Something Old, Something New

by Castlefan6

A/N: By Request, PRE-Series Hookup, SEQUEL to Diminished Recall. Picks up exactly where that ends. COMPLETELY AU except for the conversation that prompted this and the use of some character's names. For CeCe, Friend, and Co-Writer with Pen2Paper.

I don't own Castle; I use the characters for amusement purposes only

I hope it's close to what you wanted.

A/N: Laurie's occupation was a songwriter, she said she had been lucky a few times. For the sake of this fiction, please assume the songs written by Diane Warren were her work, under her pen name of DW. Thx

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Chapter 15

Two Days Later

12th Precinct

Roy Montgomery's Office

7:00 AM

Roy was waiting until a decent time of day to place a call, once again asking his friend for a favor, one that perhaps could turn the case or cases around. Beckett had surprised the hell out of him and picked up the one thread that tied all three murders together. She then went out of her proverbial box and purchased the video camera from the camera shop.

She asked the owner if he knew of anyone that was lurking around the purse shop, someone that looked out of place. He produced some photos from his security cameras of a mean-looking black man who asked him if he knew where Charles Oni was, the owner of the shop. When he told the man he had no idea, he was threatened, "If you know what's good for you, you better be telling me the truth."

The owner of the shop raised an AK-17 aimed at him and told him to get the fuck out of his shop and don't come back, he would shoot him on sight as a robber trying to rob him. The tapes had shown all three victims purchasing the exact same purse, and then shortly after they were found murdered, each of the purses was ripped to shreds and left on their bodies.

Kate had supplied most of the brain power on this, but they had to figure out what the symbol stood for, why it spooked Oni so bad he would close his shop up and not return, Roy was hoping Rick would be able to help.

He dialed his friend and hoped he wasn't waking him, or worse disturbing him and Laurie. The phone rang four times before Laurie answered it, "Richard Castle's phone please hold one moment, "Roy then heard her say to Rick, "Baby, your phone was ringing, take your headphones off please," and then he heard Rick.,

"This is Castle," he said then a muffled sound, "Sorry love, I love you too, then the kissing sound of two people"

"Rick, it's Roy, sorry to call so early and interrupt but I have another favor to ask," he said,

"Roy, what is it this time, I thought you would be back to full force with Beckett returning from suspension, why do you need me, rather what do you need from me" he rephrased his question.

"Well, Kate is back, and believe it or not, she's the one that found the missing link on three cases. Three women, all young, 20-30 years old, fashion-conscious, purchased a purse from one of the knockoff shops on Canal Street.

"Kate bought the video camera and tape that was recording the crowd, and we positively identified the three women as our victims. The weird part is that the knockoff purse had been shredded into pieces and left on top of their bodies when their bodies were found. No robbery, no sexual offense, just the torn purse they had just purchased." He said,

"That's it Roy? Sounds like you're leaving something out, I suppose that's the piece that you want my help on." Rick laughed

"You SOB, you always did know how to bust me, yes, there was a symbol of some sort painted on the floor of the purse shop, and when the owner saw it, he freaked out. Kevin got shots of the same purse our victims purchased, a whole box of them had been ripped almost like someone was looking for something hidden in them. He thinks you used the symbol in one of your books about Voodoo, so can I send you the pictures and see if you can help?" Roy pleaded.

"Send them to my private email, Roy, I can spare a little time, but I'm not getting sucked into the entire case, I might as well tell you, Laurie and I are engaged, as of two days ago. We're trying to plan our wedding and life, so I'll help when I can." He said,

"Congratulations Rick and your secret is safe with me until you are set to announce it. I appreciate your help, tell Laurie we look forward to her joining us all, she's a natural Rick." Roy said,

"Yes, yeah she is, like I said, we are talking about a lot of things, so I don't know what's going to happen in the future. Let's get this case closed, then maybe you will stop bugging me." He laughed,

"OK Smart Ass, they should be in your inbox, soon, Rick, I do appreciate you helping out," Roy said softly,

"Of course, Cap, talk to you soon," he hung up.

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Beckett's Apartment

Same Time Frame.

FLASHBACK TWO DAYS

Kate had survived her first day back, she felt pretty good about the work she had turned in today. She couldn't wait to get home, Mike had been as anxious as she was, he knew the first cases would be the deal-maker or breaker. He had warned Kate again this morning as he kissed her goodbye, with a cup of coffee in her hand, to trust no one, and remember to play it accordingly.

She had texted him a couple of times, and one of his replies asked, "WHAT did you eat?"

She sent some heart emojis and replied, "Kevin and I are stopping at Shapiro's for a corned beef sandwich, I can grab us one for tonight, and keep it in the fridge at the precinct if you want" she replied,

"Sounds delicious, but we have dinner reservations tonight, that is if you aren't embarrassed to be seen with this old man" he put on a smiley face after it, but Kate didn't want this to start this way.

She ducked into a phone booth, used her cellphone, and called him. "Kate is anything wrong?" he asked as soon as he answered."

"Yes Mike, there's something big wrong." She was pissed, he knew it, but had no idea why,

"Kate, why are you angry, is it something I did?" he asked,

"Of course, it's something you did, well something you said, Don't you ever ask me if I would be embarrassed to be with the old man again. Let's just nip this right now. Mike you joined the force when you were 21, fresh out of the Marines, you put 21 years in, that made you 42 years old when you retired, now you will be 46 next week, I'll turn 36 one month after you, 10 years age difference Mike, that doesn't make you an old man unless you consider me an old lady." She steamed,

"I'm sorry Kate, it's just that, well, I don't want people to look at you and think that poor young thing, is with that older guy." He said,

"Mike, get this through your head, I chased you until you finally caught me, and made me happy. We have a lot to work out, but AGE is not one of them, now say you're sorry." She used her little girl voice,

"God Kate don't use that voice, you know I could never say no to anything when you talked to me like that" he laughed, "I'm sorry, I am, and I won't say it again. I didn't realize it was only ten years, God you're still hot for an old lady" he laughed,

"OK, you're going to get it, no reverse that, you're not going to get it with comments like that" She was giggling like she always did when she was with him.

"I'll be good, Kate, be careful and hurry home, I miss you." He said, one of his rare admissions of affection,

"I will Mike, I miss you, and"

"I love you, Kate, I know I don't say it often, but it doesn't mean I don't. I love you so very much, now hurry home, I'll see you soon.

"OK, Mike, I love you too." She whispered in that tone that turned him on.

PRESENT TIME

The next two days were almost carbon copies, Mike, up early making her breakfast and coffee to go, with one big change. Kate had initiated sex with him, he had still been acting like a gentleman, but she told him, they were together, and it was natural to initiate sex with someone you love.

She asked if it had brought back memories of Marie through her tears, once she had given it more thought, his response was perfect. No words, just action and she had been close all of the times that she had dreamed of him with her in this state, He was a great lover, and for once, since her Mom had left them she was truly happy. She knew that no matter what, she didn't want to be away from this man, so some things needed to change. Tonight, they were going to discuss long-range plans, she just had to get through this day, and hopefully close this case(s).

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Rick and Laurie's Loft

Three hours After Roy's Call

Rick saw the symbol and knew immediately that it stood for someone who had been marked for death. He dug up his old research to double-check, but his first response was correct. Someone had sent Charles Oni a message, he was going to die. That motivated anyone to get out of town, so it wasn't surprising that he had closed his shop and hadn't been seen.

Something about the photos triggered Rick, he quickly dialed Roy and was glad when he picked up.

"You got something this quick Rick?" Roy asked,

"Yeah, I do, but Roy, you need to call TSA and put Charles Oni on the No Fly list, I would bet a million bucks he's trying to get back to his home country. Do that and call me back, please." He hung up,

Roy dialed back about ten minutes later, "Rick, he was in a line trying to board a plane to Nigeria, how the hell?"

"That's not important Roy, did you get anything on the picture that Beckett brought back of the guy who threatened the Camera Store owner?"

"We did Rick, the guy is a killer. His name is Muhkta Baylor, he's very bad, very dangerous. He started young as a former child soldier. They call him the Butcher of Benin. Now he traffics drugs, women, and whatever will make him money. He is at large, looking for our friend Charles Oni." Roy said,

"Well, remember where the witness, Jamal or whatever his name is I think you should stake out that building, if he can't get to Oni, he's going to take retribution out on the illegals in that building. Also, check to see if he has any living relatives if you will. The look of those purses, someone was searching for something, and what better way to smuggle something into the States than sewn in the lining of a designer purse?" Rick said,

"That makes sense Rick, you know we'll need someone with a security clearance to check on relatives of the Butcher, so"

"OK, give me thirty minutes, I'll call you back." He said,

Thirty minutes later Roy's phone rang, "Roy, Rick here. Look the butcher has a brother who is facing execution in Nigeria, seems he's following in big brother's steps. Charles Oni was supposed to have a forged passport for the older brother to supply to him so he could escape death. I would bet that someone sold the purse that had the passport in it, and the butcher is running out of time to save his brother, he's tracked down the three women who purchased that purse. Have they checked to see if anyone else purchased the same purse after your victims?

"I'll get the team on it and pull the women in along with the purses just in case," Roy said,

"Immigration is already on his tail, just tell your people to keep eyes on him, and don't engage unless they have to. The FBI has a tactical team minutes away. Tell them to observe, and DON'T engage unless they have to, this guy will stop at nothing now." Rick Said in a worried voice

"Got it, Rick, thanks," He said

"Roy, I'm coming down for a few minutes, as soon as I talk to Laurie, see you soon," he said, he turned and there was his fiancé in the doorway.

"Eh, I, something came up" He stammered

She crossed the room, "Rick, do what you need to do, just promise me you won't go near the crime scene when the guns are still going off, that's all I ask of you, please?" she said, tears in her eyes,

"Oh no baby, never. I'm just going to the precinct, Roy is getting hammered by the brass, and it won't be much longer until I won't be available to help him." He smiled,

"Really? Where are you going, sweetie?" She asked innocently,

"Well, wherever my wife wants to build our dream home, a fresh home for our fresh start" he smiled,

"Do you mean it, Rick? Anywhere?" she asked,

"Of course, it's time I let Alexis have her life, just as long as we're close enough to help IF we're needed, but not too close to her." He said,

"Let's talk about it tonight, you hurry back, and Rick, I love you," she kissed him, and he was finding it hard to leave. Hey, you better go so you can get back, OK?" she said as she kissed him once again,

I'll hurry love, I promise" he said, as he stole his last kiss.

When he arrived at the precinct, Roy was there to greet him at the elevator, "We got the son of a bitch Rick, he took the plea for the three murders to avoid the needle, of course, the DA spoke with the victim's families first and they reluctantly but finally agreed.

"Well, Roy, call Jordan Shaw, I think there are federal crimes he committed that she may want to weigh in on, so he may not be so happy when she's done with him, Rick smiled.

He congratulated Anne, who immediately gave praise to Kate for her lead, and Kevin remembered his book about Voodoo, so she said, it was a team effort.

"Congratulations Beckett, a hell of a catch tying them all together," Rick said, expecting some smug remark, but was surprised when he heard, "Well, I got lucky, so if it solved the three murders I'll take luck over skill every day." And walked away, she said something soft to Anne, then said,

"Goodnight all, see you in three days", and she was gone.

Rick didn't think anything about it, nor did he care. He now had to tell Roy that this was his last case. He and Laurie were moving upstate sometime soon. They were going to have to get along on their own, and with Beckett back, perhaps now that she was thinking like a cop, it wouldn't be such a hardship.

"Roy, when you wrap this up, just keep my name out of the reports I won't be available to help on any more cases. It's not fair to Laurie to have me playing cop, she met a writer, not a cop, so this is my last case. "he said gently,

"I had a feeling this was going to happen, I mean, Laurie has been terrific to not say anything, knowing your history with Lanie, so I wish you well. I know I've racked up debt to you, but"

"Captain, who's keeping score? Weldon or I wouldn't be here today if you hadn't been our CO, so no debt, just friends helping friends." He said,

"Thanks, Rick, are you going to invite, well, I mean"

"Roy, I've only been engaged for three days, let me talk to Laurie but I'm sure she's going to insist we invite the gang from here, even Lanie, she wants to be sure everyone knows this one is for keeps" he smiled,

"Understood, and you better high tail it home, your bride, well future bride is waiting for you" Roy smiled, and Rick shook his hand and

left.

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Beckett's Apartment

Same Time Frame

Kate was rushing home, she had the next two days off, and she knew Mike was planning on leaving next Friday. She didn't want to be without him, so they had some serious talking to do. She walked into the apartment, and he had dinner all on the table waiting for her. He looked up and smiled, she crossed the room and initiated the kiss, and he responded with one of his own. The passion between the two had certainly reached new levels over the last month.

She would not let him revert to calling her Kid, "Mike, I'm in love with you, I don't think calling me kid is going to move this relationship forward if that's what you want" she had said several weeks ago, and it was the last time she had heard his nickname for her.

"How was your day Kate? I see you're home on time. Are you still off for the next two days?" he asked with a longing look.

"You bet I am, Mike, there's something we need to talk about, I mean"

"Kate, you're not going to eat, and honestly neither am I until I know what's on your mind, did I screw up?" he asked,

"What? Oh no, nothing like that. It's just that I saw the calendar today and know I only have one week until you plan on going home, I don't want to be away from you Mike. I'm sorry but I thought this is what I wanted, what I had always wanted but not if it means I have to be away from you. I don't know what to do, I'm a cop, that's all I know." She said as tears rushed to her eyes, almost spilling out.

"Kate, forgive me, but I was hoping you would see what I saw. No job is worth hiding your heart, no matter why you got into it in the first place. That's why you have an interview with Colonel Tom Jensen of the Georgia State Police, he has an opening for a department head in the detective bureau, you see it's based out of Athens Georgia, about an hour's drive from home." He said as she opened her mouth in surprise,

"Kate, if I read it wrong, I'm sorry, I mean I can cancel the interview"

She didn't let him finish the sentence and it wasn't lost on her when he used the word home, as she kissed him with every ounce of passion she could find. "How Mike? How long did you know how I was feeling?

"The first time we made love, you asked me about Marie, and when you were convinced you weren't and aren't competing with a ghost, you opened up to me like never before. Sometimes you say things that I don't even know you are aware you are saying them. It's just so comfortable to sit and listen to you talk from your heart.

"I could tell you had lost your love for New York, or perhaps the changes at the NYPD made it feel like a job you didn't recognize anymore. I know it was like that for me, but I didn't say anything to you, I wanted you to make up your mind." He said as he held her,

"Mike, when do I interview?" She asked,

"Oh, that's the nice part, tomorrow via SKYPE, you'll know if you have the job by the end of the call." He said,

"OK, I'm getting vibes of my old TO sneaking back in, What's your connection with Colonel Jensen?" She asked,

"Oh, I guess I forgot to tell you, I was his TO when he came out of the academy, he was at the 54th until he had to move home to take care of his mother when his dad passed suddenly. I gave him the recommendation and he rose up the ranks like a rocket. We stayed in touch, and when he came over to fish after we talked, he told me if you wanted to make a change give him a call." He smiled,

"Mike, I love you, can you help me get ready, I mean, I"

"Kate, relax, the job is yours as long as you don't call him drunk, or insult his family. Once we get the firm offer then we'll work out what we're going to do to get you to your new home, I mean if that's what you want." He said,

His answer came as a yes, but no words were spoken. Mike had been right; the dinner was reheated twice before they managed to stay out of the bedroom.

TBC

A/N: I think I'm going to split the initial prompt into another sequel, a few more chapters and then I'll close this one. For now, everyone is happy, and we'll see how long it takes Kate to learn how to make GRITS,