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 14
Two Days Later
12th Precinct
Kate arrived early, to close up the files on the last victim, Mr. Glasser, and process the file into the open but not active file. There had been a follow-up email removing their team from any investigation of this case, first from the Commissioner to Gates, who then forwarded it to her and her team. It didn't make sense, but orders were orders.
LT, the gentle giant of a patrol officer, lumbered up to her desk, "Kate turn on the TV, and turn up the volume, Captain Gates and the brass are there, getting ready for a news conference it appears." LT got out, and then returned to the officer's lounge to watch with his patrol officer friends.
She took the remote, turned the TV on, and volume up to where she could hear what was being said by one of the news anchors of the local station.
"Good Morning, it's not often we get to preempt the National Broadcast, but today is one of those rare days. We have learned exclusively that Mayor Bob Weldon will be holding a news conference where he will announce a huge development in the string of high-end burglaries, and sadly the loss of two lives. Commissioner Boyle had promised a conclusion to this case before the holidays, and when pressed yesterday on status, he changed his past responses of "No Comment", to "We'll have an announcement for you soon, very soon" as he walked away.
"Early rumors have speculated that a New York SWAT Team have killed a man in SOHO who refused to surrender, after he engaged them in a firefight, or suicide by police as they are calling it. We repeat this is merely a rumor at this point, no confirmation from any official source has been received yet. I see the Mayor is just about to start, so we'll listen in.
Bob Weldon stood on a platform along with Commissioner Boyle, Captain Gates, Roy Montgomery III, and Seren Kaye, awaiting the cue from the producer. Finally, he strode forward and began his speech.
"Good Morning New Yorkers, I can say that once again with confidence because we have a major announcement concerning the rising number of jewelry burglaries, unfortunately, that has escalated into two homicides of innocent victims in the last two occurrences. Over the last several weeks our citizens have been victimized by some who thought stealing was the best option to bail them out of a predicament they had caused themselves by their own reckless behavior. They were wrong, both with the premise that they could prey upon our citizens and not be caught. They also were wrong to allow the incidents to escalate from robbery to homicide, no one deserves to die in the manner the two victims in this case did.
"I want to pay special thanks to several people, some are represented behind me, others are just now hearing about this press conference, because they're doing their jobs protecting you and I. Commissioner Boyle promised to have this case solved by the holidays, we went over just a bit with that deadline, but technically we still have New Year's day to count as a holiday.
First and foremost, our Police Commissioner, Frank Boyle who never let up the pressure. Captain Victoria Gates of the 12th precinct, who headed the homicide team, led by lead detective Katherine Beckett, supported by Detective Kevin Ryan, and Detective Javier Esposito. This team has worked more hours than you could imagine, and followed every lead, to them we say Thank You, and congratulations for your contribution.
"You may recognize a face on this stage, the late NYPD Captain Roy Montgomery left us with more than memories, he left his son, Roy Montgomery III who heads the Investigation Division for RCE Enterprises, a private investigation firm whose efforts helped break this case. Acting on information received from Miss Serena Kay, the insurance investigator for the insurance company for MADT, Roy's team set the table for the events, Commissioner Boyle is so afraid that I will steal from him. Let me introduce you to him now, ladies and gentlemen, our police commissioner Frank Boyle."
"Finally, did I say that out loud" he laughed as the reporters laughed along, "Seriously, thank you Mr. Mayor, and we are very pleased to announce that we have made two arrests concerning the multiple burglaries, one perpetrator has confessed and is cooperating with the prosecutors to close all details, the other is in custody at an undisclosed location.
"At approximately 4:00 AM this morning, NYPD SWAT Teams approached the location of the third suspect, Mr. Randy Turner outside his residence on Charlton Street, SOHO, New York. Mr. Turner would not open his door, nor follow any commands from the officers. At 4:36 AM the squad leader gave the order to breach, with my approval, and the officers entered the apartment.
"They were greeted with multiple rounds of gunfire, smoke bombs, and an attempt to reach a hand grenade by our suspect but was shot before he was successful. He was rushed to Presbyterian Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival at 5:24 AM, choosing suicide by police rather than to surrender and face the due process of law.
"No names or units involved have been released that participated in this raid, and following police protocol, the officers inside the apartment have all been placed on paid administrative leave until a complete investigation is completed. The entire event was captured on videotape, which will be released at the proper time, under the Freedom of Information Act, but not before the investigation is closed.
"The two remaining suspects have been identified as Mr. Dick Emery, AKA, Leslie Duce, and his life partner, a bit of a shock to many New Yorkers, Mr. Gearld Coleman, the Director of the New York Art Museum. The motive seems to have been a bad gambling habit by Mr. Coleman, supported by Mr. Emery enlisting the aide of Mr. Turner for a split of profits from the sale of the jewels. Unfortunately for Mr. Coleman, once a murder was linked to the jewels, they became unmarketable to the usual sources, causing disagreement between the three.
"In an unrelated event, Miss Kaye has also identified some stolen pieces of expensive art in Mr. Coleman's condo, pieces he had claimed to have been stolen from a warehouse as exhibits were being changed out. Further charges of Insurance Fraud, and theft by deception along with filing a false police report, but those pale in comparison to what Mr. Coleman is facing.
"We fully expect him to co-operate with the investigation, and as of this morning, over 80% of the jewels have been recovered, through Miss Kaye's co-operation with several divisions of NYPD. Please know, we don't view this as a celebration, the cost of this case has resulted in the loss of life for two of New York's finest citizens who were acting on their desire to help others enjoy the finer things in life. We take pleasure in announcing the closure but do so with humility, and our sincere thanks to all those named, and unnamed for their support. Thank You"
He stepped back and Mayor Weldon once again returned to the microphone, "Thanks Frank, we all share the emotions that this case has brought out of us all. One final note before we adjourn, we will not take questions for obvious reasons and legal jeopardy for the pending cases.
"An anonymous donor has donated a full scholarship for two students per year for the next ten years, at New York University for students who wish to pursue a degree in fine arts. Each scholarship will be named for each of the victims, to keep their memory alive and further the study of arts in our beautiful city, thank you and good day." He turned and walked briskly from the podium, followed by all those standing, and even though it was said no questions would be taken, the reporters were shouting questions at everyone as they departed.
"There you have it, stunning news for supporters of the New York Art Museum, and others who have been steadfast in their support of the arts. We also attempted to get additional details, but just as our colleagues, our requests were ignored, our questions fell upon deaf ears, Back to you in the studio,"
Kate was still standing with her mouth slightly ajar, shocked at the news, even more, shocked that the Commissioner would mention her team by name, thanking them for their contributions. She was so lost in her thoughts she had missed the arrival of Kevin and Javi within the first few minutes of the newscast.
She finally heard the loud ah-hems coming from behind her, "I think you can turn the volume down now Kate, at least we know why we got pulled from the case." Javi said,
"Yeah, but why not keep us in the loop, I mean, we're homicide, our Captain got credit as did our team, so why pull us?" Kate asked,
"Castle called me, this morning about twenty minutes before the newscast, just told me to have the TV on, and if you asked why, he quoted, "Wait in the car, you can get one of them hurt and I couldn't live with that," he said you would understand, eventually," Kevin said, softly,
Memories of takedowns in their past came flooding into her memory, how many times had she told him to wait in the car, how many times had he listened? Sometimes he ended up saving her ass, so, was it because he knew the suspect wouldn't go without a fight, SWAT wasn't normal protocol to this type of takedown.
"Kev, you said he called you, then he's still in New York?" Kate asked, thinking she could try once again to see him,
"No, he was at the airport with Serena, they were flying back a day early before she had to talk to her bosses about the reward, and negotiate her next contract. I thought she was an employee, but here to find out, she only gets paid if she recovers the article, it's been very lucrative for her so far.
"They came by the house last night, only for about an hour, had coffee, to let Jenny meet Serena and he wanted to bring Sara Grace another present, I swear" Kevin smiled "He spoils her every time he gets the chance", as Kate's face turned red.
"Yeah, that makes sense, I wasn't thinking Jenny would want to meet someone he's serious with, I mean,"
"They just got together Kate, they're not sending out save the date cards just yet" Javi offered, the first statement of support she had heard in a while.
"I didn't mean anything by that Javi, it's just that, he's moved on, I guess I left him no choice so I have to do the same. It's clear that he's over me, and I'm sure I made it easy for him with my behavior." She said sadly as the boys watched her walk to the lady's room,
XxX
Castle's Home, Next Morning
Buena Vista Ave, Santa Barbara, CA 93108
Serena had ridden past the house in the past that Rick now called home, but never had any idea of who the new owner was, and all the work that was being done to it. The flight home from New York was tiring, and they fell asleep almost as soon as they had eaten a late dinner. She loved to be held, and cuddled into Rick, taking his arm placing it around her, where she wanted it, and gently kissed him.
"We'll christen our home tomorrow love; I know you're tired and I'm exhausted. Why press conferences have to be held in the middle of the night is beyond me. I did get a DVD copy of it that Mayor Weldon wanted you to see." She smiled as he cuddled into her, making her feel warm and secure.
She was a lovely woman but had spent the majority of her life alone, refusing to be just a bed partner, that is until she saw Rick again. She knew as well as he did that there was something in that kiss, they shared a few years earlier. He was supposed to take her to lunch, but his eyes gave away too much desire, and, now was the time to correct that mistake. This time he wasn't torn between her and Beckett, at least she was almost sure of that now.
She wasn't worried about the detective's control over him now, he hadn't spoken more than a handful of words to or about her the entire time they were in New York. Once the press conference was over, they were on their way to the airport and back home.
It was as if Beckett had been purged from his life. She knew he loved Abby, but that arrangement was more of two lonely people finding comfort with each other. She was going to try to be the one he had been searching for, as the song said, I'm going to make you love me. She closed her eyes and slept holding the arm of the man who made her feel safe, secure, and loved for the first time in her life.
Rick lay beside her, listening to her breaths even out into a comfortable sleep pattern, and just looked at her. She truly was beautiful, how he was so lucky, the timing, it had to be the universe, nothing else explained it. He felt alive again with her, never waiting for the put-down or condescending tone that he had heard for so long.
The funny thing was that this was the first thought he had given to the detective in New York the entire trip, and it was a memory of mistreatment rather than a pull of the heartstrings. People told him he was nuts believing in the universe, whatever was causing the events, he was happy as he pulled her closer and heard the delightful moan as she wiggled her middle into him. That was the last he remembered before sleep overtook him.
XxX
Next Morning
Rick awoke to two beautiful blue eyes upon him, gently brushing his hair out of his eyes. He thought he had felt gentle kisses around his forehead, as he opened his eyes, he was greeted with a kiss, one that had almost as much heat as the one in a hotel hallway in New York.
Gosh, was this the way it was going to be, Serena had the appetite for making love morning, noon, and night. He wasn't complaining, just wondering would he be able to keep up with her. Something new to him, he had always been the initiator, but with Reni, as he called her, was never shy in taking what she wanted.
She laughed during their first week together, "Now that I know you're mine, I'm not taking someone else's love, no woman is going to steal you away from me because we don't communicate in the bedroom." Communicate they did, they seemed to hit on every cylinder, and Rick was always left just as satisfied as he knew she was.
Now that they were in California, it was time to talk, what arrangement did SHE want? She owned her own home, not more than 10 minutes from his, he decided that no time like the present,
"Hey Princess, let's talk about some things, OK?" he said as he nibbled on her ear,
"Rick, why did you call me Princess?" she seemed shocked, even like she was blushing,
"I don't know, I never called anyone else that if that's what you mean, it just fits you, you're my princess" he smiled, as he held her hands, she sat in the V of his legs leaning back against him,
"Do you know the Hebrew meaning of Serena? I mean most people don't, I'm just curious" she said teasingly, as she played with his chest hairs,
"No, you stumped me on that, what does it mean?" Rick asked,
"It means princess, I wasn't sure if you did research or you just came up with it," she turned and kissed him, "it means more that you didn't know, thank you, my prince"
She sat up, "Rick, we do need to talk, and I don't think our bed is the place, I mean, I can't concentrate on other things, and you've done a pretty good job of keeping pace with my thoughts." She said as she kissed him gently,
"I was going to say the same thing, let's shower and go down for breakfast, then we can take our coffees to the room of your choice and sit and talk. I don't want to screw this up, so it's important to me to get your needs, wants, and wishes out so I can truly make you my princess" he kissed her gently, as he headed to the shower,
"Rick, I'm taking the shower across the hall, you know as well as I do, we'll communicate but not talk if I don't" she kissed him, as he pouted, "Oh don't pout, I'll hurry back" as she stole a short kiss and walked across the hall.
He showered quickly and dressed, not wanting her to have to wait on him. He heard her hairdryer going, so he snuck downstairs, and prepared a quick breakfast and coffee, placed it on a tray, and had just set it down on a table on the attached porch outside his bedroom. The sounds of the ocean lapping the shore were distant but calming,
"Rick? Did you do that for me? That's so sweet. How did you know"
"Princess, there's not a lot I don't know about the current version of you, but I respect your past, you'll tell me what you want when you want to, I can live with that. My life has been pretty much an open book, mostly. I'll tell you anything you want to know, I promise." He said as he turned to take the lovely vision of her in,
She was dressed in a very lovely sundress, that showed off her figure, and her gorgeous legs. She wasn't overly busty but she had a beautiful figure, and possessed all of the natural assets that turned him on,
"You like Rick? I thought you had never seen me casual, casual, I mean other than in my lingerie, so I thought I would show you what I look like." Rick thought, she was correct, she was always business, or business casual, other than the gala where she was a doll.
"Thank you, I love it, how about we go to the porch, I love the sound of the waves" he kissed her gently, and she took his hand, led him to the table, and she poured his coffee, as he sat.
"This is beautiful Rick; I mean it's so peaceful so serene. I could get used to sitting out here with you," she smiled,
"I'm happy to hear that, that's the goal. Now, why don't you start and tell me what you want to about you, or start by asking any question of me you want, OK?"
"Any question Rick, I mean that's opening you up for any sort of private matter, how about if it's too personal you just say I pass, and I'll ask another question, deal?"
"OK, it's a deal, but I'll try to tell you everything and anything you want to know about me," Rick said, now holding her hand, as she gently changed positions and sat in his lap, her head on his shoulder.
"I love when you do that, it makes me feel so close to you Princess, and I love that you initiate it," I just wanted to tell you,
She leaned her head back, took his face gently between her two hands, and kissed him with such a gentle and sweet kiss, he felt loved, wanted, and happy all at the same time.
"I'm glad Rick, I love hearing your heartbeat as my head is against your chest, it reminds me that someone on this earth loves me for me, not for a score of jewels, or for information. I've had a great deal of hurt, I'm sorry she said quickly, I didn't mean to kill the mood"
"You didn't he pulled her closer, "I know one of those hurts was when we kissed in the hotel hallway outside your room, I never meant to, I"
She kissed him, 'Shh, all gone, in the past. I'll start first, OK? I want you to know everything about me, I know how much you've been hurt, and I promise, I won't hurt you, Rick. Please believe me"
"I do, nothing you tell me can change my feelings but tell me what you are comfortable with", as he took her hand moved them to a couch where she sat with her back against his chest, him holding her hand,"
She cleared her voice and began to speak softly,
TBC