Dirty Collar

His eyes followed her across the room, she wasn't just David Keller's girl, she was an art historian, a master forger, and the best art authenticator in the western hemisphere. Why the hell is she with this jerk? He wondered as he watched her inspect the "Raphael" he brought to sell. Sure, Tom couldn't say much, he was a criminal also but David Keller played dirty, Tom didn't kill, unless in self defense. His collar was white, David's was bloodstained.

"Let's go doll." David barked, in his irritating Irish Boston accent.

Julianna wrinkled her nose, which lifted her glasses further over her eyes, "One second." She snapped. She looked at Tom and smirked, "This is fake. Good job though, you almost fooled me."

"Excuse me?" Tom said slowly. His forgeries were always perfect, she was good, but he expected to get this one right past her.

Julianna stopped leaning over the table and straightened out her skirt. "As I said. This is not a real Raphael. I reckon you probably made it, it appears the rumors of your talent are true. Well done, Mr. Hardy. It's nearly perfect. A few more minutes in the oven and you would have fooled me. I suggest you stick to your false bank bonds or jewel heists for a while."

David gave him a glare, "Don't waste my time, Hardy. Come on doll, we're done here."

Colin Farrell stared at the FBI agent. She was gorgeous and she was ignoring him as she poured through several files.

"Well...it appears I have to let you go." She was beyond pissed and he knew it. He and Alexandria had been dealing with each other for years. She knew he was guilty and he knew if he ever got caught it would be by her. She usually missed him by seconds or minutes.

Colin smiled, "I told you that." Alex chuckled.

"Next time then."

"Maybe." Colin winked.

*&*

As David ushered Julianna out of the door with a hand on the small of her back Tom growled, "She's wrong." He was lying, but this would have been a 15 million dollar score so it was worth a try.

Julianna whipped around, "First of all, I am never wrong about Renaissance art. Second of all, I've studied Raphael since I was nine. Third of all, as I said, a few more minutes in the oven to age it and I MAY have been fooled."

Alex fought to keep from smiling. It would not do for an FBI agent to encourage a master thief. She shook her head as she escorted him out.

Jhj

David was impatient by now.

"You know we really need to stop meeting like this, love." Colin smirked as they walked out. Always a charmer.

*&*

Tom gave him a quick glare, he and Keller hated each other. They used to work together sometimes but they've since double crossed each other many times.

"You know I hate repeating myself. Let's GO!" David finally grumbled into the silence.

"Relax." Julianna rolled her eyes as she walked out with him. Tom followed not far behind, he wanted this score. He had grabbed the painting on the way out. He smirked, Easy He thought silents I'll tail Keller taking her home and when he leaves I'll have a chat with her. I'm sure we can strike up a bargain for my text piece at least.

Alex rolled her eyes, "Just realize I know your next hit."

Colin shrugged, "well, catch me if you can."

Hgh

It went according to plan. Kellar left her without a second guess.

"Oh I plan on it." She said simply as they approached the street. It was a lovely New York City night.

*&*

When Tom opened the door to her town house he was greeted with a gun pointing in his face.

"Oh it's you." Julianna said, lowering the gun and putting it in her purse. She had met Tom many times. "I heard someone picking the lock. Try knocking next time."

"I'm a creature of habit." Tom joked, "And YOU screwed me out of 15 million dollars tonight."

Julianna ushered for him to take a seat in her foyer as she sat down on a love seat, "I didn't do anything. You brought a forgery."

Colin grinned, "dont think i forgot about that night, Alex."

She smirked, "hm. What was there to remember?"

Jhj

"Oh come on! He would have boughr it and never know any different!" Tom insisted.

"A lot!" Colin said happily.

*&*

"Eventually he would have gone to sell it and another art historian would have noticed your same mistake and then their goes my reputation." Julianna said simply.

"Are you always this difficult?" Tom grumbled.

"Yes." She said.

"Goodbye Coljn."

"Til next time, gorgeous." Colin grinned.

Kjk

"No one is as good as you anyway. They would not have noticed." He said stubbornly.

"Looking forward to it." She smirked.

*&*

"And I would cheat my boyfriend out of 15 million dollars for you because....?" Julianna raised an eyebrow.

"Probably because he sucks." Tom said softly.

"Still sore about that incidence in Budapest I see." Julianna smirked slightly.

Tom raised an eyebrow, "That bastard set me up!"

"And Egypt in 2007?" She laughed, they had doubled crossed each other many times. In Egypt Tom was at fault.

Tom smirked, "i may have called Alex on that one."

Julianna smiled slightly, "Yes that is the rumor." She stood and smoothed her skirt, "She is actually on her way over. So you might want to get yourself and your fake Raphael out of my townhouse. Technically you are breaking and entering." She teased.

Tom shrugged, "ive got a meeting anyway. I also have a proposition for you "

Julianna raised an eyebrow then smiled as she walked him out, "I'm meeting David for lunch tomorrow. Return in the morning to explain to me your proposition? Say 10ish?"

Tom nodded, "That works for me. I'll be here at 10. I'll make sure I'm not followed." He kissed her cheek and left. Tom was only gone about ten minutes before Alex knocked on her door.

"Hey Alex!" She smiled as she opened the door, "Come on in!"

*&*

Tom opened the door to the apartment he and Colin shared.

"Hey mate!" He called as he went to the fridge and grabbed a beer. He joined Colin on the couch.

Alex yawned and sat her briefcase down, "how arr you today?"

Jh

Colin nodded, "they had to let me go. Alex did personally. She was so angry!!"

"Fine, thank you." Julianna poured them each a glass of wine, "Your day okay?"

*&*

Tom laughed, "She's been chasing you for years. Bet she was!"

Colin chuckled and they cheersed their beers, "To good luck." They sipped, "Keller buy the Raphael?"

"No." Tom grumbled, "Julianna is with him now so he's using her for ALL his art..So that didn't quite work out."

Alex nodded, "had to let Colin go! They arrested him without cause. So not only did i have to do damage control but i had to release him."

Jhj

Colin smiled, "i have a huge job tomorrow night. She hasnt a clue about it. It is not an advertised thing."

"Ah well I hope this will make you happier!" Julianna handed her paperwork about David's next arms dealing. She hated guns.

*&*

"Ah yes I remember." Tom said as he sipped his beer, "I've got a meeting with Julianna in the morning but let me know if you need a watch man or anything."

Alex smiled and handed her sort of friend some money.

Jhj

Colin nodded, "i will let you know."

Julianna nodded and let her read.

"You okay with selling out your boyfriend?" Alex asked, double checking because once she left with this information that was that.

"I hate guns." She said honestly.

*&*

Tom sighed, "You think I can convince Julianna to work this art con with me?"

Alex nodded, "okay. As long as youre sure. And he wont know you are the leak."

Jhk

Colin laughed heartily, "fuck no."

"I always appreciate your discretion." Julianna said sincerely. Alex accepted the information she gave, which was always on illegal weapons or violent crimes and didn't push for any more.

(*(

Tom glared slightly but not seriously, "Come on!"

"Not a chance in hell my friend!" Colin laughed.