The walk up the white marble stairs to the court house for Jerry Tysons arraignment was more crowded than McHale had ever experienced. Gate's press conference the day prior had ignited a media fire. Matt bounced like a ping pong ball from reporter to reporter; McHale had endured the media before but not to this extent. Waiting just inside the guarded doors was Castle, Kate, and Alexis. McHale found Kate easiest to see, easiest to greet. He was still unsure when it came to his family. The same was true for Castle, what was appropriate escaped him. A handshake? Hug? Pat on the back? While raising children was not foreign to him, nothing seemed right. McHale took the initiative, greeting Kate first.
"G'morning detective Beckett." After which Matt extended his right hand to his father, who clasp his hand in return. Even if the gesture wasn't quite right, the smiles on the faces of Matt, Rick and Alexis told the story of the moment.
"Morning Matt, so I know this is kind of soon, but would you join us for brunch?" Castle asked with certain earnestness. McHale stumbled for his answer, slightly puzzled by the proposition.
"Sure, but why would that be too soon? It's just food."
"Ah yes, but its food with my mother." McHale was even more puzzled, raising only one brow. Kate jumped in, seeing his obvious distress.
"Relax you guys, it's just Martha. I'm sure you'll love her, and she no doubt loves you. Rick couldn't shut up about you last night." McHale closed his eyes and shook his head, upon reopening them he looked to Alexis for the truth.
"Gram's fun. A little … quirky… but fun." McHale paused a moment longer, then inquired of Kate,
"Wait … why do you know what he was talking about with his mom? How close is your partnership?"
Kate said nothing; she simply raised her hand to show McHale the massive rock that weighed it down. Dropping his briefcase, Matt grabbed her hand with both of his, taking a close look at the diamond; then a close look at Rick, then back to the diamond. McHale released Kate's hand. Picking his briefcase up with his right, McHale raised his left hand as high above his head as he could. Castle promptly gave him a solid high-five. McHale pursed his lips, quietly whispering out of the half of his mouth closest to Castle's ears.
"Way to go old man." Castle narrowed his brow in a comical sort of sternness, before releasing to a full smile.
"Hey, watch it with the old man stuff, but thank you." McHale stretched his left arm out, revealing his watch; taking in the time he made a suggestion.
"Well, if I don't get moving I'm going to be late. You should find some seats; it looks like it's going to be a packed house this morning. " The group walked together into the courtroom, Castle, Kate and Alexis took seats as close to the front as they could muster; three rows back, and on the aisle. McHale walked through the gate separating the gallery from the floor. Matt removed his coat and started to sort through some paperwork from his briefcase until the bailiff called the courtroom to order. The room rose and fell in ceremony; Judge Markowitz took his seat at the bench and read the indictment. Having finished, he asked the question that would make or break McHale's day.
"And how does the defendant plea?" The judge looked up from the long list of criminal violations; removing his glasses, he stared Tyson in the eye. Suddenly a phone began to ring; in the third row, on the aisle. It was Beckett's phone. A visibly irritated Markowitz shouted into the gallery.
"Whose phone is that?!" Beckett flashed a quick smile to Castle and Alexis. Growing more flush and embarrassed, Kate silenced her ringer, and raised her hand in silent apology. Kate then proceeded to exit the courtroom. In the hallway she peered at her phone, the missed call was from an unfamiliar number, but the caller was kind enough to leave a voicemail, which Beckett promptly retrieved.
"We'll meet again,
Don't know where, don't know when,
But I know we'll meet again, some sunny day.
Keep smiling through,
Just like you always do,
Till the blue skies drive the dark clouds, far away.
So will you please say hello,
To the folks that I know,
Tell them I won't be long…"