After sharing a smile with Henry, Castle did not back down. Instead, he dove deeper, channeling his "grandfatherly wisdom". He knew well that the medical examiner from the 1888 case was none other than the man before him, who inadvertently laid the foundations of modern forensic science. Castle decided to leave a lasting impression on Henry.
Henry Morgan had just walked in, and Castle's recently dormant system eagerly issued a new side quest: to help Henry escape the shadow of Adam by using the original plot to turn Adam into an immortal vegetable and resolve Henry's emotional conflicts. This included finding the remains of Henry's wife, Abigail, who after fleeing home had been tracked down by Adam but chose death over betraying Henry.
Additionally, the system spawned a team quest instructing Castle to recruit Henry into his and John Wick's squad.
Seeing the system's side quest, Castle felt overwhelmed by the relentless demands. Not only did he need to assist Beckett with her murderer hunt, but he also had to play confidant to Henry. He needed a bold move to make a memorable impact on Henry to complete his task.
Deciding on his course of action, Castle noticed that Lanie had joined Beckett and Martinez, leaving him unnoticed with Henry.
Quietly moving to Henry's side, Castle whispered, "Dr. Morgan, I bet that the victim is an escort using the alias Mary-Kelly. Look at the star-shaped cut on her wrist, it's inconsistent with the original crescent-shaped wounds you documented back on Dorset Street in London in 1888!"
Boom.
Henry Morgan's mind exploded with confusion upon hearing Castle's words. What was Castle talking about? The victim named Mary-Kelly, and how did he know about the 1888 autopsy? Was it possible he knew about his identity?
Before Henry could react, Castle continued, "Don't worry, I mean you no harm. I'm just letting you know that this case was actually meant for you. Not by me, but by someone else. Now's not the time, but here's my number. Call me later, and I'll explain everything…"
After whispering these words and leaving a mysteriously meaningful smile, Castle quickly rejoined Beckett, playing the devoted consultant.
"Henry, Henry, are you alright?" Martinez approached the dazed and distracted Henry, gently calling to the outstanding medical examiner.
"Oh, I'm fine, what's up?" Henry recovered his composure, trying to suppress the shock in his heart, and turned to Martinez.
Why was it that recently everyone seemed to know his secrets? First, a strange call from someone claiming to be his kind, and now a novelist who seemed to be aware of his past. Was it time to leave New York and hide somewhere unknown?
As Henry pondered, Martinez's phone rang.
While talking to Beckett, Castle kept an eye on Henry, knowing that the call would likely be from Adam, aiming to increase the psychological pressure on Henry.
Indeed, after answering, Martinez handed the phone to Henry with a peculiar tone, "Henry, it's for you."
Confused, Henry took the phone, wondering how someone would call Martinez looking for him. As soon as he heard the voice on the other end, Henry was flabbergasted for the second time that day.
"It's me…"
A deep, raspy voice that Henry could never forget echoed through the phone.
"You… What do you want this time?"
The usually graceful Dr. Morgan couldn't maintain his noble composure and walked away to speak privately, his voice tense with frustration.
Watching from a distance, Castle was thrilled, "Haha, that call from Adam really shook Henry, didn't it? If I remember correctly, Henry should soon be packing to flee with his adopted son, Abraham, whom he met in a concentration camp. I wonder if my involvement will change anything this time?"
Observing Henry walking away, phone in hand, Castle knew that the intuitive doctor must have sensed from the background noise that the mysterious caller was just outside. Henry probably hoped to confront the caller face-to-face.
Unfortunately, apart from the phone Adam left specifically for him, Henry would find nothing.
Castle decided it was best to talk to Henry now, rather than let him get scared and flee. If Henry were to run, it wouldn't necessarily concern Castle, but there could always be unforeseen complications when changing a plot line.
Considering it best to immediately reassure the skittish Henry, Castle empathized with him—had his own centuries-old secrets been exposed by someone he'd just met, he would have been terrified too.
With a self-reflective thought about perhaps being too rash, Castle quickly followed Henry outside, forgetting even to say goodbye to Beckett.
As Castle chased after Dr. Morgan, Beckett was internally screaming, her earlier prediction about the potential chaos of Castle and Morgan working together brutally confirmed.
Catching up to Henry, who was visibly shaken and clutching a disposable phone while staring blankly
at the bustling street, Castle reassured him, "Dr. Morgan, don't panic. I'm not your enemy, nor do I have any interest in harming you. I'm just a writer with intense curiosity, privy to many secrets. Honestly, I can answer many of your questions, like who called you, and even about the unresolved issues in your heart."
Henry's eyes widened in disbelief as he turned to face Castle. "Are you serious?"
"Yes, I am," Castle affirmed seriously, determined to gain Henry's trust and ensure he didn't flee in panic.
Henry looked deeply into Castle's eyes, his centuries of experiences telling him that the man before him was sincere—he really did know a lot about him. Perhaps it was time to try trusting someone new.
What was the worst that could happen? Death? Wasn't that what he had longed for all these years?
Deciding to take a chance on Castle, Henry agreed, "Okay, let's find somewhere private to talk. Wait for me; I need to return this phone to Detective Martinez. Then, you can tell me everything you know."
Castle smiled, "Dr. Morgan, you won't regret this!"
___________________
Read Ahead
P@treon.com/Mutter