Chapter 54 – Under Siege

Previously Rick is home and after celebrating with his family, he can begin the long road to recovery. Now if only they would be left alone….not too much to ask surely?

Disclaimer – Naturally I don't own Castle or any of the characters. All the other legal stuff applies too.


The Loft, Tuesday.

He was up early again. And there wasn't even a dead body.

Won't be for some time, and maybe that's a good thing.

Mind you his hadn't been too far off not so long ago.

So he'd take the pain and frustrations of his rehab as very real confirmation that there was life in the old body yet.

Of course this wasn't his favourite confirmation of life but doctor's orders but apparently he was following them, even if Kate's enforcement of them was hypocritical to say the least. At least Kate had promised to make it up to him later.

He had left Kate in bed and this morning and he was in his study surfing the Internet. Although warned against overuse of his right hand, he was sure a short period of web surfing wouldn't be too strenuous. He could even try driving the mouse left handed. Although he had a tablet, several actually, in fact too many gadgets of all kinds, he much preferred his laptop for everyday surfing. And writing, not that, even if he was capable, he felt like doing.

He had checked his business email and was relieved to find that it had nothing that needed his attention - most likely the efficient work of Harry Dove and team. He was immensely grateful for their endeavours and loyalty, and he sometimes wondered if observers and commentators ever considered what it took to create and maintain a lifestyle like his. And this wasn't in reference to his playboy past, but now with his admittedly low key business empire. He was only able to concentrate on being a single dad for Alexis and the best partner for Kate because he could trust those around him. That included Steve and Suzanne his lawyers, Harry and team from RCE, Paula, even Gina.


Kate had sauntered past maybe five minutes ago, pausing to kiss his head with a 'Hey Babe' before disappearing out the door before he could summon enough wit to respond. He'd go find her in a minute after he completed checking his e-mail. How they ever though he could be playing 'Birds all that time in the Precinct was beyond him. For a start he'd be some global champion not the middle of the pack he actually was. But like many things in his life up to Kate, it was easier to let people believe what they wanted to, and not the reality. Even after sometimes. He'd learnt his lesson with Kate, they were certainly different now.

The client configuration had his multiple email accounts organised and stacked into different folders including some that were pseudonyms and covers (he never wanted his personal shopping to be not quite so private).

It was in one of his personal accounts – known only to a select group of friends – that he found the email from an unfamiliar user ID simply said 'Bad news travels fast'. He was wary enough to not click on the URL link that was the sole content of the message but a quick cut and paste into Google search found the desired location on the first results page.

Clicking the link and blessed with a writer's ability to suck words from a page it takes less than thirty seconds for his stomach to start to lurch and his head to throb.

"Fuck! Fuck! BarrrrsssstarDS! " He has no idea how loud is the anguished sound that rips from him, but as Kate doesn't come to investigate so maybe it wasn't that loud.

He snatches his phone and is dialling her number which picks up before the first ring has barely completed.

"Paula!" He's almost screaming into the phone. He's certainly being loud. In the back of his mind he realises Kate might hear but before he can consciously modify his volume, Paula's calm voice carries from the end of the line.

"Rick. Please take a breath or two. And please lower the volume."

He's silent for a second so Paula takes the opportunity to start speaking.

"Rick, I'm really sorry. We knew nothing of this. Got no heads up. I got called by the Ledger and Post not five minutes ago."

"What can we do?"

"We'll get to that in a minute Rick but I need to ask, but how much in there is accurate?"

"The basic facts are correct. But they are, sorry were, never public record. And the way that is she is portrayed. Makes her seem so callous and thoughtless and unprofessional when she's so clearly not. Also Esposito. They're both a big part of the reason New York cops are called 'The Finest'."

Paula ignores the last bit – Rick has a tendency instinctive clichéd hyperbole that he somehow curbs for his books - but picks up on the salient point from the earlier part of Rick's statement. "So you said not public record correct?" She carries on without waiting for his confirmation.

"Someone is leaking from inside the NYPD. Well I can start to work with that. I'll call Victoria and that useless press suit at headquarters. Then we can set the wolves lose too if need be, but I prefer to play this level and measured. The Ledger and Post have given us a couple of hours for a response, more if we do it in person." Paula is on a roll and figures she should get her point across before her Number One client did something they would all regret.

"Rick, for Christ's sake please keep everyone away from the media. No statements. Especially Martha. She's a firebrand but we need a calm response. We need to set the tone. But not yet."

"I'll do my best. Thanks Paula. But right now I need to go tell Kate."

"Good luck with that. I'll call you with updates, okay?"

Hanging up, it is with a heavy heart and growing sense of dread that he knows he must go find Kate and tell her. He'll never be less than totally honest with her now, the painful lessons of their past dictate that, but it doesn't mean it he do this with any less trepidation than before.


He finds her in the love seat near the windows, curled up with a book – not one of his he notes neutrally – and headphones on.

He smiled wryly. Kate had initially frowned at the streaming service and wireless headphones installed in the Loft but after a demonstration from Alexis including how to keep her playlists private she had become a frequent user. He'd done his level best to respect that need for solitude and now she was moved in he'd need to make a serious effort on that side.

There were also some wireless speakers although these were often powered off, least the other house hold members be woken by show tunes at unspeakably unsocial hours. For someone as techno-illiterate as his mother her master of the streaming app on her phone spoke suspiciously of teenage guidance. Denied of course.

She sees him coming and looks up with an open smile of her own. "Hey."

She takes one look at his defeated posture, and the complete lack of joy in his face and instantly puts the book down and pulls the headphones from her ears.

"Rick?"

"You're going to hate me. It's all because of me." He's barely loud enough to hear himself.

"Hey. We've spoken about….." He interrupts her.

"The press." He forces out. She squeezes his hands.

"A bad story?" Ain't that the truth!

"Yeah. On the 'net. Spun out a few selected facts to make you and Esposito look really bad. Callous and unprofessional. It's truly ugly. I never wanted that. I'm so sorry Kate. I couldn't protect you."

She's standing and caresses his hand before taking it.

"Shush. You have nothing to apologise. Please show me Rick." She gently leads him back towards the study.


Celebrity Searchlight website.

'Bad Beckett?'

'Murder Mystery Author's Cop Girlfriend 'Responsible' for death of bystander?'

'Sources confirm that Detective First Grade Katherine Beckett, the girlfriend of crime novelist Richard Castle, was officially censured in May of this year by the NYPD following the death of a civilian during a homicide investigation.

She served out a forty day suspension for failure to follow protocol and failure to maintain chain of command.

The death occurred at the Alhambra Long Stay Hotel on 13th Street. Detectives Beckett and Esposito entered the hotel without backup of a suspect wanted in connection with the homicide of burglary suspect, Orlando Costas. Mr Costas, former gang member and ex-soldier, was found dead in a stolen car having been shot execution style in the forehead.

The hotel duty manager, David Borrens, gave the detectives access to the room using his master key to open the door. The suspect wasn't present at the time of entry but during the search returned and surprised the officers.

During the confrontation, the suspect killed Mr Borrens with a single blow to his throat. With Detective Esposito knocked unconscious, Detective Beckett was unable to detain the suspect. She herself was in imminent danger and was only saved by the arrival of backup including ESU. The suspect escaped the scene.

The suspect later identified as a former Special Forces soldier, Cedric Marks, also known as Cole Maddox, was killed less than twenty-four hours later by a bomb in booby-trapped safe in a derelict building under refurbishment in circumstances that remain unexplained.

The motive for the original homicide and the exact nature of the crimes remains unsolved.

David Borrens left behind two teenage children and former partner, Natalie Grunezski. Miss Grunezski paid tribute to the hard working father of two who had continued to make time for his children despite their separation, stating that he had recently started to assist with coaching their baseball team in order to have more time with them.

Detectives Beckett and Esposito were ordered to serve a total of forty days suspended – the consecutive suspensions for ten and thirty days for the disciplinary breaches - by Captain Victoria Gates of the Twelfth Precinct. They both returned to active duty with no further sanction.

Barely six months after the death of David Borrens, the NYPD has rewarded Detective Beckett with an opportunity for promotion, generous extended leave entitlement and time off to study for her promotion whilst she has moved in and is now sharing millionaire boyfriend Richard Castle's luxury loft in trendy upmarket Soho.

Neither the NYPD, Detective Beckett or Richard Castle have responded to our request for comment.'


Kate takes longer than him to read the news item, not that he'd ever dream of mentioning that, at any time, but especially not now. Whilst she reads he does something very un-Castle-like and stays back and doesn't hover or bother her. A sound not dissimilar to a 'tut' can be heard on occasion from Kate, otherwise a steady silence fills the room.

She is not only absorbing the raw story but reading every nuance in the language. Each little twist and insinuation and outright innuendo and lie.

Then she finally speaks. Her tone flat and surprisingly level.

"Damn right I'm angry… for Esposito. He never choose this." Kate rises from the seat and ensures she is right in front of Rick and reaches up to cup his face with both hands and bring his eyes onto hers. When she speaks her voice is softer, the emotion is still there but different.

"I on the other hand chose you Rick Castle. I came to you and told you I wanted only you even when I didn't feel deserved you anymore, I had rejected you. You loved me enough to let me back in. That's more than enough for me. For a lifetime. So there's no going back now. For either of us." Her right hand taps his left shoulder for emphasis.

"Wait why are you smiling?" He was indeed smiling, a remarkable state given his apparent morose state moments ago.

Rick wrapped her up in a left-handed half-bear hug.

"I'm smiling because I have most fantastic girlfriend and partner I could ever hope for." She tilts her head in puzzlement, still reluctant to accept, his admittedly sometimes gushing, praise and adoration.

"I'm proud because despite the crass attempt to tarnish your name, your first instinct was for your friend and colleague, and not for yourself. You're…." Her hand is on his mouth, gently for once.

"Don't use that word. Please. It has so much meaning and I don't like it being overused."

"Okay. Can I tell you how special you are?"

"Maybe later. Perhaps you can start by telling me what we're doing about this?"

She takes his hand to get him to sit down in his chair. They have quite a bit to discuss and some phone calls to make.


There is a knock and Kate moves quickly and checks the security vision before opening the door. Attired in leggings and sweat shirt, she has the Sig 229 snugly secure in the holster at her back.

On the other side is Clare Dunne, regularly attired in her uniform with two, what Kate assumes to be, Taylor Matthews's team members, similarly attired in the smart business casual clothes all Taylor Matthew's employees seem to favour.

Right hand out Clare greets Kate with a firm but friendly handshake.

"Hello Kate. I didn't get the chance the other day to welcome you to Taylor Matthews. I look forward to working with you."

"Thanks." After a pause, she adds "Likewise." If only she knew what she would be doing for them. At the time she had met the Tim and Derek she had been focused and quite frankly overwhelmed with the need to obtain a legal carry permit and a capable weapon. Still that was a question for another time.

Clare introduces the other two team members, and Kate remembers that they are actually her colleagues, at least for a little while.

"Mike Dempsey and Adrian Hill. Normally based out of Chicago but things are quiet in the mid-West. They'll handling security here. One near the lobby and the other on this floor. We don't think there is sufficient reason to be concerned but we don't take chances"

"Kate Beckett" she confirm her name as she exchanges handshakes, firm and measured in both cases.

Leaving the other two operatives by the door for the moment, Clare strides into the Loft and spots Rick on the couch.

"Hey Rick. As you can see we're putting security back on for the moment." She certainly doesn't waste time.

"God Clare, it's good to see you. I was going to call." He's obviously not phased at all by the direct approach from Clare.

"Rick it's not a problem. We don't have any threats but we've got the physicals covered here. How are you?"

"Getting there. It's going to take some time and things like this don't help."

Her nod of sympathy is sufficient, and he presses on. Kate takes a seat beside him.

"How bad is it?" Rick continues.

"Well you've got every major, and a good chunk of the freelancers down stairs. The NYPD will move on those that constitute a safety hazard but that's all they can do for now. They have a car outside. There is no real public present aside from some curious bystanders. But effectively you're under siege by the press – for the moment. Aside from that we have no idea who is behind the news story and what possible motivation they might have."

Rick swears under his breath and clenches both fists. Clare watches the muscles in his arms ripple as tension works its way upwards. The wince as the tension hits his bad shoulder. She reaches out to place a comforting hand on his right forearm before continuing.

For her part Kate watches with interest. The woman is obviously comfortable with Rick and his family, and doesn't shy away from physical contact but at the same time is almost relentlessly professional.

"We have reports of press outside Detective Beckett's residence and also her father's. Do you want us to put a team on your father Detective?" This last is spoken addressed to the motionless figure on beside Rick on the couch. The words seem to have an impact. Kate, who had been fighting the desire to bury herself away, starts at that information and grabs her phone from the coffee table as she sprints for the office.

"Can I let you know? I need to call my Dad." Rick doesn't trust himself to speak and merely nods and tried to ensure he didn't exacerbate the matter as he was concerned she could hover dangerously close to breaking point.

He gets a small answering smile as Kate strides towards the bedroom and privacy her back ramrod straight. There will be ramifications from this and his gut sinks as he forces away thoughts of what it could do to their relationship. Even now despite their promises and all the progress, the insecurity lingers, years of unreciprocated devotion has etched maybe permanent tracks on his psyche. Everything is so close to overwhelming him, the anger, frustration, worries, physical pain, it all hammers against him.

Clare returns to the loft entrance to organise her team, leaving Rick alone with his thoughts for some minutes. Eventually she returns back to the couch.

"What about Alexis?" He forces his mind back to the room and the matters at hand.

"Nothing on the scope, but I'm prepping an affiliated organisation who specialise in this sort of thing." Clare responds.

"What sort of specialism?" The father speaks.

"Working with young people, students, that sort of clients. They're really good and blend in. You know we wouldn't put her in harm's way with any form of substandard cover."

"Sorry Clare. I know you wouldn't." It is the change in his voice that alerts Clare. She's not been around much in the last four years, but she knows Rick Castle. That tone, the unconscious tremor through his voice, that's not him.

He suddenly turns and then after a handful of huge strides, he's in the far corner of the living area, his back to the wall, dropping to the floor, eyes shut, hands fisted, shaking, mouth clamped closed as if to hold back the howls of emotion.

Clare doesn't follow him despite instinct ghosting at her feet. He needs someone else. Immediately.

The Fates are kind as Kate chooses the moment to emerge from his office, a purposeful stride bellying the fact that she's been crying. No tears now with a face that looks remarkably calm given the circumstances.

Her eyes catch Clare's face and she immediately looks for him. Her partner. She follows Clare's head as it turns to indicate the corner of the room. She's fast and she's by his side in seconds. At first leaning down but then dropping to her knees. She hears him.

"Stay. Please stay. Please. Stay. "

Her heart falling, she sinks into him, wrapping herself around him. Rick falls silent at her embrace but his body is trembling. It is some time before she trusts herself to speak.

"Rick." He still shakes and doesn't acknowledge her.

"Rick, please look at me."

He doesn't comply. She knows this type of reaction. She's intimately familiar with it. Except she suffered in solitude unwilling to admit the one person who could help.

"Love. Rick. Please look at me." She persists and his head raises enough she can see him blink, his eyes no longer firmly socketed shut.

He still doesn't answer but as she tightens her embrace she feels the sobs shaking him subside.

"I'm not going anywhere except with you. Our promises remember?"

Still no words but his body is less tense, and his breathing is settling.

"Still not running Rick. Okay?"

"We will be." He speaks. The sudden panic is fading but anger is still pumping and surging in him. His family and friends are under attack and he can't do anything about it for now. He hates that. He likes to fix things. Use his wits and connections to make problems go away. Sometimes his fists, but not often.

"Rick!" It is almost a command from Kate but she bites down on the instinct. Remembers how counterproductive it was for her. Instead she changes tactics and pleads.

"Please don't let this burn you. We'll get through it together. But you need to let go the anger. I know this, I've been there remember. I didn't do what was best for us then, but I am now."

"Okay." A much more even tone of voice. Hope blossoms in her and she can't help the smile.

"But I reserve the right to punch something." That's better too.

"Just use your left hand for the moment Big Guy."

He looks at her properly, his eyes finally focusing.

"Thank you Kate." Simple, heartfelt, endearing.

"Do you want to stay here or perhaps somewhere more comfortable?"

"I think I should get up. I think my ass has gone to sleep. Get sorted out. I need to speak to Mother and Alexis before anyone else."

"Whatever you need Rick." She rises and offers him her hands and his reaches out his left arm and with some assistance from his right pushing off the floor he staggers to his feet.

He's really close to Kate and she simply merges herself into him and holds on tight.

"You." It's a whisper. She's not sure if she's meant to hear. But she does. "All I need is you."


Martha never one for prompt mornings had risen late, taken in the bare facts tersely delivered by her son, simply shrugged, hugged both of them, kissed their foreheads and retreated back to her room with a cup of tea and some fruit in about three minutes flat. Kate had stood there motionless for just as long, a single tear coursing down her right cheek as she fought to get her emotions under control.

It had been the simple, heartfelt intent behind the actions that had reduced her to mush. She still wasn't used to this family's unconditional offering of support and love without question or limit.

Rick had sat back, leaning on the back of the couch waiting for her to compose herself and then come back to him.


Rick worked the phones like a pro.

Kate was still endlessly fascinated by this aspect of him. She had seen him turn on the charm, goof-off with the best, throw insanely wild theories around like confetti, comfort the bereaved, but aside from their favourite alone time, she was rapidly becoming severely infatuated with 'Serious Rick.'

Right now he was on the phone with his lawyer with the phone of hands-free on his knee closest to her.

"Hey Steve!" He sounds far more upbeat than he is.

"Hi Rick. I'm on it already. Paula has called me multiple times, the last not twenty minutes ago." Kate can hear the exasperation in the man's voice, but Rick breezes on through.

"What options do we have?"

"Well there is no accredited author, the ownership of the website is murky to say the least, most importantly the actual facts are close enough to meet the standards for accuracy, possibly public interest. It is just their spin that is so negative.

"Susanne is back from holiday, but had been working from home today. She's dropping her plans and is already working the phone on her way in. We'll work a plan out. But….."

Steve's pause is protracted.

"It will take time. We can't just make this go away. Sorry Rick. I would if I could." Then as if remembering.

"Miss Beckett, apologies. I forgot you were there."

"That's quite alright Steve. I'll forgive you so long as you call me Kate. You call him Rick. Please treat me the same."

"Of course Kate. Now my recommendation to both of you is to sit tight, and say nothing. Oh and if that could include Martha and Alexis even better. Paula will synchronise a statement with the NYPD so that should be our first order of the day. So settle it. It could take a while. Sorry."

"Thanks Steve. It's a good thing we don't have any place we need to be then. I'm sure we'll talk later."


Homicide, 12th Precinct.

Lieutenant Carmel Davies and her seemingly faithful sidekick, Detective First Grade Horace Bateman, were definitely feeling the heat. Currently standing – there had been no offer of seating - in the Captain's office – and receiving the closest thing to a dressing down they can both remember. This wasn't how it was meant to be for IA officers.

Victoria Gates was on the warpath.

"Lieutenant. I don't think I have made myself clear here." Tone more than firm, ire clear, volume rising.

"Someone is leaking confidential personnel police files to the press. I won't have my officers subjected to this." Ownership, responsibility, command all emanate from the Captain.

"Detective First Grade Beckett is an extremely able officer. There was an error of judgement related to an intensely personal crime and she has already been disciplined for it. As has Detective Esposito." My team, my responsibility, my family.

"As for these other matters you are investigating? They're a witch hunt and I won't permit it my people to be subjected to these spurious accusations and petty rule enforcement." In short fuck-off.

"Ma'am." Davies tries to get a word in. Of course it is the wrong word.

"Sir!" She corrects and the officer is stunned into silence for some seconds before they catch on.

"Sir. Our hands are tied. We have to follow protocol. Surely…."

"Are you questioning my judgement and authority Lieutenant? Did you forget where I served prior to the Twelfth?" The last is purely rhetorical but she'll use every weapon at her disposal.

"No Sir."

"Good. I suggest you concentrate on determining who, why, and how the information was leaked."

After a silence of ten or so seconds, Gates terminates the meeting.

"Do I need to tell you you're dismissed?" Really, just fuck off already.


"Esposito and Ryan!"

"Sir?"

"In here now."

"Right." Esposito confirms for the both of them as they leap from their desks, leaving computers open on the self-same web pages that were the topic of conversation across the New York or at least in the Twelfth, which was as much of the city that mattered right now.

"Close the door and take a seat please." They comply.

"We have a leak, possibly here but potentially at One PP. Someone has direct access to of Beckett's and Esposito's personnel files and many related case files. The only ones untouched are related to certain cases with a much higher security flag.

"Unfortunately this reprehensible action has been used to tarnish both Detective Beckett and your reputations' Esposito. And by implication the Twelfth." Gates is spitting fire, and both detectives are somewhat in awe of the righteous fire emanating from their Captain.

"Based on the access records we can possibly expect more revelations. Unfortunately the technical team and IA are unable to shed any light on the perpetrator. The ID used to access the information was that of a retired Sergeant from the Academy – hence their permission to access personnel records. That individual has been dead for six months and his account had been locked out since retirement. They are still looking into how it was unlocked and a new password granted. The information was accessed from the Fifteenth Precinct according to the logs.

Gates' look softens.

"Detective Esposito, I can only apologise for the breach of confidentiality. As you know I have worked in IA before returning to regular duties. What has gone on here is not in the spirit of the NYPD or how I wish for my command to be run."

Esposito looks his Captain straight in the eyes and nods. Apology accepted. Cop shorthand.

Ryan had been silent but he looks thoughtful and Gates nods her permission for him to speak.

"They obviously didn't have clearance for anything flagged for National Security. Nothing was mentioned about the other information we obtained on Maddox or Orantis Solutions."

"That can help narrow the field of suspects down. Of course perhaps whoever was behind this didn't wish for that information to be public."

Gates breaks in.

"Also there was no mention of the earlier break-in and theft from Captain Montgomery's house. No mention of Evelyn shooting the thief. Nothing about what was taken."

Both detectives start at that, and can't keep the surprise from their faces.

"I've told you before Roy Montgomery and I go a long way back, and my husband and Roy long before then."

Ryan and Esposito look at each other and silently agree that they can trust their Captain. Perhaps it is unfair that the other half of their partnership is not here to decide but despite that they are comfortable.

"This is connected to Beckett's case isn't it?" Gates is as ever direct.

"The events of May 2012 were but I don't know about this though." Esposito counters not willing straight-off to tie this very different attack to the more immediately life threatening events of six months ago.

"I suggest you return and secure your desks and then grab a coffee and return my office. I have a feeling this may take some time."


The Loft

Clare had departed to complete organisation of protection for Alexis.

They had done their level best to ignore the media siege outside. Kate had been concerned about cameras looking into the loft from the vantage points on surrounding buildings. Whilst some rooms, namely the bedroom had curtains the main living area didn't, nor did the ceiling skylights.

Only last night she had voiced her concerns to have Rick assume one of his overly self-satisfied looks. She knew that his intent was taunt and tease her to ask why he wore such an insufferable countenance. She gave in after less than three minutes, if only because she was concerned at him attempting to hold that face and breathing at the same might actually be beyond him. She told him as much too. It did the trick and nicely deflated his ego.

It turns out that Rick had the Loft reglazed with switchable privacy glass. Either from the light switches, or one of the remote consoles, or the smart phone app, you could selectively choose which areas where blocked out from outside view. In addition Rick mentioned that the glass was now bullet resistant security glass. It would stop anything less than a direct hit from .308, and even then slow or divert that calibre round. Only the much heavy .50 calibre rounds or above, or a handful of custom smaller rounds could penetrate directly. Whilst pleased about the first revelation, Kate had silently absorbed the guilt that comes with knowing that she made her new family the possible target of assassins.

Satisfied that they would have no telephoto snoopers, or snipers, for company she had settled for distracting herself and her partner by taking Rick through his rehab routine with her assuming the role of the physio and trainer. Naturally they had called off the visit by the actual physio due to the media scrum outside the Loft.

They were also waiting for Alexis to get back to them. She was in classes this morning and they had settled for sending a couple of messages. Rick has used his computer to send one and she was curious as to why? The man himself has simply smiled one of the Cheshire Cat smiles and said nothing. Frustrating Child!

Kate eased Rick into the stretches and repetitions carefully, well aware than over-exertion could easily outweigh any benefit. For his part Rick was being as stoical as he could. Which effectively meant he moaned and groaned the entire time and pouted if he had the opportunity. For her part, Kate carefully assessed his actual condition and then simply ignored the majority of his complaints before assisting him with his shower.


The lack of anything to film other than more journalists and the odd onlooker has led the majors to withdraw their crews by early afternoon.

There is still a visible press presence and regardless it still felt like they were under siege.


Author's Note

Thank you to all the people following and favoring (just passed 200 this week!) this story.

Your reviews, feedback and encouragement are most welcome, encouraged even.