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 11
Beckett Cabin / Beckett Apartment
Days 65-86
Kate's POV
Jim's assistant had called back and told Kate that he would be up Sunday around noon but could only stay a short while. If she wanted to be sure the cabin was closed up properly, they both knew that was just a ruse, she had closed the cabin since she was 11 years old. The remainder of the message simply said, "please have it ready by then."
Kate was shocked, first that it was the assistant to her Dad and not him personally calling her, but he was supposedly in the middle of a big deal for a new client. Her Dad was an Entertainment Lawyer and hadn't taken a new client on in years. That was surprise number two, no one would divulge who the new client was, and Kate still hadn't lost her nosey, well inquisitive if you were being polite, side of her personality.
She finally called her Dad, and got his voice mail three times, what the hell, either he was refusing her calls or he really was busy. She tried his AA sponsor, Sal DeFeo, one of if not her Dad's dearest friends, if anyone would know what was going on, Sal would.
She dug his phone number out of the archived phone records she had backed up to the cloud and hoped he hadn't changed his number. It was highly unlikely; he was still using the flip phone he had purchased 8 years earlier. The phone rang twice, then she heard his deep voice,
"Hello Katherine, is there anything wrong?" he asked the moment he answered,
"No, not that I know of Sal, I've tried to call my Dad three times, and it's gone to voice mail all three times, that's not like him. I mean he may still be upset with me, but he always would call back within a few hours,"
"Do you know where he's at Kate? Do you know what he's doing?" Sal asked, very serious tone,
"Well, no, I mean we haven't spoken in a while, his assistant did call back and say he would be up here at the cabin around noon Sunday. Do you know where he's at Sal, he told me he's busy with a new client" Kate confessed,
"Kate, you didn't hear this from me but Jim's in Los Angeles, he's the Entertainment Attorney for RCE negotiating the contracts for the movie Rick Castle is producing," Sal said,
"Sal, are you sure, I mean, I thought the film was about to come out, why would Dad be negotiating contracts for Rick, at this point in the film?" Kate asked,
"Once again, Kate, this you didn't hear from me, it's the SECOND film Jim is negotiating contracts, for Rick Castle, and his parent company RCE, or Richard Castle Enterprises," Sal said,
"You mean they're gonna film another one before the first is even released? What if it bombs, and no one goes to see it?" Kate whined,
"Well, Kate, that's not in my wheelhouse, but Jim said the first film is going to be a blockbuster. He had to hire three attorneys to handle the business. The only reason he's working at all is well, you remember Rick made sure he was taken care of his during his appendicitis and his hospital stay, Jim said he owed him."
"What? Why didn't Dad tell me he was working for Rick? I mean, I"
"Kate, before you talk to your Dad, forget you heard this information from me, if you go at him with that attitude, you'll never find out what he's doing or why ever again. He said something about you using the words, 'It's my life'. Those should resonate with you. You've said it enough from the day I met you, even till now, so you see, it's his life, let him live it." Sal got a little more forceful,
Kate bit her lower lip as she thought, Sal was right, she had never been shy, ever since she turned 17 to use that line, especially on her dad, it was his life. WHY would Rick choose her dad when he had swarms of attorneys already working for him? Hell, Rick had a legal staff that made half of the firms in New York pale to not only its size but also the connections each attorney brought with him or her. Why her Dad? She wondered,
"Well, you're right Sal, so what do I do? I mean, this is out of character for dad, he's working on retiring not taking on a huge project like that?" Kate asked,
"Well, if you're smart, which you are, and if you don't let your heart run your mouth, which is going to be very difficult for you, you'll let him tell you what's going on. If you go at him like you would an interrogation, you'll get the same as when your clients lawyer up, nothing. Jim is having fun and is feeling useful again, as for why, you'll need to ask the man who hired him, Richard Castle" Sal said in such a calm tone,
"Have you spoken to him, Sal? I mean, he's not"
"Kate, it's his life, but to answer your question he's not drinking, and yes we speak every day. It's been a long time since I've seen him so excited about a project, even though he can't tell me much of the details, confidentially clause and all.
"I'm happy for my friend, you should be happy for him as well, he was pretty low after you were shot. I don't think he would have made it through it if he didn't find something to keep him busy, and I think Rick knew that, but that's just my opinion." Sal said,
"I suppose you know of our blowup, then," Kate asked, softly,
"He called me when he got home, we met, like we always do when there's a crisis that he needs to stay strong and not dive back to the bottle," Sal said,
"I suppose he told you what caused the fight, I mean, it's my fault, and I waited so long to apologize that Dad had already decided to leave. I think that's when I first realized just how much I had hurt him, well him and many of my friends. I'm meeting with a doctor soon to see how I can make that better," Kate said,
"The doctor won't help Kate, no matter how good he is, not unless you want to change. You can't put on the vest of one character when you're around your friends and loved ones, and still harbor the feelings you have in your heart. Did you ever ask your father why he turned to alcohol when your Mom died? I did." Sal said,
"Well, thanks Sal, at least I know he's OK, I guess I'll see him Sunday" she replied, not willing to reveal any more of her personal life than she had already.
"You're welcome, hope things work out for you two," as he hung up the phone.
Her dad, working for Rick? Another movie before the first one was released? A blockbuster? Her dad must have been mistaken about that, part, then why would the studio want the second film, well she had a lot to ask her Dad in a few days.
XxX
Rick's Penthouse/Office
Los Angeles CA
Days 65-86
Rick's POV
Eva had taken Gina on the studio tour, introducing her to the characters, and the actors who were portraying them. Things were slightly frosty when she met Ellie Monroe, but to her credit, Gina defused any tension.
"Hello again, Ellie, how have you been? Eva tells me this is going to be a smash, one of your biggest movies yet, so congratulations" Gina said as she extended her hand for a congratulatory handshake.
Ellie seemed shocked at the demeanor of the former Mrs. Castle, "Thanks Gina, I mean, I"
"Relax Ellie, we had been divorced for quite a while, Rick doesn't cheat, no matter with who, so you didn't do anything I wouldn't have done." Gina smiled as Ellie's tensions seemed to leave her and the room.
"Well, thanks, I mean he's a lot of fun, but well, I think I burned any opportunity for anything long term with him, I mean, I really screwed up," Ellie said
"You didn't stand a chance anyway Ellie, not as long as Kate Beckett is alive and will so much as acknowledge his very existence," Gina said, some of the hurt and bitterness slipping out,
"I knew he was hung up on her, but, I"
"Well, maybe being with Eva, and out here away from her will finally break the chains she seems to have around him. God knows why he goes back for more, but he may have gotten his fill, he's different this trip. He's more like the old Rick, discovering something new, and working hard to make it successful," Gina said,
"Well, Gina, he's really very good, he knows what the cast needs before they ask, and he won't push us past the point where it begins to impact our performances, most EPs are only concerned with the money and how big their bonuses are going to be. Rick cares about his people, well that's what he calls us, his people," Ellie said,
"It's not an act Ellie, he really does care about people, that's why I just hope you guys can deliver him a winning picture, he's put his heart into this project more than anything I've seen in years." Gina smiled,
Ellie was paged to set, she was needed to film the next scene, and just like that, the conversation was over. Eva had been a very attentive listener, as they walked back to the office. Rick had decided because of the confidentiality required, the planning would be moved to the hotel, where he set up operations in the main conference room, renting rooms for Eva, Jim Beckett, Gina, and Roy, just to allow him to be close to asking the questions for Naked Heat, and provide continuity between the two films.
The limos took them all to the hotel where they had lunch then began to review the timeline that Rick and Eva had sketched out roughly last week, this time actually formalizing the date, requirements, assignments, and due dates for tasks to be completed. In short, it was a project plan, for the remainder of the picture, and the carry-over of transferring Naked Heat from printed form to something the actors could deliver on within two months.
Eva took the front of the meeting as the projector laid out the timeline, showing the remaining tasks to clear up for Naked Heat before they could as the industry said, put it in the can, meaning it was ready for distribution, after the selected trial markets, and premiers. They had chosen New York, Los Angeles, Denver, and Las Vegas as the American Premier sites, Rick along with the launch party would be held in New York.
Other sites around the world included Australia, New Zealand, Turkey, China had three locations, Japan had two, and Germany had also had two sights selected for the premieres, something that even Rick wasn't aware of.
She looked over at Rick who sat stunned to see the points on the map illuminate as Eva pointed to them with her laser pointer, "I told you, Rick, we were going to push this one worldwide, and well, your fan clubs and supporters have responded. Each of the cities we selected REQUESTED to be part of the premieres, so it wasn't as if some film was being forced down on them" she smiled,
"Now we need to roll out the dates, Roy how close do you think you'll have the screenplay ready for the casting department to start auditions to any replaced or new characters?" Eva asked gently,
"Well, to be safe give me six weeks, 42 days Eva, I'll have it ready for not only auditions but also any of the preliminary table reads you and Rick will need to conduct." He was smiling, telling Eva he was already ahead of the schedule he just requested,
"Well, that works out perfect Roy, we've targeted the World Premieres to all be held at the same time, Day 90, which is 15 days from today. All we have left is some final voice-over edits, and we're good to go. Let's assume that the premieres are held on schedule, Gina when will Black Pawn release the book copy of Naked Heat, I mean is it ready for launch, or what do we need to do for that.
"Hi Eva, well, we're ready to go to press with the book, all we need is Rick's signoff on the final artwork. I'm thinking we would allow the movie six weeks, or as your timeline has it 43 days, then release Naked Heat Book form, with Rick doing an abbreviated book signing. It would just be major markets, then let him come back to concentrate on the film. Typically, Rick's fans are pre-ordering the books, this one is no exception, so we can work the timetable as you need it," Gina said,
"Gina, would the 43 days give you enough time for publication, and distribution of Naked Heat, or do we need to adjust the timeline?" Eva asked,
"No, we're all geared up, so 43 days is plenty, providing that Rick signs of on the artwork today," Gina turned to him and smiled, as she pulled out the drafts and he reached for the folder and her pen,
"OK, that's done Eva, so the ball is back with Gina, she can start production today, so it should give her plenty of time for the logistical portion, Genes, just remember, I can't be in New York and Los Angeles the same night, so if you're planning on a typical launch, perhaps you may want to move it to Los Angeles, I mean, it's just a thought," Rick said,
"I'm glad you did Rick, I completely forgot, I mean we've been doing this for what over thirty times, but you're right. Eva, is there any restriction on the announcement of the studio moving forward with the next book into a film? If not, we can hold a launch party, and announcement party at the same time here in L.A. Gina smiled,
"Well, if the attorney of Rick continues the way he started, all the contracts will be finalized by next week, that's the only stipulation, we can't announce it publicly without having all contracts signed. Check with Mr. Beckett for the status, if you will Gina," Eva said,
"Who?" Gina had a look like someone had hit her with a ten-ton anvil,
"Mr. Beckett, and his staff, he's the attorney Rick retained especially for this project," Eva said, not letting on that she knew the relationship between Kate Beckett and James Beckett, Esquire, Attorney at Law.
"Eva, you do know that Kate Beckett's father is an attorney, don't you? Is it the same Jim Beckett?" Gina asked,
Rick interceded, "Yes Gina, it's Beckett's dad, she is getting some royalties from both the book and movie, and since she's been a pain in the ass signing and returning documentation, I hired her Dad to act as her limited POA (Power of Attorney), don't worry, it's all legal, she signed the document when she first got to the cabin.
"I doubt she remembered or cared what she did then," Rick said, looking away, then turning back, "anyway, not my monkey, not my circus, that's a family matter between a dad and his daughter," Rick said,
They finished up the timeline, with the critical success factors clearly spelled out, and then adjourned, well all but Gina and Eva.
"Would you ladies care to go to dinner, Gina, you have that look like I want to kill you, and Eva, you seem surprised that things have gone so smoothly." He smiled,
Gina looked at Eva, "We might as well Eva, it's the only way he's going to tell us what he's really thinking." Gina smiled as they all left for Marcel's Steak and Seafood, one of Eva's favorite spots.
XxX
Beckett Cabin / Beckett Apartment
Days 65-86
Kate's POV
Day 76
It was early Sunday morning when Kate heard the gravel sounds of the driveway, she looked out, and true to form it was her Dad, it was only a little past 6:00 AM in the morning. Today he wasn't driving the rented van he did when they had escaped, well she had escaped almost 2 and ½ months ago. Today he was driving his truck and had backed in to pack up as he did every time, they closed the cabin for the season.
He entered through the rear door, quietly, so as not to disturb her, she was sitting having her third cup of decaff, Ok, she wasn't supposed to have more than 2 but she wanted to be awake for the ride home. Hopefully, she could coax her dad into telling her what the hell was going on, especially knowing that Rick was square in the center of everything.
She noticed some rustling in the brushes, next door, and then caught a glimpse of one of the security team, they apparently had checked out her Dad to be sure he was friendly as well. He noticed the pot of coffee half gone, and still hot, and poured a cup as he walked toward the living room,
"Good Morning Dad, what time did you leave the city to get here this early?" She asked, starting something hopefully non-confrontational,
"I flew in from L.A. on the red-eye, I landed at 3:40 AM so I thought I would just head up and get this taken care of before I turned in. I managed to sleep a couple of hours on the plane" he said, not really looking at her,
"Los Angeles? What were you doing out there?" she asked gently,
"As if you don't know Kate, you're a terrible liar, even when you're interrogating, we both know you grilled Sal and he told you what was going on," Jim called her on her innocent type question,
"So, it's true, you're working for Rick on the next film, hell they haven't even released the first one yet. What if it bombs? I mean really Ellie Monroe as Nikki Heat? She's nothing like me at all," she answered trying to control her emotions, for Rick, for Ellie, for someone trying to portray what she would look like on the big screen,
"I told Rick that, and do you want to know what he said?" Jim asked? Nothing more just silence as he became interested in his cup of coffee,
After a long silence, and Kate realizing her Dad wasn't going to offer anything unless she asked,
"OK Dad, what did Rick say?" She finally caved and asked
Jim turned and looked at her, and said in a firm tone, "That's exactly why she got the part, I don't want a Beckett wanna be on the screen. She's the inspiration for the character, not the blueprint, for her" he said,
"Well, that's clear, we're nothing like each other, but well they know the film industry better than I do, so I guess we'll see. So, it's true they want to make the second book into a film as well?" Kate asked,
"Again, I say I love Walt to death but he's got a bigger mouth than your partner Esparto, none of this can get out, first it's information from my client, second it would make things worse for Rick with the studio. You can't tell anyone about any of this, is that clear?" Jim drilled her,
"Who am I going to tell, I've had four text messages from Lanie, three from the boys, and his name isn't Esparto Dad, it's Esposito." She said,
"Well, you'll be back in the city in a few hours, so I'm just saying if any information is leaked, it can only come from one source." She looked over to see his grey-blue eyes staring at her like she did when she was questioning a suspect.
"OK, Dad, I understand. All my belongings are there, in those two suitcases, so as soon as you inspect the close of the cabin we can get on our way." She said
He crossed back to the kitchen filled the to-go cups with the remaining coffee, washed the pot and placed it in the cupboard, took out the trash, and left a note for Sherry, she was going to do a deep clean and then lock the cabin, and before she knew it, he was standing with her to-go cup, "Ready?" he asked,
"Sure Dad," she said, as she walked to the truck with a lot more strength than she had entered the cabin with just a few short weeks ago.
The ride home was silent, for the most part, polite conversation about stopping at rest areas, or for breakfast, neither seemed to be in the mood to talk to the other. Jim was a different man than the meek, mild, avoid conflict it at all possible type of man he had been her entire life.
As he had told her, she now knew exactly where some of her less complimentary traits had been inherited. Her mom must have been a miracle worker, or perhaps it was the love they shared. Something still bothered Kate, 'Did you ever ask your father why he turned to alcohol when your Mom died? I did."
She couldn't get the words from Sal out of her head, but yet she still didn't have the strength to ask her Dad, she decided to talk to the doctor about it on Tuesday at her therapy session.
TBC
A/N To those who have sent me notes telling me how OOC Jim Beckett was, good, that was the message, in the series I felt he enabled his little girl to remain on the track of destructive behavior. Thinking back at both my own and other personal relationships, simply shrugging your shoulders or saying it's the way she is would NEVER have made it. Just my perspective from one of my peeves from the show, your opinion may vary.