Peter & Neal at the Crossroads: By the Book, Take Two

Last week in Ghosts of Caffrey Disclosure, I wrote about the connections between the events of the previous summer and those that take place in Nocturne in Black and Gold. But for Neal and Peter, even more pivotal is what occurred in Penna's story By the Book. That story takes place just after Neal was recruited and describes his first case. The lessons learned made a profound impact on both men and have led them to the crossroads they stand at now.

As By the Book opens, Peter is quite similar to the way Peter was portrayed at the beginning of the TV series. He wants to trust Neal but considers him a felon. Although Neal was never arrested, he had to confess to crimes as part of the recruitment agreement. Both Neal and Peter are taking quite a risk. They're gambling that they'll find a way to make it work.

Several key scenes occurred in Penna's story that were critical to the success of the partnership. Without them, Peter and Neal might never have been able to develop the level of trust they now have for each other. The scenes revolve around three male characters:

1. Byron: June's husband is still alive in By the Book. Byron is himself an ex-thief who was able to turn his life around. Not only is he an excellent role model for a young former thief but he also provides Peter with insights on how to ease the transition for Neal. Byron urges Peter to demonstrate that he values Neal's skills and not fault him for having them.
2. Henry: Initially Peter knows very little about Neal's childhood. He has difficulty believing that Neal has ever felt much guilt for anything he's done. Peter realizes Neal looks upon him as a father figure but is uneasy about what that means. These are all areas Neal would have had great difficulty in opening up about, but he doesn't have to. When Henry appears on the scene, he facilitates a better appreciation for what motivates his younger cousin. Henry has worn the mantle of Neal's protector ever since he discovered Neal hiding out in Chicago as a sick 18-year-old runaway. Just as Peter is uneasy about Neal, Henry is wary of Peter. He's concerned Peter will take advantage of Neal's vulnerabilities. So he devises a test that results in Peter's protective instincts rising to the surface. Both Henry and Neal are reassured that Peter is someone they can trust.
3. Thomas Gardiner: This retired FBI agent gives wise guidance to Peter at a time when he's ready to fire Neal for reckless behavior during a mission. Thomas helps Peter recognize that he overreacted out of a misguided attempt to keep Neal safe. Thomas was a wonderful character Penna created. He also made an appearance in Caffrey Flashback and I hope will return in a future story.

Thanks in large measure to the advice Peter received in By the Book, he is now able to tell Neal in Nocturne in Black and Gold that if Neal is being blackmailed because of an unconfessed crime he committed in the past, Peter would work with him to ensure he wouldn't be penalized for it.

Neal's reaction is wary, though. His fears can be divided into two main concerns.

1. Fear of prison: Neal made a vow to never be incarcerated. He feels Peter would have no choice but inform Interpol.
2. Concern for Peter: Neal is well aware of how attached Peter is to him. Neal doesn't want Peter to have to agonize about protecting him at the expense of compromising his integrity.

You may wonder how Neal could feel that Peter would turn him in when Peter goes out of his way to say the opposite. It's not that Neal thinks Peter is lying. But the discussion they have in the cocktail lounge is about hypotheticals. In By the Book, Henry, Neal and Peter discuss the childhood abuse Neal suffered. During that conversation, Henry and Peter have the following exchange:

"Your profession shouldn't make a difference," Winslow said. "If you're a dad, then you're a dad first."

"I can't accept that," Peter said. "Being an FBI agent is too ingrained in who I am to be ignored. If I start making exceptions in personal cases, then I'm perverting justice, and I can't do that. I'd have to leave the Bureau."

Neal hasn't forgotten Peter's words. He would rather run than be the cause of Peter sacrificing his career.

The Braque painting won't stay hidden forever. Before the conclusion of the story, difficult decisions will have to be made.

Nocturne in Black and Gold on Archive of Our Own
Nocturne in Black and Gold on FanFiction