American Crime Stories

Arc two, Chapter twenty two

The Hamptons

As he had announced during the presentation, Castle had handed over all the information he had on Bracken at the end of the meeting – either actual evidence or his theories, conjectures and speculations. It was decided, that FBI Deputy Director Bailey Malone would take charge of the investigation and would brief the Attorney General directly. The others would do nothing until they had the 'Go' from her, or more correctly, as it had far reaching consequences on National Security, from President Matt Santos. As she had been seen on outings with Castle before, it was decided that Jordan would not take an active part in the investigation after all, at least not directly. She would consult via encrypted phones.

As she had currently no active case, Rick had asked Jordan whether she and Lacey wanted to join him and his family in the Hamptons for a summer holiday. After a few back and forths, involving both Alexis and Lacey, Jordan had reluctantly agreed. Rick used the time to work on his current and upcoming book projects, and trying to enjoy a relaxing few days with his family, Jordan and Lacey. He knew that it was a critical time for them, as Marks was still on the run. As planned, the Castles and company, as well as his friends from the 12th Precinct had a 24/7 security detail.

While his mother went to her usual outings, Alexis and Lacey were spending most of the time together, either at the beach, meeting Alexis' friends or walking around the Hamptons visiting some interesting sights. Jordan, however, was spending most of her time reading, swimming and simply enjoying the sunny weather.

That was what she was doing when a shadow fell over her. Looking up, she saw Castle standing next to her lounge chair dressed in swim shorts and a t-shirt. In one hand he was holding a pair of grill tongs and in the other he was holding a bottle of beer. "Really, Jordan? A world-renowned, multi-bestselling author invites you to his beach house for a holiday and you thank him by reading some drivel?"

"Well, what can I say? Patterson is really good at mapping out plot, unlike that said author," she deadpanned.

"Ouch." Rick mimicked pain in his heart and Jordan rolled her eyes. "Actually, he's not really good at it. He starts writing and when he hit's a wall he brings his problems to our monthly poker game," Rick told her with a smile.

"Huh, you mean a group mystery novelists meet regularly to play poker and discuss their problems? That is, I don't know, impressive?"

"Yeah, but you shouldn't be too impressed. Sure, we have fun playing together. But most of the times, all we do is sit around and complain about our various fictional characters. How they do this and not that. Sometimes it is pretty childish, but I wouldn't miss those games for anything."

"Who does attend these little poker games of yours?"

"Well, the core group of the writers are Patterson, Lehane, Connelly, and the late Cannell. Also, Bob, I mean the Mayor and Judge Markway are part of the group, too. So, was Roy." There was a short silence. "Anyway, I came over here because you look like you could use a refill." He said pointing to the empty beer bottle next to her on the table.

"Yes, I think I will have another one."

"What do I get for bringing you this cold drink on this hot summer day?" Rick asked holding a bottle just out of her reach.

"How about I give you this empty bottle and a kiss?" Jordan asked without thinking. Jordan didn't know where that question had come from. Well, that wasn't exactly true. She wished she could fault the sunny weather or the alcohol, but she knew better. The truth was the more time she spent with Rick, the more she grew to like the man. She had come to realize when Lacey and she had dinner at his loft that he wasn't the man she had profiled when they met during the Dunn case. And she grew to like the real man pretty fast. She had realized early on that the man was very smart and was able to hold in depth conversations about a various fields of topics – from profiling to music and arts. She liked that in a man. That he was charming and ruggedly handsome were added bonuses. That he was rich didn't even factor in her attraction.

She also knew that he was attracted to her, he didn't even try to hide that fact too much. But to her initial surprise and despite his flirting, he hadn't made a move on her. She was smart enough to realize that he was still recovering from the loss of his ex-wife and all the circumstances with it. The ongoing investigation into Bracken was also on his mind. But the main obstacle were his feelings for a certain detective. He hadn't told her what their falling out had been about, although she had some ideas from the bits and pieces he had told her. Despite the fact he hadn't been in a romantic relationship with Beckett, Rick had made no secret about his feelings for her. And although he didn't show it too much, she knew that he was mourning the end of his friendship, slash sort-of-relationship, with the detective. And she knew that he would continue to do so for a while. They had talked about it a little bit, as Beckett's efforts to contact him had increased after her suspension. Jordan had tried to convince him to talk to her again, at least to get them both a piece of mind. However, Castle had shot down her efforts pretty fast. He had told her that he had said everything he wanted to tell Beckett during their last conversation, slash confrontation, and that for him nothing had changed. He was done with her.

Jordan had thought about all that and had come to the conclusion that she didn't actually mind. They both came with baggage, but they were both single and there was no reason that they could not have any fun together. Well, beside Alexis and Lacey of course. But they were smart enough that they could keep any shenanigans out of their daughters' sight. And they would just have to wait and see whether something more would come of it.

Although, she had decided to make a move on him, she hadn't meant to be this forward. But, in for penny… "Well, are you going to bring it closer or are you going to make me get up?" There was a short silence and Castle could see a little red creep on her cheeks. He was surprised at Jordan's forward manner. He wasn't used to women like Jordan coming on to him so strong. It was normal for some wannabe starlets or gold-diggers, but the professional women like Jordan were normally more reserved. Beckett would never have made such a statement to him – and meant it o went through with it.

However, Jordan had thrown the gauntlet, and it was on him to decide whether to pick it up or not. Yes, they had been flirting, but it was mostly harmless – until now. Yes, he was attracted to her on more than just a physical level. Had been since they had first met, but back then she had been married and he had been too infuriated with Beckett. But now, those obstacles weren't there anymore. Making his decision Rick put the bottle down on the table and bent over to kiss her. Doing so he lost his footing and landed on top of Jordan. Lucky for her, he was able to grab the handles of the chair to cushion his fall and not put too much of his weight on her. His face, however, was firmly pressed between in her breasts. He slowly lifted his head, not sure of Jordan's reaction.

"It was not my intention to end up like this, but you can't fault fate for putting me here," he said a little embarrassed. Jordan just looked at him for a moment, then grabbed his shirt to pull Rick's face up to hers. Without saying any word, Jordan started to kiss him. What began as a simple kiss got heated pretty fast. They ended their kiss after a short while. "Wow," Castle simple said, and sat down on the lounge chair.

"Yeah." They looked at each other for a moment.

"Not that I'm complaining, but where did that come from?" Castle asked.

Jordan thought about how to answer that and decided just to be straight forward. "Rick, we're both smart enough to have realized that we're attracted to each other. But it was obvious that you wouldn't do anything about it." Castle wanted to reply, but before he could say anything, Jordan put a finger on his lips.

"Look, Rick. We're both consenting adults. And as long as we keep anything out of sight of the girls, I don't see any reason why we couldn't have a bit fun and enjoy ourselves."

Thinking about her statement, Rick asked. "So, it's just fun you want?" Jordan was silent for a moment, gauging his reaction, but he didn't give anything away.

"Well, let's start with having fun and look where it is going?" Jordan said with more of a question than statement.

Castle looked her in the eyes, then let his eyes travel down her body. "I think I can agree to a little fun," he said, rising his eyebrows lasciviously in an exaggerated manner. He bent down and kissed Jordan thoroughly.

"Dad! The steaks are burning!" Alexis called out from the grill.

Surprised, Jordan and Rick parted from each other.

"Yeah, pumpkin, I'm coming," Castle replied to his daughter and turned to Jordan. "Raincheck?"

"Absolutely."

"How about we go to dinner tomorrow?"

"I'd like that, Rick!"

"Great." Castle stood up to go when Jordan sat up and grabbed his left hand. Rick looked down to her.

"Just to make sure that we're on the same page, Rick. Although we have decided to only have fun right now. I'm not opposed to a more formal relationship. If going forward, you don't want that, just tell me so. We're both too old to string someone else along. There won't be any hard feelings from my side, alright?"

"Alright," Castle said and bent down to give Jordan a quick kiss before walking back to the grill.

Jordan lay back and thought about the past few minutes. Although she hadn't planned it that way, she was happy about the way their conversation had gone. Damn, the man knows how to kiss a woman. It had been a while since she had been kissed like that. She was soooo looking forward to what the writer could do to her with a little more time and privacy. Her musings were interrupted when Castle called out that the food was done.

The group – sans Martha who was visiting friends - sat around the table on the deck and had a nice dinner. They talked about everything and nothing. It was chatter more than anything and Rick and Jordan loved every minute of it. Having had their talk, both felt better. Easier. Like things were clicking into place.

The next day, Jordan walked down to the foyer where Castle was waiting for her. The girls were out and so was Martha. Jordan walked down the steps and froze. Rick was wearing a black suit with an open-collared shirt that matched his eyes. He smiled when he saw her. She was wearing a green dress that went well with her auburn hair and showed just enough cleavage to attract attention. "Well, hello handsome."

Rick leaned in and kissed her cheek. "Hello yourself. You look great, Jordan." Jordan smiled at the compliment as it was clear from his reaction that he actually meant it.

"Well, shall we?" They walked outside where Castle held open the door so that Jordan could get in. They made small talk as they rode through the streets of the Hamptons.

A short while later, they were led to a table in the corner of the restaurant, simply called 'Angelos'. At first Jordan was a bit surprised that they hadn't gone to a fancier restaurant, but it didn't take her long to understand why Rick had selected 'Angelos'. It was a small but homely restaurant and had an authentic Italian style. It was lovely.

Rick pulled out Jordan's chair and seated her before seating himself. They were handed menus and told the sommelier would be with them shortly. They made small talk until they were Rick suddenly stood up and greeted a man who had walked up to them.

"Angelo, may I introduce to you the lovely Jordan Shaw, my date for this evening? Jordan, Angelo Dalvani, the owner of the restaurant."

Daniel leaned over and kissed her hand. "A pleasure to meet you, Ms. Shaw. Rick, don't worry about your menu. I'm going to tell Becca that she should prepare something special for you two. Have a good evening!" With that said, Angelo walked back to the kitchen.

"Why am I not surprised that you know the owner?"

Castle smiled. "Well, Angelo and Rebecca, his wife, opened the restaurant when Alexis was young, I think five or six years old. We were regulars practically from the beginning."

"So what can we expect for dinner?"

"Heavenly perfection."

The food arrived and they spent the next thirty minutes eating and sipping their wine. They enjoying their food and their conversation.

"What are you going to do when," Jordan paused for a moment to find the right words, "you're back in the city?" Castle knew that she meant when the investigation into Bracken was over. But also a bit more.

"You mean now that I'm not going to following Beckett around anymore?" Shaw nodded. "Well, a few weeks ago I made some plans. That was actually one reason why Gina had been so stressed and overworked before.." He paused as he couldn't finish the sentence. Jordan took his hand into hers. "I had informed Black Pawn that I would not sign a new contract." He could see that those words surprised Jordan. "Yeah, at the moment you're one of very few people who now that and I would appreciate it if you wouldn't tell that to anybody – Lacey and my family included. They don't about that either."

"Of course. But…"

"But why do I not want to sign to a new contract?" Jordan nodded.

"Well, after things with Beckett had gone south, I sat down and thought about a few things. Sure I could just write another book series. However, I came to the conclusion that after more than twenty years writing mystery thrillers that I needed a change. At least for a while. I actually had decided to take a break from writing. Then Tyson happened and other things. Now, I'm adjusting my plans."

"Such as?"

"Well, you may have heard about the Nikki Heat-movie. It didn't turn out as well as I and other people had hoped. Don't get me wrong, selling the movie rights made me a lot of money, but I wasn't happy with the end product. So, I thought about doing something about that. I also have some ideas about bringing Derrick Storm to the screen – either big or small screen. And there are always other things I could do." Castle said, thinking about his current project. He had started to write that book a few years ago. First, had used his research he had gathered for one of his other books. But then, it had become real life and he had started to start research into that topic again. Not only for self-preservation, but always with the nagging feeling that he may be able to use it for more. And now, after the last encounter, he had decided to pursue that idea. People would be surprised when he would publishing it.

"What about you're consulting work?"

Castle let out a humorless chuckle. "There are only a few people who would call me following Beckett around 'consulting'"

What Castle didn't tell Shaw was that he had talked with Marcus Steel to join SSI in a more official and open matter. Few people knew that he was working with them pretty regularly. That was one thing he didn't talk with anybody. Not with Beckett, not with his family. Although his mother knew that he would occasionally work with them. He was often times astounded that his work with them hadn't come up with any background checks. Of course, his contact with the other governmental agency knew about it. Some of their cases had overlapped in the past. If people only knew with or for whom he would occasionally work…

"I know, Rick. But I also know that you weren't just shadowing her for personal reason. It may have started that way but we both know that it turned to something else. And don't forget, I worked with you and you're not so bad – for an untrained detective."

"Oh, thank you Special Agent Shaw."

"Honestly, Rick. Have you thought about working with another team? I'm sure your friend the Mayor would help you."

"Actually, I had thought about it. What only a few know is that Bob had offered me the opportunity to work at any precinct I wanted. Surprisingly, the Commissioner hadn't vetoed that suggestion. However, that was before the whole Tyson thing and the bad press that came with it. There was an agreement from the beginning that my continuing to follow Beckett was dependent on the good publicity that came with it. That was always alright with me. And now, after the Commissioner knows about my private investigation, I'm not so sure that he would allow me to come back to consult. And as I said the other day, that my shadowing Beckett, or in this case any consulting, would only depend on Reagan's agreement. Bob agreed to that."

"Alright. And what about joining the NYPD in an official capacity?"

"What do you mean?"

"You could join the Police Academy?"

"No, that ship has sailed. I'm over forty years old, much too old to become a rookie. It would take years to become a detective."

"You sure? As I said before, you're pretty could for an untrained cop. Even though you try and hide it, you know more about police procedure than you let on. And don't tell that only has to do with doing research for your books. We both know that would be a lie."

Castle looked surprised at Shaw, contemplating what to say next. A few moments ago he thought that no one around him knew about that part of his life, and now Jordan was hinting that she knew some things. Castle leaned forward. "What do you know?"

Jordan thought about teasing Castle a bit but the serious impression on his face convinced her otherwise. "Well, to be honest, although I did a more thorough search, there are very few things I came up with that are conclusive. Most I've got is conjecture and speculation." Shaw could see that Castle relaxed slightly. "I didn't think much about it during the Dunn case at first, but it was clear you were no novice in profiling. That became also evident during the hunt for Tyson. And don't forget your presentation the other day. Despite the experience your, ah, friends have, they deferred to you. I got the distinct impression that that wasn't the first time either. Not to mention what some of your guests told me about them working with you. Although they didn't get into details, they made it pretty clear that they were impressed with you. Annoyed, but impressed with your skills." Castle chuckled for a moment, but then stopped.

"Oh, and don't forget, you had to use a gun in both cases we worked together. It's obvious that you're a pretty decent shooter. You don't just get a lucky shot in, even less two," Shaw said in reference to his statement when they met at a restaurant. There was a short pause as both looked at each other, checking each other's reaction. Castle didn't know what to say. For obvious reasons he didn't want to tell her that shooting Tyson in the head hadn't been just a luck shot, but he didn't want to outright lie to her again. Jordan's tale was actually a surprise. For all her vaunted skills, Beckett had no idea what he was actually capable of. Either she wasn't that observant or she didn't care much. She had seen him outshoot her at a shooting range early on in their partnership.

"Well, Agent Shaw, those are pretty interesting conjectures. But what do you think about tabling that discussion for another time and place?" That wasn't very subtle but he didn't feel the need to be so. He knew that unlike Beckett, Jordan wouldn't become angry or sulky. I really have to stop comparing Jordan with Beckett all the time, Rick thought.

"But we will talk about it again sometime?"

"I'm sure we will."

"Okay."

"So, what do you say about leaving and maybe have stroll at the promenade?"

"I think I'd like that."

They strolled along the promenade for a while, talking about simple things, mostly to get to know each other better.

Jordan enjoyed their time together. For a first date, it was going pretty well. She had been on a few dates since her divorce, but most of them didn't go so well. Most of the men were pretty intimidated with her job and her strong personality. Once or twice, she had gone to a second date, but there had never been any spark. So, she had never gone to a third date, much less any further. Sadly, it had been even longer, since she enjoyed herself so much during a date. If she was honest with herself, the last years of her marriage had been pretty sparkless. They had lived mostly separate lives, asboth of them were workaholics. There hadn't been a problem at first, as both of them had made the time for each other. That went on, even after Lacey had been born. They spent many vacations together as a family. However, as Lacey grew older, the time she had spent with her husband alone became less and less, and they grew apart. Jordan was honest to herself, she knew that she was to blame, too. The few real dates, beside some functions they had to attend for his or her work, had become repetitive and therefore pretty boring. They would go to some fancy restaurant or another, or, if they were adventurous, maybe to the theater. When they got home, they normally had sex – because that was just part of the process. Sex with her ex hadn't been bad, but it, too, had become stale and repetitive.

And now, here she was with world-famous Richard Castle, having had dinner at a family owned restaurant, not some fancy establishment where you go mostly to be seen, now strolling along the promenade at the Hamptons under the moonshine. Oh, she was feeling the spark. And as she had thought the day before, she was so looking forward to what Rick could do to her with a little more time. And, if she wasn't reading the signs wrong, so was he. A tingle of anticipation went through her body.

When they got home, Rick hadn't wanted the evening to end. So, he had poured them a glass of wine that they drank while listening to music. Then he saw that Jordan was pre-occupied with a song.

"Care to dance?" He asked her, holding out his hand. Jordan looked at him surprised.

"Absolutely." She said, grabbing his hand. Rick pulled her to him and they slowly swayed with the song.

"You know, I'm really glad that you and Lacey are here with us."

"Me too."

"And I have to say, Agent Shaw that I really enjoyed our date."

"Me too."

"I'm looking forward to go out with you again some other time."

"Me too."

"You were right earlier, we're both consenting adults. Id' like to start simple, without pressure and then look where it is going."

"Me too."

He bent down and kissed Jordan. One kiss lead to two, which lead to hands roaming free. "Hmm, Rick. I'd really like to have some fun now. What do you say?"

"Me too!"

Rick put his on her back and pulled her closer to him. When their lips met again, it was soft and tentative. "Rick," Jordan breathed huskily against his slightly parted lips. Rick looked at her and saw that Jordan's cheeks were flushed, her eyes were wide and glassy. It was a very erotic sight to see. He had difficulties to form a sentence and answered simply with a breathless "Hm?"

Jordan smiled slightly, exhaling a final shaken breath. "Take me to bed!" she commanded.

Rick felt Jordan's heart beat against his chest. He kissed her passionately for a few moments, before turning on the spot and leading her towards his bedroom.

When they arrived in the bedroom, Jordan stood back for a moment and with one hand behind her back opened her dress to let it fall on the floor. Then she let herself gentle fall backwards on his bed.

Rick watched her closely, enjoying the sight of Jordan laying on his bed glad only in her very sexy underwear. Well, the underwear that she was currently removing, not losing eye contact with him.

He really, really liked the show and answered in kind. So, he began to strip down slowly under Jordan's watchful eyes. When he joined her in bed, Jordan felt a burning desire in her stomach as she anticipated what was about to happen next. She spread her legs to allow him to come near to her. He started to leave a trail of kisses as he made his way down on body. His lips traveled the length of her collarbone before drifting down to her breasts. Jordan moaned softly, hearing that sound Rick's eyes shot up to hers. Their eyes locked again, and both could see the desire of the other. Still looking in her eyes, his hands cupped her breasts, his thumb traced her nipple before he leaned down and gently tugged it into his mouth again. For the next few minutes, Rick paid special attention on her breasts, slowly driving her mad.

Then he continued to make his way down her body. "Rick," she cried out as his trail of kisses went past her navel, until he hovered just above the spot of her body that ached the most for him. Rick paused a moment and looked up to her. Jordan felt beautiful and sexy under Rick's touch and gaze. Emotions she hadn't felt for a long while, even when she had still been married. Then all thought left her mind, as she felt his lips make contact with her soft, sensitive flesh for the first time. And a second, and a third time. She covered her eyes with one hand, while the other was curled into his hair. But Castle didn't notice any of that, as he enjoyed the taste of her. He was enraptured by the way she moved around him, and especially her moans and hisses. Then, suddenly she shuddered and let out a scream.

Rick gradually kissed his way back and until they were face to face. He saw that she looked a bit dazed. She looked beautiful. Jordan ran a finger lightly down his cheek and then pulled him down to her to kiss him. She didn't mind that she could taste herself on him, in fact she felt it slightly erotic. Her ex didn't like oral sex, at least when he wasn't the recipient.

She reached down between them and wrapped her hand around him, moving it up and down, once, twice. Rick groaned and dropped his head into her shoulder. Without saying anything, she pulled him near her entrance. Her unspoken order was clear and Rick had no problem following it. He slowly slid into her. As soon as he had entered her, Jordan crossed her legs behind him. He leaned down and gave her a light, sweet kiss, and he began to move.

Jordan stared into his eyes, and watched a relaxed and almost playful expression, which danced in his eyes while he moved. She found herself smiling against his lips. She leaned against him and continued to kiss him. Jordan pulled him further down to in to her, as close as she could manage. She wanted their bodies to be as connected as it was physically possible as they were moving in slow sensual matter. She placed her palms upon his and back, exploring him with her hands, running her fingertips in an exploratory manner across his muscular physique.

Then suddenly, Rick put his hands on her side and moved them in one swoop with him on his back. He sat them both up so that they could look each other into the eyes. Rick let his hands travel from her hips and sides to her back and explored her body for a few moments, never losing eye contact. Then he ran his fingers down her spine, causing her to arch her back as her whole body quivered. Jordan groaned against him and released a breath. She repeated her action and they lost themselves in their rhythm for a moment.

Then he leaned forward and kissed her breast very thoroughly. Then started make his way up until he reached her face. There he pressed chaste kisses whole over her face. It was such a gentle move in this heated atmosphere, which caused Jordan's emotions to go all over the place. She closed her eyes in an attempt to recover her breathing. Jordan's crossed her legs behind Rick's back and drew him closer to her. Rick moaned against her lips.

As they moved together, their bodies seemed to connect naturally and completely. They breathed huskily and breathlessly against one another. The innate desires and needs almost completely took over. The burning they were experiencing began to consume them. Their bodies trembled as they maintained their rhythm. Until, trembling and exhausted, Jordan gripped Rick's back tightly with her hands and moaned against his ear as she found her release, which in turn triggered his own. She exhaled a deep and staggered breath, as she felt Rick wrap his arms across her back. He could feel her heart beat strongly against his as she tried to catch her breath.

They sat there for a long moment looking each other deeply. She pulled him into a searing kiss. Rick lay on the back before and Jordan snuggled into him, her hands on his broad chest right on his heart. He felt her hot breath getting back to a normal rhythm. With a happy smile on his face he let himself fall asleep.