A/N: Here's the continuance I wrote. I can't believe how big of a response I got for this story. It's pretty cool that so many people liked it. You know me, I just like to play out what ifs and random scenarios. Anyways, I'll be writing a few more chapters for this probably. I still have to rewrite the bulk of my other Castle story since my Hard Drive crashed, so I can't promise speedy updates. Without further ado, I'll let you get to it. Please let me know what you think.
**Feel free to give me ideas (including old characters from the series you'd like to pop up again.) I chose Sorenson and Shaw because I liked them the best. I also plan on having Castle interact with Alexis, Martha and the gang. So don't assume that I'm going to whisk him away to the boonies all by his lonesome self. Thanks again for all of the feedback! You guys are truly the best.
Title: Ask Me How Much I Love You
Disclaimer: Sadly the amazing show that is Castle does not belong to me, nor does Natan Fillion (as amazing as he his)!
Spoilers: A play on spoilers from Anatomy of a Murder. Kate tells Castle that she would break him out of prison. Castle sees this as a sign of Love.
Rating: T (just to be on the safe side)
"What happens now?" Castle asked as they wove through the streets of New York City to the red light district. Esposito was speaking into his radio to a third party that Castle couldn't discern at that moment.
"We switch cars and get you out of the city," Kate replied calmly. "Then we work on getting you across the border."
"Kate," Rick swallowed, propping himself on his elbows, "They'll know it was you that helped me. You really shouldn't have done this."
"I had no choice!" Kate said emphatically. "I believe in justice, Castle. You didn't kill him, and they're ready to hang your neck for it."
"You never asked me if I did it," Castle spoke in a whisper. "Didn't you ever wonder?" Castle grasped hold of Kate's hand tightly, twining their fingers together. "The way you looked at me in the courtroom…"
"I never thought you did it, Castle," Kate spoke in a matter of fact sort of manner. Kate shook her head, "And I never needed to ask you, because I know that you didn't do it." Kate looked deep into Castle's eyes. "Why? Do you want me to?"
"You could," Castle swallowed.
"Okay…" Kate breathed lamely, "So did you? Did you kill Hugherty?"
"No." Castle choked out honestly.
"Okay," Kate smiled. "I believe you."
"Good," Castle smiled in return. "At least I have one person who believes me."
"Try eight," Kate corrected, "Surely you can count on me, Martha, Alexis, Laney, Sito, Ryan, and the Captain Jacobs." Castle cut her off with a finger to her lips.
"Okay," Castle teased, "Your point has been made."
"We're closing in on our target," Ryan's voice called from the front seat. "Prepare for the switch."
Kate pulled away and got to her knees. She crawled over and retrieved the masks and gun. Castle started as something was tossed at him in the darkness.
"Put this on," Kate said as he picked up the mask, "We need to keep your identity hidden." Castle did as she was told. He felt a dead weight on top of him as the van screeched to a halt. Apparently Kate had lost her balance, not that she minded. In seconds the back doors were flung open. A flashlight flashed into Castle's eyes causing him to see stars as his eyes were temporarily blinded. Castle stumbled a little as he was pulled from the back on the van.
"You're ahead of schedule," another voice spoke into the darkness. The hackles on the back of Castle's neck rose a little as he struggled to place the distorted voice. He could have sworn he had met this person before.
"Wipe it down for prints," the masked figure told another individual. "We can't leave any trace of him." The person inclined their head towards Castle. Castle stared back, feeling as if he were under inspection. The busy body in the background went to wiping for prints. Luckily, Castle hadn't touched anything except the floor for balance purposes.
"Raley and Ochoa," Kate spoke, using Castle's fictional names, "Book it back to central. I'll be in touch with you soon."
"What?" Castle's voice betrayed his confusion, "Where are they going?"
"Our alibi's only check for so long," Ryan explained in a near whisper. "We set up a program so that we could forward all of the phone calls to our home straight to our cells without leaving a trace. People at our apartment are making several key calls in the middle of our timeframe to offset the possibility it was us. Theoretically, it's the perfect alibi." He paused as he checked the display of his cell phone. "You're right in thinking that the first ones they are going suspect of helping you, is our squad. The fact is, we got pretty much everyone in on it that we can trust. My girlfriend is waiting for me at home. She's covering for me. And Ochoa has a friend covering for him. Still, we only got a twenty minute window."
"You're sure they can't pin it back on you?" Castle asked worriedly.
"Yeah," Ryan assured him. "The techs in CSU are helping us and they know better than anyone what the feds will be looking for. Still, we've got to book it now."
"Okay," Castle nodded, "I can't possibly thank you enough for this." Castle said as he bumped fists with his partner. "You guys went above and beyond with this one."
"Anything for a brother," Sito piped up as he slid into an old model Honda with a fake license plate.
"We'll be in touch," Kate's distorted voice announced. With a nod, Ryan hopped into the passenger car and they were speeding off into the night.
Castle turned back around to find two masked figures spraying down the van with bleach. They were power washing away any trace they were ever there. Castle watched this in fascination. He stepped away as they stopped. Castle looked over towards Kate, who was wearing gloves and had slipped on a rubber suit over her black fatigues. She began pouring gasoline from a canister into the back of the van. She made quick work of her objectives. Before he knew it she was clambering out the back with an empty container. Another masked figure threw a lit match into the back. Castle threw up his arms instinctively as fire met gasoline. The accelerant did leaps and bounds to help the fire along. Oxygen was introduced to fresh flames in the cool night air. Castle could feel the sheer heat of the flames as they licked and ravished every inch of flammable material in the van. And just like that, all trace of them was gone.
Castle straightened up a little as he heard a faint uproar not too far from they were. It was definitely sirens. He wondered how long they had. Castle jumped as Kate's radio came to life.
"Alert to fugitives, this is base ops," Castle was surprised to hear Esposito's voice.
"This is fugitive," Kate responded. She broke off to meet Castle's eyes. Her voice showed no weakness as she spoke to him. It was almost frightening. "In the back, now."
"What?" Castle's voice cracked as the masked figure popped the trunk and indicated for him to get inside. "You're kidding," Castle said with no trace of humor in his voice.
"Blue coats are running hot," Esposito's voice, echoed under the overpass, "I repeat. They're running hot. They must have gotten a tip off in the area. ETA is 3 minutes. Get out of there."
"If you don't want us to leave you here for the blue coats I suggest you get comfortable," a clipped voice, heavy on annoyance said. Castle shook his head but still complied. As he walked up to the back of the trunk, his body still sore, something was pushed into his hand. "Put that in your ear so we can communicate. Castle curled up in the trunk. As soon as he was in, the trunk was unceremoniously slammed shut over him, rattling the car. Castle took a deep breath. He had a feeling that this was going to be a very very long night.
Castle's nerves were getting the best of him as he heard the excited exchange between Kate and Esposito. He jumped for the hundredth time when the tires screeched and they were moving at a very fast, brisk pace. Horns honked at them as they reentered mainstream traffic.
"How did it go?" Will Sorenson asked as he pulled off his mask. Kate's flushed face stared straight ahead, her expression determined. Kate only spared him a flick of a sideways glance as she focused on weaving in and out of traffic on the freeway.
"Good," Kate replied evenly. "We hit a little bit of a hiccup out of the gate. Cops were faster in responding than we thought."
"Explosives work okay?" Will asked with a lump in his throat.
"Perfectly," Kate replied. "God, I really hope no one was hurt."
"Already checked," Will breathed, "A few injuries. No casualties." A voice crackled over Will's radio. Kate tuned him out as he offered up his badge number and claimed that he was in pursuit. He gave a bogus address and released the button on the transmitter.
"Still," Kate muttered. "I never wanted to have to do this. I just can't believe…" Kate swallowed heavily in her throat as she felt Will place his hand on her arm.
"It's going to be okay, Kit Kat," Will tried to reassure her.
"No it's not," Kate bit back. "Even if we're lucky enough to make it through this night, everything is still ruined. He can't go back. Hell, I'm not even sure if I can." Kate took a long look in Will's eyes. "And then there's you. I shouldn't have involved you in this."
"Why?" Will spoke calmly. "You didn't push me into anything." Will looked back in front of them, watching as they overtook car after car in a steady stream of taillights. He silently wondered how fast they were going. "Writer monkey is an old friend, and I wanted to help. I looked over the crime scene photos, and I know that there's just no way that he did it. The murder was much too sophisticated even for him."
"What do you mean?" Kate asked.
"You didn't see the photos?" Will's brow furrowed.
"They wouldn't let us work the case," Kate replied, "They had IAB following our every move to make sure we wouldn't interfere. It pissed me off."
"Well," Will spoke, finding interest in the lights of the city as they whizzed by, "the murderer used a high caliber bullet consistent with a sniper rifle. But then another was fired to make it look like a closer hit."
"You're joking," Kate said, her jaw falling open.
"Completely serious," Will spoke stoically. "Now, I know that I'm not in homicide, but doesn't that sound like a professional hit to you?"
"How on earth could they ignore that?" Kate asked furiously.
"Well, that's just it isn't it. It's a cover up. They don't want the public knowing that it was a professional hit. My guess is that it was the NSC. Castle's dad must have stumbled onto something he shouldn't have." Will cleared his throat. "Of course the general public doesn't know this, but there was a leak, hundreds of documents were leaked from the inside by a hacker. Whoever it was that was responsible…well, I think that they talked to Hugherty. That made him a target. Whoever was trying to cover up the leak through murder must have stumbled across Castle and decided to set him up for it," Will whispered calmly. "Of course, this is all just conjecture and speculation."
"I just…" Kate's jaw clenched in anger, "I can't believe that after everything he did for us and for the FBI that they would overlook all of it. Someone has to be gunning for him. And I have to figure out who it is before Castle ever has a chance to get his life back."
"It kills you that you're going to have to leave him, doesn't it?" Will asked simply.
"Yes," Kate whispered. "But I'm the best chance that he has at getting justice. I have to figure out who really killed his father. I have to clear his name. Then…Then maybe we can finally have a chance."
"Does he know?" Will asked, noting the pain in Kate's eyes. "Does he know that he's going to be on his own?"
"I haven't told him yet," Kate shook her head, "I couldn't. This whole situation is painful."
"Does he know how you're planning on getting out of this?" Will inquired carefully.
"No," Kate nearly growled, "I couldn't tell him that either."
"Because you know he won't like it," Will sighed.
"Of course he won't," Kate snapped back. "He knows that I hate the FBI. He would know that I'm doing it solely for him, and he's already upset enough. The fact is, I'll have much more resources to work with this way."
"Still," Will chuckled, "I thought hell would freeze over before you joined the feds."
"Me too," Kate smiled. "Don't get your hopes up though, it's only temporary."
"Heard from Shaw yet?" Will asked, checking his phone.
"No," Kate replied, her focus back on the road. She eased her foot on the gas as she detected a police cruiser ahead of them. She wanted to do all she could to avoid suspicion, and driving at 85 miles per hour would not do that. "I gave her a heads up when we hit the first checkpoint." Kate suddenly remembered that they weren't alone. She flicked on her transmitter and spoke into the mic on her black jacket lapel.
"You okay back there, monkey?" A voice crackled in his ear.
"I'm fine," Castle said sternly, "But I want a new nickname."
"Too bad," Kate laughed, "You missed out when we drew code names. You're stuck with it."
"Who else is with you?" Castle asked, curiosity getting the best of him.
"I'm afraid I can't say," Kate replied, "You'll have to wait for introductions later. Although, I think it's safe to say you know him. He is an old friend, after all."
"Well," Castle swallowed, "Whoever it is. Tell him thanks." Castle paused for a moment, before correcting himself. After all there was a third person. "Tell them thanks." The rest of the short trip was made in silence. Kate's voice crackled over the radio periodically to check and make sure he was still alive. Castle's body was sore and cramped from his position in the back, but he closed his eyes anyways. He was tired, and it was so dark that he couldn't see his hand in front of his face. With an abrupt motion the car came to a stop. The trunk was released and thrown open.
"Okay," Will's undistorted voice spoke as Castle blinked over and over again, not believing the sight before him. "Come on, writer monkey, we don't have all day. Up and out." Will offered Castle his hand and slowly Castle climbed out of the trunk. He held his forearm up to his eyes as the offending bright lights brought on a headache.
"Where are we?" Castle asked, looking back and forth between Kate and Will. He felt like the third wheel all over again.
"Cargo docks," Kate said calmly, "You, my friend, are going on a boat ride."
"A boat," Castle repeated. "Did I mention that I like land? I get seasick."
"Too bad," Kate spoke simply, "This is the plan. It's the best way to get you away without anymore suspicion. They'll be checking all outgoing traffic. It would be too easy to catch you on a train, a bus, or an airplane." Castle swallowed, running his good arm over his face. He winced as he tweaked his side. Castle turned as a car skidded to a stop just behind them. Two people climbed out, and Castle was stunned.
"Lanie," Castle spoke in a baffled voice. She was so calm and composed.
"Javi told me you were hit during the backfire," Lanie said walking over to Kate and grabbing her wrist. She looked pensive for a moment as she took Kate's pulse. "Where did it hit you?"
"My side," Kate nearly whispered, "But it was just a graze. I'm fine."
"Wait a minute," Castle's voice was rough, "You got shot?"
"It was just a graze," Kate's eyes flashed in annoyance. "I'm fine."
"Why do you have to be so damn stubborn," Castle snapped. "You see? Just another reason why you shouldn't have done this."
"Shut it," Laney said simply. "She'll be fine, Castle." Lanie took a long glance over Castle's battered form. "Now you on the other hand, might want to sit down for a minute." Castle's shoulders sagged as he limped over to an old cargo box, and plopped down on it, his head in his hands. He closed his eyes, thinking about how much trouble he had caused. Once the adrenaline and excitement wore off, one realized how stupid and dangerous it all was. Castle's thoughts raced as he imagined a situation in which Kate came away from the night with a serious injury. He shook his head wearily. He was vaguely aware of the others, resigning himself to sulk. He was jolted from his thoughts, however, when he felt a warm hand pry his hands away from his face. Before he had a chance to react a light was being forced onto his eyes.
"Lanie!" Castle whined, trying to pull away.
"Easy, Castle," Lanie spoke, "I'm checking your pupil reactivity. You're right pupil isn't constricting. You could have a concussion."
"I'm fine," Castle asserted himself.
"You black out at all?" Lanie asked, in full doctor mode. She was used to dealing with dead bodies, not noncompliant patients.
"For a second or two," Castle replied. "But I can remember my name and everything so I'm fine. It's just a bump." Lanie reached around the back of his head to find the bump in question. Castle winced. He felt a cold pack shoved in his hand.
"Here," Lanie said quietly, "Put this on it." Castle jumped a little when Lanie pulled up his shirt.
"What are you doing?" Castle asked feeling slightly embarrassed when his voice was an octave higher than it was typically.
"Listening to your heart and lungs," Lanie spoke evenly, "Now if you'd be quiet for a moment…" She let her voice trail off as she shifted her attention to the physical she was performing. Castle grunted a little as Lanie pushed down on a tender spot. Lanie's brow lifted on her forehead. "Well, your breathing sounds on the left side are kind of weak. You experiencing any pain."
"A little," Castle breathed. It hitched a little as Lanie poked and prodded around the area. She made a tsking sound in the back of her throat.
"You've got yourself a couple of broken ribs," Lanie said finally. "I can't really confirm it without an x-ray, but with the bruising patterns I'm pretty sure. I'm going to wrap them for you." Castle didn't speak as Lanie pulled out some supplies. He tried to stay very still as she wrapped his midsection. He closed his eyes for a long moment. He wanted to think he was dreaming because everything that had happened was just so surreal. Never in his wildest dreams did he imagine that he would be at a boat launch in the manufacturing district of NYC awaiting a get away boat, or that he'd be on the run from the cops and the feds.
"Okay," Lanie said, "We're done." Castle lowered his arms. "Kate also told me that you tweaked your shoulder."
"Dislocated it in the crash," Castle replied. He watched as she pulled out a sling.
"Can you move it for me?" Lanie asked. She watched carefully as he showed her his range of motion. "Good," she smiled, pleased that he hadn't broken anything. She manipulated his arm into the sling and adjusted it for comfort. "Try and keep it immobilized for now."
"Will do," Castle promised. Castle's eyes widened a little when she reached into her back and pulled out a syringe and a small medicinal bottle. With a little more shuffling she pulled out an alcohol wipe.
"What is that?" Castle asked nervously.
"Some Dilaudid," Lanie replied, filling the syringe to the appropriate level. He watched a she diluted it with some saline. "It's for pain."
"Lanie," Castle cleared his throat. "Really. It's okay. I don't need it. Really."
"You will," Lanie spoke knowingly. "With all the commotion, you're still in shock. Once that wears off you're going to be pretty uncomfortable." Suddenly a thought dawned on her. "Oh, this is too good," she laughed finally, "Richard Castle is afraid of a little needle?"
"Am not," Castle gritted his teeth. He could feel sweat pool on his brow as his body betrayed him and gave away his discomfort.
"Are too," Lanie laughed again. She grabbed his wrist with her hand, and palpated the artery. "Your heart rate just jumped." "It won't hurt," Lanie reassured him, "I promise." Castle let out a sigh. Reluctantly he conceded.
"Fine," he pouted, "Let's just get it over with."
"Okay," Lanie nodded. "I'm going to give you a shot of nausea medicine too. Kate says you get motion sickness."
"Yes," Castle replied tersely. His jaw tightened as she gave him the first shot. Of course the ME lied. It hurt. It burned as she injected the medicine under the skin.
"You said it didn't hurt," Castle grumbled, rubbing at the spot.
"As far as I'm concerned," Lanie replied with a mischievous glint in her eyes, "it doesn't. I know for a fact that the dead feel no pain."
"I should have known," Castle replied with a smile. "So that's why you became an M.E.?" he teased, "It's a way to get away with having a poor bedside manner."
"Oh shush," Lanie reprimanded him.
"Thanks for doing this, Lanie." Castle said gratefully.
"Anything for a friend," Lanie replied. "She really cares about you, you know?"
"Not as much as I care for her," Castle choked out.
"Are you insane?" Lanie said emphatically. "Do I need to remind you what risks she has taken to keep you out of prison. You have no idea the amount of planning that went into this little charade. And if you'd open your eyes then you'd realize she's in love with you."
"I love her, too" Castle swallowed.
"I know you do," Lanie confirmed. Castle flinched a little as she gave him the second shot. "Alright," Lanie sighed, "Well, that should help for the next few hours. I've got to run."
"Lanie," Castle reached out and squeezed her hand. "Take care, okay?"
"You too, Castle," Lanie replied with a smile as she squeezed his hand in return. Castle watched her walk away, sealing up her medical bag.
He watched Kate approach slowly. Her deep green eyes, looked down at him with evident concern. Her eyes were soft, apologetic even as she knelt down.
"I'm sorry," Kate whispered, "I know this is overwhelming, but it was the only way."
"You could have been hurt," Castle's voice was broken. "It's not worth it to me, Kate." His eyes conveyed his own pain as he spoke. "I'd rather die then see you hurt again."
"I know," Kate replied. "I guess we're going to have to agree to disagree on this one. Because I can't regret what I did." Kate brushed his cheek gently with her hand. "Jordan is going to meet you in Portland. It'll be a long trip. Everything you need is in this duffel. I had Alexis and Martha pack you some things."
"Jordan?" Castle asked calmly. "You mean Shaw?"
"Yeah," Kate nodded. "She's going to get you across the Canadian border, acting as a U.S. Marshall. You'll have to run on your own from there. I'd recommend Nova Scotia. I hear it's beautiful there."
"How can I contact you?" Castle breathed, his heart sinking.
"You can't," Kate said painfully, "it'll give us away."
"Right," Castle said stupidly.
"I'm sorry." Kate noticed the agony in Castle's expression.
"What about Alexis?" Castle looked as if he felt like he was getting his heart ripped out.
"Martha will take good care of her until your name is cleared and you can come back," Kate explained. "I'll take care of them too. I promise that I'll keep them safe." It was a big promise to make, but Kate made it with utmost sincerity, and he knew that she didn't take the responsibility lightly.
"They know that I'm innocent, don't they?" Castle asked.
"Of course they do," Kate replied. Kate flinched as Will's voice called out, telling her that they had to hurry. Castle saw the reluctance in her eyes. She took a long moment just to look him in the eyes.
"Will you do me a favor?" Castle breathed softly. "Tell Alexis that I love her very much. I couldn't do it after the verdict, but I want her to know."
"Yes," Kate promised, "Of course I will tell her."
"Thank you," he looked eternally grateful.
"I love you, Castle," Kate said in a low, soft, voice, "It's about time that I told you that." Kate leaned in without breathing. Their lips brushed together in a tender kiss. Castle closed his eyes, committing every sensation to memory as Kate's hands found their way into his hair. Castle deepened the kiss, though he looked in pain as he did so. He knew the kiss for what it was, a goodbye. It was why Kate had told him. She had to leave him here. He wouldn't see her for a long time. He was surprised to find tears streaking down Kate's face as she finally pulled away.
"I'll see you," Castle said numbly as she stood, her feet rooted to the ground. Kate brushed away the tears.
"I'll be waiting," Kate breathed as she turned away, and stalked over to Will. He stared without seeing as she slid into the passenger seat of Lanie's car. The car sped off into the night, leaving him there. Castle looked up to see Will approaching.
"They're here," Will inclined his head, letting out a sigh. Castle turned to see a flashlight flickering on and off in the darkness. Will pulled a flashlight and mimicked the signal. Castle stood up, hefting his duffel bag with his good hand. He picked up the long strap and slipped it over his shoulder carefully so that he didn't have to hold it any longer.
"Well," Castle stuck out his hand to the Will, "I guess this is goodbye then." Will shook his hand and slipped something into it. "Follow the instructions on that piece of paper to meet your next contact. Shaw will work on getting you a new identity, which will help you get across the border. Good luck."
"Thanks," Castle breathed retracting his hand. Castle slipped the piece of paper into his pocket for later. Will watched as Castle made his way to the edge of the landing. A hand reached out to pull him aboard. With a little jostling, Castle was aboard the small vessel. Will watched as the ship's captain reversed out of the slip and made his way back into the river, heading north. Slowly, the vessel's navigational lights, disappeared into darkness, taking with them the identity of Richard Castle.
A/N: More to come soon! Please read and review!