Roz comforted Kate for god knows how long. While she needed the comfort and was happy to give it, she would look back to Roy and the mayor and see a much different expression on each of their faces. And this pissed her off even more. Roy had a look of compassion for what Kate was going through, the mayor, not so much. If she were to label his expression she'd guess she'd have to use antipathy. This look only made her despise the mayor that much more. Kate's tears and sobbing had slowed to almost a soft weeping and Roz thought that the time was now to get her back to the 12th so they could start to form a plan to get Rick back. Espo and Ryan had packed up the laptop and were standing outside the mayor's private office ready to go. She nodded to them and they made their way out of the mayor's personal chambers.
"Kate, let's go. There's no real reason for you to be here anymore." Roz stated as she looked pointedly at the mayor.
Since she heard that they were actually considering to pay to have Rick released which she knew was next to impossible, she had broken down shortly after seeing the pictures of him being beat. Instantly her mind was busy at work trying to figure out a plan to get him back home safe. Her friend had gently coaxed her out of the office and down to her car. Upon reaching said car Roz turns her to face her and simply extended her hand. Kate gives her a surprised look wondering what she's waiting for.
"Kate, if you think that I'm going to let you drive back to the precinct, then you've really lost your mind. Hand 'em over!"
The smile that starts to grace her face is all Roz needed to see from her friend. Kate takes the keys and lays them in Roz's upturned palm. Never questioning her decision to do so.
"Kate, we'll find him and get him home safe. This I promise you."
Kate can only nod as she slides into the passenger side of her unit and seatbelt herself in. All the time thinking. Espo and Ryan follow close behind Kate and Roz.
"You do know that she's going to kill Demming, don't you?" Ryan tells Espo as they ride close behind Kate and Roz.
"Yeah, I do. And from my standpoint he deserves it."
"Javi, we can't let her go down this road. She's out for more than settling the score now. She will murder him."
"Kev, what's with the guilty conscience all of a sudden? This guy is dirty and he's using the NYPD as his own cash machine and muscle. We don't know how high up his reach within the department is. No, whatever he did he should pay and I'm with Beckett on this one. Whatever she's planning I'm in. And you know just by how quiet she became that she's already thinking about how to do just that."
"What if we're too late Javi? What do we do then?"
"We won't be, Kevin!"
The cruisers enter the parking garage and park. Ryan grabs his laptop and Javi walks over to Kate's car to talk to Roz.
"Roz, how is she?"
"Javi, she's planning something, something with the Beckett touch. She did not say one word all the way back. Whatever it is, it's going to be big I can guess that much."
"We need to get started on the properties list that Ryan had found earlier. I want this son of a bitch." Javi tells her.
Roz agrees with a nod and the quartet is now ascending to the fourth floor. When the doors open it's eerily quiet. The assigned detectives to Rick's case have not stopped working since they left for their impromptu meeting with the mayor hours ago.
"Kate, let's go to the conference room and go over all of Demming's possible dirty relatives so we can request arrest warrants for each one of them."
"Sure Roz." Kate replies with less enthusiasm than Roz had hoped for.
Espo and Ryan have finished searching all the properties that anyone associated with Demming had owned and then they systematically and tediously eliminated residential homes and businesses. They concentrated more on storage buildings and smaller warehouses. Out of state locations were eliminated as well. Their thinking was that Demming would never think of transporting Rick out of the state or country for fear that there would be too many witnesses and questions raised if he did. After about five and a half hours, long after the sun had disappeared they had the list narrowed down to four possible properties. Two were in Manhattan, one in Yonkers, and the last in Brooklyn. All were owned by a Demming relative. Demming himself had left no way to link himself to being the owner of any of these properties thus keeping him untouchable. Espo nudges Ryan and they both head to the conference room to tell Kate and Roz what they found.
"Kate, the list of Demming's rats in the department is large. Aside from the patrol officers, he has captains, lieutenants, and sergeants. While some of these guys are not in that deep, they are still protected by him. Then there's the upper brass, according to the bank statements I searched, there are three deputy chiefs', six inspectors, and two assistant chiefs'. Then there is also a Chaplin involved in this mess." Roz tells her disgustedly.
Kate could only become more withdrawn as Roz read off all the involved personnel that were named. They are startled when Espo clears his throat.
"Guys, we have the real estate locations narrowed down to four possible locations."
Just as they were going to tell Kate and Roz what they found, LT entered and told them what they were up to since this had all started.
"Detectives, myself, Detective McBride, Sgt. Ortiz and Officer Langer have been planning a tactical plan to get Rick back."
Javi's and Kate's eyebrows raised with his statement. Javi tells him to continue.
"We have a solid plan in motion. We have the assignments straightened out, and we've been going over the video that was sent. But we need the exact location to be efficient."
"We have it narrowed down to four possible locations. Two here in Manhattan, one in Yonkers and one in Brooklyn." Javi adds.
"Can I see the list Javi?" LT asked.
Kate is now on the edge of her seat. Maybe, just maybe they can pull this off. She waits, holding her breath.
"From the video I have been glued to for the last four hours, I think that we can safely eliminate the two locations in Manhattan." LT suggests in confidence.
"Why LT?" Kate asked.
"Logistics." He said simply. "He'd need easy access to a major highway, and the Manhattan addresses listed here are in very high traffic areas. And the video gave me more of a clue to the two remaining locations. Here let me show you what I mean."
LT and McBride pull up a still frame of when Demming had flicked Rick's fingers. The view is of his hand and the wall behind him.
"See this wall here?"
Everyone nods. LT pulls up a satellite view of the address on his laptop.
"This type of construction was used exclusively for the homes in the Homefield neighborhood in Yonkers. And it has quick access to Interstate 87. The address you have here is a house and it's sitting between a glass shop and a tool rental company. The house between those two businesses is well hidden and secluded. Most of those businesses close up shop around 5 pm and then it's like a ghost town. Demming could come and go as he pleased without the slightest worry."
Kate is the first to speak.
"I think that this is our best possible choice. Now that we have an address LT, how are you planning to get him out without Demming killing him in the process?"
Myself and Langer will take up a position here." LT points to an entryway on the north side of the building for himself and one on the east side for Langer.
"McBride and Ortiz will be the entry team along with ten SWAT members, five being with each of them. When they breach, from our positions Langer and I will have both exits covered. These exits are the only way in or out. Once the entry team gains access to the building they will head directly to the basement and search the location where we think Rick is being held."
"What about a failsafe?" Espo asks.
"Here, here and here there will be snipers positioned to cover anybody who tries to leave the party before it's over." LT points to the glass shop roof that covers the east exit and the tool rental company roof that covers the north exit.
"I like it, it will catch them off guard and give us the element of surprise." Kate tells them.
There is only one problem though, we need to roll in less than an hour. Most of the foot traffic will be at a minimum to non-existent by then.
"Thoughts? Espo asked."
Everyone liked the plan and now it was time to get him back. Javi pulls Kate to the side and talks to her after everyone else leaves. Only Roz stays within earshot.
"Kate you need to hang back on this one. You're an emotional wreck now and I don't see that improving in an hour's time."
"You're not serious Espo, are you? There's no way I am not going to be a part of this! I'm in this so just deal with it."
Kate walks off to get ready and Roz comes back in.
"Espo, I know you're looking out for her, but she needs this. She needs to be the first one he sees."
"Roz, have you seen how she is? She's just a shell of who she was."
"Javi, how would you feel if this was Lanie in the same situation?"
Javi just looks at her with a look of shock plastered on his face.
"Wha- How did you know?"
"Come on Javi girls talk. I've known about the two of you for a while now. So, what's going to happen is that you're going to let Kate have this."
"I guess. But I'm keeping my eye on her."
"I wouldn't expect you not to." Roz snickers.
Xx
Rick is dealing with the throbbing in his hands. Demming who thought he knew what was doing but really didn't. He thought he crushed every finger on both of his hands but Rick still has control of two of the fingers on his right hand and one on the left. For him, it's enough to cause some problems for Demming. Since he's been moved and chained up to the wall, he's taken notice of his surroundings. He can't escape the cuffs that are secured by the chain, but he does notice that the anchor point where the chain is secured is not in the cement wall. It's placed between the mortar joint and the block, and the mortar is crumbling from moisture. He has been tugging on the chain for a while now and almost has the chain free of the joint. If he gets his arm free he has a chance to pull out the other chain and then free his other arm. He stills suddenly when he hears footsteps coming towards him. The door opens and Demming enters looking cocky.
"So Agent Rodgers, still trying to figure out how to beat me at my own game?"
Rick just glares at him.
"I thought as much. Now it's time for me to call your friend the mayor and tell him where to send my cash to."
"You'll never get away with this Demming. I'll make sure of it." Rick tells him in a low growl.
"I won't huh? It seems that I already have. How can you be so naïve? Don't you think I know that there is no way that they could liquidate any of your assets in the time I gave them? I knew this and already had I had a plan in place to prevent their efforts."
Rick just looks more pissed now.
"That's right look at me that way, but it's still not going to help you. This was only a delay tactic. When they accessed your accounts earlier to figure out your total wealth, and your real estate properties, they set the ball rolling without even knowing it. There's a program that's installed on the bank's server that's focused on your accounts only. When the NYPD accessed the bank's site and entered the PIN numbers for all of your accounts, that activated the programs that made me rich and you broke. Right now, your liquid assets are floating somewhere out in cyberspace accessible only by me. Then there's the house in the Hamptons, the house down in the Keys, and last but not least the loft in So-Ho. You no longer own any of these anymore. So, Rick, now that I have taken everything you"ve taken from me, and it's time for me to go. But before I do I'm just going to tie up one last loose end."
Demming pulls his Glock 30SF from his shoulder sling. Without even hesitating he places the end of the barrel against Rick's head. Just as Rick welcomes what he knows will happen next the only last thought he has is of Kate and what they will now never have. Kate, please know that I'll love you…. Always."
Then Rick senses what feels like slow motion. The air has stilled surrounding him and a round is exploding next to his head. He opens his good eye and sees one of the 12 bodyguards drop to the floor in an awkward position with half his head missing. Demming is already moving at what he's now seeing. Then gunfire erupts above him and from what Rick guesses there is 4 or 5 MP-5's wreaking havoc on some unsuspecting guards upstairs. Demming has a look of disbelief rising on his face.
"José, keep an eye on Rodgers. I'll be right back."
After Demming made it two steps out of the room Rick now had the opportunity to pull the chain away from the wall he had been working to free earlier. It takes a couple of pulls but the chain breaks free. He uses the strength of both arms on the second chain but he can't pull it free. Instead, he whips his arm with the now loose length of chain at José catching him around the neck. His back is facing him and he never sees it coming. With all his might, he pulls hard on the chain and José jerks towards him. With nowhere to go but down, he falls hard on the concrete floor. His head bounces twice and he comes to a stop right in front of Rick. Seeing this as a gift he snatches José's Sig P226S from his hand and leans back against the wall. The first guard that enters never knew what hit him from the bullet that entered his chest. And as the second and third guards come in to see what's going on, Rick is only able to pull the trigger once before the pain in his hand becomes too much. His shot goes wide and the guards are in front of him relieving him of the Sig. Demming must have given orders for them to shoot him on site because he's in the same situation he was in less than sixty seconds ago. The muzzle of the guard's gun is up against his temple and he's closed his eye once again.
"Move in any direction and I'll drop you where you fucking stand. Hands behind your heads now!"
Rick thinks he'd been shot and is in heaven. The voice he heard now is just like he'd expect an angel's voice to sound like. Moving from behind the door still with the weapon leading the way Kate circles the guard standing near Rick.
"RICK!" Is all she can scream.
Javi and Ryan file in and secure the guards and Kate rushes to Rick's side.
"Rick do you know where the keys are?"
"No, but these cuffs are standard issue NYPD. Use your cuff key and get me down."
Knowing that the house is secure she comes face to face with him and stops. Knowing that he's chained up she looks him straight in the eyes and plants one of the most seductive kisses on him that she has ever used on him before. He response is limited due to being chained to the wall but he's instantly searching for entry to her mouth with his tongue for which she grants just as quickly. Knowing that the need to breathe will become a problem for him she breaks the passionate kiss. Reaches into her pocket and pulls out her cuff key and releases him. With a confused look on his face, he asks,
"Kate, why did you kiss me before you cut me loose?"
"Because Rick, I didn't think you'd let me if I freed you first."
"Kate, you know I love you right?"
"Yeah well, I had a feeling you might."
"Can we talk later? I know that I have the need to go to the hospital. Rain check?"
Before Kate can answer him he falls onto the floor in a crumpled form in front of her.
"KEVIN, JAVI get in here I need some help."
They run into the room and gasp when they see what has happened. Looking to Kate then the boys, Roz and LT each grab one of Rick's limbs and move him out of the room and upstairs to the ambulance waiting to take him away. Before Rick can be taken away his hand takes Kates and pulls her closer. She places her ear next to his mouth and he whispers to her.
"Kate, where's Demming?"
With sad eyes, she tells him what he already knows.
"Rick, he got away… somehow. When we searched the entire house, and he was nowhere in it. I'm so sorry babe."
Rick gives her hand an understanding light squeeze and his eyes close slowly. His last words are;
"Don't worry, not your fau…."
"Rick, come on babe, wake up please!"
"Get this rig moving right now! Kate orders.
The ambulance screeches down the street to get their patient to the hospital in time.
Xx
The waiting is the worst part. His condition was critical and the doctors came out only once telling the team that he was not quite stable yet, but they were working on him.
Seven hours later Kate is met by the same doctor who came to them before.
"Detective Beckett, are any of Mr. Castles family members nearby?"
"Yes, one of them is here, his daughter Alexis."
"Can you please bring me to her?"
"I can. Follow me."
Kate walks to the family surgical waiting room and opens the door. Stepping aside she lets the doctor walk past her and he stops then turns to her with his hand extended stopping her from following him into the waiting room. The door closes and now she's alone.
Alexis seeing the bonehead move by the young doctor decides to rip him a new asshole or two.
"What the hell do you think you're doing? Why did you stop Kate from coming in with you?"
"Miss Castle, simply put she's not family."
Turning her fair skin a light shade of red she yells out.
"KATE, COME IN HERE RIGHT NOW!"
"But Miss Castle….
"Don't but Miss Castle me! She has every right to be here just as I do. Don't you ever think anything else."
Kate has tears falling from her eyes as she slides up to Alexis who takes her in a hug.
"Now doctor you were saying?" Alexis snidely says.
"Yes, I was…. saying I mean. My apologies to you. Your father has multiple fractured and cracked ribs, four fingers on his left hand are broken and three on his right met the same fate. His eye socket needed to be reconstructed to be able to keep his eye in place, and we can't tell if he'll ever be able to see out of it again. Further tests will need to be given after the swelling recedes from the surgery and the injury. He has a concussion, and his knife wound only required 22 stitches to close. His abrasions and bruises on his face will heal in time."
"Can we see him?"
"He's still under the effects of the anesthesia. The effects should wear off in about two hours. But I must insist ladies, family members only!"
Just as the inexperienced doctor had made that statement, a nurse who'd been in the operating room with Rick intervened.
"Alexis, Kate, would it be alright if I called you that?"
Both women nod their heads.
"I was the primary doctor's head nurse for Rick's surgery…. Can you wait for a second please?"
The nurse slides behind Kate and speaks to the doctor.
"Dr. Andrews, your presence is no longer needed here. I'll take it from here. You can go now."
The nurse turns back to Kate and Alexis. "As I was saying girls, Mr. Castle is recovering in the ICU unit. He's resting and what that dick head of a doctor told you was the truth."
Kate and Alexis both laugh at the comment the nurse made and in turn, she smiles at them liking them instantly.
"Now I really think the both of you need to follow me. And that's an order." The nurse turns and grins.
Kate and Alexis watch the nurse walk past them and decide not to piss her off. So, they turn and follow. They are walking down the corridor and they stop at the elevator and take it to the 6th floor.
"Now neither of you are supposed to be where I'm taking you. You need to respect the other patients on the floor and I'm sorry to say that you can only stay for a half an hour."
Kate and Alexis just look at each other knowing that they'll be able to see him so they agree to her terms.
"We understand." They both reply.
The elevator deposits them on the floor and they fall in behind the nurse again. She stops at the nurse's station and puts her index finger to her lips telling them to remember to be quiet.
"Recovery room 3196. I'll be here when you're done."
They move through the hallway until they come to his room. Giving each other a quick hug for support of what they will see they enter his room. He looks like he's been running with the bulls and the bulls won. His face is wrapped with sterile gauze from the surgery to repair his eye. He's covered with a blanket, but they can see that he's shirtless. The stitches from the knife wound are on display. It looks painful. Each of his fingers is in either a splint or are taped to each other and then in a splint. He is still intubated and he's attached to machines that monitor everything. They've been quiet for most of the short visit. He looks comfortable even though his body has been battered.
"Pssst, ladies' time's up. I promise when he comes out of the anesthesia, I'll come and get you." The nurse says.
Reluctantly they leave Rick's room. When they get to the hallway the nurse has one more surprise for them.
"Listen, there is an on-call room that's not going to be used tonight I'll make sure of this. I have set it up for the two of you. It's late and sleep is important. When we extubate him and get him to his permanent room I'll come and get you. There's a shower so you can freshen up a little. I also guessed your sizes and there is a pair of scrubs that should fit you."
"I don't know what to say." Kate tells her.
"Don't worry about it. Just get some rest."
The nurse shows them the on-call room and then leaves. Kate and Alexis get ready for some rest. Laying in the cots, Kate has a question for Alexis.
"Sweetie, where is your Grams?"
"I called her earlier. She'll be here in the morning. She was upstate attending one of her student's shows."
"Oh, okay. Night Alexis."
"Night Kate."
The second their eyes close they are both asleep.
Epilogue to follow next.