White Collar - as an unofficial novel - part 2

Dinner plans

"To history, old and new," Neal declared and raised his glass to Maria across the table.

"How does an FBI agent get a table here?" she asked. "It's, like, a six-month wait."

It was an exclusive restaurant, but small and intimate. Just the right place to impress her and send a message, Neal figured.

"Oh, an FBI agent doesn't," he beamed at her. "Don't forget I had a previous life."

"Oh, yeah. Do you believe in reincarnation?"

"You could say that. How about you? Who were you in your previous life?"

"Same person I've always been, with '90s hair."

"I doubt that." An idea crossed his mind. "Let me see your lifeline."

Maria shook her head.

"No."

"Come on," Neal begged. "It'll help fill in the blanks."

"You're not seriously gonna read my palm right now, are you?"

She laughed but offered him her left hand, palm up. He took it both of his, stroke the skin with his thumbs.

"Oh, calluses," he noted. "Not afraid to get dirty."

Maria nodded.

"Well, that's true. What else?"

"No ring. Between that and the calluses, I'm guessing work gets in the way."

She did not reply to that, but freed her hand and took his.

"No ring for you either," she pointed out.

"No. Prison got in the way." No need to lie about that.

Maria folded her hands under her chin and studied him.

"So it must be weird for you working for the FBI."

"I don't know. It's always interesting to read from the other team's playbook."

"The other team? I thought you were out of the game."

"Oh, I am," he assured her with a tone none of them believed. "Retired and rehabilitated."

She watched him across the rim of her wine glass.

"Have you found your missing Bible?"

"Not yet." He leaned forward. "You know anyone who wants to buy one?" he whispered.

"Maybe. Looters approach me all the time," she smiled. "So do buyers. It's a very attractive offer."

"It sure is."

He had Maria interested alright. She handed him the menu.

"Surprise me."

"Oh, you sure? I might order something you don't like and then where will we be?"

"I trust you. After all, you work for the FBI."

A huge hint she did not trust him since he worked for the FBI.

"More wine?" he asked.

"Now you read minds?"

Neal looked deeply into her eyes.

"The question is, do you?"

Neal followed Maria inside her house. He had kept her away for an hour as requested by Peter, but barely more than that. He hoped it had been enough.

"Some wine?" she asked and Neal saw she had two glasses and a bottle prepared.

"Why not?"

"So, what shall we talk about?"