Miracle at the 12th Precinct
Chapter 9
Title: Deck The (Hospital) Halls
Disclaimer: Yeah, still not mine, but I love these guys… please don't sue me for tossing their names around, you'll be greatly disappointed.
Kevin and Ryan were at their desks when Kate, Castle and Jordan arrived back at the precinct. Jordan left them straight away to check in with her team, while Kate and Rick headed directly to the murder board to start making updates. The bullpen was even busier than it had been earlier. A mix of FBI agents and officers filled the room and everyone seemed to have their cell phones out. Esposito and Ryan joined them at the board, and she and Castle filled them in on Lanie's findings. Kate noted the board regarding the 9mm bullet found in Timmy's leg, the metal ball bearing fragments found from the blast and then she pinned up a copy of the note with the credit card numbers found on the paper in Timmy's pocket.
Castle eyed Ryan, and then loudly declared he was going to get some coffee. "Anyone want a cup? Because I could really use a cup."
His offer was followed by a series of head shakes and 'No thanks'.
"No? Well, okay then. I'll be right back." He gave Ryan one more long look, before darting off in the direction of the break room.
It took Ryan a few seconds to catch on. He faked a stretch. "You know, on second thought, I could use a cup myself. Wait up, Castle!" he shouted, taking off after him.
Esposito and Kate waited until they were both out of sight and then laughed. "I swear, they're like two little kids." she said, turning to Esposito.
"Pathetic," he agreed.
They stopped talking as Ryan hurried by them again to grab the coffee mug he'd forgotten on his desk. "Probably help if I took this." He admitted, with a sheepish grin. In a flash he was gone again, the break room door swinging closed behind him.
Esposito stared at the closed door and shook his head. "If they're in there, comparing lists of all the cool toys they think they're gonna get, cause they think they've got an in now, I will go all Grinch on their asses."
"Get ready to kick some ass then, Espo."
"I'm seriously worried about those two."
"You're not the only one." Kate took a step back, arms crossed and leaned on the edge of the desk studying the board. "Is everything all set up for Kris', I mean Jenkins, release tomorrow morning?"
"Yeah. Hospital paperwork's completed; he's good to go. When we left the guards were still posted outside his door. The only ones allowed in and out are the feds, police, and authorized hospital personnel."
Kate checked to see if Ryan and Castle were still out of earshot. "Good. So, now that you've met him, what did you think of Jenkins?" she asked, as casually as possible.
He chose his next words carefully, determined not to mention the old man's earlier disappearing act. There had to be a logical explanation for it. "I think the bump on his head left him delusional, although, he's probably not as nuts as his shrink. I'm guessing he got caught up in this mess due to his association with Tommy Frost. I don't like him for shooting Frost either. I just don't see it. I'll tell you one thing, the guy's a big hit with Ryan and Castle. Personally, I'll like him a hell of a lot more when his damn memory comes back."
Kevin and Castle strolled out of the break room all smiles and Castle handed Kate a cup of coffee even though she hadn't requested one. "I knew you could never turn down a fresh cup," he said, answering her unspoken question. She smiled and thanked him; certain she was blushing. True, he was daffy, but she loved the little things he did to take care of her; he always made her feel special.
"Yo, Castle? You okay with having Jenkins stay at your place?" Esposito asked, already knowing the answer.
"Hell yeah!" He replied, grinning like a kid with a secret. "I do need to make a few calls though, arrange for some groceries and things to be delivered later."
"You're so lucky, man." Ryan said, green with envy.
"I know, right!" Rick replied, beaming back. Ryan totally gets me.
Kate covered her mouth and bit her bottom lip in an effort to hide her smile. It was time to rein them in. "Okay, boys. Let's review what we have." She checked her watch. "Our first interview should be here soon."
XXXXXXXXXXXXX
Several photos hung on the murder board. Timmy, Kris, and Tommy's pictures were posted in the middle. On the left side of the board were photos of the main suspects; Drago, Carlos, and Eddie Mangosa, BB and Vinny. And on the right side hung pictures of the other three victims who'd lived in the adjoining apartments next to Kris'. So far, they'd been ruled out as having any connection to the Mangosas. Kate updated the timeline to reflect Kris, Timmy and Tommy clocking out from work at five pm, estimating them arriving back to their apartment at approximately six pm. She indicated between seven-thirty and eight pm as the window for Timmy's shooting. The explosion detonation time was marked at eight-thirty pm.
"Ryan, I need you to review the security camera footage we brought back from Macys," she said. "There were no cameras at Kris' apartment building, but at least we've got this. We already know an altercation took place between BB Balboa, and Tommy Frost a few weeks ago. Security tossed Balboa out. Look for that. I want to know what they were arguing about. If we can place Drago's guys with Timmy we should at least have enough to bring them in for questioning. Look for any other suspicious behavior, or shady characters they may have interacted with besides Mangosa's guys."
"On it, Boss." Ryan grabbed the videos from Kate's desk, and high-tailed it to the precinct's audio-visual room.
Kate turned to Espo. "Jordan's running down these two credit card numbers Lanie found on Timmy." She handed him a copy. "Get an update from the Feds, but then see what you can find out on your own. I want to know who they belong to and how they're connected. They have to mean something."
"Got it." He replied, already heading over towards Santa's Workshop for an update.
"Are we bringing Drago Mangosa in for questioning too?" Castle asked, rubbing his hands together gleefully. He loved watching Beckett interrogate mobsters; complete turn-on.
"No, it's too soon. We're not ready to play all our cards just yet. We'll need something solid proving he's involved first."
"Still nothing on Tommy Frost's whereabouts," Jordan said, coming to stand beside them. "We've traced the credit card numbers, and know who they belong to, but we're still looking for a connection between them. In the meantime, we may have found something to use as leverage when we bring in BB. It's a long-shot but in the past, he's been known to carry a 9mm." She pinned a picture up on the board and handed Kate the file she'd been carrying.
"This is Jimmy Russo. BB was suspected of shooting Jimmy in a bar fight with, low and behold, a 9mm. He wouldn't press charges, refused to testify, and then dropped out of sight-hasn't been seen since. We're putting feelers out to see if we can find him. There were eye-witness accounts, but the gun was never found. Carlos made sure he was lawyered-up, and without enough to prosecute they had to let him go. I spoke to the officer in charge, who'd brought him in at the time and he confirmed BB was their main and only suspect. I'd love to put this dirt-bag away." She said, practically salivating.
A weird chill went down Castle's spine. "Hey, has anyone checked on Kris lately?"
Jordan checked her watch. "Not since about an hour ago, but I'm sure he's doing fine. After all, he's got the FBI watching his door. Unless that's what you're worried about, Castle. Are you implying you don't trust my people to see to his safety?"
Holding back a laugh, Kate slowly sipped her coffee and pretended not to watch Castle squirm from over the rim of her coffee mug.
"No…no, that's not it at all." He stammered. "You're right. I'm being silly. I'm sure he's safer than the President."
"That's the Secret Service."
"Right. Secret Service… but I'm sure if called upon, the FBI would be even better at protecting the President than the Secret Service." He could feel himself starting to sweat.
She tried for the evil eye, but couldn't keep a straight face. "Relax, Castle. Can't you tell when I'm just messing with you."
"Yes, yes of course I can," he lied. "mainly because it happens...a lot." He added. She shrugged her shoulders, not denying it.
Despite what he'd told Jordan, he was still worried about Kris, but tried to remain positive. Jordan was right; Kris was probably fine. Still, something was gnawing at him. He couldn't quite put his finger on it, but he'd feel better if he went over to the hospital; checked on him himself. He wasn't overreacting. The poor man was a sitting duck in that hospital and the entire future of Christmas could be in jeopardy.
"Lighten up, Elf-boy." Jordan said, feeling mildly guilty about teasing him, and then worrying she was going soft. "If it will make you feel better, I'll call and check on him right now. Okay?"
"Thank you. It's just that these people are ruthless. They'll stop at nothing to get what they want. You can't blame me for being worried." She nodded, understanding his concern, then pulled out her phone.
"Oh, and Jordan?" He said, waiting until he had her attention. "It's Elf-Man, by the way, Elf...Man." He said with a smug grin.
"Sure it is, Castle." She snickered, before putting the phone to her ear. "Calling right now," she told him.
He felt a tap on his shoulder. "Cheer up, Castle. I'll vouch for you. It's definitely…Elf-Man." She said, winking at him and moving towards her desk.
"Damn straight!" he said proudly while following her. He noticed she seemed to be in a better mood, and thought about asking her about their Christmas plans, but there was too much going on with the case right now. He decided it could wait until later. "You know, Kate…maybe I should go check on him, question him about Timmy's shooting. It really might kick-start his memory. I bet he saw the whole thing. It's entirely plausible-"
"Don't you mean 'clausible?' "
He did a double-take. "Cute." He said, giving her a smile that melted her insides. "I did, actually. I really did."
She smirked, and then sat down in her chair, sipping her coffee. She let him ramble on for a bit, with a series of perfectly logical excuses for visiting Kris, each more animated than the last and marveled at his ability to care so deeply for a man he'd only just met. She'd been on the receiving end of all that attention. It was a safe bet, he wouldn't rest until he verified, with his own eyes, that Kris was okay. Rick might be a dreamer, crazy and gullible, but he was all hers. Maybe she'd been too hard on him? Lanie was right; she was a sucker for his boyish charms. She was also lucky. She'd found herself a very good man; caring and pure of heart. It really shouldn't matter that Kris was just a nice old man with whiskers. If Rick cared this much about him, well then, she should too.
Her decision made, she'd had enough of his hard sell. He was clearly distracted; she might as well cut him loose. Besides, he's had worse ideas, Kris could probably use the company, and Castle was right, Kris might talk more freely without her and Jordan hovering.
He was still rattling on, but at least now he was sitting. The pacing had been making her a little dizzy. She should have stopped him sooner, but then again, he was very entertaining. "…and I could see if he needs anything," he continued. "he's stuck in there. I can bring him some decent food. Hospital food is terrible Kate. Nobody should have to eat that stuff..."
"Okay. You can go," she said, shocking him into silence. She pulled out her authoritative detective voice. "Espo, Jordan and I will handle the interviews. You go over to the hospital, check on Kris. And Castle, take Ryan with you." His eyes lit up and Kate congratulated herself on not laughing out loud. Not only could he go, but she was letting him bring his little buddy too. You'd think she'd given him a puppy. "Question Kris about the shooting, you know the drill. But before you leave, tell Ryan to turn over the security camera recordings to the Feds. Have them make copies. I'll need Ryan to review them as well when you guys get back."
He leaned in closer, nary a distance between them, looked deep into her eyes and smiled. And not just any smile. He'd brought out the big guns; the kind that made the little laugh lines around his smoking baby blues crinkle. She'd named it his I want to take you right here on your desk smile. She loved that smile; she loved him, and it crossed her mind, she should probably work up the nerve to share that piece of information with him one day soon. She leaned in closer as well.
"Best. Girlfriend. EVER." He whispered, sending shivers down her spine. He smelled so damn good, she was nearly drunk from it. Her fingers twitched, the desire to reach out and touch him overwhelming. And then he smirked-the bastard. He knew exactly what he was doing to her.
Two could play at this game. "You're so easy to please, Castle." She said, licking her lips while staring at his. Thoughts of the supply closet just around the corner flittered across her mind.
"Are you saying I'm easy, Kate?" He teased back. "Because when it comes to you...you'd be absolutely right."
They jumped apart at the sound of a loudly clearing throat. It was Jordan, back from checking on Kris. His seductive smile turned tentative at the sight of her and he sat upright in his chair.
Jordan grinned, trying to put him at ease. "Like I said before, he's fine, Castle. My guys just switched shifts too, so they're fresh as daisies. Nothing new to report. They were just bringing him in his lunch when I called."
"Great. Thank you for checking Jordan." Not that it mattered. He was still going over to the hospital. He shot Kate a look under his lashes.
Much to his relief, she didn't miss a beat. "Agent Shaw, Castle was just suggesting that he and Ryan head to the hospital to question Kris about Timmy's shooting. They'll join us later for the rest of the interviews."
Jordan narrowed her eyes at Kate, and then turned to Castle, studying him a moment. "Good idea," she replied. "He seemed to take a liking to you and would probably be more open to talking without Detective Beckett and I around. I'll tell my guys to expect you."
"I'll see you ladies later then." Castle said, rising from his seat, trying not to sound overly eager. He grabbed his coat, shot Kate a look, and then hurried off to get Ryan. Her eyes followed him as he walked away, and down the hall. When he was out of sight, she turned to Jordan with a smug grin.
Jordan rolled her eyes and then reached in her blazer pocket. She pulled out a twenty and handed it to Kate, who chuckled shamelessly before stuffing it in her own. "Thanks," she said. Hey, a bet was a bet.
"Damn. For the record, I only missed it by an hour. You do know your man, Detective. I'll give you that," she said, conceding defeat.
Purely out of reflex, Kate thought to deny it. But the smell of his cologne still lingered in the air, leaving the well-rehearsed denial to die on her lips. Besides, Jordan was a profiler; the ship had long since sailed on that particular secret. With the heat still fresh on her cheeks, she looked Jordan in the eyes. "Actually, I'm surprised he held out this long," she admitted.
"Quite impressive." Jordan agreed.
"It really is."
Kate stood up and finally noticed the stack of papers Jordan had placed on the side of the desk. "Are those the background checks on the Macy's workers?" She asked.
"Indeed they are. I'm told they hold quite an interesting array of characters."
"Figures. Why don't we use the office next to Gates' to review them." Kate suggested.
"Lead the way, Detective."
XXXXXXX
When Ryan and Castle arrived at the hospital, Ryan suggested they stop at the nurse's station for a medical update on Kris before heading into his room. They both agreed the news they were about to share with him would most likely be upsetting and they wanted to ensure he'd be in a condition to handle it. They passed by the guards, dutifully at their posts outside Kris' door, and walked down the long hallway to the nurse's station. Ryan flagged down a nurse. She gave them a polite smile and asked how she could help them. Ryan recognized her from his visit earlier that morning, still he showed her his badge before asking for an update on Kris' medical status.
She explained she was in the middle of tending to a patient, but that she'd be right back to help them, then she disappeared down the corridor and into one of the rooms. With a few extra minutes on their hands, Ryan pulled out his cell phone to check his voicemail. His messages had begun to pile up, including one from his wife.
A few minutes passed by and the nurse still hadn't come back. Castle tapped his fingers on the counter impatiently, while Ryan amused himself with his phone. Castle's phone, however, was still charging in the squad car. He ran his hands through his hair. "Ryan, I'm just going to go down the hall and talk to the guards. Call me if she ever gets back."
"Sure thing." Ryan replied, only half paying attention. He figured this would be a good time to call Jenny back.
When Castle approached, both guards immediately went on alert and gave him the once over. "Can we help you, Sir? This is a restricted area." The tall one said, in a deep voice.
"Hi. Yes, I'm Rick Castle, and that's, Detective Kevin Ryan." He said pointing to Ryan, who at the moment had his back turned away from them. "Agent Shaw said she was calling to let you know we were coming." He pulled his license from his wallet and handed it to the agent, and then waited as they checked his clearance.
Once they verified he was on the list of permitted visitors the agents relaxed, but only slightly, much like soldiers at ease. With nothing else to do at the moment, Castle went out on a limb and asked them for a report. The tall one confirmed the area had been quiet with no unusual activity, while his shorter, more silent partner stared him down as though Castle had stolen his best girl in high school. He eyed the agent back. He didn't look familiar, but back in the day…hey, you never know.
Castle asked who'd been in to see Kris that day, and after checking the sign in sheet, the tall one told him the only people in and out over course of the day were the floor nurses, Dr. Marcus; a physical therapist, Dr. Sawyer; Kris' psychiatrist, Dr. Mansfield; a general practitioner, and one or two orderlies.
They all took notice when a man in a doctor's white lab coat along with an orderly pushing an empty wheelchair approached. "Dr. Sawyer." He said, pointing to his photo id tag. "We're here to take the patient down for a head CT."
Castle stood quietly by and waited while the guards verified the doctor's hospital identification, before introducing himself. "Hello Doctor, Rick Castle. I'm a consultant with the police. I'm also a friend of Kris'." He explained, offering a handshake.
The doctor stared at him a second before taking his hand. "Oh, yeah, he mentioned you. Nice to meet ya."
"Doctor, can you tell me how Kris is doing?
"He's doing just fine."
"Do you know if he's remembered anything more?"
"Afraid not. As a matter a fact, it's not likely he'll ever get his memory back. Tough break, huh?" The orderly cleared his throat, getting the doctor's attention. "Well, I'm on a tight schedule, they're waiting for us downstairs. We'd better go in and get him. Good meeting ya."
"Excuse me, but would you mind giving us a hand getting the patient into the chair?" The doctor asked the tall agent. He hesitated a moment, silently checking with his partner, who shrugged and nodded back. Then the shorter agent held the door open so they could get through with the wheelchair and watched his partner follow the doctor and orderly into the room. Once the door shut he resumed his position outside.
Castle stood back out of their way with his hands in his pockets and watched. The doctor's dismal prognosis that Kris might never recover his memory had him concerned, but even doctors could be wrong, so he refused to give up hope. Kris was the key to this whole case, held all the answers, and with Christmas quickly approaching, the clock was ticking on getting him back to the North Pole. Now it looked like they'd have to wait to speak with Kris until his tests were done.
Sensing the stone-faced agent's gaze, Castle looked up. Cue the uncomfortable silence. "I'm just going to go…over there," he announced, thumbing to Ryan, who he saw speaking to a different nurse than the one they'd met earlier. Ryan caught his eye and waived him over. "I gotta go," he told the agent. "Nice talking to you."
"What's going on?" He asked Ryan. "They're taking Kris downstairs for more tests."
"We're about to find that out. I'm not sure where that other nurse went, but Sally here..." Ryan said with a smile, "Offered to pull up Kris' record for us so she can read us the doctors' notes." The pretty, young nurse smiled sweetly at Ryan, then sat down and started typing on her keyboard in search of the records.
While they waited, Ryan turned to Castle and wondered why he was frowning. "What's the matter?"
"The doctor thinks Kris may never regain his memory."
"Nah. Cheer up Castle. Have faith. We were told this morning it's probably only temporary. Who were you were talking to before, by the way?" He asked, watching as the remaining guard on duty entered Kris' room.
"Dr. Sawyer."
A look of panic flashed across Ryan's face. What were the odds Kris had two doctors with the same last name? "His psychiatrist, Dr. Sawyer?"
"Yes." Castle replied, nodding back.
Ryan whipped out his gun. "Castle, that's not Sawyer." He said, tossing Castle his cell phone, and moving down the hall towards the now unguarded room. "Clear the floor, call for back-up!" He said, over his shoulder.
"Oh no…Kris!"
Castle turned to the horrified nurse. "Alert security that I'm calling the police, but tell them to call it in too. Then tell them to lock down the elevators until the police get here." She was frozen in place; scared and confused. "Go, go now!" He yelled, snapping her out of her trance. He watched as she took off running down the back hallway.
He quickly dialed Kate, watching from a distance as Ryan edged closer and closer along the perimeter towards Kris' room before finally dropping out of sight.
She wasn't picking up. He started to panic. "Beckett." He heard her finally answer, but his reply was cut short by the unmistakable sound of gunfire…
A/N: Thanks for taking the time to read this and for your reviews and favorites so far. Reviews soothe the soul, and frankly, I could use some soothing. Now, on to the next chapter. Whatever will become of poor Santa? Will Kate and Rick 'explore' other rooms at his loft? Where is that bad little elf? Have the mobsters shot each other yet? I hope you'll stay tuned. - Karen
13
