There are hints to where this takes place in regard to the season 3 story line. I have taken some things out of context from the TV series, but I think they fit in here. The Castle characters are not mine and their use, or the use of any other characters, living or dead, real or imaginary and the words and opinions they may speak are my creations just for the story and should not be attributed to them.
Even with spell check and grammar check, I do not think I have caught all the typos, misspellings and grammar phobas. Please forgive me, I will continue to strive to do better.
A week before the gala, everything was set, well... almost everything. The stove was not delivered to the school, the tables were not set because not everybody RSVP'd and one of the band members was sick. None of this concerned Roy Montgomery though. After the phone call he had with that well known voice without a name, Montgomery was concerned about safety. Of course safety for the Mayor. Luckily that was handled by a special unit of the NYPD. He was more concerned though about safety for the Becketts. The voice on the phone and the people behind it were after them. Montgomery took what precautions he could, had extra police patrols in the area and background searches on the help and band. Then he prayed.
Meanwhile, Beckett and Lannie were going shopping. They did want to wear their prom dresses, nor did they shop at Saks (the sales people were on commission). Men had it easy, they could buy a tuxedo or rent one. And they could use it over and over again. Beckett had the beautiful red dress she had worn with Castle for their first undercover assignment, two years earlier. It survived her apartment being blown up and it still fit. Beckett was very proud of that fact. But she could not wear that. People would talk. Normally she would not care, but she really wanted to look good for ,,, Castle? no, Josh, yeah Josh. She had the dress she wore for date with Mr. July of the FDNY. No, that was good for a date, but not the gala. What to do?
"Kate, what are we going to do? Everything is too expensive, too gaudy, or too used."
"We can't ask Castle to buy dresses again..., " Beckett stopped, bit her lip and smiled, " or maybe we can." She took out her cell phone and called Martha Rodgers. "Hi, Martha, its Kate. Oh fine, my friend Lannie and I are out looking for dresses for the gala and we cannot seem to find anything... you will? We couldn't impose... well thank you, we will meet you there and please do not tell your son."
"Well girlfriend?" Lannie asked.
"Castle's mother is going to meet us at a costume designer she knows. Says she has many gala dresses used as props for various soap operas. If we find one we like, the designer can customize and tailor it for us at a fraction of the cost of anything new. In essence we will have a one of a kind original."
Two hours after meeting Martha Rodgers at her friends, both Lannie and Beckett had new/old originals. They would pick them up the day before the gala. Accesorizing was easy once the dresses were settled upon. Martha was pleased that she could help. She felt like she was out with her daughters helping them pick prom dresses. It was a good feeling.
The day of the gala arrived. Beckett left early with Lannie to get hair and makeup done. The plan was that she would meet Josh at her apartment and go to the gala. Her father would meet them there. After coming out of the shower, Beckett found a message on her answering machine. It was a nurse speaking for Josh. There were complications in a procedure he was doing and he could not pick her up. He would try to meet her at the gala.
"Dad hi, ... just got a message from Josh. He will not be able to pick me up. Why don't I come and pick you up and we can go together? Good see you soon." When she arrived at her father's apartment, he was having trouble tying his bow tie. Kate helped him. It was after that he got a good look at her. "Wow, you look magnificent. You will be the belle of the gala."
"Thanks Dad, but I think you are biased." Kate smiled.
"Katie, I may be a little biased, but still, as an officer of the court, I can say under oath that you will have your dance card filled. I do not think your mother ever looked any better. If she were here now, she would say the same thing."
"Come on Dad, we will be late."
Jim Beckett was driving. He was taking Broadway down to the gala. As they approached 72nd Street, Kate said, "Turn here and go down 11th Avenue."
"Why/"
"A short cut a friend told me about. Broadway between 72nd and 33rd can be very slow and crowded." Beckett answered.
Jim Beckett did as he was told. The ride was quick and easy. He actually thought they may make it on time. Just a few blocks away, the traffic was stopped. The police were out and they had to take a detour which delayed their arrival by about 30 minutes. There was valet parking so both could get out right at the entrance.
There was no red carpet by design. A few 12th precinct uniforms were at the door to control the group of photographers that had gathered around. Paula had put a note in the NY Ledger after that first one which confirmed the gala as a benefit for a law school scholarship. The note asked that donations be sent to Castle's business manager. Any papparazzi who wanted pictures could have them but outside the event. After this notice, the gala almost became a non-event because so much information was given out. By the time the Becketts arrived, the photogs got pictures of the high profile people.
Inside however, there were photographers and videographers. These people were hired by Paula and had been throughly vetted for their work and discretion. Castle, Paula and Gina wanted plenty of pictures and video for themselves, their guests and for future galas, but wanted to control the distribution of same. In this way they could.
The uniform at the door had to do a double take to recognize the 12th's best homicide detective.
"Beckett, wow, you look quite different, if you did not have on the 4 inch heels, I probably would not have recognized you."
Beckett laughed. "Thanks. Dad, this is Office Leroy Trager. We all call him 'LT' because he is as good a tackling as the more well known, LT. LT, this is my father, Jim Beckett."
"Please to meet you sir."
Kate asked, "Do you know what is going on a few blocks over. We hit traffic there."
"I do not know. We were given strict orders to stay here till our shift was over. I think the uniforms from the 1st handled that call. Have a great time."
"Thank you officer Trager." Jim Beckett replied.
"Can we get you anything?" Kate asked.
"No thank you, they bring out coffee and some food from time to time. That is enough."
"OK then."
The Becketts walked into the building. The space was set up somewhat like a Roman villa. There was wide passageway from the door to a point about 25 feet in. Along one of the walls in big letters were hung "The Martha Rodgers School and Theatre" Martha's picture hung underneath the name. There were spaces for other pictures to be hung, but none were there yet.
"Maybe for benefactors, " Jim Beckett offered.
"Could be for well known graduates" Kate added.
At the end of the passageway was a large picture of Chet Palaburn. Underneath read,
'As much to the Emperors, Kings, Popes and Nobles, who have supported the Theatre Arts throughout the ages, so too do we owe thanks to Chet Palaburn, the guiding light of this School.'
"Wow, I think Chet would be flattered to be put in such high company." Jim commented.
Kate smiled. "Yes he would. Even with my detective skills, it is hard to know who came up with that line, Castle or Martha."
Rooms were on either side of the picture stretching as down either side. There was a stair case to the left. Castle had mentioned that they had two floors. On the opposite wall from the picture was an LED screen for announcement purposes and a short way down the hall was a large glass display case, kind of like many high schools have. Given Martha's ability, it was sure to be filled soon with awards.
Just then Lannie Parish walked out the large two wooden doors. Each side had a carving of the different faces of the Roman God Janus. "Girl! You look great!. Who is your handsome escort?"
"Lannie, this is my Dad, Jim Beckett. Dad, this is one of the top ME's in the city and my closest friend, Lannie Parrish. The patient Josh was working on had complications. He hopes to make it later."
"Well his loss. Mr. Beckett, may I escort you in?"
"Only if you call me Jim and it if it is ok with Katie? Ok?"
"Ok with me. Dad, just be sure to stretch though before you dance with Lannie. She has been known to wear two or three men out when she gets started on the dance floor. Where is the ladies room?"
"Down the hall on the right." Beckett heard Lannie say to her dad as they walked away, "Don't worry Jim, if you start to ache, I have just the prescription in my bag."
In the Ladies Room, Kate took a deep breath. This was terrifying for her. She could never understand why it was easier for her to be in a gun battle or chase crooks down crowded streets or review horrific crime scenes then to be in a room full of people dressed to the hilt. Take some deep breathes, Kate. This is for your mother. You can do it. "Life never delivers anything we can't handle" she remembered her mother saying. It would be much easier if you were here Mom. You would have my back. It would be much easier if I could be with Castle all night. Did I just say Castle?
Kate walked to the great wooden doors, said a silent prayer and walked in. What greeted her took her breath away. The area she walked into was equivalent to an atrium in a Roman home. Lining the wall behind her and on either side were columns with Ionic style capitals. Those Art History classes and frequent trips to the MET in the city really paid off. Thanks again Mom. There were doors to the outer corridors on those sides. In front was a stage.
As Beckett looked around the rooms, she felt a little disoriented. The stage did not line the entire back wall as she thought it should. It was shorter on both ends. As her brain started to adjust to this unusual design she also noticed the balcony up top was not perfectly aligned. The back was narrower and widened out as it got closer to the stage. The columns followed this slight curve and that is what made her feel disoriented at first. Normal Greek architecture liked straight lines and proper geometric shapes. Roman architecture was a little bit more daring. Kate bit her lower lip as she realized that this set up gave the appearance of an amphitheater, larger at back and curved toward the stage. Very clever.
There were no seats in the atrium now. Tables were set up following the curvature of the columns which left a large space in the middle for dancing. People were milling about, talking, laughing and listening to the band. There were two bars set up diagonally across from each other. Four, approximately 54 inch flat screens were at each corner (curve?) of the room. Three of them had pictures with descriptions of items for the auction. The screen at stage left had a picture of Johanna Beckett on it. It was one taken the day of her graduation from law school. Kate's eyes started to mist.
A voice calling her broke her out of her thoughts. "Kate? What are you doing here? Not with Castle anymore? On the circuit by yourself now?"
"Pardon me?" Beckett's attention was turned to a brunette walking toward her in a dark blue dress. Her chest was very visible, although tastefully done.
"Ruthie, Ruthie Liberman. We met at the Metropolitan American Dance Theater gala a few years back. Are you here by yourself, or with someone? If you are by yourself, don't worry, I know a few people here and will introduce you around."
"I uh, ..."
"Oh, here is my friend Channey, Channey this is Kate."
"Hi, Nice to meet you." after market nose Channey Kate remembered.
"Nice to meet you. Ruthie, looks like most of the men here came with someone. Not going to be as easy as some of the other galas. Oh look, there is an older man. Looks very distinguished. Hair slightly gray but not overpowering. OOO, he is coming this way." Ruthie and Kate turned to look.
"I know this man." Kate said.
"Is he available? What does he do?" Ruthie and Channey asked together.
"He is a lawyer and you would have to ask him if he is available. His name is James Beckett" Kate answered.
"I will, but I hear he is a wild one." It was all she could do to hold her laughter. Her father is a good sport and would play along. Maybe even have some fun. Kate was sure he would hear from him later.
"Katie, where have you been?"
"Talking to Ruthie and Channey here, Jim." Kate gave her father a mischievous look. He knew something was up because she had only ever addressed him by his name a handful of times before. Most often when she was angry at him.
"Oh, please to meet you Ruthie, Channey."
"Pleased to meet you Jim." the ladies said in sync.
Ruthie asked, "How do you know Kate?"
The Becketts looked at each other. Kate nodded at her father with the go ahead.
"She is my daughter."
Both Ruthie and Channey went slack jawed.
Before they could say anything, the group heard another voice coming toward them.
"Detective Beckett, good to see you again."
"And you too Mr. Mayor."
"Have you been able to take Castle at poker yet?"
"Not yet your Honor, but I am still trying. May I introduce you to my father, Jim Beckett?"
"Pleased to meet you Mr. Beckett. Did you teach your daughter how to play poker so well?"
"Pleased to meet you too sir. No, that was my wife Johanna. She had a knack for cards. The only one who could keep up with her was Katie."
"I can tell by that picture of her she was a beautiful woman. I bet it does not do her justice though." the Mayor said.
"No it does not." both Becketts said at the same time.
"Mr. Mayor, this is Ruthie and Channey."
"Ladies you all look breathtaking tonight. Have a great time. Please excuse me." and the Mayor took off.
Ruthie and Channey still could not speak. Another voice called out to them. This time it was a female voice.
"Katherine, wonderful to see you. We thought something happened to you." Martha said as she gave Kate a big hug. "Oh, who is this handsome gentleman."
"We hit some traffic. Martha, this is my father, Jim Beckett. Dad, this is Martha Rodgers, Rick's mother."
"Pleased to meet you Martha. You have a magnificent place here. Thank you for letting us use it." Jim said.
"The pleasure is all mine. Come, let these young people talk. Let me give you the personal tour and then we can get our place cards and get this show on the road." Martha took Jim Beckett's arm and lead him away.
"Is that really Martha Rodgers, the actor from Temptation Lane? Is she really Rick Castle's mother?" Channey asked breathlessly.
"Yes and Yes." Kate answered.
"Detective Beckett, you look amazing. Have you seen my Dad yet?"
Beckett gave Alexis a big hug. "No, not yet."
"Oh, I see your busy, I will tell him you're here."
"Thank you Alexis."
It was Ruthie's turn to ask, "Who was that?"
"Castle's daughter."
"How do you know all of them?"
"Castle is my work partner." Kate replied.
"Let's go Ruthie," Channey said. "We have to tell all the other girls on the register that Castle is off the market."
"You're right" Ruthie agreed.
"Why do you say that?" Beckett asked.
"Well girlfriend, when a guy like Richard Castle, introduces you to his mother and daughter, the two most important people in his life, people he works very hard at to keep out of the lime light; works with you and puts on a gala for your mother he is not doing it for the publicity. The added fact that both his mother and daughter seem to like you very much will, if it has not done so already, cement the fact that now you too are one of the most important people in his life. Good Luck." Then both Ruthie and Channey walked away.
Kate was dumbstruck. What did they mean? They laid out a very convincing case. All the evidence added up but could Castle feel that way? She really, really liked Josh. Still the thought of Castle made her feel...
"Extraordinary" Castle said as he walked toward Beckett. When Alexis told him that she was here, it took less then a minute to find her in the crowd. She looked magnificent in maroon dress, that was a little more to the purple then the pink. The top of the dress had wide shoulder strips that overlapped her chest and came down in a 'V'. There was enough skin to show off her long neck and hint at her beautiful form underneath. The dress had a slit through which her gorgeous legs could show. The shoes were bege. Her hair was done up, pulled back, but not too tight so it looked more natural. There were strands that just covered her ear. She wore a gold bracelet and had a small handbag.
She turned to see him. He looked sophistically handsome in his Armani Tux. The broad shoulders were squared off and his shoes shinned. Her stomached flipped at the sight of him.
Castle came close, gave her a hug and light kiss on the cheek. He whispered, "You still smell like cherries." He then backed away a bit and asked coyly. "Where is are your badge and gun?"
"Close by so don't get any ideas." she said as she twirled the stands of her hair. "This is unbelievable."
"Where is Josh?"
"His patient had complications. He may be here later."
"I see your father is being well attended too. His he having a good time?"
"Yes, I think is a bit overwhelmed with all the attention. Castle, this means so much to us. Thank you."
"My pleasure. Now would you like a drink or a dance?"
"Castle, no one is dancing."
"I think they were waiting for the guests of honor to start. May I have this dance?"
"Yeah."
Kate put her arm in Rick's and they walked to the dance floor.
I was going to try and finish the first half of the gala in this chapter but I got carried away with the descriptions. Writers prerogative. My goal is still to finish the story before season 6 starts. I have the ending done, just need to finish the first half of the gala. Thank you all for following and reviewing the story so far. I read all comments and appreciate them, good or bad. Helps me get better. Please continue let me know your thoughts, good, bad or indifferent. .