Meanwhile, in a Manhattan apartment located in Hell's Kitchen, Zeus was staring at three gold bars on the table in front of him. These bars, radiating a metallic sheen and the allure of wealth, had become a headache for Zeus. Since taking the bars from the scene where Castle and John McClane had ambushed Simon, Zeus had been in a state of ecstatic disbelief, only now sobering up to the reality of the situation. John, currently in the ICU at Metropolitan Hospital, had secretly contacted Zeus the previous night, explaining that although Zeus had taken some gold bars, the Federal Reserve had no intention of pursuing him aggressively. The Federal Reserve was more concerned with recovering the hundred tons of gold Simon's group had stolen, and the four bars—totaling fifty kilograms—that Zeus and Castle had taken were considered a negligible loss in comparison.
Moreover, both the Federal Reserve and the police were aware that Zeus and the mysterious sniper who killed Simon had taken the gold. From their perspective, the real threat was Simon, and the sniper, who had eliminated this menace, was tacitly allowed to take a few bars as a reward. Zeus, who played a crucial role in recovering the stolen gold, was also let off the hook.
Zeus's current concern wasn't about how to explain things to the authorities but about his future. He couldn't go back to his hardware store, fearing potential retaliation from any of Simon's remaining associates who might still be at large. Additionally, with thirty-seven and a half kilograms of gold, Zeus now had the means to significantly change his life. He was contemplating how to leverage this sudden wealth to do something he truly enjoyed.
Meanwhile, downstairs, a yellow cab with the number '313' screeched to a halt, performing a dramatic tailspin. This was Belle, who, upon receiving a call from Castle, had learned about Zeus's involvement in the previous day's events and the gold he had acquired. Belle, who had been driving her cab around New York, was shocked to discover from Castle that her long-time friend Zeus had been involved in such a high-stakes situation and had walked away with a significant windfall. Belle, who had feelings for Zeus but knew he was too proud to confess his love without having "made it big," sprang into action upon learning of his newfound wealth. She tracked down his location and rushed over.
Belle, known for her decisive nature and fiery temper, was determined not to let Zeus, now suddenly wealthy, slip through her fingers. Upon arriving at Zeus's apartment, she knocked loudly on the door, startling Zeus out of his thoughts. He quickly grabbed a gun he had picked up during the chaos at the reservoir site and cautiously approached the door. "Who's there?" he called out.
Belle's loud voice rang out, "Zeus, you SOB, it's me, Belle. Open the door!"
Zeus, both surprised and delighted, quickly opened the door. "Belle! What are you doing here? How did you find me?"
Dressed in her usual bold fashion, Belle, wearing a bright red coat, stepped inside and disdainfully eyed the gun in Zeus's hand before addressing him. "Castle told me everything. He also said you struck it rich by helping that cop take down the robbers. I'm here to see if you're finally going to confess your love now that you've made it big, you coward."
Zeus, caught off guard by Belle's bluntness, fumbled with the gun, eventually setting it aside. "I was going to tell you. I just needed time to figure things out," he stammered.
Belle, unimpressed by Zeus's excuses, sat down on the couch. "So, what happened yesterday? How did you get involved with that troublemaker Castle?"
Zeus, who knew Belle and Castle were acquainted, recounted the events of the previous day, explaining everything in detail.
After hearing Zeus's account, Belle, who had a keen sense for understanding people and situations, quickly grasped Castle's intentions. It was clear that Castle had orchestrated Zeus's involvement, possibly out of genuine concern or as a strategic move. She understood that the gold bars Zeus had taken were unlikely to cause any serious trouble, given Castle's influence and the fact that John McClane, the cop Zeus had saved, would likely help smooth things over.
Realizing that Zeus was now essentially free from the consequences of the previous day's chaos and had gained a significant fortune, Belle decided to confront him directly. "Now that you've made it big and fulfilled your boast from your younger days, when are you going to stop making me wait?" she demanded.
Zeus, now resolved, looked Belle in the eye and said, "Belle, I've wronged you all these years. Now, whatever you decide, I'll do."
Belle, not one to rush things, but genuinely caring for Zeus, asked, "You said you can't go back to your old neighborhood and run your hardware store. What do you plan to do now?"
Zeus, troubled, replied, "I don't know. Besides running the hardware store, I don't know what else to do. I don't want any ties with gangs, and now that I have money, I'm lost."
Belle, with a sly smile, suggested, "Actually, I think you should stick close to Castle. Don't you know he has close ties with the NYPD? And he's currently pursuing a police officer named Beckett, the one who defused the bomb at the school yesterday. You helped save her partner, John, so he owes you a favor. That's probably why the police aren't after you for taking the gold."
Belle continued, "Since you won't be going back to your old business, why not talk to Castle and see if he can help you find a new job? I have a feeling Castle is up to something big. Joining him could be a great opportunity for you."
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