So I'd said I would start this chapter in the present, but I am not. I still need to fill in the gaps between that day in Chapter one to present day & Castle's predicament. Also contrary to a slightly nasty review I received for the earlier chapter about the story being 'trouble and pain crap', I am not trying to break these 2 up at all. I am a true romantic at heart so this is definitely gonna end with them together. I just want to explore the characters reactions to heartbreak and their loved ones being in danger. Esp Beckett. On the show there is only so much they can show. But here you get to do and describe so much more. I also wanted to explore the relationships between the other characters while Castle is in danger. Anyway…..I just wanted to put that disclaimer out there before going on. So without further ado – I give you chapter 3 …
Chapter 3
10 hrs ago – 12th precinct
Kate sat in her chair and rubbed her eyes. They had wrapped up not one but 3 cases in one day. It had been an extremely fulfilling day workwise. Emotionally though – she was a basket case. Which was nothing new - she had been almost intolerable to be around since that day 2 weeks back. So much so, that at one point the new Captain had called her into her office and told her flat out that if she didn't get her act together, she would find herself on traffic duty. Although she had been furious when she made the threat, Kate could see the concern in her eyes. Everyone at the precinct had been dreading the day the new Captain joined.
Roy Montgomery was irreplaceable. He had not only been a great captain he had also been a mentor and friend to everyone at the 12th. So they were all dreading having someone new in his place. But Captain Frye had surprised them all. Despite being IA she had given them all the benefit of doubt and recognized the fact that to run a smooth operation, especially one like a police precinct required having the trust of the people under you. And she would not be gaining anything by alienating them.
She had slowly but surely gained their trust and had stood by them in turf wars with other law enforcement agencies or on occasion when they were at war with the media. But the biggest surprise had come the day the Captain had called Castle into her office. They had all been resigned to the fact that Castle's shadowing her was pretty much over. But as they had all sat in the bullpen pretending to be working, while all the time staring into the Captain's office trying to make out what was being said - she had managed to surprise them yet again.
Castle had walked out of her office with a look of utter amazement on his face. Kate knew from personal experience it was near impossible to render this man speechless. But Captain Kaylee Frye had done it! Castle had mutely handed over the paperwork the Captain had given him. Not only was he getting to stay, she had made it official! Rick Castle was now a bona fide NYPD consultant – ID card and all. He was officially Det Beckett's partner and had to take mandatory weapons training. Captain Frye, Castle had explained had been impressed with their closure rate and had not wanted to mess with a good thing. However given her history in IA, she wanted to make sure they dotted their t's and crossed their i's.
She wanted to ensure they didn't have any cases thrown out of court, due to the fact that they had a civilian running around with the arresting officers drawing guns. This also explained the need for the official title and mandatory weapons training. Kate had to smile when she remembered Rick's stunned expression followed by utter glee afterwards. Her eyes involuntarily went to the empty chair to her left. Even though he had been given his own desk as a consultant, he still chose to sit at her desk instead. But now even that chair was empty – and she had no one to blame but herself. Just as she had expected, he had not come back this time. He had made up some excuse about out of town commitments to explain his absence at the precinct. Kate had been in such a foul mood since then, nobody else had dared ask her what was going on.
Oh but how she missed him….missed that sparkle in his eyes, that endearing smile that could make the bleakest of days seem worth it. Kate sighed and dropped her face in her hands. Suddenly she heard a commotion outside the bullpen. She barely had time to get up from her desk before she was enveloped in a bear hug by none other than Alexis Castle.
She was sobbing so badly Kate couldn't make out a word of what was being said. Just then Captain Frye walked out of her office, her face ashen. She was followed by Esposito and Ryan who both looked like their best friend had just died. Something was terribly wrong. Kate's knees buckled. If Alexis hadn't been hanging onto her with all her strength, Kate might have collapsed.
"Rick" she whispered hoarsely. Staring blankly over Alexis' shoulder she asked, "Alexis, where is your dad?"
Before Alexis could answer the Captain spoke up, "We have a situation Beckett" she said quietly. She laid a hand on Alexis' back and said gently, "Alexis, Why don't you go into my office with Detective Ryan? So I can update Detective Beckett about …..." she paused and continued "the situation".
Alexis was reluctant to let Kate go, but eventually nodded and went with Ryan. The Captain looked at Kate and said without preamble, "Approximately one hour ago, about a dozen or so people were taken hostages in an office building in Camden. Details are just beginning to trickle out. We don't know how or why this happened. All we know is that the hostage-takers let the hostages send texts or emails to their loved ones. Soon after though, their phones seemed to have been turned off. And they have not made any kinds demands yet." She stopped and looked at Kate then continued, "Rick Castle is one of the hostages Detective Beckett". Kate sucked in a pained breath and closed her eyes. No, this was not happening! The universe would not be that cruel. After everything they had been through…..how could this be happening? It was all her fault. If she had had the courage to …..
"Detective Beckett? …Kate?" Alexis' voice broke on the last word. Kate saw her standing just outside the bullpen staring at her with tear-filled eyes. That snapped Kate out of her spiral into self –pity. Now was not the time for pity or regrets. She needed to be strong for Alexis.
She walked over to where Alexis was standing and hugged her. 'Shhhhh….it's going to be all right okay?" .She pulled back and holding Alexis's hands in her own vowed to the teen, "I promise you I will move heaven and earth, if that's what it takes to bring your dad back. Whatever it takes …..Okay? Alexis nodded mutely and gave her a brave smile so Kate continued, "But both he and I need you to be strong. Can you do that for me? I need to go there and bring him back. But I can't do that if I am worrying about your safety okay sweetie? So I am going to take you to Syracuse with me, but you have to stay at a safe- house."
Alexis was starting to shake her head in protest but before Kate could say anything the Captain spoke, "Detective Ryan will stay with you the whole time Alexis. That way Detective Beckett can keep you posted on any developments and we can take you to see your dad as soon as she says it's safe." When Alexis acquiesced and said, "Okay" Kate looked at the Captain and mouthed a silent "Thank You".
The Captain nodded and asked them to meet her in her office once all the necessary arrangements had been made. Things seemed to move at lightning speed after that. Before she knew it there was a fleet of cars, all with their sirens on heading out of the 12th towards Camden. But Kate would never forget what the Captain had said in her office just before leaving.
"I want to make something very clear here before we leave. Yes 'we'….I am coming with you. I may have had my reservations about Rick Castle when I first found out about your little arrangement here. But in the last few months, he has proven time and again what a valuable member he is on this team. And where I come from we take care of our own. Now having said all that, I do know that we will be facing a turf war over jurisdiction and our involvement there. There is a high chance we might get kicked to the curb. But I don't want you to worry about that. Let me handle it the way I see fit. Agreed?" All 3 detectives nodded in unison. They couldn't have said a word if their life depended on it. Captain Frye stood and picking up her jacket said, "Come on lets go get our boy back".