บท 164: Chapter 164: Posed Photos
Mozz's comment reminded Castle of what Neil had mentioned earlier. Due to the sudden attack by Vincent's assassin today, Mozz had urgently called Neil, who had then informed his FBI partner, Peter Burke, about the situation. Neil had told Peter that he needed to take immediate leave to discuss their strategy against Vincent with his mysterious friends.
Peter, being a curious and controlling individual, couldn't resist sending agents to find out who Neil was meeting with. This explained why Neil had asked Castle and Mozz earlier if they minded being exposed to the FBI's scrutiny.
Castle, prompted by Mozz's jest, walked towards the door. "Alright, I'll make sure to show my most impressive and handsome side to the FBI agents outside. I'll even strike some good poses for their photos. Neil, make sure to get me a few of the best ones they take, alright?"
Watching Castle proudly walk out the door, Neil and Mozz exchanged looks of bemusement. They really didn't know what to make of Castle's antics.
Castle truly didn't mind the FBI knowing about him. After all, he was a well-known public figure with a high social standing. Given his ongoing collaboration with the NYPD, the FBI would likely avoid causing any friction with him. Plus, his friendship with the mayor of New York further insulated him from any unwanted attention.
Heading towards his flashy Ferrari parked outside Joan's mansion where Neil was staying, Castle easily spotted the nondescript van a hundred meters away, posing as a utility vehicle. It was the FBI's surveillance van, which Neil had warned him about, and Castle recognized it instantly thanks to his advanced special agent skills and previous familiarity from countless episodes.
Castle's mischievous side kicked in. He stood in front of his car and struck several ridiculous poses, ensuring the FBI agents inside got plenty of photos of his 'heroic' self.
Inside the surveillance van, Agent Diana Berrigan, holding a telephoto lens camera, was frustratedly capturing Castle's poses. She turned to Agent Clinton Jones, exasperated. "Why did we agree to this ridiculous assignment from Peter? Look at that guy. Does he look like a mysterious friend of Neil's or a model posing for a photo shoot?"
Jones, inputting Castle's photos into the FBI's database for identification, was just as bemused. "How were we supposed to know Neil would rush home to meet someone like that?"
As the identification results popped up, Jones exclaimed, "Wow, it's him. Richard Alexander Castle, also known as Richard Alexander Rogers, the bestselling author of the 'Derrick Storm' series. I love those books!"
Diana was shocked. "Wait, this guy is the author of the Derrick Storm novels? Kristin loves his books. How is he mixed up with someone like Neil?"
Jones turned the laptop screen towards Diana. "Look, the facial recognition matches. And I remember seeing Neil's name in the acknowledgments of one of Castle's books from a few years ago. They've known each other for a long time."
Diana looked puzzled. "You remember the acknowledgments from a book from years ago?"
Jones blushed slightly but managed to hide it. "I told you, I'm a fan of his work. I own all his books. When we got the case to track Neil shortly after that book was published, I made the connection."
"Great, this guy is obsessed with taking photos. How are we supposed to explain these to Peter? He'll think these are part of some bizarre promotional campaign," Diana muttered, still snapping away as Castle continued his antics.
Jones finally pulled up recent information on Castle. "Diana, I think I know why he's so confident. He's been working closely with the NYPD, writing a new novel based on one of their detectives. That's why he's so fearless. As long as he's promoting the NYPD, the FBI won't want to touch him, especially since he's friends with the mayor."
Diana sighed, staring at the long list of Castle's influential friends. "Is this guy a social butterfly? Where does he get so many connections?"
Jones shrugged. "No idea. But we've fulfilled our task. We know who Neil met. Let's leave the rest to the higher-ups."
"Yeah, let's do that…"
Castle spent at least fifteen minutes striking various ridiculous poses in front of his car, thoroughly amusing himself by toying with the FBI agents. Laughing heartily, he finally got into his car and headed to the Continental Hotel to meet Winston.
After handing his car over to the valet, Castle entered the grand lobby of the Continental Hotel. Karas, the hotel's manager, appeared almost magically by his side. "Good evening, Mr. Castle. It's been a while. Mr. Winston is expecting you in his office. Shall I escort you?"
Castle admired Karas, who seemed to have maxed out his stealth skills. In both his past life and the current reality, Castle always had a high regard for the courteous and capable hotel manager. With a polite response, Castle declined the offer of an escort, knowing the way to Winston's private office.
Entering the private elevator and arriving at Winston's office, Castle found the elegant and wise hotel owner lighting a cigar. Winston nodded as Castle walked in, motioning for him to take a seat. After taking a satisfying puff of his cigar, Winston spoke with a weary tone. "Rick, you little troublemaker, what have you gotten into this time? A former master swindler called the hotel today, wanting to purchase your background information. Can't you stay out of trouble for a while? You've been causing so much commotion these past few months. Have some consideration for this old man's nerves."
Castle's attention was immediately caught by the phrase 'former master swindler.' Clearly, Vincent Adler, having lost his assassin Larson, had turned to the Continental Hotel's resources to dig into Castle's background.
The thought of Vincent eagerly waiting for news of Castle's demise only to find out that Castle was perfectly fine and Larson was missing brought a wide grin to Castle's face. He couldn't suppress his laughter at the idea of Vincent's frustration and anger.
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