Chapter 84: Henry Joins the Team

On the way home, Meredith wouldn't stop talking in Castle's ear. Alexis, sitting in the back seat, kept giving her dad pleading looks, signaling him not to get angry with her mom. Castle, completely at a loss dealing with Meredith, who is Alexis's biological mother, could only nod and let her words go in one ear and out the other, trying not to listen to her endless chatter.

After enduring a difficult trip home, Castle could no longer bear staying and listening to his ex-wife's ramblings about her Southeast Asia trip. He quickly explained to his daughter that he had an unresolved murder case involving a congressman and needed to go back to the precinct. Without delay, he escaped out of his house.

Castle didn't return to the precinct. Beckett was more than capable of handling Larry Horn, and Castle believed she wouldn't hold out long against Beckett's relentless questioning and airtight evidence chain. Larry would likely soon confess her crimes and implicate their campaign manager, Nesbitt, as Jeff's murderer. Thus, Castle decided to use this time, prompted by Meredith's presence, to seek out Henry and form their team.

Before starting his car, Castle called Abraham to check if Henry was home. Abraham confirmed that Henry was at home planning Abigail's funeral. With this assurance, Castle enthusiastically drove away, escaping Meredith's clutches.

Feeling the light of completing his system task, Castle sped to Henry and Abraham's home. Before getting out of the car, he reviewed his pitch to Henry one last time, ensuring there were no holes. Given his recent help in avenging Henry, he felt confident Henry wouldn't refuse. With determination, Castle got out of the car and entered Abraham's antique shop.

"Rick, welcome! Henry is upstairs; you can go up yourself. I need to watch the shop," Abraham warmly greeted him.

Castle hugged the enthusiastic Abraham and mentioned he had arranged for someone to handle the artworks. After agreeing to let Abraham visit Adam's house to select a few treasures for his collection, Castle headed upstairs to talk to Henry.

Henry, hearing Castle's arrival, was already smiling and waiting at the top of the stairs.

"Rick, what brings you here today?"

Henry handed Castle a freshly brewed cup of coffee. After Castle sat on the sofa and took a sip, Henry asked.

"Yes, Henry, I came to seek your help. I need your forensic expertise..."

Castle went straight to the point, not wanting Henry to think he was taking advantage of their friendship, but emphasizing Henry's professional skills.

Henry, having regained his usual calm and elegance, took a sip of his coffee and smiled faintly. "Rick, there's no need to be so formal. You know I wouldn't refuse to help you with anything."

Without further ado, Castle explained his purpose. "Henry, you know Beckett. The reason I'm here is related to her."

"Oh? Detective Beckett? Tell me, and I'll do my best to help."

Henry, hearing it involved Beckett, and knowing Castle's usual behavior around her, misunderstood, thinking Castle wanted help pursuing her. He immediately agreed to help with anything.

Castle, noticing Henry's mischievous smile, realized the misunderstanding but didn't correct it. After all, he did have feelings for Beckett. This misunderstanding might even help him recruit Henry for their unnamed team. 

"Henry, what I'm about to tell you must remain between us, including Beckett. We can't let her know what we're investigating until we have solid leads."

Henry, puzzled by Castle's seriousness, nodded for him to continue.

Castle carefully chose his words and began, "Henry, ten years ago, Beckett's mother was killed while investigating a police corruption case. The official report labeled it a robbery-homicide, but I have reasons to believe otherwise. Since becoming Beckett's partner, I've been looking into her past, and I think there's more to her mother's murder. However, I lack the forensic expertise to prove it, which is why I need your help."

Henry, after hearing the brief introduction, frowned. "Rick, you're saying you've been secretly investigating Beckett's mother's case without her knowledge? Won't she see it as an invasion of privacy?"

"No, Henry. My gut tells me there's a powerful group behind her mother's murder. Beckett hasn't given up; she just couldn't pursue it further due to dead ends. She still wants justice. I've uncovered some information that could help us, but until I gain Beckett's full trust, I can't tell her everything. So, I need your help!"

Henry, convinced by Castle's reasoning, nodded slowly but asked, "What do you need me to do?"

Castle, confident in his plan, smiled. "Henry, I propose we form a secret team. I'll gather leads and retrieve Beckett's mother's case files, while you handle the forensic reanalysis. We need to find solid evidence to overturn the robbery-homicide ruling and reopen the case. Will you join me?"

Henry smiled. "Of course, Rick, I'm in..."

As Henry agreed, Castle heard the system notification confirming the team formation. Ignoring the system's rewards, Castle gravely warned Henry.

"Henry, based on what I've found, the forces behind this case are likely more powerful than we expect. We must maintain secrecy and be cautious for our safety."

Henry, amused, replied, "Rick, do you think I worry about my safety?"

For an immortal like Henry, Castle's concerns were almost laughable...

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