After the Fall
Chapter 1
From the Journal of James Beckett
Dearest Johanna,
As I've written before, I've been in London conducting seminars on consumer protection law. I'd get an email from Katie every so often, but mostly to say she was healthy. I'm always glad to hear that since she's been shot twice, but I always had the feeling that the real story was in what she wasn't saying. You know our daughter, she never wants to admit there's anything she can't handle. Well, there was. I got a frantic call from Martha that both Katie and Rick had been gunned down in the loft. Thank God that neighbors heard the shots and called 911. The police and paramedics arrived just in time. Even so, they are both in the hospital in critical condition.
I'm writing to you while on a plane back to New York. I got the first one I could. The only seats available were in first class. You know I'm not usually that extravagant, but I need to get back to the city as fast as I can. I've been in touch with one of the detectives at the 12th Precinct, Detective Ryan. He and his partner Detective Esposito have been taking turns monitoring things at the hospital and keeping me apprised. Other than Rick, I'm Katie's next of kin, so I should get the full story when I get there.
I've been afraid for Katie ever since she put on the badge. When she was given the captaincy, I'd hoped that she would stay at the precinct out of harm's way. I should have known better. She's never been one to keep out of the fray, even when she has an excuse to do so.
The flight attendant is offering drinks. In first class, there is free champagne, and just about any other beverage, hard or soft, a passenger could want. It is killing me, Johanna. I want something to ease the pain so badly. But I know if I give in, it will never end with one drink or three or six. So now, my dearest, you are my in-flight sponsor. I will hold my pen in my hand instead of reaching for a drink of anything except water.
I'm in the cab to the hospital now. I called to get an update. They told me Katie is holding her own, although still critical. They wouldn't give me any information on Rick. That goes to Martha, and I haven't been able to reach her. I'm desperately hoping he is hanging in there as well. The traffic in the tunnel is a nightmare, as usual, but I believe my driver is doing the best he can to get me to the hospital as fast as possible. There's just nowhere for him to go. I'm trying to reach Ryan or Esposito now; Martha or Alexis may have told them something.
I just heard from Esposito. Castle needs blood - a lot of it - and any cop from the 12th who can donate is lining up to do so. Katie's problem is infection. The doctors are pumping antibiotics into her as fast as they can. So far, she's putting up an intense fight, but there's always the chance she could go into septic shock. The wound perforated her intestine. The damage was repaired, but it didn't make the situation any better. The bacteria had already leaked out and taken hold. It is probably all for the best that she isn't conscious. The doctors tell me that if she were, the pain would be considerable. Johanna, if you have any influence with God, please use it now. Katie and Rick need all the help they can get.
The doctors let me into intensive care to see Katie, but they only allow me to stay for short periods of time, which is why I am writing this from the waiting area. Martha and Alexis are also here. The cops keep coming by to ask if there is anything they can do for us or if there is anything we need. There has been a lovely lady who works with Alexis at the P.I. Office who has been here too. I have had more coffee than I'd consume in a month of meetings. Martha and Alexis are clinging to each other. I am imagining that I am holding onto you. I can almost feel your hand and hear you telling me that I won't be given more than I can handle. I want desperately to believe it. Something is happening, and the nurse is calling to me.
Although medications are still pouring into her veins in both arms, Katie's fever broke, and she regained consciousness. I talked to her for a few minutes. She is very weak, and her eyes looked like they did when she was trying to learn how to use mascara - the cheap kind that was all she could afford on her allowance. The first thing she did was ask about Rick. All I could tell her is that he is alive and that the doctor could fill her in on the rest.
The doctors tell me that the next 24-48 hours are critical for Katie. Infections can come roaring back. I'll be staying here. I have my luggage with me, so I have everything I need. Alexis and Martha and I will be switching off to get something to eat, assuming we ever want anything. Right now, my stomach is in knots.
I've just come back from another few minutes I was allowed with Katie. She told me that the doctor said Rick was still unconscious. The bullet damaged a blood vessel leading to his liver, which is why he bled so much. They repaired it, but the repair didn't hold, and they had to go in again. But the doctors think it will stick this time. I hope so. She said they told her his blood pressure and heartbeat are steady. That's supposed to be a good sign.
I never did tell you what happened to the man who shot them. Katie shot him back. He's dead, supposedly the last of some rogue CIA unit. It sounded like something out of one of Rick's books, but less plausible. But if Katie said it happened, I believe her. There are television screens all over the hospital, mostly playing the news, but there hasn't been a word about any CIA operation, rogue or otherwise. I suppose that is to be expected.
Martha has been called in to see Rick. I guess he must be awake. I know he and Katie will want to see each other and neither one of them will give the staff any peace until they do. Perhaps both beds will fit in one room. If not, they should at least be able to see each other and talk on phones or tablets until they can do it in person. I wish there were some mobile device that could make a connection with you. I don't think I'd ever let it out of my hand.
Martha is coming back, and she's smiling. She signaled Alexis to go see Rick. I hope that means he's going to be all right. After all he and Katie went through to be together, I don't know how either one of them could live without the other. God willing, I'll never have to find out. I think I could eat something now. I'm going to try.
Forever love,
J.B.