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.

**************************************************************************/

Chapter 15

Beckett's Apartment

Kate's POV

Day 90

6:35 PM

Lanie had come over earlier in the day to get ready for the movie premiere, not that she thought she would see Rick, that would be a long shot, but she was preparing for it, just in case. She was wearing a dress that he would know from across the room, after all, he had purchased it. She had it cleaned and never wore it again after that night, well until tonight. It didn't seem right to wear it out with anyone but him.

"Kate, what are you going to say to Rick, I mean, after all this time, do you think he'll spend enough time with you to allow you to explain," Lanie asked,

"Explain what Lanie? That I made a promise, and once again I broke it. Then I saw him with another woman and got so mad, I refused to call him, not that I had his number anymore anyway. I may have called his cell phone a few times, maybe at least once a week just to hear his voice and hung up."

She noticed her friend giving her the eye,

"OK, yes, God Damn it I did, I called him at least once or twice a week, and just hung up, I didn't have the courage to even leave a voice mail." Kate gushed out,

"How did that make you feel, any better? I mean you could have left a message Kate, hey, I know it's late but wanted to tell you I had broken up with Josh two weeks before I was shot. If you think it's him that's with me in the cabin, it's not if you even care, I'm just saying Kate, something, anything, to keep him interested." Lanie said,

"Lanie, you saw the same pictures and TV accounts as I did. I don't know who the mystery lady is, but she loves him, she won't let go of him whenever they're together. You don't dance that close to just a friend, so I guess while I was playing house with Josh, he found his own playmate or mates." She said, knowing full well it wasn't fair to judge Rick, it had been her that promised to call, not him.

"Kate Beckett, are you talking about the producer for Lion Gate, Eva, hell, she's beautiful, but have you seen pictures like with the blond lady who as you say clings to him in every picture? To me Eva is a business partner, attractive, that's true, and well"

"LANIE, that's not helping, I'm trying to prepare myself to see him with either or both, or who knows perhaps the beauty behind door number three, that is if I see him at all." She was almost in tears, as she tossed her makeup brush down.

"Kate, sweetie, you're going to have to face the facts, no man is going to wait forever, and well, you screwed up with Rick, all over a phone call. Why was it that you didn't tell him that you had broken up with Josh, two weeks before your shooting? You know he had a cracked rib and a concussion from that ass showboating coming out and shoving him, Javi had him in cuffs but Rick 'refused to press charges against your boyfriend. "

"I heard part of the story, but no one would tell me the whole story, just that he blamed Rick with my shooting and for Roy's death, hell he didn't have a clue what was going on, he was never there," Kate said with disgust,

"Why didn't you want Rick to know you had kicked him to the curb? Simple question girlfriend, so far I haven't gotten an answer that makes sense, not for a grown-ass woman who supposedly loves the man." Lanie wasn't sparing the blows today,

"Well remember when I was with Demming and Rick went away with Gina?" She asked,

"Hell, who doesn't we had to live with you the entire summer, once again you fucked up, not Rick" Lanie added,

"I know, I know, but remember how lousy we treated him when he returned that fall, hell Kevin almost shot him," Kate said,

"The story I got was everyone, including Roy thought he had dumped you to go back with his ex, now you're telling me you broke up with Demming but because you were too late to capture the date, you let him go through that hell, being treated like he injured you, Kate?

"What's the matter with you? We're not talking about someone who treated you like shit, and you had a right to get even, this was Rick. What the hell is the matter with you, maybe you don't deserve to be with him, all you ever seem to do is hurt him," Lanie blasted her, then noticed the tears falling down her friends face,

"OK, OK, I'm sorry I was so rough on you but girl, you got to get your shit together, you have a limited time frame if any at all," Lanie said, handing Kate a tissue, as she relented a little, she watched as Kate dabbed her eyes,

"Lanie, you're telling me everything I already know, tell me how to make it right. Don't you think I would have done it already if I knew, or had a clue of what to do?" Kate exclaimed one of the few times Lanie ever remembered her asking for help in anything,

"OK, let's look at this from Rick's perspective, maybe, and I have no idea Kate, so don't be getting no wild ideas in your head, maybe he took the Heatwave film on to keep him busy. The thought of you holed up in a cabin with Doctor MB, I'm sure was enough to push him over the edge.

"I know he provided protection for you, but I overheard one of the detail tell Javi they were not to mention your name to him unless they wanted to get fired. He supplied the safety forces, that was all, he didn't want a blow by blow of what you and Josh were doing each day to recuperate." Lanie said,

"Wait, Rick thought I was up in the cabin with Josh to help me, then why did he send in the nursing staff, who by the way Renee knew him since they were kids and is madly in love with him," Kate asked,

"That's a good point to start, thank him for the nurse, Renee you said was her name, I take it you two got very close, I mean, she seemed like a friend as well," Lanie looked a little hurt,

"Lanie, she was a friend, but who besides you has been with me through all of this crap? You're my best friend," Kate said, hugging her,

"You raised a great point, I never thank anyone for anything, I should make a list, and write a thank you letter, even if I see him, I want him to know it's sincere," Kate said,

"Well tonight is no night for that, if you do get to speak with him, just tell him you're sorrier than you could ever say in just one conversation and ask him to meet you any place he wants, at anytime he wants, to hear you out," Lanie said,

"Will that work Lanie?" Kate suddenly got a glimmer of hope,

"Hell, Kate, I don't know, I'm just suggesting some possible actions you could do. I would write that letter though, it seems whenever you get around him, either you forget what you were going to say or are so hell-bent on putting the man down, you have to come up with clever comebacks you and I both know you don't mean." Lanie said, her irritation showing towards her friend,

"OK, Lanes, I guess you're right"

"You GUESS I'm right, of course, I'm right, think back Kate, every time he's opened the door to you for more than just a friendship, you have to go put him down and slam the door in his face. Is he perfect? Hell no, but girl, you had no claim on him when he accepted the offer of Ellie Monroe for companionship.

"Remember I was standing right there when he got the call, he even put it on speaker, almost begging you to give him some small reason, anything not to go. Kate Beckett showed him, she told him to go, to do what he wanted to, why should she care?

"Then, after he did what any man would do, you hold it against him as if he cheated on you, and had to go find yourself, someone, too. If you are being completely honest, you'll admit that's the only reason you ever dated Josh. He was a good-looking man, but Kate, you knew from the start, his ego was bigger than any other part of his body.

"Then you did what I or any of the other ladies in the precinct would ever do, you bragged about how good he was in bed. Karpowski said it best, "the more she talks about his prowess, the more I think she's using the battery-operated version of the doctor in her nightstand." Lanie said, "Kate what the hell did you think he was going to do, join the seminary and become a priest?"

Kate sat with her head between her hands, head looking at the ground. Now that she was hearing the verbal description of her actions, she was more than ashamed, she was embarrassed for her actions as a lady, and as a cop.

"No, I guess not Lanie, I can see how badly I really screwed up, the only thing I can do is hope he will give me a chance to earn my way back into his life, in some capacity, even as a friend, if Miss Blondie will allow it," she said,

"Right there, you see Kate, you were doing great up to that last part, Girl, from your position, you better be prepared to beg and grovel no matter who he's with. I really think Writer Man is done with not only you but all of us. The last time Kevin called him, he just told him he was very busy and didn't have time.

"Keven pressed it a bit, and Rick told him look, I'm not a cop, just ask your partner about that, so isn't it time you guys start earning the pay our taxes go to paying? And then he hung up, Kevin never called back, and Rick, well, you can see he wasn't lying when he said he was busy.

"When was that Lanie, did Kevin mention that I had checked out of the hospital at that time?" Kate asked,

"It was two days after you left, as far as ANY of us knew, well except me, and I couldn't say they all thought Josh was with you the whole time."

"No wonder he hates me, God, I have to straighten this out, I just hope I get the chance. She started crying in earnest, until Lanie just said, "Kate, time for your makeup, and suck it up, if you really want to get him back, it starts right now"

XxX

Ed Sullivan Theater

New York, 5:40 PM

Rick, Gina, Eva, Paula, and Alexis all arrived for the red carpet walk early enough to be settled in when the political guests arrived. Rick knew that they were going to film Bracken's actual arrest, but not air it on a live feed, just in case the other takedowns happening across the city had hit any glitches.

"Dad, we've been early before but never this early, I mean, is it really necessary," then she saw the crowds outside the theater. "I guess I spoke too soon, I forgot this was your movie not book premiere Dad, congratulations." She finished her statement, as the limo came to a stop,

"That's OK Alexis, this is all new to me as well, Eva is the pro in these things so we'll follow her lead. He held his arm out, Eva took one, Alexis took the other, with Gina and Paul trailing close behind them.

They were greeted by the press, who were set up in stations, each station was only allotted 5 minutes, before the director of the event would move the line down one station. The snaps from the photographers were going off constantly, and shouts of turn to your right, or lift your head, and many other instructions were being shouted out.

As they made their way to the end of the press line, there was a room, with a few of Rick's security staff quietly standing by, to anyone else it would look like a normal security setup, but inside that room was Dylan and his team waiting to snap the cuffs on Senator William H Bracken, raids were being held simultaneously at 11 other locations including the chief of police, two deputy commissioners, the head of Internal Affairs, and other high ranking police officials, even Rick wasn't privy to the entire list.

Once the press walk was completed, they waited in a holding area to observe the guests arriving, as Ellie Monroe, her co-star, Clint Brodie, and her parents went down the line next. The process was repeated until all of the celebrities had proceeded through the press lines.

Next came Mr. Mayor, the Governor, and the last political guest, the senator himself. They also followed the same procedure, but when Bracken came to the last station, one of his aides, approached him with a message, to call his office at once.

He was escorted through the door guarded by Rick's security staff into the waiting room where the cameras were rolling and flash photos were popping as Dylan Walsh, proceeded to cuff Senator Bracken read the charges against him, and finally his rights, all caught on camera. The doors were locked, so the press could not get any word out, nor anyone enter the room until they were sure the operation had been completed.

The room had a series of signal scramblers, set up just in case any news reporter didn't want to abide by the rules, which netted two overzealous reporters trying to send files via the internet and or phone. Their evening ended very badly, they now faced charges of hindering a Federal Task Force, a felony, as well as losing their jobs and press credentials.

To the outside world, Kate and Lanie included, everything was going smoothly, nothing exceptional to report. Kate showed her email with the acknowledgment of her reservation and was directed to the VIP line, leading to an open bar, with light snacks.

The liquor was all top shelf, nothing cheap about this premiere. When they approached the door to the theater they were escorted to their seats, in the first 5 rows, and settled in. Kate was trying to be open-minded but when she caught a glimpse of Ellie Monroe, old feelings started churning inside.

"Beckett, cool it. If I could pick up the tension this far away, how the hell are you going to be able to talk to Rick, if you get the opportunity without showing your hate for Ellie?" Lanie quizzed,

"You're right Lanie, I'm sorry." She said, and as soon as she thought she was over that, she noticed Rick, The Blond, as she had described her, along with Gina, Alexis, Paula, and Eva from the studio in the seats of honor. Damn can you get any closer blondie, she thought. As she stared Lanie reached over and pinched her hard,

"Get a hold of yourself, Kate, enjoy the movie, behave or I'm leaving and I will make a scene to embarrass you, you know I will," she said, her eyes glaring at her best friend.

Just then the house lights dimmed to dark then bright, then back to dark twice, signaling it was time to get to your seats, the show was about to begin. Eva stepped to the side, with a microphone, and addressed the crowd.

"Everyone at Lion Gate and Black Pawn want to thank each of you for your attendance tonight, and for your support of all our projects through the years. We did promise a surprise for everyone, and it will be revealed, but not until after the movie. Now, please welcome my friend, my partner, and the creative genius behind this work, Mr. Rick Castle"

The house lights went up slightly, Kate could see Rick, he was standing, but the blond lady had leaned into his space in his chair, she wasn't going anywhere. Then she heard Rick, for the first time in almost three months she heard his live voice, not the recorded message she had listened to over and over again for the last three months.

"Good evening, everybody, are you having a good time?" he was greeted with shouts and screams from some of the females, and as the noise quieted down, "Thank you all for coming out tonight. When we first set out to make this picture we had a lot of doubters, so many in fact, I became my own biggest financial sponsor" he laughed as laughter rippled through the theater.

"The cast, crew, and all those involved behind the scene have worked hard to bring you a quality picture. If you've read the book, Gina Castle Cowell and I thank you, but you don't know what's in store for you.

"We had an actress nail the role like no other I've ever seen. I worked daily with the inspiration for Nikki, but Ellie Monroe, stand up darling, take a bow, Clint Brodie, you got to kiss her, that should be enough reward, but please take a bow as well.

"These two fine actors worked some long days, and never lost that special chemistry I saw on day one, I hope you'll agree both should be in contention for the awards later this year". Rick blew Ellie a kiss, she caught it, placed one hand on her heart, the other to her lips, and then Rick flashed Clint the thumbs-up sign.

"OK, now, please sit back, enjoy the premiere of Heatwave, oh, I forgot to tell you, we will be filming Naked Heat after the smoke clears from this movie," the crowd erupted in cheers and clapping. "That's not the surprise, so please stay seated at the conclusion of the film, again, Thank You for making this night possible."

The lights went down and the film began, it followed the book for about ten minutes then Kate could see what Rick meant about the chemistry between the two actors. Jameson, eh, the actor playing that role looked at Ellie like Rick had looked at her on a few occasions, but the love story was sold.

It was clear these two liked each other, and really enjoyed the roles. The kisses were hot, not pornographic, and the banter between the two was almost like watching her and Rick on the big screen. Two hours three minutes later, the film ended with Jamison about to leave Nikki, but she caught him in time, and it ended with the makeup scene. If only she thought.

The lights came back up, to thunderous applause by the crowd who had watched the film, Ellie, and Clay holding hands lifted into the air. Both did a bow to Rick, as he was not only the creative genius but his money floated the picture. Kate had to admit, that Ellie surprised her, she actually was a good actress, at least in this role.

Eva's voice came over the speakers, "We promised a surprise so if you're ready for it, please return to your seats and direct your attention to the screen."

A few moments later silence fell over the entire audience as Dylan Walsh came on the screen. "Good Evening, I'm Dylan Walsh, Special Agent FBI. Tonight, we concluded almost three years of investigation with the arrest of Senator William H Bracken, for the murder of several people, including Johanna Beckett, conspiracy to commit murder against NYPD Detective Katherine Beckett, and a host of other crimes.

Along with the senator, 11 other high-ranking police officials have also been taken into custody. We will provide the press release with complete names, and crimes, but this is for the Beckett family, James, the widower of Johanna and the Entertainment Attorney for Rick Castle, and for Kate, who never gave up her search. We're happy to say, that justice now has been served. Please observe our senator, obnoxious to the end, this is your surprise,"

The film clip rolled of him being questioned, read his rights, and finally cuffed, and bleeped many of the swear words, the look of hatred on his face towards, who was it, hell it was Rick, what the hell? Kate broke down and Lanie got her out of the theater using the back door. Javi was waiting to pick them up and they sped off before the press could ask one question,

It was over, or was it really?

TBC

A/N To readers we have shortened the timeline between completing and releasing a film considerably to move this story to the next plot point. For those who say it's not realistic, or there wasn't research done, again, I reserve the right to move the timeline to fit the story, Thanks

How long after filming does a movie get released?

"For an independent film, take about three to six months for pre-production and one to two months for principal photography, and then take maybe six months to a year for post-production,