A/N: As this is the final chapter I will now drown you in unnecessary notes.

First: I must not have made it clear enough: Neal is in a four-bed room with three roommates. One completely unremarkable person straight in front of him, one on his left who likes to sleep at night and also happened to save Neal's life, and Family Feud guy in the corner who never gets any visitors or listens to his roommates.

Second: Yes, I do like Family Feud, but I don't have a television so I only watch when I'm visiting my parents - who get sick of it being on when they come into the room even though they also like it. It's just an easy thing to watch - you don't have to have seen any previous episodes and it is almost literally always on.

Third: Big thanks to all my reviewers; I appreciate it :)

Neal recovered quickly under June's watchful eye, though he refused to talk about James with her or anyone else past the bare facts of what had happened. He was allowed to return to work for a few hours each day and did so with relish – even though he was stuck trawling through files the whole time.

The matter of Neal's anklet winding up on Peter was mostly glossed over in the chaos of Callaway's removal and replacement, the new head willing to accept the story of a last minute proposal that hadn't quite worked to keep one Sarah Ellis from going to London. They called the days Peter had spent out of commission a disciplinary temporary suspension and considered it done with.

Sarah, for her part, had only received news of Neal's injury the day of his release from the hospital, having been without service for a few days before getting her number transferred to a new carrier. She and Neal had had a long telephone conversation before he convinced her he was completely fine and there was no reason to come back and check up on him – even if he secretly wished she would.

It was another morning full of mortgage fraud when Peter called the CI up to his office – a rarity as of late since Neal still tired easily, though he was steadily recovering his endurance.

Peter motioned for Neal to take a seat then got straight to the point.

"James wants to see you."

Neal went rigid in his chair, unable to speak.

"His court date is set for next month and he says he doesn't want that to be the only time he sees you before going to prison."

Closing his eyes, Neal leaned back and took a moment to consider.

Even after everything that had happened, he wasn't entirely confident that he wouldn't be conned by James once more. He wanted to believe it was impossible at this point, but still felt an aching need to be part of a family...

Peter's hand landed on his shoulder, gently squeezing it - an effective reminder that he already is part of a family.

"No."

Peter nodded.

"Okay."

The agent straightened and sat in his own chair behind the desk, all business once more.

"I have some photos for you to look at," he pushed a file in front of Neal. "Think those are real Monets?"

"Mr. James Bennett, you are hereby sentenced to life in prison."

The judge's voice faded from Neal's hearing, his attention wholly devoted to the man who would have been his father. James stood with back hunched, cuffed hands hanging. He'd sent one pleading glance to his son when he'd first taken the witness stand, but had avoided his gaze ever since.

Neal didn't know how he was supposed to feel about this; both his mind and face were blank as James was led away.

"You alright?"

He almost jumped when Peter's soft inquiry broke his reverie.

"Yeah... yeah. Let's get out of here."

"Right."

Peter hooked an arm around Neal's shoulders and steered him out to the car.

"The doc clear you for alcohol yet?"

"Not if you mean beer."

Peter pretended to be offended, flicking the younger man's fedora to ruin its jaunty angle.

"Elizabeth got you something nice to go with dinner."

"Peter," Neal's eyes twinkled, "is your wife trying to seduce me?"

"Why not? My dog already likes you more..." Peter grumbled, pulling on his seat belt.

Neal laughed and Peter basked in the sound.

"But I'm telling you now: I get nights and weekends."