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.
NOTE! I am having some minor surgery, updates after today will be delayed a week or so, or sooner if I feel up to it, Thanks for the support,
Chapter 15
Beckett's Apartment
Three Weeks Later
8:00 PM
/_/
Kate had just gotten home from another long but good day at the academy, the extra classes for the female recruits were becoming very popular and even though they were volunteer attendance, every single female cadet attended. The only downfall was the time slot, put her smack in the rush hour of New York traffic, something no one wants to endure. Perhaps that's why the city's murder rate was so high, Road Rage.
She had just placed her keys, mail, and to go meal she had picked up at the bodega on the counter when her phone rang, the ring tone was familiar, although she hadn't heard it in weeks, make that months. She had mixed feelings as she reached for the phone, there was her picture, same old Lanie.
"Hi Lanie, how are you, I haven't heard from you in quite a while." She answered, keeping it cool, but letting her friend know that she was disappointed in her for not calling sooner,
"Hi Kate, you know the phone rings both ways, don't you?" Lanie said a little sharp,
"Yes, it does, if you have the new number" Kate bit back, letting Lanie know that she wasn't going to just roll over, and making Lanie realize that she had changed her number since Kate left.
"I'm so sorry Kate, you're right, I apologize, Javi would get drunk and call all hours, and I finally had to change the number to keep Mike from flying down to Florida and killing him. I should have called you to let you know, but so much has happened." Lanie softened,
"Hey, water over the damn, I'm glad things are still going well with you and Mike, all is good here," Kate answered, heading off the question she knew was coming,
"So, are they Kate, or are you just saying that? Mike and I spotted you at Fleming's Steak House about a month ago with a good-looking man, I didn't want to interrupt anything, so I didn't come over, well Mike wouldn't let me" she confessed.
"And your point Lanie? Are you asking if I am seeing anyone special?" Kate asked, Lanie, noticed that she seemed much calmer, not jumping or taking the normal bait that she threw out.
"Well, yes I guess I am, so are you seeing anyone Kate?" Lanie finally came out and asked.
"I've dated a few nice men, nothing special, and nothing to talk about if that's what you're asking, I'm not ready to settle down with one man, I haven't found the right one," Kate replied
"Well, you let the one you love getaway, so I can understand that," Lanie still hadn't turned on the filter from her mind to her mouth.
"Lanie if you're talking about Castle, what makes you think he was the one, I mean"
"Kate, I haven't talked to you in a while, and things have changed for us all, but girl, somethings never change. Why don't you just face it, you loved Rick, and the whole damn city knew he loved you. What happened Kate? One week you're staying with him and his family, less than two months later you are all kissy-face with Demming." Lanie said,
"Lanie what happened was nothing, and even if something did, do you think I would tell you? Hell, it would be on the evening news before I could even hang up. Look, Lanie, I haven't spoken to you in what almost 4 months, I could have really used a friend right after I was reassigned but I didn't hear a word from you.
"The only one who called me, and this should surprise you as much as it did me was Roz. We had worked together for years, but we were never close, yet she went out of her way to check to see how I was doing. She saw how I walked out of the precinct, and actually called me and left a voice mail that when I was ready, she would like to have lunch.
"We met at Remy's a few times, after I got off, and one Saturday she had to pull a double shift, she told me why she took the Robbery Division job, I hadn't realized it but as she said, each victim, each family takes part of your soul until someday you have only a shell of yourself. It took Roz a bad breakup to realize there was more to life, so we go out occasionally." Kate said, almost without emotion,
Kate heard a sniffle on Lanie's end, "You're right Kate, I let you down as a friend, and I'm sorry. I had a lot going on just starting up with Mike, questioning was it the right move, Javi was an asshole but he was comfortable.
"I should have made more of an effort, please forgive me. I noticed that the next Nikki Heat book is coming out, in three weeks, the signs are up in Harrah's book store with you and Rick from the first book, so I thought you might want to meet for lunch and go for a signing when he's here. I know you get VIP passes, so"
"Lanie, are you asking me to go because of my VIP passes, that I used to get, for you or for me? Does Mike know how much you love Rick? Do you think I never heard the conversations between you and him, well mostly you, since he stayed away from that? Hell, you even told Javi, Rick could put his shoes under your bed anytime and you wondered what the hell was my problem with him. I finally figured out that Javi didn't hate Castle as much as he was jealous of him.
"I really don't know if I'm going to the book signing or not, so don't count on the VIP passes, prepare to stand in line if you want to see him that badly. Lannie, I don't want to be rude, but I just got home and my dinner is getting cold, call me when we can talk more later, about anything but Castle or Nikki Heat, Goodbye"
Kate hung up her phone and placed it on the charging stand, retrieved the bottle of wine, of course, it was the brand that Rick had gifted her and now was the only brand she bought, a little expensive for her budget but well worth it, along with her to go meal and the mail and sat at the counter.
She sipped her wine as she ate her to-go meal, Chicken Parm was the label, it tasted more like warm cardboard with sauce but hey it filled her stomach, even if it would never pass a taste test. She fumbled through the mail and then she saw the envelope, from Black Pawn. She opened it to find two VIP tickets and an invitation for VIP members only for an advanced signing, three hours before it was open to the public. The invitation merely stated open bar, light meal and appetizers served.
She placed the tickets back in the envelope, along with the invitation, and set it aside, still fighting an internal struggle of whether she should go or not. Hell, she was Nikki Heat, she belonged there, who did Joy think she was? A small voice answered her, she's the lady that has his heart now Kate, you blew it.
She went through the remainder of the mail, discarding the junk, and setting a few bills on top of the invitation, to be placed on her desk. She reached for the remote and turned the TV on to TMZ, of course, the lead story was Castle's new book coming to New York in three weeks. Advance copies reviewed by the critics had lauded it as one of, if not his best work yet. The reporter was standing outside of Harrah's Bookstore for his live shot, Kate even caught her image from the distance.
"No word yet if the muse responsible for the Heat Series will make an appearance, as you know Lieutenant Kate Beckett is now at the Police Academy on special assignment, no longer a detective or connected to the 12th precinct or the homicide department.
"Our California affiliate was able to get a statement from Mr. Castle as he exited his private estate in Beverly Hills yesterday. He was asked about continuing the series even with the huge changes to the 12th precinct and the former Detective Beckett. Here's a clip of his response, including some spectacular views of his new estate.
Kate sat up in her chair, as she heard Rick's voice for the first time in over 5 months, he looked great, thinner, fit, tanned, and happy. WAIT! California? What the hell was he doing out there? Why didn't anyone tell her he left New York?" Then she thought who was left to tell, Lanie, or Kevin. Roz never leaked anything about anyone.
"Mr. Castle, some of the press are curious about you continuing the Nikki Heat Series, given that Detective Beckett has taken a different position within NYPD, any comment sir?"
"Well, I don't write any book series for the press, I write for my loyal fans, the series wasn't complete and I have never left any of my works in that state. As for detective, excuse me former detective Beckett, I conducted research for almost three years prior to her reassignment.
"If I quote someone who will remain nameless, I don't want to hear I told you so, (he smiled), 'you've written 23 bestsellers before you set foot in that police station and you didn't need to spend every waking day following your muse' and she was right.
"I have garnered enough research to write a completely new series, but we haven't thought past what is next other than Crashing Heat, the thrilling conclusion to the Nikki Heat series. I have many projects going on, so the future is still in flux, dependent upon many factors." Rick said
"Mr. Castle, do any of those plans include Ms. Park, the former lead detective in the Robbery Division at NYPD?" The reporter was getting close to getting escorted off the property,
"Well, not that it's any of your business, but Ms. Park is the Executive Vice President of RCE, and heads up the west coast operations of our private investigation operations. As for her being included in future plans, I have answered that everything is on the table, nothing has been set in stone past Crashing Heat, the series finale, now please excuse me we have an appointment". As he assisted Joy into his limo, and three huge men started walking toward the reporter who backtracked into the street.
"There's the story straight from Mr. Castle himself, I might point out, he has been extremely gracious in granting our interview, we are actually standing on his private property and if we could have the camera get a shot of his home, we will not disclose the location but isn't this a magnificent home or palace. We do express our gratitude to Mr. Castle for allowing us access to his estate. Back to you in the studio"
"Wait, Paul, is that his home, I thought it was a housing development, how big is it?" Levine asked the reporter,
"No, it's one house, I think public records indicate it's estimated at 80 plus million dollars and has 25 rooms, including 12 bedrooms, and a complete indoor recreation center. You may have noticed but Mr. Castle is in the best shape of his life, well since I have been covering his for the last 5 years."
"Wow, one house, over $80 million, we have to point out that Mr. Castle donates unknown amounts of money to several charities, including Presbyterian Hospital here in New York. The new pediatric ward just opened recently is known as Mr. Rogers Rooms, and anyone who knows Rick Castle understands that meaning. Good to see one of the good people succeeding and looking happy, Thanks Paul" as Kate turned the TV off, and threw the rest of her meal in the garbage. She reached for the Vodka and put the wine away.
XxX
Three Weeks Later
New York City
Crosby Street Hotel
79 Crosby St, New York City, NY 10012-3905
Rick, Joy, and Alexis had flown in three days before the actual book launch, to adjust to the time zone as well as allow Alexis some time to spend with her Grams. It was becoming apparent to all that the Grand Dame was slipping, and Rick knew she wouldn't be able to stay in the loft much longer, at least not alone. That was on his radar as well to investigate the options and do what was best for Martha, regardless of how loud she screamed.
Rick and Joy were staying in the Penthouse at the Crosby Street Hotel, a five-star establishment just up the street from Broome and Crosby, allowing easy visitation, and providing the privacy he knew his mother had never acknowledged or honored. They had visited with Martha after they checked in and had dinner, and was surprised at how forthcoming she had been in her admissions.
"Richard, I know this may shock you, but I'm not as young as I used to be, and well before you cart me off to some old folks home without any of my input, I've done some investigating. I would like to stay in the loft, it's really the only place I ever felt at home since I moved in, and please don't interrupt me. I know I'll need some assistance.
"The pamphlets of three organizations are on the counter, I know you'll want to check them out, and for that my son, I thank you, you loved me even when it wasn't easy to do so." She kissed his cheek,
"Well, Mother let me look into these, have you spoken to anyone about them yet, like Walter our attorney?" Rick asked, still shocked at his mother's tone and openness.
He watched Alexis put a ten-dollar bill in her Gram's hand, "I told you that would be his first question" as Martha laughed,
"Walter's reports are in the folder below the brochures, all are good, but Mom's Helper is my preferred choice. They start with assisted living in your home and well if I live that long can take care of the entire journey. The others only take care of my present situation." Martha said with a serious tone in her voice,
"Well Mother, I guess all that's left is to interview some caretakers, I'll"
"No need Richard, I know how busy you are, and how short your stay is, I had Walter and your old friend Rosaline Karpowski with me when I interviewed the 4 people they sent over" She smiled,
"I don't understand Mother, Walt I do, but Roz, why did you involve her? Rick asked,
"Well when Evelyn Montgomery called to ask when you were arriving, I asked her if she had any knowledge of this organization, she told me that Rosaline did and would put me in touch with her. That sweet girl came over three times, to help me, and after the interviews, she, Walter, and I all agreed that Carmella was the right choice. She actually took care of Rosaline's mother at first, then she had to take a leave to take care of her own mother." Martha said,
"Well, it seems like you have it all worked out Mother, I'm proud of you. What do you need me to do, I mean you have access to your funds to hire her if she is the one you feel comfortable with?" Rick asked
"Oh that, that part is all taken care of she starts the day you return to California, but I would like to remodel the lower level bathroom to allow the step-in tub, and shower, the man who can do it has his estimate on the counter as well," she said
Rick walked over, reviewed the estimate, it was from the plumber he had used before, he called the number and asked if he could speak to Vlad, and then arranged for the job to be done in two days."
"All done Mother, anything else you need, I mean you can make changes any way you please except to my office, I doubt if I ever come back to New York more than to visit or see the few friends I still have" making a mental note to do something nice for Roz, she didn't have to make such an effort.
They visited a short while longer but Rick could see Martha needed a nap, so they made their exit as soon as Alexis got done with her face time call, and he confirmed the plans with her.
They walked the three blocks to the hotel, Joy's arm intertwined with his, and she noticed he was really quiet.
"Penny for your thoughts Rick? As if I didn't know, but look, you didn't have to be the bad guy to send her off kicking and screaming making you feel guilty. I was really impressed that she noticed the need and actually took control of it, as you used to say, Martha is going to do it her way" she smiled,
"You know you're right; she is isn't she. I used to kid her and tell her to treat me better since I was the one who was going to choose her retirement home, she even beat me to the punch on that. I'm glad she can stay in the loft, really if Alexis doesn't want it, I'll probably just have it modified and add to the rentals, I just can't sell it, not now." He smiled and held the door to the hotel for her,
As they stepped on the elevator, he asked "Joy, how do you do that? You know what I'm thinking and you always know what to say." He smiled
"Well, it goes both ways, and by the way, I know you've already thought of this, but what are you going to do for Roz, if you want a suggestion call her and ask her if she would like to be your guest at the book signing as a VIP" Joy smiled, "Oh and some flowers would always be nice for a lady, just keep the message G rated" she laughed and smacked his arm,
Somehow, he could face the fact that his mother, one of two ladies who had always loved him unconditionally may be nearing the end of her race, he thought back to the song that Joy had the lyrics printed out, and etched on glass, now hanging in each of their offices and remember the part that said;
When we needed help the most, we found each other
And without you, I don't know where I'd have been
We have soothed each other's quiet desperations
And loved each other every now and then
He knew that it wasn't going to be easy, but for one of the few times in his life, he wouldn't have to face this sadness alone, he knew she had his back, and always would.
TBC