"There are three kinds of folks who sit around thinking about how to become a murderer: psychopaths, profilers and mystery writers.
I'm the kind that pays better"
In the improvised conference room, the team gathered to discuss what they had uncovered so far. The murders had taken on a more symbolic meaning, particularly with the victims' sexualities and the way they were found—hanged in closets. Rossi leaned forward, arms crossed, as he pointed out, "Most of the guests here are conservative Catholics. There's a deep cultural stigma around homosexuality in that community, and whoever did this clearly intended to send a message."
Reid nodded, adding, "The best man, Jace S. Kennedy, went to Catholic high school with Castle."
Hotch raised his eyebrows and turned to Castle. "If you have a personal connection to one of the guests, we might need to reconsider your involvement in this case."
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
Castle stiffened, her voice firm but measured. "I only know one guest personally, Hotch. It's not like I'm besties with everyone here."
Hotch didn't let up. "Even so, we can't risk any bias or complications. You can continue helping, but you're not to speak with any of the guests. Not a word. Understood?"
Castle's reluctance was evident in the tightening of her jaw, but she nodded. "Loud and clear."
The day had dragged on, and with the investigation still far from over, the team had no choice but to stay the night at the hotel. Hotch and Morgan escorted Castle to her room to ensure she didn't venture off to other parts of the hotel, especially given her connection to the best man. As they reached her door, Castle joked, "Feels like I'm under house arrest. Or being babysat."
Morgan smirked. "Just doing our job, Castle."
Hotch gave her a nod. "Get some rest. We'll reconvene in the morning."
She waved them off with a playful grin, but as soon as the door clicked shut behind her, the smile faded. She had no intention of breaking the rules, but her mind was restless.
—-
Meanwhile, Spencer stayed behind in the conference room, pouring over the profiles, cross-referencing them with the interview notes they'd gathered. His mind was occupied with the case, but he couldn't shake the lingering tension from his earlier encounter with Castle. It nagged at him in the back of his mind, like a splinter he couldn't remove.
Finally, deciding he needed to rest, he packed up his materials and called the elevator. When the doors slid open, Reid was greeted by an unexpected sight—Jace S. Kennedy, leaning casually against the elevator wall with an air of ease.
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
