Sex Therapy, oh my!
A/N: Can I just say... holy shit? Haha, all day my cell was vibrating like hell. Just wanted to say a million thanks to everyone. Whether it's review or alert. Either way, it's nice to know people like it. I hope I can keep you guys on a good leash here as I update. :)
Feel free to ask questions, criticize, or anything at all.
Disclaimer: I don't own Castle and unlike most people, I wouldn't want to. The writers are doing a fabulous job on the storyline, and their relationship build-up. Wouldn't have it done any other way... except for the naughty stuff, hint, hint.
Beckett came back to the bullpen after a little talk with Lanie. The information she received was not what she wanted to hear, but it was enough for now. There's definitely a third suspect, and she is going to have to find out who she is. She believes that the third suspect will have all the answers.
The meeting room was cleaned up by the time she got back, noticing a few containers on her own desk with Castle in her damn chair. She came up close behind him, thinking of a way to irritate him, but it would not be professional of her to do so. Instead, she yelled out his name.
Castle got up in a heartbeat. Esposito was right. He was whipped. The two detectives watched them for a moment and resumed to work with a huge grin on their faces. Castle scooted over for Beckett to sink down in her own seat, taking the container and picking up where she left off. Taking one bite at a time. She was hungry, knowing that she should be running down a lead, but first, she just needed to fill her stomach.
"Castle... I thought I told you not to play with my computer." Her eyes caught a bunch of websites opened up on her computer, a handful of knowledge of the specific retreat, including sex therapy. What the hell is he doing with this?
He took his seat next to the desk before she noticed the websites. He did not have the time to close when she came over, in fact, he was caught red-handed. The least he could do was to sit and be cool about it. "I was doing some researching... Just in case?" He grabbed the edge of his seat and scooted over close to Beckett, pointing out to some parts on the site. "Look at this, says here that couples are not allowed to leave the retreat until their sessions are completed thoroughly. So maybe our third suspect is a staff after all, since she would be able to leave the premises and go home. Paid the couple a surprise visit for a threesome? Maybe they had an encounter there."
Beckett's eyes laid onto the computer, reading bits and pieces here and there. Settled the container down onto the desk, scoffing, "Castle, that is a bit far fetched, don't you think? Even if she's involved... Then why would someone kill the couple? They might have done nothing wrong."
"Jealous husband?" He asked as he turned his head, he was close to her face but at a reasonable distance. Quickly taking a whiff of her cherry-scented hair. Been so long since I came close to her hair. Fantastic fragrance... Beckett's right. You're so metro-sexual!
"How would he even know what they were doing at the retreat? What if..." She turned her head to face him, not realizing how close he was. She was taken back at the ruggedly handsome look, staring deep into his blue eyes. Damn. It took her a few seconds to snap back to reality, stuttering slightly, "W-what if... her boyfriend works there? A Secret lover?"
Oh yeah. He caught that stutter and made a mental note of it. His eyes shifted down to her lips. She was nibbling on her bottom lip. I love it when she does that. "...That could work."He whispered softly, eyes not leaving her lips.
"Castle..." Beckett almost moaned his name out. What am I doing? Why am I even whispering his name out like that? Then comes the scene of their passionate make-out period as a decoy replaying in her head, again. The air got thicker between the two. Her chest slowly heaving at an erratic pace, she was panting remarkably quiet. If only I could just... taste those lips again... Just once more.
Castle could not believe what was happening. He watched every move she made, her chest heaving like that, her panting... god, her lips most of all. She licked them wet enough in preparation for a kiss they were about to achieve.
Gates strutted out of her office with a handful of folders in arm, staring at the two closing their space in a painfully slow motion. Being the bitch as usual, Gates didn't want people to be looking at the two and think it's okay to make out in public. It would make her look bad. "Beckett." She spoke loud and clear, disturbing their moment. They both jumped back, shooting their glances at Gates. "My office, now." She retreated herself back to her own office.
Beckett let out a chortled laugh, she was just as surprised as Castle was, matching his expression. She took a deep sigh and stood. "Fuck." She mumbled to herself. What was I even thinking? Fucking professional, Kate. Just perfect. She left Castle alone without a word and to the boss' office for a delicate spanking.
Castle watched her leave, groaning to himself and leaning back into his chair. He rubbed his forehead with his thumb. He always hated Gates and her dreadful timing. No, screw that, Ryan and Esposito were clearly the masters of cockblocking in the past few years. Though what happened just now, they couldn't help themselves. He wanted her.
She wanted him.
It was clear to him that he needed to do something stupid.
"Close the door." Gates commanded.
Beckett did what she asked her to do then stood in front of her desk. Her hands closed behind her back, fingers fidgeting around with her own. "You wanted to see me, sir?" She asked politely.
"Where are we on the case?" She asked Beckett. Eyes not leaving the paperwork she had laid out on her desk, shuffling through them and pretending to read.
"We discovered that there was a third suspect at the victims' home. We are not sure who she is, but we found the connection between the victims and the third suspect. We believe they were acquainted to one of the staffs at a marriage counselling retreat. Castle and I will be heading down there for questioning."
"Fine work, detective. Keep me posted." Gates held her gaze on her own paperwork.
"Thank you, sir." Beckett spoke, turning to leave her office but Gates called out to Beckett.
"One more thing..." Victoria Gates, the "Iron" Gates of the 12th precinct, gave Beckett a long, cold stare. It seemed that Beckett might have been the only person around to be able to withstand her. Most people would find her intimidating and downright scary. Worrying their badges would be stripped away at an unreasonable act. "Castle." Gates switched her glance over to Castle through the window, watching him fiddling with his iPhone instead of doing some actual work.
"What of him, sir?" Of course. Gates hates the guy. Clearly it was obvious from the start.
"I'm beginning to think he's a distraction. Don't get me wrong, Detective Beckett. He proved to be a valuable asset to the team but right now..." She raised a finger then pointed to Castle. "That little moment I walked in on you two? That can not happen again in my precinct." Settling her hand down onto the desk. "I support relationships but only outside of work. Do I make myself clear?"
"Yes sir."
"If I ever catch the two of you pecking on your valuable time, I'm kicking Castle out."
Beckett took a deep sigh, "Sir, we're not dating."
"Beckett." Gates didn't give a shit what she had to say. She obviously knew something was going on the between of the two them. Even though they may not have been dating, but they sure as hell looked like a couple.
"Won't happen again, sir." Beckett held her head down as a slight nod, turning herself away to face the door, and letting herself out of the office. Well shit, there goes my fantasies.
Kate was out of the office and back to the desk. Swiftly checking her father's watch for the time. Not too bad, she thought. Just a little past 1 PM. Avoiding Castle's looks this time, she did not want to get herself lost in those blue eyes again. Gates threat was dead serious. Aside from not dating him, she couldn't bear with the idea of not having Castle around at the precinct again. She slipped on the jacket and instantly adjusting the frontal. "Castle, you coming?"
"Always." He spoke, not being able to catch her gaze but decided that he would ask later. A trip to Gates' office usually never end well. Only to ask once they were out of Gates' hair, that is. He rose from the chair and followed her to the elevator after Beckett told the guys where they were going.
After all, it was Gates' new policy. Nobody is to go anywhere without letting people know.
On the way over, they shared a brief conversation moment. "What did Gates wanted?" He had to ask.
"Just a quick update on the case."
"Nothing else? It seemed like she was pissed."
"Castle," she sighed, "she's always been like that. She asked for the update on the case, I told her we would be going to the retreat for questioning, and hopefully come back with new leads."
She was definitely hiding something. But he won't push it. Castle silently nod his head to her, leaving it alone. The ride got quiet along the way. All Beckett could do was to think about what Gates said. Her own boss thought they were a couple. Were they really that obvious?
At the retreat, it was unusual for Castle. He remembered the retreats always took somewhere engaging with all the environment surrounding the area. To bring couples a sense of peace and relaxation. It was nothing like he thought it was going to be. Damn, the photographs on the websites lied to me. Castle took a deep sigh, taking a strong look at the building. This whole site only had two stories but a gigantic backyard with several different divided sections. Divided for group sessions and activities. Not all that dreadful, actually.
Beckett walked into the lobby with Castle by her side, glancing about for the receptionist desk. Several couples passing by, few were holding hands, but most were trying hard to avoid each other. Geez, some place. "So, Castle. Would you ever take advantage of this place?"
"Me? No, Beckett. You know me. I'm Mr. Millionaire who goes to the expensive ones and fail my marriages." Castle frowned.
She couldn't help but to slap him on the arm lightly. "Castle, you know I was kidding about before. Don't be harsh on yourself. I'm sure you tried your best..."
Castle's frown was beginning to turn into a smile until then...
Beckett's grin came up, "with your money." Walking away proud from Castle, over to the receptionist desk.
His smile disappeared immediately. "Now I'm sure you didn't mean that!" He hurriedly caught up next to her, "Besides, how would you even know for sure if you never gave us a chance."
She came to an immediate stop in her tracks when he mentioned 'us'. Looking up to Castle with a dangerous game face on, "Let's go, Castle. We're working... Now's not the time." She needed to avoid that for now, obviously not ready for that type of talk. Besides, they truly are working on precious time here. Beckett finished her trip over to the desk.
Castle was not used to being turned down by women until he met Beckett. She made it difficult for him to chase her around. It was a real pain in the ass, but he managed to grab a few intimate moments. It was enough for him back then. Now he wanted more. Although he's pretty sure that if he ever finds out she doesn't love him, he would stop following her like a sick love puppy. Not that he honestly wants to, ever. He would be willing to wait a long time for her but just how much more longer can it get? It has been years. For now, he sighed in frustration and caught up with her again until something stupid came across his mind. When Beckett greeted to the woman at the desk, he stepped in. Her hand grasping onto the badge, Castle quickly stopping her hand.
"Alexander Rodgers, hi." He spoke loud and clear. "This is my wife, Katherine Rodgers."
Beckett's jaw dropped wide open, staring at Castle's side profile. He was refusing to look at her but with a gigantic smile on his face. "Just what in the hell are you doing?" She whispered dangerously quiet to his ear. Katherine Rodgers? It has got a neat touch to it. Hell no, hell no. Nu huh. Forget it, Castle. Her hand reached his hand, shoving it away to grab a hold onto her badge, ready to flash. She needed to get out of this silly little mess.
Castle saw her sudden change, he quickly looked over and grabbed a hold of her hand. "Honey, you promised you wouldn't run from this. We talked about this, remember?" He chuckled, eyeing the woman at the desk. "You know how it is, couples get nervous, but I'm willing to work hard for us. I'd like to book a week-"
Beckett grabbed Castle by the jacket in her fists and tugged him hard towards her. Her face was so close to his, he could almost hear her growling. Not being able to speak in front of the woman for some strange reason. She could easily slip out and say, Detective Beckett, NYPD. I'd like to speak to the manager.
Instead, she freed a hand and walked out through the lobby with his jacket in her fist. Castle was being dragged out, eyeing the receptionist with a stupid laugh. "I'll be back!"
Soon they were outside of the building, she turned to face him and rested her hands on her hips. "Just what the hell are you thinking? Portraying us as a married couple is not going to do anything."
"Wait, wait, wait!" Castle held up his hands. "Beckett... Kate." He spoke, trying to calm her down from his ridiculous move. Pretty bold move, he will have to commend himself later for having the courage to come out like that.
"No, you don't get to say my name like that." Beckett snapped. Not giving him a chance to talk.
"Beckett." He lowered his hands, his voice was low. "What if we're wrong about the staff? The third suspect... I mean, why would she want to come over and portray herself as a staff to the landlord where you can easily find her here... then soon wind up as a suspect? What if she is one of the couples to sneak out? Think about it. You can just easily jump into the car, drive to their apartment and then come back." Castle pointed out to the parking lot with fences surrounding them. "In my experience, they take your car away to a garage. That is an open invitation to get out for a brief moment."
"You said they won't be allowed to leave. Wouldn't their keys get taken away?"
He shrugged his broad shoulders, "Maybe not. But I'm pretty sure nobody would really give a shit if you slip out. Hell, slip a guard a 100 and he would be happy to let you go. As long as you come back in one piece. Nobody would even have to know." Castle licked his lips. "Think about it. It is possible. If I were to write the book, that's how I would hide my killer. It's a perfect alibi too."
Beckett groaned. Running her hands through her hair. "Castle. That is a great theory, really. But how the hell are we going to do that if we're inside? Make friends with the couple and say, oh. Do you know the Adagios? They were murdered.. By any chance, do you know who might have killed them?"
"Yes."
"No!" She responded in anger. "You can't just." Again, she groaned. "Castle. This is my job, I have to do it so if you'll please, step aside and let me do my job." She walked towards the lobby door, but Castle quickly wrapped his arm around her waist and forcefully pulled her back to where she was.
"Castle."
"Beckett."
"Castle..."
"Afraid you might like it?"
"Like what?"
"This. Being undercover as a married couple." He grinned. "You told me yourself, you specifically said you have a hard job and me being around makes it a little more fun. So, why can't we just have this type of fun for now? I'll pay for everything. All you need to do is speak to the captain and have her approve of the mission."
Beckett scoffed. "Gates is never going to go for that."
"Then use your vacation days. Keep in touch with the detectives like we did in L.A. What's the harm in doing that? Last time I checked, you have on way too many vacation days to use up." Wait. Go back, Richard. She didn't even bother to disagree with me, and she's concerned about Gates? Oh hell, Rick. You're going to suffocate.
"Let's go back. But I'm putting the blame on you if we don't catch somebody. There will be hell to pay, Castle. Mark my words." She turned to head back over to the car, leaving Castle standing for a moment to gather his thoughts together. He was too busy thinking of the idea that Beckett was actually considering doing this covert mission with him. If only Gates would approve... If only.
"No." Gates was harsh.
"No?" Beckett said. "Okay then, Castle. Let's go back and question the staffs then."
Castle groaned, "Oh come on, ladies. Just wait a minute." He caught Gates' stare. It was cold. Pretty fucking cold, the way he mentioned the word ladies'. "Sorry, I mean to say sir, sir." He cleared his throat. "I'd be paying for everything. If anything goes wrong, you can blame me, and you can kick me out. But when you really think about it, you'd be wasting your time talking to the staffs in front of the couples. Someone might just overhear us and secretly slip out."
"Then that's how we'll catch them."
He shook his head a little, "No, sir. A lot of couples spend the weekend there.. Some would spend a few days, a week or two."
"Your point being?" Gates leaned back onto her desk with her arms crossed.
"Our victims were just murdered yesterday. Meaning the killer would have had time to come back to the retreat to resume the counselling. If we could subpoena the list of the people spending the time there, we would be able crosscheck with our victims, see who might have been involved with the victims during the time spent there. And if anybody checked out on the day they left, Ryan and Esposito can interview these guys. It's a win-win situation either way."
"You're forgetting the staffs. They have the full privilege of leaving the premises, any one of them could have gone out and murdered them." Gates spoke, wining the argument. Beckett stood there, hands behind her back and fidgeting again like before. She watched the two, fascinated by the fact that Richard Castle actually stood up to Gates, fighting for this one. Maybe he just wants to go undercover to be with me badly. Take advantage of me. Wouldn't that be hot...? No. She secretly shook her head out of the gutter. Focus, Kate. FOCUS. Why am I so in love with this goddamn child?
Shit. She's right. Castle thought to herself. It could have been the staff. Even in his book, he would have made one of the couples as the killer but the staff... It's too random. "The woman- the third suspect who arrived to the victim's loft. She claimed she was staff. Why would she put herself in trouble where we could just simply lead her back to the retreat?"
Gates sighed in frustration, "Mr. Castle, she could have a husband or a boyfriend who went into a jealous rage. He probably stalked her for all we know. This is a waste of time. A no is a no."
Beckett stepped in, doing Castle a favour. "I'd like to use my vacation days, sir. If you don't mind." She pouted her lips, rocking her body slightly and raising her eyebrows. Waiting for Gates to respond. All Gates could do was to stare at her. Now in this argument, Gates was going to lose.
Castle watched the two. The corner of his lips curved into a smirk.
"Wipe that damn smirk off your face, Castle." Gates didn't have to look. Castle played his poker face.
Castle called the retreat ahead to book themselves for a one week stay, including the sex therapy sessions. Who knows, perhaps the therapist could be the killer... Right? Wouldn't hurt to be more involved. Beckett has no idea what he was up to. All work, she thought. But Castle was all play... okay, part work.
Later the day, Beckett and Castle were back at their own places. Packing for the week. Roaming through a stack of clothing and undergarments, all lying around on her bed, deciding which one to take until she was interrupted by the knock on her door. That better not be Castle.
She opens the door.
Definitely not Castle.
"How come you didn't tell me you were going to spend the week with writer-boy?" Lanie spoke as she pushed herself through the door, Beckett stepped aside. She knew this was coming. Oh hell, she knew Lanie would have found out about it sooner than later. Sometimes she wished she wasn't so damn close to Esposito. "Please, come in." Beckett mumbled.
"Spill." Lanie sat down on her couch, "Wine please."
"Lanie, I've got work tomorrow. I can't deal with Castle and a headache."
"Wine... Please." Lanie grinned.
Beckett rolled her eyes. Course, you can't have girl talk without wine. She walked to the kitchen to find her small collection of warm wine near the fridge. She wasn't big on drinking but sometimes keeps a bottle or two. "Castle surprised me at the receptionist desk." Beginning the storytelling as she grabs the corkscrew and glasses.
"He -..." Beckett cleared her throat, walking back to Lanie and taking her seat next to her. Lanie took a hold of her bottle, and corkscrew, figures she would do the work while she talks. "He named himself 'Alexanders Rodgers' and said," her hand gesturing over to Lanie to portray herself as Castle, "this is my wife, Katherine Rodgers."
Lanie sputters with a huge grin, "What? Oh, god. I would KILL to see the expression on your face!"
She couldn't help but grimace at Lanie, a small smile appearing on her face. "Needless to say, I was stunned. I didn't know whether to be angry or-"
"Happy?"
"No, Lanie. Come on. I never dated the guy. Why would I get all giggly when he refers me to his wife? I took him outside to have a word with him. He explained how the case would be tricky. We would be going after the wrong people if we question the staffs... couples would be coming and going constantly. Nobody would know who might be affiliated with the victims. It's just undercover work, who cares. Maybe we'll have fun."
Lanie's grin grew wider.
As her grin appear wider, Beckett's eyes went wider with her eyebrows furrowed. "Not that kind of fun! Lanie!"
"Live a little, girl. Live a little. Who knows, you could be happy." Lanie entirely forgot the wine bottle in her hand until Beckett grabbed it to finish the job. Pouring themselves a cup. "Thanks." She took a sip.
Beckett did the same. "I've got to finish packing. Help?"
"Sure... Do I get to decide which lingerie you'll be wearing?"
"Lanie."
"Okay, fine. Just the dresses then."
"Lanie."
"Shit, girl." Lanie took a large sip of her wine. "You need to loosen up... and only writer-boy can do that in bed."
Beckett scoffed. "Come on, help me."
Lanie pushed herself up from the couch. "Girl, I'll have you know that if nothing happens, I'm locking the two of you in a room until you get this shit sorted out."
"Do that to me and I'll make sure you get your own room with Javi." Beckett spoke, looking over her shoulder to Lanie with a wry face.
A/N: I have the next chapter written but I don't want to update everything quickly. I like to take the time to reread my chapters and make sure I don't leave out anything important. Stick around, I'm having way too much fun with this one.
