Chapter Nineteen

Author's Note: Several of my readers have expected Erin to try something to break our couple up before the wedding, even suggesting a good old cat fight and I did think about it but decided to write Erin true to her Blue Bloods character. She is a class act and in the end, she would be true to her promise to Rick and remain friends and honor his decision, no matter how much it hurts.

Castle was surprised to receive a call from Blaise Klein asking Rick and Kate to be at the show an hour earlier than normal. Kate and Rick both had to work to get the I just got laid look off their faces before going on the show. Kate couldn't remember a time in her life when she was this horny. Nor could Rick recall any woman he'd been with being this passionate. Kate had an active sex life before Rick but her average was once a week or rarely twice and about half the time she faked orgasms. Since her first night with Rick, it was three or four times a week and always more than one round. She'd had multiple orgasms every time. Kate smiled to herself as she applied her make-up. I wonder if I have rabbit genes or maybe mink. If so, I gained them after Rick. Sometimes I can't believe that man's stamina or recovery time! They were both going for dressy casual tonight. Kate wore tailored black raw- silk slacks with a scarlet silk blouse and deep crimson jacket, four- inch sparkly black Jimmy Choo's on her feet.

A few years ago, Rick had developed a taste for and appreciation for custom western boots and he owned several pair. Tonight, he wore a cordovan pair. Tan light weight wool slacks, a cream-colored shirt and a russet sport coat.

Kate smiled in approval when Rick came out of the bedroom. "I wish that we didn't have to go on the show tonight, she said. I'd rather just go to dinner then come back here and make love. And now they want us there an hour early."

Rick laughed. "Remember Sweetheart that the show is only two hours long. We'll be able to grab something at Remy's on the way home and still have plenty of time for that."

"That's another thing. I hate going in separate cars." She said.

"It's only tonight and the finale, Kate."

"Yes, I know, she huffed but you get to arrive in your Ferrari."

"Yes, but you're being chauffeured in a Mercedes."

"It's a four-door sedan! She whined. Castle burst into laughter.

"So, vain. Okay Sweetheart I'll do a little talking tonight and for the finale we'll both come in the Ferrari. You can even drive."

It was her turn to laugh. "If I drive, we'll both come in the Ferrari."

They kissed and then exited the loft. Kate went out to the waiting Mercedes and Rick waited a few minutes before leaving in the Ferrari. when they arrived, they found both Mayor Weldon and Commissioner Reagan with Blaise and Bill.

Blaise smiled. "Come on in." When they were seated, Blaise said;

We're starting the show an hour later claiming technical difficulties. I'll explain. The mayor and the commissioner have come to us and explained your situation and the critical case you're working on. They really need your focus on the case and not worrying about your personal life. The commissioner emphasized the need for security and that we can't discuss this outside this room. We've agreed to help. To do that, we're running a quick re-edit and showing excerpts from both Erin and Allison's final dates. We're bringing a suit from your loft and wardrobe has a dress for Kate.

In the final segment of the tonight's show we'd like you to propose, on the air. We will arrange the finale so that we bring back those of the dismissed ladies who want to come and let them ask questions of you as will the studio audience. The only additional thing we ask is to be able to film and broadcast your reception, not the wedding itself." Blaise continued;

"We're switching start times with The Wild Wilsons. The network isn't happy with it but it is based in New York and the bosses realize that they couldn't get much done if they incur the displeasure of both the mayor and the police commissioner. Besides that, that sitcom is on its last legs anyway."

Kate was too shocked to speak for a moment, then a radiant smile broke out. That means we can move up the wedding and reception to the Saturday following the finale! Yes, oh most certainly yes. Rick, can we do it? I mean all the changes." Rick laughed.

"Of course, we can do it. Throw enough money at these places and it's a done deal."

"Good, then it's settled. The mayor said. Air the proposal tonight and Frank will announce Rick's appointment tomorrow."

"Announce the appointment?" Rick asked

"Oh, not to the public at large or the media, just to division and precinct commanders and the feds of course. As far as the public knows you will just have returned to shadowing Kate."

"Hunt won't like that." Rick said.

"There's not much he can say about it without blowing his own plans for your clandestine work, Rick. The commissioner said. After all, as far as anyone outside the investigation you're working with NYPD just as you were before. No mention of the Federal angle." The commissioner grinned. "I don't those damn Feds co-opting my people in the first place."

All the films were already in the can and the editors were available so the re-edit didn't take long. It took longer to contact "the family" and get them all to the studio. After all their years in the business, Blaise and Bill were expert at thinking on their feet and improvising. The. show opened as usual, with Kate receiving her charm and then went straight to the films without the usual short cocktail party. The film of Erin's last date was poignant as her emotions were clear for everyone to see, especially on the final shot, as she watched Rick drive away with tears streaming down her face.

That shot awakened a great deal of sympathy for Erin, in Kate. Her anger with Erin bled away as she fully understood how much losing Rick hurt. Originally, Tiffany's had been supposed to supply the engagement and wedding rings. As Rick, had already purchased them, the boxes were simply displayed, showing the Tiffany logo.

Although the proposal had already been made and accepted, the reenactment in public held almost as much emotion. Kate was beaming through happy tears as she accepted and Rick placed the ring on her finger. Kate was ecstatic. No more hiding. She could wear her ring openly, except when she was in the field. The whole "family" including the mayor, his wife and the commissioner came on the set to congratulate the happy couple. They then held the delayed cocktail party.

Kate drove them home, in the Ferrari but it took quite a bit longer to get to the loft than it should have. The commissioner made the announcement of Rick's appointment, the next morning. Stating that the romantic prohibition between partners would remain in effect, in general but could be reviewed on a case to case basis and exceptions granted in special cases, such as this one.

Rick was right, Hunt didn't like it but as the commissioner said, there wasn't much he could do about it. In a way, it enhanced the cover. No one would expect them to be working on a federal case of this importance.

Jordon Shaw was laughing as she greeted Kate in the morning. "It's nice to be proved right, again, she said. You should have seen the look on Sorenson's face when he heard the news. I've seen lighter rain clouds. I should warn you, I think he's going to accost you. If he does, do exactly as you threatened. Bring sexual harassment charges against him I'll forward them to the professional standards department with a recommendation to expedite action."

Jordon was right, again. Less than an hour later, a scowling Sorenson confronted Kate. He grabbed her arm tried to pull her aside, into a break room but she stood her ground.

"Agent Sorenson, take your hand off my arm."

"Kate, you are out of your mind, getting engaged to that clown. He's a worthless playboy. Come to your senses and come back to a real man."

Kate's eyes blazed. "Agent Sorenson, you haven't changed one bit. You're still the arrogant ass you always were. I can't believe that I was ever stupid enough to be with you. Rick is twice the man you will ever be and ten times a better lover. I also find it hard to believe that you didn't listen to me the other day. Agent Shaw, can you please come here."

"What can I do for you, Detective Beckett?"

Kate pushed her sleeve up to show the reddening finger marks.

"I want Agent Sorenson immediately disarmed and arrested. The charge will be assault on a police officer. I am also preferring charges of sexual harassment which he persisted with despite a clear warning."

A desperate Sorenson reached for the pistol on his hip but froze when he felt the muzzle of a pistol pressed against his skull.

"Go ahead and try it, asshole. Esposito's voice was icy. I'd love to make you pay for hurting Detective Beckett. Put your hands behind your back." Esposito cuffed Sorenson, closing the cuffs as tight as he could. Jordon Shaw stepped up and removed Sorenson's pistol and badge and a second weapon from an ankle holster. Esposito said;

"William Sorenson, you are under arrest for assault on a police officer, attempted assault with a deadly weapon and sexual harassment. You the right to an attorney…" When Esposito finished reading Sorenson his rights, Jordon said;

"Sorenson, you are a disgrace to your badge and an embarrassment to the FBI. Whatever the outcome of local and state charges you are through with the FBI and law enforcement in general. You are also very lucky that Castle wasn't in the room or you'd be eating your meals through a straw."

Castle walked into the room as Esposito perp walked Sorenson out. He gave Kate a stunned look and said; "What happened?" Kate grimaced.

"That asshole just couldn't take no for an answer. I told him, the other day not to speak to me except on matters pertaining to the case. He grabbed my arm and tried to get me to get back with him. I told Shaw that I was going to file charges of assault and sexual harassment. The idiot tried to draw his gun. Espo stopped him. He will now to be charged with sexual harassment, assault on a police officer and attempted assault with a deadly weapon."

Rick shook his head. "How did anyone that stupid make it into the FBI?"

Jordon chuckled, ruefully. "I haven't figured that out either. But there's something else I can't figure out. How do you manage to bring chaos with you wherever you go, Castle?"

Rick grinned. "It's a gift Shaw you know that you'd be bored if I didn't."

She rolled her eyes. "I could stand a lot of that kind of boredom. But in this case I think I'll thank you. The rest of the female agents of the bureau will thank you too. Beckett's not the only one he's hit on. We'll all be glad to be rid of that son of a bitch."

She paused for a moment then said; "It will also give me a chance to bring a promising young agent along. Let her get her teeth into her first big case."

Hunt entered the room and said. "Okay we've had a little excitement this morning but let's get back to work. How soon can you get Sorenson's replacement here?"

"By late afternoon or early tomorrow at the latest." Shaw said.

"Okay, Shaw, you and Agent Holloway stay in the office today and follow our data leads. Beckett, you and your team continue the Meyers investigation. I'm going to do a little field work of my own.

Rick said; "Kate, I think we should take another look at Tania's apartment. I'm not sure why but something's telling me e should." Kate didn't dismiss his theory. He'd been right enough times before, even if it went against general theory. They went to Tania Meyer's apartment. After about ten minutes, Rick said; "Look in her closet. How many evening or cocktail dresses does she have? Not enough for the high price escort she's supposed to be."

Kate agreed and looked through the dresser drawers. Hell, I have more sexy lingerie than she had. Rick's right, something's off here. Finding nothing interesting in the bedroom, they went into a small home office. It was a complete contrast to the rest of the apartment. The room was decorated like the nineteen-thirties, the centerpiece a rather ornate desk. CSU had already taken Tania's computer and the search of the office didn't turn up anything until, as often happened with Rick, Lady Luck decided to play.

Frustrated, he sat down on the desk chair and slapped his hand down on the desk. The edge of his hand struck a piece of ornate molding which moved under his hand, making a clicking sound.

"Kate come here please." Kate came over to the desk and showed her how the piece of molding had moved, now pointing down at a slight angle. Kate pushed on it and it rotated down to a ninety-degree position and a small gap appeared between the side panel of the desk and the frame. Pushing it back revealed an internal compartment. Stored in the compartment were a Sig-Sauer P226 with a suppressor and a high frequency radio transceiver. The compartment also held several different passports, night vision binoculars and a camera equipped with a low light lens.

"I don't know for sure what she was, Kate said but she sure as hell wasn't an escort."

"My guess is that she was a deep cover Mossad agent, working with Agent Morgenstern."

"Another one of your "Spy theories" Rick?" Kate asked.

"I don't think it's that much theory, Kate we already know that Morgenstern was a spy. Allied but still a spy. It's obvious to me that our local investigation won't get very far before we hit a federal wall. Ad that damned Hunt knows it. I think our investigation is more in the nature of a stalking horse."

"What do you mean Rick?"

"He's investigating something far deeper than the murder of a Mossad agent. Oh, the murder is part of it and so is the arms smuggling but I think it's beyond that. I have no idea what it could be but my gut tells me that it's out there."

Kates face suddenly paled. "Oh, my God, Rick, I think we screwed up big time. I was so annoyed at Sorenson hassling you and relieved when Hunt stepped in that I missed a couple of key points and so did you. First, Hunt agreed to this one case only but he didn't specify the extent of the case. Second, He said working with the DIA, not consulting with it and third when he swore you into federal service, he didn't specify a GS grade. I'm afraid that he'll re-activate your commission. Oh, damn him to hell if he tries. I'll fight it!"

After calling CSU back to photograph and catalog the further discoveries, Kate and Rick returned to Hunt's office and confronted him. Hunt admitted that he'd tricked them but it was for a good reason and that he had not tried to re-activate Rick's commission. He said;

"However, I have an offer on the table. Ms. Beckett, I know how hard you've tried to find the man behind your mother's murder and how important that resolution is to you. If you agree to lift the restrictions on Mr. Castle's actions the DIA will put our resources to work solving the case. We have no law enforcement authority or power but all information we find will be turned over to you and the FBI."

Kate drew in a sharp breath and Rick could see the conflict in her eyes as her desire for justice warred with her love of him. Then she looked Hunt in the eye.

"That's a damn dirty trick General Hunt, you know how much I want justice for my mother. But no, damn you no. Nothing is worth risking Rick's life without me beside him."

Rick took Kate's hands in his. "Kate, I want to do this. For you and for your dad."

Kate glared at Hunt. "Okay, I'll accept you offer with one proviso. Rick and I are a team. Where he goes, I go."

Hunt grimaced, he didn't like it as he had several scenario's in his mind, using Rick in a male version of the "Honey Trap". He finally nodded. "Very well."

As the couple walked out, Hunt shook his head ruefully. Boy did I underestimate that woman. My son is in for a ride."

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