Epilogue
Life is a wonderful thing. At times it may drag. This will give you all the time you need to enjoy it. Then there are times when it just flies by you. Then you wonder where did all the time go? As she looks back at the last 5 years, Martha Rodgers is happy with the way her life has progressed. After being accused of the murder of her ex-husband and then exonerated shortly thereafter she had made it a rule to always look at each day as it was a gift for her to use for the best.
Shortly after the "incident", she had received a phone call from a very popular Broadway producer. He is taking a chance on her. He is aware of the public outcry after they found out about her innocence. He may have a role that might fit her to a "T". Martha has seriously thought about the role. She has wondered why she is being considered for this role. It is the lead in the play. Not that she is not able to do it, (she was an actress after all!) There is a nagging doubt in the back of her mind on how he has chosen her.
She isn't sure but she has thought that her son must be involved. She would question him later. Now her mind is made up. She calls him back to accept the role. Life has also showered her with another grandchild. Her name is Caroline. She was conceived about a month before the "incident". Her arrival into this world was on May 16th, 2014. She is a happy and healthy 8 pounds 13-ounce 21-inch long bundle of joy. She has just celebrated her 5th birthday. Richard and Katherine have their hands full. At times between shows and rehearsals, she would take care of the toddler. She is amazed at her zest for life. Even though she was just five she acted as if she has the smarts of someone 3 times her age.
Since the case is now closed. Martha is able to live her life in full freedom. About 2 years after the case was closed, there is a call requesting her presence at 26 Federal Plaza, FBI Headquarters. There she has met with the executor of Walter's estate and the FBI. It seems that Walter was not so forthcoming about his finances. The money he has absconded with from Martha and others have been in a Cayman offshore account sitting idle. The executor of his estate has contacted the FBI for assistance with the small inland nation.
Together with all the legal documents on his death and the executor's right to the money the banking cartel relented. Though, it did take a few bribes to get all the money back. Martha was totally unaware of this behind the scene action. Though, she strongly suspects Richard's fingerprints are all over this case as well.
Once at the FBI offices, she is ushered into the room where Special Agent in Charge Sorenson welcomes her warmly.
"Mrs. Rodgers It is good to see you again. You know your family lawyer." William says.
"Good afternoon Mrs. Rodgers it is good to see you too, " the lawyer says "I suspect you are wondering why you were requested to meet here?"
"Well, the thought did cross my mind… So why am I here?" Martha asks.
"Mrs. Rodgers this deals with the still open case of fraud perpetrated by one Walter Papadois. With the cooperation of the executor of his estate and the Country of the Grand Cayman we have some news for you and other he has bilked over the years." The Special Agent says.
"Martha, what the Special Agent is trying to say is we have recovered most of your money." He gleefully says.
"Wel, Mrs. Rodgers that is not entirely true what we discovered that Walter was a shrewd investor. He bilked you over 3 million is that correct?" the special agent asks.
"Well, it was closer to 3.1 million, but who am I to quibble over 100,000."Martha states. "So why did you need to know the total?"
"Well Mrs. Rodgers…" he begins.
"Please enough with the Mrs. Rodgers, please call me Martha Okay?" Martha pleads.
"Okay, Martha, it seems that Walter was very busy. He has created 7 different accounts. Using forensic analysis, we determined which account is yours. As my colleague has said, the initial deposit was 3.1 million. This account is now totaling 5.8 million. I am happy to say that you will receive the full amount. All you need to do is sign to take ownership of this account." The lawyer says. "Plus, I have the necessary documents here for you to sign to take control of this account immediately."
Martha flabbergasted quickly signs the documents.
"There we are done. I am so sorry it has taken the FBI so long to finally close this case." Will sincerely says.
"Well, thank you for all your assistance. I will say good day to you both." Martha says as she exits.
Xx
Martha flush with this windfall has to rush home to tell the family of her good fortune. Everyone is happy over the news.
"So Martha is this means we will be seeing less of you?" Kate asks.
"Well, I am sure your growing family will need the space soon. However, I'm not going too far away. I have my eye on a loft that just opened up on the 2nd Floor. It is not as big as this one, but for the price of under a million, it is a steal!" Martha says.
"Well, remember you need to get your tax guy on this so that you do not have to pay taxes on your purchase" Rick warns.
"Yes Richard, I already have a business with the Acting studio. So the business will be the buyer, not myself. I think you know about Irving? He is a dear friend. He is the one advising me. He is just a wonderful man. So we are leaving." Martha says as she hugs everyone, even Rick then she leaves in Irving's company.
After Martha leaves, Rick turns to Kate.
"Will you run him for me? I fear mother is at it again." Rick says.
"Yeah knowing her track record, it is better to be safe than sorry. I'll get LT on it immediately. You never know about people, do you?" Kate says to Caroline, who is in her arms.
"Such are the perks of being 1PP's favorite Captain." Rick says, walking over to kiss his wife.
"Mommy, let me down!" Caroline says.
Kate's and Rick's fears were unfounded. Irving was very clean and a great tax accountant too.
\\\\\
It is 5 years later. She has moved out of the loft without much fanfare. Irving has been a constant companion, though Martha wisely chose to live separately.
Martha's musing is broken by the shrill ring of her phone.
"Hello?" Martha asks.
"Martha, this is Kate…" Kate says.
"Katherine… It is good to hear your voice. How are my grandchildren?" Martha asks.
"Oh, Caroline is just having the greatest time, she is in kindergarten now. Rick is thrilled of not babysitting, though, I have news. Would you please come to dinner?" Kate asks, hoping Martha is free tonight.
"Well Katherine, I would be happy to come to tonight's dinner." Martha states.
"Good I will tell Rick to expect you around 6 then?" Kate asks.
"Six is fine. I might show up a bit early to surprise Richard and my granddaughter." Martha laughingly says.
"I'm sure he will be surprised. Oh, by the way, Alexis will be here too, along with my dad." Kate says.
"Oh, what a surprise that is. I just might go over there now." Martha gleefully says.
"That is great I will not spoil your surprise by alerting Rick. I will see you later after I get off work. Bye Martha, I need to take care of some police business." Kate states.
"Bye Katherine, thank you for this most welcomed dinner invitation." Martha says hanging up.
Martha rushes around to get ready, then takes the elevator to the 4th floor.
Xx
Arriving at their loft, she knocks on the door.
"Mother…! This is a surprise… Please come on in. Let me look at you. As pretty as ever…" Rick says placing a kiss to her cheek.
"Dad, you need to check on the... Grams!" Alexis says coming out of the kitchen.
"Gram is here where is she?" Caroline squeals.
Alexis is first to hug her Grams followed by Caroline, who only can hug her legs.
"Guys let mother at least sit down before you heathens attack her." Rick says with a smile then notices an odor.
"Dad, I was telling you the roast…" Alexis says.
"I've got it… Don't worry pumpkin…It will be just fine." Rick says dashing into the kitchen to salvage their main course.
Rick has rescued the meat just in time. He stands over inhaling the aroma.
Alexis being left as hostess offers a glass of red wine and two glasses of grape juice for Caroline and herself.
Rick grapples with the rest of the dinner when the other guests arrive. The Castle Clan is gathering. However, the main person has yet to appear. Finally, Kate appears, then joins Rick in the kitchen. They greet each other with a kiss as Rick hands her a glass of grape juice then winks at her.
Rick exits the kitchen, then sets the meal on the table. Everyone gathers at the table. The meal is a great success. After dinner, they all gather in the loft's living room.
"So Castle what is this big announcement?" Lanie asks as everyone voices the same question.
"Okay, okay we have kept this news to ourselves for too long, so Kate, do you wish to do the honors?" Rick asks with a twinkle in his eyes.
"Well, first we need to hear from the Doctor in the family… Alexis, will you give us this good news?" Kate asks.
"Well, as you all know that I have completed my Doctor's degree from Columbia. You all have been wondering what my specialty is going to be?" Alexis asks as the assembled nods their heads.
"Okay, enough suspense… with consultation with Lanie, I have decided to make forensic medicine my specialty that means I will be training with Lanie soon to take over her position as head of the city ME department." Alexis announces.
Everyone gets up and congratulates Alexis for her choice.
"Okay, that is one reason we all asked you here, there is another too." Rick says. "Kate, will you do the honors?"
"Everyone, the Castle clan is going to be expanding once again. I am pregnant." Kate says beaming.
"I knew something was up with you lately." Lanie says as everyone laughs then congratulate them.
Rick moves over to his Mother.
"So mother what do you think of this news?" Rick asks.
"Well, Richard it is marvelous news I am so happy." Martha says.
Martha is one of the last to leave. She enters her home, then places another glass of wine next to her chair. She sits down, then retrieves Rick's latest book. She salutes in the air, then sips the wine as she reads the next thrilling adventure.
She thinks to herself... "Yes, life is good."
-Fin-