Chapter 3
The Ride
Castle enjoyed the ride home. He was single tonight, Alexis had sent another text asking if she could spend the night at Reagan's, assuring him both her parents were home for the evening and they were going to have a Monopoly marathon. He conceded to the night out, but would call and check on her and Reagan's Mom later.
Orletha was not on the train that evening, so he rode in silence. He thought about the records the bank had given the police and wondered why they weren't complete. Someone could have saved an edited version over the original, it's not very hard to do, but there should have been date-and- time records for comparison. It made no sense to him.
He considered the cop. Beckett was a strange bird, she'd been edgy and a little over-bearing when they first discussed his work on the commute in, but during the meeting later in the day, she was both calm and deferential.
In his experiences, people treated you better when they wanted something. He assumed the Detective was simply like the rest of the crowd. She'd get what she wanted and be on her merry way. But he had to admit it was exciting to be involved in a criminal investigation, something he'd never considered doing. He would thank Orletha for the introduction the next time he saw her.
Castle of course was clueless, Orletha didn't care about banks, or investigations. That did not mean she didn't want Katie to solve the murder of that young girl. But she'd seen a sadness in Katie's eyes, and surmised it reached across and into her heart. The go get'm was fine for the spectators, but Orletha was a player. Her own heart had known both shadows and even darkness so she would do what she could to help her traveling friend avoid careening into her own private abyss.
Orletha saw the same shadows in Castle. He'd offered himself to the love of his life, but his daughter could not sustain him. She would and in fact she must fly. Her father could not take that journey with her. He was tethered to earth, to his own life and he had work to do. Orletha sensed a vibe, subtle but present in this unpaired couple. She would push them at one another, the rest was up to them and fate.
XX
On Sunday night Beckett heard the front door of her apartment unlock. It was 11:30 when Josh slid in beside her. He kissed her neck, nibbled at her ear, and told her she was beautiful. She smiled and leaned into his embrace.
The alarm shook her awake at 5:45am. She swung at the clock and rolled back over, colliding with Josh. He groaned, she kissed the side of his neck and whispered a "sorry."
When she returned from her shower, the bed was empty and she could smell freshly brewed coffee. Josh walked into the room with a steaming cup for her. Her smile was wide and appreciative of his kindness.
"How'd you know?"
"Let me think, Beckett, plus the crack of dawn, equals coffee." Now he smiled.
"Wow, an equation, and this early in the morning." She shot back at him.
"So, docta! Why aren't you asleep?"
"I need to get in early. I thought I'd ride with you."
"That would great, but you better get hot! You've got about 15 minutes."
XX
The platform was filling with people as Beckett and Josh arrived. When the doors opened, they made their way on the last car.
"Why do you always ride the last car Kate?" Josh asked matter of factly.
"Don't know, but I guess I just wanna say hello to Orletha if she's here. She always rides in this car.?
"That crazy old lady?" Josh teased.
"Don't say that! She's not crazy and she has a golden heart. The world needs more Orletha's."
"No, what the world needs is more doctors" Josh chimed back.
"Whatever." Beckett replied rolling her eyes.
Before they could sit she heard her name, "Katie!"
She turned and saw Orletha sitting in her place. "I'll be right back Josh."
Just as the doors began to close, Castle stepped in and they collided.
"Hey Beckett," he stammered as he caught her as she crashed into him.
She held on for a second grasping his coat sleeves. "Castle where'd you come from?"
"Ah, I was late. Guess I was moving to fast. Sorry I didn't mean to run into you."
"Ricky, Ricky, bring that girl to me!" He turned to see a beaming Orletha.
Beckett and Castle let go of each other and turned to move toward Orletha just as the train lurched forward, Castle stumbled into Kate again, she righted them and then pulled him towards Orletha.
They chatted for just a couple of minutes then Castle told the women he'd find a seat. As he made his way down the car he passed Josh but said nothing. He took a spot three rows behind Josh and Kate's seats.
Beckett returned and slid in next to Josh. "Looks like the nerd was hanging on you Kate?"
"What nerd?"
"You know, the pink sweater guy." Jerking his head in Castle's direction.
Kate ignored him.
About ten minutes later there was a thump, she and Josh turned to see Castle on the floor, he'd dropped his brief case. He was picking-up what looked like a Macy's ad for womens clothes. Josh could not resist, "Hey sweater boy, you cross-dressing now?"
Beckett emitted a disgusted laugh at the stupidity again ignoring Josh, but Castle looked at her at that very moment and his eyes contained no mirth, It was unlikely that he cared about what the other riders thought. But Beckett was adept enough at reading people, she knew he'd taken offense at her joining in on what he clearly perceived as a laugh at his expense.
Castle looked away from Beckett and her friend and saw Orletha staring at him. She wore a much different expression, He wasn't sure if it was disappointment or sadness. He gave her a half-smile, she nodded acknowledging him.
XX
Castle arrived at the office and tried to dive into his work. He'd already forgotten the verbal jab on the train, he had bigger things on his mind. Alexis had been invited to the Winter Ball for her school. He knew he couldn't afford a Macy's evening dress, but he could dream. His plan was to pick something from their ad and maybe see if he could find it at another store. One that he could afford.
His assistants voice startled him, "Rick, you have a phone call, it's that cop lady. Do you want to take it?"
He thought for minute, again recalling the train incident, "Get her number, I'll call her back."
XX
At 4:45 Beckett looked at her watch, she'd had a slow day. Actually another long day of paperwork. She'd never left the Precinct. She was tired, but troubled that she'd never had a call-back from Castle.
The train thing had popped into her head more than once during the day. She wanted to explain to him that she was not laughing at him, but at Josh for saying something so stupid. She had called early in the day, but he had never returned her call.
On their case, the Precinct had contacted the Judge who'd signed the early warrant and set forth the basis for the new subpoena. The Judge reviewed the request and signed it.
Beckett had sent Kevin to the bank's main office where the records were stored. He'd confirmed the time frame for production of the documents. But by 6 PM Kevin had not returned, so she headed home.
XX
Over the next three days Beckett never ran into Castle on the train going in or out of the city. She'd spoken with Orletha who said she hadn't seen him since Monday. She talked about the incident where Josh was making fun of Castle with Orletha. She explained she was not laughing at Castle but felt he'd taken it that way. She'd called his office but he'd never called her back.
Orletha offered only a sad expression and switched subjects, "What happened on your case Katie? You know the one with the young teller."
She smiled, the first Orletha had seen on the ride, "You'll be surprised, but Castle found something weird in some of the records. He asked if we could do a new subpoena based on what he thought we needed." Taking the elderly women's arm as she talked.
"We're waiting for the bank to produce the records now." She sounded like a school girl telling the story.
She shook her head, "He found a problem in about 20 minutes. He made like it was nothing, but it's our first hint of a lead in nearly a year. "
"I can hardly wait to get my hands on the new batch of records, and I'm hoping Castle will find something big for us."
"Take care of my boy Katie." Orletha turned and looked intently at her, "He's not like the rest. He has a much purer heart and that kind, can get stepped on much easier than the others."
"What does that mean Orletha?" Puzzled by the comment.
"You can figure it out Katie, you're the detective."
XX
On Friday Beckett was notified the records would be available early the following week. She immediately called Castle office.
"May I ask who is calling?" The receptionist politely asked.
"It's Detective Beckett with the 12th Precinct. I left my number early this week but Mr. Castle never called back. Do you know if he received the message?"
"He did Detective, let me see if he's available." She was placed on hold while tedious elevator music poured into her ear.
"Detective Beckett, what can I do for you?" Castle voice was smooth and calm.
"Castle, I waited all week for you to call. I thought maybe you didn't get my message." She said with urgency and some annoyance, that even surprised her.
"It's just been busy, I've been coming in early and staying late...there's just lots to do."
"I won't take much of your time. The bank has agreed to produce the records we discussed. We should have them early next week. Do you think you'll have time to come by and take a look and decide if we have what you need?"
"Sure." His tone was tentative, still he sounded polite, but clearly distant to her. "I'll make time.!" She felt the ice behind the smoothness.
"Castle, I have a favor to ask?"
"Shoot Detective!" A quick but flippant sounding response.
"Do you have 20 minutes for a cup of coffee?" Before he could respond, she added "Rosie's café is about midway between the 12th and your office."
He was silent for a few seconds, "I can do that."
"When? She asked tentatively.
"Will 10:30 work for you?" He asked.
"See you then...and thanks."
XX
She opened the door to Rosie's and stepped in. She was early. She looked around and Castle was sitting in a back booth reading something. She made her way over to him.
"Hey Castle." She smiled as he looked up. His eyes gave away nothing.
"Detective."
She slid into the booth. " Castle! It's Kate or Beckett, not Detective."
"Yes...Beckett." He sounded like a scolded student.
"What are your reading?" Switching the subject.
"It's the week-end ad for Macy's."
She frowned, "That's sorta what I wanted to talk to you about." Now she looked down at her hands.
The waitress came up. "What can I get you two?"
He looked at Beckett, "Just coffee?"
"Yeah, that's all for me."
"Two coffees please." He held-up two fingers.
"Coming up." The waitress turned and walked away.
"Castle, about the train on Monday..."
He held up his hand, "Beckett no explanation is needed. You don't owe me anything." He paused.
"I've agreed to help you, if I can. That's it."
"No, that's not it." She was out of cop mode and seemed younger to him, "I thought my boyfriend was acting like a jerk... and that you thought I was laughing at you."
"Castle, I wasn't! I was laughing at the stupidity of his remark."
"Beckett, really don't worry about it. It's no big deal."
She reached across the table and touched the top of his hand. "Castle, I don't want you to think that I'm that kind of person."
He startled at her touch and his eyes bored into hers. "What kind of person?"
"You know, that follow-the-crowd and get a laugh at someones else's expense. I hate that."
"Beckett, I'm good, but thank you for letting me know. I don't have very high expectations for people and they tend to meet my..."
"Oh, that sounds grim, I don't mean it that way." Now he looked embarrassed.
Before Beckett could speak, the waitress arrived.
"Two coffees, folks. Watch out, it's hot." The waitress said cheerily.
Castle was glad for the interruption, he didn't want to pursue the subject any further.
"OK, tell me why your reading Macy Womens sales ad." Beckett said pointing to the paper on the table.
"This is my daughters first Winter Ball." He sounded like a proud father.
"I'm trying to find her just the right dress, or gown, whatever it's called."
"I've been reading ads trying to get up to speed on what's in. I thought Macy's would be a good source. At least I'd have some ideas on what to look for. I want to surprise her."
"Castle,. tell you what. You're helping me with evidence. You clearly need help on finding a dress. How about we go shopping on Saturday?"
"Beckett, I don't want to interrupt your day off."
"Yeah, you're a girl and have me at a disadvantage, but..."
"Castle! First, I'm glad you noticed I'm a girl." He looked embarrassed, but knew she was teasing. He liked this funny side of her.
She continued, "But you're not interrupting, I'd be happy to help. Plus..."
"Plus what?"
She looked at the floor a moment, "I...I want you to know...I wasn't kidding about not liking the crap on train."
He chose to just let it go.
"Thanks, I could us some help on the dress, I do feel a bit out of my element."
"And Castle, Macy's is off the list. Neither of us make enough to shop there."
They both laughed, knowing it was true.
XX
"Hey Beckett, we thought you were on vacation or something. The Captain was looking for you." Ryan smirked, trying to goad her.
"What are you talking about Ryan? Did a body drop or something?" Reflecting concern over the inquiry by her boss.
"No, he wondered if you'd drifted off." He turned and smiled at Esposito.
"You know Kevin, I outta kick your..."
"Detective Beckett!" She turned to see Captain Montgomery standing at his office door. "Do you have a minute?"
"Sir, of course," She headed for the office, but put her hand behind her back, gesturing her thoughts to the boys.
"Beckett, on the bank-teller case , where are we? I see you've issued a new subpoena?"
"I had a forensic-guy look at the records we had, he thought they'd been altered and suggested we request a different type of record. One that would be more difficult to change. So we did."
"Who is this guy?" His face reflecting interest.
"Just a friend of a friend." The Captain raised his eye at the answer.
"He's OK! I did a background search and he's clean. He works for a big accounting firm. He's sorta a snoop for them. He makes sure the clients keeps their hands clean."
"What's his name?" Seeming even more interested now.
"Rick Castle."
"Well, lets hope he can help you with a lead, this one's gotten real cold."
XX
" So, Alexis. Are you excited about the Winter Ball?"
"You know Dad, sorta."
"I'm not sure I'm real big on the idea." He knew she was excited but decided to not press her.
"What, my baby's going to her first big dance. We'll you're Dad's excited."
"I could tell that, it's like your going instead of me." She turned and looked at him, "And you're not!"
"Pumpkin, I wouldn't do that to you."
"What? Oh no!"
"Wait...you have that look Dad, what's up?"
"Nothings up, why do ask?" Trying not to look guilty.
"Dad, just tell me, what have you done?" Her hands planted on her hips.
"I haven't done anything, I've..."
"You've what Dad? What?"
"Alexis, I have a friend, actually a cop. We've been working on this case, and...I was talking about the dance coming up and sorta asked for help."
"Help with what?" Alexis moved across the room and stood in front of her Father, crowding into his personal space and glaring at him.
"You know, in picking out a dress."
"Dad, what do you mean?" Now sounding insulted.
"How are two old guys going to help me, pick out a dress for a dance?"
"I can see it now?" Shaking her head in disbelief.
"He's a she." Castle said defensively.
"A she? The cop is a she?" Alexis sounded truly surprised.
"Yeah, there are lots of female cops."
"Fine, you think she's ever been to dance in her life."
He paused as he considered the question, "There's no doubt in my mind about that." He just smiled, this lady cop had done plenty of dancing.
XX
At 10:00 am on Saturday morning there was a knock at Castle's apartment door. Beckett was right on time.
"Detective, welcome! Come on in." Castle smiled at the dressed down version of Beckett.
"We'll Detective, you don't look very detective-like today." Stretching out his words.
"It's Saturday Castle...my day off. I try not to look detective like." Zinging him with a smirk.
He invited her to sit, "My daughter will be ready in just a couple of minutes."
Beckett looked around the modest apartment. The walls had several bookcases brimming with books. Many stacked sideways.
A small Yamaha keyboard sat in one corner. She recognized the Hanon practice books with pencil notes. They looked like they were done by an instructor to direct a student.
But the biggest surprise was an easel. A piece of white fabric lay over the concealed painting. At the bottom were containers for mixing, what looked like watercolors to her.
"Castle are you a Renaissance man?" Cocking her head and squinting her eyes as she looked intently at him.
"A what?" Knowing exactly what she was implying.
"You know what I mean." At that moment Alexis walked into the room from the bedroom hallway.
"Hello, she reached out her hand, I'm Alexis!" She smiled warmly as she shook the older woman's hand.
"I'm Kate, nice to meet you Alexis."
"Your Dad has wonderful things to say about you."
"Well, you probably need to cut-it in half, he tends to go overboard at times."
"That is not so! There's nothing wrong in being a proud Dad." He smiled as he walked over put his arm around Alexis shoulder and crushed her against his side.
"Well, Detective, as you can see she didn't take after her Dad in looks, thank heavens."
"I agree." Kate laughed out loud, Alexis laughing along.
"Well, no mercy for me today!" Castle laughed with them.
"Let's get out of here." He walked to the front door, flung it open and bowed.
Beckett and Alexis, smiled, rolled their eyes and headed out the door.
As they exited the building Castle turned left and the girls right. "Hey Dad, where are you going?"
Castle pointed down the street, " Station, then mid-town."
Alexis looked at Beckett, they both laughed and in unison said, "No," dragging out the 'o.' Which made the two laugh even more.
"What? Why not mid-town?" Castle asked, somewhat confused.
Beckett responded first, "Castle you can't afford mid-town. Plus there's nothing there." She pointed in the opposite direction, "This way!"
By the time Castle caught up with the two, one or the other had said something and they were having another laughing fit.
"OK, what am I missing here?" His face still painted with bewilderment.
Beckett looked at Alexis smiled and said, " I'll tell you later."
"Beckett, I didn't ask you along to corrupt my child."
"Buck up, Renaissance man. She's fine."
"Yeah, Dad I'm fine, and, I'm not a child."
Castle was amazed at the show playing out before him. The sober, pushy and annoying detective was gone. Beckett looked and acted much younger. In fact she looked younger to him. Her smile affected her entire face. With Alexis and her laughing they looked like sisters, just being crazy.
In one of the many stores they shopped at, Castle had picked a dress that was, conservative, maybe even very conservative. Beckett just shook her head, " Are you kidding Castle?"
"She's going to a dance, not a nunnery."
Alexis overheard the exchange and started laughing so hard she couldn't breathe. Beckett joined in and the store clerk asked them to keep their voices down. The result was more laugher and a quick exit for the trio.
In the end, Alexis and Beckett prevailed and picked a beautiful dress, they both 'loved' but Castle still had reservations. But before the deal was done, Beckett grabbed Castle by the arm and pulled him away while Alexis changed.
"Castle, you brought me along to help. Yes or no?"
"Yes, but she only 15 years old Beckett, and..."
"Castle, trust me! I know this stuff!"
Still holding his arm tightly, "The dress is beautiful and age-appropriate. I'd recommend a smile and a short compliment. She needs your approval."
When Alexis came out he followed the directions, " Pumpkin, you look beautiful! You'll have to beat the boys away."
"So I can have it?"
"Of course, I want my daughter to be the most beautiful one at the dance, " Alexis hugged him and turned running to the dressing room.
Castle watched her disappear and stared at the door. When he turned Beckett was leaning against the counter, arms folded, wearing a broad smile.
"Shut up, Beckett!"
"Did I say something?" Holding out her hands.
"You didn't need to."
XX
When they arrived back at the apartment Alexis talked Beckett into staying for pizza. The chatter was light as the girls teased Castle about being a prude.
He just smiled, again watching the two banter.
As Beckett was about to leave, Alexis surprised her with a hug, "Thank you! For convincing him, he can be pretty bull-headed."
"You're welcome Alexis, we girls gotta stick together."
Castle walked Beckett down to the street and then walked along for a few blocks with her. "Beckett, I owe you big time for today."
"No Castle you don't." She turned, pushing his shoulder so he was facing her.
He stopped and looked intently at her, "Beckett, I haven't seen my daughter have that much fun, or laugh that much, in eons. She liked your company and your really helped." Beckett smiled.
"And, you know, as a Dad...that makes me a happy camper."
"Castle," in warm and friendly tone, " I had wonderful day, thank you."
"Hey you need to get back to your daughter and I need to get home. I'll call you next week."
"Nite Castle."
"G'night Beckett."