Neal was so still and pale laying in the hospital bed a respirator pushed oxygen into his lungs. Burke couldn't see any way that Neal would completely recover. Diana and Clinton were keeping him up to date on the latest news on the case. Reese Hughes, had been there Elizabeth sat with him every night. and Peter talked to her suddenly he came face to face with a hideous fact, He had wanted revenge on Neal for events that were indeed beyond Caffrey's control. The man in the hospital bed had earned the respect of the entire team. Pat and Kim had studied the files from the Adler case to the day Keller Kidnapped Elizabeth. "Why did you send him back." Elizabeth asked. Peter looked at her the realization of his anger and a need for revenge, This had forced the FBI agent to rethink his current actions. Neal had proven beyond a shadow of a doubt that he had chosen not to run because he wanted to be there. And his words kept ringing through Peter's memory He found himself sitting there. "Neal, I'm sorry I'm so sorry that you had to go so far. Thank you for saving my life." He thought as he sat there. To his mind there's nothing but him and the man in the bed. Everything ran through his mind he heard every conversation over and over Kramer had been the one who had tried to convince Peter to send Neal back to prison he was trying to prepare Burke for it. "What if it hadn't worked what else might Kramer have tried? It was clear from what Had happened in Neal's apartment that Kramer had sent a hit man but not for Neal." Peter knew that much his Mentor had tried to kill him. Pat and Kim came in Sheridan was there to take a shift, Peter was glad to go home. "I'll call you if he wakes up. Sheridan said. Pat walked Peter out to his car and rode home with him. She was quiet as usual on the trip back to the Burkes home. Elizabeth took Peter upstairs. The man slept. well into the night he ate then slept again. He came down the next morning. ate and then sat with his wife and dog Pat was quietly sitting with a book. Peter didn't want to think about this case any more. Kramer had been lying low. Peter's cell phone rang. It was Diana. "Boss we found the hitman." She said. "He's dead. But he left us some interesting information. "Berigan said "I've got a name on him James Cole Jr AKA Logan Foxx. He was touted as the man who never missed seems Neal ruined his reputation." This information made Peter sigh with relief. At least that sniper wasn't still out there."Thank you Diana." He said. "You're Welcome boss." She said. Pat looked at him her ice blue eyes gleamed. Elizabeth was setting the table for dinner She was too quiet. "You both need a break." Pat said. Peter looked at her. "What?" THey both said. "When this case is over we'll take a vacation." Peter said. "O.k. How about therapy?"Pat said "You both have a lot locked up inside The door bell rang and Pat answered the door. Palmer Valentine walked into the house. Franklin Denver's team was already watching over the Burkes. Pat greeted her friend. "Thanks for coming Palmer." She said. Peter, looked up at the dark haired woman, Like Riley she was lean tall and very tan. her dark eyes glinted with a light that made The Burkes comfortable right away. "Pat tells me there's been a lot of Tramma, Recently here. This gave them an opening, and Palmer proved to be a great listener the Burkes opened up to her. Peter told her everything he had felt since the adler case. an hour later both of them had vented a great deal Pat smiled as she emerged from the kitchen it was then Peter noticed the pleasant aroma from this oil warmer. He tilted his head. When had she done that?" Peter thought. She looked at the couple. a smile on her face. She had made some sort of Herbal Tea it was sweet, and soothing Palmer nodded. Neither had slept better. The next day Peter got the Call, He had hoped for... "Neal is off the respirator He came to a few minutes ago he's in and out, but the doctors think he's going to pull through."Jones said. "Thank's Jones. We'll be there in a few."
Peter replied. Elizabeth looked at him. "Neal's going to make it." He told her.
Elizabeth sighed. Then she saw some thing in Peter's eyes I went there to arrest Neal, without any real cause. He just stood there he didn't even have to look to know who it was or why I was there. This gave El an opening. Can you blame him? I think Pat there has opened my eyes to a lot that went on that you missed. Hell we all missed it. you wanted him to be guilty, When you first accused him of taking the treasure When it was Mozzie. He stole Neal's canvases, put Neal in the middle knowing you'd suspect only one man, Peter. Neal gave up When he saw that paper work. Some thing inside him told him that no matter how he tried you'd never believe him never help him. So he just quit trying. Yet he stayed here knowing that you hated him, That he would not be freed ever. I know when he found out about where he was being sent. I saw him at Sara's He gave up that Raphael she was after him for. He was making final arrangements, and saying good bye. He went to all the places that had happy memories for him. He stayed when all hope was gone, Because he Promised you he wouldn't run. He did the only thing he could He endured! I can only imagine the day you walked away from him at Stone Hill, When that door closed. How much more pain he felt. Did you even look back just once as you walked away? " She asked Peter looked at her. He remembered he hadn't looked back. He felt satisfaction his wife's kidnapping all the lies it was all getting paid for in full. He also remembered the day he went back to try to stop Neal's release, the day Pat stood between him and a retreating medical team From Denver International that took Neal to a safe place, and saved his life It was because of that compassionate release, that Neal was alive to take that bullet for him. Peter sighed. He looked at her. He sank to the couch she looked at him.