At the same time Alexis was being rescued, Castle, monitoring the operation through the smart bracelet on Alexis's wrist and Jarvis's access to the villa's surveillance cameras, already knew his daughter was safe. However, his focus wasn't on the rescue but on contacting his writer friend, Robin Masters, the author of the best-selling novel White Knight.
Castle had a simple goal: borrow Robin's estate in Hawaii so he could bring Beckett and the rest of his crew to spend Christmas there. With Alexis's original vacation plans ruined by her deceitful "friend," Castle, a doting father, couldn't stand to see his daughter upset.
Given that Martha was in Europe celebrating Christmas with her boyfriend Chet, and friends like the chubby duo, Ramsay and Mozzie, had no plans, Castle thought: why not turn this into a warm, tropical Christmas gathering? It also gave him an excuse to oversee Steve McGarrett's team as they swept the islands clean of Japanese intelligence networks.
Castle wasted no time. As Steve's team executed Alexis's rescue, Castle called Robin from his study.
Robin Masters was no ordinary person. Like Castle, he was a successful novelist. However, while Castle's books featured spies, Robin's protagonist was an elite soldier, inspired by a real-life private investigator currently residing at Robin's Hawaiian estate. But that wasn't Castle's primary concern.
He simply needed the estate to accommodate his growing entourage. With Big Ivan leading a dozen heavily armed Russian bodyguards en route via private jet, plus Alexis's five personal guards, himself, Beckett, Neil, Ramsay, Mozzie, and their spouses, Castle was looking at a group of over thirty people.
It was December 23rd, and finding hotel rooms in Hawaii for such a large group was impossible. Borrowing Robin's estate was the only option.
Fortunately, their friendship was solid. Without revealing the full story—that his daughter's holiday had been ruined by a kidnapping—Castle explained his situation. Robin agreed immediately, instructing his retired MI6 butler, Higgins, to prepare the estate for Castle's arrival.
Once everything was arranged, Castle turned his attention back to the screen just in time for Alexis to call him.
After comforting Alexis and assuring her that he and the group would arrive the next day to spend Christmas together, Castle asked her to hand the phone to Steve McGarrett.
"Major McGarrett, thank you so much for rescuing my daughter. I know you're busy, so I won't keep you long. I'll be flying in tomorrow morning. We can discuss everything then, okay?" Castle's tone was respectful, a mix of gratitude and strategic politeness. Not only had Steve saved Alexis, but Castle also planned to rely on him for further operations.
"By the way, Major, if it's possible, could you postpone questioning Alexis until tomorrow? She's still a child, and today has been exhausting for her. She flew for hours, was kidnapped immediately upon landing, and has been through enough. My guards can handle her security tonight, and we can go over the details when I arrive," Castle requested, his paternal instincts in full force.
Steve, understanding the concerns of a protective father—especially since his own partner Danny was also a "girl dad"—agreed without hesitation. Provided the medical team confirmed Alexis was unharmed, her personal guards could take over for the night.
Steve had already vetted Alexis's guards, knowing they were licensed professionals arranged by her grandfather, Sean. This made his decision easier.
Meanwhile, Big Ivan and his team were still in transit, far from Hawaii. Flying from New York on the East Coast to Hawaii in the Pacific required hours, even on a private jet. Not even a Concorde—had it still been operational—could cross such distances so quickly.
That night, Alexis, initially upset over her ruined holiday, became ecstatic upon learning her father was bringing everyone to Hawaii for Christmas. Surrounded by her five armed guards, she temporarily settled at the Hilton on Waikiki Beach.
Elsewhere, her grandfather Sean, who was in North Africa with Frank Moses, a former top CIA operative, erupted in fury upon hearing about the kidnapping. Sean immediately ordered all High Table operatives in Hawaii to ensure Alexis's safety and assist Castle in dismantling the Japanese intelligence network on the islands.
When Alexis's guards requested weapon support from the High Table, Sean was promptly informed. Furious, he berated Castle for failing to prevent the kidnapping. Like many grandfathers, Sean's love for his granddaughter surpassed all reason.
Had Castle not assured Sean that everything was under control, Sean might have mobilized the High Table's combat teams to rescue Alexis himself. After a lengthy argument, Castle convinced Sean to let him handle it, promising to deliver a severe lesson to those who dared to kidnap Alexis.
Sean relented but declared that Castle would have the full backing of the High Table's Hawaiian network. Their sole objective: teach the kidnappers an unforgettable lesson.
The Hilton on Waikiki Beach was one such High Table stronghold. Unlike the Continental Hotel in New York, which catered exclusively to the underworld, this location blended into the bustling tourist hub.
By housing Alexis there, the High Table ensured maximum security. Her guards, alongside numerous operatives outside, established a robust defense. With Big Ivan's team arriving soon, Alexis's safety would be even more assured. The Russian bodyguards were Castle's ultimate contingency plan.
While Castle prepared for his trip, Steve was far from resting. The successful rescue operation had uncovered a significant lead: the kidnappers were agents of Japan's Cabinet Intelligence and Research Office. Steve and his team worked tirelessly to interrogate the three captives, seeking to confirm the validity of the list Castle had provided.
Castle's Hawaiian Christmas was shaping up to be anything but ordinary.
(End of Chapter)
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