Southern Heat
Chapter Ten
When Rick pulls up beside their hotel, Kate stares out the window for a moment before she looks at him. "Really." She says, as he grins.
"It's cool isn't it?"
"It looks like it's from and old western." She says.
"Yeah, I know. But this is supposes to be a really great place to use for events and wedding and thing. I looked at all the pictures before I booked our room and I think this is the nicest hotel in town."
"We passed like ten different hotels on the way and they all looked nice to me."
"I know but I wanted this to be a little special." He says, looking a little sheepish.
"We're here to work. We're not a romantic get away."
"But there's nothing that says that we can't have a little romance while we're here. I mean have you ever been to Texas. I haven't well not like this. I've stopped in Austin on a book tour a few times. And that's a great city, but I've never been anywhere else. It'll be fun, Beckett."
She looks at him and smiles again. "Alright, what harm could it do?" She says, as he does a tiny fist pump and she laughs. "Find us a place to park." She says, settling back while he drives around for a bit before he finds a spot on a side street down from there hotel.
Getting out, he walks around the car to open her door. Helping her out, they each walk to the back of the car and he opens the trunk. They each grab a suitcase before they walk back towards the hotel. When they get inside, they look around. Rick has a huge grin on his face when he sees the lobby. It's setup like an old western hotel. On one side of the building is what would be considered the lounge area of a modern hotel, but here it's more like an old western saloon, complete with swinging doors. The rest of the lobby is decorated in a western style, with big pieces of furniture all covered in leather. The check in desk is a massive bar made of wood with the old fashion cubby holes behind the clerk. The keys aren't there but Rick can see pieces of mail sticking out of some of them, meaning the place wasn't empty.
As they walk up, the clerk says. "Hi ya'll. Welcome to Texas. Can I help you?"
"That's so cute." Rick says grinning.
"Excuse me." The clerk replies.
"Your accent, it's cute."
"Ya'll aren't from around here are you?" She asks.
"No, we're not." Kate says, shaking her head at Rick. The clerk looks at her and then smiles.
"Relax Darlin, I've got one at home just like him." She says, as Kate smiles. "So, what can I do for you?" She asks, looking at Kate.
"I'm pretty sure we have a reservation." Kate says, as she glances at Rick.
"Oh, yes." He says, getting down to business. "Yes, the reservation is under Alex Rodgers." He says, as the woman looks at him. "It's so…."
"I know who you are Mr. Castle. We pride ourselves on keeping the privacy of our guests." The clerk says.
"So, you're a fan."
"Actually it's not my cup of tea. I'm more a romance type of girl, but now my mom, she reads everything, Patterson, Koontz, you. She reads them all." The woman replies, as Castle nods.
"Well, Mindy. If you want I'd be happy to sign something for your mother." Richard says, pulling out his most charming smile.
"Oh you don't have to do that." Mindy says with a smile.
"It's my pleasure. Anything for a fan, right." He says.
"Well, I don't have anything right now, but I'll see my mom tonight so will you still be here tomorrow."
"We'll be here for a few days so anytime will be fine." Rick says, as she smiles again.
"Thank you. Now back to business. If you can sign these papers you will be checked in and ready to go." She says, handing the papers to Rick. He signs his name before handing them back to her. "And here are your keys. We booked the Grand Suite for you, if that's okay."
"I'm sure that will be fine." Rick says, taking the cards from her.
"It's the top floor, last room at the end of the hall with the double doors."
"Thank you so much." Rick says, nodding as he turns to Kate. "Are you ready?" She nods, taking the handle of her suitcase and follows him over to the elevator.
When they reach the room, Rick unlocks the doo. Holding it open, he lets Kate enter before him. She doesn't go far and he stops behind her. "Something wrong?"
"This is…." She falls silent. "I…." She pauses again as she turns to look at him. Smiling he leans in and kisses her. When he pulls back, she looks back at the room. "This looks like the bridal suite or something." She says, looking around.
"Oh no, that's a completely different suite." He says, walking into the room as something in his voice catches her attention.
"Wait, did you request that room?"
"No! Of course not, I just looked at the pictures online."
"But?" She asks, watching him. He gets a goofy grin on his face. "Castle?"
"I may have asked for this specific suite when I made our reservation."
"You asked for this suite specifically, why?"
"Well, like I said I saw the…."
"Castle!"
"Alright, I wanted the best and this is the best suite they have."
"You wanted the best suite for us on a trip we're taking because of work." She says, as he nods. "And how much does the best cost." She asks, as he looks away. "Rick, how much?" She demands, crossing her arms.
"It's the…."
"How much!"
"$389.00."
"For the whole stay."
"No, per day." He says quickly. She looks at him. "It's the best, Kate." He says, looking at her with a pleading look.
Sighing, she looks at him. "The department will most…."
"I'm not worried about the NYPD reimbursing me." He says, slipping his arms around her. "While we're here, we can maybe have a little couple time."
"Couple time, really." She says, trying to keep from smiling.
"Well, we haven't really gone on a romantic trip, except to the Hamptons and that trip involved a murder for us to resolve."
"Castle, we have a case now."
"I know, but we're in Texas. We're not anywhere close to the boys, the city, Alexis, my mother or your father." He says, pulling her closer. He leans in to nibble on her neck.
For a moment, she leans into him. Letting the desire building inside her rush through her. Reaching for his mouth, she leans in kissing him as he turns her around. Wrapping his arms around her, he nips at her lower lip. It's enough to wake her up." Rick, we need to stop." She whispers.
"You don't want to." He mumbles, still teasing her mouth.
"We need to contact…" He moves to her neck.
"They'll be there later." He whispers, nibbling on her ear.
She closes her eyes. Letting her body be swept away. She finally pulls away while he tries to cling to her. "I promise we will continue this later. Right now, we need to go to Celina and speak with the locals so that I can talk to the Reverend."
Sighing, he releases her and takes a deep breath. "Alright." He mumbles. "But the moment we're back here, I'm holding you to that promise." He says, taking a step back. She looks at him and smiles. "Don't look at me like that." He grumbles.
She walks over to him. Laying her hand on his chest, she looks up as he shivers. "When we get back, I'm not letting you out of the bed until tomorrow morning, okay."
"Kay." He mumbles, seeing the fire in her eyes. "Let's go, so that we can get back quickly." He says, reaching for the door as she grabs her suite case.
He waits for her as she opens the front pocket and pulls out her gun. Taking her badge from her purse, she clips it to her hip next to her gun and says. "Let's go."
"God, that's hot." He says, opening the door and letting her go before him. He closes the door behind him. He takes her hand as they walk down the hall to the elevator. She pushes the button and they step back. "Do you think you'll be able to talk to the Reverend today?"
"I don't know. I hope I will." She says, as the doors open and they walk on. He pushes the button for the lobby and the doors close as she settles in beside him.
He puts his arm around her, lightly kissing the top of her as she slips her arm around his waist. When they doors open, they walk out as the woman from the front desk looks up. She watches them with a smile as they walk across the lobby. When they reach the car, he opens the door for her and when she's inside, he closes it and then walks around to the other side. Getting in, he starts the car. Within twenty minutes they are in Celina. Using the GPS on Kate's phone they quickly find the police department.
Rick pulls up and shuts the car off as they look at the building. Kate opens her door first so he quickly follows her. She walks to the front of the car and waits for Rick to join her. When they walk into the building, Kate takes the lead as she steps up to the counter and a officer looks up. "Well, hello little darlin, what can I do for you?" The officer asks, slowly moving his gaze down her body.
Kate's instantly insulted but she bits her tongue as she says. "Yes, I am Det. Kate Becket NYPD." She says, emphasizing her rank as she flashes her badge. "I need to speak to your Captain."
"He's across the street for lunch darlin." The officer draws as he nods out the window.
"Okay, when will he be back?" Kate asks, ignoring the man's condescending attitude.
"I'm thinking he'll be in sometime this afternoon, if you want to wait." The officer replies, still looking her over. Rick steps forwards.
"Then we'll go speak…."
"Oh, no sir. That wouldn't be a very good idea. He don't like being interrupted. But maybe there's something I can assist you with." The officer replies, making it clear that police work is the last thing he wants to help Kate with.
"I need to speak to him for official business." Kate says, pulling herself up to her full height. She towers over the officer by a couple inches and he still looks at her likes she's a piece of meat. Neither of them notices that one of the Detective's has entered the office and he's watching the scene unfold. "Well, he won't be…."
"Officer Jacobs, go let Ralph out of his cell. He'll be back later tonight, but at least he's sober now." The man says, walking up to the counter. Officer Jacobs looks at him and then walks away. "I am sorry about that. He's the mayor's nephew and a volunteer until the Academy begins another class." The man says, holding out his hand. "I'm Det. Malcolm Reynolds."
"Really, that's so cool." Rick says, grinning like a ten year old that's just seen his buddy's new toy as Kate looks at him. "Well, it is."
She shakes her head and then turns her attention back to the Detective. "As I said, I am Det. Kate Beckett. NYPD. And this is my partner Rick Castle." Det. Reynolds looks at him.
"Yes, I am the writer and I am her partner." Rick says.
"We've heard about your arrangement Mr. Castle, even in Texas." Det. Reynolds says. He turns his attention back to Kate. "You wanted to speak with our Captain. As you were told, he is at lunch. But if its official business and you go to talk to him, he will take the time. I'm assuming its official business."
"Yes it is and thank you Det. Reynolds." Kate says with a smile.
"You're welcome, but call me Mal, everyone else does." He says, returning his smile.
"What's your Captain's name?"
"Oh sorry, Capt. Hollis Mills. An older gentleman, white hair, has a white Stetson, balding with blue eyes and has on a blue uniform."
"Thank you." Kate says, nodding before they both turn to leave.
She and Rick walk across the street. Rick holds the door for her again and then follows her into the little dinner. Kate looks around the room and then spots a man sitting in a back booth with another man. They walk up to the booth as both men look up. "Captain Mills." Kate says.
"Can I help you." Captain Mills asks, smiling at her.
"I was wondering if we could speak for a moment. I realize you're in the middle of lunch but this won't take long and it is official business."
"Sure, Lawton we'll talk later." Captain Mills says, looking at the man across from him.
"Sure Hollis." The man replies, getting up and nodding to Rick and Kate before he leaves. They nod back before Rick holds out Kate's chair.
"Mr. Castle, I'm sort of surprised to see you in my town." Capt. Mills says, looking at Rick.
"I'm here as her partner not as a writer." Rick replies.
"Needless to say, we're happy to have you here. My wife has read all your books, but I'm sure every one of the ladies in the reading circle has."
"It's good to know I have such a wide fan base." Rick says, as Kate clears her throat.
Gaining the Captain's attention. "Alright, if he's here than you must be Det. Kate Beckett or is it Det. Heat." Captain Mills says with a smile.
"It's Detective Kate Beckett." Kate replies, resigning herself to the comparisons to her alter ego. "And as I said I'm here on official business."
"I'm not aware of any official business the city of Celina has with the NYPD, Det. Beckett."
"Sir, it's not exactly with the city of Celina. I need to question one of the men here in town and this is my official notice that I'm in town to speak with this individual."
"Alright, but may I ask to whom you want to speak with?"
"I need to speak with a Reverend Sanders. It's pertaining to a case I'm working." Kate replies, as a woman walks up.
"Hon, would you like anything?" She asks, as both Kate and Rick shake their heads no. Nodding she walks away.
"I'm sure you can speak to him, but you might have to get into line." Hollis says.
"What do you mean?" Kate asks.
"Rumor has it that a lot of law enforcement wants to speak with the Reverend."
"Anyone specific in town?" Kate asks.
"Several, but the most prominent is the FBI. They let us know they were in town indefinitely several weeks ago."
"Thank you, Captain Mills. He's only a person of interest. So we just need to speak to him and then we'll be on our way."
"Of course."
"Can you tell us where we could find him?"
"At this time of day, he's probably at the church. Head north out of town, there's a large church about five miles past the city limits on the left, you can't miss it."
"Thank you." Kate says, getting up with Rick following her. They leave the dinner and Captain goes back to his lunch.
After dealing with Ralph, Officer Jacobs goes on his break. He's standing outside the station when Rick and Kate leave the diner. He stares at Kate while Rick opens her door and then closes it. He walks around the car. Putting his hand on the door handle, he looks up and catches the man's gaze. Rick's face is hard as he stares at him. After a moment, Rick opens his door and gets in. Closing the door, he starts the car and backs out of the parking space. He turns the car north out of town as Officer Jacobs reaches into his pocket and pulls out his cell phone. He dials a number and waits for him to pick up. "You got something?" Jesse asks, without preamble.
"Hello to you…."
"Cut the bullshit, Lester. You got something or not."
"Yes, I got something. A hot detective from the NYPD just stopped by to speak with the Captain."
"Did you say NYPD?"
"Yeah, her and some guy?"
"Did you hear what they wanted?"
"No, the Captain's at lunch. They went over to the diner to talk to him."
"Well, why didn't you follow them?"
"Because that Reynolds detective had me processing out Ralph Leonard." Officer Jacob's says, taking a drag off his cigarette.
"Okay, see if you can find out what they're here for. I got to talk to my guy?" Jesse says, hanging up without saying good-bye.
"You're welcome." Lester says, snuffing out his cigarette as he hangs up his phone.
"Hey Jacob's, you're ten minutes late." Det. Reynolds calls from the front door. "Get back to the desk."
"Yes sir." Lester says, walking into the station behind Reynolds.
Rick turns into a driveway leading up a hill from the highway. When they crest the top of the hill, he stops the car and they both stare at the building in front of them. "Did you know being a religious institution could be so profitable?"
"No." Kate says, glancing at him.
"I wonder where his office is." Rick says, slowly rolling forward.
"Captain Mills said that he would be at the church, so let's try over there." Kate says, pointing to the larger of the two buildings.
Rick pulls into a parking place in front of the church and kills the car. Both of them stare for a moment before Kate reaches for the door handle. "Let's go see what the Reverend knows about our victims." She says, as Rick nods as he opens the door and they both get out.
As they approach the large wooden doors, Rick reaches around her and pulls the door open. She steps inside with Rick following behind her. The inside of the sanctuary is about twice the size of the churches in Manhattan, even the Cathedrals. Directly in front of them are the pews, with three aisles leading down to a massive stage and choir loft. Behind the choir loft is the place where Reverend Sanders performs baptisms regularly for new accepted Christians. Overlooking all of this is a massive stained glass window depicting the crucifixion of Christ. Rick looks at Kate and then whispers. "This place is like the Holy Grail of churches." Kate looks at him. "What! This doesn't creep you out just a little bit."
"It's a church, Castle. Not a haunted house."
"I would hope that it's not haunted house." Reverend Sanders says, as Rick and Kate turn to face a man to their right. He's about an inch shorter than Kate. With dirty blonde hair, graying at the temples and soft green eyes, he's stocky and maybe a little bit on the heavy side. "I'm Reverend Jedidiah Sanders. How can I help you folks?"
"I'm Detective Kate Beckett, Homicide NYPD. I have some questions for you about a murder that I'm investigating." Kate says.
Reverend Sanders nods, but Kate and Rick both catch the flash of panic in his eyes. "I'm confused as to why you would need to speak to me about a Homicide in New York. I've never been to New York."
"Your organization has come up during our investigation." Kate says, being purposely vague.
"Into who's murder and I'm not sure how my church has anything to do with your investigation."
"The victim was a former parishioner of your, a First Lieutenant Tiffany Lewis." Kate replies, watching the Reverend's reaction. He tries to cover it, but he flinches slightly as his breathing pattern increases. "Do you know her?" Kate asks.
"I can't say that I remember her. I have a large congregation and while I try to know all of them, I can't always meet each and every one." Reverend Sanders replies.
"I'm going to ask that question again? Do you know Ms. Lewis?" Kate presses.
The Reverend scrambles for a way to avoid the question. "Why do you believe I had anything to do with this woman's murder? As I stated, I've…." Reverend Sanders asks. Kate catches the evasion and confronts him with it.
"This will go much easier if you answer my questions. If you're truly no involved then we will leave and I'll pursue other avenues to find the responsible parties for First Lieutenant Lewis's death. Do you know her?" Kate asks, pulling out an 8x10 of the victim and showing it to him.
"I didn't know she was dead." Reverend Sanders replies, not actually admitting that he knew the First Lieutenant.
"Do you know of any reason why she would be in the city?" Kate asks, leaving the evasion for now.
"I have no idea why she would be in New York. She was one of my parishioners several years ago, but she left town and I haven't seen her since then. There was a rumor after she left that she decided to join the army. She left her husband and her family with no explanation as to why she was going. Her husband came to me desperate to get his wife back, but there was nothing I could do to help him."
"What was your relationship with Ms. Lewis?" Rick asks, as the Reverend looks at him, really looks at him and Rick sees something flair in his eyes. "Reverend Sanders, what was your relationship with Ms. Lewis?"
"I didn't really have one. She was one of my parishioners and I saw her a few times a week at different church functions."
"And what about her aunt, a Mable Green, was she one of your parishioners as well?" Kate asks.
"Yes, she was. It was tragic the way she died." Reverend Sanders looks at them, hoping they would take the bait and stop asking questions about Tiffany. "It broke Mabel's heart when Tiffany left. She was the only family Mable had."
"Well that suggests that you had more than a passing relationship with these women." Rick points.
"You're not a religious man are you Mr. Castle?"
"He's…." Kate says, but Reverend Sanders interrupts her.
"I was their pastor. I counseled Mabel after Tiffany left." Reverend Sanders replies. "That was part of my duties. But I couldn't explain to you why Tiffany left in the first place. She was happily married, or so it seemed until she just filed for divorce and left. None of us knew where she had gone to."
"Except for the rumors that she joined the Army which incidentally turned out to be true." Rick says.
"So you did not know that she served four tours over seas, two in Afghanistan and two in Iraq." Kate replies, interrupting Reverend Sanders before he could speak.
"Not until now." Reverend Sanders replies.
"Reverend Sanders, you're painting two contradicting scenarios here. First you said that she was happily married until she decided to leave town and join the army but you've also stated that you had no lasting relationship with the victim other than being her pastor and counselor to her aunt after she left. So which one is it?" Rick says.
"I… it seemed like she was happily married that's why when she came to me and told me that she was filing for divorce. As her pastor I tried to talk her out of it but she refused to listen and I was there to comfort Mabel after her only family abandoned her. That is the extent of my relationship with either of these women."
"Did you ever speak to her husband?"
"No. He was… shall we say against any type of religious involvement that Tiffany had."
"According to the information we have, Reverend. Ms. Lewis felt that she was forced to get married by you."
"I never forced her into anything. I counseled her on what I felt she should do, but I did not force her."
"So, how did they meet?" Rick asks.
"I'm not sure. She never explained that to me."
"You counseled her on her marrying a man and you had no idea how she met him or what there relationship was like? What he was like, except that he frowned upon the victim's involvement with your organization." Rick asks.
"Of course I asked about her about how they met and how he treated her. I asked the normal questions a man in my position would ask. She always brushed me off."
"Do you know where her husband is now?" Kate asks.
"I've never spoken to the man." Reverend Sanders replies, clinging to the story that he never spoke to Tiffany's husband.
"So, you wouldn't know how to get in touch with him." Kate asks.
"No, I'm afraid not."
"Thank you for your time, Reverend Sanders." Kate says, holding out her hand.
She turns away and then stops. "Reverend Sanders, would you know why Ms. Lewis would have a manuscript in her possession that described the interviews of previous members from this organization?"
"I'm sorry, but I don't anything about a manuscript. Or why it would be in her possession." Reverend Sanders replies.
"Thank you." Kate says, turning to go.
When they get back to the car, Rick asks. "You didn't believe that did you?"
"Of course not. He's knows a lot more than what he's saying."
"And you think the two coincide with each other."
"And you don't Castle?" She asks, looking at him.
"Oh, I'm sure it all coincides with each other. The question is, how do we prove it? We only have a letter written a couple days before she was killed and the partial manuscript."
"Maybe we should talk to Captain Mills again." Kate replies.
"You want to see what he knows about her husband and this organization."
"It stands to reason, if Ms. Lewis's husband was so against her involvement with Reverend Sander's organization, would he not complain to the Reverend. He would go to the local authorities about Reverend Sander's organization and his suspicions as to why his wife suddenly divorced him and left." Kate asks, Rick nods.
Jesse pulls up to a house that's surrounded by trees and brush. Most people don't even notice the drive way when they pass. Getting out of his truck, he goes to the front door and knocks twice. He hears the locks release and then he opens the door. Going inside, he closes the door behind him and then lets his eyes adjust to the dimness of the place before he moves away from the door. "Hey, rabbit. You here man." Jesse asks, walking towards the back of the house. He taps once on the back wall and the wall begins to move, sliding to the right and revealing a stair case that leads down into a basement. He steps through the doorway onto the landing and the door slides closed behind him. Emergency lighting starts as soon as the door seals behind him. Jesse take his time going down the stairs. When he reaches the basement, he finds a small room, surrounded by a steel cage. Inside is mountains of electronic equipment and computers. "Hey Rabbit, you here."
A short man with wide fifty styles glass and the fifties style hair peeks around the computers. "You know I have to be here. I have to push the button to let you inside." Rabbit replies, as he pushes a button and the lock on the steel cage clicks free and Jesse opens the gate.
He steps inside and looks around. For as long as he's been friends with Rabbit, this is only the second time he's been in his inner sanctum."
"What brings you here?"
"I need the tape." Jesse says, reaching for a piece of equipment. Rabbit snatches it out of his hand and puts it out of his reach. "Don't like people touching your stuff, I get that. But I need the tape finished, like yesterday."
"Thought you had time."
"Things changed, two out of town cops are in town and I need that tape to CYA, if you understand my meaning."
"Alright, but genesis takes work."
"It's not…." Rabbit looks at him. "Alright, I get it. I know genesis. When will it be done?"
"I say give me until tomorrow night."
"I needed it sooner than that. I have to cover my… well you know."
"What are you mixed up in now, Jess."
"Don't call me that." Jesse demands. "Can you get it done by tomorrow?"
"Of course."
"Alright, let me know when it's done." Jesse says as he thinks to himself. I can't wear. Rabbit buzzes him out.
They are pulling out onto the highway when Rick asks. "Did something seem familiar about Reverend Sanders?"
"What do you mean?"
"I mean, did you get the feeling that you might've seen him somewhere before."
"No, I didn't. Did you?" She asks, looking at him.
"Well, sort of." Rick says quietly. He felt familiar to me."
"Was it a signing or reading? Could you have…." She stops when he shakes his head no.
"I mean I can't know everyone that come those things. But I don't feel like that's where I know him from." Rick says, as he reaches the city limits of Celina and he slows down. A minute later, they pull up to the police station. Getting out, they walk back into the station. Officer Jacobs isn't at the front desk this time and Kate is more than relieved.
Detective Reynolds looks up when the bell rings on the door. Putting his pen down, he stands up and walks over to the desk. "Det. Beckett, Mr. Castle." He says. "How can I help you?"
"We need to speak to the Captain again." Kate says, as he nods.
"Let me get him." Det. Reynolds says, turning away.
He walks back to an office and taps on the open door. "Captain, Det. Beckett and Mr. Castle are here. They would like a word with you." Det. Reynolds says.
"Show them back, Mal." Captain Mills says.
"Yes sir." He turns and walks over to a door way. "Follow me." He says, as Kate and Rick walk over and through the open door way. Det. Reynolds closes the door and then leads them back to Captain Mills's office.
"Det. Beckett, Mr. Castle." Captain Mills says, standing up.
"Thank you for seeing us again." Kate says, taking the seat that Captain Mill's offers her. Rick sits down beside her.
"It's not a problem. What can I do for you?" Captain Mills asks, focusing on Kate.
"I…we went to speak with Reverend Sanders."
"And he wasn't helpful."
"He left me with more questions than answers. One of his parishioners was found murdered in New York. I caught the case and at first we thought it pertained to her time in the Army, but new information has come to light, specifically a letter that the victim had wrote just day prior to her death and specifically stating that if she was harmed, we should focus our investigation on Reverend Sanders and his organization."
"Okay, what do you need from me?"
"When we spoke with Reverend Sanders he seemed to act as though he wasn't that involved with the victim. At least he tried to make us believe that he didn't."
A/N… Please review this chapter for me. I would appreciate if all my chapters were reviewed but with this I'm especially interested in your constructive criticism. I'm not sure if I wrote the scene with Kate, Rick and Reverend Sanders correctly. So if you can let me know what you think. Was it a good scene? Did I capture Rick and Kate? I'm open to all constructive suggestions… Thanks.