This was very good. I know you wrote it some time ago and perhaps have left fandom but I wanted to leave a note. It is a great story. The characters of Peter and Neal are excellent. They are consistent and true and the relationship is everything we hoped for. Peter cared so much for Neal, as a person and consultant and it was genuine. If he ever talked to Neal about the anklet or prison it wasn’t to threaten him it was to understand him better. I thought how wonderful it was that the huge group of people that cared for Neal assembled in the hospital waiting room while he was in surgery. Neal is a good person, talented beyond the rest of us, trying to use his talents for a good life, and he was once on the wrong path. Thanks to Peter (and himself and others) he is now on the right path.

Sara was interesting. You were accurate in your author’s notes to mention fans were divided by her character. I’m one who is ambivalent, even when they began a relationship. In this story she was great. She was a hard nosed investigator caught in a situation and she saved Neal’s life. She learned to respect him once she gave him a chance. Brilliant move to give back the Raphael. Sara can move on and Neal has returned the favor of saving his life.

I appreciated the discussions of Kate. I think there was finally closure to their story. Peter didn’t trust her but he never shared it fully with Neal. Because no matter what Neal loved her. It was interesting that Neal couldn’t say whether or not he would have gotten on the plane. I think that’s true. He was still torn, possibly still deciding now that Peter was in front of him, and we know how impulsive Neal is.

Thank you again. I have to stop talking! We appreciate all that you wrote for WC and best wishes with anything you do in the future.

Just finished this lovely story. Amazing! loved every second of it. Thanks for posting

nice to see everyone care so much

I'm enjoying everybody's perspective

wow, such quality fic!

I love it

:-))) I'm lacking words to describe it right now, so I'll just let you know that I enjoyed this story very much. I enjoyed the flashbacks, although from time to time I wasn't sure if we were already back in the timeline or only from the flashback in the flashback...

I've read ff for 30 years (I am THAT old), a total bromance fan. I started with U.N.C.L.E.
was spoiled by a brilliant writer, with a PhD, helpful with such a sophisticated show... lots of Russian research, etc. Couldn't find a great WC writer till YOU. You share my feelings about the characters, respect for canon (no unicorn tales!) and very good banter! I'm also a h/c fan. So I hope you keep at it, and no story is too long for me. Thanks for everything!

This is an excellent story that really explores so many different characters' emotions in such great depth. What an opus!

I am disappointed that you never addressed the black box recording in Sara's mail. Seeing that play out in this paradigm would have been intriguing.

I think I love Megan a little.

I can't picture Mozzie giving "The Suit" a phone number that could get to him. June, yes. Elle, maybe. Peter, no way.

I have read this story through twice now, as well as all of your other White Collar stories, and want to tell you that I have thoroughly enjoyed them. I appreciate the care you take with your writing, both in terms of word choices and in terms of characterization and attention to detail. Your pieces are realistic and thoughtful. Well-done!

I love this story, love the different points of view approach and the deep insight of people feelings and thoughts around Neal and his life - death balance, love the so-very-Neal and so-very-Sara talk while waiting for help to come (and to have a little visit inside her head meanwhile)... but this Rita (great original character BTW) chapter, with the first appointment and the trial, really amuses me, brilliant!

...truly truly awesome! thank you so much!