Chapter 11 – Hidden layers

As Rick sat next to Kate on the flight back home, he still was processing that he had learned more about his father. He had also met a cousin he had not known existed. If he had not needed to be back in town for the fundraiser he might have stuck around to get more details from them. He had been in shock but Kate's indignation on his behalf had shaken him out of it. He was more in love with her now than he thought was possible.

To have the CIA Assistant Director in Charge of Special Operations as a father was kind of cool. To have a cousin who was in charge of CyberCom was also kind of cool. What wasn't cool, however, was that his father had known about him for most of his life and had never approached him or his mother...well, he had an excuse but Rick was not sure he could accept it. He glanced over at Kate who was looking at him. "Hell of a day, Kate."

"Yeah. So how are you doing?"

"Honestly? I'm kind of in shock. I have two more family members. I had an Aunt Jackie but she passed away. My father is an honest to God spy. I should be thrilled."

"But you aren't."

"No. I'm not. I'm angry to a point. I do know that I would never have survived today without you, Katie love."

She smiled. "I'll always be with you, Alex. Nothing will ever keep us apart for long again."

"I love you."

"I love you, too."

Rick gave her a wan smile. "And now I have to tell my mother that dear old dad is back...again. Yay me." He leaned back in his seat and took her hand in his. "Take a nap, love. We've got another hour and we have to be at our best tonight." She kissed his cheek and settled back into her seat.

TCOP

Rick stood near the door of the loft in his tux waiting for the women in his life. As he stood there he thought that his father should be there as well. At least he had never married and he had assured Rick that he had no step siblings. Evidently the old man had fallen for his mother, but only time would tell. He turned as he heard the clicking of shoes coming down the stairs.

"You look wonderful, Mother."

Martha smiled at her son. "Thank you, Richard. You look dashing as usual." She gave him a warm smile. She knew something was bothering both her son and his fiancee since their return home earlier, but she had learned that when they wanted to talk they would.

"She's right, Dad. Very 007." Rick turned to his daughter with wide eyes. He knew that she had no idea but that comment was a little too close to the truth for his comfort.

"My daughter is a thing of beauty much like a delicate rose at sunrise." He grinned as she blushed.

Rick looked over as Kate entered the room. His eyes drank her in greedily. "Absolutely stunning, Kate. I am truly a blessed man this evening! I'm not going to want to share any of you with your adoring public!"

Kate rolled her eyes as Alexis giggled. "Okay, Rick...a little over the top."

Martha smiled at Kate. "Katherine, for once I believe my son is not exaggerating. You look lovely, darling."

Kate blushed. "Thank you, Martha. Rick, are we meeting Dad there?"

Rick looked at his watch and nodded. "Yes...and we had better get downstairs. The car should be here momentarily." The four made their way downstairs and headed out to the waiting limo. They chatted about the fundraiser on the ride over to the venue.

When they arrived at the venue they exited the car and smiled for the paparazzi. Kate was on Rick's right arm as he made his way inside. As to an agreement between the two of them, Kate's ring was hidden by Rick's body. They would announce their engagement inside. Kate smiled and thanked the donors for their generosity towards the Johanna Beckett Scholarship and Rick charmed his way through questions about things other than the fundraiser.

Finally they made their way inside and chatted with a few folks including the mayor. When Kate saw Bracken she stiffened and got Rick's attention. Rick winked at her and led her over to the Senator.

Bracken saw when they entered and it took everything he had not to glare at them. There were some serious movers and shakers in attendance; he did not want any negative attention. He stiffened slightly as he saw them making their way over and plastered a smile on his face. "Mr. Castle, Detective Beckett. Nice turnout."

Rick smiled and looked around the room. "Yes it is. It never ceases to amaze me the turnout at these types of events. You know, as a writer I am always curious about the way people act or do the things they do." He leaned in conspiratorially. "For instance, do you wonder how many people attend these events and donate out of a guilty conscience?"

Kate had to turn away as she realized what he just said.

Rick grinned. "I mean maybe someone was cheating on their wife and since the wife supports the issue the purse strings loosen a bit. You never know! Well, Senator, I don't want to monopolize you. We have to make the rounds since this is in honor of Kate's mother's passing. If you'll excuse us?" At the Senator's nod he headed with Kate towards his poker buddies.

Patterson smiled as they drew near. "Good turnout, Ricky! Looks like your efforts are paying off."

Rick smiled. "Thanks, Jim. And thanks for your donation for our auction."

Kate nodded. "We really appreciate all you have done to support Mom's scholarship."

Patterson smiled. "Well it's the least I can do for the woman who puts up with Rick here."

Kate giggled. "Well, he's kind of grown on me. Can you keep a secret?" At his nod she briefly showed her left hand.

Just as he was about to reply a dinner bell rang. Everyone started to make their way to their seats except for Kate and Rick, who headed up to the podium. Rick held Kate's hand until they were both standing, ready to speak.

Kate smiled at Rick and squeezed his hand. They had practiced the speech until she had it memorized.

Rick started off. "Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Oh, and you too Patterson." The crowd laughed and Patterson shook his head. "We are pleased that you could attend the second annual fundraiser for the Johanna Beckett Memorial Scholarship fund. I know the beautiful lady next to me needs no introduction, but I'll tell you a bit about her and the Beckett family anyway. I do have a great speaking voice, you know." He winked at the laughing crowd as Kate lightly smacked his arm.

"Detective Katherine Beckett is one of the finest people you could ever hope to meet. She is one of New York's finest, a member of the 12th precinct and the daughter of the lady who we are here to speak about tonight. Her father Jim was lucky enough to catch the eye of a beautiful young lawyer named Johanna Houghton. The couple eventually married and Johanna became known for her sense of justice. She was a champion for those who did not have access to the prestigious law firms of the city. She dedicated her life to her family and to those that needed her help. She joined the Justice Initiative and helped to make sure that no one went unrepresented.

And then Johanna was cut down cruelly in the prime of her life by persons not yet known; taken from her family and friends by a random act of violence per the police reports."

Kate smiled at Rick and then started her part. "My mother's death was hard on all of us and it took years for us to recover. But while we lost a wife and mother, those unjustly accused or not represented experienced a travesty of justice. When Rick came to me a little over a year ago with the idea to establish the scholarship I was overwhelmed at the thought that someone who was not related to her would want to honor my mother's memory. But then he explained it to me; this was not to honor her memory but her legacy. That out there were students who held the same ideals close to their hearts as my mother. And it was this thought that made us start this."

Rick smiled at Kate as he took back over. "We hope that you will help us honor her legacy as we enjoy a great meal and camaraderie this evening. We've all been blessed in our lives. Let's help the students carry on her work and open our checkbooks tonight to make sure that everyone has the representation that they deserve. After dinner will be the auction but let's get this started." Rick pulled out his checkbook and wrote a check. Ripping it out he motioned over to Jim. "Jim, you be our collector tonight. Take this check as a start of tonight's goodwill."

Jim walked over and took the check from Rick. He looked at it and smiled. "Thanks, Rick. Now enjoy your dinner everyone!" They all made their way to their seats as the servers came forward to the tables to start serving dinner.

TCOP

Bracken watched as the writer walked away. For a moment, he panicked. Had he just been told that his secrets were known? Nah. He was being schmoozed to give up some cash. He'd write a check for a few hundred out of his 'special' funds and make nice. These things were great for drumming up support from all the rich do-gooders. That detective, though...even though she was a pain and he really should get rid of her he had to admit that she was one luscious female. Maybe he'd get rid of the writer? Nah...Too much paperwork for someone so unimportant.

He took his seat and watched the speeches as he drank a bit of wine. He was still cautious about his stomach, although oddly it had stopped as quickly as it started. Weird. Johanna Beckett...now there was a pain in the ass! Best thing he ever did was make sure she was quieted. She was the first of many obstacles he'd overcome. But she was old news. He had to figure out what was behind the string of bad luck he'd had lately.
Oh, great...now the writer was writing a check to show off. As the meal was served...man that server was a fine specimen of womanhood...he made small talk with the others at his table (even that jerk Weldon!) and sat back to plan how he was going to announce his candidacy for President. He smiled to himself as he thought how much power he would have then.

TCOP

Kate and Rick took to the dance floor after the auction. Rick smiled as he twirled her around the floor. "You know, Katie love, you are the most beautiful here tonight."

Kate blushed. "Come on, Alex. You just want to take me to bed."

Rick grinned. "While that is true, I am also being truthful."

"Thanks, Alex. I try to make myself look good for you."

He leaned back a bit to look her in the eyes. "Kate, you are beautiful when you wake up in the morning...you know you don't need makeup! You're extraordinary naturally!"

"Right...so...when do we want to let people know we're engaged?"

Rick looked at his watch as the song ended. "Ummm...in ten seconds?" About then, there was a drum roll.

"A drum roll? Really?"

Rick led Kate to the stage and stepped behind the podium. "Ladies and Gentlemen...oh and you too, Patterson. Sorry I keep forgetting you! Thank you all so much for your support here tonight! Between the auction and the donations we have raised over $300,000 for the scholarship!" Kate's eyes widened as the applause swelled. "The Becketts and I want to thank you so much on behalf of the future recipients of the scholarship. Tonight has been a great success in more ways than one." Rick looked over at Kate and smiled. "I learned about Johanna Beckett almost four years ago when I met her daughter. Having worked with Kate and becoming friends with her, I got a peek at what Johanna must have been like. Then I fell in love with Kate and learned more. Well, we are now happy to be announcing our engagement! So, even though Johanna is not here in person, we know that my future mother-in-law is here in spirit and we all thank you...so very much. Enjoy the rest of the evening!" Kate and Rick walked off the stage hand in hand to thunderous applause. They were immediately surrounded by fans and well-wishers. After almost thirty minutes when the rush died down they found themselves surrounded by their friends. They spent the next hour dancing with each other, their respective parent and their friends before they said their goodbyes and headed home.

As they entered the loft, Rick took Kate's shawl as she removed her shoes and guided her to the couch. He sat down beside her and pulled her feet into his lap and started massaging them.

"Oh...you're hired. Don't tell my fiance, though; he's the jealous type!"

"Ah...so, this man of yours; does he treat you right?" He looked around the room. "I could take you away from all of this if you wanted."

Kate grinned. "He treats me well enough, I suppose. And he's ruggedly handsome. He's full of surprises, too! And I do love him."

"I suspect he loves you as well...just my luck, though. I meet a stunningly beautiful woman and she's taken. I guess I will just have to stop looking."

Kate grinned and snuggled into his side. "Yeah, that's a good idea. I don't share, Alex."

"Neither do I, Katie love." He looked up thoughtfully at the calendar. "Kate, what do you say about driving up the beach house tomorrow morning? We can come back Sunday afternoon."

Kate kissed the underside of his jaw. "Sure...don't we need to be here for the case?"

"I can let Jordan know and we're only a couple hours away if need be. Honestly not much will happen before they get back to DC on Monday."

"Okay then...we'll go to the beach."

"What a great idea Mrs. Castle-to-be!"

"I know...sometimes they just pop out of nowhere." She giggled. "Let's go get some sleep."

"Another great idea, Katie love! You're on a roll."

Kate grinned impishly. "Soon we'll be on a bed..." With that, she jumped up and ran towards the bedroom, being followed by Rick. After some time in the bed, on the floor and in the shower they finally fell asleep.

TCOP

"Shaw."

"Hey, Jordan. We get anything yet?"

"Hi, Rick. Not a thing...except Gabriel reported that Bracken was quite upset last night...you know anything about that?"

Rick chuckled. "No idea, Jordan. He seemed okay when I spoke to him last night. Well, okay for a megalomaniac."

"Right. So, did you miss me or is there a reason for calling me at...6:30? Rick, are you nuts?"

"Shh Jordan, don't tell Kate, but I'm trying to seduce you by asking Kate to marry me. Is it working?"

Jordan laughed. "Not a bit, Rick. You're off your game, I think."

"Oh, believe me Jordan...if I wanted you...I got game."

"I have no doubts about that, Rick. Now, about the call?"

"Fine...be that way! I'm going off grid until late tomorrow night. We are heading out to the Hamptons and will be home around six or so tomorrow evening. Can you please handle things until then? I don't expect much activity until Monday."

"Sure. Call me when you get back, just in case."

"Will do. Talk to you later!" Jordan rolled her eyes and hung up the phone. She pulled her knees up to her chest and sighed. If there had been no Kate, she would have loved to see what Rick was like as a boyfriend. Shaking her head, she got out of bed to start her day.

TCOP

Kate smiled as she watched the landscape slowly turn from city streets to open road. As the city fell farther into the rearview mirror, she felt the strains of the last several days begin to fade away. She looked over at her partner. He was typing away at a furious pace as she drove them towards their weekend escape. Just as they had walked into the underground garage of their loft, He got a gleam in his eye and handed her the keys to the Ferrari.

They had been on the road for about an hour when he closed the laptop. He stretched and rubbed his eyes. Looking around he grinned.

Kate chuckled. "Welcome back."

He smiled and looked over. "Thanks, love. Sorry but I learned a long time ago...when inspiration strokes, I have to get it out or take a chance on losing it."

"It's okay, Rick. We're almost there."

He looked at his watch. "Hungry?" She nodded. "I know a little place up here. Really good banana pancakes and great coffee."

"I'm sold! Where is this place?"

He looked around. "About a mile ahead we can get off on South Emery. Turn right and then make a left on South Elmwood. It's a couple of blocks up on the left."

She followed his directions and he pointed out the Bird on the Roof restaurant. She pulled in and they got out of the car and stretched. "That feels good," she sighed.

Rick smiled. "Come on...I'm hungry!" She laughed as he took her hand and pulled her behind him through the door.

She looked around at the quaint little diner. With white walls and blue tablecloths it looked much like she had imagined. They were seated at a table and handed menus. Rick ordered their coffee and she looked at the menu. They served eggs Benedict with smoked salmon or prosciutto, omelets, frittatas, and pancakes topped with fruit. She looked over at Rick and he was smiling at her. "So what's good here?"

"Well, I like almost everything. I think today I am going to have the banana pancakes."

"That sounds good. Want to share some bacon?"

"You are truly my soul mate!"

She rolled her eyes. Just as she was about to respond to him their server came back with their coffees. "Are you ready to order?"

Rick looked at Kate and she nodded. "I think we'll have two orders of the banana pancakes with extra whipped cream and a large order of bacon to share."

The server smiled at them and walked away towards the kitchen.

Thirty minutes later they were smiling as they fought for the last piece of bacon. Rick snatched it but then Kate bit her bottom lip and he handed it over to her.
"Not fair, Kate."

"All's fair in love and bacon." He snorted. "Don't laugh at me, Rick. Bacon is serious."

He shook his head and grabbed the check to pay. "Come on, silly woman. Let's get to the house." She followed him back to the car via the cashier and they drove on to the house. Once there they took their bags inside and sat at the table to plan their stay.