I don't own Castle the show or the wonderful characters. They belong to Mr. Andrew Marlowe.

The trial began for Meredith, Nick, Slim (Marcus), and Rocky. The lawyers were trying to get a postponement for the trial. The judge was having none of this from the lawyers. He advised them to call their first witness.

The District Attorney James Kirkpatrick called, Mrs. Katherine Houghton Beckett-Castle to the stand. Upon entering the witness box, she raised her right hand to be sworn in. The Bailiff said, "Do you swear, to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth about the testimony you are about to give?"

KBC: "I do your honor."

JM: "Proceed with your questions."

JK: "Mrs. Castle, what is your profession?"

KBC: "I am an Attorney."

JK: "Mrs. Castle, did you on occasion happen to be intimate with Richard Castle prior to your marriage?"

KBC: "Please describe being intimate?"

JK: "I mean have sex with him before you married him?"

KBC: "No. We never crossed that line before marriage."

JK: "Did you on occasion pose nude for your fiancé before the two of you were married?"

KBC: "No, I didn't want to ruin our wedding night?"

JK: "Then how do you explain the pictures of you posing nude in the tabloids and on the internet?"

KBC: "I didn't pose for those pictures. We (Rick, my parents, and I) discovered our lofts had been broken into."

JK: "Were you having an affair with Doctor Josh Davidson and Detective Tom Demming?"

KBC: "No. I had a restraining order against Doctor Josh Davidson for stalking me. But, that has been resolved."

JK: "Who discovered the cameras in your loft?"

KBC: "I did."

JK: "What did you do after discovering the cameras?"

KBC: "Rick climbed the step ladder looking at the camera in the en suite master bathroom. We searched the loft for other cameras. We found one in the master bedroom in the lion's picture."

JK: "Did you or Rick put those cameras in your loft?"

KBC: "No. We were out of town getting married that weekend."

JK: "Do you have any idea who broke in your loft?"

KBC: "No I don't. The police made a report and kept us informed of the investigation. We were never given a name of who was involved. We were told the investigation was still ongoing."

JK: "Has this incident affected your job in any way?"

KBC: "Yes, it has. I have been asked to pose nude by a co-worker. He claims that I did this to get attention and money."

JK: "Was the co-worker reprimanded for his behavior?"

KBC: "He was moved to another department and advised to have no contact with me."

JK: "How does your husband feel about all this attention being paid to you?"

KBC: "He isn't happy about the allegations about me having an affair with Doctor Davidson and Detective Demming."

Meredith's attorney objected to that. The judge said, "I'll allow it."

JK: "Do you believe that Doctor Davidson broke into both lofts?"

KBC: "No. I never saw him at either loft."

MW: "I object. Causes for speculation from the witness."

JM: "I'll allow it."

Meredith fumed knowing that tide was turning against her. Leaning over to whisper to her attorney, She stated, "That Kate's parents had money and could buy off the jury."

MW: "Your honor we need to have a recess to investigate some evidence that has just become known."

JK and MW approached the Judge's bench. MW: "Your Honor, we have reason to believe that Johanna and Jim Beckett have bribed the jury in favor for their daughter."

JM: "Do you have any proof of this matter?"

MW: "No, sir."

JK: "Your Honor, let's take a break and look at their financials to see if they bribed anyone on the jury."

JM: "Court is in recess for the rest of the day. We will resume court in the morning at 9:00 AM."

Bailiff: "All rise."

JM called, a friend of his to examine the financials of Jim and Johanna Beckett. Scott Miller examined the financials finding no money transfer to anyone associated with the jury. He saw only bills being paid, groceries being bought, and things for their home. MW wasn't happy that nothing showed up against her parents. His client was nervous and causing him fits.

MW asked, "Meredith is there anything else, I should be aware of?"

Meredith replied, "Yes, this baby is Richard Castle's."

MW looked shocked "Really?"

Meredith said "Yes."

MW asked, "Have you had a paternity test done?"

Meredith answered "Not yet."

MW said, "I will serve him with papers for a paternity test."

Meredith smiled "That will do nicely."

MW: "You are sure that the baby is Richard Castles?"

Meredith replied "Yes. There has been no one else. Thinking that her lawyer doesn't need to know she slept with Nick."

The following morning in court, Katherine Beckett-Castle took the stand.

The District Attorney rested his examination of the witness. He reserved the right to recall the witness if necessary. Meredith's attorney began by asking Kate if it was true that she married Richard Castle for his fame and money.

Kate responded rather quickly, "No. I love him not for his fame or the money."

MW: "Is it true that you had an affair with Dr. Josh Davidson?"

KBC: "I did not. I have never stepped out on Rick."

MW: "Then can you explain the pictures of you and Josh kissing."

KBC: "I can't. I have never kissed him or any other man for that matter."

MW: "How about Detective Tom Demming?"

KBC: "What about him?"

The District Attorney objected and asked to approach the judge's bench.

"Your honor where is the proof of an affair with the doctor and the detective? Mr. Williams has yet to show the proof of an affair between the witness, the doctor and the detective."

JM: "Mr. Williams, where is your proof of an affair between these people?"

MW: "I have the proof right here in the pictures."

JM: "Let me call a recess for two hours while I have these pictures examined."

The Bailiff announced recess for the court. Everyone rose as the judge exits into his chambers.

Rick asked, "Kate what was that about you kissing Josh and Detective Tom Demming?"

"Meredith's lawyer is saying that I had an affair with both men. I have never ever kissed either one."

"I know you haven't baby."

"I just wish that this trial was over and done with. I hate that Meredith is trying to paint me as some money hungry woman and tramp."

"We both know the truth."

"Rick let's go get some coffee. I think that my parents and your mother could use some."

Taking her hand, they left the courtroom heading to the nearest coffee shop. Johanna wasn't too happy with the court proceedings. She was feeling like the lawyer was making her daughter look money hungry and a tramp.

The judge was looking at the pictures in his chambers with a photo expert. The photo expert Jackson Walker noticed that the photo had two different scenes in it. Looking more closely Jackson pointed the differences out to the judge. The judge was happy that he could call Meredith's attorney on the fact that the photo was a fake and made to inflame the jury in favor of his client.

The judge asked, the bailiff to reconvene the jury and the court. Rick, Kate, Johanna, Josh, and everyone else entered the courtroom. Meredith was sitting at the table looking smug. She figured that the pictures would paint and an unfavorable picture of Katherine Beckett-Castle. She hadn't known that the photo was going to destroy her credibility.

The Bailiff stated, "All rise, the court is now back in session. The Honorable Judge Markway now presiding over the court."

Judge Markway spoke, "It seems to me that the photos of Katherine Beckett-Castle kissing Doctor Josh Davidson and Detective Tom Demming have been tampered with. I had a photo expert examine the photos and discovered they were of several different pictures. The photo is of poor quality. I will not allow the photos into evidence.

Meredith looked at her attorney like she wanted to kill him. This was her chance to get Richard Castle away from Katherine Beckett-Castle. Her smugness fell from her face replaced with a frown and determination to get Richard Castle for herself. The only way that would happen is for him to divorce Kate.

The latter would never happen. Rick was so in love with Kate. The attorney finished questioning Katherine Beckett-Castle. Being dismissed from the witness stand, Kate made a point of letting Meredith know she was kissing and sitting next to Rick. Meredith turned a fire engine red with envy and hatred at the same time. Thinking how could he love Kate, when she was nothing like Meredith.

The District Attorney called, Johanna Beckett to the stand. Bailiff stated, "Raise your right hand, do you swear to tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth?"

Johanna replied, "I do."

JK: "Mrs. Beckett, what is your profession?"

JB: "I am a criminal lawyer."

JK: "Mrs. Beckett, did you happen to receive a phone call from your daughter, Katherine Beckett-Castle alerting you to check your loft for cameras possibly being installed?"

JB: "Yes."

JK: "What if anything did you do?"

JB: "I had my husband check our loft for cameras."

JK: "Did you find any cameras in your loft?"

JB: "Yes."

JK: "What did you do after finding the cameras in your loft?"

JB: "We called, the police."

JK: "Were you aware of photos being printed and shared on the internet of you and your daughter?"

JB: "No. We did see the Ledger page six had printed photos of Kate and me nude. It was later that day when Rick, Kate, Jim and I were going out for breakfast."

JK: "What was your reaction to the photos?"

JB: "I was terribly upset about this event. Katie was shaken to her core. She was so upset that we turned around heading back to the Four Seasons Hotel."

JK: "Are you aware of any intimate contact between your daughter and the two other gentlemen mentioned in these proceedings?"

JB: "No. Kate has always loved one man. That man is Richard Castle her husband."

JK: "How did this affect your husband?"

JB: "Jim, was mad as HELL!"

JK: "What steps did you take after learning that cameras had been installed in your loft?"

JB: "We had a police report made."

JK: "Did you do anything else?"

JB: "We decided to file a lawsuit against the people involved with breaking and entering our loft illegally, for publishing the pictures of me without my consent, for damaging my reputation and career."

JK: "When did you learn that Doctor Josh Davidson had been set up to take the fall for the break-ins?"

JB: "While Kate and Rick were on his book tour."

JK: "Have you had any contact with Doctor Josh Davidson and Detective Tom Demming concerning this case?"

JB: "We talked with our lawyers present."

JK: "What was discussed?"

MW: "I object to this line of questioning!"

JM: "Overruled. Please answer the question."

JB: "We discussed the break-in at the lofts, the fact that Doctor Davidson was friends with Nick from the Ledger's page six."

JK: "Did Josh have any idea that Nick was behind the break in?"

JB: "He indicated that he didn't know."

JK: "Did Meredith and the other conspirators get mentioned?"

JB: "Yes. It was stated that Meredith was in love with my son-in-law Richard Castle."

JK: "Did you attempt to contact her to confirm your suspicions?"

JB: "Nope. I knew it would come out in court."

JK: "Do you know if your son-in-law Richard Castle had an affair with Meredith Lee Harper?"

JB: "No. I don't believe he would cheat on my daughter Katherine Beckett-Castle."

JK: "I excuse the witness with the right to recall."

MW: "Mrs. Beckett, how do you know that my client Meredith Lee Harper was the mastermind behind the cameras being installed in both loft?"

JB: "I don't. I am just going by what the police told us (Rick, Kate, Jim, Josh and I)."

MW: "Are you trying to paint my client in an unfavorable way for the jury to find her guilty?"

JB: "No. If she is guilty she needs to pay for her crime."

MW: "Did you and your husband pay the jury to find my client guilty?"

JK: "Objection, your Honor."

JM: "Objection sustained."

MW: "Is it true that you posed for the pictures to gain fame and notoriety in the public eye?"

JK: "Objection! No foundation for these types of questions your Honor."

JM: "Duly noted. MW please refrain from these questions there is no basis established by either party."

MW: "Has your career suffered because of these pictures in the Ledger and on the internet?"

JB: "Yes. I received several calls from my clients going to other lawyers for advice and taking their cases with them."

MW: "Can you actually state for fact that Meredith was behind the cameras?"

JB: "No."

MW: "Will you still pursue a lawsuit against my client and her co-conspirators?"

JB: "Yes."

MW: "You are only after money correct."

JB: "NO! She did damage my career and reputation."

MW: "No further questions your honor."

JM: "You may step down from the witness stand."

JK: "I call Doctor Josh Davidson to the stand."

Bailiff: "Raise your right hand, do you swear, to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth so help you, God?"

DJD: "I do."

JK: "Doctor Davidson did you at any time have an affair with Katherine Beckett-Castle?"

DJD: "No."

JK: "Did you at any time have a restraining order against you for stalking her?"

DJD: "Yes. It has since been resolved."

JK: "How was it resolved?"

DJD: "We had a meeting at her office. She dropped the restraining order if I agreed to leave her alone."

JK: "Did you leave her alone?"

DJD: "Yes. I have only seen her twice since that incident."

JK: "Where did you see her?"

DJD: "At the police station."

JK: "Did you speak to her?"

DJD: "Yes. She let me know she didn't think I was guilty with the cameras being installed at both lofts."

JK: "Do you have any knowledge of who is responsible for this situation?"

DJD: "I do now."

JK: "Were you shocked to learn the identity of the culprit?"

DJD: "I thought this person was my friend."

JK: "Do you see the person involved in the courtroom today?"

DJD: "Yes."

JK: "Can you point them out?"

DJD: "Yes. Nick with The Ledger's page six, Meredith his girlfriend, Slim (Marcus Henderson), and Rocky."

JK: "Let it be noted that the witness has identified all four defendants. Is there anything else you would like to tell the court about your relationship with these defendants?"

DJD: "I was friends with Nick from the Ledger. I didn't expect him to set me up for this crime. He has ruined my career and reputation."

JK: "How has this ruined your career and reputation?"

DJD: "I have been suspended from the hospital, my patients left for other doctors, and my career is in limbo."

JK: "What are you planning to do now?"

DJD: "I have filed a lawsuit against all four defendants for compensatory damages."

JK: "What do you hope to gain from this?"

DJD: "I want them to pay for the problems brought to all of us involved with this case."

JK: "I am through with this witness, I reserve the right to recall if needed."

MW: "You have stated that you and Katherine Beckett-Castle never had an affair."

DJD: "That is correct."

MW: "Who are you currently dating?"

DJD: "Jana Reid, a nurse."

MW: "How does Meredith fit into this equation?"

DJD: "She doesn't. If she is the mastermind, I would like for her to pay for causing all these problems."

MW: "Are you aware of her being pregnant with Richard Castle's child?"

DJD: "Nope. I didn't know they had a fling."

MW: "Are you still pursuing Katherine Beckett-Castle?"

DJD: "No."

MW: "If she were free would you pursue her?"

DJD: "No."

MW: "Why not?"

DJD: "I love Jana Reid. She makes me happy. Kate is just a fantasy."

MW: "No more questions for this witness."

JM: "The witness is excused."

JM: "Any more witnesses to call JK?"

JK: "No, your Honor, the plaintiffs rest."

MW: "We rest your Honor."

JM: "Here is the charge to the jury. You are going to be deliberating the facts of the case. Do not discuss this case with anyone. The jury is dismissed to deliberate."

Bailiff: "Court is in recess until the jury reaches a verdict."

Kate said, "Rick, I am disappointed that Meredith didn't take the stand."

"I know. She will get her just desserts in the end."

While Rick and Kate were fixing to leave the courtroom, a lawyer served Rick with paternity papers. Rick opened them looking like he could kill Meredith.

Kate asked, "What are those papers for?"

"Meredith wants a paternity test done. I have never slept with that woman. I will do the test. She will feel stupid when it comes back negative."

"Rick, how is she going to prove that you and she slept together?"

"I don't know. How will she explain to the court that the baby isn't mine?"

"Good question!"

Kate let's go to the lab and get this test over with. I want to show that her lies are catching up with her. I hope there is a way to take her child away from her. Kate called Lanie. "Hey, can you perform a paternity test for Rick?"

"Why?"

"Meredith had him served with paternity test papers."

"Come over to the lab and we will get started."

"Thank you, Lanie."

"Not a problem. Meredith is going to have to provide a sample of the baby's blood."

"She may not show up for that."

"She has no choice, she wanted the test."

"We'll see you soon."

"Rick let me get the samples I need for this test."

"Okay, but please be gentle."

"Meredith, I will need samples from you."

"All right."

"This will take about two weeks to get the results."

Meredith spoke, "I can live with that."

Rick was just happy to get this over with. Meredith purred, at Rick. He just ignored her. This caused her to try harder for his attention. Rick made sure to wrap his arm around Kate leading her out the door. Meredith was sad looking with misty eyes. She was slowly realizing that Rick would never leave Kate for her.

Seeing this is a good place to stop for this chapter. Wishing everyone a Happy Sunday and wonderful Super Bowl! Go Falcons!