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.

In response to (Guest), as this is an alternative universe, the characters that are portrayed on the television show are not going to follow that format here. Yes, the dynamics between Rick and Kate are the premise for that show, but again, this tale doesn't take the route of them being paired off. I have attempted to maintain their working relationship with the cases they are involved in, but this tale is about Kate. I adore Rick and Kate on the show, but oops, the writers have dropped the ball this season and I hope you find another A/U to your liking.

To those who have commented, followed or favourite this story, hats off to you kind people. A Merry Christmas wherever you are and I hope Santa is good to you. The Muse is receiving a lump of coal this year due to her nefarious deeds of late.

Chapter Eight

Monday 14th November, 2011.

Picking up her ringing phone, Kate answered, "Beckett."

"Hey sweetie, how are you doing?"

"Hi Lanie, I'm good and you?"

"I'm freaking fantastic."

"This sounds promising."

"Javi just dropped into the morgue with an invite to Torri's new album launch."

"The invites were delivered by courier this morning."

Letting out a loud sigh, Lanie declared, "I have no idea what to wear girl."

Chuckling at her best friend's gusto, Kate replied, "I recommend a dress befitting an extravagant evening."

"Ooh, I have just the thing. I suppose you are tagging along with Castle."

"Nope, he's not invited."

"Get out of here!"

"He will be in Vegas with his writer pals."

"Speaking of Castle, what's with him and Torri's assistant Clarice?"

"He seems extremely taken with her and is content."

"Good Lord, here comes Missus Castle number three."

"You never know."

"Oops, I have to go sweetie, work beckons."

"Bye." Putting down the receiver, Beckett got up and walked into the break room. Pouring herself a cup of coffee, she returned to her desk and tackled the last of the outstanding paperwork.

Her cell phone sounded ten minutes later and she smiled at the picture on the screen before answering, "Hello."

"Hey there Kate, are you busy?"

"No, we don't have an active case at the moment and I am just finishing up some After Action Reports."

"Cool, I just happen to be in the city and wondered if you'd like to join me for lunch."

"I'd like that very much."

"I'll pick you up outside the Precinct in ten minutes."

"I'll be waiting, bye."

"Bye Kate."

Pressing the end icon, Beckett raced to the locker room and grabbed the toothbrush and paste from her toiletries kit. Going into the bathroom, she cleaned her teeth and rid herself of coffee breath.

She returned to her desk a few minutes later as Castle walked out of the break room. He sat on the corner of the table and asked, "Do you want to go out for lunch?"

"Sorry, I have a date."

"A date?" queried Castle.

"Yes, it's when two people get together for a good time."

"Beckett, I know what a date is, I'm just surprised to hear you have one."

"Well I do."

"In that case, I hope you have fun and it's good to see you are getting out there again."

"Thanks and you've managed to dodge the paperwork yet again."

"What can I say, it's an art."

"Where were you anyway?"

"I've been consoling Alexis on the phone. She broke up with Ashley and received a rejection for early acceptance letter from Stanford."

"That's a shame on both counts."

"It was destined to happen with Ashley. What with the long distance and the fact he never answered her calls or returned her messages."

"Ouch, when you're seventeen it hurts. I'll give her a call later.

"She'll appreciate that Beckett."

"I better make a move, see you in an hour."

"Have a good time."

-o-

Settling onto the passenger seat, Kate smiled at Torri and enquired, "Are you back in the city on business?"

"No babe, I have a charity function to attend tonight. It's a last minute invite and it's easier to stay at the apartment."

"Well, it's nice to see you."

"You too and what do you feel like eating?"

"Something light honey," replied Kate while placing her hand on Torri's leg. "What about sushi?"

"Sounds good and there just happens to be a Sushi Bar two blocks from here."

"How is your side?"

"A little sore after playing with Parker this morning, I picked him up a few too many times."

"You need to be careful; it takes a while to heal."

"You sound like you are speaking from experience."

"I'll tell you about it Friday night."

"Do I need to bring anything?"

"No."

Torri turned into a vacant parking space and the couple discussed each other's mornings over lunch then Torri drove Kate back to work.

Kate unbuckled her seatbelt and leaned over to kiss Torri goodbye, "I'll talk to you soon and thank you for a nice break."

"You're welcome and I'll call you tomorrow."

"Bye." Kate got out of the SUV and went inside the building.

She rode the lift up to the fourth floor and was taken aback when she saw two dozen long stem red roses perched on the desk. Picking up the attached enveloped, she opened it and withdrew the card:

Dearest Kate,

Much gratitude for a stupendous weekend & for

making me smile again. You've restored my faith

in hope & made my heart sing,

Torri

A single tear rolled down Kate's right cheek and she swiped it aside as Castle strolled up behind her.

"Ooh Beckett, you've got someone's attention."

Rotating, the detective's smile spoke volumes and she pocketed the card.

"So how was lunch?"

"It was nice and how did your interviews go?"

"It was the classic good cop, bad cop and they both folded. Trevor is on his way over to collect two signed confessions and unless we catch another case in the next ten minutes, I'm out of here."

"Whoa, I think you should stick around and help Espo and Ryan with the paperwork."

With a sly grin, Castle crowed, "Already done my dear friend."

"Then leave now before I find something for you to do."

"Yes ma'am, bye."

Kate laughed when Castle saluted and turned heel. She sat down and tidied up the stack of completed files then answered the phone when it rang.

-o-