A Deadly Game and a Secret
by Castlefan6
Authors Note: This is one story I've seen requested but never read a completed fic before. Rick has been recalled to active duty; the Hamptons are just his guise to hide the true story. The only ones who know the truth are Gina and Roy. Based loosely off 2-24, A Deadly Game, for the beginning then completely AU.
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
Beckett's Apartment
Saturday following Memorial Day 6:47 PM
/_/
Kate had just about worn her fingers out checking for a text from Eduardo over the last few days, she knew that Rick wouldn't miss an opportunity to say goodbye to Alexis for anything in the world. Finally, her phone dinged with a notification of a new message. She grabbed it, and although short, it eased her mind.
"Letter delivered personally to Mr. C" was all it read, but at least now she knew that Rick had received it. She couldn't worry about if he threw it in the trash along with all the junk mail he received, she just couldn't deal with that thought now. She was holding on to any victory, no matter how small it was, especially after this week at the precinct.
She had endured the shunning by just about everyone who worked at the 12th precinct, including housekeeping personnel. It seemed just about everyone had their own story of how Rick had helped them in their time of need, and now he was gone, because of a two-timing bitch detective.
She had experienced hostile work environments before, especially when she worked Vice, but that was mostly a minority of the staff. It seemed to her everyone hated her guts, even those who didn't know her name before Rick left, they knew it now.
They had caught a case where a man was shoved down a garbage chute in a hi-rise apartment, to find he had been living a double life. One that included a wife and a girlfriend, actually a fiancé, both claiming his body under different names. It seemed the man had more to hide than just a double life with the woman, but also work.
She caught comments about the cheating bastard got what he deserved, and too bad not all people who string people along shouldn't suffer the same fate. The comments she knew were directed towards her since Demming had not gone quietly into the night.
He let it be known that he was the pawn whose role was to make the writer jealous, and when it didn't work, she dumped him after he confirmed a holiday getaway, non-refundable expensive room of course. Beckett sent him a certified check for the amount of the deposit, plus the full room rate when she heard that, just to shut him up. It just made things worse, so bad that Demming had transferred back to the 54th precinct just as he put it, "purge himself of the smell of the relationship". Ouch!
Kate didn't have friends to defend her, everyone on the homicide floor was sick of her getting away with bending the rules with the Captain, and now, many took pleasure in seeing her cast as the bitch in a love triangle gone bad. Everyone knew that Rick had done so much for her, and this was his repayment, not a way to win over friends.
The boys were still pissed at her, but they were working their full shifts, and the Captain had avoided her as much as possible. He even got a pained look on his face every time Rick's name was mentioned in his presence. Even her stalwart, Lanie had been avoiding her as much as possible. Kate knew that Lanie would drop everything in a heartbeat to be with Rick, she had such a crush on him, and was pissed about how she treated him.
She wandered over to the counter to investigate the unopened mail she had brought up as she arrived home from work. There sat her dinner, another to-go meal from the local bodega, and a cup of coffee from Java Hut. At least she wasn't building the carboard palace Rick accused of her one time in the refrigerator with all of the Chinese takeout cartons.
Her life had gone from bad to worse, it seemed like she was alone, without the possibility of anyone granting her a break. Sure, she had screwed up, big time, hell no one knew that better than she did. She didn't need to be reminded daily that she was the most hated woman working at the 12th precinct, she had gotten the message the first few days. Now that she knew Rick had her letter all she could do was wait, as painful as that was, it was the only option for her now.
XxX
Four Seasons Hotel
Greensboro North Carolina
Sunday, 9:00 AM THREE WEEKS AFTER RICK LEFT for Fort Bragg
Rick was in a hurry to see Gina, well that and he knew his days would be numbered once he completed these book signings before the real work began. He arranged for Janice to meet him on the small executive airstrip and fly him to Greensboro earlier in the morning. He needed to take full advantage of the one-week leave, Sunday to Sunday then classes began on Monday. After that, well, he didn't want to think about it but he knew he would be one of the first deployed overseas.
The flight was short, and as always Janice had made sure he was comfortable, she seemed worried, as he prepared to debark the plane.
"Janice are you OK, nothing wrong at home, or anything like that is there? I don't want to pry but let me know, how can I help?" There were the same four words that had become his calling card, how can I help, regardless of the problem, or person.
She smiled, tried to hide the tears from her eyes, "Oh no Rick, things at home are fine, I mean it couldn't be any better." She said, wiping her eye after she turned, trying to hide it from him,
"So why the tears Janice? You say things are fine, but you're crying, I know you think you're tough and don't need anyone to help but if something is wrong, please let me help" Rick said, as he gently took her arm,
She turned and fell into him, crying hard, "I know what's going on Rick, I know where you're going and I'm scared to death that something is going to happen to you. You big lug, you know I love you, not in the way other women do, but it's still love. God, what would we do if anything happened to you over there? Don't try to deny it, Rick, I'm ex-military and I understand the procedure and process, remember?" She said, almost composed as he held her in his arms,
"Janice, first, I know you love me, second, nothing is going to happen, you know I can't tell you anything even if I knew it myself, and lastly, in case something did, you and Anne are taken care of in my will. You won't have to ever worry about working again," he said, this brought more tears and her throwing her arms around his neck, squeezing him tightly.
"It's not about the money you big dummy, or the job, we just want you to come home the same way you left. Look, I know you can't tell me anything, but please tell me who does know what's going on? Just in case, as you say" she said,
"Gina and Roy Montgomery know what the score is, Gina's my ex-wife, yeah we love each other, but we both know that's not enough to try again, and Roy. Well, Roy is an old friend who is close to the situation, that's all I can say" Rick said, as his hankie appeared and wiped her tears away. Anne, her partner stood in the cockpit, just quietly weeping, until Rick pulled her into a group hug, handing her his hankie.
"Hey, I'm coming back, right now we have a couple of book signings to get out of the way then I'll need you, ladies, to take me back to the base. I'll text you when we finalize when I'm leaving, OK?" he asked, as they both just nodded, hugged him one last time, and watched as he made his way to his limo from the plane and drove off.
Rick felt bad he couldn't tell Janice and Anne, two of his longest employees anything more, but really all he knew was the scuttlebutt he heard, or Ralph had left conveniently opened during their daily briefings. He saw the advance orders, he would have one week leave after completion of his second class, then he would be deployed not to exceed 11 months based on the points he had earned in previous deployments.
His car ride to the Four Seasons was short, and he slipped up a side service elevator, to the 10th floor, the suite was on the 12th, so he walked the two flights and found the room, trying to surprise Gina. He got as close as the door before it flung open and there she stood, but just for a moment.
"Rick, it's really you." She rushed into his arms and held him so tightly, he held her, actually carried her back into the penthouse and to the couch. "I've missed you so much already, but I'm not asking you for anything you don't want to give this trip." She said and it dawned on Rick that she hadn't kissed him.
"Genes, did you find someone else, is that why you didn't kiss me hello?" Rick asked,
She turned, "Hell No, but I don't want you to do anything that you don't want" his lips crushed hers in the start of the make-out session that lasted quite a while.
After the initial welcome home session was completed, she said softly, "Rick we need to talk. I mean, I think I know where I stand, and I just want to make sure you are on the same page" as she took his hand and led him to the bedroom,
"I thought you said we needed to talk Genes, "Rick said, confused at his ex-wife's behavior.
"We do, but nothing we can't say naked, well OK, Rick," he stopped, then she continued "look I know you still love your detective and don't argue with me, I can tell. It's OK, it really is. I mean, if you will make love to me, and kiss me until you work things out with her, I'm fine with that.
"Hell, it's not like we never had sex before, and we both have needs. If in the remote chance I run into someone I would like to be exclusive with, I'll tell you, and you do the same, that will be our deal. OK?"
"Gina are you sure, because, I don't want to lead you on or hurt you again. Don't get me wrong, the sex is fantastic, and believe me, I could stay in bed with you all day and night. BUT, we both know, it would be a mistake to try to have anything more, I mean I love you, but neither of us would be happy if we tried to be a couple again."
"I know, I thought about what you said the last time we were together, and sadly I have to agree. I agree that the sex is fantastic for me as well, so, well If I love you and you love me, why not, at least until one of us finds our next partner" she said, kissing him deeply,
They reminisced about some of the good times they had had, as they lay in bed, satisfying each other physically. Gina was a very giving partner, one that made sure Rick was taken care of each and every session they had.
"What am I going to do without this when I ship out Genes? I got the word, unofficial at this point but after I teach two sessions, lasting 4 weeks each, I will join the last squad on our way to the theater. I need you to take care of Alexis, she's sounded so lonely the few times we were able to talk" Rick said as he gently played with her breasts.
She moved his hand to another position, which started another session, this time he took control and pleasured her until she went over the edge twice before he even entered her. It was a true love-making session, not sex, regardless of what each of them was saying. She lay spent on his chest,
"So, you're really going Rick, I mean, I don't have the right, but I'll worry every minute you're gone. I talked to Alexis, and I think I'm going to spend a month with her when you ship out. She needs it, and God, I need to see our little girl just to keep focused on being strong. Please don't be a hero Rick, I mean you've served your time, you've got the medals, no more, please?" she was almost in tears when she finished,
"Genes, I think a month with Alexis would do you both good, and well, I promise I won't try to be a hero. We both know I have a job to do, and well, it'll get done. You know it might be wise if you line up the therapist when I come home, I'm not comfortable talking about things in front of many people. I don't want you to feel obligated, but if you get the chance, once I'm in route home" he said, to a surprised Gina,
"Rick, I think that's a fantastic idea, and well," she turned his head and kissed him sweetly, "I know how much you hate it, so I know you're doing it for Alexis and me, thanks love"
XxX
The book signings were in Greensboro, Charlotte, Raliegh, and Cary North Carolina, and were all Gina had hoped they would be. Rick had grown his beard out for ten days, and makeup had applied a tan, on top of the tan he already had and supplied him with a pair of dark-rimmed glasses that helped change his appearance with their tinted lenses.
Only one lady commented about his short hair, and Rick laughed it off, saying, "Never trust a barber you don't know, I got the haircut from someone other than my normal barber and this is the result" he laughed, it wasn't a lie. The military barbers kiddingly asked each soldier, how they would like it, then proceeded to buzz their heads.
The signings were typical for Rick, Gina having to turn people away even after Rick extended the signing for an additional hour and a half. His motto, was, "Stay as long as they love you, rest comes when they turn away from you to another writer." He went out of his way as usual, and the book had rave reviews, even from critics who were usually looking for a chance to put his work down.
The dedication was a surprise to Gina, she had approved the one he submitted, thanking the people of the 12th precinct, and all law enforcement, but what was printed was a dedication to her.
"To my editor, ex-wife, and dear friend Gina Castle Cowell. We both know that without you and your direction this book would never have seen the light of day. Thank You for all you do, and for the love you give,"
Love
Rick"
It brought tears to her eyes when she read it, they may not be marriage material, but there was a love there that nothing could destroy. She knew that there would always be a place in her heart for him, regardless of whom either wound up with. She was perfectly satisfied to be the ex-wife, with benefits relationship they had enjoyed thus far, but knew Rick loved Kate Beckett, and she would someday be a memory to him.
All too soon the time was up, even the one day that Rick had saved just for her. They went all over, sightseeing, having a picnic lunch, just enjoying life until the sun began to set. He ordered a romantic meal into the hotel, complete with candles and violins, and then they spent the last night communicating in the fashion they never had any issues with, in the bedroom.
Neither slept, they made memories that would last Rick until he returned home, and Gina, well, perhaps it was her last time with him. Both were tired but satisfied, and happy as Rick showered to meet Janice and the short trip back to the base. He would need to shave and get his gear in order by 7:00 AM the next morning when things got real for him and the other instructors.
They spent every minute they could until Rick had to leave, and when he did, it was with a kiss and a challenge to her. "Genes, don't spend so much time taking care of me, Alexis, or the family you put your happiness on the back burner. Please, promise me, if you see something or someone you want, you'll go for it, please." He begged her,
She reluctantly agreed, "OK Rick, but please remember what I said, don't be a hero. Just come home to me, to Alexis, and to everyone who loves you." She said, tears forming in her eyes,
"I'll do my best, I promise," he kissed her, a short sweet kiss, and then he turned and was gone. Gina had never been a religious person, but this time, she had a bad feeling, very bad feeling so she opened the dresser and took out the Gideon Bible and did something she hadn't done in years, prayed for his safe return to those who loved him."
XxX
Flight School,
First Squadron
Monday, 0700, 7:00 AM EST
Rick had just taken command of the 12 young pilots that for the next four weeks would be counting on him to teach them how to perhaps stay alive in the coming months. As they moved to the classroom for their first session, Rick took a mental picture of each young man, all proud to be a part of the U.S. Marines.
He had overheard a conversation earlier between two of the young pilots about how they really didn't need any training, and how they couldn't wait to get over there and kill some of the savages who were assaulting our troops. It would prove to be a costly mistake for both young men, as Rick made them the targets for every difficult task in training, they failed each time.
"Jenkins, Howard, I thought you two didn't need any more training, all you needed was to get over there and kill some of the savages" Rick finally dressed them down, in front of the squad.
"Sir?" they both answered,
"Be careful where you run your mouths, what you say in your home is your business, in this class, it's mine and your fellow team members. You just showed how lacking in skills you both are, now do you want to DOR, (Drop on Request) or get your asses in gear and get caught up to the class. You have two weeks left, I'm sure I can arrange your transfer back to flying the missions you're suited for." Rick barked,
The example worked, in two weeks the class graduated, received their orders, one week R&R, then they were being deployed in the thick of the latest battles.
Jenkins wound up third in his class, Howard came in at 5th, but they both understood now the gravity of the mission they were about to take on,
"Sir, I'd like to thank you for kicking our asses and making us understand the mission. I know if we make it back, it'll be because of the training we received" as Jenkins saluted, Rick returned the salute, and replied,
"Remember, it's the mission, not the man, don't hate, just follow your orders like any good Marine would do. Watch your six, and I hope to see you back here someday under different circumstances" Rick said,
"Yes Sir, I would like that as well, and once again Thank You" as he turned and walked away, leaving Rick wondering had he done enough to keep this young man alive, it was up to the Universe now.
TBC
Once again, apologies for any errors in Military situations. Thanks to Swordwriter who pointed out that training would have taken place in Pensacola Florida rather than Fort Bragg, so for the sake of the story, pretend it was a special operations mission they were trying to hide. It will be a moot point soon but I wanted to point out that I received and acknowledged the receipt of the correct information, it is appreciated. Thanks