This story takes place after S05E02, just when Siegel has started, and will from then on be altered to the actual story line.
The idea for this just popped up in my head and thought it would be interesting to see where it will take me. Enjoy.
"As the new Special Agent in Charge I am able to make a few changes around here. Now don't worry." Peter Burke put his hands up to calm the people who started mumbling, "I'm not taking away the coffee machine." He laughed inwardly for a second; these kinds of jokes never gets old. A quick glance down at Neal Caffrey to make sure that he is still focused on the subject. Neal would often be thinking of many things at once and sometimes that led him to forget to listen to Peter. Right now it looked like he was. Hopefully.
Peter cleared his throat and continued; "We here in the white collar division have just reached 88% clearance rate, and yes…" all the suited people were now clapping and cheering, "that is something we should all be proud of. From the research teams to the field teams this is a combined effort that has brought us here. That brings me to the change…" people quieted down and a quick nod from David Siegel encouraged Peter. That young man would come far.
"Now I believe that if we had more time, more resources then we could reach what others call impossible. That is why I have chosen to create to expert field teams. As you know I previously led the one before as Neal's handler." Tiny giggles could be heard around the room, sure Neal made up for a good amount of office gossip.
"But from the position I have now I can see that if we could create two of those teams we could be so much better." He could see how Neal's smile had faded, he was afraid were this was going, Peter thought to himself, not without having to hide a smirk.
"Let's get right to it. I have chosen Diana Berrigan as supervisor on the first team and Clinton Jones as supervisor on the other."
Shy smiles were exchanges between the two colleagues while their surroundings were cheering and patting their backs. Neal was slow clapping anxiously anticipating what came next, Siegel had remained calm, but of course he had been briefed on the situation already.
"David Siegel will be connected to Berrigan's team along with Neal Caffrey. During Berrigan's maternity leave I will personally step in on cases where it is necessary. For the fourth team member I have promoted Christopher Wang to the field team." Another cheering. "This team's main focus will be art and forgeries."
Peter was eyeing Neal out of the corner of his eye. He had not made any interruptions yet. Very unlike him.
"Now for Jones' team the main focus will be on fraud and corporate related crimes. He will be joined by Miles O'Connor and our new transfer agent Victoria Agosti." Peter waited until the mumbling voices had died down. "As you also know we have set the example on working with C.I.s in the white collar division, and I would like to continue that way. That is why from today we will have two C.I.s connected to this division." Neal's eyes widened and he started to mouth a "no", but Peter continued ruthlessly. "Everyone meet Cathy Stanford, our new C.I." A tiny young woman appeared from thin air next to Neal, turned around and waved to the agents who now weren't cheering, more contemplating whatever good this could bring them.
"No!" This time Neal said it out loud but the woman just replied with a smirk.
"Hi Neal. Did you miss me?"