Good, But Not Right
Chapter 2
Beckett frowns at her watch as the time creeps closer and closer to end of shift. She's been waiting on Castle since lunch when he'd promise he'd be there.
"Still waiting on Castle?" Esposito asks. "He still mad about yesterday?"
"He was," Beckett admits. "Probably madder than I've ever seen him."
"Well, things are different now," Ryan chimes in. "He was just worried about the … baby."
Ryan says the last word in a whisper, looking around to make sure no one overheard him.
"We're all worried," Esposito says. "Yesterday was scary."
"I know, I know. I get it," she says, exasperated. "I didn't think. It won't happen again. Castle and I are talking to Gates. If he ever gets here, that is."
"Why didn't he just come in with you this morning like usual?"
"He had a phone conference with his publishing company. He was supposed to get here a little after lunch so we can talk to Gates before end of shift," Beckett explains.
"Well, he better get here quickly," Ryan nods towards Gates' office. "She looks like she's about to pack up and leave for the day."
Beckett looks into the office and mutters a curse under her breath. She looks towards the elevators, hoping to see Castle get off. But several more minutes prove he's a no show.
"I have to talk to her today. I guess I have to do it alone," she sighs.
"Good luck," the guys call out to her as she walks towards the office.
She knocks on the door and waits until she hears the captain call out "Come in" before entering.
"Detective Beckett. What can I do for you today?"
"I, uh …" Beckett paces nervously around the office. "I need to talk to you about something. It's personal, but it affects my work."
"Is this about Mr. Castle?"
"Castle? No. I mean, not directly. Well, sort of. I mean, he's involved and responsible. Well, we both were willing participants, but …"
"Detective Beckett," Gates says, raising her hand to stop her. "You're babbling and not making any sense. Start again, please. And make it coherent this time."
"Sorry," Beckett apologizes with a nervous laugh. She lets out a deep breath and starts again, deciding to just spit it out this time. "Sir, Castle and I are a couple."
Captain Gates just smiles.
"I know."
"And I'm pregnant," Beckett continues. "Wait, you know?"
"Wait, what? A baby? That, I didn't know," Gates says, true surprise on her face. "Are you sure?"
"Pretty sure," Beckett chuckles, turning sideways and running her hand over her small bump. "I won't be able to hide it much longer. Sir, how did you know about Castle and me?"
"I thought everyone knew" Gates shrugs. "Rumors about the two of you have been going around for years."
"Sir, we didn't get together until my suspension last year."
Another surprise look crosses Gates' face.
"Well, Detective. That's twice today you've managed to shock me. Anything else you need to say, make it three for three?"
"No, this is it. Like I said before, I wasn't going to be able to hide it much longer. Time ran out for me not saying anything about the baby. I didn't have a choice any longer. Castle had a fit yesterday when things got a little rough with a suspect."
"As well he should have," Gates interrupts her. "You shouldn't be out chasing down perps. Now, I won't take you off your team, Detective. But the dynamics have to change. Let Ryan and Esposito do the legwork. You are not to go back out on the streets, is that clear?"
"Yes, Sir."
"It's nothing against your skill as a police officer. You're the best I have, Beckett. It's just..."
"Sir, I completely understand and agree," Beckett says. "I won't let a repeat of yesterday happen."
"See that it doesn't. And Detective Beckett?"
"Yes Sir?"
"Congratulations. To both you and Mr. Castle. I wish you both … hold that thought," Gates says when her phone rings.
"I'm in a meeting," is all she says when she notices the caller ID. She's even more annoyed at the nerve of the caller to just ignore her and keep speaking. But the more she listens, the more her annoyance gives way to concern.
"You all come on in. We'll talk about this now."
Beckett is about to leave when Gates holds up a finger to stop her.
"You have a meeting. I'll go now," Beckett says, trying to leave the office.
"You need to stay, Detective. And have a seat."
"Sir?" Beckett asks, confused when she sees Ryan, Esposito, and Lanie come into the office. "What's going on?"
"Sweetie, Alexis has been trying to reach you," Lanie explains. "When she couldn't get your cell or desk, she called the guys."
"What's going on?" Beckett asks again, this time fear gripping her by the throat. "Is she alright? Is Castle? Did something happen?"
"Castle and Alexis are fine," Esposito assures her. "They're at the hospital, though. Castle's mom had a heart attack."
"What? Martha? What happened? When? How is she?" Beckett starts to breathe too fast and Ryan forces her down into a chair before she faints.
"Calm down, Detective," Gates orders. Her sharp, crisp voice shakes Beckett from her panic. "Right now, these guys are going to take you to the hospital. Mr. Castle is probably worried about his mother."
"You're right," Beckett says, forcing her breathing to slow. "I have to get to the hospital. I need to get to him."
She gets shakily on her feet.
"Are you sure you're going to be okay?" Lanie asks.
"I have to be. Castle needs me."