Chapter 134: The Big Fish

Neal didn't let himself linger in his memories for too long. With Castle and Mozzie, two concerned friends, watching him with worry, he couldn't bear to make them anxious for too long. With strong self-control, Neal regained his composure, ready to face the difficult information and the deep-seated issues surrounding Vincent Adler, the man who had been both a mentor and an enigma in his life.

Neal took his eyes off the ceiling, sipped his wine, and managed a faint smile at Castle and Mozzie. "I was just overwhelmed by the fact that Vincent orchestrated all of this. I lost control for a moment, but it's nothing to worry about."

Mozzie, having experienced Vincent's formidable presence firsthand, voiced his concerns quickly. "Neal, ever since Vincent disappeared after his Ponzi scheme eight years ago, taking ten billion dollars with him, he's been off the radar. Why reappear now, and why use Kate to threaten you? The file says he's using Kate to force you to hand over something you stole. What could be so crucial to him? What should we do now?"

Castle interjected, "Neal, Mozzie, shouldn't our first priority be finding Kate? Once we get her back, the federal agent and Vincent Adler will have to come out of hiding if they want to achieve their goals. This way, we won't have to guess their intentions."

Castle's words snapped Neal and Mozzie out of their anxious speculation. Yes, instead of guessing Vincent's motives, they should use the intelligence from Barry Street to locate Kate. Even if Kate didn't know exactly what Vincent wanted, she might have insight into what the agent Fuller was seeking as leverage.

The thought of finding Kate spurred Neal into action. He stood up, ready to leave, but Castle and Mozzie stopped him. "Neal, you can't go. First, the file states that Fuller is constantly watching Kate. Second, Kate is in Queens, and your ankle monitor restricts you to a two-mile radius from Times Square. You don't want the FBI monitoring your movements to find out you've left your allowed area, right?

Finally, I think it's best if Mozzie and I go. Mozzie can gain Kate's trust, and I can drive, ensuring we lose any tails, whether it's Fuller or someone Vincent sent. I'm a great driver and can shake off anyone following us. That way, you'll have enough time to talk with Kate."

Neal remained silent after Castle's suggestion, but Mozzie agreed. "Neal, Rick's right. Your ankle monitor restricts you, and even if you could get to Queens, it's not wise to approach Kate directly while she's under surveillance. Rick's plan is more practical. I can persuade Kate to come with us, and Rick's driving skills will ensure we lose any tails. This is our best option right now."

Neal looked at Castle with hope. "Rick, when will you and Mozzie go to find Kate? Now?"

Seeing Neal's urgency, Castle couldn't refuse. He glanced at Mozzie, who shrugged. "Now works. We might catch the federal agent off guard. But Rick, what if Fuller stops us from taking Kate? Are we going to confront him directly?"

Castle laughed, "No need to confront him. If you can get Kate to trust you and come with us, I'll make sure we lose him. The problem is if Fuller uses his authority to cause trouble for Neal within the FBI. Remember, Fuller works in the FBI's Internal Affairs division. He could easily make things difficult for Neal. Neal, after talking to Kate, you should consider informing Peter Burke about this situation. How you explain it is up to you."

Castle's timely reminder brought clarity to Neal's heated mind. Indeed, Castle was right. With the current situation, if Fuller decided to retaliate using his position, Neal could end up back in prison. Informing Peter was a necessary precaution to avoid being caught off guard by Fuller's potential actions.

While Neal pondered Castle's advice, Mozzie added, "Neal, think about how we'll handle the pressure from Fuller and Vincent once we have Kate back. Rick and I will head to Queens now to see if we can bring her back tonight. According to Barry Street's intel, Kate isn't physically restrained but threatened with harm to herself and you. If I can talk to her, I'll convince her to come with us. Let's go, Rick."

To Castle's surprise, Mozzie was the most decisive in this situation. Castle smiled at Neal, trying to reassure him. "Don't worry, Neal. We'll bring Kate back safely. Think about how you'll handle Vincent's next moves."

Without waiting for Neal's response, Castle followed Mozzie out, leaving Neal to contemplate his and Kate's future.

Once in the car, Mozzie spoke up, "Rick, do you realize what you're getting into? Eight years ago, Vincent disappeared with ten billion dollars. He's powerful and dangerous. His interest in whatever Neal has means it's incredibly valuable. Are you sure you want to get involved? As Neal's friend, I couldn't ask this in front of him, but you've done more than enough already. Without your help, Barry Street wouldn't have found Kate. You don't need to risk more."

Castle understood Mozzie's concern, recognizing the genuine friendship in his warning. Starting the car, Castle looked seriously at Mozzie. "Mozzie, you see me as a real friend. So why wouldn't I, seeing you and Neal as true friends, want to help? Knowing the danger you both face, how could I back out now?"

Castle couldn't reveal his ulterior motive involving a system task, so he portrayed himself as a loyal friend, committed to their cause. Mozzie, unaware of Castle's hidden agenda, believed Castle's words. Moved by what he perceived as Castle's sincerity, Mozzie felt the need to caution his friend.

"Rick, because we are friends, I must remind you. Vincent is no ordinary opponent. He has immense resources and connections. I don't want to see you get caught in his web just out of loyalty. This isn't just about Neal and me. I don't want your life disrupted by this."

Castle appreciated Mozzie's concern but was determined to stay involved, driven by both friendship and his hidden agenda. "Thanks, Mozzie. I understand the risks, but I'm in this with you guys. We'll face Vincent together."

With that, they drove towards Queens, prepared to face the challenges ahead and determined to bring Kate back safely.

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