Reborn as Richard Castle in Criminal Minds

Belle was focused on driving when she suddenly heard Castle's shameless words. She almost veered onto the sidewalk. "Damn, I've never met someone so thick-skinned. You went to my long-time crush's place to dig up gossip about us, and now you're proudly telling me about it? Is your face made of composite armor? What gives you the courage to say that to me?"

"Have you gone mad? Or do you think I can't swing a knife anymore?"

Quick-tempered Belle instantly got angry: "Mr. Castle, don't you have anything better to do than gossip all day? Aren't you supposed to be helping the NYPD investigate murders? Why are you suddenly interested in me and Zeus? Are you intentionally causing trouble? I told you about my past with Zeus yesterday, not so you could run to him today and talk about us. Are you crazy???"

Seeing Belle's furious expression in the rearview mirror, Castle quickly pleaded, "Calm down, Belle. You're driving fast. Keep your eyes on the road and let me explain..."

Belle snorted angrily, then returned her gaze to the road ahead: "You better give me a reasonable explanation... or else..."

Castle smiled awkwardly and explained, "You told me yesterday that Zeus has been avoiding his feelings for you because he hasn't been able to make good on his promise to become successful first. Well, I need some trustworthy people for a job soon. It's risky but very rewarding. So, I went to recruit Zeus today! Belle, this is a win-win situation, isn't it?"

Belle wasn't foolish; she was quite sharp. Shortly after meeting Castle, she had helped him and the NYPD capture Vanessa and her gang during their spree in Manhattan. Belle was well aware of Castle's close ties with the NYPD. So, upon hearing Castle's explanation, she grew curious about what he planned to do and why he wanted to recruit Zeus.

From Castle's tone, it seemed like he was proposing something not entirely legal. Didn't he mention there was some risk involved? But more importantly, he also said, "the rewards will be substantial." Belle, ever the money-lover, perked up at those words.

Given what Belle knew about Castle, he wouldn't get Zeus involved in anything illegal. Even if he did propose something questionable, as long as the rewards were substantial and considering Castle's close relationship with the NYPD, Belle wasn't worried about Zeus getting into serious trouble. So, when Castle mentioned this, Belle was already leaning toward having Zeus accept Castle's invitation.

Moreover, Castle, who had a family, money, and status, wouldn't easily get involved in anything too risky, right? At most, it was probably just some of his usual mischief that flirted with the boundaries of the law. Because of her introduction, he saw potential in Zeus's background.

With these thoughts in mind, Belle quickly put away her angry expression and looked at Castle in the rearview mirror with a sycophantic smile: "So, Mr. Castle, how about me? Can I join your team too? You know, I'm a great driver, and there's no place in New York I don't know. I could be very useful!"

Castle was at a loss for words, seeing Belle's enthusiasm at the prospect of making money and her fearlessness towards any potential danger. How could he refuse this eager black woman? He wasn't short of drivers, and he had skills honed from Vanessa's driving mastery. Besides, his plan involved taking down the ruthless Vincent Adler. How could he involve Belle, who interacted with all sorts of people daily? If he brought her in, he wouldn't be able to keep the operation secret, which was crucial for taking down Adler.

Castle had to reluctantly deceive Belle, whose eyes were practically turning into dollar signs: "Belle, what I need Zeus for isn't certain yet. Give it some time, okay? I promise, if there's a spot for you, I'll invite you."

Belle, ever the sharp one, sensed Castle's insincerity but didn't press further. She laughed it off and focused on driving, dropping Castle off at his home.

Castle had barely settled in when he received a call from a disgruntled Harry: "Uncle Rick, I did a preliminary investigation of the warehouse you gave me the address for. Bad news: there are only two surveillance cameras at the front and back entrances. Inside, it's a complete blank. We can't see what Vincent's men are up to inside! I can't just sneak in and install hidden cameras, can I?"

Castle wasn't worried. Vincent and his men weren't ready yet, so he dismissed Harry's suggestion of sneaking in to install cameras. If he did, the overly cautious Vincent might discover them. Why take that risk?

He instructed Harry to maintain surveillance on Vincent's movements and to try hacking their computers. For now, Harry was to lay low. Vincent wasn't ready to search for the submarine yet, so keeping an eye on him was enough. Excessive surveillance might alert the cunning and paranoid Vincent Adler, who was very sensitive to danger. Castle wanted to avoid scaring him off before he retrieved the submarine.

Castle's current setup was perfect. Harry would monitor Vincent's group digitally, while Castle, Neil, and the others continued their usual activities, reducing Vincent's suspicions. This way, the old fox would believe Castle and Neil knew nothing about the music box's secret, allowing him to proceed with salvaging the U-845 submarine full of WWII German treasures off the New York coast.

After assigning Harry's tasks and promising to provide an upgraded drone to replace the one he hastily modified in Brazil, Castle ordered takeout and waited for his daughter to join him for dinner.

The next day, after preparing breakfast for his daughter, Castle grabbed two coffees and headed to the 12th Precinct.

Detective Beckett was surprised to see Castle at the precinct. Usually, after solving a case, he would avoid the precinct for days, knowing she'd be buried in paperwork. So why was he here today?

Handing Beckett a non-fat latte, Castle said, "I have something important to discuss with you and Captain Montgomery…"

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