Chapter 17
Smith looks at Kate and Rick lying in the hospital bed. Never again will he be allowing an outsider work with him.
"Issue…?" Smith said.
"Smith, I need to include Rick in the execution of this operation." Kate said seriously.
"Wait a sec, first of all there is no way that this would or could happen." Smith confirms.
"Smith, I need to know that she will be safe." Rick states.
Smith looks at his son
"Rick, while I know that you love her. I am not in a position to endanger your life once again. We went to a lot of trouble and money to keep you alive. Letting you leave here will cause us a lot of problems." He says.
Rick says "Yeah with my money."
"You can't be serious can you? Who cares whose money it is? You are alive and safe and that's all that counts." Smith retorts.
"Smith, I am going to be a part of this whether you like it on not." He said forcefully.
Smith looks at Rick then to Kate. He sees the look on her face that he has seen before. It is one of determination. Smith is quiet for a minute mulling over his options.
"Kate, while I know that you think that this is a good idea, I'm here to tell you that it really isn't. Rick has so much to lose if this goes sideways." He states hoping one or both would come to their senses.
"Smith, I'm in this and that's final." Rick says with determination.
"Smith, we do not need Rick to lead the charge. Why could he not be in a supporting role instead?" Kate suggests.
"Kate, what do you have in mind?" Smith asks intrigued.
"He could monitor the progress of the operation from a safe place. Give direction and support." Kate supplies.
Smith thinks about what Kate has in mind. She may be wrong about his involvement with this op. He at least will give her the courtesy to hear her out.
"Kate, if I agree to this there is no way in hell Rick will be anywhere near the action. Is that clear?" Smith states his conditions.
Both Rick and Kate look at each other and settle for the compromise. She will be sure that he won't be anywhere near the fighting if it ever comes to that. She already lost him once and it will not happen again.
"Rick, while I'm against you going anywhere near this op. I will keep your involvement to a support role only. I am going to go over this plan once more to firm up our position to see where we may use you." Smith says.
"Kate, we need to get you ready for this, can you handle it?" Rick asks.
"Babe, I am as ready as I'll ever be." She states with steely determination.
"Well, that's a good thing Kate. We need to get you wired for sound, then we will get you into the thick of things. Get ready, I will leave you and Rick some time together." Smith says.
Smith leaves the room, then sets out for the operations room. To say that he is pissed is an understatement. While he knows that Rick wants to be a part of this operation, he can't risk him going up against any of the moles at the 12th. He arrives at the operations room, then looks over the newly delivered Intel. The bait has been taken. The time is short to catch 3XK. He needs to get Kate ready for what will happen next.
He decides that Rick can monitor the secondary communications channel and coordinate the movement of personnel from the ops room. He picks up the phone and dials Rick's room.
"Rick, tell Kate it's time to move out. I have a job for you also." Smith orders.
"We will be right there." Rick responds.
5 minutes later Rick and Kate enter the ready room. Smith looks at Rick walking using Kate for support. He oddly wonders. Where his wheel chair is?
"Rick, where's your wheelchair?" he asks.
"I am able to walk. I'm just a bit slow." Rick replies.
"That's my boy." Smith says proudly.
"Smith, I hear that you have a new Intel on the op?" Kate asks.
"Yes, I do, that's why we need you here. We must get you wired up with a new type of listening device. Its wireless and has a range of about ½ mile. The kicker is that it is able to evade all bug sweeping tools by changing frequencies automatically." Smith says.
"Well, that's good. At least we can get a confession from 3XK implicating him in Rick's death." Kate responds.
"He has taken the bait Kate. He is going to meet with the Assistant Chief of Detectives John Renicker. Now what we need to do is get you into the same meeting. I think I know exactly how to do it." Smith says.
"How will you do that, Smith?" Kate wonders out loud.
"It will be a little tricky. The timing will need to be perfect. We will have to plant additional Intel. You are going to be the one to introduce it. This op will be a long and tiresome one. If we're lucky we will be able to take down the 3 moles and 3XK as well." Smith points out.
"Dad, what happens if Tyson figures out that Kate is trying to get them to talk?" Rick asks.
"This is the beauty of this planted file. It will look as Kate has gone rogue since her arrest. She will be drawn into the dark side so to speak." Smith explains.
"Okay Smith, what's in this file that you have?" Rick inquires
"It's evidence that Renicker has more skeletons in his closet than he lets on. Actually, he has 2 murders on his hands. But the fact that he buried them so deep in the void of the system, no one knew where to look for it." Smith recalls.
"This information is of the fabricated variety? Right..." Kate asks.
Smith looks at Kate then looks at Rick to return to Kate.
"Kate while I'd like this to be false. I am sad to say that these two murders are actually the real deal. One is a drug courier, and the other is a pimp. Both probably deserve what he did to them, but I am not one to judge. I don't know the entire story." Smith says.
"So you think that this will get Kate into his good graces? Rick wonders out loud.
"Son this is the plan. With Kate being accused of murder, then she gets released on a technicality. She can use that to show Renicker that she is now looking for a payoff of sorts, or even to become part of the clique. Whether it be money or a way to move up the ladder. This is how he has been able to get where he is today." Smith replies.
"Dad while I know that this is the plan, I'm still a little bit worried. What happens if things go sideways?" Rick asks worriedly.
"Rick, there is that possibility. However, I believe that with all the training Kate has she will know what to do and how to handle herself if the need arises." He says.
They all look at each other. With the plan in place they start to get ready. Not knowing is the thing that Rick can't get over. He will not lose her again, especially after everything that they have been through.
"Kate, are you sure about this?" Rick asks one more time showing how scared he is.
"Babe, listen I will do this and see it to the end. This way Tyson will no longer be a threat to us anymore." Kate reassures as she looks back at Smith and he nods.
"Kate, we need to get geared up then go over this intel one last time. Wheels are up in 30. Rick, I will use you in a capacity that I can control. You will be in the command post monitoring TAC1 and TAC2. This is the only communication we have for our operatives during this op. I'll need the information relayed between them and myself. That's where you come in. You, and I emphasize you directly that you are not to leave the command post under ANY circumstance. Do I make my self clear?" Smith emphasizes.
"But Dad..." Rick protests.
"Rick, I mean it. This op needs to go off without any interference from you. Or so help me god I will kill you myself." Smith swears to make his point.
Kate looks at Smith with a shocked look. She hopes he is kidding, but she really can't tell... That is until he turns away from Rick and gives her a quick wink. Smith heads out of the room and Kate follows. They head to the armory to gear up. Smith takes his sidearm and gives Kate a SIG SAUER P229R 9mm handgun. It's the ideal weapon, easy to conceal, and it has a kick to it. As for body armor Kate will wear the ultra light Kevlar composite vest. Since she will be in civilian clothing it needs to be undetectable and this fits the bill. It's lightweight and can stop at.40 caliber round at close range. Smith hands Kate the wireless bug. She looks at him, not understanding why he is giving her a wedding band.
"Smith, I love Rick but don't you think that you're pushing things just a little too fast?" Kate comments on the band.
Smith chuckles "Kate although I'd like to see the two of you hitched that is not just a wedding band. That's the bug. I needed a way to get it past Tyson and Renicker without raising their suspicions. This will do the job."
Kate puts the band on the proper finger and looks at it. She wishes that it's the real thing. They go over the plan once more and when Smith is satisfied they return to Rick.
Rick is checking over the frequencies in the command post. It's a Dodge Sprinter, all blacked out and in the rear cargo area, it is the ultimate vehicle for gathering Intel and communicating. The Alpha leader tells him that all com will be a priority on TAC1. All secondary support will use TAC2. He turns in the chair as Smith opens the rear doors.
"Well, Rick, can you handle this?" He asks.
"Don't worry, I got this." Rick says with a smile.
"Okay, well let's get everything in place." Smith says heartily.
They all climb into the Sprinter. The team leader, Smith, Rick and Kate are in the van. The support team is in the second van. Both vans exit the garage and proceed down the road and at a certain mile marker they split up going separate ways. The meeting between Tyson and Renicker is set for 3 pm. Tyson took the bait that Renicker needed to meet with his boss face to face. The meet was set at the 12th precinct. As they pull up the Sprinter drops Kate off about a block north of the station. She looked herself over one last time and does a test of the bug. Everything is working fine. She exits the van and walks to the opposite side of the street. The van leaves then takes up a position around the block, but still within a quick response time if need be.
Smith kneels down under the computer console of the van. Sliding the door open he pulls out a very large case. Rick looked down. By the shape of the case he knows that inside is a rifle. Smith unsnaps the locks on either end, then opens the case. Inside was a McMillan TAC-338 complete with a Leupold Mark 4 3.5-10x40 LR/T scope. Smith goes through the dry fire steps. He smiles showing he is ready. Within seconds he slings the rifle over his shoulder and turns to leave.
"Remember Rick, Stay put." Smith says as he slams the door for effect.
He exits to take up his position.
"Bravo leader requesting com check." He.
"5x5" Responds Rick from inside the van.
Smith changes frequencies to TAC5.
"Bravo leader to Zulu4." He states.
"Zulu4 go with your message." The reply is heard.
"I am in position and have you in sight." He replies.
"Rodger Bravo Leader…" the response says.
Smith watches through his scope until Kate disappears into the lobby of the 12th. He feels a little bad when he has the only communication with Kate. Rick has no idea he will not hear her. For this op to succeed, they need to be separate. Smith switches back to TAC1.
"Alpha leader this is Bravo leader do you copy?" He asks.
"Rodger, Bravo leader…" is the response.
"Are you and your team in position?" He asks.
"Within 30 seconds, we will be ready." The voice replies.
"Copy that. Bravo leader out." He states satisfied with the status.
All he has to do now is to wait. It's all up to Kate. It's 1455 and the meeting is set for 1500. Kate eyes the desk sergeant then walks over to the elevator. She pushes the call button and waits. The elevator dings just as Kate is about to step onto the elevator, she feels a hand on her shoulder and a gun at her back.
"Quickly and without raising any suspicion walk!" The voice behind her tells her.
Kate tries to turn but the gun is forced deeper into her back. She is pushed up against the wall of the elevator opposite the closing doors. Her forehead rests against the wall, unable to turn around making sure that this person won't be identified. The elevator rises to the 5th floor. It is her floor. The one she is exiled to after the NYPD conveniently exonerated her. The door opens and the floor is empty. There is nothing that was there before when she has investigated Rick's case. She is bound with zip tie cuffs. A hood is thrown over her head. She is pulled backwards and almost stumbles. Her captor just drags her off the elevator and shoves her into a chair. Nothing is said, the air is eerily silent. Then a set of footsteps come out of the hallway. Stopping just short of where she sits. She listens to the whispering.
"What is she doing here?" Voice one speaks confusedly.
"I'll be damned if I know." Another voice replies just as confoundedly.
"Well, let's ask her." A voice responds.
They move closer to where she sits. The hood is taken from her head. What she sees almost kills her. She sees three people in front of her. There is the feared killer Jerry Tyson, Captain Renicker and most surprisingly Captain Montgomery. Now she fears the worst.
"You just could not leave this alone could you Beckett." Asks Montgomery.
"Sir…?" Kate asks totally confused.
"Come on Beckett, why do you think we had you stuck up here on the 5th floor. We needed to keep eyes on you. But when you got Esposito and Ryan involved we needed to send a message, a message you chose to neglect." He explains.
"Sir, what do you mean, what message?" Kate asks being still confused.
Renicker steps up.
"Detective, why do you think we went to all the trouble of taking out that partner of yours? He was such a pain in the ass. He just would not stop." He says with much conviction.
Kate had no love for Renicker.
"Captain, what would he not stop doing?" Kate asks totally in the dark.
"Detective, you really don't know do you?" Montgomery asks.
"No, I guess I don't." Kate confesses.
"Well, let me lay it out for you." Tyson chimes in. "The first message is to get you to back off. This is what I did to your boyfriend. By the way I am glad he is out of my hair. This makes you go after what has happened to him with a vengeance. Then I decided to give Ryan and Esposito a little fun. Again, you still came back at this harder than before."
"You see, Kate. We all know that you have found out there are moles in the 12th and beyond. This would jeopardize our boss' position. It is so much so that if you have found out what he was really doing you would have been dead weeks ago." Montgomery says.
"Sir, with whom are you involved?" Kate asks, trying to stall for time.
"Beckett, this is so much bigger than you can imagine." He says ruefully.
"Sir, what was Rick doing that got him killed?" Kate asks almost fearful she knows the answer.
"Beckett, he was too close to finding out what we were covering up. So he had to be eliminated." he shows remorse at the last statement.
"We have said too much as it is. We need to end this." Renicker states.
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"Bravo Leader to Alpha leader." Smith says.
"Alpha leader go." The response is swift.
"Do you have eyes on Zulu4?" He asks.
"Negative, Alpha leader…" comes the reply.
"Okay, we need to breach now." He orders.
"Bravo leader to com center." Smith says switching channels again.
"Com center go." Rick replies.
"Get ready for anything, have you heard from Zulu4?" Smith asks.
"Negative. We are getting the feed from the bug. We have the evidence implicating Tyson, Renicker, and Montgomery." He replies.
"Rodger, center…" he responds.
Smith has eyes on two of the targets on the 5th floor. He won't fire without knowing where Kate is. He does not want to hit her in the process. This needs to end quickly if Smith has any chance of getting Kate out alive.
"Alpha leader are you ready?" He asks.
"Affirmative Bravo leader." The response is quick.
"Copy, Standby 1" Smith changes frequencies to TAC5
"Bravo leader to Zulu4." He calls.
There is no response. Smith hopes that Kate can hear what he is going to say.
"Zulu4 we are going to breach in 30 seconds. Be ready." Smith switches back to TAC1.
"Bravo leader to Alpha leader and com center, the breech is set for 15 seconds. I have eyes on Tyson and Montgomery. They will be dropped first. When you breech they will not be a problem." He states.
"What about Renicker?" asks the Alpha leader.
"That will be an unseen risk. I don't have eyes on him. Do your best." He replies.
Smith takes aim then waits. The flash bang grenades are tossed. 3 seconds later they go off. At that moment Smith takes out Tyson with a clean head shot. As he drops Montgomery turns to see what happened. Smith fires, then catches him in the throat between the clavicle and thyroid. He stands for a second or two. Then he drops clutching his throat.
"Inside on the floor Kate sees the whole scene unfold in front of her. Tyson is down and Montgomery just has fallen too. Renicker has taken up a position behind Kate with his service weapon drawn and pointed at her head. She sees the Alpha team leader enter then takes cover behind the open door.
"Drop the gun Renicker" He calls out.
"Not a chance, I am not taking the fall for these two guys. You'll have to kill me as well." He retorts.
"Last chance Renicker, if you don't drop your gun to the floor I WILL take you out." Alpha leader promises.
"Give it your best shot!" He says defiantly.
The room is filled with a single shot ringing out. Renicker is hit in the left temple. He jerks to the right. What Alpha leader could not control, is his muscle reflex from being shot. His weapon fires as he falls. The rest of the team rushes in to secure the scene. Before long Alpha leader made his way over to Kate. She sits there slumpt over in the chair. He quickly applies pressure to the wound in her thigh. Renicker goes down firing. Since he is falling his shot misses her head, then ends up hitting her in the thigh. She has passed out probably from the instant pain she feels.
Smith enters the room. He was followed by 10 or 15 uniforms and a couple of detectives. They observe the scene before them. There will be much explaining to do. Smith is ready to tell them everything. Then give them the proof they need. To show there are snitches in the department. First, he needs to do one thing.
"Bravo leader to Com center." Smith says.
"Com center go." Rick responds.
"Rick, you need to get up here quick." Smith answers.
"Dad, what happened?" He screams into the headset.
"Rick, No time to explain, just get here." Smith responds.
Rick pulls off the headset, then jumps from the seat. He is through the doors and heads for the stairs. Taking three at a time he is at the 5th floor in no time. As he enters the floor, he sees Kate lying on the floor being readied to be placed on a stretcher. The EMT's are checking her vitals. As he looks at them doing their job, he rushes over to her side. He takes her hand and looks at her.
"Kate, Kate please, answer me!" He pleads.
"Rick, please stop yelling. You are way too loud." Kate responds a bit irritated.
"You scared the crap out of me. Are you okay, besides the obvious?" Rick asks being very frantic looking over her body.
"Rick, I am going to be fine. It was just a through and through. The bullet did not hit any arteries. I will need to be on bed rest for a while. Do you think you can keep me occupied?" Kate says, smiling despite the pain of the bullet wound.
"Kate, I am sure that I can come up with something." Rick responds with a smile.
The EMT's place Kate on the stretcher then wheel her out to the waiting ambulance. The ride to the hospital is quick. At the hospital, she is rushed into the OR. She is checked out by a doctor. The wounds are cleaned and stitches are placed to close up the wounds. Everything is fine.
Rick follows her to the hospital. He waits until she is situated in her room. He is burning to talk. He only could hear the pickup from the mic. He wants to hear her side. Plus, they need to find a way to break the news to his daughter and mother that he is still alive.
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They wheel her in and she is asleep. He pulls a chair up alongside the bed and watches her while he waits for her to wake. His wait is not long she begins to stir after about 2 hours. Her eyes flicker open. She locks her eyes with his. She smiles, knowing that they are finally free of Tyson.
"Hey" He says, forgetting everything else he wants to say.
"Hey, " she answers back.
He rises from the chair, then pulls her in for a hug. He pours everything he is feeling at this moment into the hug. It feels good just to hold her. He backs away, then sits back down. She sees that something is bothering him.
"Rick what's wrong?" She asks seeing that there is some concern on his face.
"Kate you do realize that I am dead... Right?" He starts.
"Rick, what are you talking about? You're right in front of me." Kate says confusedly.
"No Kate, I mean I have been declared legally dead. There is just so much to do. We need to find a way to tell Alexis and my mother that I am still alive. The legal paperwork can wait until later. They are my only concern right now." Rick says.
"Rick, once we tell our side of the story we will head over to the loft and tell them." Kate says being pragmatic.
"When was the last time you saw either of them?" Rick asks.
"It was right after we heard the reading of your will along with spreading your ashes out at the Hamptons. Thanks by the way." Kate replies.
"For what…?" Rick asks, genuinely confused.
"You left me a tidy chunk of cash. Am I going to need to give it back, will you be broke if I don't?" Kate teases.
Rick thinks about it for a second. He waits a few moments to think about the money. She gently smacks him on the shoulder.
"Well, Rick…?" She asks.
"Kate, you need to know that it has never been about the money. You can keep what was left to you in my will." Rick says…"I think I will have enough to tide me over in the future."
"Okay, but are you sure?" Kate asks worriedly.
"Kate I'm sure. Do you want to know why?" Rick asks confidently.
"Sure enlighten me." Kate teases.
"I see it this way, two people who enter into vows split half of everything right?" Rick asks.
"I guess so." Kate says following along confident where he is going.
"So with that line of thinking we would share half of our debt, and half of our cash. Are you with me so far?" He continues his explanation.
"Yes..." Kate says as her excitement builds.
"So when we get married that cash will be half mine, correct?" Rick states as logical facts.
"Rick, just what are you asking of me?" Kate coyly asks.
"Kate, I won't live my life alone anymore. I need you in my life and I look at it this way you're rich. That's an added benefit." Rick continues to explain his reasoning.
"Rick, are you proposing to me?" Kate asks filled with excitement.
"Nothing get's by you detective does it? Yes, I am. Katherine Houghton Beckett, will you give me the pleasure of becoming my wife?" Rick says, kneeling beside the bed holding her hand.
"With pleasure Richard Edgar Castle I consent to be your wife." Kate says all giddy.
He rises, then hugs her once again, knowing everything will be fine.
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Kate is released from the hospital and is recuperating at the loft. Two weeks have gone by since the shooting at the 12th. It is a hard thing to do. Being brought back from the dead legally is worse than most other tasks. The lawyers need to rescind all of Castle's paperwork declaring him legally dead. The biggest hurdles are all the bequests. Rick tells his lawyers that part does not matter. Most of the work is easy for the lawyers to file. There are still just 1 or 2 hurdles to overcome before Rick would actually legally be alive once again.
The hard part is telling his mom and Alexis that he was still alive. As Rick carries Kate through the doors of the loft they were alone. Neither his mom nor Alexis are there. He gets Kate, comfortable on the couch in the living room. He makes her a quick light lunch. They wait for their return. Alexis returns first. As she enters, she just calmly says hello to Kate without realizing who is sitting beside her. Walking back to see Kate, she stops suddenly, then just stands there. She does not believe her eyes. Finally, her brain kicks in then her messenger bag falls from her shoulder. Tears started to fall from her eyes. Rick gets up to draw her into a loving embrace.
"Dad! You're alive!" Alexis sobs as he just holds her as she cries tears of joy.
Kate watches the scene and starts to cry as well. He is just such a loving, caring, compassionate man. He would do anything to show his love for others.
Martha on the other hand is okay with the fact that Rick is alive. She all ready knows because of the burner phone call from Smith. Her family is complete once again. If she had anything to say about it, this would never change again.
They are both surprised to see that Kate is wearing a very conservative diamond engagement ring.
"Dad, is there something you want to tell us?" Alexis says, pointing at the ring on Kate's finger.
"Well Pumpkin it is like this… Kate will be your new stepmother." He says.
"Really?" Alexis asks. So when is the wedding? How did this all happen? Congratulations you two…"
Rick laughs as Kate smiles.
"Well, welcome to the family Katherine. I am so filled with questions too." Martha says, hugging her soon to be daughter in law.
They both ask when this has happened. Rick relates their story.
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Smith and team are questioned at the 12th then they were moved to IAB for more questioning. He and his team are given the 3rd degree. In the end the moles that he and his team knew about within the NYPD has extended further than even he has expected. In all there is another 47 other moles within the NYPD. The indictments have come down. All 47 are placed under arrest. After he is cleared of any wrongdoing in killing Montgomery and Tyson and he is released. He quickly disappears once again into thin air.
Kate and Rick were out eating a simple lunch at one of their favorite cafes. As they wait for their meals they started talking about the future.
"Kate, now that I am almost alive once again. Can we talk about our future?" Rick asks hopefully.
"Okay, Rick, what would you like to talk about?" She asks intriguingly.
Rick thinks back to when he lays on the bed with Kate, holding her close in the med room. The first thing that comes to his mind is the last thought he has in that bed.
"Children..."
A/N: As with all stories, this one comes to a close. I want to thank everyone who followed and faved this story. If there are enough PM's or reviews with this last chapter, I am thinking about a sequel. But I will let the readers speak. Thanks again to phnxgrl, she is one hell of a beta! Thanks for reading.