Baltimore Winston-Winslow offices. Sunday afternoon. July 4, 2004.

On the drive to the sailboat, Neal felt his phone vibrate and saw a text from Travis: Chat over?

Neal texted back: Yeah. Graham is accomplice.

Of Henry or Robert?

Henry.

Sure?

Yeah.

U trust him?

Yeah.

There was a pause, and then Travis texted: Need condoms?

Neal regretted he hadn't had time to mute his phone when the security guard arrived. FBI agents had long memories and the White Collar team liked to joke around. He glanced at Sara, who was laughing with Graham in the front seat, and texted regretfully: No. Fireworks are over.

I'll tell Peter.

Neal sent: Thx. Followed by: Pls leave out the condoms.

What condoms?

Neal relaxed slightly as he deleted those texts from his phone. He hadn't worked with Travis much, but he seemed like a decent guy.

Once on the boat, Graham placed the file folder on an interior table and then grabbed Neal's arm and pulled him away. "We'll get to that later. First you have to meet the missus."

That got Neal's attention. He knew that Graham's first wife had died when their children were young. He'd remarried after they were grown, and Julia Winslow had a reputation for being elusive. An expert on an obscure branch of mathematics, she'd consulted at Win-Win as the company first moved into data security for major corporations and government agencies. They'd promised those organizations they'd help organize and mine the data for valuable insights, in return for being allowed access to the data to solve cases. Julia was brought in to help deliver on those promises, and shortly afterward Graham had married her. Some said it was to keep the secrets of Win-Win in the family. From the stories Henry told, Neal had the impression that when Julia wasn't traveling to conferences to talk about her theories, she burrowed in her home office to work mathematical wizardry.

Neal expected to meet a bespectacled mole-like hermit dressed in earth tones and who barely spoke above a whisper. Instead she was a stylish woman with a crisp English accent who reminded him of Julie Andrews. She welcomed Neal and Sara cordially and then asked, "Were we expecting you?"

"I think we managed to surprise Graham," Neal said, "but I'm not certain. He's wily."

"Indeed he is. You know, he never proposed to me. He simply planned the wedding and I thought I'd have plenty of time to think it over and decide if it was a logical move, but he was vague about the date. Then in June I was at a lovely boutique trying on dresses while he was having his tuxedo fitted. When I found the dress I wanted, he offered his arm and I thought he was leading the way to a larger mirror so we could see how we looked as a couple, and next thing I knew we were walking down an aisle. The boutique was next to a chapel. Most disconcerting. A ceremony, a lovely piece of cake, a dance, and then we were whisked off to our honeymoon before I had a moment to think. He knew I don't have much patience for those things, particularly for planning them. But it was all taken care of and he was so organized it took my breath away. I do so admire proper organization."

"You forgot to mention how handsome I was," Graham added smiling at his wife.

"Well anyone can see that," Julia said. "I was making a point about your hidden qualities."

Sara sighed. "You're in love. And perfect for each other. That seems so rare these days."

"Not to worry," said Julia. "You make a lovely couple. Graham approves, and that tells me a great deal."

"Oh! No," Sara said immediately. "We're not a couple. Not really. We're just friends." She looked up at Neal for support.

He was surprised at the assumption they were a couple, but he was even more surprised at the sting that accompanied her denial. He managed to keep his face blank.

"Of course, dear," said Julia before Neal could respond. "No need to rush things."

"Have you ever been sailing, Neal?" Graham asked. When Neal shook his head, Graham stood. "Let's show you the ropes while we still have daylight. The missus and I can handle the boat on our own, but it would be good for you to know what's what in case we need help."

Neal followed Graham away. He tried to pay attention to Graham's instructions, and most of it sunk in. Occasionally a breeze would carry Sara's voice his way, and he strained to pick up a few words, but it was clear Graham intended to distract him. He decided to take advantage of this opportunity to talk him. "I know you believe you're helping Henry, but do you really think it's a good idea to let him stay isolated?"

"Fewer people who know where he is, the less chance of Robert getting a jump on us. We stay in control."

"Graham..." Neal trailed off as the older man shook his head.

"You called me Pops before."

That had been when he was still acting like Henry, but Neal remembered that Graham had invited him to use Pops several months ago. "Pops. I can help keep Henry balanced. I have a fair idea of what he's planning, and I know how to make sure he doesn't take too many risks. More than that, I have some improvements on his plan. But as long as you're both shutting me out, it's almost impossible for me to do anything. Please, you have to convince him to talk to me."

Graham corrected Neal's attempt to tie a proper knot and said, "I'll do what I can. He's stubborn as hell, you know."

"I know," Neal agreed as he retied the knot. "Are you the one searching the Win-Win data feeds for Henry? I didn't think you were a data geek."

"I may have had some help setting them up. The results come to me automatically now. Sometimes Henry asks for new searches, but mostly there's nothing to do but review the results and pass on whatever seems important."

Neal studied Graham. "You wouldn't trust just anyone to know about those searches. Are you involving Julia in this?"

"She likes to help the grandkids. You know she had a hand in teaching Robert and Henry game theory."

"Don't change the subject. Does Julia know what Henry is doing?"

"I haven't told her all of it, but she's made some frighteningly accurate projections based on the data she's seen. More and more often she can predict where he'll show up next. I swear in an earlier century they'd have been terrified at her ability to make forecasts and would have tried to burn her as a witch."

"But she'd have seen it coming," Neal said.

"Damn right."

"Strange how she didn't realize you were sneaking her into her own wedding. It's almost like she wanted you to get away with it."

Graham squeezed Neal's shoulder. "I knew I liked you. And for all our joking about it, I thank God every day that I have her. She grounds me. Besides that, I never could have handled the NSA data the FBI tossed at Allen Winston on my own. We both sighed a breath of relief when Julia said she could manage it."

"NSA data?"

Graham shook his head. "I'm sorry. I thought you knew. It's not my secret to share. Ask your Agent Burke to let you in on that one. Fact is, I'm surprised he hasn't called yet to check up on you. The missus and I may have caused him some worry today while we tried to figure out what you were up to."

Neal automatically checked his phone. No missed calls, but a worried Peter might decide to order Neal home and ruin his plans for the Masterson con. "Do you mind? I probably should check in and let him know you're not holding me hostage or anything."

Graham grinned. The expression accentuated a family resemblance to Henry.

"No," said Neal. "I'm not putting you on the line to make a ransom demand."

###

It had gotten blisteringly hot in Brooklyn, and the fans placed around the house were barely cooling the living room. Weather aside, it was difficult for Peter to keep his cool when he had no idea what kind of foolhardy scheme Neal was up to in Baltimore. While Jones got Travis to call Neal, Peter had purchased a burner phone they could call him on for updates. A burner phone. The things Neal drove him to.

Travis had called more than an hour ago with the news that Neal claimed to be fine. Neal had identified Graham Winslow as Henry's accomplice and was meeting with him. Travis also mentioned that Neal wasn't alone. Peter was glad Neal at least took backup, but was surprised by the description of Neal's partner as a "female firecracker." The first name that came to mind was Noelle. Neal's aunt lived in Baltimore and she wouldn't hesitate to give her ex-father-in-law a piece of her mind. But this morning Peter's brother Joe had called, saying that he was with Noelle in D.C. to meet her parents.

About thirty minutes later, Travis called again to add that he'd texted Neal and got responses that tied back to their phone conversation. That seemed to point to it really being Neal, and again the message had been that he was fine.

Around the same time, using new personal email addresses they'd created, Jones reported in using a code to avoid mentioning names that might be noticed by Win-Win. He indicated that cell phone data showed Neal was with Graham Winslow.

Peter liked Graham. Sure, the guy could be annoying, and at the very least he was probably trying to recruit Neal away from the FBI. He wasn't a criminal, though. Most likely, the retired CEO was simply trying to help his grandson. But it was important to remember Graham was also Robert Winslow's father. What kind of loyalty did he feel to his son, even if that son acted in a way Peter could only describe as evil? What excuses would he make? What tradeoffs would he justify? Was he playing both sides?

Peter tried to imagine what he'd do if Neal fell back to his old ways. What if something happened to discourage him, like not being able to pay for Columbia? If he threw in the towel and went back to a life of crime, would Peter be tempted to protect him rather than arrest him? He didn't think so, but he hoped he never had to find out.

El had gone out for ice cream and other cold summer treats while Peter pondered these unpleasant scenarios. He wasn't sure how much time had passed when his personal cell phone rang. When he saw the name on the caller ID, his heat-inspired lethargy was forgotten. He sprang to his feet as he answered, ready to run to the rescue if needed. "Neal! What's going on? Where are you?"

"Everything's fine, Peter. I'm on the Executive Decision with Graham and Julia Winslow and Sara Ellis. Hopefully I've come to an understanding with Graham and he'll get Henry in touch with me. Meanwhile we're in the Baltimore Inner Harbor, positioned to watch the fireworks, and I think we're about to find out what Pops and Julia packed for dinner."

Pops? That's what Henry called Graham. Was he impersonating Neal again?

"Peter, you there?"

"Yeah. Remember what Mozzie said when we met him in the park? The Casablanca line?"

"'Vultures everywhere,'" Neal repeated. "What does Ugarte have to do with anything?"

Peter relaxed. "I know you want to believe Graham's going to help you, but be careful. We haven't identified Robert's accomplice."

"You think he's playing both roles? What would be the point?"

"He's a former CEO, Neal. He likes to be in charge. By feeding both of them information he could control how this all ends."

"If you don't trust him, why are you giving him access to NSA data?"

Peter drew a sharp breath. It occurred to him that Graham might be in a position to turn Neal against Peter and the FBI. If Neal knew how they'd been tracking him, that could upset him if taken out of context. Hell, even in context he wouldn't be thrilled about it. "Neal, if he's telling you about NSA data I have serious reservations about how much he can be trusted."

"He didn't tell me anything. He assumed I knew something and when he realized I didn't he clammed up and said I should ask you about it. He said he may have caused you some worry earlier today and recommended I call to let you know everything's all right."

And now Peter had to go from suspecting Graham to being grateful to him. Checking in with family wasn't second nature to Neal, but as a parent Graham knew what Peter needed. It was especially important to be assured Neal was safe after the worry caused by the delayed notifications of Neal's presence at Win-Win. It was likely Graham was behind that panic. He must have wanted to talk to Neal before the FBI could intervene. It made Peter wonder whether Neal got more information out of Graham, or vice versa. Both were fierce competitors and devoted to Henry.

Now that he'd given Neal the fatherly reminder to be careful, it was time to be an FBI agent. "You said Sara Ellis is with you. Didn't she used to work at Win-Win?"

"That's right. She was part of my cover. She'd make a great con artist."

"I realize you think that's a compliment. Travis called her a firecracker. Try not to get burnt." Okay, maybe he was still in Dad-mode.

"It might be worth it," Neal said, and it sounded like he was smiling, but in a more serious tone he added, "I don't think it's going to be an issue."

Peter had an uncomfortable feeling he should follow up on that, but decided El would do a much better job at it. "You get any leads other than identifying Henry's accomplice?"

"Maybe. We found a file Henry had hidden in the office. We haven't looked at it yet," Neal said before Peter could jump in with more questions. "Graham took it and shepherded us out to the boat, but I'm not leaving before I get a good look at it. Apparently it's a case file, and..." He trailed off, and in the background Peter could hear a woman calling Neal's name. "I think I'm about to find out what people eat on sailboats. I'll talk to you later."

"Be careful, Neal," Peter said one more time. With the call ended, Peter stopped pacing and looked down at Satchmo. "Being a dad is exhausting."

Satchmo whined.

"Tell me about it."

###

After Graham had taken Neal up to the deck for the lesson on sailing, Sara looked helplessly at Julia. "We aren't a couple, really."

"Why not?" asked Julia. "He seems..." She gestured vaguely.

"Hot," said Sara, thinking back to their elevator ride to the top floor of Win-Win. She still wasn't certain if she was grateful or disappointed that the building didn't have more floors. Things had definitely been getting interesting.

Julia cleared her throat. "Yes, but I was thinking more along the lines of polite and intelligent and well-regarded by Graham."

Sara blushed. "I don't understand that. You said Graham approved. Of us. Us as a couple. But he didn't say anything. How did you get that impression?"

"One learns a great deal about a spouse over several decades. I've learned that when he unexpectedly brings home a couple, it means he's decided they belong together. His next step is to make them spend time with us to see a happy marriage."

"This is all a misunderstanding. Neal isn't interested in me, not really. It's just that we were pretending in order to fool the security guard, and Graham caught the tail end of that act. Anyway, it doesn't make sense to get involved with Neal. Sure, he's hot, but he's also... I mean, he's... Well, that's the problem, really. I can't figure out who he is. He works for the FBI and that sounds kind of exciting but he isn't really an agent and when we first met I'd have sworn he was an artist. That's what he plans to study, you know, if he gets into grad school. Being a student, that's not exactly stable. Neither is being an artist. Sometimes he seems so serious, like when he talks about finding Henry. And the next moment he's totally frivolous. You should have heard him this afternoon, joking about stealing a masterpiece. And you can't depend on him." She stopped, afraid she'd gone too far. She'd felt compelled to explain and clear up the false perception, but it wasn't like her to share so much with a stranger. And yet, there was something about Julia. Not motherly, exactly. More like a nanny or governess, someone you trusted to look out for you.

"Why do you say you can't depend on him? Has he ever broken a promise to you?"

"No, it's nothing like that. It's just... Well, he was a runaway. People who run away when things get rough, how can you ever trust them to stay? And here I am, living in a new city, learning a new job. I need stability. I don't want to get involved with someone like that, where I'm always wondering if he'll leave."

"It would seem you're speaking from past experience," said Julia. "Can you tell me about it? I don't mean to be nosy, but it might help you to talk through what happened and why it influences your feelings about Neal."

Sara had gotten used to talking about this at the runaway shelter, but the pain always seemed fresh. "My sister ran away. We never heard from her again, never found out where she went or why. But it's not just that. Neal's fun, but he'd be a lot of work. I don't know if I could handle that right now. Sometimes you want someone who's already got it all figured out."

"It sounds as if you're comparing Neal to someone else."

Sara nodded. "Bryan. He's my mentor at Sterling-Bosch. He's made it clear he'd be interested in a relationship. He's older, steady, stable. He knows who he is and where he's going, and I find that very attractive right now."

Julia studied Sara a moment. "I think you should explore that. Find out if that's what you need for the moment or forever. You need to know before you can move forward with Neal." Before Sara could respond Julia stood. "I should start putting dinner together. More of a high tea, in my mind. Finger sandwiches and sweets, but it packs and serves well on the water."

"Let me help," Sara said, following her hostess to a compact but extremely well-organized kitchen. As they put the finishing touches on the meal she said, "I wish the kitchen in my apartment was this well-designed. I have more space, barely, but it isn't as functional."

"Mmm. I designed it."

"The kitchen?"

"The boat. I love sailing, you see. The current, the wind speed, the size and angle of the sails... Sailing is an ever-changing series of calculations. One can get lost in the symphony of numbers. When I married Graham we decided to buy a new boat and couldn't find one we liked, so I designed this one and we had it built."

Looking around in admiration, Sara said, "You could go into business designing boats."

"Why would I want to design another one? This one meets all my needs. But the manufacturer said the same thing. I sold him the design, and he said it's quite popular. We negotiated a fee for each boat built to our specifications, and Graham tells me it's been an excellent investment. He's very wise, when it comes to investments. And marriages, which could be considered a type of investment in the future. He seems very certain about you and Neal. That's why I think you should spend some time with this Bryan of yours. Get to know him and yourself while you can. Then in the end you can be certain you know what you're doing."

"You can't seriously believe your husband can predict something like that. He's a businessman, not a matchmaker."

"You'd be surprised. I've attended many weddings that my husband claims credit for." Suddenly she called out for Neal and Graham to join them. Once they were settled she continued the conversation. "I think Graham's only failure at predicting a successful marriage was his son Robert and Noelle. Noelle was an excellent choice for Robert, but he was very bad for her."

"I wish I could convince her to date again," Graham said. "She's been alone too long."

"I don't think you have to worry about that," Neal said. "If she didn't lose her nerve, she's introducing a boyfriend to her parents as we speak."

"What's his name?" Graham insisted. "I'm going to run him through a Win-Win security check."

"No need. I already ran a Bureau background check. He's clean. And I met him. Henry and I both did. His name is Joe, and he's an architect from upstate New York. He's been divorced about as long as Noelle. Two daughters, both in college."

And there Neal went and sounded all business-like and mature. Like Bryan.

"No red flags?" Graham asked.

Neal glanced oddly at Sara. "Nothing worth mentioning."

"What?" Sara asked.

"Well, he's a little younger than she is. About five years."

"Good for her," Sara said, although she doubted she'd have the courage to do that herself. In college she'd dated someone a year behind her and her friends had given her so much flak for "robbing the cradle" that she vowed never to get involved with someone younger than her again unless she was seriously in love. Had she mentioned that story to Neal? He was still studying her expression warily. "What is it?"

Neal shrugged. "It's just that you mentioned you're turning twenty-six in October."

"Ah," said Julia.

"And?" Sara didn't see what her birthday had to do with anything.

"Neal's birthday is in March. I remember it vividly. In fact, I was there when he was born."

Neal looked as surprised as Sara felt, and she wondered if this was why she'd been getting a protective vibe from this couple who technically weren't related to Neal. She temporarily let go of the conversational thread about her age to say, "I thought this was the first time you met."

"As adults," Julia clarified.

"We moved away when I was three," Neal added. He was looking at Julia as if he had a lot of questions.

"Julia," Graham said in a warning tone. "Maybe we should drop this."

Sara had a feeling that she was finally nearing information about the troubled past that caused Neal to run away. She had a choice. She could ask where Neal moved and why. But she couldn't quite let go of the part about her birthday. "Why would it be an issue that Neal's birthday is in March?"

"Well isn't it obvious? He won't turn twenty-six until March of next year."

Sara looked at Julia in shock. Then she looked at Neal in horror. "You're younger than me?"

"A few months. No big deal. I mean, if we were in school together, we'd have been in the same grade, right?"

He was right. Intellectually she knew it. Out loud she agreed with what Neal said. But inside she kept repeating: Oh. My. God. And then she'd chide herself. Her reaction was ridiculous. Still, she couldn't quite get over it, and they were only friends. Clearly this was a sign that she was wise not to let the relationship become romantic. Graham might have an excellent track record with bringing couples together, but he couldn't always be right. He'd have to find someone else for Neal.

Later that evening, when she was alone with Julia again, she said, "I think you're right about Bryan."

"Yes, of course, but do be kind to Neal, dear."

"I wouldn't..." Sara started to object, but Julia was shaking her head.

"I think you hurt his feelings when you were so very vehement in denying you're a couple."

Sara did feel a moment of unease as she recalled Neal's blank expression at the time, but she said, "Someone who looks like he does... Well, I'm sure his ego's in no danger from me."

"And that, young lady, is why I think you'd benefit from being involved with someone more mature for a time. I can tell you from experience that one sharp criticism can undo the good of a dozen compliments. Take the time you need, but don't be cruel about it. Now let's see if it's time for those fireworks."

###

It wasn't until after the fireworks display that Neal finally got his hands on the case file Graham had brought from Win-Win. The others were preparing to return to the dock when Neal slipped away to find the file. He wasn't entirely surprised to see it contained data about Masterson Music. If anything happened to Henry, he'd want someone else to pick up the investigation. Graham would probably be obsessed with solving this last case in Henry's memory.

He'd barely started reading the file when he realized Julia had followed him. Before he could offer an explanation she said, "If those financial reports are accurate, there's something very fishy in that company." Neal gave her his full attention, and she continued, "They have significant offshore operations, but year after year they report no profits from international business. The fact that they don't close or reorganize their offshore resources is suspicious. It's a pattern one typically sees when a company is hiding revenue that they don't want to share with partners or investors."

Neal nodded. This could be the key to how Masterson got rich and their musical artists stayed poor. "You think there's accounting fraud?"

"At the very least."

"What would be the next step to proving it?"

"I'd compare their results to that of other companies in the industry for the same time period. With that additional data I could pinpoint the anomalies and project the tipping point, where the greed of the executives will overcome their ability to hide their more nefarious activities." Before Neal could ask to keep the file to do that analysis, Julia said, "I'll send you a breakdown of the numbers. Let's see, several institutions will be closed Monday. Let's say Friday for a complete description of my findings."

"Thank you." Neal was relieved beyond words to be spared the tedium of running those numbers himself. "That would be a tremendous help."

"You'll need to leave the file," Julia said, and he reluctantly handed it back to her. But he knew of another way she could help him.

"Could you show me the queries you're running for Henry?" Neal gave her his most charming smile.

She gave him a look that indicated she didn't fall for his charm, but she nodded. "This way." In a snug office, she opened a laptop and showed him a query that made him wish he had Jones along to interpret. But then she opened a file. "I suspect these are what you want to see."

It was a list of every name and phone number she was tracking in the Win-Win data feeds. Neal saw names of family and friends, and several of his own aliases. What he didn't see was Urban Legend or any of its members. Henry must be searching those himself, or relying on Angela, simply hitting publicly available sources online. Neal could still disappear by using the Neal Legend alias. It was an incredible relief to know he still had that escape.

"I don't see anything here about Robert or his accomplice," Neal said, hoping Julia wouldn't know he wasn't supposed to be part of that case. After all, Henry wasn't supposed to be either, and she was helping him.

"No, those are separate searches set up by Win-Win's IT department. Graham has access to those results, of course. If he sees anything useful, he lets Henry know." As Neal was preparing to ask what they'd passed along most recently, Julia shook her head. "Robert knows our methods too well. There has been nothing new since you discovered his secret bank account."

At least he'd gotten credit for that. He glanced at Julia. "Where do you expect Henry to show up next?"

She frowned. "His movements have grown increasingly erratic. I suspect there's a new element I'm not aware of that's influencing where he goes."

Neal nodded. She didn't know he was chasing gigs as Shawn Legend. If Julia was puzzled, Robert must be frantic. "Where is he now?"

"He arrived in Philadelphia today."

That's where Mozzie had gone, to ask around the Caffrey Caravan for leads. Coincidence? Neal had told Peter that Mozzie was an expert in off-the-grid. Had Mozz decided to contact Henry without letting Neal know about it? "Has he said anything about his plans?"

"He typically spends at least three days in a location before moving on, and this is his first day in Pennsylvania. He hasn't mentioned where he'll go next, but my best estimate is that he'll head north up the coast."

"If I need to get him a message, is it okay if I call you?" He hoped Graham would convince Henry to call, but it would be good to have another ally. Neal was going to Atlantic City tomorrow, which would put him about an hour's drive away from Philadelphia. Maybe they could not only talk, but talk in person. That would be the best way to get through to his cousin and change his mind about a few things.

"I don't get to speak with Henry. Only Graham is in contact with him."

"Yes, but Graham contacts him when your data shows something Henry needs to know about. There might be data I could add, or context I could provide, that would make Graham more likely to reach out to Henry."

"There might be opportunities to manipulate the data to achieve what you want. However, I do prefer to keep the data pure. It would need to be for a very good cause."

"I promise," Neal said, "I won't abuse your friendship." As Julia wrote down her phone number, Neal gave into his curiosity. "I have to ask: What were you doing with my mom in D.C. when I was born?"

Julia handed him the slip of paper with her number. "Oh, but I wasn't. You were born here."

"In Baltimore?" Neal had always assumed he'd been born in the city where his parents lived, but he realized he'd never seen his real birth certificate. He wondered if the marshals would let him see it.

"Yes."

Neal wanted to ask her more, but Graham called down to them, saying he needed them on deck. He continued the sailing lessons, teaching Neal and Sara how to dock the boat. Graham was an early-to-bed-early-to-rise sort, and was visibly tired once the boat was secured. He and Julia planned to spend the night on the boat, and he said there was space if Neal and Sara wanted to avoid the post-fireworks traffic. But Neal needed to head back to New York, and Sara said she'd go with him. They soon were on a train.

Most of the trip Sara was quiet, and Neal's head was full of thoughts of what he'd say when Henry finally called. About thirty minutes before they arrived at Penn Station, Neal noticed that Sara had fallen asleep, her head on his shoulder. He liked it, and gathered up his courage. Sara had simply been telling the truth when she said they weren't a couple. Her reaction had been one of surprise, not revulsion at the idea of being together. Now that she'd had time to think about it, had she reached the same conclusion he had? Graham and Julia were correct; they were good together. Their con for the security guard had been more than acting. Those sparks were real. It was time to admit Kate wasn't coming back. Sara was special, and he should do something about that before she slipped through his fingers.

He leaned closer and said softly, "We're nearly there."

She stretched. As she became aware of her surroundings she gave him a wry smile. "I hope you don't have any issues with personal space."

"Nah, you're good. My shoulder's yours anytime you want it. When are you going to be at the shelter again?" He thought instead of coffee, maybe this time they could have dinner. Move into date territory.

Sara yawned. "Didn't I tell you? Sterling-Bosch decided to put me through their advanced training program. It's a wonderful opportunity. Usually you have to be there at least a year before you're eligible, but they're impressed with the skills I brought from Win-Win. Anyway, it's in Boston. I'll be there for the next few weeks."

And she didn't like long distance relationships. It was a setback, but Neal could wait a few weeks. That would be better, now that he thought about it. By then he'd work something out with Henry, and maybe wrap up the Masterson con. And figure out how to pay for his tuition. Yeah, a few weeks from now would be perfect. "Call me when you get back? I want to hear about your adventures in Boston."

She agreed, and they parted at the train station. On the way back to the mansion, Neal second-guessed himself. Should he have gone ahead and told her about his wish to take their friendship in a different direction? Should he have kissed her to prove that the attraction between them was more than an act?

Once again, thoughts of Sara were interrupted by the realization that someone was watching June's mansion. This time it wasn't Marshal Brandel. It had been a long time, but Neal recognized this guy.

A/N: I've never had the opportunity to visit Baltimore, so my apologies if I've mangled the city's layout.

It's been fun writing about Neal and Sara getting to know each other, but they're young and not ready to settle down. We stretch their romance over maaaannnnnyyy stories.