Sitting in the car with Castle driving, John had been quietly observing Castle's various bold maneuvers. Castle had arranged for the chubby guy to anonymously report the unfortunate congressman, then called Moz to rush to the Manhattan FBI office posing as Neil's lawyer to accompany him during the FBI questioning. The question that had been lingering in John's mind finally spilled out: "Rick, I can't help but feel that ever since you insisted on coming with me to take revenge on the Tanasov family, you've changed a lot."
Castle's heart skipped a beat at John's words. He knew that his behavior over the past six months had finally aroused suspicion among those around him, especially someone as observant as John. Despite his usual cold and quiet demeanor, John had an exceptional ability to notice things—a skill that had once earned him the title of the world's best assassin. Castle knew he was different from the old "Richard Castle," as his soul was now that of a transmigrator from another world. He was no longer the original Castle.
Castle had been trying hard to conceal the differences between himself and the old Castle. For instance, when he infiltrated Vincent Adler's warehouse the other day, he could have done so without any underwater breathing apparatus, thanks to a skill rewarded by the System that allowed him to breathe underwater. However, knowing that Gianna, the chubby guy, and Moz were observing the whole operation with drones, Castle decided to use a regular diving kit to avoid raising suspicions.
But today, his actions—particularly using a sniper rifle to take out Vincent Adler—had aroused John's doubts. John had taught Castle how to use a handgun and some combat techniques but had never taught him how to use a sniper rifle. Yet, today, Castle had hit Vincent Adler from over a thousand meters away almost simultaneously with John. Though Castle had aimed for Vincent's torso for a higher chance of a hit, and considering the destructive power of the McMillan TAC-50 anti-materiel sniper rifle, hitting any part of the body would have been lethal. This precise shot was what made John suspicious.
However, because John considered Castle a very close friend, he had kept his doubts to himself until now.
Faced with John's question, Castle, whose acting skills were now on par with any top Hollywood actor, didn't panic at all. Instead, he gave John a mischievous sideways glance: "Come on, man, people are supposed to grow and change. Did you really expect me to stay the same old carefree guy, always treating everything like a joke? Don't forget, this time it's serious. If we hadn't taken out Vincent and muddied the waters, what do you think would happen once our involvement was exposed? The consequences would be dire!
Take that treasure, for example. You know how greedy Uncle Sam is. If the FBI finds out the treasure is in our hands, you and Gianna might be safe, but Neil, Moz, the chubby guy, Alex, and I are as good as dead. Do you think the FBI would hesitate to do whatever it takes to get their hands on that treasure?"
John knew all too well the unscrupulous nature of the federal government. In fact, his earlier remark wasn't about doubting whether Castle had been replaced by someone else or questioning Castle's newfound sniper skills. It was more of a reflection on how efficiently Castle had handled everything after taking out Vincent—like remembering the hidden cameras in the warehouse only after killing Vincent. Without missing a beat, Castle had instructed Gianna to have her agile subordinates reroute the surveillance signals to a receiver at the congressman's estate, thus diverting attention from themselves and framing the clueless congressman. It was this kind of tactical thinking that had prompted John's remark.
Castle's momentary tension stemmed from the fact that he harbored a massive secret—he was a transmigrator. But his anxiety only lasted a second, as his reflexes, honed by months of living this dual life, quickly kicked in, and he successfully convinced John with a perfectly plausible explanation.
With John's suspicions now allayed, the two of them continued their casual conversation as they drove towards Long Island. On the way, they were overtaken by a convoy of black SUVs flashing police lights and blaring sirens—the FBI team led by Neil's former partner, Peter Burke. Peter had received orders from his superior, Hughes, to head to the congressman's estate in Long Island, where Vincent Adler had been hiding out. Given that Vincent had used the estate as a hideout, the congressman was already in deep trouble. Moreover, Peter had just learned that the surveillance camera signals had been traced back to that estate. Coupled with the fact that Vincent had been assassinated by snipers before he could be properly taken into custody, the congressman's motive for silencing Vincent was glaringly obvious.
Although Castle and John had left the warehouse shortly after taking out Vincent, Peter's team, with their flashing lights, had now overtaken them on the road.
Watching the FBI convoy speed past, Castle quipped, "FBI agents sure have it easy! If this were a case in Beckett's 12th Precinct, they'd need a top-level warrant from New York's highest court just to search a congressman's estate, right? But look at the Feds—they don't need any of that, and they've got a Justice Department rep tagging along to boot. Man, being a Fed is something else…"
John's usually cold expression softened into a bemused smile at Castle's words. Come on, man, do you think the Justice Department rep would be involved if not for your scheming to get Neil his pardon? And it's not just that—those guys came here hoping to get a share of the treasure, but you beat them to it, took out Vincent, and still have the nerve to joke about how unlucky they are? The biggest troublemaker here is you!
John no longer felt the sense of admiration he had earlier about his friend's newfound resolve. Instead, he realized that Castle was still the same cheeky guy he'd always been, just with a bit more ruthlessness and decisiveness. But that mischievous nature was still very much intact, making John want to smack him in the head, even though he couldn't help but appreciate the change.
Reassured that his friend was still the same old Castle, albeit slightly evolved, John decided to ignore him and closed his eyes to get some rest. Seeing this, Castle knew he had successfully dispelled John's doubts. Now was the perfect time to mess with his high-strung, cool friend a little.
Just as John closed his eyes, Castle began to tease him. "John, have you and Gianna had an ultrasound to check if it's a boy or a girl?"
John opened his eyes, confused, and turned to look at Castle, not understanding the sudden question.
Seeing that he had caught John's attention, Castle laughed. "I'm just saying, whether it's a boy or a girl, Gianna's father will definitely see them as the next heir to the D'Antonio family. But John, are you ready for that…"
Castle's eerie tone made the former world's top assassin a bit uncomfortable. He rubbed his hands together, looking at Castle with a puzzled expression, unsure of what his friend was getting at.
Enjoying the moment, Castle continued cheerfully, "You can empty a magazine in three seconds, but how quickly can you change a diaper? I'm telling you, man, 90% of new dads freak out the first time they see their baby's poop…"
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