Rick Castle and the FBI Agent
Chapter One - A New Member
They were called to a scene where not only was there a body, a young women late 20's or early 30's, but also according to neighbors, the women's 2 year old son was missing. ME Parish was there for Crime Scene Forensics, as well as Alpha Team, to also evaluate the homicide scene and start the murder investigation.
Two days later they have most of the forensics, name of the vic, and had started the murder board.
"Name of the vic is one Paz Sanchez, mother of Victor, and ex-wife to Julio, our prime suspect. Cause of death, blunt force trauma to the head, forensics support a dispute resulting in the murder. Ms. Sanchez had sole custody of Victor which the husband was fighting in court. Defensive wounds on the vic point to an physical confrontation with the prep," recounts lead Det. Beckett summarizing the facts to date.
As she did so, the elevator to their floor rings, indicating someone arriving. Out from the elevator exits a attractive blue eyed blonde whose features are similar to Beckett, except of course for the hair. In fact, she was a blonde version of Beckett. All eyes turn to this visitor as she exits the elevator for the homicide floor.
"Samantha Armstrong", she introduces herself to Beckett, "FBI. I am here as liaison for the kidnapping segment. This case is under the purview of the NYPD. I am here to advise on whether the FEDs will take over this case for the kidnapping. Until then, Det. Beckett it is your case. You are still in charge. I go by Sam or Armstrong, whatever is your preference."
This is one reason the FBI was not popular with the NYPD, or any local police department. Jurisdictional disputes were quite common on cases where the FED's could be involved. More often, the FED's took over after much work was completed by the local PD and then took credit for solving the case. This situation did not lend itself to building cooperation and camaraderie with fed counterparts, but the team had worked past homicides involving kidnapping before with the FBI, so this was not a first time thing for Alpha.
Quick introductions are made of Sam Armstrong to the other alpha team members and the rest of the homicide division. When Agent Armstrong is introduced to Rick Castle, she says, "Rick Castle, I read you were researching with NYPD homicide. I did not know you were on this team. I am a big fan." She shakes his hand vigorously but lets it stay for longer than it should before they release from the shake.
The look between Sam and Rick could have burned down the 12th. Both are mutually attracted to each other and it is so evident in this first meeting. Sam is wearing a smart pants suit with heels, rather high heels for that matter, about four inches. She is stunningly attractive in the outfit!
Kate Beckett sees the exchange between the two and has a green streak. But why should she have such a reaction? She was with Josh and Rick was single and unattached. Beckett was clearly surprised by her reaction to the Federal Agent.
Getting To Know You
So Sam and Rick had an instant connection. And Rick was good with that. He was finding that Sam seemed more approachable than Beckett and she was not as closed off as Beckett.
"So, Mr Castle how long have you been consulting with Beckett's team?", Sam had asked curiously.
"Over three years now", was Rick's reply to her
"And all you gotten to with Detective Beckett is just partners, no romantic interest?"
"To be truthful, she has none for me, but…."
"You want there to be, I can see that."
"Well she does have a boyfriend."
"I see, so nothing could hold you back if the right women were to come along?"
"Truthfully, I haven't been looking."
"I am definitely interested. Should I move on, or there is a chance for me?"
"I'm seeing no one right now."
"And why, if Beckett's not interested, why hold back on moving forward? Play the field, it might even get her to change her mind. If nothing else, you test the waters, and may find you like it."
"What you say is logical, seems I'm holding back. It's just that after two divorces, I'm not really looking."
"Let me help you there. I mean, let's just see where it goes. If I'm not the one, you have Beckett as a fall back. Hell, she might even be ready when we're done. She may even break up with her now BF. But Rick, you may find out we are good for each other, that we might be incredible! What have you got to lose?"
Sam was being completely open and honest in her intentions with him. This was so different from what Rick was experiencing with Beckett. He had been around for Sorenson, then he met MIke Reese, and learned of that relationship. Then Demming, that had caused Rick to leave that summer broken hearted. Only to take up with Gina, his second ex, in a foolish attempt to get over Kate. He returned to the 12th only to be surprised she had broken up with Demming, but had started up with Josh only months later. He never knew about Josh. He learned quite surprisely about Josh that time he picked her up at the station. For a one and done girl, Kate Beckett had many one's and it looked like she was done for Rick. This was on his mind as he heard Sam out on her intentions about them.
"You know what Sam, I will take you up on your offer."
"Good, let's start tonight at your favorite bar, I get the first round."
With that, the agreement is sealed with a quick but hot kiss. It appeared that Sam could be Rick's cure for getting over the Becketts, a rare disease of affection that only happened to Castle.
The Old Haunt
They were shooting tequila and Brian the bar keep was making sure the shots were refilled without a pause in service.
"I like the bartender, he keeps the rounds coming."
"Well he knows I like them that way and he aims to please!"
"You must be a regular here!"
"In truth, I'm the bar owner."
" You own this establishment! No wonder the service is good, no one wants to disappoint the Boss and lose the job."
"Well that may be part of it but I do have a great staff, one reason the bar is so profitable. People always return when service is good."
"You are just fill of surprises tonight Rick."
"If you want a real surprise how's about a shot of a rare scotch whiskey?
"How rare Rick?"
"How is $2500 a bottle sound?"
"And how did you come across a bottle of this scotch?"
"I actually have two bottles I acquired."
"There's got to be a great story on this and I would love to hear it."
"Well then let's go somewhere private so I can tell you the story. My office is in the basement."
"Well then lead the way Rick."
"Brian, put the drinks on my tab, we're going to my office."
"Sure thing boss, want me to send the rounds down to you."
"No we are going to sample my private stock ."
"Agent Sam must be a special lady, you've never done that with Beckett!"
"Actually she got the very first shot of my private stock, but she has a new BF, so I'm moving on.
"Well then good luck boss, Ms. Sam seems like a great lady!"
"Hold my calls Brian, unless of course…."
"It's your daughter….the usual practice as always when you are in your office."
"Thanks Brian."
"I'll see to it that you are not disturbed!"
An Understanding
Sam is impressed with how his office is decorated. Pictures of him at the Haunt, using his private stall as he writes. His many awards for some of his best sellers. Pictures of VIP guests. Then pictures of the NYPD crowd with lots of them candid shots, Beckett in a majority of the pixs. He has momentos of note, like a signed baseball of many of the Yankee players, a hockey puck used in one of the championship games of the NY Rangers, and a basketball signed by many of the NY Knicks team.
He tells her the story of how he acquired the rare scotch as they both takes shots of the drink. Sam listened to his story with interest. For her it was a audio book story with Rick Castle being the reader.
"You have such interesting cases with the NYPD. Will this one make one of the NIkki novels?"
"It will with the intro of a new character. One very hot and capable FBI agent who will frustrate Nikki with all her attention to Rook."
"Why Rick Castle you honor me so. Looks like I am to be memorialized in a Nikki Heat nobela!"
She enters Rick's personal space and gives him a passionate kiss. Rick returns the kiss. One thing leads to another and they are making out furiously.
"Sam, slow down girl. With you I do not want it to be just a one nighter. You are too good for that. I am implementing the third date rule here, mostly cause I respect you and want to develop something deeper than just a one time fling, I hope you are not disappointed in that."
"I am not disappointed Rick. In fact I am flattered that you think of me in that manner. It is really sweet, how could Beckett pass you by? I guess her mistake is my opportunity. But know this Rick Castle, if she is not interested, I am claiming you for myself! Am I clear?"
"Cyrstal, but let's finish making out so I can take you home where you can sleep and dream of us? Alone for now in your bed, but that to end soon hopefully."
"I am counting down to that third date Castle?"
"Wouldn't have it any other way Sam."
"Come here stud, let me show you how much I appreciate being the inspiration for a new Character."
They finish making out and then Castle takes Sam home so she can rest for the next day. Castle does the same at the loft, but his dreams and thoughts are with Sam. Kate Beckett may truly become the one who let him get away.
Still, it is the start of something new for both Rick and Sam and for no it is a mutual effort. Sam being quite different from what Castle had experienced with Beckett. Still, Rick realized he did need to move on if Beckett and Josh would eventually get engaged. Rick did not want that to happen. Subconsciously he want that person engaged to Kate to be himself, but all indications were that it was not to be. Sam, as they both agreed, was a Plan B, one that could become a Plan A. Only the future knew what was to be!
