It was finally Danny's time to shine. As a seasoned detective, if he couldn't identify the killer's real target by now, he might as well consider a career patrolling the streets instead.
"The killer's target must have been the second victim, Allison Tisdale. She was Kyle Capote's social worker and the person most likely to understand his obsessive interest in Castle's mystery novels.
If I were the killer, I'd have been close to Allison and used her to learn about Kyle. Only then could I set up those misleading crime scenes."
"Exactly!" Castle's voice rose with excitement. "Serial killers don't need motives, but premeditated murder is another story. That's why we re-investigated Allison Tisdale's background."
"We?" Hannah raised an eyebrow. "So Detective Beckett partnered with you again?"
Castle's grin threatened to split his face. "Of course! We're a perfect team—uh, I mean, when it comes to solving crimes. We're perfect partners in that sense."
Seeing him dig himself into a deeper hole, Hannah waved him on. She'd save the teasing for later when she could get Kate's side of the story.
Castle was too forthright to be interesting to tease—Kate Beckett's guarded nature made her a far more entertaining target.
"So, we visited Allison's father, Jonathan Tisdale, a billionaire. And guess what we discovered?" Castle sipped his beer, relishing the suspense.
"Inheritance issues?" Linda, intrigued by the mention of a billionaire, ventured a guess.
"Bingo. Mr. Tisdale owned assets worth over $100 million. According to him, half was earmarked for charity, with the remaining split between his two children—Allison and her debt-ridden brother."
Castle held up a finger for emphasis. "Then, using my keen novelist's instincts and observational skills, I noticed something off about Mr. Tisdale's health."
Annoyed by her father's dramatic pauses, Alexis hugged his arm and urged him to spill. "How could you tell?"
"I noticed that he looked significantly thinner than in the photos on his desk. His complexion was pale, and he had traces of makeup on his face. Plus, he kept nervously touching his hair."
Castle hugged his daughter close, signaling her to listen carefully. "Even though his wig was top-notch, I suspected he was undergoing chemotherapy for cancer."
"Next, we visited Allison's brother, Harrison Tisdale. When we questioned him, he immediately provided an alibi.
He claimed he wasn't in the country during all three murders, with passport stamps to back it up."
At this point, most of the group, excluding Linda and Alexis, exchanged knowing smiles.
"What a thrilling case," Jack said, clapping lightly. "Family feuds, inheritance disputes, and a calculated plan to obscure the true target by killing innocents. Add in framing someone using novel-inspired murders and a seemingly airtight alibi—this sounds like the perfect opening for the Nikki Heat series."
The group nodded in agreement, thoroughly impressed.
"Wait!" Linda slapped Danny's thigh in mock irritation. "So the mastermind was Allison's brother, Harrison? But what about his alibi?"
Danny kissed her hand indulgently and explained, his tone slightly smug.
"He probably used a fake passport purchased on the black market. He'd leave the country with his real passport, then re-enter with the fake one to commit the murders. Afterward, he'd use the fake passport to leave and return with the real one, creating a flawless alibi.
But this guy wasn't as clever as he thought. When Beckett questioned him, he said way too much."
Alexis, having grown up reading her father's novels, caught on quickly. "He only needed to prove he wasn't in the country on the day his sister was killed. But he went ahead and gave alibis for all three murders, showing he'd prepared them in advance."
Castle beamed with pride at his daughter's insight. "Exactly! So, I convinced Judge Markway to issue an emergency search warrant. We found Harrison at home, trying to destroy evidence."
---
By 10 p.m., the gathering wound down. Linda, arm-in-arm with Danny, expressed her enjoyment as they prepared to leave.
"This was a perfect evening—delicious food, a fantastic story. I hope we can do this again soon."
Jack smiled warmly as he saw them off. Danny and Linda still had to stop by the Reagan family home on Staten Island to pick up their kids, so they left a bit early.
With Hannah and Alexis tidying up the living room, Jack, Castle, and Jubal headed up to the rooftop with cigars and leftover beer. The trio admired the dazzling Manhattan skyline, its neon lights painting the night in vibrant hues.
Halfway through his cigar, Jack's phone rang. Seeing Danny's name on the screen, he answered casually.
"Hey, Danny. Did you leave something behind?"
But instead of Danny, Linda's panicked voice came through.
"Jack, it's Linda. Something's happened. Danny told me to call the police—I've already called 911."
Before she could explain further, two gunshots rang out over the line, followed by a scream, and then the call abruptly ended.
"What's wrong?" Castle and Jubal immediately noticed Jack's alarmed expression.
Heart racing, Jack didn't answer. He redialed Linda's number, exhaling in relief when she finally picked up.
"Linda, what's going on? Was it a robbery?"
"I'm not sure. We're at a convenience store. Danny sensed something was off outside and told me to hide and call for help. There was a shootout—he seems okay, but I think someone outside got hit. Can you come? I'm scared."
Relieved that neither Danny nor Linda appeared hurt, Jack asked for the address, then turned to Castle and Jubal.
"Linda and Danny ran into some trouble at a store. I need to check it out."
"Need backup?" Jubal offered, but Jack shook his head.
"It's probably just a minor incident. I'll handle it."
With that, he grabbed his coat and headed out, leaving the city's glittering lights behind.
------------------
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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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