Chapter 5

Once again thank you to everyone who is reading this story and continuing to follow it.

Usual disclaimer I don't own anything of this program etc except seasons 1-6 of the DVD's.

Saturday July 16 2016

Kate awoke around 7.15am knowing that this was the last Saturday she would have to work until after her maternity leave, which was due to start at the end of the following week. This morning was going to be a morning of finishing off paperwork that had accumulated over the past few weeks due to her having had to take a number of days off for bed rest due to the effect of her pregnancy and the increase in her blood pressure. Detective Jo Martinez had tried to cover as much of the work as possible but because of people off on vacation and the need to still cover her own work load, it had started to build up. Once Kate starts her maternity leave then Jo was due to take over her responsibilities, as her deputy, and would be able to farm out her own work amongst the teams of detectives.

She quickly got out of bed, leaving Rick to enjoy some extra sleep, as he was not expected to put in an appearance at the precinct at the weekend unless it was absolutely necessary, she had a quick shower, then went to make breakfast which today consisted of a low fat bagel lightly coated in low fat cream cheese followed by an apple. To drink she had a cup of lemon tea.

When she arrived at the precinct she it was met by a half empty bullpen with most of the detectives there working on unsolved cases. She quickly got down to work in her office and was pleasantly surprised when she looked at the clock and found that it was almost finishing time, she quickly finished off the file she was working on and was pleased to note that the file's on her desk had been reduced by almost one third.

As she left the precinct she got out her cell phone and pressing quick dial 1, and was quickly speaking to Rick. She said "Hi Babe I have just finished and as it is such a lovely day I was wondering whether you are up for a burger and 'shake at Remy's followed by a stroll in Central Park?"

Rick replied "Spend an afternoon with my favourite girl, what more could I ask for? I'll meet you at Remy's in 20 minutes,"

When Rick arrived he ordered his usual Cheeseburger and chips along with a Chocolate milk shake. Kate opted for a Veggie burger and a Semi Skimmed Strawberry Milk shake. When lunch was finished they decided to walk to the park and spent the next three hours just wandering around or sitting on the benches people watching.

After Dinner the rest of the evening was spent on a mini Star Trek movie marathon.

The following week seemed to speed by for Kate as she still had a lot of work to do before her maternity leave started.

On the Friday afternoon all the detectives along with Lanie Parish, Tory and even Perlmutter and some of the Detectives from the other floors gathered in the bull pen to wish her well and to give her maternity gifts for the forthcoming birth. Kate thanked everyone and promised that they would bring the baby in for everyone to see as soon as they were able.

Monday July 25 2016

This was the day that Kate had been booked to go into hospital prior to the impending birth of her baby. The OBGYN that met her in the private room, that Rick had booked for her during her stay in hospital, was Dr Teresa Grey, because Emma Jones was now on maternity leave herself due to her second baby being due that week, She gave Kate a thorough examination and said "You appear to be good healthy bu little concerned about your blood pressure, which is somewhat higher than I would like at this stage, hopefully though we can stabilise this before you are due to give birth."

At that point they were joined by Josh Davidson Kate said "Hi Josh how's Emma, are you both ready for the new baby?"

Josh said "Yes we can hardly wait" he then gave her another check over to ensure that things were still OK with her heart, He seemed satisfied but said she should get as much rest as possible over the next three weeks or so and that he would be round to see her again before the due date..

Friday August 12 2016

The due date for the birth of Kate's baby was the following day and she had been having tests every day for the past week, what was still causing some concern was that her blood pressure was still higher than normal although it wasn't at a danger level. Josh and Teresa were in the office in the Maternity unit discussing her case and it was decided that a C Section would be performed the following day for the safety of both the baby's and Kate's health.

When they told Kate this, she was somewhat apprehensive but agreed that if it was for the health and safety of her baby then they should go ahead and she signed the necessary consent forms.

Once she was alone she phoned Rick to tell him that the Section was to be done the following day, and that she needed him to be at the hospital early for support

Saturday August 13 2016

Rick was up and dressed by 6.30am as he had had very little sleep that night due worrying about Kate and the procedure that was to be done that morning he knew that by the end of the day he should, hopefully, be a father for a second time. He quickly got breakfast and had the first of what were likely to be many cups of coffee that day. When he had finished he headed out to the hospital as the C. Section was scheduled for10.0clock that morning and he wanted to give his wife all the support he could.

At 9.30am Kate was taken down to the theatre. Rick was left in the waiting room in case any emergency arose during the procedure. At 10.45am Teresa came out of the theatre and said "Congratulations Mr Castle you have a very health 7lb 1oz baby girl."

Ricks main concern at that point was how Kate was Teresa said "She has come through the procedure with apparently no problems. But because of her heart history Mr Davidson has decided that she should stay in the ICU for 24 hours just to make sure that no complications arise. However what you can do is come and meet your new daughter in the maturity unit, follow me."

When Rick saw her he was overwhelmed and thought he had never seen a more beautiful baby except perhaps Alexis, he said "Can I hold her?" and she was handed to him, he at once felt the same rush of love that he had felt when he had first held Alexis. He asked "Can we take her to the ICU for her to be introduced to her Mommy?"

Teresa said that she would just check to see that Kate could receive visitors. When she came back she said that that would be OK.

When they reached the ICU Rick said "Kate darling I would like you to meet your new daughter," and he handed her the baby. Kate took one look at her and instantly fell in love with her. She felt that she never wanted to let her go. Rick looked at her face and thought to himself 'Kate I always thought that you were the most beautiful woman I have ever seen, but now you surpass even that.'

He asked her "Have you had any thoughts as to what we are going to call her?"

She replied "I rather like the name Rebecca Johanna Castle, what do you think Babe?"

Rick replied "I love it. What do you think Rebecca Johanna?"

The only reply he got was a big yawn and everyone laughed.

Eventually it was time to return Rebecca to the maternity unit and Kate handed her over with great reluctance and tears in her eyes.

Rick told her "It is hopefully only for the night, as unless anything unforeseen arises you will be back on the Maternity unit tomorrow."

The following morning Kate was transferred back as expected, and Rebecca was placed in a crib next to her bed. For the rest of that day she hardly took her eyes off the infant.

It had always been her intention to breast feed her baby and she was given guidance as to how it should be done properly.

That afternoon Kate was visited by Martha, Alexis and Jim her father, who were all thrilled by the new addition to their family and were all eager to hold her, Kate hadn't realise the pangs of jealousy she would feel every time she had to hand her baby over to be held. She thought to herself 'Stop being stupid Kate, they are family and of course they want to hold and cuddle her.'

The following evening Jo, Lanie and the boys turned up to see them. Kate asked Jo how things were going at the precinct. Jo told her she was enjoying being in charge and thought things were going well.

Kate was allowed home from the hospital along with Rebecca the following week, and the family quickly settled into a routine with their new addition.

Thursday October 20 2016

Kate was not over her love affair with her baby, it only got stronger as each day passed if that was possible, Suddenly she realised that September had passed and that October was nearly over which meant that her maternity leave would be finishing in a matter of a couple of weeks. She couldn't imagine being away from Rebecca for one hour a day let alone eight hours for five days a week, and at that point she decided that she didn't want to be a cop any longer, but she did want to be a full time mom, the problem was she didn't want to lose her financial independence and certainly didn't want to have to rely on Rick to pay all her bills. Then she thought of the bank account that Rick had set up in her name to receive a share of the royalties from the Nikki Heat franchise. When he had first mentioned this to her at the time that 'Heat Wave' was published she had said no to the very idea because were not together at that stage, and the way things were going, were very unlikely to ever be if she had her way. 2. Rick was the author of the books and therefore should receive all the royalties; she was only the inspiration for the character.

Unbeknownst to Kate however Rick wasn't going to take no for an answer and he had set up a bank account in her name to receive her share of the royalty cheques. She only found this out when they got married the previous year when he had presented her with details of the bank account, along with a Debit Card for her use when using the account, and he had her sign a specimen signature form for the bank. He had also given her a pile of unopened envelopes each containing bank statements, she had signed the forms, and had put the statements in her safe without opening any, Rick told her twenty percent of the royalties were being paid into her account. Twenty per cent into the Johanna Beckett Memorial Fund which he had set up to help disadvantaged law students and Ten per cent was distributed among the Children's Hospitals and Wards in N.Y. These were causes dear to both Kate and Rick's hearts.

She had only ever used any of the money from the account once when she had bought the watch for Rick after She, Alexis and Jo had been taken hostage earlier in the year, she didn't even know how much was in the account as she had never opened any of the bank statements as they arrived, She decided that it might be a good idea to find out whether there was sufficient money for her to resign from the Police Department. She went to her safe to get the statements. Rick had insisted that she have her own safe so that she could keep her own personal items separately from his. She quickly found her latest statement and sat down on the bed to open the envelope, when she looked at the statement she thought 'It's a good job that I sat down.' as the balance shown was $6,650,875.75

When she had recovered and realised that she was independently wealthy she went to the office door and called "RICK CAN I HAVE A WORD WITH YOU IN THE OFFICE, NOW!"

Alexis said as he arose "OK what have you done now Dad?' He said "I don't know." as he made his way to the office.

When he entered Kate said "Take a seat Rick." In her best interrogation voice, and put the Bank statement in front of him. She asked "Were you aware how much money has accumulated in this account, that you set up in my name, to receive the share of the royalties from the Nikki Heat books etc. it's too much, or at least it was until a moment ago I don't deserve it."

Rick said "You deserve every cent and more."

Kate said with tears in her eyes,"Rick I said a minuet ago that it was too much until now, well you know my maternity leave is due to finish in about two to three weeks time and I have decided that I can't bear the thought of leaving Rebecca for eight hours a day 5 days a week, even though I know she is in your very capable hand's I have decided to resign from the NYPD. I did this reluctantly as I thought that I would be losing my financial independence then I thought of this account and the problem was solved by Nikki Heat, The only time I have used any of the money was when I got that watch for you earlier this year, I have never opened any of the bank statements until I opened that one a few minutes ago. I realised this would let me keep my financial independence. When it comes to personal spending on clothing etc. you of all people know that I never like to beholding to anyone, including you, for my spending"

She then asked "So how do you feel about me giving up work Rick?"

Rick said "I only want you to be happy and if this is what you want then I am very happy too as I will get to see you more if you are here rather than working all day. I have also been thinking lately that I wanted to finish the Nikki Heat books, as I feel that I need to take my writing in new directions and this will be just the push that I need. When are you thinking of putting in your resignation?"

Kate said "I was thinking of going to H.R. tomorrow then going into the precinct to let them know what I have decided, this will kill two birds with one stone as we did promised we would take Rebecca in to see them before I went back to work."

That evening Kate prepared her letter of resignation for the following day, she stated that her last day of service would be November 30 2016, she was due to return to work on Monday November 14 2016 but she had also got some paid vacation time that she hadn't taken which should see her through to the end of the month.

Friday October 21 2016

Kate had telephoned 1PP the previous afternoon and had arranged an appointment with the head of H.R. for 10.30am. They arrived about five minutes before the appointed time and Kate went straight up to the office, leaving Rick in the car to look after Rebecca.

As she arrived at the office Captain Alicia Fisher greeted her and said "Come in Captain Castle." She invited Kate to take a seat and said "What can I do for you?"

Kate replied "As you know I been off work since July on maternity leave and am due to return to work on November 14, however I have decided instead to resign my post with effect from November 30. I still have some vacation days owing to me which should cover me from the 14th. This is my letter of resignation and I would be pleased if you could arrange for it to be processed, I will call in on the 30th to sign off on any necessary paperwork."

Captain Fisher asked "What has brought this on Kate?"

She replied "Since I gave birth to my little girl I have realised that I couldn't bear the thought of being away from her for eight hours a day five days a week and I have sufficient funds saved to cover all my living expenses."

She went on to say that she had enjoyed her service with the NYPD and she would miss the camaraderie of working with her colleagues.

Captain Fisher said "We will be sorry to lose you Kate."

Having made all the necessary arrangements for her last day of service she went back to her husband and baby in the car.

She said "Let's go to the twelfth Rick and let them know that I will not be going back on the 14th."

When they arrived they were met first by the staff on the front desk, who all wanted to see Rebecca,

Eventually they managed to escape and went up to the fourth floor where all attention was focused on them as they exited the elevator, everyone crowded round to admire Rebecca.

Jo came up to them and greeted saying "Hi Kate, Hi Rick how are you both and this little beauty, may I hold her?"

Kate said "Of course." as she watched Jo she saw her eyes begin to mist over and thought to herself "I bet it not going to be too long before you are pregnant Jo"

When Jo passed Rebecca on to Anne Hastings to hold, Kate said quietly in her ear "Jo can I have a word in 'our' office?"

As they entered there was a small amount of confusion as to which of them should sit behind the desk, in the end they both went and sat on the couch.

Kate started the conversation off be asking "Have you had the results of your Captains exam yet? When we talked last Monday you were still waiting for them"

Jo said, in a somewhat despondent tone of voice. "Yes they came yesterday."

Kate said "I'm sorry didn't you pass?"

Jo's face lit up with a broad grin and said "Kate I can't believe you fell for that. Yes I passed."

Kate chuckled and said "You are so dead for that Martinez. Congratulations and well done. What were your final mark's total?"

Jo said "I got 95 out of 100. "

Kate said "Sorry Kiddo but you haven't beaten me yet as that was also my score last year."

Jo asked "Aren't you due back at work on the 14th?"

Kate replied "Yes I am, that's why I wanted to talk to you in here, I won't be coming back as I have decided that I am going to be a stay at home mom to that little angel out there, I have realise over the last couple of months that I can't bear the thought of being away from her for one hour a day let alone eight hours a day and leaving Rick in charge of her all day as he was with Alexis. So I have just been to H.R. and handed in my resignation effective from the 30th of next month. Hopeful, as you have passed the Captains exam, this will mean that your temporary assignment as precinct Captain will be made substantive., though looking at you a few minutes ago I don't think that it will be for long before another bout of maternity leave will be necessary."

Jo told her "I can't really blame you; it looks like you have found your calling in life by being super mum to both Rebecca and Alexis. There is just one thing will Rick still be available to act as a consultant when necessary?"

Kate said ". Thanks Jo I think I have indeed found my calling in life at last. And yes you will be able to call on Rick when needed. I must get off now. Just a final thought how about you and Henry come round to the loft on Saturday for Dinner?

Jo said "Thanks as far as I know we have nothing arranged and would love to come, what time?"

Kate replied "Is around 7.0clock. OK for you so you can see Rebecca before we put her to bed?"

Jo said "I'll ask Henry tonight just to confirm that he has nothing organised for Saturday, if he has I'll give you a ring tonight"

Kate stood up and gave Jo a kiss on the cheek and whispered in her ear "Once again congratulations on the exam results Jo."

As she went into the bullpen Kate held her hands up and called out asking for quiet for a moment. She then said "There is something I wish to announce" When she had everyone's attention she said "As you all probably know I am due to return to work on the 14thh from my maternity leave. I have decided however that I have found a job far more important to me, which is being a hand's on mom to this beautiful girl and I have therefore been to H.R. before coming here and handed in my letter of resignation. I am therefore effectively no longer your Captain. Before I go I would like to thank you for all your hard work in the short time that I have been your Captain and wish everyone well for the future. As is usual when someone leaves we have a leaving party and in order to keep up the tradition Rick and I would like to invite you all to the Old Haunt on Friday 25 November. For drinks and snacks.

Kate collected Rick and Rebecca and they made their way over to the elevators as they got in she said to Rick "There is one more person I must tell otherwise I am going to be killed, and you will never find my body, so we must go to the Mortuary.

When they arrived at the morgue they got Rebecca out of the child seat and made their way to see Lanie and give her Kate's news. They didn't however want to take Rebecca into the morgue itself therefore Rick stayed outside with her while Kate went to fetch Lanie. When they appeared Lanie immediately went over to Rick and demanded he handed over his baby girl for her to hold. Kate gave her the news that she would not be returning to the twelfth at the end of her maternity leave and explained why once again.

Lanie felt a couple of tears slide down her cheeks at the loss of her best friend but said that she fully understood Kate's reasons

They gave her an invite to the party on the 25th and told her she could bring her latest boyfriend along if she wished. After talking for about half an hour Kate said that they must go as they were on their way to lunch and Rebecca would be waking up soon demanding to be fed. They said they would see her at the Old Haunt on the 25th

Later that evening Kate realised that she hadn't told Ryan and Espo the news yet she phoned them and they each chatted for about half an hour they were also invited to the party on the 25thh.

Wednesday November 30 2016

Kate woke up quite early and laid in bed realising her life was about to change once again as this was officially her last day of service with the NYPD. A job she had served in since leaving Columbia University, she thought back decided that she had achieved most of her goals in the job. She reflected that the year's upto 2009 had not seemed as enjoyable as those after that time when she had walked into a certain mystery writer's life and he had turned the tables on her and had invaded her life. Thank Goodness!

She decided that she would get on with her morning routine, as she had to go to 1PP to sign off all her paperwork cutting her ties with the NYPD, she also knew that two of the three most important people in her life would soon be demanding food. The third important person was away at Columbia University.

At ten 0'clock she gathered her badge, identity pass, hand guns and warrant card together and set off to sign off her career.

When she returned home she was surprised at how relieved she felt that that part of her life was now over and that she could concentrate on her family and future full time.

A/N Don't worry this is not the end of the story there will be at least one more Chapter (maybe more if inspiration strikes.) and an Epilogue. I cannot say it often enough but thank you for your support and for reading this story.