Chapter 179: The Rumor

Beckett found it hard to accept Castle's wild leap in logic. The mere discovery of a photograph of Olivia's mother working for the Welshley family during their campaign for the Senate somehow led Castle to suspect that one of the Welshley brothers, Blake or Winston, might be Olivia's father? Beckett knew Castle's mind often worked in mysterious and expansive ways, but this time, his theory seemed too far-fetched, even for him.

The Welshley family wasn't just any influential family; they had significant political clout. The late patriarch had served as a New York State Senator, and Blake Welshley, although unsuccessful in his Senate bid ten years ago, remained a powerful figure. Approaching them based on Castle's conjecture could bring a storm upon the NYPD, something both she and Captain Montgomery might not be prepared for.

Beckett gave Castle a stern look, hoping he could provide a more reasonable justification or at least a plausible excuse to support his outlandish theory. Castle, knowing he couldn't just reveal his foreknowledge of events, quickly fabricated a story.

"You see, Beckett," Castle began with a serious tone, "while I don't have direct ties to the Welshley family, I've heard plenty of gossip from my friends in New York's political circles. There's a rumor that during his father's Senate campaign, Blake Welshley had an affair with a young woman on the campaign staff, but his mother put an end to it."

Castle continued, "So, when I saw this photo of Olivia's mother working for the Welshley campaign, it made me wonder if she might be that young woman from the rumor. If that's the case, and Olivia was born in 1979, right after the campaign, it makes you think, doesn't it?"

Castle's fabricated story slightly eased Beckett's skepticism. She didn't doubt Castle's extensive network or his access to high-level gossip. This was one reason she often found his insights invaluable during investigations. His broad connections and knowledge of the upper echelons often provided insights she couldn't obtain through traditional police work.

After considering Castle's explanation, Beckett nodded slowly, but another concern surfaced. "You're suggesting we meet with Blake Welshley. Are you planning to lay out the details of this case to him directly? That could be risky."

Castle quickly reassured her, "No, no, Beckett. My idea is to first ask him about his relationship with Olivia's mother. If we can confirm that they had a relationship, then we can speculate about Olivia's parentage. If Olivia was indeed Blake's daughter, and she was mysteriously murdered ten years ago, don't you think Blake, as the head of the Welshley family, would want to support our investigation fully? Instead of making an enemy, we might gain a powerful ally."

"We don't have a better lead right now," Castle continued. "Olivia's body is missing, and that luxurious coffin isn't something her distant aunt could afford. Doesn't that strike you as odd? A girl from the countryside, buried in such an extravagant coffin after being murdered? It's another clue we need to investigate."

Lanie, who had been quietly enjoying the interplay between Castle and Beckett, saw more clearly Castle's interest in Beckett. Despite his eccentricities, Castle's genuine concern and fondness for Beckett were evident. As Beckett's close friend, Lanie knew Beckett wasn't as detached as she appeared, especially regarding her mother's unsolved murder, which still weighed heavily on her. Secretly, Lanie hoped Castle's unique perspective and connections might one day help Beckett find closure.

Castle, not noticing Lanie's silent reflections, focused on convincing Beckett to return to the precinct. After a brief farewell to Lanie, they headed out. Lanie, left alone with the empty coffin, found herself at a loss. "Great, now what do I do with an empty coffin in my lab?" she muttered, resigned to figuring out the disposal later.

In the car, Castle managed to persuade Beckett to meet with Blake Welshley. He wasted no time, using his contacts to get Blake's information and arranging a meeting for the next morning. Beckett, overwhelmed by Castle's swift actions, could only agree to his plan, despite her initial reservations.

Back at the precinct, Beckett reported the recent developments to Captain Montgomery, including the empty coffin, the missing body, and their upcoming meeting with Blake Welshley. Montgomery wasn't pleased.

"Beckett, have you lost your mind?" Montgomery reprimanded. "You're going to meet with the head of the Welshley family based on Castle's wild theory? Do you know how much trouble that could bring us if his guess is wrong? The Welshley family has powerful connections in New York's elite. You can't just drag them into this investigation on a whim!"

Beckett stood her ground. "Sir, remember the Cameron Talbot case? Castle's 'story' cracked him wide open. Every time Castle has one of these 'hunches,' he's proven right. If it weren't for him, I'd sometimes suspect he was behind the crimes himself, given how often he's correct."

Montgomery couldn't argue with Castle's uncanny knack for being right, even if it defied conventional logic.

"Moreover," Beckett continued, "Castle used his personal connections to arrange the meeting with Blake Welshley, so it won't implicate the precinct. And if Castle is right, we might gain the support of a very powerful ally in this investigation. Let's wait until tomorrow's meeting before we make any further judgments."

Montgomery sighed, conceding to Beckett's confidence in Castle's instincts. "Fine, but be careful. The Welshley family isn't to be taken lightly. Make sure you handle this delicately."

With the meeting set, Beckett and Castle prepared for what could be a pivotal moment in uncovering the truth behind Olivia's murder and the potential involvement of the Welshley family.

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