AN: So, here's the next chapter! Thanks for all the follows, favorites, and reviews for this story. I really appreciate them!

Disclaimer: I don't own Castle.

Chapter 18

Rick sits behind the Defense's desk, his lawyer beside him.

"I talked to the ADA earlier," Angela murmurs. "She said they would take your offer into consideration."

He nods, not wanting to get his hopes up. He's glad that Ms. Lucrani is at least making a good faith effort to help him out, even if it winds up being for naught.

A moment later, another woman walks in and occupies the desk across from him. He takes a moment to examine her, noting the navy suit and stiff posture that screams power, along with flowing black hair and sharp facial features. She doesn't even bother to glance at either of them as she flips through the notepad in front of her.

"Mary Stevenson," his attorney explains. "Known to be tough on criminals, particularly those dealing with minors and young women." Shit. "Guess they want to pull out the big guns for this case."

"But I want to plead guilty," he protests quietly.

"It's more about perception." She shrugs. "Bring in the one who would be the most sympathetic to the victim and her family."

Rick holds back a groan. While he hopes that Kate gets someone who will fight for her tooth and nail, the more selfish, smaller part of him wishes that he doesn't get into more trouble in the process. God only knows what will happen then.

The bailiff instructs everyone to rise and the judge, a much older man with salt and pepper hair and brown eyes, enters. The nameplate on the bench read Hon. Raymond Davis. The judge examines both parties carefully before speaking,

"ADA Stevenson, you can go first."

The woman stands, back straight, full of confidence as she starts, "Your Honor, the New York County District Attorney's Office is looking to sentence Mr. Richard Rodgers to fifteen years in prison without parole. The DA's office feels that since the Defendant committed the actual act of kidnapping in this instance, he should be treated not too differently from the two other men involved with this case."

Davis glances at Angela, indicating for her to speak.

"Your Honor, my client is willing to plead guilty to all charges and help the DA office by testifying against the other two men. He is also willing to aid the NYPD with investigating the agency my client works for."

"Is this true?" the judge asks Rick.

Rick stands, trying to keep his legs steady as he talks, "Yes, your Honor. I'm willing to do anything to help law enforcement put these men behind bars. I understand my part in this and I own up to it and everything else I've done in the past. I just ask that the ADA take my plea into consideration when determining my sentence." He keeps his voice even, tone never wavering and never taking his eyes off the judge.

"Counselor Stevenson?"

Stevenson nods. "The DA's office is willing to lessen the Defendant's sentence from fifteen to ten years in prison without parole so long as he maintains his promise to plead guilty and testify in court."

"Okay, then," the judge sighs. Davis then goes onto ask Rick an array of mandatory questions regarding his mental status and other things before allowing the younger man to plead guilty.

"And finally, how do you plead to the charges brought against you today in this court?"

"Guilty, Your Honor."

Davis nods. "Then, so as long as you maintain your deal, I will agree to the DA's recommendation of ten years without parole for conspiracy to and execution of kidnapping and imprisonment." The judge then bangs his gavel, the sound echoing in the room. "This session is adjourned."

The brunette feels the breath leave his lungs and closes his eyes. So, this is it.

"I'll draw up the paperwork and have it delivered by tomorrow morning," he hears Stevenson state as she packs up her things. "I hope you keep your word, Mr. Rodgers."

He stares at her, pursing his lips. "Don't worry, I will." She simply nods before walking out of the courtroom.

"I'll talk to you tomorrow about what to expect, okay?" Angela says, shooting him a sympathetic glance as handcuffs are placed on him.

"Got it," he mutters before an officer escorts him out.

Looks like it's going to be just one of many long nights in his cell.

"He's pleading guilty."

The words come out of her mother's mouth with ease and Kate can sense the relief in the elder Beckett's voice. She shouldn't be surprised, not really. Rick had been pretty determined to see this through when she saw him in the interrogation room.

The young woman had barely slept a wink the night prior, partly due to her thoughts turning to Rick every so often and as well as nightmares from what occurred in the basement. All she could see was blood, her blood. The combination of the two had her tossing and turning all night.

Now, hearing the statement from her mother has her heart sinking, but she tries not to let it show.

"So, what happens next?" Kate questions. While she may be privy to a lot of legal jargon, she still doesn't know the whole process.

"For him? Not much that would concern us. He'll testify at the trial for the other two men, but that's about it." Sighing, Johanna walks to her daughter and sits next to her on the couch. "This is a good thing, Katie."

"I know," Kate grumbles. "But that doesn't mean I like it."

"Hopefully, his testimony will put Bracken away for good." Her mother gazes at the floor, lips set in a thin line. "Diane said the police called her. Apparently, when the police raided Bracken's place they found evidence of other hits he planned to have ordered on both her and Jennifer."

"Why?"

"It's part of the Pulgatti case we've been working on." The older Beckett groans, rubbing her fingers to her temple. "We knew this case was huge and that it involved a lot of players, but I've come to realize we didn't know how big."

"Even with the threats?" her daughter quizzes.

Johanna shrugs, slight amusement in her eyes. "We always receive threats one way or another. Admittedly, these ones were a bit more serious this time around, but we thought it was just bluster."

"Rick told me the alternative to kidnapping me was having you killed." Kate swallows. "He didn't want to do it and he thought he could keep me safe."

Her mother glances at her, blue locking with hazel. "I understand I went about this in the worst way possible. I thought we could get this done soon, but obviously I was wrong, so very wrong." Taking Kate's hands into hers, she continues, "And for that, I'm sorry. Sorry for being careless, sorry for not keeping you and your father in the loop, and I'm sorry that my actions caused you harm. That is one thing I never wanted to come from my work." She lays a hand on her daughter's unscarred cheek. "I'm not asking you to forgive me for what happened to you. But I just hope you know that your life does come before the job, even though I didn't act that way the past few days."

Biting her lip, the younger Beckett blinks back tears. "I know you have a drive for justice, I look up to you because of that. It's something I admire about you, Mom." Her lips lift a little. "Just, please be more careful, okay?"

"Okay."

Johanna pulls her daughter into her embrace, brushing her lips against Kate's hair. They know not everything is fixed, far from it. However, it's a start.

Letting go, Kate examines the matriarch and inquires, "Is it okay if I go for a walk? I promise to be careful."

"I don't know..." Her mother's eyes fill with concern.

"I won't be gone long. Just to get some fresh air. Please?" The teenager puts on her best smile, fluttering her eyelashes. "If you want someone to escort me there, that's fine." She recalls that one of the unmarked police cars is parked outside for their safety.

"That'll work."

As Kate prepares to leave, Johanna talks to one of the officers, who happily agrees to ride alongside the young woman. With that, the young brunette walks along the sidewalk, the car following close behind.

She tries to empty her mind a bit during the walk, only looking through shop windows and apartments as she travels. She pays little mind to the officer, hoping to forget he's there. However, soon she arrives at her desired destination and hopes that the cop lets her go.

"I'll be a while, probably, but I'll try it make it quick," she says.

"I think I should go in with you," the officer, named Jones, states. Getting out of the car, he stands next to her. He was good foot on her and his shirt outlines his muscle.

"Okay, fine, but can we please keep this between us?"

"Depends on what it is," he says simply before gesturing her to enter the building.

She nods in affirmation before walking into the lobby, the sterile smell hitting her nose the minute they enter. She walks to the elevator, enters, and hits the button for the fifth floor. When they arrive, they walk to the nurses' station and Kate smiles politely at the nurse on duty.

"Hi, I was wondering what room Martha Rodgers is in?"

The woman's brown eyes scan the young woman, and she raises an eyebrow. "Ms. Rodgers has had a rough morning. I don't know if she'll see anyone."

"Can I at least try?"

The woman sighs. "Her room is the last one down the hall. However, if she wants you to leave, you leave. That poor woman doesn't need any more stress than she already has today."

"Of course."

As her and the officer walk down the hall, Jones begins to talk,

"Rodgers? You don't mean..." he trails off, disapproval in his tone.

Kate turns around, scowling at the judgment in the man's eyes. "Like I said, I want to keep this between us. Okay?" The man eyes her warily before acquiescing.

Knocking on the door, it occurs to Kate that maybe she should've brought something with her. Flowers, perhaps? Or would it have been too weird? Oh well.

"Come in," a voice calls from inside.

Kate enters slowly, examining the room as she does so. It's a regular hospital room, no frills or anything. The only real thing of color is the bouquet of flowers sitting in a vase on the table next to the bed.

"Are you Martha Rodgers?" the teenager inquires, gazing at the woman.

The woman turns her head and right away, Kate notes her eyes, the same shade of blue as her son's.

"Yes, I am," the woman remarks, sitting up in bed. "And you would be?"

"Kate. Kate Beckett." She has to stop herself from looking sheepish.

"Beckett?" Martha's eyes widen. "You're the girl that went missing. The one that has to do with the senator, the one that my son-"

"Yes, the one that your son took." The words feel sour in her mouth, but she figures frankness would work best here.

Disappointment fills the woman's face and she shakes her head. "If you've come to accuse me of a raising him wrong, you can save your breath. I've been doing that all morning."

"That's actually not why I'm here." She steps further into the room, giving the woman a timid smile. "Is it okay if I sit?"

Martha blinks in surprise. "Um, sure."

The brunette sits, keeping her gaze on the matriarch. "I came to just talk with you." The older woman's expression indicates she would be raising her eyebrows, if she had any. "Rick told me a little bit about you." He had discussed his mother a little bit more over dinner. "He really loves you, you know."

"I know." Martha frowns. "I just-did he hurt you?" Anguish shines in her eyes, pleading with Kate.

The teenager shakes her head vigorously. "No, he never laid a hand on me."

"Your cheek-"

"Not from him," the girl cuts her off quickly. "It's from the other two that were involved with everything." She can sense the woman's body relax a little as she absorbs the information. "While what Rick did wasn't good, far from it, but he isn't a monster. Not by a long shot." Deciding to get everything out, she continues, "He tried to help me, he took me home. I guess I'm here because I just want to ensure that you know the real story, despite whatever Bracken or the reporters might say. He's a good man. Yes, he's done some not so great things." Both women snort at that. "But his heart is in the right place."

Martha stays quiet for a few minutes, clearing trying to think of what to say. Finally, she gazes at Kate, gratitude in her eyes. "Thank you. At least I know I didn't completely mess up as a mother." She chuckles. "But, it will take some time for me to forgive him, or at least get over my disappointment."

"Of course." Looking at the clock over the door, Kate sighs. "I better get going. I told my mom I wasn't going to be long." She rises, smiling at the matriarch. The woman looks lively, despite the current state of her health. "It was good to meet you, Martha. I wish the circumstances were better."

"As do I."

The teenager places her hand on top of the older Rodgers's hand and gives it a comforting squeeze. She leaves the room, and Officer Jones is at her side again.

"Poor lady," he mutters as they walk to the elevator.

"Yeah, it is sad," Kate murmurs. Shaking her head, she turns to him. "Keep this between us, please?"

"You didn't discuss anything I didn't already know, so I don't see a problem with it." He tosses her a wink as he opens the door for her.

"Time to go home."

And time to get some normalcy back into her life.