Actions Have Consequences or Rewards.

by Castlefan6

Authors Note: This is Totally AU; Beckett has found a new love, Castle is hiding a deadly secret, Takes place after the punch to the stomach in Headhunters.

Taking Literary License to fill in the blanks.

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.

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Chapter 5

Presbyterian Hospital

VIP Waiting Room

XxX

Dayroom

Kate tossed and turned, after getting perhaps two hours of sleep she sat upright with a fright, looking around her. It wasn't a dream; Rick was really in the hospital and fighting for his life. She knew she needed to get in touch with Rick's family but she had no idea of where they were at, only that both Martha and Alexis would be out of town for three weeks. She would never be forgiven if she didn't contact them, just as soon as she had some good news to tell, she thought to herself.

She finally rose from the bed, splashed water on her face, reapplied a coat of lipstick to her lips, and then headed to the VIP Waiting room, Franny had left her a note of where to go if she hadn't come back for her by the time she awoke.

She made her way into the room, this time she wasn't alone, there standing in front of her were a very pissed-off Gina Cowel and Paula Haas. She walked into the room, just as both ladies caught sight of her, and made a beeline over to begin screaming into her face.

"Who the hell do you think you are? Ricky almost died, not once, but twice, and you don't even bother to call either of us? Who the fuck do you think has been here for him while you've been out chasing all your boyfriends? You've pulled a lot of low stunts Detective, but not notifying me, or at least Gina, this has to be the worst thing ever." Paula was breathing fire, and was less than an inch from her face,

"Paula, we're all upset, settle down, Rick would be pissed if he saw this." As she pulled her back away from Beckett, "She's right you know? What the hell were you thinking of not calling anyone Beckett? I get it, Rick still has you listed as his ICE, he was supposed to have changed his medical POA back to me a few weeks ago, I have the new copy all notarized right here. I guess the hospital didn't have the latest copy on file or knowing Rick he was holding out hoping you would come around and hadn't sent them the update.

"I spoke to the doctors and nurses and I know what is going on, I know he's in surgery, his second in less than 4 hours, for a procedure that Dr. Poulos had you authorize if it's any consolation I would have made the same decision as you did.

"I want you to understand that just as soon as he is back in his room, we're going to call my daughter, and his mother, they will be crushed when they hear he was sick and they were off on trips. I know that he would want them near if something, well if things deteriorate. Alexis would never forgive me if she was away when something happened to her Dad.

"We ARE going to follow Rick's wishes, regardless if you or I agree with them or not. This revised medical POA has been notarized and is in order, so you won't be making any more of his medical decisions Detective, I will unless Rick wants it voided. That will be his choice just as soon as he is coherent and able to make sound decisions. I've asked his attorney Howard Weisman to be here at 7:00 PM, JUST to be sure that this time the paperwork is completed.

"How the hell did he go from working on a case to almost dying from internal bleeding detective? I understand he worked a case with a different detective, BUT it was one of your team that rushed him into the hospital. What the hell is going on, how did he get hurt?" Gina was angry, much more controlled than Paula but just as angry.

"You're correct Gina, I've been on special assignment to assist the ADA in preparing for a big case about to go on trial, so Rick did work with a rogue cop by the name of Ethan Slaughter out of the Gangs Unit.

"When Rick wouldn't stand by and let him railroad an innocent person, even though he had a rap sheet a mile long, Slaughter sucker-punched him in the stomach. None of us thought it was serious at the time, or that Rick was hurt, or we would have taken action" she stammered,

"What do you mean NONE of you thought it was serious? Are you telling me that you and your team witnessed the assault on my ex-husband and did nothing? I bet you all got a great big laugh, oh Castle got hit, I wonder how big a baby he's going to be, isn't it funny, well is it funny now Detective?

"He's fighting for his life, to remain on earth for Alexis so he can walk her down the aisle someday, so is it still a big joke to you now? I wonder how funny it will be when I call his best friend Bob Weldon and let him know what kind of people, he has running one of his police precincts, I'll bet you, that you won't be laughing then Detective."

"Gina, we are sorry, we really are, I even asked Castle if he was OK, and he said yes. How were we to know that Slaughter's punch caused internal damage and a bleed?" Kate fired back.

"Of course, he was going to say he was OK, he just got assaulted by one of New York's finest, witnessed by his muse, and her team, who did NOTHING to the cop who assaulted him, what did you think he was going to say?

"He's done all kinds of stupid shit, including jumping in front of a bullet, meant for you to impress you, do you think he was going to admit to you that he was hurting? Do you even care? What is your procedure when any other civilian gets assaulted? I'll tell you what it is, you take them to the hospital to be evaluated by MEDICAL EXPERTS, not a bunch of cops who stand around and laugh," This time her voice was raised, and loud,

Just as Gina had finished, Franny appeared in the doorway, "Family of Richard Castle" she called,

Kate jumped up and was standing next to Gina when she got the shock of her life, "Not this time detective, Miss Cowell has the current Medical POA, and only one visitor is allowed to be with him in the recovery room. Take a seat, we'll keep you updated" she said, this time even she was a bit cold in her response,

Kate turned back to the wall, to see Paula rushing over to hug Gina, whispering something in her ear, probably something to tell Rick, even though it would be hours before he was fully awake. She found a chair about as far as anyone could be to Paula's location, gathered a cup of coffee, and pulled out her phone trying to stay busy.

She noticed a batch of new text messages, one each from Ryan and Espo, both had been marked URGENT in the subject line. More out of frustration with the situation of being denied access to see Rick, than concern for the precinct she opened the text from Javi first.

"Gates pulled us into her office, she knows about Slaughter, the punch, and she's pissed. She's also pissed that you let Slaughter use our interrogation rooms and got involved in another case, we're in DEEP SHIT, she recorded everything for disciplinary hearings." JE

Oh great, now she was already in trouble for helping Rick, and for her efforts, she gets her ass in hot water with Gates. A suspension wouldn't be bad now, I need to get away from all this, fuck it, she thought, then opened Kevin's text.

"Kate, we got serious trouble. Iron Gates recorded statements from Javi and me, she knows who allowed Slaughter to use the rooms and that you jumped his case, resulting in him punching Castle, this is bad, really bad" KR

She responded to both guys, in a group text, "Guys, tell the TRUTH, don't worry about how things work out, Gina is here and already threatened to call Bob Weldon so I'm sure Gates is just trying to cover her ass, keep low, and TRUTHFUL, Talk soon", KB

Just as she closed her phone Gina returned with Franny, who had a sad look on her face, she hunched her shoulders as if to say, sorry what can I do. Paula almost bull-rushed Gina,

"Well, he's out of surgery again, but this time they are re-enforcing every blood supplying arteries to the major organs, they had to remove his spleen, which I thought was no big deal turns out I was wrong. Rick is going to be prone to illnesses much more than he ever has, the spleen filters out a lot of bacteria, that if it gets into the blood can be serious if not fatal.

"They told me a bunch of illnesses but honestly, I didn't want to hear them now, I just want him to wake up, to talk to him, and to hold him. Damn Jackass, always trying to prove himself, when he has nothing to prove to anyone" she stared directly at Kate with the last words.

"How long before he wakes up Gina, I'm sure you will want to talk to him, alone, rather than with her", she motioned towards Kate with her head movement, almost in disdain, "If you pretty certain he's out of the woods, I'll leave you to see and talk to him, just tell him, well you know what to say" she hugged Gina, wiping a tear from her eye,

"Thanks, Paula, you might want to put out an official statement, that Rick is ill, being treated at an undisclosed location, and is expected back soon. Also, can you call Mike to set up his security for his room, the last thing he needs is some paparazzi getting a compromising shot of him?" She said, not as his publisher would rather, she sounded like his wife when she spoke.

"I'll take care of it, Gina, give him a kiss for me, call me if you need anything" as she left, never looking in Kate's direction.

The room was silent, so silent it could be cut with a knife. There had been tension between the two ladies before, but nothing to this magnitude. Kate started to say something, but Gina would get a call, and step out of the room. About an hour later, Kate tried again,

"Gina, I want you to know how sorry we are, all of us. None of us would ever stand by and let Rick get hurt, you ha"

Gina's phone rang again, this time she didn't step out of the room, rather she placed the call on speaker,

"Hi Bob, I thought you were at a conference" Gina said,

"I am, well, I'm leaving early, look, how is Rick? Have you been able to get any information on his condition yet?" Bob asked concern was plain in his voice,

"I just left him in the recovery room, it was his second surgery today, I guess they missed a bleed, and well some other things, Detective Beckett was here with him for the first surgery. I can't release any information I have come across Bob, I'm not his wife anymore, but I'm back to being his Medical POA." She said,

"Well, I wanted to tell you, that, is Detective Beckett in the room with you? He suddenly realized he was on speakerphone,

"Yes, she is, Bob, you're on speakerphone," Gina replied,

"Good, I just got off the phone with Commissioner Boyle, there's an arrest warrant out for Ethan Slaughter for criminal assault, and destruction of city assets, it's enough to fire his ass, finally. He'll be held without bond at Rikers, if he makes it to the trial date, he is looking at some serious time for his reckless actions, with total disregard for human life." Bob said,

"Thanks, Bob, that's half of the problem, I know Rick won't"

"I know where you're going with this Gina, and Detective Beckett, it's good you're on the line. I just had a conversation with your Captain, she's not happy that three of her detectives would treat anyone, even a prisoner with such treatment. She was very angered to learn that the protocol for anyone injured wasn't followed, I've said enough, she'll deal with you and your team.

"Your team treated the best friend this city has ever had worse than a criminal. He furnished your brothers and sisters in blue with the up-to-date equipment needed to keep them safe, kept them employed during times when I was faced with staff reductions and made uncounted donations to the widow and orphans fund. Your Captain asked me to relay a message to you, she wants to see you in her office tomorrow at 7:00 AM, oh, and Beckett, be sure your Union Rep is also with you." He spat out,

"Yes Sir, Mr. Mayor" Kate replied, as her face turned red, knowing suspension would be the best-case scenario she was facing, more than likely she was going to be fired for cause.

"Gina, I told Gates to get some patrol down there, too"

"Bob, stop, you know Rick wouldn't want to pull forces to protect him, I already had Paula call Mike, it's handled but thanks. He's got a hell of a fight in front of him Bob, so, tell Marcy to light a candle for him, for us." She said, the tears in her voice very evident.

"She's at church as we speak doing just that Gina, as soon as he can have visitors, Marcy wants to see him, so please, arrange that, you know her, she won't believe me if I tell her he's fine. I swear, if he had asked her to marry him, she would have kicked my ass to the curb," and smiled into the phone,

"Bob, you know that's not true, Marcy loves him like a sister, nothing more. I'm going to let you go, so you can get packed up and home, I think Detective Beckett has received the message loud and clear.

"Thanks for taking point on this Bob, it really pissed me off, that three fucking cops would laugh as their co-worker, hell partner to one, was assaulted. I trust you'll be sure the punishment is fair for all, talk soon, give Marcie our love,"

Beckett was totally silent for over an hour, finally, she said, "Gina, are you going to allow me to see Rick tonight when he gets to his room?" she asked,

"Yes, but only until he decides which Medical POA he wants to keep in force. If he chooses me, then I would appreciate it if you would leave, go back to your district attorney you're sleeping with now." She said, as Beckett's face turned a crimson red, "Oh come on Kate, you don't think that you could keep that a secret, I just hope it doesn't fuck up the case against the bomber." Gina turned the knife,

Finally, Franny and Carrie both showed up, "Ladies we have him in his room, he would like to see his visitors." Franny said,

They made their way back to his room, when they opened the door, Gina flew across the room and kissed him, crying her eyes out, as he held her with his one good arm. "Shh, hey, it's OK, see, I'm still here, it's OK Genes, look at me, come on, good, now look at me, I'm here baby" as she locked on his lips again.

If Kate had ever doubted there was still love between Rick and his second ex-wife, that doubt was blown apart in a matter of seconds. She was looking at the floor, not wanting to watch him hold another woman when she felt his eyes upon her,

"Detective, thanks for being here all day. I'm sorry for the relapse, it wasn't planned on my part, believe me. One thing, I did forget to tell everyone about, I replaced you as Medicap POA two weeks ago, I'm sorry you were forced to make a decision today. Thanks for doing it for me," he said, almost like he was thanking one of his fans, then Gina gave her the look to get the hell out of here, he made his decision.

"Well, glad I could help Rick. Look, I know this is far too little too late but I'm really sor"

"Detective, I think it's best if you save any words about this incident for your captain, again thanks for coming, I'm in good hands now." He turned back to Gina, he didn't even watch as she slowly made her way out of his door or acknowledge her when she said softly, "Good-Bye Rick, Hope you feel better soon" then was gone.

She ran into Mike just outside the door, as his men were setting up the security perimeter, and he just nodded and continued his work. She had to get home and prepare for perhaps her last day on the force tomorrow, she needed a drink, she needed someone to talk to. Lanie was busy consoling Javi, she was sure, so she called her old friend Maddie, owner of Q1.

"Hey Maddie, it's Kate, you got anything going on, I need a drink, and I don't want to drink alone," she said,

"Hey Kate, why don't you meet me at the Haunt in thirty minutes, I don't want to hang around here or people will never stop bothering me,"

"Sounds good, the Haunt in thirty, see ya there"

XxX

Gina crawled up on the bed, not wanting to let go of him, as she tried to stop the tears but she was overcome by just how close she had come, again. He placed his good arm around her, trying to be her rock, until she realized, "Oh God Rick, I should be taking care of you, not blubbering like some idiot."

He smiled, hey, "It's OK, how many times have you been the silent hero, never getting credit? It's time I tell you just how important you are to me, to our family. We both know that marriage won't work, we tried that, but we both know that you are our Daughter's mom, her choice, by the way, not mine, and will forever be linked to me.

"I got some bad news today, and I don't want to straddle you, I mean you're young, beautiful, you need"

"Don't try to tell me what I need Richard Castle, I know about your cancer, the silver lining in the second surgery was they got the tumor, and are pretty sure they got all of it." Tears came to her eyes as she kissed him, "You big lug, I don't know what I would do without you being the pain in my ass, yes I do love you.

"Rick, you know that Beckett loves you as well, don't you, she was the one that made the call for the surgery, they didn't know that you had changed the medical POA back to me. She made the tough call Rick, Bob found out and is coming down hard on her and her boys for allowing Slaughter to pull his MMA knockout of the night punch imitation.

Just then there was a knock on the door, Dr. Poulos stuck his head in with Franny and Carrie, as Rick smiled,

"We have to stop meeting like this Doctor!" he laughed as hard as he dared, he was sore all over.

Franny laughed and Carrie smiled, "Hi Gina how have you been," Franny asked,

"Not counting today, I've been good, today was a day from hell, though," she said, tears once again threatening to fall,

"How about some good news Rick, I know I sort of overwhelmed you earlier when the other lady was here, but we've had some changes to your condition. I hate to admit this, but I will gladly do it when the news is this, our lab screwed up when they furnished the results to us earlier.

"Roger Richards was the patient with von Willebrand disease, not Richard Rogers. We ran the labs three times, each time I had a different supervisor analyze, and you're anemic, not anything more. It counts partially for the misinformation, but the technician is being sent for additional training. It could have been a disease that if treated needlessly could have killed you, I apologize." Doctor Poulos, was very contrite,

"Doctor, you got the bleed, you fixed it, so no harm, no foul. I'm glad you're retraining not firing the technician, we all screw up sometimes." He said, Gina, moved closer to him,

"The good news goes a little deeper, your cancer has been removed, it was a slow-growing, grade 1, not grade 2, as we diagnosed, so you won't need as much radiation, or chemo, we think we have it all but I want to run a series of PET and CT scans this week to be sure.

"The only sucky news is that the bleed that forced the second surgery was coming from your spleen, which had to be removed. The spleen is a filter for a lot of pollutants that infiltrate our bodies, without it, we need to start an antibiotic regimen to keep your chances of infection low.

"Summation is: your cancer found, removed not as serious as originally thought, blood does not have a clotting disorder, you're anemic, and with the transfusion of blood given your numbers are already on the rise, two surgeries to ensure your bleeds have been totally repaired, causing the removal of your spleen. We'll start the antibiotics, and then refer you to the Oncologist for a much less severe dose of cancer-fighting drugs.

"I am much more pleased tonight than I originally was when I took the case, Rick, so you'll need to slow down some, we'll get to all that. Tonight, make the calls to your family and let them know the good news, you're a very lucky man." Doctor Poulos said,

"Rick, tell Gina about the deal you wanted, I'm not sure you will still need it long term but I'll be there as long as you do," Franny said as she kissed his forehead, and patted him gently,

"You better get home Franny, how long have you been here?" Rick asked,

"21 hours but who's counting when you love your patients, I'm going to grab a nap and then relieve Carrie, have a good night, she'll take good care of you, at least for the next few hours." She slipped out the door,

"You know her Rick, she wouldn't leave, not as long as you were in danger, I'm sorry Gina, it's just that, well we are all very fond of your man" Carrie smiled,

"I know, and I'm glad, thank you all. I'm going to let him rest a bit, then we have to call our daughter and his mom, at least the news won't be the devastating news I anticipated," she kissed his lips gently, as he wiped her tears away,

Just then a bed was pulled into the room, "Oh Franny ordered it, Gina, she said she knew you would sleep here tonight, and didn't want you in pain when you woke up from those chairs," Carrie said,

"She's special Rick, we have to do something for her,"

"Agreed, now you take your nap, I'm going to take mine then we can call the Reds"

"Yes, Sir," She kissed him with a smile and climbed onto the bed just brought in, Franny was a sweetheart to think of this.

TBC

A/N: I'm getting a lot of reviews, and messages hating on Kate and saying that there is no coming back. Remember this isn't following Canon, some events I left in, others I didn't include in my story, including the conversation at the swings, leave that for TV. What I'm attempting to do is show that our actions bring either good or bad reactions and sometimes it takes extraordinary actions to change what you think is the expected outcome. BOTH were to blame, Rick acted like a spoiled kid running off to a new toy, and she decided if he had a new distraction she would get one as well. Unfortunately for her, she didn't do her background checks and it will come back to bite her. Stay Tuned. Thanks