Miracle at the 12th Precinct
Chapter 17
Title: It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas (song by Johnny Mathis)
Disclaimer: Marlowe and ABC own them, not me. I just live, eat and breathe them.
A/N: This chapter is dedicated to my dear friend, Joanie, who sadly is no longer with us on God's green earth, though I like to envision she's reading from up in heaven and chuckling over my little hobby. Skip chapter 4, Joan – therein lies smut - and you could never hide a blush. I've gotten you in enough trouble over the years. Just sayin'.
Castle pulled smoothly into the parking lot under his building and parked in his usual spot, his car immediately flanked on all sides by several federal agents, who, in their typical FBI disguises looked every bit like well, federal agents.
"So much for inconspicuous." He joked, to the straight-laced agent holding his car door open.
The agent lifted his dark shades, looked Castle up and down without saying a word.
Having followed the agent's line of vision, Castle glanced down at his own attire, having forgotten he was still dressed in a Santa suit.
He looked back up at the agent. "Point taken."
The agent readjusted his sunglasses.
Meanwhile, Kris was helped out from the backseat of the car by another agent who then assisted him in putting on a large overcoat to cover his Santa suit. Castle was given the same. Both did a fairly good job of hiding their costumes.
"No need in drawing further attention to ourselves, Sir." The agent explained politely, sensing Kris' confusion.
"Thank you, young man." Kris replied, with a smile, shaking his hand. The agent nodded back, handed Kris his cane and offered his arm for assistance due to the older man's obvious injury.
Castle carefully eyed the parking lot, noting there were no other people besides them in sight. "Excuse me, but is everything all set upstairs?" He asked the agent next to him as the group walked slowly towards the elevator.
The agent took Castle's penchant for details as nervousness. "The entire building's been secured, Mr. Castle, including all the exits. Each of the residents have been vetted. The occupants on your immediate floor were relocated for approximately the next twenty-four hours. We chose not to relocate the other floors as it was deemed unnecessary. We're currently working on acquiring a more suitable safe-house, but until such time, an agent has replaced the doorman normally posted in your front lobby. Before he left, he asked us to inform you that the preparations you'd requested had all been taken care of. He said you'd understand exactly what that meant."
Rick's smile practically lit up the dim parking lot. "Excellent!" He said, thanking him. He turned to Kris. "I can hardly wait for you to see the loft."
The agents commandeered the elevator and then escorted Kris and Castle inside. Two additional agents joined them while two others remained behind at their posts in the parking garage. The ride up was relatively quiet, however, quite cozy, what with all the suits, Santa or otherwise.
Kris glanced from agent to agent and turned to Castle. "My goodness, is all of this absolutely necessary?" He asked.
Castle could understand why Kris might be slightly unsettled by all the attention as he was feeling somewhat overwhelmed by it himself. "After your day, there's no harm in being cautious." He replied, keeping his tone casual and smiling at the older man hoping to put him at ease. But even as the words left his own lips, it was hard to ignore the trickle of alarm that ran down his spine. He was very glad he'd the forethought to send both his mother and Alexis out of town. Regardless, of his own fears, Kris nodded back, seeming to accept his answer at face value, although he did remain relatively quiet.
When they reached Castle's floor two of the agents they'd been riding with stepped off the elevator first to ensure the perimeter was safe before giving them the okay to exit. They were then greeted by two additional agents posted at the door to Rick's apartment.
"Don't be nervous, Kris." Castle said. "I know there is what seems an overabundance of guards here, but I'm sure Agent Shaw just wants to take every precaution." They stood in the corridor while an agent unlocked the door to the loft and two of the agents went inside to do a final security sweep of the apartment before letting them inside.
"Oh, I wasn't worried about myself, my boy." Kris explained. "Except for a bit of a headache coming on, I know I'll be fine. I was, however, thinking of Tommy. I know I said earlier he always finds his way home, but this time, well it's quite serious indeed, and as resourceful as that boy can be, he is out there all alone. I may have been remiss in judging his ability to take care of himself. I'm fearful some harm may befall him. After all, this is a rather large city - he is perhaps a bit out of his element. New York City is no North Pole, you know."
The agent who'd helped Kris from the car earlier obviously had been eavesdropping because he turned to stare at Kris upon hearing the words North Pole. Kris grinned up at him. "How are you, Benjamin?"
"Good, thank you, Sir." He replied automatically, before realizing he'd never revealed to the older man his first name.
"I'd say those toy guns you so often asked for each year certainly paid off, now didn't they?" Kris joked. Castle rocked on his heels, biting his lip to keep from laughing over the confusion clearly evident on the agent's face. Before Benjamin could reply, the door opened abruptly.
"All clear." Announced the agent inside, as he opened the door wider to let them enter. "Mr. Castle, I was asked to inform you, Detective Beckett will be joining you shortly. She and her team stayed back to assist with the arrests at the hospital." Castle thanked him and then the agents stepped outside, closing the door behind them, leaving Kris and Castle alone in the entrance way.
Castle helped Kris out of his coat, hung it up and then removed his own. They both stopped to take in the view.
The loft was decorated to the nines, and quite lovely. Christmas decorations were everywhere; both tasteful and beautiful. In the center of the living room loomed a striking, gorgeously adorned nine-foot spruce, nearly touching the ceiling, illuminating the entire loft in holiday cheer. The aroma of apples and cinnamon from lit candles wafted gently past their noses filling their senses, blending harmoniously with the smell of chocolate chip cookies baking in the oven. Holiday music played softly in the background and the lit fireplace cast a warm glow throughout the room.
"It's splendid, simply breathtaking!" Kris said, turning to Castle. "You've really outdone yourself this time, Ricky. Why, it's a winter wonderland." He smiled from ear to ear. "Feels like home."
Castle was so proud to see Kris pleased. "Good. Because that was exactly the look I was going for." He said, helping Kris over to the couch to get him settled.
"Well, then...bravo! Well done!" Kris replied, making himself comfortable.
Castle propped Kris' bad ankle up on a pillow upon the coffee table and then fluffed the pillows he'd put behind his back. "I took the liberty of purchasing an assortment of clothes for you to change into while you're staying here. They're right over there on the chair. I hope they're okay, although I'm guessing pretty much anything would beat the hospital gown you were subjected to wearing."
"Thank you, son." Kris replied. "That was very thoughtful of you. I'm sure whatever you've provided will be perfect."
"It's my pleasure, Kris." Castle said, beaming, relishing that Kris had called him son. "I'm just going to throw on some other clothes. I should only be a minute. Make yourself at home and when you're ready to change, the restroom's right down that corridor." He said, pointing towards the hallway.
"I think I'll wait a bit - feels good to be back in the old suit again." Kris said, with a pat to his belly. "And thank you again for having it tidied up. They did a remarkable job of cleaning it – nearly as good as new! However did you manage to find the time to have it mended? Oh, wait – let me guess...you have a guy for that as well." He chuckled.
"Well, yes, actually I do." Castle laughed.
"I thought as much." Kris said, nodding.
Castle thumbed towards his bedroom. "I'm just gonna go...you know, change."
"No problem. On your way, then." Kris said, shooing him off. "I'll be fine out here on my own. Besides, the cavalry is just outside. Not to worry." Castle nodded back and went into his bedroom while Kris sat back, relaxing on the couch surrounded by Christmas spirit. A few minutes later Rick returned, sans costume, now dressed in a comfortable pair of black sweat pants and soft grey v-neck tee shirt.
"Can I get you something to drink, Kris? Tea, coffee, a cold drink?" Rick asked.
"A spot of tea would be lovely, if it's not too much trouble that is.
"No trouble at all. It will only take a minute."
"Can I assist with anything?"
"Absolutely not. I've got it. You've had quite a day - your only job now is to sit there and relax. Oh, I almost forgot. Can I get you something for your headache?"
"Thank you, but that won't be necessary. The doctor gave me something for pain before we left the hospital. Some time must pass before it takes effect. But I believe I will take you up on the offer to rest awhile on this very comfortable sofa." Kris said.
"Are you hungry?" Castle asked, moving to the kitchen. "We're fully-stocked, so I can make you just about anything, or we can order something in if you prefer. The agents will be happy to bring us in whatever you'd like."
"I'm not particularly famished right now, so no, thank you." He replied, sniffing the air. "I do, however, have a most overwhelming craving for chocolate chip cookies."
"Say no more, I'm on it." Castle said, removing a tray of freshly baked cookies from the oven to cool.
Kris tilted his head. "On second thought, perhaps we should make that tea, milk instead, shall we? Goes much better with the cookies."
"Agreed." Rick smiled.
Not long after, Castle enjoyed freshly baked cookies and a tall, cold glass of milk with Santa Claus while they chatted amiably. Ryan is going to be so jealous. He kept their conversation light, although within he was chomping at the bit wanting to ask Kris all about his life.
Kris reached for another cookie, suddenly stopping midway. "Where are my manners?" He asked. "May I?"
"Of course." He replied. "Don't worry, Kris...Mother's staying with friends - they're all yours."
"I see we're still sticking with that, are we?"
"Let's."
"All right then."
Castle busied himself by staring at the tree and playing with the piping on the sofa cushion. He was dying to ask Kris, oh so many things, but was working up the nerve. He tried to convince himself they had some time to kill before Beckett returned, and it was probably best they discuss the more case-related matters until she could be present.
Kris studied him, silently bemused.
"So, young man. Out with it already. I imagine you have more than a few questions for me. Would I be correct?"
"Um, yes, actually."
"And I'm of the mind, they have absolutely nothing at all to do with the case."
"Right again." Castle replied. "I think we should wait for Detective Beckett for those, but I do have a few, shall we say, of a personal nature - starting with...just how adorable was a young Katie Beckett?"
"Quite." Kris replied. "Smart as a whip, very polite. Expressive, warm, hazel eyes, sweet demeanor, enchanting giggle, and long brown flowing curls. Next question."
Castle ripped from his pocket and unfolded what appeared to be a rather extensive list.
"Oh, my. Are you certain you really want to know? I mean, you have to admit it sort of takes the mystery out of it all, don't you think?"
"Kris, I'm a mystery writer. Solving the mystery is the best part."
"Is that so?" Kris laughed, raising his eyebrows. "Well, if you say so, but first, I have a pressing question of my own."
"I'm an open book. Ask me anything." Castle quipped, laying his list down on the coffee table and then taking a bite of cookie.
"Very well, but I wouldn't be so quick about it if I were you." Kris chuckled, skeptical. "I'll consider answering all of your questions if you tell me why on earth you haven't asked that lovely young woman to marry you already when it's so clear you're in love with her. You're not getting any younger, you know."
Castle choked on his cookie. "It's...complicated."
"Well...if you're going to play it that way..."
"No, no, I mean, if you want to know the truth, I plan to. Someday. I just haven't gotten up the nerve yet. That, and I'm not sure we're ready."
"Nonsense." Kris said. "No time like the present - asked the Mrs. to marry me the day we met. When you find the right one, you just know."
"The thing is, I do think she's the one for me. But we have some 'issues' to work through first."
"Then solve them. Working through problems is part of marriage, my boy. Why don't you tell me what they are? I'm an old married man. Possibly I can offer some advice."
"Well, to start with, we're very different."
"Makes the world go around, son. Surely you can do better than that. What have you got next?"
"It's just that Kate has a few residual issues stemming from her mother's death. Christmas became a really tough time for her after her mother was murdered."
"How dreadful." Kris replied, appalled.
"Yes. And I'm afraid since then, she's been unable to enjoy the magic of Christmas or magic of any kind, really. The memories are just too much for her to bear. It breaks my heart, Kris, and I'm not sure how to fix it. But I am working on it. It probably doesn't help that I'm somewhat of a Christmasaholic." That much was obvious, they both thought, gazing about the room, understatement noted.
"Oh my, this is a conundrum." Kris nodded, pointing a finger in the air... "Nevertheless, you should always remain true to yourself. The enthusiasm you have for Christmas is part of who you are. On some level, she must appreciate this about you. Hopefully, some of that enthusiasm will rub off on Katie, as well. Sadly, she will never completely get over the loss of her mother, but she can learn how to move on. You can help her with that - help her find the magic in her life again. My advice to you would be to talk it through, be honest, then hurry along and create many new and wonderful memories, together. The magic will come, mark my words. You must always be there for each other - your children will be most grateful."
Castle nodded. "You're right. I've come to basically the same conclusion...did you say children?"
"Did I?" Kris replied, massaging his long fluffy beard.
Castle eyed him suspiciously. "Anyway...we're planning to discuss this at length tonight as a matter of fact. The Christmas thing, not the marriage thing...or the children thing - first things, first."
"Brilliant. As good a place to start as any." Kris said, patting Castle's knee. "Now, I do believe you mentioned having a few questions for me. Goes against my code, you know - I don't generally do this sort of thing, but I must say I feel a kindred spirit with you Ricky, quite remarkable really, so I suppose I can make an exception - just this once."
Castle reached for his list. "Excellent!"
"However, I do have one concern..." Kris said, waving a finger, effectively halting him.
"What is it?"
"You must promise me never to..."
"I promise!" Castle yelled, cutting him off. "Scout's honor."
"You were never a scout."
"No, but I would have made a great one."
"Don't make me get out my list, young man."
"Sorry." Rick covered his heart with his right hand and raised his left. "So help me God, I'll never tell another living sole what you're about to tell me, not even Kate – um, mostly because she'd never believe me anyway."
Santa eyed him carefully. "Yes, well, that's very considerate of you, but that's not what I was going to say."
"Oh. My bad. What were you going to say?"
"I was going to say, that regardless of what you learn here tonight, and what you may choose to reveal to others, remember there will always be doubters among us – at the very forefront I'm afraid, may be your very own dear Katie. And this is perfectly acceptable. We're each entitled to our own beliefs. It's what makes us unique. But you, Ricky, you have been blessed with an extraordinary gift - the capacity to accept that which cannot readily be explained. Cherish this ability, for it's your child-like exuberance - no offense...,"
"None taken."
"...which will forever keep you young at heart. A word of caution, however...if you do choose to share, might I suggest a bit of discretion? You know, so they don't lock you up, toss away the key, make you take all of those dreadful tests over and over again; get's rather tiresome."
"Tone it down. Got it."
"Yes. Exactly!" Kris smiled. "I knew you'd understand. Now, if you're still sure you want to know, I'm ready. Go ahead, fire away..."
And did he ever...
A/N: Curious about what questions Rick Castle may have had for Santa? Send me your thoughts, if you're so inclined. I'll see if I can work them in. ;-)
Thanks for reading, Karen