Coming Out or Going In

by Castlefan6

Authors Note: From a fan prompt (Castle was lent out to Robbery temporarily to work cold cases while Demming is on suspension. Lead Detective Joy Park, a woman with a big secret causes friction between our couple. 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 13

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Captain Montgomery's Office

Same Time Frame

Kate was still reeling first from the news that she had lost Kevin as well as Javi, then the last statement, the absolute rebuke of her feelings towards Castle. She knew it wasn't Rick's fault, Kevin would have found another job, regardless of where if he were that unhappy with her and the leadership. What was puzzling her was Roy's quiet demeanor, almost like he had already cashed it in, OH GOD,

"Now for the rest of the news Kate, you may want a swig," as he handed her his flask, she politely declined,

"No sir, I want to hear it without any buzz of alcohol in my system, good or bad, but thank you." She said softly,

"Well, I'm retiring in six weeks, Captain Anderson from the SVU is replacing me," he paused as he heard her gasp, then let it sink in for a minute, "that's not the only changes Kate, Detective Park is leaving as well. Roz Karpowski is taking over as lead detective in the robbery division, Hastings is being promoted to the lead of her squad replacing Roz here in homicide." Roy could tell that Kate's head was spinning so he waited,

"Park just got here, and she's leaving, and I thought you said that Hastings wouldn't work with me Sir, I mean she's only been on the team less than six months," Kate said weakly,

"Well, she had 5 years' experience in Detroit, her last city she worked in law enforcement, she didn't say anything because she changed her name back to her maiden name after a bitter divorce. The experience was gained while she was married, and I quote 'I would rather start at the bottom than to be reminded of that nightmare,' so she started as a beat cop and worked her way back up.

"That's quite a bit of change coming Sir, have you reviewed my list of candidates for my team, I mean I guess I have to increase it to two now that Kevin is leaving." She said, and noticed that Roy became very uncomfortable,

"Beckett, about that, well there's been a change of plans for you as well. The Commissioner doesn't have the confidence in you to take two new detectives and formulate a team that will deliver the results that he's accustomed to." Roy got out, as Kate's face turned beet red, thinking what the fuck is going on, are they firing me?

"From what I heard Captain, should I call for my Union Rep, it sounds like the Commissioner is firing me if so, I would like the due process I am afforded," Kate said, still in disbelief.

"You're not being fired Beckett, if you had been, I would have delivered that news to you before we discussed anything else, BUT you are being reassigned," Roy said firmly,

Oh, great they're sending me to the 54th to work with Tom as punishment, I wonder whose idea that was, damn you Castle, this is all your fault, she thought, but never verbalized as she sat stunned, finally gathering her voice,

"Reassigned Sir? To where?" she asked with a weak voice, expecting to hear a precinct number.

"Back to the Police Academy, you will be working with the Deputy Commissioner in charge of training, but you will report to Deputy Chief Raul Rodriquez, and before you ask yes it's the same man who ran the old academy when you went through it.

"As you know we just opened the new campus last year in Queens and they are looking for a lead instructor to help them complete their mock scenarios for station training, including Vice, and Homicide, both of which you have experience.

"Your rank remains the same, and you are eligible for a merit increase in 3 months, annual review date will remain the same, but you will have to supply your own transportation. The subway only comes within a mile of the new campus, and your cruiser must stay here at the 12th.

Kate was totally in shock now, back to the Academy, working for the SOB she vowed to kill if she ever had the opportunity when she was a recruit, now she would have to buy a car, or ride her bike to work every day, not viable in New York winters. How much worse could this get?

"Kate, I know you feel like this is punishment, but it's not, I did you a disservice by promoting you too soon. You weren't ready to make the leap from great detective to a great leader, you needed more schooling in how to deal with people, everyone gets hit in life, but your Mother's death as tragic as it was doesn't give you a free pass to treat people the way you have

"The Commissioner hopes you do well, and apply for the Captains exam in four months, as I asked you several times before since it's his hope that you will be ready when Captain Anderson retires in 15 months, he's already given his notice. If he wanted you gone Kate, you would be gone, no matter how much pull Castle has with the mayor." Roy said softly,

"Sir, did Castle have any influence in this, you can tell me it's none of my business but it's got the marking of him trying to fix things like he always does," Kate asked,

"Well, he'll be mad if I told you, but yes, Boyle was going to fire you, the first chance he got after I was gone, but Rick talked to him in front of his daughter, Erin, at lunch, and he caved to her demands. Rick played the daddy's little girl card since it was all he had left to keep you employed.

"He knows you are going to hate him Kate, but he could have walked away, and let you get canned. He doesn't want you to know just how many favors he's called in to not only save your job, but to hopefully make you a better cop, and a better leader in a few months. I can tell you; it took a lot to get Boyle off his quest, and quite frankly Erin was the only one that could make him bend." Roy said sadly,

"Just one thing I don't understand Sir, what's the connection between Castle and Erin Boyle? I mean I know they were old friends, but why would she do him this favor?" Kate asked,

"Well, they're more than friends Kate, and for the rest of the story, you'll need to get that from one of them. Why would Erin help you? Because Rick asked her to do so, that's all you need to know, and if you bring any of this up, I'll deny it." He replied,

"When are these changes, effective Sir?" Kate asked,

"Tomorrow, you closed your last case today, finish up the paperwork, or hand it off to Ryan before you leave, say your goodbyes and Kate, Good Luck, don't blow this chance, it is another chance. You're due to report to the Academy on Monday" Roy said,

"Sir, I really don't think I'm up to a lot of questions as I clean my desk today, I'd like to use some personal time and come back in a few days when I'm more composed if that would be acceptable Sir" She barely squeaked out,

"I understand Kate, for what it's worth, I'm sorry it came to this, but I'm glad you're getting another chance. Please, if I taught you anything, learn as much as you can, be ready and when you return, you'll be a hell of a Captain, I know you will." Roy said with a tenderness in his voice, she had not heard before

"Thank you, Sir, Good Luck in your retirement, I guess this time it's real, everything is real and changed. I'm not sure I could deal with this job without you, my boys so maybe it is a good thing, give my regards to Evelyn, may I be dismissed, Sir?"

Roy said softly, "of course, Dismissed Kate, again Good Luck"

XxX

Two Months Later

Wallingford Dr,

Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Rick and Joy were celebrating, the completion of their relocation to the west coast, the commutes for Joy back to New York to work with Roz was finally over, she could concentrate on her new job, and the newfound desire for making love to Rick. Kevin and Jenny would be flying out to stay with them next week, to strategize the direction they wanted to take the Investigation Division of RCE, Rick already had several big names asking him to provide background checks, as well as private security for private events.

Kevin and Joy both were going to pitch their ideas of how best to manage the growth without growing too fast, overextension was always on Joy's mind, even though Rick never thought of money. He had confessed to her, he had invested in some tech stocks when they were first offered, and his wealth had more than quadrupled in just two years. He then hired an asset manager whose sole job was to invest, sell, and or reinvest funds from that pool of money.

Rick rewarded him with a percentage of the growth of his wealth after it was verified by his attorneys and a separate firm, he had heard too many stories of becoming too trusting when it came to money. He had installed safeguards that had left him a very rich man, although no one knew of his other ventures. Everyone who estimated his wealth did so solely on his career as a writer, he hadn't even confessed to his Mother his wealth, knowing she could spend dollars faster than any ten men could earn them.

Joy had landed at the airport the previous evening, only to be greeted by Rick, and his huge smile, God she had missed him. It had only been 4 nights and three full days but it seemed like longer to both of them.

"Your choice Joy, quiet evening at home, I have a few restaurants standing by to either deliver or seat us, which would you prefer, home or going out?" He grinned,

"Rick, would you mind if we went home, I have a taste for something but it's not on any menu, so order in, and let's spend some time together, I missed you so badly. I'm glad this part of the adventure is over, I don't think I could have done it much longer" she kissed him, as she snuggled her body against Sir Richard, letting him know exactly what she desired.

"I thought you might be too tired Joy, I mean, don't get me wrong I love what you are craving, and so am I but I don't want to come off as some sex pervert, wanting to spend most of our time in bed" he laughed,

"I don't care, I mean I will if you will. Rick, by your confession it had been a long time for you between active sexual partners, and the same for me, so why not spend our time doing something we both enjoy. I'll tell you if I'm too tired" as her hand greeted Sir Richard and they shared a deep kiss, only broken when the driver announced they had arrived.

Joy sat up, kissed him once again, "that's the appetizer, wait till I give you dessert" as she heard Rick's booming laugh, he picked her up and carried her to the door, "Your palace awaits you my dear" he did a mock bow as the driver sat her luggage inside the door. Rick shook his hand, his way of exchanging a huge tip, the driver smiled and said, "Call me if you need anything, Sir, Good Night" and made a hasty exit.

Joy looked around at the huge home, still in disbelief that Rick just bought it because he liked it while out on a drive. She loved the small parlor with the view of the mountains, they spent a great deal of time there on the sofa, when they weren't in his bed or hers, something he was adamant about she still had her own room even if they stayed all day in one of the bedrooms.

"Joy, I told you, I want you to stay here as long as you want to. I want it to be your home because you want it to be, not because in your mind you owe me anything or think that for some reason you are any less independent than you were the day you met me, actually shot me down (he smiled).

"Look we both have strong feelings for each other, I get that, I also understand that you are attracted to females. I never had a problem with that, and if you remember you made me promise to keep pursuing Kate if she was the one that completed my heart. I don't know what the future here will bring, I do know that our friendship is worth so much more than to live a lie, SO if you have an attraction to someone, male or female, please tell me"

She kissed him deeply, and then with tears in her eyes, said, "Rick, when I came out as a gay woman, I never thought I would have spent the last 5 months thinking about a man, almost 24 hours a day. It wasn't on my radar, but God, I know what you're saying we share something truly special, and not just the sex, but damn that's good too. I promise and please tell me you will keep your promise to me, whether it's Kate, Roz, or anyone else you come across promise?"

He was still holding her in an embrace and looking into those almond eyes that just melted him, "I promise Joy, all I ever want is for you to be happy, you had that once with Cathy, and I want it for you again, with a woman or a man, OK?"

His answer came with a deep kiss, and her taking his hand, "We can eat later, and I'll fill you in on what Roy said when he stopped by to say goodbye, right now I have some plans for you" as she closed her bedroom door behind them after their walk down the hall.

XxX

Several Hours Later,

Rick had ordered Italian from her favorite restaurant and had the catering crew set it up as they showered, again, finally they made it to the parlor, opened the doors to smell the air, and let Joy know she was finally home. God, she had missed this, missed him.

"You said Roy stopped by Joy, how's he enjoying retirement?" Rick asked,

"He made a special stop to see how Roz was getting along, well that was his excuse but he took me to lunch and told me what a great few weeks he and Evelyn had at the Hamptons home, and to pass along both of their thanks." Joy smiled,

"I'm glad they took me up on the offer, Roy was as twisted as a pretzel the last year or so he worked. I saw him begin to age right in front of me." Rick smiled, as he reached for the rolls,

"Roz sends her love, and told you if you didn't mind, she would come and visit us when she's out here visiting her family, I guess she has relatives in Simi Valley. I told her we had plenty of room and only one was off-limits, yours" she laughed

"I'm flattered, but Roz never showed any interest in me, the three years I was at the precinct. I mean I bought her lunch and coffee a few times, but there wasn't even a spark," Rick said,

"Rick, I worked with her one on one for five weeks and can't count how many times she brought you up, and how sweet you always were. She told me flat out that if you hadn't been so hung up on Beckett, she would have taken you home and screwed your brains out, that's a quote sweetie" she laughed as Rick's face turned red.

"Was I really that big of an idiot I didn't see a beautiful lady like Roz show interest, hell before Beckett, I would have spent the entire week with her. Either I matured or I was blinded by the infatuation that was before me." Rick said quietly,

"It was blindness Rick, I'm just glad that you felt something for me, God after all those years we finally took the plunge. I don't think any human has ever satisfied me the way you did the first time, and every time since. I only hope I do the same for you." She kissed his lips gently,

"You know you do, you can't possibly think I, for that matter any partner fake that many times in multiple sessions, it's just so easy, so natural, like you said once, you complete my physically and I can go to new heights no other woman has ever taken me either." He kissed her back,

"Rick, you know you can ask about her, remember, six months, but I kind of blew that timeline all to hell for the physical part, I still want you to try to work it out, IF that's what you want." She led him to his chair next to hers on the patio, handed him his wine, and then sat down listening to the sounds of the beautiful mountains, wind whistling, and a gentle breeze blowing her hair.

"I know I could, but really, I know she hates me, especially now that Kevin came aboard. He told me a little about his part of Roy's interview with her, I guess it didn't go so well." Rick said sadly,

"Well, she's apparently doing well at the Academy, actually getting good reviews for the way she set up the curriculum what the officers could expect once they graduated. She also has a special session for the female recruits dealing with everything from sexual harassment to the dangers of becoming involved with a male superior, mainly their Training Officers." Joy said,

Rick laughed a sarcastic laugh, "Well that's a topic she's well versed in, funny she can tell others not to do what she did. I wonder how long it took her to sleep with her new CO?" Rick said a little bitterly,

"You don't know the story, do you? When Kate when through the academy she was assigned to Sargent Raul Rodriquez's squad, he pushed them, really pushed. She hated him and even told him once after she graduated, he better hope she was never his sole backup, she would blow his ass away before the perp could." Joy said,

"Wow, that's saying something for a Rookie Cop to tell a Sargent at the Academy, I mean," Rick was speechless for a moment then asked, "What does that have to do with her assignment now?"

"The Academy is now run by a Vice Commissioner, with three direct reports, all deputy chiefs, one being the same Raul Rodriquez who she endured during her cadet days. She reports to him so I don't think she and he will be making Whoopi any time soon" Joy said with a smile,

"You can never tell, she always could forgive everyone but me, who knows maybe they're an item now, oh well, Good Luck to her. Are you ready for the meeting with Kevin next week? I still have a few chapters for the last two Heat books I promised Gina, so I need to finish those up" Rick asked, gently changing the subject and letting Joy know he really didn't want to discuss Kate Beckett in any form at this time.

"I just have a few more touches to add to my presentation, so I can go knock it out while you finish up your work, Rick," long pause, as she waited for him to lock on her eyes,

"Sweetie, no one's rushing you, if it never happens with Kate so be it, I'm living for the moment right now and enjoying every single day. Now kiss me and get to work" she leaned in and captured his lips,

TBC