Chapter 5
Title: Leap of Faith
Characters: Rick Castle & Kate Beckett (couple); also features Alexis, Martha, Ryan, Esposito, Capt. Montgomery, and Jim Beckett. May feature others from episode 2.13 Sucker Punch as well.
Authors: Lisa M. (castlefanlisa) and Sarah M.
Rated: K+ or the equivalent of PG/PG 13
Disclaimer: We don't own any of the characters, we just borrowed them. They belong to ABC and their respective owners.
Note: This story is a romance and may have some alternate reality elements. Please leave constructive feedback. Thanks!
**
So much for their enjoying coffee or any other beverage. Lanie had called with a major break in the case, and Ryan and Esposito were after Kate to hurry up and get to the precinct.
**
"You'd swear there was a fire or something," Castle quipped dryly.
"You're not going to believe this one," Ryan said.
"Try me. I've heard some pretty unbelievable stuff before," Kate said.
"Some guy was hitting on this young girl at the theater. She was almost a dead-ringer for our vic, and your mom," Ryan looked at Castle, "tipped us off to this whole thing. The other girl is fine, by the way, but I think we found our guy."
"No freakin' way!"
"You can't be serious, guys. I spent hours going over this just last night. I came up with nothing…went all the way back to square one even."
"I thought you were sleeping," Rick whispered in her ear.
"Even the best detectives mess up, Beckett," Esposito tried to make her feel better, but instead only made her feel worse.
"I thought I had everything figured out but I missed something this time." She sighed.
"Hey, don't beat yourself up. We're going to nail this guy to the wall, promise," Castle encouraged, trying to bring her mood up.
Ryan looks at Kate. "All of this will be here in the morning. Why don't you go home and get some sleep? We'll save all the paperwork for you."
Kate glares at him. "Me do paperwork? Yeah…right. Just for that you guys get to do all of our paperwork for the next month."
Esposito glares at Ryan and smacks the back of his head. "Nice going bro."
Rick smiles at Kate. "Come on. Let's get you home and I'll take you out for breakfast before heading up here tomorrow."
Kate nods slightly. "Okay." She walks beside him and slips her arm around his waist.
He pulls her closer and rubs her back lightly. "You okay?"
"Yeah. I'll be fine."
"That was a half-hearted fine, and you know it."
"Truthfully? I want this case wrapped up so we can go to Fiji. Why does it feel like that's being selfish?"
"It's not. You deserve a break."
"I feel like that's cheating someone else out of happiness, Rick."
"Stop over analyzing and try to enjoy yourself, Kate. Please?"
She half-smiled. "Okay."
They make their way over to Rick's apartment and Kate walks over to the couch and flops down.
Alexis walks down the stairs. "Hey you guys."
Kate pops her head up. "Hey Lex."
Rick goes over to hug Alexis and doesn't let her go for a while.
Alexis smiles and looks up at him. "Not that I'm complaining, but I think Kate can use one of those hugs."
He smiles and goes over to Kate. He scoops her up in his arms and holds her close.
Kate wraps her arms around his neck and holds on for dear life.
Rick smiles and sits down on the couch. "How about we watch a movie?"
Kate shakes her head lightly. "Not in a movie kind of mood. Can we just stay like this?"
"Of course we can. You look beat." He holds her until she falls asleep. He slightly shifts so her head is in his lap.
**
Around five AM, Kate stirs, trying not to wake Castle. She fails and he wakes up and smiles.
"I tried not to wake you," she apologizes.
"It's okay, time to get up anyway. Any news on the case?"
"Ryan left me a voicemail. Paperwork is almost complete and we can interrogate the suspect soon."
"How about I take you for breakfast before we head to the precinct?"
"That sounds good to me. You did promise me, remember?"
"That's right, I did. Where would you like to go?"
"Surprise me." She laughed.
"That could be dangerous, Detective."
"I trust you."
Rick smiles at her. "Go get ready."
Kate walks up the stairs and gets in the shower.
Before he goes upstairs to get ready, Rick goes to start a pot of coffee.
Kate comes out of the shower with a towel wrapped around her just as he walks in the bedroom.
Rick smiles and pulls her in his arms. "How'd you sleep?"
She wraps her arms around his neck. "Wonderful. I'm ready for this case to be over though."
"I know you are baby." He kisses her softly. "There's a fresh pot of coffee going downstairs for when you're ready."
"Thanks." She kisses him just as lightly and backs away. "Go get ready. I'm hungry."
"I'm goin', "he laughs.
**
It's not long and they are in the restaurant eating pancakes. Kate just enjoys the quiet and watches Castle.
"This is nice."
"Yeah, no rush or anything. When was the last time we just took a minute to breathe?"
"I have no idea."
The waitress comes over and fills up Kate's coffee cup.
Kate smiles up at her. "Thanks."
Rick smiles at Kate and reaches out for her hand.
She slips her hand in his and clasps their fingers together.
He squeezes her hand lightly and brings their hands up to his lips. He places a gentle kiss on her hand.
"We should do this more often."
Kate nods and smiles. "Yes we should. We'll get a whole week of this when we go on our trip."
"That we will. When are you and Alexis going shopping?"
"Saturday."
A young girl and her mom come in the restaurant. The daughter looks around and grins. "Mommy! It's that writer you like so much."
Kate heard her and smiles. "I think you have a future fan over there."
**
He got up and walked over to the young girl, kneeling to her level. "Hi, my name's Rick."
The little girl smiled. "Mine name's Amanda. This is my mommy."
"Hi, Mr. Castle. We didn't mean to bother you," the mom apologized.
"It's no bother really. I bet Amanda would love an autograph."
The little girl beamed. She handed him a napkin and watched him sign it. "Thanks!"
"You're welcome."
Kate smiles at the sight of Rick with little Amanda. She gets up and walks over to them. "I think you made a new friend there baby."
Rick smiles. "Yeah I did." He turns to Amanda. "Amanda, this is Kate. She's the woman I based Nikki Heat on."
Amanda's jaw drops. "Wow. You're so pretty."
Kate smiles and blushes. "Thanks. You're pretty too." She turns to Rick. "Breakfast is getting cold."
"Okay. I hope you will read my books when you get older Amanda."
Amanda nods. "I will." She hugs both Rick and Kate.
Kate hugs her tight. "You be good for your Mommy, ok?"
"I will."
Amanda's mom smiles at the two of them. "It was good meeting you."
Rick nods. "It was good meeting you too."
He takes Kate's hand and walks back over to the table.
**
Just as they sit down, Kate's cell phone rings.
"Beckett. Give us ten and we'll be right there."
"What's up?"
"Time to interview Michael Jacobs, our suspect in the case."
"I'm more than ready to nail him to the wall."
"Just remember you're accompanying me."
"Yeah, I know. I'll be as quiet as a mouse."
She rolls her eyes. "I've seen how well that works from before."
"Are you saying you don't trust me?" He pouts.
"I just know you far too well."
Rick nods. "That you do."
Kate stands up and pushes her chair in. "Coming Castle?"
Rick nods and pays for their breakfast as well as Amanda and her mom's breakfast.
Kate gets in the car and starts it up. 'If he's not here in two seconds I'm leaving without him.'
He runs out to the car and slides in the passenger seat.
Kate pulls the car into traffic. "You're lucky right now."
"Oh yeah?"
"Yeah. I was going to leave just as you got to the car."
"I had to pay for breakfast…and I paid for Amanda and her mom's too."
"Oh. Okay. Sorry. I forgot about that."
He puts his hand on her knee. "It's okay."
**
They make it to the precinct in record time considering traffic. They walk right into interrogation and sit down across from Michael.
"Michael, I'm Detective Beckett and this is Rick Castle."
"He's no cop, he's a writer."
"He's shadowing me right now."
"He gonna put me in his next book?"
"Yeah, Mr. Jacobs, I'm going to make you famous," Rick grins.
"So tell me, why do you think you're here, Mr. Jacobs?"
Michael nods. "Alex."
Kate nods. "Yes. Alex…and her baby."
He looks at Kate. "Baby…she was…"
"Yes she was."
"How far.."
"Not very far along."
Michael looks at Kate and Rick. "I want my lawyer."
Kate glares at him and then looks to Rick.
Rick nods and stands up. "Look. My daughter is the same age. If it had been her in Alex's place I'd be wondering if she was okay, if she was still alive…where are her parents?"
"She didn't say. Her parents just take off and leave her alone."
"Okay. Thanks."
He helps Kate out of the chair and out of the room. "Can you help me kill the parents and make it look like an accident?"
"I'd be happy to. Instead, we get to wait for Michael's lawyer. I hate it when they know the rules."
"I wish we knew how to find her parents. If we had her wallet it would help a lot."
"Yeah it would, but unfortunately we don't." She sighs, and just then Ryan walks up.
"You're gonna love this. I've got two people that just walked in. They said their daughter's missing…and when I asked them her name, they said Alex Kincaid."
"You're joking, right?" Kate rolls her eyes.
"Do I look like I'm kidding?"
Rick looks at Kate. "Want me to come with you?"
She nods. "Please."
He pulls Kate in his arms and hugs her. "Just because you looked like you needed one."
She smiles slightly and hugs him. "Thanks."
They walk to the parents. "Mr and Mrs. Kincaid, I'm Detective Beckett. This is Rick Castle. I understand your daughter is missing?"
Mrs. Kincaid nods. "Yes. Alex. We haven't seen her in a couple of days."
"Do you happen to have a picture of her?"
Mr. Kincaid pulls a picture out of his wallet and hands it to Kate.
Kate turns to Rick and sighs. "I'm very sorry to have to tell you this, but I know where Alex is. If you'll follow me."
They walk to the morgue and Lanie slowly pulls back the sheet.
Mrs. Kincaid covers her mouth and sobs. "My baby…"
"I'm so sorry," Kate says quietly.
"Did the person….I can't believe I'm asking this…"
"She wasn't raped…but she was pregnant," Rick says.
"Do you know a Michael Jacobs?" Kate asked.
"Yes, and I'm fairly sure if she was pregnant, he's responsible. Did he do this to her, too?"
"We're waiting for his lawyer, but he seemed pretty shocked over everything."
"If he's lawyered up, then why doesn't he just sign a confession right now?" Mr. Kincaid said.
"I don't know. But one of the other detectives is calling his lawyer now and one will probably want to talk to you about the last time you saw Alex."
Alex's parents nod. "Thank you."
Kate nods slightly. "I'm sorry for your loss…both of them. We'll get someone to drive you home."
Lanie looks at Alex's parents. "I'll leave you to say your goodbyes. Take your time." She walks out of the room and sees Kate and Rick down the hall wrapped in each other's arms.
"You okay Kate?"
She nods but just barely.
Rick looks at Lanie. "She just hates the young ones."
"I do too."
He takes Kate's hand and leads her in the bathroom to splash water on her face.
**
"I should be better at this. I'm a professional for crying out loud. Somehow, I've turned into this weak, emotional, romantic fool. I don't even recognize myself anymore."
"You're not weak and showing emotion means you're human, Kate."
She starts shaking from head to toe.
"Hey, come here." He stands behind her and steadies her.
"I've got to get out of here. Can you please take me somewhere…anywhere?"
"Of course, but I'm driving."
"Thank you."
He kisses her cheek lightly and takes her hand. He leads her up to the bull pen and grabs the keys.
"Hey guys, I'm going to take Kate out for lunch. See you later."
He turns and walks away before they can question him.
Once they get to the elevator, he pulls Kate in his arms and holds her close. "How about we go get some pizza and take it back to my place?"
Kate nods. "Sounds good."
He drives the car to his apartment parking garage and parks in his spot. He goes around to the passenger door and quickly opens it for Kate.
She smiles and hugs him tight. "Thanks."
He lifts her up and holds on to her. "You're welcome. There's a pizza place just down the block from here. Want to walk down?"
Kate nods. "As long as I can hold on to you."
"Of course you can."
He sets her down and takes her hand. "You're not going to be rid of me that easily."
"Oh no, not again." She starts shaking. "If I keep this up, I won't be able to eat a thing."
"It's shock and your body's way of telling you to slow down."
"Rick, now I'm dizzy and I feel like I'm going to…" At that moment, she passes out. Thankfully, Rick catches her and carries her to the car. He gently places her in the car.
**
They get to his loft, and he carries her in and lays her on the sofa. She stirs.
"Hey there."
"What happened?"
"You passed out…but it's okay. Are you okay?"
"My pride's wounded and I feel a little sick, but otherwise I'm fine."
"Your body was telling you to take it easy, and when you didn't, it did it for you." He rubs his hands up and down her arms.
She sighs. "I know."
"You won't let it happen again."
She smiles. "You've got that right."
"Why don't you just lay there and rest for a while. I'll go get the pizza from down the block."
Kate nods and snuggles into the couch. "Rick…can you get me a blanket?"
He nods and grabs a blanket from the hall closet. He carefully lays it over her and kisses her forehead.
"Thanks."
"Just rest. I'll be back in a flash."
He puts her cell phone on the coffee table and grabs his keys.
Kate slowly drifts off for a while.
Rick went down the street and got the pizza to go.
Back up in the apartment, Kate started having a bad dream and sat up right. "Rick? Rick?"
Knowing she couldn't go back to sleep again easily, she went upstairs to lay on his bed.
He got the hot pizza and carried it back to the apartment. He carefully opened the door and looked at the couch. He didn't see Kate.
"Katie?"
He set the pizza on the counter and went up to his bedroom.
"Kate…baby.."
She woke up and raised her arms up. "Rick.."
He smiled and lay down beside her pulling her in his arms.
She snuggled in his arms and held on for dear life.
"Hey, what happened?"
"I had this really bad dream..well nightmare…it wasn't pretty."
"If you want to talk about it, we can."
She shakes her head. "Not yet."
"Okay." He slowly takes her shirt off. "Let me love you."
"How do you know that's what I want?"
"Because I see it in your eyes." He smiles.
"That doesn't solve everything you know."
"But you want me, right?" He whispers ever so seductively.
"The twelve year old has made an appearance once again. Joy…" I mutter and roll my eyes.
"But you like the twelve year old side of me now and again don't ya?"
Kate nods. "I do."
He carefully takes his shirt off and lays her back on the bed. He smiles at her and kisses her softly.
"Rick…I…"
"What baby?"
"I … oh never mind."
She kisses him and runs her hand down his back.
He smiles and slowly finishes undressing them both.
Kate grins and looses herself in him.
A while later, Rick smiles at her. "You are amazing."
"No, you are."
He looks at his watch. "Some lunch we had huh?"
"Yeah."