Accidental Discovery

by Castlefan6

Authors Note: This is AU; No Jacinda, No Flights, What happens when Rick overhears a conversation between Inspector Hunt and Kate, not intended for his ears.

THEY WILL NOT END UP TOGETHER! Taking Literary License to fill in the blanks.

A/N: THIS IS NOT A CASKETT ENDING: THIS IS NOT A CASKETT ENDING.

I don't own Castle; I use the characters for amusement purposes only, except the ones I create.

From a Prompt from Swordwriter: Kate accepts Hunt's drink proposal and or more at the BEGINNING of the episode The Limey, no Jacinda, so Rick allows her the freedom to work the case without him, once Gates allows Hunt in, he acknowledges that he'll never be accepted, BUT then overhears a statement from Kate that will seal the two going separate ways permanently.

Also, we take liberties with the timeline from Canon and use events to make this a more believable fiction, thanks.

THIS IS NOT A CASKETT ENDING. THIS IS NOT A CASKETT ENDING. THIS IS NOT A CASKETT ENDING. **************************************************************************/

Chapter 4

The Ale House, New York

7:25 PM

Kate was surprised at Colin's choice of restaurants, it happened to be one of her favorites but how would, how could he know? He arrived at her door, promptly at 6:55 PM, dressed smartly in a very handsome suit and tie. The only drawback was his cologne, it wasn't the same as Castle wore, but close enough to occasionally make her think about her partner, make that the writer. She wasn't about to let thoughts or could have been memories interfere with her date tonight.

"I suppose you're wondering how I knew this was one of your favorite places, Kate, you'll find out, so I interrogated your partners. I wanted to show you a good time tonight, and it's always best to start with good food, and spirits. I'd like to forget about police work, at least for one night tonight if I can," he looked sad,

"I understand Colin, no shop talk, I promise," she said.

She kept her word, and things progressed as she had hoped they would. He was a gentleman, but when she urged him on, she finally got the itch she had for so long satisfied. The remainder of the night was relatively quiet, she wasn't sure if he was thinking about a wife, girlfriend, or a friend who provided benefits across the pond, at this point she didn't really care. He hadn't been the best but was a far improvement from Josh, the last partner and time she had gotten laid.

XxX

12th Precinct

Next Morning, 8:19 AM

Kate and Colin arrived at the precinct about ten minutes after the boys had, her excuse was she swung by and picked him up from his hotel. No one bought it for a second, but it was their story and they were sticking to it. They began to get set up reviewing the clues and murder board when Kate heard the TV volume go up. Usually, that meant there was breaking news of someone close to them, either by a case or personally.

Javi had the remote and had turned the volume up loud enough so the small crowd in the bullpen could hear Robin Roberts speaking.

"On a sad note, we received word overnight from Paula Haas, publicist, and manager of New York's favorite author, Rick Castle, that Meredith Harper Castle has lost her battle with cancer. She passed away with her daughter, Alexis, former husband Richard Castle, and his publisher and 2nd wife and good friend Gina Cowell Castle by her side. Mr. Castle had been on a crusade searching for a miracle cure for Miss. Harper, her legal name now, for the last several months, finally relocating Miss Harper into the Mount Pleasant Assisted Living and Transition Center four months ago.

"Many of our viewers know that I am a Cancer Survivor, and I can say that Rick Castle was one of my biggest fans, and always made sure I had everything I needed or wanted. (She dabbed her eye, very out of character for Robin) She cleared her voice, and finally began, The statement from Miss Haas reads;

"To all fans and friends of Richard Castle and his family, we are saddened to announce that Meredith Harper Castle, former wife of Mr. Castle, has transitioned to the next life tonight at approximately 11:10 PM Pacific time. Miss Harper battled her disease with courage and dignity, but lost the fight, as she was surrounded by her daughter, Alexis, former husband Rick, and good friend and confidant, Gina Castle Cowell, also the former Mrs. Castle. The family requests privacy at this time, services are private, but a memorial service will be held in New York in the next several weeks by invitation only. The family requests, donations to M.D. Anderson, Moffitt Cancer Center, or a charity of your choice in lieu of flowers. Thank you for your compassion and understanding at this very difficult time., and it's signed Paula Haas, for The Castle Family.

"I only met Meredith once, when she came with Rick to visit me during my rehab, but she was a lovely woman so full of life, again, today we are saddened to announce the death of Meredith Harper Castle, at age of 38. We'll be right back after this short break," and the camera went to a commercial. The entire crowd in front of the TV, as well as Kate, was speechless, none had any idea of what Rick had been doing.

Colin started to say something, but Kate ran to the Lady's room, her tears falling before she turned away from him.

XxX

Los Angeles, CA

Everyone was still on New York time, that or still in shock that the vivacious and outspoken voice of Meredith had been silenced forever. Rick was up at 4:00 AM, Gina at 4:14, and Alexis, at 4:30. She opted for a hot chocolate rather than coffee, but each still seemed to be in shock.

"Daddy, I'm glad you waited till Mother was ready to talk things out with me, I had a lot of hurt and anger, and she understood. It was the first and only time I can remember us talking that didn't end up in one of us walking away angry." She said as she sat in his lap, the first time his little girl was a little girl in forever.

"Well, pumpkin, your mother went through some tough times, I don't think she knew how to be a mother, so that's why I could forgive her. How could I hate her, she gave me you, my life, my pride and joy," he said, tears in his voice,

"Alexis, your mother and I talked, at first it started out difficult, but when she realized I wasn't the Gold Digger the press painted me out to be, we formed a friendship. I sent her pictures of you and your Dad often. She always thanked me, so people, mainly the press who wanted to pit the first Mrs. C against the second, wasted their time. She always wanted what I, your Dad, and your Grams wanted for you, happiness." Gina said,

"I remember the first occasion mother called me about you Mom, she did think you were after Dad's money. I asked her how much she knew about you, and when it was clear that your family built the banks that my family put money into, she was fine.

"She was loyal, even after the divorce, she knew Dad's biggest fault, being too good-hearted. She would always tell me, to watch him, don't let them take advantage of him, the irony was I didn't find out till years later the financial support he provided her." She smiled, kissed her dad's cheek, and said, I'm going to shower and dress, it doesn't look like any of us are going back to bed," as she walked back to her room.

Gina sat down next to him, and handed him a fresh cup of coffee, "You doing, OK?" she asked, looking into his eyes,

"Yeah, yeah, I'm fine, well I will be. She made it easy on us all Genes, no guilt, no anger, just good memories. I hope you don't feel obligated to go to Paris if you don't care to" he said,

"Hey, that's my memory between our girl, her mother, and her Mom, so you're damn right I'm going. I'll leave it up to Lex to pick the time, I'm sure it will be at least a few weeks. When do you plan on scattering her ashes sweetie?" she asked,

"Madge is going to call after 7:00 AM today and let us know, I figured, I would call Janice and Kelly, and when they are free just the three of us would fly up there, she hated putting things off. I'll check with LeCerque when we get to New York and see what arrangements she made.

"She thought of everything but one task, I have to say a few words at the memorial service." He said, as he grabbed her hand, out of habit, she didn't flinch, or move. It was true she loved him, but not deep enough, that's why Meredith challenged him to find his soul mate, one who would return the love he gave.

"Well, the shower is off in Alexis's room, so I think I better go next before you use up all of the hot water, I'm here if you need me." She kissed him gently, just a touch of the lips, and walked away.

XxX

7 Hours Later

Janice and Kelly were standing outside the plane, at the bottom of the stairs, both had been crying from their bloodshot eyes, they greeted the three, and Kelly whispered in Gina's ear, "Watch him, he's not doing as good as he wants us to think."

A limo pulled up and met them on the airstrip, it had a beautifully engraved URN from the crematory that had handled the cremation of Meredith, per her wishes, on her schedule. That was why Madge didn't call last night, she was accompanying Miss Mer as she called her to the location where she would return to ashes, as was in the scripture.

Madge walked slowly with the URN and was surprised when Rick invited her to fly with them. Janice flew the flight pattern approved, and had received permission to fly a limited space at a much lower altitude than normal, that was when all, said goodbye for the last time to Meredith, per wishes she returned to Vail to remain there forever in her happy place.

When the trip was over, and they had returned to California, Rick stopped Madge, and asked her how he could help her, she had been such a huge help to the family. She smiled,

"Mr. Castle, my mother died alone, probably cold, frightened, and afraid in Puerto Rico. I pledged in her name no other person would suffer that fate. Hospice nurses are hard to come by, so when I opened my firm, I only hire those who will look after the person about to pass as a person, not a job.

"Miss Mer will always be one of my favorite patients. Those books she told you she wanted for a charity auction when she first came to our facility, she lied, they were my birthday gift, so thank you. You have already given me more than I could have asked for." She said wiping her eyes, "Thank you for allowing me to say goodbye to Miss Mer in the fashion we talked about for so many hours." She said, once again dabbing her eyes,

"Well, Madge, I'm not sure when but we'll be having a memorial service, and I would be honored if you would attend. I'll cover all of the expenses and your lost wages, if you would like to come to New York, to celebrate her life one last time." He said,

"Miss Mer told me you would do something like this, as much as I appreciate the offer, I said goodbye to my friend a few hours ago. I can't leave another patient on their journey, not even for a day. I hope you understand." She said softly,

"Of course, I wouldn't have wanted Mer to have to walk that path without you being there for her. Thank you again, Madge, if you need anything, at any time, call me at this number, it's my private cell. I promise you, if you call, I'll answer or call you right back. You're part of our family now, and we'll always be thankful for the love you showed Mer, she could be a handful at times, even if you did love her." He laughed as Madge rolled her eyes,

"I know Mr. Castle, oh believe me I know, but she loved me, I knew that," she said, as Rick kissed her cheek and helped her into the limo. Three stood waving to one of the Angels on Earth who had helped assist Mer on her final walk, perhaps the hardest she ever had to make.

XxX

New York

Three Weeks Later

Rick had rented a small off-Broadway venue that Meredith had once performed in to hold her memorial service. He knew that Gina and Alexis were waiting for the service so they could schedule their trip to Paris. He had sucked it up, time doesn't heal wounds, it just makes you accustomed to them, and no matter if they were divorced or not, she was the mother of his child.

Paula had been a Godsend to him scheduling the event, sending out the invitations, and securing Mike and his security team to maintain order. He was used to the paparazzi at his events, but he hadn't thought they would stoop so low to crash a memorial service. Paula knew better, "This is New York Rickie, they are the sewer rats with cameras," she said, kissed his cheek, and was off on another task.

Friday finally arrived and the four, Rick, Alexis, Gina, and Paula, took the limo for the final goodbye. As they took their seats, they could tell the small theater was almost at capacity, even with requiring tickets. Meredith had a lot of friends who had supported her during her fight and they showed up tonight.

As with everything, she even directed the events of the evening, Alexis would open with short remarks, then Gina, and then Rick, limited to ten minutes MAX. She had also arranged to have champagne flutes dispensed to all attendees as Rick said his final Cheers and RIP. It was more of a party atmosphere, and totally Meredith's taste.

At Seven PM exactly Alexis strode to the stage, looking more like the young lady she had become than the little pumpkin he had tried so hard to hold on to, Mer was right, it was time to let her go her way. She was a young lady now. Paula walked out, got everyone's attention, and then handed the microphone to Alexis,

"Hey, you in the back, take your seat the program is starting" she chastised as people scampered to their seats,

"Here you go sweetie, the audience is yours." She said and disappeared behind the curtains,

"Thanks, Paula, for those who don't know me, or recognize me, it's been a while since I was with Mother, I'm her daughter Alexis Castle. Mother and I had our ups and downs, during her lifetime, but I'm happy to say, we were GOOD, her term, meaning everything was fine between us when she transitioned over to the next world. One event that Dad will recall with horror was the time she arrived in New York, called and told Dad we were going to lunch, she forgot to tell him in Paris France. (Light chuckles from the crowd)

Mother and I call her that name for a few reasons, first, she asked me to, secondly, there is another lady who stepped in to be Mom when Mother couldn't, she became Mother's best friend over time and is here tonight. Gina Castle Cowell will be here shortly to say a few words, believe me, Meredith, was worse than a Hollywood Director when she gave us all, including Dad time limits we could speak about her. (Even louder laughter)

"I've just about reached my allotted time, so I will say this, Mother, Meredith, or whatever you may have called her, wasn't perfect, but she was my birth mother, the one who gave me life, one that taught me many of life lessons, and taught me how to love even those imperfect people in our lives. Here's to you Mother, REST IN PEACE." She held an empty glass up,

"Oh, if you knew Meredith you would know she's not buying you more than one drink, that will be when Dad concludes," She laughed, "I'd like to introduce my mom, Gina Castle Cowell, Mom, it's all yours" she handed her the microphone and hugged her tightly for a second, as Gina dabbed one of her eyes, then kissed her cheek.

"Good evening, as my daughter has said, I'm Gina Castle Cowell, the second first lady of the Castle ad Meredith and I used to joke. People thought we hated each other, I have to admit we had fun with some of the press, but nothing could be farther from the truth.

"Meredith was the one who had the nerve, or in her terms, the balls to call Rick up and cuss him out if he didn't treat me right. People never knew that, but she was a friend and a confidant. Many times, this happened without me knowing it until flowers and an apology card would arrive, out of nowhere, I'm sure that Rick can tell you the exact days and times" she smiled.

"We even talked about this, what she wanted when she was gone, and as difficult as it is some days to realize that her bright smile is gone forever, she would be pleased to hear the laughter. She also fed me the lines to insult Rick, the last way for her to say I love you Richard Castle and thank you for all you did.

"She loved deeply, as everyone here knows, but none better than her and my former husband, something else we had in common. (again laughter,) Rick Castle. Rick, sweetie, you know we both love you, and you're on the clock now."

Rick walked to the stage, kissed Gina, and whispered something in her ear, and she playfully smacked his arm.

"Good evening, all, I guess there's no one left that doesn't know me by now, so thanks Mer, you got me again. (He glanced heavenly with a smile) Seriously, she and Gina had talked about this event, and I wasn't allowed to turn it into a sob fest. Mer told me to remember this quote, "I'm no holy woman, and the movie Two Mules for Sister Sarah has already been used for a woman like me" The crowd rolled with laughter remembering the classic western where a saloon girl disguises herself as a nun,

"I did search for things to say, but I finally decided that our lives had already been played out from our episodes at LeCerque, to her crashing the precinct where I was consulting on police cases. All I really have left to say is that I loved her, I know she loved me, Alexis, and Gina, we all became connected in some weird Hollywood way.

"I know she fought hard, and her last words to me were, "it's the quality of life, not quantity and she wouldn't wish her condition on her worst enemy." She did challenge me to say this, Cancer doesn't care about your age, gender social status, or political affiliation, it's a beast waiting to get you.

PLEASE, (Rick paused,) if you take nothing else from tonight, other than the good meal you will enjoy soon, PLEASE get cancer screens early and often both men and women. If one person finds and Kicks Cancer's Ass, then all of the suffering I went through will be worth it." Rick wiped his eyes,

"OK, I'm almost at my time limit as well, so please raise your glasses, one final toast, to Meredith Harper Castle, a fighter who did it her way, may you rest in peace Mer, I love you, I always will. Cheers" as they all clinked glasses, and Rick made his way from the stage, Gina on his side, Alexis on the other.

Paula appeared from behind the curtain, "This concludes the memorial service for the baddest of badass women I ever met, Hold My Spot Mer, RIP until we get there. Please proceed across the street to enjoy a final meal in honor of Meredith, LeCerque has all of the arrangements, and thank you all for coming.

TBC