Chapter 87: Stealing the Files

Beckett looked at Castle, who had approached her with a grin, and asked in exasperation, "Mr. Castle, today I have no cases, only endless paperwork. Do you want to help organize the documents related to Congressman Jeff's murder? If you have nothing to do, arrange your own schedule and don't cause trouble in the precinct. Thanks!"

Hearing Beckett's words, Castle quickly changed his mind. His eyes darted around as he realized that Beckett, overwhelmed with paperwork, was focused on consolidating the evidence for Congressman Jeff's murder to submit to the DA. This meant that he could slip into the archives and secretly copy the files on Beckett's mother's murder without drawing her attention.

Acting on his plan, Castle first pretended to ask Beckett for permission to check the old case files for novel material. After getting her approval, he went to Captain Roy Montgomery, who allowed him access to the archives. With that, Castle confidently walked into the tightly guarded police archives.

Feigning casualness, Castle entered the archives, looking around to ensure no one was watching. Finding the shelf labeled with unsolved cases from ten years ago, he located the files on Johanna Beckett's murder. Flipping through the documents to confirm he had the right files, Castle realized there were no copying machines in the room. Taking the files out for copying would be too risky, so he decided to take it a step further. He found and took the files on the other three victims murdered in the same manner and at the same time as Beckett's mother, stuffing them into his personal space. He then left the archives empty-handed, pretending nothing had happened.

Just as Beckett was battling a mountain of paperwork at her desk, she looked up to see Castle again. Sighing in frustration, she didn't have a chance to complain before Castle announced he was leaving. He mentioned that he planned to visit Henry at the New York Medical Examiner's Office to see if there were any interesting cases, as Beckett was busy with paperwork.

Beckett, eager to have Castle out of her sight, was happy to hear he would bother Henry instead. She cheerfully bid him farewell, telling him not to rush back to the precinct and to enjoy his time with Dr. Morgan. She assured him she would notify him if a new case came up.

Castle left the precinct, not offended by Beckett's relief at his departure. Instead, he cheerfully accepted her suggestion. Standing outside the precinct, he called Henry at the Medical Examiner's Office. Learning that Henry was in, Castle informed him that he had obtained the files on Beckett's mother's case, as well as those on the other three victims murdered in the same manner.

Henry invited Castle to come over, and Castle, eager to see Henry's workplace and meet his amusing assistant Lucas, wasted no time heading there. He had enjoyed the character of Lucas in "Forever" and was excited to see him in person.

Arriving at the impressive New York Medical Examiner's Office, Castle entered the bright, spacious facility. The first person to approach him was Lucas, tall and thin, with a comedic demeanor.

"Hello, sir. How can I help you? Are you looking for someone or do you have business here?"

Castle, smiling warmly, replied, "Hi, I'm a friend of Dr. Henry Morgan. We agreed to meet in his office. Could you direct me there?"

Hearing that Castle was there to see his boss, Lucas grinned and led him inside, pointing to an office at the far end. "Dr. Morgan's office is over there. Do you need me to take you? By the way, I'm Lucas, Dr. Morgan's assistant."

"Nice to meet you, Lucas. I'm Richard Castle, a novelist."

"You're Richard Castle? The author of the Derek Storm series? Wow, it's a pleasure to meet you! If you have time later, could you sign an autograph for me?"

Thrilled to meet one of his favorite authors, Lucas eagerly asked for an autograph.

Castle was about to chat more when he saw Henry through the office window. Henry came out to greet him, so Castle promised Lucas he would sign an autograph later and headed toward Henry's office.

"So, you and my assistant get along well, huh?" Henry teased as Castle walked in.

Noticing Henry's unusually relaxed demeanor, Castle remarked, "Henry, you seem much better than before."

Castle was genuinely happy about the positive change in Henry's mental state, likely due to the resolution of Adam's death and the reunion with Abigail.

Henry gave Castle a complex look, refraining from thanking him in public, and instead invited him into his office. "Come on, let's go to my office. Show me the files you brought."

Castle handed over the files, and while Henry eagerly examined the forensic reports and crime scene photos, Lucas brought in two cups of coffee. Seeing Henry engrossed in the files, Castle took the opportunity to thank Lucas and told him to bring the books he wanted signed next time. Lucas, amused and grateful, mentioned that he couldn't bring novels to work but promised to have them ready another time.

Happy with Castle's promise, Lucas glanced at his boss, who was almost done with the files, and tactfully excused himself.

"So, you think highly of him?" Henry asked, finishing the files.

"No, I just find him entertaining. I heard he once performed surgery on a mouse that had a bowel obstruction from eating a lottery ticket. Such a funny and imaginative guy is right up my alley," Castle replied, his humor earning an eye roll from the usually patient Henry.

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