Over.
He was done.
Rick Caste was staring across the bull pen of the 12th precinct at Katherine Beckett, his muse and inspiration. He watched as she sat on the edge of her desk. He watched as the Robbery Detective from two floors down walked over and whispered in her ear. And watched as her gaze shifted and landed on him. He returned the gaze knowing he had lost.
He was done.
He stared at his computer willing the words to come out. The silence in his loft normally welcomed just proved his thoughts to be true. He was alone. His daughter was leaving for a college trip and he went to say good-bye. Good-Bye. That seemed to be happening a lot recently. His mother had moved out, his daughter was traveling more, and he was leaving the 12th precinct soon. He was alone.
He was done.
The blank page stared at him as the phone's ring cut through the silence. Paying it no attention, he continued his staring. The door's buzzer was far more intrusive than the ring. Waking Rick from his trance. He slowly walked to the door pulling it open with caution. His guest was none other than Gina, his ex-wife and publisher. He knew she was here to harass him. His newest novel being late. He knew this was her intent so he remained quiet. Waiting. She studied the apartment. She studied his appearance. And she studied him. Then she hugged him. He was surprised and didn't know what to do before he succumbed to the hug himself. They broke apart and moved to the couch where they talked for hours. As friends. Not just business partners.
He was done.
He sat at a table in the 12th precinct looking at the faces of those who had become his friends over the last year. They smiled and laughed about past events all but one. Where she currently was was a mystery. She's most likely with her boyfriend he thought bitterly. He had lost. Rick Castle knew he wasn't what she wanted. He only wished she knew she was everything he desired. His desire walked through the door and headed straight for the drinks. Her best friend babbled on about how she can hold her liquor but it was all white noise to him. She turned and asked to speak with him in private. He stood and silently followed her out of the room.
He was done.
It was important. He could tell from her face. He wondered if this was the same expression he wore in the hospital so many months before. She began talking about their partnership. All things he knew before. Then she was interrupted. Gina had arrived at six o'clock. Just like he told her too. She said they were going to the Hamptons. For the summer. The same Hamptons they were supposed to go to for the weekend. Gina offered an excuse of traffic and the two turned to leave. She had lost.
She was done.
It was over.
