Wall Demolition

When it comes to con artists, everyone knows that White Collar's expert is Neal Caffrey. Although other team members may participate in a limited way, he does the heavy lifting. In the Caffrey Conversation AU, we've expanded on the concept. An integral part of Neal's con artistry is his instinct to shield others from any fallout related to his work.

Warning for spoilers for the Caffrey Conversation series

Normally Neal keeps the White Collar team members informed on all aspects of work-related cons. The Braque painting is an exception, and one that's been exacerbated by Azathoth's mind control procedure.

Henry can readily testify to Neal's stubbornness. But Peter is equally relentless in his pursuit of the truth. He knows Neal's hiding something behind the walls he's erected around the painting. Peter's reaction is to take out a sledge hammer.

In Chapter 19 of Nocturne in Black and Gold, Peter makes some exploratory taps. He digs deep to think of ways to get Neal to open up and disclose why he built the barricade. Peter already knows why, but he wants Neal to acknowledge it too. And Neal does. He makes no bones about being a destructive force in his friends' lives.

Peter's response is to place himself and Hughes squarely in the center of the U-boat con. They've now got skin in the game along with everyone else. Peter plans to pretend that he's been corrupted by his consultant. Neal can no longer protect him from being tarnished, because Peter will act as if it's already occurred. Peter intends to exhibit favoritism and turn a blind eye to Neal's actions, and there's nothing Neal can do to prevent it.

But, as so often happens with wall demolition, unexpected trouble spots are revealed. Peter thought he was prepared for whatever Neal was hiding. The revelation that Neal hid his knowledge about case-related evidence for months hits Peter hard. The initial demolition is complete, but rebuilding trust will take a while.

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