Chapter 21

'How was the salmon?' Diana asked as she leaned in closer to Elizabeth so she could talk directly into her ear

The room was buzzing and it was becoming increasingly difficult to have a conversation now that the main course was over and the rattling of dishes could be heard over the constant chatter. People had taken the short break between courses as an opportunity to start mingling once again as old friendships and affiliations were rekindled, often just for one night.

'Good! What about the beef?' El countered

'Best I've had in a long time' Diana answered as her eyes roamed the ballroom in search of familiar faces

They could see Peter mingling in the distance, chatting with some blond woman as people came up to him from time to time with a handshake or a pat on the back.

'Listen, Diana. This whole Neal thing... I thought we'd try to make it right. I was planning on having a dinner for him next weekend. Are you available?' Elizabeth asked

'Yeah, of course' Diana responded with uncharacteristic enthusiasm 'That's a great idea. Do you think Neal will be okay with it, though? It's not exactly the type of attention he likes'

'I think it'll be okay if we keep it small – ' El said before she was interrupted

'Hi Elizabeth' the women heard over their shoulder as a young man swept in to collect their dirty plates

'Jake!' she exclaimed, recognizing the young man she'd hired on a couple of occasions to help with some of her events

'I thought I recognized you from across the room. You look beautiful tonight' he said as he went about his work

'Thank you. Oh, Jake, I have a favor to ask' El said, suddenly remembering her little dilemma

She'd snuck in their tiny video camera in her purse and she'd been wondering how she was going to pull off filming Peter's speech while still being in the moment. It looked like the solution was standing right next to her.

'When you're done serving dessert, can you come and see me?' she asked

'Sure thing' he said as he expertly finished clearing the table of dirty dishes and walked away

'Who's that woman Peter is talking to?' El asked Jones

She'd noticed Peter deep in conversation with the woman for the past few minutes.

'I think she's SSG' Jones responded

'SSG?' El asked, curious

'Special Surveillance Group. Think of it as the 'badass' branch of the Bureau' Diana chimed in, her voice in a loud whisper

The clanging of silverware seemed to subside somewhat and the Deputy Director could be seen stepping up to the microphone urging everyone to return to their tables. Once dessert was served, they'd be presenting the 10 year pins, followed by a few retirement speeches and the team award.

Peter made his way back to Elizabeth's side and took his seat; he looked around at the smiling faces as his team settled in. They were a hard working bunch and they deserved to have this special night – especially Jones and Diana who had been steadfast by his side for going on five years now. They were loyal and trustworthy and in a pinch, they could be counted on to take one for the team in order to get the job done. His mind wandered back to Neal, wondering what he was up to; hopefully, he wasn't moping around at home, feeling sorry for himself. He turned to look at his beautiful wife, realizing once again how lucky he was to have her in his life; he suddenly found himself wishing that Neal would have the same luck someday.

WCWCWC

'So, I guess that one goes to you...' Sara murmured as she and Neal lay in bed

'Naw, I think we should put a moratorium on that silly little game – at least 'til after the baby's born' Neal answered as he held his exhausted girlfriend in his arms

Sara lifted her head to look into his eyes. 'What? You don't think I can hold my own, Caffrey?' she asked, obviously miffed at the insinuation. As in all things, Sara Ellis was terribly competitive.

They'd been playing this silly little game over the past few months – a seduction game – and it was a lot more fun to play than it was to win. As a matter of fact, it was often more fun to lose and be the first to give in; it meant your partner had somehow managed to totally bring down your defenses. Of course, they only played the game every so often – whenever the mood struck – but they'd been having an awful lot of fun trying to 'outseduce' each other and the moment Neal had walked into the apartment earlier that evening, seeing Sara in full 'battle gear', he'd known it was game on.

'I just don't think we're playing on a level playing field' Neal teased as he ran his hand longingly over Sara's belly 'Those pregnancy hormones have messed with your mojo and made you putty in my hands' he laughed as he jostled her

'Oh yeah?' she said as she playfully tried to wriggle out of his grasp 'Is that what you think?'

She didn't try very hard and she settled back down in an instant, luxuriating in the warmth and strength of her boyfriend's loving arms. She was exhausted from their little marathon and now, those amazing endorphins were just coursing through her veins, making her sleepy.

The mood seemed to turn serious and Neal pulled her in a little closer.

'Thanks for tonight' he whispered softly as he kissed her hair 'I had a great time... and it was a wonderful distraction'

'I guess I was pretty obvious, huh?' she asked with a soft laugh

Neal shrugged and grinned.

'Let's just say, I have no illusions that you're going to start cooking like that on a regular basis – or that you're going to start prancing around the apartment in a skimpy little outfit every night of the week' he said softly

For all the frenzied activity they'd just indulged in, the mood was now peaceful and introspective and he could sense Sara slowly beginning to slip away, sleep finally claiming her.

'I love you, Repo' he whispered in the quiet room

'Mmmm' she responded, already half asleep

'Sleep tight' he added as he let out a satisfied sigh

WCWCWC

It was going on ten o'clock, the wonderful crème brûlée blissfully consumed and Peter's team was beginning to get antsy. According to the program, this was it – the moment they'd all been waiting for – and they all sat up a little straighter as they watched the Deputy Director step up to the microphone as he invited the Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the New York office, Reese Hughes, to come up and announce the recipients of the 'Team of the Year' award. Peter watched as Reese rose from a nearby table and made his way up to the podium. He was looking older these days, a little more tired, a little more frail and a lot more jaded, and Peter wondered in passing how many more years he'd have the pleasure of working with his friend and mentor.

'Good evening' Reese said as he adjusted the microphone 'Welcome to New York, the city with the best and finest FBI field office in the country' he bellowed to the sounds of a few hoots and hollers from the local crowd, now that everyone in attendance was reasonably well lubricated

'Tonight, it is my pleasure to present the award for 'Team of the Year', an honor which goes to the team which has distinguished itself from all others due to its excellent work ethic and its outstanding results. All of us in this room know that no man is an island and that, especially in our business, you need to stand shoulder to shoulder with your colleagues. They are the ones who have your back when the going gets rough, the ones you can count on to get you out of the mess you suddenly find yourself in, the ones who share your disappointment when things go south and who celebrate with you when you finally bring down another cartel or career criminal. The team who is receiving this award tonight is an exceptional case in point and a demonstration of that very unique camaraderie we all share. I have had the pleasure of seeing their work first hand and I can attest to the fact that they represent all that is good with crime fighting in this country'

The room grew quiet at Reese Hughes' words; they seemed to resonate with everyone present.

'This year, I am proud to announce that this very special honor goes to my white collar crime team, headed by Special Agent Peter Burke. As you know, a team is only as strong as its leader and Peter Burke is the epitome of a great leader: strong, steadfast, loyal, tough when necessary, caring when needed, a man who works collaboratively with others, bringing out the best in those he leads'

The room began applauding again; Peter had a reputation within the Bureau as a straight shooter and everyone who'd crossed his path over the years had learned to appreciate his unfaltering integrity, his dedication and hard work. Elizabeth moved her hand and placed it in Peter's; she was so very proud of him and all he'd accomplished.

'Peter and his team have worked relentlessly to counter white collar crime here in New York City' Reese continued. 'They've dealt successfully with all types of criminal activity from mortgage fraud to money laundering to forgery and theft and they've managed to do it all with the highest closure rate in the country!' he said, his voice culminating in a crescendo

The room erupted in applause as he continued 'An incredible 92% closure rate' he said, his voice loud in order to be heard over the applause

'This is a team of dedicated individuals who have each other's backs, who are innovative in their approach and who take risks in order to get the job done' he continued as he thought briefly of Caffrey- who, he realized, fit that description perfectly

'So, without further ado, I'd like to introduce the head of our white collar division, my friend and colleague, Special Agent Peter Burke' Reese said as the applause grew louder and people began to get on their feet to give Peter a standing ovation

Peter stood and glanced proudly around the table at his team, turning briefly to look at Elizabeth who beamed at his side, applauding enthusiastically. She glanced briefly to the side of the room, noticing Jake standing there, camera in hand, ready to record the proceedings.

Peter took the few short steps to the podium as Reese welcomed him with a firm handshake and a collegial hug. Suddenly, Peter was being handed an award, a large glass object with the names of the members of his team engraved and he took a moment to admire it as the applause continued. He slipped his hand inside his jacket pocket and grabbed for the index cards he'd tucked away there and glanced down at El once more, noting her glowing face and watching as she wiped a tear.

'Thank you. Thank you' he repeated as he waited for calm to return so he could resume his remarks

Reese pulled away discretely, leaving Peter to stand in front of the microphone facing a roomful of colleagues and long-time friends. Peter's long years with the Bureau had led to him having an impeccable reputation; he was known for being 'no nonsense', and telling it as it was and everyone knew he didn't suffer fools gladly. That being said, he was a 'company man' and he had to spout the party line as they all did. Law enforcement was a damn tough career choice and everyone stuck together, through the good and the bad.

Peter looked down at his notes where he had jotted down the names of all those he wanted to thank. Although speaking in front of groups was by no means his favorite thing, it certainly wasn't something he dreaded but he knew emotions would be running high on this particular night and he wanted to make sure he didn't forget to thank each of the bigwigs who had seen fit to honor him and his team.

'I want to start by acknowledging our fine leadership, Mr. Director, Mr. Deputy Director, Mr. Assistant Deputy Director, thank you all for coming to New York for this dinner' he began

He turned towards Reese who had returned to his seat with his wife at his side.

'Reese, you took the words right out of my mouth' Peter said as he looked fondly at his boss '... when you said no man is an island. If my team has been so successful, it is in large part due to the incredible support I've gotten from you and the wiggle room you've always given me whenever I...' he faltered for a moment, having gone off script '... or one of my team comes up with a unorthodox way of tackling a case'

His mind wandered back to Neal as it had been doing all night and he forced himself to concentrate. It was important that he do things right and that he do his team proud, regardless of his disappointment in the way the Bureau had treated Neal. He took a deep breath and continued.

TBC