CH76
Kate is in the clouds. She has never felt like this before. Rick and Alexis love her and she loves them back just as much. The man who had her mother killed is dead.
She should be happy he is dead. But she feels hollow somehow. Cheated if you will.
The drive in her new car has elevated her spirits greatly. It's a little flashy for her taste with all the red, white and blue. But still, what's under the hood feels like it's all her. It's big, it's bad and it screams nicely when you put your foot down.
She is out testing what it can really do without really going very far. Soon she's decided she has had enough for the moment and heads back home. Approaching the garage door she calls for Lucile who opens the door for her.
As she slowly drives in she reeves the motor a few times to listen to it's tone, sitting there for a moment listening to its sound. Turning it off she exits the car just as Lucile signals for the garage door to close.
Going upstairs she finds Rick and Alexis waiting for her in the living room. "Have fun?" Rick asks her.
Kate sits down next to Rick and fells like a giddy school girl who has just opened one of her Christmas presents early.
"Thank you Rick. It's a little flashy but it has power and grace and it's so, …." Kate doesn't know how to finish.
"I'm glad you like." Rick is smiling.
"What's with all the signatures?" Kate asks after seeing them all over.
"It was driven thru all 48 lower states. At each stop veterans would sign their names all over inside the engine housing or on the outside. It is a one of a kind car." Rick tells her what little he knows.
Kate wraps her arms around him. "You're a wonderful man Rick. …. so what do we do on my days off?" Kate asks them.
"Well I wasn't planning on you having the days off, so I guess we do what you want to do." Rick tells her.
"My choice, eh?" And Kate goes silent. "Are we still going to Oktoberfest later this month and then Walt Disney World in early December?" Kate asks.
"Of course. With Bracken gone we have no fear of going anywhere." Rick is convinced.
"Well, …. How about, Jacob's Ladder Scenic Byway, Massachusetts
Located in Massachusetts' Berkshires region, the Jacob's Ladder Scenic Byway begins in Lee and weaves its way through Becket, Chester, and Huntington before ending in Russell. The 35-mile stretch of road runs along route 20, and was originally built in 1910 to accommodate the first horseless carriages. Today, the route runs almost parallel to the speedy highway, and visitors are encouraged to meander at a slower pace to enjoy the natural scenery, especially in the fall when the landscape bursts into a riot of red and gold hues.
Or maybe, Columbia River Highway, Oregon
As the first scenic drive in the U.S. to earn National Historic Landmark status, the Columbia River Highwaywas considered an engineering feat when it was built in 1913. The route was designed to emphasize the natural beauty of the area by winding its way to the top of 900-feet cliffs overlooking the river and valley below. Visitors who follow this drive will encounter the fiery hues of fall alongside brilliantly colored wildflowers, dramatic waterfalls, and deep gorges.
how about, Grand Mesa Scenic and Historic Byway, Colorado
During the fall, Colorado's landscape becomes a tapestry of colors. The popular Aspen trees turn golden hues in September, and one of the best spots to witness this transformation is from the world's largest flat-top mountain. You can reach it by taking the 63-mile Grand Mesa Scenic and Historic Byway, which begins off route 70 and passes by lakes, fields of wildflowers, narrow canyons, and evergreen forests.
Maybe, Hayward Lakes, Wisconsin
The Hayward Lakes region of Wisconsin is such a leaf-peeping delight that visitors can choose from sixself-guided color tours, which highlight the prime spots for fall foliage. Plus, the tours provide suggestions for interesting stops and historical facts along the way. The real attraction, however, is the dramatic transformation of the maples, oaks, aspens, sumacs and tamaracks that cover the region.
"What do you think sweetie? Do you have a favorite?" Kate wants to include Alexis in the decision.
"ME? Really?" Alexis is shocked.
"Yes you. You're my little girl and I want to know what you want to do." Kate tells her.
Alexis is beaming with a smile so wide her face is going to break. "Colorado?" Alexis suggests softly.
"Colorado it is then." Rick states. "Lucile?"
"Processing, … You're 38′ Lapalma Class A Gas Motor Home has been reserved starting today through Sunday when you will need to return it." Lucile tells them.
"Motor Home? I was thinking a day trip in a convertible. We can actually rent a Motor Home?" Kate is shocked.
"It is $225 a day with a limit of 100 miles per day at .28 per mile that you go over. You can stock it with food and stop where you want and camp out." Lucile explains. "I can give you a location to enter using a Transmat wall." Lucile concludes. "Oh, and they accept pets."
"What do you think?" Kate asks looking directly at Alexis. And Alexis nods excitedly with a wide smile.
"Let's get packing then. You in Rick?" Kate is worried that she had not included him.
"I was in when I asked you to marry me. I go where you go." Rick informs her. This gets Rick a heartfelt kiss.
"Eew, kids present." Alexis informs them. Not really put out. She is glad they love each other. If mom and dad are happy, she's happy.
Kate breaks off. "Sorry sweetie." As Kate reaches out and strokes her chin.
"Last one packed cooks." Kate yells out already half way to the stairs. Hearing the other two scramble to catch up.
It's Saturday evening and they are sitting in an undeveloped area and were running off the generator since they stopped here. Lying in bed and relaxing.
"What if I don't want to go back Rick?" Kate has loved the no hassle down time.
"Not meaning to burst your bubble, because I could get used to this. But, Alexis has school. I think you would get bored if you didn't have work. And I don't think you want me to be your 'Sugar Daddy'." Rick explains.
"You're right. But it's still a good dream." Kate answers while staring at her engagement ring, again.
"You're staring at it again." Rick notes.
"I can't help it. Before mom died I wondered if I would find someone and what being married would be like. To be honest, this isn't what I ever dreamed it would be like." Kate confides.
"How so?" Rick is curious.
"Well part of it, is the money. I mean I never thought about being dirt poor. But I never, ever, considered life with this kind of money and what it could bring.
And I can definitely tell you I never, ever considered falling in love with someone from another planet. I don't know about you, but that alone just, …. I don't know how to explain it. And to find out that there are a lot of them and my own daughter is one of them." Kate ends her thought.
Rick lifts up and looks in Kate's eyes. "Daughter?" As Rick smiles.
Kate kinda shrinks a little and her eyes start to water. "Well after you proposed, she just feels like mine now. I know I didn't give birth to her and her real mom is a very long ways away from here. It's just, …." And Kate is interrupted by Rick kissing her.
"You're the only mom she knows Kate. It is highly unlikely she will ever actually see her birth mom, and that's ok. I can't think of anyone who would be better for her." Rick calms her fears.
"She's amazing Rick, truly amazing. I can still remember that time when she forced her way into taking on one of Bracken's men. I'm not really sure what she was thinking." Kate is still amazed.
"My opinion is that she didn't want to lose you. And if she did, it was going to be because they went thru her. I'm not sure if she's wrapped around your heart or you around hers."
Kate giggles. "As sappy as it may sound, I think it's just one heart and we both have a strangle hold on it."
Rick laughs. "You're right, it is sappy but you are probably right."
"You are starring at it again." Rick comments.
"I just can't help it. There is something about it. … Where did you find it?" Kate just has to ask.
"I didn't. Someone on Evergreen made it for me." Rick tells her.
"So you didn't buy it here?" Kate questions trying to find out more.
"There is no part of it that was made or found here." Rick explains.
"You mean this diamond came from your planet?" Kate is shocked.
"No it's from around here. … They were testing a new armor and sent the drone down into the lower atmosphere of Saturn to test it. The lower atmosphere is extremely heavy with crushing gravity. When it returned it was pitted and scratched. There were pieces of diamonds scratched into the armor.
So they sent down a scooper and collected as many as it could hold." Rick explains.
"So my ring has diamonds from Saturn in it?" Kate stares at it a little harder.
"Yup, all of them actually. We found the same in the lower atmosphere of Jupiter also." Rick confirms.
"Let me get this straight. I've got an ET fiance, an ET daughter, an ET super computer and an ET diamond engagement ring. I've even got ET nanites in my blood." Kate ticks off her list of items.
"Worried that there is not much 'Local' left in your life?" Rick asks only a little concerned.
"No, my heart is Earth local and who I give it to is up to me. And I know who has mine." Kate tells him smiling.
"And I know who has my ET heart also." Rick confirms.
"I will admit I want to go home though. I want to make love to you and not have to worry about embarrassing our daughter." Kate confides.
"You do tend to get vocal." Rick confirms, which gets him a swat in his chest. "But I wouldn't have it any other way. I like knowing you are getting pleasure out of my making love to you. It makes me feel complete somehow." Rick concludes by sharing his thoughts.
"Go to sleep. We have to drive back and go home tomorrow." Kate tells him.
"Hey Lucile we're home. …. Anything happen while we were gone?" Rick asks as they all head downstairs to unpack and throw their dirty clothes into the laundry room.
"Everything has been quiet. There has been no one except Vince who came by looking for you Richard."
"Vince? Really? Did he leave a message?" Rick is curious.
"Just that he would be expecting you at his restaurant when you were available." Lucile supplies.
"Can you make reservations for the three of us tonight?" Rick is interested in what he wanted.
"Processing, … Reservations made for 8:00 pm." Lucile confirms.
"Vince, Rick?... Who's Vince?" Kate doesn't remember the name.
"Vince owns the restaurant where I met Jessica. Alexis and I have been back there several times." Rick explains.
"OH, that Vince." Kate does not sound happy.
"Be nice Kate. He may be a little rough around the edges but he has a good heart." Rick defends his friend.
"Rick? He's a mob boss." Kate is not convinced.
"And have you heard of him doing anything lately?" Rick counters.
"No, but that doesn't mean much. However just for you I'll leave my gun at home." Kate gives Rick a quick kiss and heads for the TV.
"Good evening Mr. Castle. Your table is waiting for you. Vince will be along in just a bit." Lisa tells him.
"Thank you Lisa." Rick likes her. Just sad about Jessica.
"Your server will be here in a moment. How are you Alexis?" Lisa sounds sweet.
"I'm fine Lisa. I start school soon." Alexis tells her.
Lisa leans down and whispers in her ear. "You just remember to let Vince know if any of those boys bother you." Lisa reminds her.
Alexis just blushes. "Thank you Lisa." Alexis answers softly.
A different lady steps up. "Good evening Mr. Castle, drinks."
"I think we'll have strawberry lemonades all around." Rick tells her.
"Probably a wise choice." As she looks at Alexis. "I'll be right back."
Just after the drinks arrive and they give their orders. "Richard freaking Castle. How have you been?" Vince comes up to their table. "And Little Red. You still need to come by so I can teach you a few tricks. … And this must be the infamous Kate Beckett." Vince shakes Rick and Kate's hands and ruffles Alexis's hair a little. Then sits down.
"I'll only stay a moment. I don't want to interrupt your meal. It's on the house by the way." Vince tells them.
"That's not necessary Vince." Rick only complains a little.
"I told you last time Castle, your money is no good here. You and Little Red are welcome anytime." Vince reminds him.
"I heard you came by the house." Rick gets down to why they are here.
"Yea, wanted to see what you thought about Bracken." Vince asks and then coughs into his hand a little.
"I only know what I heard on TV. Seems someone didn't like him very much." Rick speaks for them.
"I'm sure Jessica is resting peacefully now that the guy who was really behind what happened to her is gone now." And Vince goes into a coughing fit.
"I'm not sure even he deserved to be gunned down." Rick tells him.
"You always have been a goody to shoes Castle. You've got a good heart, just a little too soft." Vince tells him and coughs a little. "If I was a little younger I would have done it myself."
"Are you alright Vince?" Kate asks him.
"I'll be fine gorgeous. You just make sure you hang onto this one. He's a little soft, but he's a good man." Vince tells her and goes into another coughing fit.
"I'll let you eat your meal. You remember Castle, you are welcome here anytime. Anytime at all. You too Little Red, we still have some lessons you and me. Miss Beckett, it's been a pleasure meeting you." Vince shakes the hands of Rick and Kate and ruffles Alexis's hair a little. And walks off in another coughing fit.
"Something is wrong Rick." Kate states the obvious.
"Yea, I noticed. He seemed fine the last time Alexis and I were here." Rick informs her.
"Mom is there something wrong with Uncle Vince?" Alexis is concerned. He's always been only nice to her.
"We think he may be sick pumpkin." Rick breaks the news.
"He should be in the hospital with a head nurse." Alexis states.
"He probably will be soon sweetie. Probably very soon." Kate tells her. But doesn't tell her everything.
Later at home and alone in their bedroom. "You think he had something to do with Bracken being killed?" Kate asks.
"I honestly don't know. I know what happened to Jessica under his very nose hit him hard." Rick states.
"The use of stolen trash trucks and armored cars is kind of stereotypical of a mob hit." Kate tells him.
Rick changes the subject. "Is what happened to Bracken ok with you?" Rick is concerned for her.
"I don't know Rick. I really don't know. I've spent all this time trying to find who had my mother killed because I wanted him to pay for his crime." Kate explains.
"And he is gone. Very, very dead. Just not rotting in some prison somewhere because a trial put him there. Is that enough for you?" Rick is curious.
"In a way, no it's not. I wanted to know why she had to die. He destroyed my family and for what? And not just my family. There are people all over who have had their lives damaged by just one man.
What gave him the right to destroy so many people?" Kate is only just getting the words out now. As the tears roll down her face.
"I don't know Kate." As Rick wraps his arms around Kate and holds her tight. "But it's over now. You and your father have your lives back. You don't have to look over your shoulder anymore and wonder if Bracken is behind you.
And you don't have to relive it all as it gets dragged out in a court room day after day. Week after week.
And I'm not going to let anything happen to you if I or even Lucile can prevent it." Rick tries to comfort her. "And Alexis is just as determined if I know my, ...our daughter."
Kate looks up into Rick's eyes with her tear filled eyes. "I love you Richard Edgar Castle."
"And I love you Katherine Houghton Beckett."
