Chapter 11

Neal sat up, straight as an arrow upon hearing his wife's voice echoing in the small room.

Jones and Diana stared at each other in disbelief as Neal morphed from grumpy two year old to suave and sophisticated grown-up in the blink of an eye. Neal had the gift of hyperbole and it swung both ways as was evidenced by the sudden metamorphosis they were witnessing.

'Sara!' Neal shouted, all smiles as he hurried to his feet to greet his wife 'What are you doing here?'

He made his way to the door, almost tripping over his feet, noticing that both she and Peter were laden with bags and packages. He rushed gallantly to her aid as Diana and Jones watched with skepticism.

'Surprise!' she answered meekly as she witnessed how pleased her husband was to see her

Although she'd had butterflies in her stomach all day as she anticipated spending the evening with him, he'd had no such warning and the delight and excitement on his face was obvious to everyone in the room.

Peter looked on, a satisfied smile on his face as he took in the fruits of his labor; the result of his little subterfuge intended to bring Neal out of his stupor certainly seemed to be having the desired effect. Neal's smile was as big as a house as he helped them both bring in packages and to his utter delight, he spied what appeared to be an overnight bag clasped in Sara's hand.

His bright blue eyes remained glued on his wife: 'You look amazing!' he said, rather like a teenager laying eyes on his prom date

Sara smiled demurely and the three agents exchanged amused looks at this display of juvenile (and mutual) gawking.

'We've got dinner for everyone!' announced Peter as the bags were emptied and the contents laid out all over the small kitchenette's counter.

WCWCWC

Peter had brought homework for Neal and the group gathered around the television set as the senior agent set up the DVD of the funeral and the visit to the cemetery. Neal was visibly touched by the large crowd that had assembled for what they thought was his final goodbye party – Peter knew that the humility with which he was reacting wouldn't last and that inevitably it would feed his giant ego. He'd be hearing Neal brag about it for years to come - but that was the price he had to pay.

Neal became quiet and distressed when he heard June's poignant tribute, his heart breaking for her and he inadvertently squeezed Sara's hand tighter as he listened to June's words. Peter's kind eulogy was music to Neal's ears and he couldn't help himself from commenting.

'Aw, Peter, I didn't know you cared' he said mockingly as Peter rolled his eyes. He would never live that down, he realized.

Peter was hoping that Neal might recognize the man that 'Brent Maxwell' had fingered but he didn't want to steer him in that direction - if Neal did recognize the guy, unprompted, it would add credibility to their case. The footage lasted almost an hour and on the first go-round, Neal didn't say much but towards the end, he moved to the edge of his seat, asking Peter to go back a few seconds.

Peter held his breath.

'Right there, right there' exclaimed Neal, pointing to the screen 'That guy – he works for McNulty' Neal said spotting the same mustached man the crook had identified

'You sure?' asked Peter, excitement in his voice

'Yeah, he's one of his muscle. Bernie, Barney, something like that' said Neal

'This is the guy who bought the M24 from Mozzie's contact' said Peter, thrilled to be getting nearer to closing the case

'McNulty...' repeated Neal 'Wow, that guy was really pissed off that I ratted him out. I really didn't think he'd go this far'

'Yeah, and from the big house no less' added Peter

'Jones, we need to get a name and locate this guy. I'm sure if we lean on him, he'll give up McNulty' continued Peter

WCWCWC

The break in the case had lifted everyone's spirits and the group moved to the kitchen to begin preparing the meal; Diana and Jones seeing to the salad while Peter prepared the fixings for the garlic bread. Neal and Sara hovered near the stove, tending to the pasta and the sauce and everyone indulged in a glass of wine while they worked, their hearts a little lighter than an hour before.

Neal and Sara moved around the small kitchen with goofy smiles, touching each other surreptitiously as they worked in the small space, furtive glances back and forth between them to the amusement of the three agents who worked in silence. Within half an hour, the group of five was settled at the table in front of penne pasta with meat sauce, garlic bread and a salad and what was left of the second bottle of wine Sara had brought. The wine, always a good social lubricant, seemed to be having it's desired effect especially on Neal and Sara who weren't driving anywhere and had the luxury of having as much as they wanted. They continued staring at each other lovingly, holding hands under the table, legs and feet touching and as the meal wore on, they became less and less inhibited about showing each other just how happy they were to be reunited.

Following the main course, Diana finally excused herself to make her way home to Christie and she bid them all a good night, leaving the four of them in front of coffee and the tiramisu Sara had picked up.

As dinner wound down, conversation began to wane and the two senior agents could no longer ignore the increasing number of longing looks passing between the young couple. Peter gave Jones a sideways glance to see if he had noticed and Clinton gave him the same uncomfortable look in response.

'Clinton, why don't we take a walk outside and I can brief you on a couple of things before I go' said Peter as he nodded in the direction of the cabin's door

'Hum, yeah, sure' said Jones, suddenly just as anxious to step out as his boss was

Neal reluctantly pulled his gaze away from Sara's face for a moment, becoming aware of the two men rising from the table and he gave Peter a puzzled look.

'Jones and I are just going to step out for a minute. You two have a good night' he said as they rose and made their way to the door

Neal nodded but his attention was already back on Sara who had begun to gather the dishes from the table. She stood to start cleaning up and Neal, whose eyes had returned to gazing lovingly at his wife, reached out and gently grabbed her wrist bringing her closer to him. He sat, his body relaxed with his legs open, pulling her in to him and he began running his hands languidly up and down her arms, slowly moving to her thighs and finally her buttocks as her gaze locked into the penetrating look in his eyes - it was an unusual combination of desperation and desire.

Sara willingly let him pull her in until she was up against his chest, her hands instinctively reaching up to touch his face, then moving forcefully to stroke his hair – he was finally there with her in that moment and she didn't want to stop touching him, feeling him and feeling him touching her. He pulled her in, cradling his head against her bosom, his arms threading oh so tightly around her waist as if he were a child in need of comfort from his mother. She continued rubbing his hair, fiercely holding him against her, loving him, reassuring him. They didn't speak, letting their eyes and hands do all the talking and Neal finally pulled away, leaving one hand tightly wound around her waist to keep her close and moving the other one up as he began unbuttoning the silk blouse Sara was wearing – very unlike a child needing comfort from his mother. He worked quickly and he seemed to have instantly changed gears – going from a desperate need for comfort to an urgent need for intimacy as desire flared fiercely in every part of his body.

Sara could hear his breathing growing more and more uneven and she let out a soft moan, a testament to the way her stomach had begun to flip flop at his touch and she slowly but purposefully brought his mouth to her breast. He sucked on her nipple through her lace bra, biting playfully and he felt her start to quiver at his insistent but gentle touch. Sara's legs were getting weak from the sensations she'd been craving so desperately and Neal supported her weight as she moved to straddle him on the kitchen chair winding her arms tightly around his neck and his lips reluctantly left her breast to capture her mouth enthusiastically and passionately. Their lips collided as a sudden flash of emotion and an overwhelming sensation of warmth hit them both - they were alive and they were together and they never wanted to be apart again. Sara could feel Neal swelling under her, his breathing louder still and she began to move slowly against him, then more insistently as a familiar sensation began to grow in the pit of her stomach.

Although thoroughly enjoying the sensation of his wife's body pressed against his, Neal wanted more and he finally stood, his lips still fused to Sara's. He lifted her off his lap, setting her down upright and he began to move towards the bedroom coaxing her along, not that she required any persuading. He tried to navigate them both, walking backwards in the unfamiliar space unwilling to let go of Sara - or her lips – and hitting the door jamb as he went. He let out a small yelp through his still otherwise engaged lips and Sara giggled as they kept moving, her eyes closed and her hands continuing to explore every inch of Neal's body.

They hit the bed hard, bouncing off the old weathered mattress but the lunge did nothing to dampen their enthusiasm or extricate their lips which still weren't quite ready to part. The small bed creaked under their combined weight as they struggled to get comfortable and suddenly Neal was rudely aware of the door to the cabin creaking open as Jones cleared his throat, warning that he had returned. In an absolute feat of physical prowess, Neal reached with his leg and managed to swing the bedroom door shut as much for their privacy as for Jones' peace of mind. Before long, the sound of the television could be heard through the thin wall separating the two rooms and Neal grinned as he realized they were being granted a modicum of privacy.

Their lovemaking, although familiar, seemed somewhat foreign in this very unusual setting – especially with Clinton Jones within earshot. Trying to navigate on a small single bed was challenging compared to their full size bed at June's but their ardor could not be dampened and the intensity and urgency with which their bodies came together and sought release was dizzying. The couple struggled to keep their verbal outbursts to a minimum despite their enthusiasm which was at an all-time high, ecstatic as they were to finally reunite. Sara's moans were muted by Neal's mouth on hers keeping her from screaming out and he muffled a loud grunt as he felt release overcome him, finally letting go of all the stress that had been building up over the past week.

Afterwards, they lay side by side, sated and content; Neal spooning his wife, her nose inches from the wall against which the bed was positioned in the tiny room

'If we're going to move, we'll have to coordinate' said Sara, laughing at the small space they had managed to curl up in

Being glued to Neal's body was never a problem but he had a tendency of moving in his sleep and she imagined having to pick him up off the floor.

Neal smiled in response 'Just let me know when you want to turn over' he added

'That was...' Sara started, referring to their lovemaking

'Amazing?' offered Neal

'Unusual and... very hot' she responded

He squeezed her in agreement.

'Talk to me some more about the funeral' he finally said as they began to recuperate

'Oh, Neal. It was so sad. Did you see how many people were there – over 200! Two hundred people who cared enough about you to come and pay their last respects! You're going to owe a lot of people some explanations when this is all over'

'That's incredible. You know, you never think about how many people care about you until... until you die, I guess' he said

'Strange isn't it?' she echoed 'I just feel so bad for June and Elizabeth, especially'

'What about Moz? Did he make it?' he asked, curious

Neal hadn't spotted his old buddy on the video and he certainly wouldn't have held it against him if he hadn't been able to stomach it. What he and Mozzie had defied explanations and PDA's were unnecessary although he could never doubt the man's commitment and devotion.

'I spotted him at the very back, very discreet... very Mozzie' Sara answered pensively 'and he came to the burial but stayed well away from the crowd'

'So, I'm buried somewhere?' asked Neal

'Yeah, Shady Acres. I haven't ordered the tombstone though – and I never will...' she said dreamily, starting to fade

'Switch!' she called as Neal gingerly turned over to face the outside of the bed and she curled up behind him

She could feel his ribs against her hands and she became suddenly alarmed.

'Neal, you've lost weight. You can't afford to lose weight. Promise me you'll start eating' she said, worried

'Promise!' he said but he was only half listening. His mind had drifted to Hope.

'I miss her' he said simply and she didn't have to ask which 'her' he was referring to

'Oh, I almost forgot. Can you reach my purse? I have a surprise for you' she said

The room was so small and everything in easy reach so Neal pulled her purse over as she asked him to take her phone out.

'She positioned the phone in front of his eyes and searched for the little surprise she'd brought – a short video of Hope she'd taken that afternoon as she played on the bed in the guest room at the Burke house'

'Oh, my God. I think she's grown!' Neal exclaimed

'Neal, it hasn't even been a week' answered Sara in her no-nonsense way

'Still, look at her. She's so beautiful! How did we ever get so lucky?' he asked squeezing Sara's arms tighter around his waist.

They finally fell asleep, Neal holding the phone against his chest as if he were holding his baby daughter and when they woke, they had somehow resorted to a most familiar position with Neal sprawled on his back and Sara lying on her side halfway on top of him with her arms firmly around his waist, holding on for dear life.

TBC