These so-called "freedom" advocates, endlessly shouting slogans about civil liberties, could not have truly mobilized against the NYPD or New York City Hall over something as superficial as drone surveillance. Claiming drones violated "civil privacy rights" was an argument so flimsy any sensible person could see through it. Protests in this country were a dime a dozen—hardly something anyone took seriously.
So, what was their real objective?
If their protest wasn't just about police drones, then their actions likely targeted him. But why? And how did it connect to the intelligence that Roxette operatives were coordinating with Amir Barkawi in Argentina to orchestrate a major domestic attack, with Castle as a side target? Why would they suddenly choose to stir up a local disturbance in New York using a group of "freedom activists"?
Castle, who was tinkering with some device in his mechanical lab, finally put down his tools. Beckett's news had piqued his interest. However, what Beckett didn't know—because he hadn't told her—was that both the Japanese intelligence agencies and the remnants of Roxette were out for his blood.
Specifically, the Japanese government was furious over the utter dismantling of their intelligence networks in Hawaii and New York, and the humiliation they suffered being strong-armed into overpaying for U.S. military equipment. And Roxette? The covert organization had suffered catastrophic losses when newly inaugurated President Benjamin Arthur purged all of their operatives from the CIA, thanks to intelligence secretly provided by Castle.
Knowing this, Castle had no illusions about his precarious situation. He was a marked man, viewed as both a threat and a scapegoat by two powerful entities.
But what puzzled him now was the timing and coordination of events. If Roxette already had operatives collaborating with Barkawi to orchestrate a larger assault, why bother inciting a local uproar in New York? What purpose did this sideshow serve?
The answer lay in a blind spot Castle had yet to realize: internal power struggles within Roxette itself.
For all its secrecy and ruthlessness, Roxette was not a monolithic organization. Its origins in the Cold War-era CIA had created two distinct factions within its ranks. One faction consisted of CIA loyalists who had once thrived in intelligence work, while the other comprised political operatives who had transitioned into the U.S. political system. Over time, these factions had diverged, with bitter rivalries developing over resources, influence, and control of the organization's agenda.
Unaware of this internal discord, Castle couldn't yet see that these seemingly uncoordinated actions—an assassination plot in Argentina and a public spectacle in New York—might stem from conflicting agendas within Roxette itself.
Confused but unwilling to waste time pondering alone, Castle decided to consult someone with a sharper understanding of such machinations. He turned to the most politically savvy person he knew: Gianna.
Dragging Beckett along, Castle headed next door to Gianna's estate. They found her on the lawn, lounging in the sun with baby Ononna in her arms while John played the doting father. After briefly explaining the situation—particularly the intelligence pointing to Roxette's involvement in both Barkawi's plans and the "freedom activists"—Castle waited for her analysis.
Gianna didn't disappoint.
"Rick," she began, after hearing the details. "This is clearly the work of two separate factions within Roxette. If you've confirmed that one group is actively working with Barkawi to orchestrate an attack, but now there's another stirring up civil unrest in New York, it's obvious they're not working in unison."
Gianna paused, her brow furrowing. "This kind of division isn't uncommon in organizations like Roxette. Internal disputes over strategies, resources, or leadership could easily lead to these overlapping yet disconnected operations. One faction might think they can undermine you with public protests, while the other is gunning for a more direct approach—assassination. Either way, you're the common target."
Castle was stunned by how quickly Gianna had pieced it all together.
Meanwhile, Beckett sat silently, glaring daggers at Castle. Only now was she realizing the full scope of the danger surrounding him—and by extension, her. She had known about the assassination plot in Argentina but had no idea Castle had withheld critical details about Roxette's involvement and the broader geopolitical implications of Barkawi's cooperation with Japan.
Castle noticed Beckett's glare and sighed inwardly. He'd have to deal with her wrath later. For now, he needed to focus on Gianna's insights.
The three retreated to Gianna's study, leaving John to babysit Ononna on the lawn. There, Castle laid everything on the table, recounting the intelligence he had gathered through Jarvis.
"You're telling me that the Japanese intelligence agency is secretly backing Barkawi to stage a domestic attack—potentially on the White House—and Roxette is helping them pull it off?" Beckett exploded. "And you kept this from me?"
Castle winced but didn't respond, as Gianna took the opportunity to weigh in.
"It does make sense," she mused. "From what you've described, if Roxette and Japan are pooling resources, it would certainly increase Barkawi's chances of success. Especially since the U.S. tends to underestimate Japan's capabilities in covert operations. But what I don't understand is why they'd jeopardize their larger plan by stirring up local protests here in New York."
Gianna looked over at Beckett. "What's the NYPD's response to the protests so far?"
Beckett, still visibly annoyed with Castle, took a moment to answer. "They're treating it as a routine public demonstration for now. But given the groups involved, it's clear there's more to it. These so-called 'freedom advocates' aren't just random civilians—they've been strategically mobilized. And judging by the timing, it's too coincidental to not be connected to Roxette."
Castle nodded. "Exactly. But that raises the question—what's their endgame? These protests alone won't stop the NYPD from using the Eye of God software or drones. So what's the real play here?"
Gianna leaned back in her chair, her eyes narrowing in thought. "It's likely a two-pronged strategy. The protests are a smokescreen, meant to distract attention and create public pressure on the NYPD. Meanwhile, the other faction in Roxette is coordinating with Barkawi on something far more dangerous. By dividing their efforts, they ensure that even if one operation fails, the other might still succeed."
Castle frowned. "So, what do we do? If these two factions are acting independently, how do we counter both at the same time?"
Gianna gave him a sly smile. "You don't. You let them trip over each other first. If there's one thing power-hungry factions hate more than their enemies, it's their internal rivals. Give it time, and they'll likely sabotage each other. In the meantime, you strengthen your position—make yourself an even harder target to hit."
Castle sat back, considering her advice. She was right. If Roxette was already splintered, he didn't need to fight them head-on. He just needed to outlast them.
"Okay," he said finally. "We keep an eye on both fronts. I'll have Jarvis monitor the protests and dig deeper into their connections to Roxette. And as for Barkawi… we make sure he never gets the chance to act on his plans."
Beckett crossed her arms, still fuming. "And how exactly do you plan to do that without telling the authorities?"
Castle winced again, avoiding her glare. "We'll loop them in. Eventually."
Gianna smirked. "You two really are an old married couple."
Castle groaned. "Not helping, Gianna."
But despite the tension, he felt a renewed sense of determination. If Roxette wanted to play dirty, he'd be ready for them—on all fronts.
(End of Chapter)
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