The Heart Won't Lie
by Castlefan6
Authors Note: This is Totally AU; Beckett has left for D.C and the Feds. This describes the activity of each, during the time away from each other, NO PROPOSAL, before she left, but plenty of ANGST. Can they find their way back to each other, or do they even want to? It blends some Canon dialog, courtesy of Dust Jackets Dot Com, then goes quickly and completely AU. What were each up to during this time, Taking Literary License to fill in the blanks.
A/N: CASKETT ENDING IS NOT GUARANTEED. : CASKETT ENDING IS NOT GUARANTEED.
I don't own Castle; I use the characters for amusement purposes only, except the ones I create.
Also, we take liberties with the timeline from Canon and use events to make this a more believable fiction, thanks.
Thanks to reader pmt0622 for the prompt:
A CASKETT ENDING IS NOT GURANTEED. **************************************************************************/
Chapter 7
Castle's Loft
Broome St, New York
One Week Later
Rick had called the Mayor, and made arrangements to receive tickets for the ball that the Metropolitan American Dance Theater was putting on in two weeks, but swore his honor to the secret of his presence in town.
Alexis was going to join them for Christmas along with Gina and her fiancé, Henry, as well as Paula and her boyfriend. It would be as close to old times as it could be, including the imported 12-foot balsam Christmas tree, and the loft decorated as it used to be. Alexis was going to surprise her Dad with a pitcher of the glogg, she knew it would really make Christmas feel like the old days.
The only difference was that Rick was wearing his hair differently, the sun had actually added a blonde twinge to it, he donned black glasses on top of brown-colored contact lenses and an L.A. Dodgers baseball cap, he hated them, but it was part of the disguise. The only people who knew he was back in New York were the mayor, Eduardo sworn to secrecy, Alexis, Paula, his New York Investigators, and Gina. They used the servants' entrance and the private entrance from the rear of the building.
Rick met with his investigators along with Mr. Mayor the second day he was back, to review the official police photos, that only the mayor's office could provide. Rick felt his heart race as his thought raced back to Mrs. Delgado, the poor lady who had been stuffed in the safe, after being killed. Her Daughter was heartbroken, Beckett had done a good job trying to console her, but what do you say at a time like that.
"Anything similar to the Delgado case," he asked his investigators,
"Not a thing Rick, we even went down to the employee records. The only ones still employed by MADT are lower-level office staff and maintenance people. The fundraising had been subcontracted to an outside firm as part of the civil lawsuit settlement with Delgado estate." RCE Investigations Chief of New York operations, Roy Montgomery III, a spitting image of his late father and decorated slain police captain said.
"To answer your next question, yes, we've scrubbed every person who worked at the sub-contractor for the last five years, nothing in their background, or their families is connected." He added to see Rick smile,
"Your Dad would be proud Roy, good job. How's your Mom and family?" Rick asked quietly,
"They're good, well, Christmas is always rough, but they're getting easier. Mom said the other day, it would be nice to see you, it just wasn't Christmas in New York now that you were gone." He smiled, he had many of his Dad's features and Rick was pleasantly surprised at how good of an investigator he was.
The only reason he hadn't followed in his Dad's footsteps, was a promise to his mother. She had lost her husband; she couldn't lose her son and his namesake. Rick had hired him and never been sorry he had. He had grown the New York Office from four investigators to 15 in less than two years. He had openings for two more but was as picky as Rick was in his employee selections.
"Did your sources pick up any rumors, or anything in the wind, no matter how ridiculous it sounds, these people are ruthless? I worked the Delgado case with, eh, I, well when your Dad was alive, they stuffed her into the wall safe after cutting off her ring finger when she wouldn't give up her wedding band,"
"We checked Rick, by the way, Karl Nadir, AKA Carl Nady, AKA Carl Nadler died in prison last year, no one claimed the body. He had a sister in Wisconsin, but she never visited or communicated with him, by phone or mail." Roy said,
"Well, I guess the easy and obvious suspects have been eliminated, so let's see what we find out at the ball. I'm sure they will be there scouting out future potential victims. I understand our male victim had a young girlfriend that wore the jewelry but has also been eliminated by the police and your team." Rick said,
"That's correct Rick, Mr. Scorsone wasn't a fool, he understood why young ladies wanted to be in his company, and he allowed them to wear his late wife's jewelry, but he never gave any of it away. It was valued at almost three million dollars for insurance, which reminds me National Mutual Insurance Company is supposed to be sending an Insurance Investigator out to try to recoup some of the money they had to payout." Roy said,
"Well, I guess we'll deal with him when he shows up and gets exasperated with the efforts and cooperation of NYPD, you know Bob is going to send him our way." Rick laughed,
"Roy, call it a hunch but run a DNA match with our late Mr. Nadir, see if any of his ancestors took up his line of work, it's a long shot, but we have nothing else now," Rick said, as he was walking out the door,
"You got it, Rick, it's great to see you happy again boss, just saying, whoever she is, don't change." He smiled and closed the door on his boss.
XxX
NYPD, 12th Precinct
Same Time Frame
Kate decided to include Javi and Kev in the discussions about how similar this was to the Delgado case, to see if they spotted the same things, she called them to the conference room, and closed and locked the doors.
"Guys, does this case, well string of cases for robbery, but our murder ring any bells for either of you? It might be just me, trying to relive old times but"
"Kate, this is very similar to the Delgado case, the one with the poor daughter finding her mother in the wall safe with her ring finger cut off. I think you and Castle scored tickets to the ball and got some leads, which led to the conviction of the real killer. I know the boyfriend of the donations chick was supplying him with the intel, what the hell was his name,"
"It was Paul Reynolds," Kevin interrupted, here's the file on the whole case, "I followed up, Reynolds is still serving his sentence in the minimum-security facility in Otisville, he's not due to be released till mid next year. Reynolds is out as a suspect unless he has made some friend in prison that shouldn't be in Otisville." Kev said disgusted,
"What do you think guys, do you think it would do any good for us to get eyes on the inside, everyone who was there when Castle and I attended is gone, so I'm open for ideas," Kate said, quietly,
"Well, you're not going to like this Kate, but I know Lanie won't go, and I'm pretty sure Jenny doesn't want to miss an evening with her little girl, so you need to find a date, meaning I ain't going." Javi said, "I'll provide cover from the outside like we did the last case, but I don't do well with those types of people,"
"Javi's right Kate, there's no way I can get Jenny to go, or allow me to accompany Anne or Roz as my date, she isn't over the hurt yet. She's not rooting for you to fail, but to be honest, she wouldn't shed a tear if you did" Kevin said,
"Understood Kev, Javi, but you think it would be a good idea to get eyes inside. I can't ask Anne, or Roz, they have plans already with their boyfriends and families, so I guess I'll need to dig up a date, provided Mr. Mayor can get the tickets.
"It was Boyle who promised to have this solved by the end of the year, he should be the one putting in the hours you guys have been working, thanks, I appreciate it." A look of astonishment came over their faces, "Yeah, I know, I never said thanks before, it's not that I didn't feel it, I just never said it, I thought you knowing it was enough, but that was wrong.
"Kate there is someone, you're not going to like it, but they have a vested interest, I mean he's already involved in the robbery cases. Tom Deming is still here. I can ask him, you know for the case if you like. I'm not sure how things ended between you two." Javi said, as Kate's face flushed redder than the marker, she was using to highlight the board.
"Thanks, Javi, I'm not sure Tom would want to talk to me, much less attend a gala, as a 'pretend' date. I mean, I"
"Relax Kate, maybe you didn't hear, he's married. He and Detective Muoi got engaged right after, well right after Castle went to the Hamptons about four years ago, they got married in a simple ceremony while you were in DC." Javi said,
"Well, his wife certainly wouldn't be too thrilled with him attending the gala with me, I'm sure, even if he did want to attend."
"No, I'm sure she wouldn't unless she was part of the undercover attendees as well. She can't attend as his wife, everyone can spot a cop couple, plus they've had some high-profile busts since you were, well since you had different interests." He said as delicately as he could.
"Well, why don't you ask Tom and his wife, see what they think, Javi, I don't want to cause any problems, so it's not an issue if they say no, I can find someone, I'm sure," Kate said,
"Sure, thing boss, I'm having lunch with them today, I'll bring it up casually," he said with a smile when he saw Beckett's patented eye roll, and she muttered, "casually? Mph" under her breath.
Kevin just smiled, for a moment things were back the way they used to be when everything was right with the entire team. Before Roy was killed, before Kate, well before she made a huge mistake. She was finally realizing how much the loss of Rick had impacted everyone. He had friends everywhere in the precinct, and the stories were still coming out about how he had helped so many people anonymously, of course. Everyone knew it was Rick, but well, time for a reset he thought.
Maybe they could get more like the old days if only he could get Jenny and Lanie to come around. They were really playing hardball, the hurt from Lanie was understandable. Jenny was a mother, you hurt her kid, you were dead to her, and she took Kate's lack of concern as hurting her daughter. If she would only allow Beckett to apologize, she would see what he saw, a very changed woman. She was feeling the pain of being shunned by Lanie and Jenny, but she would never admit it. He had to fix this soon, or at least try.
XxX
Castle's Loft
Three Days Later
Rick and Abby were relaxing in the den, they had completed their conversation earlier and had even managed to get through a shower without having to have a do-over, and now were dressed. Rick's door buzzer rang, it could only be Eduardo, he was the only one who knew that Rick was in New York.
"Mr. Castle this is Eduardo, we have a delivery for you, it's your Christmas Tree, and with your permission, I will show them up using the freight elevator. Please let me know if you are prepared to accept this delivery, Thank you, sir,"
Rick pressed the buzzer and spoke, "Thanks Eduardo, please show them up, and use the freight elevator. Thanks, see you in a few."
"Rick, why do they have to request permission to bring your Christmas tree up, I mean they could just leave it in the hallway if we weren't home," Abby said, as Rick looked at her, waggled his eyebrows,
"What, are you making fun of me? You stop that Rick Rogers Castle" as she took off chasing him around the room until the door buzzer saved him, he opened the door, there stood a smiling Eduardo, and four men, one lady and a tree that was over 10 feet tall, and already filling the hallway with the smell of the beautiful smell of Christmas trees.
Abby's mouth fell open as she exclaimed, "Oh My God, is that our tree Rick?" she wrapped her arm around him, and held the other hand over her mouth in astonishment.
"That my sweet love is our tree. They will be here for a few hours, setting it up, and decorating it, all except the one box, which is reserved for us to do, just you and me." He turned and kissed her, "Merry Christmas Abby, a little early but with this beautiful tree and that wonderful smell how could you not get into the mood." He asked,
"Merry Christmas Rick, God you said large tree, you didn't say it was larger than the one at the national mall," she laughed as she kissed him.
"Merry Christmas Mr. Castle, I just wanted to say the entire staff was elated to hear you were coming back, even for a short while," Eduardo said,
Rick stuck out his hand, palming him a huge tip, "Eduardo, tell the staff, I appreciate them, so this year's bonus checks are double last year, and will be in their next paychecks. I don't say it enough, but I wouldn't be able to leave this building if I didn't have you and your staff, I trust you to take care of things as I would. Thank You, and Merry Christmas. We'll see you soon, but please, for now, let's keep it just between the staff and us we're here" he smiled,
"Yes sir, and thank you, sir, the staff will be overwhelmed with the news, thanks again. Miss Abby if you ever need anything just let me know, please." He said,
"Well thank you so very much, Eduardo, I'll do that. Thank you for the very warm welcome, and Merry Christmas" Abby said, she was a natural, and was already loved by the staff for her polite, kind ways, never forgetting to say please and always thank you.
"Hey Abby, you want to grab a burger at Remy's it's going to be a few hours before the crew has the tree close to being ready for us, what do you think Chris?" Rick asked one gentleman who was apparently in charge,
"Good to see you, Mr. C, give us three to four hours, depending on how much trouble we have securing this monster," he laughed, "I'm not taking any chances with it coming down, not this year" he laughed.
"Did your tree ever fall Rick?" Abby asked,
Rick laughed, "Not all the way, I caught it as it was coming down, and I was a brace until Chris and his crew could get here and brace it correctly. It was two days before Christmas so I was thankful we had it back up for Christmas." Rick smiled,
"You and me both Mr. C, my wife would have killed me if I had spoiled our Christmas, having to leave a houseful of my family with her all alone" he laughed.
"You're right, you would have been a dead man, I'm glad we got it secured the right way now" Rick smiled, "are your ready Abby?"
"Heck yeah, I'm starving, let's go." She laughed,
Rick donned his Dodger's baseball cap, his sunglasses, and his black-rimmed glasses to wear inside, and took Abby by the hand. They took the stairs, getting the workout they would need, knowing they were both going to get shakes.
"Abby, you'll have to order for me, if they hear my voice, my cover is blown, so I would like the cheeseburger platter with the chocolate shake if you don't mind ordering for me" he smiled,
When they reached the bottom of the stairs she said, "Well, that's going to cost you, Rick, as she kissed him, and wound up pushing him against the stairwell wall, almost forgetting where they were at.
"OK, if that's the charge, that payment bounced, let's try it again," he laughed,
"If we do, then we'll never get to Remy's, when the tree crew is gone, I'll make it up to you, I promise" as she gave him a peck on the lips and they headed out to walk, another calorie burner and also to enjoy the freshly fallen snow that they both had missed so much. LA had plenty of plusses to living there, but the change of seasons certainly wasn't one of them.
They strolled down the sidewalk enjoying the crisp temperature, and the light snowflakes falling gently all around them, this was the beautiful stage of snow, before it got brown, black, and ugly from tires spinning and spinning trying to navigate the hills.
They didn't have to say anything, just an occasional look, reminded the other of what they had on the hand they were holding on to for dear life. It was almost magical, well to Abby, she had heard songs of being lost in someone's eyes but she had never experienced it, well not until Rick. She would get lost in his eyes every time he looked at her, it didn't matter blue or brown with the contacts, she couldn't hold back.
When they reached Remy's, they walked in and Abby felt Rick jerk back, at the sight of a woman standing with a police officer, another man, who looked like a detective, and another woman. She didn't have to be told; Rick's description fit her to a tee.
It was Kate Beckett, she gently patted his hand and held up two fingers to the hostess, as they made their way by the group of four, Beckett, thought she noticed something, but then turned her head back to the group.
"It's OK RC, it's ok, I'm right here, as she patted his hand. The waitress came over, and Abby ordered for them both, cheeseburger platters with onion rings in place of fries, and chocolate shakes. Rick whispered, "I'm sorry Abby, I never thought she'd be here"
"So, what, she's with 3 other people, I don't think she made you, if she did, she doesn't have the courage to approach you, so let it go, sweetie. I'm sorry it was such a jolt to you, it'll be OK." She said,
" Do you know the others, Rick?" Abby whispered in his ear,
"The one in the expensive suit is her old boyfriend Tom Demming from Robbery, the woman, I heard Tom married her, she was a detective in Robbery as well, and well, the cop is LT, a good guy, and a friend, he's probably just here picking up a to-go order," Rick whispered,
Just as Rick finished, LT did in fact pay for the order to go and leave the other three in the booth, strange he thought. Well, Kate Beckett had done a lot of strange things, why would this be any different. He tried out his old line so a detective walks into a bar and sees her old boyfriend and his wife, then what?
He was stumped, and strangely he didn't care. That was his takeaway for Abby later, he saw her back with a man who made his life hell, and he felt nothing, He smiled, just thinking about it, Abby looked at him and whispered, "You better not be trying to cop a feel, you have that sly smile" that made them both laugh.
"Tell you when we get home," he said, but the smile never left his face.
TBC