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.

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. The Muse sends hugs for the reviews, follows and favourites.

Chapter Five

Thursday 3rd November, 2011.

Ryan raced into the Squadroom and grabbed the remote for the wall mounted television off Beckett's desk, "Guys, you got to look at this."

The screen blinked into life and a female news reporter spoke over footage of a multiple vehicle accident, "A police spokesperson has confirmed a Corrections Officer was stabbed by one of the prisoners being transported to Sing Sing Correctional Facility from Rikers. The unnamed inmate used the mortally wounded Officer's service weapon to shoot the other Officer in the rear section of the bus before fatally shooting the driver. The transport van then veered into oncoming traffic and created a twenty two vehicle pileup."

"Holy crap!" uttered a stunned Castle.

Gates joined the crowd assembled around the television and handed Beckett a folder, "You and Esposito my office now."

"Yes sir," replied Becket while following the Captain. She opened the file and was taken aback to see a photo of Torri.

"Close the door Esposito," ordered Gates in her ever present no nonsense manner.

He did and Becket asked, "What's going on sir?"

"I've just been on the phone with FBI Assistant Director Phillip Grace. What you didn't hear on the news is prisoner Carl Jonas was on the transport bus and he killed the three Corrections Officers."

Esposito shook his head, "Wasn't he sentenced to death last month?"

"He was and he, along with eleven other prisoners escaped that bus. The FBI has their hands full with the manhunt and have asked for our assistance in protecting possible targets for those that absconded."

"I gather Clive Hillary is one of them," posed Beckett.

"He is and security footage recovered from the vehicle showed he handed Jonas the shive used to take out the first Officer. It was secreted in the sole of his sneaker."

"How long ago did all this occur?" enquired Beckett with a crooked frown.

"Three hours and the Feds are trying to keep a lid on it to avoid widespread panic."

"Do they suspect Torri is at risk?"

"Agents searched Hillary's property and discovered two love letters to her. They also found pictures of her hidden in his clothing."

"Sounds like he's obsessed," pointed out Esposito.

"Yes and we've been assigned to safeguard Torri in a secret location. Uniforms have already made contact with her at her office and are bringing her into the station. Every available Officer is out on the streets and until Hillary is caught, you two will be with Torri twenty four seven."

"Yes sir," acknowledged Beckett.

"I'll inform you of the safe house address once your primary arrives. Ryan and Castle can handle any new cases and I don't want either of you discussing this assignment with anyone."

"Yes sir," replied the two detectives.

"Once I've been notified Torri is here, you'll do the swap outside the building. She will be disguised, so hopefully people won't recognise her and the chances of keeping all this under wraps increases in our favour. I'll be informing Ryan and Castle you are travelling interstate on a case and will be gone for some time. I suggest you grab whatever change of clothes you have in your lockers and go wait in a squad car. You know the drill, so don't move until you hear from me."

"Yes sir and we'll take my vehicle," suggested Beckett.

"You will only have contact through me and nobody else. I want a complete information lockdown"

"Yes sir."

-o-

A black woollen hat and grey overcoat attired Torri took a seat in the back of the squad car and placed a travel bag beside her. Esposito closed the door then got into the front passenger seat.

Beckett keyed in the address Gates had given her moments earlier into the GPS and put the vehicle into drive. Torri remained noticeably speechless during the forty five minute journey to Port Chester as did the two detectives.

Esposito was the first to break the awkward silence, "Yo Beckett, did the Captain mention who owns this place?"

Before she could answer, Torri spoke, "I do Detective. I suggested it when FBI Agent Summerville arrived at my office with the two Police Officers. The house is secluded, out of the way and Clive knows nothing of its existence. I purchased the property four years ago as a retreat for myself and the family. You could say it's my little haven away from all the paparazzi when I feel like staying out of the public eye."

A large log cabin came into view and Beckett pulled up in front of a flight of five steps.

"I'd planned on coming up here on the weekend so the pantry and refrigerator are well stocked," explained Torri while collecting her bag.

"Espo, take Torri inside while I check out the perimeter."

"You got it Boss."

Alighting from the sedan, Beckett took her time to familiarise herself with the layout of the land in case a quick exit was required. The place was isolated and surrounding trees were two hundred yards clear of the house and that gave the detective an unobstructed view if any intruders approached.

Before leaving the station, Beckett had been informed six of the missing fugitives had been apprehended by the NYPD and FBI joint task force and she hoped the remaining six would be found soon.

Going inside, Beckett was surprised to find Torri behind the kitchen counter cooking and Esposito building a fire in the living room hearth.

"I thought you'd be hungry by now," explained Torri as Beckett removed her coat and hung it beside the front door.

"Thank you. Espo, I'll take first watch after we've eaten."

"Sure thing Beckett and I put your bag in the bedroom to the left of me. I've taken the first bedroom to the right and Torri's is the next one after yours. The other two rooms are her grandparents' and Jacob's and the bathroom is beside the kitchen."

"I'm glad to see you have the layout of the house," acknowledged Beckett while taking in Torri's outfit of denim jeans, boots, white tee shirt and thick black woollen pullover. She had removed her hat and her hair was falling free. "Good god, she is so stunning," Beckett thought before rousing from her daydream and offering, "Do you need a hand Torri?"

"No, I've got it covered. Sit down and relax, Clive won't come looking for me here. I paid cash for the property and there is no record of my name on the title because I used my mother's maiden name during the sale via the phone."

The worry Beckett had been plagued with suddenly evaporated, "I'm sure you're safe, seems you've gone to so much trouble to hide your identity."

"Over the years I've had to evade detection from the media once or twice, so I've learnt a few tricks. Remote for the television is on the coffee table."

Esposito replaced the grate around the fire and joined Beckett on the couch, "Do you use this place often Torri?"

"Mainly in winter, this is where I write the majority of my songs. I like the peaceful atmosphere and the fact the nearest neighbour is five miles away. George checks in every now and then and is responsible for the restock. His wife May passed away two years ago and he joins us here for Thanksgiving and Christmas unless he travels to Boston to stay with his son. My grandmother makes a big deal out of the holidays and I never miss them."

"I can relate to being around family," replied Javier.

Beckett's phone rang and she answered, "Yes Captain?"

"Kate, another two prisoners have been located."

"That's great news sir."

"It is and how is Torri doing?"

"She is coping well and by all accounts, I doubt she is any kind of danger up here."

"I agree, but precautions had to be taken. I'll phone when I have more information."

"Yes sir." Putting her phone in the pocket of her jeans, Beckett stood and asked, "You want a drink Javier?"

"Thanks."

Walking into the open designed kitchen, Beckett opened the fridge and grabbed two bottles of water. "Would you like one Torri?"

"I'm fine Detective and dinner is ready."

"Smells good," declared Esposito while getting up.

"I thought we could eat by the fire and warm up," suggested Torri as she passed a bowl of pasta to Kate.

"Great idea," agreed Beckett. "It's going to be a cold night."

-o-

Esposito spoke about his family during dinner then helped Torri with the dishes before going to bed. Torri made Beckett a cappuccino from the coffee machine and a mug of green tea for herself. She sat beside the detective and passed over the hot beverage.

"How is Rick?"

"He's pissed that he was excluded from real police work."

With a brief chuckle, Torri replied, "He'll be worse when he learns what you've really been up to."

"I'm sure to hear about it for weeks."

"So how have you been Detective Beckett?"

"Call me Kate and I've been well."

"I think it would be wise to keep our relationship purely professional."

"Pardon, I'm not following you?"

"If I call you Detective I don't forget why you are here and start to consider you as a friend."

"Is that something that bothers you?"

"Not really, but getting to know you better would not be a smart move."

Realising the meaning behind the words, Beckett nevertheless inquired, "Why is that?"

"I think you know and I'm not prepared to make a fool out of myself."

Chuffed by the somewhat guarded answer, Beckett pressed on, "Is that what you think will happen?"

"Definitely, Rick told me all about your past boyfriends."

"He did what?" queried Beckett with annoyance.

"Rick and I had dinner a few weeks back after catching up on the set of the Nikki Heat movie."

"You're doing the soundtrack, right?"

"It's completed as is the filming."

"So Castle discussed me with you?"

"Only because I asked him questions and I'm sorry about your mother."

Rolling her eyes, Beckett let out a sigh, "He told you about that too?"

"Rick is quite the gossip when motivated."

"Why was he motivated?"

"He was shamelessly flirting with me and trying to impress me with his knowledge of you."

"He's like a kid with a sugar rush. When his mouth opens, it's hard to stop him."

Giggling, Torri put down her mug, "I've noticed, but I learnt enough about you to realise the chances of you being interested in me are nil."

"You're very upfront Torri and I find that incredibly refreshing."

"Thanks and I can see where Rick gets his inspiration for the character of Nikki Heat. I think you'll be happy with Natalie Rhodes portrayal of you in the film; she gives a really strong performance. Although I have to say, you are the real deal."

"Thank you and you have a way with words. I cried when I read your letters to Sasha. You captured the essence of true love and your description of heartbreak moved me."

"That's how I felt at the time and I've had practice at being able to convey my inner feelings after writing so many songs about love."

Noticing tears forming in Torri's eyes, Beckett asked, "What about now, how do you feel?"

"I'll always love Sasha, but I let go of the memory of us at her funeral. Even if Clive hadn't killed her, we would never have gotten back together as lovers."

"Is that because of her involvement with Hillary?"

"Yes and also the fact I was no longer in love with her."

"Has there been anyone else since you broke up?"

"Only one, but it was brief."

Changing the subject, Kate inquired, "When does the magazine article hit the stands?"

"The December issue, I only agreed to continue with the interview if they held back printing it until after Clive's trial."

"Wise move."

"I wasn't concerned about possible fan backlash, I can live with that. I just didn't want more of a media circus than there already was surrounding the case."

"I think they lost interest once he pleaded guilty."

"Yeah and they stopped hounding me for a comment some time ago."

"Do you mind if I ask what happened to your mother?"

"She passed away in 2008 after a short battle with a brain tumour. She was only forty seven years old and it left a huge gap in my life."

"I know what you mean and I'm sorry you had to go through that. My mom was the same age when she was murdered and that is awfully young."

"Thank you and I miss her every day."

"I feel the same way."

"Are you close to your father?"

"We have had our moments when he struggled with alcoholism after mom's death and it wrecked his health."

"Rick mentioned he was a lawyer too."

"He was and he made a few enemies while pursuing mom's case. We have a pretty good relationship these days and are much closer."

"Was it your anger that drove you to law enforcement?"

"Yes. I was pre-law at Stanford at the time then changed my career path. I couldn't help but notice you seem to have a firm grasp of the law."

"I studied it at College, but turned my back on a career in a courtroom and concentrated on my music."

"How's that working out for you?" joked Beckett with a coy grin.

"It's a living," countered Torri after a gentle laugh. "I can't complain."

"I noticed your single is still number one on the charts."

"So you've been checking up on me?"

"I bought all your albums after seeing you perform and admit to being a fan."

"I happen to know the owner of my new record label, so I'll have an autographed copy of the new album sent to you."

"You don't have to do that."

"No I don't, but I'd like to in appreciation of your outstanding police work. Is it true you were a model in your teens?"

"I was under contract with Modern Fashion Magazine and it paid for college. I also used to make extra money waitressing and posing nude for art glasses."

"So you're not shy then?"

"I can be at times."

"In my opinion you exude confidence Kate Beckett and that's extremely appealing."

"Considering your fan base and career, I could say the same about you."

Blushing slightly, Torri asked, "Do you like to run?"

"Yes, but I didn't bring any training shoes with me."

"I have a few pairs in the gym and we look like the same size, so would you care to join me for a jog in the morning?"

"That would be great."

"When will Javier relieve you?"

"He'll take over the watch at midnight."

"Do you mind if I stay up and talk with you until then?"

With a little more enthusiasm than intended, Beckett replied, "I'd really enjoy spending time with you."

"Tell me more about your desire to locate the person responsible for your mother's murder."

Taking her time, Beckett disclosed every detail then listened as Torri spoke of her family and career.

"So your father took over the family business of house restoration from your grandfather?" probed Beckett with genuine interest.

"He did and runs it with my brother Corey. Dad is basically semi-retired these days and grandpa still works two days a week."

"I really enjoyed speaking with your family after your concert."

"My grandma was quite taken by you and often asks after you."

"She's adorable and mentioned you gave each family member a million dollars from your first record deal."

"It was my way of showing how grateful I was to have their support over the years. My parents used to drive me all over the state so I could compete in talent shows. Then when I started performing in bars, the two of them would always be there for me."

"I like the fact you are unaffected by your fame and fortune. I've met so many fake celebrities in my job, but you are so laid back."

"My mother instilled that in me from a young age. We were well off because of the business, but no one ever flaunted it or acted uppity. As children, Corey and I were well grounded and grew up learning the value of working hard."

"I wish Castle was more like that some days. He often spends his money on a weekend at Vegas or on a new Lamborghini just because he can. He handed over five thousand dollars to Kevin for your concert tickets and never battered an eyelid. Although having said that, he can be extremely generous at times."

"Like the time he handed over one hundred thousand dollars for a fake hit during a case?" queried Torri.

"I gather he told you about that."

"He did and you were right earlier, he can behave like a big kid at times. Clarice is enamoured by his boyish enthusiasm and charm."

"He is very taken with her and it's nice to see him date someone more than once and who isn't a complete airhead."

Tittering for a short moment, Torri asked, "Do you read his novels?"

"I do and also happen to have the collection of graphic novels based on Derrick Storm. I like other mystery writers too."

"Rick said you were opposed to Nikki Heat in the beginning."

"I thought the name sounded like it belonged to a stripper, but I've grown used to it over time."

"He also told me you once admitted to being more like Nikki then you let on."

"That may be true, but I like to keep some things to myself."

"Like the fact you own a '94 Harley soft tail motorbike, have a tattoo and when you were sixteen you dated a grunge rocker just because your father attempted to interfere in your personal life."

"Oh my god, did Castle tell you everything?"

"I'm not too sure about that, but he did divulge a lot."

"He really is a bloody gossip. He told me you run a school for teenage songwriters."

"Yes and have already signed a couple to my label. The building out back is a recording studio and that is where all the hard work is going to be done."

"Is that where you recorded your last album?"

"It is and if we are still here tomorrow I'll play the demo disc for you."

"That statement is both good and bad."

"Yeah it is."

Beckett's phone shrilled and she picked it up off the low table, "Yes Captain?"

"Detective, we have two more escapees in custody."

"That's great sir."

"Unfortunately, Hillary and Jonas are still at large."

"That's a shame and thank you for the update."

"Goodnight Beckett."

"Goodnight sir."

"That sounded like good news," noted Torri while easing off the couch. "Would you like another coffee?"

"No thanks."

"I'm just going to have a shower, I won't be long."

"Take your time."

Torri ambled into her room and returned seven minutes later wearing black drawstring pyjama bottoms and a dark blue USAF tee shirt. Her hair was up in a ponytail and Beckett couldn't take her eyes off the 34B-23-32 physique as it moved past her on the way to the refrigerator.

Collecting a bottle of chilled water, Torri turned off the lights and sat back beside Beckett. She looked at the detective and pointed out, "You give off a certain vibe."

"What kind?"

"You bounce on the balls of your feet when you walk and that makes you alluring."

"I've never really noticed before."

"It goes with the confidence you display. Why do you wear a man's watch?"

Bringing her left arm up, Beckett replied, "It's my father's. He gave it to me in recognition of helping him recover from his alcohol addiction. I view it as the life I saved. He has been sober for seven years and I'm really proud of him." Pulling a necklace from under her sweater, she added, "I wear my mother's wedding band to remind me of the life I lost."

"That's very touching and I have my mother's engagement ring in a jewellery box at my apartment. She asked me to give it to the right person when the moment presented itself."

"Wasn't Sasha the right person?"

"No, there were too many compromises I had to make with loving her. I think that's the main reason I spoke with Advocate Magazine along with the fact I was forever writing songs in non-gender specific terms."

"Your latest single is androgynous."

"It's the only song on the album that is. When you listen to it closely, I use the words she, her and woman in the other lyrics."

"In that case I look forward to hearing all the tracks."

Nodding, Torri asked, "Besides finding the person behind your mother's death, what do you want out of life Detective Beckett?"

"I'd like to have someone who loves me unconditionally and wants to be with me for who I am. I want to be their everything and not have them try to change me or ask me to give up my career. I guess I'd like to be that person's focus of attention."

Smiling, Torri admitted, "Your dreams are similar to mine. I'd like to have a relationship I don't have to work on every day and know that I am in their heart wherever I may be."

"That would be nice. Do you get lonely while touring?"

"Do you mean as in personal companionship?"

"Yes."

With downcast eyes, Torri replied, "I'm never short on offers, but I'm not into casual encounters with my fans or crew."

Beckett let out the breath she hadn't realised she was holding, "That's good."

"You almost sound relieved by that statement."

"Oh, I just didn't picture you as a one night stand kind of woman."

"You don't strike me as the type either and I think it's time to change to topic."

"I'm enjoying this one, so tell me about the one girlfriend you have had since Sasha."

"I dated a model for three weeks before I realised she was dumber than a box of rocks."

Beckett laughed at the comment, "It took you that long?"

"Let's just say there wasn't too much conversation going on at the time for me to make the correlation."

"I get you."

Torri picked up the remote and turned to a movie channel, "There's an old Hitchcock movie on in ten minutes."

"Sounds good, I'll grab a shower before it starts."

"I'll make us some popcorn."

-o-