Title: Castle – Star Witness

Summary: While still struggling to come to terms with the assassination attempt on her life, Detective Kate Beckett is challenged to reassess her life and discover some stability. A/U

Pairings: Kate Beckett & OFC; Richard Castle & OFC; Javier Esposito & Lanie Parish.

Rating: MA for Mature readers 15+.

Disclaimer: The following is a work of fiction that has been constructed using characters from a television series and a few original ones to add to the story. No profit is gained and no copyright infringement is intended to creator Andrew W. Marlowe or Production Companies ABC Studies, Beacon Pictures, Experimental Pictures and Milmar Pictures.

WARNING: This tale features consensual sexual interaction between two females. If this is not to your liking, please wait at the next bus stop and ride to another site.

A/N: Please take the time to review and nourish the Muse. To some Guests inquires: As this takes place in an alternative universe, there will be no hooking up between Kate and Rick. Much gratitude to those who have reviewed, are following and or made this story a favourite.

Chapter Three

Monday 26th September, 2011.

Detective Beckett stood up from behind her desk and collected the brown suede jacket from the back of the chair, "Don't sit down Castle, we're off to Citibank over on Park Avenue."

Castle handed her a coffee and said, "Well good morning to you too and there's your Grande Latté skim with three shots of sugar free vanilla."

"Good morning and thanks for the java."

"Where are Ryan and Esposito?"

"Tracking down leads on a case I caught at three yesterday morning."

"Why didn't you call me?"

"You were intoxicated at the time."

Castle gave his best puppy dog eyes, "Oh yes, my bad."

The duo walked to the lift and Beckett pressed the call button. The door slid open and they stepped inside.

"What is the other case about?" asked Castle as he pressed the button for the ground floor.

"Brian Taylor, thirty two was pushed off the roof of the Kimpton Hotel over on 11th Avenue. Security footage showed a male entering his room at ten twenty and leaving at two fifty seven.

"Any connections yet?"

"Taylor was in town for a science convention and his prototype rocket launcher design blueprints have disappeared."

"Ooh, Houston we have a problem."

"It will be more than a problem if the plans reach the open market and please tone down your cheerfulness. I haven't been home since yesterday morning."

"Okay, turning it down, but it might skyrocket when the delightful Torri visits our hallowed halls later."

Beckett headed out the elevator and strolled over to the Squad car. Opening the driver's door of the Ford Crown Victoria sedan, she waited for her partner to settle on the passenger seat before speaking, "TARU matched the guy on the camera to a Lincoln Falls from Florida and Espo and Ryan are on his trail."

"Then that case will take care of itself."

"Hopefully that is true then our workload will be cleared and I can go home to sleep."

"Not me, I have a date for dinner with the luscious Clarice Steinbeck at the Four Seasons."

With a sly grin, Beckett posed the question, "Should I start looking for a wedding gift?"

"Very funny and I've already asked her to the Mayor's Ball on the eight of October."

"Don't you think you may be moving a little too fast?"

"No I don't and are you bringing a date?"

"I've invited my dad."

"Oh that's so tragic Beckett."

Glaring at Castle briefly, Beckett countered, "What! Like you've never taken your mother or Alexis to a function as your plus one?"

"Ouch, there's no need to get all bitchy on me."

"Shut up before I shoot you."

"Yes Detective Cranky." Castle pretended to lock his lips with a key.

-o-

Returning to the Squadroom an hour later, Beckett placed three plastic evidence bags onto her table and called ADA Walker.

"Hello Kate, I assume you've been to Citibank."

"I have and retrieved four forged cheques, Sasha's bank account details and personal letters sent by Torri Wingate."

"Have you read the letters?"

"No, not yet."

"All right, I'll be there in two hours to interview Hillary and Torri."

"I've organised to have Hillary transported here from Central Booking for two o'clock."

"Good, I should have an amended statement from Torri by then."

"See you at one."

Castle put a mug of coffee in front of Beckett and asked, "Can I read the letters?"

"No and I doubt they will contain any probative information. You can go over the bank records instead."

"How riveting for me," quipped the author.

"Then go home Castle and find something else more exciting to do."

"Are you getting huffy with me?"

"No, it's just that your whining is keeping me from going through the paperwork and you are never good at the mundane aspects of police work."

"That's true, but in all good conscious, I can't abandon you. Pass me the bank statements."

Captain Gates neared the pair and handed Beckett several pages, "A copy of Hillary's finances were sent over while you were out. Did you find anything at the bank?"

"Yes sir, account statements and counterfeit cheques."

"Good work, I'll leave you to it."

Gates returned to her office and Castle raised his right brow at Beckett, "How come you failed to mention the letters?"

"Oh for Christ's sake Castle, stop being such a nosey bastard. If it's that important for you to read the freaking things then go right ahead and quit going on about it."

Leaning over, Castle picked up the coffee mug, "No more espresso for you." He walked into the break room and Beckett grabbed the bag containing the correspondence.

The detective went up to the roof of the building and made herself comfortable on top of an air vent cover. Pulling out the first of six envelopes, she started to read.

After two pages, tears formed in her eyes as she perused the words denoting love and pure devotion. The words were lyrical and reassuring and Beckett was touched by their meaning.

Halfway through the fourth letter, the detective's heart ached as Torri described her disappointment and sorrow over the cessation of Sash's love for her. Torri was on the road promoting a new album when her girlfriend called with the news and from the words written, it was plain to see that Torri wished Sasha nothing but the best.

Wiping away teardrops, Beckett read on and was engulfed by a deep sadness by the time she folded the last letter and returned it to its sachet. It had been dated a month after Sasha began dating Hillary and Torri again bestowed well wishes for happiness.

Becket took a moment and collected herself before venturing back downstairs to the Squadroom. Esposito and Ryan were still out working on the Taylor case and Castle was busy at his desk reading through the bank reports.

He looked up and enquired, "Find anything helpful?"

"No."

"I've found corresponding withdrawals from Sasha's account and deposits made to Hillary's. The bastard stole over one point five million dollars over a six month period."

"I'll have Trevor add a count of embezzlement to the charges."

"I just don't get why he felt compelled to murder Sasha."

"She was going to tell Torri not to sign with WildChild and his five million dollar pay day was about to evaporate."

"Even so, Sasha had twenty four million dollars in her account and at the rate he was syphoning it off, he would have been a very rich man in no time at all."

"I guess he just got gluttonous and saw Sasha as an obstacle to his plan."

"That's a possibility, but I think there's more behind his motive."

"Like what?"

"In his first interview Hillary sounded almost devoted to Torri; I think he was in love with her."

"That still doesn't explain his actions."

"I'm missing something," pondered Castle.

"Give it a rest, it doesn't matter. We've got Hillary by the balls and he is done. The case is basically closed."

"You're right."

Esposito and Ryan entered the bullpen and walked up to Beckett. Ryan smiled and announced, "We found Lincoln Falls at the airport." He lifted up a briefcase and added, "And the blueprints. Falls is in the box waiting for a lawyer to show."

"Good job," praised Becket favourably. "The Captain will be happy."

"That will be a first," wisecracked Castle as the three detectives stared at him with varying degrees of horror etched on their faces. "She's standing right behind me, isn't she?"

Three heads nodded in unison and Esposito whispered, "Walk away while you can dude."

"Don't bother Mister Famous Writer," suggested Gates. "It's a little too late. Beckett, what's the state of play on the Taylor case?"

"We have a perp in the box and are waiting for legal counsel to arrive before Esposito and Ryan interview him."

"How are we looking on the evidence?"

"Slam dunk sir, Espo and Ryan recovered the blueprints."

"Good work Detectives and that will keep the Mayor of my ass. Castle, my office now!"

"Yes ma'am, oh I mean sir."

"Keep digging that hole for yourself Mister Best Seller."

Castle followed the Captain into her office and Ryan stated the obvious, "She's gonna tear him a new one."

Becket grinned evilly at the thought, "I warned him against dropping one liners about the Captain and as usual, he didn't listen. He's an adult and can look after himself."

Esposito and Ryan both glanced at her and nodded.

-o-

Beckett walked into the interview room and greeted Torri, "Thank you for coming in Miss Wingate."

"Hello Detective Beckett and where is Rick?"

"He's finished for the day."

"Will Trevor Walker be joining us?"

"No, it's just you and me. ADA Walker is currently sitting in on another case."

"Okay."

Beckett went over the conversation she and Trevor had with Torri Saturday night then said, "I discovered your letters to Miss Allen and will return them to you before you leave."

"I appreciate the kind gesture Detective. Is there anything more you required from me?"

"No, I believe we've managed to cover everything and thank you for your cooperation."

"It's the least I could do and I guess I'll see you during trial preparations."

"You will, but if it's not too much of an inconvenience, can I ask you to stick around and sign your statement?"

"It's no hassle and you have my phone number if you need to contact me for anything else."

"I do," replied Beckett as she stood. "Can I offer you a drink while you wait?"

"I'm fine thanks."

Beckett led Torri to the Squadroom and several detectives approached and asked for Torri's autograph. She obliged while Beckett oversaw the transcribing of the recorded interview.

Torri was conversing with Esposito when Beckett returned twenty minutes later with a folder containing the statement. She placed it on her desk and handed Torri a ballpoint pen.

Signing each of the six pages, Torri passed back the pen and said, "Take care Detective." She walked towards the lift and everyone in the room watched her leave.

Beckett turned to Esposito and asked, "How did the interview with Falls go?"

"Full confession and Walker is doing up the paperwork right now. Falls will be arraigned this afternoon."

"Great job Espo."

"You want me to sit in on the Hillary interview so you can go get some sleep?"

"Thank you Javi, I'm totally beat. I'll just take care of this statement and be on my way."

"You got it and I wonder if Castle is still sulking over being sent home by Iron Gates?"

"I'm sure he'll eventually get over it."

-o-