CH29
It is still the same day: (July 12, 2000)
This chapter has a small amount of what is possibly "M" Rated material, though likely still "T" rated. Having said that, reader discretion is advised.
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The second Rick had explained that it was only just past noon in Fiji so they had time to go house looking, Kate was ready to leave. After a little on-line looking they settled on Wavi Island Sales.
Their real estate agent drove them to the first place on his list as soon as Rick told him their price range and that they wanted seclusion but still have access to modern conveniences.
"Wavi Island, Savusavu is called "The Pearl of Fiji" by the locals. There will only ever be 20 villas on this island. It is only a 15 minute drive from the airport. We will be stopping at the resort area where they have all the amenities you would expect from a resort," their agent Tom Pichler explained.
"Is the only way there across this bridge?", Kate asked as they traveled across a really long bridge that reminded her of pictures she had seen of the bridge one used to reach Key West. Only difference was this was a one lane only bridge and it was made out of wood.
"By car yes, however you can tie your boat to the pier at the resort. Those two are your only options. The home we are going to see is 3 bedrooms, 3 baths at just over 3,000 square feet. There is a horizon edge pool, three car garage, day bed, BBQ, gazebo, covered walkways with extensive use of Teak Stone paving.
This house is located on the rock side so you do not have a beach, however you can easily travel to the resort and use that beach. There is your own personal walkway down to your private reef and rock pools where you can go scuba diving or snorkeling.
You are connected to Fiji power and water as well as trash pickup. There are a number of papaya trees on this property along with a number of coconut trees. You are free to plant other fruit trees provided that you obtain permission.
I'll be here at the front entrance while you look around. I can answer any questions you have." Tom told them.
"Cost?" Kate asked.
"This villa is listed at $2.9 million," Tom answered.
The main entrance had a covered walk-way that took you through a front garden. The entrance door led them into the living room that had one wall that opened up onto the pool that had a Jacuzzi.
It drew Kate out to the pool and past it to look out onto the ocean over the cliff edge that had what looked like Bonsai trees along the edge.
Back inside, the living room looked like it had a tightly stitched thatch roof that was lovely. It flowed nicely into the dining room that had a flat ceiling. The table could seat six and the kitchen was just beyond. The kitchen had wood columns with a beautiful wood breakfast bar that could seat two people.
The kitchen sink was part of the island with stove, oven and refrigerator beyond. "This kitchen is a little small and there isn't much cabinet space." Kate opened the door on the side and found the pantry.
"It has a very large wine cooler." Rick commented since it was right next to a standard sized refrigerator/freezer.
The master suite was next. One whole wall literally opened onto the pool. All the doors and windows they had seen had what looked like plantation shutters in a color that reminded both of them of the ceiling color back home. This space also had a thatched roof along with a mini split system for A/C, as had the living and dining room.
The master bath actually opened up onto the ocean. The tub was large and located right at the window. All of the floors so far looked like beige colored Travertine and each tile was large.
There was a covered day bed sitting area next to the pool that allowed views out onto the ocean. The pool had four padded blue colored padded chase lounges.
The other two bedrooms had beautiful wood doors that opened up into a closet and each had a thatched roof with a split system for A/C is needed. Both guest bedrooms were identical in color and size.
There was a small yard just past the pool and each thatched roof had wood ceiling fans. The entire place was tastefully decorated with outdoor dining next to the pool, except it wasn't covered. The entire house was only one level.
"What did you think?" Tom asked them when they found him.
"The kitchen was a little small, however it had a huge pantry and I love the view." Kate remarked to him.
"I don't think we need a 3 car garage still we could buy some toys like quads maybe," Rick offered and instantly got Kate's attention as she started smiling. "And I love all the wood."
"Shall we move to the next house?" Tom hadn't met anyone who bought the first home they came across.
"This is Taveuni, Fiji. This house was just recently finished and you would be the first owner. It is a 3 bedroom, 4 baths, with parking for 2. Like the other home this place is also pet friendly. It is listed at $810,000 and it is broken up into pods. Take a look around and I will catch up to you." Tom said.
The main pod turned out to be the living, dining and kitchen. "Wow the ceilings here are really tall and everything is open. Not a single wall to be seen," Kate commented.
"What about this kitchen?" Rick wasn't sure about this one.
"It reminds me of your tiny apartment kitchen though a little bigger. Tall and skinny refrigerator with a small freezer. I don't see a pantry, no upper cabinets, no place to store anything." Kate was making a face that said she didn't like it.
All of the bedrooms were tiny with almost no closet to speak of. Each bathroom only had one lavatory sink. "I don't like it Castle." Kate had seen enough.
Tom saw the look on their faces when he found them. "On to the next house?" Tom guessed and watched both of them nod their heads.
Turned out Rick and Kate had seen enough and decided on moving to a different island and ended up on Turks and Caicos. Two houses later and they were done for the day.
"The last two were all white Castle and I mean white. White walls, white floor, white ceiling, white kitchen, not an ounce of wood to be found. Even the only color in one of them was the brightly colored furniture." Kate moaned, starting to wonder if this was a good idea. Maybe put the money where it could make money.
"Could we buy something commercial so that it makes us money instead of buying another house? I mean hotels are fine for vacations," Kate stated.
"We can look, have something in mind?" Rick asked.
Now Kate was on the spot and didn't really have an answer. "I don't really know Castle, just it seems like a better idea. Purchase something that will make us money instead of just sitting there idle except for when we stay there."
"We can have Jack start looking and then go investigate a few. Jack can check their financials to determine if they are having problems, along with investigating their history," Rick remarked to Kate as she nodded her head.
"Research complete." Jack almost instantly responded. "One of the top franchise opportunities is Papa Murphy's Take and Bake Pizza. Annual average sales are estimated at $608,715 while the top 25 stores in the system average $911,956.
May I suggest Florida since that state has not yet been flooded with this store, unlike some states," Jack queried.
"Florida, we need a map." Rick stepped over to his laptop and pulled up a map of Florida. "What are the startup costs?" Rick inquired.
"Their history shows a range of $264,755 to $446,171. Various items are responsible for this. All stores are located in shopping districts in what are called strip malls. Some have higher rental rates, some require little to extensive remodels, amongst other considerations." Jack explained.
"That's an average of roughly $355,000. Let's see if we provide $4 million we could open something like 10 to 13 stores. Now where in Florida do we concentrate?" Rick wondered.
Kate bent down to look over his shoulder. "Tampa is a big city, we could spread them out. Orlando maybe, that's where Disney World is located, lots of people are there yearly. Daytona Beach maybe, there is a big race there each year right? Maybe St. Petersburg? Concentrate on Interstate 4 maybe?" Kate offered as she drew her finger from one end of Interstate 4 to the other.
"Jack why Papa Murphy's?" There were lots of restaurants.
"Several reasons really. First getting in is inexpensive for the most part, allowing you to open a larger number of locations. Pizza is a popular food even when the economy is bad, since people still want to eat out even if it take-out. This franchise has eliminated some of the costs associated with other restaurants. No ovens, no delivery people, no dining room that requires a larger space and they are typically not open really late at night.
Their pizzas are also easier to make since no baking is involved requiring less training of the employees." Jack responded, getting Kate to nod her head since it made sense.
"Contact the main company and let's get started and start the search for exact locations," Rick instructed Jack.
"We owe Jordan an answer by tomorrow Castle," Kate pointed out, changing the subject.
"This is your choice Kate. You know that I love you and will support any decision that you make. My only question is that you want to do this simply to find out who did this to your family? Or do you have a higher ideal?"
"I mean what happens if you have your answer before your 3 years are up and what happens if it takes a lot longer than 3 years?" Rick asked. "Maybe I'm not such a good role model for this, but after what Meredith did joining the army seemed like a plan. It was only after I found out that I was good at it that I wanted to stay."
"I don't know if the FBI will be the same, but the guys I fought with are my brothers who I would do anything for. They were my family now and after my knee I lost that family. I was all alone writing books," Rick said to Kate letting her see a little more of who he is, or was.
"You're my family now Castle. I have a few friends most of which I haven't heard from in a few years. I want who did this Castle, I want him or her bad. Maybe after time I will feel the same for other families that have suffered."
"I just don't know if I can answer that question right now Castle, I really don't. However if I sign up for 3 years then I will be an FBI agent for 3 years. We can talk when the 3 years are up." Kate told Castle truthfully.
Rick handed Kate the landline phone of their apartment. "Hi Jordan, this is Kate Beckett, Castle and I have talked about it and we're in. Tell us where to be tomorrow and when." Kate listened to Jordan tell her where and at what time and thanked them for doing this.
"Tomorrow at 7:00, we're starting with driver training." Kate advised Rick after hanging up.
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"Castle and Beckett are in." Jordan informed Avery after hanging up.
"You're sure about these two? The psychology test on Beckett suggested some problems associated with her motivation." Avery countered.
"The start of preventing a problem is knowing what the problem is. If we can direct all that properly in the right direction, she could be one of the best either of us have ever seen." Jordan had high hopes and thought she could teach Kate a lot.
"And Castle?" Avery had fewer concerns, however he still had them.
"Having an Army Ranger on our team?" Jordan shook her head. "I pulled in a few favors and gained a little bit of knowledge that told me a lot." Jordan said to Avery and handed over a sheet of paper that tells him what little she had learned.
Avery was silent while he read what was on the page, and Jordan could see the expression on his face change as he read. "He earned all these? This is impressive Jordan, really impressive, I have just one question though." Avery remarked.
"Did he earn them because he is that good, or did he earn them because he is that good and has or had a death wish?" Jordan thought she understood Castle a little better now.
"Had?" Avery asked having heard Jordan, wondering what she is thinking.
"He's hopelessly and completely in love with Kate. She may have given him a reason to live, turn his life around. However all of that experience can only help us. He and who he knows. Anyone who we can't find out more about has to know people, lots of people who are likely powerful or influential. Just the kind of person who could be very helpful," Jordan pointed out.
"And if or when one of them gets hurt?" Jason inquired.
"The other will likely go off the reservation, however if we teach them properly, maybe we can limit that and work it to our advantage," Jordan responded.
Jason nodded his head hoping that Jordan is right. "Ready to go through the list for the rest of the team?" Jason changed the subject and handed Jordan a copy of the file like the one he has. They still needed 5 more members, most needed to be capable of entering into combat situations, needing to be good with weapons needless to say.
It is now one month later:
Rick was driving them home to their 2 bedroom apartment and his knee was killing him. He was never so happy to have a car that was an automatic in his life. Kate, who was next to him, had her head leaning up against the window and was likely asleep, lucky her.
They had spent the last three days in Hogan's Alley, running from building to building, crashing through doors, throwing flash bang grenades and firing more rounds of live ammunition than she had her entire life.
It also taught Rick that he was seriously out of shape. He had sweated up a storm and only felt half towards good because of the shower he had taken before limping for their car.
Rick opened the passenger door from the outside and caught Kate before she could fall out. "We're home sleepy head, time to wake up." Rick whispered into her ear. All he got back was a mumbled. "Hhmm, go away."
Rick was chuckling as he helped a partially awake Kate out of the car and stand up, up the elevator and into their apartment and helped her to lay down on the bed allowing Rick to work on removing her clothes.
"Hhmm, not interested Castle." Kate rolled over preventing him from removing her panties.
"Shower Kate, you're stinky." Rick tried to roll her back over.
'Hhmm, smell like a rose." Kate countered.
"Taste like one too." Rick pulled her panties off and lifted her up. "Into the shower Kate and then bed."
"Bed…good." Kate stepped into the shower and screamed. "COLD!" It was all Rick could do to remain standing when Kate was suddenly awake and came crashing back out of the shower.
"WHAT THE HELL CASTLE!" Kate stood there, partially wet, naked and glaring at him.
"Good, you're awake, now turn up the hot water and get your skinny butt in the shower. I want my turn before bed. We're both stinky and I want some sleep before going back out to Hogan's Alley again tomorrow." Rick tried to smile but figured it was going to be another painful day.
"Again?" Kate moaned. "I'm trying to be an FBI agent not try out to be an Army Ranger." Kate was still moaning.
"You should thank your lucky stars Kate, this is just boot camp. We haven't even started Ranger training." Rick said to Kate and started looking for something to kill the pain in his knee.
It was just the way Rick had said it, so casual like. Was Ranger training really that much harder than this? No wonder Castle wasn't complaining about Hogan's Alley. Kate turned on the hot water before stepping back into the shower.
Kate dried herself off and applied moisturizer to certain sections of her body while Castle took his turn in the shower. Kate got out a sleep shirt, left her panties off, and fell onto the bed on her back with her feet dangling over the side.
Her body still hurt, but the shower did make her feel better. Kate was soon enjoying the view as Rick came into the room naked, looking for his sleep shorts, with his hair still a little wet.
"Enjoying the view there Agent Beckett?" Rick teased as he slid his shorts up.
"Hhmmm, too bad I'm too tired to do anything about it." Kate was smiling, since it was the truth. Kate wanted Castle but she also wanted some sleep.
"I think I can help with that." Rick stepped up and spread Kate's legs wide. He lifted up her sleep shirt and placed his head between her legs and started licking and kissing in all the right spots.
"Castle, I'm tired. I just want to get…some…sleep." Kate grabbed his head and guided it back to the spot he had just left and arched her hips up into his mouth. Sleep was fast becoming something she no longer cared anything about.
Three orgasms later and Kate was resting, now thoroughly tired and satisfied with her nose buried into Castle's side, breathing in his smell. Kate didn't even try to wipe away the tears, but she was doing her best to hide the sound of them.
"What Kate?" Rick knew Kate and while he could hear a change in her breathing, it was the feel of her that got his attention. "I can tell that you're crying. Is it the training? It is a little rigorous, even if it's nowhere near Ranger training."
Kate simply shook her head softly. "Then what? You know I hate it when you cry, it breaks my heart."
"I was just thinking, more reflecting on my life I guess. I'm tired with aches and pains all over my body and I'm likely to look bruised over half my body tomorrow, yet you still find a way to make love to me. I just don't know what I did to deserve you." Kate sniffled and wiped away some of the tears.
"Wait right there." Rick got up out of bed quickly leaving Kate lying on her side watching Castle leave the bedroom, wondering what that was about. Kate was comfortable right where she was, though she missed him already. Just when had she gotten so needy? Not that she cared that she was since she loved him so badly.
Rick was back and he had his hands behind his back which puzzled Kate. "I hadn't really planned it this way. I've been trying to come up with the most perfect time and location and how."
"I thought about asking you at home plate since I know someone. Take a microphone with me while they put us up on the big screen." Rick told Kate.
Kate remembered her last trip to see a game. Note to self, have Jack get them another set of tickets and have Jack teleport them home so they could go to the game.
"However you're crying and I can't handle that, soooo…" Rick brought his hand around showing Kate what he was holding.
Kate rose up from lying on the bed from the shock of seeing it. It was a little box, the perfect size box and this one had a simple G on it. It was the same size as her earrings box, earrings that she had yet to ever take off again.
"Ri… Rick?" Kate could barely get any breath into her lungs, and all she could see was the box.
Kate watched as it got closer when Rick got onto the bed on his knees as he held the box out to Kate. It was just inches away from Kate now. "Kate, I can't begin to describe what you mean to me, or how fiercely I love you. I love you more than I thought was even possible, and I want you in my life for as long as we both live."
"So Katherine Houghton Beckett, if you would do me the honor of being my wife and be Mrs. Castle… or Mrs. Beckett or Beckett-Castle, just as long as you're at my side?" Rick opened the box to show Kate the ring that he had bought months ago in Amsterdam.
Kate had long since slapped her hands over her mouth as she started crying harder, and felt the tears rolling down her cheeks. He was asking her, actually asking her!
Kate moved past the ring and used the spring of the bed to launch herself into Rick and held him tight as she cried while shaking, feeling his arms come around her. "I take it that's a yes?" Rick chuckled as he calmed down from his fear of what Kate might say.
Rick really didn't fear that she would say no, however he did have fears that she would say something like "Not now" or "Ask me again later".
Kate's response was to begin kissing Rick's neck while still crying. Rick finally managed to get Kate to back off just a little and Kate watched as Rick took the ring out of the box and toss it over his shoulder. He took her hand and slowly placed the rose colored giant diamond ring on her finger, which fit perfectly.
She stared at it while seeing it on her finger and she held her hand there for what felt like forever but was actually just seconds, before crushing her lips to Castle's who kissed her back.
Kate broke from the kiss and looked Castle in his eyes and tried to convey all the love she had for him in her eyes. "I take it that is a yes?" Rick tries again.
Kate uses her right hand to wipe away the tears that still hadn't stopped flowing. It sounded a little like a laugh. "Yes Rick, that was a yes… I'll marry you." Rick kissed her this time feeling Kate's arms wrap around him and kiss him back.
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If anyone is questioning why invest in Papa Murphy's, keep in mind that Payton Manning owns 21 Papa John's, and that pizza chain requires, ovens, seating and delivery guys. Plus most of them are stand alone buildings, meaning he had to purchase the land in addition to building the building. Very expensive.
And all of them are in the Denver area!