The night has been short, but nevertheless, Agent Burke entered the office at 9 am sharp. He had to work on the case report, remove the picture the kidnappers had sent from the electronic file and destroy all printouts.

Around noon, he got a call from Washington. It was his former agent, Diana Barrigan. Peter was surprised, yet pleased to take the call. "Hi Diana, how's life in Washington these days?"

They talked every now and then on the phone, even visited each other occasionally. Diana shared some Bureau anecdotes and talked about Teddy who has recently won a baseball tournament with his team. Next, she wanted to know how Peter was doing. "How are you? How is Neal? Is he still undergoing medical treatment?"

Peter was completely taken aback. He couldn't imagine how the news about Neal being back in New York has traveled to Washington so fast. He trusted his agents completely. No one would have leaked this sensitive information. This was not good, not good at all! Accordingly, his reply sounded quite harsh. "Neal? How do you know? We can't discuss this over the phone!"

Diana was startled by that reaction, to put it mildly. "Calm down! El told me about Neal's accident a couple of weeks ago. I'm just wondering if your son's broken arm is on the mend. It's not like I'm asking you to spill Bureau secrets."

Peter heaved a sigh of relief. Diana was talking about his son, not his ex-consultant. "He is still wearing a cast, it was a complicated fracture. Probably, he won't try to climb that tree again for a while."

However, the reason for Diana's call was an official one. "Listen, word made it to Washington that your division thwarted the theft of the Virgin Rainbow and several other precious gems. You seem to be the hero of the day once again. It would have caused some diplomatic hassle if the Australian treasure had been stolen on US ground. Higher ups over here want to have a little ceremony, thanking you, your team, and that Aussie guy who saved the day."

Peter's reaction was less than enthusiastic. "I don't really think that's a good idea. Josh Gardener - the Aussie guy as you called him - is still in the hospital and most likely, he won't be happy about so much attention."

Diana didn't give up the idea so easily. "I didn't mean today or tomorrow. We can do it in a few days. Have a little come together at the exhibition, invite the press. Sparkling stones, injured hero, it would be priceless PR for your division. Aside from that, I'd love to come to see you and New York again. That Virgin Rainbow must be awesome. I'm curious to see it for real."

Peter harrumphed. "I don't know when Josh Gardener is leaving the hospital. It might take a while. I'm sending you a picture so that you'll get an idea of his injuries."

He sent the photo using his private mobile. It didn't take long until he heard the pling announcing an incoming message on Diana's end. "That was fast. Let me see... Oh... That is... I see what you mean..."

There was silence for a long moment before she continued. "He went through a lot. We don't want to put him in the spotlight right now. Still, I like the idea of coming to New York and see the Virgin Rainbow. I can drive over for a quick weekend trip, see how your son is recovering. Neal is really a handful. I can't wait to see him again."

Even though that description fitted both, Neal Burke as well as Neal Caffrey, it was quite clear that she was talking about the grown up man.

And so it happened that old friends traveled to New York from near and far to reunite even if only for a weekend. The greatest gift of life is friendship and it's worth all the effort.