The Eyes Have It
by Castlefan6
Authors Note: This is AU; Builds on Episodes 3-14, 16, and 17. Castle sees what he thinks is the event to seal his departure from Beckett, but do his eyes deceive him? Sometimes things aren't the way we see them.
I don't own Castle; I only use the characters for amusement purposes, except the ones I create.
Also, we take liberties with the timeline from Canon and use events to make this more believable fiction, thanks. Remember This IS AU. Timelines, Events, and Outcomes may vary from the Original Script.
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Chp 6
12th Precinct
Next Morning
Rick had polished off the edits that Gina requested, and since he couldn't sleep dropped them off at her office on his way to the precinct. He knew he couldn't arrive too early, Beckett could smell trouble, especially when it involved matters concerning him a mile away. He took an hour at the coffee shop doing what he loved to do most, people-watch.
He was making notes for the next Heat book, when it dawned on him, that there was no need, there wasn't going to be any more books in the series once Gina published the last two of the four-part set. He sadly and quietly put his pad and pen away, finished his coffee, then placed his to-go order.
He rode the elevator up to the homicide floor, thinking, how many more rides did he have left? Soon all of this would be just a memory, but it was the only way he knew to give her what she had asked for and to stay out of her life. If she was happy, he, well he supposed he would learn to be happy for her someday.
The bullpen was quiet when Castle arrived, but he immediately spotted Beckett in front of the murder board, her right elbow was resting on her left arm which was bent at her middle supporting its weight. She was deep in thought and didn't acknowledge his presence. He could watch her for hours, but she had already told him that watching was creepy.
He slowed his steps, savoring the moment. He loved watching her, regardless of what she said she thought. The little mannerisms or habits that she performed revealed to him if she was having success or getting frustrated. He loved how she would bite the skin of her thumb when she was searching for a connection or how her eyelids would close a little bit harder than usual when she was trying to figure something out, or she could emphasize a command with just a look or roll of her eyes. He knew just about all of her facial expressions, sometimes that was good, others not so much.
"Good morning, Castle." greeted a nearby cop walking past him, pulling him out of his reverie so suddenly he almost dropped the coffee he was carrying.
"Oh, morning Wilson, how's the family doing?" he replied smiling politely. When he turned again, Beckett was fixing him with an intense gaze. A deep, unreadable gaze. This was one facial expression that was new to him, but was it good or bad, he'd find out soon enough.
"Hey." he greeted her sheepishly.
She smiled and took the cup he was offering. "Hey, yourself."
"Any progress with the case?" he asked, standing a respectable distance from her, in front of the murder board.
"No, not really." she answered, "What about you?" she asked then thought what a stupid thing to say,
"Have you finalized everything with Paula?" She got out, thinking Shit, that didn't sound like it did when she had said it to herself. She sounded so pathetic,
She was relieved when Castle didn't seem to notice it. He simply nodded between sips of coffee. "Didn't you get my message last night? Your phone was off, I figured you and Josh were doing something and I didn't want to bother you, so I left a voicemail.
Castle saw something shift in Beckett's gaze, something that he just couldn't place. "I did." she replied "But I wasn't referring to the fundraiser." She added
"Oh, you mean the promo tour?" he asked,
She nodded.
"Well, the producers considered extending their invitation to you as well, when they asked me about it on our conference call" he explained nonchalantly. Beckett was about to say something in reply to that, but he was faster, effectively cutting her off. "I just told them what you have said to me, countless times, "You're a cop and you're not interested in anything to do with the book or the movie."
"Right." she hurried to confirm, rearranging a lock of hair that wasn't covering her eyes. Natalie Rhodes once said that it was a trick, she used to distract those in the conversation, just long enough to buy time to think about what to say. Damn, she had to give the woman credit, because that was exactly what she was doing at that moment.
She was wrestling with her emotions, should she be pissed off that he didn't even bother to ask her before he declined the offer. Then she realized that the biggest disappointment was why she felt so let down was that he didn't even try to talk her into going with him, hell she was his partner.
"I'm just the muse after all." She added as an after remark, that her voice didn't match the expression on her face, was it hurt, disappointment, or both?
Her face may be able to disguise her feelings, but her voice would give her away every time. She was irritated or hurt, or both, and her comment came out a little bit harsher than intended.
Castle's head turned quickly to look her in the eyes, all pretense of indifference was now definitely gone. "What's that supposed to-"
"Yo, guys, I just ran a check on the victims' financials and..." it was only when Esposito raised his eyes from the paper in his hands, did he realize he might be interrupting something, "...nothing that we normally look for appeared, I..." he trailed off, his voice finally coming to a halt.
He looked first at Beckett, then to Castle who were engaged in a silent quarrel. If looks could kill there would be two dead bodies right there and then, their eyes never moved from where they were zeroed in onto each other.
"Is this a bad time, I can come back?" he asked cautiously.
Even after hearing the question their eyes never wavered, both were drilling holes into each other's faces, as they answered simultaneously.
Beckett's response was a resounding "No." it was fast and high pitched while Castle's "Yes." was low and menacing.
Espo worked for Beckett, and between the two people he was standing between, he would face Castle's wrath any day rather than Beckett's, so he resumed talking.
"As I was saying," he started again extending the paper to Beckett, who finally took the paper from his hands, ending the staring contest with Castle "I just ran a check on the victim's financials and nothing came out, except a disturbing obsession with the high-end fashion houses."
"How high-end are the fashion houses are you talking about?" Ryan joined them with another bunch of sheets. "Because according to her business partner things at work weren't so good."
"What kind of business was our victim and you said partner involved in? "Castle asked, now turning his focus on the case.
"She was a fashion designer. She founded a boutique for women over 40 who wanted to remain on the make, looking hot, almost like the Housewives of Los Angeles TV Show. She, along with her college roommate and lifetime friend Brenda Hayes, formed it about 5 years ago, it's named Boutique for MILFs."
Ryan explained "Six months ago she had a dispute with a client, Gayle Bodnar, who claimed the victim lured her husband into an extramarital affair. There was never any sign of impropriety, but apparently, Mrs. Bodnar belongs to a powerful family, you may have heard their ads on TV for personal injury attorneys, and she swore to ruin her."
Beckett examined the file Ryan handed her. "It looks like she made good on her promise because, for the last six months, her business has been in free fall. She was just turned down for a business loan, and from all reports was facing bankruptcy."
Beckett silently approached her chair and reached for her leather jacket, putting it on with a smooth and swift move.
"Where are you going?" Ryan asked.
"To interview the only suspect we have at the moment." She paused in her steps to the elevator, looking expectantly at Castle, who still hadn't moved from his position in front of the murder board. "You coming or not, Castle?"
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Law Offices of Bodnar and Son
Downtown New York
30 minutes later
"Mrs. Bodnar is with a client at the moment, but she will speak with you as soon as she's available." the secretary promised as Beckett showed her badge and asked to speak with her employer. "Please take a seat in the waiting room at the end of the hallway, it shouldn't be long."
Beckett thanked the woman and turned to find Castle busy examining a framed picture. It was one of those inkblot pictures used in psychological tests, the ones in which the therapist can outline the patient's personality depending on what he sees in it.
"She'll talk with us as soon as she's free," she informed Castle, reaching his side, he was busy checking out the framed poster on the far wall, it was identical to the one behind his desk at the loft.
"Seems like you have something in common with Mrs. Bodnar." she smiled, hearing Castle's footsteps coming closer.
"That was Alexis's contribution to my office when Gina and I first divorced. He said smiling fondly at the memory, as he informed Beckett.
He sat on the leather couch and Beckett in the armchair in front of him. Beckett wasn't saying anything trusting Castle to add to the simple explanation he had just offered. Even when silence encompassed them, she said nothing, just kept on looking at him waiting for his story to continue, finally he spoke.
"When Gina and I divorced, Alexis became even more overprotective towards me. Movies, Chinese dinners, baseball games... she never left my side for weeks." he smiled as he recalled those days, his smile forced Beckett to smile softly. Alexis was one sweet girl, and one big Daddy's Girl for sure.
"How old was she?" Kate asked,
"About ten." he smiled. "One night, we were attending an art show in Chelsea. She saw it and was fascinated instantly." Rick said,
"It' IS kind of mesmerizing." Beckett agreed.
The door beside the picture sprang open and a beautiful woman entered the room.
"Mrs. Bodnar, I presume." Castle mused,
The woman was stunning, older but still a looker, and dressed like her clothes were designed for her exclusively. Her piercing hazel eyes focused immediately on him. "Please, call me Gayle, detective." She said, raising Beckett's blood pressure a few points. She was openly flirting with Rick.
"Actually, *I* am the police." Beckett pointed out annoyed, showing her badge once again. "I'm Detective Beckett, this is Richard Castle."
The two women shook hands and Castle couldn't help but notice that for the briefest moment, they sized each other up, the way two women will do. Then Gayle smiled and the moment was gone.
Anna offered her hand to Castle, raising an eyebrow "Would you be Richard Castle the novelist?"
"That's me," he replied flattered on being recognized. "I assist the police in the investigations to gather material for my books from time to time."
"I see now why your books are so realistic, and always a great read, Please come in," she said, as she led the way into her office.
Mrs. Bodnar was in her late thirties, perhaps mid 40's, it was hard to tell with all of the plastic surgeons in New York. She had short dark hair, but looked very professional, and hot, Kate had to admit. She wore a simple sleeveless gray dress that hugged her slim body perfectly. Not sophisticated, yet elegant.
"Mrs. Bodnar," Beckett started "we would like to ask you some questions about Sharon Tracy."
"I heard about the murder in the news." she nodded. "I was expecting your visit."
"How did you two meet?" asked Castle.
"I hired her to design a new line of clothing for me. We were about to open up our newest office, and along with that comes the parties, and all the wine and dine events, it's just part of the business."
"How did she come to know your husband if I may ask Mrs. Bodnar." Kate pushed on,
"My husband and I." Castle saw Gayle falter slightly. "Ex-husband now worked from home quite a bit, and Sharon had set up a mobile shop in one of our guest rooms when she was designing and creating the new line of clothes for me." he heard her rectify in a tight voice.
"And for the record your husband, excuse me, your ex-husband is known professionally by the name of Ron Lesko, is that correct?" Beckett supplied, and she nodded again.
"That's correct. We never combined our law practices, good thing, she mused
"The divorce was finalized approximately one year ago, correct?" Beckett kept pushing,
"Yes."
"I'm sorry to be so personal, but what transpired that caused you to believe Miss Tracy and your husband were romantically involved?" she asked,
Gayle's eyes glazed and focused somewhere over the detective's shoulder. "It was the weekend before the 4th of July, Ron was supposedly in Australia for business, and I had just returned from a convention in Los Angeles. We were having some major remodeling done while we were both out of the house, so when I returned early, I went to the house to survey the work." she paused "I found them in a compromising position, Ron was nude, and Sharon was acting as if she was surprised, he was there."
"Did you question them, Mrs. Bodnar, if so, what were their answers?"
"Well, Ron said he took ill and returned home after two days, and saw our doctor. Sharon knew that the home would be empty except for the workmen, and she had her key, to come and go as she needed to. She swore she never knew Ron was in the house, just as he swore, he didn't know she would be working. He just wanted to shower and fall asleep in his bed."
"And you didn't believe either story, Mrs. Bodnar?" Castle pushed,
"Of course not, no matter what rigged evidence Ron paid his cohorts to come up with, I didn't believe it." She said,
"Even the official records of TSA, your physician, and the Airlines, backing up your husband, excuse me ex-husband's story," Kate asked,
"NO" was her one-word answer,
"Well, why did you vow to ruin Sharon when the blame you're placing is on Ron? "Rick asked, and one more point you said Ron was naked just coming out of the shower, had Miss Tracy shed any of her clothing?" Rick asked,
"She didn't have time, I interrupted them just in time.
"I filed for divorce within a week and vowed to make her pay for ruining my marriage." Gayle looked straight at Beckett. "That's why you are here, I suppose."
Beckett didn't reply, she just opened the folder she brought with her and handed her a picture.
"Is this how Miss Tracy was supposed to pay? It wasn't enough to bankrupt her for what your ex had testified to your unbridled jealousy of any woman who talked to him. That's how Sharon was supposed to pay?" she asked, pointing to the photo of the dead body as they had found it in Central Park.
Gayle's eyes widened slightly as she looked at the picture. "Oh my God, you think I could do this? Do I need my lawyer, Detective?" she asked warily, returning the picture.
"You tell me."
"'Rotten Bitch is the term you used to describe Miss Tracy when you were interviewed about the split of your marriage, this seems to fit your description of those words for a homewrecker." pointed out Castle.
"Perhaps in one of your books, Mr. Castle, that could have been the proper ending. However, in real life, disgrace is worse than death to a lot of people." She stood up, lowering her dress to her knees in one swift move. "Now, if you have no more questions, a client is waiting for me."
Beckett stood from the sofa; her eyes unwavering as they raised to match Gayle's level. "Where were you Wednesday night between 8 and 11 pm, Mrs. Bodnar?"
"I was here, working late. The night doorman surely saw me enter. His name is Barnabas Rounder."
"We'll check," Beckett assured. "Thanks for your time."
"You think it's her?" Castle asked as they entered the bullpen.
Beckett snorted. "She's a wolf in sheep's clothing."
"That doesn't mean she's a murderer," Castle replied
Shrugging off her brown leather jacket, Beckett turned to him warily. "Who's side are you on, Castle?"
He shrugged as he plopped into his chair. "I thought we were on the same side, for me, I'll settle for the truth."
"Well, the truth is, she's still hurting from what happened." She waved to Ryan, who was sitting at his desk, speaking on the phone. "Don't underestimate a wounded woman," she smirked. "Ever."
"I never underestimated women. Period. Especially the ones who pack heat." Castle replied,
Kate's lips twitched at the corners of her mouth. "Or handcuffs," she murmured, her voice low enough that the boys couldn't hear her.
She knew exactly when the whisper reached Castle's ears because his eyes widened. "Katherine Beckett, you're such a tease." he scolded.
She smiled in delight at his outraged expression. "And you love it."
As the words left her mouth, Beckett immediately wished she could swallow them back down. She sensed the change in the mood even before his eyes turned warm.
"I do." His voice was soft and almost sad and forlorn.
Beckett chewed on her cheek and looked down, not knowing what to say. "Castle, I-"
"Hey boss, what is it?" Ryan asked, oblivious to interrupting the awkward moment.
Oh, come on! What is with the boys today? thought Castle frustrated as he saw Beckett reaching in her pants pocket for her notepad, open it, and rip a page from it, handing the piece of paper to Ryan. "I need for you to check this name and see if Gayle Bodnar alibies out," she instructed him.
Ryan took the note and started back to his desk. "Oh, and Ryan, see if you can find where the money on Karen's account came from."
"I'm working on it right now," Esposito said from his desk. When Ryan was back at his computer Esposito silently rolled his chair close to his pal's and slapped him on the head, just hard enough for him to flinch. His payment for interrupting Castle and Beckett. He then rolled back to his desk, pleased no one noticed, leaving a dumbfounded Ryan to rub his abused head.
Castle stood and said excuse me, I'll be right back as he headed towards the men's room,
Beckett didn't pay attention because she was otherwise distracted by Castle's earlier actions, his reaction to her flirting, and the interaction with Mrs. Bodnar who was clearly coming on to him, he seemed to enjoy it, perhaps it was why she had hiked her dress so high.
Her lips twitched upwards when she was sure Castle couldn't see her anymore. Lost in thought, she entirely missed the silent glances between Ryan and Esposito. She didn't even notice when Esposito got up from his chair and headed in the same direction Castle had just a few moments before.
TBC