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. Gratitude for the reviews, follows and favourites. To answer some Guest questions: Kate and Rick are only friends in this alternative universe and that will not expand.

Chapter Six

Friday 4th November, 2011.

Beckett woke at seven to the aroma of freshly brewed coffee beans and smiled when she turned her head towards the side table and saw a large blue mug. Throwing aside the comforter and sheet, she put her feet on the soft floor mat and reached for the steaming beverage. Savouring the first mouthful, she sighed at Torri's thoughtfulness.

Standing, Beckett gathered fresh jeans, socks, underwear and a blue sweater. Picking up her toiletries kit and coffee, she made her way outside and was surprised to find the place empty. Looking out the nearest window, she was disappointed to see it was raining heavily.

Walking across the room, she located a note on the bathroom door advising her Torri and Javier were in the recording studio. She giggled at the last line telling her the jog was cancelled due to ducks cluttering the running trail.

After preparing for the day, Beckett topped up her cup, grabbed an umbrella sitting by the back door and strolled over to the building behind the main house. As she approached the door, her cell phone beeped with a message alert. Taking the phone from the front pocket of her jeans, she read the text from Captain Gates: Jonas captured 20 mins ago. In meeting will call later.

Slipping the phone back into her pocket, Beckett entered the studio and went in search of the other two. Walking down a hallway, she spotted a glass paned control room and Torri and Javier in a recording room on the opposite side.

Torri was seating at a piano and Javier was leaning up against the side.

Opening a door, Beckett made her way inside to the second room and said, in greeting, "Good morning."

"Yo Beckett, you just missed Torri singing."

"That's a shame."

"Morning Detective Beckett and now that you are awake; I'll go make us some breakfast."

"I'll give you a hand," offered Javier.

Beckett was about to speak when her phone rang with Gates' number, "Yes sir."

"There has been a change of plans Beckett. I need Esposito back here to work a new case."

"Yes sir."

"I'm led to believe there is a vehicle available where you are, so Esposito can drive back in the squad car."

"There is an SUV in the garage and I'll inform Esposito to return A-SAP."

"Thank you Beckett."

Ending the call, Beckett explained, "Espo, you are requested to return to the Precinct."

"Yes Boss, I'll go grab my gear and leave the extra ammo just in case."

"Thanks, I'll give you a hand."

-o-

After seeing Esposito off, Beckett went back inside the cabin and was taken unawares when Torri tossed her a towel as she walked by. "Thanks, would you like help with breakfast?"

"I got it covered and after eating, would you like to watch an advance copy of Nikki Heat?"

"You have one?"

"Yes I was given the DVD after I completed the soundtrack."

"Castle never mentioned anything about it?"

"He doesn't know, so what do you say?"

"Okay, but it will be weird seeing the character based on me brought to life on screen."

Torri opened the refrigerator and gathered up ingredients for omelettes, "I think you'll like it. The script kept fairly true to the book and Natalie is awesome."

Beckett gave a little chuckle while drying her hair, "Castle was crushed when Natalie shadowed us while researching for the role. She was more interested in me than him and his ego took a serious hit."

"That's easy to understand, you're a fascinating woman."

Kate avoided the compliment, "Tell me about your tour. Where did you travel to?"

Torri recapped her concerts as she cooked and Beckett sat at the kitchen bench and listened intently. She observed every move the other woman made and delighted in the stories.

Torri continued the narration during the meal then asked, "Have you travelled much?"

"Not really, but I did spend a semester in Kiev before my senior year in high school."

"Do you speak Russian?"

"Da."

"That's way cool and I learnt French at college."

Standing, Beckett cleared away the dishes, "Thank you for breakfast. I'll take care of these."

"Is it okay if I call my parents and let them know I am all right?"

"Sure, just don't mention where you are."

"Got it."

After a brief conversation, Torri went into her bedroom and returned carrying a DVD case. She switched on the television and popped the disc into the player. Sitting on the couch, she waited for Beckett to join her.

Putting away the last plate, Beckett ambled over to the living room and took a seat, "Have you seen the finished movie?"

"Not in sequence, so this version will make more sense. You do realise Jameson Rook is Castle, right?"

"Yes Natalie pointed out that very fact and called the love scenes between Rook and Nikki as verbal masturbation."

"Uh uhm, I can see that."

"It's a little worrying to say the least."

"I'm sure it is."

Torri pressed the play button and for the next two hours, the duo enjoyed the action packed film.

-o-

As Torri ejected the disc from the player, Beckett got to her feet and went outside. Taking a seat on the porch bench, she lifted her legs and placed the heel of her boots on the edge on the wooden slants. Hugging her knees to her chest, she watched the rainfall and processed what she had just viewed on the large screen.

Having read the book some time ago, Beckett had read between the lines and understood Castle had based the character of Rook after himself, but seeing the interaction between him and Nikki on film, she had been dumbstruck by the realness of how it mirrored her work relationship with Castle.

She turned her head to the left when the door opened. Torri stepped past the doorjamb and handed her a blanket, "I thought you'd need this."

"Thanks," replied Beckett while wrapping the thick material around her shoulders.

Torri disappeared back inside and Beckett returned to her thoughts. They were interrupted when her cell phone sounded. Removing it from her pocket, she answered, "Yes Captain?"

"Beckett, Hillary was seen entering Torri's office ten minutes ago. He spoke to a staff member and asked where she was. The bastard slipped out a side door before Officers could detain him."

"Torri reassured me Hillary had no knowledge of this place. Her family are the only ones aware of its existence. I assume her apartment and parents' home is under surveillance?"

"They are and his latest sighting confirms he is after her."

"That's a given and we'll just sit tight until he is picked up."

"Hopefully it won't be much longer. How is Torri by the way?"

"She is pretty relaxed and is doing well."

"I'm happy to hear that, speak to you soon."

"Yes sir." Getting up, Beckett bundled up the blanket and went inside.

Torri was stretched out on the couch reading a magazine and she glanced over at the detective, "Are you all right?"

"I'm fine and Hillary was at your office."

"So it's over?"

"No, he evaded capture."

"Crap. I'm supposed to have the master disc delivered to the CD pressing company McCloud and Sons in Manhattan on Monday."

"Does Hillary know that?"

"Yes, but he doesn't know it will be done under my own label."

"Is there a specific time you are meant to be there?"

"Yes, the appointment is scheduled for eleven."

"I'll inform Captain Gates."

Torri returned her attention to reading as Beckett placed the coverlet over the back of the couch then walked away with phone in hand.

After speaking with her superior, Beckett put away the phone and announced, "The FBI and NYPD will stake out the CD company's building until you're due to arrive for the meeting. Of course this will mean you'll have to cancel."

Standing up, Torri angrily tossed the magazine onto the low table, "I hate to rain on your parade, but I have a contract with McCloud to deliver the recording and a release date to make. It's not sound business for me not to show."

"I understand that, but I won't willingly put you at risk."

"And I won't allow Hillary to dictate my life, so you better come up with a compromise or I'll be refusing Police protection and driving to the manufactures on my own Monday morning."

"I'd strongly advise against that course of action."

"I'll take that onboard Detective, but I refuse to have my plans derailed by a homicidal and delusional nut job."

"Why are you angry at me?"

Torri answered the question with her own, "Why were you so affected by the movie?"

"That's personal and not up for discussion."

"Oh so it's been okay for us to chit chat for the past two days and act all friendly until now. I'm not an idiot Detective; I've seen you watching me and glimpsed the dilated pupils. You're attracted to me, but after viewing the film you're conflicted about your feelings for Castle and confused about me."

Beckett's mouth gaped open, but no words came out.

"I'll save you from an awkward reply," offered Torri. "If Hillary isn't captured by Monday, I'll be going to McCloud's with or without you. I have some work to do in the studio, excuse me."

Stunned by the tirade, Beckett stood still and watched Torri leave the house. Composing herself, she called Gates with the news.

"Damn it Beckett, we can't afford to put Torri in harm's way. If she tries to leave, arrest her for interfering with a Police investigation."

"Yes sir."

"Did something happen to cause her to be suddenly uncooperative?"

"I think she is frustrated and mad at the fact Hillary is calling the shots."

"You may be right; keep me apprised of the situation."

"Yes sir."

-o-

Torri sat at the piano writing away on notepaper while Beckett kept her distance in the safety of the control booth. She remained there for several hours before Torri left the soundproof room and passed by.

Beckett followed her into the house and sat at the counter, while Torri remained voiceless and prepared lunch.

Breaking the silence a short time later, Beckett apologised, "I'm sorry if you got the wrong impression about me."

Placing a plate in front of the detective, Torri snapped, "If you are going to lie to yourself that's fine, just don't do it to me. I'm disappointed that a strong, confident woman like you hides behind her emotions."

"I don't," protested Kate with downcast eyes.

"Crap, you can't even look at me. I understand I am your responsibility and I am sure Captain Gates ordered you to arrest me if necessary, but right now, I don't care. Hillary took someone I loved from this world and now he is encroaching on my business. The man fucked with my personal life and now he is inadvertently fucking with my professional life too. I make no apology for being upset about that, neither can I ignore the fact you are denying your attraction to me."

"I can see you are irritated, but I'm not the enemy here and yes, your safety is my concern."

"That's your job Detective and I think it would be best if we don't speak to one another unless necessary."

"I hardly think we need to go to that extreme."

"I do. I don't want to have a fascination for you. I don't need to have feelings for someone who suppresses their emotions, so please just do your job and leave me the hell alone. Treat me like you would any other primary," suggested Torri before she sat down and ate.

For the next two days Torri worked in the studio and Beckett observed her while deep in thought.

-o-

Monday 7th November, 2011.

Exiting the bathroom wearing jeans, a white tee shirt and grey sweater, Beckett approached the kitchen and began preparing pancakes for breakfast. Moments later, jeans and long sleeved buttoned blue shirt attired Torri walked out of her room and joined her. Retrieving a jug of orange juice from the refrigerator, she poured two glasses then took a seat at the bench.

Beckett placed a plate in front of Torri and confessed, "I'm sorry and you were right about me hiding."

Looking up with tear filled eyes, Torri replied, "I apologise for being so nasty to you."

Taking a seat, Beckett revealed her inner thoughts, "I am drawn to you and yes, that confuses me."

"Because I am a woman?"

"No, because I don't have the time to act on those feelings."

"It's you that controls that Kate, but I won't force you into anything."

"I realise that."

"Let's just pass it off as bad timing and move on."

Tilting her head to the side, Beckett smiled, "Agreed and I'm glad to see you are still here."

"Uh uhm," responded Torri before taking a bite of food.

-o-

Ten minutes later Beckett was in the bathroom brushing her teeth when she heard the roar of a motorbike engine. Rinsing out her mouth, she sprinted to the garage and discovered the roller door open. The black Jeep Wrangler was still there, but the dark blue Harley Davidson motorbike was missing.

Spinning around, she was relieved to see the keys for the Jeep hanging on a hook. Beckett quickly ran inside and tossed on her bulletproof vest then collected her belongings. Securing the cabin, she jumped into the Jeep and headed for the City. With Torri on a motorbike, Beckett knew it was unlikely she would catch up to her, so she called Gates and requested an APB on Torri and the bike.

-o-

Beckett placed the radio earwig into the shell of her left ear and joined Gates and several other NYPD Officer who were positioned inside the foyer of the building directly opposite McCloud and Sons. "Has there been any sight of Hillary or Torri?" she inquired as her Commanding Officer nodded with acknowledgement of her arrival.

"No," replied Gates. "Torri's bike hasn't been spotted anywhere and Hillary is a no-show."

Glancing at her wristwatch, Beckett noted, "It's two minutes to eleven, Torri should be here by now."

"FBI SWAT has all entry points covered, so it's just a matter of waiting."

"I think we've been set up," suggested Beckett after a few uncomfortable moments of silence. "Did anyone ascertain whether Torri even has an appointment?"

With crossed brows, Gates answered, "No, I guess we just assumed the information was legit."

Beckett headed for the front door, "I'll go find out." She exited the building and casually strolled across the street. Going into McCloud and Sons, she approached the receptionist seated behind a counter and displayed her shield, "Detective Beckett NYPD, can you tell me if Torri Wingate has an eleven o'clock meeting?"

The petite blonde looked at her computer monitor and smiled, "Yes, but she was notified by text message at nine forty five that the appointment had been moved to our New Jersey office."

"Can you check that for me?"

"Yes ma'am ... here it is ... it was organised for eleven, but was rescheduled for midday."

"Thank you and do you have an address?"

The receptionist handed Beckett a business card, "There you go."

Depressing her radio mike button, Beckett transmitted, "Stand down, we are at the wrong location." After giving the correct address, she added, "The meeting is for twelve."

There was a flurry of activity as Federal Agents and Police Officers scrambled to their vehicles. Beckett raced to Gates' sedan and waited.

The Captain appeared seconds later and tossed Beckett the car keys, "You drive while I notify Jersey PD."

-o-

After several minutes of conversation and with the siren blaring, Gates put away her phone and enquired, "Did Torri deliberately deceive you about the address?"

"No sir, she had already left the cabin before receiving a message regards a change of venue. If she wanted me to be stranded, she would have taken the keys to the Jeep with her."

"So you think she wanted you to follow?"

"I believe so sir. I have the feeling Torri wants to confront the man who killed her friend."

"I agree, but it doesn't explain why Hillary didn't show?"

Gates' phone trilled and her question was answered, "Captain Gates."

"Sir, it's Captain Rawlins from NJPD. We've just received a 911 call from a receptionist at McCloud and Sons in Bayonne stating Clive Hillary has taken Torri Wingate and Joseph McCloud hostage in his office. Hillary is armed with a handgun."

"Appreciate the call Captain and will be there in less than twenty minutes."

"We'll have the building cordoned off in a few and won't approach until you and the Feds arrive."

"Thank you."

Gates relayed the information to Beckett and the younger Detective swore under her breath, "Shit!"

"What was that Beckett?"

"Sorry sir, I said shit."

"It's an appropriate word and in case you were wondering, Castle is working the Fitzgibbon case with Esposito and Ryan."

Grateful for a distraction from her thoughts of Torri's safety, Beckett responded, "I'd assumed that's where he was. How is the case going?"

"They have a suspect in custody and are currently tracking down the accompanist. Castle is under the impression you're still in Miami."

"If he knew the truth, he would have insisted on riding with you."

Gates laughed at the idea and confessed, "He grows on you after a while, doesn't he?"

"Like fungus sir. Initially it took some time for me to warm to him."

"You make a good team workwise."

"We complement each other's strengths and it works."

"I've noticed you often finish each other's sentences."

"I think that comes from knowing each other so well."

Gates was about to reply when she received another phone call. Beckett concentrated on her driving and hoped Torri was all right.

-o-

Beckett and Gates stood by inside the FBI Command Centre truck and waited for someone to answer the phone in McCloud's office.

"Hello, Joseph McCloud speaking," said a trembling voice seconds later.

"Mister McCloud," responded Hostage Negotiator Special Agent Thomas Hoffman. "Is Clive Hillary with you?"

"Yes he is and he has a gun pointed at Torri."

"Can you put him on the phone?"

There were muffled voices in the background then McCloud spoke, "Clive said he will only talk with the pretty detective from the 12th Precinct."

Hoffman placed a hand over the receiver and turned to Beckett, "Looks like you are up Detective. You know what to do, so get as much info as you can."

She took hold of the phone and moved closer to Hoffman, "I know, gain his trust." Placing the handset to her ear, she said, "Hello, this is Detective Kate Beckett."

"I have to put you on speaker," explained McCloud with a small degree of relief in his tone.

"Go ahead Mister McCloud."

"Nice of you to join us," remarked Hillary calmly.

"What do you want Clive?"

"I want a helicopter landed on the roof in twenty minutes with a suitcase full of all the money in my bank account."

"Your account was closed and all monies seized as part of the investigation into your criminal acts. The money you stole was returned to Sasha's estate."

"I don't care, I want twenty million dollars."

"It will take longer than twenty minutes to organise that amount of money."

"Listen very closely Kate; is it okay if I call you Kate?"

"Yes go ahead."

"Torri here has just volunteered to hand over twenty million from her personal account, so I think you have an hour to arrange a phone call to her bank and patch it through to here."

"Look Clive, I didn't hear Torri consent to that and I need to know she is okay."

"Except for a cut on her head, she is breathing. Go ahead and tell the nice Detective honey."

Beckett's features turned into a scowl before Torri spoke in an even pitch, "I'm fine Detective Beckett. Clive got a little carried away when I walked into the lobby and hit me with the butt of a 357 magnum. I'll pay the money, so this can all be over."

Realising Torri had given vital information about the weapon Hillary had, Beckett smiled, "Just do as he says and you'll be all right."

Hillary came back on the line, "That's very reassuring advise Kate, but as you heard, the love of my life wants to give me the cash so we can be on our way."

"The FBI won't agree to those terms unless you show a little good faith and allow Mister McCloud to leave."

"He can walk out of here, but only if you take his place. The snipers will be less likely to shoot me with a Police hostage too."

"I'll have to speak to my boss first."

"You have five minutes," replied Hillary before disconnecting.

"Well done Beckett," praised Hoffman. "But you can't go in there."

"You got that right," agreed Gates. "I'm not letting you in there with that lunatic."

"If I trade places you'll have eyes and ears on Hillary and get a fix on his position with your infrared cameras."

"You have a good point," remarked Hoffman. "At the moment the images are only picking up three heat signatures and the blinds to the office windows are closed. Hillary has chained the front and rear doors, so a silent ingress is impossible."

"What about a ceiling breach?" asked Gates.

"There are no vents available. The office only has a wall mounted air conditioner."

"Shit!" cursed Gates and Beckett in unison.

"If my men can lock onto Hillary's heat signature, we can take him out," explained Hoffman. "At the moment we are riding blind."

"I'm going in," insisted Beckett as she removed her gun holster. "You better hook me up with a smaller earpiece, mike and camera."

Hoffman motioned to a male Tech sitting behind a monitor, "You heard her Max."

"What about your backup piece," queries Gates.

"Hillary isn't too bright and I doubt he'll check," reasoned Beckett.

"True."

Beckett waited to be outfitted before phoning Hillary.

He was straight down to business, "Kate, do we have a deal?"

"We do and the bank will be called within the next fifteen minutes. Once they have authority to proceed, the money will be picked up by Police Officers and loaded onto a helicopter. It will take about twenty extra minutes to come together."

"Okay, I'll toss in a little bonus ... you have until one o'clock."

"Thank you Clive. Is there anything else I can bring to you, how about something to eat and drink?"

"Are you hungry Torri honey? No, okay. Kate, I'm thirsty."

"I'll bring you some soda."

"Make sure it's in an unopened can so I can see it hasn't been laced with drugs to knock me out."

"I can do that." Beckett hung up and turned to Hoffman, "I'll have a Paramedic inject a sedative into a can, so give it time to work before breaching the building."

"You got it and nice move. You've got the lead and we'll have your back."

"At least we have several options."

"We do and good luck."

Gates dropped her hand onto Beckett's left shoulder, "Be careful Kate."

"Yes sir." She exited the trailer and knelt down. Lifting the left leg of her jeans, she removed the Glock 26 from the ankle holster and tucked it up inside the back panel of her vest. Straightening up, she ran to the evacuated café two doors down and grabbed a can of cola and one of orange. She rushed out of the store and over to the ambulance parked behind the barricade. After a brief conversation with the two Paramedics, she strolled away with one spiked drink in hand.

-o-

Walking up to the double glass doors, Beckett knocked sharply on the aluminium frame and yelled out, "CLIVE, IT'S KATE."

Seconds passed and a bloodied Torri appeared in the lobby with Hillary directly behind her and the muzzle of a revolver pressed against her right temple.

"Take two steps back Kate," he instructed.

Beckett complied and Hillary forcibly pushed Torri forward. As they nearer, the detective could see blood oozing from a sizeable gash to the left side of Torri's forehead. Her chest tightened, but she remained focused on Hillary's movements as Torri unlocked the padlock.

The hostage fed the steel links through the handles then pulled back one of the doors. Hillary dragged her backwards and Beckett stepped inside.

"Torri honey, pass Kate the chain and lock. Joseph, you can leave now, I have no further use of you."

The man didn't need to be told twice, he ran from his office and out the front door without looking back.

Following the direction, Torri gave Beckett a weak smile before the detective resecured the entrance.

"You're doing just great Beckett," transmitted Hoffman over the earpiece frequency.

"Turn around slowly Kate and follow us into the office," ordered Hillary calmly.

"No problem Clive."

Hillary backed up and kept a firm hold on Torri's waist. Beckett moved forward inch by inch and once she was inside the office, Hillary forced Torri onto a leather couch by the draped window then sat beside her.

"I wasn't sure which flavour you liked, so I brought two for you to choose from," offered Kate while surveying the layout of the room.

"That was very kind of you Kate." He stood and pointed the gun at the detective, "Lift up the legs of your jeans, I'd like to check for your other gun."

Beckett leaned over and placed the two cans of soda on top of the desk. Reaching down, she raised the denim on both legs.

"Very good, I would have been disappointed if you had been armed and I was forced to shoot you."

"I've been straight with you Clive, so how about you let Torri go and allow the Paramedics outside to look at her head?"

"Oh no Kate, Torri stays with me from now on. She and I are going to fly to Madrid and live a happy life together."

Beckett saved her breath by not pointing out a helicopter wound not make the trip without having to land and refuelling more than once.

"Honey, grab the can of orange for me and open the lid."

Stretching over, Torri collected the can and pulled back the ring.

"Take a drink my love," coaxed Hillary while he took a seat on the sofa.

Without replying, Torri sipped from the container and Hillary said, "We'll just wait a second or two to see if it's been laced."

Beckett took the opportunity to turn slightly and adjust the view of the images being feed back to the Command Center via the camera attached to the front of her vest.

After two minutes of silence, Hillary spoke, "You can open the other can now and pass it to me honey."

Carrying out the instruction, Torri looked to Beckett and mouthed the words, "I'm sorry."

Nodding, Beckett watched Hillary drink heavily from the can. He put the container down on the floor and looked at her.

"You missed all the fun Kate," he stated arrogantly.

"I did?"

"When Torri arrived early for the appointment I'd made Joseph change, I kind of surprised her. She tried to punch me and get away, but as you can see, that plan didn't word out so well." His right arm started to fall and his eyelids droop.

"Torri, get up," directed Kate firmly while withdrawing her pistol. "Move in behind me."

Hillary's head began to loll to the left as Torri got to her feet. He blinked several times and raised his right arm again, "You fucking lying bitch."

He fired as Beckett discharged her weapon and was tackled to the floor by an airborne Torri. The singer landed on top of the detective as the sound of breaking glass was heard coming from the lobby.

Several Agents rushed into the room while Beckett pushed an unmoving Torri to the side. Although winded, she got up onto her knees and rolled Torri onto her back. Blood was gushing from a wound to the younger woman's side and Beckett screamed, "I NEED A MEDIC." Suddenly, she was picked up and moved out of the way.

"Let them do their job Kate," whispered Gates from behind.

In a blur, Beckett observed the two medics work on an unconscious Torri and all around her there was chaos as Hoffman took charge. Gates led her out of the room and motioned for her to sit on a chair by the reception counter.

With hands on knees, Beckett asked, "Why did she dive at me like that?"

"My guess is she felt responsible for the situation and wanted to protect you."

"But I have a vest on."

"By the look of Torri's wound, Hillary would have got you in the hip. I'll need to take your weapon Kate."

Looking down, Beckett realised she was still holding onto it. Handing it over, she inquired, "Did I get him?"

"It was a good shot; you got the fucker right in the middle of his chest."

Nodding, Kate went on, "I'm due to speak with Doctor Burke tomorrow, so I suppose I'll have this little episode to discuss too."

"Indeed and Hoffman will want a report from you A-SAP."

"Yes sir."

Moments later, the Paramedics exited the office with Torri strapped to a stretcher. Beckett stood and her heart ached. Tears flowed and she turned away.

"I assume you and Torri grew closer over the past few days," commented Gates as she ushered Beckett outside.

"We did."

"Take my squad car back to the station, write your report then go to the hospital."

"Yes sir," replied Beckett before walking off in a half dazed state.

-o-

It was well after three when Beckett entered the surgical ward waiting room and joined Torri's family. After consoling hugs, she explained the circumstances behind Torri's injury and the need to keep her whereabouts secret.

"So my granddaughter jumped in front of you?" asked Elaine proudly.

"Yes ma'am, she saved me from the bullet."

"Uhm, I think that says a lot about how she feels about you Detective."

With the burden of guilt, Beckett replied, "I guess it does."

A grey haired female dressed in dark blue scrubs entered the area and inquired, "Is everyone here for Torri?"

"Yes," came the collective reply.

"I'm sure you're all anxious to know she is doing well. The bullet missed all vital organs and only did minimal damage to her obliques, the side muscle. Unfortunately, the blow to her head fractured her skull and she suffered a serious concussion. Both injuries will heal with rest and she should be home within four days."

The surgeon was swamped with gratitude and Beckett slipped out of the room unseen. With tears of relief, she exited the hospital and went home to bed.

-o-