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 Thirteen
Friday 17th February, 2012.
Kate secured her car and ran up the front stairs of the Wingate family home. The case her team was currently working had been solved an hour earlier and once the paperwork had been completed, she left a gawking Castle and Esposito behind as she raced out of the Squadroom without explanation.
After a short knock, the door was opened by a smiling and teary eyed Elaine, "Come on in Kate. Jacob and Torri arrived twenty minutes ago."
"Hey and sorry I'm late."
"Don't be. Dinner won't be ready for another thirty minutes."
Kate hugged the older woman then closed the door and headed down the hallway, "How is she?"
"Remarkably well considering all she's been through and very anxious to chat with you. She is in the living room by the fire and the rest of us will be in the kitchen, so you will have some privacy. Kate, don't be scared by her appearance.
With eyes glistening with tears, Kate embraced Elaine again, "I won't, I am just glad she is home."
"Then go ahead before I cry again," taunted Elaine while stepping out of the clinch. "I'll let you know when it's time to eat."
"Thank you," replied Kate before taking hold of her racing emotions and turning down the corridor. What she observed when she entered the spacious room tore through her heart like a boat propeller in water.
Torri had her back leaning up against a cushion and the arm of the couch and the lower half of her two legs were encased in lime green fibreglass casts. Her left arm was resting in a sling and positioned across her chest. The left side of her face was badly bruised and littered with numerous cuts and abrasions. Torri's head was turned to the right and Kate couldn't see any other visible injuries.
She stood in the doorway and wordlessly celebrated the fact the woman she loved was safe and sound. Tears streamed down her face as she took two steps towards the couch.
Torri's head cocked slightly to the left and Kate held her breath as she waited for her girlfriend to speak. When she did, the detective's emotions crumbled.
"Is that you Kate?" enquired Torri as the other woman fell to her knees beside her and bore witness to the clear medical tape and gauze covering both eyes.
"I'm here honey and why didn't you tell me?"
"I was too afraid you'd reject me."
Laying her head on Torri's lap, Kate howled for several minutes while Torri gently smoothed her right hand over trembling shoulders.
"It's not permanent Kate," Torri eventually whispered. "My eyes suffered flash blindness when the engine blew. I happened to be looking out the window when it exploded. Then debris hit the plane and tore a hole in the fuselage."
"Good god, you must have been terrified."
"I think it helped not being able to see and amid all the chaos, I concentrated on the people I love and getting a message to them."
"You did incredibly well. Tell me everything now, seems you have nicely avoided in explaining all your injuries during our phone calls.
With a slight grin, Torri began, "My shoulder popped straight back in and the sling comes off next Friday."
"That's encouraging. What about your head wound?"
"The sutures will be removed on Monday."
"Okay and I'm glad they didn't cut off your hair."
"Why is that?" inquired Torri as she blindly ran an index finger along Kate's cheek.
"You have great hair."
"So do you babe and the leg casts will be cut off in three weeks. The fractures were clean and have already started to knit. The doctor took x-rays before I left the hospital and he was happy with the result. My ribs took a hammering as I bounced around and slammed into things, so I have to wear a pressure bandage for another week while they stabilise."
"I was rostered on for weekend on-call duty but I've taken two personal days, so I'll be able to assist you with everything until Monday."
"You're taking days off for me?"
"Don't sound so surprised."
"I'm actually very impressed Kate."
"So you should be," teased Kate before continuing. "Now explain about your eyes."
"The blindness only lasted about twenty seconds, but my vision was blurry due to blood leaking from the vessels in the back of my eyes. It was caused by the trauma when flying pieces of crap struck my face. The doctor said it was a vitreous haemorrhage and will repair itself with rest and immobilisation of my eyes."
"Well that was a thorough breakdown; you must have paid attention to the doctor."
"I was scared shitless and hung on every word."
Trying not to giggle at the comment, Kate responded, "You can relax now and concentrate on healing."
"I discussed things with dad on the trip home and once my eyesight returns, I'd like to stay at the cabin to recuperate. It may take up to ten days before that happens though."
"It's an excellent idea and I can stay with you on my days off."
"Thank you and Grandma will be travelling up with me."
Kate got up and sat on the edge of the couch. She cupped a hand against a warm cheek and pledged, "I'll be with you as often as I can."
"I appreciate that Kate and thanks for not freaking out."
"I wouldn't be much of a girlfriend if I did and you still have that wonderful smile that makes my heart flutter."
"You can't tell, but behind the swabs, I am actually crying with sheer joy at having you here."
"There is nowhere else I'd rather be honey," replied Kate while carefully leaning in and resting her head against Torri's chest. "Is this comfortable for you?"
"It sure is," answered Torri before yawning. "The pain meds make me drowsy."
"I supposed you will be sleeping on the couch."
"No, dad has set up a bed in the study for us."
The right corner of Kate's upper lip curled upwards, "Oh that is a welcome surprise. It will be nice to be beside you while you sleep."
"I've been thinking about holding you all week." Torri wrapped her right arm around Kate's shoulder and whispered, "You smell like fresh flowers."
"It's the shampoo I use at work after boxing training. Espo and I put in a session this afternoon while waiting for a lawyer to show. Are your ribs all right with my weight?"
"Yes babe, you are as light as a feather," replied Torri before planting a soft kiss on Kate's head.
Tilting her head back, Kate sought out Torri's lips and kissed her tenderly until Elaine walked into the room and announced dinner was ready.
-o-
Between Kate and Jacob, Torri was helped to the dining table then once the meal was consumed, she asked Kate to assist her in the bathroom. Kate slid off her girlfriend's shorts and cried after removing Torri's top. The younger woman's upper body was a mass of cuts and bruises. She reached out for her sobbing sweetheart.
"I guess I should have warned you," she apologised while lovingly caressing Kate's back with tiny, gentle circular motions.
"I really should have expected it honey considering how scratched up your face is."
"You know, I like this vulnerable side of you."
Chuckling for a second, Kate wiped her eyes and countered, "Don't tell anyone, but I'm hopeless around you."
"I'm pretty much the same with you and I'm ready for my sponge bath nurse."
Moving back, Kate collected the wash cloth from the container full of soapy warm water. She carefully cleansed her lover's blemished skin and held back sobs when Torri flinched on several occasions. Her resolve caved when a hand rested on her hip and caringly stroked.
In a hoarse voice, Torri confessed, "This is not how I envisioned our reunion after confessing our love for one another."
With a short titter, Kate agreed, "Oh I don't know if it's all that bad. You are naked after all and completely at my mercy."
Seeing the funny side of the situation, Torri's hand glided up Kate's shirt and rested on her shoulder, "That's so true, but I was expecting you to be undressed too."
Leaning in, Kate captured smiling lips and dropped the cloth. The couple exchanged kisses for several minutes before Kate withdrew and reached for a towel.
"That gives me motivation to recover swiftly," joked Torri.
"I'm glad you feel that way honey. Now I'll get you your toothbrush and pills then you are done."
"I really do appreciate all your help."
"You're welcome Torri."
Five minutes passed and Kate aided Torri to the study and supported her as she got into bed. She lifted up her legs then pulled up the covers.
"I'll just grab a shower and be back."
"All right."
Kate returned to find Torri fast asleep, so she discarded her dirty clothes, turned off the light and climbed in beside her lover. Mindful of Torri's injuries, she eased herself onto her side and laid a hand on the other woman's stomach. Relieved to have Torri home, she closed her eyes and teardrops fell from behind long lashes.
-o-