Dinner Date

by Castlefan6

Authors Note: Thisis my AU version to the events when Demming has dinner catered by Hung's China Sea, complete with the candle light. Sometimes, a candle provides the light that is needed to get you out of the dark. Based on a prompt and request from mbeckettcastle or JC. This is for you, I hope I do it justice. There will be ANGST, Tons of it, if this is not your story, Thanks, hope you find what you're looking for.

I don't own Castle, I use the characters for amusement purposes only

Chapter 10

Previously

"Captain Montgomery, If these recommendations are accepted, we fully expect you to formalize your plan to prevent this from ever happening again, as well as providing a mentor to Detective Ryan, who, based on performance shall retain the title of Lead Detective once all suspensions have been served, contingent upon his reviews.

A performance note will be entered into your personal file as well Captain, with no further incidents it will be expunged in three calendar years.

Does the Captain understand these recommendations as stated?"

"Sir yes Sir" Roy answers

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Montgomery's Office

9:00 AM Same Day

Roy has insured the meeting will not be disturbed, he has stationed both LT and Sgt. Hankins, both resemble football players who could squash you with little or no effort outside his office door. Inside the office are Beckett, Espo, Ryan and their three chosen Union Reps. The mood was somber, as was expected. Roy allowed the fear and anticipation to build a moment longer as he prepared his coffee, looked out the window for a second, then returned to his seat.

"I'm breaking with protocol slightly this morning, rather than just going straight to the findings and their recommended actions, I'm going allow each of you 5 minutes to plead your case, if you have nothing to say you may give your 5 minutes to one of your team mates, but it will be 5 minutes, Understood?"

A chorus of "Sir yes Sirs" were returned.

"Would anyone like to lead off? Beckett you wanted to talk earlier, what's on your mind"

"Sir, we, I mean Esposito and I want to take responsibility for what happened at the Castle residence, Detective Ryan was an unwilling participant, he only went to back his partner and his lead and we ask for leniency for him Sir"

Kate turns and shoots Javi a look that said say something or I'll make you sorry,

"Detective Esposito, you have anything to offer to this" Roy asked?

"Sir yes Sir, like Detective Beckett stated, Detective Ryan wasn't part of the strong arm or threats, he warned us to back off, but we didn't heed his warnings, so it is unfair to punish him Sir"

"Well thank you for that, we'll take that in consideration. I think everyone in this room understands that we are facing serious charges, and when I say we, I mean ME included, so I admire your devotion to your team mate in your presence, but that isn't the only innocent member you have damaged. You have tarnished my record, as well as cast shadows on every member of this precinct. The punishments are not light, BUT your Union Representatives agreed you all caught a huge break. The mayor closed, with the statement that what ever the hell happened to this precinct, he wants it back and back soon, so we have work to do."

"You can elect to hear your punishment with only your Union Representative present, or you may sign these waivers of privacy information and we can tell each of you in this setting your fate. What's it going to be?"

Kate reached over took a pen and signed the waiver, Keven immediately followed suit followed by a reluctant Esposito.

"This isn't an all or none Esposito, you can elect to hear yours privately if you wish?"

"Sir no Sir, I was just zoned out for a few minutes, begging your pardon Sir"

"Union Reps you are dismissed, with thanks for your service, any questions the Detectives have will be addressed to you, is that clear?"

"Yes Sir" as they file out of Roy's office.

"OK now that we have the formalities out of the way, I want to ask you all, WHAT THE FUCK where you thinking? You didn't think that anyone else wanted to talk to Rick, what's next, taking his daughter captive? What you did was beyond stupid, I don't even think Rookies would act as badly."

All three sit there, knowing it's best to keep their mouths shut, especially since Roy had already alluded to his punishment.

"Your Union Rep has your copy of the formal outcome, this is your opportunity to discuss with your CO, and head off any issues that could cost you your career, if you are listening carefully."

"Once we start, no one leaves the room until all actions have been spelled out, is that clear?"

"Yes Sir"

"OK, here we go, we'll start with you Ryan, since you've had people pleading your case. It is the recommendation that Detective First Class Ryan receive a note of incident reporting in his file but sustain no loss of time or wages. It is further advised Detective Ryan assume the role of Lead Detective, forming a new B Team for homicide by pulling two seasoned Detectives from within the 12th precinct."

Ryan turns white, then pink then white, obviously shocked he avoided any suspension and instead will be the acting lead detective.

Esposito's face tells it all, he's pissed that Kevin is getting a break out of a bad situation, he is yet to hear what waits for him, if he thinks he's pissed now, he hasn't seen anything.

"Esposito, you're next and unfortunately, even by looking at your face you know you weren't as lucky, it is our recommendation an unpaid suspension of 90 days be imposed, with 30 days suspended, reduction in rank and pay from Detective First Class to Junior Detective once his 60 day suspension is served, and he is to return on a 6 month probationary period, not eligible for merit or cost of living increases until his probationary period is over. It is further recommended Detective Esposito, now Jr. Detective Esposito be reassigned and report to Detective Ann Hasting for his 6-month probation, final assignment to be determined after this time."

"Esposito place your gun, shield, ID and Medical ID Cards on my desk, your suspension starts immediately. I would advise you not to make matters worse, the Mayor has already contacted every Police Department with more than 5 officers on the Eastern Coast to offer his support of you if you know what I mean. You have made a very serious enemy and you need to work not only on your police skills but people skills in general."

"Beckett, that leaves you, are you ready?"

"Yes Sir, as ready as I'll ever be"

"Beckett it is our recommendation for an unpaid 60-day suspension, with 30 days suspended, reduction in rank and pay from Lead Detective to Detective First Class, reporting to Lead Detective Rosalyn Karpowski. During Detective Beckett's suspension she is further required to undergo counseling sessions with the NYPD Psychologist, Dr. Carter Burke for no less than 10 sessions. Failure to complete, cooperate, or provide the requirements of Dr. Burke will serve as grounds for immediate termination, loss of benefits, and no course of appeal."

"What, Counseling, I'm forced to see a shrink because I threatened a citizen, Roy, this isn't fair, I'm going to fight this."

"Kate take a few minutes to talk with your Union Rep, if you appeal and lose, you are OUT totally, no coming back from being fired under those grounds. In the meantime, place your gun, shield, ID and Medical ID Cards on my desk, your suspension starts immediately as well."

"Any Questions for me?"

Kate looked at him knowing this was very hard for him, "Just one Sir, what did we cost you Sir?"

"Nothing I can't over come Detective, but thanks for asking. Ryan, you're the only one still on the clock, take the rest of the day off, go home talk to your wife, and get some sleep, come back tomorrow, and we'll start the transition to Lead Detective. Now All of you out of my office, now I have a ton of paperwork to do thanks to this"

They all walk out, and Kate can tell Javi is not taking this well,

"Guys, let's get a drink, and talk about this, I mean we still have our jobs, sure it's bad but it could be worse."

"It could be worse? How Kate, I'm demoted to Jr. Detective and our partner gets your job, doesn't that piss you off at all?"

"Javi he didn't get my job, he got the Lead Detective job, one he didn't ask for, so check yourself, he's been loyal, even willing to go down with us even though he didn't do anything at all, so you're way out of line"

"Javi you can work your way back up quickly, you know that" Ryan tries,

"How Kevin, working for Ann, she's been spoiling for me since I was her TO, and now she's got her chance, Fuck the drink, I'm going home" as he throws some stuff from his desk to his backpack and storms out of the precinct.

Kate just looks at him as he leaves then turns to Kevin, "Let's get that drink"

"Sorry Kate, I gotta get home to Ginny, she's had a rough time with this I have to tell her what's going on" and he's out and down the stairs.

Kate picked her cell phone and dialed a number,

"Hey, I need a friend right now, got time to meet me for a drink?"