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.

Chapter Ten

Friday 2nd December, 2011.

Running out of the bathroom, Kate picked up the ringing phone from the counter and smiled at the image of Torri on the screen, "Hey honey, how are you?"

"Hi Kate and it's non-stop over here. I have a few minutes before I'm due on set of a music channel and thought I'd call on the off chance you were available."

"Excellent timing, I just got home."

"Have you caught the murderer yet?"

"No and I'm only here to shower and change into fresh clothes."

"Then I won't keep you."

"I have a few minutes Torri and I'm so sorry I wasn't able to see you before you left."

"It's okay sweetheart and I gather you won't be able to fly over for the weekend."

"Not unless the DNA results come through tonight."

"I understand and you better go shower."

"Thanks for calling and I'll talk to you soon."

"Bye Kate."

Putting down the phone, Kate returned to the bathroom and stripped off her clothes. Unfortunately, the team worked at finding their latest killer for the next three days and Kate wasn't able to contact Torri until Tuesday night. The call went to voice mail and she left a message saying she would be home the following day.

Torri returned the call two hours later and a sleepy Kate answered, "Hello honey."

"Hi baby and my apologies for waking you."

"It's fine."

"I miss you Kate."

Sitting up, Kate inquired, "Where did that come from?"

"I'm lying on a bed in a hotel room and your voice is all husky, so I am wishing you were here."

"Mmm, I do too," replied Kate as she snuggled into the spare pillows. "I watched you perform on the Late Show earlier and you were terrific."

"Thanks, how have you been?"

"Busy, but we put the perp behind bars today."

"Good work babe and Clarice has a visitor."

"Did Castle fly out there?"

"Yes, she told me he arrived a few hours ago in a private jet."

"Well he is keen."

"Yes he is and Clarice is impressed with the effort he's putting into their relationship."

"I'm glad to see he is taking things seriously for a change. Do you have a full day tomorrow?"

"Yes. I have several radio programs and two more live shows to attend. I'm looking forward to being home Sunday and will hopefully get to spend some time with my favourite detective."

"That would be nice and maybe you could have dinner with me and stay the night. I have court on Monday and won't be required until ten, so it will be a late start to the day."

"I think that's a really nice suggestion because I fly out Monday night for London. The band and I have a series of promotional gigs scheduled."

Disguising her disappointment, Kate asked, "How long will you be gone for?"

"Ten days then I'll be home and be all yours."

"I like the sound of that honey."

"If you and your dad haven't already made plans for Christmas I was wondering if you'd like to spend the day at the cabin with my family."

"Thank you for the invite and I'm sure dad will be thrilled to accept."

There was a brief silence on the other end, until Torri enquired, "I'm not moving too fast, am I?"

"No Torri and I can't wait to see you. I have especially enjoyed receiving your flowers; it's very romantic of you."

"It's just my way of expressing how often you are on my mind."

"It's a nice gesture that makes me smile."

"I like your smile and I better let you get back to sleep, goodnight."

"Goodnight Torri and thanks for calling."

-o-

Sunday 11th December, 2011.

Kate pulled back the door and grinned at a purple sweater and blue jeans attired Torri, "Hello honey, come on in. Dinner is nearly ready, so why don't you take your bag into the bedroom."

"Hi and do you mind if I take a shower first? I came straight from the airport and didn't go home."

Closing the door, Kate wrapped her arms around Torri's waist, "No I don't and it really is terrific to see you."

Looking into glistening hazel orbs, Torri raked her fingers through the side of Kate's hair, "I missed you so much and I regret we only have tonight."

Smiling brightly, Kate declared, "We will just have to make the most of the time then. Oh before I forget, dad was excited with the Christmas invite."

"Good," replied Torri as the cell phone perched on the kitchen counter began to ring. "You better answer that," she suggested while moving out of the embrace and walking towards the bedroom.

Going to the phone, Kate picked it up and placed it to her right ear, "Beckett."

"Detective, Officer Thorn here. We have a fresh one at Bryant Park with your name on it."

"I'm on the way." Ending the call, she turned to find Torri standing at the door holding a tan leather jacket and overcoat.

"You'll need these, it's freezing outside."

"I'm sorry about this and thank you."

"Don't apologise Kate, it's your job and I fully understand."

"Grrr," whined Kate as she turned off the stove top and oven. "This is not how I envisioned your homecoming. Will you stay here and wait for me?"

A huge grin graced Torri's features, "I will and be safe Detective Hottie."

Chuckling at the nickname, Kate ran into her bedroom and returned moments later wearing her shield, cuff pouch and gun on her belt. She pulled Torri into her arms and kissed her soundly before putting on her jacket and coat.

"I'll call you later and enjoy dinner." Kate kissed Torri again prior to leaving and called Castle while going to her car.

"Hello Beckett, I assume we are on a case."

"Yes we are."

"Darn it, I was just about at Clarice's."

"If it makes you feel any better, my dinner date has been ruined."

"No, I can't say that helps. So where am I meeting you?"

"Bryant Park, I'll text you the exact location."

"No prob."

"Bye Castle."

-o-

Monday 12th December, 2011.

Creeping into the bathroom, Kate took a long shower then dressed in blue and white striped pyjama pants and a black tee shirt. She brushed her teeth before padding into her bedroom and slipping into bed.

Torri rolled over and snuggled into her left side, "What time is it baby?"

"Ten past two, so go back to sleep honey."

Pressing warm lips against Kate's jaw, Torri asked, "Have you caught your killer yet?"

"No, we are waiting on trace and ballistics results. It's the only evidence we have to make a case. The lab's backed up, so we have to wait it out."

"You and Castle don't have any leads?"

"We have several, but no concrete proof to make a connection."

"Mmm, I like the fact you are an amazing "whodunit" aficionado and you are so cute when you are focused on your man or woman."

Tittering softly at the analogy, Kate caressed the back of Torri's head with delicate strokes of her fingertips, "So you like the cop side of me?"

Smiling devilishly, Torri huskily replied, "Yes, I find the way you are so rigid when on duty most alluring."

"Ahh, so you were checking me out when we first met?"

"Most definitely Kate and I was instantly drawn to you until you told me about Sasha's death. It then became apparent I was your prime suspect."

"What did you think you were being questioned about?"

"I assumed Sasha had made a complaint about Clive embezzling funds," answered Torri before yawning.

"Go back to sleep honey and we can talk later."

"All right and I think I am going to thoroughly enjoy sleeping with you in your bed."

"It is nice already," agreed Kate before kissing Torri tenderly. Moments later, she said, "Goodnight."

"Sweet dreams Kate."

Kate sighed when Torri rested a hand on her stomach and made slow, tiny circular motions against the cotton material of her shirt. The relaxing touch lulled her to sleep and brought forth happy dreams of times spent with her mother.

She woke when images of police photos taken at her mother's murder scene invaded her slumber and she sat up in fright. Glancing at the bedside clock, Kate saw it was sixteen minutes past four and Torri was curled up on her left side.

Unable to shake the visions from her mind, Kate eased off the mattress and wandered out of the room and made her way into the study. Turning on the light, she went over to the wooden wall hutch and opened the doors of the homemade evidence board. Handwritten notes, copies of official police reports, newspaper clippings and photos of her mother's homicide and the attempt on her own life cluttered the two sides and the detective closed off to the outside world as she studied the evidence for the first time in months.

Fully engrossed in solving the mysteries, Kate didn't hear Torri when she entered the room sometime later. Torri viewed the boards then asked, "So this is what drives you?"

Startled, Kate apologised, "Sorry, I didn't see you there and yes."

"That's very obvious. How long have you been in here?"

Looking at the wall clock, Kate answered, "Two hours."

"What made you revisit the past?"

"I dreamt of mom."

"You can't walk away from the case, can you?"

"No and it's so frustrating knowing I am so close to an answer."

"When Rick visited Clarice last weekend, he asked me if I knew your pursuit of bringing the person responsible for your mother's murder to justice nearly cost you your life. After the initial shock, I admitted I had no clue. I mean, I'd figured out you'd been injured on the job a while back by our conservation regards my gunshot injury, but you never did tell me about your experience."

Refocused on the boards, Kate's brow furrowed and she turned to Torri, "Pardon?"

Disappointment shadowed Torri's face as she surrendered to the inevitable realisation that her girlfriend was fully engrossed with the board, "Nothing Kate."

"Oh okay," countered the detective while returning her eyes to the evidence.

"I guess Rick was correct about you being obsessed," remarked Torri while backing out of the room and going into the bedroom to dress.

Three minutes passed and she walked out of the apartment without Kate noticing.

-o-

Kate's musings were disturbed when her phone rang in the bedroom. Running into the room, she picked it up off the bedside table and answered, "Beckett."

"Hey Kate, I've got your ballistics match," replied Scott Myers from the Crime Lab.

"Go ahead."

"The bullet came from a Berretta 9mm that is registered to your victim Darby Jones."

"Good work and I appreciate the rush job Scott."

"You're welcome, bye."

Putting down the phone, Kate scanned the room and noticed Torri's bag was missing from its previous location beside the chest of drawers. "Damn it Beckett, what have you done?" she chided herself before preparing for work.

She left the apartment thirty minutes later and drove to the station and discussed the latest evidence with Captain Gates before speaking with Esposito and Ryan. "Pick up the wife's brother for questioning and hold him until the DNA cross match comes back on the epidermis found under Jones' fingernails," she instructed gruffly. "I should be back from court by twelve."

"You got it boss," replied Ryan as Castle entered the bullpen.

"A very good morning to you all," he said cheerfully in greeting.

"Yo Castle," countered Esposito. "How's it going Bro?"

"Hey," shot back Kate while heading out. She ran to the lifts then rushed to her squad car.

Climbing in behind the wheel, she drove to Torri's apartment and rode the elevator to the top floor.

Torri opened the door after the second knock and Kate flew into an apology, "I'm so sorry about earlier."

"Don't be, but I'm just about to leave for the office."

"Oh, so we're okay?"

"Kate, I don't think you are ready for a relationship."

"What do you mean?"

"You are distracted with your personal crusade and quite frankly, I don't figure into the equation. I really like you, but I can't wait around for you to concentrate on us and I refuse to stand by and watch you risk your life again on something that rules your every thought."

A bewildered Kate asked, "You're breaking up with me?"

"Yes. You ignored me Kate and still haven't bothered to tell me things, so I'm getting out before it hurts too much to walk away."

Kate looked into teary blue eyes and her heart sank, "I didn't mean to hurt you."

"I know you didn't; you need to deal with the past before you can move on."

"I thought I had."

"You're a wonderful woman Kate Beckett and I wish you the best of luck in finding your peace of mind."

With tears welling in her eyes, Kate pleaded, "I don't want to lose you Torri. I felt we had embarked on something special."

"So did I, but I'm not what you need right now."

"Yes you are. You're the best thing that has happened to me in a long time and I'm begging you to forgive me for losing my way this morning. I came here to make it right between us and I still have two hours before I am due in court. I'd like to take you to breakfast and talk some more."

"I can't Kate."

"Please don't give up on me," pleaded Kate as tears flowed.

"Crap, not fair with the tears. Stop looking at me with puppy dog eyes and I can't have breakfast with you because I have an eight thirty meeting at the office."

Pressing on with hope in her heart, Kate asked, "What about lunch?"

"You are really stubborn you know that?"

"Only when I don't want to lose."

"I need time to think about it Kate. Give me until I return from the UK to decide if I want to risk giving you my heart."

A huge satisfied smile spread across Kate's face and she grabbed Torri by the lapels of her jacket and kissed her senseless. When she pulled away, she declared, "That's something to remind you of how perfectly we fit together. Call me when you can." Kate turned and walked away then giggled when she heard Torri mumble, "Shit, I'm in big trouble."

-o-

Wednesday 14th December, 2011.

Kate wiped tears from her eyes and waited for a response from Carter.

"By your display of emotion I gather your feelings for Torri run deep."

"I'm falling in love with her and will do whatever I have to in order to be with her."

"I think you did the right thing by allowing her the time to re-evaluate her feelings for you."

"I've been tempted to call her, but it's her decision to make and I respect that."

"That's a wise move on your behalf."

"Torri knows I don't want to lose her and am willing to wait."

"Very good and have you told her everything about your near death experience?"

"No, but I intend to as soon as possible."

"Why do you think you have kept it from her?"

"I think I feel guilty about wanting a future with her while knowing another attempt could be made on my life at any given moment. I've been concerned that knowledge would impact on her greatly."

"So you deliberately didn't want her to know you are still possibly at risk?"

"Yes and to tell you the truth, I'm amazed I'm still alive. I keep waiting for another bullet to strike."

"Do you have any idea why that hasn't occurred?"

"I was warned to stop looking into my mother's case and since there have been no new leads, I've kept away from it."

"If you want to have a commitment with Torri, you will have to close the book on your mother and Roy's deaths."

"We have discussed that before and I fully understand. I think Torri does too, at least the part about my mom. She is not aware of Roy's involvement at this stage."
"You seem confident of Torri contacting you."

"I am."

"Excellent and that's our time for today."

-o-

Friday 16th December, 2011.

Glancing at the unknown caller ID on her phone, Kate answered, "Beckett."

"Hello Kate, I hope I haven't caught you at a bad time?" replied Elaine Wingate.

"This is a nice surprise, how are you?"

"I am well and am calling to confirm you and your father are still joining us for Christmas Day."

"Uhm, when was the last time you spoke with Torri?"

"Last night and she informed me you mightn't be sure if you were still invited."

"Well the thought did cross my mind."

"Torri still wants you there."

"Did she say that?"

"Yes and I believe she is planning on calling you tonight."

"That's good news on both counts."

"My granddaughter is very much in love with you Kate, but she is scared of telling you. From the conversation we had, I think she has a few matters she wishes to discuss with you."

"I am more than willing to talk to her and thank you for being so honest with me."

"You have a good heart and have a positive effect on Torri. By the way, she is very concerned about your wellbeing."

"Torri is very sweet and there is no need for her to worry."

"That is pleasing to hear and I best be going. I'll see you and your father on the twenty fifth."

"I'm looking forward to it, goodbye."

"Bye."

Placing the phone on the kitchen bench, Kate finished her glass of red wine then tidied up before preparing for bed. She was nestled under the covers reading an advance copy of Castle's latest Nikki Heat novel when Torri rang an hour later.

"Hello Torri, how are you?"

"Hi Kate and I'm doing well considering it's bloody freezing over here."

Giggling briefly, Kate asked, "Where are you?"

"I'm currently in a hotel in Edinburgh. The band has a show tonight and I was lazing around in the room trying to get some sleep beforehand."

"I'm glad you called."

"So am I and I've been missing you. During my downtime I've given our relationship a lot of thought."

"You have?"

"Yes and I'd like it if you and your dad would still have Christmas at the cabin. It will give us a chance to talk without interruption."

"I would really like that Torri and I happen to have five days leave from the twenty fourth."

"Excellent and you and your dad could drive up with me on the Friday and stay a few days."

"We could and what do I need to bring?"

"Grandma will do all the cooking, so there's no need to bring anything."

"All right and how is the tour going?"

"We are having a wonderful time apart from the weather. The place I'm staying in has this huge open fireplace and I'm as warm as toast at the moment."

"It sounds very inviting."

"Have you had a busy week?"

"No, there have been no active cases so I've been Christmas present shopping and braving the crowds."

"Sounds like fun and I've bought a few gifts over here for the family."

"You sound tired Torri."

"I am, but am enjoying our conversation."

"I am too."

"Rick sent me a copy of his new book."

"I was actually reading it when you rang."

"I'm up to chapter ten and it's very enthralling."

"Chapter twelve for me and I'm enjoying it too." Kate heard the sound of knocking in the background and asked, "Do you have to go?"

"Yes, that will be Clarice wanting to go over the radio interview I have in two hours. I'll see you soon."

"You will and thanks for calling, bye." Kate returned to the hardcover and couldn't stop grinning.

-o-