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. To Guest (Mick): welcome aboard.
As always, much gratitude to the comments, follows and favourites. The Muse is revolting over the lump of coal threat, but understands she was full of angst and torment.
Chapter Nine
Friday 18th November, 2011.
Kate opened her door to a light blue denim jeans and navy blue sweater clad Torri and she beamed, "Hi, come on in."
Stepping inside, a grinning Torri closed the door then reached for Kate, "Hello and you look great." She hugged her to her own chest then kissed her soundly.
Kate returned the kiss with caresses along Torri's arms and a low toned moan.
Whey they parted, Torri ran her fingers through the side of Kate's wavy hair and asked, "How was your day?"
"We closed out another homicide and you?"
"Clarice and I finished all the preparations for tomorrow night and I had lunch with dad. Dinner smells delicious and I like your apartment."
"Thank you," replied Kate before kissing Torri tenderly.
Minutes later, an out of breath Torri confessed, "I enjoy kissing you."
"It's become my favourite pastime and how did your doctor's appointment go?"
"She was happy with the healing progress and the glue has dissolved."
"That's good news." Letting go, Kate took hold of Torri's left hand and led her into the kitchen. "Dinner will be ready in five minutes, would you like a drink?"
"Water would be good and Castle told me you redecorated after your place blew up a while back."
"I did and when did you speak with him?"
"We caught up at the film studio yesterday for the official first viewing of the movie then he took me to lunch."
"He never mentioned where he went when he asked for some time off. How did he react to the movie?"
"He was very enthusiastic and the studio asked that no one talk about the showing." Torri watched Kate busy herself with serving two plates of pot roast and vegetables. "Pot roast is my favourite dish," she commented gleefully.
"I know, your grandmother told me when she phoned on Wednesday." Kate picked up the two dishes and went to the dining table, "Help yourself to water, there are bottles in the refrigerator."
Grabbing a drink, Torri joined Kate at the table and asked, "What else did Grandma say?"
"She basically gave me a list of your likes and dislikes."
"Good god, she is a riot."
"I really do like her and the fact she is interested in our blossoming relationship."
"She witnessed the brunt of my heartbreak over Sasha and is happy I found you."
Kate nodded, "Elaine told me all about it and I envy the close bond the two of you share."
"When it comes to family; I am very fortunate Kate and you're an excellent cook."
"Thank you and what time is the party tomorrow?"
"It starts at seven, but I have to be there two hours earlier to ensure the caterers and wait staff are prepared. You don't have to be there for that, so I'll send a car for you at six thirty."
"That's very considerate of you."
"I'm just trying to be a good girlfriend."
Kate chuckled, "You're doing a terrific job so far."
"So are you and are you on-call this weekend?"
"No, so I'm going to enjoy sleeping in tomorrow morning."
"I hear you and dad asked about you today."
"Funny, mine quizzed me about dating last night when I had dinner with him."
"What did you tell him?"
"The truth and he was fine with that. He was more than a little surprised when I showed him your picture. He recognised you and is impressed I'm seeing a celebrity. He is eager to meet you and I told him I'd ask you."
"How about you bring him over to my apartment next Saturday for dinner?"
Light brown eyebrows knotted together, "I'll let him know, but I thought your family were going to be at the cabin?"
"There was a change of plans," replied Torri as her eyes roamed over Kate's outfit of black lounge pants and green polo shirt. She refocused and returned her attention to the meal.
Kate grinned at the examination and asked, "Are you still interviewing for a new manager?"
"No, I decided to offer the job to Clarice. We had an in depth conversation yesterday and she admitted Hillary had passed on a lot of his responsibilities to her, so I realised she has the experience to fill the role."
"That makes sense."
"I know our relationship has only begun, but I have to travel to Los Angeles next month to promote the new album as well as the movie soundtrack. I'll be there for two weeks and would like you to fly over and stay with me on the weekends if you're not working."
"I'd really like to, but it depends on the squad's workload."
"I leave on the third and return on the eleventh."
"It's a long way to go for a date," jested a smiling Kate.
"It is, but the weather will be warmer."
"That's an excellent point and I'll let you know when it's closer to the date."
"All right and I'm enjoying our first date."
"So am I."
The two women discussed work and current world events until Torri helped with the dishes and they moved the conversation to the living room. Kate asked Torri about her mother and in return, spoke of her own.
It was past eleven when Torri ended the evening at the door with a lengthy kiss goodnight.
-o-
Saturday 19th November, 2011.
Checking her overcoat at the reception desk and receiving a flute of champagne in exchange, Kate made her way to the conference room and was greeted by a beaming Torri. The detective's breath hitched dramatically as she took in the vision of Torri wearing a midnight blue figure hugging, sleeveless mid-thigh length dress. The outfit was completed with a pair of matching three inch heels. Arousal licked at Kate's senses as Torri approached and welcomed her with an embrace and quick kiss on the left cheek.
"You look fabulous Kate and I didn't want to mess up your lipstick," she commented while taking a step back and handing over a brightly gift wrapped package. "I wish you happy returns for your birthday."
With wide eyes, Kate responded, "You're absolutely beautiful and how did you know it was my birthday?"
"Castle phoned and informed me the other day. He felt bad about not being here for you and mentioned you didn't want anyone to make a big deal about it, so I decided to surprise you. Besides, the rest of your friends will be here along with your father to celebrate your thirty second."
"I appreciate the thought and I had no idea you contacted dad."
"Lanie called on my behalf and he was eager to join the festivities."
"Thank you and I see I'm the first to arrive."
"I hope you don't mind, but I wanted to spend some time alone with you before I have to smooze with the other guests. Are you going to open your present?"
"Thank you for the consideration," replied Kate while removing the paper. "I like the fairy tale theme you've created."
"It coincides with the title of the album."
"You never told me what it was."
"It's called "Fairy Tales and Wishes"." Torri's eyes checked out Kate's caramel, short sleeved dress and matching high heels and noted, "You have incredible legs Kate."
Blushing deeply, Kate replied, "Thank you and I'm impressed with yours being on display."
"I don't mind dressing up when required, but I prefer jeans most of the time."
"Well you look amazing honey," replied Kate before turning her attention to the blue velvet case inside the wrapping paper. "Oh Torri, you shouldn't have." Prising open the lid, she gasped as the gold bracelet was revealed, "Wow, it's beautiful. Thank you so much."
Placing a hand on Kate's left hip, Torri leaned in and confessed, "You are welcome babe. I'd like to kiss you right now and never let go."
Making eye contact, Kate grinned, "You are very charming and once you've finished your official duties, you can kiss me all you want."
"I'll take you up on that offer, but for now please excuse me while I greet the new arrivals."
Turning her head to the side, Kate nodded, then watched Torri glide across the floor effortlessly and welcome several black suit attired gentlemen. Taking the opportunity to place the bracelet around her left wrist, she was taken aback when Torri led the men over to her and introduced her as her girlfriend.
As more people arrived, Torri continued to work the room and Kate joined Javier, Lanie, Kevin and Jenny once they entered the lavish room and received birthday wishes from them along with more gifts.
Torri's album started to play with the song she debuted at the last concert and halfway through, Lanie remarked, "Wow that is a heartbreaking tune."
"It is," agreed a teary Kate.
"Castle will be so pissed that he missed all this," pointed out Kevin as a waiter offered the group fresh drinks.
Exchanging her empty glass, Kate scanned the room and smiled when Torri caught her eye and winked. She zoned out of the conversation and focused on her girlfriend. While Torri received congratulations for the first song, a heavy beat introduced the next track.
The tempo fastened and Kate noticed the crowd begin to sway to the pulsating rhythm. Her eyes didn't move off Torri as the other woman moved to another bunch of guests.
"Yo Beckett," interrupted Javier. "Your bag is ringing."
Breaking out of her daydream, Kate opened her clutch bag and retrieved her phone. Seeing a Precinct number on display, she answered, "Beckett."
"Detective, Officer Stone here. We have a DB for you."
"O'Hara and Stevens are catching tonight."
"Yes ma'am, but they were called out to a double homicide two hours ago and you and Esposito are up to bat next."
"Damn it! You better give me the address."
"I'll text the details to you Detective."
"All right." Ending the call, Kate looked at Javier and broke the bad news, "Put away the champagne, we're on a job."
"Ahh come on, things were just kicking up a notch boss and it's your birthday."
"I can't argue with that," replied Kate as her phone beeped with a message alert. "Shit, I don't have a car," she remarked with annoyance.
"That's not a problem, we can take mine," offered Javier while Lanie gave him a look of disapproval.
Kate glanced over towards Torri and saw she was in an animated chat, "Lanie, can you please make our apologies to Torri? I don't want to disturb her."
"Sure and I'll drink your share of champagne too."
After a quick kiss goodbye, Javier frowned at the doctor, "I'll make it up to you babe."
"Yes you will, bye."
Kate gave her friends a hug then went to collect her coat.
-o-
The two detectives were listening to Medical Examiner Sidney Perlmutter's preliminary report when Kate's cell phone buzzed with a message. She removed it from her coat pocket and read the sender's name. A smile appeared on her face as she opened the file: Hey Detective, sorry u had 2 leave. The party will wrap up around 12, so give me a call or drop in if you r still awake & would like some of your birthday cake.
"Who was that?" inquired Javier while attempting to look over Kate's shoulder.
"Torri, she told me the launch will finish at midnight if we are done beforehand."
A black eyebrow rose in question, "You two friends now?"
"Yes we are."
"Awesome and I expect a signed copy of her new album."
"I'll see what I can do."
Grey haired, fifty two year old Sidney cleared his throat, "If you two are done with the chitchat, can I continue?"
"Sorry Doc," apologised Kate.
The M.E. resumed with his findings then Kate asked several questions before turning her attention to the surrounding area.
Jasper Fairweather, forty four and a Corporate Lawyer, was lying on his back outside the rear door of his townhouse. His skull bore evidence of having been struck numerous times with a blunt object and the CSU Officers were currently searching the backyard for the murder weapon.
Suddenly, there was the sound of yelling coming from inside the house and Kate went to investigate. She found an Officer at the front door struggling with a red headed woman in her late thirties dressed in an evening gown.
"This is my home, you can't keep me out," the slightly built woman demanded. "Where is Jasper?"
"It's all right Officer Queen, let her through," instructed Kate. "I'm Detective Beckett Missus Fairweather and I'm afraid your husband has been killed during a burglary."
"He ... what?" stuttered a shocked Missus Fairweather. "Jasper was supposed to meet me at the theatre, but when he didn't show, I called him and there was no answer. I was worried he'd forgotten and stayed late at the office."
She burst into tears and Kate led her into the living room. Gently, she helped the distraught woman sit on the couch.
"Is there someone I can call for you Missus Fairweather?"
"Oh my god, his parents need to be told and the children are with them."
"I can call them for you," offered Kate.
"Thank you, but I can manage. I just require a minute or two to pull myself together."
"Take your time."
"Where is he?"
"On the back porch."
"He wasn't supposed to come home. He left work an hour ago and was headed to Broadway."
"Can you think of any reason why he would have changed plans?"
"Yes, his low life brother Saxon has been pestering us for money the last two days and on Friday he told Jasper he would return here tonight to discuss the matter. I told Saxon not to bother as we would be out. It's possible the lazy bastard phoned Jasper and arranged to meet here."
"The security system was triggered when someone broke through the back door. It appears your husband may have confronted them as they were leaving and was found by a Security Guard when he responded."
"Jasper always parked in the garage and used the back entrance."
"When you are up to it, I'll need you to take a look around the house for stolen items."
Nodding slightly, Thelma replied, "Of course ... oh, was the safe open?"
"Yes it was and it was empty."
"Oh dear god, it's all my fault," blubbered Thelma. "I spoke to Jasper on the phone before he left work and mentioned I'd forgotten to wear the diamond earrings he purchased as a gift last Christmas. All the jewellery is kept in the safe and Jasper suggested he drop off here before meeting me and our friends at the theatre. I advised him not to, but he must have decided otherwise."
"Did your brother in-law know about the safe and its contents?"
"Yes, he resided with us last summer for two months after his wife tossed him out of their home. The wretched man was a scoundrel and engaged in several affairs. Jasper was too kind hearted towards him and even organised a job for Saxon at his firm."
"Where does Saxon live now?"
"With his girlfriend over in New Jersey, I better call the family and inform them."
Straightening up, Beckett indicated to the Officer, "Please stay with Missus Fairweather."
"Yes ma'am."
Kate returned outside and was relieved to see Jasper's body had been removed and transported to the Medical Examiner's Office. She discussed the information supplied by the victim's wife with Esposito then issued an APB on Saxon Fairweather.
-o-
Sunday 20th November, 2011.
It was past nine o'clock in the morning when forty year old Saxon Fairweather was hauled into the Interrogation Room, the first door to the right when exiting the lifts. Uniformed Officers had picked him up at Grand Central Station attempting to purchase a train ticket.
Kate followed Esposito into the room and calmly took a seat opposite the bearded, dark haired Saxon. Opening up her notebook, she announced, "We have your fingerprints all over the bloodied golf club located in the garden of your brother's home. You left prints on the back door as well as the outside and interior of the safe in the study and your greedy little hand and fingerprints were lifted from the wads of cash you stole. The jewellery you took was discovered in your suitcase along with one hundred and twenty thousand dollars. The Medical Examiner retrieved stands of hair off your brother's body and my guess is they will match your DNA."
Reclining in his chair, Saxon shrugged then demanded, "I want a Lawyer."
Esposito walked to the door and pointed out, "You used to have one in the family, but you killed him."
Kate got to her feet and without uttering another word, exited the room. ADA Walker was waiting in the hallway and she stated, "Now we wait for a Public Defender to show which will give the Lab more time to analyse the golf club and compare it to the skull fractures."
Trevor patted her on the shoulder and rationalised, "I think we already have sufficient evidence on the bastard. I'll have him arraigned on second degree murder and burglary in the morning."
Victoria Gates waltzed into the hallway and greeted the trio, "Good morning everyone, bring me up to speed Beckett."
"Yes sir. We have the brother of the vic in the box and are about to make a phone call to the Public Defender's Office."
"How is the evidence looking?"
"It's solid sir."
"Good work everyone and I'll make that call while you grab yourselves some breakfast."
"Yes sir," chorused Kate and Javier.
-o-
After eating, Kate went to the locker room upstairs and brushed her teeth. She also took the time to change out of her dress and high heels and exchanged her outfit with jeans, boots, white tank top and a light blue buttoned up shirt. Placing the gown into a duffle bag, she picked up her phone and called Torri.
"Morning Kate," came the reply seconds later.
"Hi and I'm sorry I didn't call last night. I'm still on duty and didn't get the opportunity to take a break until now."
"I figured that was the case. How is the investigation going?"
"We have the perp in custody and will hopefully be out of here in a couple of hours."
"You sound tired."
"I am and plan on sleeping the minute I get home. How did last night go?"
"The album was well received by the appropriate people and everyone is ready for its release tomorrow. I'll be busy for the rest of the week with interviews, promotional commitments and filming a clip for the single."
"That's really good news, I mean about the album, not the fact it will be hectic for you."
Torri chuckled softly, "Castle called last night to wish me luck."
"That was nice of him. Are you home?"
"No, I'm at the office. I'm helping Clarice with the clean-up and when we finish I'm off to be a rock star on film."
"I really do admire the way you remain so grounded."
"Thank you Kate, I appreciate your support and I'm sorry you didn't get to enjoy your surprise birthday party."
"It's part of the job unfortunately. I have to get going honey, so I'll talk to you soon."
"Okay babe and take care, bye."
-o-
Kate literally crawled into bed at 18:37 and slept until her alarm woke her at six the following morning. She went for a run before getting ready for work and arrived at her desk a little after seven thirty. She grinned at the arrangement of purple roses occupying the corner of the table and reached for the card.
Kate,
Have a great day & I'll
be thinking of you while
answering repetitive
questions.
Talk to you soon,
Torri.
Withdrawing her phone from the pocket of her overcoat, the detective called Torri and was disappointed when it went straight to voice mail, "Hi honey. Thank you for the wonderful flowers and best of luck with your interviews." Ending the call, she went into the break room and turned on the coffee machine.
She was making a cappuccino ten minutes later when Castle, Ryan and Esposito walked into the Squadroom. Castle was bragging about winning big in Vegas as she returned to her desk.
The three men greeted her then Castle noted, "Flowers again Beckett, this guy must be serious." He then noticed the new jewellery around her wrist, "Ooh and he sprang for some bling too."
"No comment," replied a smiling Kate before sipping her hot beverage.
"Oh I get it, you don't want to jinx it," reasoned Castle while bringing an index finger to his lips.
Ignoring the comment, Kate said, "Espo, we are due at the courthouse by ten for Fairweather's arraignment."
"No problem."
Ryan sat on the edge of Kate's desk and beamed, "You missed a great night and Torri's new album rocks."
"It does," agreed Kate while opening a file. "I was fortunate to hear it a while back."
"I guess that was when you were babysitting her."
"Something like that. Are you up to date with your paperwork?"
"Yes boss."
"Good then go give it to the Captain."
Kate spent the rest of the shift disposing of closed files and ensuring Castle stoped babbling on about Vegas or his upcoming date with Clarice. She was about to press the button for the elevator when Trevor called.
"Hey Counsellor, what can I do for you?"
"Hi Kate, I'm just calling to remind you about your testimony for the Willow's trial."
"Damn, I forgot about it."
"I should have mentioned it when I saw you, so I'll see you, Kevin and Javier at the courthouse at nine tomorrow."
"We'll be there, bye." Pivoting, she headed for the break room and caught Castle going on about Clarice's chest size. "Castle, excuse the interruption to Fantasy Land, but you can have the day off tomorrow, it's a court day."
With a fist pump, the joker cheered, "Yay for me."
"Indeed," replied Kate before walking away and heading home.
-o-
Saturday 26th November, 2011.
Once Torri greeted Kate and her father Jim at the front door, she took their coats and showed them around the studio apartment.
"You have a lovely home," noted Jim with a nod of approval.
"Thank you. Please take a seat at the dining table, dinner is ready."
"Would you like a hand Torri?" inquired Kate.
"No thanks sweetheart."
Smirking at the cook, Kate followed her father to the table and took a seat to the left. She nearly fainted when Jim sat opposite her and stated, "You better play your cards right Katie, she's gorgeous."
"Dad, stop that and I hope you behaved last week when you met her."
He chuckled then replied, "Of course I did and the two of you would make beautiful children."
Rolling her eyes, Kate scolded her parent, "Quit it, she will hear you."
"Relax; I'm only messing with you."
Calling out from the kitchen, Torri suggested, "Please help yourselves to a drink. There's iced water or juice." She appeared seconds later carrying a bowl of steaming vegetable and a casserole dish. As she placed them on the table, she explained, "I made braised rib fillet."
"It smells great," remarked Jim eagerly.
For the next hour, Torri asked Jim about his time as a lawyer and Kate revelled in the easiness of their conversation. She stood and cleared the table when Jim inquired how sales of Torri's album were going.
"It debuted at number one on the Billboard charts and number two on iTunes. I'm pleased with that and it makes all the hard work worthwhile."
"Well done and Katie has a good singing voice."
"So I've been told, but I haven't managed to entice her to display her talents yet."
"It may take a beer or two before she will relax," advised Jim as he got to his feet. "I'll give Katie a hand with the dishes."
"There's no need, go make yourself comfortable on the couch. Would you like a coffee or tea?"
"Don't go the any trouble Torri, I'm fine."
"All right, I won't be long." Torri joined Kate in the kitchen and was instantly hugged.
"You're an excellent cook honey," commented Kate before kissing Torri briefly.
"Thank you and go sit with your father while I stack the dishwasher."
"Okay, but one more kiss before I go."
Torri seized inviting lips with a sizzling smacker and the detective melted. When the contact ended, she walked away on wobbly legs.
The evening came to an end at ten thirty when Kate thanked Torri for dinner and drove her father home. When she arrived at her apartment, she showered then went to bed. The grin on her face remained firmly in place as sleep overtook her.
-o-