Chapter 10

The tension in the hospital waiting room was unbearable for Richard. Everyone was there, his mother who gave comfort to Alexis. Ryan, Esposito and Captain Montgomery. Jim was with the attending doctor.

"Uh…guys, I'm gonna get some coffee. Anyone want anything?" They shook their heads. The situation too bleak to consume anything.

"I'll join you Mr Castle, and then I must be going. There's something I need to take care of."

Richard and Roy walked towards the elevator, "How's your hand Mr Castle?"

"Uh…It's a little tender, but I'll be fine," he said as he skimmed his hands over his bandaged knuckles.

"You guys did a good job you know." Richard raised his eyebrow questioningly.

"Doubt it sir. A good job would have resulted in Kate not having to have surgery," he bit back.

"Castle, Kate will be fine." The lift arrived in the lobby, "Let me know when she wakes up…oh and…get some rest." Richard smiled unconvincingly.

Jim Beckett was in the waiting room talking to Ryan and Esposito when Castle returned.

"Mr Beckett," Jim turned around to greet Richard, it was unfortunate that they had to meet under these circumstances, but Richard was grateful that he was here to take care of his daughter. "How is she?" He asked shaking the man's hand.

"Doctor says she's going to make a full recovery and it's all because you interrupted the shooter. If he shot as accurately as he intended to, we'd be facing a different scenario right now."

Rick was no hero.

"Can I see her?"

"Yeah. The doctor doesn't seem to have any objections. She was asleep when I left."

"Thank you."

Alexis got up suddenly and spoke in a very soft voice when she reached her dad's side.

"Daddy, can we see Kate before we go. I have to study for a test, but I really wanna make sure she's okay."

Richard tried to smile as he led the two ladies to Kate's room. "Of course sweetie."

The room was dimly lit as they entered. Kate lay peacefully on the hospital bed laced with white linen.

It was quiet, apart from the beeping of the machines she was hooked up to.

"Dad?"

"Yes sweetie?" He replied as he pulled up a chair next to the bed.

"If Kate's okay, why are there so many pipes and machines?"

"It's just standard. There's a heart rate monitor, and IV tubes to administer antibiotics to prevent infection. If the doctors say she's going to be fine, then she will be."

"Okay…Do you think I can hold her hand?"

"I think she'd like that."

Kate stirred at the contact and Alexis startled and pulled back.

"Hey guys…" she murmured and even managed a smile. Rick smiled back a little teary-eyed.

"Sorry if I disturbed. I hope I didn't hurt you?" Alexis apologised.

"No…I'm fine…You can…uh…give me a hug if you want?" Kate tried to ease the fear off Alexis's face. A teenager shouldn't look so worried about a complete stranger. Alexis looked at Rick and he nodded in approval. Alexis was hesitant but stepped closer.

"The doctor told me that hugs will help me heal quicker…c'mon, help out a friend…" Kate reached out her hand and Alexis took it and swooped in for the hug, careful not to squeeze or lean on sensitive spots.

"I feel better already, thank you," Kate whispered when Alexis got up. Alexis smiled shyly and hooked a piece of hair behind her ear.

"Thank you guys so much for coming, it really means a lot."

Martha kissed Kate on the cheek and whispered in her ear, "I'm so glad you're okay Katherine. Get better soon."

The room was silent for a few more minutes after Martha and Alexis left the hospital. The rhythmic beep of the heart rate monitor consumed the space.

"Castle…you can stop worrying. I'm going to be fine." He looked up at her as his fingers entwined with each other.

"I'm not worried. I know you're a superhero. It's just…just…Kate…I have this incredible amount of guilt rushing over me."

Kate tried to sit up, but there was an incredible amount of pain, but she pushed through it. Castle got up to assist.

"Castle…you don't have anything to feel guilty about. We went in there without back-up against a sniper, it was never going to be smooth sailing."

"I know…I know…but that's not what I'm talking about….Kate, it's the second time I've let your family down. Your dad told me that's you're alive because I jumped the guy."

"Castle, come here," she held out her hand, he moved the chair closer. "I am alive because of you. I was facing a sniper and I had no idea. With you taking that leap of faith, it changed his trajectory. You save my life Chuck Norris…"

"Pfft…Chuck Norris?"

She giggle, "Yeah, I saw you take out Lockwood before I passed out – that's why you have the bandage on isn't it?" He looked at the bandage covering his right hand.

"You know, it always looks so cool in the movies – to punch someone – let me tell you, it's overrated. It really hurts!"

"Thanks for having my back Castle…"

He squeezed her hand, "Always."

Kate yawned. "I should go, you need some rest," he said getting up from the chair.

"Before you go…the doctor also said that kissing is good for healing too…" He smiled cheekily at her and leaned in to plant a soft kiss on her lips.

"See you in the morning beautiful…"