Chapter 82: The Triumphant Castle

"Then, how are you so sure Jason has dirt on Jeff?"

Beckett wasn't one to be easily convinced, so she asked directly about her biggest doubt.

"I don't know what he has; I just know he has something, though I'm not sure it's Jeff's scandalous photos. Isn't this normal? Don't you think Jeff might also have something on Jason? Politicians—this is just standard procedure for them, isn't it?"

Castle's words, although not completely convincing to the doubtful Beckett, made some sense. Plus, considering that this guy had just tricked Jason into revealing the compromising photos of Congressman Jeff, Beckett couldn't really be mad at Castle.

"Oh, right. According to what Jason just said, he kept these photos just to use them in the campaign against Jeff. So, do you think anyone else might have these photos?"

Castle diverted the topic, drawing Beckett's attention away from himself and back to the case.

"How could there not be? At the very least, the private detective who took those photos might have kept copies, right?"

Sure enough, Beckett's attention was successfully diverted by Castle.

"Let's head back to the precinct first and see if Esposito and Ryan have found anything. This afternoon, we'll visit that private detective and have a chat..."

Beckett was too tired to get angry at Castle's antics, so she just told him to follow her back to the precinct.

Upon returning to the precinct, they found that Esposito and Ryan, who had been investigating whether Jeff had any extramarital affairs, had already returned. As soon as Esposito saw Beckett and Castle step out of the elevator, he excitedly approached them. "Beckett, you pointed us in the right direction. Jeff indeed has a thing for women, but it's not an affair; he has a hobby of privately meeting call girls..."

"Esposito, Beckett and I already know. We even got our hands on some intimate photos of Jeff with a call girl named Tiffany. Surprised?"

Castle interrupted Esposito, leaving him speechless and nearly choking.

"You guys? How did you get those photos of Jeff with the call girl? What's going on?"

Ryan, who followed Esposito, looked at Beckett in confusion. Beckett couldn't help but roll her eyes. "You should ask Castle. It was all his doing. He managed to get these photos from Jeff's opponent, Jason."

After saying this, Beckett didn't want to engage with the three any further and headed straight to Captain Roy Montgomery's office to report the current progress of the investigation. She also needed to request permission to investigate Jeff Horn's widow, Larry Horn, because Castle mentioned that she might replace her husband in the campaign. Without prior approval, any slip-up could bring down the New York Police Department.

Castle saw this as another opportunity to show off. Looking at Esposito and Ryan, who were eagerly waiting for answers, he cleared his throat and began his exaggerated retelling.

Meanwhile, in the captain's office, Captain Roy Montgomery was listening intently to Beckett's report.

"So, you're saying that Castle went with you to see Jeff's opponent, Jason, and got those scandalous photos of Jeff with a call girl?"

"Beckett, do you realize that this could backfire? If Jason wins, how can you be sure he won't retaliate against you?"

Captain Montgomery was concerned about Beckett allowing Castle to trick Jason into handing over the photos.

"Sir, I didn't even get a chance to speak. Castle immediately scared Jason into handing over the photos himself. It has nothing to do with us.

Moreover, with these photos, our investigation direction is now very clear. My plan is to visit the private detective with Castle this afternoon, while Esposito and Ryan bring in this Tiffany woman for questioning.

Sir, I have a feeling we are close to solving this case!"

Captain Roy Montgomery pondered for a moment before looking Beckett in the eyes. "Alright, Beckett. I approve your request to investigate Larry Horn. But remember, you must have solid evidence before taking any action. Since she might replace her deceased husband in the election, we can't afford to give anyone any reason to criticize us. Understood?"

"Yes, sir. Rest assured, we won't give anyone a reason to attack us before gathering sufficient evidence."

After saluting Captain Montgomery, Beckett exited his office.

Outside, Castle was enthusiastically recounting his triumphs to Esposito and Ryan. "…I didn't expect Jason to be so dumb. One bluff and he admitted to hiring a private detective to dig up dirt on Jeff. How about that? Impressive, right?"

"Your bragging skills are certainly impressive..."

Beckett, who had just left the captain's office, couldn't help but throw a sarcastic comment as she walked towards her desk.

Esposito and Ryan stifled their laughter, glancing sympathetically at Castle before dispersing.

Castle, feeling awkward after Beckett's jab, sheepishly followed her to her desk.

"Not going to boast about your glorious achievements anymore?"

Beckett was still upset. Captain Montgomery had reprimanded her due to Castle's recklessness, and now seeing him bragging infuriated her even more. She definitely wasn't going to be nice to him.

Castle knew well that his antics had led to Beckett getting scolded by the captain. However, he was more focused on solving the case quickly. He figured that if they could crack the case today, Beckett would be happy, and her current annoyance would become insignificant.

So, Castle feigned ignorance of Beckett's mood and boldly asked, "We'll go see that private detective next, right? I have a feeling he's the key to breaking this case. Do you think he kept the photos to blackmail Jeff?"

Mentioning the case, Beckett couldn't stay mad. She nodded, "Yes, we can't assume too much about the ethics of a private detective who digs up dirt on people. He might have kept the photos. But we won't know for sure until we question him. And this time, you're not allowed to use any reckless tricks. Got it? Only I'll do the talking!"

Beckett suddenly remembered how angry she still was about Castle's morning antics. She quickly warned him to follow her lead during the investigation.

"Alright, I promise I won't speak out of turn. Happy now?"

"That's more like it..."

Beckett's complaint sounded more like a playful banter to Esposito and Ryan, who were watching from the sidelines. This didn't seem like serious work at all; it was more like flirting!

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