Neal tensed and headed out the door without a word. Anger and unease were evident in his gait.

"And where do you think you're going?" Diana called playfully after Neal on his way out of the bureau. He spun around reluctantly and gave her a half-hearted smile.

"Anywhere I want apparently."

"Congratulations Caffrey," Diana said, trying desperately to lighten the somber mood which had permeated the entire office. She gave him a hug.

"Thanks, but this isn't exactly what I had in mind," Neal admitted unhappily.

"I'm sorry about Peter."

"Me too," Neal mused and his empty gaze fell to the floor. Those dazzling blue eyes which usually glittered with confidence had lost their life.

Diana noted something off in his demeanor. Something more than just the shock and mourning of his absent friend.

"Caffrey, what's going on?" she asked sternly but discreetly. "I've never seen you this distraught. Even- even after Kate."

"It's my fault, Diana. Peter's dead because of me," Neal admitted guiltily.

"What are you talking about? The bureau just cleared you."

"I had Keller. I had the shot… and I didn't take it." His breathing was labored.

"If you had, you'd be back in federal prison-"

"-But Peter would still be alive," Neal insisted firmly.

Neither of them spoke for a moment.

"Neal, I know you're hurting, but don't do anything reckless," Diana warned with sincerity. "You've worked too hard for your freedom."

"Yeah well, if I had known the cost of that freedom, I never would've paid it." And with that, Neal walked out of the FBI building for the very last time.