Disclaimer: These characters are not mine, but they sure do keep me out of the bars. Santa belongs to Mrs. Claus.
A/N: This chapter is for all the kids that made the nice, not naughty list for Christmas 2012. Future chapters will be for the naughty ones.
Miracle at the 12th Precinct
Chapter 3 Here Comes Santa Claus
Both Castle and Beckett did a double-take upon seeing the man sound asleep in the hospital bed, for he was exactly as you'd picture Old Saint Nick to look, if you ever came across him lying in a hospital bed, without the suit, and hooked up to a bunch of tubes, that is. From the top of his head with its thick snow white mane to his matching full beard and cherubic red cheeks, all the way down to the ample pot-belly rising to and fro with every breath; Henry Jenkins was the perfect image of Santa Claus. They both took a moment to absorb what they were witnessing. Castle found his voice first.
"Oh my God Kate!" Cried Castle, with eyes as big as saucers. "Why would anyone want to kill Santa?" Rick looked very much like a lost little boy, as he turned to Kate for answers he knew she really couldn't give him. In a flash he was outraged and returned to watch over their bedridden witness, completely horrified at the injustice of the harsh, cold, cruel world in which they lived.
Beckett was momentarily at a loss for words over Rick's unexpected reaction, indicated by her gaping mouth. For while yes, even she had to agree Henry Jenkins did look the part, if this were a play, which it was not, she didn't believe in Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy, or most anything else not based in fact. Castle on the other hand, had his own belief system and was also sometimes known to be out of his mind. He had to be messing with her. Surely, at his age, he couldn't possibly still believe in Santa Claus. It was actually kind of sweet, Rick's willingness to believe, and for a moment she almost envied his ability to remain a kid at heart. She felt the beginnings of a smile which she nixed when she realized Jordan was once again watching her with interest. Jordan had most likely heard Castle address her as Kate instead of his usual Beckett. Now was probably not the time to be making puppy-dog eyes at her boyfriend.
"Knock it off, Castle." Kate replied, with no trace of a smile. She made sure to use his last name and rolled her eyes hoping to divert attention from Rick's faux pas. "There's no such thing as Santa Claus, and you're a grown man for heaven's sake." She said, shaking her head over his dramatics.
Just then an agent came in to the room and handed Jordan a file folder. Jordan thanked him and started to read through it while Kate and Castle continued their discussion.
"Really, Kate? Then what, pray tell, is that?" He said pointing to the red suit hanging on the outside of the closet door.
She moved to where it hung and studied the suit closely. This wasn't your average costume. It was detailed, authentic looking, and probably cost a fortune to have hand-made. The color was a darker red then most of the ones she'd ever seen and the trim was animal fur, not the cheap white cotton usually used. It had to be one of a kind. A pair of big black leather boots with silver buckles over thick laces sat on the floor next to the outfit and she took a moment to examine them as well. The boots also appeared to have been hand-made and neither the suit nor the boots bore any tags indicating where they were made. While the costume was indeed impressive, it didn't prove anything.
"It's a costume, Castle. Something wrong with your eyes?" she retorted.
"Well, look at it Kate!" he exclaimed. Both completely unaware of Jordan's bemusement hidden from behind her file. "That's no run of the mill Santa Suit!" He added.
If he didn't stop calling her by her first name in front of Jordan, Kate was surely going to strangle him. "That only proves that Santa here," she said with a dash of sarcasm, "has excellent taste in tailors, nothing more."
"Why thank you Katie." Said a raspy voice from the bed, followed by a moan. Their patient was conscious. "I'll be sure to give my wife your compliments; however, would you kids mind keeping it down a bit? I'm trying to catch a few winks." Jordan and the detectives came to attention and moved closer to his bedside. Kate hid her surprise at Jenkins calling her Katie, assuming he'd also heard Castle say her name aloud; still, it was a tad unsettling to hear someone other than her parents using her childhood nickname.
"Ah, I see you're awake again, Mr. Jenkins." Jordan said smiling while at the same time handing over the case file she'd been reading over to Kate. "We need to finish our discussion from earlier."
"Young lady," he said to Jordan, "you will please address me as Kris, Santa or any other colloquial version of such. Even Mr. Kringle would be permissible, if you must...you were always very formal, even as a child, but as I told you earlier, I have no idea who this Jenkins chap is. I've never heard of him, nor can I remember any of what you say happened today. I have no explanation as to why these old bones of mine hurt so much at the moment or how I came to be in this confounded medicinal facility. All that is clear to me is that if I'm late getting home for dinner tonight Mrs. Claus will likely have me sleeping out in the stable with my reindeer. So if you all don't mind, I'd like some privacy so that I may get dressed. I wish to leave these premises at once."
Rick beamed, for it seemed Santa, um, Henry Jenkins or whoever he was, would be just fine. The man had plenty of spirit left in him, and although it was immensely entertaining to rattle Beckett's chains, and Jordan was simply a bonus, he didn't really believe Henry Jenkins was Santa Claus. He could see how an argument might be made for it though. Rick couldn't deny there was something special about the man, but he wasn't quite sure what it was yet. He couldn't explain the immediate fondness he felt for someone he'd only just laid eyes on, nor the absolute horror that ran through him knowing someone was out to hurt the kindly old gentleman. He chalked his feelings up to the appalling thought of someone wanting to harm a universal symbol of hope and childhood innocence.
Jordan on the other hand, had heard enough. "Now listen to me...Santa...you're not going anywhere until you've been thoroughly checked out by the doctors and we get to the bottom of why you were found in the aftermath of an exploding apartment." Said Jordan, barely holding her patience at bay. "Someone tried to kill you today, four people are dead, and dozens of innocent bystanders were injured, so until I'm satisfied you're not in further harm, and get some answers to our questions, you will continue to remain under our protection."
Henry looked to his new visitors and shook his head. "You always were a bit bossy even as a child Jordie." He told her. Rick couldn't hide his smirk and Kate checked her watch. She wondered how long it would be before Special Agent Jordie Shaw suggested they lock the old guy up.
Jordan took a deep breath and was trying very hard to hold on to her composure. She'd quickly tired of Jenkins implying he knew what she was like as a child. So what if her mother always told her she was a little buttoned-up and somewhat bossy; lucky guess.
For Kris, the seriousness of the situation seemed to finally sink in. "Four people were really killed there tonight you say? That is terribly dreadful." He said quietly. "Of course, I'd be more than happy to help you in any way, but unfortunately, as I've explained, it seems this nasty bump to my head has left me somewhat fuzzy on the details of the day." He reiterated to Jordan as he gently rubbed the bruise atop his head.
As Jordan spoke to Henry, Castle followed their conversation intently while Kate stood by quietly perusing the file she'd been handed. It contained pictures of Carlos Mangosa, his brothers, and a few of Mangosa's known associates, along with photos of the victims and the destroyed apartment. She studied the photo of Timothy Jones curiously. At first glance, she'd thought the picture was that of a young boy, but notes stated Timothy... was a dwarf.
Jordan decided the time had come to bring in the new recruits; she was getting nowhere fast and why should she have all the fun? As far as their witness' name went, she'd play it his way; maybe it would help garner his cooperation. "Kris," she said making eye contact with him. "Forgive me. Where are my manners? This is Detective Kate Beckett of the NYPD, and her colleague Richard Castle. I've brought them in to help with our investigation."
Castle jumped to attention quickly, smiled and immediately offered his handshake. "Hello Kris, Rick Castle." Kate gave a simple nod in greeting and patiently awaited her turn. She gave it ten minutes before Castle asked the man for his autograph.
Henry shook Rick's hand, stared into his eyes a moment, and then let out an unexpected, hearty Ho, Ho, Ho before reaching over to retrieve the old-fashioned spectacles from the stand next to the bed. "Ricky Castle. Step closer son; let me get a good look at you." He said, putting them on. "Why yes, indeed you are, young man." Kris chuckled.
"You remember me?" Rick yelped, before sucking in a quick breath. Santa knew who he was!
"I most certainly do." Kris said. "You were quite the handful." Kris shook his head. "You know, I expected you'd grow up to become an author." He declared before turning to speak directly to Kate and Jordan. "Not a great surprise really...always with his head in a book and quite the imagination -very lengthy letters." He then returned his attention back to Castle. "I've read some of what you've written son, sadly, not all; I keep pretty busy. I'm sure you understand. Not exactly for the kiddies, eh Ricky?" He added laughing, his eyes twinkling.
Both Kate and Jordan rolled their eyes in unison. Castle was falling for the man's charm, but Kate concluded Jenkins simply recognized Rick from the photo on the jacket of his books. Rick could be so gullible and was buying the guy's act hook, line, and sinker. Kate played with the collar of her jacket as she continued to listen to them. Jenkins seemed like a nice old man and her instincts told her he was harmless - too bad he was also hiding something. Apparently, it would be left to her and Jordan to be the voices of reason.
Kate thought about what Jordan had told them in the hallway. Jordan wasn't kidding when she'd said this case was complicated. Santa Claus...their witness, thinks he's Santa Claus. Kate really hadn't seen that one coming. This wasn't her first case where the main witness or suspect had amnesia or was even delusional, for that matter, but she had to admit; it was her very first Santa. Trauma certainly did strange things to people. Eventually someone might recover part or all of their memory; however, it took time, and often slowed down the investigation. If this seemingly very nice old man with a secret didn't hurry up and start remembering something pertinent to her case soon, she'd be forced to use drastic measures to jog his memory. Kate noticed Jordan, who'd been standing quietly by with her hand on her hip appeared to be slightly agitated. The time had come to end Castle's fawning and interrupt the men's bonding session.
"Mr. Kringle, Kate Beckett." she said offering her hand for him to shake. "I'd like to ask you some questions now."
Taking her hand, he focused his attention on her and looked deep into her eyes. A slow smile graced his kind face, almost like he knew her; yet she was positive they'd never met before, and she couldn't explain the strange feeling that ran through her, it was just...odd. "Oh, yes," He said merrily, "Little Katie Beckett. You were one tough nut to crack." He looked over at Rick as if to commiserate and let out another hearty laugh. "But then again the ones you have to work for always are the most memorable, isn't that right Ricky."
Castle nodded his agreement and grinned at Kris. The man had the Santa laugh down perfectly in his opinion and Rick was having an excellent time. He chose to ignore the looks Kate and Jordan were shooting him. Maybe there was no Santa, but this sweet old man was delightfully entertaining and there wasn't anything in the world funnier than watching him push little Jordie and Katie's buttons.
Kate, determined to stay on track, used her not to be screwed with police officer's voice. "Mr. Kringle your landlord has confirmed you were renting an apartment from him on 34th street under the name Henry Jenkins. The very same apartment which was blown up earlier tonight. I'm sorry, but I need you to identify someone for us." She took out a picture from the file of Timothy Jones and showed it to him. "Do you recognize this man?"
He looked carefully at the photo, and a moment later the color drained from his face, the sparkle left his eyes, and his chin quivered. "Oh no... Timmy." He whispered, before squeezing his eyes shut tightly. The photo fell from his hand onto the bed; he grasped his head with both hands and began moaning in agony.
Jordan yelled she was running get a nurse and fled the room while Rick quickly poured him a glass of water. After a moment his pain seemed to subside and he was able to take the drink Castle offered. It seemed to help since the color slowly came back to his face and his hands had released his head. He told them the pain had lessened somewhat, then closed his eyes as though exhausted.
Jordan entered the room with a nurse, who then immediately checked Kris' vitals.
Satisfied with her brief exam that Kris would be alright, the nurse departed, but not before she instructed them that her patient needed his rest. They agreed to leave shortly, with plans to return in the morning, however they still had one or two questions that would not wait. They promised to make it brief.
"Are you okay now Mr. Kringle?" Kate asked.
"Yes, Katie I'll be fine. My head does still ache, but the sharp pain I experienced has since dissipated." He was distraught over the loss of his friend. "Who would do such a thing to Timmy, I ask you? He was a fine boy; one of my best; like a son to my wife and I. Why? Why?" he cried, before adding. "Oh my, and the others...they will be absolutely devastated. You must do something about this!"
"We're very sorry for your loss Mr. Kringle, and thank you for identifying him. I promise you we will find whoever's responsible for Timmy's death, that's why we're here, but we do need your help. What can you tell us about Timmy?" Kate asked, taking up the questioning.
"Timmy was a very good soul. He was living with us while we we're working here."
"And where are you employed?" Kate asked.
"Why Macy's dear." He told her, managing a tiny grin. "I am their Santa Claus, and Timmy..." he paused, grin gone, "Timmy was my apprentice; one of my finest elves. I try not to play favorites, but you know how it is...sometimes it simply can't be helped." Kris sensed her confusion and felt the need to explain. "During the off season a few of us take odd jobs. It can be quite expensive feeding all those mouths, and reindeer food does not come cheap you know."
At this point Castle interrupted. "Kris, you said us, living with us. Who else lived with you besides Timmy?" he asked.
Kris looked momentarily confused by what Castle had asked, and squeezed his eyes shut tightly. Confusion was quickly replaced by anger. He seemed to remember something. "Tommy..." He muttered under his breath. "Tommy also lived with us, and let me guess... that boy is nowhere to be found. He is a slippery one; some people are just not cut out for the workshop. This is all his doing, of that I am certain. He had promised me he was reformed and swore he had stopped all of his nonsense. And now, look what's come of it; poor Timmy, three others, and numerous citizens injured. I tried to tell my wife and that sister of hers he was a bad penny, but no, no, no, they wouldn't listen to me!" He then addressed Castle directly. "Are you married Ricky?"
"No. But I was once, twice." Rick stumbled, ignoring Kate's glare, which did not go unnoticed by Kris.
"Well then, I am sure you will understand... Tommy...is my wife's sister's boy." Kris said with disgust before rolling his eyes. "He had been causing all sorts of mischief back home and my wife and her sister insisted he leave town, accompany Timmy and myself on our travels in order to get his act together. Always more naughty than nice, that one," he said waving his pointer finger in the air. Kris was quickly becoming angry. "Apple doesn't fall far from the tree, I tell you, but those two insisted he needed a job. Both boys were entrusted in my care... good grief; I will never hear the end of this."
"Exactly what kind of trouble was Tommy in Mr. Kringle?" Kate asked calmly. So far, she wasn't buying most of his story, but with little else to go on she had no choice but to continue her line of questioning.
"Tommy was up to no good I tell you." Kris said. "He had gambled away all of his earnings and had taken to stealing from both Timmy and myself; being the kind of elf that gives all the rest of the elves a bad name. He was off gallivanting with some rather unruly boys, and I use the term lightly. Then there was the incident, last week..."
"What incident Mr. Kringle?" Jordan asked. The headache she'd started to get earlier had now become a reality.
"Tommy never showed up for work." Kris replied. "When Timmy and I returned back to the apartment we found he had been beaten and we patched him up. When we asked how such a thing could happen to him, he admitted his business associates had visited him in our absence, but he would not explain why they had harmed him in such a manner."
Nurse Ratched popped her head in the room and reminded them both of the time and their promise to keep things brief. Jordan nodded, ignored the nurse's scowl, and looked to both Kate and Rick who nodded back in silent agreement; their interview was over.
Jordan turned to Kris. "Well, Mr. Kringle, we're going to let you get some much needed rest now and then we'll be back in the morning. The nice gentlemen outside your door will be there all night. You let them know if you remember anything you think might possibly be important to the case."
"Bye Kris!" Castle said warmly, shaking his hand. "It was great to meet you. I'm glad you're going to be okay, and don't worry, we're going to find out who did this to Timmy." Castle turned to Kate, pointing with his head towards the door indicating he'd be in the hallway when she and Jordan were done.
"Thank you. Goodnight son." Kris replied.
"Goodnight Mr. Kringle." Kate echoed. "We'll see you in the morning." She said before turning away abruptly and wrinkling her brow. She'd had the weirdest urge to give him a hug, but thank god was able to stop herself.
"Goodnight Katie." Kris said fondly.
Jordan tilted her head to the side having noticed Kate's reaction, but Kate merely shrugged it off and followed Castle out the room.
"Mr. Kringle, you get some rest. Tomorrow is going to be a very busy day. In addition to our questions, some very nice doctors are going to be examining you tomorrow. Just to make sure you're alright."
"Goodnight Jordie. I do look forward to it." He replied smiling sincerely to her before she exited.
After they'd left Kris let out a Ho, Ho, Ho, for it wouldn't be the first time he's been subjected to a psychiatric exam. He shook his head in disbelief...have they not seen that old movie they play over and over again at this time every year? He could pass one of those silly examinations in his sleep. Considering all that had come to light, he felt remarkably hopeful knowing Jordie, Katie, and Ricky were on the job; after all they were such very good children.
A/N: And so ends Chapter 3. What did you think of Santa, um, I mean Henry Jenkins… or do I... (insert evil ho, ho, ho here);-) Want another chapter? Thanks for reading! Karen