Another Auld Lang Syne Chapter 6, a castle fanfic

Another Auld Lang Syne

by Castlefan6

Authors Note: Based loosely on the song Same Auld Lang Syne by Dan Fogelberg and incorporates scenes from Food to Die For. Beckett meets Brent Edwards at her HS Reunion, delaying Caskett if not derailing it completely. Also, we may take liberties with the events and timeline from Canon and use events to make this a more believable fiction, Warning THIS IS AU, with only brief flashes of Canon.

I don't own Castle; I use the characters for amusement purposes only, except the ones I create.

Previously

"What do you want to do Rick, I mean you have options, she is aware of the carnage she left, that's apparent with her statement of, "any arrangement that would suit him I will welcome". Do you still want to award the scholarship, I know her denying you authority to do that really was the most hurtful to you? The two don't have to be linked if Kate approves of it, you could still do that, and keep the emotional or physical distance from her, if that's what you want. Gina's eyes told him how much love she felt for him and she would back him no matter what he chose

"Yeah, that makes sense, so that's option one, what other options do you see Gina?" Rick asked sincerely,

"Well, she's requested 15 minutes to apologize, from my perspective, you can't hold her accountable for something she had no knowledge, but that's up to you, I mean three years is a long time Rick, but you were the one that told me it's never too late to make things right," She moved to his lap and put her arms around his neck. "I know what you're thinking, so let me stop you there, "

************************************************************************************/

Chapter 6

San Clemente, California

Via Escorial Drive

Casa Castle Estate

Next Morning

Rick refilled his coffee, thinking of what Gina had said before she left. Thinking back to the previous evening, it had been a while for them both but God she was just as good or better in bed than she ever had been. The peace of mind that came with their new arrangement, was like their entire relationship, free of the baggage of titles or expectations other than the truth, and love to and for each other.

He knew she had not been with anyone since her husband was killed, and Maddie's last stand as he came to describe the weekend prior to her departure had been his last. Gina knew him, better than anyone, almost like she could read his mind, and well, if things never changed, he could be happy with things just the way they were. He knew Gina would want to know what he had done to relieve Kate's request, so he placed a call to his attorney.

"Hey, Rick, how are you doing," Walt's voice boomed out,

"Not that I don't think I'm special, but how many have this private number of yours Walt, how did you know it was me?" Rick asked in amusement,

"Only one person has this number, you Rick, so how can I help you, I trust this is in regard to the Beckett letter." Walt cut right to business, Rick was his most valuable client, but he did have calls on hold.

"Yeah, well part one anyway, I think we can address the scholarship issue, let's resurrect what we had originally offered and double the amount of award, and the number of recipients per year. The award amount should be 25,000 Dollars now and awarded to 20 students per calendar year. We'll need to get Beckett's approval BEFORE we revisit anything with the Dean. I don't want to be embarrassed like that ever again." Rick replied,

"Rick, that's very generous of you, but are you sure, I mean, this is a re-occurring scholarship for a minimum of twenty years, so $500K per year for that length of time,"

Rick laughed, and cut his attorney off, "Walt, I have a calculator, even if I can't do the math, it can and yes I'm sure, thanks for looking out for me."

"That's my job, although I must say it's been a lot easier since you gave up your days as a nude horse thief," as they both laughed,

"Well, what can I say, heartbreak from a broken relationship and a gallon of cheap wine would make anyone do stupid things, just glad it's not recorded anywhere else but the police records." Rick kidded,

"Yeah, she really did a number on you back then, have you ever heard how she's doing?" Walt asked, forgetting all the calls on hold,

"You didn't hear of that Walt? I thought for sure you would have, she got married in New York, and one of her bridesmaids was murdered by her husband's uncle who had been stealing from his trust fund. Beckett and I worked that case, even then it was uncomfortable, but she's happy, that's what counts" Rick replied with no sadness in his voice,

"I never hear of that, how did Beckett react to your ex-girlfriend, hell almost fiancé, showing up," Walt asked,

"Well, she had questions, some I answered some I left between Kyra and me. We did attend the re-scheduled wedding together, and she actually caught the bouquet, hey maybe that explains why she married Edwards so quickly, I had forgotten about that." Rick laughed,

"You and your damn universe, oh well, let me get on this, I'll contact Beckett and keep you apprised of our progress. Not pushing Rick, but what is she asks if you are going to contact her, what should I say?" Walt asked cautiously,

"Yeah, knowing Beckett she'll push, she must know when for everything, truthfully Walt, I'm not sure I really want to talk to her or not yet. I mean I'm not angry at her, nor do I hold anything her ex-spouse did against her, but I'm not sure I want to go back to that time in my life and re-visit it, still thinking about that.

"Tell her I'm thinking about what the best way would be for her and me both, and I'll let her know when I reach a decision. Tell her also to stop bugging Lanie for my phone number, I changed it already just in case and I'll reach out when the time is right. Please use this quote, she'll get the message, "that's why they call private life private, I no longer live my life on page six."

"Got it, Rick, well I have work to do, I'll be in touch, talk soon" as he hung up.

Same Time Frame

NYPD 12th Precinct

Captain Beckett's Office

Less than an hour later, Walt, had all the paperwork prepared, and now needed some documents signed and notarized from Beckett to move forward on Rick's gift. He had promised to call her, so he pulled up her contact information, and dialed her office number.

"Captain Beckett, speaking" came the crisp business-like reply,

"Captain Beckett, this is Walt Austin, you contacted me last week about my client Richard Castle. Do you have some time you can talk now, or please let me know when would be convenient for you." He was all business which Kate knew most attorneys were, but still, it made her leery of her outcome with Rick.

"I have time, now if you can give me a moment to close my office please" she replied,

"Of course, I'll hold," Austin said

Kate drew her blinds, locked her door, and returned to her desk, privacy was one perk of her new rank,

"Thanks for waiting Mr. Austin, I'm back now" she replied,

"It was no problem, and please call me Walt, we will be working together on the project we might as well be as informal as possible" he began,

"You mean you heard back from Rick, what did he say? Did he leave you a phone number I could call him at? Did he tell you when he would talk to me?"

"Easy Kate, easy, we have a lot to talk about but unfortunately Rick is not ready to speak to you, at least yet. Let's get to what we can talk about today. First the good news, I had a discussion with him this morning and he wants to put the scholarship back in play, BUT he wants he all set up and funded, all of your paperwork completed, witnessed, and notarized before he'll speak to the Dean again.

"It was quite embarrassing to him, and he took it very personally when he had to withdraw the original offer. He realizes it wasn't your doing, BUT he won't act until your part of the process is completed." Walt said assuming control of the conversation,

Kate flushed with embarrassment, and anger at the scum bag ex-husband of hers, if she were able, she truly thought she would shoot him and Maddie both for the hurt they caused.

"Of course, I understand Walt, and again in your conversations with Rick, PLEASE express my deepest apologies to all who worked so hard, I'm embarrassed, and angered that as a cop, I was so naïve to allow something like this to happen." She replied, trying to hide the anger at her past, and hurt that Rick wasn't ready to talk.

"How much did you know about the details of the last effort Kate?" Walk asked, moving away from the Rick conversation quickly,

"Actually, not much, just the fact he wanted to honor my Mom with the scholarships, not much more after I found out the deceit the ex-spouse pulled off"

"Well, originally, Rick had gifted annual scholarships of $12,500 for 10 students for ten years, he has been quite successful of late, so he wanted to share the earnings with those of the 12th precinct. I had quite a discussion with him and his financial advisor this morning, so he has doubled that original offer.

"Once the paperwork is completed, Rick will fund scholarships for twenty students for twenty years in the amount of $25,000. I might add that this figure is his guaranteed amount, he is hoping the financial managers of the scholarships invest the money wisely so that the interest and earnings will continue to fund the program long after his guaranteed period." As Walt had been speaking Kate was doing all she could to hold back tears and hold on to the phone.

"Kate, are you there, are you OK?" Walt asked after a long period of silence.

"I'm here, I'm just overwhelmed at the generosity of him, both originally and even more today, my heavens that's more money than anyone has ever donated to Mom's alma matter." She tried to hold back the tears,

"Well, he's very generous to a number of causes, he especially wanted those who he worked with at the 12th to be rewarded for their kindness that allowed the books, movies, and merchandise to ever be created." Walt was trying to calm her with his voice,

"Still, I mean, God, please tell him thank you from me, my Dad and all of Mom's colleagues and friends. This will mean the world to them. He was always generous, even to those of us who didn't treat him in the manner he should have been. Please if you can pass along that apology as well. Walt, did he say anything about calling or speaking to me?" Kate had tears in her voice,

"Well, I wasn't going to bring this up unless you did, but yes Kate, he actually did." Walt paused, trying to find the right words perhaps to cushion, but Kate pushed him,

"Well, what did he say, Walt, please good or bad I need to hear it."

"Well Kate, I recorded it so I wouldn't screw it up, so hold on a moment," she heard some noise then a click and Walt returned on the line, "are you ready and are you sure you really want to hear this Kate?"

"Walt, please play the damn tape," she said a little more harshly than she had intended,

"OK, but remember you asked to hear this," she waited for a few seconds then she heard his voice for the first time in three years, it was almost like heaven until she listened to the words he said.

Walt paused, he could hear tears and sniffles from the other end, "Let me know when you're ready to continue Kate, and remember, that wasn't meant to hurt you, I'm sorry if it did."

"No Walt, it wasn't you, it was the words, I used them to throw at Rick, often in not such a kind fashion, and he knew I asked Lanie for his number, making him change it again. That tells me he doesn't want to talk to me, and well I deserve it, but it still hurts." Tears were heard in her voice,

"Well, Kate, this is not in my wheelhouse, Rick is my client and he asked to do something, you should be receiving a package via courier, I need you to follow the directions on each form, and please be sure, you sign each in front of a Notary where it is required." He just finished speaking when Kate heard a knock on her door, she knew none of her detectives would ever do that, so when she peered through the blinds, she saw the courier already outside her door.

"Walt, the courier is here so I'll call you back when I have the forms completed and ready to send for instructions," thanks for your patience and kindness, I'll speak to you soon.

She disconnected the call, walked to her office door to see a young man almost shaking with fear, as she said,

"Thanks for waiting, where do I sign" he smiled and then left as soon as she handed him his tip.

The packet had to be at least 3 inches thick, was it this hard to set up a scholarship? She placed the envelope in the drawer where she locked her purse, away from curious eyes. After opening the blinds and unlocking her door she could almost predict how long it would take the boys to check on her. Less than 4 minutes Espo knocked gently,

"Kate, everything OK, your eyes are red like you've been crying. Is there anything we can do for you?" He said gently, real concern in his voice

"Thanks, Espo, but no, it's something personal, I appreciate your concern. I need to talk to Lanie, and please don't ask her for details, not that she would give them up anyway, but she will get pissed at you if you do, OK?"

He shot her a half-grin, "sure thing Cap"

She made her way down to the morgue, where she saw her friend in her office dictating, she waited patiently until she removed her headset, then knocked on the door.

Lanie looked up and waved her in,

"You OK Kate, you don't look so good, have you been crying?" she asked as she rushed over and pulled her into a hug.

"I'm OK, well I could be better in some ways, and in others, I am so very blessed, so I guess it's mixed," she said trying to keep the tears in her eyes from falling

"Only one person can make you feel this much passion, spill it, what's going on with Rick? Did you talk to him?" She asked with false bravado,

"Well, not to him but his attorney, Lanie did you know about the scholarship that Rick tried to set up in honor of my mother, it's OK, I'm not mad at you, just the asshole I married. The SOB blocked Rick's efforts to do something so sweet for me, when he was giving everyone else Nikki Heat gifts, I just thought he was so hurt and pissed at me he wouldn't give me the time of day."

Lanie looked at her with eyes so sad, "Kate, do you remember when we all went out for drinks when you got back from your honeymoon, I tried to say something, but you said and I quote, ' Lanie why the hell are you bringing up Castle, I'm married to my one and done and I really don't give a damn what that 9-year-old on a sugar rush does, not my problem anymore now that he's gone'

"I'm sorry sweetie but you asked, and ask Roz if you doubt me, she was as shocked as I was." Lanie saw the head go down and knew her friend was crying, but some things need to be said.

"I remember going out, but I don't remember talking about Cas, eh Rick, I mean why would I, as a newlywed."

"I was telling you about how generous Rick had been, and you blew me off, even Roz tried to tell you, she needed a car, and she got home that day and the model and make she wanted was in her drive with a big bow, all it said was from your secret admirer, Love You.

Kate the car cost almost 60K, and he gave it to Roz, with who he what worked maybe one, two cases max? Why? The nine-year-old on the sugar rush as you described wanted to make life better for all of those who helped him make a fortune from Nikki Heat. We couldn't get you to talk about anything or anyone but Brent, so if you recall the evening didn't last long. I'm sorry but you asked."

"You're right Lanie, talk about being a fool, and being played for one, I was the classic ass wasn't I.," she said sadly,

"No, you were a woman in love hoping that it would take the pain of losing your Mom away, you got caught up in the moment, hell any of us could have," Lanie said in such a quiet and calming voice

"Well I know I asked you for Rick's number, I just wanted to tell you I won't do that again, his lawyer knew about it and he had his number changed to keep me from contacting him, I'm sorry I lost your connection to him for you."

Lanie looked over and said in an almost inaudible tone, "Don't worry Kate, you didn't."

Kate merely nodded realizing what her friend had just told her, she still was talking to Rick,

"Well the lawyer had a packet of forms delivered, Rick is going to fund a scholarship in honor of my Mom after all, and Lanie, he doubled what he originally was going to do, 20 students for 20 years each one receiving $25K a year, my God Lanie, that is unheard of, I mean $500K a year, and get this, he's pre-paying it so the college can use the money to invest to keep the scholarship going past his guarantee of 20 years," Kate explained as Lanie almost fainted,

"Kate, that's got to give you a clue how he feels about you, I mean no man would put that much out on someone who they didn't care about." Lanie tried to encourage her,

"Well, I thought so too, but when I asked Walt, his attorney when he thought Rick would be able to speak to me, he just played a tape of Rick's conversation with him, Lanie he used one of my own fucking quotes I didn't remember. Something about private life being private and he no longer lived his life on page six,

"He did say he wasn't angry at me or hold me responsible for Brent's actions, but he was still trying to figure how the best next steps for us both, also for me to stop bugging you for his number and he would let Walt know if and when he was ready to re-visit that part of his life."

"So, what's next Kate, where do you go from here?" Lanie asked,

"Home to start filling out the forms, God I'm still in shock, the only thing that would make this better would be if," she stopped mid-sentence, looking out over the tables, "Never mind, that's never going to happen so might as well kill that pipe dream right now. Thanks, Lanie, I'll see you tomorrow, I have a ton of forms to fill out,

"Good Night, "

Lanie watched her friend make her way back to the elevator bay, thinking to herself, "Oh Kate why did it take you so long to see what everyone else saw years ago,"

TBC