Slaying the Beast
Chapter 40
The biggest surprise Castle has for Kate is a performance by the winner of a nationally televised talent show, who specializes in jazz standards. Backed up by a jazz trio, his music refreshes better than a trip to a spa. She loves the barbecue spread and the cake too. She has no idea where he found crepe paper streamers with police badges on them, but the occupants of the bullpen are enjoying them, as is Captain Montgomery.
Kate is going to miss her mentor, even if he did insist on thrusting Castle on her - maybe especially since he forced Rick on her. When sparks began flying between the two of them, she was ready to run as fast as she could in the other direction. Thank God - and Montgomery - that she couldn't.
The most encouraging thing about the gathering is the reaction of the other cops to her upcoming leadership. She hasn't always been sure what any of them, aside from Ryan and Esposito, think of her. But they seem relieved that she'll be there to provide some continuity when Montgomery is gone.
Evelyn has to be the happiest person at the party. For years, she's put up with Montgomery's late hours trying to make budgets add up and round the clock duty during times of high alert. Now she and the kids can finally have more time with him.
Kate will still see Montgomery. He'll be staying on as part of one of Castle's poker posses. And he'll most likely be expecting her to keep him updated on the happenings at the 12th Precinct. She couldn't blame him for that.
After taking a call near the end of the celebration, Montgomery motions Kate and Castle into his office. "Briggs reached a deal with Spaulding Madison. He's not only flipping on Bradley Stuart, but he has to elocute about everyone in the zoning department he involved in his extortion racket. It's a long list. There's going to be a purge. The director isn't implicated, but chances are that Weldon will kick him loose for being oblivious to what was going on under his nose."
"Is Bradley Stuart going to trial?" Castle asked.
Montgomery shakes his head. "Pleading guilty, not even asking for a deal - not that he'd get one. Apparently, he's so upset about what he did, and the way Madison betrayed him, they have him on suicide watch."
"Sad story," Castle remarks. "I believe he really did love Whitestone. Sometimes the line between love and hate is just too thin."
"Yeah, that's one of the things that keeps us in business," Montgomery agrees, "or at least will be keeping Beckett in business. So, Kate, are you ready?"
"I guess I'll find out. Any confirmation on who the new captain will be?"
"Not yet. I guess you'll be finding out about that too."
Castle props himself up on one elbow in bed and gazes down at Kate. It's still dark outside, but he's pretty sure that she's awake. "You were restless all night. Nervous about your first day in charge of the bullpen?"
"More nervous about meeting the new captain. She's supposed to be coming in sometime today to get settled in Roy's old office. The rumors were true. It's Iron Gates."
"You make her sound like something out of a horror movie - the spooky fence the protagonist climbs after a bus full college freshman breaks down in a dead zone for cell service, to try to get help at a mansion occupied by a crazed killer."
"Maybe not that bad, but I've heard that she might as well have a copy of the rulebook permanently implanted in her brain. We won't be doing anymore toasts when we finish a case, at least not with anything stronger than root beer. Our reports will have to be a lot less creative too. And she may not be too happy to have you around."
"Maybe the irrepressible Castle charm will win her over."
"I wouldn't bet on it, Babe." Kate pulls herself up and checks her watch on the bedside table. "I should get going. I want to be certain everything is in good shape when she shows up."
"Just to make sure, I'll make good luck pancakes while you're in the shower."
Castle can feel Victoria Gates' eyes scanning him up and down and not in an admiring way. "Mr. Castle, if it were up to me, you'd be out of my precinct. I've never been a fan of police groupies or dilletantes playing out their detective fantasies. But the mayor wants you here, and I follow orders."
Castle gazes at the floor. "Yes, Ma'am."
"Ma'am is my mother-in-law, call me sir or captain."
"Yes, Captain."
"And Sergeant Beckett, you may have an outstanding record of closing cases, but you also have one for riding the lines of police procedure too closely, especially with your fiancé, here. That's going to stop. In my precinct, every 'I' is dotted, and every 'T' is crossed, and that also goes for all the cops under your supervision. Do I make myself clear?"
"Yes, Sir."
"Then get out of here, both of you."
"Yes, Sir."
"Yes, Sir."
"I guess I won't be inviting her to any poker games," Castle muses, as he sinks into his chair beside Beckett's desk.
Kate rolls her eyes. "She'd probably arrest you for illegal gambling." Kate gestures at the stack of paperwork on her desk. "Look, Babe, you don't need to hang around. I'll probably be working on this stuff all morning to make sure it passes Gates' muster. And I know you have a deadline coming up. Alexis reminded you about it three times. We can both spend some time at our desks, and I'll call you if there's a new case."
"All right," Castle concedes, "but the minute a body drops, I want in."
Beckett flashes a smile. "Deal."
Castle rubs his eyes and then cracks his knuckles. He couldn't get the scene in the gay bar to work and finally decided to throw it out. He needs something new for Raley and Ochoa to do that will further flesh out their characters, perhaps a clash of cultures between the studious tech-savvy Raley and the hot-tempered Ochoa. He'll have to think about it more, but in the meantime writing a chapter or two featuring juicy scenes between Heat and Rook will satisfy Gina, and right now that's all he needs. He can fix the rest in the revisions.
No, that isn't really all that he needs. He and Kate both need to be back on the street, preferably with Ryan and Esposito for both support and inspiration. As if in answer to his plea, Kate's special ring sounds from his cell.
Castle should have been more careful what he wished for. Kate doesn't even bother to say hello. "Babe, we've got a case, and this is make or break time. A cop's been found murdered, and the vic is one of Gates' former partners. By the book, she's recusing herself from anything to do with the investigation. I have to nail this one – and fast. It's all on me."
"No, Kate, you may be in charge, but I'm still your partner. Finding the killer is on both of us. At your side, all the way."