Disclaimer: I do not own Castle or the characters used in this story.
N/A: One unfortunate aspect of the plotting of this story is that we're now about to see a consummate politician in his element. Grab the maple syrup, there's some waffle ahead. More below.
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Tuesday ~ 8:00 PM
"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. My name is Anita Singh, host of Access New York. What a show we have planned for this evening! With us is New York's rising political star, US senator William Bracken. An Independent who has invigorated both sides of the political spectrum, Senator Bracken has defied conventional wisdom about what it takes to succeed in Washington, landing key committee assignments and voting his conscience without regard to party line. And the response of his constituency has been overwhelming: his approval rating continues to climb and, in an Access New York first, we've been warned by the fire marshal that we cannot admit any more spectators to our viewing audience!"
Waiting for the thunderous applause to subside, Anita Singh looks triumphant, basking in the reflected glow of Bracken's popularity.
"Let's meet the man of the hour, and maybe of the decade. Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you US Senator William H. Bracken!"
In the new tumult of applause that follows, Bracken makes his way on stage with waves and smiles, looking like the consummate professional in a blue suit, red tie, and American flag pin. The only thing more dazzling than his smile is the twinkle in his eye as he surveys the assembled mass of registered voters in the studio audience, who must be a proxy for the group watching from the comfort of their own homes. After hugs and air kisses, Anita Singh guides him to a pair of comfortable chairs, where he waits until she is seated to sit down himself.
"I need to tell you, ladies and gentlemen, that demand for tonight's discussion didn't come from just members of our studio audience. The media is also anxious to spend more time with Senator Bracken, so he graciously agreed to change the format of tonight's discussion. Rather than interview the Senator, I'll be the moderator tonight for a panel that includes three distinguished members of the press. Let me introduce them."
"First, joining us from the New York Ledger, is veteran journalist Karen Brown. As many of you watching this show already know, Karen has won two Pulitzer Prizes, most recently winning accolades for her investigative reporting on labor conditions in the garment district." As the audience applauds politely, Karen Brown walks on stage, shakes hands with Bracken and Singh, then makes her way to a table set up at stage right. Dressed in a business suit just as tailored as Bracken's, Brown commands the respect due to a veteran newswoman who has honed her craft for more than 20 years.
"Second, joining us from online news portal NewYorkNewsNet, is Mr. Tomas Sandoval. While he recently celebrated the second anniversary of his news organization, viewers may recall that Mr. Sandoval was the editor-in-chief of the Los Angeles Times and Domestic Issue Advisor for US News & World Report before jumping into the digital arena." Sandoval emerges from the wings of the stage, his appearance accentuating his difference from the established media. Dressed all in black and wearing a leather jacket that must be oppressively hot in the studio, Sandoval's long hair and goatee seem out of place. Bracken and Singh rise to greet the second participant, though Bracken's welcome seems slightly forced.
"Finally, ladies and gentlemen, we have Mr. Bradley Hudson from the Wall Street Journal. While a relative newcomer to the esteemed financial newspaper, Mr. Hudson is credited with invigorating the Journal's coverage of policy initiatives and regulatory developments, proving particularly adept at anticipating the effects that these issues will have on the readers of the Journal … and their investments!" Singh stage-laughs at her trite joke as Hudson emerges from the wings, looking unimpressed with her attempt at humor though that might simply be his usual demeanor. Bookish looking in his horn-rimmed glasses, conservative suit, and school tie, Hudson looks like he probably fits right in at the WSJ.
"Here is how tonight will work," Singh announces once Hudson has taken his place at the table with the other two interviewers. "Each interviewer will ask a question, following the order in which they were introduced. Nominally, we'll limit follow-ups, but we're going to try to minimize the structure for tonight since we have such a wonderful collection of top-flight talent. Karen, would you like to kick things off?"
"Thank you, Anita. Senator Bracken, it's been said that committee assignments are the lifeblood of a political career. In the Armed Services and Veteran's Affairs committees, you've managed to land two of the most popular and powerful committees, all without the help of a party affiliation or apparatus behind you. How were you able to secure positions so important to the citizens of New York and how have those committee assignments affected your tenure in Washington?"
"Thank you, Karen," Bracken replies. "I'm afraid that I don't have a nice, pat answer for the first part of your question. When the good people of New York sent me to Washington, it was clear that they wanted someone there to protect their interests. You say that the committees are popular and powerful – I don't know about that. All I know is that New York risks many of its sons and daughters to our military operations around the world, and that New York cares about how those warriors are treated when they come back home. I'd like to think that my colleagues in Washington recognized the passion I have for this issue, having served myself, and that my committee assignments were a way to help us all show our military personnel how much we value their sacrifices. How has the affected my tenure? It's made me more resolute. This is something about which I care passionately and regarding which I will not compromise."
"Tomas," Singh calls out once the studio audience's applause has died down.
"Thank you, Anita," Sandoval replies. "In your work for those committees, Senator Bracken, you must come into contact with the private sector firms who assist our military forces and provide a link between military and political operations. In that context, what do you think about the measures that Senator Stark has proposed?"
"That's a great question, Tomas, and I appreciate the opportunity to clear up some misunderstandings that have arisen on this topic. You know, I admire Senator Stark. He's a noble man, a true statesman. And I look forward to the day when the need for America's military might isn't so pronounced so that we can explore some of his suggestions. But until that day, we need to remain strong. Following budget cutbacks from the so-called 'peace dividend,' our military readiness is not where it should be to ensure that America's interests are protected. Military contractors have stepped into that breach to help protect America and ensure our military preparedness. Given today's global conflicts and the variety of fronts on which our interests need to be defended, Senator Stark's efforts to enact stringent licensing requirements and operational limitations on military contractors undermines the system that's keeping our kids and our country safe. Until we improve the funding of our military or until there is actually a decline in global hostilities, we need our contractors to be free and able partners in the defense of our way of life."
"A follow-up, if I may, Anita," Sandoval requests. At her nod, he continues. "What about the allegations that military contractors are nothing but hired guns, modern-day mercenary forces with poor discipline and low morals?"
"That's exactly the kind of gibberish that results in dangerous laws," Bracken fires back immediately. "What some cavalierly call 'hired guns,' I call employment opportunities to the veterans who fought for this country. Why shouldn't our country benefit from the education, training, and opportunities that we provide to our defenders? I have yet to meet a single contractor who doesn't love this country, and I don't expect I ever will."
"Please, please," Anita Singh begs of the audience. "If we spend all of our time applauding, we'll not have any time remaining for questions! Bradley, your turn."
"Thank you, Anita. Senator, I'd like to follow up on Tomas' question. You say that you've yet to meet a contractor who doesn't love this country, but in the last week authorities have arrested two groups of military contractors in New York for domestic terrorism and attempted murder. How can you oppose what you call 'stringent requirements' on groups that are attempting to assassinate US residents?"
At this question, the studio audience grows noticeably quiet, knocked into their seats at the thought of home-grown terrorism in their city that's already been irrevocably scarred by a foreign terror campaign.
"I'm afraid that I'm unaware of the incidents to which you're referring, Bradley, but I strongly suspect that your information is incorrect. I can speak for the institution of our military and its allies, both abroad and at home. But the sad fact is that military service is a terrible burden, one that subjects even the best of us to unimaginable rigors and sometimes horrors. Those battles leave scars, and sometimes the people involved fall away from society, which is one of the reasons that I'm so passionate about my efforts with the VA committee, working toward a goal of ensuring that we don't lose any members of the flock."
"Well said, Senator," Singh praises. "Now, Karen, I believe…"
"A follow-up, please, Anita?" Hudson asks but then continues to speak without waiting for a response. "Senator, you attended an awards ceremony with members of Vantus Ventures at your table, including your former Commanding Officer, just three weeks ago. How is it that you are unaware of this week's arrests considering that three of the men arrested, and one who died while resisting arrest, were employees of Vantus?"
"You know, Bradley, I actually feel much better about the situation now that you've provided some details. Ryan Crawford was the most capable leader and honorable man I met while I served in the military. I have complete faith in him and know that if there are any issues to be addressed at Vantus, I couldn't hope for a more capable champion."
"Thank you, Senator," Singh jumps in at the end of his answer to preempt any additional comments. "Karen, we're back to you, perhaps for questions on another topic?"
Seeming slightly annoyed at being redirected, Brown flips a sheet in her small notebook to move to a new topic.
"Senator," she begins, "Washington is a polarized metropolis, with an entire population and infrastructure seemingly built to cater to a two-party system that often seems impenetrable to other political ideologies. Unlike Europe, third party candidates here rarely command attention or respect and their efforts and ideas are often derided or ignored. How is it that you've been so effective as a lone Independent, working without the support of a party organization?"
"It's been difficult, Karen, that's certainly true. Our institutions, our primary system, even our media encourages us to think in only two dimensions. But we know that the world is more complex than that, and the voters in New York know that, too. The people of this great state – and I suspect voters elsewhere, too – they're tired of the bickering and posturing of DC's partisan politics. They don't care about whether something is a Republican or Democratic position. They care about doing the right thing – protecting the innocent, building a future for our children, keeping the country strong. So, I cross lines and vote as I think the people deserve on each topic. It's made enemies, certainly. But you know what, Karen? It's also made friends. There are other politicians who feel trapped by party labels, who just want to vote with their conscience. They see the freedom that the people of New York have given me, and how well it works. And so they help me, join our cause when they can, because they see that we're onto something here, something that could be great if only we had more examples."
"Is that how you see your role, Senator Bracken, as an ambassador for a new wave of political cooperation?" Sandoval asks, not waiting for Singh to call on him. "Is this Senate 2.0 that you're proposing?"
"'Senate 2.0,'" Bracken muses. "I like that, Tomas. I might have to borrow it. But why limit it to the Senate? Our whole system would benefit from a truer reflection of the values and aspirations of the voters. If we only improve the Senate, we still need the House in order to propose legislation. We need the presidency to appreciate and work with Congress. And we need the Court to uphold the spirit of laws that we'd pass. How about 'Politics 2.0,' to bring it all under the umbrella?"
"Bradley, your turn," Singh prompts, eager to prolong this line of discussion following the applause and whistles that accompanied the announcement of 'Politics 2.0.'
"Senator," Hudson begins, "you can appreciate that readers of the Journal are particularly attuned to funding issues. While the system you propose is laudable, the fact remains that the most significant funding opportunities for candidates are controlled by the established political parties. Yet, despite the disadvantage at which this places Independent candidates, you have neither supported nor voted for legislation that would increase fundraising transparency or require disclosure of significant donors to political campaigns. Why not support a measure that would so clearly provide support for 'Politics 2.0?'"
"I know that some of my Republican colleagues like to think that they hold a monopoly on this belief," Bracken says, mugging for the audience, "but you don't have to be a member of their party to love the Constitution. As I imagine you'd agree, Bradley, Freedom of Speech is one of the fundamental underpinnings of our way of life, and that freedom includes the right to support particular candidates or not. I am proud to name every donor who publicly supports my cause, and I'm proud to honor the desire of those who want to exercise their rights privately."
"So your refusal to identify your campaign donors is a recognition of their free speech rights, rather than a fear that your voting record will be subject to scrutiny?" Hudson follows up without waiting for Singh to act as moderator.
"Bradley, I choose to protect those who believe in me. I can't speak for why others want to keep their donors private. But I will note that it's pretty obvious what a donor to an established party is supporting," Bracken notes.
"But under that logic …," Hudson starts to ask, but is cut off by Singh.
"Actually, Bradley, it's Karen's question," Singh says with some annoyance at having been preempted.
"Senator," Brown asks, "despite your comments regarding donors to established parties, isn't it true that as an Independent, your erratic voting record would mask votes that have been affected by political contributions? Why risk the insinuations?"
"Karen, I'm not going to be held hostage out of fear that some coward will make accusations about my voting record. My votes are public and I always provide the rationale for why I vote the way I do. New Yorkers deserve nothing less. Insinuations do not bother me, I'll let my record speak for itself," Bracken concludes.
"What about when the donors to your campaign are criminals, contributing and potentially laundering the proceeds from illegal activity?" Sandoval asks nakedly, causing a gasp from Singh, a scowl from Bracken, and a sudden cessation of noise from the audience.
"Tomas, I assume that you wouldn't be so irresponsible as to make such an allegation without support," Bracken says fiercely.
"Do you deny that you have received a significant percentage of your campaign contributions from Scott Riley, Tran Nyguen, and Vulcan Simmons, all of whom have been convicted of felonies ranging from drug trafficking to assault to racketeering?"
"Of course I deny any hint, suggestion, or slanderous insinuation that there is any violation of campaign finance regulations in my administration. Tomas, you're treading on exceptionally thin ice with such irresponsible rumor-mongering."
Terrified that Bracken might end the interview, Singh looks beseechingly at Hudson, who is next up for a question. Sustaining eye contact with him for long seconds before speaking, Singh hopes that he'll be cooperative. "Bradley, perhaps you'd like to introduce a new line of discussion?"
"One of the themes that you've emphasized, Senator," Hudson leads in, "is accountability. As you just mentioned, you set a standard for accountability in your administration and are one of the few members of Congress to provide a posting to explain your rationale for every vote. How has that commitment affected your reception in Washington?"
Clearly putting his distaste for the previous line of questioning behind him, Bracken warms to this topic, to Singh's great relief. "Accountability has to be the cornerstone of any position that operates in the public trust. I represent the interests of New Yorkers, and New Yorkers pay my salary. They pay for the programs that we vote for. They are my boss. Can you imagine having a job where you get paid and are entrusted to spend someone else's money but are never held accountable? It might sound like a party but it wouldn't last long," Bracken says with a laugh for the audience. "We all know it, and I'm including my colleagues in the Senate, too. We might all have different ways of showing it, and we might disagree on the best way to save or spend funds, but we all know that we are accountable for our actions on behalf of our constituents."
"A quick follow-up if I may, Anita?" Hudson asks, and Singh grants his request mostly out of appreciation that her role as moderator was acknowledged.
"Senator, is it safe to assume that the same mantle of accountability that you hold applies to your staff as well?"
"Of course, Bradley. That's why we spend so much time finding and training the best people that New York has to offer. We are a team in DC, all working on behalf of the people of New York."
"Karen?" Singh prompts the question around to the next in line.
"If accountability is the cornerstone of any public position, does your focus on that concept stretch back to your days before the Senate?"
"That's right, Karen. It really stretches back to my military service, where we learned – repeatedly – that you are accountable for yourself, your squad, and the effects that your actions might have on either of those. It was a lesson that I took with me to the DA's office, and then to the senate."
"A follow-up?" Brown asks, receiving a nod from Bracken before Singh reacts.
"If your focus on accountability goes back to your days in the DA's office, perhaps you could discuss your prosecution of Joe Pulgatti, who has claimed his innocence for more than a decade, or why your chief of staff was arrested this evening on charges of attempted murder regarding those who were investigating the homicide of Mr. Pulgatti's legal counsel?"
For a brief moment, there is absolute silence in the studio, as even the normally unflappable Senator is at a loss for words. Then, unable to mask his fury, he stands up, yanks the microphone from his lapel, and storms off the set.
Sound Booth, Access New York Studio, Tuesday ~8:45 PM
"Paula, that was beautiful," Castle praises as he watches the commotion around him as Anita Singh and her staff scurry desperately to fill the 15 minutes of dead time created by Bracken's abrupt departure.
"Tomas nearly screwed it all up, that jackass," Paula growls. "'Light touch' is what we emphasized and he charged in like a freaking trust fund virgin at his first brothel. Thank god for Karen – she hit him right between the eyes with that last bit. And Bradley teed it up beautifully for her after his nice delivery with the Vantus reference …," Paula trails off as her eyes close and she recalls the carnage.
"Let me guess," Beckett offers, seeing the look of bliss on Paula's face, "better than sex?"
Opening her eyes quickly and giving Beckett an incredulous look, Paula fires back. "Lady, if you think so, you're not doing him right," she says with a nod at Castle. Unable to fully contain her blush, Beckett curses herself for the clumsy attempt to communicate on Paula's level.
"Still," Paula admits with a smile, "it was a pretty close substitute."
"They hit all the right notes," Shaw cuts in to get them back on track. "Vantus, the funding sources, the arrest of Bracken's chief of staff, and Pulgatti's name – there's not a reporter or blogger in this town who'll sleep tonight. By morning, Bracken will be surrounded by inquiries and lacking his right hand man. You wanted him rattled, that ought to do it."
"So now what?" Paula asks. "Who do we take apart next?"
"Paula, I think your role is done for tonight …," Castle starts to explain, but surprising no one, Paula cuts in.
"Done for tonight? You're kidding, right?" she asks brusquely. "You tools played pussyfoot with this guy for more than a decade and I just took him apart in 45 minutes. Done? Now we move in for the kill!"
"We're still moving forward, but you're done for now," Castle replies calmly, letting Paula's inflated sense of importance slide by. "I expect that Bracken will try to set up a press conference for tomorrow or Thursday to address the firestorm that will follow after tonight's event. We could use your help with that, making sure that the right people attend and are armed with enough information to cut through his spin."
"Besides," Shaw adds, "we've got to get to our next meeting and our people not on duty now need to get some rest for what will be an interesting few days."
"Really? Get some rest, huh?" Paula says as she hooks an arm around the elbow of the FBI agent standing next to her. "I'm hungry. C'mon Graham. I'm feeling like s'mores. Let's go get some chocolate and marshmallow, then we'll make sure you get some 'rest.'"
Chuckling at the odd mix of excitement and fear on Graham's face as he's dragged out of the sound booth, Jordan turns to figure out next steps with Castle and Beckett.
"I'm not sure if Graham will thank you or curse you for hanging him out there for Paula," Castle chuckles.
"He'll be fine," Shaw says dismissively, with a smile. "Besides, it'll keep your agent occupied. She's something. Makes me wonder if you even know how to write – I think we could package up your drunken ravings on a bar coaster and that woman could make it your next best-seller just by force of will."
"I … excuse me?" Castle replies, affronted. "Please. It's like this panel discussion – she can set it up, but couldn't have done anything without the information we provided. In fact, …" Castle trails off as he notices that both Beckett and Shaw are struggling to keep straight faces.
"God, I must be really tired if I fell for that," Castle says, chagrined, while both of his companions break out in laughter. "Fine, fine, get it out of your systems. Then, might we actually focus on our case?" he says haughtily, which just provokes more snickers.
Finally getting herself under control, Beckett asks "So, what's next? You mentioned another meeting. It'll have to be just us – everyone else is spread thin watching our principal targets," she says, referring to the cobbled-together teams watching Riley, Nyguen, Simmons, and Bracken's local residence.
"We've got a meeting up at my attorney's office," Castle says.
"Not the time to re-do your will, Castle," Shaw offers.
"We're meeting there for safety – it's a secure building and the protective services are excellent," Castle explains. "My attorney will be there, but only as a host, and to provide privilege to the discussion if we think we need it."
"Come on, Martha, drop the drama," Beckett chides, trying to move things along. "Who are we meeting?"
"Steven Larson and Jackson Truitt," Castle answers. "The President and Managing Director of Vantus Ventures," Castle answers smugly, noticing the shocked looks from Beckett and Shaw. "It's logical, right? Tonight, we gave Bracken something else to worry about. Now, we need Vantus off our backs, and I think I know how to do it."
Looking contemplative, Shaw breaks in first. "What do you have in mind?"
Castle's about to answer when he's interrupted by the ringing of Beckett's phone.
"Hello?" Beckett answers without providing her name after noting that the phone number for the incoming call was blocked.
"Kate, is that you?"
"Alexis? Yes, it's me. What do you need? Your dad's right here." At hearing his daughter's name, Castle's shifted all of his attention on Beckett.
"I'm not calling for my dad, I'm calling about yours. He's … he needs you. We're safe, but the agents here watched Access New York and your dad didn't react well. I heard that he had some trouble after your mom was killed, and he's not looking good now. He's trying to leave. I'm afraid he'll do something he'd regret. Can you come see him?"
"I … of course I will. I'll talk to Jordan and figure out how to make this work. Let me get moving, I'm not sure how long it'll take me to get there. Just let him know that I'm coming, don't let him leave," Beckett says quickly, noticing that Shaw and Castle have started a conversation based on what they've overheard. "Thank you, Alexis, for taking care of my dad."
"Ditto, Detective. Now, hurry. See you soon, and tell dad I love him," Alexis says as she rings off.
"Your dad?" Castle asks, while Beckett nods. "Alright, let's go. I'll reschedule with the Vantus guys."
"Castle, you can't do that," Beckett argues. "They might be the biggest threat to us right now, and if you think you have a way to contain them, that should be our priority."
"You're my priority," Castle says stubbornly, stepping up to Beckett and reaching for her hand. "I should be there with you."
"And I want you there, Rick," Beckett says, stepping into him. "But the best way to keep me safe is to get Vantus under control. But I won't be upset if that meeting ends quickly and you join us soon."
"Splitting up now feels wrong," Castle replies, though from the tone of his voice it's apparent that he agrees with the need to meet with Vantus. "It's like a horror movie where everyone in the audience is shouting 'don't split up, you idiots,' but the hapless actors do anyway."
"Castle, we all know that those characters only get scared when they split up – they get killed when they're having sex. So we can abstain until this is over if you're getting concerned …," Beckett teases, trying to lighten the moment.
With a rueful chuckle and a whispered "Never," Castle looks up at Shaw. "Jordan, how do we do this – can you get Kate to the safe-house where our families are?"
"We need to relieve Ryan and Esposito from the Riley detail. Ryan wants to see his wife, so Avery was going to head out anyway," Jordan offers. "I'd take Kate myself and have Avery take you to the Vantus meeting, Castle, but he seems to think that you're a curse."
"I'd complain, but if I can't have Kate then I'd like you riding shotgun on this meeting," Castle says, surprising both women by not taking advantage of the opportunity to trade a quip. "But we should get moving – how quickly can Avery get here? We need to meet the Vantus guys at 10:00, and we've got a bit of a drive to get up there."
"He's downstairs waiting for me," Shaw answers as she ushers them out the door toward the elevator. "Let's get moving, and you can explain your strategy on the way to the law firm. Detective Beckett, we'll meet you guys at the safe-house later tonight."
After stepping onto the elevator and beginning the short descent, Castle takes Beckett's hand and murmurs to her. "Take care of your dad, and let me know if you need anything. Tell Alexis and Mother that I love them and I'll be there soon."
Squeezing his hand as they leave the elevator and walk to the curb after a quick look around, Beckett grabs Castle for a fierce kiss, still mindful of his shoulder. "You need to rest, you need to recuperate, and you need to get your ass back to me. Be safe, babe."
"Always," Castle replies as he releases his hold to allow Beckett to slides into Avery's car. As they drive off to pick up Ryan and Esposito, she's not sure if their word was apt or a dangerous way of tempting fate.
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A/N: Sorry about the campaign speech, but if Bracken was in the situation described in this chapter, he would have used it as a platform to advance his agenda and hopes for a subsequent candidacy. With luck, it wasn't too difficult to slog through the posturing before the questions got more pointed and Bracken got uncomfortable. More soon, hopefully Sunday.