Coming Out or Going In
by Castlefan6
Authors Note: From a fan prompt (Castle was lent out to Robbery temporarily to work cold cases while Demming is on suspension. Lead Detective Joy Park, a woman with a big secret causes friction between our couple. COMPLETELY AU, Some Scenes and events used to enhance the story,
I don't own Castle; I use the characters for amusement purposes only, except the ones I create.
Also, we take MANY liberties with the timeline from Canon and use events from other Canon episodes to make this a more believable fiction, thanks.
Chapter 5
JFK Airport
Next Day
7:30 AM
/_/
Joy knew her friend was connected, but when he called and got his private jet arraigned to fly to Los Angeles the next morning, she began to wonder, just how successful was little Ricky Rogers, now Rick Castle. They were met on the private tarmac, by his friend and long-time pilot, Janice, who had already filed the flight plan.
They were flying to Nashville, refueling, and then to Los Angeles, without ever leaving the plane. When she first heard the private jet, she thought of a smaller jet, one to seat perhaps 8-10 people. She was flabbergasted when they approached an Embraer 32 seat jet, that had the first part of the cabin customized into more of a living room, with TV, stereo, and all types of gaming equipment. There was also a bed in the back, complete with a full bath, including shower and sauna tub.
"Welcome aboard Joy, Rick has told us so much about you," Janice said with a huge smile.
"Thank you, I hope it was good, I mean, I know Rick, sometimes he gets carried away" she smiled,
"Oh no, it was all good, he only talks about people he cares about, and well I wish you luck in New York, sorry to hear about the mess in Jersey. Just so you know we all go through it, so hang in there, it gets better." Janice said,
Joy smiled and was greeted by a shorter, younger lady dressed in a pilot uniform, "Hi Joy, I'm Carla, Janice's partner, it's good to meet you." She said,
Joy smiled and shook hands with Carla, and being a gay woman, she could tell the vibes between the two ladies, "So partners or Partners?" Joy asked
Janice smiled, "We're partners in every sense, so good pick up Joy, how did you pick that up unless, Oh My God, I'm sorry"
Joy started laughing, "you see, we're all in this world together."
Rick walked in and saw the ladies laughing "I see you ladies have met each other," as he smiled,
"Hell Rick, we're old friends by now," Joy laughed and winked at the two pilots
They settled in, Joy laughing when Carla moved Rick's laptop and pointed to his seatbelt to make him buckle up, he looked like a little boy caught with his hand in the cookie jar.
"You may be the boss, but FAA overrules you, Rick, just buckle the damn seatbelt, it's not like we're asking you to go for a colonoscopy" Carla laughed
Rick grumbled but fastened the seatbelt, Joy was in the seat next to him and snuggled into his arm, she wasn't a fan of flying, Rick knew she was afraid of heights and wrapped his arm around her to comfort her.
"Somethings never change I see Joy, still have that same fear?" Rick asked,
"Sadly yes, the only time I ever allowed myself on anything high, other than flights was when we went to that amusement park, and you talked me into riding the Ferris Wheel, do you remember how that came out Rick?" Joy smiled,
"Yes, I do, how could I forget, we were at the very top and the ride stopped, you almost had a panic attack and I"
"You French kissed me so deeply my tonsils tickled, the only time in my life any man has ever turned me on, I wanted to stay up there forever, but the damn fire department came within 15 minutes. I still got my share of kisses, and believe me, it's one of my fondest memories." She blushed,
"I'm sorry I embarrassed you, I mean I couldn't let you have the panic attack way up there, so it was the only thing I could think of, I felt the resistance leave and a willing partner take her place, but hey we never talked about it, I mean, I" Rick stammered
"Rick, I know what you mean, I was out, I was gay, and you had just had your heart broken by Kyra, but if any guy would have kissed the gay out of me you came damn close friend, I mean I went home that night and actually wanted you, the first time in my life I ever wanted a man" she admitted with a blush,
"Why didn't you say something Joy, we were friends, more than friends, you and the few that stayed with me became my family and I would have done anything for any of you. Since you admitted it, I did have another way to calm you down, but I had wanted to kiss you since the day I met you, even when I was with Kyra, sometimes I would dream about you. When you came out, I figured that was why neither of us had acted, I mean those kisses were intense, "Rick said shyly
"No Rick, those kisses were smoldering, I'm surprised we didn't self-combust. Why didn't I say anything? You were the only man I loved, the one man who never changed after I came out, you still treated me the same, you still cared for me, as a person, not a sex object. I didn't want to fuck you up any more than Kyra already had.
"What was I supposed to say, Rick, I thought I was gay, but when you kissed me, I wanted you inside me, like no other man, that I was in love with you? You were clueless, you never saw it, or if you did you chose to ignore it because I didn't do to you what you did to me back then" Joy was still holding on to his arm, her head against his shoulder, tears appearing in her eyes,
"I saw it, Joy, God, I was such a fool, and you're wrong, you did more to me than I did to you, BUT I wanted to respect your choice. I would rather have you as a friend and stay horny than try something that neither of us could come back from, I'm not sure if that makes sense, but"
She leaned up and kissed his lips gently, then smiled, "Don't worry, I'm not trying for a do-over of back then, just wanted you to know that I still loved you. What a pair of assholes we were." She laughed gently, as the tears in her eyes fell gently,
Rick, the gentleman that he was took out his handkerchief and dabbed her eyes gently, and returned the kiss, gently, sweet, nothing romantic but a message to Joy, she was more than a friend to him, forget labels. A few minutes later he looked over and she had fallen asleep with his hankie in her hand, her head on his shoulder and his arm around her. He closed his eyes, and the next thing he heard was Carla waking him.
"Rick, we have about twenty minutes before we land, do you want your drink?" Carla asked softly,
Joy stirred, and woke up, "are we there yet?" almost like a kid in the car would ask on a road trip, Rick laughed and Carla smiled,
"Almost Joy, do you want a drink before we land, we have time for that" Carla said,
Rick motioned yes, he wanted his drink, three fingers of some of the finest single malt whiskey in the world, Carla, ordered a gin and tonic, and then placed her head back on Rick's shoulder as Carla left to prepare the drinks.
"Hey Rick, are we good, I mean the conversation got heavy there for a while, I mean is there anything I need to say, or do, I"
"Joy, we're good. You've been closer to me than almost anyone when I needed a friend, I always had one in you, so let's not try to label everything in life, I mean if you're OK with that." He smiled and kissed her on the top of her head, and hugged her tight for a moment.
She looked up with her beautiful eyes, a look of relief, and a smile that meant the world to Rick. He hadn't broken the bond, nor had she, they were still US, Rick, and Joy, friends, best friends.
A few minutes later they were bidding Janice and Carla goodbye and Rick told them to take a few days off, it would be at least the weekend before they headed home, knowing Janice's folks lived near Los Angeles, giving her an opportunity to visit,
When the arrived at the Wiltshire Biltmore Hotel, Maurice the head concierge himself greeted them and showed them to their suite, two bedrooms but a shared common area complete with a whiteboard and markers.
"Welcome back Mr. Castle and welcome Miss Joy, shall I cancel the couples massage, or"
"I'm not sure about you Rick, but I could use one, but could we grab dinner, or lunch, hell we're three hours earlier here, no wonder I'm starving" Joy laughed,
"Sure thing, Maurice can you re-schedule say in two hours, so we can relax at lunch, if we finish earlier, I'll call you, thanks so very much," Rick said as he palmed a large bill tip as he shook hands,
"Certainly Mr. Castle, I have Jenna and Diana scheduled, they are the most requested massage therapists in not only here, but all of Los Angeles," Maurice said, it seemed like there was nothing he didn't know or was not willing to do for Rick.
"Fantastic, I've used both of them before and I agree they are both great, we'll see them after lunch, Rick said.
"Very well Sir, don't hesitate to call me on my private number if there is anything you need, day or night" as he bowed and closed the door behind him.
"Well, I won't ask but looks like this isn't the first time you've been here, and not alone," Joy said, a tad of jealousy in her voice,
"Hey, I've been here often but only once with a model from Paris, Paula thought it would be a great idea, to be seen with her coming out of my room, but what a nag" He shook his head in horror as Joy laughed. "Besides you were married at the time," he smirked causing her face to turn red.
"Let's go eat Rick., before one of us does something well just something, come on as she grabbed his hand and led him out of the penthouse." He was right, she had been a bit jealous which was unusual for her, hell he was her best friend, he had always been a friend, what the hell was going on.
XxX
New York
Beckett's Apartment
Same Time Frame,
Kate had endured another long grueling 14-hour day, the only thing good about it was they were one day closer to getting Javi back from suspension. She had also written formal letters to the Commissioner, and Mr. Mayor, this time running them by Roy to approve before mailing them, asking to reinstate Castle to her team.
"Well, I see you finally learned how to follow procedure Kate, if you had done this with the original letters you wouldn't have to grovel to get him back. Going over my head as your CO didn't earn you any points, so let's see if Castle wants to return if I can sell this to the brass." Roy was still pissed at her for sending the letters without his knowledge, even if it had been over a year ago.
"Sir, what do you mean if he wants to come back, I mean why wouldn't he?" Kate asked,
"Detective I know you saw the greeting that Detective Park got from Rick on her initial visit, and as much as you want to deny it, you know there is history between the two. Why would he want to come back to a floor that mocks him, tells him he's not a cop, holds out for his floor seats for Knicks games, and the use of his Ferrari, shall I go on Detective?
"Just because I don't say anything, doesn't mean I don't see things. Have you seen any of the Robbery Detectives in our break room mooching our coffee lately? I visited the floor to review case closures, and Rick had bought them a new machine, actually, it's a newer model of the one we have, so I think he's enjoying his new assignment." Roy said a little perturbed.
"Sir, you really don't think he will return to homicide, do you? I mean Nikki Heat solved murders, not robberies. It wouldn't fit his need for research for Nikki books Sir?" Kate said, even she had trouble believing what she had just said,
Roy sent her a scowl, "Detective, he had 23 Best Sellers BEFORE he set foot into this precinct, it was you who needed his help as I recall, not the other way around. As for future books, if he even writes another Heat book, he has plenty of research, Ryan even vetted the cases he wants to use with my permission."
"What? Did he say he was ending the Heat series; I mean not that I would care but it would be nice to know if I can get rid of that awful looking chair soon" Kate tried to recover,
"He never said anything Detective, BUT he did ask me if he could take his chair to place next to Joy's desk, I wouldn't plan on or get my hopes up that he'll be back here. As for the brass, they're happy with the changes in Robbery, but again I'll warn you if your closures go down, we are both in trouble and I know you don't want that," Roy said with the tone in his voice that the conversation was over,
About twenty minutes later Kate was working on the latest lead when she saw a patrolman walk up to her desk, and pick up Rick's chair.
"Hey, hey what do you think you are doing?" Kate asked,
"Orders Detective, I was instructed to retrieve Mr. Castle's chair so he would have it when he returned from out of town. I'm sorry, but Captain Montgomery gave the orders himself." The young patrol officer said shyly,
"Out of town? Where is he? Is Detective Park with him?" Kate intimidated the young officer,
"I'm not sure mam, I'm just doing my job following orders" He was definitely frightened until he heard the voice of Roy Montgomery,
"Something wrong Detective? Patrolman Adams is just following orders, my orders, any issues with that?" He asked, not in a kind way,
"No Sir, I was just trying to ask if Rick was out of town where he was and if Detective Park was with him?" Kate asked as she blushed, the chair was removed as she turned to face Montgomery.
"Why do you care Beckett? You're dating some stockbroker and now you want to know all about Castle and his personal business, plus one of the robbery detectives? I guess you either taught Esposito how to be nosy, or he rubbed off on you, either way, it's none of your business."
Knowing that Roy was still ticked at her, she chose to drop the issue, "Yes Sir, I apologize sir" as she turned back to her investigation.
A few minutes later Kevin approached her, "Can we talk, I want to run something by you" he asked,
"Sure, Conference room 2 is open I'll be right there" She replied,
When she walked in Kevin had all the photos from the murder board on a new murder board, and there was a new picture, a female she hadn't seen before, "What's going on Kev? Who is the new picture of?"
"Well, working with Espo you learn how to spot the gossips, I ran a few questions by the receptionist and it seems it wasn't a love triangle, it was more a square, except no one knew about this lady, Penny Corley, an assistant to Goldstein, other than the one identified as the love triangle.
"It seems Dan was playing Penny as well as Julia Foster but not telling one about the other. It looks as though Dan wasn't the shy little brother his sister made him out to be. He was actually engaged to Julia, and had her keep it quiet."
"Have Uniforms pick her up, how did we miss this on the initial canvass?" Kate asked
"Well, she was out ill, so we didn't interview her, but a few loose lips prompted a call, plus the $10,000 Crime Stoppers reward. Penny did her own investigation, and confronted the two in the park, what happened after that, we need to determine." Ryan said he was looking as tired as Kate was feeling,
XxX
Interrogation Room
One Hour Later
"Look, Penny, I get it, you got played, no one likes that, especially for a guy you are nuts about, we've all been there. When did you find out about Julia? Did you see something happening?" Kate asked gently trying to reassure the young lady that everybody plays the fool sometimes.
"I heard the receptionist, that big mouth Kathy telling everyone how stupid we all were. She knew that Dan's boss Peter was in love with Julie, probably why Dan proposed to her, just to hurt him and to show that he was the boss, he could get what he wanted. I went to the park, and well, Julie ran to me, apologizing, she had just found out about me, so she went to the park to break up with him.
"Dan got physical with Julie, grabbing her by the arm, so I kicked him in the nuts, he pulled out a gun and Julie and I both grabbed for it and it went off, we didn't know it killed him at first, I swear. Then Julie thought that if they couldn't identify him it would give us time to come up with an alibi, so we took his clothes." She broke into tears,
"Where are his personal effects, I mean you left his ring, and a Rolex watch, were you trying to make it look like a robbery gone bad?" Kate asked,
"Julie put them in the box his sister is going to pick up after services at the temple, I swear Detective Beckett, it wasn't our intention to kill the two-timing bastard, it really was self-defense," Penny said,
"OK, hang tight, I'll be back," Kate said, she had just received a text from Kevin that Julie was in the other interrogation room.
One hour later, with both stories corroborating the other, and Dan's boss missing his prize possession Singer 1911A1 pistol that his grandfather had taken off of a German soldier in the world war. He always kept it in his top drawer, and just reported it stolen three days before Dan was killed.
Ballistics' proved it was the murder weapon, and the angle of entry of the bullet, confirmed it was self-defense, so Kate released both women, both who were victims in their own right. The District Attorney's office agreed and refused to file charges, so the case was closed as death by gunshot, in self-defense of the two women.
Kevin saw them leaving, holding on to each other for support, as he walked up to Kate. "It's ironic, Dan stole the girl that his Boss loved, then stole his prized gun, only to wind up getting killed by the women he tried to use, how can people lie to each other so well? Oh well, at least the case is closed and we are still even with our numbers."
"Roy saw me, they want a 5% increase so when the new figures come out, we'll be behind Kevin, we need to close some cases before Javi gets back," She said
"Well, any chance of getting Rick's help even by phone, I mean Kate, we can't keep this pace up without one or both of us burning out" Kevin grumbled
"I know Kev, I know, but they want the increase and don't care how we get it. Castle, well that ship sailed, I wouldn't even count on him taking any calls. He and Detective Park are out of town on a case, if you believe that, none of my business." Kate said as she stared at the space that seemed so empty beside her desk, damn old ugly chair, she thought.
TBC