REALM OF THE FAERY: CHAPTER EIGHT
Rook Takes Knight Part One.
The ride back to the precinct was quick, as the crime scene was only a few blocks away. Rick parks his SUV at the curb, putting the police placard he'd been given, on the dash, so that it wouldn't be ticketed or towed. Entering the bullpen, Rick took Kate's bear claw and his sandwich to the breakroom. Thirty seconds in the microwave warmed them up. He and Kate took a few minutes to eat, Ryan and Esposito had already finished their doughnuts. Kate smiled, softly as she finished her treat.
Things are improving. We're not where I want us to be, back to before I screwed up. Twice! But he brought me my coffee and bear claw. He's not flirting with me yet, or joking but he did smile at me and this is the type of case that he's the best at.
Several hour later, they had the details of their two victims. They were engaged to be married. Lance was a maintenance supervisor for an airline, Gwen was an interior decorator. Both were immigrants from the U.K. and had listed no next of kin. They were living in Gwen's apartment, as it was larger than Lance's old one. Neither one had a criminal record. It would be tomorrow before the warrants for their phone records and financials came through. Esposito and Ryan were headed to LaGuardia to talk with Lance's boss and co-workers, Castle and Beckett to the decorator firm. Kate and Ric arrived at Elegant Interiors around two-thirty.
Kate flashed her badge at the receptionist.
"I am Detective Katherine Beckett, NYPD and this is my partner, civilian consultant Richard Castle. We would like to see the owner, please. "
"Just a moment, please" The woman got up and walked into an office. A moment later, a well- dressed, slender, older man came out. His dark hair was receding, touched with gray at the temples.
"I am Alfred Dumont; how may I help the police?"
"Mr. Dumont, I'm Detective Beckett, NYPD. I am sorry to inform you that one of your employees, Gwen Pender has been murdered."
"Gwen Murdered? Oh my God, who would do such a thing?"
"That's what we're trying to find out. What can you tell us about her?"
"Gwen was hard working, and very sweet. I can't imagine anyone wanting to hurt her, much less kill her."
"Were there any complaints about her work?"
"No, all of her clients had nothing but praise for her."
"What about conflict with co-workers?"
"Not that I'm aware of. We're a very small firm. There are only two other decorators, Henry Higgins and Michael Meyers. They are a committed gay couple and have acted as mentors to Gwen. They are out with a client, right now. They will be devastated to hear this. My only other employee is our receptionist. My wife, Viola." Castle had to cough, to cover a laugh at the men's names. Kate rolled her eyes at him.
"Did she ever mention any problems outside work, or have any enemies, you knew of?"
"Not that she ever mentioned to me."
'Very well, Mr. Dumont. Here is my card. Call me if there is anything you can think of. Also have Mr. Walters and Mr. Meyers call me. I will need to interview them. Now, may we see Gwen's office?
"Certainly."
The office was spare, but beautifully decorated, Nice prints on the walls, a plush carpet. A small leather couch, two comfortable client chairs, desk with an office chair, a desktop computer and a color laser printer There was a photograph on her desk, of her and Lance, on a sail boat.
"Thank you for your time Mr. Dupont. If we need anything else, we'll contact you."
"What did you think of Mr. Dumont, Rick?"
"He seemed genually distressed."
"I agree."
Just after arriving back at the precinct, Kate received a call from Mr. Higgins, saying that he and his partner would arrive at the precinct in half an hour, willing to help, in any way they could.
The two men arrived precisely at the time stated. They were both slim, professionally dressed men of medium height but otherwise polar opposites. Mr. Higgins had a high cheek-boned face with a rather hooked, narrow nose. Gray eyes and dark receding hairline. He wore lightly tinted glasses, a dark blue suit with a vest, white shirt and regimentally striped tie. Mr. Meyers had a somewhat broader face, with heavier features. He was a blue-eyed blonde with a thick head of hair He wore a similar pair of glasses to his partner, a light brown sport coat, khaki slacks, a yellow dress shirt with a brown tie.
After introducing themselves, Mr. Higgins said;
"We just heard about this and came as quickly as we could. It's horrifying! Any murder is, but this is very personal to us. Gwen was our mentee. Such a great talent erased by a monster! And such a sweet young woman. Everybody we knew, liked her. All her clients praised her work.
"Did they have any enemies or problems that you knew of?"
"Not that Gwen ever mentioned and we didn't know them socially. They don't move with our crowd." Mr. Meyers said.
"Can you tell us your whereabouts between two and six A.M. this morning?" Kate asked.
"We got home from a party, about one-thirty and went straight to bed. Our building is a high security building with a twenty-four-hour doorman/security guard. There are security cameras at the main entrance, the rear door and the garage entrance. The records will be available, if you need them. I can guarantee that, we own the building."
They questioned them for a few more minutes, then Kate said;
"Thank you, gentlemen, I think that's all we need from you." Mr. Higgins nodded.
"Call us anytime if there is anything we can do to help. Gwen was a special lady."
"I'm sure that they didn't have anything to do with this." Rick said.
"I agree."
When Esposito and Ryan got back from interviewing Lance's boss and coworkers, they gave pretty much the same story as Gwen's people. Lance was well liked at work, both by his boss and his crew. By the time they'd collated all the data from the day, they had no suspects or even good leads. It was closing on five-thirty. Esposito said;
"Let's head to the Haunt we haven't been there since you got back, Castle." Esposito said.
"Okay, but only for one beer. I have to get home to cook."
"Doesn't Alexis know where the take -out menus are?" Ryan said.
"Of course, she does."
"Then stay and have beers and burgers with us, please." Kate said.
"Yeah, what She said."
Castle caved. "Okay I'll call her and have her order from the Fat Dragon but I'm out of here at nine."
They all ordered beers, burgers and fries. Kate and Ryan ordered simple cheeseburgers, Esposito a chili-cheeseburger and castle a bacon-cheeseburger. Beckett ordered a Tangerine Spice, white ale, Ryan a Guinness, Esposito a Corona and Castle a Dragon's Milk Imperial stout.
They ate and talked about interesting cases that occurred while Castle was gone, but try as they might, they couldn't get Castle to talk about the time he was gone. Ryan left about seven, as he had to get home to Jenny. Two beers were about his limit, if he didn't want an earful from Jenny.
Esposito left at seven-thirty. There was a game he wanted to watch. Castle got ready to leave, but Kate grasped his hand.
"Rick, please stay and talk with me." Castle agreed and ordered a Glenfiddich on the rocks. Kate ordered a Margarita. The bar was rather quiet only one other booth occupied and three people at the bar. The server brought their drinks and they each took a sip. Kate grasped both of Rick's hands and looked him in the eyes.
"Rick, I know I apologized for my accusations and I'm apologizing again. I know that I was wrong. You're not that womanizing jackass anymore. The truth is; that my green-eyed monster came out to play. I saw those two beautiful girls and I got insanely jealous. My jealously goes back a long way. I was jealous of that skank, Ellie Monroe. That's why Demming. Tom and I didn't really work. We only had one actual date and I never slept with him. We broke up, the day you left for the Hamptons And I took up with Josh, at first, because you were with Gina. I was never in love with him, but I tried to be. but it didn't work. All we had together was sex and motorcycles. I broke up with him, just before you were abducted. If I'd only been braver, and honest with you, you might not even have been abducted.
Rick as I told you before, I want you back in my life, not only at the precinct. I want to be WITH you! I know that I have a long way to go, but can I start on Friday? I want us to go on a real date. I want to take you out to dinner. Will you please accept?"
"All right, Kate, I do forgive you but we still have a lot to talk about. I agree to the date, as a first step. What time shall I pick you up?"
"Eight o'clock, but I am picking you up. I invited you and I'm paying!"
Rick laughed.
"Okay, Kate, but now I need to get home. So, finish your drink and I'll call a cab for you."
People usually assume that the Murphy of Murphy's law is a male spirit. There's no reason Murphy can't be a mean bitch. Just as Castle was helping Kate into her coat, Charis Logan and her friend Denise walked in. Denise saw Castle immediately and shrieked;
"Richard Castle!" Charis saw him. She walked over.
"Hello Rick. What are you doing here?"
"Hello Charis. I was here with my friends and colleagues from the 12th. Precinct. Charis Logan, this is Detective Kate Beckett. My partner. Kate, this is Charis Logan. Alexis' equestrian instructor." The two women shook hands, both exchanging a chilly hello, both recognizing a rival. Kate's green-eyed monster began rattling her cage, but Kate was smart enough to shut it down. Both women had almost identical thoughts.
This one's my competition. She's a beauty. I'm going to have to step up my game. Charis had no way of knowing that Kate had already stolen a march on her. Charis said;
"Rick, I'd like to introduce you to my friend, Denise Robbins." Denise gushed;
"Oh, Mr. Castle I'm a huge fan. I especially love Nikki Heat." She looked at Kate.
"You must be the real Nikki Heat." Kate was used to this by now.
"Nikki Heat is very loosely based on me, but I'm not the real Nikki Heat." Charis said;
"Can you stay and have a drink with us?"
"I'm sorry, Charis but we are just leaving. I'm due home. It was nice to meet you, MS. Robbins" Denise said;
"Before you go, may I have your autograph?" Rick got out his notebook and signed an autograph.
"Thank you so much."
"You're welcome. Good night, Charis. Good night MS. Robbins."
The cab was waiting outside the bar as they stepped out. Rick opened the door for Kate, then slid in beside her. He gave the cabbie Kate's address. It was a short ride, and as the cab came to a stop, Kate surprised Rick by giving him a quick kiss and stole his line.
"Friday can't come soon enough. Until tomorrow, Rick."
She slid out of the cab and smiled, softly as she walked into her building.
Entering the loft, Rick Was first greeted by Kenzie first, with a curtsy and a "Welcome home mo Ceann-cinnidh."
"Kenzie, I asked you not to use my Faery title."
"I ken that, and I'll nae use it outside the Taigh, but please let me keep our customs, inside."
Rick said;
"Very well, Kenzie, but inside only. Then he laughed. If anyone heard it outside, they'd think you were calling me a bad name."
Alexis and Maureen both greeted Rick, then Alexis asked;
"Did you have a good time, dad?"
"Yes, I did. It was good to relax, over beer and burgers. Then Ryan and Esposito left and Kate and I had a good talk. There's more to be said, but there's progress. She even asked me to dinner, Friday. It's an official date. She says it's her treat, she's even picking me up."
Alexis grinned and quipped; "Do you think she'll bring you flowers?"
"You better not give her any ideas. I can still ground you."
Alexis snarked; "Alas, the poor princess confined in the tower by the wicked king." Rick laughed.
"I didn't finish the story. Just as I helped Kate with her coat, Charis and her friend walk in and spotted us, immediately. I swear the air cooled ten degrees.
"Well Dad, All I have to say. Get good body armor and ear protectors neither of those ladies look like they'll back down. I bet Kate never thought that she'd star in her own Temptation Lane!
"Don't you think you're exaggerating a bit there, Alexis? After all, they're adult women not horny teen-agers.
"No, they're horny adults. They'll be worse! Didn't you learn anything in the last trip to Faery?"
"Well, I'm not worried."
"You should be." Alexis said. Kenzie spoke.
"Aye, Ceann-cinnidh, ye should be!"
The next two days were frustrating ones at the precinct. Neither victim had any known enemies, ex-lovers or unusual debts Their finances were normal for their jobs and skill levels. On Friday they got what might be a lead. Their costumes were very high end and authentic. Lance's chain mail, helmet and sword were quality steel. Not something you'd find in the corner costume shop. Gwen's dress was really silk and mask. The toxicology report came back that they'd both been drugged.
Captain Montgomery said;
"It's going to take a couple of days to track down the sources of the costumes. The enquiries are out, so take the weekend off and hit it hard, on Monday. At least, there are no families to deal with."
One good thing was that the crime scene was in the bedroom and the neighbor had been cautioned not to talk about what he saw. So, for now, the media vultures weren't hovering around. Double murders were not a rarity in New York. As a consequence, both Beckett and Castle left early enough to have plenty of time to prepare for their date. She took a bath, scented oils added. Put her hair up in a French and did the most careful application of makeup she'd ever done. Just a hint of blush to her cheeks, smokey eye-liner and deep crimson lipstick.
She had spent more than she should have on Black Orchid perfume by Tom Ford. Considered one of the top two sexiest perfumes. She dabbed it behind her ears, on her wrists and between her breasts and daringly, on her inner thighs.
She dressed carefully. A black lace bra, matching tiny panties, a black silk cocktail dress, the neckline revealing a hint of cleavage and black lace. The skirt ending mid-thigh, black silk stockings and strappy sandals, a soft Pashmina around her shoulders.
Kate rented a G06 Corvette and pulled up to Ric's loft at 7:45. She pulled into the underground parking, when the doorman opened it for her. He'd been alerted by Castle to watch for her. Kate had decided to pull the whole role reversal thing on Rick, not knowing of Alexis' comment. She had stopped at a florist on the way over. She knew that Rick knew the language of flowers, so, she decided to go with the phrase go bold or go home. She ordered a bouquet of two red roses, an orange rose, a red tulip, a red camelia and a red chrysanthemum.
She was not going to let this opportunity go to waste. She made two serious errors and nearly lost Rick. That would never happen again. That Charis Logan wasn't going to get a shot at who Kate decided was her man. She went to the elevator and pushed the button for Ricks floor. She rang the doorbell and was surprised when Kenzie opened it. She said;
"Ye're a little early Mr. Castle is not quite ready. Do come in."
After Rick's explanation, Alexis decided to drop her hostility and be cautiously friendly with Kate, a woman she'd always admired prior to the recent difficulties.
"Hello, Detective Beckett. Welcome." Then she saw the flowers. "Flowers for dad? I'm in so much trouble. I was teasing dad, that you'd bring him flowers. He threatened to ground me if I suggested it." Kate laughed.
"Don't worry, Alexis, I will explain that it was my own idea, which it was. I've made horrible mistakes with your father because of poor communication and sub-text. No more. He and I have more talking to do, but tonight I want to prove to him, something I have been too afraid to say.
I love your father, Alexis, I'm in love with him. I promise you that I will never hurt him, willingly again. In fact, not only am I going to tell him, I'm going to tell him in front of all of you." She no sooner finished her statement, than Rick walked into the room.
"Beckett, you're early. You are stunning!" Kate blushed.
"You look amazing, Rick. And no more Beckett, except at the precinct. I'm Kate to all of you. Here, these are for you." She handed him the flowers.
Rick raised an eyebrow and said;
"Alexis!"
"Honest Dad, I didn't do it!"
"That's true Rick. It was my idea. Remember when you told me about the language of flowers? I thought that it would be easier for me to say what I need to, this way. But it's not enough. Will you please ask Martha and Maureen to come in here?" Rick called them. Martha came down the stairs, in one of her eye-hurting dresses. Maureen followed her.
"Katherine, how nice to see you." Martha's usual exuberance was missing.
"Now that you're all here, I have something to say, in front of witnesses. Rick, I told you, in the Haunt that I want to be with you, but that's not strong enough. I want to be with you in every way a woman can be with a man. I love you Rick, I am in love with you. I know that you love me, you've shown it in so many ways. Now it's time for me to show you."
"Kate, stand still for a moment. Kenzie, Maureen, fey circle" The three young women formed a circle around Kate and stood for about thirty seconds. Alexis said;
"She speaks true and from her heart, believe her, dad, we do."
"What is a fey circle?" Kate asked. Kenzie replied.
"It's from the ancient Celts. It's an empathic thing. Women with the talent can sense the truth. It's in the speaker's voice."
That wasn't entirely the truth, but Kenzie knew she couldn't reveal the secret. Rick said;
"I believe you Kate and I love you too. But there are still issues to be resolved."
"I know that, Rick but as we do love each other, we can solve them."
Rick believed her, but wondered if she will have the strength, the faith in them, when it became time to resolve the biggest issue of them all.
Rick got another shock when Kate said;
"Put your flowers in water, Babe and let's go on our date."
"Alexis said;
"Give me the flowers, Dad. I'll take care of them. You two go on your date."
Kate waited for Rick to open the Corvettes door for her, as she wanted to show him a flash of gorgeous thigh and waited again when they reached the restaurant, for the same reason. She'd taken him to her friend Maddie's place. Maddie, greeted them and smiled when Kate gave her a wink and said;
"Reservations for Beckett."
"Right this way." They were escorted to a back booth that would keep them out of the public eye. Rickwas, after all, a celebrity. Unlike a lot of trendy, upscale restaurants, the service was immediate, offering them aperitifs. Rick chose scotch and soda, Kate a vodka Martini.
Appetizers were offered and ordered and enjoyed followed by nice-sized entree's They talked quietly, laughing a little, both a little giddy at the start of what they both wanted for so long. Kate drove them to her apartment. They rode up to her apartment in a comfortable silence. She unlocked and opened the door. Inside, she relocked it then said;
"I'll make coffee and then we can talk. I don't think we have as far to go as you thought."
She made the coffee, set the mugs on the coffee table and sat on the couch, pulling Rick down beside her.
"Rick, I love you and am in love with you. I want to be your wife. I'm over most of my fear and while I haven't yet torn down my wall, I've opened a gate. You, Alexis and Martha are inside the wall, with me, if you want to be. Our biggest problem has been miscommunication. Much more my fault than yours. I promise to work much harder on that. No more damn subtext from me or from you."
"You're right Kate, that has been our biggest problem. Not all your fault. I could have been bolder. But before we go any further I have to show you a few things and tell you something major. Please get the three largest knives you have."
Kate was surprised, but did as she asked. "I've only got these two large carving knives."
"Okay, lay them on the coffee table." She did. He then bent, pulled the dagger ou of his boot sheath and added it to the pile.
"You're sure that you are awake and not dreaming."
"Yes, Rick I'm wide awake." Rick stood a good six feet from the table and concentrated. The three blades rose, danced and twirled in the air. He did that for about a minute, then, let them fall, gently onto the table. Kate's jaw dropped.
"That's only a small part of the abilities I gained while I was gone, along with greater strength, sharper vision, and better night vision and better hearing. I had to lie about a large part of the abduction, simply as a condition of being released. Part of it, I can't really tell you about, I will have to take you to Scotland and show you. This part is hard. The main reason I was taken was to restore an ancestral bloodline. While I was there, I impregnated our women. Also, a condition of being released. I won't pretend that I didn't enjoy it, but I didn't love any of them and, like your previous lovers, they were before our commitment to each other and doing so wasn't my choice. If this is too much for you to handle, I understand."
Kate was too shocked to cry and for a few moments she was silent. Then her inherent strength came through.
"What about the children?"
"In their society, the children are wholly the mother's responsibility. Like the ancient Celts."
Kate sat for about ten minutes, without saying a word. Rick said;
"Kate, I think I'd better go and let you think." Suddenly Kate stood.
"You really were abducted, none of that was your choice?"
"Yes, I was abducted. And no, I didn't choose it. Later, other choices were made, but not about the main part of it."
"Then, it doesn't change my decision. I'm in love with you, my love ia unconditional from this point on. We've wasted way too much time. Stay. Make love to me, tonight."
TBC
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