Rick had just left and Alex was looking around and found Rick's stash of the good stuff. Pouring a drink in a glass he pulled out his phone and started looking for a name. Miranda. She was a Flight Attendant he met a couple of weeks prior while in Vegas being The Richard Castle. Pressing the send button he got her on the phone and gave her the address. Alex waited for the buzz from the doorman and told him to let her up. Meeting her at the door she was dressed a bit sexy but not that obvious. She was 5' 5" Blond Blue eyed and had a great body. She was also a fan of Rick's work. She was flattered that Richard Castle would invite her to his inner sanctum. Alex showed her around the loft and Rick's office. She was impressed with the office. Alex then poured her a drink. The doorway showed the master bedroom. Alex lead her to the bedroom and proceeded to bang the hell out of her.
Meanwhile Rick is meeting Sophie for the first time. Rick was nervous since he had not been out with a woman in a public place since Alex took over the publicity. Rick took Alex's advice and did not shave. He wore his traditional sun glasses too. The owner of the establishment was overjoyed to see Rick. He had read all his books and was a great admirer. Rick was also stopped several times for Autographs. Rick not used to such attention was first taken back but then he mimicked Alex's demeanor. He was gradually getting comfortable in the Role of The Richard Castle. When the owner told him that his date had arrived. Rick separating himself from the gathering crowd. Went over to introduce himself to Sophie. Sophie was amused to see all the ruckus Rick had created. She was sitting at the bar observing her surrounding. She was doing a threat assessment. Seeing nothing threatening she relaxed. She sipped her drink and rose when Rick approached.
"So you are the one which created all this commotion?"
"What can I say I have a very loyal fan base."
"I see"
The waiter now approached them.
"Sir, Madam the owner has prepared the best seat in the house for you. Would you care to follow me?"
Rick arose and linked arms with Sophie to walk her to the table.
Sophie was appraising Rick. He was very pleasant to the eyes, Getting the 5 star treatment was not bad either. Plus he is rich. Interesting combination, I think I will follow the old man's advice and listen to what he has to say. If I am not interested maybe we can have a roll in the hay then part. Then again I should keep an open mind.
Rick being the gentleman he was seated Sophie and then seated himself.
The waiter now produced the menus. Rick now whispered to the waiter to get the best house wine of the table.
Sophie studied the menu
"So what would you recommend?"
"I prefer Beef myself. I am ordering the Stake and baked potato."
"Hmm not a bad idea. I would enjoy the beef too."
"It is settled two steaks then."
The waiter came with the wine and set it before Rick. Rick the wine connoisseur sniffed the cork then the waiter poured some in the glass. Rick swirled it around and sniffed the aroma. Rick then took a bit in his mouth and swished it around. Tasting all the nuances the wine could deliver. Rick now gave the waiter his approval. The waiter now poured and set the wine glasses in front of them.
The order was made and small talk began.
Sophie now pretty impressed with Rick started to speak.
"I was told you needed a female perspective?"
"Yes. That is right. I am needing an inspiration for my newest character for my book."
"Would you tell me somethings about this Character?"
"Her Name is Clara Strike. She is a CIA agent with several years of experiences. She is expert in defending herself with almost any weapon. She is a master in seduction. She is very Bright and a go getter. She is independent. She is gorgeous."
"That is quite a list of attributes."
"Yes I know. What I need is to follow you around to take notes. This way I can really flesh out this character."
"So you want to tag along following me in my daily affairs?"
"Yes, I need to see you in daily activities."
"So how long would you need to do this?"
"Maybe a couple of months. It does not need to be continuous just enough so I can see the way you interact in various situation."
"When did you wish to start?"
"As soon as possible. I have a deadline in a few months and I really need your help."
"I see well our meal is here. Let me mull it over and call you when I make my decision."
The meal was eaten. Rick regaled her with his wit and impression of famous people.
Sophie laughed and had such a good time.
Rick now asked for the check.
Sophie wanted to make a move but Rick rebuffed saying he had a little girl at home and the babysitter was not the most reliable one. So he needed to leave. Sophie was disappointed but promised to call soon. Rick did something uncustomary to him. He kissed her on the cheek as he bid her a farewell.
Sophie was very impressed with the Dad side of Rick. She thought she could bear having this arm candy trailing her everywhere.
Back at the Loft. Alex finishing up with Miranda. He bid her a fond adieu. That is when he heard a noise. It sounded like a crash followed by crying.
Rushing up to the location of the noise. He found Alexis out of bed crying. Her leg was bent at a very unnatural angle. Alexis was screaming.
Alex quickly called the paramedics. Then tried to calm down his niece.
Alexis was scared and did not recognize her daddy. She screamed even louder saying
You are not my Daddy! I want my Daddy!
Alex now withdrew. He now waited downstairs for medical help to arrive. He was downing another drink when they appeared. He lead them up to where his niece was still crying and withdrew downstairs to the place he left his drink.
Rick now getting back to the loft found it in a commotion. Full of anger he sought out his brother.
"What is going on? Why are all these emergency vehicles are on the street?"
Rick forced Alex who was pretty drunk by now into the office.
"She fell and she was screaming at me. I did not know what to do."
"So you thought getting drunk was the answer?"
"It seemed that way to me since I am useless to help her now. The paramedics are in there now with her."
"You Stay Here! I am not finished with you!"
"OK Bro whatever you say"
Alex now sat on the couch still clutching his drink.
Rick now ascended the stairs and came into his daughter's room.
Alexis now saw her daddy and cried out for him.
Rick wrapped his arms around his little girl.
The paramedics stood aside while Rick calmed her down.
"Sir. Your daughter has a broken leg. She needs to be taken to the hospital."
Rick whirled around and looked at the person speaking.
"Ok which hospital and I need to go with her she is so scared."
"Ok back away and we can get her settled on the board."
Alexis still crying because the pain.
Rick stepped back and let the paramedics work.
Finally they had secured her to the board and was moving her out and onto the gurney. Rick was stepping next to the board holding her hand.
He whispered that he would not leave her. Rick now left in the Ambulance. Leaving the loft wide open.
Alex in his drunken state came out of the office and closed and locked the door. He then staggered to the bedroom and passed out.
Rick along with Alexis were transported to the hospital.
The were seen in the Emergency room first.
The ER docs got her to x ray and Alexis was unwilling to let her daddy's hand go so They compromised and let Rick accompany Alexis to the X-Ray room. Getting the X-Ray's done they brought Alexis to a private room. Rick was so worried over his little girl's condition.
The doctors finally arrived.
"Mr Castle? My name is Doctor Brewer. Your daughter Alexis is a very lucky little girl. The Xrays show that there is a simple break in the tibia. Setting it would be no problem. She would have to wear the cast for a few months though. But this kind of break is quite treatable."
"How soon will she be finished?"
Oh it will take about another hour for the cast to set. We are using a very lightweight material for casts these days. It should not be too heavy for her. In a couple of days you can stop the antibiotics and pain pills. She will be in pain but make sure she gets lots of sleep and plenty of fluids. She asleep now. We will not awake her for about 4 hours."
Rick was much relieved hearing the prognosis of his little girl.
Rick sat back down and held her hand. Then reluctantly let her go with the doctor. After a few hours They wheeled her back into the room. Rick once again held on to her hand. Rick was grateful of the fine care his daughter was given.