Seeing the pile of information JARVIS pulled up in less than five minutes, Castle couldn't help but marvel at how impressive "big data filtering" was. Perhaps, aside from a few intelligence agencies, he might be one of the first to use big data for tracking people.
Whether it was Joe's emerging tech company or Gates', they didn't lack the means or desire to use big data, but it was only 2010 (and yes, readers, the real-world transition to a new president would happen in 2012, but this is fiction!). Certain ideas hadn't fully come into play. In reality, big data filtering had long been in use within certain secret intelligence agencies, but as is common knowledge, military tech usually stays a generation ahead of civilian technology. Right now, the only "civilian" using this tech was himself, thanks to having a supercomputer in his home.
But the results were stunning. After tracing Vulcan Simmons' post-release movements, JARVIS quickly identified a high-ranking congressman from the same political party pulling strings from behind the scenes.
Castle breathed a sigh of relief when he saw that the man supporting Simmons was from the same party as William Bracken. Given his current connections with the opposing party, thanks to Benjamin's upcoming presidential appointment and Rutledge's recent election as New York's first senator from that party, the timing couldn't be better. If Beckett's anti-drug campaign had uncovered ties to someone from his ally's side, it might have posed issues for her potential political career down the line.
Now, Castle could arrange for Beckett to gather and present the evidence against Simmons, whether or not the DEA decided to pursue the congressman. It would be a nice way to cultivate goodwill with the DEA.
With these plans in place, Castle was about to head outside to enjoy some sun and stretch his legs when Big Ivan, who he'd just granted permission to acquire a guard dog, approached with a broad smile.
"Mr. Castle, the information on the Caucasian Shepherd you asked me to look into has come through. An old colleague of mine from my days in the Internal Affairs Department has some purebred pups. How many would you like?" The nearly seven-foot-tall Big Ivan's grin was so wide that it took Castle aback.
Little did Castle know how lucky Big Ivan and the thirty other Russian veterans felt to be in New York, tasked with protecting Castle. For them, this was the dream job they'd never dared hope for. Protecting Castle and his estate brought in a hefty monthly paycheck, far better than risking their lives as mercenaries in Africa.
Besides, they were officially employed by Castle's small security firm, which he'd recently arranged to allow their families to join them in New York. In return, their only duty was to secure the estate and protect its residents. Castle was more than generous—letting them enjoy barbecues on the private beach. Without his permission, they'd never have such privileges.
These loyal Russian guards had every reason to work diligently, as Castle had treated them exceptionally well. Even when he'd found the stash of treasure in the Trinity Church basement last time, he'd shared some with them. For soldiers like Big Ivan, who'd fought in the grueling Grozny street battles, Castle's kindness was overwhelming.
And just yesterday, Castle had mentioned wanting a few dogs. Not only did he agree immediately, but he specifically requested a breed from Russia. There was no way Big Ivan could say no.
Curious, Castle asked, "So you've already contacted him? How many puppies does your friend have? And would we need any quarantine documents if we're bringing them from there?" He couldn't help but wonder why Big Ivan chose to get them from Russia when he'd casually mentioned that authentic Caucasian Shepherds were available locally.
Big Ivan grinned. "The quarantine paperwork is simple, but someone would need to go over there, which would take a bit of effort. Still, these dogs are the best! I think it's worth it."
Castle didn't hesitate. "All right, then. Send two people over and bring back three to five dogs; their size can be a bit much for the estate if we bring too many. Or maybe bring more, and I'll gift a few to Gianna and John's estate next door. Little Ononna will have some dogs to play with when she arrives."
With Big Ivan off to make arrangements, Castle suddenly remembered he hadn't been in touch with John for a while. Had he gone off to Italy and become a full-time dad?
He had JARVIS contact John through his smart bracelet, and a tired voice answered, "Rick, have you forgotten the time difference between Rome and New York again? I just got my little devil to sleep and wanted to rest. What's up?"
Unapologetic, Castle replied, "Nothing much, just thought I'd get some good dogs for my estate. Figured I'd send a few to you for the Long Island place so that Ononna has some company when she's here. By the way, how have you been?"
John was tempted to curse. He'd just managed to put his little one to bed and hoped to get some sleep himself, only to have Castle wake him up for a chat. This guy could be so inconsiderate!
Still, he couldn't really get mad at Castle. So he explained, "Gianna's planning to come to New York after Christmas. Apparently, your buddy is set to officially take office in January, and she wants to visit the White House. We'll probably be back in New York around December 29."
Castle was surprised. He hadn't expected Gianna, the heir to the D'Antonio family, to be so ambitious as to personally attend the presidential inauguration. Benjamin had extended an invitation to Castle through Moz when he was last in New York, which he'd turned down, citing scheduling conflicts. But seeing Gianna's drive to seize this opportunity to connect with America's political elite surprised him.
Old man D'Antonio would have never guessed that his chosen successor would have the ambition to become the benefactor behind America's next president. This moment would be a crowning achievement for the D'Antonio family. Luckily, he hadn't chosen the wayward Santino as his heir and had instead chosen the capable Gianna.
And Gianna's attachment to John Wick, the former assassin, had led to the family's biggest opportunity. Who could have guessed that the once-feared "Baba Yaga" would have such a powerful friend in Castle? This writer's father was not only a high-ranking member of Castle's organization but had also opened the door for Gianna to integrate into high society, something the D'Antonios had never dreamed possible.
Knowing that John and Gianna would be back after Christmas, Castle ended the call, satisfied. He had a plan, but he'd wait for John's return to share it. With New Year's Eve arrangements settled, Castle had no more to say.
There was no need to rush—just two months to go. He'd let Bob, still unaware of his meticulously planned fate, enjoy his remaining time in peace…
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Fairy Tail: Igneel's Eldest Son (Chapter 391)
I Am Thalos, Odin's Older Brother (Chapter 471)
Reborn in America's Anti-Terror Unit (Chapter 677)
Solomon in Marvel (Chapter 1059)
Becoming the Wealthiest Tycoon on the Planet (Chapter 1418)
Surgical Fruit in the American Comics Universe (Chapter 1422)
American Detective: From TV Rookie to Seasoned Cop (Chapter 1452)
American TV Writer (Chapter 1504)
I Am Hades, The Supreme GOD of the Underworld!(Chapter 570)
Reborn as Humanity's Emperor Across the Multiverse (Chapter 703)
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