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 Eleven
Friday 23rd December, 2011.
Kate was packing the last of her clothes into a travel bag when there was a rap upon her front door. Pulling up the zipper of the duffle bag, she carried it to the entrance and placed it on the floor. Opening the door, she greeted her father with a hug then took his bag off him, "Hey dad, come on in."
"Hello Katie and I hope I'm not too early."
"No, Torri should be here in about ten. She called earlier to say she was on the way." Putting the bag beside hers, she asked, "Would you like a drink?"
"No I'm fine and it's nice to see you with a smile on your face again."
"I'm looking forward to the break and spending time with Torri."
Jim gave his daughter an inquisitive glance, "You're pretty serious about her, aren't you?"
"I am, but I have some major issues to deal with first and these next few days will afford me the opportunity to speak about them with Torri."
Resting a hand on Kate's left shoulder, Jim locked eyes with her, "You need to let go of the past Katie or you'll not have a future. You have pursued justice for your mother for twelve years and it's time to think about yourself."
"I know, but I'll never give up dad. The truth is out there somewhere and I'll find it, but I do intend on being less obsessed. I want a relationship with Torri and realise I need to make some changes."
"Good girl and I like the way you are enthusiastic about her."
There was a knock on the door and the smile on Kate's face widened, "Let's go dad." She swung back the door and leered at Torri, "Hello, it's good to see you."
"Hi and I'm double parked, so we need to move. Hello Mister Beckett, it's a pleasure to see you again."
"Thanks for the invite and call me Jim."
"No worries," replied Torri while grabbing the two pieces of luggage.
"I just have to collect presents," explained Kate as she ran to the kitchen to pick up two carry bags. She secured the door once her father stepped into the hallway then followed Torri to the lift.
"How was your flight home?" inquired Jim while entering the elevator car.
"I slept all the way and have my second wind."
Jim held the door ajar as Torri and Kate exited the lift, "Kate told me you were promoting your new album."
"Yes I was," replied Torri while shouldering the building door open. "I had a fantastic time, but am so glad to be home." Walking to her BMW, she put down the baggage and reached for the keys in her overcoat pocket. Using the remote, she opened the rear tailgate then packed the bags.
Kate followed suit with the gifts and then the trio piled into the SUV. They chatted about Torri's trip and an hour later, she pulled inside a four door garage.
"Kate, you and I will be sleeping in the guest house and Jim, you will have my room," explained Torri while getting out of the vehicle.
"I didn't see a guest house the last time I was here," pointed out Kate as she gathered up two bags.
"I had it added to the recording studio a month ago."
Jacob and Benjamin entered the structure and after greeting Jim and Kate, Torri handed them presents for the tree.
"Where is everyone else?" she inquired.
"Last minute shopping, they'll be here soon," answered Jacob.
"Okay, I'll just take our bags over to the guest house and meet you all inside the cabin."
-o-
Kate was standing by the Christmas tree talking with Benjamin when Torri joined them along with Elaine, Corey, Jenna and Parker. Kate and her father said hello to the new arrivals then Torri helped her grandmother organize dinner.
With everyone gathered around the dining table an hour later, Jacob kept them amused with stories of past Christmases and Kate kept on eye on a giggling Torri. Her heart filled with deep affection as the attractive brunette regaled with the memories.
Jim recalled several tales and Kate blushed when Torri placed a firm hand upon her right thigh and gently squeezed.
Once the meal and dishes were taken care of, Jenna put Parker to bed and the others sat around the fireplace. Benjamin engaged Jim in conversation while Kate was questioned by Corey about what it was like to work alongside Castle. Torri sat beside Kate and took hold of her hand. Leaning back, Kate sighed when Torri cuddled into her side.
Seventy minutes passed before Benjamin, Elaine, Jacob and Jim said goodnight, leaving Corey, Jenna, Kate and Torri to continue a discussion on world politics.
A short time later, Corey and Jenna went to bed and Torri added several logs to the fire. As she returned to the couch, Kate pulled her into her arms and kissed her hungrily.
Breaking apart ten minutes later, Torri giggled and stared into dilated hazel eyes, "Wow, I missed you."
"You may have guessed the feeling is mutual. I'm really sorry for neglecting you."
"I know and I want to be with you Kate. You're all I've thought about the past two weeks and I don't intend on giving you up without a fight."
"I'm so relieved to hear you say that and I've been busy working out a few things with my shrink. I won't risk our relationship again Torri. You are the one person who has managed to pull down the wall I erected around my heart and I want a life with you."
"You do?"
"Yes. I can finally surrender without any conditions attached. I'm highly attracted to you and would like us to be together in every sense of the word."
A smile broke out on Torri's face, "You have no idea how happy I am right now. I'm so drawn to you Kate and need you."
Kate's eyes filled with tears, "Thank you for letting me back in and can we please go to bed?"
With a smirk, Torri stood and held her hand out, "I would like nothing better."
Taking a grip of the offered hand, Kate got up and followed Torri as she turned off lights then led her to the outer building.
To the right of the recording studio, a two bedroom structure had been erected. Complete with a kitchen, living area and bathroom, Kate surveyed the quaint rustic styled building when she passed the threshold.
"I'm glad we get to spend time alone," she remarked as Torri locked the door behind her.
"I am too and I thought it was a wise move to have a place for people to crash in when recording sessions go late into the night. Even with five bedrooms in the cabin, it can still get cramped around here."
Kate pressed into Torri's back and draped her arms around the sweater clad midriff, "I really do admire your thoughtfulness for others."
Placing her hands on top of Kate's, Torri relished their closeness, "I just need to grab something out of my car."
"Can't it wait?"
Revolving, Torri kissed Kate on the forehead, "No it can't. It happens to be your Christmas present and I want to put it under the tree while you are not looking."
"Oh in that case you better go. I'll have a shower and get ready for bed."
"Are you tired?" enquired Torri with a cheeky grin.
"No, but I plan on being exhausted later."
"Oh good god, me too and I'll just be a minute. Oh, we are in the room to the right and the bathroom is to the left."
"Okay honey," replied Kate before drawing Torri's lips to her own. She kissed the other woman with extreme tenderness then pulled back and held her gaze, "There was an attempt on my life by a sniper while I was giving a eulogy at my former captain and friend's funeral service in June. I was shot in the chest and the bullet lodged in my heart. I coded on the table and my then boyfriend Doctor Josh Davidson, opened up my side during an emergency procedure."
A single tear dripped from the corner of Torri's right eye and she struggled to speak, "Can ... you ... promise ... not to risk ... your life again and be happy ... with that decision?"
With a gentle smile, Kate brushed away the teardrop, "I can tell you I won't actively investigate my mother's death unless more evidence lands on my desk. If it does, I promise I won't race blindly after it on my own. I won't purposely put myself in danger again."
Gulping back more tears, Torri rested her head against Kate's, "Rick mentioned the corruption of those involved run deep within the department."
"It's a strong possibility and that is another reason why I've been reluctant to discuss the case with Captain Gates."
"Kate, I look into your eyes and for the first time in my life I see my future. I envision a relationship based on honesty and mutual respect and I experience this exceptional comfort and tranquillity that I've never known before."
"That is how you affect me Torri and I want you to know what you mean to me."
"And I want to show you, so I'm now running to my car."
"Good because I want you Torri."
Untangling her arms, Torri sped out of the room and Kate went to the bathroom. Removing her clothes, she turned on the bathtub faucets and added some fragrant oil. Climbing in, she rested her back up against the far end and luxuriated in the warm water as it rose. Reaching for a wash cloth and soap, Kate lathered every inch of her body and hummed.
Moments later Torri walked into the room and was gobsmacked by the sight of her soon to be lover reclining in the steaming water. Her mouth gaped open and her eyes shone with desire. Wordlessly she pulled off her sweater and tossed it into a nearby hamper.
Kate folded the cloth over the side of the tub and grinned, "I'm pleased you hurried back honey and can join me."
"You have a wonderful body Kate and I would have been here sooner if Grandpa hadn't gotten up for a drink. He started to chat until he realised I was in a hurry." She slipped off her boots and didn't lose eye contact with a serious looking Kate. Taking off her socks, she unzipped her jeans and pulled them downwards.
"Nice legs honey," cooed Kate as tentacles of arousal invaded her body and nestled in her centre.
Torri replied with a smirk before taking off her tee shirt and flinging it across to the basket. She quickly removed her bra and briefs then moved towards the tub.
Kate's eyes roamed over the 34B-23-32 frame and she groaned deeply.
Torri turned off the water and climbed into the bath. She looked at Kate and admitted, "I'm nervous." She positioned her long legs on top of Kate's and she reached out, placing her hands on either side of the tub.
With a short titter, Kate confessed, "So am I and you are stunning honey."
"Thank you and it was a smart move putting in a large bathtub."
"Yes it was and how about you come up here and rest against my chest so we can talk."
With a succession of swift manoeuvres, Torri settled on Kate and relaxed when arms wrapped around her shoulders.
Feeling the release of tension, Kate kissed along Torri's neck, "This is really nice."
"Oh yes," replied Torri while turning her head to meet Kate's eyes. "I haven't been with anyone for over two years Kate, so I may be a little rusty."
"I'm sure you'll be fine," responded Kate before lowering her lips to Torri's in a gentle kiss.
As tongues engaged, Torri rolled her body around and got up on her knees. She cradled her hands around Kate's head and deepened the contact.
Kate's senses went into overdrive as she gripped Torri's back with pedicured, short nails. Finding purchase on the warm, wet skin, she draped her legs around slim hips and held on tight. While her mouth was assaulted with eager kisses, she brought her left hand down and covered Torri's right breast. With soft touches, she kneaded the pliant flesh and groaned throatily when Torri released her left hand and traced fingertips along Kate's neck.
The journey continued downwards until an index finger glided over the short sliver of pubic hair then slipped between swollen labia. Coming to rest atop an extended clitoris, the digit was joined by another and an excruciatingly slow cadence began as pressure was applied to the rigid shaft.
A whimper escaped Kate's mouth and her body arched up and into the mind numbing strokes. As she rocked with the motion, her fingers fondled the raised nub of Torri's breast and her euphoria increased dramatically. It rose considerably again when the two fingers administering so much pleasure smoothed over the base of her clitoris and ran down the silken path to her opening.
Kate reared up again as Torri entered her and continued with slow, steady, twisting penetrations. With her release fast approaching, she broke the kiss and stared into blue eyes. What she saw reflected back at her caused tears to flow and her hands clutched at Torri's back.
"Oh dear god," she cried as shards of pure delight exploded throughout her.
"I adore you Kate," murmured a trembling Torri.
With inner muscles gripping hold of her lover's digits, Kate's body tensed then let go. Before she could come down from the high, Torri placed a thumb over the tip of the clitoris and the thrusts recommenced their drumming against her inner node.
"Oh good god honey, that's good," declared a near delirious Kate as Torri smiled down at her.
"You're so incredibly beautiful when you come and I want to see it again."
"That will be in about ten seconds," countered Kate before sucking on her bottom lip and bearing down on skilled fingers.
"Jesus," husked Torri in response. "You are brilliant."
"I like that you are talkative," blurted Kate before losing herself in utter rapture once more.
Retracting her fingers moments later, Torri hugged Kate to her chest and waited for the tremors to ebb.
Kate held on firmly for several minutes while regaining her senses. She was light headed when she finally untangled her legs and returned them to the warmth of the water.
Torri leaned back and grinned, "How about we adjourn to bed?"
"Yes please and that was very exhilarating honey."
"I thoroughly enjoyed you and want more."
Climbing out of the tub, Kate held her hand out to Torri, "So do I."
-o-
By the soft glow of a bedside lamp, Torri lazily ran the tip of her index finger along the length of the scar on Kate's left hand side. Without speaking, she wrapped her arms around her lover's hips and hugged.
Kate felt the droplets of tears on her stomach and she reached down and gently caressed her girlfriend's head. After two hours of vigorous love making, she was tired, but wanted the night to never end. Her body was still tingling from the expert attention bestowed upon her by Torri and the bond that had been forged between them had melted her heart. For the first time in her life, she had submitted to a lover unconditionally and discovered a vulnerability she willingly accepted without hesitation or fear.
Torri lifted up and lowered warm lips to Kate's abdomen then she kissed upwards before settling with her body pushed into Kate's side. With delicate swipes of her tongue, she licked over the small circular scar between Kate's firm breasts and whimpered.
Kate trembled as the moist muscle danced upon the blemish and reignited her arousal. "Come up here honey," she directed in a smoky tone.
Inching along the bed, Torri's mouth was immediately devoured by Kate's. Her hands played along Torri's spine then rested on slender hips. She gradually coaxed Torri onto her own body and snaked her legs around Torri's right lower limb.
The younger woman groaned and Kate slowly started to push into her hairless mound. Torri rocked into Kate's soaked vulva and her hands splayed on either side of her body.
With hungry kisses, Kate arched her back and deepened the contact. The couple moved in perfect harmony for over twenty minutes before Kate stiffened and cried out, "Torri, now honey!"
With practiced skill, Torri ground her clitoris onto Kate's and the pair locked eyes. Kate smiled and dug her manicured nails into Torri's shoulder as her orgasm steamrolled her into oblivion.
Torri soon followed then collapsed forwards while gasping for breath.
Kate's body relaxed and she sighed, "Torri, I feel so close to you right now."
Raising her head, Torri pecked Kate on the chin, "I adore you and need a shower before I cool down."
"Mmm, I'll help you with that."
-o-
Pulling on a pair of cotton boxers and tee shirt, Torri looked over at a naked Kate and suggested, "I'll put fresh sheets on the bed then go grab us a snack."
"Great, I'm hungry."
"Are you sleepy?"
Kate put on a robe and walked over to Torri, "I'm surprisingly feeling refreshed. It must have been the revitalising shower."
Giggling at the memory of their fevered love making under the stream of hot water, Torri drew Kate into her embrace, "I'm impressed you can hold your breath for so long."
"I'll keep doing it if you continue to scream like you did."
"You have a deal and thank you for a fantastic night."
"Back at you and where do you keep the linen?"
"In the closet beside the bathroom door and you look wonderful in my robe."
"Thank you and you are a superb lover."
"So are you babe and I am very content."
"I am too," replied Kate while moving out of the clinch and exiting the bathroom. "Oh by the way, I managed to waggle a couple of more days off and don't go back to work until the third."
"That's awesome and I'm going to enjoy the extra time with you." Torri watched Kate gather fresh sheets and pillow cases then helped her in the bedroom.
Several minutes later she went into the kitchen and Kate jumped up onto the counter, "What do we have to eat?"
Opening the fridge, Torri replied, "I can make sandwiches with homemade pastrami, tomato, lettuce, cheese and mayo or mustard. There's orange juice or red wine to drink."
"Yum and I'll take mayo and a glass of red."
"Coming right up," said Torri while collecting items and setting to work.
Leaning over, Kate stole a piece of pastrami off the cutting board, "Wow, this is really good."
"Grandpa cures his own meats. He's prepared turkey and ham for Christmas Day as well as chicken."
"He is a very talented man and I assume he and your dad build this guest house."
"They did and Corey helped out in his spare time."
Torri was slicing a tomato when her phone rang in the bedroom.
"I'll get it," offered Kate as she slid off the bench.
"Thanks baby."
Kate ran into the bedroom and retrieved the phone off the side table. Looking at the screen, she saw the call was from Clarice. Rushing back outside, she found two sandwiches, a glass of wine and a grinning Torri. Handing over the phone, she said, "It's Clarice."
"Thanks, now eat. Hello Clarice."
"Hey Torri, I have good news. Franklin just called to inform me your album's gone to number one in the UK, Europe and Australia."
"Awesome. What are you up to, you sound tipsy?"
"Oh my god, I am in Aspen with Rick and his family. They are freaking fantastic and the suite we are staying in is brilliant."
"Well have fun and wish them all the best for the holidays."
"I will, bye."
Placing the phone on the counter, Torri sat beside Kate and explained, "My overseas agent Franklin called with news the album has reached number one in the UK, Europe and Australia."
"Congratulation honey, that's wonderful."
"It is and I'll be off to Europe then Australia and New Zealand at the end of January."
"You certainly do clock up the miles."
"Only until next month then I'm home for the rest of the year. I tour every two years, so you and I will hopefully have plenty of time to explore this great journey we have begun."
Tilting in, Kate kissed Torri, "I think we are doing a wonderful job so far."
"Yes we are and I should warn you the Advocate article hits the stands tomorrow."
"I'll enjoy reading it."
"A copy will be delivered with the newspapers in the morning."
Glancing at the wall clock, Kate brought attention to the time, "It's two fifteen honey."
With a smile, Torri admitted, "I had no idea it was that late."
"You were too busy to notice."
"Delightfully so my beautiful Kate."
Finishing her sandwich, Kate rested her head on Torri's shoulder and inquired, "Do we get to sleep in?"
"We can do whatever we like."
"I'd like to do you."
Tittering, Torri turned her head and pecked Kate on the cheek, "I like a woman who knows what she wants."
"What I want is you Torri."
"Let me tidy up then I am all yours."
"It will be quicker if I help."
-o-
Kate was lying on her back with her legs drawn up to her chest and on the brink of a climax when Torri's cell phone sprang into life with a message alert. She was relieved when her girlfriend didn't halt the oral ministrations on her clitoris and brought her to release instead. As she uncurled her fingers from Torri's hair, Kate remarked, "Thank you for not stopping honey."
Crawling up the mattress, Torri lay beside Kate and snuggled into her chest, "That would have been impolite baby and you are more important than a message."
"Ooh, you are so charming."
"It's probably dad asking how long we'll be."
"You better reply then."
"I'd rather stay here undisturbed for a little longer. Dad will just want to know if we plan on joining them for breakfast. He'll think we are still asleep if I don't answer."
"All right and this has been an excellent start to the day."
"Yes it has." Torri nibbled on Kate's collarbone then asked, "Do you play poker?"
"Yes, why?"
"Dad usually starts up a game after lunch."
Kate twirled several strands of Torri's hair between her fingers, "Great and my dad is a complete shark. He taught me how to play when I was a kid."
"I look forward to seeing you in action."
"I'll bring my "A" game sweetie."
"Are you going to tell Rick about us?"
"Not just yet, I'd like to keep you all to myself for as long as possible."
"Sounds like a good plan. How long have Kevin and Jenny been together?"
"They started dating back in April 2009."
"Kevin mentioned at the album launch they are getting married next year."
"Saturday the eleventh of February to be precise, would you like to be my plus one?"
"I would and I better read that message."
Kate reached over and picked up the phone then handed it to Torri.
Getting up on her left elbow, Torri viewed the screen, "It's Clarice advising me she's received six requests for interviews."
"Does that mean you'll have to leave?" enquiring a pouting detective.
"No baby, she knows to turn them down until the New Year and you are darn cute."
"Phew, that is a relief," replied Kate as her phone rang. "Sorry, I'll have to take it in case it's work."
Easing off the bed, Torri headed for the door, "Go ahead, I'll be in the shower after I call Clarice."
Sitting up, Kate grabbed her phone and looked at the picture of Castle, "Hey Rick."
"Hey yourself Kate, are you near a television?"
"No, why?"
"I'm watching a news report on Torri."
"That didn't take long."
"Pardon?"
"Torri did an interview with a magazine after Sasha's death."
"So it's true then?"
"That she's gay?"
"Yes."
"It is."
"So her and Sasha were an item?"
"Yes for three years until it ended in 2009."
"How come I didn't know all this?"
"It had no impact on the case and I chose to keep Torri's confidence until the story was published."
"What a waste," bemoaned Castel gruffly.
"I don't think Torri would think so."
"Oh of course not and it's kind of hot."
"You're a pig Castle."
"Hey now, I'm a man and am just programmed that way."
"That's a terrible excuse and how is Aspen?"
"The skiing is awesome and mother approves of Clarice."
"Yay for you and I'll talk to you later."
"Bye Kate."
Kate put down the phone and raced to the bathroom. Torri was already under the hot stream of water, so Kate slid back the screen door and joined her. "That was Castle in a flap over your sexuality," she explained while pressing into the curve of Torri's back. "I only confirmed the validity of the story."
Turning around, Torri smirked at her, "You are getting a kick out of the fact he is clueless, aren't you?"
"I certainly am. For the past three years the man has taken great delight in driving me crazy, so now it's payback time."
"You're an evil woman Kate Beckett and I adore you."
"Why thank you for noticing honey, now pass the soap please."
-o-
Tuesday 3rd January, 2011.
Kate was sitting at her desk signing paperwork when Lanie strolled into the bullpen carrying two files. She dropped them on Kate's table and crossed her arms against her chest and elucidated, "Those are the final reports on the Hernandez and Collins cases and how come I haven't heard a peep out of you since Christmas Day?"
Looking up sheepishly, Kate replied, "I was busy enjoying my days off."
"Uh uhm and is that some new bling I see on your right hand?"
Raising her arm, Kate glanced at the gold Claddagh ring and grinned, "It is."
"I gather it was a Christmas gift from your mysterious guy that no one has met."
"I don't have a mysterious guy and I'd like to keep some things to myself."
"Oh no you don't!" protested the doctor. "If you have been dating, as your best friend, I should be informed and you already got away with not telling me anything about who gave you the bracelet."
Kate was about the say something when Castle approached.
"Good morning ladies," he said in greeting while passing Kate her usual container of blended coffee.
"Hey Castle," replied the two women together.
Esposito rushed around the corner and announced, "We've got a fresh one over in Tudor City." He handed Kate a piece of memo pad and stood back.
Standing, Kate collected her overcoat from the stand outside the break room, "Let's go Castle."
"You can ride with me Javier, seems Ryan is on leave," offered Lanie as she headed for the lift.
"You got it."
-o-
Kate, Castle and Javier returned to the Precinct two hours later with a suspect in the double murder of Connie Downton and Peter Bushnell. Connie, thirty two, was discovered alongside twenty eight year old Peter, in the bed of her apartment. When uniformed Police responded to the frantic 911 call from a neighbour telling the operator they had heard two gunshots, a blood splattered Rupert Downton had answered the door. He had been holding a Ruger SR22 pistol and dropped it when the officers drew their weapons. Downton showed them to the master bedroom and confessed he had shot the two naked people sprawled on the bed.
When Kate, Castle, Esposito and Lanie had arrived on scene, a calm Downton was handcuffed and sitting quietly in an armchair in the living room.
Now he was seated in an Interrogation Room and totally relaxed.
Kate looked at Castle as they stood inside the observation room and he raised his right eyebrow, "Classic case of husband walks in on cheating wife and bang, bang they're dead."
"Open and shut case," added Esposito.
"I agree, so you two go in there and get his confession on tape while I call ADA Walker."
"You got it boss," replied Javier.
Pulling out her cell phone, Kate called Trevor with an outline of the facts. By the time she finished speaking; Downton was seven minutes into his admission of guilt. Having heard the sorry tale of murder fuelled by infidelity a hundred times before, she exited the room and headed for her desk to commence the paperwork.
When she rounded the corner her face relaxed into a smile as she spotted the large arrangement of orchids on the table. When she reached them, she collected the card and read:
My darling Kate,
I hope your first day back
at work is progressing well.
I am at the cabin recording
a new artist & missing you greatly.
Please join me for dinner at my
apartment.
I'll be home by six, so call me if
you get the chance.
Much like and all that mushy stuff,
Torri xxxx
Grinning like the proverbial cat with a mouse, Kate called Torri as she pocketed the card.
"Well hello Detective Beckett," answered Torri after four rings.
"Hi and the flowers are just wonderful honey."
"So are you babe and you sound very chipper."
"We are closing out a case, so I'll be done before six."
"Great, I'm just about to leave here."
"I won't keep you then and will see you in a few hours."
"Bye Kate."
"Bye." Returning her phone to the holder on her belt, Kate went to speak with Captain Gates and bring her up to speed with Downton's confession and ADA Walker's impending arrival.
-o-