Stand by Me

by Castlefan6

Authors Note: By Request. Picks up where Better Part of Valor ends. Please read that before beginning this fic. We see the changes to the lives of a number of our favorite characters, including a few weddings, and other life events. This is for Kim, AKA txgal2015, another of my loyal readers I appreciate so much.

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 5

Monday 6:30 AM

Castle Loft

/_/

Kate slipped from her side of the bed to go and make coffee, allowing her husband to sleep a few extra minutes. Court wasn't due to start until 10:00 AM and she knew Jordan had to be exhausted from her trip and all their talking last evening. She was really glad that she came, she provided a side of Rick she had yet to see, even if it hurt a bit to know just how much love was shared between the two.

As she approached the kitchen, she saw Jordan sitting with her bathrobe, drinking a cup of coffee, reading the early edition of the paper that had been delivered. Well, reading and staring out the window from time to time, almost like she was reliving some other time in her life.

"Good Morning Jordan, I was going to make the coffee but I see you beat me to it. How long have you been up? Did you have trouble sleeping?" Kate asked,

Jordan smiled, and looked at her, "no, I slept fine, I just have the internal alarm clock that I can't reset, and I'm up at 5:30 AM every day, even on days off. I was just sipping my first cup, and reading the paper, well that and thinking about how we got to where we are today.

"I'm sorry if anything I said last night about Rick and I hurt you, I thought about it as I lay in bed, and thought why the hell did I say that?" Jordan said softly, and blushed,

"Jordan, it wasn't anything that Rick hadn't already told me, I mean I'm glad you two had each other in a very difficult time in your lives. I can only imagine, I mean" Kate replied

"Well, Tom is working really hard at trying to make things right, and well, Rick understood our situation long before either of us did. When I first met him, he was with Kyra, I told you that part, I didn't tell you that I was attracted to him even though I was with Tom. That was wrong on my part, and sometimes I wonder if I didn't want to take a break from Tom, to see if there was any spark from Rick.

"I'm sorry, to be talking about olden days, but Kate, you must realize something. When Rick was with Kyra, there was no one else, period. They just didn't exist, he knew my name and my hair color, and that I was dating Tom, but that was it.

"After his breakup, well his and mine, I was the aggressor, and what started off as friends, well, I pushed us out of that zone, into what I thought I wanted. Don't get me wrong, all the time we were together, I was the envy of just about every girl on campus, and it didn't matter how big the boobs were or how much they showed, Rick never gave them the time of day.

"When I read about his playboy days years later, I knew it was a marketing ploy, he's never been anything but a one girl at a time man, and probably never will be. I just feel bad that if you had any thoughts that he and I, or, I mean I loved Tom enough to say yes, twice to his proposal, so I know he's my soul mate.

"Then when I saw Rick with you, I knew he had found his other part of his heart he had been searching for, I mean Kate he would die for you. Not too many men are like him, and I don't want anything in the past to come between you two. What we had is just that, in the past, two young kids who didn't know what love was, well, that's not true. We knew what it was, but he also knew that I loved someone more and he stepped away to open the lane for him" Jordan sipped on her coffee and looked up at Kate,

"I'm sorry Jordan, did you say he stepped away, that's the only discrepancy in his story, his version was you and Tom got back together again, and then you had his little princess after getting married.

"Kate, I never told him I was engaged to Tom, so when he found out, and the reason why we broke up, he backed away, hell that's how he got involved with Roy and Bob Weldon, he was"

"I'm sorry Jordan, but I asked Rick about that time in his life, he told me when he was ready, he would tell me all about it, but for now, please trust him, he wasn't off with a bunch of playboy bunnies partying. I'd like to honor that request, sorry if that upset you, but"

"I'm sorry Kate, I shouldn't have said anything, but I look at you two, and I have never seen him happier, when you told me you weren't taking any steps to prevent having kids, I know he's over the moon with that. I'll just warn you, watch out once you do get pregnant, if you think he spoils you know, you are in for a surprise." She laughed,

Rick had awakened, and heard the entire conversation, he was so proud of Kate for not wanting to hear about his past, he was frozen when Jordy started to tell it. He made a loud noise, coughed a few times then walked out to see the ladies by the table talking.

"Good morning babe, did we wake you? I'm sorry, Jordan and I were just having a girl talk" Kate kissed him tenderly,

"Oh no, you didn't wake me, I have to get a shower and get to court, I won't be in the main room, but I want to be there to support your Dad, and Jordan, your testimony starts today, doesn't it?"

"That it does, Rick, I'm going upstairs to shower and dress, be back in a bit so we can get to court on time." She said as she took his hand, kissed his cheek quickly then pulled away to head upstairs,

"Babe, I can take a few days if you need me, I mean, I talked to Doctor Burke, and he's ready to see me if I get too upset. I feel so bad, entrusting my dad's well-being to you, I mean I should be there." Kate said gently as she poured his coffee, then climbed into his lap for her morning kisses.

"I know Kate, but it's just getting started, I have a feeling Bracken's going to try to make it as rough and dirty as possible, you really don't need to hear the things he's going to try to say. I tried to get Jim to stay away, but well, I can't blame him.

"If someone ever hurt you, I wouldn't spare an ounce of energy making them pay, I feel your dad's pain. I just want to be there for him, for guy support" Rick said as he continued their routine of morning kisses around the temple, down the neck, up behind the ear, and finally looking deeply into each other's eyes a sweet passionate kiss of love.

"I love you Rick, more than I ever thought it was possible to love anyone, so thank you. I know Dad appreciates it, and well, it will be over in a few weeks and we can hopefully put this behind us."

XxX

U.S. Federal Court

9:54 AM Same Day

Jordan, Rick, and Kate had shared a limo, dropping Kate off at the elevator door to the precinct, and then splitting up when they arrived at the courthouse. Rick just had a feeling Bracken wasn't going to go down without at least trying something big. He had his security now actively working the streets as well as access to the court, well as much as the Secret Service, and Federal Marshals would allow. They became very territorial about whose jurisdiction was whose.

Jordan was called to testify after their first break, at around 11:20 AM, she described how the investigation was handed off to the FBI by the CIA since they were not allowed to pursue domestic crimes. Either the defense didn't know or played stupid about the roles of each agency. Jordan carefully, slowly, and thoroughly described each.

"The FBI and The CIA (Central Intelligence Agency) differ because the CIA mostly operates outside the United States to gather intelligence via a network of spies whereas the FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) predominantly operates within the U.S. to both gather intelligence as well as tackle federal crimes. If a crime or investigation leads over to one or the other area, it's not uncommon for the two agencies to work together with the appropriate agency taking lead on the investigation." She replied calmly,

The defense fumbled around with more questions but Jordan sat professionally waiting for the series of objections and counter objections, then turned to the judge who instructed her she could answer the question.

"How did the investigation into Senator Bracken reach your office, Agent Shaw, and who provided the tip, or so-called inside information."

Another round of objections and rulings by the judge and Jordan answered, "Senator Bracken became a person of interest when he was linked to Congressman Chris Collins of New York, who is currently under arrest for wire fraud, conspiracy to commit securities fraud, lying to the FBI, and insider trading. It was discovered that the Senator shares some of the same accounts, and activities as the Congressman.

"The CIA was also investigating the senator for potential bribery charges, stemming from his dealing with his wife, excuse me, former wife's line of clothing manufactured in Beijing China. There wasn't ample evidence for their prosecution, but the bribery did manifest itself when a senior member of Senator Bracken's staff took a plead deal and provided the agency with proof of the allegations.

"Of course, that is a separate trial, and I can't disclose any more information than what I just shared" she completed her answer as the defense attorney sank in his chair, and Bracken tried to will her dead with his stare, the only tool he had left.

Jordan slowly laid out the trail of Bracken's extortion, going all the way back to just after he became a US Senator. The evidence was plentiful and there was no need to dig up old records of the three men that initiated the entire schemed used for years. Two were dead, one retired, and staying out of the spotlight, all three former NYPD Cops, which would do nothing but damage the fragile reputation of the department.

Finally, after almost four hours on the stand, Agent Shaw was dismissed, but told to appear for re-cross, or re-direct examination the next day at the same time. Court was adjourned for the day, as Rick, and Jim Beckett met up with Jordan in the tunnels, taking the limo back to the 12th precinct where they briefed Captain Beckett on the day's proceedings. They chose to leave the details out of the loft since Tom and Brianna would be joining them tomorrow, and much of what was said was not for small children.

Once again, Kate left with them, in the limo, with Rick's drivers providing security as they dropped off Jim then returned to the loft. Rick couldn't shake the feeling, of Bracken trying to ride one last hurrah out before he was sent to prison. The gasps from the jury were an indication today that even as hard as a typical New Yorker was, they were moved by his cruelty.

The routine continued the entire week, until Friday, they diverted to the airport to pick up their guests for the weekend, Tom and Brianna Shaw, or the doctor and the little boss as she was referred to kiddingly by Jordan. As soon as the car stopped, Janice opened the door of the Jet, waved as Tom held Brianna's hand as they walked down the stairs,

As soon as the little girl's feet hit the pavement, she was off in a sprint, Rick kneeled down, Kate automatically thought she would run to her mom since it had been almost a week since she had seen her. She was wrong, she almost tackled her Uncle Rwik, throwing her little arms around his neck and squealing in delight.

Kate turned and looked at Jordan who was smiling, "Don't worry about it Kate, this is part of the getting used to I was telling you about. She is oblivious to anyone else when her Uncle Rick is around because he plays with her as another kid would. Kate smiled, getting a glimpse of what her future life would be like.

As they got closer, they could hear an animated Brianna telling Rick all about this was the first time that she and her Daddy were on an airplane and no one else was on it but them. She thanked him for taking good care of her Mommy while was away, and then she stunned Kate,

"So, Uncle Rwik, can I meet Auntie Kate now, Mommy said she had to be a very special lady to have you marry her, I know I'm too young but, oh well, would you introduce me to Auntie please," she said,

Rick smiled as Kate leaned down to her level, "Hi Brianna, I'm Auntie Kate, and I love Uncle Rick so very much, just like you do. I promise I'll take care of him, I pinky swear" Kate said, as she held out her pinky finger,

"Great Auntie Kate, I'm Brianna, well, that's the name Mommy and Daddy and school call me, Uncle Rwik calls me princess, so you can call me that too, OK?" she smiled as she completed the pinky swear,

Kate knew then, her life was never going to be boring, and if kids came then she would be in for quite a ride.

Black Pawn Publishing,

Friday, 5:00 PM

Same Week,

Paul Cowell had called a mandatory meeting not only for his management team but all employees, including two staff writers. Gina had a sick feeling, knowing that business hadn't been in the best of conditions, and if their creditors caught wind that Rick Castle was thinking about not returning to the firm, loans were certainly in jeopardy.

Paul called the meeting to order in his usual style,

"Listen up you deadbeats, I got something to say, and it's something you're going to want to hear" God, she hated him saying that, the same fucking line for over ten years with the firm.

"OK, Paul why don't you save us, deadbeats, some time and just jump to the chase this time, some of us still have work to do." Rex Hanner yelled out from the back, one of the longest-tenured employees who wasn't afraid of anything Paul could do to him. He had invested wisely and worked as a hobby, not to support his family, which were now all grown.

"Leave it to the cheap seats, but OK, well there's no easy way to say this but I just accepted an offer to sell Black Pawn, twenty minutes ago. The lawyers are still working through all of the details but I would like to introduce you to, John Fogel, as of the finalization of the deal he will be the Vice President of Operations, and in charge of everything for the new owners. John, if you'd like to say a few words,

Attention focused on the good-looking man in the wheelchair who had somehow made his way into the room without being detected. He wheeled his chair to the front and took the microphone off the stand as he began to speak.

"Hi everyone, my name is as Paul said, John Fogel, I was wounded in Afghanistan which is why I now use this as he patted his wheelchair, and I will be the guy you curse for the next several months as we transition Black Pawn into KBC Enterprises, a division of my boss's companies. Many of you will not see much of a change, other than increased benefits, HR will meet with you all individually once the deal has finalized next week.

"Today I would like to meet with the senior management committee after I answer any of your questions, so anyone, fire away"

One of the young fathers in the back asked shyly, "You're sure we're not getting fired? I mean usually in transitions the new owners like to bring their own teams." He asked,

"Good question Gary, and I know you're concerned because you're a new Dad, as I said, HR will be meeting with you individually, but your hospitalization now covers your child and your spouse, we don't have to go deeper in public, I'll be here to speak to you if you wish once the meetings are over." As a wave of relief spread over the young man's face,

"No sir, we're good, I'll wait and thanks," Gary said,

"Just one rule please, John said, I was called Sir in the US Army for ten years, so for now, it's just Gary, I'm sure you'll come up with some other names as we get to know each other better" he smiled and the entire room laughed,

"If there aren't any more questions, I would like to meet with the management team, and you can find my contact information and some company background on the flyers Amanda is passing out in the back of the room, I look forward to meeting each of you one on one soon." He said as the crew began to exit the room,

Gina, her uncle Paul, and two other executives were all that was left, in the room. Gina really didn't know what the two men did, other than golf with her Uncle so she wasn't surprised when John opened his statement by saying,

"John, you should be proud of the organization you have built and grown, and now is the time for you, as well as your two special assistants to enjoy golf full time. As of 5:00 PM your services are no longer required, HR has your exit packages as we negotiated,"

"What about me?" Gina asked, I mean you've talked about everyone's job except mine, and now that the other three members of management have been let go, where do I stand?"

"Well, Gina, I wasn't going to address this in public, but since you brought it up, you will be returning to your post as editor of new talents. You haven't really produced anyone but Richard Castle, and Conrad, who you already fired, saving me the trouble. You will be responsible for finding, developing, and working with new writers, Mr. Castle is now being managed by me exclusively." John said,

"I'm being demoted, I mean you don't even know my work, how can you make that judgment"

"I do know your work, and the judgment has been made and approved by the new owner and CEO of the company, which at this time wish to remain anonymous, at least until some of the dust settles," John replied,

"Oh, just to be perfectly clear, please return the black AMEX and all keys that you received when you took over as Managing Editor, your salary will be adjusted in two months to allow you to plan accordingly," John added to a brooding Gina,

"You're cutting my pay, taking away my credit card, what if I don't agree with this?"

"HR has your severance package, now I need to speak to Gary, please excuse me" as he wheeled his chair out to the conference room.

"Don't push it, Gina, you didn't expect to ride the gravy train forever, did you?

She gave him a dirty look and went to clean out her executive office, she was now sitting in a cubicle, that son of a bitch, he'd be sorry she thought.

TBC