What these idiots didn't know was that the audacious morning visit by the anonymous visitor, combined with Gianna's ambition, had provoked Richard Castle, who had been idling around like a fish out of water. He was now motivated to make a serious effort, intending to consolidate his resources and prepare to step into the spotlight as Benjamin took office in two months.
Meanwhile, the 'Roxette' faction within the CIA, those who only dared to operate from the shadows, were bound to face a rude awakening in their schemes against Castle.
Early the next morning, Beckett, carrying the large stack of files and intelligence Castle had provided, headed to the precinct to discuss strategies with Sidney, the DEA agent assigned to her precinct. Together, they would plan how to dismantle the Haitian drug ring that had recently emerged and address the bigger players behind it, including Vulcan Simmons and his political backers in Congress.
As she skimmed through the documents Beckett handed her, Sidney was visibly stunned. She hadn't expected that, in just one day, this precinct—which reportedly boasted the highest case resolution rate in New York—would deliver such an extensive collection of information and evidence on the Haitian group. She couldn't help but think, "Is this place magical or something? DEA looks completely outclassed by this precinct's speed!"
Unlike her loquacious and comedic partner back in Miami, Sidney was sharp and efficient. She quickly realized that the rumors she had heard about this precinct might not just be rumors. From Beckett's expression when she had initially requested their help yesterday, Sidney had sensed that Beckett hadn't known much about the case at the time.
But just overnight, this precinct chief had not only gathered detailed intelligence on the Haitian ring but had also identified the suppliers and ringleaders pulling the strings behind the scenes. It was unbelievable! In most countries, drug trafficking is a major crime; if everyone were as competent as Beckett, who in their right mind would take up dealing?
Sidney shook her head, trying to process the situation. DEA had special powers, like flying over international borders to pursue drug criminals, but even they had only scratched the surface of the Haitian operation. Yet here was this precinct, magically uncovering all the critical intel overnight.
Seeing Sidney's stunned expression, Beckett could barely suppress a laugh. If she hadn't met Castle, she might never have believed how easily he could sidestep the usual investigative hurdles using his AI system, Jarvis, and his "god's eye" surveillance.
Of course, Beckett had no intention of explaining her source to the inquisitive Sidney. However, after Castle's persuasive talk the previous night, Beckett had agreed to collaborate with the DEA on the case. It would be a good move to strengthen ties with the DEA, a powerful ally in the escalating war on drugs.
Sidney, understanding that her inquiries into NYPD's intelligence sources would go unanswered, accepted Beckett's terms. The NYPD would lead the assault on the Haitian drug group and pursue Vulcan Simmons, while leaving the congressman involved—the bigger fish—to the DEA. After observing the advanced equipment and firepower available at Beckett's precinct, both Sidney and her boss were confident in their ability to take down the gang independently.
They knew the mastermind and had traced the drug ring's entire network, so the Haitian thugs were now expendable. Beckett didn't immediately deploy her officers to raid the Haitian gang's hideout, though. Jarvis's investigation of Vulcan Simmons had revealed that a shipment would arrive in New York in three days, and that would be the perfect moment to strike.
In three days, as the shipment approached, her officers would move to dismantle the Haitian gang, while a coordinated effort with the DEA would intercept the delivery and capture Vulcan Simmons. Beckett wanted to avoid tipping him off early and risking his escape.
Unbeknownst to Beckett, who was busy planning the operation with Sidney, Castle had immersed himself in his study that morning. He had tasked Jarvis with keeping a close watch on Simmons.
Castle, having decided to clean up the remnants of his past passivity, realized that leaving loose ends like Vulcan Simmons roaming free posed a serious threat. Simmons was a potential wildcard; if he acted out on a whim, his wife could be at risk from this criminal's vengeance.
As Castle watched Vulcan Simmons leisurely eating breakfast in his New York home through Jarvis's surveillance, he resolved to find a way to eliminate this threat as soon as the authorities arrested him. Castle was furious to learn, however, that the shadowy 'Roxette' organization within the CIA was secretly investigating his past—specifically his involvement in the cases of Vincent Adler and Andrew.
It was unbelievable: a high-ranking agent had carelessly detailed their plan to investigate Castle in an internal email. The goal was to use any incriminating evidence against Castle as a means to coerce or blackmail him into submission.
Castle was enraged. He had exposed their scandals using scapegoats to keep his identity hidden, and now they had the audacity to use official resources to come after him?
If not for Jarvis's constant surveillance of the CIA's network, Castle might never have discovered this plot. Despite his AI and ties to defense contractors, it was a given that even he couldn't be constantly on guard against every threat. It was laughable to think these opportunists assumed he wouldn't see through their low ethics and lack of restraint.
Castle's anger was fueled further by the fact that his past, passive approach had left real evidence behind. If they managed to uncover even one of these loose threads, he would be facing serious consequences. For instance, if the FBI ever learned that he had absconded with Vincent Adler's treasure from the German submarine—and subsequently eliminated Adler—he'd be in a world of trouble.
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I Am Zeus, KING OF GODS (Chapter 79)
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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