Although the paintings and high-value artworks Sean had handled were all stamped with the Nazi eagle emblem, they were nothing compared to the masterpieces Castle still had in his private vault—the ones taken from Adam's collection and the Freemason treasure hoard.
For example, the Nazi-looted paintings mostly came from 17th-, 18th-, and 19th-century artists, while Adam's collection contained works that were hundreds of years older.
The quality gap was massive—a few centuries' worth of difference in artistic and historical value.
And as for the Freemason treasure paintings?
Castle didn't even dare consider selling them.
Who knew if the Freemasons had detailed records of every artwork and artifact in their possession?
Even after two hundred years, Castle wasn't willing to take that gamble.
However, Neil's suggestion did remind Castle of something else—
The Freemason treasure hidden under Mount Rushmore.
Unlike the paintings, this particular treasure hoard was pure gold.
Of course, Castle wasn't in a rush.
According to Jarvis, who had been monitoring Ben Gates, the historian was still nowhere near discovering the Rushmore gold stash.
After Castle interfered with Gates' original quest—having Beckett intercept his findings before he could reach the Freemasons—Gates lost the organization's support.
As a result, he hadn't made much progress.
So, for now, Castle didn't have to worry about it.
His priority was dealing with Neil's gallery idea.
---
Since only three people were present, and Kate already knew about their past dealings—especially the black-market Nazi loot—Castle spoke frankly:
"Neil, those paintings aren't something we can sell anytime soon."
"Some of them are simply too historically significant to find the right buyers. Others are so high-profile that even trying to sell them could get both of us into serious trouble."
While Castle kept his wording somewhat vague, Neil immediately understood the implications.
But what really made him uneasy was that Castle hadn't given a clear answer about the gallery itself.
Seeing the normally self-assured Neil Caffrey looking uncertain, Castle chuckled and finally responded:
"Look, if you just want a legitimate gallery—a way to keep your painting skills sharp while keeping your hands clean—then sure, I think it's a great idea."
"At the very least, it's something you and Kate both genuinely love. Even if it's just to pass the time, or serve as your official career, it makes sense."
"But… are you sure this is what you want? And more importantly—where are you going to source the artwork?"
Neil grinned.
"Buddy, you forget—I have connections at the New York Academy of Art. Plenty of students are eager to sell their 'masterpieces' for some quick cash."
"And don't forget, I already have my own private collection. Between my existing inventory and fresh pieces from rising artists, I'll have no shortage of supply."
Castle blinked.
This bastard had already made all the preparations?
He wasn't asking for advice—he was just waiting for Castle to confirm what he already knew.
Castle shook his head with a laugh.
"So, what—you were gonna open the gallery anyway? If I said no, would you have canceled your contracts with those student artists?"
Neil grinned wider.
"Rick, come on—you know you were always gonna say yes. You're too predictable."
Castle sighed dramatically.
"Damn it, if I knew you were this prepared, I should've rejected it out of spite."
Then, he changed the subject.
"But seriously, Neil… are you really ready to have a kid? Because that is a way better idea than the gallery. I fully support this decision!"
Neil glanced at Kate—
The woman he had once escaped prison for.
Then, for the first time, he spoke with absolute certainty:
"You know, back when I was teaching Alexis art history, I always thought it would be nice to have a daughter like her."
"But after seeing John and Gianna's kid, and now your big chubby son, I'm finally starting to get it."
"If a guy like John Wick can become a devoted father, then why not me?"
Kate's entire face lit up.
Her eyes sparkled with joy, and before anyone could say anything else, she pulled Neil into a deep kiss—
Which forced Castle to awkwardly clear his throat and mutter:
"Ahem. Guys. We're having a serious discussion here. Can we, uh, focus?"
---
That night, the Christmas Eve banquet at Castle's estate was unexpectedly lively.
Not only did he invite his closest friends and family, but he also allowed his bodyguards—many of whom had relocated their families from Russia—to bring their wives and children to the party.
Even though Russians typically celebrated Christmas on January 7th, Castle convinced them to "adapt to local customs."
A professional event company handled all the logistics, leaving Castle with only one responsibility—signing the bill at the end of the night.
Tonight was for festivities.
Tomorrow, it would be just him and his family.
---
Later that evening, Jo Martinez and Henry Morgan arrived at the estate—following Beckett, who had just gotten off work.
Jo quickly pulled Castle aside and delivered a piece of concerning news:
"Rick, I need to talk to you privately."
Once they were alone, she dropped the bombshell:
"We just intercepted intel suggesting that Turkey, along with Japan and India, is secretly planning to target you."
Castle's eyebrows shot up.
"Wait—what?! The same Turkey that's currently fighting a brutal war against British- and U.S.-backed Kurdish forces? The same Turkey that just quit NATO?"
"Where the hell is this coming from? Jarvis hasn't detected anything like this!"
Jo sighed.
"You forgot, Rick—we still have a Turkish spy in custody."
"Since the CIA, NSA, and DSS are all cracking down on Turkish intelligence operations in the U.S., we managed to capture one of their deep-cover agents last night in Texas."
"Before we raided his safehouse, he had just received new orders—to start gathering intel on you and your family."
Castle's expression darkened.
"Why?"
Jo leaned in.
"Because Japan and India both suffered humiliating losses against you."
"And this whole diplomatic mess? It started because Turkey wanted to steal tech from you. So now, in the eyes of these three governments—you are the 'common enemy.'"
Castle felt his blood boil.
"So let me get this straight… Japan, India, and Turkey got steamrolled by the U.S. and the UK…"
"And now, instead of challenging the real powers responsible, they're trying to come after me?"
Jo nodded.
"That's exactly it. You're a softer target compared to the U.S. government, and they're looking for someone to blame."
Castle gritted his teeth.
"Oh, you motherf—"
Jo wasn't done.
"One more thing—the reason Jarvis didn't detect this? They're using paper documents and physical couriers instead of digital communication."
Castle's jaw dropped.
"They're using handwritten orders in 2024?!"
Jo shrugged.
"It's because we've been too good at intercepting their digital communications. They're adapting."
Castle ran a hand through his hair.
"Fine. They wanna play this game? Let's see who gets the last laugh."
______
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