Reborn as an American Writer

Beckett had experienced firsthand during her past collaborations with Castle that his seemingly outlandish ideas often hit the mark. Despite their absurdity, his conclusions usually proved accurate. So, when Castle mentioned having a different perspective on the case she was currently investigating, Beckett's attention was immediately captured.

Though Castle had decided not to prematurely solve Beckett's cases as he had before, he didn't mind using his knowledge of the storyline and foresight to guide her investigation in the right direction. So, after gaining Beckett's attention, he didn't hesitate to share his thoughts: "I think it's highly unlikely this case is a crime of passion. If it were the wife or fiancée who killed the victim, why would they come to the precinct and stage a dramatic scene over him?"

Beckett listened intently and raised her own question: "Why wouldn't they? It could be to mislead our investigation."

Castle laughed: "But coming to the precinct would make them the first suspects, especially in your eyes. If one of them was the killer, wouldn't they be walking into a trap? I think this case isn't about a crime of passion but rather about the victim's sudden departure from his longtime job to join a competing company under a false name. That seems very suspicious to me.

Look, his wife and kids live in Connecticut, and his home is there. Why would he come to New York, so far from his family, for work? Moreover, the company he joined claims to have the world's most advanced battery recycling technology, which has significantly cut into the market share of his former employer. Don't you find that suspicious?"

Beckett frowned: "You mean he left his job at the environmental company in Connecticut to join this New York recycling company with a specific purpose?"

Castle spread his hands nonchalantly: "I don't know. That's for your investigation to determine. I'm just saying his moving to New York might not be solely to get engaged to another woman. Also, Ryan mentioned that his fiancée is the chief researcher at this recycling company? This is getting more interesting!"

Although Castle didn't explicitly accuse anyone, his implications were clear. Beckett, already accustomed to Castle's uncanny predictions, didn't underestimate his insight. She immediately stood up, grabbed the phone on her desk, and called Esposito, instructing him and Ryan to investigate Sam Park's previous work history. She also told them to take advantage of the presence of the victim's wife and fiancée at the precinct to question them about the victim's past job and his activities since joining the New York recycling company.

Beckett then turned to Castle and said, "Let's go to the New York recycling company that claims to have the world's most advanced battery recycling technology and see if we can learn anything from the victim's employer."

Castle eagerly followed, stopping briefly at Captain Montgomery's office to inform him about the gift he had brought back from Brazil, which was now on Esposito's desk, before catching up with Beckett.

Fully aware of the entire situation, Castle had a new approach. He realized that guiding Beckett's investigation was more enjoyable and beneficial than outright solving the case for her. So, even though he knew the true killer and the motive, he restrained himself and joined Beckett in following the proper investigative procedures.

However, after they left the office of the New York recycling company's boss, Carl Borg, without gaining any useful information, Castle couldn't resist giving Beckett another hint: "Don't you think Carl Borg's boasting about his company's so-called advanced battery recycling technology seems a bit dubious? You know, battery recycling is a lucrative business. How did they develop such technology?"

Beckett, recalling Carl Borg's comments about the victim, looked at Castle in surprise: "You think Borg lied to us?"

Castle, not wanting to give too much away, replied reluctantly: "I don't know, but I do know that developing such technology would require a very talented researcher. I haven't met the victim's fiancée, so I can't judge, but would someone capable of creating such technology be content working quietly at this company? These are questions you need to answer."

Beckett, realizing Castle had given her a lot of new leads, couldn't help but feel irritated. She had noticed that Castle seemed different today, less talkative than usual. It dawned on her that Castle was trying to keep his promise from their last case, to let her take the lead in the investigation. While she appreciated the sentiment, she was more focused on solving the case and catching the killer.

Detecting that Castle had more insights but was holding back, Beckett, always sharp and decisive, stopped and sternly asked, "Tell me, do you have any new findings? Stop with the hints and just say it."

Caught by Beckett's sharp gaze, Castle smiled sheepishly: "Ah, you caught me. You asked for it..."

Beckett, not in the mood for games, snapped: "Spill it, or else!"

Feigning fear, Castle reluctantly shared his thoughts: "I think the fact that the victim suddenly left his job and joined this company under a false name is very telling. His former company lost a lot of market share to this New York company. Could it be that he was sent here to steal their technology? If so, who sent him? We need to find out."

Beckett, now seeing the connection, realized: "You think Sam was sent by his old company as a spy? And someone from the New York company found out and killed him to silence him?"

Castle shrugged: "I don't know for sure, but it's worth investigating."

Beckett, appreciating Castle's attempt to respect her lead but still wanting the truth, said meaningfully: "In the future, just say what you mean. I'm not so petty as to hold it against you if it helps solve the case."

Castle, grinning cheekily, replied: "Got it, I'll remember that."

Beckett, familiar with Castle's antics, didn't take his nonchalance to heart. She knew if Castle had something important, he couldn't keep it to himself for long. But his willingness to change his approach out of respect for her was something she found very satisfying. It showed he valued her opinion and her role in the investigation.

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