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 19
Wallingford Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
4 MONTHS LATER
/_/
FLASHBACK
Rick had just returned home from a very successful book tour, usually, he hated this part, but Joy was with him for parts of the tour, so he didn't feel so isolated, and the crowds had grown larger and larger with each signing. It was at one of his final signings when a reporter asked him a question that sparked an idea in his head for future works.
"Mr. Castle, Miss Park, thanks for taking the time to answer our questions. I have one for future speculation, Mr. Castle. It's obvious to the world that you and Miss Park are close, is there a possibility of a new series with her as your new muse?"
"You know that's a great question, as I've said before the next project is the series finale of Nikki Heat, I owe it to you readers and fans to send the couple off in style fitting their previous works.
"Miss Park would be a great muse if we decide to go that route, although I have never asked her formally to serve as my next writing inspiration, she inspires me every day in real life so it would be a very easy transition from real life to the printed page." He smiled at her, never expecting her reply,
"Well, if Rick thinks there is a storyline with either myself or Kevin Ryan, our New York Division Chief, I would be honored to work with him in any capacity on a new character or series. I know working with him on some of the Heat material he had me yelling 'get out, it's a trap and I know it's fiction, it's that captivating." She smiled up at Rick who quietly gripped her hand, as the crowd laughs gently,
"Any other plans you can release Mr. Castle, I respect the effort you are putting forward to give Rook and Heat a farewell fitting of the entire series, so thank you in advance for that"
"Actually, no we aren't ready to release any details about any future projects at this time, as soon as we do, we'll be sure to let you all know, thank you so much for coming out" as he whisked Joy into a waiting limo and they were off on their way home.
PRESENT DAY
"Hey there, I wondered where you had disappeared to," Joy asked as she saw Rick just finishing up his workout in their indoor gym, she had just finished her run on the indoor track, both of them had the appearance of sweat, stained clothes
"Here Stud," she said as she handed him a bottle of cold water,
"Thanks, Joy, how was your run, my knees seem to act up when I pound the track too often," Rick said, softly,
"It was great, and you're just getting old" as she poked Rick, she knew she was in for it when he chased her down and caught her, dragging her to the pool.
"No, don't you dare Rick, you better listen, I swear" Ka plush went the water as she went in, but she hadn't released her grip on him and he followed right behind her.
"Hey, why did you do that, better yet, how did you manage that as he swam towards her, she greeted him with a kiss,
"I'll never tell but remember Rick, I was a cop and had training on hand to hand combat", they played for a while eventually winding up in the room downstairs, door locked, and each fighting to pull the other's wet clothes off each other, after an hour or so, they donned the robes hanging for the pool guests and made it all the way to Rick's room for a shower, and to talk about something that Joy had waited patiently for Rick to bring up,
As they laid in his big bed, her head on his chest, "Rick you never told me how you made out with Kate at the book launch and if you don't want to talk about it, I'll understand."
"Well, it took you almost four months to ask, I'm sorry I wasn't forthcoming but not a lot changed, at least in my eyes. She apologized for past behavior, I accepted, and then the conversation started to head towards the relationship between you and me.
"I told her you and I were very close friends, that we had a long history as dear friends, and then I asked her about her tryst with Royce. I explained how you did her a favor of not pressing charges against him that would have forced her to testify how the evidence got stolen, where she was at, not a comfortable thing to do in public. I also threw in that it wasn't for her, me, or Royce but you didn't want Roy to get more of a reprimand than he did, especially that close to his retirement." Rick said as he played with her hand,
"OK, what aren't you telling me, it has something to do with us I'm sure" she propped to one elbow and locked on his eyes,
"Well, she made some insinuations that we were sleeping together, I didn't give her the dignity of an answer but asked her why did she care she was balling some dude from Wall Street. Then I leveled with her about who saved her job, and if she screwed up this gig, her career was over. Weldon saved her for me, but he was done saving her, and she had to shape up or she would lose more than the Captain position." Rick said,
"Why didn't you tell her we were sleeping together or did you just let her figure it out on her own? I mean this is a huge home and knowing Beckett she would have been on the computer researching me and your actions. I'm surprised she hasn't approached you with the revelation that I was in a gay relationship before" Joy asked,
"Which means what? You were in love, you lost her, no fault of either of you, while my heterosexual relationships have produced one beautiful daughter, but caused a ton of pain and expense. "Rick said looking her in the eye,
"And what about Heidi Rick? Joy asked,
"The same as Gina, you were lonely and thought you could make it work, but marriage isn't like that. You don't marry then change the other person, or yourself, neither one of us figured that out until well, it was too late" Rick said,
"Rick, I was serious about stepping aside if Kate is what you want? Don't get me wrong, this is the best relationship I have ever been in, no pressure, just make love when the mood strikes, and no jealousy, you know I would die for you." She said,
"Hey what brought this about, Joy? Did I do something, or say something," Rick asked
"No, I just want to be sure you are happy, I mean we promised each other, and maybe it's good that we remind ourselves of our promise a couple of times a year, I don't want to be who you settle for, OK, Rick, this is important to me." Joy had a tear in her eye,
Rick pulled her tightly, "You're something else, I promised you, our friendship is far too strong for me to ever lie to you, but I never thought the added benefits would be as great as they are, as he pulled her on top of him and a renewal of the promise was made once again, then they enjoyed the benefits, did they ever. Neither had any clue of events yet to come that would change them both forever.
XxX
12th Precinct
New York
Monday, 7:00 AM
FLASHBACK TO RICK'S TALK
Kate had sat at the table for the longest time, savoring Rick's words, he was right, of course, he was, but why did the truth hurt so much. What she wouldn't give to turn back time, to go back, have one do-over, things would be so different if she had only done things differently.
She finally gathered herself and made her way back to the ballroom, where the general signing was now well underway. Roz saw her and approached,
"So, you ready to get out of here, or what do you want to do Kate?" Roz asked.
"Are you having fun, Roz? I can grab a cab, I think I would like to be alone anyway, at least for a little while. Why don't you enjoy the party, visit with Rick without me being here to force him to be nice, enjoy yourself and call me tomorrow, OK?" Kate said,
"Did he hurt your feelings, Kate? I mean that is so out of character for Rick to be cruel," Roz replied,
"Oh, no, he was polite, he just reminded me how we got here, and I have to tell you, I didn't like hearing him verbalize my actions, I knew I hurt him but had no idea how much. He's got Joy, so it's for the best anyway, call me" she said as she grabbed her purse and wrap and left.
PRESENT DAY
Kate Beckett walked up the steps and through the lobby, waving good morning to the Desk Sargent on duty as she headed for the homicide floor for the first time in 5 months. She was as shocked as anyone when she was called into Raul's office the previous Friday, especially to see Mayor Weldon and Commissioner Boyle in attendance.
PREVIOUS FRIDAY
"Come on in Kate, we were just talking about you, all good I promise" Raul smiled, she had grown to respect and like the man, nothing like the hatred she had for him on her graduation from the academy.
"Good Morning, Mr. Mayor, Commissioner Boyle Sir, Raul, what is going on? Did I mess up again?" she asked politely,
Raul smiled, held his hand out and Boyle reluctantly slapped a twenty-dollar bill into his palm, "I told you, Boyle, she's a different person, maybe now you'll believe me." Raul said
"Beckett, we've had some developments, well unexpected to say the least, but this impacts our plans for your career growth" Commissioner Boyle started out,
"For God's sake Boyle, you don't get paid by the word, just let the lady know why she's here, better yet I will. Kate, Captain Anderson had a slight heart attack yesterday, he's resting comfortably, after the catheterization, but he resigned due to medical reasons and took his retirement effective immediately.
"I know when we talked, we told you it would be a year before you would be considered for that post, but Rodriquez has sent us glowing progress reports each week. We're especially pleased with the volunteer classes you've held for our female recruits, I know the 'Good Ole Boy' network still exists, as much as we try to tear it down.
"Your classes should help in the retention of our female force, lord knows we need it, and hopefully allow us to weed out the bigots in our force. Thank you for that effort, so I guess the question remains, is do you want the promotion to Captain, and will you assume control of the 12th Precinct effective Monday?" Mayor Weldon asked
Kate was in a state of shock, return to the 12th, as Captain, a decision-maker, finally out of the Commissioner's dog house, she gathered her voice and finally got out, "I accept with all humility and pride I can gather at this moment, thank you, Sir."
MONDAY
As she walked through the department she was almost overcome with memories, Javi's desk, now occupied by LT, Kevin's desk now housed Roz, and her old desk, Hastings was sitting there as the three now composed the top team in the 12th in case closures and cases assigned. She was proud of Roz, but secretly she missed the old top team, her old team, her boys, and Rick.
She walked into Roy's old office, somehow it would always belong to Roy, she was just filling in as best she could, to find balloons and a large sign that read, "Welcome Home Captain Beckett", it was signed by everyone on the homicide floor, including Anne. She made a mental note to speak to her, off the record as soon as she could.
She ran her hands over the huge desk, recalling as a patrol officer the first time she had been summoned to the Captain's office, Roy ordered her to take the Detective exam. It was less than three months later she was promoted, then 11 months later she was promoted to lead detective when her lead retired.
Looking back at things now, Roy was correct, her promotion happened too quickly, and she truly hadn't earned the position, probably why, well one reason along with her personal attitude why she was resented by many.
She turned for a moment then hear a group outside her office, all of her reports were there to wish her well, even Anne Hastings and Roz. All shouting out, Congrats, Welcome Home, and chanting speech, speech, speech.
"Well, I guess this is as much of a surprise to you as it was and still is to me. Thank you all for the warm welcome back, it does feel like a homecoming of some kind. I was reminiscing as I touched the desk about the first time Captain Roy Montgomery, perhaps the greatest captain of all time summoned me to this very office.
"To say I was afraid would be the understatement of the century. It was then that I saw the compassionate, empathetic, man who tried to lead with grace, dignity, respect, and fairness. I know I have big shoes to fill, and not taking anything away from Captain Anderson, it was just that I didn't know him as I did Roy.
"I'll need your help to succeed in this position, more help than I would have admitted just a short time ago. I'll ask each of you to give me your best effort and to call me on issues you think I've messed up. We may not always agree, but I promise you, I will listen to you, I will hear your message and evaluate it.
"I'm sorry for my past transgressions, I'm sure I have wronged many of you in my earlier days. My time at the academy has taught me that communication only happens when BOTH parties are heard and respected. For my past, I ask forgiveness, for our future, I ask your support, and pledge that we can do our best when I earn your respect, which I will try to do each day."
She stopped speaking and applause was heard until she held her hand up, and said, "As much as I appreciate your sentiments, I hear phones ringing, let's go, have a safe and good day, and thank you all from the bottom of my heart." Kate waved as the crowd disbursed, all except Roz and Anne.
"Captain, may we see you for a moment please?" Anne asked,
"Sure Anne, please call me Kate, I wanted to speak to you one on one anyway, I think we need to discuss some history for us both."
"Yes Sir, but please may we discuss the folder Detective Karpowski has in her possession please?" Anne said stiffly, this was going to be harder than 'hey, I'm sorry I was banging your cheating husband, I didn't know' conversation Kate thought.
"Sure, sure, Roz you want to tell me about what Anne is talking about?"
Anne interrupted, "Sir, may I be dismissed, this is on the personal side, and I would rather not be here when you discuss this with Detective Karpowski,"
"Sure Anne, if that's what you're comfortable with, of course. Dismissed" she said as Roz closed the door and handed Kate the folder.
"What? She hasn't even given me a chance Roz? How can I make amends when she pulls this? Did you try to talk her out of it, I mean, I'm sorry I know you did, but is her mind made up." Kate asked shocked to read the resignation of Detective Anne Hastings effective end of the day today.
"Kate, I tried, I tried harder than I have ever done so in my life, I pleaded with her, I even told her some of your back story with Davidson. She was set in stone, she's gone Kate, nothing we can do, you may get her to talk in a more informal atmosphere than in your office. I'm not sure she won't tell you to go to hell and walk out, I just can't read her on this." Roz said,
"Thanks, Roz, and tell Anne, I would appreciate a 15-minute slot of time, either to grab a coffee or soda outside of the office if she will grant me that much. IF she doesn't like what I'm saying, she's free to leave at any time, all I'm asking is for 15 minutes of her time, she needs to hear the other side of the story." Kate said softly,
Roz returned about 15 minutes later, "You've got 15 minutes Kate, she'll meet you at Remy's at 11:00 AM for a coke, she doesn't drink coffee," she said,
Kate glanced at her calendar she was booked but she quickly sent a request for an alternate time, citing a personal issue to deal with, to clear her time slot for Anne.
"Tell her I'll be there, and thanks," Kate said softly, Roz felt for her, she had noticed the changes in her over the last few months, and well it wasn't going to sit well when she heard the entire story from Anne, but that was her business to tell not hers.
XxX
Remy's 15 Minutes Later
Kate hurried into the restaurant, passing by quickly the booth where she and Castle had shared so much, she wasn't thinking about that, like hell she wasn't. Even though she had the blonde petite detective in her sights, her mind wandered back to the first time Rick had dipped a fry into his milkshake and her reaction, now she was also guilty of doing the same thing from time to time.
She had to push that aside and concentrate on Anne Hastings, she needed to clear the air, and apologize, even though they were both misled by the scumbag Davidson. Ann looked up and merely said, "You wanted to talk Captain?" without emotion.
"Anne, please call me Kate, especially out of the precinct, I have wanted to talk to you since I found out about our mutual connection with Josh", Kate got out before Anne added,
"Oh, the part where you were fucking my husband while I was trying to arrange couples counseling to work things out, even after, well I'll just say you weren't the first Kate; you were nothing special. He's fooled around with any and every woman that would give him a second look." Anne said with disgust,
"Anne, I didn't know, I should have run a background check on him but he's such a good liar,"
"You believed every word that snake said, didn't you pick up on anything Kate? Didn't you find it odd that Josh would be in need of feminine hygiene products in the bathroom? I know you've spent the night in the apartment leased in my name because he had so much debt no would rent or give him credit because I've seen you two enter the building.
"You may have met him and thought he was available, BUT why didn't you run the same background checks that you did on Rick Castle, a God Damn public figure Kate? It's bullshit and you know it, you wanted what he was offering, and for your sake, I hope he learned a hell of a lot more about how to please a woman than he knew when we were married." Anne spat out,
"Anne, what are you angry at me about, is it Josh or Rick? I understand I screwed up with your ex, excuse me estranged husband at the time, but why are you so defensive of Rick, he can fight his own battles and he seems perfectly happy without me with Joy. I thought he and I were friends, but what friend would move to the opposite coast and not say a word?" Kate asked,
"You are really going down that path Kate? Seriously? You paraded men in front of him, lied to him about having to work, some of us were standing in the bullpen when big mouth Tom shared your secret with all of us, too bad you didn't tell him you had lied to Rick. Now you wonder why Rick moved to Beverly Hills? YOU are really so full of self-pity I feel sorry for you. You aren't happy and you want to make damn sure everyone else is as miserable as you, well good luck with that" She said as she glanced at her watch,
"Anne, may I ask where you're going to, I mean this isn't much notice of a job resignation to give for your position?" Kate said, sadly,
"Well, neither is the three days' notice that you were coming back, actually I informed Roz I was leaving five minutes after the news was confirmed about your return, I really don't want to work with you, and I damn sure don't want to work for you" Anne wasn't sparing any emotion with the hate her eyes showed.
"OK, that's fair, but can you tell me what police force you're headed to, regardless of how you feel about me, I would still be willing to give you a glowing recommendation," Kate said, trying to defuse the young lady,
"That's very nice of you Captain, but I'm not headed to any police station, Rick and I talked and I will be assisting Kevin in his New York operations of RCE Investigations, for a hell of a lot more money and no weekends. If you will excuse me, I have my desk to clean out and a meeting with HR in twenty minutes, Good Luck Captain" and she was gone as Kate sat, pondering what the hell just happened.
She first started to get angry with Rick, then checked herself, that was the old Kate, not her new self. She just had to take this and learn from it, remembering that the grass isn't always greener in another man's bed and to follow her first rule, all men lie to get laid, where had she forgotten that.
TBC