Neal and Moz's underlying concern stemmed from Castle's recent display of abilities, which had genuinely unsettled them.
Finding Kate through people on Barry Street wasn't unusual since Castle was a New Yorker with a wide network. Neal didn't think much of it at first. However, Castle's subsequent demonstration of intelligence gathering and hacking skills—skills he had never mentioned before—caused the cunning Neal and Moz to feel uneasy.
Moz, known as the "Detroit Dentist" since he was twelve, and Neal, who wasn't exactly a saint, both had their guard up. Initially, when Castle offered to help Neal find Kate, Neal and Moz didn't take it to heart, thinking Castle was just being his usual helpful self. But when Castle returned the next day with information from Barry Street and brought Kate back to Neal that very night, Neal began to suspect it might be another of Vincent's tricks, using Castle to get close to him and obtain the music box.
Moz, who had a decade of tacit partnership with Neal, also noticed Neal's subtle distrust towards Castle. However, Moz didn't believe Vincent could afford to hire Castle for such a scheme, especially after Moz had just helped Castle profit from the Tutankhamun's staff deal. Despite this, he couldn't fathom why Castle was so enthusiastic about helping Neal this time, so he decided to watch from the sidelines to see what Castle was really up to.
It wasn't until Castle disclosed his secret information that Neal and Moz finally understood Castle's intentions. He had his sights set on the treasure within the submarine that Vincent was after. Vincent's phone threat the previous day had only cemented Castle's resolve to teach him a lesson. This poorly conceived and crude plan reassured Neal, dispelling his suspicions about Castle.
Neal was aware that Castle had recently made a fortune through Moz's connections, a sum Vincent couldn't possibly afford to pay for Castle's services. Additionally, Castle had just shared the secret of the music box and its hidden contents without hesitation, showing genuine intent to share the spoils with Neal and Moz. Neal, being a master con artist, could easily discern Castle's sincerity in wanting to share the treasure with them. This made Neal genuinely smile and mock Castle's flawed plan.
"Rick, your plan is indeed 'preliminary.' Have you thought about how we can confirm that Vincent has completed the salvage operation once we help him get the music box? And have you considered that such a massive fortune could drive anyone mad? Even with the FBI hampering Vincent, the three of us might still struggle against his numerous associates."
Neal held back his disdain for Castle's crude plan and discussed its merits seriously.
Castle, however, had no intention of getting into a detailed discussion: "I've already told you, I'm just here to give ideas. Perfecting them is your and Moz's job. In general, I provide the concepts, and you fill in the details. You both know I'm terrible at detailed planning. Isn't this exactly what you and Moz excel at?"
"Ha ha ha..." Neal and Moz finally burst into laughter, with Moz nearly in tears from laughing. "Rick, your self-awareness is impressive. Yes, you are indeed only good for brainstorming... ha ha ha..."
Castle, undeterred, hummed, "Didn't you both always brag about your strategic and planning skills? This way, we complement each other perfectly. I dig up hidden secrets you might not know, then hand them over to you for planning. I follow your steps. Isn't that great?"
Castle's carefree attitude in shirking the entire planning process to Neal and Moz completely erased Neal's lingering doubts. His demeanor and attitude became serious. "Rick, from what you told us today, your goals are: first, to take revenge on Vincent; second, to use him to draw the FBI's attention and make him spend his resources to find the treasure-laden submarine, then we swoop in and take it all; and lastly, to use this opportunity to have the FBI arrest Vincent, eliminating the threat permanently. Am I right?"
Castle nodded: "Yes, but Neal, you got one thing wrong. My main goal isn't revenge. Initially, I just wanted to help you get rid of Vincent's threats. But when I learned he was after a priceless submarine, my goal changed. Now, I aim to track Vincent closely, wait for him to salvage the submarine, and then rob him."
Castle's frankness earned Neal and Moz's favor. After all, no matter how high-sounding one's words, the core motive was still the treasure. Castle's honest approach won the approval of these two cautious con artists.
Moz joined the conversation with a smile: "Rick is right. Regardless of our previous thoughts on Vincent, now that we know his aim, the best way to strike back is to rob his treasure after he salvages it, then let the FBI capture him. I think this will give Vincent a lasting memory!"
"Also, Rick knows his limits well. If we let him plan, it would just be a mess. Neal, thanks to Rick, we have the upper hand this time. Let's show Rick what we can do. What do you think?"
Neal looked at Castle and Moz, who were eagerly waiting for his response, and downed his wine: "Alright, let's do this and let Vincent know I'm not to be messed with!"
With their goals aligned, the three passionately discussed the plan and steps. Castle repeatedly assured Neal and Moz of his superior computer skills and physical prowess, insisting on taking the task of infiltrating Vincent's treasure storage.
Castle's argument was convincing. First, he possessed agility and covert action experience that Neal and Moz lacked. Secondly, to keep Neal out of the whole affair, it would be best for him to stay with his FBI partner during the heist, providing a perfect alibi. Neal and Moz, after brief consideration, agreed to Castle's request.
In reality, Castle did have the necessary skills, but his most significant advantage was his vast personal space. Once inside, he could discreetly transport all of Vincent's salvaged treasures without being detected, ensuring no one else would find out. Moreover, Castle could maintain control over the situation's development.
Of course, Castle didn't reveal his entire plan to Neal and Moz. As long as the final outcome was perfect, the execution details were secondary.
"Neal, with Kate not at home, it's a good time to discuss Alex. She's a crucial part of our plan, so you need to take this seriously. Finding her is your task. Only by finding her and having an open conversation can we determine if her grandfather left any other clues or information with her. Finding Alex is our first step. Then we can locate the music box and discreetly hand it to Vincent, making him willingly help us find and salvage the submarine. So, start thinking about how to find Alex!"
Castle spoke to Neal with a serious tone.
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