Hi! I can´t believe I´ve writen 10 chapters so far :D i hope you keep liking this story! Thanks so much for the feed back so far :D
Oh, and btw... this and chapter 9 are for my friend Rick Leon, he is in med school and helped me with the medical stuff, so, thanks Ricky, you rock :D
Disclaimer: don´t own castle u.u I own the books though ... and a poster ;D
The next morning they left around 8 and got to Mercy at about 8:30 am. Jim was still asleep but Dr. Leon said it was normal and shouldn't worry. They sat at the same couch that the night before and Kate took one of her father's hand in both of hers.
After about an hour Rick went to the cafeteria to get some coffee and left Kate alone.
Jim slowly opened his eyes, he was confused; last thing he remembered was turning left to go home for the night and then nothing. The smell that his nose registered was the one of a hospital bed. He hated that smell. He turned his head to the right were he felt soft skin grasping one of his hands and saw his beautiful daughter looking at the T.V.
"Katie-Lou"
His voice was still a little hoarse from sleep and medicines.
"Dad, I'll call the nurse."
She pushed the little blue button and gently caressed the hair from Jim's forehead.
He smiled a little at this, he felt as if the roles had been reversed. She was talking to him in a motherly tone, like he was her kid.
"What happened, Katie?"
"The doctor said you were in a car crash, don't you remember?"
"Not really," he cleared his throat, "last thing I remember is going home for the night, then waking up here."
Beckett was about to say something when Dr. Leon stepped in the room followed by Castle who was holding two cups of coffee.
"Mr. Beckett, I'm Dr. Richard Leon, your physician. How are you feeling?"
"Confused. I don't remember what happened after leaving work"
"Memory loss is not uncommon with your type of injury. From what the paramedics told us you were in quite an accident. A truck missed a red light and hit your car."
"Other than the memory loss, what else do you feel?"
"A bit of a headache, nothing else"
The doc made a few notes on the patient's clipboard and smiled confidently at him.
"Well, I'm releasing you in a few hours so your daughter and her husband can make the paperwork arrangements. If you lose consciousness in the next 24 hours come straight back here, ok?"
"Ok, thanks doc"
The doctor left, with a smile, a very open mouthed detective and writer behind.
Rick excused himself and Jim could have sworn that he was blushing and smiling like a fool. It could be the concussion too.
"Katie, did I miss something?"
He was obviously enjoying the doctor's confusion way too much.
"No. We're just friends, dad"
"Sure. The blush on your cheeks says otherwise though"
"Daddy!"
He grinned at this. It had been a while since his little girl had called him like that in such a childish tone. He imagined he had a writer to thank for that.
"Ok, ok, Katie-Lou. I won't tease you, much. Now bring your writer for a moment while you go and arrange for the paperwork, would you?"
"Dad…"
"Don't worry, I just want some company, I'll behave."
She playfully glared at her father and left. Moments later Castle came in to the room.
"Sir? Kate said you wanted to see me?"
He was standing next to the door, not coming any closer.
"Hello Rick, long time, no see. Come on, sit"
"Yes, too bad it was under such dreadful circumstances"
A silence is spread between them, an unspoken agreement to mourn the captain.
It's Jim who breaks the silence.
"I just wanted to thank you, Rick"
"What for, sir?"
"For bringing my Katie back. The one who laughed and smiled every chance she got."
"I don't think…"
"Let me finish, son. I noticed the change almost two years ago. Since Jo's death she had closed up at the world, she was all business and we had even grown apart a bit. One day she called me and asked me to meet at a dinner, she wanted to talk about what her mother would have thought of chasing her killer. After that she began to call more often and that is when you started to pop up on the conversations. Since then, well, she has been returning to her old self, very slowly, but once in a while I see her completely back, even if it is just for a moment. So, I thank you."
Rick didn't know what to say or do. He knew Kate, well; he knew a part of Kate. And he wanted to know all of her.
"I…"
"You don't have to say anything. I just wanted to thank you and to ask you to take care of her."
"I do, I will, I've always have"
Jim was about to say something when a very pissed looking Kate walked in the room, making Castle squirm.
"Castle! Can I talk to you for a minute?"
"S-Sure"
"Outside!"
He got up, smiling apologetically at Jim and exiting the room. If Jim wasn't mistaken he could swear he saw a glint of pure fear on the man's eyes, which made him chuckle a little.
"What's up Kate?" - He said nervously once they were both out of Jim´s earshot.
"I went to pay the bills, and guess what they told me?"
"Eh…"
"Busted", he thought
"They told me that it was all taken care of! I told them it was a mistake but apparently you'd paid them!"
"Y-yeah? So?"
"Yep, she was pissed", he thought
"So! This is my dad! Why would you pay for my dad's medical bills? I can take care of him."
"I know you can, Kate. I never doubted that you couldn't, it's just… You've had a thought summer and I didn't want to worry you or your father with medical bills. Consider this a thank you for all the Nikki Heat money your inspiration has given me, please. Don't be mad?"
She sighed and ran a hand trough her hair. He was being sweet, damn him. She remembered a conversation she'd after the captain's funeral with Martha. She didn't understand why he had offered to pay for the arrangements and asked the older woman about it.
"That's who he is, dear. When he cares for someone he likes to take care of them, and since he has a lot of money, well, it's really not a problem for him. It's his nature.
After seeing that Kate didn't truly understood her words, Martha placed a hand on the detective's arm to get her attention.
"Do you remember what you told me about money, that it only amplifies our personalities?"
Kate nodded.
"Richard has always wanted to take care of those he loved and cared for. Despite what you might think, it is hard for him to express such deep feelings."
She let out a breath to calm herself. She wasn't really mad at Castle, she really thought it was sweet of him; it was her pride that was mad at Castle. Luckily for the writer, she could control her pride…or at least she hoped.
"Ok, Castle, I'm not mad. And I'll pay you back as soon as possible."
"You don't have to…" the look on her eyes told him to change directions, "Ok, but don't hurry, take your time."
"Can't make promises"
"Good enough for me"
…
Both of them entered the room again, Kate taking her place on the couch next's to her father's bed and Rick deciding it would be better to stay on his feet, with his back against the wall.
"Everything ok with you two?" – Jim asked
Rick looked at Kate for confirmation and she nodded.
"Good, now, who wants to play some poker?" - he said, holding up a stack of cards
…
It was a little after 3 p.m. when Rick arrived at the loft. Kate took her dad to her place and agreed on calling him if something came up. After living with her for a week he felt lonely for not being with her 24/7, but he knew her father needed her now.
He went to his office to re read his 3th Nikki Heat novel "Heat Rises" before sending the manuscript to Gina and be free from her constant threats and bickering for a couple of months. Something he was extremely grateful for.
He turned on his laptop and opened the word document. He got lost in the world of Nikki and Rook.
Castle was about half way into the book when he sensed his phone vibrating. His face lit up like the fourth of July thinking it had to be Beckett. When he saw that there was no caller ID he felt a little disappointed.
"Castle"
"Rick, this is Captain Lisbon"
"Oh, hello captain, how is your summer going so far?"
"Can't complain, the 12th has been very receptive and they are a good group of people"
"I'm glad to hear that, ma'am. They're the best."
After a brief pause, he continued.
"So, to what do I owe the pleasure of your call?"
"It's been brought to my attention that you and detective Beckett are an…unconventional pair, to say the least, but you work well together. That being said I don't want you to think I'm a bad person when I told Beckett to not let you shadow Ryan and Esposito. You see, you're a writer Mr. Castle and whether you like it or not you are a liability. The only reason I'm letting you stay and shadow Beckett it's because Roy was a very good friend of mine and that's what he wanted. Do I make myself clear?"
"Yes, ma'am, but you have to understand, I'd do anything for Beckett, I'm her partner and I would never put her in danger, or Detectives Ryan and Esposito."
"I'm glad you think so, that is why I'm calling. Since Detective Beckett is on vacations until September you'll have the opportunity to go under training."
"T-training? What kind of training?"
"Self defense, combat, shooting range. If by September you pass the curse I'll let you shadow Beckett at the field as her somewhat official partner. Do we understand each other?"
"Yes, of course, when do I start?"
"Tomorrow, be at the 12th at 7 am and go straight to my office to meet your trainer. Good afternoon, Rick."
"Yeah, yeah, you too."
The called ended.
Wow, training? That is not what he had planned for the summer, but… He would probably get a gun! And he would protect Beckett like she deserved. A full grin spread across his face, he couldn't wait to tell her!
…
A few minutes earlier…
"Katie, could you do me a favor? Go to the store and get me some soy sauce?"
"Soy sauce? Why?"
"I was thinking of cooking something tonight but I need the sauce."
"Should you be cooking?"
"It's not like my arms are damaged, plus, you'll help me."
"Ok, I'll be back in a few…"
After hearing the sound of the door closing, Jim took his phone and dialed a number he knew for almost 15 years or since cell phones were on the marked for common use.
"This is Lisbon"
Her tone was professional, something he remembered with fondness and brought a smile to his face.
"Hey, Lis, it's Becks"
"Oh my, Oh my, James, is it really you?"
"The one and only! Katie told me you were the new captain at the 12th. Congratulations."
"Thank you Becks, I wish it were under better circumstances. Roy was my partner at the 64, I'll miss him."
"Yeah, he was a true hero."
There was a small pause.
"So, tell me Becks, to what do I owe this pleasure?"
"Just checking up, you know, I was in a crash last night and today –"
"A crash?, James! Are you ok?"
"Don't worry, Lis, just a concussion, the worst part was that my truck is damaged goods."
"As long as you're fine…"
"Oh, Lis, don't tell me that after all these years you've grown soft on me, have you?" – he said in a teasing voice.
"Shut up, Becks. So, since you're fine, what's this about?"
"As I was saying, I was in the hospital and, guess who showed up with my daughter?"
"Rick Castle."
"Correct, do I detect annoyance in your voice, Lis? Don't you like the boy?"
"Oh, I like him, I do. And he loves your daughter; you don't need to be a genius to notice that."
"Then what's wrong?"
"It's the partnership thing they have going. You know me since High school, James; I'm not ok with something so far off the books."
"Oh, don't I know that. But I've seen the dynamics these two have, solving murders and all. It's great. Better than Katie's first partner, Royce, and that is saying something."
"So I've heard, not so very smoothly from Ryan and Esposito. I guess if he would remain out of the field it would be fine with me, I can't risk your daughter or one of my detectives getting hurt because of his recklessness."
"Oh, Lis, don't be such a mean girl, would ya? He's being fine for three years and he would put himself in harm's way before letting something happen to Katie. I know so."
"I still don't know…"
"Ok, what if he had training? You know, fighting, self defense, knowledge in guns and its management."
Lisbon stayed silent for a few moments, considering her friend's words.
"You know what? I like your idea. If he can respond for himself then I'd be at peace."
"Good! Let him know and the training could start tomorrow, so when Katie gets back he'll be ready."
"Yeah, at least with the basics."
Jim was glad he could convince Lisbon, his friend was a good woman but stubborn as hell.
"So, how are the kids?"
"Oh, they are doing great; Rosie is 27 now and just got married last year. Daniel is 30 and is expecting his second child on September. Mattie, Daniel's first kid is 4 now and he is so gorgeous, Becks. Patrick is great, too. The pentagon is keeping him busy but is a good kind of busy."
"I'm glad, Lis. Things got better for you."
"Yeah…And how are you? It's been like, what? 12 years since last we spoke?"
"Yeah, about the time Patrick got that job…"
"And I shot down everyone I was close to", he thought
After chatting for a few minutes they hung up with the promise of keeping in touch. Jim's mind began to go back to high school, when he'd met Lis. They had become great friends instantly after she saved him from a bully. And, even though everyone thought it, they weren't romantically involved; they were like brother and sister.
Senior year was when he'd met Johanna and it was love at first sight. The three of them were great friends and Lis and Jo were as close as two girls could be. When Katie was born Lis was about to get married to Patrick, the love of her life, but due to his job they had to move out of NY. They exchanged addresses and met a couple of times during the years but by the time Katie had grown up they had lost contact, just a few calls here and there and the usual Christmas card.
Until Jo died, that's when he shot down to the world, and in to the bottle. Jim shuddered at the memories and decided to think about something else. It was good talking to his old friend again. And it was even better that he got a chance help his little girl, just as long as she wouldn't found out.
…
After cooking something easy and tasty for himself, since Martha was looking for interior designers and Alexis was with Ashley, he went to his office to eat. He prepared a sandwich with cheese, meat and a special sauce of his. He sat down and looked at his phone. He hadn't heard from Kate and he was missing her, deeply. Setting the plate down at the table he picked up the phone and was thinking about calling but decide a text was better.
"Hi, how is your dad? :)"
A few minutes went by which he took advantage and began eating his sandwich until he sensed the vibrations on his Iphone indicating a new text.
"Hey, he is great, he is going 2 spend the weekend with me and going home on Monday"
"I'm glad; u could use the father/daughter bonding. Can I call u? I need to tell u something"
He was waiting for the confirmation but got a call instead.
"You know, I could've called"
"I didn't want to waste another text, what's up?"
"Well, interesting development, guess: who called earlier?"
"I don't know, Lanie?"
"Lanie? Nah, though I should call her to arrange another poker night, since I left for the cabin I kind of forgot about them, they're going to make me pay."
"Prepare yourself Mr. Castle, they'll wipe your ass on poker night."
"Yeah, I know. Jenny is actually better that she led on at first. She is better than Ryan, although she sometimes lets him win."
"Really? Oh my, I've got to see that."
"You will! Next Saturday night, 8 o'clock, my place, bring your lovely presence…and cash."
"You bet."
"Nice, so, what are you doing?"
"Just finishing up with the dishes, dad is resting on my bed."
"I thought you said he was ok?"
She was touched by the concern on his voice
"He is, I practically dragged him to bed."
"Oh, why am I not surprised?"
She ignored him and just rolled her eyes.
"So, who called?"
"What? Oh! Yes, Lisbon called. And I like her already!"
"Really? Why?"
She sounded incredibly skeptical.
Rick told him everything he remembered and he got really excited at the end.
"…I get to have my own gun!"
She rolled her eyes, but smiled nonetheless, she really liked his boyish ways. Not that she was going to tell him that. Ever
"Castle, from what you told me, she didn't actually told you about getting you a gun, she just said training."
"Beckett! Don't ruin my fantasies with your logic!" – He whined like a little boy, she couldn't help to smile.
"Sorry. So, tomorrow at 7?"
"Yeah, do you know who could be my trainer?"
"Uh, no, actually, the only ones I know that train there are Demming and Gonzalez down in robbery."
"Oh, well…we'll see tomorrow."
She refused to hear the sadness in his voice at the mention of Demming, she didn't want to mention him but he had to be prepared in case Tom was his trainer.
They talked for some time while he finished eating his dinner, and after about half an hour he realized it was nearly 11 pm. He usually slept after 12 but since the meeting with Lisbon was important, he decided it was best to sleep. He didn't want to be late.
He said his good-bye's to Kate and slept with a smile on his face. He was going to be Beckett's semi-official, or as official as a writer shadowing a detective can get, partner. The best of all it was that he could finally protect her the way she should be protected.
….
That ungodly 5:30 hour of the morning, which, to him, couldn't even consider itself morning since it was still pitch dark outside, was suddenly brightened by a text from his favorite detective, a simple 'good luck. KB' and he had a smile the rest of the morning, even whistling, while cooking and eating.
….
At 7 am sharp Rick Castle, dressed in a casual jean and long dark blue sleeved sweater, stood in front of the Captain's office. A small wave of sadness crossed his mind and he tilted his head down a bit in respect for Roy. He knocked softly and after hearing a 'come in' he entered, a little nervous.
"Morning, ma'am."
"Rick, good morning, and in time. I like that."
He replied with his signature grin and walked to her desk, standing upright. Like a soldier waiting for his orders.
Lisbon stood up and smiled to herself, 'Becks was right, he clearly is willing to do anything for Kate, good', she thought. When talking to Jim yesterday, she found out that Castle was not a morning person, so this was a little character test to her. He had passed with honors, so far.
"As you know, Castle, you'll be trained in the basics so when Beckett gets here in September you'll be ready to work with her on the field. But you'll training will continue afterwards to ensure that you're in full capacity to protect your partner, but of course since you'll be working cases, the hours won't be as long. Also, there will be a test, as I told you. It will consist on a match between you and an officer of my choosing and a shooting test. Understood?"
"Yes, just one question. Could I carry a gun, if I pass, of course?"
There was a glint in his eyes that almost made Lisbon smiled.
"If you pass with honors, you would, if you only pass then it would be the choice of your partner."
He couldn't help the smile that crept out of his face, he wanted to make a little victory dance, but he managed to control himself.
"Understood."
There was a knock on the door and Rick turned his head but since the blinds were down, he couldn't see who it was.
"Rick Castle, your trainer."
She voiced to the man, or woman, out there to enter… Safe to say, Rick's jaw was on the floor.
ha ha! a little cliffhanger there :P tell me your thoughts on who the trainer might be :P i already have the name on my mind but I´ll like to know what you think!
As always; reviews are love!
~AC