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 6

12th Precinct,

Next Morning, 6:50 AM

Kate had met with the boys last evening to be sure everyone was on the same page, no sense all three going down for something she was guilty of. She had jumped Slaughter's case, she had seen him retaliate against Rick when his boastful threats and innuendo didn't get her to back off re-investigating the crime scene with Castle. She was keenly aware that Slaughter was not the type of man to take a ding, hell more like a devastating hit to his reputation without payback.

It was true that Kevin and Javi knew Slaughter punched Rick, BUT they had not seen it firsthand, only after the fact when they turned around and Rick was doubled over in pain, gasping for breath. Their hearings would be scheduled after the Captain had concluded business with her, per Mr. Mayor's orders.

Lisa Munro, a seasoned Cop turned Union Official was with her, and had cautioned her to expect the worst, and hope for the best. It was strange that 10 minutes before the hearing was to begin, Captain Gates's office remained dark, with no signs of its occupant.

At exactly 6:57 AM the elevator dinged and off strode Captain Gates, Commissioner Boyle, and his honor Mr. Mayor, Bob Weldon. They didn't go to Gate's office, but to the executive conference room, and motioned for Beckett and Muro to follow. When they were seated, they brought up the remote connection to Rick Castle at Presbyterian Hospital.

"Good Morning, Rick, can you see and hear us, OK?" Asked Commissioner Boyle,

"I can hear you fine, I'm transferring the image portion of the call to the large screen in the room, one moment, ah, yes, now I can see everyone. Good morning, Captain Gates, Detectives Munro, Beckett, and Bob. I trust you have informed your reports of what we spoke about last evening and this morning" Rick said, without a smile or any emotion in his voice whatsoever.

"I have Rick, and they share my opinion, but we will abide by your wishes. The formal hearing must be held, and a record of the proceedings, the evidence, and the final outcome placed in Detective Beckett's records for any future use, and per our agreement, no one else will face disciplinary actions" Mayor Weldon said, a little disgusted,

"Very well your honor, may we continue?" Gates asked, He nodded and she began to read a formal opening statement.

"Present for this disciplinary hearing for Lead Detective Katherine H Beckett, are in addition to the Detective, is her Union Rep, Detective Lisa Munro, myself, Captain Victoria Gates, 12th precinct, Commissioner Robert Boyle, and his honor, Mr. Mayor, Bob Weldon. Also joining us remotely for this call is the injured civilian consultant, Richard Castle, from his hospital suite at Presbyterian Hospital."

"This hearing was originally scheduled to bring charges of gross neglect of duty, and conduct unbecoming an officer of NYPD against Detective Beckett, allowing Detective Ethan Slaughter, formerly of the Gangs Unit, NYPD, to abuse his power within the confines of this precinct, resulting in grave bodily injury to Mr. Castle.

"Late developments have forced us to alter those charges as will be amended in the statements to follow. Detective Slaughter has been arrested, an emergency disciplinary hearing held, resulting in the suitable cause for termination, and prosecution for assault on a city asset. Mr. Slaughter is now being held without bond at Rikers Island, subject to the due process of his court case.

"After serious discussions with the injured party, Mr. Castle, we are forced to accept his position on this matter. He refuses to press charges against any detective or member of the 12th precinct, stating the blame rests with him for seeking out Detective Slaughter during Detective Beckett's temporary assignment to the ADA's office to prepare for trial. According to sworn statements by Mr. Castle, he admits that he refused medical attention when approached by Detective Beckett, which is correlated by the detective's incident report.

"Is this your sworn statement for the record Mr. Castle and is it given by your own free will, without threat, or impending threats of retaliation by any member of law enforcement?" Gates asked,

"It's my story, Captain, no one threatened me, and I stand by our earlier conversations not introduced into this record" Castle replied weakly,

"Detective Beckett has also been accused of immoral conduct, due to her having an illicit sexual affair with the assigned Assistant District Attorney, Paul Gonzales. Although this behavior occurred off sight of any city property, and after working hours, it still presents a challenge to the prosecution of this case.

"This conduct has forced the reassignment of ADA Paul Gonzales to another office, and the complete restart of preparations for trial for the prosecution to begin. The prosecution petitioned the court for an extension but was refused, with the comment from the presiding judge, moral misconduct was preventable and within the guidelines of both party's office code of ethics and conduct which should have been adhered to.

"The court felt it would be an injustice to the defendant to allow additional time to prepare for prosecution because of, and I quote, "the behavior of two professionals of the court, acting more like two horny high school students at a senior prom than the professionals they represent themselves to be" end quote.

"Detective Beckett, are the charges of immorality, and conduct unbecoming an officer true, and do you realize the jeopardy you have placed this high-profile national case into now? If this is true, the behavior of you and the ADA has opened the door to reasonable doubt for a capital murder case."

The Union Rep started to speak but was interrupted, "Begging your pardon, Detective Munro, but this is a Yes or No question that Detective Beckett must answer for herself so we may determine next steps for her conduct."

Lisa looked at Kate, helplessly and whispered, you have to answer,

Kate looked around, she noticed that everyone was staring at her, everyone but the man she wanted to the most, Rick. He was looking anywhere but into the camera, as she cleared her voice, stood, and replied weakly,

"It's true I was in a sexual relationship with ADA Gonzalez but all of our activities were during our private time, and never anywhere near public property," she got out, and sat down,

Captain Gates cleared her voice, started to speak, but was interrupted,

"Forgive me, Captain Gates, I'm Howard Weisman, Mr. Castle's attorney, is there any further need for him to remain on this call, he is as you know in the hospital, recovering from two major surgeries?" Weisman said,

"I beg your pardon, Mr. Castle, please forgive me, unless there is anything from Mr. Mayor or the Commissioner, she paused, both shook their heads no, "then thank you for taking time from your day to join this call, and please accept our wishes for a speedy recovery." She had barely finished the sentence when Rick's screen flashed off of the camera feed in the room.

Gates peered over her glasses, and looked at both the commissioner and mayor, and then turned her attention back to Beckett. "Detective, what you did, the behavior you displayed, while on assignment to assist another department in building the strongest case possible, is disappointing, to say the least.

"You have violated the principles and unstated moral compass of your office while forcing the government and city of New York to incur additional costs to prepare for a trial that will be seen on the National stage. In addition, your actions, along with the ADA have weakened the case against perhaps the worst single bomb suspect New York has prosecuted this century. I assigned you to this task because I believed in your ability to put the job first, I feel betrayed and disappointed by you, and your actions.

"Personally, I am DEEPLY disappointed personally in your lack of judgment for this assignment, but even more by your callousness for one of our own, one you identify as your partner. Behind the scenes your "PARTNER" fought a battle, none like I have seen to save all of the detectives at the 12th further embarrassment, and financial pain. It's a shame that the concern, the sense of leaving no one behind attitude, only exists in one direction, now I'll allow Mr. Mayor and Commissioner to address their thoughts." Gates concluded by wiping one eye, and taking off her glasses, she was truly hurt, disappointed, and pissed.

"Detective Beckett, I'll be brief, your captain has summed up the disappointment we all felt, especially by a veteran who definitely knew better. I know Mr. Mayor and Rick Castle fought many rounds, he never bent, he never wavered, he accepted blame for someone else we both know that bears that guilt.

While it's true, he may not have acted like the man he should have leading up to this incident because of personal hurt, or pain, it's a matter he won't discuss. I can assure you that when the chips were down, and your career was, and believe me, Detective, in my eyes, it definitely was on the line, he came through, Mr. Mayor"

"Detective, it's no secret of Rick Castle and my friendship, I make no apologies for that. I pointed out that during the lean times, NONE of your fellow officers have been laid off, that you received the equipment, even cars, that keep you and your co-workers safe daily, HOW the hell do you think I do that with the budget I'm, allotted for the safety forces?

"I have a rich friend who believes in me, this city, and the people employed to protect it. I'm angry, very angry, but my friend has asked me to put the anger aside and review the good things you and your team have done. I have no idea what made you want to hurt this man, your partner, and the benefactor of your department, but if you wanted him out of your hair Detective, mission accomplished. Rick won't be returning to the 12th, and your closure rate will be under close scrutiny, be warned, if it falls the responsibility rests entirely with YOU.

"I only wish I could hand out a punishment to you that I feel you deserve, despite what my friend negotiated, but he and I are men of our word. Your punishment for this incident Detective is a letter of reprimand in your file, frozen in pay and rank for two years, and a three-day suspension. You are no longer on special assignment, and ADA Gonzalez will be prosecuting city parking violators now.

"Congratulations on helping to ruin a bright promising attorney's career, perhaps this will be the wake-up call you so desperately need. I have ordered Captain Gates to meet with you weekly for progress reviews on your caseload, closures, and progress. Take this warning to heart Detective, I think you just played your last get out of jail card courtesy of Rick Castle, he scowled at her for a moment, then muttered, Captain Gates"

"Thank you, Mr. Mayor, Commissioner, are there any questions from you or your Union Rep Detective Beckett?" Kate whispered something to Detective Munro, and she looked up, "Just one question Captain Gates" she replied,

"Go on, Detective Munro, ask your question" Gates barked,

"When does Detective Beckett's suspension start?" she asked,

Without batting an eye, or looking her way, she barked "EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY" This hearing is adjourned. The three senior members of the administration walked out the way they came in, stoic, and very serious.

"Kate, you know you dodged what could have been a career-ending incident don't you? I don't know what happened, but from when I first spoke to the Mayor and now, he was dialed down at least 70% from his original position.

"Hell, he had you up there with the same disdain as he has for Slaughter, so I hope you know, you just made some very powerful enemies," Lisa said, as she gathered her paperwork and placed it in her case.

"I know, believe me, I know just how much I have hurt a lot of people. I'm sure Paul is going through something similar to this, he doesn't deserve to lose his spot on this case because of who he's dating." Kate said,

"What did you just say, Kate? That's what you thought, you were dating the ADA? For a detective, you aren't very good at deciphering men's pickup lines. I thought you knew he's married with two kids. I thought you were aware of that and was just in it for the sex" Lisa said, as Kate's face turned bright red, first with embarrassment, then with anger.

"That Son of a Bitch, he played me, he never mentioned a wife, he never wore a wedding ring and kids? How the hell could he do something like this?" Kate seemed insulted that a married man would use a woman for sex,

"Kate, I don't have to tell you, most men only want two things, sex and alcohol, not always in that order. Did you ask him if he was married before you decided to fuck his brains out, or were you so intent on getting back at Castle it didn't cross your mind?

"Perhaps it did, but you didn't care, single or married, you just wanted to hurt Castle, I don't get you, Beckett. You're one of the finest detectives NYPD has ever had, except when it comes to affairs of your own heart.

"What? No Way, Lisa, I would have known that he was married, I mean" Kate stammered, "How did you find this out, it's not common knowledge in the DA's office." Kate said,

Lisa handed her a folder, RCE was embossed at the top in gold letters, and the folder appeared to be expensive. Rick's lead investigator asked me to give you this, once the hearing was over, he warned me that you wouldn't believe me, or Castle. I'm sorry Kate, you got played, and now, well you have to rebuild your career without your civilian partner."

Kate opened the folder to see Paul with another woman, shorter, and bustier, with two identical little children in what looked like a family portrait. She turned the page, more pictures of Paul and the woman shopping, one actually in the Christmas Village as the kids visited Santa, and then pictures of his apartment, and of her and him entering the doorway.

Apparently, his home was in Connecticut and he took the train home two or three times a week and spent weekends home. It provided him with the perfect cover to carry on affairs, and she was sure she wasn't the first woman to fall for his charm. Just as she turned to the next page, she received a text from him, angry and full of curse words,

"Hope you're happy now Kate, never thought you'd be the bitch that sent pictures to my wife. I'm losing my home, my kids, my office, and my position on the team, all because of you."

"I never lied to you scumbag, why didn't you mention you were married and had kids, I wouldn't have had dinner with you much less screwed you, you BASTARD. I just found out about your dirty little secret, so it wasn't I who sent the pictures, but I know who did and I'm glad. You got what you deserved," she sent the text then blocked his number.

Kate took a cab home, now wondering what she was supposed to do to regain the trust she had lost, not only from Rick but her Captain and superiors. Lanie had warned her, quoting the old saying, "Even as dirty as pigeons are, you don't see them shitting in their own nests, girl move your hanky-panky out of sight."

Of course, Kate ignored her advice thinking, in reality, it was no one's business, it was her personal life, not thinking how the defense could use it against the prosecution in a trial. She didn't have to be guilty of anything, just the seed of doubt could be enough to let Lee Ann West off the hook. God, she was so stupid.

She was numb as she tossed the bills to the cabby and climbed the stairs to her apartment, or her self-imposed tomb for the next three days. She had a lot of thinking to do, and more time than she cared to think about to do it.

XxX

VIP SUITES

PRESBYTERIAN HOSPITAL

THREE DAYS LATER.

Rick had shown great progress in healing, especially after losing so much blood and being on the brink of the afterlife. Carrie and Franny, especially Franny had been with him almost all day, each of the last few days. Today they removed the wrap around his ribcage after the X-Ray revealed that the cracks had begun to mend. It was a relief to be able to breathe almost normally again.

Gina had spent the first night and helped him with the conference call to Martha and Alexis, both of who wanted to come home, but Rick insisted on them continuing with their plans. They finally relented to his wishes after Gina assured them that someone would be with him, even mentioning Franny by name. Gina returned to work, leaving her phone numbers to every staff member on the floor, and strict instruction to be called if ANYTHING looked off. They were divorced, they could never be married, but she knew she would never stop loving, or worrying about him.

The moment Alexis heard Franny, she smiled, "Grams, if Franny is moving in below, we have nothing to worry about except what are we going to do when he's all well. She'll have him so spoiled, neither of us will be able to live with him." She laughed and felt better knowing someone who cared about him would be there for him.

His PET Scans had revealed NO SIGN of any more cancer, but Doctor Lee Xang his Oncologist, still ordered two weeks of Chemo treatment, no radiation, and three repeats of PET Scans this week. If the scans were still clear, and his anemic blood count continued to improve, he would be discharged. Follow-up scans every three months for year one, every six months for year two, and annually thereafter.

Franny was his constant companion, even during her off hours, and had started to move things into the suite below Rick's to be prepared when he came home. He was following doctor's orders, period, and he knew better than to mess with her. She knew he didn't need a full-time nurse, but she also knew he had been having bad dreams about dying alone. She wouldn't let that happen, no matter what she had to do.

She sat with him during her lunch hour, wolfing down a sandwich and drinking the brown liquid they called decaf coffee because it was the only type Rick had been cleared for. Another week, then one cup a day, if everything went well. It was during one of these lunch hours when she would bring his tray, and set up her space, just to keep him company.

"You know what I want right now Franny?" Rick asked, during one of the lunches,

"No, I don't Darlin, tell me, and I'll get it for you if I can." She smiled as she was immediately by his side,

"You have no idea, Franny? I mean guess," Rick kidded, which she knew was a good sign, he was feeling stronger,

"Well, if it were the old Rick, he would say for me to shut the doors, cover the windows and fuck his brains out," she laughed, as Rick's face turned red, "I'm sorry sweetie, I had to take the shot. No, I have no idea, is it food?" She asked with a serious look,

"Well, not to say your first suggestion wouldn't be great, but we've talked about that, you don't need to get weighed down with me, besides I'm too old for you. Then his eyes got the old gleam as he said, "I would love to have a slice of Angelo's pizza, with a side of Remy's double cheeseburger and fries, followed by one of Nathan's hotdogs, all washed down with a thick Remy's chocolate shake." Then he laughed,

Franny laughed as she leaned down and kissed his forehead, "Tell you what, you keep doing as good as you have up till now, and when you get out of here, we'll go for that meal, just you and me. We'll have to do it before the Chemo starts, or you'll just be wasting your money." She said, as she took his spoon full of jello and made the airplane motion parents do too little kids. "Now eat your lunch", she smiled, as he grinned, his blue eyes beginning to regain some of the sparkle.

It had been a hell of a week, and it was only on day 5, almost dying, more than once not even counting the times with Slaughter, then not one but two surgeries, receiving the news with the dreaded C word, and finally having to ignore Beckett, after she made the call for his life-saving surgery.

He always had in the past and would continue to honor his one hard and fast rule, never tread into waters inhabited by another man's lady. The moment she became intimate with the ADA she had made her choice, and it wasn't him, she was untouchable, out of his life.

It wasn't that he was a prude, or even looking for the vestal virgin described in Procol Harem, what a cool name for a musical group, song Whiter Shade of Pale, whatever the hell that song was about. It was just his experience beginning in grade school, it's best to leave another man's girl alone, or be prepared to fight for her. Odds are she'd console him if you kicked his ass, and if you lost the brawl, she would walk off to celebrate with him,

No, based not only on his own but many other men's downfalls, if a girl was taken, she was taboo. Taken meant that they had consensually agreed to mutual affection on some level, whatever it may be, he was staying clear. He knew he screwed up when he got with the manic Slaughter, but working with a cop without morals is far different than fucking the lawyer you were assigned to help put a bomber in prison, using by the way most of his theory.

Bob had called him again, and he finally had to tell him he was done in no certain terms, done with the police work, done caring if they had the tools to do their jobs, done caring about whether a certain cop ate, or didn't. In short, he was DONE with everything to do with the police department, end of story. It was time for him to take care of number one, and well Franny was a lot of fun with no strings attached. He was sure he could forget Beckett much faster with someone like Franny in his corner, so that was the plan.

TBC