Chapter 108-109 - The Lawyer and Policeman

Chapter 108 – "Art, Truth, and Justice"

8:35 AM – 26 Federal Plaza, FBI White Collar Crimes Division Office, NY

The morning sun filtered through the Manhattan skyscrapers, gilding the windows of the building where, on the 21st floor, one of the FBI's most intelligent and discreet divisions operated: the White Collar Crimes Division, where investigative artists dealt with fraud, art thefts, corporate schemes, money laundering, and high-level financial crimes.

There, Gustavo would meet two of the most unique characters he had ever heard of: Special Agent Peter Burke, a law enforcement veteran with unwavering morals and a clinical eye and his unconventional advisor, the sophisticated and perceptive Neal Caffrey, a former art thief, forger, and con artist... now working on the other side of the law.

Before arriving at the floor, Gustavo had to undergo another identity check. His name was on every list and access point TS/SCI. This placed him among the most trusted professionals in the US government.

In the elevator, he adjusted the lapel of his navy blue blazer and fingered the thin silver band on his ring finger an unconscious gesture when he thought of Cris. He still missed her, even after only a few days.

The elevator doors opened, and there was Diana Berrigan, the unit's senior agent, waiting for him.

—"Officer Gustavo Silva?"

—"Yes. Diana Berrigan?"

—"Exactly. Peter and Neal are waiting. Come with me."

Gustavo followed Diana through corridors quieter than those of the previous divisions. The atmosphere here was different. More refined, more intellectual. Framed counterfeit playing cards, a canvas imitating a Monet with a small sign: "Recovered in 2016, forged by Caffrey in 2005."

—"I like your sense of humor here."

—"Oh, wait until you meet the man who did much of this," she replied with a smile.

8:42 AM – Meeting Room, White Collar Division

Peter Burke was sitting at the head of the glass table, reviewing a dossier, when Diana and Gustavo entered. He stood immediately, extending his hand firmly.

—"Gustavo. Welcome to our little slice of the jungle."

—"Agent Burke. It's an honor. I've heard a lot about your work."

—"I hope only the good parts," Peter replied with a half-smile. "This one is…"

—"Neal Caffrey," he said, floating in, coffee in hand, a white shirt rolled up to the elbows, and a charismatic smile. "The guy who stole half of Manhattan… and then gave it all back."

Gustavo laughed genuinely.

"Neal. We finally met. I thought you were just an urban legend."

"I almost did. But Peter dragged me back to reality."

Peter rolled his eyes, but he couldn't hide the silent affection he harbored for his consultant.

"Let's sit down," Peter said. "I want you to tell us about how you implemented tactical and legal updates at the LAPD. We deal more with strategy here, but maybe we can adapt something."

9:10 AM – Knowledge Exchange

Gustavo turned on his tablet and opened a file detailing digital evidence collection protocols in corporate operations. Neal, curious, leaned forward.

"You automated the extraction of metadata from physical servers without compromising the native encryption?"

"Yes. We developed a legal application through a program in partnership with the DOD. We ensured evidentiary integrity using a private key linked to the court order."

Peter whistled.

"Impressive. This could save us days of IT work on authorized intrusions."

Neal crossed his arms thoughtfully.

"And you tested this in the field?"

"In Operation Orion, in Los Angeles. A shell company laundering cartel money. We managed to seize the entire accounting server in less than 8 minutes. No corrupted data. And admissible in court."

Peter wrote everything down. Diana watched closely.

"This is worth its weight in gold. If we adapt it to our environment, we can modernize our response to cybercrime."

"Absolutely," Gustavo replied. "And I can share the source code. We have authorization."

Neal smiled, surprised.

"You really are the rare type, huh?"

"Let's just say I believe in what works. And what is fair."

10:25 AM – Internal Evidence Gallery

Peter decided to show Gustavo the "gallery"—a room with recovered art and valuables. As they entered, Gustavo stopped in front of an original Rodin sculpture encased in acrylic.

"That piece disappeared in 1997," Peter said. "Neal recovered it in 2014."

"I did. But I was the one who took it from Paris before that," Neal added, almost whispering.

Gustavo laughed.

"You have a unique way of serving the government."

"Let's just say my methods weren't taught at Harvard." Neal winked.

They continued walking.

Peter commented:

"What intrigues me is how you managed to maintain credibility with so many different fronts: SWAT, patrol, DOD, legal..."

Gustavo stopped in front of a Klimt painting.

"The truth is simple: I put myself at service. It doesn't matter if I'm holding a pen or a gun. The goal is always justice and security. And every area I master serves the whole."

Peter was silent for a moment, impressed. That philosophy was rare—and necessary.

11:15 AM – Personal Conversation between Gustavo and Neal

Back in the conference room, Peter left to take an urgent call. Only Neal and Gustavo remained, standing by the window, watching the city hustle and bustle.

"You have something I envy," Neal said, without looking away.

"And what would that be?"

"Freedom with purpose."

Gustavo turned to him.

"You have purpose, Neal. And more freedom than you know."

Neal laughed, but with a bitter tone.

"Maybe. But you found a way to belong to all worlds... without getting lost in any."

"It took a while. It cost me a lot. But it was possible because I accepted that I couldn't be perfect—only useful."

Neal reflected for a moment.

"Do you think it's possible for a guy like me, who lied, deceived, cheated... to be truly useful?"

"Neal... the truth doesn't erase the past. But it transforms the future."

Neal smiled slightly. A rare peace in his eyes.

12:30 PM – Farewell

Peter returned, and the three of them met one last time in the entrance hall. Diana accompanied them.

Peter extended his hand.

"Gustavo, it was a privilege. Truly. I hope this isn't your last visit."

"It certainly won't be. And the doors of the LAPD are open to you, too."

"Be careful." If you let Neal loose in Los Angeles, he might leave with the Getty Museum on his back."

"Hey!" Neal protested. "I only stole once… and I gave it back!"

Everyone laughed.

Neal then extended his hand, but Gustavo hugged him briefly—man to man.

"Be safe, Caffrey."

"You too. And keep doing what you do. The world needs it."

1:10 PM – Leaving the FBI, Manhattan

Gustavo walked through the building's entrance, his eyes on the horizon. The city pulsated with life and possibilities. He knew his return to LA was imminent—and that now, he carried not only new ideas, but a network of allies across the East Coast.

He picked up his cell phone and texted Cris:

"Mission accomplished. Back to you soon."

And with that, he ended his journey through the Big Apple.

Chapter 109 — "Homecoming"

7:40 AM — Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

The plane door opened, and the dry Los Angeles heat enveloped Gustavo like an old friend reaching out for a hug. The sky was clear, cloudless, as if the city were welcoming him in its most authentic form: bright, vibrant, intense.

His tactical uniform, still neatly folded inside his carry-on bag, rested next to his files. A dark blazer covered the gray dress shirt he wore, casual but always neat. His eyes were visible, but there was also a sparkle—the same one that always appeared when he completed a significant mission.

In the lobby, an LAPD driver was already waiting for him with an unmarked patrol car. Upon entering, Gustavo sent a simple message to Cris:

"I'm here. See you later. Miss you."

She replied almost instantly:

"You're my hero. I'm waiting with French toast and coffee."

He smiled. But now he had an important meeting ahead of him.

9:10 AM — Mild-Wilshire Police Station, Main Conference Room

In the second-floor conference room, with wide windows that let the sun penetrate the corners of the dark wood, the figures who formed the heart of Los Angeles police leadership were already present:

Captain Zoe Anderson, standing firm in her impeccable blue uniform.

Sergeant Grey, with the serious look of someone analyzing every detail before speaking.

Captain Cortez, representing SWAT, standing against the wall with her arms crossed.

Commander Robert Hicks, leaning against the table, carefully watching Gustavo's movements as he entered.

The tension there wasn't negative—it was concentration. Everyone knew Gustavo had just completed a series of meetings with the most specialized units in the eastern part of the country. They wanted to listen. And learn.

"Silva," Grey greeted with a slight nod. "Sergeant. Captains. Commander," Gustavo replied, pulling his tablet from his bag and connecting it to the living room TV. "I'll keep this to the point, but we have a lot of work."

Zoe shifted in her chair, signaling that he could begin.

Gustavo looked around for a moment before speaking, choosing his words carefully.

9:15 AM — The Briefing

"Over the past few days, I've been to five different NYPD units, as well as two FBI offices—General Investigations and White Collar Crime."

He slid his finger over the tablet, displaying images of the meetings: with Commissioner Frank Reagan, Kate Beckett, Raymond Holt, the Special Victims Unit, and federal agents from the ESU and FBI.

"I was welcomed as a technical and strategic consultant. The mission was to share how we managed, here in LA, to increase our efficiency after upgrading our weapons, equipment, and training."

Zoe nodded slightly. She herself had advocated for Gustavo's release for the mission.

"I talked about the transition from pistols to Glocks 17 and 19, the standardization of Safariland ALS/QLS holsters, and the acquisition of Daniel Defense MK18 and BCM rifles. I showed the data on the improvement in incidents. The New Yorkers were impressed with the results."

Hicks crossed his arms, interested.

"And what did they say?"

"Most units were receptive. Especially the 12th Precinct and the 99th. The ESU personnel were particularly interested in the performance of the MCX we tested here at SWAT. They want to conduct similar tests. In fact, the FBI is considering adapting some techniques we use in high-intensity urban entry missions."

Cortez raised an eyebrow, visibly pleased.

"The MCX has become an international star."

— "Yes. And not just because of the technical specifications. But because we demonstrated, with operational data, how it fits perfectly into modern urban combat."

9:35 AM — The Lessons Learned

Gustavo changed the slide. Now the title was: "Learnings and Applications for LA."

— "Although I came to teach, I also learned a lot. And I brought back some ideas for us to apply here."

Grey leaned forward, attentive.

— "First: they have a strong approach to tactical integration between different units. For example, the ESU frequently trains with the FBI, but also with the fire department and paramedics. This speeds up the response to complex incidents."

— "We can adapt that here," Zoe commented, already thinking of possibilities.

— "Second: New York City departments invest heavily in continuing education. Many officers have access to scholarships for law, psychology, and engineering courses. This increases their decision-making skills in the field."

"You're a living example of that, Gustavo," Hicks said.

Gustavo nodded humbly.

"But we can structure something institutionalized. Create an incentive program here, geared toward specializations that make sense within police functions."

Cortez made a quick note.

"Third: the white-collar unit shared a hybrid investigation model, where civilian consultants and police officers work together in real time—not separated by weeks of caseloads. This greatly speeds up the response to fraud and digital crimes."

Zoe looked up at Gustavo.

"Can you adapt this to our reality?"

"I can. But it will take me a few days. I want to put everything into a complete report with suggestions and practical models."

Grey nodded, signaling approval.

9:50 AM — Conclusion

Gustavo turned off the presentation, closing his tablet.

"These days have been intense. I saw what they do well, but I also realized that we are far ahead in many aspects. Our tactical agility, our legal response, our command of urban territory... are at an excellent level."

Hicks crossed his arms.

"You represented the LAPD masterfully. I have no doubt about that."

Cortez gave a slight smile.

"Now we want you rested to apply all this."

Gustavo smiled for the first time since entering the room.

"That's what I want to ask for now. A couple of days off. Cris threatened me if I don't come home."

Everyone laughed.

Zoe, her expression softening, nodded.

"You're dismissed. Rest. But later, I want that report. And also... a presentation for the rest of the staff."

"Of course. It would be a pleasure."

10:15 AM — Leaving the Meeting

Gustavo left the room with a sense of mission accomplished. The city outside the window seemed to pulse to a rhythm he now knew better. And he could lead with greater wisdom.

In the parking lot, before getting into the car, he paused for a moment, took a deep breath, and lifted his face to the sky.

He was home.

2:10 PM — Gustavo and Cris's Apartment, Downtown LA

The door opened, and the aroma of fresh coffee invaded his senses.

"Surprise!" cried Cris, wearing one of his t-shirts and holding a tray with French bread, Minas cheese, and a mug engraved with his name.

"You are my home," he said, setting his suitcase on the floor and hugging her tightly.

"Then go home properly," she whispered against his chest.

Gustavo kissed her. And for a moment, everything was peaceful.

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Chapter 48 - Chapter 108-109