If Only
by Castlefan6
Authors Note: Thisis my AU version of an alternate ending to Love and Die in LA. Some Angst, some canon but mostly AU. All things are the same till the Gantz ending, Previously notes courtesy of Dust Jackets dot com.
I don't own Castle, I use the characters for amusement purposes only
Chapter 2
Previously
He thought he was on to something a few nights ago in his suite, but as always, she broke a tender moment between the two of them and made her exit. Get a grip Rick, you've been dumped before, hell she isn't even dumping you since you can't end what never started.
He really hadn't thought out where he was going so, he couldn't tell Beckett, but at least she could rest easy now, Royce had been avenged through the justice system. Her jet pushed back and as he watched it taxi out of sight, then on the long runway and then she was gone, in flight back to New York and all that her life considered important, he was sure he didn't fit that bill.
*********************************************************************************/
JFK Airport
6 Hours Later, Same Day
Kate was awakened by the jolt of the wheels touching the pavement as the Boeing 757 sped down the runway. She typically didn't sleep on flights, but Rick had made sure her ticket was first class, and the comfortable and spacious seats allowed her to relax. After the whirlwind of a week they had, she needed sleep more than any alcohol the airline offered.
First Class also meant she was first off of the plane and since she only had a carryon, she was out the door and in a cab by the time she would normally just be getting to the front of the plane. Rick had always been thoughtful, wait was that it, was she taking all these little, well sometimes big gestures for granted? Had she taken him for granted?
She made a mental note to send him a text or call him when she got to her apartment to Thank him, not only for upgrading her, but also for all of his help in bringing Royce's killer to justice. She clung to the letter from Mike and read it completely twice before the cab arrived at her apartment. Did Mike see or know something she didn't?
Just as she entered her apartment, and set her keys, gun and phone down, the phone rang with Captain Montgomery's ring tone. Oh well, better to face the music and get it over with, she knew he was pissed, more so than she had ever seen or heard him when he was speaking to LAPD.
"Hi Captain, I just walked in my door from LA, and was going to call you as soon as I was settled,"
"Beckett, be in my office at 7:00 AM Sharp tomorrow, and bring your Union Rep, and that writer of a partner with you, friend of the mayor or not, this has gone far enough."
"Sir, there's a problem, I can be at the meeting, and I'm ready to face whatever punishment you may have for me, but Sir, Castle's not in New York, in fact I don't know where he is. He put me on the flight, and last minute said he had to change plans, something to do with business meetings, but that was bullshit, so I don't know what the hell is going on with him."
"WHAT, What the Hell do you mean you don't know where he is, Kate he's your partner. He put his ass on the line and was willing to go to jail for you to solve your TO's murder, a man he knew you loved, even though it hurt him to do so he did it."
"What do you mean Sir, it hurt him to do so, I never did anything to Castle"
"Well maybe if you had shown him one ounce of thanks, or just a little more friendship or been honest that you could never love him he wouldn't be were he is, which only God knows now. Kate for a Detective you are a Blind Fool, Castle is in love with you and has been since the Dunn case as far as I can tell, you can't tell me you had no idea?"
"WHAT? Sir, I swear to you, I thought yeah he was coming on to me, to get me in his bed, but no sir, I think you're wrong, I think he just wants the conquest, and once that is finished he'd be done with me"
"Yeah, just like Sorenson, Demming and the other host of guys including Alex Conrad you paraded in front of the poor schmuck, never mind Kate, he's better off finding someone who will appreciate him, get your Ass in here tomorrow on time," Click and the line is dead, as Kate sits looking at it wondering, was the Captain correct?
She's sitting in the dark, looking at her phone 4 hours later after doing laundry and unpacking from LA, where she found one of those damn robes that Rick had tried to bribe the LA Detective Segal with. Inside the robe was a note,
"Kate, don't worry I didn't steal this I purchased it for you for those cold nights when your living room is boiling and your bedroom is freezing, not that I would know, just taking your word to others, Enjoy
Rc"
The man bought her a robe, not just any robe but one with memories of their time together in LA when he could have been anywhere but by her side. He did listen, she had complained to Hastings a few months ago about the heat in her apartment, but she didn't think he even heard, he was busy on his phone.
Well desperate times called for desperate measures. She had thought about calling Lanie, but she would probably be interrupting Javi's time with her, so she dialed a number she would rather go 10 rounds with Amanda Nunes that speak to,
"Hi Detective Beckett, how was Los Angeles?" Alexis was polite,
"Well we didn't go out there for a vacation, but your Dad helped a lot and we caught Royce's killer, he has to stand some Federal Charges there, then they will extradite him to New York for Capital Murder Charge."
"I'm sorry about your friend, I heard you were very close to him so please accept our condolences, Grams and mine, is there something I can help you with Detective?"
"Actually Alexis, your Dad made a change of plans right at the last minute, do you know where I can reach him, he left a very thoughtful gift I wanted to thank him for."
"Well that explains it, you two again no wonder he sounded so weird on the phone. Actually, Detective when he called Grams and I to tell us he wasn't coming to New York on your flight, that he was researching a new character set in Las Vegas, we both knew that something happened between you two, and he needed space."
"Alexis, I swear nothing happened between your Dad and I, really we just*"
"Yeah, we know Kate, you just work together, and he just jumps at every opportunity to prove something to you, by being there for you. I guess it finally hit home to Dad, and he is off trying to get re-set. He explained the boyfriends, how you were always too busy to do things with him, yet a handsome Robbery Detective comes onboard and you almost get caught necking on the staircase, not your finest hour Detective.
You hurt the Rich Playboy without feelings very badly. Well he's not what you think, he is sensitive, kind, and if anything cares too damn much about people who take advantage of him and now, he is off somewhere trying to get over that hurt."
"Alexis, I think I need to talk to your Dad, but I promise once we work this out, I 'll explain everything the way I understood it, you mentioned Las Vegas, is there a place he stays or a way we can track him down, I mean I have to make things right with him."
"I'm not sure where he's at Detective, he sent a text a few hours ago, asking me to call Roy Montgomery and give him his private number to call him."
"Alexis, I know this is asking a lot but if you have a number that I can reach*"
"FORGET IT Kate, do you think for one minute I would give you a number to reach my Dad when it's YOU he's trying to forget? I am young, but that's dumb, even for you to ask just like you always do"
"What do you mean like I always Do?"
"Kate, every time you have a crisis, Dad can't wait to rush to your aid, then you get what you need, and he goes back to heartbroken. I'm a much younger woman, and even I could see my Dad was in love with you since you lived here, so don't tell me the NYPD's best Detective didn't figure it out, maybe you didn't want to admit it, but you knew it. I'm going to hang up before I say something that will get me in trouble with Dad, but stop and think, why do YOU think he isn't coming to New York for God knows when?"
Captain Montgomery's Office
6:55 AM Next AM
Kate arrived before 5:00 AM to get caught up with what she had missed, well to be honest she couldn't sleep after her call to Alexis last evening so she thought she would get a jump on her day, well as long as there was a day based on what Roy was going to hand out as punishment. She was halfway through Esposito's notes on the latest case they solved yesterday when she heard the booming voice of Captain Montgomery,
"Beckett, My Office, NOW"
When did he get in, she had been so entrenched in the report she failed to hear Roy, her Union Rep Detective Olivia Peppers and someone she didn't recognize gather in Roy's office.
"Begging your pardon Sir, I was trying to catch up from last wee*"
"Save it Beckett, have a seat" this was the voice of the Captain, not Roy her friend and mentor and he was pissed.
"I think you know everyone except Chief of Detectives Lloyd Turner from LAPD, he's here to insure we don't sweep the insubordination, interfering with a case that is not in our jurisdiction, and overall you and Castle running wild in his city under the rug or you get a tap on the wrist.
I understand Castle is off somewhere else, and since he was not an official employee, Detective Turner is satisfied with his letter of resignation received by special courier this morning from him. I could still file charges against you both, but I think Castle leaving is punishment enough for him."
"Sir, excuse me, did you say Rick resigned this morning without a fight, or even a call to Mr. Mayor, I mean Sir, what he did was to protect me, and the city of New York. We got a hardened criminal off of the streets of Los Angeles and I would think that would count for something, Sir.
I know I am guilty of internal charges, under control of NYPD, but if the LAPD Chief of Detectives wants a full account of the inadequacy of his department, he can start with a phone call to Detective Kyle Seeger, who was convinced we were there for a sexual tryst and did nothing with the leads we gave to him. I think Castle is going to focus on it in his next book, and his honor Mayor Weldon is friends with Mayor Feinstein I would think to save face he should at least start there."
Roy tried hard to hide a smile, knowing he had trained his best detective to stick up for herself when things were obviously stacked against her. Chief of Detectives Turner was not happy, immediately pulled out his cell phone.
"Captain can you indulge me in placing this call, and putting it on speaker?"
As the number was dialed, the phone rang 4 times before a very sleepy Detective Seager answered,
"Detective Kyle Seager, this better be important I just got to sleep"
"Kyle this is Lloyd Turner, I'm in New York reviewing the case file with NYPD's Captain Montgomery, and Lead Detective Beckett, there seems to be some discrepancies in your report, can you explain?"
This time the voice is much more wide awake and very cautious,
"Discrepancies Sir? I'm not sure what you mean, but I'll look into them right away. If a member of my staff filed a false report, we'll take the appropriate action."
"Cut the shit Kyle, it's me you're talking to, you haven't changed a bit, now how much of the report is fabricated and how much is true, or should I save you the trouble and just refer to Detective Beckett, and Special Consultant Castle's report?"
"What do you mean Sir, what items fabricated?"
"Who found the lead to Ganz, you or Beckett?"
"It was a join*"
"Let me remind you Kyle lying to a superior officer will not do your career any good, now would be a good time to come clean about the entire report." Turner forcibly interrupted,
"Sir, it was Beckett and Castle, in fact we were convinced it was just a plot for his next book, and actually doubted any crime, much less a murder in New York ever occurred, so it's totally on me Sir."
"Great Kyle, I spent six Fucking hours on a Red Eye to come to New York to be embarrassed by one phone call, now I owe the NYPD an apology and especially the two people who actually did the job you took credit for.
I would suggest you be prepared to meet when I get back. In fact pick me up at the airport, have your gun, shield, and all city property with you, that way once I drop you off at your home, I can return your car to the Motor Pool, you are on indefinite unpaid suspension pending a hearing effective immediately, Is that clear?"
"Yes Sir," comes a very deflated voice of Detective Seager, as the line is disconnected by a very embarrassed and angry LAPD Chief of Detectives.
"Captain Montgomery, LAPD owes your Detective and Special Consultant our gratitude, and I will be taking the appropriate action once I return to Los Angeles, I apologize to both Detective Beckett, and Mr. Castle, be sure to pass along that information, and perhaps you can get him to rescind his resignation, I am deeply sorry."
"Understood Detective, and thank you for taking the prompt action, we'll get you to the Airport to make the early flight home" as he motions LT, over and gives him the instructions to make that flight.
"Thank you, Captain, Detective, I truly am sorry, on behalf of all of the city of LA, we thank you and Mr. Castle, "
"Apology accepted," is all that Kate said as she said waiting for Roy to lower the boom on her as Seager hurried from the office to LT.
"Well, you dodged a bullet Kate, a huge bullet, but you still caused me embarrassment that I can't overlook, not to mention the loss of Castle. He was firm in his resignation, in fact it was postmarked special courier from Las Vegas, so he's not coming back, to quote him,
"tell everyone thanks, but I'm done. It's time to see life as it is, not as how I want it so I'll see you Captain, thanks for all of your courtesies, I know it was a pain in the ass to Beckett, but tell her Thanks as well, I really did learn a lot."
"Sir, if you could call him, I spoke to Alexis last night and I know she gave you his private number, so please just call him and tell him to call me, I'm sorry for so many things."
"Well, first place Kate, it was a one-time Burner Phone, second place, if you want to contact him, figure out how during the next two weeks you are suspended without pay effective immediately.
You're getting off lucky, I had discharge papers already filled out if Seager's report had been true, you would have been Former NYPD Detective. Take some time to get a grasp of your life, you're not above the rules Kate, we all lose people we love, but you can't disobey orders and carry out a vigilante escapade and not think they would be no consequences.
His honor spoke to Rick who tried to take the blame, and Bob just asked him, so you were out there avenging Royce because you once loved him?
Damn Fool, he would do anything for you, including leave which is what he did. Now enjoy your two weeks, and reflect on what it means to obey a direct order, next time, you'll have the rest of your life Kate, no matter how much I care about you or how good you are, you're gone if this happens again."
"Sir, yes Sir, and Thank You Sir, I truly am sorry for the embarrassment to you and the department"
She walked out of Montgomery's office expecting to be hit with all kinds of questions from Esposito and Ryan, but they barely acknowledged her.
"Guys, I'll see you in two weeks, I got suspended for the LA caper"
"OK, see you in a few, wish we could say the same about Castle, but word is he quit because of this. So, have a good couple of weeks Kate," Espo's tone wasn't hateful, it was flat, no emotion like he just didn't give a damn one way or another.
"Hope you can catch up to him and talk him back Kate, but we all saw this coming for months, guess he just couldn't take it anymore." Kevin's tone was more empathetic, but not like her boys of old, another mess she made.
She left the precinct, and headed to the last place they had talked, the swings in the park. She sat there for hours, then pulled out her phone and tried to call Rick, as she suspected it went directly to voice mail.
As her mind drifted back to his words, "we're products of our actions, be it good or bad, we must take accountability and make amends when we harm others" from a speech to Alexis while she stayed with them and Alexis and a friend had a falling out.
He was right, like usual, why would he hang around, product of our actions, God that makes me a Badge Bunny Slut, her mind quickly jumped to another topic, as she made the trip home, wondering where he was, and why it took her so long to see what other women would die for, God she was Fucked Up.
She pulled out her phone once again as soon as she got inside her apartment, and quickly typed a text to Rick,
"Rick,
Just found out you resigned, matter is all cleared now, Seager filed a false report, but Roy did suspend me for two weeks, We want you, make that I want and need you back as my partner, call me please so many things I need to say I'm sorry for,
Always,
Kate,"
She put the phone on the charger and turned the notification sound level to the highest setting, she didn't want to miss his call or text IF he would answer her.
TBC
A/N We mark the loss of another Great Writer, Pen to Paper has had enough from the trolls, so to the Guest who told me I "need a new story line, I would have him knock on her door", then do it, stop reading mine and write it the way you want. I am pissed that spineless cowards sling hate or venom, to those who try to keep the Castle story alive.
Think about what you write in your review, although my guest was polite, your opportunity to review a story is just that, an opportunity, and it takes a second to hit delete, but many great writers such as PtP have had enough of the constant hate being sent to those who labor in love to present their best work.
If you don't like it, then move on, or more crudely Keep your mouth and comments to yourself and find another story. I have a few readers who sign in and we have healthy discussions about why or how I could have done better, Thank You Paula, Kate, Helen and Larry, Jamie, and many more, but the difference is they identify themselves and even if they disagree are respectful.
One final point, IF those that enjoy stories from Castle to keep our show alive even if only in our minds want it to continue, then speak up with reviews that point out how story lines could be improved, not the Grammar Police, we do this as a hobby, if I wanted to publish a book I would hire the staff and charge for it. At the rate we are going, the Castle will fall, because of those whose talent would not allow them to write a shopping list yet review and tell others how to write stories.
Do you want the stories to continue? Time for you to do something and support writers like Pen to Paper and others and kick out trolls when you see them. Thanks, My Anger is calming down now, well it was till I visited the last story by Pen to Paper, below is the example of the guest reviews I mention, I really don't get upset if you question why I do something, what upsets me are these COWARDS who are ruining the Fan Fic for everyone. I don't know if Castle has a majority of the looneys or not, but one thing is certain, if you want writers to keep writing, this stuff has to stop, when you read a review like this answer them back on your review, silence is acceptance.
Posted as my review to Pen to Paper's No Man's Land
T,
I rest my case about spineless gutless Guests, this was posted on your story, this Ignoramus doesn't even have the guts to review or send this to me, Hey Guest , Log in if you want to discuss how I write, I'm not concerned about you or how you feel, I don't write for you, but you along with the other bottom dwellers think you have the right to say anything about anyone you please without being called out, You are disgusting and when the fandom writers are all gone, then you can tell yourself you made Castle Great Again, then you can return to the Children's section where your intellect belong, Mr Rogers, not Rick will be waiting for you, you Troll
So consider yourself free because this is the truth, you are an idiot
You got something to say to me, tell me You Gutless excuse of a reader You know how to reach me, crawl out from your rock and log in
Guest chapter 14 . 2h ago
The truth does not twist and turn.
It is direct, strong and straight up.
And, oh yes, it will set you free!
This was not your best work. If you put something out to be read by the public expect some not to like it. Please finish your other stories. Please do not become a CastleFan6 who thinks everyone should praise his stories and tell him he is a fantastic wonderful writer. He can't even take constructive criticism.