Emotional Escape
by Castlefan6
Authors Note AU; The beginning is loosely based on 47 Seconds, BUT Rick never Said I LOVE YOU when Kate was shot. He was serious with someone else at that time AND was never married to GINA. NOTE! Character Death early on, not to impact the storyline.
Dates have been adjusted to make this story possible.
Taking Literary License to fill in the blanks.
I don't own Castle; I only use the characters for amusement, except the ones I create. This one is for Charlie.
Also, we take liberties with the timeline from Canon and use events to make this a more believable fiction, thanks.
Chapter 11
Office of the ME
City of New York
45 minutes Later
Lanie had just hung up from a very unusual call, Mayor Robert Weldon had requested her to take a crew to the Loft Apartment Building on Broome Street of Rick Castle. He explained that Rick had moved back to New York just weeks before but she would understand once she arrived. He did confirm that there was a body to be transported, and an autopsy to be performed, at no cost to the Castle family for all of the support Rick had provided over the years. She burst into tears while still on the call when she asked,
"Mr. Mayor, with all due respect sir, we don't normally do examinations for people who die at home" She explained,
"Yes, Examiner, I'm aware of that, but the mother of my best friend, and a great supporter of the NYPD for several years, Martha Rogers died at home. Under city law, and given the celebrity status of both mother and son, an autopsy is the only conclusive proof that no foul play, no assisted death, or anything other than medical reasons caused the death." Mayor Weldon explained,
"Why would someone, hell anyone who knew the family and how much Rick loved his mother think that sir?" Lanie asked,
"Well, you're going to find out sooner or later, but Martha Rogers was in the declining stages of Alzheimer's disease, and had been for several months. I don't want one RAG magazine to have any ammunition that Rick somehow was involved with her death, as you say he did love her, more than most realize." Mayor said,
"Oh My God, I'm so sorry Mr. Mayor, of course, I'll be there myself personally, within two hours, please let them know we will be arriving in a plain white van, and entering through the back entrance to the parking garage. No reason to give the press anything to print until Rick is ready to announce her passing.
"Very Good, the staff have been alerted to look for your plain van and will escort you to the apartment, and Dr. Parrish, Don't say a word about this to ANYONE, not until Rick authorizes you to, including Detective Beckett, is that clear? He asked but it was more an order than a question.
"Of course, Sir, I'll let you know when the findings are ready to be published, as well as Rick, and I'm very sorry for the entire family, Martha was one of a kind." She said,
"That she was, Dr. Parrish, that she was, please keep me informed, Goodbye," as Lanie hurriedly started to assemble only the most trustworthy crew.
She and two of her assistants arrived in the lower-level parking garage, from the rear entrance and were greeted by someone Lanie had seen before but didn't know by name.
"Good morning, Dr. Parrish, I'm Elio, son of Eduardo, and I will be happy to escort your team to Mr. Castle's apartment. Do you require anything from us?" he asked, as Lanie's crew unloaded the gurney from the back of the truck,
"No Thank You, Elio, just show us the way please," She said, not relishing the task she was about to do or the people she would see again.
Elio stopped just short of the door, and said, "Please call if you need assistance of any type," as he turned and walked away. Lanie counted to ten, took two deep breaths, and was just about to knock on the door when it opened, and there stood Alexis and Nikki. Alexis fell into her arms, and as Nikki tried to console her, after a few minutes, she composed herself, apologized, and allowed Lanie and her staff in.
Rick was just coming out of his office with Paula Haas, and she didn't hesitate for a moment, she went to him and hugged him tightly. "I'm so sorry Rick if you need anything, all you need to do is call, promise me?" she pushed, he shook his head yes, and then took her gently by the hand to the spare room on the first floor that had been converted to Martha's hospice bed.
Lucia was sitting in her chair, as she had for months, this time silently crying for the lady who would no longer accuse her of being Alexis in makeup trying to fool her, or calling her a bitch when she made her bathe and comb her hair. Martha loved her, in the lucid moments she had spoken openly about her family, and how proud she was of them all.
Lucia was another member of the family, living in the room across the hall, always on call, with a monitor in Martha's room, to hear any unusual sounds. Often Martha would wake, and call out for her, just to talk, sometimes it made sense, most often it didn't almost like her mind had been transported back forty years. No matter which it was Lucia sat, listened patiently, administered her medications, and comforted the older lady back to sleep.
Often it would occur two or three times in one night, Lucia, never complained, never let on, and followed her routine to take care of her patient, and now her good friend. Martha reminded her so much of her mother, even though she was still a Red Head, and Lucia had all of the physical characteristics of her mother, from Columbia.
She had gone through the same experience with her and knew the heartbreak the family was experiencing, perhaps why Lucia chose this as her specialty. She looked up as Rick entered the room with Lanie and her team. "Lucia, this is Doctor Parrish, a good friend, and the Medical Examiner for New York, she is going to do a preliminary exam here, then take Mother with her to be sure there is no speculation of foul play"
"Lanie this is our other member of the family, Mother, wouldn't mind if I left, but if Lucia wanted to be away a day, she pouted and pitched a fit. I think she was spoiled, but she knew she was loved, that's what counted." Rick said
"Do you want a few minutes alone with her Lucia, Rick, or the girls, or have you said your goodbye from home yet?" Lanie asked,
"The girls and I have said our goodbyes, Paula will be issuing a statement to the press within the next hour, I'm sure Bob swore you to secrecy but you can talk to her if you wish" is all he said.
She knew who her referred to, and she appreciated the fact that Rick never pulled anyone into the drama, he just went about his business, even when Kate made it so very hard for him to do so.
"I would like just a few more minutes, please," Lucia asked so softly,
"Sure, you take all the time you want, I'll be right outside." She said, as Lucia went to her jewelry box, and pulled out a pair of earrings, a pair that she loved, and she heard her say softly as they walked out the door, "Have to make you look pretty, Miss Martha, you know you won't be leaving from here again, what did you say, oh yeah, you are exiting stage left, so I'll make you look pretty.
"I'll miss you, even on the days you called me bad names, I knew you still loved me, you couldn't fool me. Taking care of you was an honor, and now I know you are at peace. You are probably talking to my mama already" she straightened her hair, held her cold lifeless hand for a moment, closed her eyes, and said a prayer, then choked back tears, and walked out the door, to let Lanie take over.
Twenty minutes later, the fiery actress did indeed exit stage left for the last time, as Lanie said goodbye to the family, she knew she was taking a huge part of each of the three, Rick, Alexis, and Nikki who watched her until she was on the private elevator, and the doors closing.
Lanie decided since Rick had approved it, she had better get in touch with Kate, for her to find out over the news would crush her. She did live with the family for almost 7 months when her apartment had blown up.
She pressed the speed dial key, and for once she picked up on the first ring, "Hey Lanes, is this important, I'm about to go into a meeting with Gates and the Mayor." Kate said,
"Yeah, about that Kate, I'll cut to the chase, Martha Rogers died this morning, and Rick has moved back to New York as of three weeks ago. I know I blindsided you, but it is better to hear it from me" She said as all she heard was a gasp.
"Thanks, Lanie, now I know why the mayor is looking so sad, so I take it I wasn't supposed to know this yet?" she said quietly,
"The mayor gave me orders, but Rick told me that Paula would be issuing a press release within the hour and it was fine if as he said, "told her", I didn't have to ask who her meant, we both know."
"Thanks again, Lanie, I have to scoot, I'm getting nasty looks from Gates now, so I'll call you later." She said as she hung up and walked quickly to her captain's office.
"Sorry, that was"
"The ME, Dr. Parrish telling you about Martha Rogers, it's OK Beckett, Rick called me on my way over and told me to ease off, Paula is issuing the official statement within the hour. Everyone has said their goodbyes from home and Lanie is in possession of the body.
"I know it's not required Captain, but we are performing an autopsy and we ARE DOING IT AT NO COST, the Castle family has been our best supporters for years." Mayor Weldon's tone let Captain Gates know who was in charge, and she would be back in internal affairs if she tried to buck him on this.
"Of course, sir, I agree" which almost made Beckett puke, Gates hated Castle and rubbed his nose into procedures and clerical crap that didn't mean anything, every chance she got.
"Yes, I'm sure you do." He said with disdain for the Captain. Detective Beckett, I want your team along with Karpowski's to form the honor guard, and also serve as pallbearers if needed. Please coordinate this with Roz, but wait until the notice is public news, please" he said, getting a dirty look from the Captain,
"When will Mr. Castle be returning to his west coast home, if I may ask Mr. Mayor?" Gates tried to kiss up,
"Never, he's moved back to New York and will be re-establishing his residence at the Loft." He said, as Gates, got a sick look on her face. The mayor paused for a few moments, then added, "Don't worry Captain, he won't be returning to this or any precinct, no matter how hard I tried to convince him. You have no idea how big a fool you look like by banishing a resource that the FBI is constantly asking for his assistance.
"Didn't Boyle tell you why you are frozen in salary and benefits and your performance was rated less than satisfactory on your annual review?" he asked, not caring that one of her subordinates was in the room. He was usually much more politically correct, but his hatred for Gates exceeded even that she had for Castle.
"Sir, I don't think it is the proper time to get into personnel matters, I do have one of my direct reports present Sir" she pleaded,
"Normally I would agree with you Captain, but as of yesterday, Detective Beckett became Captain Beckett, and is assuming control of this precinct. You will be allowed two options, early retirement, with benefits and vacation you have accrued, OR I will transfer you back to IA as assistant to Captain Jarvis explaining your role as Special Assignment." He said, as his eyes drilled through her,
"You were never fit to lead the 12th or any precinct, so you have 24 hours to let me know your decision. The change in command at the 12th is effective as of two hours ago. Captain Beckett, please allow Captain Gates two hours to vacate your precinct, then have her removed if she is still here," he said, as Gates gasped,
"Sir, yes Sir"
"Oh, and Beckett, Rick will need all the friends he ever had now, you know how close he was, so"
"I had already planned it Sir, but I will make sure to show up as a friend, the one I should have been all along." She said and called out for LT to come to the Captain's Office.
"LT, can you get four or five storage boxes, and construct them for Captain Gates, she is leaving the 12th in a few hours," She said, as LT smiled,
"With pleasure detective,"
"Oh LT, you better get used to the change Beckett is now Captain Beckett and is your precinct captain." Mayor Weldon said as LT's smile lit up the room,
"Begging your pardon CAPTAIN, Beckett, it won't happen again," He put an extra emphasis on the word Captain, as Gates began to pack up her things.
"One more thing Gates, you don't take one award, one certificate of achievement earned BEFORE you arrived, you leave with what you came with, and the one award for community service you earned by default your first year. NOTHING ELSE, it belongs to the men and women of this precinct." Mayor Weldon was almost spitting at the woman,
"I guess Captain Gates will only need one box LT, my mistake, " Beckett said, as LT replied, "Yes Mam," and left the office.
Just at that time, Javi came to the door, "Sir, there is an announcement coming on, it's about Rick, Sir"
They walked out to the bullpen, to see, the banner of BREAKING NEWS flashing across the bottom of the screen then the local host came on, and said,
"Good afternoon, we interrupt our local programming to bring sad news for all New Yorkers, Martha Rogers, queen of stage and the star of many plays died last evening surrounded by family and friends. The family hasn't disclosed any facts but asks for everyone's consideration for their privacy at this very difficult time.
"Paula Haas, Miss Roger's and her son Richard Castle's publicist announced the news in a statement just moments ago. There will be an opportunity for the public to pay their respect, details are still to be announced, but the final arrangements will be private.
"Miss Haas included these photos as a reminder to anyone who might think of trying to breach the ceremony" the screen flashed to a pile of paparazzi, cut, bleeding, and dazed and then another of a pile of very expensive photographic equipment smashed into a pile of rubble.
"I think we all know Miss Haas well enough to understand the meaning of her message. She has provided a visual picture of potential consequences for anyone who would be so insensitive as to attempt to gain photos at any time, well, the second picture should tell you, Just Don't Do It, as the old slogan goes.
"Once again New York's own Martha Rogers star of Broadway and multiple roadshows has passed away. We now return you to your local program already in progress, "
Espo turned the TV off, acutely aware that something was going on in the Captain's office. Kate was happy, Gates was discouraged, almost defeated in her appearance. It soon got around to what was going down, and not one, not even one patrol, detective, or staff felt one ounce of remorse for Gates. Sad, but Karma is a Bitch. The only one who was with her as she walked out the door, was LT, just to make sure she didn't leave with NYPD property.
Kate spent the rest of the afternoon, trying to organize her desk, back to some semblance of how Roy had it. Roy was the Cop, a cop's cop, and Gates was a political nightmare. FINALLY, someone recognized the manual-carrying pencil pusher clerk for what she was, now the task of rebuilding. It was going to be difficult, Kate knew, and her first decision would be ONE if not the toughest, who to succeed her as lead detective.
Just as she was lost in her thoughts, her phone rang, with Rick's tone, a tone she hadn't heard for a very long time.
"Hi Rick, I'm so very sorry, what can we do?" was all she said,
"Thanks, Beckett, I'm sure Bob has told you of the honor guard that Mother wanted, it had to be you and that nice big boobed broad, that's a quote from her by the way. I know this is going to be strange, but can you check with Roz, and see if you guys can meet me for lunch, I don't want to go to Remy's too many people know me, I'll send a car if you can make it. Please check with her and see if she can clear her schedule, and let me know." He said, still sounding so far away,
"I know we can Rick, I'll clear her schedule, if need be, I guess Mayor Weldon told you of the changes here?" she half asked,
"Where do you think he got the idea from Beckett? Bob hasn't had an original thought since he proposed to Marcy years ago, say noon, I'll have the car ready for you two downstairs in the BACK. No sense in publicizing our every move. It's going to be hard enough to keep the jackals away, now that the announcement is out." He said,
"Sure Rick, we'll see you soon, and I'll keep this between Roz, you, and I for now. We don't need Esposito blabbing about it all over the precinct," She said quietly, thankful she had closed her door when she looked up to see her boys standing there. She held up one finger, the universal sign to wait, as she said goodbye to Rick, and then walked over and opened the door.
"Kate, what's going on? I know something is, and as your partners, we should be the first to know" Esposito started with the guilt trip,
"What you need to do Javi is your job, I have to speak to Roz, and I'm going to be out of the office this afternoon. I expect both phone and financials on my desk when I get back on our suspect, don't make me get tough Javi, you haven't seen me pissed off, really pissed off.
"I don't have time for this now, so get out here and do your jobs." She chastised them both, Kevin left, but Javi tried the stare down. It was a move he would regret later when he was made aware of how it cost him in points for who would be the successor." She said shooing them out of her office, then asking Roz to come in.
She explained the situation to Roz, who broke out in tears, she didn't realize that Martha had passed. She and her team were in the field and had not watched the newscast. "She called me the big boob broad?
"That was her term of affection for me when she started to notice she couldn't remember things, like my name. She called me that and told me it was a term of endearment. How is Rick doing Kate? We both know he's had enough sadness in his life, and now this?" Roz looked off,
"Well so far, he sounds like he's managing, but you know him, he'll never let his hurt show," Kate said,
"I know Kate, I know, I'll be back at 11:50 AM so we can meet the limo in back right on time, thanks for letting me know, and Kate, Congratulations on the promotion, you earned it." She said as she left the office quietly,
Kate thought, if she meant that for the last year and a half, she had been a fixture in the precinct, not spending any more time home than necessary, she was right, perhaps her loneliness had earned her the shot at the job after all. Dr. M's final treatment was a few weeks away, but she knew she had kicked the demon that had driven her for almost half of her life.
TBC