„He's been lying to us. He's been lying to us the whole time"
2 days later:
Detective Kate Beckett always thought that she'll die in a line of duty, from a gunshot wound. She thought that after she died she'll be just a picture on the wall of the NYPD's Fallen. Nothing else. But after Castle stepped into her life, her opinion changed.
Maybe someone will remember her.
Lights everywhere. The cemetry, the grieving crowd, all gone. Just white lights.
Like no man's land. No roads, streets, people. Just Kate Beckett in the middle of nowhere.
- Where am I? – she thought as she looked around. She took a few steps.
- Kate – she heard a familiar but unexpected voice. Turned around and although she could barely withdrawn the figure, the voice was unmistakable.
- Captain? – Roy Montgomery was in front of her – what's going on?
- I think you know the answer – the captain stepped closer.
- Am I dead?
- Not yet. But you will be if you don't fight against it.
- Against what? – Kate was confused.
- Remorse – said the man and touched Kate's face – stop blaiming yourself, Kate. The one who is guilty, is me.
- Why? Why did you lie to us?
- It's complicated.
- No, it's not. You were the third cop along with Raglan and McAllister. In some way you caused my mother's death. But I told you, I forgive you.
- It's not that simple.
- Then tell me the truth. Who killed my mother? I need to know it, Roy.
- You already know it.
- Sir, you sacrificed yourself to save me. I told you that you didn't have to do that. But you died and didn't told me the whole truth. Tell me now. I have to close this case.
- I can't.
- Why not?
- Because you are the one who have to find out.
- It's not fair.
- Who said that the life is easy?
- Why are you doing this?
- Kate, you were the best cop whom I've ever trained. If anyone can solve this mistery, it's you.
- I can't do it, all alone.
- You're not alone. Castle is always by your side. As well as Lanie, Esposito and Ryan. They'll help you but you have to go back. For me, it's too late. But not for you. Get that bastard.
- I can't…
- Kate, I know this is hard. But you have to hang on.
- Sir, what am I suppose to do?
- Don't lose hope and strength – and the captain disappeared. Kate was speechless. She was incredibly scared, she was shaking. But someone touched her shoulder and she suddenly felt comfortable.
- Don't be afraid, darling.
- Mom? – she turned around and saw her mother.
- Katie, honey. I'm here.
- Mom! – Kate started to crying, Johanna Beckett wiped her tears away.
- You have to go back, sweetheart.
- Mom, I don't wanna go. Not without you. I miss you so much.
- I'm gonna always be with you – said Johanna and hugged her daughter.
- You promise?
- I promise.
The hospital room was blurred but somehow she knew that someone was there.
- Castle?
- Hey – said Kate as she looked up.
- Hey – said Castle softly – how are you feeling?
- Like being shot, I guess – Beckett gave a small smile to Castle, the writer was smiling, too.
- How long I was out?
- Three days. It's been a decade. We were worried.
- You were here the whole time, weren't you?
- Well, not just me.
- What do you mean?
- Everyone is here. Your father, Ryan, Esposito, Lanie. Even my mother, Alexis and Jenny.
- Really?
- Yes. Why? What did you think? That you are not important for anyone? Kate, there are a lot of people who loves you.
Kate just stared at him for a second.
- And do you know anything about the shooter?
- Always work – sighed Castle – can you just for one minute not to think about working?
- Hey, I was the one who got shot. I think I have the right to be a little bit mad.
- I just don't want you to work. You need rest.
- How bad was it? – asked Kate when she saw Castle's face as he tried to call back all the memories, pictures he saw in the cemetry. Seeing Kate on the ground with that bullet hole. The blood pool beneath her…
- Pretty bad – said finally Rick - they almost lost you on the table. They said that you lost too much blood.
- But I'm still here.
- You are.
Kate closed her eyes.
- Do you remember anything?
- Not much. I remember – Kate stopped here.
- Yes?
- You said it.
- Said what? – asked Castle but he already knew the answer.
- I love you – whispered Kate.
- Did you hear me?
- Every word.
Castle didn't tell another word.
- Do you feel wrong because of that?
- Never.
Kate smiled again and reached for Castle's hand. Castle squeezed it and kissed her forehead.
- I – began Castle but a nurse came in.
- Mr. Castle. Someone is calling you.
- Who?
- I don't know but he specifically want to talk to you.
- OK, thank you – said Castle – I'll be right back.
Beckett nodded and watched him as he left the room. Castle followed the nurse to the phone.
- Here you are.
- Thank you – said the man and spook up.
- Castle.
- Hello, Mr. Castle.
- Who is this?
- Someone who is responsible for Detective Beckett's injury.
- What do you want?
- I want her dead.
- Well, that isn't gonna happen. Anything else?
- You think you're smart enough to take out me. I have to disappoint you. You won't catch me, ever.
- Don't be so sure.
- Mr. Castle. You're investigating for 12 years now. And what do you know?
- We know a lot. You'll never…
- Listen to me. I won't sleep until you all die. After I killed you and Beckett I will go after the 12th team and take them out one by one. Just watch me! – and the line went dead.
Castle just stood there. He was worried about Kate and the others. And he quickly made his way back to Beckett's room.
- Hey – said Kate – who was it?
- You really wanna know?
- Of course. Castle, who called you?
- Your shooter.
- What? – Beckett didn't believe what she just heard – you're saying that he called you?
- Yes. He knew that you're alive. He said that he will take us out. All of us.
- You mean, Ryan and…
- Yes. Lanie, Esposito. According to the guy, no one is in safe.
- Okay, now I'm pissed. He shot me and now he want to kill everyone who means something to me.
- Kate…
- No, Rick. I just can't leave this alone. If he want to fight, then I'm fighting.