" Detective Esposito, my office please."
A surprised Esposito entered the office of captain Victoria Gates. He couldn't really imagine if he had made a mistake somewhere with something. Then again, his captain might have some kind of special assignment available or, his thoughts briefly trailed of about the myriad of other things that could happen.
" Tell me something, detective, did captain Montgomery have a standing policy on precinct gambling?"
The question caused Esposito to wonder. " Yes sir, office hours gambling not allowed."
Gates didn't even bother to look up from her paperwork. " Good policy, don't you agree?"
" Yes sir." What was this about?
" I take it you also understand the department its policy on 'office' relationships?"
Only one answer for this " Yes sir, I do."
"And that this also pertains to your co workers." Gates didn't need to finish the rest.
" Yes sir." He figured he'd have to tell 'mom' and 'dad' about their eye sex thing when they got back from lunch. Then, Victoria Gates did something that Javier Esposito would remember to his dying day. From her small attache case she produced a purse and opened it. From there a single bill which she handed to the detective.
"I believe you may want to hand this to Doctor Parish. Oh and tell her 'wedding within a year.'" with that she waved him away.
A still stunned Esposito arrived at Lanie her workplace not much later.
" What brings you here?" to say that Lanie was surprised to see him was understatement. Lately things between herself and Javier had been getting better. She figured her best friend her walls breaking down may have something to do with it.
Without saying anything he handed her the money Gates gave him. " From Captain Gates. She figures there 'll be a wedding within a year." Lanie took the money from him. " Really?"
" Really." It was something in her eyes that caused Javier to wonder. " You know, I've been thinking, maybe..."
" What?"
" Too quick?" it was a question and a remark at the same time. She knew what he meant by then and again her eyes showed it. Esposito sighed and dipped a hand in one of his coat pockets from he proceeded to produce two tickets. She nearly shrieked when she saw what they were for.
" It's a start, don't you agree?" Lanie her response was immediate. She pulled him close and kissed him in such a way as to remove all the doubts. And despite everything that happened after that he was at his desk on time but not before 'mom' and 'dad' were back.
Castle was the first to notice, and Beckett soon followed. The two briefly exchanged knowing glances and smiles. Over the din of phones, conversations and keyboards he caught but one word , from Castle " Shame." Then the phone demanded his attention. It didn't bother him, as he wasn't about to tell them that even Gates had bet on a certain wedding within a year...
fin
