"How is he?"
At just before midnight, Gates had met them back in the bullpen, her expression mirroring the relief that could be felt throughout the department. Wrapped in a thick winter coat that reached all the way to her knees, hair up in a playful ponytail and minus the make-up, the captain almost appeared to be human.
Almost…Castle reminded himself, when her stern gaze went through the group before ending up on Beckett, who smiled genuinely.
"It's been a rough few days but he's going to be ok. He's just exhausted and confused, none of which I can blame him for. We talked him into going to the hospital to get checked out. Lanie is with him to make sure he stays calm and…you know…doesn't feel alone in this."
"So, you're telling me that Lafayette programmed him to kill you?"
"Pretty much. He must have known we were getting closer and closer to the truth so he figured that the case would stall if I were to die."
"Does Detective Esposito remember any of this? Could he tell us what else the doctor has been up to?"
"Nothing unfortunately.", Beckett explained and subconsciously ran a hand over her aching neck, "He was pretty worked up about the whole incident but swears he can't remember anything. He said that he recalls being in Lafayette's office a few times but nothing we talked about seemed to make any sense. Granted, those pills Lafayette programmed him to take are still prevalent in his system. Things might become clearer once they wear off."
"Mhm."
It would be the only thing Gates said for a while as she shoved her hands in her coat pockets, sorting her own thoughts in the aftermath of the unusual case.
Eventually, she cleared her throat and looked back into the round.
"Do any of you think he even knows what happened with those other two victims?"
"I don't think so.", Ryan answered confidently, "We talked for over an hour after…well…after the incident with Beckett. His memory is spotty at best. It reminds me of car crash victims who can't remember what happened after the accident. It's a complete blackout."
"Which, according to Lt. Vargas, is the part of his short-term memory that Lafayette was targeting hoping to wipe out any recollection. So I honestly don't think he'll be able to remember much of anything when it comes to what happened while he was under….the influence…", Beckett added and shrugged.
"Well, let's keep it that way, people. I think under the circumstances, enough has happened and I don't see the need to drag Detective Esposito through the wringer on something that wasn't his fault to begin with. With everything we recovered in Lafayette's home and office, I think we have plenty of evidence on our side to process this case while shrouding Detective Esposito from some of the events that occurred. Lieutenant Vargas agreed to do the same, so as far as I am concerned, we can move on from here. I want you to speak to Lt. Harrison's widow to provide her with some closure and tomorrow, let's do a quick debriefing with Vargas. But just so you know, I will require a full psychological evaluation before Detective Esposito can return to full duty. Assuming that he will pass that, I think it's time to put this whole dilemma to rest and never talk about it again. I spoke with the Chief about the matter, and he happens to agree. Now, for the second time tonight, I am asking you guys to go home and get some r-"
Gates never got to finish her sentence when Beckett's phone rang, the detective's eyes widening when she saw the caller ID.
"It's Lanie.", she announced and took the call, biting her bottom lip as she listened, then hung up.
"Lanie asked us to meet her at the hospital. Sounds like she has some news on Esposito. She said to hurry."
