Castle continued, "No matter how well Simon tries to disguise his intentions, his ultimate goal is to successfully rob a bank. He's not a terrorist with political motives; he's just a greedy bank robber using deception to his advantage.
So, both my sources and I believe that the bomb Simon claims to have planted in a New York school is likely a fake. Of course, we can't be certain yet, but we are sure that Simon's plan is almost entirely prepared and will indeed occur within the next few days. My main purpose in coming to the precinct today is to ensure you are prepared for this event. Unfortunately, the 12th Precinct's jurisdiction includes parts of Wall Street and Fifth Avenue. Based on what I know, there's a high probability that the first department store Simon targets with a bomb will be on Fifth Avenue, which falls under our jurisdiction.
I hope my reminder helps you identify the signal when Simon's operation begins."
Beckett, confused, asked, "What do you mean?"
While Beckett was puzzled, Montgomery and Esposito were already smiling knowingly. Beckett was the only one who hadn't caught on to Castle's plan. The three men held back their laughter, waiting to see how Castle would explain.
Castle looked seriously at Beckett, noticing her confusion. He glanced at the other three, who were holding back their laughter, and explained to Beckett, "I hope you use this information to perform well in this upcoming robbery and bombing threat."
Before Castle could finish, Beckett, ever the diligent officer, interrupted, "I'm not interested in making a name for myself. I just want to catch Simon. I'll report this information to the top brass immediately!"
Seeing the sharp but politically naive Beckett, Montgomery sighed and interrupted Castle, who was about to persuade Beckett. He explained to his trusted lieutenant, "Beckett, we know Simon is planning a robbery in New York, but we don't have the exact time and place. Reporting this won't make a difference; we won't get the response we need. Remember how John McClane dismissed our warning? We can't mobilize the entire NYPD based on incomplete information. Strengthening security at 1,446 schools isn't feasible, and we can't be sure Simon won't plant the bomb elsewhere.
Castle's suggestion is the most practical. If we're prepared when the explosion happens, we can act quickly and gain the upper hand, which will be crucial in capturing Simon."
If Castle had said this, Beckett wouldn't have taken it seriously. But coming from Montgomery, whom she respected, Beckett had no choice but to accept it after some thought.
Montgomery then asked Castle, "Mr. Castle, you want the 12th Precinct to be prepared so that we can intervene as soon as we confirm the explosion near Wall Street or Fifth Avenue is Simon's doing. But our precinct is small. How can we handle the investigation and stop the robbery at the same time?"
Castle, pleased with Montgomery's cooperation, replied, "I need you to focus on the explosion. If you can locate the bomb Simon's men plant in a school, that's a bonus. Captain, compared to a bank robbery, a bomb capable of massive casualties will be the public's main concern. Other officers can handle the bank robbery."
Montgomery, a seasoned player, immediately understood Castle's intent. He realized Castle wanted to give Beckett and himself the biggest piece of the pie. As Castle mentioned, the bomb would be the focal point for the public and the authorities. Finding the bomb would be the most significant achievement.
Without any inner conflict, Montgomery agreed with Castle. He saw it as an excellent opportunity for himself and Beckett. Montgomery, who knew about Castle's interest in Beckett, was happy to go along with the plan. For him, the potential casualties and losses were just numbers. He had a checkered past, having been involved with dirty cops like Senator William Bracken. Protecting Beckett while climbing the ranks was part of his strategy.
Castle knew Montgomery's ambitions and had tailored his plan accordingly. He was confident that Beckett would reluctantly go along with it out of respect for her superior.
And that's exactly what happened. Montgomery saw the opportunity and agreed, making Beckett reluctantly accept the plan to stay put and wait for the right moment to act. Esposito and Ryan, the two supporting players, slipped away as soon as they left the office. Castle, hoping to escape Beckett's anger, was caught by her and dragged into a private meeting room.
"Are you insane? You know Simon's plan involves bombing a department store, and you're doing nothing? You even convinced the captain to agree to your ridiculous plan! Do you realize people could get hurt even if the bomb goes off before the store opens?"
In the meeting room, Beckett angrily confronted Castle, who was adjusting his collar.
Castle, unfazed, smiled and replied, "You're wrong. If you report what I told you, your superiors won't take it seriously. They won't mobilize resources for incomplete information. Waiting until Simon starts his plan is the best approach."
Beckett knew Castle was right, but her sense of duty made it hard to accept this passive stance. Dragging Castle into the room was her way of venting frustration. Hearing his explanation, she reluctantly asked, "Isn't there any way to stop Simon before he sets off the bomb?"
Castle firmly nodded, "No. Rather than trying to catch him beforehand, it's better to wait until he thinks he's succeeded and let his guard down. That's when we can catch him and his entire crew. This way, we can end his threat once and for all."
Castle's words made Beckett think deeply...
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