Story is set a few month after my last story The necklace of the Maharani of Baroda. But you don't really need to read that one first to enjoy the Virgin Rainbow.
I hope you'll enjoy it anyway
Peter Burke was surprised when he met Sara Ellis in the lobby of the White Collar offices. A probie had announced her visit a few minutes ago. So he came down from his office to greet her. However, they haven't arranged a meeting or even talked for months. The FBI agent was curious. "Sara, what a surprise! How are you? I hope everything is going well!"
The insurance investigator was dressed in her usual classy business attire, looking ever so professional. She forced a smile. "Hi, Peter. I'm fine. I just came by. So I thought to pop in for a quick chat."
This wasn't a very convincing performance. She looked distracted, even worried in fact. Peter wondered what was going on. As far as he could tell she wasn't the type to pay social calls; plus it was highly unlikely that she has been in the area. "Aha... Wanna join me for a coffee in the lounge?"
Sara was hesitant with her reply. She seemed to be indecisive. Actually, this morning she finally decided that she couldn't sit and wait any longer. She needed to seek help. Peter Burke was the first - and quite frankly only - name that came to her mind. She didn't know if he would help or have a throw, through. The news would be very unsettling for him. She couldn't predict his reaction.
As such, she had second thoughts whether to turn around and leave or actually enlist Peter's support. Taking a deep breath, she made up her mind. Neal would want her to confide in the FBI agent. "No coffee, thanks. Frankly speaking, I would actually like to talk to you in private. Perhaps, we can go to your office?"
The ASAC led her to his office, closed the door, and offered her a seat. Sara didn't know how to start. Quite contrary to her normal composure, she struggled for words. "It's difficult... There is... You know... How should I start... It's about..."
She finished none of the sentences but rather left them hanging in the air. Peter got an uneasy feeling he might know what she was about to tell him. "This is about Neal. Is he in trouble!?"
Sara stared at him in shock. "You know he wasn't killed by Keller?"
Peter nodded. 'Not right from the start. I was devastated at first. When Neal let me know that he didn't die, I was relieved and glad. Neal Caffrey's greatest con … I should have been angry for putting us through this. Yet, I was just happy that he was alive. We even met once, here in New York. What did he do now?"
The agent understood at once the size of the problems ahead when Sara just said, "Well, I hope he still is, alive, I mean..." before she broke into tears.
She fished an envelope out of her purse, put it on the table, and slid it over to Peter. "Look at this!"
Used to sobbing witnesses or emotional suspects, the agent remained calm even though the outburst worried him profoundly. He picked up the envelope and found a photo inside. It showed a face with many bruises, nose apparently broken, a laceration at the brow as well as blood-stained hair. The victim's face was very pale, his eyes closed. Neal's eyes were closed.
Peter was appalled. This was an alarming sight. Based on his experience, he reckoned the injuries were serious and needed treatment. However, his professional instincts kicked in, helping him to act prudent and to keep a cool head. His voice remained steady, void of any emotion – contrary to his inner turmoil. "Tell me what happened! Don't skip any details! Everything might be an important piece of information."
The redhead needed a few moments to regain her composure. Eventually, she was calm enough to brief Peter on the course of events that led to disaster. "It's complicated. Everything started with the Virgin Rainbow..."
AN:
Please stay tuned, next chapter will be posted soon.
Beta reading volunteers for future chapters are welcome, and reviews are appreciated dear White Collar readers :)