AGAIN: I have no ownership, rights, connection of any kind to Castle. I also have no ownership rights to The Human Target, Suits, Numb3rs, Bones, Blue Bloods, The District, or their characters. Before I had been killing time waiting for the season to start. Now, I'm killing time because I'm not too thrilled with the new season but hey, it's only episode two.
All reviews welcome. I only ask that you be polite and constructive. Feel free to point out grammatical, spelling, or factual errors. I do a lot of editing so sometimes cut and paste errors may slip through. Please let me know.
AN: Please note that the OnStar service was provided on Audi vehicles between 2002 and 2005
January 3, 2004 Saturday
HEADING TOWARDS I-495 E/LONG ISLAND EXPRESSWAY
"Ok, it's normally two and half hours to the East Hampton Airport. That imbecile Gray has a 45 minute head start in a town car with at least one news van in tow," Rick said from the back seat.
"I have two questions, Ethan," Roland asked the driver from the front passenger's seat, "Why are we in the van from the A-Team? And where did we get the van from A-Team?"
"It's not the van from the A-Team," he answered.
"It's a black, GMC van with a cow catcher bumpers, flood lights, hunting lights, an unneeded spoiler that looks like a lunch box handle, and red racing stripes that looks like the Nike logo."
"I didn't say it doesn't look like the A-Team van. This is so much more. It's got 4-wheel drive with a raised and reinforced suspension for off-roading.
"It's got dual fuel tanks with a selector switch so we can internally fill one tank while we run on the other. The glass is bulletproof and there is Kevlar protection around key areas. So, it's not the same van."
Rick let out a giant sigh.
"What's wrong?" Colin asked.
"I'm having flashbacks to every nightmare school trip we ever took with these two. Surprisingly, it was all of them."
"We're not the problem and you know it," Roland chided him, "You're in love with a certain brunette detective with beautiful green eyes. And on Monday when this news breaks, she's going to want to kill you for not telling her. And that is the best case you can hope for."
"Hey, we're under orders. She understands that."
"She may understand it, but she is still going to be furious. Let's face it, when it comes to any possible lead in her mother's murder, this woman loses all reason. She's going to be mad that she didn't know anything about this, and she's going to want to take out that anger on someone whether they may seem to deserve it or not."
"I hate you so much right now."
They all laughed at that.
"Tell me I'm wrong brother."
"You're not wrong. I just don't need a summary of how badly I'm screwed with Kate. I know how badly I'm screwed. What I need is a solution."
"Why don't yourself get shot," came the suggestion from the driver's seat, "If you're wounded, sympathy might buy you some time."
"As a rule Ethan," Roland responded looking at him deadpan, "I don't think you should be the first person to answer any question."
SAKS FIFTH AVENUE
"Serena, may I ask you a personal question?" the brunette detective said to the blonde insurance investigator as they walked through the store, the two little girls skipped ahead but still in view.
They looked adorable wearing jeans, sweaters, thick little coats, and little white tennis shoes. Their hair were in low pony tails.
"You want to know why we came here instead of Lord & Taylor," Serena responded with a warm smile.
"No, it's not that…" Kate replied chuckling.
"Ok, what is it then?"
"Well, you seem different today. You're not…"
"Are you asking why I'm not all glamoured up today like you usually see me?"
"Well, yeah." Kate said slightly embarrassed and blushing.
When Serena came by with Mary Rose, Kate was relieved that Rick's surrogate sister was not her normal glammed up self. She wore designer jeans, black sneakers, a red sweater, and long black coat. The only jewelry she wore simple earrings and her watch, worn on her right wrist of course. Even her makeup was minimum.
"It's alright Kate. You're not the first person to notice. I have a job, but most people don't realize my job requires a uniform. The image you're used to is just that, an image that I have to use to operate where I work. Today, I'm just a mom taking her little girl shopping."
Kate had been relieved that she didn't have to compete with Serena's work persona. They stopped by her place so she could change. She choose a burgundy turtleneck, dark skinny jeans, and black leather jacket. Figuring there would be some walking involved, she opted for black tennis shoes as well.
"I understand."
A mom taking her little girl shopping. Kate thought to herself, remembering how much, for all her professional accomplishments, Johanna Beckett loved the simple act of taking her daughter shopping. Shen she shook her head.
She's not really mine. I can't get too attached. Alexis has a mother already no matter how bad Meredith is.
But I'm here and she's not.
LONG ISLAND EXPRESSWAY
"Ethan, why are we listening to the theme song from 'Smokey And The Bandit'?" Roland asked in a very calm but annoyed voice.
"Because we are 'East bound and down'? You know that's what I never understood about that movie. If they wanted Coors beer so bad, why didn't they just go to the store?"
"Coors beer isn't pasteurized," Rick answered leaning back with his eyes closed, "By law, if your beer isn't pasteurized, you have to guarantee complete refrigeration during transport, end to end. Coors is based in Colorado. In 1977, the their delivery network hadn't gotten past Texas."
"How the bloody hell you do you know that," Colin interjected, "Second, why the bloody hell do you know that, and third, why is it whenever we go on one these little trips, we turn into a bad episode of 'Red Dwarf'."
"Whoa….whoa….whoa Colin," Rick responded indignantly, "There are no bad episodes of 'Red Dwarf'."
"Sorry brother, I don't know what I was saying."
Then Rick's phone rang and he answered.
"What's up Justin," he greeted, "You're on speaker."
"I just got a call from Bob Weldon. Apparently, he's got some news from a friend in the New York County DA's office."
"Oh, crap. What is Karnacki up to?"
"Apparently, he's already started talks with Brinkley's lawyer about a possible comprehensive deal."
"I thought this covered all five boroughs. Is that even kosher?" Ethan asked.
"Not technically. Any deal Lou makes would only cover his own jurisdiction," Roland answered, "But most of the cases land in Manhattan, more than all the other four combined and by a large margin. The other DAs may be furious that he would act unilaterally, but if they get the information they need, they would be hard be hard pressed to go against it."
"That explains why the Commissioner got the heads up to start heading out here," Colin theorized, "He and Karnacki are tight. They arrange for a nice deal where Brinkley gives up the information the DAs need in return for a minimal sentence and probation, likely even keeping all his money. The commissioner is there to escort Brinkley strait to the Manhattan DA and they upstage the Mayor and the other DA's. There's just one problem."
"What's that?" Justin asks.
"It's a trap," Rick answers.
"How do you know?"
"When did Karnacki reach out to the lawyer?"
"Last night."
"It's a trap."
"Again, I how do you know?"
"Justin, the guy is in a private plane. He can fake an emergency landing in a dozen different small airports and run. Hell, he was in Canada last night and this morning. Why would he even come back no matter how sweet the deal?
"His lawyer does not take orders from him. His lawyer likely didn't tell him any of this, but strung Karnacki along to get information which he likely gave to the guy pulling the strings."
"Trap." all five of them say at once.
SAKS FIFTH AVENUE
The store had assigned them a personal shopper who had experience dealing with munchkins. The girls picked out several dresses to try on.
"Would you like us to come back and help you girls get dressed?" Kate asked.
"We're not babies anymore aunt Kate," Mary Ro said with rather comic indignity, "We're five."
"Yeah mom," Alexis agreed with her cousin.
"I'll take them back and keep an eye on them," them the personal shopper said leading the girls to the dressing room.
"Do you think they rehearsed that little exchange?" Kate asked.
"You better believe it," the blonde replied, "They're learning from the best."
"You know, the first time I met Alexis, she was yelling at me," Kate said out of the blue.
"Fair is fair, you were yelling at her dad like a madwoman."
"You heard about that, huh?"
"Very few secrets within this family. Plenty to outsiders, but few among ourselves."
"I've noticed. Then she does a complete one-eighty. She pumped Lanie for information. In no time, she went from hating me to latching on to me...I don't know…it's like she's..."
"She's imprinted onto you like a baby duck."
"Yes."
"Then suddenly, you are at the top of her preferred stepmother list."
"Yes."
"And you don't like that?"
"No...I mean I'd like to understand it...I need to understand it…it's new territory for me."
"I must say it's new territory for the rest of too. You haven't seen Alexis outside the family. She's normally very shy around adults she doesn't know. Yet, I've never seen her take to anyone as quickly as she has to you."
"And you don't know why?"
"Not so much. She holds a lot inside. I think there is an element of guilt to it."
"Guilt?" Kate shot a quizzical look."
"She's very sweet, sensitive, and loving. Even at this age, she knows that there are children in the world who are so much less fortunate than her. Children who don't get toys for Christmas or their birthdays. Children who don't have a home or meals on a regular basis.
"She's wealthy, well fed, well housed, and well clothed. She has a father who adores her and would rather spend every moment he can with her than anything else. She has a four aunts and four uncles who would do anything for her, and a cousin who's closer to her than a twin sister. And she has a loving if quirky grandmother who thinks she is the center of the universe. Alexis understands just how blessed she is."
"I still don't understand."
"With all she has, she feels bad about complaining about the one thing that wasn't on that list. She wants the kind of mother you had when you were a little girl. I know it's difficult for you to talk about, but when your mother said 'I love you'. Did you ever doubt her?"
"No, of course not." Kate was upset by the very question.
"When she promised you something no matter how small or how big, did you ever doubt she was prepared to move heaven and earth to keep it?"
"No," Kate replied smiling at the memories of her mother fighting through stores to get her the one thing she wanted most for Christmas no matter what it was.
"And if she somehow couldn't keep her promise, did you doubt that she did everything she she could."
"No," this time she was smiling broadly
"And then, as soon as she could, she would do her best to comfort you and make you feel better.
This time Kate only nodded.
"And when needed a hug and you reached up to her, did she ever tell you not now because she had something important going on?"
"No, but I'm not sure I'm the perfect mother she's looking for."
"Alexis doesn't want a perfect mother because she's smart enough to know there is no such thing. She just wants one who is willing to put her first when it counts. It's what she needs.
"She just doesn't know how to express the emptiness she feels. Maybe she can't express it because she feels she's being ungrateful for all she does have. I think that's part of the reason she created that stepmother list. It was the only way to deal with the problem on her own."
Funny thing is, it sounds exactly the way I would have handled the situation when I was her age.
LONG ISLAND EXPRESSWAY
Rick, Colin, and Roland are working their phones. After they're all done, Rick speaks first.
"The Superintendent won't release the SORT team yet. And he won't authorize any kind of roadblocks."
"Why the hell not?"
"He's right Ethan. All we have is a hunch. On just that, I'm asking him to mobilize a counter-terrorist unit and block all traffic in Long Island."
"What about air support?"
"Considering our nearest station is in Newburg 60 miles North of Manhattan and on the wrong side of the Hudson, nothing can get here in time. The Sup is contacting to Coast Guard to see if can give a hand."
"What happened when you explained that we are trying to keep the Police Commissioner of New York City from possibly heading into a deadly ambush?"
"Yeah. Hard to tell over the phone, but I think he actually laughed. Did you get anywhere Colin?"
"L Troop Command at Farmingdale is putting a BOLO out on the Commissioner to all the local departments. Since we still don't know what he's driving, they're faxing his picture. Although there maybe a problem with that."
"What sort of problem?"
"Well, I think he was joking, but the Troop Commander said that the only picture they have of the Commissioner is from their dartboard.
"He is detailing any cars he can spare from Brentwood and Riverside stations. They're the closest. He's sending help from other stations, but they likely won't arrive in time. Also, again I think he was joking, he asked if we wanted to issue a shoot on sight order for the Commissioner."
"Great," Rick rolled his eyes, "Roland, what do you got."
"Based on my estimates, they're either past Brentwood's area or near about. That'll likely put him in Riverside's area. Riverside could deploy cars to the airport and wait, but without knowing who's who, they might tip off any bad guys and start a firefight. Also, they have no problem with arresting Commissioner Gray even though I didn't ask for that."
"Jeez," Ethan said, "Does anyone like this guy."
"Apparently no one in a position to save his life," Rick replied.
SAKS FIFTH AVENUE
"I still don't understand why she picked me," Kate said once the girls modeled their first dresses and went to change into the next set.
"As I said, she's a very bright and intuitive girl. Maybe she just instinctively and it's hard to disagree. Isobel told me what you did this morning. Thank you."
"It was nothing."
"No, it was something. You just don't understand how much of a something it was."
"I don't?"
"That precious little girl is constantly having her heart broken because she is an afterthought to the one woman in her life who is supposed to love her unconditionally. Meredith makes and breaks promises without a single thought, with minimal effort, and no apparent guilt. This shopping thing today isn't a one time thing. It's Alexis' reality.
"And even when she's around, Meredith barely pays any attention to her. And so, she comes home crying, asking heartbreaking questions.
"What's wrong with me?
"Why doesn't she want to talk to me?
"Why doesn't my mommy want me?
"Why aren't I good enough?"
Kate was straining to keep back tears.
"Kate, can you imagine replacing the mother you had with the mother she has. How would your life turned out?"
"I really don't want to."
"The opposite of love isn't hate you know. It's indifference. I really believe that Meredith loves her, but all Alexis sees is the indifference. It took a lot of work, and I think we got her understanding that it was not her fault. That is until Gina came along."
"What did Gina do?"
"It's more like what she didn't want to do. When Rick decided to marry Gina, he really was hoping Gina would fill the void in Alexis' life. Alexis was actually excited. Several of her little friends had stepmothers who turned out to be quite wonderful."
"She thought this was her chance to have a real mom. What happened?"
"Gina wasn't really interested in the role. She's not a bad person, but she is a very logical, business oriented person. That's how she approached it. Rick no longer had wife but Alexis still had a mother. In her view, she was there to be Rick's wife, not Alexis' mom. As far as she was concerned, Meredith was Alexis' mother and she had no reason to interfere with that."
"And I guess she didn't want to deal with the drama and mess of fighting Meredith anymore than she had to."
"As you saw today, the sad thing is that Meredith only really cares about any woman's relationship with Alexis as much as it might keep her from getting back into Rick's bed.
"Poor Rick, he really beats himself up about how massive a mistake that marriage was. Give him his due, he did try though."
"What finally ended it." the detective asked intently.
"Meredith had skipped Alexis' birthday at the last minute because she got another career changing audition on some director's casting couch. Alexis was devastated. Later, Gina's response was to tell Alexis that she was being an unsupportive daughter. That when she grows up and has a career, she will see how difficult it is for her mom to set her priorities no matter how tough they are."
"Oh God, what happened then?"
"Rick told Gina to leave. Elise, Isobel, and Vanessa helped convince her to do so quietly while Rick and I looked after Alexis."
"Rejected by two moms." Kate said out loud without even realizing it.
"Vanessa, Elise, Isobel, and I do what we can, but it's not the same. It's hard to explain. Maybe it's because we're her aunts. Maybe it's because she's the daughter of a writer. Words have power and importance. The term 'mom' or even 'stepmom' aren't just labels. For her they are ways of feeling fully safe and loved. Not to be hurtful. It's one thing to lose your mother…"
"But it's something else to feel rejected by your mother," Kate completed the thought.
"I think that's why Rick gave up on dating seriously. Too many women who were interested in him felt the same way as Gina. And he felt so bad about how badly he screwed up that he didn't want to risk it again. But then you came along. I don't know what you and Rick are doing, and I would never say you should be with him only for Alexis.
"But, you are the first woman her father has liked who was willing to stand up for her against Meredith. That makes you special to her. Truth be told, it kinda makes you special to all of us." Serena said smiling and putting her hand on Kate's briefly.
"But that was this morning. She put me at the top of her preferred stepmother list since she pretty much met me. How do you explain that?"
"That you will have to ask the little munchkin yourself. "
LONG ISLAND EXPRESSWAY
Rick tried this cell phone again.
"Damn it!"
"Gray still not picking up?" Colin asked.
"Nope. Can't ignore instructions he doesn't get. He'll just claim bad reception."
"Geez, where'd they find this guy anyway," Ethan asked.
"He was the Commander of Washington, D.C.'s Metro PD's 9th district," Roland answered, "When Jack Mannion took over as chief, he instituted ComStat as soon as he could. I provided technical assist in setting up the system. I would go down there every so often to consult. Saw the whole train wreck first hand."
"What happened?"
"Gray was a rising star in the Metro PD, third generation in the department, decorated for bravery multiple times stating as a rookie."
"Sounds like he was a standup guy. What the hell happened to him?" Ethan asked.
"Public adoration went to his head," Roland answered, "One day, he has politicians and power brokers climbing all over themselves to shake his hand on camera, the next he doesn't."
"So, he started to chase the spotlight hoping to get it back," Roland continues, "First, he keeps on doing heroic things. Then he learns to play politics by hanging with all the right people, getting photographed in all the right places, and kissing all the right asses. The spotlight is the spotlight."
"And what did his men have to say about all the glad handing?" Their British sibling asked.
"Honestly, his men loved him because he didn't ask them to go into harms way. Gray believes in non-confrontational police methods like community outreach, conflict resolution, gang relations, and patrol visibility.
"Additionally, Gray doesn't believe in using ComStat to focus police resources. He sees it as punishing an entire community for a few bad apples. It just leads to increased violence and bad relations with the community. He's even hinted it might be racist.
"He believed crime could be solved diplomatically. He once said arresting drug dealers was a bad idea because it would lead to a turf war and increase homicides. He even started referring to gangs as youth organizations.
"He encouraged his men to avoid confrontations. It became an almost live and let live kind of situation. The cops turned more into hall monitors. As long as they kept out of sight of the cops, Gray pretty much turned over the streets over to drug dealers and hoods."
"And what did Jack Mannion say to all this?"
"Oh you know Jack and his love of drawing parallels from classical history, Colin. It's almost as bad as you," Roland joked.
"I resent that," Colin responded laughing, "All my references are from the British Empire not the Romans. So, what did Jack do?"
"He compared it to when the Roman legions allowed Germanic tribes to cross the Rhine and to settle in Gaul. The Romans let them run their own little territories as long as they stayed out of Rome's way. By the time the tribes got fully out of hand and the Romans tried to exert their authority, it was too late."
"Sounds like something Mannion would say."
"Can't say Jack was wrong," Roland said somberly, "But give Mannion his credit, he gave Gray over a year to clean up his act. ComStat after ComStat showed how bad Gray's district was, until Mannion had enough. Gray even tried to intimidate Mannion with political pressure from his friends."
"I guess he underestimated old Jack. So Mannion fired him?" Ethan asked.
"Gray was too high ranking. The decision went to a trial board like a court martial. They didn't think what he did rose to the level of being terminated. The most Mannion could do was bust him down to Captain. He resigned right after, playing the martyred hero. A bunch of his men quit with him, nice media moment."
"So, how the hell did he end up here?" Ethan asked.
"Many of his friends and admirers in D.C. are congressman and lobbyists from here. They made Gray out to be the kind of Commissioner certain members of the City Council were looking for specially after all the scandals. His version of policing fit with their political agenda."
"They recommended Gray as someone who knew how to play ball with community leaders as well as look good for the camera doing it. As for Gray, well, in The District, the most he could be is mayor. In New York State, there are whole lot of other prizes to chance."
"And that my brothers," Rick said, "Is why were are stuck with the situation we have, an idiot riding into a possible ambush among millions of gallons of aviation fuel."
SAKS FIFTH AVENUE
"There is another question you haven't asked. Actually, there is likely a long list," the blonde alleged former art thief asked the brunette detective.
"Is it that obvious?" Kate watched as the girls went to try on the next round of dresses.
I'm really enjoying myself more than I thought I would. No fair Rick Castle, getting me to fall in love with your little girl.
"Oh Kate my dear, spend enough time on the other side of the interrogation table and you learn to read when detective is jonesing to find a way to ask something."
Kate laughed at that, "I'll keep that in mind."
"May I pick the next question to answer?"
"Oh, you can read minds too?"
"Not so much, but this question has been on the tip of your tongue for years, even when you had it pierced."
"How did you know…never mind. Ok, what is the question that you think I have that you want to answer?"
"You want to know why Rick and I spent so much time together when we were kids, teenagers, and beyond if we weren't ever a couple of any kind. And the shocked expression on your face tells me I'm right."
"Uh...yeah..I'm sorry...if it's too personal…"
"No...it's not…my only hesitation is that Rick is correct, jealous Kate is adorable."
"Jealous Kate?"
"That's what he calls it when you get all insecure and angry when you think he maybe going off with someone else."
"Really, did he say anything else about me?" Kate said nervously.
"You want me to pass him a note during home room?"
"Oh my God, I am insecure. I guess I am pretty ridiculous sounding."
"It's cute. And now, Kate, I think you're still wanting an answer to your question."
"Again, if it's too personal...please.."
"It's not. If you had asked us back in the day, we would have told you. Rick and I were always together because we're twins."
"Twins?"
"Not like that, but I couldn't resist seeing the look on your face when I said it. Rick and I were born about an hour or so apart on the same day of the same year in the same hospital."
"Really?"
"Really. Martha and my mother were even placed in the same hospital room during labor. My dad was stuck in Seattle I think. And of course you know about Rick's dad situation. My mom was a bit of a hippie at the time, not enough of one to give up her trust fund thank God, but was very into New Age things.
"She believed Rick and I had been twins in another life so we were twins in this life. And Martha, well being Martha and no stranger to New Age stuff herself, agreed. So, our mothers bonded and became best friends.
"So, Katherine Beckett, I am not nor have I ever been a romantic rival for my blockhead of a brother. Of course, if I didn't love my brother so, if he wasn't head over heals in love with you, and if I wasn't totally I'm into into Zalman Drake, I would be his romantic rival for you."
Serena gave her a wink.
"Close your mouth detective, the girls are ready."
LONG ISLAND EXPRESSWAY
"One thing I want to know," Ethan began, "If this guy was in Canada when Karnacki reached out to his lawyer, didn't Karnacki think there might be a chance the guy would run."
"I guess he thought he had to risk it," Rick answered, "Plea negotiations are sealed so low chance of Karnacki's actions being more than rumor. If the guy runs, Canada is a fairly good about extradition when there is no death penalty involved. The problem cases would remain and we really weren't expecting much cooperation from Brinkley anyway. Lou must have figured it was the least bad of all his bad political options."
Rick's phone rang.
"You're on speaker. What's up Justin? Let me guess. You have bad news and worse news."
"We're way past jokes bro. Put me on speaker."
"Mike Royce just reported on some activities with Latin Kings. Seems last night at least 6 button pushers took off East Bound on the Long Island Expressway. And I don't think they're going for a beachfront vacation."
"Ethan, what do we know about these guys?" the Brit asked.
"Not good, Col. These aren't your everyday Cholos. They're stone killers These guys are clean shaven and clean cut and few if any tats. They drive Audis and Mercedes, wear very expensive suites, and speak perfect English. They think of themselves as soldiers because they usually were. Almost all served in one Central or South American army or another before getting a better offer.
"Their leaders are usually ex-officers from upper class families that got caught on the wrong side of whatever political disagreements where going on at the time. One or more of them likely got training at Ft. Benning on Uncle Sam's nickel. They're going to be heavily armed and armored."
"Bugger!"
"Not to worry my Limey brother, we don't just have Cuisinart on this thing. Here," Ethan said flipping a switch on the center console.
Two hidden rolling panels in the cargo area came down revealing gun and ammunition racks.
"My brothers, I give you your favorite non-alcoholic Belgian import and mine, FN P90 LV with the. 7×28 mm SS190 rounds that will penetrate a CRISAT or Level IIIA Kevlar vest at 200 meters. Compact bullpup design, Laserex Laser Visible, and 50 round magazine."
"They're our weapons Ethan. We've already bought them. You can drop the sales pitch," Roland said exasperated.
"He's so cute when he starts talking machine guns," Colin observed sarcastically.
"Moving along," Rick rolled his eyes, "I don't suppose we have any idea what their vehicle is either?"
"Oh I got those," Justin answered, "They have a pair of identical Black A8 Audi Long-Wheelbase Quattro. They have 4.2 Liter, 310 horsepower V8 engines and all-wheel drive. Best of all, since 2002, the beauties have had OnStar Available."
"Please tell me these idiots signed up."
'Oh they signed up and I'm in the system."
"The cars are now sitting at the airport. Waiting."
"They have to be from our friend Jerome," Rick said using their codename for Coonan, "Moses and Louis don't have direct ties to the Latin Kings. They couldn't get anything going so fast. Most of the good Doctor's dealings were with Jerome so he would be the one most likely be connected to Brinkley's lawyer.
"Alright, Colin, Roland start looking up at diagrams of that airport. Find out where they are most likely to setup an an ambush. Justin keep looking for a way to get us more intel on the situation. Right now, we want to minimize any casualties, specially us.
"I'm going to get on the horn with the hire ups and explain that we are now operating on more than a hunch."
"Rick, before we get any deeper, I think you and need to make a call," Colin said somberly, "I think we all do." They all nodded.
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF MEDICAL EXAMINER OF NEW YORK
"Dr. Murray," Camille said extending her hand, "Good to see you again."
"Dr. Saroyan, good to see you again as well" the skinny forensic pathologists with the receded hairline responded taking her hand, "I understand you've been briefed on the situation."
"Yes sir, I have. May I present Dr. Lanie Parish. She is an intern with us here and possibly the brightest student I've ever taught."
"It's an honor to meet you sir," Lanie extended her hand.
"I've known Dr. Saroyan a while now and that is high praise indeed," Clark Murray said taking Lanie's hand, "Good to meet you Dr. Parish, Rick Castle gives you his highest recommendations."
"Thank you sir."
"Lanie would you excuse us, Dr. Murray and I need to go over a few things. Continue checking to rooms to make sure we're ready to go."
"Yes, Dr. Saroyan."
With that the two senior doctors left and Lanie got back to work. Suddenly, Lanie's cell phone rang.
"Roland, hey I meant to call. I can't make it tonight, there's a situation.."
"I know came the voice over the phone. It was our team that discovered the situation."
"It was?"
"Listen, I don't have much time. We were on our way to a simple arrest of the door Dr. Brinkley when things got weird."
"How weird?" Lanie asked with concern on her face.
"We're likely headed towards a possible shootout with a South American death squad in an area surrounded by millions of gallons of aviation fuel."
"Please tell me this is one of your family's sick jokes."
"No joke darlin. This is as real as it gets. Just wanted to say, until tomorrow doctor."
"What does that mean?"
"It's a Rick thing. He doesn't like to use the word 'goodbye' at a time like this. Until tomorrow sounds more hopeful."
"Then, until tomorrow Roland."
NEW YORK TIMES BUILDING
"Charlie Parker speaking," the black haired reporter said picking up the phone.
"Hey love."
"Colin! I was thinking about you. The mayor is having some kind of big announcement on Monday. You wouldn't happen to know anything about that?"
"Actually, I know everything about it."
"Oh really," she said in a low sexy tone, "Any change we can get together later and debrief each other."
"Actually, right now I need you not to be a reporter Charlie."
"And who would you like me to be? Seems a little early in the relationship for role play."
"I'm not playing around Charlie," he said with a stern tone, "This is off the record."
"Ok, you're starting to scare me a little."
"Look, just be the woman I met last week who I am very fond of and hope to have many future encounters with should I still be in one piece in a few hours."
"OK, now you're actually scaring me. Where are you."
"I'm was on my way to make a simple arrest and transport, but now, things may have gone bad."
"What do you mean by bad?"
"Maybe your editor should get a reporter down to East Hampton Airport. If he's lucky, there will be lots of gunplay to cover. If we're lucky, there won't. And he'd better not send you."
"Colin…"
"Until tomorrow Charlotte Parker."
SAK'S FIFTH AVENUE
"Beckett." she answered her phone without looking at the caller id.
"You really should look at your caller id."
"Hey Castle, how's life in the Hampton's?"
"Where's Alexis right now?"
His even, flat tone immediately set off her detective instincts.
"She and Mary Rose are in the dressing room changing. Why?"
"Listen to me carefully. Do your shopping and leave for the loft as soon as possible. Don't do anything to make her suspicious."
"You're making me suspicious," by now Serena was standing next to her, "Serena's listening in. What's going on?"
"Likely nothing, but our little prisoner pickup could get interesting."
"Define interesting."
"As Roland put it, we're likely headed towards a possible shootout with a South American death squad in an area surrounded by millions of gallons of aviation fuel."
Kate felt her blood run cold in her veins. She wanted to say something but her voice failed her.
"Why are you still headed in? You guys are just analysts. Shouldn't you call in ESU."
"SORT"
"Excuse me?"
"In the NYSP, we call them SORT, Special Operations Response Team. They're on their way, but they may not get here in time."
"What about local departments?"
"Have you ever been out to the Hampton's? The last time they needed a Tac Team, Colin's ancestors were trying to put down the Revolution. Look it'll be fine Kate. We're just going to do our best to contain the situation and not get shot until the SORT guys arrive."
"Kate, is daddy on the phone?" a little voice said coming out of the dressing room, "Kate?"
"Oh yes he is sweety. Here you go."
"Hi, daddy."
"Hi pumpkin. Are you having fun with Kate?"
"Yeah, Kate's awesome and she has such good taste in clothes."
"Did you find a dress you like?"
"Well...maybe more than one."
"That's my girl. You have fun. I just called to say that I may be stuck in the Hampton's overnight so you will have to have a sleepover at your aunt Serena's."
"Awww….really...I wanted to show you my new dress."
"Don't worry, I'll be there to see it before you know it. Just be good for your aunt Serena."
"Daddy?"
"Yes, Pumpkin."
"Can I stay at our place and can Kate stay with me?"
That got the detectives attention. Her mind immediately said yes. She wanted to hold on to the little girl and protect her from the whole world.
"I don't know kiddo. That's a lot to ask. Give the phone back to Kate and let me talk to her about it."
"Ok, daddy. I love you."
"Love you too pumpkin."
"Hey Castle," Kate said taking the phone.
"Did you get the gist of that?"
"Yeah I did...and I will. I can stay with the munchkin."
Kate could hear Alexis say 'yes' and jump in the air.
"Really. I wouldn't ask if…"
"I said yes."
"Thank you Kate. Don't let her near any TVs or Radios if you can help it. And if she asks about anything, don't lie to her even if you think it's not your place tell her."
"I understand," Kate said stepping out of earshot of Alexis, "You better not make me a fake widow when I'm barely a fake wife."
"I promise. Until tomorrow Kate."
"Until tomorrow Rick."
LONG ISLAND EXPRESSWAY
"Ok, this is getting way out of hand. We're chasing moron into a trap while blind."
"Whatcha thinking Shakespeare?" Ethan asked.
"I'm thinking I'm going to make a call to someone who should be in a great mood this morning," replied as he dialed.
"Edgerton." came the voice on the other end.
Jeez, doesn't anyone check the caller ID.
"Ian, Rick Castle. I'm riding into a possible shoot out involving multiple automatic weapons at the East Hampton Airport. Since it involves what at nominally a port of entry into the United States, I thought maybe I could get some sniper support from Uncle Sam."
"Can't you say good morning like a normal person?"
"Hey, considering the things you likely did to my little sister last night that I'm desperately trying NOT to think about, you're lucky I don't shoot you and then go to the airport."
"Fair, enough. Give me the details."
SAK'S FIFTH AVENUE
Kate and Serena did a good job of covering their concern as the girls modeled more dresses.
"Serena did Rick mention…"
"That he made you Alexis' guardian should anything happen to him. Of course. It was me before he switched it over to you."
"And you don't mind?"
"Kate," the blonde said taking her hand, "This isn't some competition. I must admit I was a little shocked, but I think he made the right choice."
"You do?"
"It scares you doesn't it."
"It terrifies me. I don't want to think the worst. I really don't, but what if it happens. I don't know how to take care of a little girl. I live alone. I live off of take out."
"Hey, hey...if God forbid the unthinkable happened, it's not like you'll be in it by yourself. Rick knows that. That little girl has aunts and uncles and a grandmother. Besides nothing will happen. My brother is determined to get you to the altar and into the sack. Believe me, he's not going to leave this world until that is accomplished."
Kate laughed at that, "He does seem determined doesn't he?"
"You've never been on this side it have you Kate?"
"What side?"
"Being the family of a policeman about to go into harm's way, waiting for news. It's ways been you going in, not you waiting by the phone."
Kate was about to object but Serena raised her hand to stop her.
"You're caveats and denials are duly noted. However, I know you you care deeply for my brother and his little girl. Whatever your relationship, it terrifies you to think about Alexis possibly growing up without him. It terrifies you to lose him without you two having resolved whatever it is or isn't between you."
"Yes. I'm scared out of my mind. I don't know how I'm going to keep a straight face today."
"Hey, like said, you're not alone."
"Can I get you something Miss Kaye, Mrs. Castle." the personal shopper assigned to them asked.
It took Kate a second to realize the woman was speaking to her. Luckily, Serena recovered.
"No, we're both fine."
"Very good. I'll go check on the girls."
"Thank you."
"I never said I was…" Kate whispered to Serena.
"You're taking his daughter shopping with his sister and niece. The daughter has called you 'mom' a few times. I doubt she would know enough to assume the truth, that you were adopted by a five year old."
Kate burst out laughing at that.
LONG ISLAND EXPRESSWAY
Rick's phone ran.
"On speaker, what's the word Justin?"
"Thank God for rich people and their toys."
"Say what?" Ethan responded.
"East Hampton airport is filled with very expensive toys for the rich and famous which need to be secured. They recently put in a nice state of the art closed circuit digital video security system complete with web feed to the local police station.
"And they were kind enough to use the worse security protocols since some idiot put 12345 as the combination in his luggage."
"Way to go little brother," Rick said smiling at last, "Is Mike Royce there?"
"He should be here in a fews."
"Good, have him look through the feeds with you. See if you can spot our unfriendlies. As soon as you're remotely sure."
"On it. Anything else?"
"Have you found that idiot Gray yet?"
"That's my other piece of good news. Tracking him down was not working out, but we all know he doesn't go anywhere without press coverage of some sort. So…"
"So...please tell me there is a news van headed to East Hampton airport."
"There is."
"Alright, put a BOLO out for any of our units. I don't want the news van. The last thing we need is Michael Moore making a documentary on us. I want Gray. If we're lucky and he used a city vehicle, they should be able to tell which one it is.
"See if you can establish communications with the van. They likely won't listen, but we have to warn them as best we can."
"Got it." Justin hung up.
"Feel better?" Colin asked.
"Not near."
OUTSIDE EAST HAMPTON AIRPORT
"You know, Rick's going to kill me for bringing you along," Ian Edgerton said.
"You didn't bring me. I drove remember?" Vanessa replied, "Besides you maybe shooting into an area containing several tons of aviation fuel. You're going to need a spotter."
They both did their best to stay out of sight. To any passersby, they were a couple making out while airplane watching.
"Nessa…"
"Don't Nessa me. My brother's are possibly about ride into an ambush. I'm staying. Got it?"
"Got it."
Ian's phone then ran on silent mode and he spoke with the person on the other end and made notes on a diagram of the airport.
"Justin's hacked the security system. He's got the position of the shooters and laid out routes to the three best nest I can use without being seen by the cameras."
"Which one will we use."
"This storage building here. It's got the best elevation, cover, access, and possible escape routes if we needed."
"You don't seem convinced."
"I'm only going on secondhand information. I'd like to recon the position myself, but it's too risky. I'm breaking all my own rules. You should go back."
"If I went back, you'd be operating without a spotter which would be yet another rule you'd be breaking."
"You're not even a cop."
"I am in this town."
"Huh?"
"My company does security for their civic events. It make paperwork and such go easier, they hire me as a deputy for one dollar a year. Given my professional background, it's not that big a stretch. I can arrest people and everything."
"Wait a minute...you had a second pair of handcuffs all this time and didn't tell me."
She rolled her eyes and laughed.
LONG ISLAND EXPRESSWAY
"You know guys, we're getting close. Just for luck, I think we should say the oath," Ethan offered.
"I am not saying it."
"Why not Roland?"
"Because we're not 11 anymore."
"Come one guys."
"On sec," Rick said as he dialed his phone, "Justin, you're on speaker. Ethan want's to say the Oath for good luck."
"Seriously?"
"Come on guys what could it hurt?"
"And you don't feel the slightest bit silly Ethan?"
"No, Colin, I don't."
"Fine, if it will make you feel better," Roland, "But I can't believe we're grownups and sill doing this.
They all greed and began in unison.
"In brightest day, in blackest night,
No evil shall escape my sight.
Let those who worship evil's might
Beware my power – Green Lantern's light!"
AGAIN: I have no ownership, rights, connection of any kind to Castle. I also have no ownership rights to The Human Target, Suits, Numb3rs, Bones, Blue Bloods, The District, or their characters. Before I had been killing time waiting for the season to start. Now, I'm killing time because I'm not too thrilled with the new season but hey, it's only episode two.
All reviews welcome. I only ask that you be polite and constructive. Feel free to point out grammatical, spelling, or factual errors. I do a lot of editing so sometimes cut and paste errors may slip through. Please let me know.
AN: Please note that the OnStar service was provided on Audi vehicles between 2002 and 2005