Shattered Lies

Chapter 12

Roy Montgomery's eyes are stern as he stares up at Kate from behind his desk. "You've brought a lot more work in here, Beckett. As I understand it, not only are we going to catch the homicides within the jurisdiction of the 12th but under your supervision, any that appear to be related to organized crime, in coordination with the FBI."

"Sir, I never asked for this. When Agent Murphy contacted me, it came as a complete surprise."

A twinkle creeps into Montgomery's eyes. "It shouldn't have. You've made quite a name for yourself, Kate, helping the Feds take down an entire crime family. No doubt Director Mullen can point to that accomplishment the next time he goes before the Oversight Committee. And there is another upside to this. The commissioner has increased our budget to cover the extra workload. We can take on extra hands when we need them. You could even request a new chair for Castle."

"I don't know about that sir. He's become rather attached to the old one."

"Can I assume he's not the only one who's become attached, and Evelyn can claim her prize."

Kate can feel the heat flowing to her face. "Will that be a problem, Sir?"

"Not if you don't make it one, Detective Beckett. And how is Castle? It may just be about the giant boxes of doughnuts he used to bring in, but folks around here are starting to miss him."

"I think he'll be back today, Sir. He said he had a meeting at Black Pawn, but he should be here soon."

"Great, his handwriting on the murder board is a lot neater than Esposito's."

"Yes, Sir, but I think almost anyone's would be."

Gina Cowell fingers a printout of Castle's manuscript. "Honestly, Rick, I didn't think you'd be able to bring Storm back, but this works. The influence of your new muse?"

"Is that a spark of green in your eyes, Gina?"

"The icy blonde shakes her head. Rick, I don't want you back any more than you want me back, my only concern is with your work. As long as you can churn it out, you can have a harem for all I care."

"I don't want a harem. I just want one partner who inspires me - in every way."

Gina shrugs and holds up the sheaf of paper. "From this - and that silly ass grin on your face - it looks like you've found one. I'm happy for you, Rick. Really."

"You're happy for Black Pawn's bottom line."

"That too," Gina admits. "So when can I expect your next Storm?"

"Wow! You don't quit, do you? If you want a novella, about a month, more or less, depending on what cases come up for Beckett. I still have to keep up my research for Nikki Heat."

"Right. Your research."

"I was going to say that if you want a full-length book, you should at least double the time, but now you can triple it. Don't push me, Gina. Shadowing Beckett has made me a better - and more profitable - writer than ever. And you know it."

"Fine, just as long as you remember the penalty clauses in your contracts."

"As often as you remind me of them, I'm not about to forget."

Kate looks up as Castle hands her a coffee and drops heavily into his accustomed, if slightly worse for wear, seat next to her desk. "You OK, Rick?"

"Fine. I've just been reminded of how annoying a publisher can be, or at least one particular publisher."

"Gina. Alexis told me. Honey on your eyeballs and fire ants."

Castle shudders. "I don't think she meant it. It would be difficult for me to give readings with insect-chewed corneas, but the woman can be demanding."

"Have you considered another publisher? With the sales you generate, I'm sure any of the major houses would welcome you with open arms."

"They've made overtures. But to tell you the truth Kate, I have affection for Black Pawn. And I'm grateful to the firm. They took a chance on a college kid when twenty other publishers wouldn't."

"Which paid off for them."

"True. But I had other wranglers before Gina, and I'll have others after her. She is hungry and ambitious. She'll move on and up as soon as she gets the chance. I can wait her out, especially if I do it with you. So, do we have any nice juicy homicides?"

"Could be. There was a body found in Brooklyn who might have been a victim of a member of the Bratva."

"The Russian Mafia?"

"Um-hm. Murphy and I agreed that Clark Murray should examine it, and if he determines that it matches up with the Bratva signature, it will be my case. Murray said he'd have something anytime now."

Kate's cell buzzes on cue.

"Dr. Death?" Castle inquires.

Kate nods as she accepts the call and thumbs the speaker icon. Murray's voice is instantly recognizable, even when he isn't singing opera. "The FBI called this one, Beckett. The victim was killed with a Kizlyar Supreme. And there was black tea in his stomach, Swee-Touch-Nee, a favorite with the Russian crowd. There were remains of blinis and caviar, too. Apparently, the corpse had an expensive snack before he died. There were no defensive wounds on the body. Looks like he knew his killer. He had a tattoo characteristic of the Bratva. It appears it may have been a falling-out among thieves."

Castle grins, rubbing his hands together. "A fatal disagreement within the Russian mob. This is getting good! I can't wait to get on the trail."

"Don't let it get too good, Rick," Murray cautions. "If the killer goes after you with a Kizlyar, the surgeons at Bellevue may not be able to sew you back together again. Be careful. You too, Detective Beckett."

Kate lifts the phone closer to her lips. "Thanks, Dr. Murray. I'll keep that in mind."

Castle wiggles his eyebrows. "So, are we going to Brooklyn?"

"Da."

"Your Russian may come in handy. Going to masquerade as a Russian, um, companion again?"

"No, Castle. I thought I'd just play it cool and listen for a while. We just need to find a tea room in Brooklyn that serves blini and caviar."

Castle pulls out his own phone and makes a verbal query. "Brighten Beach Ave. It figures. Right in the heart of little Russia. If you're feeling adventurous, we could take the BMT."

"Adventurous is the one thing Dr. Murray warned us not to be. I'll drive Castle." Rick grimaces. "What's wrong?"

"There's a spring in the passenger seat of your unit that hits me just where … I was hoping that with your new position you'd get a better vehicle, tricked out with all the FBI toys."

"We could stop and get you a pillow," Kate offers. "I think there's a big box store on the way."

Rick shudders. "No thanks. If the boys see me using one I'll never be able to live it down. Maybe I'll just sit in the back. That way I can whisper sweet nothings in your ear, or better yet, nibble on it."

"Castle, if you do that, we may never make it to Brooklyn."

"But we'd really enjoy the ride."

Kate touches a fingertip to his lips. "We can enjoy the ride when we go back to the loft."

"Promise?"

"Detective's honor."