neal asked, smiling hopefully as he stuck his head through the doorway.

"Come on in," Peter said, shoving his concerns about Keller to the side. "We were just discussing the data from Langton's computer. Have you heard anything more?"

"Yes, but from a different source. Raquel called me yesterday evening."

"Diana told me about her and Sherkov," Jones said. "I guess I need to revise my opinion of her."

"This may help," Neal said. "Raquel gave me the name of a gemcutter in Antwerp who she believes is responsible for Tulane's forgeries."

"What did she request in exchange?" Peter asked warily.