AN: So, here's the next chapter! Thanks for the follow, favorites, and reviews for this story. I really appreciate them!
Disclaimer: I don't own Castle.
Chapter 14
Once Officer O'Malley finishes taking Kate's statement, the teenager goes to the kitchen to get some coffee, the one thing Rick didn't give her during their time together.
"Hungry?" her mother asks, trailing on her heels.
"No, just wanted my coffee fix," Kate murmurs, staring at the mug in her hands.
"You said the man fed you," her mother states. "And gave you clothes, and toiletries."
"Yeah, seemed like a hotel," Kate jokes, sighing when a scowl forms on the older Beckett's face.
"He kept you locked in a room for three days," her mother says, shaking her head. "And you not knowing if he'd let you go." Kate feels her mother's stare at the side of head. "And yet, you don't know his name."
"He kept to himself," the young woman lies. "Only came to me when necessary." A small part of her knows this is wrong and that she should be honest with her parents, and the authorities, but she can't bring herself to.
"Three days is a long time, you didn't ever see his face?" her mother pushes.
Kate clenches her teeth as she pours the coffee for herself. She knows what her mother is trying to do, and she both admires and wants to strangle the woman for it.
"No, Mom, I didn't." She grips the handle of the mug tightly. "I'm sorry my answers don't fit what you want."
"I'm just trying to make sure you're safe." Her mother places a gentle hand on her shoulder and squeezes.
The brunette shrugs it off, turns around to glare, hazel locking with brown. "No, you want a crusade, that's what. You proved that much with this." She gestures to the stiches on her cheek. "You said no and I receive this as retaliation."
Her mother closes her eyes. "I'm sorry about that Katie, really I am. I thought I'd have enough time to get things together."
Of course you did, Kate thinks bitterly.
"Yeah, well, you didn't," the young woman grumbles, pushing past her mother.
She only hears a sigh from her mother as she leaves the kitchen and begins to head upstairs.
"Katie," her father calls and the teenager turns, pursing her lips.
"Dad, please-"
"I know you're angry, and I'm still a little mad at her too," he admits. "However, she just wanted to do the right thing."
"I know, I know. I'm just tired, I've had a long three days," she says quietly. "But give me a bit, okay?" He nods. "Thanks, now time to sit in my bed."
She trots up the stairs and enters her bedroom, scanning it and smiles. Despite what just occurred downstairs, she's glad to be home.
Placing the mug on the nightstand, she flops down on the bed, relishing in the feel of her own sheets, her own mattress. They've never felt so comfortable before, ever. Not that the ones Rick gave her were bad or anything, but just the stuff being hers makes a difference.
She sits up, grabbing the mug and taking a sip. Mmm, delicious.
Hopefully, Rick is just as safe as she is right now.
Rick scowls, glancing outside his car window. He hadn't wanted to do this. Really he hadn't. However, he can't think of another solution, one that keeps everyone he cares about safe.
Closing his eyes, he conjures up the best images he can. First is his mother, well and recovering, performing at one of her shows, her brilliant red hair covering her head. And then, Kate, smiling and laughing at something he's said. Another image of her with hands on her hips, giving him a look like she's caught him doing something mischievous. And finally, the feeling of her lips on his, the softness of them and the hint of fruit in the taste.
He smiles, holding onto the images as he exits the car and heads into the building, wading through the crowd of reporters loitering at the entrance, and approaches the desk inside the lobby.
"May I help you, Sir?" the woman in an officer's uniform, and probably in her later twenties, inquires.
"Yeah, I'm here to turn myself in," he states calmly.
"I'm sorry?" she asks, blinking.
"I'm Rick Rodgers and I'm here to turn myself for the kidnapping of one Katherine Beckett."
The woman's gaze shifts from confused to understanding in a moment.
"Um, okay, yeah, just give me a moment," she says, picking up the phone. "Just have a seat over there." One hand gestures to a small waiting room while the other dials numbers on the keypad.
Shrugging, he sits, glancing around. The place is bustling with cops on the early morning shift or some just getting off from the night shift. The building is its own little world, where crime is the fuel just as much as coffee is for New York City's finest.
He stares in to space, already knowing his plan once he's approached by the detective in the case. So, there's nothing to do but wait.
A few moments later, a man in plain clothes approaches Rick, a grim expression on his face.
"Mr. Rodgers?" he asks as Rick stands up.
"Yep, that's me."
"I'm Detective O'Malley, the head of the Katherine Beckett case. Please follow me." He gestures for Rick to come with him.
The detective guides him in to an interrogation room and motions for Rick to enter.
"Mr. Rodgers, do you understand what you're about to do?" O'Malley questions, concern in his tone.
Rick turns, looking him straight in eye. "Yes, I do. And before you ask, I waive my right to counsel. The only thing I want to do is help, that's it. I'm not looking for any deal, okay?"
The cop sighs. "Okay, I'm bringing in my partner." The man wanders away as Rick sits down at the table. He'd hoped he'd never end up on this side of the table. But now he does so, willingly.
Detective O'Malley enters a few moments later, a blonde woman trailing behind him.
"Mr. Rodgers, this is my partner, Detective Rosen. Shall we get started?"
Rick waves his hand to go ahead and the detective flips the recorder on, going through procedural introductions.
"Let the record show that the suspect has waived his right to have an attorney present." Detective O'Malley glances at Rick, unsure of what to make of the man. "So, Mr. Rodgers, will you please tell us why you kidnapped or allege to have Katherine Beckett?"
Taking a deep breath, Rick spins his tale, not leaving a single detail out. He watches the detectives' expressions morph from confusion, to disbelief, to relief and belief as the conversation goes on. They ask him a few questions, prodding when necessary or ask him to elaborate. He's careful to not move too much as he talks, not wanting to alarm the two people in front of him. When he finishes, he gazes at the detectives, his expression serene.
"That's quite a story, Mr. Rodgers," O'Malley states. "As you already know, we've apprehended Congressman Bracken and his other cohort. And your statement informs us of how you fit into a picture. If everything you told us checks out, you will be facing a long sentence."
"I know," he murmurs. "But I don't care. Check the address I gave you and you'll see everything's the way I left it."
"And the agency is another issue that will have to be dealt with," Rosen comments, tone skeptic.
"I know that's going to be harder, but I'll help out the best of my ability." Rick shrugs. "The only thing I want from this is for Kate and my mother to be protected."
"If things are as you say, then we'll ensure they are kept safe," O'Malley says before leaving the room.
Rosen glances at Rick, her eyes reflecting kindness. "You're doing a good thing, Mr. Rodgers."
"I know." His lips form into a thin line as the female detective leaves and shuts the door behind her.
God, he hopes this is worth it.