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 GUARANTEED.
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Chapter 13
RCE Enterprises
Same Time Frame
Roy was elated with the information, he knew Rick wanted the case on the way to, if not completely solved while he was still in New York. The information he had just received had just about nailed the preliminary information needed. Now they needed to get the weak link of the chain to crack, and turn on the killer. Dick Emery, AKA Leslie Duce, the lover of Gerald Coleman, who needed money, and was probably the connection to the actual perpetrator, Randy Turner.
Turner spending time with his uncle Nadir at Green Haven was almost like unknowingly providing him an apprenticeship with the grandmaster of the art of safe cracking. The combination of hatred and resentment towards his mother resulted in someone capable of the ghastly murders. Nadir probably added support because of his own hatred of her for not supporting him, she was his sister and should have done something, she never visited either of them.
His phone pinged with the Google map, directions, address, and apartment number of Turner, an address on Charlton Street, in SOHO. This was almost too good to be true, but now was the time to bring in Rick, to see how they wanted to play it.
His guess was that Rick was going to call the Commissioner, get a SWAT team ready, after observing Turner to observe if he would lead them to the stash of jewels. Uncle Nadir always used a huge storage locker and placed his own safe inside the locker with the heist results.
His contacts on the street knew they hadn't been fenced, at least with any player they knew of. They were far too hot for most fences, accessory to burglary, or receiving stolen property was one charge, but once a murder was linked, there weren't any takers, no one wanted an accessory to Capital Murder added to their wrap sheet. Roy knew that Serena had contacts in the city also, so he figured he would address it with Rick, then bring her into the conversation.
He called, and as soon as Rick saw the caller ID, he excused himself to his office to take the call.
"Hey Roy, Merry Christmas, how are things going, why are you at the office?" Rick asked,
"Merry Christmas Rick, we got some developments, last night and today, actually, another murder and some of the blocks started falling into place. I let the guys go to spend the rest of the day with their families, I'll stop by Mom's later, and"
"Roy, don't hold on to what a couple of young girls said in anger, they were lashing out, you just happened to be the target, and I know it hurts. I'll tell you this, your Dad was always proud of you, so just keep that in mind. OK, I'm done sticking my nose where it doesn't belong, anything we need to discuss?" Rick asked,
"Rick, is it OK if we have Serena on the call, I know she's investigating the return of the jewels, so this concerns her, I just don't want to overstep, I mean,"
"Roy, relax, I'll get her, and yes we are so don't worry about it. Hang on a second,"
A few minutes later Roy heard Serena say "Hello Roy, thanks for thinking of me, Rick told me you have some progress to report" she said, with a smile in her voice that couldn't be missed,
"Hi Serena, I sure do, sadly another victim, Tony Glasser, age 61 was murdered, early this AM, we got the call at 4:00 AM from the Commissioner's office that the crime scene was at 105 and First Avenue, Beckett's team got the call and showed up around 5:00 AM. She put them through their paces, then released the scene to us, about an hour later, she wasn't too happy we were there, even with Commissioner Boyle's blessing.
"We got a footprint of DNA after blowing off all the freaking powder CSI used, and caught a few partial prints, we're still verifying them. The good news came when I got a call from Forsythe Labs, we got a hit on the DNA expanded match.
"The sister had two sons, not one, the oldest Randy Turner, the father's last name, I guess his mom got pregnant in high school and shipped away to have the baby. No word on the biological father, but still searching. The DNA did match his mother, who got married to Larry Brooks, explaining why the boys had different last names, they had different fathers."
"That explains why we couldn't find anything on the family search, the mother had him emancipated at 16 and since he was a juvenile court records were sealed. The birth certificates only show her having one child, she probably checked into an out-of-state hospital to have the baby using the relative's last name she was staying with. That was very common practice, at one time, no one wanted a bastard child" his eyes clouded, and Serena, silently was beside him without saying a word, kissed him gently, and held his hand, not saying a word, but saying everything.
"That makes sense Rick, Taylor was in and out of reform schools finally getting sent to Green Haven for 15- 25 years stretch, for, get this, a jewelry heist, that resulted in a person dead. They plea-bargained to manslaughter from murder one, but It gets even better.
"Remember Nadir's sister's DNA provides proof that he and Turner were blood relatives, BUT, Green Haven had no idea they were related. The first cellmate he had was a prisoner named Leslie Deus, now known as Dick Emery, this is where it gets interesting.
"The Director of the Art Museum, Gerald Coleman and Emery, AKA Deus are lovers, AND Coleman has a bad gambling habit he can't support. I'm guessing that Deus is the one who passes the targets to Taylor. He pulls off the jobs using the skills learned from his uncle Nadir for a cut of the heist, plus he seems to have inherited his love of killing."
"Roy, I don't want to rain on your parade, but it sounds logical, but"
"What if I told you that your agreement to be the test partner for Gates and Microsoft paid dividends. We, actually Larry used the software to identify both at the MADT Gala. We have these two bozos in custody, don't ask, but my question is how long do we tail Taylor to lead us to the jewels. I checked the fences, no one is touching it, too hot for a murder rap. His uncle's MO was"
"He rented a storage locker, sometimes a double unit, the only thing he stored was his personal safe with the jewels he had stolen." Serena interrupted,
Roy laughed, "She's sharp Rick, better watch her, or she'll have my job. Exactly right Serena. Now we have a location in SOHO for Turner, I've got a team tailing him from a distance, and there are four self-storage locations within 10 miles of his apartment.
"Once again, part of his uncle's MO, be close but not too close. As soon as we get confirmation of the location and unit number, we'll need SWAT to bring him in, he's not going without a fight. I just hope Beckett's team isn't stupid enough to try to take him on without SWAT. Hang on Rick, another call from a field team,
Rick and Serena just held hands, lost in each other's eyes, she was providing comfort for the bastard child statement, he must have been hurt terribly growing up she thought.
Roy came back on the phone, "The location is the Self Store at 94th and Lexington, unit 47, our team sent photo confirmation. One even has him with the unit open and only one safe inside, so we know or at least within a reasonable doubt know what's there."
"Roy, keep eyes on him and the locker, but DON'T GET MADE, at all costs. I'm calling Boyle, first to take Beckett off of the case, she'll go in blazing like an old western movie and get someone killed, and then the SWAT Team will be dispatched to take him down. Great Job!" Roy said,
"We were acting on a tip from the insurance investigator about her CI furnishing information on location and MO, so she'll get her reward," he laughed,
"Roy, don't tell Rick this, but I love you too," Serena laughed, now stay safe, and Merry Christmas.
"Call me with any developments Roy, I'm calling Boyle now," and hung up.
XxX
Old Haunt
Same Time Frame
Kate felt strange, embarrassed actually with Javi revealing that even Royce had left instructions for someone to look out for her. He knew her better than anyone, hell, she did love him and was ashamed to admit that she knew he was spending the last few weeks with his wife in hospice. What kind of a person makes a play for a dying woman's husband? Only someone loathsome that was who she thought.
Her thoughts were interrupted with greetings of Merry Christmas from the many uniformed officers and even some complete strangers. She was surprised to see Bryan behind the bar, he had a wife and small baby now.
"Hi Kate, Javi, help yourselves, as always the boss has bought far too much and we'll be making trips to the food banks and hunger kitchens soon." He smiled as he hugged Kate, "Merry Christmas Kate, hang in there" he said,
"Thanks, Bryan, why are you here today, I thought you would be home with the wife and baby," she said,
"Oh, I just relieved Jerry, we all decided to give back by helping out, and working four-hour shifts, Marcy and Joey are in the office, I think she's almost got him asleep. He loves music but hates the Rolling Stones, makes him cry every time" he laughed.
Kate laughed, "looks like he's got good taste in music already" as she placed a $100 Bill in the donation box, shaming Javi to up his to a fifty from the five he was about to put in.
He was right, Rick had bought everything for a holiday feast, ham, turkey, roast beef, even vegetarian turkey, along with all of the sides, loaves of bread, desserts, including a sign that said ice cream available on request, that was Rick. She and Javi filled two plates and found a spot in an old familiar place, the booth reserved for the 12th precinct. He had moved the booth to the opposite side of the bar, probably so he wouldn't have to look at it when he was in his office upstairs.
"So, Kate, how does it feel now, this is the first time here since you've been back isn't it?" Javi asked,
"It actually feels good, comfortable, different but still comfortable, so thanks for insisting. You were right, I tried calling the Chinese places near me for takeout, even they took the day off. It looks like Rick really went all the way, I mean if you want it, you got it. I don't remember him ever supplying Vegan anything before." Kate said,
"Serena's sister is Vegan, and I think Bryan pretends to be when Marcy is around. She's scared to death of heart attacks and red meat, cholesterol, she lost her Dad when she was small." Javi said, almost like he was best friends with them.
"Not asking too much, but how the hell do you know so much about Bryan, the bar, and what's going on around here?" Kate asked
"Oh, I guess you didn't know, or I didn't tell you, I'm working on paying Rick for 5% of the place, I'm looking for something after the force. I know I can only chase the bad guys for so long before my body goes, or worse, I burn out. I know 5% isn't much but Bryan agreed to let me purchase up to 35% if Rick sells to him this year.
"It took the suspension and the help from Rick anonymously to open my eyes just how screwed I would be if I lost my job, or worse became disabled. I don't have a family, so who would I turn to then Kate? And don't say you, or Ryan, look we're friends, good friends, but everyone needs someone who anchors them, the one that keeps the boat from blowing away in storms of life." Javi said for the first time Kate saw the sincere side of him, he had grown up.
"Javi, do you think Rick will really sell to Bryan, I mean we both know how much he loves this bar, the history, hell his picture is still hanging on the wall where he wrote the first Storm novel. I mean I know he has a wonderful place in California, but New York is his home, he wouldn't move, she paused, as she saw him peering at her, would he?"
"Kate things changed when you left, sure he loves this place, but it reminds him of the old times, some good, some bad, but mostly good. You have to know you're in those memories both good and bad times for him.
"He has one stipulation in any sales contract, the 12th precinct will always drink for free, even if the bar bills are sent to his accountant. He added a picture, I don't think you've seen it yet. It's over on the wall near the lady's room" Javi said, sincerely, and as gently as he could.
"Perfect timing Javi, I need to go to the little girl's room," she lied, fighting back the tears. Her fight didn't last too long, when she turned the corner, there was a large oil painting of Roy in his dress uniform behind a protective covering and a brass plaque reading a modified version of the dedication of the Dead Heat book, "To Captain Roy Montgomery, NYPD. He made a stand and taught us all what we need to know about bravery and character. End of Shift, 0100 AM, June 4th, Rest in Eternal Peace Captain, till we see you on the other side."
She stumbled into the lady's room before she let her sobs out completely. She cried for Roy, for Rick, for Evelyn, and hell yes, herself. She once had it all, and now, her Captain was dead, her love was in a different state, barely speaking to her, her reputation was even worse than it ever was, and she was barely hanging on to Ryan and Espo. What a mess, Merry Christmas, yeah, right, she thought, things couldn't get any worse.
Just then her phone rang, she didn't know WHO it was, but she knew it was coming from One PP, and she had better answer it.
"Detective Kate Beckett," she answered trying to hide all signs of the tears in her voice,
"Merry Christmas Detective, this is Commissioner Boyle, I know you were called out on a case this morning very early, is that correct?" he asked, already knowing the answer.
"Yes, Sir we were, sadly we have another murder victim, and an empty safe of high-end jewelry" she responded, wondering what the hell was going on, the commissioner never called, especially on a holiday.
"How are you progressing with your investigation Detective, according to my count, that's the 12th burglary in this string of home invasions, and the second time the thief has escalated to murder, is that correct?
"Sir, I believe you're correct with the burglaries, but I'm not certain, but there have been two murders now, attributed to this thief." She responded,
"Did you make any headway with your investigation today Detective or was he as careful as he's been in the past?" Boyle asked,
"We have one lead Sir, an unidentified man taking pictures of jewelry and guests using a camera in his eyeglasses," She responded,
"Any name or identifying features on this subject Detective?" Boyle was cutting to the chase,
"No Sir, he was always turned to the side for the photos we were able to get, we hope to run his face through national databases from the federal agents once I get in contact with someone" she replied,
"Detective, that would require approval from your Captain, have you spoken to Captain Gates, yet? By the way, she's on the line with us" he said,
"No Sir I haven't I didn't want to call her on a holiday, good afternoon, Captain Gates, do I have your permission to use my contacts once they are back to work?" she asked, figuring this was a slam dunk who would turn down assistance in solving a high-profile case?
"No, NO, you don't Detective, actually I think Commissioner Boyle has a message he wants to deliver to you, Commissioner," Gates said,
Kate was shocked, but trying hard to keep her composure, as she made her way back to Javi, and pulled him outside to the lobby where it was quiet,
"Detective, I want this to be perfectly clear. Your team has done a great job, BUT, and I will emphasize this, YOU ARE OFF THE CASE. I can't reveal the full details, so please know it has nothing to do with the performance of you, your team, or CSI. I received my orders just a few minutes ago, and that's all I'm at liberty to say. Are we clear Detective? NO MORE ACTIVITY ON THIS CASE, PERIOD, he said with a tone that let them know you didn't want to ask why, he was done talking.
She was quiet, so he prodded, "I asked, are we clear Detective?" in a stern voice,
"Yes Sir, we are clear, I will advise my team, Captain, have you advised CSI, or shall I do that," Kate asked,
"It's all been taken care of, thanks for your efforts this morning, but I can't say anymore" Captain Gates replied knowing her boss was still on the line." As Javi looked at Kate with the same what the hell look she was feeling. Orders were orders, close the investigation, they would be notified if they needed anything.
Neither Kate nor Javi liked the order but knew when it came from the commissioner on a holiday, you don't even think about pushing back.
"What do you suppose that was all about?" Javi asked
"Beats the hell out of me, all I know is that I had to turn the crime scene over to Rick's team, headed by Roy's son when we were done. You don't suppose they could have found something so fast to solve it do you Javi?" Kate asked,
"The kid is good, probably up there with his Dad, and with Rick placing so much trust in him, he's grown even more. I hate to say it Kate, but why would they order us, the homicide team of the NYPD to stand down unless they had something in the works. You know how hot the Commissioner was in solving these before the holiday,"
"I know Javi, well, like you said, or was it Kev, doesn't matter who cracks this case, we just need this sick bastard off the streets," Kate said as her eyes found the picture of a young Rick, smiling out over the bar, as Javi started to wonder who he was with.
TBC
A/N: Wanted to address some comments about Kate's behavior, think of this story as one of redemption, if I can move it along my story plot lines. NONE of us are 100% innocent of NOT hurting someone in a relationship, it's how you handle it and try to make things right. Hang tight, we are trying to get her rehabbed, let's see how hard she will work.