Disclaimer: I don't own Castle, sadly, or Esposito and Ryan would have a much bigger part.
It was the same as any other crime, ending with a fast paced chase involving the suspect, Beckett, and to some degree, Ryan and Esposito. The criminal was jumping over holes in the ground, throwing bins and dodging traffic in a determined attempt to lose the team of detectives. This guy had even climbed up to the roof of a small apartment block, pulling himself up the fire escapes with skills that would impress even Spiderman. But, the guy did work part-time in a circus, so it didn't come as much of a surprise.
The three detectives stood face-to-face with the performer, who had pulled a gun from his crotch, and was pointing it at the lead detective. Ryan and Esposito had their guns poised defensively, ready to shoot did harm come to their boss.
"Put that down, Conwell, it makes it obvious to us that you're the man we've been searching for," Beckett reasoned, leaving her gun in its holster. She had her hands up in a surrendering position, as far away from her gun as she could.
"So what if I am? None of you will be leaving here unless it's in a body bag," Mikey Conwell smirked, moving the gun from detective to detective. "So, who do I start with? The chick, the foreigner or the midget? I think I'll leave you until last, Detective Beckett. Make you watch your team bleed to death. Doesn't that sound lovely?"
At this point, Kevin stepped forward angrily, forcing Conwell to turn his gun to the short detective. "Leave my boss and partner out of this, or I'll shoot you where you stand. That's not a threat, jackass, it's a promise," Ryan snarled with such venom in his voice, Mikey's gun twitched nervously before training itself on the detective's skull.
Conwell smiled manically. "Looks like we've got a volunteer, Detective Beckett." His finger tightened around the trigger, and time slowed for every detective.
Ryan felt a pair of muscular arms lock themselves around his waist and drag him to the ground with such harshness, his head slammed to the floor. His vision blurred, but he clearly saw a slender body collapse. There was another gunshot from beside his ear, and he watched the shadow of who he assumed to be their killer fall gracelessly into a pile of crimson blood. Nothing was clear to him, and he panicked when the arms around him vanished, and a tall dark blur moved to the first body. Unable to comprehend the shapeless world, he closed his eyes and allowed himself to sleep.
"Beckett!"
Kate jumped at the call of her name as she struggled to sit up. Esposito crouched in front of her, supporting her in her efforts. She spotted the crumpled body of Ryan, and asked the Hispanic detective, "He hit?"
Javier shook his head. "No. hit his head when I tackled him. Think I must've knocked him out. What about you?" He scanned her body thoroughly, panicking as his eyes found a growing patch of scarlet blood on her forearm.
"Just my arm. It's not serious," Kate insisted, but was cut off by Esposito requesting an ambulance. "We should probably try to get down from here so the ambulance can find us."
Esposito nodded, and helped her to her feet. "Think you can make it?"
"I'll have to. You need to take Ryan. You can't help us both," Beckett shrugged selflessly, and began the descent to the ground.
It was a long, painful journey for both parties. For Beckett, the bullet in her arm was making her weak, although the blood flow was slowing. And for Esposito, he was forced to carry the Irish detective, who was too out-of-it to be of much help. The smaller detective was heavier than Javier would have expected. He would need to drag the smaller man to the gym as soon as he was better.
It was a relief when they made it to the bottom, where there were two waiting ambulances. Kate was ushered into one, while Esposito carried Ryan bridal-style to the other one, easing him onto the gurney and moving back to allow the paramedics access to the injured man.
"Espo, go with Ryan. He needs you more!" Kate called from the gurney, smiling reassuringly just as she was pushed onto her back.
Javier nodded, and climbed in next to Ryan, promising Beckett silently that this wouldn't happen again. Not as long as he was alive.
I'd appreciate a review, and constructive criticism is welcomed. Just, don't be too harsh please!