LEGACY
It was one of those conversations Neal would never forget. It had come off a case where they had watched a man save someone's life by sacrificing his own. Everyone at the scene had been completely perplexed at first by his actions. He had saved the life of a woman he did not know. He was businessman with a wife and two children. He had a life ahead of him; one that would have been filled with the wonders and pains of having a family and living the American Dream.
Then, just like that, he was gone. By his own choice, he was no longer apart of this world.
At least that was what Neal believed. And he voiced this to Peter as they drove home late that evening.
"Well, he is actually still a part of this world," said Peter after a moment's silence.
Neal looked at him. "So you believe in ghosts?"
Peter rolled his eyes. "No. I mean, he has a legacy, doesn't he?"
"Legacy," echoed Neal. "I'm not sure I know what you mean."
Peter shrugged. "Well one: he has two kids. They'll remember their father, who died a hero. They'll have that to maybe live up to. And then, of course, the woman he saved. What now for her? She has a second chance at life because of him. Don't you think she might live differently because of that? And really, anyone he knows might be changed by his actions."
Neal shrugged back. "Or, they could all live the same way and really not give a crap."
Peter shot him an annoyed look. "I thought I was supposed to be the pessimist around here?" Neal made no reply so Peter went on. "I always look at it this way: there's probably at least one person every person has changed or greatly influenced during their life. That is a legacy they leave behind, so even when they die—whether they die from old age or for taking a bullet for someone—someone else will be carrying on for them. There will always be at least one person carrying on their legacy."
Neal cocked his head. "I guess it makes sense." He smiled. "Say, if I die, what legacy will I leave for you?"
"A less complicated life," joked Peter.
They both laughed.
"Seriously," said Peter. "You would leave behind the fact that there can be innocence anywhere and anytime." He looked at Neal. "What about me?"
Neal smiled. "That there is always a time and place for the right thing."
Peter shook his head. "If only you would do that while I'm around to see it."
()()()()()()
That conversation had taken place over three months ago. Peter Burke was no longer. At least that was what Neal had believed at one point.
He looked down at Peter's assailant: the man who had changed so much in the world to Neal by taking away that one life. The man was unarmed and looking down the barrel of Neal's pistol. He was smiling at Neal, tormenting him. He had been taunting him.
"Go on. Shoot. You'll be avenging your partner. Peter Burke will have not died in vain."
And that was what snapped Neal out of it. All of the sudden he knew what he had to do. He flipped his phone open and called Diana. He gave her his position.
"What are you doing," asked the murderer.
"Peter isn't dead," replied Neal simply.
"What are you talking about," asked the man. "I shot him. I watched him die."
Neal just shook his head with a little smile. "No. You didn't get rid of him. He's still here."
The man was looking at him like he was crazy. "You've lost it Neal Caffrey. What are you going to do: turn me in? Is that it? You're going to turn me in, with almost no evidence and let justice take care of me?" The man cackled. "You really have lost it Neal Caffrey."
"I never lost anything," said Neal. "I gained something."
"Really, and what's that?"
Neal smiled. "Peter's legacy."