Chapter 1115 The Test – Off to Las Vegas (Patreon)

In the holding room of the 12th Precinct, a couple was quietly pouring their hearts out.

Amy and Greg sat shackled at opposite ends of a long bench, unable to embrace—barely able to touch fingertips. Still, they whispered and lingered in each other’s presence, unwilling to let go.

“I never should’ve agreed to your stupid idea,” Amy murmured tearfully, her eyes red and puffy from crying. “Now you’re in jail because of me. We won’t even get to see each other once a week anymore…”

“Maybe your story’s headed for a different ending,” said Beckett from the door. She stepped inside with Jack and Castle following closely behind.

Castle grinned, holding up a set of keys as he opened the holding room door. “A certain romantic once said: If someone’s willing to give up everything to free the one they love from prison, then it has to be true love.

True love is rare enough in this world—and since Greg keeps insisting you’re innocent, we took a look. He dragged me to court to dig through your case file and trial transcripts.”

“Oh please,” Beckett rolled her eyes, “that romantic was you. And I prefer ‘playboy’ to ‘romantic’—far more accurate.”

Jack smiled as he elaborated. “I asked Assistant District Attorney Erin Reagan to review your case. According to her, there were significant procedural issues.”

In fact, speaking privately, Erin had flat-out called Amy’s original public defender “useless.”

“Your lawyer missed key pieces of evidence, failed to challenge the testimony of an obviously unstable homeless witness… ADA Reagan thinks you have a strong chance of being exonerated.”

The couple lit up with joy, though still chained at opposite ends of the bench. Greg kissed Amy’s hand repeatedly, unable to contain his relief.

But Amy’s smile faded almost instantly, worry overtaking joy. “What about Greg?”

Assisting in an escape is a serious federal offense. Fortunately, being in federal jurisdiction also meant leverage could be found.

Castle answered with a sly smile, “The kind-hearted ADA said, should you be found not guilty, she’ll speak with the judge and recommend leniency for Greg—possibly probation.”

What he didn’t mention: such a deal would likely come with strings. Amy might have to sign away her right to pursue compensation for wrongful imprisonment.

It was a subtle test. Greg’s love had proven itself—but what about hers?

Three years of wrongful incarceration would mean a sizable payout. Would she trade that money and a voice in the press for Greg’s freedom?

Everyone loves a fairytale ending. But real life rarely obliges. Jack hoped Amy would make the right call—he was giving her the chance.

Castle added his own touch.

“It’s a shame the state police grabbed you two during your cute little Burger King reunion,” he said, pulling out a takeout tray. “So before you head back to your cells, here’s something to make do.”

He set the tray between them: a Burger King bag and two paper cups of soda.

Beckett followed suit, unlocking their cuffs and letting them sit closer together—finally side by side. She even handed them each a stick of gum.

“Let’s hope this is a happy ending. After everything Greg’s done…” she said softly.

Outside the holding area, Castle was thoughtful. “Jack, if you had to be locked in prison with someone, who would you pick?”

“Clay. You don’t know him. He’s one of my older contacts in California,” Jack replied flatly. “Anyone but you. We’d be out in two days, but you’d blab the whole plan.”

“Ouch. So much for friendship and trust.” Castle pouted dramatically.

“Don’t worry, Castle,” Beckett said as she passed. “I’ll come rescue you.”

Castle stood stunned, watching her saunter to the elevator, hips swaying.

Was that… a confession?

Jack rolled his eyes and rubbed at the goosebumps rising on his arms. “Their little romance might keep me entertained for years.”

“You two coming?” Beckett called, turning with a smile. “Weren’t we going to Vegas?”

—

What was supposed to be a small getaway with a few close friends quickly snowballed into a full-blown mini group tour.

Everyone came—except Jubal, who stayed behind to be with family. The rest of the fugitive task force tagged along, as did Alexis and Castle’s ever-curious mother, Martha. Even Bryan Mills and Kim flew in from L.A.

Bryan had plenty on his plate—between protecting Lila and managing his new private security firm—but he made time to visit Alexis and Kim’s old Paris friend.

Due to the case delay, the trip’s VIPs—Korean officers Ma Seok-do and Kang Jin-tae—had already been in Vegas for a full day. Fortunately, they’d booked a week off.

That night, at one of Vegas’s bustling casinos, the two Koreans hit it big—winning over $2 million at a blackjack table.

Castle, who had never won a dime in Vegas before, finally made a lucky few bets thanks to Jack’s whispered hints—and walked away with a tidy profit.

Flush with cash and in high spirits, Castle bought the whole bar a round of drinks and immediately blew through his winnings.

Perhaps because it was a group trip, nothing chaotic happened for once. Vegas offered few thrills beyond the tables and restaurants, and the three days flew by.

After bidding farewell to the two lucky Korean cops, Jack debated whether to swing through L.A. for a quick visit—or head back to New York.

That’s when the international division called. A new case had just landed on his desk.