Disclaimer: White Collar belongs to Jeff Eastin, USA Network et al. This is for fun, no copyright infringement is intended.
Uncontrolled Variables
Neal knows he shouldn't listen. This is KELLER, after all. Who – for all his blue collar attitude – is a master of manipulation. Of influence. Of getting to you so you start to make mistakes.
The Pink Panthers are a legend as well as legendary dangerous but at the end of the day they are just men with the limitations of men. They are no mob bosses with huge loyal organizations at their beck and call. They are thieves. Who might have money stashed away but once they are behind bars their reach will be restricted – and just the fact that they got caught will take away much of the magic for their admirers.
No, Keller's dark predictions serve only one purpose: to keep Neal on his toes, to throw him off balance, to manipulate him into playing along with Keller's games. And of course belittle his plans for freedom and taint his anticipation of the time after the anklet. He's petty like that. Neal KNOWS this.
But Hagen has finally driven home to Neal that helping to lock away criminals puts you at risk of them seeking revenge not only on you but also on those you love. Painfully.
So he can't help thinking of Mozzie, of June, of Peter and Elizabeth and their child.
Can't help thinking … what if Keller's RIGHT?