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 14

Canal Street Shops

Ryan and Beckett Investigating.

Two Hours Later

Ryan and Beckett had mingled among the shoppers that were perusing the stores, trying to spot a product with a name label, that actually looked authentic. They were near the store that sold purses, Gucci, Vuitton, and other expensive brands. There was a lot of traffic from women, all fitting the three victims' descriptions, age, and social status. Could it be that simple, the owner of the purse shop had killed all three victims.

"What do you think Kate? I got to tell you, it's great to have you back working with us." Kevin said,

Kate thought about Mike's lecture, trust NO ONE, tell them the answers we rehearsed. "Well, it's good to be back Kev. I got a chance to do a lot of thinking, and I'm ready now." She said,

"Did you see that big guy behind the counter, he looks like he's seen a ghost" Kevin said,

Something is going on, but we don't have enough information to get a warrant, I guess we will watch for a bit. Kev, can you see if you can get close enough to get a shot of the booth and the purses without him spotting you? I'm going right over there," pointing to a camera shop set up directly across from the storefront.

Kevin worked his way close to the store, he could see the purses, and something marked on the floor in red paint, some type of symbol, whatever it meant it had rattled the owner of the store. He saw a young teenager and offered her twenty bucks to prank his girlfriend across the street, just taking some selfies.

Twenty bucks was a lot of money to the young lady, and hell it was a few pictures, so she quickly agreed. The first one was of them both, then he quickly adjusted the view to the floor and to a stack of Channel purses all ripped in the front, the lining showing clearly even from where he was standing.

Kate had a similar thought and purchased the video camera that had been recording customers coming and going to the shop for the last two weeks, she paid extra for the tapes the owner hadn't erased yet. She walked out of the store and saw Kevin talking with the young lady, and walked toward him.

"Here she comes, remember you asked for my autograph and thought I was one of your actors on your soap operas, that will get her, but act sincere," he said.

"Thanks so much, my friends aren't going to believe I met my idol from One Life to Live, and how nice you were, Thanks," she said as he slipped her the twenty bucks.

"Do I want to know what that was all about?" Kate asked,

"No, let's get back to the precinct, you have a ton of tapes, and I got some great shots that only cost me $20, Hell Javi would have cost me at least $50 if he was here" he laughed.

"About that Kev, have you heard from him?" She asked,

"You haven't spoken to Lanie since you have been back Kate?" he asked,

"Not yet, I was going to call her, but"

"You better make a trip to the morgue and see her, I'll cover for you once we get back," Kevin said.

"Thanks, Kevin, but I'll tell Anne I need to visit Lanie for a few minutes, I'm done lying, that's how we got into this mess, to begin with, but thanks for having my back." She said as they reached the cruiser and headed back to the precinct.

Kate spoke to Anne in private for a minute as Kevin prepared to start sifting through the evidence. He printed pictures of the symbols on the floor and the stack of purses that appeared to have been shredded by someone who worked at the store. He and Anne were standing by the murder board, and the stack of new ripped purses matched the ones each victim had when they were murdered. Anne asked the lab to blow the pics up to ensure the symbols and markings were the same,

"Good catch Kevin, and how did Kate get the video camera?" She asked,

"She bought it from the shop directly across the street, it had been recording all the guests for at least two weeks, that's the extra tapes she bought. We're hoping that we can catch our victims on tape buying the same Channel purse from the store," he said,

"Hey Kevin, what the hell is this?" Anne asked looking at the picture of the red ink symbol on the floor,

"I have no idea, but when the big guy in this picture saw it, he freaked out," Kevin replied,

"I'm going to ask Captain Montgomery if I can send this to Rick, if anyone knows what it means he will." She said,

"Come to think about it, he did write a book about Voodoo or something like that, good thought Anne." He said,

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City of New York Morgue,

Office of Dr. Lanie Parrish, ME

Kate made the trip down the stairs, not looking forward to the conversation she was about to have with her friend. She approached the office; Lanie's back was facing her as she talked on the phone. She gave her a few minutes and was surprised when she heard, "Kate Beckett, you have some explaining to do, get your ass in here NOW." Her tone wasn't as harsh as Kate was expecting,

She walked in and immediately was swallowed with a hug by her friend. "Look, I understand you needed space, I know how you work. Next time, just leave me a voice mail, tell me you're out for mental health, but you're OK, oh, thanks for writing that letter. You better be glad you did, or I would be beating the hell out of you for scaring me."

"Thanks, Lanie, I mean I didn't know where I was going, at least not at first, but it's a long story." She said,

"Kate, I saw Mike Royce, I know where you were at. When I stopped by Java Hut to pick up my tea, I heard him ordering your coffee three days ago. Come on, who drinks a Latte, double shot of sugar-free vanilla, and who has a voice like Royce." Lanie said,

"Lanie, please keep that between us, I mean, it's new, and we're just working on the beginning steps, I mean"

"I get it Kate, I won't push you, it's good to see your skinny ass back in New York, but we have to have at least one girls' night soon." She said,

"I know, Mike's only going to stay one, two weeks max then he's going home, so we'll play it by ear, OK?"

"Kate, where is home to Mike, and does home include you and him?"

"Not now Lanes, when the time is right I promise," she said, I got to get back, you know as well as I do, I might as well have a bullseye on my back, so I can't give them anything to hold against me. I'll call you soon, I promise" she said, she left with Lanie wondering, if was this a phase, or was it an old love finally getting the spark to possibly turn into a fire?

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Castles Loft

Two Days Later

Laurie had just stepped out of the shower, the third one, as Rick was finishing rinsing off after another beautiful start to the day. They had gotten home from the Hamptons late last night and slept in today before Alexis returned tomorrow. The time at the Hamptons was wonderful, he was so patient, so gentle, and God did he know her body. It was almost like God gave him a blueprint of every spot to send her over the moon.

She wrote music as he was in his office typing away, it seemed like he had regained his passion for writing once again. The new book was based on a NYPD Detective, at first he had written the lead as a male.

Laurie asked him, what did he think about changing the lead to a female, it would hit his demographic target audience much more than leaving it as one of the good old boys, or as she had phrased, "one of Patterson's suits of the week" meaning it was a cookie cutter roll out of his many books that seemed to be released one each week.

"That's a great idea, Laurie, I mean, you're right, Gina keeps pushing me to attract the female 18-54 demographic, and this would target that specific audience." He replied,

"Maybe you could talk to Roy, or Bob, focus on Roz or Anne, and tie in some goodwill and publicity for the NYPD, it couldn't hurt sales." She said, as he sat down on the piano bench next to her, and kissed her so passionately her toes curled. "You're a genius, and beautiful," he kissed her again.

"Well, I don't know about that, but I do know my boyfriend is, and don't tell him, he's hot as hell too." She blushed and giggled.

"You think so Laurie," Rick said, sounding almost like Alexis did.

"Yeah, I do, you sound like Alexis when I told her you were the campus hottie, and many girls had the hots for you, she said "Oooh, to me he's just Daddy" she laughed,

"What are you working on, Laurie, I love the melody?" Rick asked,

"Well, you know that scene when Derrick has to leave his girlfriend, to accept another assignment, and he can't tell her everything, well, the script was beautifully written, thanks to you, so I wanted the music to match the acting. This is what I have so far, it's titled, "Queen of My Heart" and plays softly as they act out his goodbye on the last night they are together.

Lyrics

So here we stand

In our secret place

With the sound of the crowd

So far away

And you take my hand

And it feels like home

We both understand

It's where we belong

So how do I say?

Do I say goodbye?

We both have our dreams

We both wanna fly

So, let's take tonight

To carry us through

The lonely times

I'll always look back

As I walk away

This memory

Will last for eternity

And all of our tears

Will be lost in the rain

When I've found my way back

To your arms again

But until that day

You know you are

The queen of my heart

The queen of my heart

So, let's take tonight

And never let go

While dancing we'll kiss

Like there's no tomorrow

As the stars sparkle down

Like a diamond ring

I'll treasure this moment

'Til we meet again

But no matter how far

(Matter how far)

Or where you may be

(Where you may be)

I just close my eyes

(I just close my eyes)

And you're in my dreams

And there you will be

Until we meet

I'll always look back

As I walk away

This memory

Will last for eternity

And all of our tears

Will be lost in the rain

When I've found my way back

To your arms again

But until that day

You know you are

[Bryan:]

The queen of my heart

I'll always look back

As I walk away

This memory

Will last for eternity

And all of our tears

Will be lost in the rain

When I've found my way back

To your arms again

But until that day

You know you are

The queen of my heart

Oh yeah

You're the

Queen of my heart

(Queen of my heart)

No matter

How many years it takes

(Queen of my heart)

I'll give it all to you

Oh yeah

(Queen of my heart)

Oh yes you are

The queen of my heart

Rick listened and fought back tears. He knew the exact scene she had mentioned, and this song in the background would make it one of the most romantic of the movie. Hard to do when Derrick was known to bust heads and not worry about feelings.

Laurie looked into his eyes, Baby, it's for the movie, not us. I'm not going anywhere, and I sure as hell hope you aren't either." She said before he captured her in a romantic kiss. "I don't know who hurt you, or if it was all from me, but Laure, I promise you I'll never hurt you again. I'm so sorry you went through what you did." He whispered,

"Hey, it wasn't your fault, and Rick, you didn't hurt me, someone else did. The only hurt associated with you was the longing to be with you, and knowing I couldn't, not without hurting my best friend. Baby, that's not on you, but thank you for your pledge.

"I will never hurt you either, I saw what that almost did to you, and I'm so thankful for another chance. I'm not letting anything, or anyone come between us, not unless you want someone else, until then, I'm yours and you are mine" she said, just as her tears started to fall,

They didn't hear the door open as Alexis walked in, and stood watching them sitting side by side on the piano stool, heads pressed against each other, eyes closed, and a small tape player playing a beautiful song. The words were so heartbreaking that she first worried that they were breaking up, until she saw Laurie, gently kiss him, then wrap her arms around him.

She made a noise with her back to them setting her bags down, she didn't see them jump apart, but heard, "Lexi, you're home, did everything go OK?" Laurie asked as she rushed to her,

She smiled, "Yes, it worked out great, we got more done than we thought, so we get the weekend off, then we have to find an internship for six weeks, something to do with public service." She said,

"Wow, they are pushing you pretty hard, pump, eh Alexis, is this worth it?" Rick asked,

She smiled, "Dad, with the internship and this last study group, I can graduate from school in January, rather than June, so yes, it's worth it. I'm glad you're together, that's a beautiful song by the way Laurie, but I have to ask you both something.

"PLEASE be honest, and I can make other arrangements if this bothers either of you." She said, her nose scrunched like it always did when she was afraid to ask something.

"What is it, baby?" Rick asked, still holding Laurie's hand.

"Well, I know Laurie knows you and Lanie had a history, but I have a chance for a six-week internship with Dr. Parrish, I mean, if you don't want me to, I" she was interrupted by Laurie.

"Alexis, I love you, your consideration for me is so sweet. Honey, I know it's me you're worried about, and how I would feel, but your Dad and I are secure. We know both of us have had pasts, hell I lived most of his beginning as a very interested observer," she laughed.

"If this is what you want to do Alexis, all I ask is that you don't over-extend yourself, I know how you delve into your projects, promise me that please," Rick said,

Alexis's eyes shifted from the floor to first Laure, then her Dad. "You two, I don't want to tell you how to live your lives, but seriously, what the hell are you waiting for Dad? I know we won't ever find another woman who loves us, all of us like Laurie." She said as tears fell from Laurie's eyes, as she hugged Alexis, which soon turned into a group hug.

"You're absolutely right, Alexis. I was going to talk to you, but I don't have to now." He dropped to one knee, pulled out a beautiful ring, and took Laurie's hand. "Laurie, as a writer you would think I would have something remarkable to say, but all I can think of now, is Laurie Hill, would you make me the happiest man in the world and marry me? I know we agreed"

"Shut up Rick, kiss me and give me my ring, OF COURSE, I'll marry you. Alexis would you be my maid of honor?" she asked, and another hug with tears being shed by the women, a few from Rick who tried to hide them, it was the moment she had dreamed of since she first saw him on campus.

Alexis dabbed the tears from Laurie's eyes, as she whispered, I'm sorry if I pushed, but I've never seen Daddy happier, ever." Laurie hugged her tightly, "Thank you, I didn't want to push, but I've been waiting for him for most of my life, I would wait forever if it took that long," she said,

"I'm going to Paige's to catch up with what's going on if that's OK, I already ate, so I'm good. You two have a lot to discuss, and well, celebrate. I'm happy, for you Daddy, and for you as well Laurie. Thank you for loving him more than anyone in the world ever could. I'll see you late tonight, and Gram's tour is extended for a week, so enjoy the time alone." She laughed, as she was out the door.

Laurie held Rick, and cried softly, "Rick, do you mean this, tell me I'm not dreaming. This ring Rick, it's huge and beautiful, when, how, I mean"

"The answer to the first question is I meant it, and I've only been waiting until I spoke to Alexis before I asked you. I asked your father for his permission before we left Los Angeles, and he told me just never to hurt you, or he would kill me. I believe him, he loves his little girl."

"You asked my father for my hand Rick? That's so, so romantic. I mean while we were in LA, God, how about the ring, when did you have time to shop for it, I love it." She said,

"Well, remember we were walking down Rodeo Blvd and we ducked into that jewelry store to get out of that brief shower, do you remember what you told me?" he asked

"I just said that I loved that ring, and I pointed to one in the case, I don't think we were in the store more than ten minutes. How did,"

"I took a picture of it, and I remembered the friendship ring you wore in college, you wore it on your right-hand ring finger, so I thought it had to mean something important to you, so I asked the jeweler to customize it to that style. I had it delivered the day before we left Los Angeles, waiting for the right time, well until I had the courage, I was so afraid you were going to say no," he said, as he took her in his arms,

"Why would I ever say no Rick? You know I've loved you forever, what could you have done to make me say no? You remembered my ring from college and even the finger and hand I wore it on? It was from a boy in 11th grade, I thought I would never get over him until I saw you." she asked as she cry talked into his shoulder as he rubbed her back,

"Well, I haven't such a good record with relationships, I mean, Kyra, Lanie, then Meredith, and Gina,"

She pulled back from him, "Don't ever let me hear those words again, every one of those relationships ended because they didn't love you as much as you loved them. They didn't make me afraid, they made me determined to take away your hurt, and try to get you to fall in love with me."

He smiled, "Mission Successful" as she led him to their room, they had some celebrating to do, oh, and some talking as well."

TBC

A/N: I received several notes asking me not to break up Laurie and Rick, so it's now official, they will be the next Castle Couple. Kate is working on her love interest, so please be kind with the spears, (CHARLIE.) LOL