Dear Readers,

The end of the case is coming, but not the story...I have some loose ends I want to clean up...stay tuned...

To my three friends...you keep me grounded...in any language...Thank you for your input...

Enjoy...

Melody

Kate stretched, moving her toes around in search of Rick but finding the bed cool and empty. Gradually her eyes opened and her vision cleared, but she felt sluggish and slow. How long had she slept? Turning to look at the clock, she was surprised to see it was 6:45 in the morning. She couldn't remember falling asleep, vaguely remembering she had been on the couch, leaning against Rick.

Kate sat up and decided to find Rick. It didn't take her long, and as she entered the kitchen, she smelled the coffee, and staggered towards the coffee pot. Not quite making her goal before a mug of coffee was shoved in her hands, a smile took over her face and she murmured thanks to the offerer.

Rick stood close, rubbing his hand over her back, "my pleasure, sweetheart. Feeling better today?"

"I should be asking you that, you were the one who got shot." she snorted

"Me? I feel really good, hardly any pain and I'm starving? You interested in breakfast?" He offered, fully expecting her to refuse.

Kate narrowed her eyes, deciding to check out Rick's physical condition for herself. She slid over to him, reached up to kiss his jaw, while her hand went to his injured side. She pressed on the site and was surprised as he didn't react to her touch.

Hum she thought, he was okay. Rick grabbed her chin and lifted her face to him.

"You didn't believe me, did you?"

"Frankly, no, I thought you were trying to be a tough guy." Kate shrugged and moved away.

"So I repeat, are you hungry?". Rick was smirking, which irritated Kate.

"An egg white omelet sounds terrific," Kate smugly responded. That will show him.

"I'm sorry, who are you and what did you do with my Detective?" Rick was stunned. She never ate real food on work days.

"See, I can be reasonable too. You're right. If I'm working, I have to behave and take care of myself." Her words stung as she spoke them.

"I'll get started, while you shower." Rick turned shaking his head, amazed at her turn around.

In the shower, Kate was pleased with how well both she and Rick were doing physically. She had slept soundly, still not sure how she got into bed and reminded herself to ask Rick during breakfast.

As she finished dressing, she could smell breakfast cooking. She smiled, Rick managed to take such good care of her, and she him. She couldn't imagine her life without him, he kept her young at heart and she kept him grounded, though barely.

"Breakfast smells wonderful." Kate looked at the table and started to laugh. Rick had orange juice, coffee, bacon, hash browns and what appeared to be a tomato frittata sitting on the table.

"Are you trying to fatten me up for the kill?" Kate's eyes and voice voiced her wariness of his motives.

"Well, you have lost some weight that you can't afford to lose, so come on, eat up."

"You are such a nag." Kate reached over and stroked his arm. "Say, how did I get to bed? I can't quite remember." she asked offhandedly.

"Welllllll, I was afraid to try and lift you, thought if I ripped open my side you'd kill me. So, Javier picked you up and laid you on the bed." Rick looked over a little sheepishly, noting Kate's mouth was open and her face bright red. She was embarrassed, Esposito had put her to bed, and she'd never live that down.

"Relax, Kate, he just put you on the bed, I undressed you. He cares about you, you're his friend." Rick stroked her arm, looking into her eyes.

"Okay, I...it's just...oh hell...you're right he is a friend and sometimes friends need help. I get it."

"Wow, breakfast and insight in the same morning...my Detective is growing up."

"Back up Castle, I can still shoot you. Oh, wait...you've already been shot once this week." Now it was Kate's turn to smirk and they started laughing together. Rick came over and swept her up in his arms.

"Rick, we don't have time to mess around this morning, let go."

He let her go, disappointment written all over his face. Kate snatched his ear and pulled him to her.

"Once this case is over, I will take you to bed and do such unmentionable things to you, you'll beg for me for mercy," she nuzzled his nose and grabbed his crotch, smiling sensually and smacked his face.

"Time to go to work."

"How am I supposed to go to the precinct after that? You're killing me."

"Come on, Castle, man up." As Kate finished, she hooked her badge in place, holstered her gun, picked up the keys and headed out the door.

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Rick spent the majority of the ride to the precinct updating Kate on the final preparations for the interrogations. Matthew Gold would be the final person they would interrogate. They had speculated that he might be the brains of the entire operation, but was he the one person behind the murders? Kate wasn't convinced, but time would tell.

In the elevator, Kate moved closer to Rick. "You really feel like being here? You were shot two days ago; it's okay to stay home."

"Detective, there is no way I'm missing this. These bastards will pay." Rick had no intention of not being a part of solving this crime.

Entering the bullpen, they saw Ryan and Esposito in front of the murder boards.

"Hey guys, anything new?" Kate queried. Ryan looked at Esposito and decided to provide the latest information they had uncovered.

"Well, it appears that the street vendors' board was established about a year ago, and guess who was behind establishing the board? Our friend Matthew Gold. It looks like Mr Gold is the grandson of one of the original members of the Diamond cartel from the late 40's, Jacob Goldblatt."

"It appears in the fifties Mr Goldblatt was suspected of stealing diamonds from the cartel and blackballed. The cartel took his business; he was publically humiliated and his vast resources taken from him. His family was exiled back to Israel and Mr Goldblatt left, vowing revenge. He died penniless, in exile."

"His family never forgot what happened to him. His son, Stephen, died trying to clear his father's name."

"Enter Matthew Gold. Four years ago, he arrived in New York City. Somehow he got a street vendors license and from there climbed up the organization. " As Ryan finished, he glanced over to Esposito, who gave him a thumbs up.

"What is the connection to the law firm?" Kate asked.

"One of the firm's partners attended Oxford University, specifically Trinity College and Matthew Gold was a member of the same college." Esposito interjected.

Kate was thrilled; the boys had done a great job compiling information on the various people of interest. The final point they wanted to review before they began questioning individuals was how Jake Taylor and Rick's shooter fit into the picture. They had previously discovered that he had been employed by Golden and sons and was a member of the very radical Hasidic Jewish community. The particular group was known to include assassinations as part of their work background.

The ballistics had matched Gideon's bullets with those taken from the murdered street vendors bodies. He was the man who pulled the trigger, but not the one who ordered the hits. They had not yet figured out the specifics of the operation or identified those in control, but they were close.

The longer the team looked over the data, the more determined they became. Kate's eyes narrowed, she wanted this group, all of them. They had stolen, killed people, but most importantly they had nearly killed her partner, her lover. Reliving Rick's shooting made her squeamish, and slightly dizzy. She closed her eyes and took some deep breaths, holding her hand to her chest, her scar, using that to ground herself, and gain perspective.

Rick watched Kate carefully, understanding what she was thinking, what she was feeling. They had spent time with Dr Burke, deciding on a ritual to help her avert PTSD attacks, to manage them without her collapsing. He knew she needed to work through this by herself.

Gradually, she opened her eyes. She was ready to proceed, totally focused on the task at hand. She looked over at the boys, then to Rick. She winked at Rick and blew him a kiss.

"It's time to catch some bad guys, let's do it." Kate's voice was strong, confident. She reached over and picked up the first file, William Golden, the owner of Golden and sons.

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

Ryan had Mr Golden placed in interrogation room number 1. Kate separated from the boys, and while they headed to the viewing room, Kate swiftly opened and entered the room ready to start.

"Mr Golden. Thank you for coming down to talk to us." Kate purposely began politely and friendly, though inside she was steaming.

"I'm a busy man. What can I do for you?" His attitude was smug, overly cocky. Kate offered him her most pleasant smile, she so wanted to smash his face into the mirrored wall.

"This shouldn't take long. You answer my questions, then you can leave, Okay?"

She saw him relax, the bastard thought he had won, she turned around, facing the mirror where her partners were watching, she dipped her head, smiled and slowly turned to face the suspect.

"So, tell me how long have you known Gideon Shaw?" Kate stared into his eyes, her eyes had turned dark. Her body still, leaning on her arms, her body pressed towards William Golden.

Ryan shook his head and smiled from the other side of the mirror. The other two men were also mesmerized by their lead Detective.

"She's like a cobra, quietly testing its opponent, waiting for its victim to falter, and then it'll strike. I'm glad she's not after me, this guy is so cocky, she'll smash him to bits." The three men chuckled simultaneously as they watched Beckett work.

"I've known him, maybe a few months. He works at our store." Golden shrugged as he finished.

"Really, you've only known him for a few months? Interesting. So, explain, why you wrote him a personal reference when he migrated to the United States?" Kate laid the letter in front of him. He glanced at it and dismissed it.

"In the letter, you commented that you had known Gideon for nearly ten years. Help me understand this, please." Again, Kate leaned forward and smiled, but for those who knew her, it was her cold unforgiving look.

"Well, um..." He hesitated, licked his lips, he knew he was in trouble.

"So, what is it? Talk to me. Come clean now, or await your fate, the choice is yours." Her voice ended firm, almost threatening. She crossed her arms and leaned against the glass, waiting.

Detective Esposito entered, glared at Mr Golden and handed Kate a piece of paper. As he turned to leave, he looked at the suspect again and left the room. They had rehearsed this move, many times. It never failed to unnerved suspects.

Mr Golden, my Detective just brought in some new information. It's fascinating how similar the names Golden, Gold and Goldenblatt are, don't you find that interesting? I have to ask are the three of you related?" Kate looked at Golden's face which was now paling and some sweat appearing on his forehead. She turned to face the mirror, curled her lips, winked and returned to the suspect.

"I'm waiting. What's it to be?" She began to gather the various papers, ready to leave. She made a partial turn when Golden's hand lashed out, grabbing Kate's. She looked down and said. "Let me go, now."

"What kind of deal can you give me?"

"You've given me nothing so far." Kate gave him a matter of fact shrug, and waited for Golden to speak.

"Yes, we're all related. Matthew Gold and I are cousins. My uncle, his grandfather was humiliated, financially and emotionally destroyed by the members of Diamond cartel. I will tell you everything; it's gotten out of hand."

"Smart move." Kate opened the door as Ryan and Esposito entered. "These Detectives will take your statement."

Kate stepped out, closed the door and leaned her body against the door. They had been in there for nearly five hours. She was tired, but ecstatic. It appeared they were going to close this case, if not today, then in the next day or two.

Rick came around the corner, he was so proud of Kate and the entire team, but mostly his partner. In her first case back, she had faced many obstacles, yet she displayed a rhythm, a balance and finished on top.

The closer he got to Kate, the more he wanted to sweep her into his arms. He carefully looked around, seeing several people within eyesight, he held back. He leaned in to her, whispered "good job", then stepped back.

"Thanks, Rick." She reached in and stroked his cheek. "How are you feeling? Be honest!"

"It hurts a little, not a big deal."

"Have you taken anything for pain?" She frowned at him, knowing he was stubborn, then she laughed because she was worse and she knew it.

"No." Rick glared at Kate, daring her to push it.

Kate decided to take a softer approach.

"How about if we order some lunch, take some time, you take a pain pill and we'll wait until Ryan and Esposito are finished. We'll get enough for them too, and then we can decide how to proceed."

She was standing close, Rick could smell her and she was teasing him, being coy. He growled, she was not playing fair. He so wanted to take her now and she knew this.

"You are such a flirt and you know it."

"Why, Mr Castle, whatever do you mean?" Grinning up at Rick, she waggled her eyebrows.

"You really are killing me Kate. First breakfast this morning, insightful comments about your limitations, offering lunch, a rest period and flirting in public. I'm not sure I'll survive this renewed Beckett."

"Yes you will big guy. I can't break in another partner." With that, they went into the break room to await the food and the other Detectives.

Mr Golden had essentially given them the entire setup including who was responsible for each part of the operation. Kate had suspected that Matthew Gold had masterminded the operation and Golden had verified that.

What Kate was most interested in was who had arranged the murders of the street vendors. She believed that Matthew Gold was the man who hired Gideon to kill the men, but still needed proof. She was hoping to get him to confess by goading him, attacking his pride. The man thought he was above the law.

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They all enjoyed the break, becoming refreshed and ready to attack to wrap up this case. The group had previously interrogated the attorneys for each committee. The attorneys were not very forthcoming with information, but Kate got want she wanted. Both of the men admitted to knowing Matthew Gold and working with him on various projects. When everything fell into place, the attorneys would provide what she needed, she was certain.

Ryan and Esposito played rock-paper-scissors, to determine who would go and collect Matthew Gold. Esposito won, grinning from ear to ear, leaving the precinct, stating, "I'll be back, the bastard is mine!"

Kate, Rick and Ryan stayed behind, preparing for Gold's interrogation. Kate had that special feeling in her gut, confident in the knowledge that she could take him down, but she needed to be patient, allow his ego to soar and then pounce.

Esposito returned within the hour with Gold in cuffs. He was smiling as he jerked the suspect into Kate's view.

"Where do you want him?"

Without looking up, Kate indicated room number one. As Esposito and Ryan guided Gold into the room, Kate turned to Rick. "You want to go in with me, Castle?"

"No, Detective, this is your victory. Finish it up." His face soft, filled with overwhelming love for Kate. He glanced around and seeing no one was watching, reached in and lightly kissed Kate.

"I wouldn't be here without you. You know that, right?" Her eyes glued to Rick's face.

"I'll reap my rewards later...in private." Rick leered at Kate and backed up when she smacked his jaw.

Kate entered the interrogation room, still smiling thinking about Rick, yet quickly becoming focused on Matthew Gold.

"Mr Gold, Detective Kate Beckett. I have some questions. Have you been read your Miranda rights?" Beckett was all business, no hint of compassion.

"What do you want, Detective. I'm a busy man." His arrogance was maddening. Kate returned his comment with a thin lipped smile.

"Let's get started. First, you are currently the chair of the street vendors association, correct?"

"Yes, that's common knowledge. What else?"

"Patience, Mr Gold. You also were responsible for the design of the committee, right?"

"Yes, and it's been very successful, what's your point?" His voice was laced with irritation. The more irritated he became, the slower, more deliberate Kate's queries became. The boys were behind the mirror chuckling, she was a master at this tactic.

"You also are very knowledgeable about the diamond business. Your grandfather at one time was a very powerful member of the cartel. It must have been heartbreaking to watch the destruction of your family, wasn't it?"

Kate was standing and leaned in towards Gold, a crooked smile on her face. She figured this may get a rise out of Mr Gold and she was not disappointed. He jumped up, slammed a hand on the table and cursed, "You bitch!" Kate never flinched and calmly instructed him to sit down.

"You are an angry man, I bet one who would seek justice, revenge for his family, wouldn't you? So why not steal diamonds from the people you believed were responsible for your grandfather's problems."

"You... know... nothing." His words spit venom. Kate turned her back on Gold in an act of distain towards his plight, and that action caused him to snap. He leapt to his feet, and he charged Beckett. She was ready for him and brought a partially closed fist to his face, in self-defence. That one was for Castle, she thought.

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

The three men on the other side of the glass bolted and entered the room, expecting to assist Kate. She greeted them with an "I've got this" gesture and they retreated. She faced a seething Gold and proceeded.

"So first you set up the committees and hired street vendors to smuggle the diamonds that your organization stole from the various shops in the cartel. The cartel was too powerful to destroy, but stealing from them was a perfect act of vengeance."

"I am surprised that no one put it together, but that was where the attorneys could distract the owners, keep them away from you." Kate had been able to pull it together, they would get their conviction, indict the various members of his group.

"Gideon Shaw was your hired dog; you brought him from Israel to protect your interests. He killed for you. Why? You were amassing a fortune in stolen diamonds by smuggling them through New York. What made you need to kill your street vendors?"

"Some of the vendors got greedy, they stole from me. No…One…Steals…From…Me, NO ONE!"

"You really are a cold son of a bitch, aren't you? That will be you're undoing."

"You have nothing!" Gold sneered at Kate.

"Your cousin has given us the intricacies of the entire structure, so much for family sticking together. We just needed this final piece. You, the mastermind, you arrogant bastard. You have no right to take another person's life. To say, who lives and who dies. My partner got shot, he could have been killed. You're lucky I don't put a bullet in your skull right now!"

Now, Kate was in his face, the rage from the last few days spewing out, leaving her shaking. Esposito and Ryan came into the room as Kate finished, they didn't want her to lose control.

"Get him out of here and book him." She ran her hands through her hair, she was emotionally drained, it had been a long day.

She set on the edge of the table in the interrogation room, winding down. Rick came up behind her, brought his chin on her shoulder.

"You were as good as I've ever seen you. You brought him down. I'm so proud of you."

Kate turned, facing Rick, slipped her body between his legs, her arms around his neck.

"Take me home," she murmured, pressing her forehead to his chest.

"Okay, can I drive?" His eyes lit up with glee, and Kate responding by laughing.

"Sure," she smirked as she threw him the keys and headed towards the elevator.

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