Castle didn't realize that his habitual low-profile behavior, the same demeanor he used in everyday interactions, had led King to engage in an extensive internal monologue. King, considering himself to be Castle's uncle in spirit, found himself quite entertained by Castle's conduct. When Castle stated his purpose, King, who had been looking at him with a kindly elder's eyes, interrupted him, waved off the others in the room, leaving only a close confidant, and said to Castle, "Rick, if you want to keep things low-key, you shouldn't discuss them in front of too many people. Understand? From now on, remember that a secret known by more than three people is no longer a secret. Got it?"
King's instructional tone felt odd to Castle. Unaware that his initial silence, driven by the fear of exposing his true identity, combined with King's own conjectures, had led this fierce-looking old black man to see Castle as a polite junior, Castle accepted King's advice with respectful obedience. King, who had never had children to mentor, felt a rare pleasure in guiding this young man, a sensation even Castle's formidable father, Shaun, had once experienced.
In a good mood, King, with only his trusted aide and Castle in the room, formally asked, "Alright, Rick, now you can tell me what you need. Who do you want me to find? How should I find them? Whatever you need, I'll make it happen!"
Castle hadn't fully grasped why this King of New York's underground intelligence was looking at him so peculiarly, but realizing the old man's goodwill, he wasn't about to waste time figuring it out now. With the King openly offering his help, Castle wasn't foolish enough to miss this chance.
After carefully choosing his words, Castle began, "Uncle Powell, the main reason I'm here today is to ask for your help in finding a woman who disappeared recently. She's my friend Neal Caffrey's girlfriend…"
"Wait, wait, Rick, did you say Neal Caffrey? The art forger?"
King was astonished to learn that Castle's purpose was to help Neal Caffrey find his missing girlfriend.
Castle wasn't surprised that King knew Neal's name. After all, Neal had been a part of New York's underground scene and had a significant reputation before his capture. Many knew this art forger genius, especially since his mentor was Vincent Adler, who had orchestrated a massive Ponzi scheme. Therefore, King knowing or even being familiar with Neal was no surprise to Castle. He nodded, confirming King's guess.
"Yes, Uncle Powell, it's the Neal Caffrey you know."
King's interest was piqued by Castle's words. This young man seemed to have quite a wide network. Castle had recently collaborated with the famous 'Boogeyman' John Wick to eliminate the Tanasov family, including its head Igo Tanasov and his son, along with most of their members. He also met Gianna D'Antonio, the next heir of one of the High Table's twelve ruling families, and scared her brother Santino D'Antonio back to Rome. Now, Castle wasn't asking for help for himself but for the renowned Neal Caffrey. King couldn't help but be impressed by Castle's social prowess.
Curious, King urged Castle to continue and explain everything.
Without holding back, Castle recounted the story, "Uncle Powell, as you know, Neal was captured by the FBI four years ago and sent to prison. He was just four months away from release when his girlfriend, who had been visiting him every week, suddenly broke up with him. Neal believes she was threatened. So, Neal broke out of prison… Later, he struck a deal with the FBI… Now, he's working with them as a consultant…
However, even after breaking out and then working with the FBI, Neal hasn't been able to find his missing girlfriend, Kate. As his friend, I can't stand seeing him put on a brave face every day. That's why I'm here to ask for your help in using your powerful intelligence network to find Kate."
Castle's detailed account of Neal's recent activities and his request to find Kate left King in a state of realization, "No wonder… No wonder Neal Caffrey was recaptured so quickly after escaping, only to be released a few days later. It makes sense now if he made a deal with the FBI…"
Muttering to himself, King snapped back to attention, realizing Castle was waiting for his response. Embarrassed at his lapse, King, who had never shown such unguarded emotion to outsiders, felt a bit of his old face turn red. To move past his moment of weakness, he quickly confirmed Castle's request.
"Rick, you want me to help find Neal's missing girlfriend, Kate, right? That's your request?"
Castle hesitated, then decided to mention Fuller, the FBI agent, to ensure his Uncle Powell was aware of the potential dangers.
After organizing his thoughts, Castle said, "Uncle Powell, there's one more thing you should know. We believe Kate was threatened because we found surveillance footage from a bank in San Diego showing a hand grabbing her. This hand wore a ten-year FBI service ring. We suspect someone within the FBI is behind this, so while searching for Kate, it's crucial to be discreet and cautious for your safety."
Castle's sincere warning pleased Uncle Powell even more. Despite seeking help, Castle maintained respect and courtesy, which King greatly appreciated. However, King's attention was caught by a particular detail in Castle's words.
"Rick, you say Neal is working with the FBI, yet you believe someone from the FBI is threatening Kate. Could it be that the FBI is orchestrating this to control Neal and make him work for them?"
King's suggestion held some logic, but having watched the original series, Castle knew better. Even so, he couldn't disclose everything, especially to someone he had just met like Uncle Powell.
To avoid King's team being detected by Fuller or his superior, Vincent Adler, Castle carefully explained the situation's intricacies.
"Uncle Powell, Neal and I believe this isn't an FBI ploy. It seems more like someone using Kate to manipulate Neal for their purposes. We suspect the person wearing the FBI service ring wants something from Neal. We don't know what yet, which is why I need your help. If you can find Kate quietly, we can uncover the mastermind's plan directly from her."
Castle's implied warning made King, a shrewd old man, see the deeper implications. He gave Castle a meaningful look, understanding that this search for Kate carried significant hidden depths.
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