Chapter 154: Chapter 154: The Story
With these words, Castle paid no heed to the grim expressions on the faces of the Talbot couple, especially Dr. Cameron Talbot, and continued, "I believe we've made ourselves very clear. We are conducting a criminal investigation into a murder case. As Zane's guardians, you have the right to cooperate with our investigation, not question it. If you feel our actions are inappropriate, you are welcome to file a complaint at the police station. But right now, you cannot obstruct or impede our evidence collection."
Dr. Cameron Talbot's face grew visibly more displeased with Castle's righteous remarks. He tried to struggle but found himself at a loss for words to counter Castle's arguments.
Mrs. Talbot, however, couldn't control her emotions, "Why? Why are you taking my son's DNA for an investigation into that woman's death? Just because of your ridiculous suspicion that Zane might be her son? As Zane's mother, I absolutely refuse to let you do this, and I will sue you. Cameron, call our lawyer and have him come here immediately!"
Mrs. Talbot's fierce maternal instinct didn't make the steadfast Beckett waver. On the contrary, her intense reaction further convinced Beckett that she wasn't the murderer and might not even be aware of the truth. It was Dr. Cameron Talbot's increasingly suspicious behavior that drew more attention. Thus, after Castle's words left Dr. Talbot speechless, Beckett decided to expedite matters. She unfurled the court order she had been holding and addressed the couple seated on the sofa.
"Mr. and Mrs. Talbot, this is a court order from the New York District Court authorizing us to collect DNA from your minor child, Zane, for a criminal investigation into Aeslica's murder. So, please cooperate with our evidence collection. Let me clarify, we will not harm Zane. We only need to swab his mouth for a DNA sample. As a doctor, Mr. Talbot, you should understand this procedure, right?
Furthermore, Mrs. Talbot, we welcome any complaints you wish to file with our department regarding today's actions, but I must state that no matter your complaints, you cannot stop us from collecting Zane's DNA today. Otherwise, you will be obstructing justice, and I have the authority to arrest you."
Faced with Beckett's uncompromising stance, Mrs. Talbot's intense emotions subsided a bit. She heard the resolute determination in the policewoman's words, but what she focused on was Beckett's explanation that the procedure involved merely swabbing her son's mouth. Realizing that cooperating with the police wouldn't harm her son, her anger dissipated.
Dr. Cameron Talbot, however, began to feel increasingly uneasy. Knowing the truth, he couldn't let the police take Zane's DNA back for comparison with Aeslica's. As he racked his brain for a way to delay, Castle delivered another critical blow.
"Dr. Cameron Talbot, are you thinking of ways to prevent us from collecting Zane's DNA right now to buy yourself some time to maneuver? Don't deny it. Your facial expressions reveal your reluctance, making me suspect that you know something about Aeslica's murder. Or are you trying to cover something up?"
Castle's unexpected accusation shattered Dr. Cameron Talbot's composure. He looked at Castle with a mix of fear and disbelief, stammering, "What are you talking about?"
Castle, having seen enough, decided it was time to end this farce. Though he initially intended to let Beckett take the lead, the current situation made him impatient. Recalling Aeslica's unjust death and Hayek's sorrowful tears, Castle's disdain for Cameron Talbot grew. Seeing the impasse over Zane's DNA, Castle chose to resolve the matter his way.
"Mr. Talbot, actually, I can tell you now that our visit today has two purposes. The first is to collect your son Zane's DNA sample for comparison with Aeslica's. The second purpose is related to you. I think you know why we are here for you, don't you?"
Castle emphasized "you" heavily. As he spoke, everyone could see the cold sweat forming on Cameron Talbot's forehead. The expression on Castle's face, akin to a cat playing with a mouse, indicated he knew more than he was letting on.
Sensing Cameron's distress, Beckett capitalized on Castle's assist. "Mr. Talbot, you don't believe you've covered all your tracks, do you? You underestimate the police's resources. Once we decide to investigate someone, there's nothing we can't uncover. So, do you have anything to tell us?"
Cameron Talbot was in turmoil. He never imagined his flawless plan could be exposed. Although he hastily killed Aeslica to prevent her from confirming Zane's identity, he thought he had erased all traces. But Castle's demeanor suggested otherwise.
Seeing his husband in such a state, Mrs. Talbot, confused and disbelieving, asked, "Cameron, what did you do? Are their accusations true?"
Cameron Talbot wasn't ready to give up. He continued to struggle, "What are you talking about? I did nothing. I just don't feel well..."
Castle's patience snapped. This bastard was still denying the truth, even as evidence mounted. He decided to end this charade once and for all.
"I'll tell you a story, Mr. and Mrs. Talbot, to wrap this up.
Four years ago, two women gave birth to two boys in the hospital where Dr. Cameron Talbot worked. Both families were overjoyed, but one of the boys was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder called Niemann-Pick disease, a condition that would likely claim his life before he turned three. This devastating news nearly broke the father.
But the father saw a way out. He noticed another baby boy born at the same time, to a couple who had recently emigrated from the Czech Republic. If he switched his sick child with theirs, the immigrant couple wouldn't have the means to challenge him. Thus, he used his position and influence to swap the babies, leaving his sick son with the Czech couple…"
"Enough! Stop! That's all speculation. Do you have any evidence?"
The usually composed Dr. Talbot, now frantic, shouted to interrupt Castle's tale. His outburst startled little Zane, who was playing on the floor, causing him to cry out in fear.
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