REALM OF THE FAERY: CHAPTER TEN
Rook Takes Knight End Game.
Sunday night, Rick placed a call on his satellite phone and left a voice mail for Caointiorn. It would be relayed to her in Culloden. To his surprise, Caointiorn was in Scotland. Early Monday morning he received a return call. The queen would be in New York Tuesday evening. She asked rick to send a car for her.
Kate took a cab to the precinct, but at the normal starting time, instead of an hour early as she usually did. Castle would follow her at nine with her coffee and bear claw, although she would save it for morning break as Rick had made a light breakfast for them. Around eleven, they got the first real lead in the case. It came from the small company that made the costumes. They were made for the couple and were as authentic as they could make them. They only made these high-end costumes for the members of a reenactment group whose focus was on the Arthurian legends, the Arthurian Remembrance Society. Gwen and Lance were members of the society.
Rick found the society's website and called the number listed. After identifying himself, he asked for the president of the society's telephone number. Kate took the number and called.
"Hello."
"Mr. Charles Devon?"
"Yes, this is Mr. Devon."
"Mr. Devon, this is detective Katherine Beckett NYPD. Are you acquainted with a Gwen Pender and Lance Lake?"
"Yes, I am, has something happened to them, are they in some kind of trouble?"
"I'm sorry to tell you this. They have been murdered."
"Murdered? Why in God's name would anyone want to murder them? They're the nicest young couple."
"Mr. Devon would you be willing to come to the 12th precinct, to answer a few questions?"
"Certainly. I can be there in an hour or so. I'm retired."
"Thank you, Mr. Devon."
Charles Devon was as good as his word. He arrived at the precinct precisely an hour after the call. He was a tall, spare, white-haired man of sixty-five. Kate said;
"Thank you for coming, Mr. Devon. I am detective Katherine Beckett and this is my partner, Civilian investigator Richard Castle.
"As in Richard Castle, the author?"
"The same."
"I'm delighted to meet you Mr. Castle but under such horrible circumstances does cast a pall on it." They went into a conference room to speak, as Mr. Devon was not a suspect.
"Before we start, would you care for a cup of coffee or a bottle of water?"
"No thank you. I can hardly believe that they were murdered. They were such a nice young couple. Everyone in the group seemed to like them. They were just elected to portray the king and queen for the second year in a row." What role do you play in the group?"
"I usually portray Merlin Embrys. Mostly because of my appearance." Did you know them, socially, outside of the society?"
"Heavens, no. I am too old to move with the younger crowd. I prefer my books and classical music."
"Were there any disputes within the group, that you were aware of?"
"Not that I'm aware of, but there is so much role playing going on, a real dispute could easily be hidden under the posturing."
"Thank you, Mr. Devon we'll contact you if we think of anything else."
"Please do. I want to help."
Kate sighed. "According to the website, there are over two hundred members just in the city. I don't see how we could question them all." Castle thought for a few minutes and said;
"If we don't get any better leads, the website lists a gathering this coming Saturday. We could go in, undercover. I could be Sir Lochinvar and you Lady Ellen."
"Do you think Montgomery will approve it?"
"I think so, I'll cover the cost of the costumes. Even if we don't need them, they'll be great for the next Renfair."
They knocked on the captain's door and were told to enter. They explained the plan and Roy said;
"This cockamamie scheme just might work. If you're going to foot the cost, I'll approve it."
With the captain's permission, Kate and Rick went to the costume company. Kate used her badge to gain access to the president and owner of the company. Rick explained wat they needed and that they needed it by Friday. The reason must be kept secret, or the owner could be charged with obstructing justice Rick agreed to pay a 20% premium. The head fitter said;
You will be no problem Mr. Castle We have all the standard sizes in stock We provide you with two linen shirts a gambeson, a surcoat, A dress tunic a cloak. Two pair of trousers, soft boots a belt and floppy hat with a plume. MS. Beckett is another matter. She will need to be measured and pick out the materials she wants. In addition to the dresses, she will a cloak, shoes, head dress and gloves. Jewelry will be up to you Debra, come in here please. A tall, rather plain woman came out.
"Please measure MS. Beckett for an ARS noble woman's day gown and formal gown and help her pick out appropriate fabrics. Use patterns 7A and 11C. The woman was quick, efficient completing and recording all measurements in under ten minutes. Kate then redressed and went to choose fabrics. That took much longer. Kate finally came out. She'd chosen a lavender linin,
Day dress with a sheer white silk overlay and a purple silk brocade formal dress, again with white silk overlay.
"I thought you were choosing costume fabrics, not wedding dress fabrics."
"You wish it were this quick for that choice. I won't let you come with me for that. That's for Martha and Alexis to help me with!" They headed back to the precinct and reported t Roy that arranged the initial costumes. Rick then excused himself. He was going home to order the rest of his costume. He contacted one of the authentic replica companies and ordered a battle-ready sword and dagger (his basket hilt and dirk were the wrong types.) a sword belt and baldric He also ordered a riveted aluminum chain mail shirt. (It would look like silvered steel) He didn't order a helmet or shield as these were not battle reenactments. He ordered a knight's chai. his Faery signet ring would do. He paid extra for overnight shipping. He called a jeweler, who was also a good friend.
"Adam can you look up some medieval style jewelry?"
"Sure Rick, why?"
"I need it for a Renfair event but I want it for my girlfriend so I don't want costume crap. I want a queen-style sapphire* ring with, matching earrings and a pendant all on sterling silver. And it's a rush job, I need by Friday afternoon. Can you do it?"
"Yes, I can, but it will be expensive." "Since when has that ever bothered me?"
"I'll get right on it and call you back with a price."
Adam called Rick an hour later.
"Okay Rick I can do it for $3500. "
"Go for it. I'll pay cash when I pick it up."
By the time everything was ready, it cost Rick nearly six thousand dollars, a drop in the bucket for him. Furthermore, he'd be undercover with Kate. Serious business that he wouldn't take lightly, but still an adventure with Beckett and a date, of sorts.
By the time Rick was done with everything, it was five o' clock. He went back to the precinct for the last hour with Beckett. She was eager to get home and relax. The day had been a mixture of fun and frustration. The time at the costume store had been fun but Castle heading home and no new leads had been frustrating. She shut down her computer. Castle helped her into her coat, she picked up her purse and they walked to the elevator. The doors had barely closed, before she was in his arms for a brief but passionate kiss. The ride down wasn't long enough for more.
They shared a couple more kisses in the cab, but nothing too hot, because of the cab driver. The doorman held the lobby door open for them.
"Good evening Mr. Castle, Ms. Beckett."
"Good evening, George." They both replied. They shared a couple of more kisses in the elevator on the way up, but restrained themselves because the girls were home.
"We're going to bed early, Rick." Kate said.
When he first came home, Rick had put a pre-cooked brisket, potatoes carrots and peas in the crock pot. Delectable smells were wafting around the loft.
Kenzie put a ready-bake bread loaf in the oven, earlier. Rick said;
"Alexis, please make a salad; Kate and I are going to clean up. Supper in half an hour.
Maureen and Alexis set the table. Rick and Kate came out refreshed and Rick poured wine for Kate, Martha and himself. There was a lot of talk and laughter over dinner. It was a celebratory dinner. Of course, when Rick officially proposed they would have a larger one with their family and friends, including Roy his family and the commissioner.
Martha was going out, Kenzie to her apartment, so Kate and Rick bid Alexis and Maureen good night at nine and retired to Rick's, now their bedroom. By the time she went to sleep, Kate's frustration was totally exorcized.
Tuesday, was a slow day and Rick took ff early to pick up Caointiorn at the airport. She was dressed very conservatively, in a dark green pantsuit and black low-heeled pumps. She kissed Rick, chastely, on the cheek.
"I can't say I'm surprised, Richard. Surprised at the speed of the revelation, perhaps. I won't deny that I'm disappointed. You will have problems with the trio. Well, probably not Kiera, she's the wisest of them. The other two will be angry and probably try to upbraid you, but the word of the Ceann-cinnidh will not be disputed. Among us, the vows of matrimony, once said are sacred and inviolate for us, wherever made. Still, the fireworks will be amusing to watch."
Kate was wearing one of her nice dresses, calmly sipping on a glass of wine, when Rick walked with Caointiorn. She stood and simply shook hands, not willing to give ground on her own turf.
"Welcome to our home." Kate said.
"Since you two have already met, I'll simply give Aine her formal title. "Caointiorn Aine MacNeil, Queen of Faery in Culloden. Aine, Katherine is my fiancée."
"Let us get the reason I came here for over with, then we can all relax, have some wine, a nice dinner and I'll return to Culloden in the morning.
She turned, stepped forward and hugged Alexis, kissing her cheek.
"My dear Alexis. Rather Brigid, Princess of Faery. It has been but a short time, but I have missed you. When you come for the summer, we shall have such wonderful times, though you will have much studying to do." Alexis blushed and said;
"I'm looking forward to it, so much. Your Majesty."
"Did you forget so soon, Brigid? Your majesty is only in public, in faery. In private, I am Aine. Always Aine. Kenzie, Maureen, you are well and happy?"
"Very well and very happy. There is so much to learn and do, in America, your Majesty."
"Well, let us be about it. Please take a seat, Katherine."
Kate sat and Aine took the test kit out of her purse. She drew a sample of Kate's blood.
"It will take about ten to fifteen minutes to analyze. May I please have a glass of that marvelous Chateau du Pape while we wait?"
"Of course. Where are my manners?" Rick said. He opened a bottle and poured wine for Aine and himself and refreshed Kate's glass.
The little machine beeped and Aine's eyebrows rose in surprise.
'Your enzyme levels are extremely high for one is only half faery. Your mother must have been Faery nobility. I can't imagine why she left Faery or why you didn't know. Well, that is of no consequence. The results are what they are. If you wish to make the transition, it will be easier for you than Brigid or Richard."
"Richard, may we have that wonderful Mexican food for dinner?"
"No problem at all, Aine. Ill order it now."
The evening passed as promised, Kate, surprised how easy she was with Aine, although Aine spent more time talking with Alexis than anyone else. In the morning, Rick had his car service take Aine to the airport."
The rest of the week, very little progress was made on the case. Friday morning Roy said;
"Beckett, Castle, it looks like your undercover operation is a go. Take off now and pick up your costumes. The owner of the shop wet them and said;
"We made every effort to do the best we could, in the short time we had. I hope that they meet your approval. Kate's dresses fit her to perfection. Her cloak was a deep blue soft wool. Lined with lavender velvet. Her gloves and shoes were of white doeskin.
Rick's surcoat was quartered dark blue upper left and lower right and light blue upper right and lower left. His dress tunic was a solid dark blue. His cloak matched Kate's. His trousers were of dark blue wool for day, and dark blue velvet for evening. His gloves and boots were black. His floppy hat, dark blue with a black plume.
Kate went back to the precinct, while Rick took everything to the loft. He cleaned the protective coatings of the sword and dagger blades and polished the hilts and cross guards. He put on his day outfit, adjusted the belt, baldric and the hang of his sword, dagger and belt pouch. He went to Adam's shop and picked up the jewelry.
Kate left the precinct at five and got home by five-thirty. Martha and the girls knew about the operation, they had to but they had been sworn to secrecy. All four of them were waiting to see Kate in her dresses. She shook her head in mild annoyance but did it for them. When she was in the brocaded gown, Rick brought out the jewelry.
"This completes the costume." Rick said. Kate gasped.
"This isn't costume jewelry!"
"No, it's not, but it's an early engagement gift. It's your birthstone."
"Rick, it's too much! The only engagement gift I need, is my engagement ring."
"You'll just have to accept it. I can't return it. Its custom made."
Kate shrugged. She knew that she couldn't stop him from giving her things. She kissed him.
"Thank you, Rick, but after we're married, no more extravagant gifts. I know that you can afford them, but that's not the point. I don't need them. All I really need is you and your love."
Mr. Devon had been clued in on the undercover operation.
The event started at ten o' clock Saturday morning. Mr. Devon said;
"Ladies and gentlemen, I have the sad duty to inform you that Lance and Gwen tragically died in an accident, last week. We will need to elect a new queen. At next month's meeting, please those of you who want to stand for election, submit your names. Now on a happier note, I would like to introduce two new members. Richard Rodgers as Sir Lochinvar and Katherine Beckett as lady Ellen.
(The fact that Gwen and Lance had been murdered had been kept out of the news and neighbors had been told it was an accident. Those people who had been interviewed had been told if they talked about it, they would be charged with hindering a police investigation or obstruction of justice.)
Kate and Rick mingled with the attendees, talking and introducing themselves, in their personas They were watching to see if anyone's reactions to the deaths seemed unusual. They didn't ask any direct questions, yet. If the murderer was part of the group a direct question might alert him. Late in the afternoon they heard one man smirk and say;
"Whatever happened to them, they probably deserved it, they were living in sin." Rick took note of his livery and approached Mr. Devon to see who the man was.
"That's Maynard Hazelwood. He usually portrays Sir Gawain."
Hazelwood was a tall, thin man with small eyes and a pursed mouth. Rick kept an eye on him while Kate went outside to call in and see if the precinct had anything on him. About an hour later, Esposito called back. A couple of drunk and disorderly and one of assault at the Renfair, but the charges were dropped. He's a small- time lawyer. More of an ambulance chaser. The rest of the afternoon passed without much more information. Kate and Rick changed into their formal wear for the dinner and ball. During the ball portion, Kate noted that Hazelwood kept hitting on the younger, prettier women and not having a lot of luck. About midway through the ball, he approached Kate. She had noted his increasing frustration and decided to push it.
"Good evening Lady Ellen, I am Sir Gawain. May I have a dance?'
"Sir Lochinvar is just getting us drinks. I do not dance with anyone but him."
It paid off. Maynard snapped. "You are too haughty, Lady Ellen. Just like that shameless queen. Beware ere you share her fate!
"I should beware? It is you who should beware, unless you would go at swords with Sir Lochinvar!"
Cursing under his breath, Hazelwood stalked off.
Rick came back with their drinks.
"That man just became the prime suspect. I'll have Espo check firearms records. But that will have to wait till Monday." Kate and Rick stayed till the end of the ball, at midnight. They talked to other people there and a couple of them made off statements about the murdered couple but it seemed like simple envy of their positions in the society, but none with the hostility of Hazelwood. Despite being on duty, they enjoyed the dancing.
Sunday morning, Kate said;
"Since yesterday interrupted our plan, can we go look at rings today?'
"Yes, of course. Right after lunch."
"Do you mind if Alexis goes with us to help me?'
" Not at all, providing she wants to."
Actually, all the girls wanted to go along, so Rick resigned himself to be the chauffer and paying for the rings. Kate decided to buy their wedding set at the same time. With his input and approval on the final choice. The girls were going to try and wrangle a couple of baubles out of him.
Rick first thought about Adam's shop, but, while exquisite, his selection was small, so Rick decided on Tiffany's. Alexis stayed with Kate and Rick while Maureen and Kenzie browsed.
Despite the wide variety of styles, it took Kate only an hour to find the perfect ring for her.
A 2 carat round ideal cut, blue-white diamond, surrounded by four small sapphires on a platinum band. Fortunately, they had one in stock so, while it was being sized, found the wedding set that she wanted. Simple matching platinum bands. They had them engraved. RC-KB Always. Alexis, Kenzie and Maureen finagled Ric into buying them tennis bracelets. Rick paid 10% extra to have everything ready in two hours. After picking everything up, Rick took them all to Remy's for burgers, fries and shakes.
Monday morning passed slowly until Espo came over to Kate's desk.
"We've got the records. Hazel owns a Walther PPK n .380."
"Good work. That, along with his statements Saturday night ought to be enough to get a warrant for the gun. Let's hope he wasn't smart enough to ditch it."
"Even if he did, the missing gun with no report of it being stolen is enough to question him."
"CSU recovered all four of the spent bullets. If we get the gun ballistic will be able to match it."
"posing Hazelwood's words as a threat and the fact that he owned a .380, Kate was able to obtain a warrant for Hazelwood's home and office to search for the pistol.
Captain Montgomery sent Kate and Rick serve the warrant. If Hazelwood was indeed the murderer, the shock of seeing Kate might shock him into saying something he shouldn't. As it was, Hazelwood's actions made that unnecessary. The Walther PPK had come to him from his grandfather. A war trophy taken from an SS officer. He kept it with him, at all times. Keeping it after committing a murder with it was abysmally stupid. What he did, at his office compounded it.
Kate and Rick entered Hazelwood's office and told his secretary;
"I am Detective Javier Esposito, NYPD homicide. This is my partner, Detective Ryan. We are here to see Mr. Hazelwood. Do not announce us."
They entered the inner office. "Mr. Hazelwood "I am Detective Katherine Beckett, NYPD homicide. This is my partner, Civilian Investigator Richard Castle."
"You're cops?"
"Yes we are and we have a warrant to search for a Walther PPK, serial number 15176. Please stand and step away from your desk."
Remembering what he'd said to Kate, Hazelwood figured that he was caught. He stood, but slammed a desk drawer open, coming up with the Walther. Kate later swore that she never had seen anyone move so fast in all her life. The pistol barely came level, when Kate heard a scream as Castle broke Hazelwood's wrist, disarming him and slamming him face down on his desk. Rick then cuffed him. Kate said;
"Maynard Hazelwood you are under arrest on suspicion of murder. In the deaths of Gwen Pender and Lance Lake, for issuing a criminal threat, attempted assault with a deadly weapon and for resisting arrest. You have the right to remain silent. You have the right…"
They took him to the station and put him in interrogation. After only ten minutes of questioning Hazelwood broke.
"Yes, I killed them, but it was no crime. They betrayed the king. That is high treason."
Kate wasn't sure if he truly believed that or if he was setting the groundwork for an insanity defense. It didn't matter, they'd caught him and took him off the streets.
That night at home, Kate said;
"I'm glad that one is over. Let's hope the next weird one lands in Karpowsky's lap."
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