The flight demonstration lasted an hour and a half, filled with exclamations from the two technical directors. The two drones exhibited unparalleled control and semi-autonomous capabilities, keeping both directors in a state of excitement. The flight control system was especially impressive, enabling the drones to perform excellently despite their ungainly aerodynamic shapes, proving its superiority.
However, this was just a demonstration. The real negotiations would begin after Mark, the Northrop Grumman technical director, reported his findings back to his company. Meanwhile, Gianna's subordinate, the Italian technical director, was dutifully reporting to his boss. Gianna instructed him to confirm the legitimacy of the invitation, leaving the negotiations entirely in her hands.
Polite and impressed, Mark received a USB drive containing the complete flight control system from Rick, allowing him to conduct a detailed technical evaluation back at his company. After scheduling a formal negotiation, Mark left, visibly excited, with his team.
The Italian technical director, after receiving orders from Gianna, also obtained a backup of the flight control system from Rick. He planned to return to Europe for evaluation, while Gianna would handle the subsequent negotiations.
Realizing that this trip to New York might be the turning point for his company, the Italian director's attitude shifted from indifference to obsequiousness, bowing deeply as he bid Castle farewell. Gianna, standing behind Castle, was so irritated by his sycophancy that she almost wished she could borrow John's gun to put a bullet in the man's head.
With both teams gone, everyone finally relaxed. It was then that Moz, who had arrived that afternoon at Castle's request, uncertainly asked, "So you want me to handle the negotiations with Northrop Grumman? What's your bottom line?"
Castle, pleased to have found someone to negotiate on his behalf, smiled at Moz. "I have no strict bottom line, buddy. You know as well as I do that you're the best person here for negotiating with these capitalists. If I were to handle it, it would be a disaster. But let's set that aside for now. Let's have a good meal, and I'll introduce you to John and his girlfriend, the future head of the D'Antonio family!"
Moz looked at Castle curiously. "Why do I sense a bit of envy in your tone?"
Castle openly admitted, "Yes, I am envious. John and Neal can solve everything with their handsome faces, but what about us? Especially me. You know how I feel about the cop I'm working with now, but I just can't get by on looks like John and Neal."
Moz laughed at Castle's rant. "You're an idiot, you know that? Why drag me into this? By the way, I haven't seen this legendary retired assassin 'John Wick' you mentioned. Where is he?"
Castle rolled his eyes. "His girlfriend is pregnant, and she wasn't feeling well this afternoon. So the former cold-blooded assassin is now a devoted husband, accompanying her in the main house. My daughter lost interest in the drones and joined them. Let's head over; they should have prepared a feast for us."
Castle instructed Rick to secure the drones on the lawn, confident that they were safe in the well-guarded estate. He didn't believe General Atomics would dare make another move with so many guards, himself, and John present. After powering down the drones, Rick joined Castle and Moz as they walked towards the main house.
Moz greeted Rick, recognizing him from before. "Why the sudden interest from General Atomics? I had no idea you could design drones coveted by defense companies."
Walking alongside him, Castle casually explained, "The civilian drones we used before couldn't meet our needs, especially since Vincent's operations will likely be at sea. Civilian drones lack the necessary range and endurance. So, I took a bold step and designed one myself. Seems it worked out well!"
Moz gave Castle a knowing look, sensing the BS but choosing not to press the matter. Everyone had their secrets, after all. Like Moz's past as the notorious 'Detroit Dentist,' a secret even Neal didn't know. So, if Castle had his secrets, a good friend wouldn't pry but accept them.
Castle knew his excuse wouldn't fool Moz, who he knew better than anyone. After all, Castle was aware of Moz's hidden identity as the 'Detroit Dentist' and respected him as a criminal mastermind. Moz had managed to escape his foster home at twelve, survived in crime-ridden Detroit, and successfully scammed a gang leader out of $500,000 before fleeing to New York. Neal's fame was largely due to Moz's behind-the-scenes support, providing logistics, fencing, and intelligence.
Neal's high profile eventually led to his capture by FBI agent Peter Burke, but Moz stayed under the radar, continuing his criminal activities without drawing attention. Despite Castle's access to the System and its secrets, he couldn't explain it, so he relied on a weak excuse that Moz accepted, understanding the unspoken agreement not to delve deeper.
Moz's shrewdness showed as he tacitly accepted Castle's explanation and offer to negotiate on his behalf, a smart move recognizing Castle's trust and the mutual benefit.
The three entered the main hall, where Gianna was quietly chatting with Alexis, and John stood at the door, waiting for them. Seeing them, John smiled and asked Castle, "Is this the friend you wanted to introduce?"
Moz stepped forward, extending his hand. "Hello, the famous John Wick. I'm Moz. Pleasure to meet you!"
John, no longer as cold as before and feeling a natural affinity for Castle's friends, shook Moz's hand warmly. "Hello, Moz. It's a pleasure to meet you too."
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