Chapter 5: The Stakeout
"Kate, how did I come back anyway?" I asked as I heard a car door slam outside. She paused from filling a glass of water.
"We aren't sure yet. Laine said she needs more time to test your blood." She brought it back and sat next to me.
"How long?"
"A week tops and then we'll find you a place and you can live the rest of your life comfortably."
"What about the creep?" I watched her expression.
"We don't know his identity yet, but you will be protected. I will protect you. That's a promise."
"Thank you, Kate. I just hope… Things will look better from now on." I went into the bathroom and changed into my pajamas. I heard a knock on the door and the creak of the hinges as Kate opened it. I slipped on a spare white robe and was not surprised to see Kevin and Javier in the kitchen. Both stared at me. Kate cleared her throat. Kevin shook his head and elbowed Javier.
"Here, Scarface burned your place down just last night. We've got his voice and face. It shouldn't be too long before we catch him." Kevin said. I sighed and caught Kate's eye.
"We're gonna have to go shopping." She gave me a look. Javier and Kevin exchanged a glance.
"When do we start?" I asked, smiling. Kate grinned and bid the boys goodnight. The next morning I was startled to see Kate inside my room.
"What's going on Kate?" I say as calmly as I can. She doesn't say anything. "Kate?"
"You know what you did, Carter." She says in a familiar voice. I know in a second that this is not Kate.
"What have you done with her?" I ask as Scarface takes off the Kate mask.
"She's safe for now, but only if you will come with me."
"I don't trust you. Hell, I don't even know your name!"
"My name is Leroy Jones, brother of Patrick Jones. The one you wrote that scathing article about."
"Leroy, I swear, that was another time. I'm not that Serena anymore. I've changed."
"I don't believe a bitch like you can ever change. You've never even been in love! I have and I can tell you it was wonderful until that article came out and she left me because she was so scared."
"That's what this is about? Revenge and scorned love?"
"Call it what you will; I just want you out of everyone's life!" He grabs me by my hair and drags me out. I kick Kate's door and let out a scream. I hear quick footsteps as Leroy knocks the apartment door down.
I see a sharp knife on the table from last night and I struggle with Leroy to get it. I wriggle out of his grip on my hair and run to the table, hearing Kate trying to open her door. I grab the knife, but Leroy has my ankle. He pulls me to the floor and my head hits the edge of the table, knocking me out cold. I come to in an abandoned construction site, handcuffed on a crane at least fifteen feet off the ground. The lights flicker around me and there's a gag around my mouth.
"Good evening, Miss Carter. I'm glad you could make it." Leroy snickers, circling below me. I glare at him.
"You're so silent!" He says in a mock surprised tone. "I like it!" He hits a button and the crane I'm on moves towards a bandsaw. My eyes widen as I'm dropped onto a conveyor belt going towards it.
"NYPD! Stop the conveyor belt, Jones and put your hands up!" Kevin shouted, somewhere above my head. I couldn't really tell because I was a bit preoccupied with the bandsaw in front of my feet. I squirmed and managed to break free of my gag.
"Leroy, I'm sorry!" I shouted, tears running down my face. The conveyor belt halted and I slid forward, inches from the bandsaw.
"You're sorry?" He scoffed, dragging me out by my hair.
"Jones, let her go now!" Javier appeared from the shadows, holding his gun to Leroy's scarred head.
"Are you sure you want me to let her go here?" Leroy gave a twisted grin, dangling me over the edge of a half finished building.
"Guys, it's okay. Let him drop me. It's time for me to go anyways." I said, giving Kevin a wink. He barely shook his head at me. "Thank you for trying and tell Kate I'm sorry I let her down."
"Let me get this straight, you know these cops?"
"I know Detective Kate Beckett, yes." I watched as his face contorted with rage. "You know her, don't you, Leroy?"
"She's next on my list."
"Or is she first? After all, you started calling me as soon as she arrested your brother. That was weeks after my article came out."
"Stop changing the subject and fly!" He threw me over the edge and I fell four stories onto an old mattress with a trampoline on it. I bounced off into Richard's arms.
"Thank you for coming to rescue me, Rick." I hugged him.
"I can't take full credit for the rescue. Beckett heard you kick her door and she called up Ryan, Esposito, and then me. I guess she's finally trusting me."
"Where is Kate anyway?" I looked around as Richard set me down. Leroy bounced into me, knocking me into Richard. I landed on top of him, winding up kissing him.
"So, Castle caught you after all." Kate said sounding amused. I gently got up off of him, helping him up.
"Technically, yes he did." I embraced her as Leroy was read his charges and handcuffed.
"I'll get you, Beckett, mark my words! Mark them!" Leroy shouted before Kevin and Javier dragged him away.
"Kate, he was gunning for you after all. I'm so sorry I put you in harm's way."
"Don't be, Serena. I'm a homicide detective. I put myself in harm's way everyday. I should be the one apologizing for mixing you up in my business." She gave me my bags. "I never thought I'd say this, but I think the safest place for you would be with Castle. Leroy doesn't know where he lives and it would be the last place anyone would expect you to be. Besides, this way you'll be together without me getting in the way."
"Kate, don't be so hard on yourself." I embraced her again before Richard takes my bags and I follow him out. I turn around to face her. "I'll stay in touch, I promise." I waved to her and then I left.