Alternative Route Taken
by Castlefan6
Authors Note: Another What If based on the episode, A Deadly Game, what happened if Rick didn't return to the precinct after leaving and this was really their last case. What would each other's lives have looked like? The story starts with Canon dialog, courtesy of Dust Jackets Dot Com, then goes quickly and completely AU. The journey continues with a new Kate and Rick, hope you enjoy!
I don't own Castle; I use the characters for amusement purposes only, except the ones I create.
A/N This may or may not end up as a Caskett fic, if that bothers you, please wait for updates to see which direction the story goes. Respectful comments are always welcome, trolls will be deleted.
Also, we may take liberties with the timeline from Canon and use events to make this a more believable fiction, thanks.
Previously
"Was this why you texted last night Detective?" Oh god, she was back to Detective, something she just said pissed him off,
"Rick, please, OK yes I wanted to talk last night about how sorry I am, and I wanted you to stay so why don't you, I mean your schedule is really up to you, "
"Not anymore, but No Detective, I'm leaving, we both need it, even if you don't think so. I know I do; my mind is so tired of the games you seem to like to play."
"Rick, what can I do to get you to stay, what do you want me to say, I mean I've already begged you, what more can I do?"
He looked at her sadly, "It's far too little and way too late, Detective, Good Luck" he turned and started to walk away,
******************************************************************************/
Chapter 3
Friday, May 22nd
Memorial Day Weekend
NYPD, 12th Precinct 6:20 AM
Kate's POV
Well here it was Friday before Memorial Day, and instead of being in the Hamptons with Rick, or her ex-boyfriend, here she was stuck in the city, not even on call, just another long and boring weekend coming up for her. She hoped for something to happen today at work, God forgive her, but another day on desk duty pulling out cold cases would make the day seem like a week.
Her thoughts drifted back to her meeting with Roy yesterday morning after Castle left, he hadn't yelled, he didn't need to, she could see his disappointment in her as he carefully went through the facts.
FLASHBACK
"Beckett, my office now" Montgomery boomed,
She knew it wasn't going to be anything good, so she walked towards his office willing to take whatever he threw at her, she had already lost what she really wanted most in life.
"You wanted to see me, Sir?" She decided to play it cool, she didn't know how much Roy knew, or how much Rick had said, but no sense volunteering information.
"Come in and sit-down Kate, we need to discuss somethings."
"Sir Yes Sir" as she made her way into his office taking a seat, and sitting, waiting for Roy to speak.
"OK Kate, look, I know you know what's going on and it's not the department's business, except for one issue. You allowed Rick to be badgered by another Detective, one who by the way has a reputation as a Badge Bunny Magnet and transferred here to avoid sexual discrimination charges being filed against him by three officers and two female detectives at the 54th.
"I suppose you know all about your new boyfriend's past since we ALL know how careful you were to vent Castle before allowing him to sit beside you, I'm sure you did your due diligence on Deming. I'm sure what I'm telling you has all been explained and he has been exonerated from the charges, if only in your eyes"
Kate's mouth flew open, she hadn't bothered to check one fucking story he had told her, he was a pervert, and here she was sleeping with him, throwing away any chance she had with Castle for a good looking, although lousy performing man. What the hell was she doing?
"Sir, Deming and I are no longer a couple, as of this morning." She stopped short of telling her commanding officer she knew nothing about his past.
"Well, that's some comfort, but I'm afraid the damage has been done. Rick called me last night and met me early this morning. He's got some different plans, ones that won't include us, so he wanted to say Thanks to everyone that helped him in any way, and special thanks to you were his words, Kate." Roy looked at her with a sad look in his eye, he looked like he wanted to say more but was holding back.
"Castle's gone, Sir? Why did you let him, I mean everyone knows how much he brings to the team?" The words were out of her mouth before she realized exactly what she had said.
"Excuse me, why did I let him? I think the question is more Why did you drive him away; even worse why did you allow some half-ass Robbery Detective who's only fan was himself till you came along to speak to him the manner that you did?" It doesn't matter Kate, he's gone, I called Weldon and he told me to let it go, it's over the end of the story." Roy's voice left no mistake the event as well as their discussion was over, as he barked out, "Dismissed Detective".
PRESENT DAY
Kate was busy, or at least giving the impression she was reading cold case files when the boys came in shortly before 8:00 AM when they got within earshot of her, they suddenly changed the subject of what they had been discussing. She thought it was peculiar, but sometimes guys needed to talk to each other about private stuff. They hadn't done it before, but she shrugged it off as guys just being guys.
A few hours later, she walked into the breakroom to get a refill for her coffee, Roz and Ann stopped mid-sentence in their conversation, almost like they were trying to hide something from her. She wasn't the best of friends to either of them, friendly yes, but to be considered friends to the two, not so much. That was twice today she felt as if something was being hidden from her. What the hell was going on? She knew a lot of people were pissed because Rick wasn't coming back and a lot of them were blaming her as the reason why.
She decided to drop in on Lanie to see if she wanted to grab lunch, it had been a while since they had talked, she had been busy. OK, she had been with Deming, but Lanie was still trying to hide her own undercover operation with Javi, so it wasn't like she had just deserted her for a guy, was it?
As she walked down the hall, she saw the door to the ME's office was open, Lanie was standing with her back facing her on the phone with someone. As she came closer, she could hear Lanie's side of the conversation, and it shocked her.
"Look, no matter what, she's his partner, she should at least know about it and let her decide if she wants to go or not."
"I don't care, she's my best friend, how am I going to tell her that everyone in the precinct was invited except her, that will really hurt her, it doesn't matter that Paula and Gina are handling the invitations, she's going to assume her partner doesn't want her at the party. Well, how the hell would you feel, oh really."
"When the hell did that happen and no it wouldn't be the same. I don't care that Rick is holding a party at the Haunt on Saturday for all those that can't come to the Hamptons for the weekend, it's not fair, Kate should know about it."
She couldn't hear what was said or who was even talking as she just stood there, had it come to this? He, well his crew, were shutting her out of his life, then she heard Lanie repeat the remark that made her almost faint,
"When the hell did, she ever tell him and I quote, you can watch Castle, Tom and I got this, what the hell, Kate wouldn't do that, I don't care how Gina heard it, it isn't true, How? Hell, I don't know how Gina heard it, hell, I don't think she said it, I think it's gossip from those pissed off that Rick is leaving." Kate tried to hold it in, but gasped, almost like a panic attack, as Lanie turned, "Look talk to you later," and hung up and made her way quickly to her friend, leaning against the wall, holding her side,
"I'm good Lanie, just needed a second to catch my breath." She lied,
"Kate, how much of that did you hear, and don't lie to me, or I'll smack you, whether you're hurting or not,"
"Enough to know where I stand with Rick, he wants nothing to do with me, God, I really hurt him, I just didn't think."
"You mean to tell me you actually said those things, you can watch, Tom and I got this, tell me you didn't Kate, not even on your worse days would you say something this cruel?"
She hung her head, "I said it, Lanie, I wish to God, I never did but I did say it."
Lanie was now torn, should she let Kate feel the hurt she deserved or should she be there for her as a friend should be, it only took a second till she was hugging her, "OK, you fucked up, but it's not the end of the world, hell he's pissed you off worse than this, it'll work out."
"Do you think so, Lanie?"
Lanie knew better than to tell her what she honestly felt, "Of course, just wait and see"
Xx
Rick's POV
Thursday, May 21st
Week of Memorial Day Weekend
Castle's loft Later in the evening
Previously
"Apparently, she broke up with her Boy Toy this morning before I came in, I'm not sure when didn't ask and really don't care. I know that I need to get away, and well you may not like the idea Gina so I wanted to talk to you here, if you get mad at me, at least you have 9 other rooms to go to cool off in. I'm going to need your help, so let me get through this, just please don't leave till we talk OK?"
Gina couldn't help it, she pulled him in for a hug and laid his head on her shoulder, "You know I will be here for whatever you need, I know you still love me, I still love you but why we can't live together is anyone's guess. Please know, I won't let anyone hurt you, not even her. What do you need Rick?"
"Well for starters, I talked to Howard, you're now Alexis's legal guardian, it's airtight, no way Meredith can weasel her way in, just in case," Rick said, in one of the most serious tones she had ever heard.
"Rick?" Gina showed pure fear on her face, "What the hell are you talking about, nothing's going to happen to you"
"I know I should have asked you, but Gina, you're Mom to her, the only one she has ever had, so I would appreciate it if you would be sure that she's OK, just in case," Rick said softly,
"You know damn well you never had to ask me, that's my kid, I love her as much as if I had given her life, but Rick tell me what's going on, I mean it no sugar coating it, just facts. I still know when you try to lie, so please Rick, don't even try it." Her voice was choked fighting back tears as she looked at the man in front of her. She was wondering what the hell did you get yourself into now Rick?
"OK, here's the story Gina, but YOU are the only one that knows what is going on, I'm trusting you, so please, OK?" his eyes pleading with her
"Of course, Rick, but tell me the truth, including the danger, I need to prepare and be prepared for the what if, as you always called it."
Rick explained that he had talked to one of his contacts, only Martha knew his relationship with his birth father, and that for the next six weeks, following his Memorial Day Cookout, he would be at the Hamptons. Outward appearances would be like he was just there to write. He would be actually getting into shape with the help of a former Navy Seal and Drill Instructor, running on the beach, and working in his private gym in the house.
He would be completing the 240 hours required for his pilot's license during this time, using the private airstrip next to Vinny the scar's home, and if his body would allow he hoped to complete the last two Heat books, one was about 80 % done, the other needed the ending re-written and was about 70% complete. He didn't want to sign a contract, just a clause that would say if he furnished any additional manuscripts the same deal would be in place, with one change, 5% of royalties to go to a charity known as Mercy Flights.
Mercy Flight™ Southeast, Inc. was a non-profit volunteer pilot organization involved in "public benefit flying." They provided a variety of services to the community, but mostly free air transportation by private aircraft to distant medical facilities when commercial service was not available, impractical or simply not affordable.
"Is that why after all these years, you're finally finishing your Pilot's License Rick, don't tell me, you bought a plane and if that's not enough you want to fly it as well. I can take care of the clause, but Rick isn't buying them a plane and donating the royalties enough, I mean some of those flights could be dangerous." Concern was clearly all over her face now, although she knew there was little if anything, she could say to stop him if he had made his mind up.
"Gina just think what if Alexis or someone we love couldn't get to the medical care that could save their life just because the flight could be a bit rough, I mean yes, I want to help all I can, and yes I'm scared, but that's why the boot camp. I was guaranteed I would be in the best shape of my life when the six weeks were over, or"
"Or what Rick, don't make me ask, please"
"Or I'd be dead, these guys play for real, including sea, land and the worst weather rescues, takeoffs, and flights, so by the time I actually start flying missions for real, I will have simulated about 95% of any case we'll get."
"Is that supposed to make me feel better? You are off on a mission, maybe even getting hurt or worse, Rick, don't you see, she's not the only one that's important, I mean aren't we, I know we're divorced, but" she broke down crying,
"Hey, hey, this is one of the reasons I wanted to meet here, I don't want you to worry, Gina, I know you will, but you have to be strong for Alexis. I mean, I have everything I could ever want, everything money can buy, but I'm empty inside.
"Somedays I long for that young struggling writer who just met you and counted on your every word to save his chance at a career. YOU made me Richard Castle, I never would be where I am without you, and I do love you still, but Gina I've got to do this, I just have to. I don't expect you to understand, or agree, but if you love me, please help me take care of things here. Please?"
Gina went from a few tears to outright bawling, she cried hard for ten minutes, soaking the handkerchief Rick had politely handed her as he sat down and pulled her into his lap. He held her, just letting her get it out, he knew how it felt to have emotions blowing up inside trying to get out. He knew she would be upset, but he never thought it would be this bad.
She finally gained her composure, and looked into his eyes, "If I didn't love you so damn much, I would just kill you, as you kill me when you do stuff like this. I worry, I know, it's not my place, maybe I don't have the right, but I do. You want me to help, OK, BUT one condition, and this is not negotiable Rick"
He thinks what the hell could she want, fear coming across his face until she lightened the mood,
"Oh, don't look like that, I'm not going to force you to make love to me, I would love it, but I'm not going to force it. I will force you to tell Alexis the truth, I know she would hate me if she found out I knew and I kept something like this from her, and I want to be present when you do."
His face turns a shade of red she hasn't seen in a long time, she actually made him blush,
"Gina, I'll tell her, and you would never have to force me to do the other, but you'll never move on as long as you keep part of your past, especially something that intimate close to your heart. You deserve someone better, someone who loves as deeply as you do, I hope you find him, but Thank You, I don't know what I would do without you."
"I just hope I'm doing the right thing, Rick," she worried,
"Yeah, me too Gina,"
TBC