This chapter seemed a little slow but I wanted to use it for some foundation for later. Please review. Honesty is the best policy.
Because I don't own Castle or anything related, I make no money doing this.
Castle : Detective Lessons Chapter 4
Kate Beckett sat in the middle of her bedroom floor, feeling something she hadn't felt since she'd been in junior high…abject terror. The day had started with such promise. She'd gotten out of bed, looking forward to the evening ahead. She had most of the day to get prepared for the dinner she would be sharing with Rick Castle and she was sure that nothing could possibly go wrong. After a leisurely bubble bath, during which she'd shaved too perfect smoothness everything that she usually shaved. After drying off, she'd used her favorite body lotion on anything she thought there was even a small chance of being touched. She left her bathroom feeling very good about herself. It was her closet that started the downward spiral.
Turning on the lighting in her huge walk-in closet, she stepped in and started her search for the perfect outfit. Turning slowly, she took everything in and then it hit her…she didn't know what to wear because she had no idea where she was going to take her 'date' for dinner. With the realization came a sense of panic and after the panic blossomed into fear she stumbled out of her closet and sat down in the middle of the floor.
Once she'd seated herself, Kate started going over everything she knew about Rick Castle, hoping that some fact would leap out at her, offering her the perfect place to take her him for their 'date'. Moments later, as she struggled with the whole idea of the 'date', her fear became terror…the kind of terror a young woman in junior high felt before her first real date. Shaking her head in disbelief, Kate got to her feet and went in search of her cel phone. If she was going to allow the idea of her 'date' with Rick Castle reduce her to a panicked state, maybe she should attack the problem the same way she'd attacked similar problems in junior high…she'd call her 'girlfriend' for help.
Finally finding her phone, Kate paused when she was struck with the realization that, while she had many friends and acquaintances, none of them would qualify as a 'girlfriend' who could help her with this particular problem. Just as she was about to sink back to the floor, she remembered that Lexi Castle had borrowed her phone the day before, telling her she was programming her number in…'just in case' she'd said. Scrolling through her contact list, she found the number and hit speed dial.
"Hello?" Lexi answered.
"Hi Lexi…it's Kate Beckett. I…uh…"
"Miss Beckett…if you're calling to have me tell dad you're backing out…you'll have…"
"No Lexi…it's nothing like that. Well, it is about the dinner…it's just that…I…uh…"
"Let me guess. You don't know what to wear because you haven't figured out where to take him?"
"Wow, Lexi…that's amazing. How did you do that? Are you taking detective lessons from your dad?"
Why, yes I am, Miss Beckett. He offers a class that meets every Wednesday night."
"Really? Wow, maybe I should sign up…"
"Kate…detective lessons?…really?"
"Lexi Castle…that's not funny. How did you figure out…"
"Because dad's freaking out…a little bit…about the same thing. It's kinda cute, if you want to know the truth."
"Lexi, why would your dad be freaking out?"
"Well, to be honest…and I'll deny saying this… dad hasn't been on a real date in …well, it's been a while."
"Lexi…what's 'a while'?" Kate asked, disbelief evident in her voice.
"Um…a couple of years?"
"WHAT?" Kate blurted out, finding it very hard to believe what she'd just heard.
"Um…well, he's gone out for drinks…but…yeah. It's been a couple years since he's been out on a 'real' date. I've been pushing him but he keeps saying that he hasn't met a woman he wants to have dinner with…until you, that is…so…how can I help?"
"Lexi…that's sorta intimidating…um…well, where should I take him?"
"Well…let me think…um…oh yeah, Medieval Times…he just loves knights and horses and stuff…he says that the smell of horse shit just makes the whole dining experience better…"
"What?…really?"
"Oh god, Kate…you're just too easy." Lexi said with a snort. "Try 'The Rib Pit'…it's casual and the food is great. As long as you're not a vegetarian, you can't go wrong. Dad loves the place…just don't tell him it was my idea. You're not a vegetarian, are you?"
"No…no I'm not. Thank you so much, Lexi. You have no idea how much I…well, now I'll just panic about what to wear…"
"Kate…just dress casual. I'll give dad the same advice…the rest is up to you."
"Thank you so much, Lexi. I owe you…again."
"You're welcome, Kate. Just have a good time. He really is a good guy…as far as dads go."
"Yeah…I'm starting to believe that. I'll talk to you later. Thanks again, Lexi."
=x=x=x=x=x=x=x==x
The rest of the afternoon passed a lot easier for Kate Beckett. Her sense of panic faded quickly after her talk with Lexi, leaving Kate Beckett looking forward to a date. She couldn't remember the last time she'd actually been looking forward to going out to dinner with someone.
As soon as she'd gotten off the phone with Lexi, she'd wandered back into her closet…no longer completely lost about her clothing choice for the night. "Casual" she'd mumbled to herself before grabbing her favorite pair of jeans and a t-shirt she hadn't worn in years. Turning to leave, she caught sight of an old leather jacket hanging in the corner. She smiled when she remembered that the jacket had been one of her first purchases after she'd sold her first book. 'Perfect' she'd told herself after pulling the piece of clothing off it's hanger and tossing it onto her bed where it joined the rest of her planned outfit.
Stepping over to the small desk that she often would use when she found herself unable to sleep, she sat down and 'fired' up her laptop. Logging on, she went to her personal email account and was surprised to find a note from Rick Castle waiting for her. She couldn't remember giving him the address. 'What the hell?' she mused, wondering how he'd gotten the address, something she was sure was known only to her and a few select people. Opening the letter, her question was answered in the first sentence.
Miss Beckett, A little 'research' gave me this address and I used it hoping to avoid being lumped in with your usual fan mail. I wanted to let you know that I've finished your manuscript and I've attached my notes. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. Richard Castle. P.I.
Clicking on the attachment, Kate sat back and started reading, losing herself in the words of a man she was becoming more and more intrigued with. Not only had he, once again, offered insights into her lead character, he'd also offered suggestions on how certain passages could be improved by re-wording a few sentences. Not wanting to pass up the opportunity, she pulled up her working draft and started implementing Rick's suggested changes. Losing herself in the work, it was the ringing of her phone that snapped her back to reality. Looking at the time, she silently cursed, shocked that it was close to six thirty already.
"What?" she barked into the phone she'd grabbed after saving and storing her latest work.
"Kate?" Rick Castle's voice sounded in her ear.
"Rick? Is everything ok? Are you calling to cancel?" she asked, trying to not sound panicked.
"Um…no. I'm just…in your lobby…am I early?"
No, not at all…I'm sorry, I got caught up in making some of the changes you recommended. Why don't you come on up…I'll leave the front door open. Feel free to make yourself a drink while I finish getting ready."
"Are you sure? I don't mind waiting here."
"Rick, I insist. Let me talk to the doorman. He'll send you up. Just come on in and make yourself at home. I'll see you in a few minutes, ok?"
"Alright, Kate."
The conversation with the doorman took a few less than thirty seconds after which she dropped the phone back onto its base and after making sure the front door was open, she almost ran into her bedroom to start getting ready. She paused as she passed her mirror, surprised by the smile on her face. 'Calm down' she told herself, 'it's just dinner'. Shaking her head, she turned from the mirror and gathered up the clothes she planned to wear and headed into her bathroom.
-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-
Kate Beckett stood and watched as Rick Castle reached for and pulled a book from one of the higher shelves in her library. She smiled when she realized what book he'd selected, at little surprised that Poe would be the first book he'd reach for.
"I'd pictured you being more of a John D. MacDonald fan" Kate said as she crossed the room, stopping when she reached his side.
"So, Miss Beckett…still jumping to conclusions…and here I'd thought we'd moved past that" Rick said with a smile that took any sting from the words.
"Really Rick?…and what kind of jumping had you hoped we'd moved to?" Kate asked and then blushed when he raised an eyebrow. "I…uh…I meant…"
"I know Kate…let's try again…" he said with a smile. "…so, while I do appreciate Travis MacGee, Poe was really the father of our modern detective stories, wouldn't you agree?"
Reaching out her hand, she took the book and closed it before returning it to it place. "I would agree but right now, I'm hungry. I'm going to take you to dinner…and after we've eaten, we'll talk…ok?" she finished as she grabbed his hand and led him towards the front door.
"Lead on, Kate."
-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x
Kate hadn't been surprised when Rick had insisted on driving. When she'd suggested The Rib Pit, he'd simply nodded his head and smiled.
"Lexi?" he'd asked.
"She may have suggested it…is that alright?" she asked.
"That's perfect, Kate. Last time a woman actually asked her advice, she'd convinced the poor woman to take me to Medieval Times…talk about a disaster. My daughter seems to have taken it upon herself to make sure my dates are thoroughly vetted…you seem to have won her approval."
"That's good to know, Rick…I really like her…even though she seems to enjoy teasing me…"
"Believe me…if she stops teasing you, that's when you have to worry" he informed her with a laugh.
"Good to know."
x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x
Kate Beckett's face hurt. Glancing at her watch, she realized that she'd been smiling since they'd been seated, almost three hours before. Being honest with herself, she admitted that she hadn't had this much fun on a date in…well, in forever. Starting with Edgar Allen Poe, their conversation had flowed from one topic to another with, as far as she could remember, none of those awkward silences that often occurred when two people struggled to find a common ground they could build their interaction around.
They talked about Poe which led to the films of John Cusack. They'd both admitted to fond memories of Say Anything, agreed that Grosse Point Blank was one of the best but then split their opinions on his best romantic comedy…Kate choosing Must Love Dogs while Rick argued for the classic, The Sure Thing. They both agreed that they were looking forward to the upcoming Poe film that Cusack was starring in and that led them back to talking about their favorite authors. After admitting her fondness for Stephen King, she'd been surprised when Rick had listed Harlan Ellison as his favorite, claiming that Strange Wine was the one book he 'hated' because any time he'd lend it out, he'd have to but a new copy because the person who'd borrowed it would find some excuse to explain not returning it. Kate had been left red in the face after he'd finished the list of excuses he'd heard with, 'my dog at it'.
They had been working on their second cups of coffee when their waitress had approached the table. After she'd cleared the final remnants of their dessert, she left the check in the middle of the table. Rick reached out, intending to grab the check but Kate was quicker.
"Oh no you don't, Richard Castle" she'd said, "I'm paying…after all, it's the very least I can do to repay you for all of your help with the story."
Ok, Kate. I'll be paying next time."
"Next time?" she'd replied, secretly pleased that he was planning to ask her out again. "Now who's jumping to conclusions, Mr. Castle?" she finished with a smile.
"Guilty as charged, Miss Beckett. So, next weekend…my treat?" Rick asked as he pushed his chair away from the table.
"That sounds like a great idea, Rick." Kate answered with a smile as she got to her feet.
-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-
The ride back to Kate's building had been spent in quite conversation, Rick offering plans for the next weekend and nodding when Kate offered an alternative to the first restaurant he'd suggested. By the time they'd found a parking space and made their way to the hallway outside of her apartment, Kate had decided she would ask Rick in and, hopefully, convince him to stay. Just as she'd gotten her door opened, Castle's phone started to ring. Pulling the phone from his pocket, he glanced down at the display and the smile that had been on his face for most of the evening, disappeared.
"Sorry Kate…I have to take this. Give me a minute?"
"Sure thing…why don't I start some coffee…you can join me when you're done?"
"That sounds great…just give me a couple of minutes" he said with a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.
Kate had barely gotten the makings together for coffee when Rick stuck his head in the door. She knew right away that the call hadn't been good news.
"I'm sorry, but I've got to go" he announced in a soft voice.
"Can't stay for just one cup?" she asked, already sure what the answer would be.
"Sorry, Kate…I honestly would be pretty crappy company. It's best if I just say goodnight. Thank you for a great dinner."
Before she could make her way to the front door and try to collect the 'goodnight kiss' that she fantasizing about for most of the night, Rick gave a short wave and pulled the door shut behind him.
"Dammit" she mumbled to herself, a little upset at the change in her plans but already looking forward to the next weekend. Deciding to forget about the coffee, she opted instead to do a little more work on her book before turning in for the night. After changing into an old t-shirt and some shorts, she sat down at her laptop and soon lost herself in her work. The sound of her cel-phone caught her attention and she was shocked to see that three hours had passed as she'd worked. Looking at the display on her phone, she wondered why Lexi Castle would be calling her at almost two in the morning.
"Morning Lexi" she spoke into the phone
"Hi…Miss Beckett…I'm sorry to call so late but I wondered if my dad…well, uh…is he there.. with you?"
"Sorry, no. We had a great dinner and we were about to have some coffee…here…and he got a call and then he said goodnight. What's going on? I figured he'd be home…he left here almost three and a half hours ago."
"Well…"
"What is it, Lexi? What's going on?" Kate was starting to get worried. "Do this have something to do with that phone call he got?"
"Yeah…I'm afraid it might. Well, dad's been consulting on a kidnapping case…remember I mentioned to you that he sometimes does that?…well, Detective Esposito called to check on dad…she said that they'd found the little boy…"
"That's great news, Lexi…wait, it wasn't good news, was it?"
"No, Kate…it wasn't. Now I'm worried. I was hoping he was with you but if he's not…that means he's probably out somewhere…feeling really guilty because he wasn't able to help…"
"Lexi…give me a couple of minutes to throw some clothes on and we'll go looking…any ideas where to start?"
"Well, I do know a couple of bars…and I'll call Detectives Esposito and Ryan…they might be able to help."
"Lexi…what about the GPS in your dad's phone? Can you out a trace on it?"
"Kate…that's brilliant…why didn't I think of that? I'll use that program dad's got and we'll know right where he is. Are you still gonna come and help me?"
"Do you really need me now?…I mean, if you can track his phone…" she said. Kate really wanted to help but she also wanted to make sure that she was really needed.
"Kate…please. If he's been drinking, I might need your help."
"Alright, Lexi…call me with the location once you've got it. I'll finish getting dressed and then head to your place…ok?"
"Thank you, Kate. This really means a lot to me."
"I'll see you soon. Don't worry, we'll find him."
x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x
Nearly forty-five minutes later, Kate Beckett walked into a small bar looking for Richard Castle. He wasn't hard to find. Besides the bartender, he was the only other person in sight. He was seated at the far end of the bar with a shot glass and a bottle of tequila in front of him. Nodding to the bartender, she picked up a glass and walked down to sit beside him.
"Kate…how'd you find me?…wait, did Lexi Use the GPS program…she did, didn't she?"
"Yes…she was worried…you had several people worried. So…what's up?"
"What's up?" he parroted back. "You found me…please take Lexi and go home. Here's my keys…please, I meant it when I said I wouldn't be good company."
"That's ok Rick…I'm not here for the company. I just promised your daughter that I'd get you home safe…and as soon as you're done, that's what I'm gonna do…so, pour me a shot while I wait" she said, sliding her glass next to the bottle.
Without a word, he filled her glass and his own. "Here's to getting 'them' home safe" he said by way of a toast before downing his shot without waiting for Kate.
Kate watched the man next to her as he swiveled back around so he could stare straight ahead, seemingly lost in a world of his own making. Finishing her own shot, she also turned and stared ahead, using the mirror behind the bar to watch the man next to her. She saw Lexi stick her head in the door and after giving Katea nod, she turned and left, knowing that her dad was in good hands.
A/N: Please review.
