Chapter 51: The Curse of Immortality

"What? You're going to discuss the case imitation methods and the psychological portrayal of the murderer with that writer? What about the autopsy?"

Joe Martinez was immediately troubled by Henry's request. Although he always knew Henry was competent, he also felt that Henry was somewhat odd at times. However, this was the first time he encountered Henry running off when there was work to be done. Wasn't Henry usually very dedicated?

"Joe, Renee is handling the autopsy. It doesn't matter whether I am there or not. I just spoke with Castle, and I'm really interested in some of his ideas. Perhaps our thoughts could help you catch the murderer more quickly!"

At that moment, Beckett, who overheard the conversation between Henry and Castle, approached. After knowing that Castle had persuaded Henry, she sensed that Castle might indeed have noticed something that they had missed. She was eager to see if Castle could always guess correctly!

Speaking up, she said, "Detective Martinez, although I hate to admit it, Mr. Castle indeed possesses extraordinary intuition and insights in some areas. Since he wants to discuss with Dr. Morgan, we might as well wait and see if they can bring a different perspective to our investigation."

"Alright, Henry, since Detective Beckett also thinks that your discussion with Mr. Castle will aid our investigation, you can go. However, you can only discuss as consultants. If it involves conducting an investigation, you must notify us immediately, understand?"

Joe Martinez conceded. After all, Henry had approached him just to be polite; he wasn't his subordinate, nor did Martinez have the authority to keep him from leaving.

However, Martinez still cautioned Henry that both he and Castle were not authorized to conduct investigations and should not act on their own.

Beckett's eyes flickered as she immediately realized that compared to Henry, the more reckless novelist was actually the one who should be warned. Recalling a recent robbery case, she quickly pulled out her phone and called Castle, making sure to warn him in advance; otherwise, he was sure to cause a significant uproar.

The handsome Dr. Henry Morgan, as he left the scene, saw Castle repeatedly assuring Beckett over the phone with a series of "yes, yes, yes." Already having composed himself, Henry couldn't help but smile. Clearly, the seemingly mature middle-aged elite in front of him was actually just a kid at heart.

"So, Mr. Castle, where shall we talk?"

Seeing Castle finally finishing the call with 'Mom' Beckett, Henry asked.

"Let's go to 'Abraham's' antique shop, shall we? I always have a feeling that I will become good friends with Abraham!"

Castle chose his home as the venue for their discussion without causing any emotional disturbance in the seasoned Dr. Henry Morgan. Instead, he responded with a laugh, "I also think you'll become good friends with my son!"

"I hate you immortals the most. You look a few years younger than me. Who would believe that your son is almost seventy!"

As the two bantered, they were surprised to find how well they clicked. Henry was simply amazed that Castle could keep up with him, given his long life and vast experiences, while Castle, who had seen the original series, deeply understood Henry's conflicting desires to be recognized as immortal and to find a friend with whom he could share everything. As they returned to 'Abraham's Antique Shop', they had already become friends.

This shocked Abraham, Henry's adoptive son, who was well aware of Henry's usual cold and defensive nature toward others.

"Abraham, come here, let me introduce you. This is Mr. Castle, Richard Castle, yes, the author of those novels you enjoy."

"Richard Castle? How did you two end up together?"

Abraham was extremely curious. Having lived with Henry for nearly seventy years, apart from his missing adoptive mother, Abigail, this was the first time Abraham had seen Henry voluntarily close to someone else, and it was clear this closeness wasn't feigned—Henry's character wouldn't allow for pretense.

Henry was just about to explain to Abraham, who seemed like a stranger but was actually his son, when Castle spoke up, "Hello, Abraham, I was just talking to Henry about how sure I am that we'll become good friends. As for how I came across Henry, it's because I've been consulting at the New York Police Department's 12th Precinct, and today, due to a case, I met Henry!"

"Oh? What case? Do you also solve cases part-time? Were your previous novels not just fabrications?"

Abraham asked Castle with interest.

"Abraham, now is not the time to discuss this. Mr. Castle and I came back together because he understands who I am, though I don't know where he got his information. But that's exactly what we need to discuss now!"

Henry's words shocked Abraham. The secret they had carefully guarded for

 so many years had been leaked? For a moment, Abraham was caught off guard, looking at his adoptive father, Henry Morgan.

Henry shrugged, "Yes, Abraham, but now is not the time to worry. Let's first hear what Mr. Castle has to say."

Sensing Abraham's momentary distraction and defensiveness, Castle knew he had to speak up before the situation worsened, "Henry, Abraham, don't worry, I will tell you everything. But, Abraham, shouldn't you lock the shop door first?"

Once Abraham had locked the door and followed Castle and Henry upstairs to the drawing room, where each poured a whiskey, the three sat down on the sofas.

"Alright, Mr. Castle, can you tell us how you came to know my secret?"

Henry got straight to the point, voicing his most pressing concern. He needed to know if his disguise had been compromised.

"Dr. Morgan, first off, I can tell you how I came to know about you!

You know, in today's highly data-driven, digital society, a person, no matter how well they hide, will always leave traces unintentionally. I first learned about you when I was researching for my new book, specifically looking into a slave ship called the 'African Queen.' From the ship captain's records, I learned about a noble's son named Henry Morgan who mysteriously disappeared overboard during the voyage. At that time, I just glanced at it and didn't pay much attention!!!"

"The African Queen!!"

Hearing this name, Henry knew that Castle wasn't just making things up. He really knew Henry's background and the entire history because, two hundred years ago, it was on his family's ship, the 'African Queen,' that Henry was transformed into an immortal after opposing the captain's mistreatment of slaves and being shot in the chest with a flintlock pistol before being thrown overboard.

Since Castle could mention the African Queen, it proved he wasn't lying. Perhaps, he was the one who could lift the curse of immortality that Henry had always borne. Unlike others, Henry Morgan had never considered immortality a blessing; he always saw it as a curse, especially as he watched his beloved Abigail age while his own appearance remained youthful, deepening his hatred for his unaging, immortal body.

Because his appearance never changed, Abigail had left home, unable to bear the stares of others, and had been missing ever since. Henry, forced to move every decade to avoid suspicion, was now hopeful that with Castle's knowledge, he might resolve his curse of eternal life, or at least understand the mysterious phone calls he had been receiving lately.

With renewed hope, Henry's typically calm demeanor warmed as he looked expectantly at Castle.

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