NOTE: Sorry for the wait. We ended up closing on a house sooner than expected and I've been up to my eyeballs in ripping up flooring and painting! Hugs!


Chapter Ninety-one

"Elizabeth, how could you not tell me about Peter's old 'war wound'."

"He swore me to secrecy the day he agreed to take you on as his CI." Elizabeth chuckled.

"Still though." Neal said in a mock hurt tone.

"Neal," Peter grumbled "you promised not to bring that up again."

"I promised to try," Neal corrected with a smile "I can't help it if I failed."

Peter shook his head sadly and walked over to the entertainment center in his living room. Fishing into his pockets he pulled out the two black boxes that the Director had given him and unceremoniously placed them on one of the shelves. Looking exhausted Peter sat down on the new sofa Elizabeth had gotten to replace the one Satchmo had destroyed. Elizabeth glanced over at the shelf before looking at Peter with some concern. When Elizabeth turned a questioning look on him Neal smiled and nodded to assure her that everything was okay or at least it was going to be. Elizabeth gave Neal a hug before sitting down next to Peter.

Jerking awake Peter put his arm over Elizabeth's shoulders and pulled her closer before drifting off again. Not nearly as tired Neal sat down on the loveseat on the far side of the coffee table and watched the pair for a moment. Over the past week Neal had never felt unwelcome but he was personally starting to worry that he might be holding some of Peter's recovery back by not giving him any real time alone with Elizabeth. Neal closed his eyes for a moment to think about telling Peter that he felt it was time that he went home even though it made his stomach turn a little consider it. Before he could convince himself it was a good idea Neal proved that he was far more fatigued than he'd thought and he quickly fell asleep.

Although it seemed like he'd only been out for a few seconds a glance at the clock told Neal that it had actually been several hours. He had been so deeply asleep that it took him a second to figure out what had woken him until the visitor knocked again. Looking disoriented as well Peter had tightened his hold on Elizabeth making it difficult for her to get up to answer the door. Getting to his feet Neal went to answer the door so that she could stay with Peter. Checking outside first Neal was surprised by their guest. He had assumed it was Mozzie, but it was Hughes standing on Peter's doorstep. When Neal opened the door Hughes instantly handed him a file folder as if he was delivering a subpoena.

"You left without signing these." Hughes said simply.

"What is it?" Neal asked opening the file.

"Your release papers."

"Oh! Right." Neal instantly stared looking for a pen.

"Neal, don't make him stand in the doorway." Peter called from the sofa.

"Sorry." Neal apologized as he stepped to the side.

Hughes stepped past Neal and walked into the living room. Peter got to his feet out of sheer force of habit before offering the love seat that Neal had just vacated to Hughes.

"That's okay, Peter, I'm not staying long." Hughes said before glancing over at Neal.

"I don't have a pen." Neal confessed.

"There's one in the kitchen." Elizabeth said getting to her feet. "I'll show you."

Neal thought it a little odd at first that Elizabeth felt the need to show him where it was but he quickly realized that what she was doing was giving Peter and Hughes some space. Following her lead Neal stepped into the kitchen. It was really just an illusion of privacy since they could still hear the conversation, but it seemed to put Hughes a little more at ease.

"You're being forced to resign aren't you?" Peter asked sadly.

"I am." Hughes nodded. "Walker and his lawyers are going forward with suing the FBI over the terrorism charges that I absolutely made falsely against him to keep him there, there really isn't any choice."

"I'm so sorry, Sir."

"Don't be. I don't regret keeping that bastard wrapped up in red tape while the rescue team found you for one second."

"Thank you."

"Peter, I know you're probably not in a good head space to be hearing this yet, but I wanted you to hear it from me before Anderson approaches you. I have strongly recommended you for my position."

"Sir…"

"Don't answer now." Hughes interrupted. "Everything is still too fresh, I know that. Anderson has already agreed to temporarily take over my duties for the next few months while you recover and decide what you want. I would hate to see you leave the FBI, but I would understand it completely."

"Thank you, Reese, for everything."

Distracted from the papers he was supposed to be signing Neal found himself getting angry that Peter and Hughes weren't apparently even thinking about fighting back against York on all of this. Both men seemed way too casual and calm about Walker's victory over the FBI. Neal put his release papers down on the kitchen counter and went to go join the conversation but Elizabeth gently stopped him.

"If there was anything they could do they would be doing it." Elizabeth said softly.

"They aren't going to catch him," Neal growled bitterly "they play too much by the book and York is far too underhanded for that to work."

"Neal…"

Elizabeth stopped when her phone rang. From the concerned look on her face Neal figured that she knew who it was by the tone of the ring. Taking a deep breath to try to calm himself Neal didn't argue further allowing Elizabeth to answer the call. Looking apologetic Elizabeth pulled her phone out of her pocket.

"Asha? Are you okay?"

"Elizabeth…turn on the news."

Having heard Asha on the other end of the line Neal hurried out into the living room and turned the tv on. Peter was about to ask Neal what he was doing but the second Neal found a local news channel he understood. Sitting down heavily on the couch Peter stared at the tv. York was holding a professional looking press conference with several local news channels present. This was the first Neal had seen of him other than a simple picture. He somber almost anxious expression that from everything Peter and Jake had told him about the man was out of character but it looked sincere proving he was a good actor.

"Asha Williams is a beloved member of our staff here at Light for the Lost and we are still reeling from her disappearance." Walker said with seemingly genuine emotion. "It has been a week with no word and since the FBI is not being helpful in this matter I'm offering a hundred thousand dollar reward for any information leading to her safe return. If you have any information please call..."

"Damn it." Hughes growled. "I need to tell Walsh about this…and Anderson for that matter. I'm sorry, Peter, don't worry about this, we'll handle it."

"This is ridiculous," Neal said "he can't do this, she's not missing."

"As far as Walker is concerned she is," Hughes said "we took her into protective custody and we can't just announce that to the world let alone to the person we are protecting her from."

"I don't understand, what is Walker gaining from this?" Elizabeth asked.

"Good will." Peter said simply as he turned the tv off with a near by remote. "He looks like a concerned philanthropist going out of his way for an employee of his organization and the FBI looks like an uncaring bureaucracy. By the time we get to trial there won't be a jury member in the city that hasn't been tainted in his favor by this."

"Anderson will put together a press release to try and reduce the damage."

"It's going to be too little too late." Peter sighed.

"Unfortunately." Hughes admitted. "Don't worry, Peter, we're going to get this guy."

"I know." Peter said unconvincingly.

Clearly looking to change the subject Hughes turned to Neal. "Did you sign those papers yet?"

"Uh, no, I got distracted." Neal said not even sure where the papers were.

"If you're not interested in your release…"

"I'm on it." Neal said quickly as Elizabeth handed him the file that he'd left in the kitchen and a pen. He quickly signed the release without reading it. "So I'll hear from a parole officer in a week or so?"

"No." Hughes shook his head as he took the file. "Full release, no conditions."

"Wow, thank you."

"Stay out of trouble."

Neal smiled mischievously but Hughes remained serious. Sobering his own expression Neal nodded in a silent promise to do his best. Hughes contemplated Neal for a moment before giving him a slight nod and leaving. Neal had always expected to be overjoyed when he finally managed to be rid of his anklet for good but if anything he just felt anxious. Turning to face Peter Neal found that he looked ready to pass out again. Noticing that Neal was looking at him Peter did his best to hide his obvious exhaustion. Neal had a feeling that part of what was keeping Peter so tired was the fact that he felt the need to always put on a brave face.

"Peter, I'd like to go home."

"You're certainly free to go anywhere now." Peter replied with a genuine smile. "But don't go if you think you're doing it for me. I'm fine and I'd rather you stayed."

"I know." Neal nodded. "However I think you'd be even better if you and Elizabeth could spend some real time together."

"Neal," Elizabeth said warmly "you have not worn out your welcome."

"I'll be back in the morning for breakfast." Neal assured. "But I would like to try sleeping in my own bed rather than on your floor tonight."

"I understand. I'll take you home." Peter agreed as he struggled a bit to stand.

"I can just walk, it's not far."

"I don't know…"

"I'll be fine, Peter, it's a walk I've done a thousand times."

"At least let me call and have an Agent make a quick sweep of your apartment before you head back."

"Okay." Neal conceded.

"You can have dinner with us while they are doing that." Elizabeth said as she headed off into the kitchen.

Even though he was eager to get home Neal had to admit that he did feel better having someone check out his apartment first. After the death of a family friend down South June had traveled to be with friends a few weeks back and had yet to return. Neal had spoken with her briefly over the phone and she had been over joyed to hear that he and Peter had been returned safely. However it did mean that there hadn't been in the house to hear any intruders. Although Neal had been paranoid about Jake somehow finding him the more time that passed the less likely that possibility seemed.

After a small dinner the Agent Peter had called a favor from called back to give the all clear. Assuring Peter that he'd call once he was home Neal thanked the pair for everything and stepped out onto the quiet neighborhood street. Neal had been looking forward to the leisurely walk home, hopeful that the fresh air would be good for the anxiety that was still gnawing at him. However after only a few blocks Neal was panting for breath with a racing heart. It wasn't that the journey was too physically taxing it was the fact that every city noise caused him to jolt and every flashing light and moving object caught his attention. By the time he was in a more populated area of the route the noise and pedestrians were too much to take.

'I suggest you just run back to Peter with your tail between your legs.' Jake chuckled.

Neal automatically reached up and scratched behind his ear the way he did to signal Peter that Jake was tormenting him.

'Peter's not here to save you from me, Neal.' Jake mocked coldly. 'You're not ready for this. You'll never be ready.'

Although refusing to acknowledge his hallucination Neal did seriously considered turning around and going back to Peter's, but in the end he decided to just catch a cab and get home quickly. Getting off the streets and into the familiar apartment didn't help calm Neal's nerves as much as he had hoped it would. With the hair raised up on the back of his neck Neal looked around the apartment warily even though it had just been checked for intruders. He furrowed his brow as he spotted two empty bottles of wine on the table. He certainly hadn't left them there, but there was a good chance Mozzie had. If it had only been the wine bottles that were off Neal wouldn't be as concerned but he had noticed something else instantly as well.

'Something literally doesn't smell right in here…or is that you?' Jake asked, echoing Neal's own impression about the slight distasteful odor in the apartment. 'When was the last time you showered? That whole drowning thing isn't still bothering you is it? You really are still a mess, go curl back up on Peter's floor. I don't even know why you bothered signing those release papers, you're never going to actually use your new freedom.'

Grinding his teeth in irritation at the phantom voice in his head Neal pulled out his new cell phone and called Peter.

"Neal?" Peter answered after only one ring.

"I made it home."

"That was quick."

"I got a little more tired than I expected so I took a cab the rest of the way." Neal explained in a half truth.

"Are you okay?"

"I am. It's good to be home. I'll see you tomorrow."

"…okay."

Neal knew Peter wanted to question Neal's decision to go home more, but what was done was done and likely for the best. Saying good night to Peter Neal went directly towards the bathroom. Looking to prove to both himself and the Jake in his head that he was ready to be home Neal turned the shower on. Once the water had warmed up a bit Neal took a deep breath to prepare to step into the spray. Hesitating Neal glanced down and realized that he was still fully dressed.

Rolling his eyes at himself Neal pulled his already fairly loose tie off a little further before taking off his jacket. Turning around to hang the jacket up Neal didn't even jump at the sudden appearance of Jake in the doorway. Making a noise of frustration Neal stepped up to the door fearlessly. When the hallucination didn't fade or even get out of the way Neal put his hand up to push through him. When Neal's palm landed solidly on Jake's chest it sent a blood chilling wash of adrenaline through him. Shocked and not entirely trusting what was happening Neal was momentarily frozen in a nauseating mix of horror and disbelief.

"Hello, Neal."