At long last I have written an epilogue to The Guy's Night Out. The response to Open Your Eyes was incredible, and I thank all the readers, and also those who took the time to review the story. I hope that this epilogue meets with your approval as well. Gregg.
Disclaimer: I don't own, or profit from, these characters or franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.
"As promised, season tickets, court side, for the New York Knicks," Castle said as he handed over the three pouches containing the ticket packets.
It had been three weeks since the whole debacle of taking them to his private box suite at Yankee Stadium where they watched the Yankees, Red Sox, game with Joe Torre. It was also three weeks since Kate Beckett had unleashed her wrath over not having been invited and being stuck watching the game at Lanie's on an old, dilapidated 19 inch black and white television set. Needless to say, Beckett hadn't been amused when she saw them having beer and Coney Island dogs with Torre. Her revenge had been swift and sure, and the guys were not terribly happy with Castle at the moment. Hence the bargaining he'd done and gotten away with procuring season tickets to the Knicks for the guys.
"Ahh," Captain Roy Montgomery said as he dipped his feet into a long deep dish of hot water liberally enhanced with Epsom Salts. The "refresher" course on physical fitness he and the other Precinct commanders were having to endure, thanks to Beckett's temper, was a brutal, tortuous set of exercises involving a whole lot of running and lifting. He and the other captains had had to run the dreaded obstacle course that morning. Three times! He was still getting rather malevolent glares from the other captains, as the story of how this horrid nightmare came about had made the rounds. He looked at Esposito and Ryan on the other side of his desk and they looked about ready to drop. Three hours volunteer duty a night in Records Administration, without pay, was taking a toll on their sorry asses, too. Beckett sure had a mean streak when she was wronged, whether intentionally or not.
"I still can't believe that we have to suffer while you live it up with Beckett," Esposito glared.
"Three sets of season tickets? A diamond, ruby, and sapphire encrusted necklace for my Mother, and clothes upon clothes for my teenage daughter who likes to shop like it's going out of style, even though Beckett found out we went to the game anyway?" Castle reminded them. "And as for Kate, my nose is still recovering from the vicious assault she perpetrated on my person. I'd say I'm suffering my fair share of the punishment detail."
"But you have more money than God, Castle," Ryan pointed out, raising his head and revealing his bleary expression. The night before they'd gotten called in at 1AM for a murder. Sleep, naturally, had been a distant memory by the time morning had rolled around. "Somehow I don't think you're suffering."
"He's got a point, Bro," Esposito said, noting that Montgomery was nodding in agreement.
"And as for the nose, Castle, I'll trade you that for my feet any day," Montgomery said with a wince as a sore spot made itself known. "And my legs, and back, and arms, too. I'd like to shoot those fitness demons!"
"Besides, you've got a safe word, Bro, while we got nothin' to ward off Beckett," Esposito groused.
"As my nose will attest, guys, my safe word is powerless when Beckett's supremely pissed off," Castle reminded them. Then he smiled conspiratorially. "But it sure was a fun night, though, huh, Guys?"
All four men smiled. Yep. It had been fun, punishment not withstanding. They'd also learned a valuable lesson, though. The next time there was a Guy's Night planned, Beckett was most definitely invited. It was just too damn painful not including their female version of Rambo.
A/N: I know it's short, but I only wanted a nice epilogue to this one which produced such a number of great reviews and interest. Thanks again everyone. I hope to have more Castle stories soon. Gregg.