Chapter 4
A few hours earlier...
Walter looks down at his hands. They are covered with blood. There is so much blood. He was only trying to see if he could save her. He is too late in doing anything. He is not going to stay here any longer than necessary. He is a lying cheat plus for lack of a better phrase, a con man, but a murderer he's not. He knows that the cops would be the first to look at him for this crime. So, he decides to follow that the primal fear that now grips him. He leaves the scene quickly. Quickly rushing to the bathroom, he scrubs off the drying blood. Finally, after several minutes of vigorous scrubbing and using hydrogen peroxide he is satisfied with his appearance. All of the blood is gone from his hands, even from under his fingernails.
He pours the rest of the large bottle of hydrogen peroxide over the sink, removing any trace of blood. He hopes he has removed every small trace. Calming down, he critically looks over the bathroom. He observes that everything looks normal. Well, as normal as things are before she had been killed, that is.
As he gives the place the once over one last time while he is standing at the front door. He believes that he has removed any indication that he was ever there. He walks down the hallway, then steps up to the elevator. He presses the down button. He waits for the elevator to arrive. As the doors open he sees an older couple start towards him trying to get off the car. He forgets himself and then moves to the right to let them pass. He wonders curiously as they both turn towards Helen's condo. He hesitates for a second watching as they walk in the direction he just came. There is only one condo before hers. He hopes they are not going to meet with her. He is halfway into the elevator when he sees them stop at the door next to Helen's. The older man draws out the keys to the condo, then opens the door. They both disappear from view by entering the unit.
Stepping the rest of the way onto the elevator, he breathes a sigh of relief. That was to too close. Much too close if he thinks about it. He rides the elevator to the lobby, then exits the elevator. He scans the lobby only finding the doorman who is helping a woman with her purchases from a major department store. He slips out of the side door and hopefully the doorman does not see him. He hurries along Springfield Avenue in Newark heading east towards NJPAC*. As he walks, he passes a TV/electronics shop and peers into the window. What catches his eye is a handsome (maybe even ruggedly handsome) man on a talk show. Ellen, he thinks. He is promoting his private detective agency. Walter recognizes who it is immediately. It is Martha's boy Richard Castle.
He has heard Rick was working with the NYPD. However this is a new development. Rick is opening his own PI firm? Well, he knows that Rick was sharp. A bit too sharp that is why he took pains to isolate Martha from her family. He was not even present at their wedding. Walter took some pride in having the wedding precisely when Rick was on a massive book tour. He had calculated to the nth degree when to close the trap on her. Now Walter sees his own face on a video.
"Damn that social media, the cops will be after me for sure." He thinks.
Watching the screen, after seeing his face splashed across the screen the talk show resumes. Ellen reminds Rick to inform the viewers to get in touch with him. Rick quickly corrects himself, then rattles off the number. The TV show also does a screen crawl showing his number too. Walter types the number, then waits for an answer.
Xx
Kate has one thing on her mind as she drives to federal plaza the headquarters for the FBI. She wonders why Will had dropped the ball in Maratha's case. He had been back in New York from Boston for about a year, but not before stopping at the San Francisco field office for a short time first to work a high-profile kidnapping that ended in the perp being caught and the 5-year-old being returned safely to her parents. She pulls up to a parking spot, then secures her car. She walks to the security kiosk to receive her access ID to allow her to see him.
"Hi, I'm Detective Beckett would you please direct me to Agent Will Sorenson's office?" She asks.
He looks at her badge, then looks at the computer. He gives Kate directions, then she leaves. She heads to the elevator bank then waits for the elevator to arrive. Within minutes she arrives at the 14th floor. Exiting the elevator, she heads to his office. Not paying attention to where she is going. She runs headfirst into a female agent knocking her off her feet.
"Oh, I am so sorry are you hurt? I didn't see you…" Kate apologizes profusely as she helps up the agent.
"No, I'm fine… Detective Beckett, I presume?" She asks.
"Yes, I didn't know I was so recognizable?" Kate says laughingly.
"You are sort of famous around here" The agent smiles. "Will brags about you all the time. You single-handedly took down that evil Senator Bracken… talk about a snake. He was about to make a run for the presidency. You did the country a service putting him away."
"Yeah…I did not do that all by myself…" Kate says getting her bearings, then moving toward Will's office as the other agent tags along.
"Yeah, I know your husband Richard Castle helped." She says. "Well Will is waiting for you. Please visit us again."
The agent departs. Kate did not even look at her id to get her name. Rick is going to be thrilled to hear she has a LEO groupie.
Kate raised her hand to knock.
"Come in." The agent in charge says.
Kate enters the office. Will looks at her with a feeling of what he has lost.
"Kate… It is surprising to learn you were coming here to have a visit!" he says offering her a chair with his hand.
"Forget the small talk Will. I'm here to talk about a case that you mishandled in early 2005 in the beginning of April." Kate says.
"Wait a minute April 2005? That's about the time I took the promotion and left for Boston. What case are you referring?" He asks. "Oh yes, congrats on getting hitched and your big bust. So, the writer monkey finally caught you, eh?"
Kate looks at her hand as she brings up her left hand to her forehead exposing her wedding band.
"So you saw that, huh?" Kate smirks.
"That I did. Kate, I am a trained investigator, remember." He says. "I can tell even back then he was good for you. I am glad that the chase between the two of you is over."
"Wait Will, were you in that pool too?" Kate asks totally flabbergasted.
"Yeah, it was quite popular here too. You would not believe that you have a fan club dedicated all to you. When I went to Vegas there were even odds you would bolt." He says with a grin.
"I hear you might be the biggest of all the fans?" Kate asks.
"Well, knowing you. It has not hurt my career at all. I'm now Special Agent in Charge." Will says.
"Yes, I saw the sign as I entered. So, Will, what about this case?" Kate says steering the conversation back to the reason she has appeared.
"Okay, what is the case number?" Will asks as he types in the number supplied by Demming's report.
He reads the file, then he grows angry.
"Kate I'm so sorry. This case was dropped on me the day I was supposed to leave. The Special Agent in Charge just told me to do the interview. Which I did here are the notes and the picture the victim gave me. It shows it was never reassigned after I left. I'm so sorry Kate. That last Special Agent in Charge left a very bad mess. It's the one I've been cleaning up since I arrived back here in New York." Will apologizes.
"Wait Will, are you telling me if I did not ever bring this to your attention this victim would continue being preyed upon by your system? Where is the burning desire to bring justice for the victim? She was robbed of everything!" Kate explodes.
"I get that you're angry…The best I can do is reassign it now." Will says as he calls his secretary.
"Margaret, please get Agent Carter in here!" Will says then hangs up.
"So Will, can I get your insight on what you think happened with this case?"
Xx
Ryan is at the 12th precinct being a bit bored. Kate was off on her break. He was supposed to be too, but he picked up Karpowski's shift. He still needs the money since that debacle of a security job did not work out to his advantage. He walks over to the fax machine. There is a new BOLO listed.
ATL/BOLO
All Commands within the tristate area:
Wanted: Donald Gleeson
The current individual listed above is currently being sought for the questioning and detention for the murder of one Helen Diaguardi. Any information on the suspect in question should be sent to NJ State Police Captain Lew Ainsly, NJSP Barracks Troop "B" Totowa, NJ.
Kevin takes the BOLO out of the fax machine, then looks at the picture. Kevin calls Kate.
"Hey, Boss is this a bad time?" Kevin asks.
"Kevin? What calling you me on your day off?" Kate asks.
"I wish it was my day off…I switched with Karpowski…another sick kid. I mean she has it so rough. 4 of them…I only have 1 and I'm a mess, 4 must be impossible." Kevin laments.
"Okay Kevin I get it. You are at work so what can I do for you?" Kate asks.
"Well, boss It is more like what I could do for you…Or maybe make that Mrs. R." Ryan says.
"Kevin, what are you talking about?" Kate asks getting a bit exasperated.
"Well, I was bored and Demming happen to mention…" He says.
"Ryan, get to the point!" Kate snaps.
"Right boss it's a cold case you were interested in…I was bored so I looked it up. It looks like your cold case just went hot." Ryan says.
"What do you mean went hot?" Kate asks still not understanding.
"Boss NJ State Police has sent out a BOLO it has your suspect on it. It is your old friend Captain Lew. I sent you a pic of the BOLO." Kevin says.
Kate switches to look at the pic then gets back on the phone.
"Okay Ryan you did well that's our suspect. Thanks, I'll call Captain Lew." Kate says.
Xx
"So Kate what is going on?" Will asks.
"You would not believe all the dumb luck. That was Ryan look at this BOLO he sent me." Kate says showing Will the pic.
"That is Walter Papadakos, Kate I am sure of it. Sure, he is definitely older, but it is him. So, he is wanted in the connection of a murder? Well, that definitely placeed this in FBI jurisdiction. I'm calling Captain Lew. I'm going to need a liaison with the NYPD. What about it Kate care to partner up again?" Will asks.
"Well, Will, you will need to clear it with my Captain. She is on her vacation day. I doubt she will appreciate your position." Kate smirks.
"Just leave your Captain to me, Kate." Will says.
Margaret buzzes.
"Agent Sorenson, Agent Carter is here." She says.
"Okay, Margaret, send her in…" Will replied as he switches lines on the phone.
"Hello Captain Lew Ainsly, this is Special Agent in Charge Will Sorenson with the FBI. I am so sorry to do this to you. I'm going to have to take your Diaguardi murder off your hands. Please have all paperwork available for my agents when they arrive. Great, and thanks for your cooperation." Will says as Agent Angela Carter appears.
"Agent Carter appearing as ordered, Sir" She eagerly says.
"Good Agent Carter, please have a seat. Have you met detective Kate Beckett?" Will asks.
"Yes, Sir, the detective and I have met earlier when she almost ran me over in the hallway." Angela smirks.
"Okay, so you are acquainted. Agent Carter I need you to listen to the detective. She will fill you in as you both go to New Jersey. I need you to take all notes and ME reports from Captain Lew Ainsly on a rich widow who was murdered. It is the Diaguardi case. Perhaps you will learn something from her Agent Carter." Will orders.
Kate smiles as she leaves with the FBI agent. She needs to call Rick. As she does it goes to voicemail.
"Rick, call me when you get this. Walter Papadakos has resurfaced. I will fill you in later. I love you."
Xx
"Richard Castle Investigations, Richard Castel speaking." Rick says confidently into the phone.
"Hello Rick, I'm in trouble here in NJ. I need you to investigate a murder." The voice says.
"Why did you call me and not the police?" Rick asks.
"I don't trust the NJ cops Mr. Castle. So, Mr. Castle will you take my case?" The voice asks.
"Okay, so do you have a name? What do I call you? Where or when would you like to meet?" Rick asks.
"You can call me Henry Huggins. We could meet at the bar across from the shell station on Hwy 9 near the Garden State Parkway in about an hour?" He says.
"Okay, how would I recognize you?" Rick asks.
"I will be wearing a red hat. Please come alone." He says as he hangs up the phone.
Rick is so excited he would need all his equipment. He packs everything, then climbs into his Mercedes.
Kate is in the car heading to New Jersey. Her phone rings with the Star Wars death march. Agent Carter laughs as Kate gets a bit flustered. Rick has changed her ringtones again.
"Beckett" Kate says, answering.
"Detective Beckett you are very popular today. I got not one, but three phone calls concerning you all in the span of 20 minutes." Captain Gates says.
"You did Sir?" Kate asks being very surprised.
"Indeed, I did… 1PP concurs with the idea of you liaising with the FBI. You are now attached to the special task force with the FBI. good luck Kate." Gates says hanging up.
"So what was that all about?" Agent Carter asks.
"Oh, that was my Captain. It seems Will has pulled it off. I'm partnering with you officially." Kate says.
"I see well I do not see how you should feel so glum?" Agent Carter asks.
"Well, usually I partner with Rick or my team. It is a bit strange that is all" Kate says.
Xx
Rick meets with his client. There is something familiar about him.
"Hello, I'm Rick so you are?" Rick asks.
"I told you on the phone, I'm Henry nice to meet you Rick, let's go to the corner booth to conduct our business." He suggests.
Rick follows the older gentleman. There is something nagging about him. Rick dismisses it as he sits down.
"Okay, why don't you start at the beginning, Henry?" Rick asks.
Henry borrows Rick's phone, then shows him the social media piece.
Rick studies it.
"So it looks like you are in deep trouble, Henry. So, what can I do for you?" Rick asks.
"I didn't do this…I could never do this. I just found her body, and there was so much blood." He says.
"Right, so where were you just before finding the murder victim?" Rick asks.
"I was in a casino in Atlantic City, the MGM. I was winning big, too. I came home to celebrate, but I found this instead." Henry says hanging his head.
"So what is the victim's name?" Rick asks.
"Her name is Eddy Diaguardi." He says, then rattles off her apt number.
Rick quickly writes it all down. Rick pushes the contract to Henry. He signs it, then pushes it back plus the retainer of 10,000.00 dollars.
Rick hands Henry a burner phone, then takes him to a safe location. Rick instructs his client to lay low and not to talk to anyone other than him. Rick leaves, then heads toward the NJ ME office.
Back in the car, he notices a voicemail from Kate. Instead of listening to it he calls her instead.
"Hey, babe did you call?" Rick asks.
"Yeah, I did have you heard my voicemail? Where are you?" Kate asks.
"Well, I have a client, Kate. I'm working a case as a PI." Rick replies.
"Oh, so your mother's case is on the back burner now?" Kate asks.
"No, not necessarily so did you find out something?" Rick inquires.
"Yes, I did. Can we meet and talk about it?" Kate asks hopefully.
"Sure Kate, but there is something I need to look into before we meet. How does 2 hours' sound?" Rick asks.
Kate looks at her watch
"Yeah, Rick, that will definitely work. I'll see you at your office then. I love you." Kate says.
"I love you too, Kate, see you in two hours." Rick says.
Rick heads over to Newark's Office of the Medical Examiner. As he arrives he has a plan that will get him in the door. Walking through the double doors of the autopsy room, he sees an ME working at the slab. The ME looks up from his work.
"Yes, can I help you, sir?" He asks.
"Maybe you can." Rick answers as he extends his hand for a manly handshake. "I'm Dr. Sydney Perlmutter, ME OCME from New York City. It's nice to meet a fellow ME." Rick says.
"Alright, Dr. Perlmutter what can I help you with?"
"Well, I am hoping you can give me some details on the Diaguardi murder that happened here in Newark earlier this morning." Rick asks.
"Is this the case with the widow?" The ME asks.
"Yes, that one, what do you have so far?" Rick asks.
"All I can give you right now is TOD & COD. TOD was between 1 am and 4 am this morning. As for the COD, its only one stab wound. This killer knew his way around a body." The ME reports.
"Doctor, would you say that this could be an attack as if it was carried out by a delta force or seal trained person?" Rick asks.
"That would be very possible. Why do you ask?" He inquires.
Rick never thought this part of his plan through. He needed an excuse to make it look like he knew what he was talking about.
"You see Dr. we have 2 similar cases in NYC and I just wanted to see if there were any similarities between these cases and yours." Rick says, hoping that this ruse works.
"Okay Dr. Perlmutter, if I have anything further I will give you a call." The ME says dismissing Rick.
Rick lets out a sigh of relief and turns to leave the exam room. He is back on street level within seconds and in his car heading back to the city.
Xx
Kate picks up all the reports then goes to observe the crime scene. She wants to visualize the crime scene. The Agent watches carefully how Kate approaches a crime scene. Once she is finished, she takes the agent back to FBI offices.
Kate begins to set up the murder board. She reads the files, especially the ME's report. Her blood runs cold. There were no other wounds except for a kidney thrust. Agent Carter notices Kate lack of blood to her face.
"Angela I need to go now. I will be back later. I need to check on a couple of things." Kate hastily departs.
Kate rushes over to Rick's PI Office and attacks him in the hall with a hug. Then she sniffs him.
"Rick, what were you doing in a morgue?" Kate asks as they both enter.
"Well, Kate let me explain. I have a client who says he did not commit a murder and I believe him." Rick says locking the door behind them.
"So where does the morgue come in?" Kate asks.
"Well, I went to look at the victim. From the ME report, I believe him even more." Rick says.
"Why do you say that?" Kate asks being curious.
"Well the nature of the wound. It is a single thrust to the kidney. It is way too familiar." Rick says. "My client is barely 5'6" This thrust needs someone 6'2" or bigger."
"Rick, I was put on a task force today with the FBI. Our victim was killed last night with a single thrust to the kidney too." Kate admits.
"Kate, we could be investigating the same case! Can you tell me the victim's name?" Rick asks.
"Rick, you know that I can't tell you that…" Kate says as Rick reaches over and kisses her.
"Rick…" Kate says more like a whimper.
Rick kisses her again. It seems like round 4 is about to begin as they dance back toward the bed…
*NJPAC= New Jersey Performing Arts Center.