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
The pictures and headlines were like a smack in the face, there was the headline, "Where Is the Missing Muse?" Then the article went on to explain how Richard Castle was holding his annual Memorial Day cookout extravaganza, this year almost the entire 12th Precinct of the NYPD was attending, it even showed pictures of the limo bus and the crew boarding, all smiles.
"Richard Castle is rewarding the entire 12th precinct with a party of such for their help with his new book Heat Wave, being launched next week according to reliable sources. He even closed his bar and grill, The Old Haunt, to host a party in the city for the remaining Homicide Detectives and all patrol officers and their families on Saturday, at no cost to the attendees. This isn't unusual for Mr. Castle, but what is unusual, is reports have it that Detective Kate Beckett was not in attendance at either event, even though she was off duty.
Our sources indicate there has been a split between Mr. Castle and his muse, leaving us to wonder, is Nikki Heat and Heat Wave going to be a one-hit-wonder? Only time will tell."
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Chapter 8
Sunday, May 24th, 10:00 AM
Memorial Day Weekend
Beckett's Apartment
Kates POV
Kate had delayed it as long as she could, finally, she chided herself, write the damn letter, or put the journal away and take what you get. You're never going to get him to read anything you won't take the time to write.
She pulled out the yellow tablet, and a good writing pen, she knew this was going to take some time, so she made her a cup of tea, replacing the coffee that just didn't seem to taste as good the last few days. She began not by writing the letter but outlining the things she knew she had failed Rick or any friend in. As she began the list, she was surprised at just how quickly the page was almost full, and she had combined some shortcomings into others.
The one that stood out the most, was her one word, LIE in big bold block letters. She had lied to Rick, several small lies, but the doozy was that she had to work rather than just declining his invitation to the Hamptons. She knew that once Rick heard Tom spill the plans, it was over, his trust in her was gone, and frankly who could blame him. There was absolutely no reason to lie, she could have, hell she should have politely declined the invitation without comment, or with I have plans.
As she reviewed the list of topics, she decided to settle on three to attempt to start to earn his trust back, the lie, her treatment around him, including the schoolgirl necking, and for allowing others to speak to him without the respect he deserved, hell earned as her partner. She could tell by his body language, and tone of voice, there was no quick remedy to this mess, so she began to write from her heart.
"Dear Rick,
"I am writing to ask one favor, call it for old times sake, or for the one time, I really listened to your apology for looking into my Mom's case. Please remember how upset I was with you, but I did allow you the opportunity to talk to me, that's all I'm asking now is for you to read this letter. I know you are moving on to your next project, even though you know I don't want you to go if I have hurt you so badly that you can't stand the sight of me, I understand, and ask you to forgive me.
"I think the biggest hurt I caused was by lying to you, it was stupid and really hurtful as I reflect back on the times, I was lied to about personal relationships. I chose the High School method, trying to make you jealous so you would step up and declare some feelings for me, it was juvenile, hurtful, and really backfired when you told Deming he had an open lane, there was nothing going on between us except friends.
"That was a lie as well Rick, you knew, I knew it, neither of us brave enough to vocalize what we really meant, we have feelings for each other, or at least had. I know I still feel them for you, but the way I screwed things up, I know you are trying if you haven't already forgotten me.
"I know that I won't be able to get any information from anyone, especially your family, but know this Rick, I am worried about you. I have no idea what the next project you mentioned is, but I have a very bad, sick feeling, you're my partner, or were, but Rick please will you at least let me know you are alive and well? If you wanted to punish me for my poor behavior, you found the perfect weapon, your absence, and silence.
"I know you are laughing, provided you have made it this far in the letter, the man I constantly implored to be quiet, the man who silently sat next to me, providing me with a sense of security I have never felt before, is missed? Since when you are asking, well since the moment you walked away.
"I treated, and allowed others to do the same or worse, particularly a Detective who couldn't polish your shoes, and for that, I will always be sorry, there was, is, and never will be any excuse for that behavior, and I ask for your forgiveness.
"I know you have heard of the story about Deming and his return to the 54th to face sexual harassment charges, but you probably haven't heard was I broke up with him early the morning you left, I was hoping for one more chance. My timing was and continues to be more than awful since when you came out of Roy's office with only one coffee in your hand, I knew I had damaged you far more than I realized.
I was hoping to ask for another chance at the invitation to the Hamptons, but I found out that Alexis, Paula, and Gina had sent them out when I was with Tom and of course I was off the list. I know it wasn't you directly but Rick, it hurt, it really hurt to know I was the only one who was not invited to the Memorial Day party.
Yes, it was my fault, I lied to you, I can understand the hurt, even the anger, but it was humiliating to me Rick to have every one of my co-workers know that I didn't attend because I wasn't invited. It was nice of you to include those stuck here to attend the Old Haunt, but I couldn't bring myself to even go there. If Alexis and Paula wanted to see me cry, well they got their wish, I cried, a lot, and I do miss you, Rick.
I won't drag this on, I know you hate long letters than just repeat the facts, but Rick I want to say that for the hurt I felt, I forgive anyone who did it to me, intentionally or not, and I only ask that you consider forgiving me, I forgave you when you and the entire precinct thought I wouldn't. Would you please consider that I'm here Rick, I'll always be here so please call me if you need me?
I hope you find it in your heart to give me the chance to not only say it but to prove to my partner how important he is to me, please.
Take care of yourself, Rick, as I said, I have a very bad feeling and I'm worried about you, never forget, I do care about you, oh hell, I love you, there I said it. Please call me,
Always,
Kate
She addressed the letter to his Hamptons address, one she had pilfered off of Roz's invitation that happened to be left lying open on her desk, well, OK, her desk drawer but it was right on top, so no big deal. Once she transferred the letter to the stationary that she had purchased herself last year, nothing to guilt Rick, it would be easier to take rejection the least number of reminders she had, and his stationery gift for Christmas was just another reminder. She arranged for a courier delivery today, signature required, even though it cost 10 times what it would have on Tuesday since Monday was the actual holiday.
She turned and looked at the clock, WOW, that took a whole three hours, now she had to keep her self busy for 36 more. She flipped on the TV just for noise, and wound up on the music channels, playing one love song after another, God she couldn't catch a break anywhere. Finally, she decided to head back to the auto parts store and then replace the headlight on her bike. If she waited, she would either forget or blow it off, so she grabbed the keys and headed out the door, as slowly as she could. Tuesday couldn't come too soon for her.
Xx
Monday, May 25th, 8:47 AM
Memorial Day Weekend
Hampton's Beach House
Rick's POV
As scheduled, breakfast had been prepared for all of his guests starting at 6:00 AM, each guest ordered what they wanted and cooked to order. The table was filled with fruits and juices, cereals, you would think you were at a five-star hotel if you didn't know better.
The time had flown by and as Evelyn and Roy stood waiting to say goodbye, a tearful Roz and Ann Hastings finally let go of Rick and boarded the bus. Rick's face bore the different shades of lipsticks the ladies had used, but somehow, they all knew this was the end of things as they had known them. Rick had become a part of each of them, and now, he was, well would be gone.
"Rick, you don't need an invitation, the door is always open to you anytime, so if you reconsider just show up," Roy said as he gave him the Bro hug, clinging to his mounted fish, and pictures.
"Thanks, Roy, Bob told me Commissioner Boyle called him, wanted me to take my pick of CSI or any precinct I wanted, but I need to get away, too much has happened. I need to deal with it in my own way."
"I remember your way, just don't get your damn fool self-killed, you hear, I won't be there to save your ass this time," he leaned in and said so only Rick could hear.
"Will Do Captain, you take care of things at your house, stay safe" Roy stepped back as Evelyn could only get out the few words "thank you, and be safe" as she hugged him, then quickly stepped onto the bus, Roy behind her.
Rick, Gina, and Alexis watched as the limo bus rolled down the long driveway, Roz and Ann in the rear throwing kisses and forming heart signs with their hands until they turned onto the road.
"Well Rick, that was a hell of a party, I think everyone who came thoroughly enjoyed themselves"
"I'm sure they did Genes, that was the purpose, let them have some time away from the hell they deal with every day," Rick said looking out over the water,
"Well, Daddy, I think Uncle Roy might wind up sleeping with that fish if he doesn't pay more attention to Aunt Evelyn," as they laughed,
"It was the highlight of his trip that's for sure, I'm glad LT came, he is a really a riot once you get him relaxed.
"Well, Rick, Alexis and I will be heading back as well, you know how quickly traffic gets backed up, are you sure you want to do this," she turned his face to lock on his eyes,
He nodded just before she kissed him as if they were married, "That's to remind you, I love you, so don't be a hero, be safe and come home to us" tears forming in her eyes as she gathered her suitcase, and placed it in her car,
"Daddy, Mom is right, be safe. I know I told you I understand, and I do, but don't forget we all love you, and need you too, OK? Stay safe, Love You then she kissed him and turned to get into the car.
Gina hugged him once again, and then they were on their way, leaving Rick standing in the drive, watching the small dot get farther and farther away from him, God he hoped he was doing the right thing. He returned to his office as the staff completed the cleanup and within two hours, there wasn't a shred of evidence that anyone had been there.
Xx
Two Hours Later
Rick took out the secure cell phone, dialed a number, and waited.
"Hey Richard, how was the party, you ready to get to work now son?
"Hi Dad, it was good, I said goodbye to everyone so yeah I'm ready," Rick replied,
"Well not everyone Richard, you forgot Detective Beckett. You need to leave her on good terms as well son, take from me, you never know what's going to happen no matter how good our plan is. Just don't leave anything unsaid."
"I didn't Dad, I told her goodbye before I left the precinct, so whatever she's done for whatever reason, it's history, we're good as you always say." Rick lied,
"Yeah, well keep telling yourself that, you have a few weeks to make it true," Hunt replied,
"Speaking of that Dad, when is Sgt Garcia showing up?" How will I know he's here?" Rick asked,
"He's already there, been there since Friday, you don't have to worry, Raul will let you know the routine soon enough. Have you ever heard of natural substance bromelain? If not, you better get some delivered ASAP."
"What is it Dad, a muscle enhancer, or what?" Rick asked,
Jackson laughed, "No it's the best natural remedy for sore muscles, you're gonna need it when Raul starts your training, and Richard, he's not going light on you because you're my son, when you leave on a mission, you have others depending on you, so there's going to be days you hate him and want to kill him.
"Just know, your training might save your life, I know you, Bob and Roy got into some pretty ugly shit years ago, but it's worse now. You won't have the US Air Force to save your ass now. Pay attention and do what you're told," Jackson said, "Hey we're at our time, till next time" then Rick heard a click.
Rick had just walked over to the liquor cabinet to retrieve a fresh bottle of his favorite single malt when he heard a noise behind him, he turned and there stood a man, at least 65 years old, about 5 feet 6 inches tall, with an attitude that was twice his size.
"Put the hooch away Rogers, you'll only have to run more to burn the calories off if you don't," the voice said, never bothering to introduce himself, dressed in military fatigues, he really didn't have too.
"Sargent Garcia, I presume," Rick said as he placed the bottle back in the cabinet.
"You wind up dead by presuming things Rogers, not just a pretty pair of asses like the liberals in the city want you to believe. I'm here to get you in shape for a mission, looks like I have my work cut out for me. I know you think you're in shape, but trust me, you'll know soon just how bad you really are.
"By the way, I'm 67 years old, weight is 147, I've been associated with or served as a Navy seal for over 40 years, and yes, I know you and the other flyboys had some tough times a few years back, well whoopie doo. Do something to impress me today, because I see someone, I wouldn't take on a panty raid with me to the girl's college dorm." His voice remained calm and even, just as Rick's old training kicked into his inner ear, lose your temper, lose your life.
"Now that we've got the I'm a badass who is going to whip your ass in shape dialog completed, how about we get down to what you expect me to do, and discuss it like two men. I lived my entire life with men like you. Hell, when I met Jackson, I thought he was the devil himself, so if you want to intimidate me, Garcia, try something new."
Garcia started laughing, "Your dad said you had balls, not a lot of brains but balls. Well Rogers, enjoy your last evening of peace, no liquor and throw that heavy calorie leftover food away, we start tomorrow at 06:00 hours, 6:00 AM in case you forgot military time." Then he was gone, just as quick as he appeared.
Rick had just relaxed with a club soda on the Veranda, Fuck Garcia, he wasn't drinking because it was his choice, not because he had intimidated him when he heard knocking on the front door. He stepped through the living room and could see it was Walt, from the local courier service.
"Hey, Walt, what the hell you doing out here on Sunday before a holiday, why aren't you with the family enjoying a cookout?"
"I was Mr. Castle, but got a call, apparently this had to be delivered to you today, so the boss said to break away and get it out here. Please sign here" as Rick was fumbling in his wallet, and finally handed him a large denomination bill, as he signed,
"Thanks, Mr. Castle, sorry to have bothered you, enjoy the rest of your time here." And he was off,
Rick took one look at the envelope and knew the handwriting in a second, it was Beckett. He tossed it on the counter, one thing he didn't need was a bunch of whining and excuses, he was here to forget he ever knew her,
TBC