Second Choice
by Castlefan6
Authors Note: From a fan prompt (Castle goes to the Hamptons alone, while there he and Alexis meet divorced Jordan Shaw and her daughter. A few dinners together lead to a hookup. What happens next? COMPLETELY AU, Some Scenes and events used to enhance the story,
I don't own Castle; I use the characters for amusement purposes only, except the ones I create.
Also, we take MANY liberties with the timeline from Canon and use events from other Canon episodes to make this a more believable fiction, thanks.
Chapter 8
12th Precinct, NYPD
7 Weeks Later
6:30 AM Tuesday Morning
/_/
Kate sat at her desk, arriving at her usual time of 5:30 AM, nothing to keep her home and in reality, the precinct was the only place she could put him and her out of her mind, well at least most days. She had switched from drinking coffee to herbal tea, coffee seemed too bitter now that, well it just didn't sit right with her stomach anymore.
Demming had transferred back to the 54th three weeks ago, which saved her the trouble of trying to avoid him each day, even though Roy had ordered him off the homicide floor, he had tried to talk to her on three occasions, without success.
She knew that even if he were a dipshit, she was wrong in the way she used him, and felt some guilt. That feeling quickly dissipated as she thought of how he had worked his way into her bed, something that she had always been overly cautious about with Rick, yet the smooth taking detective had her nailed on the second date.
FLASHBACK TWO WEEKS
She had also endured a photoshoot for Black Pawn yesterday, to be used for the upcoming release of Heat Wave, under orders of the Commissioner, part of the cooperation promised by the NYPD in return for good press. She thought that she would see Rick, but when she showed up, her hair fixed and a skirt with the slit in it the way he liked to gaze when he didn't know she was watching, even wearing his favorite scented perfume, all her efforts were wasted.
Rick had already sat for his shoot, his hair was lighter, probably from the sun on the beach, and he looked trim, and fit since she was told he ran every day since he had suffered the heart attack last year, damn it, last year, and she never knew? He knew how she liked her coffee; her favorite ice cream and she didn't even know when her partner had suffered a medical emergency, what kind of friend or even colleague was she?
She recalled asking, "When is Rick going to get here, sorry I'm early" as she arrived at the photo studio at the address furnished by Paula Haas in a brief text.
"Oh, Rick won't be here, he's out of town on business," was the reply she received from the kind older gentleman who was preparing the lighting, "and thanks for being prompt. I have appointments back to back all day today." He smiled,
"Well, if Rick won't be here, how will you have the shots of us together?" Kate asked innocently,
"Detective, you are good at your line of work, I'm one of the best in mine, not to brag but in all of New York, that's why Paula uses me. I use computer programs to blend you and Rick together, just as if he was standing next to you today, as well as remove any of those unkind wrinkles that may appear" He said kindly,
Kate blushed, thinking of how she had done a double-take of herself when applying her makeup, she was beginning to show the hours, stress, and overuse of caffeine on her skin, the wrinkles were something she was conscious of but wasn't aware they would need to be removed professionally in a photograph. Was she getting that bad? It sounded like it from the kind gentleman, and she tried to pose for him the manner he requested so she could get the hell out of there.
Mercifully she had gotten out of the photoshoot, and refused the offer to view the rough drafts, leaving the selection to the photographer and Paula. She had gone home, taken a shower, changed back into business clothes, and returned to the precinct.
"Hey thought you were gone for the day" Kevin greeted her,
"Yeah, so did I but the appointment went smoother than I thought. Where are we at on those phones and financials" she asked throwing herself back into the case at hand. Another day to try to get lost in work and forget about what, make that who was bothering her.
She had seen the photos of Jordan Shaw and Rick at the Memorial Day party at the Hamptons, but now there were shots appearing of the two in the paper. One outside a fancy restaurant, another a trendy club, and although they weren't doing anything, she knew that she was against a tough opponent for Rick, IF she wasn't already too late.
CURRENT TIME
Lanie had invited her to lunch, so she decided to get away from the case for a few minutes, it was really wearing on her that she was stuck on the details. Royce had taught her, sometimes you had to walk away, and come back with fresh eyes when you hit a wall. Too bad that wouldn't work with Rick, she thought, as she grabbed her purse and headed down to meet the doctor.
"Hey girl what you been up to? I haven't heard from you or seen you in weeks, you got something going on you don't want me to know about?" Lanie kidded her,
"Oh sure, Tom Brady called and we are in the middle of a huge sexual affair, but don't say anything, Lanie. She laughed; you believe that I have some bridges to sell you. I've just been working a lot, you know how it is" Kate replied,
"I hear what you're saying, but I don't believe you, working is not going to last forever Kate. You're going to have to face him, tell him you screwed up, and ask for forgiveness. I mean if you want any kind of shot with him at all, or maybe you would just rather accept defeat and let the Feds take all the glory as they usually do" Lanie replied,
"Lanie, you describe Rick as if he were a case the FBI was taking over by force, he is with who he wants to be, let's face it. Jordan is a new divorcee, attractive, even when we worked on the Dunn case Rick was infatuated with her." Kate replied,
"Are you telling me you're fine with Jordan Shaw fucking Rick's brains out while you practice your yoga, or do your running girl? What's the matter with you, you're not even willing to fight for the man EVERYONE in the precinct knows you're in love with?" Lanie popped, not sparing her feelings or the graphic picture she had just painted in Kate's mind.
"Lanie, I called, over and over, I tried to apologize, and he won't take my calls, so what am I supposed to do? Who said I was in love with him, they're wrong you know" Kate replied weakly,
"You tried to call five times several weeks ago, and wouldn't leave a voicemail, you think he didn't know the calls were from you? You have a chance to ask him to call you and meet to apologize, that is if you're not OK with him and Jordan getting it on. If you are, then there's this cute fireman"
"LANIE" Kate shrieked, "I have enough man problems now, I don't need to add Mr. July from the Firemen's Calendar to them, thanks but no thanks" she completed her sentence just as they turned and saw the cover art being set up in the huge window display of Barnes and Noble.
Signs reading, "Rick Castle is back, with an all-new character that is sure to please. Writer signing will be scheduled TBD, Coming Soon" the signs were all huge and then Kate saw the cardboard figures, "Rick Castle, and his muse, Detective Katherine Beckett, watch for signing announcements."
Lanie stood with her mouth open, when she finally got her composure, she asked, "Girl, when did you pose for those photos with Rick? Why didn't you say anything?" Lanie asked,
"I didn't pose with him, they photoshopped my picture together with his, he wasn't even in town when I sat for my pictures, "she said sadly, "I had to finish the goodwill from NYPD by orders of the commissioner for all of the good press we have received.
"I guess Rick didn't want to see or talk to me, so I guess my answer is pretty clear Lanie. He's moved on, and well, I don't want to talk about it anymore" Kate snapped and quickly walked away, thinking about days gone by, who know he would ever leave? Sure, she said she wanted him gone, but that wasn't true, but now he was.
XxX
Hampton's Beach House
Same Time Frame,
Rick had held his annual fourth of July party, not as big as the Memorial Day bash, but he still had a house full of guests. Jordan and he made no pretense when she visited, and that was often, usually every weekend, or at least every other, she and Rick shared a bedroom and all that came with it.
This year Rick was also celebrating his book launch party in the Hamptons, Heat Wave would go on sale in less than a week all over the East Coast. He was proud of the book; Gina had convinced him to leave the ending open-ended for potential future releases. Rick, had stated more than once that he was done, with Nikki, with Beckett, and with the 12th precinct. Paula and Gina had tried to convince him not to completely sever ties, but he was determined to proceed with his new project.
Paula pulled out her last card, it was underhanded, perhaps not ethical but she called James Patterson and had him issue a public challenge to Rick that he couldn't write a follow up to his first one-hit-wonder in years. He went so far as to say if Rick wrote at least two more that hit the bestseller list, he would stand in line for his autograph, and donate one hundred thousand dollars to St Jude Hospital for Children.
"Well Rick, what do you want to do, I mean I know you can knock two books out in no time, and that's a lot of money to help the kids at St. Jude. We can continue on as we are, I mean, if you aren't tired of me until after your book tours, and the public humiliation of Patterson.
"Then you could start at Quantico for the advanced course, and have additional revenue for Alexis's future, as well as complete your contract with Black Pawn. I might even be able to sneak away to meet you in some hotel rooms, I mean" Jordan's words were muffled when Rick had pulled her onto his bed
"You promise? I mean you'd do that, meet me on the book tours when you could?" Rick asked,
"Of course, I would, it'd be the first time I stole away to meet my lover somewhere in my life, it's turning me on just thinking about those stolen moments" she laughed and then started the session with her own techniques, she knew he wouldn't say no to, and he didn't.
XxX
Hamptons Country Club
July 11th, 7:00 PM
Jordan had taken a few days off, and she and Mandy were at the beach house helping Rick and Alexis to prepare for the book launch. It was exciting for them to see behind the scenes at all the work that went on to make it successful, and Jordan even remarked to Rick, he needed to do something nice for Paula who seemed to be on top of every detail.
She also had called Rick's security head, Mike in and doubled the coverage around the house and country club, she knew how crazy some fans could be. She had impressed Jordan by arranging a secret car to pick her, Mandy, Rick, and Alexis up with a decoy car sent in a totally different direction.
"You're a guest this weekend Jordan, take off your FBI hat, we got this" she patted Jordan on the arm as she briefed them on the final arrangements for the signing.
Finally, the night was at hand, Paula took to the stage to bring the guests to some sort of order, she enjoyed insulting some of those not paying attention with comments, like, "Gee you mention free booze and even Connelly shows up, sorry bar is closed for the next half hour as we get to the program." She laughed but her barbs made others sit up and take notice, Paula wasn't afraid to call anyone out in public,
"Now that I have your attention, it's my honor to introduce the lady that made this night and so many like it before possible. Rick gets the credit for the writing, but believe you me, if you saw some of the crap my boss sends, Gina would be the one getting the awards" everyone laughed as she muttered, "Just kidding boss if I still have a job," then moved on to formally introduce Gina.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, please join me in welcoming the women who made this evening and so many other launches for my client possible, the one, the only, and take it from me the long-suffering Gina Castle Cowell," Paula smiled as she handed the microphone to Gina.
"Thanks, Paula, it's true that this is the 22nd book launch that Rick, Paula, and I have collaborated on, it seems like yesterday this pitiful man walked into my office and I thought, oh God, they are going to eat him alive with the reviews,'. She laughed,
"I was wrong then, and even more wrong today, please help me in welcoming the man of the hour, our own master of the macabre, and soon winner of the James Patterson bet, Rick Castle." Gina kissed his cheek as he strode to the microphone, smiling his smile, as he looked down at Alexis, Mandy and then locked his eyes on Jordan.
"Thanks, Gina, Paula, my family, and especially those who have supported me throughout the years, I love you all. Tonight's book was originally set to be a one and done, but a certain writer, who shall remain nameless has uttered some ridiculous bet, so Gina had agreed to extend this series to a three-book version.
Remember I'm dedicating ALL net proceeds to charities for the next two books, and we should be going to press within a few weeks with the next installment in the series if I can keep my pace up. I know my team is up for the challenge, so tonight, I issue a challenge to you all, when you write a check for my book, PLEASE also write one for St. Jude and we will match it, dollar for dollar. Now enough of this, eat drink and have a great time, Paula will handle any questions you may have" as he stepped down from the stage to the hugs of Alexis, Mandy, and a kiss from Jordan. A kiss that was captured by a legitimate news source and would prove to be heartache for a detective back in the city soon.
Paula was fielding questions from reporters when Rick heard one quite loudly,
"Is there any truth that Mr. Castle has changed the source of his muse for this book, now extended to a three-book series?" asked one young reporter,
"Well, you're young so we'll forgive you for mixing up terminology. What does the word muse mean to you if I can clarify?" Paula asked,
"Well, to me the character or at least main character has similar characteristics as the muse for the series" the young man answered,
"Oh, I see where you are confused, you really should pay closer attention to grammar and word use, if you define muse, you would see that it means and I quote ' a person, persons or personified force who is the source of inspiration' and while it is true that Detective Kate Beckett did indeed serve as the source of inspiration for the character Nikki Heat, she was not the person characters were based on.
"Once again, paying attention to your word choice selection, if you had asked who were the character or characters based on, what would that mean to you? Well, it means 'to use particular ideas or facts to make a decision, do a calculation, or develop a theory, or in this case a story, or stories.
"The answer to that question is there were many people the stories and characters were based on. We even issue a disclaimer that any resemblance to any ONE person living or dead is purely an accident, no intent to portray any person, living or dead has been made.
So, while you are correct that Kate Beckett served as the initial inspiration, or idea, several life experiences with a broad range of people have helped Mr. Castle create purely fictional characters. I hope that answers your question," as Rick smiled, a new reporter had just been taken to the woodshed by his press agent and publicist, she was a pain in the ass at times, but times like now is why she earned the big bucks he paid her.
Gina walked up to Rick, Jordan, and Alexis and said, "Thanks for the kind words Rick, I know you made Paula say them" as she laughed, Congratulations on what looks like another smash."
"Gina, we need to talk, and by we, I mean all of us" as Mandy joined the group,
"Sure Rick, we have the attached room rented as well, would that work?" she asked, a little worried that the entire family was going to be present.
"Sure, that works, it won't take long," Rick said as Gina led the way, once all had entered, she turned locked the door, and bolted the safety lock as well.
"Well, the good news is that I'm doing the tour as we laid out and that I will get you the two to follow on books, the first within 4 months, the finale within 6 months, BUT once this tour is over, there will be no more personal appearances by me for 14 weeks. Don't ask, it's just something that I have been working on, with the support of those who love me, and this is just a courtesy conversation, I don't want or think we need the lawyers present." He said as she reeled,
"How long Rick? Did you say 14 weeks? I understand and once the book tour is completed, you only have the two-book obligation to Black Pawn. I do appreciate you letting me know, but please stay safe, please?" a visibly shaken Gina said,
"Oh, I will Gina, it's not like that, I'm not going back" then he realized Alexis and Mandy were with him, "to my old ways, I promise you'll get your chapters on time" he covered,
"OK, so let's enjoy the party then and hope all our forecasts are correct, and we have another best seller." She smiled, still upset,
"Sounds like a plan," Rick said as they head out to mingle,
XxX
Beckett's Apartment
Next Evening 6:08 PM
Kate had just gotten home from another brutal day. It had started out on the wrong foot, she overslept barely had time to grab a cup of coffee, on her way out of the door. She had tossed her morning paper, untouched on the counter and now that she had finally made it home it was time to relax in a hot bath. She'd heat up some leftovers after she enjoyed her soak.
She took the paper with her and as the bubbles were forming, water steaming she positioned it where she could reach it to read as she relaxed. She stepped in and let the bubbles and steaming water rush over her tired kinked muscles before she reached for the first section of the paper, the Entertainment section.
She opened the pages as she opened her eyes and was greeted with the headline, Richard Castle Changes Direction, and a picture of him and Jordan in a kiss. She read on, where the paper identified the beautiful woman on his arm as his good friend and rumored lover, head of the New York FBI Office, Jordan Shaw with each of their daughters.
She thought FUCK, just what I need, then she began to read of the book launch, and the interview with Paula, she couldn't believe what Paula was saying. Everyone knew she was Nikki Heat, he had busted her chops for weeks when he first came up with the idea.