Chapter 4

Rick woke up with what felt like 500 volts shooting through his body. He jerked into a seated position, his eyes furiously searching for answers. He felt something over his mouth. As he began to regain full consciousness he realized that it was an oxygen mask. He was in the back of an ambulance. The fire. Kate, where was Kate? He noticed a woman in an EMT uniform sitting beside him. She was about 40, heavy set, with blond hair that was neatly tied up into a bun and she wore glasses. She gently put her hand on his chest. If the gesture was made to quiet him, it failed.

'Where's Kate,' he shouted.

From her look of confusion, she didn't know who 'Kate' was. 'Try and relax, sir.'

He pulled off his mask, breaking the rubber strap that held it in place, and immediately began to cough.

She gave him a look that clearly told him she was the medical professional and he should do what she said. She, undemonstratively, took out a replacement from the cabinet and handed it to Castle.

'If you put on your mask and lay still, I will do my best to get some information about your friend.'

She smiled so sweetly and had such an understanding tone that he had the feeling she was used to comforting injured, desperate and terrified people.

'I am Susan, but my friends call me Sue. If you need anything, you just ask Sue.' Then she winked at him.

'Is Kate the woman from the fire?'

He was doing his best to lie still, pretend to be calm and breathe in the life-restoring oxygen. But he was hooked up to a heart monitor, and his frantic need to know about Kate was revealed by this disloyal piece of medical equipment.

'Yes, that's her. Where is she, please? You have to tell me. I heard her voice, I know I did.' He started to sit up and reach for his mask.

Her tone then morphed from comforting to authoritative, 'Sir, if you don't calm down, I will administer a sedative.'

Convinced that she wasn't bluffing, he laid back down and crossed his arms across his chest, in what he hoped would be construed as his sincere attempt to cooperate.

'Could you please call the other ambulance and check on her condition?' he asked very quietly.

She smiled again, patted his crossed arms and said, 'Of course, sir. What is Kate's last name?'

He returned her smile and said, 'Beckett. Katherine Beckett … someday to be Katherine Castle.'

That earned him an actual laugh.

'Now I understand, Mr. Castle, let me call the other ambulance.'

His heart rate slowed. He knew she would be hurt, but she was alive. He was certain she was, he had heard her talking.

'Billy, is your patient a Katherine Beckett?'

'Hey, Sue, yes, I have Katherine Beckett.'

'What is her condition please?'

'You know Sue, I used to worry about things like that, but now I'm more concerned about the Jet's quarterback situation.' Billy's response was the most inopportune example of gallows humor imaginable.

Castle's heart rate monitor went crazy, alarms went off, lights flashed, he began to look as if he would faint, or worse.

Sue tore into Billy. 'Knock that s*** off! I have her fiancé in my ambulance and you just almost caused a heart attack. Now answer my damn question!'

'I'm sorry. She is in stable condition, but still unconscious,' Billy sheepishly replied.

'That's not possible, I heard her,' Castle all but yelled. His eyes were now locked on Sue's, hoping for, he didn't know for what, an explanation maybe? 'I heard her, I did, and I am not lying to you.' His voice was a mixture of fear, confusion and longing, longing for an answer that would explain what he had heard.

Sue did her best. 'A fire is a very bewildering scene, even if you are accustomed to being around all of that. It's very easy to see and hear things that we want to see and hear in those moments.' She wasn't sure if it had helped, but he did seem calmer, he was at least considering her words.

'Now try and focus on what he did say. She is stable and on her way to one of the best hospitals in the world.'

Castle smiled, and his body relaxed a little. 'We are going to the same hospital, right?'

She just smiled at him, words were not needed.

XXXXXXXXXX

As Kate's ambulance pulled into the emergency area it was met by two orderlies. They sped her into a triage room. An ER doctor and nurse were waiting.

'Let's get an EKG and schedule a CT scan of her head and neck,' the doctor said. He was young, but old enough, was over six feet tall and obviously exercised. He had neatly combed brown hair and a bright welcoming smile. As the doctor peeled back Kate's eyelid and shined an extremely bright light into her eye, her eyes opened, she slapped at his hand and tried to get up.

'Fire! I have to get out of here!' She moved so quickly that she fell off the examination table. Thankfully the quick reactions of the doctor prevented her from hitting her head. He couldn't prevent the fall, but he spared her from a potentially disastrous outcome. It still hurt. She called out in pain, then turned, began to cough and finally, vomit.

Once she stopped returning her dinner, she realized how badly that she hurt. Her head was the worst, but it was far from the only offending body part. Her neck, her knee, her elbow; she was a mass of bruises, cuts and scrapes. After the doctor completed his examination, he told her that she 'was likely suffering from a moderate concussion, smoke inhalation, some minor burns and multiple ouchies.' That last one made her laugh, until she discovered how acutely it hurt to laugh.

The doctor informed her that she was being kept 'at least overnight', and would be sent to a room to await further testing and evaluation.

XXXXXXXXXX

At the front desk, two people came up at almost the exact same moment: a well-dressed man in his middle 50s, who looked stoic, and a woman in her middle 60s, who appeared ready to jump over the desk if she wasn't helped sooner than immediately. Her arms were waving, she was pointing at everything and at nothing. Her actions certainly matched her 'look at me' style of dressing. If the colors of her outfit had been any brighter, sunglasses would have been required. She waited all of five seconds, then having decided that the person was unbearably slow, she spoke.

'I'm Martha Rodgers. My son ran into a burning building to save his girlfriend's life. He carried her out and then passed out. They were then put into ambulances and brought here, where are they?' Martha was so thankful that Ryan had called her with that precious piece of information. She knew that they were both alive.

The nurse did her best to disregard Martha's rudeness, after all it was understandable.

'What is your son's name?'

'Richard Castle, and his girlfriend's name is, Katherine Beckett. She is a police detective.'

As the nurse picked up the phone to call someone, hopefully someone with answers, the distinguished looking gentleman who had been patiently waiting stepped into Martha's direct line of sight.

'I am Jim Beckett, Katie's father.' He said it deliberately loud enough for the nurse on the phone to hear him. Unfortunately, when Ryan had tried to call him, the call hadn't gone through.

Within two seconds flat, Jim found himself enveloped in a highly energetic embrace. He politely patted her back and waited to be released.

When she finally stepped back (after what Jim thought was an uncomfortably long period of time). She said, 'They just have to be alright!'

Jim glanced over to the nurse. Seeing that she was still trying to ascertain Kate's condition and whereabouts, he thought he would ask if Richard's mother knew anything. All he knew was that Captain Montgomery told him Kate's apartment had caught on fire and she was being taken to the hospital. There wasn't a mention of her condition. Hearing that Richard (a man that he has yet to meet) 'ran into a burning building to try and save his girlfriend's life!' filled him with more questions than answers.

'Martha … your son is dating my daughter?' He glanced over at the nurse again. 'For how long?'

Martha smiled and touched his forearm, 'Officially, a few weeks.'

Jim smirked. 'Officially?'

'Jim, darling, I have only seen them together about a half a dozen times, but a blind person could see that they were crazy about each other. They were 'dating' long before either would admit it, even to themselves. I would love to tell you the story of their 'first date', but I think I should let Katherine tell you herself.'

This dating distraction was precisely what they both needed to keep their minds off of their children's injuries.

'Katie and I are … were, scheduled to have breakfast on Sunday. She told me that she 'had some wonderful news of a personal nature' but wanted to tell me in person.'

'Mr. Beckett, your daughter is in room 413. She will be spending the night, sir.' The nurse then looked at Martha, 'Your son is in room 19, being evaluated and treated. He will likely be released in a couple hours. You may both go and see them.'

Relief washed over both faces. The alleviation of their anxiety palpable in their posture.

'Please tell Katherine that I will be up to see her after I check on Richard.'

'I certainly will. Please express my gratitude to your son. I will be down to meet the man who apparently saved my daughter's life, as soon as I know Katie is alright.'

XXXXXXXXX

Jim knocked lightly on the door. After hearing nothing, he decided to go in. She looked so … small. She had an oxygen mask covering her mouth and nose, there was an IV connected to her right hand as well as an array of monitoring leads. Her eyes were closed, and she had her left forearm across her forehead. Jim wasn't sure what to do next; he wanted to talk to her and hear for himself that she was alright, but if she was sleeping he wouldn't want to wake her.

That decision was made academic because a young man came in and said, 'Ms. Beckett, it is time for your CT scan.'

Her eyes unwillingly opened; the light was not her friend. It took real effort to speak.

'Dad. I look much worse than I am.' Her raspy and weak voice did not support her assertion.

Now it was time for the game that they played. Kate would lie to make her injuries seem minor and he would pretend to believe her. They both knew it was a lie and yet both accepted the information as factual.

Even though it had been six years, his past proclivities towards alcohol in times of acute stress had her concerned. He knew his daughter was worried and pretended to believe her answer, feigning an acceptance that didn't exist.

Jim said, 'How long will this test take?'

'About an hour, maybe a little more. We will have to inject Ms. Beckett with a contrast material to receive the best possible image.'

Kate held out her left arm, the one that wasn't full of needle holes, and took Jim's hand. 'I am alright, Dad, why don't you get a coffee and come back in an hour?'

'I think I will go down and see Rick. I really should meet and thank him, don't you think? I am sure he will be anxious for an update on his girlfriend's condition.' He smirked as he emphasized the word 'girlfriend'. The look of shock on Kate's face made Jim laugh out loud.

'Dad, I can explain! That's what I was going to tell you at breakfast. How did you find out? We haven't told anyone.' Then her expression instantly changed from one of embarrassment to one of panic. 'Castle is in the hospital? Where is he? Is he alright? What's his room number?

Take me to Castle!' she said looking at the orderly and trying to use her best Detective Beckett voice. She started to get out of the wheelchair, but she felt a hand pushing her back into the chair.

'I am sorry, Ms. Beckett, I am only authorized to take you for imaging.' With that she was rolled through the door and down the hall.

XXXXXXXXXX

Meanwhile, back in Castle's room, Martha was telling him about her new friend.

'I met a very interesting man at the front desk.' She spun on one foot to orient herself so that she was facing him. She smiled, raised and lowered her eyebrows, and then held out her two hands towards Castle. Finally, she was finished taunting him with the secret, 'Would you like to know who it was?'

'Mother, my shoulder kills, I have seven stitches in my elbow, some minor burns, I may have damaged my lungs, I'm worried about Kate and you think that now is a good time to tell me about an old friend that you happened to run in to.' He loved his mother, but how she could irritate him.

'His name was Jim Beckett.'

That got Castle's attention.

'Really, Richard, how could Katherine keep this from her father? You should have seen the look of shock on the poor man's face. Although, learning that his daughter was dating you would upset most fathers.'

'How upset was he that we are dating?'

Martha brought her hand to her face and rubbed her chin contemplatively and said, 'Well …'

Castle couldn't take it any longer. 'Did he seem like he didn't want us together?' The concern in his voice was transforming into panic.

'Got ya!'

He made two fists and shook them at his mother. Yes, he loved her, just not at this moment.

'Mr. Castle, you are free to go,' said the doctor as he walked in. 'Please follow your discharge orders precisely. I don't care how you think you feel, these at home breathing treatments are absolutely essential. Please schedule a follow up appointment with your physician in about five days. If anything, and I mean anything, doesn't feel right, see someone immediately.' With that he smiled at Castle, gave Martha a nod, and was gone.

'Mother, I am going to call Alexis and tell her that I'm fine, but will you please go home and be with her?'

'I gather that you will be spending the night with Katherine?' She asked it as if it were a question, but it really wasn't.

'I will stay until they, or she, asks me to leave.'

XXXXXXXXX

As Castle was about to press the bright blue button to open the elevator, the tone sounded, the doors parted and Mr. Beckett took one step forward, and then froze. It was a good thing the elevator had sensors because he had stopped right in the middle of the open doors. It was a boon that Castle had just seen his picture in Kate's apartment, or he wouldn't have known who he was.

Jim, of course, knew exactly who Castle was. His wife and daughter were big Richard Castle fans; even he had read Heat Wave. The two men just looked at each other for what felt like an hour but was in reality about ten seconds. Both opened their mouths to speak and both quickly closed them. They were looking for guidance from the other as to how start this awkward conversation.

Jim moved aside, signaling for Castle to come inside, which he did. Still, no words were spoken.

Finally, Castle broke the ice. 'How's Kate? I'm on my way up to see her.'

It was unusual for an attorney, a man that used precise language as part of his profession, to be so ineffectual when it came to finding the right words. He settled for wrapping Castle in a giant hug. The only words, and his voice was breaking as he uttered them, were 'Thank you.'

Castle hid the grimace that the hug had caused. He may have been cleared to go home, but that didn't mean that his shoulder wasn't smarting.

'Mr. Beckett. How is Kate?'

Jim smiled and put his hand on Rick's shoulder. How Rick wished he would stop doing that.

'She is alive and stable, thanks to you … and my name is Jim'

'Would it be alright if I saw her alone for just a minute?'

By this time the elevator had signaled its arrival at the fourth floor. Jim paused, as if he was considering his request, which began to worry Castle, but then the real reason for his hesitation came to light.

'Of course you can, but your mother only gave me the 60-second explanation of your relationship. Would you please tell me more?'

'Sir, Kate is my favorite subject, but I don't want to take that from her, she wants to tell you. But know this — there is isn't — I would do, I wouldn't do — I would take a bullet for your daughter!'

'Son, after what you did today, I haven't any doubt that you would. I think you and I are going to be seeing a lot more of each other. She probably isn't back from her CT scan, but you wait and I'll go get us some coffee. How do you take it — Rick?'

'Black, please, sir.'

'Black it is, and I think that you should call me Jim, don't you?'

XXXXXXXXXX

When Kate was finally wheeled back into her room and saw Rick sitting in the small, uncomfortable visitor's chair, she was a jumble of emotions. She wanted to run over and hug him, thank him for saving her life, tell him that she loved him, apologize for their fight. She simultaneously wanted him to leave without looking at her. She knew that she looked like death warmed over, but her biggest concern was appearing weak in front of him. He believed she was extraordinary, he had said it repeatedly, and she certainly didn't want him seeing this version of her. She didn't feel anywhere close to extraordinary. She felt … broken. Broken physically, mentally and emotionally. She wanted to do what she always did at times like this, which was to hide away, alone, and lick her wounds.

Astonishingly, she caught herself, almost subconsciously, trying to walk over to him. If this wasn't a signal that something had fundamentally changed in her life, nothing could be. Her desire to be close to him trumped every other one of her ingrained impulses. He would never judge her; he would be there for her unconditionally: always.

She was wheeled next to the bed, but when she stood up she turned to walk towards Rick. The orderly put his hand on her shoulder, when Kate turned her head to face him, Rick smiled, shook his head and pointed to the bed. Her face reminded Rick of a misbehaving child that was scolded by a parent.

Kate climbed into bed; she didn't remember it being so difficult. She was swooning. Unfortunately, it was caused by the concussion, and not by a smitten Castle making goo-goo eyes at her. The orderly left, but not before admonishingly saying to Kate 'stay in bed.'

She closed her eyes. In all fairness her head killed and she was nauseous, but she couldn't bring herself to look at Castle. She remembered that he had repeatedly called her, apparently to warn her. She couldn't banish the thought that all of this was unnecessary, she was to blame for their brush with death. If she had only taken his call. If she hadn't acted like a jealous teenager. She was rescued from her self-imposed silent penance by the sound of Castle's baritone voice.

'Kate, you are the most beautiful thing I have ever seen.' He then leaned in and cautiously kissed the top of her head.

She barely felt his lips. The lack of pressure in his kiss didn't in any way lessen the weight of the moment. Words were not necessary for the gravity of the situation to be fully appreciated.

She opened her eyes and the tears began to escape. It was a necessary catharsis. The list of emotions, too powerful to control, exceeded easy enumeration: fear, pain, anxiety about her dad and what this might do to him, guilt that her actions had put Castle's life at risk. Furthermore, she worried that she may have damaged the best relationship of her life. Then there was the painful loss of so many treasured memories in her apartment, how would this affect her job: it was too much to deal with. 'Can I have a hug?' was all she could weakly muster.

'Always.' He gently, delicately, held her, as if she was made of glass. He wanted to cry too but knew that wasn't what she needed at this moment. He would have his release later in private.

Jim walked in to see Castle tenderly holding his 'Katie'. He could see her tear-stained face. He was reminded of when she was a little girl, how she rarely wanted comforting, how she wanted to be brave in front of him and Johanna. That's why this moment was especially poignant. She must really be suffering to allow this … or really in love. That thought caused some temporary relief.

'Did I come in at a bad time?'

'Of course not, sir.'

A look of amusement attached itself to Kate's face. 'Sir? Dad, you make him call you sir?'

Castle, trying to hide his newly crimson face, was looking at the floor when he heard 'I told him to call me Jim … sorry, Rick, but I'm smart enough not to incur her wrath.' His tone was serious, but his face told a different story. Father and daughter were smiling, which allowed Castle to relax too.

'On a serious note, where is Katie going to stay?' continued Jim. 'I once had a concussion and it took me several days to feel human again; not to mention all of her other injuries. The doctor said that she would be in more pain over the next few days, she might even need physical therapy, depending on how her shoulder and back respond.'

Castle looked pensively into the air. Of course he wanted Kate to stay with him, but was reticent to voice it.

'I can take a couple weeks off from work and she can stay with me; you can come over and see her anytime you want,' said Jim.

Kate raised an eyebrow. Was her father really making the decision as to how often Castle could come and see her? He didn't know anything about their relationship.

Jim then compounded the felony of treating her like a child, 'She will stay in her old room, it will be very comforting. That's the right decision for her.'

Kate was about to revert into her stroppy teenage self, but a half a second before she said something that she would have regretted later, Castle took the floor.

Throwing caution to the wind, he told Jim, respectfully but firmly, that it made much more sense for Kate to stay with him and of course, Jim would be welcomed in his home at any time. When he sensed hesitancy on Jim's part, Castle went on to explain the reasons that Kate staying with him made more sense.

'Sir, I mean Jim, I have a very large loft. Kate will have her own room and an en suite bathroom. There isn't any limit to the amount of time I can take off from work.' Castle glanced at Kate and then returned his focus to Jim, smiling sarcastically. 'My work partner will be out of work for a while, so there really isn't any reason for me to be at work. As far as my second job, well, my inspiration would still be very close by.'

Jim's pride was injured, but he was a father that truly wanted the best for his daughter, and he was beginning to believe that Castle's loft was it.

Being an astute observer of people, Castle picked up on what Jim must be feeling. He tried to soften his approach.

'Sir, I know that you are more than capable, and willing to take care of Kate, but I have resources: I can have any specialist, therapist, cook, or someone to talk to, at a moment's notice.' The word that was avoided was psychologist, but it was understood by everyone. She, and he, had been through a terrible trauma. And the person responsible was still at large. She was a cop and would understand full well that meant she was in danger. That was his final argument, one that certainly no one could refute. Kate would be safer at his place.

Jim looked dejectedly at his daughter, turned and offered his hand to Castle.

'You're right, Rick, she will stay with you.'

This whole time, Kate had been squeezing her fist so hard it hurt. Her face was red, she knew that they cared for her — loved her — but enough was enough. She was tougher than either of them. She was an adult — no, a homicide detective. Split second decisions about life and death were a part of her work, every day. She knew what she wanted, and didn't want to be told what to do, not even by the two most important men in her life. She couldn't restrain it any longer.

'How dare you two decide for me where I will stay? I am not a child! You don't get to make decisions about my life!'

It wasn't clear who she was glaring at the most, but it didn't matter, they got the message. Suddenly there were two chastised little boys staring at the floor, wondering if it was possible to crawl under it.

Her voice softened. 'I thank you both for your offers, but I will make the determination as to where I stay, and for how long.' Now, she was definitely looking at Castle. 'I will also make any evaluations as to what type of care I need. Don't either of you schedule me for anything.'

Castle and Jim both put their hands in their pockets and leaned against the short wall in front of the window. They had the same question but were unsure who should ask it. After what seemed like an eternity, Castle spoke.

'Alright, Kate, where will you be staying?'

TBC

A/N Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Thanks to SonicMessiah for everything. Did anyone notice anything about their hospital room numbers? 413 19