Happy New Year readers! It won't be long now until new episodes. Cheers to some good Neal angst in the second half of season two. And of course, long live Mozzie. Speaking of Moz, if anyone can help out, for my final chapter I'd like to reference the name he used when he was introduced to Peter. For some reason the name Dante stands out in my brain. Is that right? Any help is appreciated.

As always, thanks for the continued reviews.

Unfinished Business

Chapter 16:

Two Weeks Later:

Peter slouched forward gently fondling the velvet soft blue ribbon that wrapped around a beautiful multi colored vase. Inside said vase were an even more beautiful arrangement of flowers. He didn't want to pry but seen the name "Alex" handwritten on the card that stuck out between peddles and stems.

"So Alex is the mystery woman that sent you these flowers," Peter spoke to Neal. Knowing this would be a one sided conversation, just like their last thousand conversations had been the past couple weeks, he didn't pause for a response. "The vase looks expensive. I wonder if it's stolen?" He lightly chuckled and stroked Neal gently on the arm. "I know. Always on the job. Don't worry, if it is I can overlook it this once. I promise I won't take it in to be checked." He leaned even more forward and took a big whiff. "These smell better than El's perfume." He stroked Neal's arm one more time. "Now don't go telling her that."

Neal's Doctor had informed him earlier that morning that there was no change. Every morning for the past two weeks he stumbled in to hear the same news. Sure, his broken bones and multiple wounds were healing with each passing day, but none of that helped the fact that Neal just wouldn't wake up.

And there was that other issue that he refused to even think about.

The Doctor had assured him that he would wake up in his own time.

Peter had been on leave of absence from work nursing his own right fractured wrist. Hughes had also insisted on mandatory consoling before he returned to active duty. He hadn't even arranged for that yet. He crawled out of bed every morning in the hopes there would be a change and made his way to the hospital.

He had crossed paths with Mozzie a few times during visitations. In the beginning it was awkward and Mozzie remained hostile. After a few days Mozzie's hostility began to fade. After all, as Peter had informed him, he wasn't going anywhere and them bringing animosity into the room with Neal couldn't be a positive thing.

This particular morning Mozzie hadn't shown up. That was strange, considering like clockwork, Mozzie was always there at 9 am sharp. He was an odd man for sure but a stickler about making certain "appointments", as he had called his meetings with Neal. Peter always gave him the courtesy of privacy and sat in the hall. He truly was a great friend to Neal. In fact, outside of the flowers from Alex that were delivered, no one had visited Neal besides him, El and a couple people from the department.

Peter checked his watch. It was ten after nine. He leaned back and stretched his underused muscles. He needed coffee. He was lacking on energy this morning.

A small knock at the door pulled him from his thoughts.

"Hello," Diana smiled walking slowly into the room with a cup of steaming coffee in hand. "I hope I'm not disturbing anything? I figured you were here so I brought you a cup of coffee."

Peter smiled softly back, reaching for the cup. "Ah... you are a mind reader. No... a Saint! Thank you."

Diana's eyes fixed on Neal. "How's he doing? Any change?"

Peter set the cup of coffee down on the night stand to cool off a bit and rubbed at stubble on his chin. "None. Doc says it's up to Neal when he wakes up."

Diana shook her head in understanding. "He'll wake up."

Peter sighed. "I know he will. In fact, I think he can hear us. It's his sick way of getting back at me watching me age fifty years here."

Diana snorted. "You don't really think Neal would do that to you do you?" She looked from Peter to Neal then added, "I mean, he put twenty on you while you were chasing him, ten more since you've been his handler. Never mind, don't answer that."

Peter pretended he was shocked. "You hear that Neal? I may possibly look over a hundred due to you."

In a more serious tone, "Listen Peter, no offense. But you look like hell. You haven't shaved, your clothes are wrinkled. When's the last time you ate?"

Peter looked down at himself then to Diana. "I appreciate the concern but I'm off duty. I didn't realize I needed to win a fashion contest when most the people roaming these halls are in 3 day old scrubs or hospital gowns. Did my wife put you up to this?"

"No but she has expressed her concern. We all are," Diana responded. "Hughes says you haven't made an appointment yet..."

"Is that what this is about? I haven't made an appointment to see the department shrink?"

"I'm here to see Neal. I'm just pointing out a few things." Diana stood by Neal's bed and gave his head a friendly pat. "I've got to get back to work. I asked Mozzie to wait in the waiting room while I made my brief visit. He's driving the staff nuts. I think half the nurses are afraid of him." She looked down at Neal with concern in her eyes. "Wake up soon, will ya?" She leaned in and kissed his forehead. "If you wake up I just may go your way," she teased.

Turning to leave, "Take care of yourself Peter. You need to be in court next week."

"Listen, I'm sorry for snapping. I'm ah... well I appreciate your concern. I just haven't been sleeping well and all..." Peter looked down to the floor then back up to his co worker. "Forgive?"

Diana half smiled. "Nothing to forgive, Sir. I will see you later." Pausing, "Peter... you need to make that appointment."

TBC...