All Peter wanted was a vacation; time to relax and enjoy the sun in California with only his wife by his side. No thefts, no forged bonds, no corrupt politicians, and most of all: no Neal. He didn't mind Neal, especially now that they haven't been keeping secrets from each other, but his mind associated Neal's face with work at the FBI and catching white collar criminals. That was the reason he and Elizabeth flew almost 3,000 miles across the country to Santa Barbara, California.

The couple was just checking-in at the 5-star resort located on the most private part of the East Beach when they heard a familiar voice call out to them.

"Peter, Elizabeth! What a surprise seeing you here!"

With a sigh, Peter turned away from the main desk. He should have known. "Neal. Why are you here?"

"Oh, this place has the best complimentary breakfast in town, no question. An unsatisfying breakfast is a deal-breaker for me."

"Not here here," said Peter, waving his hand in the air, indicating the resort. He was already starting to lose his patience. "I mean what are you doing here? In Santa Barbara. Where I told you I would be taking my wife for a quiet vacation. Without you."

"I'm sensing some negativity in your voice, Peter. You should really visit Carmen at the spa and get a massage. Her hands are magic. Oh, and if you mention my name, she might give you a discount for being my consultant." Neal had that smirk on his face; the one that made Peter want to cuff him and send him back to New York in a squad car.

"Your consultant?" Peter whispered menacingly. Neal simply winked. Peter was so fun to mess with.

"Honey," Elizabeth finally chimed in and put a gentle hand on Peter's shoulder. "Let's be honest, did you truly believe we could have a quiet vacation to ourselves given our past experiences?" Peter knew she was right. The last time they tried to get away for a week they had been kidnapped by a Bonnie-and-Clyde-like couple who held them in a warehouse.

Another sigh. "I guess not."

"Come on, Peter," Neal chimed in. "I won't annoy you two. I just came here to see the Vladimir Kush show at LeMarc's Gallery. They say they'll be unveiling his latest painting, Turning Leaves."

"Ooh, Honey, we should go to that! I've been wanting to see the show myself." El was practically jumping up and down. Peter, however, was able to contain his excitement; an effortless task due to his entire lack of enthusiasm. Art was not his thing. Catching the bad guys who stole it? Yeah, that was more his style. If it wasn't in evidence, Peter wasn't about to be roped into looking at paintings and sculptures. But seeing the eagerness in his wife's eyes was enough to make him cave. He would do anything to make her happy.

Neal looked at Peter expectantly. "You know, I just so happen to have two extra tickets. What d'ya say? Join me?"

So much for Neal not annoying him on his vacation. With an almost imperceptible nod of his head, Peter replied, "Fine. We'll go."