Title: Last Respects
Disclaimer: I do not Castle, Andrew W. Marlowe and ABC do.
Author's Note: Post ep for "To Live and Die in LA" (3.22)
Beta'd by: Beckett NYPD
Genre: Friendship/Hurt/Comfort
Rating: K+ (mention of death)
Mentions of/Spoilers for: Under the Gun (3.3), To Live and Die in LA (3.22)
Michael Royce
1962-2011
Mentor and Friend Who Helped in So Many Ways
Gone but will never be Forgotten
RIP
Kate looked down at Mike's gravestone; she was still in disbelief that her former training officer and partner was gone.
She remembers all the good times they shared and everything that he taught her after she graduated from the Police Academy.
They had reconnected easily after she ran into him late last year as he was arresting Random Pierce the person of interest for the murder of Deon Carver. When things seemed to be heading towards a possible romance, he betrayed her for the buried treasure.
When she and Rick found out the victim with the gunshot to the head was Royce, she felt numb beyond belief. Even though the deceit hurt a lot, she vowed to avenge his death.
Now that the suspect, Russell Ganz has been caught and sitting behind bars for the rest of his life, all she had left were memories of her time with her ex-partner.
There are things I wanted to talk to him about; all I can do now is talk to his gravestone.
Kate wasn't sure if Royce had any family; still she wanted to at least give him a burial. Rick jumped in and paid all the costs.
She was so lost in thought, she didn't hear Rick walk up and place his hand her shoulder.
"Hey? Are you ready to go?"
"Yeah, I am almost ready."
Rick nodded. He understood the pain that Kate was experiencing, as he had seen Kate go through the same thing with her mother.
Before fully turning around, Kate kneeled down and whispered, "I will visit soon Royce."
With that she stood up, turned around and walked with Rick out of the cemetery and back to what they do best, catching crooks.
A/N 2: Thanks for reading "Last Respects". Reviews are appreciated.