Realizing the music box is part of the treasures Alex Hunter robbed from single ship, Neal lets Mozzie fake an FBI file so Brooks will enlist his help to investigate just that. They realize the musical code requires an expert, Akihiro, but he's found murdered later. Neal is found out having arranged the music-box being stolen and donated to a Russian action, then refuses to accept being 'benched' when the trail leads to rogue FBO agent Garrett Fowler, whom he presumes Kate's murdered. His excessive risks pay off.