A/N : I'm really sorry for the more than a week it has taken for this chapter to come out. I've been laid up with the flu and while you'd think being confined to bed would be conducive to writing, it wasn't.
Disclaimer : I did not create the characters of Castle or own them. Andrew W Marlowe created them and ABC owns them. This chapter has the last of the dialogue and situations from 7x23 Hollander's Woods that is not my own work. The changes made and the other scene are mine.
NYPD Academy – Gramercy Park
Castle sits at the cafeteria table and contemplates the congealed mass on the tray in front of him that is supposed to be mac and cheese. He knew having lunch at the Academy cafeteria was a risk. That the options he would be presented with would not be of the culinary standard that he has become accustomed to over the years. But as he tentatively prods the grey, gluttonous lump with a plastic fork he is seriously reconsidering his decision to grab a quick lunch here rather than venturing out to find somewhere else to eat. At least the food at the awards dinner tonight should be more appetizing than this because it looks like that is when he'll next get a decent and tasty meal.
In reality he doesn't have time to go looking for a more palatable lunch. In fifteen minutes he's got to attend one of his mandated, additional, legal classes he's required to complete after the Holtzman affair. That's on top of the regular classes he still has yet to complete with the rest of his Academy class. He pauses as he thinks of his Auxiliary Academy class.
This morning had been the first time he'd attended a class since he confronted Holtzman and, like a few days ago at the precinct, he'd been blown away by his reception. Where the professionals on the Homicide floor of the 12th had been low key in their congratulations his classmates had been a bit more exuberant.
He'd stood, embarrassed, at the door to the class room as everyone, even his least favourite colleague, Tomkins, had risen and given him a standing ovation. Again, head bowed in embarrassment, he'd made his way over to his seat and it wasn't until he'd taken it did Sergeant Andrews quieten everyone down but not before adding his own words of congratulations to Castle at having taken down the serial killer. Although it wasn't all cheers and words of praise from his instructor as Andrews had then asked him to stand up and tell the class why he was required to complete extra classes in law, proper arrest and evidence gathering procedures.
As he'd resumed his seat the Sergeant had again praised his removal of Holtzman but had added the caveat that when he and the rest of the class qualify that they will be required to follow NYPD arrest and evidence gathering procedures to a T. That no ends justify the means.
His musing on the morning class is interrupted at this point by the voice of NYPDA Recruit Fran Carlotti, "Mind if I join you, Castle?"
"Of course not, Carlotti. Take a seat," Castle responds cheerfully, waving to the empty seat across from him.
Carlotti places her own tray of food on the table and sits in the seat that Castle indicated. Castle observes that, unlike him, Carlotti has decided not the risk the mac and cheese but instead has gone for the cheeseburger and fries. He almost made that choice himself but he prefers his burgers freshly cooked and not sitting under a heat lamp for hours.
Castle decides to comment on the standard of the Academy's food. Food he hadn't seen since some of the more penny pinching boarding schools from his youth.
"You know if they want to make suspects confess all they have to do is bring them here and make them eat this stuff. Then again that would been seen as torture and any half decent lawyer would get a confession thrown out," he jokes.
"Oh, if you think this is bad you should try the cafeteria at the high school I teach at in Brooklyn. There's a reason I take my own lunch in every day. No, the food there makes the food here look like what you and your wife eat at those fancy Manhattan restaurants I see you both attending on page six of The Ledger," responds Carlotti teasingly.
"Huh, if you must know both Kate and I much prefer a little diner not far from the 12th precinct, called Remy's, over some of the fancy fair that passes for five star cuisine in some of the restaurants in this city. No, give me a bacon cheeseburger, fries and chocolate shake from Remy's and I'm a happy man. In fact I've got to stop thinking about it because what I have here is not going to satisfy the hunger the thoughts of a succulent Remy's burger is giving me."
Carlotti smiles in response before taking a bite of her own burger and, if the slight wince of discomfort on the woman's face is anything to go by, then he knows made the right decision not choosing the burger. He then decides to take his own leap and scoops up some of the overcooked macaroni in grey cheese sauce from his tray and quickly, before he can change his mind, shovels it into his mouth. He immediately regrets his decision and it is only his innate manners that prevent him from spiting the unpleasant concoction out again. Like a child taking some unpleasant medicine he quickly chews and swallows what can be generously described as food before reaching for his soda to try and wash the unfortunately unforgettable taste from his mouth.
"Gee, I haven't tasted something that bad since the coffee when I first joined the 12th. Not soon after I bought them a proper espresso machine. Maybe I should offer to employ a half decent chef for the Academy as a thank you gift when I graduate," suggests Castle only half joking.
"Yeah, but that doesn't help us now," replies a smiling Carlotti. She takes another bite of her burger before putting it back down onto her tray.
Castle sees that she is studying the burger with an intensity that a dried out meat sandwich doesn't warrant. He waits patiently for what is to follow. He hasn't lived most of his life around women without knowing when one wants to ask him something. Something that they are unsure about. Hell, Kate had that very same look the other night as they discussed the Commissioner's Special Investigations Taskforce. Kate still hasn't made up her mind about it and it looks like Carlotti has something equally important on her mind.
Finally the woman pulls her gaze from her meal to look up into his eyes, takes a breath and asks him forthrightly, "Why do you want to become and Auxiliary Detective, Castle? Hell, why did you go to the trouble of getting them created in the first place so that you could become one? I know what you said to Parker on that first day, 'a way to give back to the city that you love' but I think there's more to it than that. So, what is it?"
Castle sees the honest curiosity in Carlotti's eyes and senses that his answer to this will help with whatever is really bothering the woman. He sighs, leans back in his chair and glances at his watch to see how long he's got before his next class. Ten minutes. Just enough time hopefully.
"What I said to Parker on the first day is true. I really do see becoming an Auxiliary Detective as a way to give back to this city that is my home but you are also right, there is more to it than just an over proportioned sense of civic responsibility," Castle pauses before continuing. "In all the recent media you might have seen mentions of another pair of serial killers that Kate and I took down not too long ago."
Carlotti nods her head, giving her positive response. Castle then proceeds to tell her of Tyson and Nieman, the case involving the mob that got him banned from the precinct, his time as a PI and how he wasn't a consultant at the time when the pair of killers took Kate. He tells her how the idea for the Auxiliary Detectives, while not new for him, became much more relevant for him after the time with the serial killers. That it was his way of trying to stay as his wife's partner in a more substantive way.
"And because of all that you decided to become an Auxiliary Detective?" asks Carlotti after he has told his tale.
"All that and, as my time as a PI proved to me, I've become hooked on solving mysteries but I'm much better at it when I'm at Kate's side. So all this work I've done is so that I can better catch killers along with my wife. And don't think from all this that I am doing this lightly or don't take the work seriously, because I do. If anything my last seven years at the 12th has shown, I take the work there very seriously. I truly want to get justice for victims and their families. That's not to say that I might not try to make things light so that it doesn't get everyone down all the time but as I said to Kate once, I'm a wiseass not a jackass…. most of the time," finishes Castle with a slight smirk on his face.
There is a long pause and Castle can see Carlotti mulling over his words and her own thoughts that obviously started this discussion. Just when he is about to look at his watch again to see how long before class Carlotti ends her contemplation and asks, "What do you think about me applying to become and Auxiliary Detective?"
Castle is surprised at this and it shows in his voice as he responds, "Uh, if it's what you want to do, I think you would make a great Detective. But I thought you were just wanting to join the NYPDA to keep your hand in from your time as an MP. Becoming a Detective is a bit more of a commitment. Are you prepared for that on top of your family and your teaching job?"
Carlotti gives him a determined nod as she responds, "Yeah, I am. After seeing what you did taking down Holtzman I decided that I want to do more than write out parking tickets or stand around observing on subway platforms. While that stuff is still important in its own way, being a Detective would allow me to do so much more. It would be a lot closer, if not better, than the work I did as a MP. I've spoken to my husband, Joe, and while he has his reservations he's happier than he was when I was deployed. My son is getting older and doesn't need as much 'mommy' time as he used to. As for my teaching job, that's never really challenged me and I can see being a Detective will. Then I see the difference you've made as a consultant and how you are looking make that even more and I think that I can do that. I can make that same difference and help protect the people of this city and my family in an even more significant way. Just like you."
Castle takes a moment to absorb the woman's words. Who would have thought that he'd be such an influence on someone like Carlotti? Again, he thanks his luck stars that he met Kate because before meeting her he's sure such esteem would have gone to his head and not make him as humble as he feels now.
"I'm honoured that I've been such an influence in your decision, Carlotti. It sounds to me that you've considered everything. All that's left for me to say is good luck with your application and the extra training you'll have to complete but I'm sure you won't need it. I look forward to you being one of the first ones to follow me as an Auxiliary Detective," Castle pauses and quickly looks at his watch. "That's if I end up being the first one which I won't if I don't get to my next class. Sorry to dash off but if I don't pass these extra classes with flying colours then everything I've done will be so much wasted effort. I'll see you at next Wednesday's class and let me know if there's any more advice I can give about becoming an Auxiliary Detective or help with your application. I have come to know the Auxiliary Deputy Chief through all this, I might be able to put in a good word for you."
"Thanks, Castle. I'd appreciate that and I'll let you know if need to bend your ear again about it all. I'll see you next week and so, as I say to my students, off you go, you don't want to be late for class, old man" teases Carlotti with a smile as Castle stands and gives her a smile of his own as he departs.
As he leaves the cafeteria he thinks, having someone like Carlotti look up to him like that is just as good an award as the one he is getting tonight.
The Loft – the same afternoon
"…Still more gruesome discoveries and many more questions at the rural property of noted phycologist, Van Holtzman. As authorities continue to find the buried bodies of his victims…."
The drone of the TV reporter, on the screen behind him, is barely registering to Castle as he sits on the edge of the desk in his study. He's heard the same words in only slightly different variations all too many times over the last few days. What holds the majority of his attention are the multi-coloured spines of his novels in the bookcase in front of him.
Twenty-nine bestsellers and counting and are they all because of that man, Holtzman? Does he have that twisted maniac to thank for all the books he's created? The money and fame they've brought? The award he is about to receive? His new career as an Auxiliary Detective? Meeting his kickass wife whose presence in the room behind him he senses from the familiar scent of cherries and vanilla that is her fresh from the shower smell.
"I thought you were practicing your speech for tonight?" Kate asks him, concern for him tingeing her voice.
He doesn't respond at first as he continues to contemplate his works and life and who he truly has to thank for it all. Then some of the veil over his thoughts is lifted as the presence of his wife reminds him that the now most successful chunk of his works and his life can be laid at her feet and not the mad doctor's. That brief light in his dark thoughts is dimmed by the cynical devil on his shoulder suggesting that he probably would never have met Kate without Holtzman's influence over his writing.
His mind is conflicted and is nowhere near where it should be on the cusp of receiving such a prestigious award from his peers. He needs to clear his thoughts and who better to help him but his muse.
"Oh, yeah, I was. I just umm…, I couldn't help but wonder. If it wasn't for him, for that day in the woods. Would I even be here? Would we be here?" he asks solemnly, truly hoping that she has the answer.
"Babe, we're not here because of him. We're here because of who we are in the face of people like him. That's why you write mysteries. That's why I became a cop. We're both trying bring justice to this world," and with those words, words he admits that he knew himself, she's said exactly the right thing to get himself out of his own head.
Kate moves to stand between his legs, blocking his sight of his books with the much more pleasant sight of Kate in a pale slip covered in her cream, flowery, silk robe. She puts her hands on his chest as if to convey her support directly to his heart. She then leans in and kisses him with feeling, again trying to convey her support.
"Now," she kisses him again and smooths back his hair from his worried brow and looks him in the eyes with conviction as she continues. "I'm going to get dressed so I can be very proud tonight of who you are."
Castle gives her a smile and yet again he is so grateful that this woman is in his life. She's said what he needed to hear so that he can enjoy the night ahead. There is nothing more likely to make his night than seeing his wife's proud gaze upon him as he stands before everyone to accept the award.
So much has been going on in their lives recently with the Commissioner's taskforce just the latest thing to occupy their thoughts. But he has to put Holtzman and everything else behind him so that he can be the man that this extraordinary woman is so proud of.
The International Society of Mystery Writers Awards Dinner
Castle waits off stage dressed in his favourite black tux, is joined by Michael Connelly and they both wait for the MC for the night to go out and introduce Connelly who will, in turn, introduce him. With the few moments to go Castle is feeling strangely calm. After all that he has been through recently, all the negative thoughts about Holtzman and the path his life took after meeting the man as a child, this night, where his life's work is to acknowledged and lauded in front of his family and friends, has given him a moment of peace in a hectic world. Not to mention the encouraging words from Kate as they were getting ready for the night has him feeling serene and contented.
Then there was the news Kate shared with him in the limo on the way here tonight. News that had his mind turning over and over and, for a brief moment, distracting him from all his other thoughts. He grins to himself as he thinks that it is probably why Kate told him then. To, again, get him out of his own head.
His friend, rival and poker buddy must pick up on his agreeable mood as Connelly asks, "So, Rick, you're looking good, happy and I don't think it's just about tonight."
Castle nods in agreement, "You're right, Michael, I am." From where he is he can see Kate, in that beautiful, lacy red dress, leaning over his empty seat to talk to Alexis. "What can I say, this time married life is agreeing with me. Third time really is the charm."
Connelly chuckles at that and claps him on the shoulder, "Looks like you've finally grown up, Rick. Maybe you'll start putting out more than one book a year now and start giving the rest of us a run for our money. You started down the right track when you brought back Derrick Storm but now this whole Auxiliary Detective thing. Don't you think that's taking 'research' too far?"
Castle shrugs his shoulders in response, "What can I say, Michael, I want to do more. I want to be Kate's partner in every sense of the word, both at home at work. Plus with all the great material I'll be getting my books will be the most realistic out there. I know that I'll never put out as many books each year as you do and neither of us will put out as many as Patterson but I'm happy with the pace that I get my stories out. Being an Auxiliary Detective will not change a thing in regards to how many books I have coming out."
"Uh Huh, well if, you're sure," Connelly pauses as he hears the MC introducing him. As he steps out at the sound of his name he says to Castle, "See you out there, Rick."
From his spot Castle listens to Connelly's introduction, "Murder, mystery, the macabre. Tonight's honouree has mastered them all. For years he's kept his readers under his spell with his electrifying prose. He has even taken his talent for bringing evil doers to justice from his books to the real world as a long time consultant with the NYPD and soon to be the first NYPD Auxiliary Detective. I'm very proud to present this year's recipient of the Poe's Pen Career Achievement Award, my good friend, Richard Castle!"
Applause and a few cheers greets Castle as he strides over to the podium and he smiles in thanks at his friend standing there and then at the room. He shakes Connelly's hand as his friend passes the crystal pen and red filled ink bottle that is the Poe's Pen Award to him.
As Connelly leaves the stage he gestures with his free hand, "Michael Connelly, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you very much, Michael and….um," he pauses as he looks down at the award as he places it on the podium before looking back up at the audience. "My thanks to all of you for this honour. You know I…I've spent a lot of time in the last few days thinking about how I got here. The long hours. The blank pages. Most people think that writing is a solitary profession, that we spend our days in our imaginary worlds. Fighting, loving, dying, but we don't do it alone because anything that's good in our writing comes from truth and the truth is I'm here because of the people in my life."
Castle's eyes have been roaming around the room as he speaks but now he fixes gaze on one table in particular. A table that holds everyone that is important to him. He looks directly at his elegant yet flamboyantly dressed mother as he starts the next part of his speech and shifts his gaze to each person in turn as he speaks of them.
"Mother, you will always be a star in my eyes and Alexis, you amaze me every day. You two are my red headed pillars of unconditional love. To my friends at the 12th precinct, you let me in, especially you two, Javier, Kevin. You've made me your brother in arms and I thank you for that."
He takes a breath as he now concentrates on the woman that is looking back at him with love and just a hint of moisture in her eyes, "And Kate. Seven years ago I thought I would never write again…and then you walked through the door and my whole world changed. You were right, you said I had no idea but now I do," Castle picks up the award to bring it into everyone's sight. "This is because of you, because of us. Always!"
With the end of his speech everyone on the room rises to their feet and claps and cheers reverberate throughout the room. Castle smiles and waves his free hand in acknowledgment at the acclaim before making his way down from the stage and over to the empty seat next to Kate that has been beckoning to him since he left it.
Upon taking his seat he is clapped on the shoulder by Esposito, who is seated on his left but even before he can put the award down Kate's arms are around his shoulders and her lips are on his with a kiss. A kiss that conveys her pride, love and devotion all in that moment. Their lips shift together for a long while but not long enough for Castle as eventually Kate pulls back to give him one of her glittering smiles.
"I'm so proud of you, Babe," she tells him and again he notices the moisture in her eyes that hint at how close she is to shedding some tears on his behalf.
"I meant every word. I wouldn't, be here without you, Kate," he responds to her with absolute conviction.
Sometime later the night is nearing its end and while a few of the other tables have emptied, Castle's table is still fully occupied. Everyone seated there is relaxed and full from delicious food, champagne and good company.
Martha interrupts the flow of individual conversations around the table as she declares to Castle with emotion, "That was a lovely speech, darling."
Castle smiles humbly at her as he replies putting an arm around Kate's shoulders, "Oh, well, I was inspired."
"Castle, who's going to be your inspiration and your partner when you become an Auxiliary Detective if Beckett becomes a State Senator?" asks Esposito in good humour but also with some genuine curiosity.
While everyone knows about the State Senate offer neither he nor Kate have told anyone else of the Commissioner's taskforce proposal. He feels Kate shift under his arm and while he doesn't sense any discomfort from her he can sense that she is wanting to respond fully to her friend's question.
Before either of them can Lanie chimes in, "Yeah, you won't be able to follow her around anymore and you'll probably end up being partnered with one of those two charmers over there," she teases indicating across the table at Ryan and Esposito.
Not wanting to talk for Kate he responds lightly to Lanie, "Oh, I don't know, maybe I'll write a political thriller next."
"Oooh, I would so read that," pipes up an eager Jenny Ryan.
"Kate, if you do run I'll help you with your campaign," adds Alexis looking at Kate with her own eagerness and Castle is struck with how perfect it would be if two of the most important women in his life worked together even though he knows now that it isn't going to happen.
Kate gives Alexis a genuinely grateful look as she replies, "Thank you." She pauses for a moment and Castle knows before she continues what she is about to say because it was what she told him in the limo. "Actually, I've made up my mind about the State Senate. I'm not going to do it. I've decided it's not for me."
"So does that mean you're going to become a Captain and leave the twelfth," quickly asks a self-interested Esposito.
Kate sits up straighter as she looks around the table and Castle sees a slight nod from Captain Gates which shows she knows about the Commissioner's offer as well and is encouraging Kate to tell everyone. Castle now feels a slight tenseness in Kate's shoulders and he gives her a squeeze in reassurance.
"Uh, guys, tonight is about Castle, not me," says Kate respectfully and Castle feels gratified but is more than happy for his wife to share the limelight tonight.
Giving her shoulders another supportive squeeze he says, "It's OK, Kate. Tell them. I think tonight is a perfect time to let them know."
Kate gives him an appreciative look then turns her attention to the rest of the now curious table, "Um, a couple of days ago Commissioner Hayward asked to see us. With my passing of the Captain's exam and…um…, recent events, he had a job offer for me. He's forming a new Special Investigations Taskforce that will cover the whole tristate area and he's asked me to lead it. The taskforce will investigate challenging and difficult cases in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. It's a job I can really see myself getting my teeth into."
She looks at Castle again as the rest of the table stills at her news. He gives her a nod for her to continue and tell them everything.
Squaring her shoulders she looks around at the eyes of those seated around the table and says, "I've decided to take the job."
There is stunned silence for a few seconds before Martha breaks in with an exuberant, "Congratulations, Katherine."
"Yeah, wow, it sounds great, Kate," adds a surprised yet pleased Alexis.
However not everyone around the table is quite so enthusiastic for this new job for Kate as Esposito rocks back in his chair and, almost petulantly, says, "Yeah, congrats Beckett, but that means you are leaving the twelfth."
"Dude, this is a great opportunity for Beckett. I'm happy for her and you should be too. Well done Beckett," adds Ryan slightly admonishing his partner while giving Kate a pleased smile.
Castle sees Kate glance at Gates and the Captain again nods to her to say that she can tell them the rest.
"Thanks Kev, but you're not getting rid of me. The taskforce will be based out of the twelfth and the Commissioner has asked for my recommendations for personnel to be part of it. Now, if the two of you think you can keep putting up with working for me, I'd like to recommend your names to the Commissioner. You too, Lane. The Commissioner has cleared with the Chief Medical Examiner for an ME to be permanently seconded to the taskforce and I'd like that to be you. Please say yes, otherwise they'll lump me with Perlmutter," asks Kate jestingly obviously wanting to lighten the mood her bombshell has caused around the table.
As Ryan looks at Jenny for a round of their own silent communication and Esposito and Lanie look stunned yet intrigued at the offer from Kate, Alexis has her own question, "What about Dad, Kate? Will he still be able to follow you around when you are leading this taskforce?"
Castle is proud that his daughter is so concerned for him but she has no reason to be as he speaks to allay her fears, "That's why the Commissioner saw the both of us, Pumpkin. He wants me, once I get my NYPDA Detective's star, to stay as Kate's partner and, therefore, be a part of the taskforce. He doesn't want to break up one of his best pair of investigative partners. It goes without saying that I'm with Kate on this, all the way."
Captain Gates obviously decides to get everything out in the open as she joins the conversation at this point, "Well, as we all seem to be talking about our futures I have something to tell you all that might help you make up your minds. I've been offered promotion to Deputy Chief at 1PP under Chief of Detectives Chavez. Like Kate I have decided to take the job. So, you won't have me at the twelfth anymore to keep you in check. I'll leave that in the capable hands of Captain Beckett-Castle. That is if the good Lord has given you both enough sense to accept her offer to join the taskforce.
Ryan and Jenny finish their silent conversation with the blond haired woman giving her husband an enthusiastic smile and nod of her head. Ryan turns to his partner, "What do you say, Javi? Sounds good to me but we're in it until the wheels fall off so I won't say yes unless you want to."
Before Esposito can answer Lanie cuts is with her own answer to Kates offer, "Well you know me, Kate. I'm all for a challenge so you can count me in. There's no way I'd make you deal with no one but Perlmutter from now on. What'd you say Javi? Care to join the rest of us?"
Esposito looks around the rest of the table seemingly a little uncomfortable at being put on the spot like this but he is also someone that is used to making quick decisions. He glances at Ryan before turning back to Kate and with a resolute nod of his head says, "Ok, Beckett, I'm in. Who else is going to watch yours and Castle's backs if Ryan and I aren't there?"
Kate gives a beaming smile to her friends, "Thank you, guys. I appreciate it. It will be so much easier to do this with my family….," she grips Castle's hand under the table. "All of my family by my side."
Ryan gives a sigh, "Well, things sure are going to change."
"Well I know one thing that will never change," says Castle giving his own earnest look to those seated around the table. "What we all have. A toast…To US!"
As everyone raises their champagne glasses there is a resounding call of "To us" from everyone's lips and they all take a sip of the sparkling yellow liquid.
As they put down their glasses there is a chime from Kate's cell phone. She pulls it from her purse, quickly scans the text message there and with an apologetic look, turns the phone's screen to them all as she tells them, "It's the precinct. There's been a murder."
Castle sighs as everyone starts to collect their things and rise from the table. He'd knew this was a risk of happening. With most of the personnel from the twelfth at the dinner only a skeleton crew were at the precinct. While they could handle routine calls and a single murder, Captain Gates had warned them that if more than one body dropped during the dinner then Kate's team, as the next one in the rotation, would be required to take the call.
Looks like that's the case but he won't begrudge this being the ending of the night. If anything it's rather fitting as this small, professional family makes its way out of the hotel banquet hall towards yet another mystery. It's what brought them all together and what will keep them so.
A/N : No end of season cliff-hanger here as Kate's made her decision and offered the boys and Lanie jobs. All that's left is for Castle to get his star which won't take long.
I'm really appreciative to everyone that has reviewed, read, made this story their favourite or are following it. This story has reached a personal milestone for me with it having broken the 100 follows barrier. The most any of my stories has received and again I thank you all. Not as many follows as some other stories out there but I'm proud all the same that so many people find my story interesting enough to follow.
Cheers from Sugarrush71 : )