A soft drizzle fell from the low hanging gray clouds, muting the bustle of the city below. A pair of blue eyes followed the water droplets as they traced silvery paths along the tinted windows of the limousine, distorting the world beyond the glass. A sigh broke the heavy silence which filled the vehicle and a small hand reached out in response, slipping into the larger one and giving it a gentle squeeze. A loving smile creased Castle's face as he shifted his eyes toward his daughter. Alexis returned his smile, though he could see the concern in her eyes. A pang of guilt twisted in his chest as he gently pulled his hand from hers and wrapped his arm around her, pulling her against his side. He pressed a gentle kiss against the crown of her hair as she laid her head against his shoulder, careful not to dislodge the pins that held the mass of styled curls in place. He squeezed her shoulder gently as he shifted his gaze in his mother's direction. She too seemed to be lost in thought, a far off look in her eyes as she stared out the opposite window.
Castle loosened his arm as Alexis shifted to retrieve her phone from the small clutch bag that matched her sky blue evening gown. She smiled apologetically as she turned her attention to the glowing screen, eyes scanning the message scrawled across its face. He lowered his arm back to his side and shifted his gaze back to the window as the limo continued its slow crawl through the traffic choked streets. Part of him wished that the ride would go on forever, that they would never reach their destination. It would be too easy to signal the driver to turn the vehicle around and take them home…but as much as he longed to do so, he knew he could not. A slow anger simmered behind his carefully controlled mask, anger at Black Pawn for their refusal to postpone the launch party for Heat Rises. Since the news had broke regarding Kate's death, the book sales for his Nikki Heat series had shot through the roof…as had pre-orders for Heat Rises. The world seemed to be buzzing with one question…what would become of Nikki?
His jaw tightened. No one seemed to care what had happened to Kate…nor who had shot her. As far was the rest of the world was concerned, the shooter had been caught and the case was closed. Only one question remained in their minds…would he continue writing or would Nikki face the same fate as her real world counterpart. His self-imposed absence from the public eye had only fueled the fervor and the speculations. Black Pawn had issued a brief statement shortly after the incident, stating that he was taking time off to mourn his muse and would announce his decision in the near future. Apparently, the near future was to be at the launch party. It had been a week since the incident and Black Pawn's patience was beginning to wear thin. Gina had offered to write a statement for him, but he had declined in the end. He would do this for Kate. Nikki would continue to fight crime and right wrongs…at least for the length of his contract.
The limo slid to a smooth stop in front of the venue Black Pawn had rented for the night, a new and rather chic boutique hotel by the name of the Cat's Meow. His lips twitched in a small smirk at the name despite his dark mood. He shook his head slightly as he smoothed his dark suit and fixed a somber smile on his face. He felt his daughter's hand slip into his once more and a soft warmth pooled within his chest. He had tried to send his family away to the Hamptons out of concern for their safety, even though he knew the shooter was in custody. They had refused and in the end he was grateful for their support. He turned and graced them each with a warm and loving smile…and then the door to the car opened and the warmth gave way to the cold damp of the world beyond. He slid gracefully from the vehicle, grateful for the dreary weather as the large umbrellas held by the attendants shielded them, if only temporarily, from the crowd of onlookers he could hear beyond the thin fabric barriers. The camera flashes seemed overly bright against the muted gray cast by the gathering twilight and he wished he had thought to wear his trademark shades. He turned and offered a hand to his daughter as she slid carefully to her feet, releasing her to assist Martha as she joined them. The women moved to each take an offered arm as was their custom for such events, and with his family securely at his side, Castle straightened his shoulders and moved forward.
A cool damp wind caressed his hair as they stepped out of the shelter of the umbrellas and into the open space beneath the maroon overhang which sheltered the red carpeted path from the curb to the large frosted glass doors of the building. His smile froze in confusion as the noise from the crowd gathered beyond the line of security guards hushed. He turned his head toward them…and halted in shock at the sight which stretched out before him. A sea of flickering candles glowed softly in the twilight despite the cold drizzle, held by a small sea of fans in silent memorial for his fallen friends...for Kate. His throat tightened and his vision blurred as he gazed at them. He felt his mother gently squeeze his arm and he pulled himself out of the stupor that had claimed him. Castle nodded tightly to the crowd. "Thank you all." He said quietly, and then turned and quickly crossed the remaining distance to the doors.
Gina greeted them as they entered the plush lobby of the hotel; her eyes shimmered beneath the soft light of the ornate globes which hung overhead and he knew she had been watching. He gently excused himself as the ladies made their way toward the ball room, promising to join them shortly. He crossed the lobby and pushed open the door to the men's room, grateful to find it empty as his battered walls came crashing down around him. A heart wrenching sob filled the small room as Castle covered his face with trembling hands and slumped back against a wall. After a long moment, he forced a slow deep breath into his lungs and pulled himself together. He rubbed a rough hand across his eyes as he moved toward the granite carved sinks. The cold water helped to shock his weary mind back into reality. Kate was still alive…though after a week of his forced act, he found himself beginning to wonder whether it were true or simply what he wanted to believe. Life without her felt empty…like a part of him was missing. He missed her so much.
Castle heard the door open behind him and the soft click of two pairs of dress shoes against the marble floor. A hand appeared before him, offering a towel; he accepted it and dried his face. Two pairs of sympathetic eyes met his as he looked into the mirror. He smiled wanly as he dropped the towel into the basket beside the sink and turned to face his partners. According to his deal with Black Pawn, the 12th precinct homicide squad had a standing invitation to all Nikki Heat launch parties. It was his way of thanking them for putting up with him as well as an 'apology' for any liberties he might have taken with the characters in his books. Both men looked as exhausted as he felt, but they greeted him with warm grins as he turned.
"You look like hell." Esposito stated.
Castle snorted softly. "Thanks, maybe I should fire my tailor." He turned back to the mirror and straightened his jacket before running a hand through his hair as he attempted to erase all traces of his near breakdown. He was pleased to note his hands were no longer shaking.
Ryan's face grew serious as he shoved his hands into his trouser pockets and took a step closer, his eyes carefully assessing his friend with the skill of a trained interrogator. "How are you holding up?"
Castle sighed wearily as he turned and leaned back against the counter, folding his arms across his broad chest. "I miss her." He said softly; he caught the concerned look that passed between the two detectives and dropped his arms to his sides as he straightened. "Any news?"
Esposito shook his head slowly. "The Feds are keeping it on lockdown. We got shifted to another case." The words he was not saying spoke louder. They were as in the dark as he was and neither had seen or heard from Kate since her 'death'. It was partially for their protection, though primarily for the integrity of the case. Logically it made sense…but logic could not ease their concern for their missing friend.
A soft knock sounded and the men turned as the door opened and Gina poked her head in. Castle smirked as an amused looked passed between his friends at his ex's lack of embarrassment as she entered the men's room. He met her assessing gaze evenly, folding his arms across his chest; he was beginning to grow weary of everyone treating him like he was going to shatter at any moment.
"We are ready to start when you are." She stated.
Castle's smirk widened as he read the words between the lines. She was sympathetic to a point, but he was beginning to infringe on their livelihood and she needed him to pull it together. "We'll be out in a minute."
A low whistle sounded from Ryan's direction as the door swung shut behind her. "You certainly like them lively." He stated.
Castle laughed as he slowly straightened and moved toward the door. It felt good to laugh again. "That I do."
The men parted ways at the entrance to the ballroom; the detectives returned to their table on the far side of the room where their ladies patiently awaited their return. Castle returned Lanie's smile as he made his way over to the podium where Gina stood waiting. The room was large but arranged in such a way that it did not feel overwhelming. Sixteen round tables were clustered artfully around a small dance floor, at the edge of which sat a table holding copies of Heat Rises and a small stage. A large poster of the book's cover art hung as a back drop behind the stage, beneath the muted light from the large oriental globes which hung overhead. The candlelight from the centerpieces at the center of each table completed a muted yet elegant effect.
Castle scanned the room as Gina began her introduction, curious to see who had made the guest list. The group was smaller than normal, numbering around roughly one hundred fifty guests if his math was correct. There were fewer unfamiliar faces…as well as fewer unattached women with seductive eyes and low cut necklines. He smirked internally at the fact, though relieved that Gina had honored his request that the event be more subdued than usual in light of recent events. He picked out the head of Black Pawn, as well as his publisher and a couple of the city's more privileged members…including the mayor. The man in question caught his eye and Castle returned his nod with a slight smile and a roll of his eyes at Gina's speech. His friend smirked and raised an eyebrow as Castle shifted his gaze quickly back to his editor. Her eyes narrowed as they met his briefly before she returned her attention to the guests and swiftly transitioned the floor to the author.
Castle moved forward and brushed a kiss against Gina's cheek before taking the podium. The applause quieted as he motioned for silence. "Thank you all for coming and thank you for your continued support. As you may know, I will be sending my beautiful and very intelligent daughter off to college next year and will need all the sales I can get in order to afford it." He paused as a light laughter filtered through the room. His smile faded as he took a more serious tone. "As I am sure you must know by now, just over a week ago the city lost two of its finest officers in the line of duty, both of which I had the privilege of calling my friends. Captain Roy Montgomery and Detective Kate Beckett." He paused for a brief moment to clear his throat softly in an attempt to dislodge the lump that threatened to close it. "Roy Montgomery was one of the finest men I have had the honor of knowing. He was a loving husband and father. He was a dedicated officer who loved this city and those under his watch. He was a patient mentor and a loyal friend…and he played a mean hand of poker." He paused at the soft ripple of laughter. "Roy died the way that he lived…a hero…and I will never forget his sacrifice and the lessons he taught by how he live his life. He inspired others to live beyond themselves and to live a life that meant something…he inspired me to be more."
A sad smile graced his lips as he continued. "When I first met Kate, I was captivated. I admit at first it was because she was beautiful and she had a commanding presence that I found alluring. I hadn't written a word in over nine months and suddenly a few hours after she walked into my party and carted me off for questioning, words were flowing so fast I found it difficult to keep up. She was a mystery, a challenge, and honestly I think she found me annoying and immature." He grinned as a knowing laugh sounded from the precinct's table. "You should have seen her reaction when she first learned Nikki's name…which was outdone only when she got a look at the cover art for Heat Wave." A real laughter filtered from the onlookers. "Kate was always quick to point out that Nikki was loosely based on her…and she was right." He added softly as his eyes shifted to the cover art behind him. "Despite my considerable talent, I could never have created a character as extraordinary as Detective Katherine Beckett. She was beyond description.
"Kate truly cared for the people and this city she served so selflessly. She fought tirelessly to bring justice for the victims and closure for their families and she grieved for the families of every case she could not solve. She was a loyal partner and a faithful friend…one who stood beside you no matter how bleak the odds…she never gave up and never left a friend behind…a fact which saved the lives of many who sit in this room tonight, including mine." His eyes shimmered in the soft light as he continued, his voice husky with emotion. "I will never forget her and I will always love her." He ignored the murmurs as he pushed on, his voice growing stronger. "Many have asked what my plans are for Nikki now that Kate is gone, and you may be pleased to hear that Detective Heat will live to fight another day…in honor of the woman who inspired her creation. Thank you for your support." He stepped back from the podium and into the shadows as his eyes blurred. He dimly heard the applause grow as the guest began to stand to their feet…honoring him and honoring his muse.
Castle smiled and nodded his thanks as he made his way over to the table where his mother and daughter waited, along with his agent, and the mayor and his wife. Alexis stepped into his arms, hugging him tightly as the room filled with the sound of muted conversation and the shuffle of chairs as the guests settled into their seats. He pressed a gentle kiss to her hair and released her as they joined the rest of their table. His mother squeezed his hand gently beneath the table; he graced her with a soft smile, assuring her that he was fine. The soft clink of china filtered through the room as dinner was served. The evening passed smoothly, much to Gina's delight, as dinner transitioned into dessert and dancing. He signed books and posed for more photos than he could remember, before he finally managed to escape. Ice clinked softly against the glass as the bartender set the scotch before him; he nodded his thanks and dropped a fifty in the tip jar as he retrieved the glass and leaned back against the bar, his eyes surveying the room.
"Quite a night." A voice came from his right. Castle raised his glass in salute as the mayor approached. "And quite a speech as well, perhaps you should consider politics."
Castle let out a soft laugh. "You know the word comes from 'poly' meaning many and 'tics' as in blood sucking creatures. No offense." He added as his friend joined him at the bar, ordering a scotch for himself.
"None taken." The man's eyes shifted to meet his. "Rick, I am truly sorry about Kate…and Roy. They were good officers and they will be missed."
Castle nodded tightly before knocking back the remainder of his drink and ordering another. "They were the best of the best…which makes it even harder." He stated softly as he dropped another fifty into the tip jar and settled back with his glass.
"How so?"
Castle shrugged wearily. "They seemed so indestructible, like the marshals in the westerns. They almost made me believe that good always finds a way to triumph over evil." A self-depreciating laugh escaped his lips as he swirled the amber liquid gently in his glass. "Silly isn't it."
He raised his gaze to find the dark eyes studying him carefully as if trying to determine something; finally the man smiled. "I don't find that silly at all, Rick." A strong hand reached out and squeezed his shoulder. "If you need anything…anything at all, give me a call."
Castle nodded. "I appreciate it." He grinned suddenly, startling his friend. "There is one thing you could do one thing for me."
The man raised an eyebrow in response. "Name it."
"Go get one of my books." Castle stated.
The mayor laughed heartily. "Only if you sign it for me, my wife would never forgive me if you didn't."
Castle agreed with a mock salute and watched as the man began to work his way back across the room toward the book table. His smile faded as he turned his attention back to the drink in his hand. His eyes shifted to the cover art above the stage and he raised his glass in a toast. To Nikki…and to Kate…and to hopefully many more adventures with both.
It was hours later as the party was winding down, that he recalled the mayor's strange words…it was only after Esposito and Ryan cornered him, sans Jenny and Lanie, before ushering him and his family out the hotel's back door and into a waiting car. The FBI had finally made their move, serving a flurry of warrants and making key arrests simultaneously city-wide…including the arrest of the mayor of New York City only moments earlier outside the hotel. Surprisingly the news did not shock Castle as greatly he had expected it to. After all, he'd had an entire week with nothing to do but think up possible scenarios…and the mayor as the 'boss' had been one of them. It still stung…and he knew it would hit harder later, but for now he was just relieved that it was almost over.
I'm truly sorry about Kate…and Roy.
Part of him wondered if the man really was.
Author's note: Thank you to my faithful readers…hope you are still enjoying the story. I am not planning to 'solve' the mystery more than I have already with the implication of the mayor…while I think it is possible he could be the 'boss', as someone pointed out it will probably be someone that hasn't even been introduced yet. This story was mainly meant to focus on Kate and Castle during the events portrayed. One more chapter to go.