Another Second Chance
by Castlefan6
Authors Note: Another What If based on the episode, A Deadly Game, what happened if Rick didn't return to the precinct after leaving and this was really their last case. What would each other's lives have looked like? The story starts with Canon dialog, courtesy of Dust Jackets Dot Com, then goes quickly and completely AU. The journey continues with a new Kate and Rick, hope you enjoy!
I don't own Castle; I use the characters for amusement purposes only, except the ones I create.
Also, we may take liberties with the timeline from Canon and use events to make this a more believable fiction, thanks.
Chapter 20
Castle's Residence
Pismo Beach, California
/_/
Rick's eyes filled with tears, it was a good thing his princess was hugging him and couldn't see when he heard her little voice say,
"I wish I could fix it for you BoomPa, Nana said you looked happy but she knew you were sad, she wants you to be happy like she and Papa Peter are. I told Mommy I was going to fix your heart this trip, and she didn't know what I was talking about, then she and Daddy had to leave to catch the airplawne.
His little princess wanted to fix his broken heart, he had tried hard over the last three years to put on the happy front, especially when Gina, Peter, Alexis and Mike visited, usually during holidays. When Lisa Marie came along, Gina and Rick both begged constantly to keep her, and after a while, the exhaustion of caring for a newborn convinced them to take advantage of the offer. Rick remembered one conversation between them all, Mike had been concerned about Rick's knowledge about taking care of small children, Gina looked at him and told him,
"Mike you should be more concerned about Peter, Rick was the one who taught me how to wash Alexis's hair, and comb it out without pulling half her hair out" she laughed,
Rick smiled as he remembered the conversation, then the damn flashback was here again,
FLASHBACK Continued
Hamptons Beach House Week One Continued
Rick had moved to a cooler spot on the veranda, under the awning as he looked out over the ocean, then felt Marcy's touch on his arm, so gentle.
"You must be hurting really bad, I'm so sorry Rick, you have to tell me when I mess up" she had hurt in her eyes as she set a cold bottle of water and his pain pill in front of him, their faces so close to each other. This time it was Marcy who took the lead and planted a sweet short kiss on his lips,
"That made it all better Marcy, I'm not in any pain at all now" Rick smiled,
"Liar, but thank you for trying to make me feel better, do you feel like talking while the girls are out?" She asked hesitantly,
"Yeah, yeah, I think we need to talk. I don't want to mislead or hurt you, so let's discuss the way things are, OK?" Rick looked at her in such a loving way,
Her coverup couldn't hide the body she had, and it wasn't lost on him that she was NOT going to great lengths to keep his view of her gorgeous assets blocked from view. She caught him peeking several times, and smiled, once just reaching out and taking his hand.
The girls returned showered and dressed and decided to take Rick up on his offer of having Carrie, Mike's female security guard take them shopping in the Hamptons. She knew the routine if the girls liked something, the store owners were to simply put it away, pack it nicely for transport, then they would pick it up on their way back to the house a gift from Uncle Rick.
They wanted to have some new clothes for the club, hell what female doesn't enjoy shopping, and Rick was going to make sure this vacation was all they remembered for quite a while. Carrie winked at Rick when she heard Brianna say, "well, we can look Brit, but we probably can't afford a pair of underwear at these stores", as they giggled and left.
Rick walked inside, fixed Marcy her favorite drink, then asked her to join him inside. He handed her the drink, she kissed his cheek and followed him to the double love seat under the ceiling fan.
"Are you ready to talk Rick?" Marcy asked sweetly,
"Yeah, I am, I know you've been wondering what the hell is going on the last week or so, but I promise you, I'll answer your questions, any of them." He said the silent permission to include Kate was definitely given by his eyes.
"OK, you sure Rick, I mean some of this could get personal, and I don"
"Marcy, best friends can ask each other even the tough questions, I know you're probably wondering, hell I would be, so ask away, please," Rick said with a look her way, she was inching closer to him, and he just put his arm around her and pulled her close. Thank God she had sat on his good side, as she laid her head on his shoulder.
"OK, Rick, so what's going on, did you work things out with Kate, I mean I know you talked to her then you seemed to change, remember when I asked if you had changed your mind in the hospital about our trip here?" Marcy said, her head on his chest, not daring to look into his eyes,
"I couldn't tell anyone then Marcy, but well, remember that lady that visited me right before you came into my room, the one that had papers for me to sign? Well, she's actually an FBI agent and a very dear friend.
"She's an old friend that I passed the letter and file I kept clinging to those days when you would put it away for me when the drugs knocked me out," Rick said and paused,
"Was that the letter from the Captain to you attached to some sort of taped up file folder? Is that the one Rick" Marcy asked straining to remember, she spent a great deal of time with Rick, but she did have other patients as well,
"Yeah, that's the one, well the file contained a great deal of incriminating evidence against people in very high positions, so much that, and I'm sorry I didn't tell you before but Marcy, I had security details on you and the twins. I couldn't risk anything happening to you or your girls because of me, and my past. I'm sorry, I know I should have told you but I didn't want you to think well, eh, I, eh"
"You didn't want me to think you loved me, Rick? You know you talk in your sleep Darling, and I know how you feel. The first time you said it I thought you had messed the words up because of the meds. Hell, everyone knows you are in love with Kate. But you said it again, so I know you love me, even if you're in love with her" her tears dropped on his shirt, no matter how hard she tried to keep them in,
"Marcy, I've hurt you, I'm sorry, I never wanted to do that, my God, you've been my savior through this all, I'm sorry. I do love you, more than I wanted to admit until I just heard the words come out of my mouth. Things with Kate are difficult, well complicated, and I really do want to talk to Doctor Peer, he's supposed to be here day after tomorrow. I want you with me, please?" Rick was holding her tighter than he ever had before.
"Rick, we'll ask the Doctor what's best, if he agrees, then yes, I'll be there for you, for part or all of your session, and you didn't hurt me, Darling, I was so afraid I was leading you down a path that well, I eh,"
"You didn't want, or thought you needed until recently, right?" Marcy raised up, held his face, and kissed him, "Marcy, I've been there, you have to give yourself permission to be happy, if only for a short time. I know you were put into my life for a reason, what, other than to keep me alive, but I know it's more, how much, I wish I could tell you." They kissed, really kissed for the first time as two people in love would do.
"Hey I interrupted you, I'm sorry", as she stole one deeper and more loving kiss, and laid her head back on his chest, listening to his heartbeat, calmed her,
"Well, are you sure you want to hear all this? I mean I"
"Rick, please? Talk to me, I need to know it all." She pleaded and patted his chest reassuringly,
"OK, well, the lady you saw leave was an old girlfriend, relax, I felt you tense up, by old I mean 9th and 10th-grade girlfriend, not the one who broke my heart, that would come in my senior year in college. She's married now, in fact, they both are.
"The lady that you saw is Jordan Shaw, my 9th-grade flame, she's now an FBI Agent and a damn good one. In the next few weeks, somethings will be happening that will involve Kate, but it also should clear the obstacle for me to either finally believe her, or walk away for good.
"It's not fair to ask you to be here waiting, and I won't do that, it isn"
"I'm already here Rick, and I'll be here, let's see how things work out. You never lied to me, you never led me on, I fell for you a little more each day. The night I held you, was the first time I had been that close to a man since my divorce. I know you have questions for me, and I'll answer them, once I hear what's been so heavy on your mind. OK?" She almost whispered
"OK, well, can we agree that we care about each other more than a nurse-patient relationship, I know I do, but I want to know from" his lips were locked on hers she kissed him as she had never kissed him before,
"As I said, let's see how things work out, Rick, no promises but you know I care about you, I really care, let's go from there once we talk to the doctor to see what's going to be best for you,"
"OK" were the last words uttered until Rick's phone vibrated with a text,
"Coming home Sir, ETA 10 minutes" it read,
"Who was that Rick? Marcy asked,
"The girls will be here in 10 minutes if you want to freshen your makeup or anything "he replied,
"Nope, I'm good right here, the doors are unlocked, and they're not dumb or so young they don't see the love Rick" just as the girls burst through the door, turning to smile at each other as they saw their Mom and Rick on the love seat together hugging,
"Look what we got, I would say bought, but Uncle Rick already had a deal with the shops so we have enough clothes for the entire three weeks and a great start to our college wardrobe, Thanks to Uncle Rick, as they showed their Mom bags of the latest clothes, shoes, and purses.
"Every time Britt or I would say we liked something Carrie would put it on a shelf, and then when we were all done shopping, we started stopping back by the stores that had the bags all ready for us, Uncle Rick's agreement with the store owners," Briana said, hugging Rick on his good side, as Brittany kissed his cheek, pushing her mom out of the way.
"Hey I was here first young lady," Marcy said kiddingly,
"Yeah, and from the looks of your lipstick, you've had a few kisses of your own Mom, besides we're leaving with Carrie to go to early dinner then the club, so you and Rick can talk" as she made the air quote sign when she said the word talk and both twins laughed.
Rick didn't pause a moment, his good arm came around Marcy and pulled her close, "you girls have a good time, I think your Mom and I are going to order in" Maybe when I get this darn thing off, I'll feel more like venturing out" he smiled,
"You need to rest Uncle Rick, so Mom, take care of him, please, we'll follow the rules, Carrie is nice but she's no pushover," Brittany said.
"Oh, you found that out did you, good, enjoy, and remember dance like someone is watching you because they are. Enjoy yourselves girls" as they went upstairs to change and Marcy snuggled closer.
XxX
NYPD 12th Precinct
The Following Week,
Flashback to the previous week
Kate was still reeling over the visit from Jordan Shaw, or was it the fact that she had a history with Rick and neither let on nor said a word. True it was a juvenile relationship, but she could tell that Jordan would have bee with him today had Kyra not swooped in as she had said.
To both their credit, everything was professional between them, but now she understood her parting comment to her, "He cares about you Kate, you may not see it, or be ready to see it, but he cares". If anyone would know Richard Castle's emotions, Jordan would, both as a profiler and as a former girlfriend.
She had busted her ass and was released a full four days early from rehab, two which she took as just days to relax and catch up on her journal for Doctor Burke. She was supposed to see him the next day to secure her release back to work. Jordan had warned two weeks, no more, and Kate could tell she had meant it.
Kate had recorded her letters to Rick, her feelings about Lanie's play for him using her body, and how and when she realized he was gone and wasn't coming back. She described in detail the excitement, anger, fear, and love for the man when she found out he had knocked her out of the way, and the second shot had only done minor damage, especially when they compared it to the damage he sustained.
She had recorded her days in rehab, including her run-in with Irene and how small she felt, once she learned how big other's cross was, they bore without complaining. She had left the conversation with Rick as hopeful, although when he asked her not to call, it hurt her deeply. She understood, he needed time, but she hurt anyway.
During her visit to Doctor Burke who reviewed her journal, asked her some questions to ensure the journal was from her heart, and finally his comments before she left with the release.
"Kate, I think you've shown a great amount of emotional growth, you still have much to do, but this journal, your descriptions, your honesty I must admit was far more than I expected. I think we can continue for a while with weekly visits, but I see no danger to you returning to your job.
"The release form is at the desk you can collect a copy; the original has just been emailed to the brass at NYPD. Congratulations, I know this isn't something you like, but you put forth more effort than I thought you would. I'll see you next Thursday, Good Luck Detective.
She had gone immediately to the range, requalified with a weapon of the same caliber and model as her service weapon, had the forms sent to the new Captain, a Veronica Gates, someone from IA that One PP scrambled to get after Roy was killed. She was prepared to go into work ready to join the task force that Jordan mentioned.
End of Flashback
She arrived at the precinct promptly at 7:00 AM, and within thirty minutes had managed to piss off her new Captain, Veronica Gates, who for some unknown reason demanded to be addressed as Sir, fucking women's libber.
Gates had no choice but to give her back her badge, gun, and a stern warning that she wouldn't stand for any cop going rogue to find justice for themselves. The case, her case, Castle's case had been moved to cold case status after only 4 weeks, unheard of for a Cop involved shooting, much less death.
She disliked the new Captain at first, but after finding this out, the dislike turned to hate. Castle deserved better, he was a citizen who had provided a lot of resources to the NYPD, to have his case moved to cold cases in such a short time, was unusual, and didn't sit well with any of the other cops and detectives.
Roz was very vocal as she greeted Beckett, "Welcome back Beckett, see you met the bitch, Iron Gates, our fearless leader. If it's not in a fucking manual she doesn't know what to do, worthless bitch" Roz spit out,
"Good morning Roz, thanks for the welcome back, you're not holding back about the new Captain are you. Is it true she came from IA (Internal Affairs)? That could account for some of the manual crap, everything by the book." Kate replied, not wanting to show her true feeling just yet. Roz had set sights on Rick, and to Kate that was war, she wanted to be friendly, not friends.
"Well, she can crawl back under the rock that the brass found her at, moving Rick's case, well yours as well to Cold Case after four weeks is ridiculous, almost like she's covering for someone herself." Roz wasn't mincing her words.
"I take it you're not a fan of hers, eh Roz?" Kate threw out, trying to measure the sincerity in her response,
"No, no I'm not Kate, and neither is any cop in this building, plainclothes or uniform. They are all are upset that two of our own, you and Captain Montgomery were shot, but what really pissed them off was she used the excuse limited resources to move the case. That's a slap in Rick's face, as much as he's given to us all, how dare she do that, Bitch!"
The elevator dinged, and off walked the Police Commissioner, along with Mr. Mayor, and in the middle of the two, was Jordan Shaw. They moved without a word to Gate's office and entered, doors were closed, the blinds lowered, and a sentry stationed outside the door.
"Welcome back Kate, what do ya think Roz, they finally going to give her the heave, the Bitch." Ann Hastings had echoed Roz's sentiments.
"I don't know Ann, but you don't see that much brass in a room without something big going down, the lady, she's FBI isn't she Kate? Isn't that the one that worked with you and Rick two years ago?" Roz was asking sincerely,
"Yeah, her name is Shaw, Jordan Shaw she worked with Castle and me on the Scott Dunn case, she's smart but her personality well she's in the right job" Kate just said
"I wonder what that's all about, the mayor, commissioner, and FBI, something is going down. We may get lucky yet Roz, maybe they're going to boot her today" Ann said,
"We can only hope Ann," Roz said, just as the door opened, and Captain Iron Gates stepped through, "Detective Beckett, may we see you please?"
The ladies all shared WTH looks but Kate rose to her feet and walked briskly to the Captain's Office, and through the door.
"Son of a bitch, back two hours and already pulling the big assignments" Roz grumbled as she walked away
TBC
A/N I've been asked by some in reviews to address Rick's sex life, has he been celebrate, the short answer is no, the longer answer is I write sex or lovemaking scenes as they are appropriate, but just as you don't walk around with a sign that says I Got Laid Last Night, neither will my characters, please allow your imagination to fill in your questions. This is a glimpse into the lives of the characters, it's not a dear diary entry or a smut article. Also to some rude reviewers who don't agree with the direction, this is going or the pace, my answer is to write your own story. Thanks for trying this one out.
NO UPDATES UNTIL NEXT WEEK HAPPY 4th TO THOSE WHO CELEBRATE