Disclaimer: In an alternate universe, Castle belongs to me. In that universe, I am also unbelievably wealthy and ridiculously attractive. Hint: This is not that universe.
A/N: Somehow, I managed to accidentally delete this fic. Which is strange, as FF.N normally asks if you're sure you want to delete anything. *shrugs* At any rate, here it is again. Sorry about that!
Tag to 3x13: Knockdown. Because above all else, Martha's a mother.
If this was about the books, Richard would have left the NYPD years ago. But it's never been just about the books.
Pul-lease, Martha's a mother; she knows the signs of infatuation when she sees them.
If she's to be perfectly frank, Richard's a bit past the point of infatuation by now. And while Martha likes Kate – likes her a great deal, in fact – she's a little bit worried about the power that the woman has over her son, worried that one day Richard's going to get hurt badly.
Either his body in the line of duty, or his heart in the line of love; either way, it's almost inevitable.
And so although Martha respects Richard's right to make his own decisions, part of her can't help but wish that her son had never met the lovely detective in the first place.
Detective Kate Beckett may make him a better man, but what will that be worth if he's six feet under?