Chapter 149: Doubts

Esposito and Ryan nodded, taking the photo from Beckett and collecting all the other photos on the wall, packing them up before leaving. This left only Beckett and Castle in Aislika's room. Beckett turned to see Castle examining a pile of letters on a small table.

Seizing the moment, Beckett voiced her suspicions about Castle's odd behavior. "Castle, why do I feel like you're not as involved as before? It seems like you're deliberately handing the investigation lead back to me. Why? Explain yourself!"

Without lifting his head from the letters, Castle responded candidly, "It's simple. I realized that I've been overshadowing you in our partnership. After all, I'm not a cop, and I can't always be by your side. Eventually, you might become too reliant on me, and what would you do then? Today's case, seeing the victim, reminded me of the impermanence of life. I decided I shouldn't overshadow your talents."

Beckett scoffed at Castle's explanation. "Do you really think you're that indispensable? And do you think I'm that dependent on you?"

Despite her words, Beckett felt a twinge of acknowledgment. She realized she had indeed become quite reliant on Castle's unique insights. Yet, his words made her uncomfortable, prompting her to retort defensively.

Castle smiled mildly, unfazed by Beckett's reaction. He continued, "You know I'm a writer. I love solving cases with you, but I'm not a police officer. I can't always be with you. In the first two months, I wanted to prove my worth, to show I wouldn't be a hindrance. Now that you've seen my capabilities, I want to step back into a true 'consultant' role. Don't worry, if I find something important, I'll still tell you. I just won't take the lead as I used to."

He added, "Also, I'm committed to supporting your career. I want to help you climb the ranks within the NYPD. Consider it a gift from me, and a way to maintain close ties with the police. But my support will be limited to you, Esposito, Ryan, and Captain Montgomery. Don't doubt my determination and ability. Let's focus on solving this case now and bringing justice to the victim."

Beckett felt a wave of relief, realizing Castle wasn't abandoning her. His unconventional thinking and mysterious sources had significantly boosted their case-solving efficiency. She wasn't ready to give that up. Castle's reassurance that he would still provide key insights was enough for her. As for his offer to help her rise within the police ranks, that was not her immediate concern.

At that moment, Castle pulled out a letter from the pile, handing it to Beckett. "Take a look at this. It seems to be a DNA comparison report."

The discovery piqued Beckett's interest. She eagerly took the letter from Castle, which was from Madeline DNA Testing Laboratory. The letter mentioned receiving two DNA samples from Aislika but didn't specify whose samples they were. The results were due in five days, and the postmark indicated the letter was sent four days ago. This meant the report would be ready tomorrow.

"Do you think Aislika's death is related to this DNA test?" Beckett asked.

Castle shrugged. "I don't know, but we'll find out when we get the report tomorrow."

Although Castle didn't spell it out, Beckett had a strong premonition that Aislika's death was linked to this DNA test. She glanced at Castle, who was still pretending to be oblivious, knowing full well he had given her a crucial lead.

Castle had known that the key to solving the case lay in finding out about the DNA test that Aislika had conducted. In the original show, it was this very letter that sparked Beckett's suspicion. While Castle had resolved to let Beckett lead, he couldn't help providing timely hints.

Beckett, now satisfied with the new lead, decided not to waste any more time. She called Castle and prepared to return to the precinct to see if Esposito and Ryan had found any information on the victim's identity and her husband.

As soon as they returned to the precinct, Esposito approached with a file. "I just checked the immigration database and found Aislika Sokol's information. She immigrated from the Czech Republic five years ago with her husband, Theodor Hayek. He has a history of violence and currently works in the kitchen of a restaurant on 47th Street. They had a son who died a year and a half ago. That's all we have for now. Should we bring in her husband for questioning?"

Beckett took the file and reviewed it. She was puzzled. Aislika had indeed had a son who died, but whose DNA was she comparing with hers? Feeling there were still too many unanswered questions, she agreed with Esposito's suggestion. "Esposito, take Ryan and bring Theodor Hayek in. We need to talk to him and understand more about the victim. Be cautious; since Aislika lived alone, her husband could be the killer. Stay safe."

Esposito and Ryan left to carry out their task, while Beckett focused on the file, still perplexed by the DNA test. Could Aislika have suspected something about her child?

Castle, standing by and observing Beckett's thought process, felt a sense of satisfaction. Even without his active interference, Beckett was following the right path. This reassured him that his decision to step back was correct. Beckett's experience and instincts would lead her to the truth.

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