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 6
Saturday 7:00 AM
Castle Loft
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Kate often reached over to feel her husband lying next to her throughout the night, still sometimes thinking the entire time with him was some dream. This morning she reached and found his side of the bed empty, in fact, the sheets were even cold. She tiptoed to the bathroom, no, he wasn't there. She quickly washed up and ran a brush through her hair, remembering they did have guests, well sort of.
FLASHBACK PREVIOUS EVENING
Jordan and Tom had indeed taken the suite below the loft, and their princess jumped at the chance with a sleepover, just like the big girls did, with her Aunt Lexi. Kate walked by the door before turning in the previous evening, she could hear Alexis singing a song to her. She paused when she heard the lyrics,
You are beautiful no matter what they say
Words can't bring you down, oh no
You are beautiful in every single way
Yes, words can't bring you down, oh no
So don't you bring me down today
It was from the song Beautiful by Christine Aguilera, as Alexis finished the song, she heard her say to the little girl,
"You are really are beautiful, that's why Dad and Mom Kate call you, their princess. So, no matter who says what, your daddy and mommy will be OK. Always remember, that all of us here, me, Uncle Rick, and Auntie Kate love you, and we KNOW you are our beautiful little princess. You call me if you get upset again, pinky promise? I put my number right here under the A's all you have to do is hit this button and I'll be right here to talk to you."
"Lexi?" she heard the little girl's voice
"Yes, sweetie," Alexis said sweetly,
"Does everyone, I mean even Auntie Kate think I'm beautiful?" she asked,
"Briana, of course, they do, Auntie Kate couldn't wait to meet you since you were the only other girl, she would allow Uncle Rick to talk about, well besides me." Alexis laughed,
"I like Auntie Kate, I know she loves Uncle Rick, and well, I know I'm too young for him so I'm glad he found her. He looks happy now." She giggled as Alexis must have been tickling her as she tucked her in,
"Oh, you can be sure, Auntie Kate loves your Uncle Rick, more than, well more than I can describe, and he is happy. Now you get some sleep, OK?"
She heard a murmur as she turned and started down the stairs, as she heard the door open quietly,
"She's out cold Mom, I hope you didn't mind me calling you that in front of her," Alexis said quietly as she hugged Kate,
"Oh sweetie, no, of course not. She really loves your Dad, and I'm glad she likes me, she's so sweet."
"She was getting teased that her Dad had left her and her Mom, I told her I just found my mom when you married Dad, and the next time someone teased her to call me." Tears came to Kate's eyes, as she hugged her daughter, no more step, not in this family she was hers now.
"That was really sweet of you Alexis, I'm so proud of you, I even told your Dad that I fell in love with you and your Grams before I was sure I loved him," Kate said,
Alexis rolled her eyes, a habit she had picked up from Kate, "I bet that went over well," she giggled, "He knows I love him, he's my world, but it's nice to have a Mom, finally, a real mom. I mean Meredith never tried or even pretended, she wants a shopping buddy, not a daughter"
"Well, you got me, in fact, you're stuck with me so get used to it kiddo" she smiled trying to ease the situation,
"Well, you better get down to the man child, he'll wonder where you went if he doesn't see you every five minutes, I think it's cute you two are so in love." Alexis hugged her and turned back towards her room,
"Good night Alexis, I'm proud to be your Mom, get some sleep, we'll need you to help keep up with the little princess" she smiled,
"Good Night Mom will do," she smiled and entered the room quietly not to disturb the sleeping princess.
CURRENT TIME
Kate got dressed, and quietly opened the door, she could hear Rick singing and Brianna laughing, where were they? She opened the door and grabbed her phone to take a picture of Uncle Rick with his princess cooking together. He was behind her as she was using a spatula, what, they were making pancakes. That man, she looked towards the heavens, and thought, Mom, you were right, when the right one comes along everything is so much better.
She walked out loud enough for them to hear her, and heard, "Good Morning Auntie Kate, Uncle Rwik and I are making pancakes. They're not just regular pancakes, they're the special ones he only makes with Auntie Alexis when she was little" she giggled,
Kate saw some smiley face chocolate chip pancakes plated, and her husband smiling from ear to ear. If she had any doubts that he would want more children they vanished with that look of love he had.
"Yes, I see, they are special aren't they. Good job princess, be careful and don't get burned, OK?" Kate said as she leaned in for her morning kiss, and locked on her husband's eyes, he was truly happy.
"I won't Auntie Kate, see", Rick had put a large cutting board to keep her from being able to reach the actual burners without his help,
"Yes, those look great who are they for?" Kate asked smiling along with the two cooks of the morning.
The door opened and there stood Tom and Jordan, who couldn't believe her little girl was now a Master Chef as her Uncle Rick had named her. A few minutes later, Kate had gotten them coffee and there were enough pancakes for everyone to eat. Kate didn't know who was happier, Brianna, or Rick. She had even saved some for her Auntie Alexis who had an early Saturday class. She was truly a princess, well in their eyes.
XxX
Monday 7:00 AM
Brianna had spent her last night with her Mom and Dad in the suite below the loft, she was anxious to get back to Chicago and her friends at school, especially now that she had Lexi's phone number to call if she ever felt bad. The limo arrived and the goodbyes were said, Kate wondered who was going to miss the little girl more, Rick, Jordan, Alexis, or even her.
Yes, even badass Beckett had fallen head over heels in love with the little girl. She had a daydream yesterday about her and Rick having more children, of course, a lovely little daughter. She wiped her eye as the limo pulled out of sight, the little girl smiling and waving all the way.
Kate wiped her eye, Rick turned away and brushed at his, and Jordan had tissues for them all. Alexis had said goodbye before she left for school, and Kate knew she had shed tears as well. It was impossible not to love the little girl, and in her eyes, her Uncle Rwik was never wrong and could do anything. Seeing Rick with her, made her confident that they would have children and Rick would be the fantastic Dad he had always been to Alexis.
The normal routine resumed, Kate, being dropped off at the underground parking garage, and the car waiting until she had safely entered the elevator. Jordan and Rick entering the court from different entrances. Jordan had been instructed to stay in New York to avoid delays in case any cross or re-direct examination of her testimony would be needed.
She joined Rick, and Jim Beckett in the control room, with close circuit TVs showing the entire proceedings including sound. It was apparent Bracken's lawyers were trying everything, they had no defense, so they pounded the table about the law, and tried to get evidence excluded. At one point the judge called the attorneys to his chambers, and issues a stark warning,
"Cut the bullshit, and the grandstanding, if you have legitimate points of law, or evidence present them, if not, I will hold you in contempt of court and sentence you today, is that clear?" He admonished the lead attorney,
The mood shifted a great deal, much to Bracken's obvious displeasure, it was truly a pleasure to see the rat bastard squirm, his anger so obvious at his own attorneys and everyone. The judge knew this trial had to be perfect or it would be tossed on appeal, so he paid close attention to every detail, every objection, and the demeanor of the defendant, Bracken growing angrier each day.
The jury was taking copious notes, and if any member felt the intimidation Bracken or even his lawyers tried to send their way, it didn't appear to be working. Jordan was recalled by the prosecution to once again clear up the timeline, one of Bracken's expert witnesses tried to muddy the water, but Jordan had time-stamped communications, redacted for security, in slide form refuting their opinions printed and submitted to the jury for evidence. Since the issue was raised by the defense, they didn't even bother to object, knowing it was useless.
With every witness, the defense called it appeared they lost more ground as the prosecution shredded them one by one. It angered Bracken, and as much as he tried to hide, and control, he finally broke and lashed out at the judge, jury, and attorneys.
What was recorded sealed his fate, as he screamed at Judge O'Brian, "I had your punk ass brother eliminated, you Bastard, give me five minutes and a free line and you're a dead backdoor conquistador, you ass bandit son of a bitch, you're both gay as a three-dollar bill, you should be the one on trial, not me."
Although the judge was married with children it was a well-known fact that his late brother Gerald, was gay, and had been murdered on the orders of a powerful man. As hard as they tried to silence Bracken his attorneys were unsuccessful until he had unleashed a full five-minute diatribe of hate for Jewish people, Gay, Black, and Latinos.
All of the defense attorneys' pleas to have the outburst stricken from the court record fell on deaf ears. The recording was presented as part of the long-standing hatred of the elected official, being paid by taxpayer's dollars and his temperament for those other than citizens sharing his skin color or sexual orientation.
It didn't surprise anyone that the defense rested shortly after they had regained some control of their client. Everyone in court knew he sealed his fate by his own words and admission to having the judge's brother murdered. What was a surprise was when Judge O'Brian recused himself and turned the case over to Judge Forsythe, know as the hanging judge, to prevent any conflict-of-interest charges to be raised in the future.
It seemed that Bracken had maneuvered himself into the worst possible position, and every once of caution was being taken that no technicality would ever allow the case to be overturned. Judge O'Brien called a recess until Judge Forsythe could be seated on the following Tuesday at 10:00 AM
XxX
Rick, Jordan, and Jim left the court, cautiously confident, but still not counting on anything just yet. They knew Bracken would die before he gave up the fight, so they remained cautiously optimistic. Jim asked to be dropped at his door, he really didn't feel like rehashing the facts from court again as they were going to brief Kate.
Rick was surprised at how well the older gentleman had held up, it was a tremendous strain on everyone, but especially for Jim. He had called his sponsor who was waiting for him on his steps and planned to take in a ball game, any diversion from reality now.
Kate had been holding up well, she had her moments, but she and Jordan had formed a bond of some sort, that really helped her through the accounts of the trial. It also helped to know them before they were broadcasted over every news channel, even some local channels had devoted blocks of time to cover the trial of the century.
All that remained now was closing arguments, once the new Judge, was seated and presiding over the trial. The legal pundits on the networks were hailing how wise a move it was to replace Judge O'Brian, eliminating any chance of an appeal on the basis of personal bias. Even the Bracken loyalists had to admit the outcome did not look good for their friend, it would take a miracle to save his life.
XxX
Castle's Loft
8:00 PM Same Day
Kate had been extremely quiet, over the last few days, prompting Jordan to postpone her trip home. She made up the excuse that she might still be needed during deliberations once they started, something that Kate knew wasn't true, but still really appreciated her being there for her.
She had pushed her dinner from one side of the plate to the other until she finally looked up and said with a firm voice,
"Rick, I want to be there for the rest of the trial. I want to watch his face as the verdict comes down, and even if it's not guilty, I want him to know he didn't get away with anything. The world knows what he did, the world will be watching, and so will I" She said, softly but firmly
"OK Kate, if that's what you want, but not in the main courtroom, at least not until the jury returns the verdict. You, Jordan, and I will watch from the observation room until then, deal?" he asked, Kate knew that it was the only way she could make her appearance so she said quietly, "OK Babe"
She excused herself, Rick started after her, but was stopped by Jordan,
"Let me, Rick, I think she needs a good old-fashioned girl to girl talk and cry. She's been chasing this so long, I'm sure she's wondering if she'll change after it's over. She's let it define her in so many ways, well she had until you came into her life, so I'm sure she's worried about change"
"Change? What change Jordy? She's still my badass wife who catches murders for a living, and she's added the title of CEO of KBC Enterprises to her resume. John told me she grilled him about his literary experience, and why he thought he was qualified to turn the former Black Pawn around. I was impressed with her, but well, nothing is changed, at least not from me" he said softly as Jordy looked at him with a let me handle this look, and gently pulled away.
XxX
Monday, 8:00 AM
KBC Enterprises
Gina waltzed into the office at 8:30 to see John in the office her uncle had occupied until Friday, it seemed strange seeing someone else there. She didn't have must time for nostalgia until she was jolted back to reality by John's voice,
"Gina, your hours are 8:00 AM till 5:00 PM, with one hour for lunch and two breaks, you just lost half an hour of lunch today, and don't make a habit of being late," he said in a tone, that people would recognize from the military,
"You can't be serious, the next thing you'll want me to punch a time clock as well" Gina shot back,
John shot her a look and looked over his shoulder as workmen were installing a time clock. "Now that you mention it, Gina, yes, I do, you can't be trusted on the honor system, so those employees who can't are required to punch in and out when they leave the building. If you stretch your lunches or breaks longer than allowed, punching in and out will be for them as well, is that clear?" John asked,
Gina was furious, hell she hadn't been treated like this since she was in high school and working at a diner for extra money. She discovered that wasn't the life for her, and woke up and went to college as he parents insisted.
"It's clear John, or do I need to address you as your highness, or master?" she shot back,
"John works fine, do your job, we won't have any problems, keep up your current path, I would suggest you update your resume. I don't tolerate insubordination, or anyone not doing their job. You have 60 days grace, not by me, but the new owner promised no dismissals for at least 60 days, after that your ass is grass" he said in a tone that sent shivers up Gina's spine. Hell, he would fire her, she knew now he wasn't to be messed with.
She logged on to her computer to see the welcome email from him to the entire company, also the changes in hospitalization that now covered domestic partners, period. No sex had to be noted, and men were now allowed up to six months paternal leave. There was a host of other changes, all for the employee's benefit, so whoever bought the company had deep pockets she thought.
The next email was a list of company values and the last one was her job description, her current pay, her pay after 60 days, her quota of new writers interviewed and works read, Wait, what the fuck was this? She had quotas now? This wasn't going to work, she could just tell, but she had to play along until she could cash in some favors for a new job.
The first rude awakening came for her when she called a competitor who had made offers to her in the past, and her call was sent to voice mail,
"Hey Jerry, it's Gina, Gina Cowell, I was wondering if we could get together. We've had some changes here at Black Pawn, and I may be interested in those offers you had made in the past. Give me a call,"
It took over four hours until Jerry called her back, "Jerry where the hell were you? I was beginning to think you had no interest in anything I have to offer" she said in a flirtatious voice,
"Gina, everyone knows Black Pawn is dead, and you've been demoted. As far as a position for you, I'm sorry but right now, I don't have any openings that meet your qualifications. Anything else you're offering I don't need, or want, I can't afford a divorce so I use a very exclusive escort service now. Good Luck" as the phone clicked in her ear,
That pompous ass, who did he think he was, thinking that she'd fuck him just for a job, but in reality, she took out a small pad and crossed the first name off her list of 10 names. There were more guys needing something they weren't getting at home, she just had to find the right one.
TBC