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 Twelve
Kate and Torri continued to share romantic dinners for the subsequent four weeks in between work commitments until Torri flew out on a private jet headed for Paris on the thirty first. She would be gone for ten days and due back on Friday the tenth of February.
On the sixth, she called Kate and informed her she was on her way to New Zealand for a series of interviews and to film a new clip for the second single due to be released from the album. Torri was upbeat due to the fact her "coming out" had been well received by the public and there had been no adverse reactions. In fact, sales of her album and single had doubled the day after the story hit the newsstands.
The couple spoke for over an hour before Kate yawned and Torri advised her to go to sleep.
-o-
Thursday 9th February, 2012.
Walking out of the Interrogation Room, Kate turned to Castle and asked, "Did you see that coming?"
"I did not and who would have guessed the butler did it?"
Kate's cell phone beeped with a message and she retrieved it from her belt. She had one missed call from Torri that had gone to voice mail and six from Jacob. Nodding to the uniformed Officer positioned outside the door, she said, "McDonald, take McGregor to a holding cell and leave him there until a lawyer shows."
"Yes Detective Beckett."
"You going to answer that text?" asked Castle as the pair walked to the Squadroom.
Assuming it was a message advising her Torri was on her way home, Kate replied, "It can wait, we need to locate McGregor's wife and the missing million dollars first."
"My guess is she is patiently waiting at home for hubby."
"Only one way to fine out, let's go."
Kathleen McGregor was indeed home when Kate knocked on the front door forty minutes later. Unlike her husband, who had confessed to killing his employer Ralf Todd and helping himself to the contents of the safe in the study, Kathleen answered the door completely calm and collected. She was oblivious to the fact her spouse had divulged she had assisted him in the clean-up of evidence and purchased two first class tickets to Rio two hours after the nefarious act had been perpetrated and greeted the detective and consultant politely.
That changed when confronted with the news her fingerprints had been lifted from the candelabra used to end Todd's life with a single blow to the base of his skull. In a flood of tears, the woman evoked her right to counsel and Kate placed her under arrest.
By the time the McGregors had been processed through the system it was past five o'clock and Kate and Castle joined Esposito in the bullpen.
He was sitting on the corner of his desk viewing the television mounted on the wall. He turned his head and Kate noted the tears in his eyes.
"What's going on Espo?" she asked while placing a file on her table and moving to his side.
"Torri's plane dropped off the radar during a storm over Fiji and the ten people onboard are presumed dead.
"What?" exclaimed Castle in a mixture of shock and disbelief as he stared at the news report.
Heaviness fell over Kate and she valiantly stayed in control as her chest tightened with heartache, "Has it been confirmed.
"No, sea rescue from New Zealand is currently searching the area."
An emotional Castle enquired, "How long ago did they disappear?"
Kate placed a comforting hand on his and waited for an answer.
"Six hours."
"Oh dear god, poor Clarice," mumble Castle.
"We're done for the day, go home Rick and Javi," directed Kate while trying to remain calm and keep the panic from her voice.
"Oh okay," replied Castle as he collected his overcoat. "I need to make some calls."
Sitting down, Kate withdrew her phone and listened to Torri's message.
"Kate, I don't think I have much time. One of the engines has exploded and the plane is hard to handle. I should have told you this earlier, I love you. I fell in love with you when we shared that incredible Christmas together. I have so much I wanted to do with you and if we survive the attempted landing, I will tell you all about it."
There was the sound of a roaring engine in the background and Torri's voice grew louder, "Oh shit, I wish we had more time my darling Kate. I will carry you with me wherever I go my sweet Kate; I love you with all my heart. I'll stay on the line until James and Andrew try to set us down on the beach of Waya Island. I want you to know you are the best thing that has happened to me and I'm not scared baby, just incredibly sad that I may never see your beautiful smile again. Crap, here we go ... Kate."
The line went static and the tears Kate had bravely held back, poured from her eyes. "Oh dear god Torri, I love you too," she cried softly while looking up the number for the FTA.
After a ten minute conversation, she passed on the relevant information to be given to the search and rescue team in the South Pacific. She called her father with the news then phoned Jacob. He explained he had also received a call from Torri advising him of the situation.
"I'm so sorry I didn't answer," apologised Kate.
"I've been in contact with the Office of Citizen Services and they've informed me the search area has been widened."
Through her tears, Kate relayed the information she'd received from Torri and they both wept.
"I have to believe the pilots set the plane down safely," Kate admitted once she dried her eyes. "I can't and won't give up hope."
"I can't either and you shouldn't be alone Kate."
"I just feel so useless Jacob."
"I know what you mean. I wanted to race there and help, but realised that was impossible."
"How are the rest of the family doing?"
"Holding on and waiting for more news. How is Rick?"
"In shock, so I sent him home."
"If you want, you can stay with us and get updates from the State Department."
"I'd like that."
"I'll see you soon."
"Bye."
-o-
Kate was embraced by Elaine as she entered the house and the other members of Torri's family soon followed. With tears streaming from her eyes, she asked if there'd been any more news.
Benjamin took her bag and replied, "They've spotted the plane on a remote island from the sky and are currently sending in a Medivac and Rescue Team. The jet was wrecked, so we just have to wait for further information."
Kate's knees gave out and Jacob helped her to the couch, "Easy does it."
"I'll get everyone something to eat," offered Elaine while going into the kitchen.
"We have so much to do together and I never got the chance to tell her I love her," sobbed Kate.
"Let's hope you get the opportunity," said Corey as he handed Kate a tumbler of whiskey on ice. "Drink that for the shock."
Sipping slowly, Kate tried not to drop the glass. Her hands were shaking badly and her vision blurred with tears.
Elaine returned minutes later carrying a platter of sandwiches, "Eat everyone, we need to keep up our energy."
"I should call Rick with the latest details," suggested Kate.
"That's a good idea," agreed Benjamin. "The man will be so worried about Clarice."
"Have a sandwich first Kate," advised Elaine. "You look like you are about ready to drop."
"All right and thank you."
"I'll phone Rick," offered Corey. "And don't be concerned Kate, I know he doesn't know about you and Torri. She mentioned you get a kick out of it."
Smiling slightly, Kate replied, "She thinks it's funny and we planned on making our first public appearance as a couple on Saturday at Kevin and Jenny's wedding. I guess that won't happen now."
Corey withdrew from the room while Kate and the others ate the food in silence.
-o-
By eleven fifteen there had still been no more news and Kate was left alone in the living room with Jacob when the remaining family members went to bed. Jacob added two logs to the fire then sat down beside Kate on the sofa. He took hold of her right hand and observed, "You have been very quiet."
With eyes brimming with tears, the brunette nodded, "I've been content to sit here and listen to everyone retell stories of Torri's childhood. She was very rambunctious and quite the tomboy."
"You love her?"
Droplets trickled down smiling cheeks, "Yes, with all my all heart. For the first in my life I know how it feels to be totally in love with someone and have no doubt or second guessing about what I am feeling. I can't even begin to image how much you must be worried."
"I won't lie, I am petrified. This not knowing anything is nerve wrecking, but I refuse to give into the negativity, not while there is still hope."
Sniffing back a sob, Kate agreed, "Neither will I." Giving in to the emotional exhaustion, she covered her mouth with the back of her hand and yawned.
"Why don't you lie down and get some rest. I'll go grab you a pillow and blanket."
"Thank you for including me in the family vigil Jacob. I don't think I could have been this calm on my own."
Getting up, he said, "Think nothing of it and I'll just organise a fresh towel in the bathroom for you. If you need me, I'll be in the office working on a house design. I don't think I'll be able to sleep, so I'll just keep busy."
Rising to her feet, Kate admitted, "I'm so tired, but I don't want to close my eyes."
"You need to try and I'll wake you if anyone calls."
"Thank you."
-o-
Friday 16th February, 2012.
Despite her earlier statement, Kate fell asleep seconds after her head hit the softness of the pillow. Her emotional tiredness lulled her into deep oblivion until her phone alarm sounded at six thirty. The house was quite as she gathered up some clean clothes and toiletries from her overnight bag. Making her way to the bathroom, she prepared for work and ran into Jacob while exiting the room.
"I gather there has been no news," she surmised with a frown.
"No and I've made a fresh pot of coffee. I went to bed around two and woke half an hour ago. I watched a little of the news and the latest report said rescuers were being hampered by bad weather. Apparently there is a cyclone forming off the coat of Fiji."
"If that's true then why the hell weren't you notified of the delay by the appropriate authorities?"
"I have no idea, but I plan on finding out."
"It's so frustrating not being able to do anything."
"Yes it is."
"I'll make a few calls when I get to work and see what I can find out."
"I appreciate it Kate and I'm going to arrange some breakfast, the others are starting to stir."
"I'll give you a hand."
-o-
After another unsuccessful telephone call for information on the plane crash, Kate got up from behind her desk and switched on the television. Turning to the local news channel her heart sunk as images of the wreckage flashed by interspersed with photos of Torri and her band.
Her eyes filled with tears as the anchor reported, "Local authorities hold very little hope of finding any survivors once the rescue and medical teams sent from New Zealand can land on the island. For the past twelve hours they have sat by idle as fierce gale force winds and rain keep the helicopters grounded. With sea waters too choppy to transverse, the plan of reaching the island by boat was abandoned some ten hours ago."
Too stunned to process the news, Kate didn't hear Castle and Esposito enter the bullpen until the older man spoke.
"I tried to get a flight to Fiji last night, but the airport is closed due to cyclonic conditions."
Turning down the volume with the remote in her hand, Kate faced the two men, "Torri's father hasn't been told any of this."
"That ain't right," replied Esposito with a head shake.
"Neither has Clarice's parents Troy and Carol. I spoke with them last night and they are beyond frantic with worry. It was thoughtful of Corey to phone me with news. He mentioned you dropped by the family home."
"Why don't you go home Castle, there's no case to work and I doubt your mind is on the job," put forth Kate as she sat back down.
"It isn't, but I need to stay occupied. I can't stop thinking about Clarice and the others being injured or worse."
Feeling the tears prick the back of her eyes, Kate stood, "Excuse me." She went to the staircase and climbed the steps two at a time. Finding her way to the rooftop, she leaned up against an air filter and allowed the unshed tears to fall one by one.
Slumping to her haunches as an overpowering despair gripped her heart and refused to let go, Kate wrapped her arms around her knees and wept for some time before her cell phone rang and punctuated her sorrow.
Reaching for it, she scanned the screen and answered, "Hello Jacob."
"Hey Kate, I've just spoken to a Ted Dawson from the State Department."
"Did he have any sort of update on the storm?"
"Oh, you've seen the latest news report then?"
"Yes and it was extremely disheartening. Are you okay?"
"I'm pretty good and the weather cleared up over three hours ago. The media are way behind the eight ball for a change and are running old news."
Buoyed by the words, Kate asked, "Oh my god, does that mean the rescue teams have reached the island?"
"It does and I'm so relieved to announce they were greeted by ten very happy survivors."
"Oh Jacob, that is brilliant," replied a reassured detective.
"Details are still sketchy about injuries, but everyone is in alive and in good spirits. Dawson promised to call as soon as he knows anything on Torri's condition. He mentioned everyone had been airlifted to Lautoka Hospital."
A loud sigh escaped from Kate, "Let's hope everyone is all right."
"Yes and I've got a flight booked to Fiji in two hours and if I hear anything before I leave, I'll contact you. Otherwise I'll phone you from the hospital."
"I appreciate that Jacob and I feel so much better now. I'll pass on the great news to Rick."
"Corey told me Rick tried to find a plane out last night."
"Yes, but the airport was closed."
"It sounds like he's fairly serious about Clarice."
"He is."
"I better let you get back to work Kate and I'll call as soon as I know how our girl is."
"Thank you, have a safe trip and please give Torri a hug from me."
"I will, bye."
Ending the call, the detective burst into tears of joy then composed herself before returning to the Squadroom eight minutes later. Castle and Esposito were standing around watching the news as she approached.
"I've received an update," she declared cheerfully and two heads turned her way. "The storm broke up some three hours ago and rescuers found ten survivors. There is still no news on their condition, but all are in hospital."
"Thank goodness for that," responded Castle while trying not to blubber.
"Come here you big lug," directed Kate as she opened her arms. "You look like you need a hug."
"Don't tell anyone, but I really do. I'm just so pleased they are all alive."
"So am I Castle," admitted Kate while embracing her friend. "So am I."
Esposito joined the twosome's embrace, "Man, what a freaking relief."
Captain Gates walked up to the trio and noted, "I hate to break up the love fest going on here, but we got a fresh one over in Central Park."
-o-
Walking out of the bathroom, a naked Kate raced over to the kitchen counter and picked up the shrilling cell phone. Seeing Jacob's name she answered, "Hi, any news?"
A croaky and strained voice replied, "Hey baby."
"Oh god Torri, it's you," cried Kate. "I thought I'd lost you honey."
"Yeah, for a while I was on the same wave length. Please don't cry Kate."
"I can't help it. I was so distraught and it's a miracle that we're talking."
"Dad arrived at the hospital an hour ago and he gave me his phone while he went to get some breakfast." Clearing her throat, Torri husked, "Damn, you sound wonderful."
"So do you and did you mean what you said while the plane was going down?"
"I certainly did. I am in love with you Kate Beckett and can't wait to be with you."
"Oh Torri, I love you so much and I hope you'll be home soon."
"You love me?"
"With everything I am and you've totally changed my life."
"That's some kind of admission and so sweet. You were on my mind when we hit the beach then I blacked out."
A sob caught in Kate's tone, "My heart shattered when I saw images of the plane scattered in pieces on the sand."
"James and Andrew did an incredible job in making it to the island, but the landing was a little too fast and the jet basically broke apart on impact. I hit my head on the window and didn't come to until James brought me around about ten minutes later."
"How bad are everyone's injuries?"
"We were all pretty lucky with a few broken bones, concussions and lacerations to various body parts."
"What about you honey?"
"I won the trifecta baby, but am fine."
"You better give me more detail so I can stop imaging the worst."
"Before I do, I want to apologise for not being able to make the wedding tomorrow. We won't be flying out of here until next Friday."
"Don't worry about that, Castle can be my plus one and someone must be seriously hurt if you have to wait a week to travel."
"Uhm promise not to panic."
Kate ignored the instruction and gasped, "Oh shut the door, it's you."
"Yeah, Michael and I received the worst of it."
"Torri, I'm sorry sweetheart."
"I know. James fractured his left arm in two places along with his right foot and Andrew was hit in the head with flying debris which sliced open his forehead."
"Damn, the poor guys."
"Andrew is doing well as is Clarice. She banged her head too and pulled a few muscles, so it's a mild concussion for her."
"Castle will be happy with that news. Now go on honey."
"Danny the drummer smashed his jaw and Tony suffered a small fracture to his spine. It doesn't require surgery, so we are all relieved."
"That is good."
"Al ended up with concussion too and two broken arms while Peter and Travis snapped an arm each."
"Ouch."
"Michael suffered a fractured skull also and is recovering well and I have two busted legs, twenty stitches to the top of my head, four cracked ribs and a dislocated shoulder."
"Oh good god honey, you really did get hurt."
"My seatbelt split in two so I got tossed around a little. Except for me and Michael, the others are flying home this afternoon. Dad is staying behind to look after us."
"I'm glad he is there for you."
There was a moment of silence on the other end, until Torri wept, "I miss you Kate."
"I miss you too and is your pain being managed?"
"I don't feel a thing my precious girl."
Sighing loudly, Kate responded, "I like hearing you call me that and it's a relief to know you are being cared for."
"I'm just bloody glad I can talk to you."
"Your family have been a tower of strength Torri."
"Yeah dad told me you spent the night with them. How was work today?"
"It was difficult to concentrate on the new case that came our way, but we closed it out an hour ago. I just got home ten minutes before you called."
"I didn't disturb your dinner, did I?"
"No honey, we ate at the station and I was actually walking out of the bathroom"
"Where are you now?"
"In the kitchen and you sound tired?"
"The meds are catching up to me my darling."
"In that case you should sleep."
"Nah, I'd prefer chatting a little longer."
"Me too, but I need to throw on some clothes before I freeze my ass off."
"You're naked?"
"I am and on the way to the bedroom."
"Oh that image will sustain me for the next seven days."
Giggling, Kate turned off the lights and climbed into bed, "I'm happy to help and am in bed now."
"Kate."
"Yes honey?"
"When I said you were the best thing to happen to me, I really meant it."
"I understood and was amazed by how calm you were."
"I just pretended I was really talking to you."
"I adore your charm."
"I have so much to tell you Kate, but I can barely stay awake."
"Then say goodbye honey and we'll talk again soon."
"All right baby and it was awesome speaking with you. I'll call again Sunday night your time. Oh, wish Kevin and Jenny all the best from me."
"I will Torri and I love you."
"Love you so much Kate," slurred Torri haltingly. "I need to tell you something."
"It can wait, get some rest."
"Bye."
Setting the alarm, Kate pulled the covers up and found sleep with visions of Torri dancing around in her dreams.
-o-