AN: New story! So, this takes place a couple of years before the start of the series, but in present time. Hope y'all enjoy!
Disclaimer: Castle and all the characters belong to the genious that is Andrew Marlowe.
25 year old Katherine Beckett is standing in her kitchen. She's leaning on the counter staring at the business card in front of her. It reads: "BGA, Bodyguard Agency"
She couldn't believe she's actually considering working as a bodyguard. She had been laid-off from the precinct three weeks ago because of budget cuts, and she can't find a job. She's on the verge of going crazy and the bills are piling up.
She sighs and throws a murderous glance at the card. One of the other officers that had been let go told her it isn't half bad, and the pay is pretty good.
"Ugh" she groans as she picks the phone and calls the number on the card. She's selling her soul to the devil.
Richard Castle, famous playboy novelist, is signing books at the New York Public Library. He's been hearing the same old phrases from eager fans over and over for over five hours, so when six o'clock rolls by, he's ready to go home.
"Hey, dad" 12 year old Alexis Castle smiles brightly as her father walks over to her.
"Hey, pumpkin" all his tiredness and troubles melt away just looking at that smile. "Did you have fun?" she spent the day on one of the armchairs reading books.
"Mm-hmm" she loves it when he sings books there. She gets to spend the entire day reading.
Damn, he thinks. He forgot to talk to Gina about something. "Sweetie, can you stay here for a second? I have to talk to Gina"
"Sure" she gets back to reading her book.
As Castle walks away, a guy with a camera, a pad and a pencil sits in front of Alexis. "Hello Alexis" the guy says friendly.
"Hi…" Alexis lowers her book and takes a look at the guy. A paparazzi, great.
"So, Rick Castle is your father?"
"I'm sorry. I can't talk to you" she knew she isn't supposed to talk to strangers.
"I'm not a stranger" he put on a friendly smile. "I'm a friend. I know your dad"
This time, she ignores him and keeps reading.
The guy does not look pleased. "Look, kid" his tone turns hateful as he stands up. "You will answer my questions, understood?"
Alexis is getting nervous. She thinks about leaving, but he's standing right in front of her, blocking her way. "I-"
"Hey!" Castle rushes to his daughter's side and seeing the look of fear on her face, punches the guy square on the jaw before he gets a chance to run away. "Why are you bothering my daughter?" his gaze is murderous as he sees the guy scurry away. "Are you okay?" he kneels in front of his daughter, his look softening.
"Yeah, he was just… He wanted me to answer some questions" she was still a little startled.
"Come on, let's go home" he takes her hand and they leave the library.
"Alright, I'll be there tomorrow" Beckett says as she hangs up. She's going in for an interview. She knows her chances of getting in are pretty good. She has worked in law enforcement; she's one of the best of her rank, she has training in the handling of firearms and close quarter combat…
But she's a beautiful young woman – and a show off, apparently – and the chances of a multi-millionaire or a big shot celebrity asking her for protection are pretty low. It's not the fact that she can't handle it – she can – but she really doesn't look the type.
Oh, well. She opens a bottle of wine, pours herself a glass and prepares a nice warm bath.
Tomorrow, she'll see what happens.
That night, after Alexis has gone to sleep, Castle is in his office thinking about what had happened at the library. He had been so scared, and so mad! He can't believe those people, attacking a little kid like that… It's one thing that they attack him, it's an occupational hazard. But his daughter? That's where he draws the line.
And what could happen next?! His mind swirls with all the possibilities, all worse than the last and he has to stop himself before he decides to hunt the guy down and kill him.
He debates with himself for a while, but realizes it isn't that hard of a decision. He's getting a bodyguard. Who knew what could happen? Besides, he has the money. Why not?
He'll talk to Gina about it tomorrow.