After The Vows

Jim Beckett's Journal

Chapter 26

Dear Johanna,

Time is passing so quickly. We are fighting hard against our January deadline in the suit and it is almost Christmas. My team has been working so hard that I decided they needed a break, despite the pressure to get the work done, or maybe because of it. Rick was kind enough to give us a few private hours in the Old Haunt. I'm getting better and better at dealing with being there without wanting to make a run for the bar. The regular bar was closed anyway. There were a few special legal themed drinks, both alcoholic and virgin for my party. It I remember there was a "Final Brief," an "Objection Sustained," a "Probative," and an "Assumes Facts Not In Evidence." There was also a cake in the shape on a banker's box and a wonderful dip that is Rick's special recipe. Significant others were invited, so some people were meeting for the first time. Ryan was there with Jenny and Roselyn brought a young man named, or rather nick-named Bricks. Roselyn explained that Bricks is a martial arts specialist. He goes into schools doing demonstrations as part of an anti-drug program and breaks a lot of bricks. Roselyn seems very proud of him. Dana brought her partner and the other paralegals had boyfriends and husbands. Everyone seemed to get along pretty well and I think they all left refreshed.

We all got back to work promptly and have barely stopped since. Ryan and Roselyn have been using every spare hour they have off from the precinct tracking people down. That's a good thing for Ryan financially, especially at this time of year, but I think he has mixed feelings about it. He would like more time with Jenny and Sara Grace. It is easier for Roselyn. With all the special activities going on at schools, this is Brick's busy time as well. They have plans to take some time together after things settle down in January.

There has been a lull in murders at the 12th, but Katie has been put on alternate duty. Some really unfortunate things have been going on in the country that I haven't mentioned before. There have been a rash of deaths of unarmed African Americans at the hands of police officers. It started with a shooting in the Midwest. There were a lot of protests and a lot of people arrested. Things only got worse when the Grand Jury chose not to indict the officer involved. There was burning and looting despite the urging of the victim's family not to do so. Since then there have been similar happenings around the country including one here in New York. There have been protests and a lot of press coverage here too. It is actually fortunate that it has been cold much of the time. I think if this had happened during the heat of summer we might have had riots on our hands. As it is, right now many people are in a very apprehensive mood.

Katie has been put on a task force to minimize violence. She has been going to other precincts to meet with groups of officers and she has also been meeting with community groups. Given her current status as a local heroine willing to take down someone in power, people have been willing to listen to her. She's not sure how much actual headway she's made, but she is working hard as are her colleagues.

Rick is working hard again too. He hasn't had to travel out of state again, but in a last minute push for Christmas book sales, he's been doing book signings and interviews. Last night his mystery writers poker game was actually televised. I imagine the other writers wanted to boost Christmas sales as well and it was seen as a way to do it. Those games often take place in the Castle loft, but this one was set up in a TV studio. They actually did play poker, for charity, but the players were advised to watch their language and there was enough of a delay so that they could be bleeped. I didn't have time to watch it, but I read a short blurb about it in the paper this morning. Bleeping took place on multiple occasions. Also, as is often the case, Rick was the big winner. His winnings went to a local food bank.

I've been trying to get my Christmas shopping in, mostly online. I don't have time to go running around the stores and I'm not sure I'd know how; I've been out of practice for so long. When I went up to my cabin for the holiday and Katie stayed at the precinct, we did token gifts, if any. I gave my employees little bonuses, but that required no thought or effort. This year is very different. The Castle enthusiasm is catching. I'm looking for the right things for Katie, Rick, Alexis, and Martha. I'm also looking for small but meaningful things for my team, in addition to bonuses. To be realistic, with the Castle family it's not a matter of money. Rick could pretty much buy anything anyone wanted. As I mentioned before, Rick and Katie have set limits on themselves this year. The idea is to find something that will touch the heart or just be fun. I'm trying for a musical theme with Alexis. With Declan so much in the picture, music is clearly what's on her mind. Martha is so vibrant that I will probably get her something, maybe a scarf, that is just the opposite of my own dull taste. I often did that sort of thing with you, and it worked. For Rick, the life sized Boba Fett that Katie convinced him to remove from the bathroom was a broad hint. I'm thinking about something science fiction oriented. Katie is a conundrum. You'd think I'd have the easiest time with my own daughter, but It's really just the opposite. Jewelry would be easy, but she has stunning things that Rick has gotten her and she wears them infrequently. Most of the time she just sticks to her wedding band. I wouldn't know where to start with clothing. I think I may have to call Lanie. If there is anyone besides Rick who can get into Katie's head, it's her best friend. If Lanie doesn't know, I'll go with baseball. It's one thing Katie and I have in common.

I'm at the office under a flood of paper and I wanted to take some time to write to you to clear my head. As you always have, you've done that for me. I have the renewed energy now to get back to work.

Forever love,

JB