Conversations between smart people can sometimes be very straightforward. Blake sensed something from Castle's words. The fact that the police, or rather Castle, managed to uncover so many leads in just one day was already quite impressive. Now, Castle's hesitation and slight reluctance suggested he wanted something from Blake. So, Blake looked directly at Castle and voiced his thoughts.
Castle, seeing that Blake Wellesley was so perceptive, did not hide his intentions. He spoke frankly: "Mr. Wellesley, as you know, if the police were to publicly investigate your family members, the tabloids in New York would inevitably fabricate stories. This could severely damage your family's reputation. Therefore, we hope to work with you in a controlled manner. For example, if we need to talk to someone in your family, we would like you to arrange a meeting here. This way, the public wouldn't know that we are investigating the Wellesley family in connection to several murders.
Moreover, this approach would help prevent news of the investigation from leaking out, reducing the chance that the real culprit would catch wind and escape."
Castle's consideration for the Wellesley family's reputation greatly satisfied Blake. However, he was puzzled—why was Castle so sure that he wasn't the murderer?
When Blake openly asked this question, not only was he perplexed, but even Beckett, who had been quietly observing, turned her curious gaze towards Castle.
Of course, Castle knew Blake wasn't the killer! He thought this but chose his words carefully: "I don't believe you're the murderer for several reasons. Firstly, I don't think you would harm your own daughter. Secondly, our investigation shows that ten years ago, when Olivia came to New York to find you, she didn't actually get to meet you in person. Thus, you neither had the motive nor the opportunity.
The most crucial point is your impeccable reputation in New York's political circles. It's hard to imagine you would resort to something as heinous as murder just to secure a Senate seat.
Remember, I mentioned earlier that we discovered Olivia did contact someone in your family back then. Although we haven't confirmed who that person is, we know it wasn't you. If it were you, the tragedy ten years ago likely wouldn't have occurred, right?"
Castle's sincere words increased Blake's favorable impression of him. He started to feel that Castle, as his political ally had suggested during their arrangement to meet today, could indeed be an interesting friend. Compliments, especially those coming from someone like Castle who is also highly regarded in New York, eased Blake's sorrow over the loss of his daughter he never got to meet.
However, as a politician, Blake couldn't simply consider Castle a friend based on this interaction. Even when Castle revealed Olivia was his daughter and had been murdered ten years ago, Blake didn't show much emotional reaction. He still wasn't entirely sure if Castle and the female detective were really there for Olivia's case. So, he maintained a polite smile and listened quietly to Castle's chatter.
Unless Castle could solve the case in front of him and identify the murderer within his family, Blake would always be skeptical of Castle's words.
Castle sensed Blake's unspoken doubts. Conveniently, his aim today was to use Blake's influence to solve the case right before his eyes. Understanding Blake's thoughts, Castle got straight to his plan.
"Mr. Wellesley, we need you to arrange for your brother, Winston Wellesley, to come here. Our information suggests he might be the one who met with Olivia back then..."
Castle's first request shocked Blake. He never expected the police's primary suspect to be his own brother. He couldn't quite grasp Castle's intentions but wanted to uncover the truth. Having just agreed to cooperate, and knowing that even if Castle kept quiet now, he would reveal it when Winston arrived, Blake decisively canceled all his appointments for the day and personally called Winston, asking him to come to his office immediately.
Winston Wellesley, unaware of the situation, agreed to his brother's request and promised to be at Blake's office within half an hour before hanging up.
After ending the call, Blake turned to Castle and engaged in small talk. Since Castle wanted to solve the case in his presence, Blake would give him the opportunity. After all, the victim was his daughter, whom he never met; it made sense to let Castle proceed.
But with his brother on the way and not wanting to discuss the case further with Castle, Blake chose to pass the time with casual conversation. He was curious—Castle, a novelist, was now involved with the NYPD investigating murders?
Blake brought up this topic to avoid awkwardness, not realizing it was exactly what Castle wanted. Castle was eager to introduce Beckett to Blake, hoping to secure the influential politician's support.
Castle formally reintroduced Beckett, who had been worried Castle's tall tales might offend the Wellesley family head: "Mr. Wellesley, this is Detective Beckett from the NYPD's 12th precinct. You might not know, but a few months ago, I started working with the NYPD, following their investigations to gather material for my latest novel. Detective Beckett here is the inspiration for the main character in my new series. The first book, based on her, is already complete and currently being proofread and formatted for publication. It should be out this month. I'd be happy to send you a special edition copy! What do you think?"
Blake finally looked directly at Beckett for the first time. He was intrigued by the idea that this attractive woman, who could easily be a model, was also an outstanding detective. Since Castle and Beckett had entered, Blake hadn't really paid attention to her. He had assumed today's meeting was only with Castle, based on a political ally's call.
Don't be surprised—people like Blake Wellesley, who stand above the general populace, typically don't notice the police unless they are at the top, like the NYPD commissioners. Detectives like Beckett usually don't catch their eye.
Even though Castle had introduced Beckett as a police detective earlier, all interactions had been between Blake and Castle. Why? Class. Due to class differences.
Castle, a bestselling author, is considered part of the upper class in America, especially in New York. The political elite often welcome people like Castle. Today, Blake tolerated Castle's insinuations about his involvement in the murders, partly because he wanted to understand Castle's intentions but mainly because he saw Castle as an equal, a member of the same class.
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