Chapter 113: Recognition

On the other end of the phone, Esposito, trusting Castle's judgment and intuition, readily agreed to search Dr. Joshua Leeds' office, especially the drawers and desk. Castle had repeatedly proven his seemingly outlandish ideas correct over the past month to Beckett, Esposito, Ryan, Captain Montgomery, and Lanie.

Beckett didn't mind Castle bypassing her to give orders directly to her subordinates. After Castle hung up the phone, she curiously asked, "You seem absolutely certain that Dr. Joshua was killed because he performed plastic surgery on Jimmy Moran. Why are you so sure? Even I only consider it a possibility, yet your actions tell me you've basically concluded this. Explain your reasoning."

Beckett's sixth sense was spot on. From Castle's brief phone conversation with Esposito, she deduced he had additional information he hadn't fully shared. Otherwise, his actions wouldn't be so peculiar, and his instructions to Esposito wouldn't be so confident.

Castle had no intention of hiding the truth from Beckett; he simply followed procedural norms for solving cases. Now that Beckett was directly questioning him, he decided to reveal some of the inside information he had.

Castle's method of using the outcome to backtrack the case wouldn't work with others, but Beckett, who already had some trust in him, could save a lot of time by following his insights. This gradual build of trust would eventually allow him to discuss Joanna Beckett's case with her.

Since Beckett showed interest, Castle didn't hold back. "You know, Beckett, I have many friends and, consequently, many sources of information. The friend I visited this morning told me more than just about Jimmy Moran and the Soprano family. He revealed a bigger secret: Jimmy Moran had already made a deal with the FBI and the US Attorney's Office over a month ago. He agreed to hand over the Soprano family's books and personnel lists, helping the FBI and the US Attorney's Office dismantle the Soprano family in exchange for immunity.

According to my friend, Jimmy is in the witness protection program, planning to disappear after helping take down the Sopranos. He also mentioned Jimmy underwent plastic surgery, though he didn't know who performed it.

When we found Dr. Joshua Leeds, a plastic surgeon who had been tortured before his death, I couldn't help but connect the dots. Given this information, it's highly likely that Dr. Leeds performed the surgery on Jimmy Moran.

But I couldn't reveal all this directly because I wasn't sure how you'd react or if it would mislead you. So, I hinted at part of it as a lead for you to follow."

Before Castle could finish his explanation, Beckett interrupted, "You know all the details of this case and only gave us a vague idea, leaving the rest for us to find? Are you crazy? If you know the truth, why not just say it? You think I won't believe you? Do you doubt my judgment? Spill everything you know, or else!"

Castle, scared by Beckett's harsh tone, sat in his chair, barely daring to breathe.

Had he messed up again? Castle wanted to play the wise old man but ended up being caught by Beckett. However, her words showed she already trusted his information to a significant extent.

Feeling a mix of regret for his big mouth and satisfaction from gaining Beckett's trust, Castle decided to come clean. "According to my sources, Jimmy Moran made a deal with the FBI and the US Attorney's Office over a month ago. He planned to hand over everything he knew about the Soprano family in exchange for immunity. My friend confirmed that Jimmy is in the witness protection program and has had plastic surgery. But who performed the surgery wasn't clear.

Seeing Dr. Joshua Leeds, a plastic surgeon who was tortured before being killed, led me to believe he was the one who performed the surgery on Jimmy Moran. But since my information comes from sources I can't explain or use in an official report, I didn't want to mislead you. I wanted you to find the evidence yourselves."

Castle's mix of truth and evasion made Beckett both amused and frustrated. Clearly, he had known about Dr. Leeds' connection to Jimmy Moran but had been evasive. Beckett understood Castle's reasoning. If he had revealed everything from the start, she would have doubted the validity and source of his information, potentially missing crucial leads.

Now, as Castle revealed more under her pressure, Beckett felt a sense of accomplishment and was more inclined to believe him. This subjective-objective distinction meant she trusted information extracted under pressure more than volunteered details.

Despite her curiosity, Beckett decided to set aside her doubts and wait for Esposito and Ryan's findings. If they could confirm Dr. Leeds performed the surgery on Jimmy Moran, she could apply to the US Attorney's Office to meet Moran, hoping he knew about someone mimicking his murder method.

Even if her request to meet Moran was denied, Beckett now had a clear target: the Soprano family. They would undoubtedly want to eliminate Jimmy Moran, rumored to be cooperating with the FBI.

With this new direction and a potential leverage point over the FBI and the US Attorney's Office, Beckett felt more optimistic. Glancing at Castle, who was trying to look harmless, she didn't want to listen to more of his excuses. She got up and headed to the break room for a coffee break.

As Beckett left, her glance left Castle awestruck, mouth agape and momentarily forgetting to follow her.

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