92 Days
by Castlefan6
Authors Note: This is Totally AU; Beckett has left the hospital after her shooting, This describes the activity of each, during those 92 days without contact, both in the hospital and out. It blends some Canon dialog, courtesy of Dust Jackets Dot Com, then goes quickly and completely AU. What were each up to during this time, 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
Day 20, Eve of Kate's Discharge from Hospital
Kate's POV
It was visiting hours, and Kate had received some of her friends, who had finally gotten a day off from work. Lanie, Espo, and Kevin all came to see her before her Dad was due to arrive around 8:30 PM, she hadn't revealed that she was leaving the hospital tomorrow morning to anyone. Everyone noticed the calm Beckett, lying in the bed, and the gigantic nurse that was the only one allowed in her room, coincidence, NOT, Lanie had heard all about it on the phone.
"So, Kate, now that you're back to mostly yourself, what's going on? Are you going to rehab?" Kevin asked innocently, Lanie shuddered waiting for the old Kate to explode,
"No, I'm thinking about going to my Dad's cabin in upstate New York. Well, when I get the clearance from the doctors and therapists here. They said that as long as I checked in once a week at the hospital with one of his colleagues. It's a 55-mile drive, but hey, it will break up the time better. They said they would approve it." She said, in such a calm voice,
"Hang on, just hang on Chica. Do you mean to tell me that you're even considering going to an unsecured location in upstate New York, where the nearest trauma hospital is 55 miles away? After all the trouble Rick went to in providing the security for you, your Dad, and some of us? Hell, Gates pulled the unis the next day and sent them for traffic and crowd control at a parade of some sort. What are you thinking Kate? It's far too dangerous" Javi pleaded with her,
"First off Javi, I didn't even know about the security until a few days ago, I never asked Castle to do anything like that. He did it more for my father since I guess my dad paid him a visit, the night before Roy's funeral and actually told him that if something happened to me, my blood would be on his hands. Dad didn't know that it was me that threw him off the case, and out of my life, after a terrible fight the previous week, and Rick never said a word.
"When Roy was killed, Rick took it hard, almost like he should have been able to save him as well, why I have no idea. Then I understand from my Dad, after he and I had a fight, what really happened, and Lanie confessed to being there when they upgraded my windows and security system. I hit the ceiling, thinking once again, Castle is treating me like a little girl, until my dad finally had enough and told me off.
"Dad already confessed that the security team is going where I go, when I go, per Rick's instructions, even if it involves renting the cabins on both sides of ours, plus one behind. It doesn't look like Castle is going to let this go, not until I'm cleared for work, and well, it's keeping a promise to Dad, to protect me. He feels he failed dad, everyone, when I was shot." Kate said softly,
"Well, that's stupid, Kate, you need to tell him that he saved your life. I was a sniper, we don't miss, whoever shot you didn't kill you for one reason and one reason only. Castle provided enough force just in time for him to miss his target. He did a lot of damage with his shot, but without Castle knocking you down, we aren't talking now, we're burying you as we did Roy" Javi said,
Kate knew it was true, but she really didn't want to think about it now, she still hadn't called Paula, to get Rick's number, like that was really going to happen, or even leave him a message. As far as her friends knew she would be in the hospital at least a few more weeks, and that's how she let them leave that evening, still torn between her feelings.
Why did Rick do what he had done? Was it for her or for her father? She knew how important the role of Dad was in his life, but he had to care something about her, then she thought you asshole. He loved you, he yelled it, you heard it, everyone around the cemetery heard it, just accept it and decide, is there a future with him, or have you already waited too long. Gina's comment, about the love letters, came flooding back into her memory.
Her visitors left without gaining anything that Kate didn't want them to know, and Jim showed up precisely at 8:30 PM.
"Hi Katie, it's good to see you, everything still as it was planned? I mean you haven't given this any more thought?"
"Dad, we're leaving tomorrow morning at 6:00 AM, I agreed to allow the security forces that Castle thinks I need for some reason, I think sometimes his imagination runs wild," she said, not really meaning it,
"Katie, it wasn't his imagination that got you shot, and that bastard is still out there. I thanked Rick for what he did, you should have as well, but that's on you. Someone tried to KILL you if it hasn't sunk in yet,"
"I'm sorry Dad, I just don't want to be babied, I mean Rick has his own issues to deal with, so he shouldn't be all in my business," Kate said, not as kindly as she had wanted,
"Oh, believe me, I don't think YOU have to worry about that anymore, sadly I think he's washed his hands of your bullheadedness, your stubborn do it my way, and even worse Katie, your lies. When did that start? I used to be able to bet my life on anything my daughter said, when did the lies start coming so easily?" Jim asked, sadly
"Dad, I'm tired, I'll see you in the morning, and please don't make me wait," she said as she turned her head away,
"Of course, whatever you want Katie," he said softly,
She turned to say something else and he was gone as well, a visit that lasted less than 5 minutes.
XxX
Lion Gate Studio
Soundstage Heatwave
7:30 AM Next Morning
(Day 8)
Rick had arrived at the studio early, after his morning run and workout, he was feeling the positive effects that dropping 20 pounds could make. It served as his motivation to push himself harder, and even on the road, he wasn't slacking up.
He was sitting in the room where the table read was going to be held, drinking a cup of coffee, and munching on some fruit, when Eva walked in.
"Hey Good Morning Rick, Thank you for a wonderful evening last night, I think the morale here has just shot up 300%. It's going to make all our jobs easier, and I still think you've been an EP (Executive Producer) before, you just make things happen and it seems so effortlessly." She smiled as she got her coffee and of all things a Bear Claw. She was attractive, but that stopped him in his tracks, first, she worked for him, second, he wasn't ready, and third, hell enough of the bear claw people, he thought.
"I swear, I haven't Eva but thank you for your compliment," he said, as he noticed her looking at him a little strange,
"Rick, you don't mind me taking Ralph, you know the older security guard a couple of bear claws and a cup of coffee, do you?" she asked, staring him in the eyes,
"No of course not, I just thought they were for you," Rick said, breathing a sigh of relief,
"For me? God no Rick, I hate those damn things," she laughed, "That doesn't bother you, does it?" she thought as she was halfway out of the room,
"No, Oh No, I just knew someone once that loved those damn things as well, just wondering if there were two of them in the world," he laughed,
"I'm a plain doughnut, and a cup of tea girl, I'll be right back, Ralph has low blood sugar so I don't like for him to be without something sweet for long," she said, as she hurried out,
Rick smiled, she was such a sweetheart, but keep it professional Rick, remember how things changed with Gina, this is work.
She was back and smiled at him sweetly, in front of her was a cup of hot water, four different teas, and two plain doughnuts, with a napkin, "you're so busy taking care of others, I didn't know what type of tea," Rick just said,
"Usually Earl Gray, but really any of these, thank you so much, Rick, that was thoughtful of you," She smiled,
Before he could continue the conversation, the acting head writer came in, along with Ellie Monroe and three other people, who turned out to be from the production staff, and safety, one thing that always needed to be considered when filming every scene. A minute later the entire main cast was in the room around the table.
Eva took charge, and the moment she began to speak there was silence and respect. "Good morning all, many of you haven't had the opportunity to meet Rick Castle, the creator, writer, and now the Executive Producer on this film, Nikki Heat staring in hopefully will be one of many of his works.
"I'm sure you've heard some rumors, so I'll let Rick address them directly, but a word of caution, he will do whatever it takes for this film to be a success." She smiled, and sat down, gently grasping his hand, and giving it a little, "you got this" type of squeeze.
"Good morning all, first, congratulations to you all, if you got past Eva, then I feel confident in your talent to portray the roles, and let's address the rumors first, shall we? Does anyone, have something they want to be clarified? Anything at all, nothing is off-limits."
The character playing one of the detectives, who looked a lot like Espo, raised his hand"
"That's Jon Alverez, he's playing the role of Detective Ochoa," Eva whispered in his ear, God did she smell sexy, easy Rick, easy, he thought.
"Mr. Castle"
"It's Rick or Castle, no Mr. please, and one thing I want to get clear I should have said before this film is still in the hands of Roy Reith who will be in shortly, so let's get that straight right away.
"Well, that's good to hear, I thought I had been fired," came from a big man from the doorway, "Rick, I feel like I know you already, I'm Roy Reith, and I really am much more relaxed when I left, thank you."
Rick smiled as Roy took his seat, and Alvarez started his question again, "Rick is there any truth to the rumors that you and our new lead actress, Ellie Monroe, eh, I,"
"Well Jon if you had done your homework instead of listening to rumors, you would know that yes Ellie and I were on the same talk show, the tragic last show of Bobby Mann. Does that answer your question?" Rick fired back, leaving out the personal lives which were no one's business.
"I'm sorry Rick, you're right, I apologize" the actor slinked in his chair,
"Just so we're all on the same page, EVERYONE has history, some personal, some embarrassing, but NONE of it YOURS, if you want to get fired from this picture, let me hear you're the source of information that is uncomplimentary to any of your castmates, or crew, are we understood?" Rick said,
Ellie smiled, as did Eva and Roy was taking notes, on what actions Rick wanted.
"Does anyone else have a question?" Rick asked,
"Mr. eh excuse me, Rick, I'm Maria Glaser, I play the ME, I heard Eva refer to the possibility of more than one film, can you share anything with us on that?" she smiled,
"Yes, the series of Nikki Heat books will be a total of five novels, so there's no reason to think that if we do a good job here, there won't be follow up movies unless you guys go through the motions and the movie goes straight to DVD, then we wasted a huge opportunity, for all of us."
There were a few more questions about procedures, timing, and the scheduling of re-shoots should they be needed. Rick deferred those to the ones responsible, and then the table read began. Rick stepped back and just left Roy, Eva, and the actors who were in the scene.
IF he thought Ellie was good in bed, she proved why she was such a popular actress, in his eyes, she nailed the scene, even better than Natalie had done from the clips he had watched. As soon as the read was done, Eva, Roy, and Rick met in a small conference room.
"What did you think Rick?" Eva asked, almost forgetting that it was still technically Roy's film,
"Well, I'd like to hear what Roy thought? Did we bring in the correct actress from what you can see from one table read?" Rick smiled,
"Absolutely, and if I'm honest Rick, I really like her better for the part than Natalie, I know, I know Eva, you told me, and you were right." He laughed as Eva smacked his arm, laughter filled the office. It was quite a change from the man on the phone from a few days ago.
"Well one thing I noticed, Eva, this is in your lap, and bring it up to Roy if it continues, I don't appreciate the backdoor inquires about a new castmate. It's NO ONE'S business of what my relationship is to anyone on the cast or crew. I'm here in a consulting role, unpaid, I might add, you cheap Bastard Roy," he laughed, as Roy started to explain then burst out laughing knowing he had been had.
"You're right Rick, let's put a date down that we need to settle on our cast, once we pass that point, it will be far too expensive to re-shoot with replacement actors. I'll talk to the guys, I know where you're coming from, Rick. I can play good cop, you're the badass on set, so let' keep that dynamic if you don't mind" Roy said,
"Good idea Roy, I never got to be a badass before, I'm going to enjoy this" Rick smiled, as he left the conference room, almost running into someone who was waiting for him,
"Rick, I'm sorry we had to meet like this again, I really am, and I wanted to thank you, first for the opportunity, and secondly for protecting what little reputation I have left in this town. I know what Alvarez was trying to imply. He hit on me once before and I turned him away, so"
"Ellie, look, what happened in New York is no one's business but ours, next you're welcome for the opportunity, your acting got you the role, and third, if Alvarez or ANYONE tries to intimidate you because of what you may or may not have done on other sets, you come to me, I'll take care of it, I promise." He smiled,
"Rick, you're serious, I got the part because I was good enough for it? Nothing else?" Ellie asked,
"Did I put any conditions or set up a routine you would have to do, other than meet for the table read? Ellie, you're a hell of an actress, and when I told you that in New York, you should have believed me. Things are a little different now, and you know, we can't start, hell even dinner without someone squawking about preferential treatment.
"Let's shoot this film, do as good a job as I know you can, then we'll see, no promises, but we'll see. You don't need to use your body, you're a great actress," he smiled, and walked away, from a very happy Ellie Monroe.
Eva spoke up just then, and shocked her, "I can see why you want him Ellie, but you did get the part for your talent. I won't ask but that smile tells me he's every bit as good offset as he is on," she laughed and walked away,
XxX
Presbyterian Hospital
Day 21, Kate's Discharge from Hospital
5:35 AM
Kate's POV
Kate sat at the edge of her bed, awaiting the arrival of Jim Beckett, the man to who she was being released to, in spite of all of the doctor's requests that she stay at least two more weeks to regain some strength. Bella had brought her the medication, discharge papers, and her final cup of brown water as an excuse for a cup of coffee as she described it.
"Beckett, I wish you had as many brains as you do determination, but I know it's a waste of breath. At this point all I can say is good luck, I hope you make it back, all the way back and you wake up about that partner of yours." Bella said, as direct as she always had been,
"What do you mean by that Bella, hell, spit it out, now isn't the time to beat around the bush," Kate said to the lady, even bigger now that she was close to her,
"You're the detective, so detect. Why the hell would a man jump in front of a bullet intended for you, then allow who he thought was your boyfriend, to shove him into a wall so hard he suffered a cracked rib and concussion? Perhaps he could care about you, well he did at that time, but well, you know better than everyone what's good for you," Bella delivered her final piece of advice,
"Well, if he did, and I'm not saying that he did, just that if he did, I'm sure he doesn't need or want a broken cop, who needs help doing the most menial tasks." She said, a little bitter,
"Oh yeah, you have to be right about that Beckett, that's why the security patrol is accompanying you and another has already set up in your remote location. I heard one say their orders were from the top, Don't engage, don't make her feel helpless, but if something happens on your watch, you'll answer to me" Sounds like words from a man who couldn't care less,
Jim Beckett appeared in the doorway, at 6:03 AM, to be greeted with Kate's first words, "Where were you, you're late" she snapped,
Jim rolled his eyes as he grabbed her suitcase without saying a word, and started out of the room, Kate tried to follow,
"Where the hell do you think you're going, Beckett? You know the rules you leave by wheelchair; you've stayed alive this long with me, it'd be a shame to get your skinny ass kicked on your way out the door." Bella got in her face,
Kate sat down without saying a word, five minutes later, hospital transportation and Bella walked her out of the hospital into the van that Jim had rented with a reclining seat to help her make the trip, with less pain.
As she stood from the wheelchair, in pain, but refusing to show it, she shook Bella's hand,
"Thanks, Bella, I know you went out of your way, tell the rest of the nurses I'm sorry, I'm usually a good person, but a lousy patient," Kate said,
"Rick took care of that Beckett, he sent gift certificates to everyone who worked on this floor, knowing how much hell they had to put up with you. You're lucky your Dad is as patient as he is, but Kate, everyone, and I do mean everyone will reach their breaking point sooner or later, Goodbye" she turned and walked away, as Kate struggled to get into the van and begin part two of this saga.
TBC