The car swerved wildly on the slippery road, and Beckett was silently angry with herself as she struggled to hold the wheel. No one could have imagined that in some drive-through cafe, far from the center and the precinct, she would suddenly run into the man whose face was forever imprinted in her memory. A defendant in her long-standing unsolved case, a murderer, a pervert and a blackmailer, he seemed to mock her as he sipped his cocktail carelessly at the counter. She came in just for coffee and, at the sight of her old "client", fell into a natural stupor, not daring to draw her gun and yell at the top of her voice - it was so crowded. Because she had no right to shoot, but no one forbade to look, and her object, with the back of her head and lower back, caught that intense, tense, hateful look. And he turned around, and smiled snidely and haughtily, and kept sipping and sipping his drink carelessly, watching her approaching, confidently pushing the homogonizing crowd apart with his shoulders.
And then it was all spinning and racing: his strong, trained body, knocking the bartender to the ground, swung over the bar with a powerful jerk, and a heavy bottle flew at Beckett. Kate tried to dodge, but the partygoers were in the way, and her quickness wasn't enough - her shoulder felt a powerful blow, and her arm went numb, hanging limply. Unable to snatch the gun and writhing in pain, Beckett screwed and screwed into the crowd, trying not to lose sight of the insolent man, and prayed, prayed to God for only one thing. And then - a small shootout at the "back" entrance and a chase on the wet, deserted highway. Virtually single-handed, Beckett regretted only her inability to fire, but she kept pushing and pushing like a madwoman until at some corner her mad race nearly ended fatally. And as the mangled car stalled, a slightly battered cell phone came into view. Somewhere in the damp haze the fugitive's dimensions disappeared, the leaking antifreeze gurgled under the hood, the triggered airbag bubbled under her nose, and she, boiling inwardly but unperturbed outwardly, was already dictating her thoughts into the microphone. And when Espo, who had jumped up to help, drummed and knocked anxiously on the mud-spattered window, she allowed herself to exhale cautiously and slowly - only now the feeling of fiasco came over her; both in general and specifically with her...
- ...You're a restless one,- Laney grumbled, inspecting the bruise on her right forearm. - Did you bruise her rib cage?
- A little.
- Well, you couldn't have been more careful with yourself, could you? You're not alone, and no job in the world is worth a drop of tears from your loved ones.
- I agree in some ways, Lainy, but this is my life, not someone else's rattle; you should know that,- Kate tried not to wrinkle her nose, but the perceptive and all-seeing Parish had already injected her with painkillers. - And even if I've had a breakdown, that's no reason to kick me to the curb...
- No one's going to kick you to the curb,- Lainy carefully placed a band-aid over the deep abrasion on her wrist, - yes, it's your life, but there's no reason to throw it away so carelessly. Because she is now of the greatest value to both of you, long-suffering and long-awaited...
...he met her on the doorstep, so warm and homely, loving and irresistible, and enclosed her in his arms, finding her lips instantly. The touch was hot, with a quivering, teasing challenge, and Kate went to meet it, relaxing, but, with a growing heartbeat, "woke up" and a dull pain in his chest, and to the nervous, painful reaction of his beloved Castle reacted accordingly, instantly perceiving her suffering as his own.
- What?! Are you hurt?! - He pulled away slightly, glancing glumly at the torn right sleeve, and gently groped, from head to waist. - Where, tell me where? Is it dangerous?
- No, Castle, it's just a bruise. And it's the rain. That's why I couldn't control the car.
Castle took a sharp, deep breath, and a shadow fell across his face.
- After the rain- roads are slippery, visibility's bad- Anything could have happened. It's not what I think, is it?
- What did you think?
- That it's actually a little worse than you and I are trying to imagine. It's comforting to think there's no bandages, but I can still see them no matter how you hide them.
- There are no bandages, Castle. I'm just tired, - Kate carelessly flashed the bandage and, gently dismissing his favorite, headed into the depths of the loft. - And you find some magical remedy in this house, that will come to a girl's liking ...
- I know you're strong and used to being independent,- Rick shut the door carefully, his mind frantically analyzing what was happening, - but let me help you.
Unrivaled authorial flair and years of experience with Beckett suggested to Castle that Kate had been in some kind of teeth-grinding mess again, but she wasn't ready to talk about it. So he caught up with her after a few steps, gently but insistently taking her hand.
- What, Castle? - she turned to him, hardening her face, and Castle swallowed exhaustedly.
- If you promise not to faint or run off without me, I swear I'll find a way out of it.
He said it at random, and, covering his hand with her own, Kate's eyes rolled expectantly.
- I'm a grown girl, Castle, and bruises have never scared me. Because it's a habit of pain that's involuntarily become a part of me, and when I overcome my suffering, I overcome myself at the same time. Every time I feel bad or have a hard time, Castle, I cover my eyes and take a deep breath, just imagining that somewhere and someone else could be worse off than me. That that person might not have someone close to them, someone like you and Lainey and you guys, and that means that pain and suffering can distort the mind, creating a false sense of infallibility and exclusivity, and it just takes time to figure things out. To do that, you have to look at the situation from the outside, despite the contradictions that tear you apart, and learn to stay on your own path. Yes, I've been through a lot, Castle, before you and with you, but long and tedious conversations are not what I need right now.
- All right, - he agreed, despite a persistent inner protest: the hard, uncompromising gleam in Kate's eyes and slightly askew posture could only suggest the extent of her suffering, but the "restoration" of Detective Beckett's personality had to begin with the soul. And with a firm, confident step, but with anxiety in his heart, Castle went to the kitchen ...and there it was, the cup that brought only temporary relief. And occasionally, with a discreet cough, Kate avoided looking at Castle, who was seated across from her, leaning against the table top. Sipping her coffee sip by sip, she was afraid to see the worry and concern in his gaze, though Castle wouldn't have it any other way. And as much as she was no stranger to outside compassion, revelations with Castle would definitely make her feel better, but the trouble was, Rick hadn't touched this dangerous case in any way before. Just physically could not, and Kate knew her escaped defendant too well to sign Castle as an assistant. And there was no doubt that the case would be reopened: the boys had been encouraging about the leads, and Gates was fine with it, and the only obstacle now was her, Kate's, poor health. However, she, Beckett, knows herself very well and she's not going to lie around, so a temporary ailment is no problem. Now, after a cup of coffee, sleep is next, and tomorrow is another hard day at work. Where no one will dare say anything against... And, ignoring such an appetizing-looking bacon, Beckett put the cup with flakes of foam at the bottom, with difficulty straightened up and, holding her right arm at her chest, waddled to the bedroom ...
...Castle followed her like a shadow to the bed: she in front, and he - a little behind. And all this, to the slightest object familiar interior met Beckett indescribable coziness and comfort that beckoned to her, and, clenching her teeth tightly, Kate tried to undress without assistance. But realizing that she couldn't even do that simple process, she turned her back to Castle. Of course, she shouldn't have been so categorical when talking to him, because the writer's kindness and unselfishness had already become worthy of legends, and Castle's empathy for her was also dictated by understandable reasons. And now that they're together, one part of her already actually perceives what's important to her heart and soul, while the other half of her is constantly arguing with the first and being insolent. And this double-mindedness, of course, disturbs both them and her, but everything should be fine someday. After all, she was once Castle more than unpleasant, more than once strongly rejected and ignored ...
Castle helped Beckett to undress to underwear and laid carefully on his healthy shoulder, carefully covered with a blanket. And when Kate, exhausted by adversity, with pleasure closed her eyelashes, nervously ran his palms over his face: so it was restless and heavy on the soul. Even a couple minutes of undressing was enough time for Rick to look at the sore, and it was horrible. The crimson and purple skin in places, the extensive, lumpy swelling at the site of the bruise, and the stiff limb were even more disturbing than they had been at the entrance. There were a lot of uncomfortable, tricky questions, but Rick knew he wouldn't ask Kate anything until she told him herself. Because their fragile relationship was still in its infancy, and frankness and trust were still in their infancy, and it was preferable not to spook or spoil this new phase of mutual compromise, but that didn't mean he'd sit still by her bedside while she sighed and gritted her teeth in pain. He'd get advice from Lainey now, and then he'd do what he was accustomed to doing, in the right and efficient way.
- What is this, breakfast in bed? - Beckett smiled wryly, her whole body aching. - Why didn't I hear the alarm clock?
Castle stood at her headboard like a faithful guardian with an army uniform, holding a tray on which were compactly arranged a glass of water with a medicine tube, a coffee pot with a cup, and a plate of sandwiches. And smiled broadly but enigmatically in return.
- And because I took the liberty of coordinating your day off. The guys are dying to work for you, and Gates is in a hell of a good mood.
- What the hell did you do to her? - With a stony, impenetrable face, Kate slowly lay back on the cushion attached to the backrest and pulled her knees up to her chest, but quickly realized that she wouldn't be in that position for long. - Used heavy artillery in the form of the mayor or...
- Yeah, I made her an offer she couldn't refuse. And mind you, she made the deal herself. All I had to do was give her a little push...
- Yeah, classic interaction,- Kate said melancholically, taking the tray from Castle's hands and setting it on her lap. - Who else have you interacted with behind my back and for how long?
Rick lowered his gaze meekly.
- Castle?! Am I allowed to worry yet?
- Just a little bit... Because Lainey gave some friendly advice on how to get you back on your feet faster.
Her sandwich hand is still halfway to her mouth.
- I get it, Castle, - Beckett began grudgingly, - but I don't like what you're saying right now. It's a start, and it's enough to make you doubt us. But that's not my style, Castle, and certainly not yours.
- Stop! - and Rick waved his finger in front of her nose. - No one's going to take away your enjoyment of the job, and certainly no one's going to force you here. All I'm offering you, Kate, is my company. The company of a caring friend, a skillful lover and an equally consummate cook. And I swear that's not all I can do,- Castle was determined and optimistic, and Kate regretted it. - ... so drink your coffee, and then we'll find something else to do.
Her lips twitched relaxedly, denoting a smile, her healthy hand with the cup dropping to the tray.
- Okay, Castle... You said it yourself - Kate paused, her nose back into the unfinished coffee, and Castle turned and with a "Be right there!" - and walked out.
...returned just ten minutes later, and in his hand, by the twisted garters carried some paper bag with colorful hieroglyphics on the label. He set the bag on the blanket next to Beckett, and gestured for her to take a pill-Kate obeyed silently. She let him take the tray without a word, and she examined the bag, which had not a word of English on it.
- Weighty,- Beckett weighed the gift in her palm, glancing at Castle, who grinned inimitably, clearly proud of himself. - What is it?
- Open it, - and Rick held up his hands.
- Okay, - Kate ripped open the bag along the marking line, and a ceramic jar rolled out onto the bed in front of her. Embellished with gilded labels and medals and labeled with an Oriental-style label of snakes, dragons, and bamboo stalks, the jar looked like an Oriental Christmas toy, but the contents were impossible to guess. Clearly it was Castle's idea, and with a friendly shake of her head, Kate carefully unscrewed the lid. Inside was a black, viscous mass that smelled strongly and unpleasantly of menthol, musk, and something else disgustingly vague.
- Ew, what the hell did you bring? - Kate frowned and put the gift aside, but Rick was already rubbing his hands together.
- A miracle of Chinese medicine: for bruises, sprains and back pain. The ingredients are claimed to be exceptional. It's a one-stop healer.- I don't believe in miracles,- and Kate grinned contemptuously. - I don't believe in them.
- I'm not going to dissuade you or persuade you, but you either trust me or you don't. Either way, my worries aren't going anywhere.
- I'll be fine, Castle, but for your sake, I'm gonna take a risk...
- First you must undress completely, honored patient, - and Castle pulled his shirt off over his head. - And the unrivaled sir healer (in my person) uses all his power and knowledge, all the power of the potions of the East to return the body and soul of Detective Beckett her usual working condition. Hand me that jar.
An indescribable tenderness filled her whole being as Castle, who was nestled behind her, moved so carefully, so gently inside, avoiding sharp, powerful thrusts, but only smoothly in and out. And she breathed in time with him, clinging with her fingers to the folds of the sheet, and whimpered, smiling, feeling the malaise go away, and the whole body is covered with incomparable, familiar, heavy languor ... And there it was - the peak, and her melodious cry, and his long moan, and the frequent, confused breathing of two people who love each other. And then Castle lay on his back, and while the euphoria of the bodily high was in effect, Beckett rested her head on his chest, and Rick carefully, so as not to inadvertently cause Kate suffering, embraced his beloved by the shoulders.
- So you're a healer now, a healer now, - Beckett murmured with a languid, relaxed smile. - And your ointment, by the way, stings a little, too.
- Strange, - and Castle grinned inexpressibly slyly, - and I was told that the extract from the hooves and penis of the muskrat has incomparable healing and tonic effect. And I couldn't help but check it out.
- From the musk deer's penis? On me? - Kate rounded her eyes in feigned indignation and flicked Castle in the tip of his nose. - Wasn't there anything more appropriate?
- It was just foreplay ... To the pleasant, - and Castle gently, with only the edges of his lips, touched Kate's head, - because if I had not applied this ointment, who knows how long we would not have been able to talk ...
- Oh, my God! Castle! - Beckett took a deep, ragged breath and closed her lashes tightly, an unexpected tear rolling down her cheek. - I... I'm so embarrassed... And I still don't know if I have the right to bring you into this...
- You know, I'm an adult, too, and I decide for myself whether to get involved in a new case, or to go to the publishing house... And for that, I'm waiting for revelations from you. After all, every unsolved case you cause someone's heartache and doubts about their own professional suitability. Or am I wrong?!
- In part. It's a cold case. Years ago. And yesterday I stumbled upon the main person involved, who has been long and unsuccessfully sought... And he's gone again. And it's all my fault. I'm not much of a cop if I couldn't catch up.
- Don't beat yourself up, Kate, because circumstances can be hard to change. And I'm here for you, and I'm here for you, and you can always have me.
- Okay, Castle. This time, the rain got in the way. And I almost got killed again. That was a hard thing to admit.
- Hmm, I get it, - Castle squinted skeptically. - The reasoning, frankly - so bad, but there's a rational grain in what you're saying. So you just need to get out on the road after the rain and look confidently into the distance. And I'll be there to hold your hand...
- After the rain, Castle?
- After the rain.