On the way over, Jack kept thinking about the case. It served as a reminder to him—sure, straightforward and heavy-handed methods were satisfying, but they could lead to clashes with those tenacious defense lawyers.
He'd seen how difficult Angela Lopez's lawyer husband, Wesley, could be when he worked with the LAPD. Luckily, Wesley had eventually been tamed by Angela, so he was on their side now. Jack knew he'd have to deal with high-society scumbags someday, possibly facing a whole team of elite lawyers. Other than trying to close cases during the arrest process (even if that meant lethal force), he hadn't really thought much about a strategy for handling the legal battles that might follow.
"Remember what we found in that van?" Jack asked, piecing together his thoughts.
Daniel looked puzzled. "You mean the communion dresses and prayer candles?"
"Exactly. He was setting up some kind of ritual to satisfy his twisted urges, right?" Jack felt a spark of insight; this was, after all, a realm he was familiar with. His speech picked up in pace.
"Doesn't this mystical mumbo-jumbo fit the profile of a serial killer perfectly?"
Daniel's eyes lit up. "Makes sense. No one just wakes up one day at fifty and becomes a deviant. Think he has other cases on record?"
"We can look into where he's lived before and see if there are any similar unsolved cases in those areas. We might not have much on him with Teresa's case, but there might be something in other cases."
Inspired, Jack slapped his palm against his hand, energized. "I know someone who could help with that, someone who has clearance."
---
"Hi, sweetheart, miss me?" Jack felt lucky that he hadn't forgotten to restock the BAU office fridge during his last trip to Los Angeles—and that he'd made sure to include some cute, tasty treats for Garcia.
"Hi, my dreamboat. Missed me?" Garcia responded with her usual flair.
Jack nearly choked on the attempt at playful banter and quickly pivoted to business.
"No problem, just a small favor, but I want first access to the next 'Jack Reacher' manuscript," Garcia said, offering her terms.
"If you can pull this off, I'll even introduce you to the guy the character is based on."
Jack's half-joking response reminded him that it'd been a while since he'd checked in with Jack Reacher's real-life counterpart. He'd have to ask his brother if the globetrotting big guy was planning to stop by New York anytime soon.
With Daniel out delivering barbecue to his dad, Jack sent him a message to take his time and hit the streets himself, wandering around. New York may not have its own famous dishes, but it boasted a variety of cuisines from every corner of the globe.
He'd learned to save on parking, avoiding pricey garages and finding spots along the street. As long as he didn't block a fire lane, any ticket would be handled by the department's logistics team. Daniel had also given him a few NYPD family passes, making minor violations a non-issue.
When it was nearly time, Jack parked and entered a French restaurant along the Hudson River. Tonight, Rick Castle had invited him here for dinner. Jack had a hunch about the real reason for the invitation, but he doubted he'd be able to help much.
"Please, every artist needs their muse. I'm counting on you to make this happen," Castle said, clasping his hands together in a plea.
"So you don't mind if your dad finds himself a new wife?" Jack asked Alexis instead, raising his glass to her with a wink.
"Actually, if it's Detective Beckett, I think she's lovely," Alexis replied, raising her juice and clinking glasses with Jack.
Jack couldn't help but admire Alexis's thoughtful nature. He shot Castle a look, thinking how, if he were a villain, he'd want to get rid of the guy and take Alexis under his wing himself.
Castle looked a little embarrassed. "I'm serious. I've already completed the character design; now I just need a little inspiration."
"Nikki Heat, right? I already know," Jack said, smirking. He wondered if Beckett would shoot Castle in the leg if she ever found out about her fictional counterpart's name.
"So this little 'inspiration' of yours involves me convincing the NYPD to let you tag along with Detective Beckett for some…" Jack made air quotes, "...'investigative work'?"
"Yes, exactly! I'll even sign a waiver. I've got a bulletproof vest ready." Castle's eyes sparkled as he pulled out his phone and proudly showed a selfie of himself in a custom-made vest.
This wasn't just any bulletproof vest. While most vests had labels like "SWAT," "NYPD," or "FBI" (the one Jack usually wore), Castle's vest had a big "WRITER" written across it.
Jack sighed and thought back to everything Alexis had done for the FBI, realizing he'd likely end up helping Castle anyway. "Given what Alexis did for us, sure, I'll help. But with all your connections, why not just ask the mayor? I heard he's a fan."
Castle looked around conspiratorially and leaned in, whispering, "Rumor has it that relations between the mayor and the NYPD are a bit strained. There's talk that Reagan might be leaning toward the Republicans, even though he claims neutrality."
It seemed writers were just as well-informed as journalists.
Jack changed the subject, and the three of them chatted over New York's local happenings while enjoying their meal.
Something about Castle's personality, maybe the fact that he reminded Jack of an older detective he knew, made it hard to dislike him. And with Alexis's charm, Jack found himself being more talkative, even sharing some details about his second book in progress.
"You were in a plane crash? And fought terrorists? With Navy SEALs?" Castle was practically green with envy. This guy's life was packed with stories. Serial killers were gripping enough, but this?
Indeed, Jack's second book was based on his experience on Holo Island—plane crash, tropical rainforest, terrorists, hostage situations, PMCs, and Navy SEALs. All the essential elements for a bestseller.
Alexis looked intrigued too, her eyes sparkling with curiosity as she listened to Jack.
With the extended courses typical of French cuisine, the three spent the evening chatting and dining until late. Jack finally saw Castle and Alexis off in a taxi and gave Castle a last piece of advice.
"Even if the NYPD agrees, I suggest you talk it over with Detective Beckett first. Out of respect."
He remembered that in the original storyline, Beckett had approached Castle for help with a case. Now, though, things had changed because of him, and he wondered if that case would even happen.
"Oh, right, I almost forgot this." Castle pulled out an invitation.
"Due to the mishap at the last one, the publisher is hosting another launch party next Monday. You must come."
Jack took the invitation, waved goodbye to Castle and Alexis, and turned around. Just as he was about to pocket it, he noticed a familiar figure on the street.
Commissioner Frank Reagan, dressed in formal wear, was standing by the curb with a glamorous woman in a sleek black evening gown, hailing a cab.
The woman was someone Jack recognized, too. It was none other than Ms. Davidson, the reporter and news anchor he'd seen at the outdoor press conference in Police Plaza.
Jack watched with mild amusement as Reagan opened the cab door with chivalry, helped Ms. Davidson inside, then leaned in for a quick goodnight kiss before closing the door and watching the cab drive off.
Interesting. Jack had once speculated to Dana Moser that Ms. Davidson might be linked to Reagan. Now, here was his confirmation. Based on their intimate demeanor, Ms. Davidson wasn't just "connected" to Reagan—she was involved with him in more ways than one.
Jack twirled his car keys, smiling to himself. Tonight's dinner had unveiled a little secret. Reagan had mentioned that his mother had passed, and that his father had been single for years. A date was well within his rights.
Still, with Ms. Davidson's career as a journalist, if word got out that the NYPD commissioner had a secret relationship with a reporter, it could stir up quite a storm. It seemed Commissioner Reagan enjoyed a little thrill.
------------------
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Fairy Tail: Igneel's Eldest Son (Chapter 256)
I Am Thalos, Odin's Older Brother (Chapter 336)
Reborn in America's Anti-Terror Unit (Chapter 542)
Solomon in Marvel (Chapter 924)
Becoming the Wealthiest Tycoon on the Planet (Chapter 1284)
Surgical Fruit in the American Comics Universe (Chapter 1289)
American Detective: From TV Rookie to Seasoned Cop (Chapter 1316)
American TV Writer (Chapter 1402)
I Am Hades, The Supreme GOD of the Underworld! (Chapter 570)
Reborn as Humanity's Emperor Across the Multiverse (Chapter 660)
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