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 16
Three Days Later
12th Precinct
Roy Montgomery's Office
6:00 AM
Roy was surprised when he heard the knock on his office door at this time of the morning, He didn't look up, just uttered, "Enter" and waited for the door to swing open. He wasn't surprised by the first person to step into the doorway, but the second person shocked him.
"Detective Beckett" he began, then stuttered, Royce? Mike Royce in the flesh? You look great buddy, retirement or something is keeping you young and in shape." He said, then he saw the look on Beckett's face.
"Yeah, about that Roy, Kate has something she wants to tell you, and well, she asked me to be with her, so, if you don't mind, I'm just here for her support." He said, then Roy noticed the gradual interlocking of their fingers, as he whispered, "You got this Kate," and shut up.
"Captain, here is a copy of my resignation, I've followed the regulation handbook, submitted my original to HR, and provided them with my forwarding address, so please accept this as my formal resignation to my CO, as required.
"My last day will be two weeks from tomorrow, again, meeting the minimum acceptable notice per regulations. Thank you for everything you have done for me and all the opportunities you have provided. I won't say it was fun EVERY day, but there were more good days than bad." She said as she stood before him.
Roy knew the relationship had taken a hit, but her resignation. God he never saw this coming, and Royce, where did he fit in? "Well, Detective, I have to say this is a surprise, I mean I thought we were working through the problems that caused your suspension. Is there anything I can say, anything I can do to change your mind?" Roy said, clearly shaken,
"No sir, I have already accepted another position, outside of NYPD. Thank you for asking sir." She replied, keeping it strictly between a CO and his direct report. The friendship they once shared had been shattered, beyond any hope of repair. She remained standing at attention, a far cry from the old days when he would hand her his flask as they shared the latest crisis. As the song said, those days are gone.
"Well, if I may ask, Mike, what role do you play in this career move?" Roy asked,
"Cap, you know, I'm just a retired TO, you know the one that got knocked down from Sargent by one of your disciplinary hearings, who do I know that could assist in this?" His tone was even, steady, and professional. It sent a message to Montgomery, about how Royce had felt during his investigation and hearing.
"Sir, what my future holds is honestly none of your concern, as of two weeks from tomorrow, I will just be some Detective that used to work for you. Now, I've delivered the letter, I'll be back, alone to inform Anne Hastings, and begin my shift at 0800 hours, until then, as I said, thank you for the opportunities." She said as they both made their way out of Roy's office, leaving the Captain in a state of wonder, what the hell was going on?"
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The Morgue
Immediately Following Montgomery Meeting
Mike asked, "Kate, I think this would be easier for you and Lanie if it were just the girls, don't you? I have some things to take care of, so I'll see you at home after work. If it gets too heavy, or they throw shit at you tell them to go screw themselves and come home. We can always adjust our calendar, and money isn't an issue, not since I invested, well Marie made me invest in tech stocks, including Apple early on." He smiled, not afraid to mention his deceased wife now,
"You're probably right, she's not going to be happy, but at least maybe we can work it out as friends. I would hate to leave her on bad terms, I mean"
"I know what you mean, and that's fine. I know when women need to talk all we men do is get in the way. Call me if you need me, or I'll see you at home tonight," he said, Kate slid into his arms kissed him, and whispered, "Thanks Mike, I love you, I've loved you for a long time and I can hardly believe this is coming true."
He kissed her back, as she took the elevator and he chose the stairs, "Kate, I love you too." Then he was gone.
She took a deep breath, and walked down the hall to see her friend dictating into a machine, her office door closed. She put a finger across her lips as the silent signal, then waved her in. Kate slipped quietly into the office and gently shut the door, then waited for her to complete her report.
"These findings will conclude the medical examination of Jane Doe, murder victim, deceased June 4th. These findings will be updated WHEN and IF we can identify the body. Electronically signed by Dr. Lannie E Parrish, MD, Medical Examiner, City of New York." She clicked off the recording device and turned to Kate.
"OK, spill, what's the bad news?" Lanie asked,
"How do you know It's bad news, Lanie, I mean I can visit my friend if I want, can't I?" She tried to play innocent.
"Kate, it's 6:23 AM, I'm not saying that you and Mike got up a full hour and a half early just to visit me, which means you came from the Captain's office, and you want to be sure to keep me informed this time. Remember, I did threaten to beat that skinny ass of yours if you didn't" She smiled, allowing Kate to relax just a bit.
Lost in the turmoil was the new Student Volunteer, Alexis Castle, who was doing her assigned chores near the supply room. Lanie had forgotten all about it, she would assign a task and Alexis would complete it without issue, if there was a question it was usually in the first hour or so, and mainly just seeking confirmation that she was doing something correctly.
"So, Kate, talk to me, start at the beginning, and don't leave anything out," Lanie said as she hopped on one of the exam tables, leaving the comfortable chair to her friend.
"Well, it all started with the case of Castle's books, which got me suspended. He must have a tight bond with the mayor, commissioner, and Roy, but I thought the punishment was twice as long as it should have been. Hell Javi was fired, he's now the Police Chief of some retirement town in Pinellas County Florida, so he made out all right, despite costing me a rank, a letter, and 60 unpaid days." She said,
"Kate, I worked that case, remember? What Rick did is nothing more or less than you have done, hold someone accountable. Javier fucked up; the sad part was as his supervisor you went along for the ride. I don't think you can blame this on Castle, Kate, come on be fair" she admonished,
"Yeah but he could have done more to lessen the punishment, come on Lanie" Then she heard a noise, Lanie and she both turned to look at a very pissed-off Alexis Castle. "Here are the files you wanted, Dr. Parrish" as she slammed them down on the table.
"Detective Beckett, my Dad told me of the punishment you received, and although you think it was harsh, did you know that he talked the commissioner down to two months from six? Did you know that he went to bat for you at all disciplinary hearings?
"Of course, you blame the debutant writer when it was police work that a grade school student could have, and would have done better than a detective being paid by our tax dollars. You were supposed to check the work, but you didn't but still blame my Dad.
"I don't believe you, as a kid even I know the first sign of immaturity is to blame others when you fail. I think my Dad has had his fill of Professional Law Enforcement officers such as yourself, if you're so damn good why do you need his help?
"His connection to Uncle Roy is probably why you still have your God Damn job, you should be grateful, and at least thank him, HAVE YOU DONE THAT? I would bet no; you were too upset that your ego got bruised. Now, if you don't mind Dr. Parrish, I'm leaving for the day, I share Dad's assessment of the PROFESSIONALS working here" she said, and turned took her lab coat off, and stormed out of the room.
Kate sat in silence, she had just had his ass handed to her by a 17-year-old girl, even worse, she was right in everything she said.
"She's not wrong Kate, and you know that. What were you going to tell me before you got your butt handed to you by Little Castle?" Lanie tried to pull her back from wherever her mind had taken her.
"Well, I'm quitting the force, NYPD, and taking a job as Department Head of Cold Case Files for the Georgia State Police. I start three weeks from Monday, but I'm leaving two weeks from tomorrow." She said as she waited for some type of emotion.
"That's great Kate, I take it since you said Georgia that the change in jobs wasn't the only thing that is changing" Lanie observed,
"Now that you mention it, it's not. Mike and I are moving in together, I'm keeping my apartment here in New York for at least a year, I just signed the lease, and I'm going to sublet it to my cousin." She said,
"Un Huh, you signed the lease. Kate you're never going to be able to commit with one foot out of the door, just tell Mike the truth, you have to be sure, so you're keeping your apartment until you are." Lanie said,
"What? Lanie, I wouldn't be quitting my job if I wasn't sure. I wouldn't be leaving my dad if I wasn't sure, so how can you say things like that?" she asked,
"Because I know you, the real you, the one that is afraid to put more than a few toes in the water at the same time. Girlfriend, this may be your last chance, what do you have to lose? Go for it, you love him, hell you have for years, and truth be told he always loved you as well.
"I guess you're right Lanie, it's just scary, I mean, I love him, as you said, it's that obvious I have for years, but now that it's time to pull the trigger, I don't know, maybe I'm having second thoughts," she said,
"WHY?" was all Lanie asked
"Why what Lanie?" Kate replied,
"Why do you keep feeding yourself that line of bullshit, unless you do like cleaning your apartment, organizing your video tapes, both by title and genre and mostly having no life at all, unless you count the pickups we score" Lanie let her have it honestly.
"Was I wrong about Castle Lanie, I mean his daughter just spoke to me like I was an ungrateful bitch, I mean"
"You are" was all that Lanie said,
"What? How can you say that Lanie, I mean I know you have history"
"Stop right there Beckett, you don't want to go there, you have NO idea of that part of my life, AND I'm not saying anything. Answer the question, have you once said Thank You to Castle for all of his help, now that you know that it was his voice that kept you off the suspension role for four more months?" She asked,
"Well, no, I mean, not yet" She answered weakly,
"Well, when do you think you are going to have time once you leave NYPD? You think I don't know about you and Mike, and your new job? Kate, you don't have to take out a billboard, but for God's sake I'm your friend, I shouldn't hear it from Royce." She said,
"Royce? What do you mean? Did Mike talk to you, Lanie?" Kate asked, her temper beginning to flare.
"Don't get your panties twisted into a knot? He came to me and wanted my opinion if you could be happy away from New York, the 12th, and your Mom's case. He wasn't going to drag you into his world if he wasn't completely sure you would be happy. Kate, that is putting you first, a TRUE sign of love.
"Well, what did you tell him," She asked calming down but still angry,
"What the hell do you think I told him; you're moving aren't you? I told him that some days I loved my best friend and then other days I couldn't stand the sight of her and her pompous attitude. Some days she was a cop from hell, but most days she was a sweet, kind individual who hid her insecurities behind a kick-ass front." She said as she turned away dabbing her eye.
Kate looked at her, ashamed of her attitude, she knew that Mike or Lanie would never do anything to hurt her, hell they were one of the few people who had always had her back. I'm sorry Lanie, I should have been more respectful, I guess I have a lot of bad habits that Mike is going to have to correct, but I know it will be worth it. Thanks for making this easy, I'll miss you, but you're always welcome to visit" she said,
"Thanks, Mike already invited me, but it's nice that you remembered your manners," she smiled, "Now, you should apologize to both Castles, big and little, to set the record straight. Now get out of here, I have work to do" she fussed, good-naturedly
"I'll call you to set up our Girls' night, see you later Lanie" and she was out through the two big white swinging doors, and up the steps to her desk.
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Beckett's Apartment
Later Same Evening
Kate hurried home, leaving work at 5:00 on the dot, someone else would be worrying about cases in a few weeks, so she started to pull away now. When she got home, Mike greeted her, and she noticed a bouquet on the table in a new vase.
"Mike, what are these for? They're lovely, but" She asked quietly
"Well, I knew once you talked to Lanie you would know I went to her for advice, and I wasn't so sure how you would take it. So, I didn't want to break any vases you might have here, they might be special, so I bought the flowers in the vase. I hope that was all right" he said, as he looked up at her and smiled,
"You know me better than anyone on this earth, I have to admit at first I was angry, well, I was pissed being honest. Then Lanie explained why you came, and she tore into me. I begin to see what other's see when I act in that manner." She said,
"Gee, there is hope for you yet" he laughed and dodged a dish towel that came flying towards his head, Kate laughing.
"She also told me what Castle did when I was complaining about him, I guess she forgot Alexis his daughter was working as an intern and heard every word I said. That girl is young, but believe me, you don't want to get her pissed off. She handed me my ass on a platter, everything she said was right, so I need to call and apologize to them both. I'm not sure if he will be back at the precinct before we leave." She explained
"Montgomery gave me his number, just in case, we wanted to talk to him, so, yeah, I think that would be a great idea. I think if you texted him, and asked when he and his daughter both would be available you would only have to apologize once." He said,
Two Hours Later
Rick's Loft
Rick and Alexis were in his office, with Laurie by his side. They were just waiting for the phone to ring on a Skype call, and then speak to Beckett for a few moments. Just as Laurie returned with a fresh cup of coffee for Rick, the phone rang, and she went to leave.
"Where are you going Laure, Dad and I want you to hear this, so please stay," Alexis said,
"You sure, I mean"
"We're sure," Rick said, as the large screen TV filled with the image of Detective Beckett and Mike Royce.
"Detective Beckett, can you hear us on this side, Alexis and Laurie are with me in my office. You wanted to talk so the floor is yours" Rick said in that neutral tone that made Beckett angry instantly. Mike rubbed her back gently, and she calmed down.
"Well, Alexis overheard a conversation I had with Lanie, and I wanted to apologize to her, and you, and also say thank you for the help you have provided on the cases. I don't know if you have heard but I gave notice and will be leaving New York in two weeks. I wanted to make sure that you knew I appreciated your help, and Alexis, I was wrong for complaining about your Dad, I apologize." She said,
"That's it?" Rick said,
"Yes, that was the reason for the call," Kate said, Rick nodded to Alexis.
"Well, Detective Beckett, I thank you for calling to apologize and for thanking those who did help you. As far as I'm concerned, apology accepted, and this matter is closed." She said,
"I have another meeting Detective so briefly, I accept your apology, and it's a good thing you are leaving the NYPD. I know of changes that are coming that would not have made you happy, so we wish you and Mike the best of luck, thanks for your call, and safe travels to your new home" Click the screen went black.
Just like that Detective Kate Beckett had chosen the next step of her life, and Richard Castle had chosen to shut the door on her access to his. It was a fitting end, at least she did learn to apologize, but he didn't envy Mike Royce. She was still going to be a work in progress for a long time.
The End
A/N: Part of the prompt was that Alexis chewed Beckett out for mistreating her Dad, we move to the next phase of their lives in the next sequel. The title Something Old, Something New, came from the original wedding lyrics, Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue, and a Six Pence for your shoe.
The old fit both couples, Kate, and Royce obviously, and Rick and Laurie reviving an old acquaintance. Something new was moving it forward in personal relationships for each couple. The next sequel, still untitled will be full of ANGST and should complete the trio of stories. Again, this WILL NOT be a Caskett ending. Thanks for reading, commenting, and reviewing, Until Next Time Tim
