"Quick, tell me what you plan to do?"
Castle's calm demeanor greatly reassured Moz, who knew that although Castle often seemed non-serious, he was not someone who lied to his friends. Since he spoke so confidently, there must be something Moz hadn't noticed.
"Think about it, Moz. Neil was about to be released from prison soon, so why would he suddenly escape? Was his life threatened in prison, or did he have a compelling reason to escape today?
Also, if he really intended to flee, do you think the FBI could have caught him so quickly?
Don't you find both his escape and capture suspicious?"
Moz was just distressed, but Castle's words prompted him to activate his sharp mind, leaning back in his seat, pondering seriously.
Seeing Moz deep in thought, Castle decided to share a bit more information to ease his worries about Neil, which would also help Castle get Adam's artifacts dealt with.
"Moz, consider Neil's intelligence; it's among the highest of anyone I know. Of course, you're not far behind. So, why would he escape knowing his release was imminent?
The first possibility is that he couldn't stay in prison any longer because his life was in danger, but I think that's unlikely. You know Neil isn't a violent person, and he's excellent at dealing with people. It doesn't seem like he'd escape just because he felt threatened..."
Moz nodded slightly, agreeing with Castle's analysis. He knew Neil better than Castle and was aware of Neil's exceptional communication skills, so Castle's reasoning seemed solid.
Seeing Moz nod, Castle continued, "So, the second possibility is that Neil suddenly encountered something that forced him to escape today. It could be for someone or something. What do you think is more likely — for a person or for some specific reason?"
Castle knew all the ins and outs of Neil's escape and logically dissected the possibilities. Moz had to admit, his thoughts weren't far off from Castle's, and he already had a vague idea that just needed confirmation.
Before Moz could respond, Castle added, "I remember you have a law degree, right? Could you apply to visit Neil where he's being held tomorrow? Just meeting him would clear up any doubts, wouldn't it?"
Finally, Moz set aside his worries for Neil, bolstered by Castle's logical analysis and practical solution.
Now that it was already evening and he couldn't possibly learn more about Neil, who had been taken to the FBI's New York office, Moz decided the best course of action was to request a meeting with Neil as his lawyer. That way, he could understand firsthand what had really happened.
"Rick, you make a lot of sense. I'm going to head back now and prepare to request a meeting with Neil first thing tomorrow morning. The FBI can't deny a lawyer's request to meet their client. Once I see Neil, I can understand his reasons and how best to help him!
But your matter, I might not be able to help much with that right now."
Castle laughed heartily: "I'm not in a hurry, Moz. You go ahead and deal with Neil's situation first. Once that's sorted, you can help me with the other stuff!!!"
"Thanks, Rick, thanks for coming all this way so late. Don't worry, once I've sorted out Neil's situation, I'll get right on finding a buyer for you."
Moz was truly grateful for Castle's help late into the night and promised earnestly.
"Don't mention it, Moz. We're friends, aren't we? And Neil is my friend too. Remember when I called you this afternoon asking for help, didn't you come right away? No need for thanks. Where are you headed now? Need a ride?"
Castle smiled nonchalantly, indicating Moz shouldn't be so formal.
Despite their friendship, Moz was habitually secretive about his movements and cautious about his whereabouts: "Oh, no need to drop me off, I'll get off here. Go ahead back. I need to prepare for tomorrow's meeting with Neil. I'll contact you as soon as I have something.
Oh, and this bag contains the French souvenirs you wanted—two gold-plated models of the Eiffel Tower, two Arc de Triomphe figurines, and a miniature model of Notre Dame, all gold-plated! Consider them a gift from me. See you, Rick..."
With that, Moz opened the car door, stepped out, and quickly disappeared into the Brooklyn night.
Watching Moz vanish into the dim street, Castle chuckled and shook his head at his friend's paranoia, started the car, and drove home.
Tomorrow, a tough interrogation awaited him at the police station. He'd likely have to call Henry again to align their stories. Castle was adept at lying, but he hoped the gentlemanly Henry wouldn't slip up.
This action against Adam had been rushed; in his eagerness to resolve the threat Adam
posed, Castle had focused on swift action without adequately covering his tracks, except for cleaning up after himself in Adam's office. His unusual disappearance during the investigation into the copycat murder case could arouse suspicion from Detective Beckett, known for her sharp instincts. He needed to divert her attention away from himself to avoid detection.
"Alright, Rick, will do as you said... Don't worry, I remember... Yes, I'll try to stay quiet and let you explain to the ladies... Alright, see you tomorrow!!!"
"Was that Rick on the phone?"
Abraham, seeing the smile on Henry's face, couldn't help but ask.
Henry, still playing with the flintlock pistol that had killed him, casually replied, "Yes, he's worried that our actions against Adam these past few days might have attracted police attention, especially from Detective Beckett, who's been following him. Rick says her intuition is terrifying, so he told me to keep quiet at the police station tomorrow and let him handle it... Heh, turns out even Rick, who fears nothing and no one, has someone he dreads??"
Henry, having achieved his revenge, was noticeably more cheerful and relaxed than before.
Seeing Henry in such high spirits, Abraham couldn't resist sharing his thoughts: "Henry, before Rick left, we discussed dealing with Adam. We both think it's best to eliminate the threat once and for all. What do you think?"
Henry's smile remained, but his words were ice-cold: "Yes, I've said it before—if that dagger can truly stop Adam's resurrection, then permanently eradicating him is the best solution for both Rick and me!
Abraham, you needn't worry about me being soft-hearted. Adam killed Abigail, and I won't let him go. The only reason we didn't finish him off earlier was that we lacked a reliable method. Now that we have a better way, why not use it?"
The usually reserved Abraham laughed with genuine joy: "Great, once you and Rick smooth things over at the police station tomorrow, we'll send Adam straight to hell!!!"
"No, Abraham, let's not rush. We should bury your mother first..."
Abraham, reminded, lowered his head solemnly: "Right, Henry, we should bury Mother first, and then use Adam's life to honor her..."
That evening, Henry stood in his secret laboratory in the basement, staring at the box containing Abigail's remains, lost in thought until late into the night...
___________________
Read Ahead
P@treon.com/Mutter