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Office of the Police Commissioner

NYPD Headquarters

1 Police Plaza Path,

New York, NY 10038

"Sir, I have some more points that need expressing," Gates continues.

"What does it take to convince you?" the PC replies "You've lost this argument."

"I lost his argument before I got up this morning," she replies, "but I can't let it go?"

"There's an old saying," the PC replies," People are more ready to repay an injury than a benefit, because gratitude is a burden and revenge a pleasure." – Tacitus, he quotes.

"Now I know where Mr. Castle learned his fondness for the classics," she rolls her eyes.

"I did mention several times today where he showed forgiveness," he replies, "But you can't give him the same."

"Cops don't forgive," Gates counters, "We do our jobs. I suspect a turn in subject."

"I suppose you can," he replies.

"Will this include another classical quote?" Gates asks.

"I'm thinking the movies," the PC replies, "Have you ever seen 1977's 'Cross of Iron'?

"It's about German Soldiers on the Eastern front on the tail end of World War II.

"Maximillian Schell is an arrogant officer who just wants an Iron Cross to please his wealthy and aristocratic family by taking credit for another officer's heroism.

"There's a line by James Mason, who plays their commander. To his mind, there is nothing more contemptible than snatching the laurels that properly belong to another."

"How does that reflect on me?" Gates asks, frustrated.

"Well," the PC replies, "Rick Castle has done some outstanding work for this department. But your reports credit other officers, mostly Kate Beckett."

"Sir," Gates counters, "I gave Credit where credit was due in my judgment. Those officers earned the recognitions I gave them."

"I don't doubt that" he responds, "Which is why no one noticed for so long. Also,

It's hard to prove a negative unless one expecting the mention is complaining.

"How did Mr. Castle Find out?" Gates replies.

"He didn't," he responds," I don't think he cares. It was the FBI."

"Why does the FBI care about my reports?" she asks.

"Are you familiar with an FBI Profiler named Jordan Shaw?" the PC asks.

"I've met her a couple of times," Gates rolls her eyes.

"She doesn't like you too," he smiles, "She worked a case with the 12'th in Roy's time."

"I recall," Gates replies, "The Scott Dunn case."

"She also became fascinated by the dynamic between Castle and Beckett," the PC explain, "I allowed her to study their cases ever since.

"She noticed how Roy was much fairer in crediting Rick," the PC explains, "You never included a positive or negative comment.

"It took her a while because proving a negative is tough. You just passed him by if he didn't exist. Wishful thinking?"

"You never said anything," Gates points out.

"Rick didn't want to formally complain, so I let it go," he replies

"He can't complain formally, he's not a cop," Gates counters

"That depends on how I see it," he replies, "So tread lightly."

"The mayor, on the other hand is not very happy not simply for his friend, but because his friend who brings in vary positive publicity for the Department.

And once again Rick intervened on your behalf. He's practically been your rabbi."

"He's not my rabbi," Victoria says angerly, "I don't have a rabbi. I've never had one."

"What about City Council Speaker Regina Thomas," he counters, "She is your rabbi, like it or not. Without her backing I could get you appointed Captain 12th.

"I felt you're an outstanding cop who has earned the position. But there was too much political opposition to make give the head of IA the command.

"Not to mention, it was a demotion. I wanted to keep your salary and benefits without loss. Without being asked, Regina greased some wheels.

"Why?" Gates asks.

"She wanted you to be the first black female PC. That would not be acceptable to the rank and file if you were in IAB, he explains."

"But why does she want me there," Gates asks.

"She wants to be the first female black mayor of New York," he replies, "You would be a trailblazer to open the way, especially as her assumed protégé, to become the first.

"I'd never go along with that?" she replies.

"Regina would give you much of choice," he replies, "Even someone like would have a hard time saying no to promotion after promotion she's earned.

"All you have to do is take the job. Hell, you'll even convince yourself that you cand do it and keep your scruples.

"And you might be right. All she wants is for you to fight crime and stand next to her It's easy to be a symbol.

And by the time she's mayor and you become a problem; she'll fire you. After all, she didn't hire you."

"How did you figure this out," Gates asks sarcastically.

"I told you Rick is a brilliant strategist," the PC replies, "An he's contemptuous of Regina. He finds her too much of a misandrist."

"A what?" Gates asks.

"It's like a misogynist," he explains, "Except it's when women show hatred of, contempt for, or prejudice against men or boys."

"I know Regina," Gates responds, "And that's ridicu…you might have point there."

"There are those who are saying the same about you,"

"Sir…"

"Don't worry, no one takes it seriously," he replies, "Of course they did call you Icky-Vicky for a time."

"That was Mr. Castle's doing," she scowls.

"Have you forgotten your first two months?" The PC replies, "The 12th 's case closure rate tanked. There were so many transfer requests I had to issue a moratorium.

"Even the janitorial crew waned you gone. I'm not sure how you even managed to piss them off.

"Rick wasn't even there when your men hung that on you so you can stop blaming him for that. And your husband told me that was practically your nickname in school."

"I'll kill him," shew scowls further.

"Don't worry," he smiles, "Your secrets safe with me. But seemed to have shown disdain for the memory of a beloved fallen leader."

"I had to make sure everyone understood it was my command now," Gates replies.

"You moved through the precinct like heavy machinery to remove his memory." The PC replies, "A little restraint might have been in order."

"And I suppose Mr. Castle's return fixed all that?" she asks sarcastically.

"More than you know." The PC replies.

"Oh, come now sir," she replies.

"You unceremoniously and contemptuously removed a someone with a top closure rate, cop or not," He notes, "You insulted him left right and center."

"You didn't even bother to thank him for his contributions to the department. Have you ever thanked him for his work?"

She glares.

"I guess not," the PC comments, "Anyway, when he came back, despite your posturing powerless threats, he could have easily shown you disrespect, sabotaged you.

"Instead, he showed you the same respect as he did Roy. His actions calmed everyone down and saved your career was saved."

"I don't see it that way," she replies.

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