Disclaimer: I do not own Castle or the characters used in this story.
A/N: Many thanks for all the comments and PMs on this story. I've been a bit hamstrung lately and haven't had as much time as I'd like for this. So, my apologies if I didn't reply to your comments, but don't think that means I don't appreciate the notes.
A "talky" chapter this week, as my daughter calls it.
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"It's just that we shouldn't do this yet," Castle shrugs.
"Whyever not?" Beckett coos, her hand having slid back to toy with the hair on the back of his neck.
"Because you're married."
"What?!" Beckett squeaks, her arms dropping to her sides.
"You're married," Castle repeats sheepishly. "We shouldn't. It wouldn't be right."
"Surely you're joking," Beckett replies in a voice tinged with incredulity and a hint of anger. Castle's arms are still wrapped around her waist, holding them close together. She twists and pulls back, but he's not letting her go. Looking into his eyes, she sees that his impish look has returned and curses its timing.
As he takes a breath to speak, Beckett cuts him off. "I swear Castle, if you say 'don't call me Shirley,' not even Lanie will be able to put you back together," she growls.
"Wouldn't dream of it," he replies, nearly choking on the words that he quickly swallowed. "But I'm not joking. We've waited this long, I'm sure we can wait for however long it takes Fitz to do his thing."
"He was doing 'his thing' yesterday – I should be hearing from him any time now. And, as you said before, my marriage is a technicality, maybe not even that," she replies while pinning him with a look, happy to recall his earlier words of comfort. "Why are you fighting me on this?"
"Am I going to get punched again if I say 'it's not you, it's me'?" Castle says mischievously. Beckett raises a fist, looking at it while she flexes her fingers and reforms her fist several times before looking at Castle with a raised brow. "Depends on your explanation, I guess," she replies.
"These things, when they happen, are supposed to follow a certain progression," Castle says with an easy tone, but something in his voice catches Beckett's attention. "Separation, divorce, then moving on with someone new. The writing might have already been on the wall, but when Meredith … well, let's just say that after being on the receiving end, I swore to myself that I'd never put someone in that position."
"So, I'm in the same category with Meredith now?" Beckett asks, hurt, as she again tries to step out of his embrace. But again, Castle holds tight.
"No," he says resolutely, "absolutely not. I wasn't being glib when I said this was about me," he says with a self-effacing shrug, "even if it seemed like it. Trust me, Beckett, no one knows better than I do how different you are."
The calm focus she built for this conversation over the past day is long gone, Beckett realizes with a slight edge of panic. She's working without a net again, terrified that her usual defense mechanisms are going to lead her astray once more.
"Hey," Castle says as he tries to get her attention. "We'll be fine, Beckett. I've waited for years. A few more days won't kill us." Beckett's looking at him and his crooked, cocky grin, but she's still worried and unsure how to reply.
"Look, Kate," Castle tries again after catching her eye and holding her gaze. "When we look back 50 years from now, I want us to remember our beginning as something beautiful, something pure. That's worth a few days, right?" he asks in his most persuasive voice.
"Fifty years, huh?" Beckett says with a small smile, ridiculously happy that Castle gave her something that she could tease him about, threw her this conversational life preserver as something that would get her back on track. "A little presumptuous, wouldn't you say, for someone you've not even kissed?"
"A," Castle says resolutely, "I have kissed you. I shouldn't have done it, and I can't help but feel even more guilty about it now, but I can't deny that it was the single hottest kiss of my life. It might've been a year ago, but don't think that I've forgotten it. And I'll feel like less of a man if you tell me you have," Castle says with both brows raised.
"I haven't forgotten," Beckett whispers. "I never will."
With an emphatic, satisfied nod, Castle continues. "B, I've already confessed to fantasizing about being married to you, so the whole '50-year thing' shouldn't surprise you at all. In fact," he says, looking impish again, "I'd think I'd be in trouble if I didn't picture us together 50 years from now considering my dream."
This is treading perilously close to her indefensible comment about Castle treating his wives as disposable, so she smiles in recognition that he's diffused the situation with humor, as usual. It's only fair to reply in kind, right?
"I wasn't giving you trouble about expecting us to be together 50 years from now, Castle," she says in a breathy whisper as she lifts her arms again to link her hands behind his neck, "I was just confused – I always imagined being with a centurion, not a centenarian."
"You know, Beckett," Castle says with a rueful grin, "I'm so impressed with your vocabulary that I'm going to overlook the cheap shot about my age."
"So, I can insult you as long as I do so eloquently?" Beckett asks sweetly as plays with the hair on the back of his neck, probably straying too close to the line again but unable to resist.
"And with good diction," Castle adds. "Just like always."
As they lapse into silence and goofy smiles, Beckett's phone breaks the moment with its signature trill.
"Let me get that for you," Castle offers, fishing her phone out of her back pocket with admirable restraint. Seeing who's calling she answers the call while holding the phone between herself and Castle.
"Hi Fitz, it's Kate. I'm here with Castle and I've got you on speakerphone," she says while looking at Castle rather than the phone.
"Ah, Kate, you might want to take this call in private. There were some, ah, problems," Fitz replies while sounding nothing like his usual, jovial self. Meanwhile, Beckett trades alarmed looks with Castle.
"Go ahead, Fitz. I want Castle to hear it all," she replies getting a squeeze in return. She's not sure that she's entirely comfortable with this scenario, but only because she's worried that she might have trouble sharing everything with Castle if she hears the news by herself.
"Good news first," Fitz replies while sounding somewhat subdued. "I've got Rogan's signature. As soon as I get back to the city and get the papers filed, you'll be single again."
"Fitz, that is fantastic news," Beckett says happily while shooting Castle a raised brow. Hours – that's that his objection boils down to. They'll be free in just hours. Why doesn't Castle look happier?
"Fitz, what happened? Are you okay?" Castle asks with concern.
"See, Detective?" Fitz replies with an effort to sound like his usual self. "Even over the phone I can't bluff him." After a pause during which neither replies, Fitz continues. "The morning started fine and he actually signed the paperwork without too much hassle. But he grew agitated when he saw something in the police station. When a deputy entered, he, ah, made his escape."
Afraid that she knows the answer that Castle already suspected, she asks "Did he hurt you?"
"I'll be fine," he replies bracingly while trying to sound tough. "Besides, my wife tells me that I'll look tough now."
"Oh, Fitz, I'm so sorry," Beckett says sympathetically. "What did he do to you?"
"Just a broken nose," Fitz says with false cheer. "It's my own fault – if I'd have worn a bow tie, he wouldn't have had anything to tug."
While Castle tries to cheer Fitz with predictions of how rugged he'll now look and what kind of outlandish stories they can invent to explain his nose, Beckett feels her anger ratcheting up. It's directed at herself, of course, since this all traces back to her abysmal behavior years ago. But, she's also furious with Rogan for harming this sweet older man who's been nothing but kind and helpful to her. Despite her earlier comments to Fitz, she'd very much like to see Rogan now, though she doesn't imagine that he'd like that very much.
"Kate," Castle says again, causing Beckett to realize that she'd tuned out for a bit. But, before he can continue, Fitz cuts in. "So, you're calling her 'Kate' now, eh?"
"Fifth Amendment, counselor," Castle replies glibly, provoking an eye roll and the return of Beckett's full attention to the conversation.
"As if I'll let you off that easily," Fitz ribs in return. "For now, though, more sobering advice. Kate, we don't know where Rogan is running. He might be going to ground, like we discussed. Or, he might be heading to you."
"What? Why would he come to me? We just burned our last bridge, didn't we?" Beckett replies with some concern.
"Sure, but he's got no reason to stay away now that all of his misdeeds are out in the open. In fact, if I were a betting man," Fitz pauses a moment to let Castle's huff of amusement pass, "I'd guess that he thinks that a friendly officer might be able to help him out."
"Why in the hell would he think I'd be friendly?" Beckett nearly shouts. "He caused me nothing but trouble back then, and it's even worse now!"
"True, but if you'll forgive my stereotyping, you know his type from your profession, I imagine," Fitz says, and Beckett's glad that he's relating this to her work rather than her personal history, "someone who's done well all his life by persuading those who ought to know better to repeatedly help him just one last time."
"I'd hope that he'd know better than that," Beckett growls, "but, of course, I also would've hoped that he could spell my name correctly." This barb causes Castle's brows to rise comically and she knows she'll hear more about this later.
"Just be careful, please," Fitz says earnestly. "He disarmed a deputy when he made his escape, so he might still have a weapon on him."
"Fitz," Castle cuts in at this point, "as her attorney, what would you recommend that Kate do?"
Beckett's wondering about Castle's oddly formal request on her behalf until she hears Fitz's answer, after which she's convinced that Castle knew what the attorney would advise.
"Kate, I think you should do three things," Fitz picks up smoothly enough that she'd almost wonder if these two conspired to plan this conversation. "First, you need to contact your boss. Technically, Rogan's still your husband until this paperwork is filed. He's a criminal and a fugitive and he's on the move. That puts you in a compromised position for the short term."
Great, Beckett thinks. That'll be a fun conversation. She can almost hear the arch tone and disappointed looks already.
"Second," Fitz continues, "I think it would be … unwise … for you to have any contact with Rogan. You should go someplace where he can't find you easily and let the authorities – those not personally involved – take care of this. Once he's in custody again, you can talk with him, if you'd like."
"I don't know, Fitz," Beckett says, feeling a little dangerous. "I think I'd like to be the one who brings him in."
"I can appreciate that, Kate," Fitz says kindly, "but we both know that it would be better if you weren't involved. Everything else will be faster and cleaner if we keep the assault and brutality claims to a minimum."
"Third," Fitz continues quickly to cut off any rejoinder to his previous comment, "where does your dad live? Is it the same place he lived when you knew Rogan, or would Rogan be able to find him easily?"
"Yes … oh, no," Beckett says as she realizes the implication of Fitz's question.
"Oh yes, I'm afraid," Fitz replies. "If Rogan is the kind of guy who would seek you out, I'd not be surprised if he went through your father to find you. Would you like Rogan to explain his relationship with you to your father?"
"No," Beckett fires back immediately. "No, no, no." She's looking down, uncomfortable with the thought of facing Castle during this part of conversation. Expecting a ribbing she knows she's earned, she's surprised when rather than snort or tease, Castle instead moves to her side and uses a hand to gently rub her upper back in a sign of support.
"Then I think you and your father should have a talk, and I think you should encourage him to lie low while Rogan is located," Fitz advises. "Is there someplace where the two of you could retire for a bit?"
"Yeah," Beckett replies hesitantly. "We've got a cabin. He and I have been there when I've needed to hide and recover," she says, feeling herself tense up when her answer causes Castle to stop rubbing her back and take a small step away from her.
"Okay," Fitz replies. "Just make sure you stay in contact. Debbie is working with deputies to figure out where Rogan might run or what else he was into. I'm heading down to the city as soon as they fill my prescription. We'll be in touch. In the meantime, you'd better get moving – if he headed straight for you, he could be there in about a half-hour."
"I'll get moving," Beckett replies, a little numb. "But, Fitz? Please be careful," Beckett says, already feeling terrible about the injury he sustained on her behalf. As Fitz agrees and rings off, Beckett's left standing in Castle's kitchen with him beside her, whipsawed yet again and wondering what's next.
"Hey, Beckett," Castle nudges with a shoulder. When she turns her head to look at him he looks a little nervous. "I'm sure your cabin is beautiful, but would you consider staying here instead?"
"Castle, fifteen minutes ago you wouldn't kiss me. I think we're a long way from sleepovers," she replies, knowing that he's not likely to be put off.
"It's no good giving me trouble about that, Kate," Castle challenges in response. "I'm proud of it – how many people can claim to have put off a wanton Kate Beckett? And I won't be distracted by it," he continues quickly after noting Beckett's dangerous expression. "From what little you've told me, your cabin is remote, unsecure, and suffers from poor cell reception." She's about to object before he drops his most compelling argument. "And, since you've had it since you were a kid, he might know about it."
"I'd never have shared the cabin with him," Beckett says quietly, "but you're right, I wouldn't be surprised if he's found out about it. But, Castle, I need to protect my dad, too."
Rolling his eyes at this ridiculous objection, Castle states the obvious. "The offer was for both of you. Look," he says while still pleading his case. "Mother's in Los Angeles until Tuesday, so you can use her room and we can give your dad the extra room that you've used before. If you're uncomfortable, you can have my room, or the beach house, or we can find a nice hotel suite for you and your dad. But," he trails off while taking her hand in his, "I'd feel a lot better if you were close and I knew you were okay."
Using her thumb to play with his hand while she thinks about his offer, Beckett makes sure to take her time before replying. She's always been uncomfortable accepting help, but this is Castle: helping out is what he does and he knows far better than anyone else how self-sufficient she is. She'd be worried about the transition from flirting with the idea of a relationship to abruptly moving into his home, but her dad would be there, which should make sure that nothing happens too quickly. It's a wise strategic choice, too, considering that Castle's building is secure and his loft is far more hardened against intruders than would be a hotel suite.
"Castle…," she begins while still staring at their connected hands. Looking up, she sees that he's schooled his features to hide his disappointment if she turns him down. "Thank you," she says instead. "As long as dad is okay with this plan, we'll accept your very kind offer."
Castle's smile is one of pure delight. He's trying to tone it down, just in case she thinks he's reading too much into her acceptance, but he just can't help himself.
"Why don't you reach out to Gates and your dad, then we can run over to your place and get whatever you'd like?" Castle suggests.
"Let's go now," Beckett counters. "I can call from the car. I want to get things moving. But, can I make a request?"
"I promise I won't tease you about anything I hear, nor will I do anything to make you or your father uncomfortable," Castle avows in anticipation of her request.
"Thanks, Rick," Beckett replies happily. "That's not what I was going to ask, but it's very sweet." Upon hearing her use his first name and describe him as 'sweet,' Castle again looks ridiculously happy. It breaks her heart a little as Beckett realizes that such small compliments must be unusual and unexpected for him to place so much weight on them. "I was going to ask if I could make my explanations to dad at the loft? I should include Alexis, too – she deserves to know why her home is being invaded."
"Of course," Castle replies immediately. "What about Gates?"
"I'll ask her to meet me at the coffee shop – I do not want to talk about this in the precinct," Beckett says with a shiver. "I want to tell you what's going on while we drive over to my place. You deserve to hear what's going on, and I don't want Gates or anyone else to hear before you do."
"Thank you for meeting with me, sir," Beckett says as Gates walks into the shop and approaches her table, on which a coffee already awaits.
"You made it sound like this was urgent," Gates replies, "and you piqued my interest by requesting a meeting out of the precinct. I take it all did not go well with your doctor or legal appointment?" she asks as she sits and with a thankful nod, takes a sip of coffee.
"My legal situation was difficult and has grown substantially worse," Beckett summarizes. "You asked on Monday if it might embarrass the precinct or compromise me. I'm afraid that either or both of those outcomes is looking more likely."
Coffee forgotten, Gates swivels her body to give Beckett her full attention. "You'd better explain, Detective. Although, and I ask this as a friend rather than a supervisor, should your union rep be a part of this conversation?"
Momentarily taken aback by Gates' reference to herself as a friend, Beckett moves forward on renewed hope. "No thank you, sir. I leave myself in your hands."
After a short pause, Beckett decides that a direct, terse summary is best. "When I was nineteen, I went to Vegas with a boyfriend. It turns out that what we thought was a drunken joke was instead a legally binding marriage. I was unaware of it until two weeks ago. I took your advice," Beckett fudges the timeline, "and asked Castle for help. His legal team discovered that my husband knew about the marriage the entire time. He's misfiled taxes and fraudulently claimed medical, charity, and disability benefits on behalf of himself and his comatose wife. Castle's legal team tracked him down, had him arrested, and secured his signature on the paperwork that will resolve my marriage as soon as it's filed. However, my 'husband' assaulted my attorney and a deputy and escaped custody with the deputy's service weapon. His whereabouts are currently unknown," she concludes.
Surprisingly, Gates doesn't blink an eye. "When will your legal papers be filed?"
"By the end of the day," Beckett replies. "My attorney should arrive in the city within an hour. He's headed straight in with the goal of confirming their receipt before five o'clock."
"What did he advise?" Gates asks, continuing her interrogation.
"First, that I tell you what's going on, including that the paperwork was not yet filed when Rogan escaped," she says to Gates' nod. "Second, that I shouldn't have any interaction with him if he turns up, and that I should take myself and my father some place where he's unlikely to find us until he's recaptured."
"Sound advice," Gates replies with a nod. "Do you plan to listen to it?" she asks with a raised brow.
"Yes," Beckett replies, hiding her annoyance. After all, they're here talking, right? So, she obviously accepted the first part of Fitz's advice. "My dad and I will be staying at Castle's loft in the short term."
"Is that wise?" Gates asks, though she doesn't elaborate on her question, leaving Beckett to wonder what particular concerns motivated the question.
"He has extra rooms, it will allow my father and I to stay together and in the city, the building is secure, and Castle's loft has additional security in place," Beckett replies.
"Wouldn't your … ex-husband … know about your connection to Mr. Castle?" Gates asks the question that's been bothering Beckett.
"Perhaps, though the press on Castle's consultant status with the precinct has stressed the professional nature of our connection," Beckett begins, again maybe stretching the truth. "At most, he'd think of Castle as a friend. But, even if he suspects that he could approach me through Castle, he won't be able to get to the loft. If this situation lasts more than a few days, we'll rethink, but this seemed like the best option that we could implement quickly." Since her talk with Castle, Beckett's admitted to herself that the main reason she accepted Castle's offer is because it means that he'll be there. He's proven himself to be her staunchest ally through this ordeal, even when she was fighting against it, and at this point she doesn't want to imagine going forward without him. But there is no way she'll confide anything like that to Gates.
"I'm surprised Mr. Castle isn't part of this discussion," Gates replies.
"He offered to attend," Beckett confirms, "but thought it might make more sense to pick up my father and some groceries and other supplies. He's treating this whole thing like a hurricane or a blizzard – he's determined to buy provisions that will allow us to hole up until Rogan's recaptured. I suspect that by the time I arrive, the loft will be outfitted for a three-month siege."
Gates smiles at this, probably happy that Castle's antics are taking place outside of her precinct for once. "I'm glad he's helping," she allows. "Is there anything else?"
"No, sir," Becket replies. Then, in a lower voice, "I thought that was more than enough."
"Quite," Gates agrees. "Detective Beckett, do you have a backup weapon?"
"I do," Beckett confirms, knowing where this conversation is heading.
"That's good," Gates nods. "I need your service weapon and your badge. We've got to put you on administrative leave until at least until your marriage is resolved, if not until you ex-husband is captured. Your attorney's advice is very good – the only thing you should do if you see your ex-husband is to call it in. But, I'll feel better knowing that my best detective isn't defenseless while these issues resolve themselves."
"Thank you, sir," Beckett accepts the compliment while railing internally at the temporary loss of her badge, weapon, and legal authority. Nonetheless, she expected this and passes to her Captain the padded envelope into which she's already placed her weapon and badge.
"In addition," Gates says, catching Beckett's attention with her tone, "I'd like to meet with you and your attorney. We should talk about making sure we have documentation of your lack of awareness of your personal situation and your prompt action to resolve it. I want to make sure that a completely stupid, irresponsible, asinine, ludicrous indiscretion from your past doesn't impede your current career progress."
Eyebrows raised at her dressing down, Beckett can't help but reply. "I appreciate your focus on my career, sir. I'll talk to Mr. Fitzpatrick about getting together." She thinks the prospect of a meeting between Fitz and Captain Gates might provide some interesting possibilities. "He, ah, had similar comments about my situation. Fewer, but similar," Beckett says with a pointed look.
"In addition to being your boss, I'm also a mother," Gates explains. "You can't expect that I could just let this go without comment. And, I might have to use your situation as a warning to my children."
"My attorney said something similar to that, too," Beckett replies with a sigh.
Back in her familiar spot once more, Beckett raps on the door to Castle's loft with more confidence this time, ready for chemistry experiments or mayors. But not her father.
"Dad?" Beckett says as the door to the loft opens before her and he ushers her inside. "Where's Castle?"
"He went to pick up Alexis," Jim explains as he closes and locks the door behind her. "This is all very cloak and dagger. Your message was cryptic and Rick managed to talk a whole lot on the drive over without actually saying anything."
"Welcome to my world. That's a specialty of his," Beckett replies cheekily, though she switches gears when she can see that he's not buying the diversion. "I promise I'll tell you what's going on, dad, as soon as Alexis is here. You both deserve to hear it, and it's going to be difficult enough to get through it once."
"Okay, Katie," Jim says with a lighter tone. "I trust your judgment."
Marveling at her father's innate parental ability to heap on the guilt even unintentionally, Beckett wanders over to the kitchen. "Can I get you something to drink, dad? Water, juice, coffee, tea?"
"No thanks," he smiles, "Rick already offered. So, is your comfort in Rick's lovely home part of what we'll be discussing?" her father asks with an inquisitive look and a lilt to his voice.
"That's a good question," Beckett replies, honestly. She hadn't planned to get into any descriptions of what she and Castle are thinking about embarking upon, mostly because it's been temporarily put on hold by the same developments that seem to have finally pushed them past the boundaries of friendship. "Not directly, but it's kind of all mixed up together," she answers, giving him as much truth as she's figured out.
Like a good attorney, her father is about to follow-up with another question, but he's preempted by the ringing of Beckett's cell. Hoping that it's Castle checking in (she shouldn't be nervous, right?), her disappointment is tempered by the identity of the caller.
"Fitz, are you okay?" Beckett replies as she answers the call. Raising a finger to her father to indicate that this should be a short call, Beckett leaves him in the living room and retreats to Castle's office. The privacy here is limited, though – those bookcases don't exactly stop sound. So, she positions herself next to the door to Castle's bedroom, figuring that she can dodge in if the call gets into sensitive subjects. She wants to tell her father the story, not have him piece it together from overheard snippets.
"I'm fine, Kate, thank you. Even better, so are you," Fitz says happily, through the stuffy, nasal tone created by his injury.
"Do you mean…," Beckett starts before pausing to make sure nothing is overheard.
"…that you're a happily single woman? Yes, indeed you are. The paperwork is filed and I have official copies for you and for your file. Congratulations!" he enthuses.
"Oh, Fitz, that's wonderful news. I'm sorry that it came at such cost to you, but I'm so thrilled to have this resolved," Beckett nearly gushes in her relief. "When you're feeling up for it, I'd like to take you and your wife out to dinner. I'll talk to Castle – maybe I can cook for all of you, or maybe we can go out. Whatever we work out, I'd really like to say thanks."
"Kate, you don't need to do that," Fitz says with a hint of embarrassment.
"But I want to," Beckett replies quickly. "Besides, I guess we're not quite out of the woods, yet."
"Your job?" Fitz asks, showing that a broken nose hasn't done anything to his ability to sniff out trouble.
"Right again," Beckett confirms. "My captain would like to meet with you. She thinks it would be a good idea to document my story in order to ensure that it's clear that I was unaware of the situation and that we took prompt action once it came to light – another thing for which I owe you thanks."
"Of course," Fitz says in reply. "I've been looking forward to meeting Captain Gates. Unless they find your ex-husband tonight, let's hold off on setting anything up for tomorrow. We'll see how things go over the weekend and talk about a meeting on Monday."
"That sounds great," Beckett replies. "Keep me posted and I'll do the same. In the meantime, put some ice on that nose and kick your feet up – you need a break."
"You don't have to tell me twice, detective," Fitz says happily. "I'll hold onto your paperwork and hand off your copy when next we meet. In the meantime, kick back, relax, and keep out of sight."
Laughing and ringing off, Beckett exits Castle's office to see that he and Alexis have arrived. They're all chatting in the kitchen and haven't yet noticed her return. She takes a moment to observe the interactions. There's the obvious comfort and affection between Castle and Alexis – the frequent looks, the solicitous gestures, and the touches of affection. But most of all, the look of pride that Castle can't quite hide. But there's also her father – he's relaxed and seems comfortable chatting with Castle and Alexis. She's caught off guard by the surge of emotion she feels at watching these three get along so well. Not wanting to break the scene, she's content to stand and watch.
All too soon, Castle's attentiveness to Beckett shows itself again as he looks up to check on her. Seeing her standing there and watching, Castle shoots her a quick smile and returns to the conversation, letting her enjoy the scene for a few more minutes.
Eventually, her father looks up and Alexis follows his attention until she's looking at Beckett, too. "Hi, Detective," Alexis smiles in greeting as Beckett approaches her father for a hug.
"Hi Alexis," Beckett smiles in return. "Good half-day at school?"
"It was," Alexis beams. "It turns out that one of my classmates is even worse at chemistry than dad is. He started a fire that closed the chem lab. So, dad ended up helping me after all," she says while casting her dad an exasperated but loving look.
"Just like always," Castle gloats. "Dads always know best, right Jim?"
"Absolutely," Jim replies while cutting a sly look at his daughter. Sharing an eye roll with Alexis, Beckett holds her tongue for the sake of male bonding. She should've known better.
"So, Katie, I think you were going to explain why we're all hiding out here?" her father says, bursting the quiet calm that Beckett had been carefully building. But there's no delaying this confession, so she nods and raises an arm toward the living room.
As Jim and Alexis move to seat themselves, Castle catches Beckett's arm and holds her back. "Is there any way I can help?" he asks earnestly, worried that she might react negatively but still willing to help her shoulder the load.
Suddenly, she realizes that she hasn't even shared her news with him. Here he is being supportive and he doesn't even know that Fitz has come through for them. Without warning, she launches herself into him and wraps him in a tight hug. His shock lasts only seconds before his arms wrap around her, though loosely – he's probably worried about displaying affection in front of their family or of her current marital status.
"Don't worry," she whispers as she raises her head, "I'm single."
"God bless Fitz," Castle replies as he holds her a little tighter.
"We'll pick this up later," Beckett says as she disengages from Castle, though she catches his hand in hers. Walking over to sit down with Castle in tow, she can't help the embarrassed blush that colors her cheeks.
"Is this what you wanted to talk to us about?" Alexis asks in a mock stern voice as she tries in vain to stifle a smile. "If so, I think Jim and I are going to need some private interviews to discuss your respective intentions."
Jim lets out a chuff of laughter, which causes Alexis to give up her attempt to look stern. Breaking out in a wide smile, she flops back into the sofa.
"No, Alexis," Beckett says with a smile while looking at where her hand is entwined with Castle's. "This is new – just starting, actually. As your dad mentioned this morning, it's been a chaotic two weeks. We, um, well, this is about as far as we've gone so far," she confesses as she raises their linked hands.
"Okay," Alexis replies, a little confused. "So, this goes back to my dad's comment about having done something he shouldn't have?"
"No. I'm the one who did something wrong," Beckett admits, then stalls out. She's having trouble getting started until she feels Castle squeeze her hand. He's still here, she reminds herself. He knows me at my worst – which has been on full display this week – and he's still here. Maybe this won't be so bad.
"Dad, before I get started, I need you to know how sorry I am, how ashamed of myself I am. I'm finally getting used to what happened, but you won't believe it," Beckett fumbles.
"Katie," Jim interrupts. "You're not making much sense and you're scaring me a little. Just tell me what's going on."
Taking a deep breath, Beckett takes a look around the loft and then at Alexis and her father. Chagrined, she realizes that this is exactly what Castle did back when this all started and he was about to break the news of her marriage to her – he took a long look around to fasten the memory of the old regime before haring ahead. She gives his hand a squeeze and jumps into the conversation.
"You'll remember my teen rebellion years all too well, dad, even all these years later," Beckett starts and her father is already nodding vigorously. "I played the wild child, I taunted you and mom, and I reveled in my own cleverness. I know you took issue with some of the boys I dated – that was the point," she confesses.
"Alexis, I need you to ignore this part," Castle cuts in to lighten the moment, prompting a mumbled "Good luck" from Jim.
"I didn't grow out of my rebellion immediately when I left for college. I met a boy there who capped them all, dad – worse than anyone you ever met," Beckett admits while her dad just shakes his head. "He was a bad-boy, an outsider. We dated on and off, depending on his reliability and occasional disappearances." Beckett looks at Alexis and is dismayed to see the same attentive look she wore this morning when Beckett was talking about her mom. It hurts, seeing that same look and knowing where this story is going. She wants Alexis to save that look for good things, not for this mess.
"We went to Vegas," Beckett continues. "It was a wild trip – lots of drinking, lots of dancing, some fighting, too. But the worst part didn't become apparent until two weeks ago." This sudden jump from teenage Beckett to current day has both Alexis and Jim confused. It's time to jump in, Beckett admits to herself.
"It turns out that when we were in Vegas, we went to a drive-through chapel," Beckett begins. The synchronized widening of eyes from both Alexis and Jim would be comical under better circumstances. At present, though, Beckett can't take it so she looks down and takes comfort in speaking to where her hand grasps Castle's. "We thought it was a joke. At least, I did. Rogan and I broke up for the last time just a few days after that trip. Aside from self-pity and maybe congratulating myself on growing up, I hadn't thought about him for years."
"It turns out, though, that the marriage was legal. This came out just two weeks ago. I'd been married since I was nineteen and had no idea. To say that I was shocked, appalled, mortified would be an understatement. Castle – Rick offered to help. Even knowing how poorly I'd react, he offered to help," she says affectionately as she watches her thumb stroke Castle's hand.
"Rick's attorney tracked Rogan down. It turns out that he didn't outgrow his bad-boy days. He's a criminal – he's built a whole fraudulent business around the wife he lost to a coma after a car accident. Medicaid claims, charity, false taxes – he's looking at serious charges that will end up with many years of prison time," Beckett concludes. She doesn't sound vindictive, just tired of this story.
Still looking down, Beckett's anxious to bring this to a conclusion. "Rick's legal team helped orchestrate Rogan's arrest last night. With him in custody, we got his signature on the forms that resolved our ridiculous marriage. After he signed the forms, though, he assaulted my attorney Fitz and a deputy and escaped. He's on the run, and Fitz thinks he might try to find me, or go to you if he can't find me," she says as she finally looks up to gauge her father's reaction.
He looks a little shell-shocked, not surprisingly. "So, you're not married?" Jim asks, trying to catch up and resolve this new information with his conception of his daughter.
"No," Beckett agrees. "Whatever sham of a marriage happened in Vegas so long ago was resolved with the paperwork that was filed today."
"Good, good," Jim mumbles, though he still looks a bit off. Hoping that she's handling the news better, Beckett turns to Alexis.
Beckett doesn't recognize the look that Alexis is giving her. The closest comparator is Dr. Burke at his stoic best. While Beckett tries to understand what Alexis is thinking, Castle's daughter begins to speak.
"So," Alexis says, "you've been married the entire time my father's known you?"
"Yes," Beckett answers clearly, wanting to provide Alexis with whatever information she wants. "But …"
"And Fitz got hurt helping you?" Alexis continues, cutting over Beckett.
"Yes," Beckett replies, providing a short answer to avoid breaking the flow of Alexis' questions.
"And now you're hiding from your husband by staying here," Alexis says.
"Yes," Beckett replies again, even though it wasn't a question this time. Since clarifying that Rogan is no longer her husband isn't likely to improve Alexis' mood, Beckett decides to wait quietly for her next question.
"I see," Alexis says in response. Then, rather than ask any more questions, she stands from the couch and retreats to her room upstairs without uttering another word.
A/N2: As always, many thanks for the notes and the follows. I'm hoping to get the next chapter up around this time next week.