As soon as she was in a recovery room he took a seat by her side, holding her hand. The right. Because there had once been a time where she had agreed he was her partner. Her right hand man, so to speak.

The others shifted around the room, taking turns at her other side. Until a nurse came in to tell them that visiting hours were over. Then Kate was left alone with her father and Castle, unconscious.

Rick watched from his place as Jim slept in a chair against the wall and his heart broke for the man. He had confided in the writer earlier, that his daughter was following the stubborn way of his wife, and it may just kill him.

This little set up did not at all match Rick's promise to keep her safe. Not even slightly.

True, she was still alive. And everyone had assured him that she was alive because of him pushing her out of the way at the very last second. The words basically went in one ear and out the other. Their sentiments were only a pebble of comfort on the mountain of gloom they seemed to be perpetually climbing.

When he started this little ride-along he signed about a dozen documents. Signing his assent that yes, he knew what he was doing. Yes, he understood that he was to listen to Detective Beckett. Yes, he knew he could be in danger.

And that was the kicker wasn't it? That he could be in danger. He signed an agreement to that.

He did not sign an agreement that she could be in danger.

She was Detective Kate Beckett. She was indestructible. She was….extraordinary.

All those times when they'd arrive at a scene, she'd tell him to stay in the car, she told him she'd be fine. Time and time again she insisted that she'd always be safe.

Rick, looking at her lying in the stark white hospital bed, on the crisp sheets, in a sterile gown, realized…

she lied.


I can't possibly explain how I came up with this. Something hit me while I was driving home from dance. I don't know.

But I hope you liked it! Hit that button and let me know what you think!

Tappin
:D