Chapter One

Upon arriving at the office, Neal straightened his tie and entered. To his surprise, and despite the early hour, he was the last to arrive. Peter, Diana, Jones, and several agents he didn't recognize were already in the transparent room. They were passing around a photo which looked to be from a security camera.

"Hi Neal, take a seat and let's get started." Peter said. Neal sat down and nodded, and Peter continued, "Okay so we have a new break in an old case that I worked when I was just out of the Academy. I was working in Violent Crimes and we came across a case of child prostitution. Unfortunately, all we had to go on was this photo with an anonymous tip telling us that this child was being forced to prostitute. The CACU – Crimes Against Children Unit - which is now a specialized force in Violent Crimes, came across some new evidence that the bastard who pimped this kid is still around and at it. We're being asked to help because I had the original ca –"

Peter stopped mid-sentence and all eyes turned to Neal: he was trying to hold the photo in his hands but they were shaking – badly. His face had gone pale and his breathing shallow, and his usual brilliant blue eyes began to glaze over.

"Neal…" Peter started with concern, "you don't look so good, buddy. What's wrong? Do you know the boy in the picture?"

It was apparent to everyone in the room that Neal knew the kid or somehow had a connection. But Neal didn't answer Peter. He couldn't speak. He simply looked up at Peter and with dead eyes, he tore the photo in two. Diana and Jones exchanged perturbed looks. The other agents had confusion in their eyes. And Peter didn't take his off of Neal as the younger man let the two rendered pieces fall from his hands to the floor and walk with his head down out of the office.