Private Life

by Castlefan6

Authors Note AU: Beckett and Castle have reached their first If Only moment, which forces Rick to leave the precinct. The episodes Cops and Robbers and To Live and Die in LA have been rearranged to suit this Timeline; please go with it.

I am taking a Literary License to fill in the blanks.

I don't own Castle; I only use the characters for amusement, except the ones I create.

This is COMPLETELY AU and May or May Not Wind Up with a Caskett Ending.

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Chapter 3

Rick's Hampton Office

Immediately After Lanie's Discussion

Rick closed and locked the door, ran his bug sweeper to ensure no devices had been planted, and then made a call. He knew he would need to rely on complete secrecy for the good of all involved in the mission. When he was finally convinced that the room was secure, he pulled out his satellite phone, and was connected to a mysterious source.

"This is Rogers, SAM Number 22756, DBA RCE, New York, USA. Please confirm identity."

"Roger, SAM 22756, is this line secure?"

"Affirmative procedures and equipment governed by Section 207 of the Telecommunications Act for Over-the-Air Reception Devices ("OTARD") rule concerning governmental and nongovernmental restrictions have been dispatched with no positive findings." Rick read off almost as if he were in a Congressional hearing.

"Very well, Colonel Rogers, what is the purpose of this call?" came the voice from the other end.

"This call is to Confirm I will be on-site, as requested, in two weeks to coordinate Operation Birdseye. The usual protocol and cover stories will be forthcoming within the next week, and all questions will be directed to Director Jackson using appropriate means. Rogers Out" As he went to disconnect, he waited for the confirmation code,

"Roger that, Colonel Rogers, SAM 22756, we will await your arrival in two weeks, Confirmation Z3455467, Out," and the call was disconnected.

Rick carefully replaced the satellite phone and its peripheral equipment in the hidden safe behind his personal bookcase close to his bed and rearranged the books to appear as if they had not been touched. He had learned a long time ago that attention to the smallest detail could keep you alive or get you killed.

He released the breath he had been holding and thought, one step closer, now enjoy the next few days. Who knew if it would be the last time he got to enjoy his "normal" life? Everyone who knew his past, well, thought they knew it, was left out of one crucial detail.

Rick had never been discharged from the Marines and now held the rank of Colonel in the Reserves. That wasn't the most intriguing part of the story, far from it. He owned several companies, all blanketed under the corporate emblem of RCE or Richard Castle Enterprises, including a small but unique private investigation company with only one client, the U.S. Government.

The last communication he received was that his services were needed within the month for a racketeering operation involving US assets and Government employees. He wouldn't be briefed on any additional details until he reported to his cover location, Los Angeles, California.

His official cover story was that he was supposed to become the Executive Producer for his first Nikki Heat Book, which was being transposed to the big screen to coincide with its launch in book form. It was unusual, but in Hollywood, remarkable was the norm and was just crazy enough to pass as a legitimate cover.

He slipped out of his office and was on his way out the door. When he opened it, Madison stood there, as beautiful as ever. Her hand was raised to knock, but when the door opened, she immediately flew into Rick's arms, kissing him far deeper and more passionately than a kiss between just friends.

The appearance of the beautiful blonde and the flying lip lock was not lost on one Medical Examiner, thinking to herself, "Oh God, Kate, you really fricked up this time." It was obvious that Rick was playing her own game against her with one of her best friends.

Although she herself had tried to seduce him just minutes earlier and would have been in the middle of a passionate love-making session if he had accepted, still felt bad for her friend. She had warned Kate of her intentions, but she was sure the news of Rick and Maddison would resurrect old, painful memories from their younger days.

After the initial surprise and his natural reaction to trading tongues with her, he recovered. They broke for air, which was badly needed. He whispered, "Maddie, I'm so glad you made it. Did you have any trouble finding the place in the dark?" he asked sweetly,

"None. I guess our practice run was a fantastic idea; thank you, Rick." He stepped aside and took her bag to his room, ignoring the onlookers peeking in from the porch and the whispers spreading like wildfire.

Two disappointed female detectives decided it was time to use their bathing suit wraps. The evening air was cool, and what was the point of advertising for something that wasn't available?

"We'll talk in a little bit, OK? For now, just mingle and introduce yourself to the group. They are all from the 12th, and most are friends of mine." He said,

"Whatever you wish, Rick, you know that" came her sultry answer; Lanie heard it, turned, and imitated a barfing motion to the other females.

Rick and Maddie made their way through his guests working their way down the path to the beach. Shortly after the introductions, many began departing in the shuttles back to the hotel, promising they would be there early the following day. Both Ann and Roz decided to change clothes and returned to sit by the bonfire in casual slacks and tops, foregoing the almost there bikinis that they had been wearing.

Lanie, who wasn't about to bring bad news to her friend without finding out as much as she could, began her not-so-subtle cross-examination of Maddie.

"So, Maddison, you and Rick, I mean," She started,

"Hi Lanie, and yes, Rick and I are friends. Do you have an issue with that? I know you're Beck's best friend now, but what is between Rick and me is none of her or your business." She replied, fully expecting the third degree from the M.E.

Rick stood in the shadows, smiling. He knew Maddison wanted more but was settling for what she could get, at least for now. They had talked, really talked, about the pros and cons of starting up what was considerably more than friends with benefits but short of a committed relationship.

Beckett had repeatedly made it crystal clear to him that anything past a friend status was out of the question, and her lie about Demming had destroyed anything more than a work colleague status.

After thinking about it, he didn't need or want to listen to any more lies, so he would use Roy to have others vet any scenes he needed to ensure he didn't come too close to actual NYPD cases.

He had already completed writing the three books on his contract, not that Gina or Black Pawn knew. He enjoyed yanking Gina's chain, making her call several times for his chapters that were sitting completed on his hard drive, perhaps as payback for the aggressiveness of her attorneys during their divorce.

He had no need or desire to return to work with the Detective or the fair-weather friends she called her boys, and Roy, well, they could get together without going near her. If any edits required verification of an actual case, he would have Ryan do it. He was still very disappointed in his friend for his coddling and preferential treatment of the Detective. It was not like Roy, not at all.

When the crowd had dwindled to just the last few people, Rick and Maddie excused themselves and started to walk up the beach to the steps to his home. It wasn't lost on anyone that he reached down and placed his hand on the small of her back to gently guide her as she slipped her arm around him, pulling him closer.

Lanie and Javi had just headed for one of the last shuttles, and she hadn't missed that innocent-looking display of fondness. "Oh Kate, you are in for a shock, honey; I just wish you had listened to me. She said quietly to herself.

Rick and Maddie entered the house, still buzzing with guests visiting the snack and coffee trays he had set up throughout the home. They slipped quietly into his room, locking the door, and again, did a sweep for listening devices. Maddie knew the routine and was as quiet as a church mouse until he smiled, and she jumped into his arms.

He kissed her as he wanted to since they had to break apart when she first arrived. She was just as eager to have his lips pressed on hers and ran her long, sleek fingers through his hair, gently moaning as he kissed her so romantically. Hell, he had her almost on the verge of a climax with just his kiss.

He gently began to undress her, and she willingly allowed him to remove her clothes between kisses and caresses to the most sensitive areas of her body as her fingers returned the undressing and caresses. For the next hour or so, both took turns as the aggressor and when they finally lay spent, looking at the ceiling gasping for air, they were totally satisfied.

"Maddie, I know you said you were fine with this arrangement, but I just want to make sure that."

"That what Rick? Do I understand, for now, it's strictly physical; there's no promise of anything more? I understand, and I also understand why. Beckett was my best friend for a very long time, but I know how deeply she's messed with your mind, so I'll wait.

"Not only will I wait, but I'll also prove to you that not all women are like her; most of us know when we have a good thing and work our asses off to keep it." She smiled and kissed him gently.

"Now, did you contact your source? Is everything good for two weeks?" she asked, nibbling at his lip, placing sweet, short kisses on his mouth between words.

"You drive me crazy when you do that, and yes, I took care of that detail just before you arrived. All systems are a go, so I'll have Paula issue the cover stories after this weekend. Are you sure you want to leave the restaurant that long, Maddie?

"I mean, I don't know how deep we must go. Thank God for your clearance and employment status with RCE Investigations, which will allow me to share intel." He said,

"Well, when I first found out who my potential employer might be, I was more than delighted. You know we still never got to finish our meal at Q4." She laughed, remembering when the Director had approached her to join Rick's company.

He needed the skills she had gained through previous assignments, and she didn't know Rick's status until the night Walt Austin rescued her from the interrogation room at the 12th precinct. She could still feel the burning eyes searing holes in her back as she walked out of the interrogation room and from her old friend Becks. She hated many things, but losing was at the top of that list. She had clearly lost that battle to Rick and his attorney.

The remainder of the weekend was almost carbon copies of the first day and a half: Sun, fun, plenty of games, and good-natured kidding between the co-workers. The one significant and notable change was the approach Ann and Roz were taking toward Rick, letting him know they were there, but not so obvious to piss off the blonde bomber as Lanie had nicknamed her.

Roy approached Rick for a one-on-one conversation the last night they were staying in the Hamptons. Rick knew Roy had avoided it until the last moment possible. They walked down to the pier and ensured no one followed, especially Esposito, the nosy Nellie and town crier of the 12th precinct.

"OK, Roy. You wanted to talk, so here's your chance." Rick said, not in a cruel manner but stern enough to let his friend know he was still disappointed in his behavior.

"You asked me how I had let Beckett slide so much; I told you I would tell you when I could. Well, I still can't tell you all of it, but what I do say stays between the two of us, agreed?" he asked, knowing what Rick's answer would be.

"Of course, you know you don't need to ask that, Roy, so get to your point." Rick countered.

"Well, Beckett came to me on the recommendation of Mike Royce, a highly regarded Training Officer, and when I spoke with her, I was impressed with her record. She has a tenacity seldom found in young cops today, but back to the point.

"Her mother, Johanna Beckett, a Civil Rights Attorney, was murdered in Washington Heights when she was just 19 years old. That, and the fact that it was a cold case, never solved, was the catalyst that made her change her education from law to criminal justice and enter the academy.

"Roy, as much as I feel bad for anyone losing a loved one, especially a mother, it still doesn't explain why she gets a golden ticket to do almost as she pleases," Rick pushed. He wasn't letting Roy off of the hook that easy.

"Well, I felt responsible, at least in part, for what happened to her Mom, so I guess I overcompensated at the Precinct," Roy confessed,

"Did you kill her, Mom Roy? Were you there when it happened? Do you have solid proof of who murdered her? If the answer to any of those questions is NO, then I call Bull Shit Roy." Rick was getting annoyed

"In time, my friend, I promise I'll tell you in time, but not tonight. Think what you want for now, I did fuck up, and I know I need to reel her in. I already started in a small way, but I have a lot more work to do," he said, a sad look in his eyes,

"Roy, you commanded some real screw-ups, Weldon and me included. We always counted on you being fair to all of us. The other cops in the 12th don't feel the same, and after spending some time there, they are not wrong.

"I don't know how, or even IF you can make it right, but before you lose the respect of those who make you a success, please make a better effort than what I have witnessed firsthand. I never thought I would be subjected to vitriol worse than was ever spewed at the most corrupt criminals, AND my former CO would sit on his ass, hear it, and do nothing." Rick spat out as Roy hung his head.

"You're right, Rick. There is no excuse for that or how Beckett, Demming, or Esposito treated you. I take full responsibility for that, and I am truly sorry." He said weakly,

"You don't owe me an apology for that, but you do owe me the reason you let her get so freaking independent, thinking only she could solve crimes. She is adequate at best, Roy, and you know it. If she's not checked, she's going to get you, or someone killed with her lone ranger attitude." Rick was on a roll, not backing down.

"For now, Rick, I've told you what I could, so please accept the apology and know I am working on it. Just like in the old days, I can't always tell you everything, I need you to trust that I will make this right." Roy said, and Rick knew he had pushed his old friend as far as he dared.

"OK, Roy. You asked me to trust you, and I will. Let Beckett know just how thin the ice she is skating on is. If Commissioner Boyle has his way, she could be a mall cop soon," he said as he extended his hand and shook hands with his old friend.

Not another word was mentioned on their walk back to the beach and up to the house, but Rick felt eyes upon them. He spotted Javi hiding or attempting to hide behind a sand dune, but the dumb ass didn't realize the moonlight reflecting off of the water was better than a mirror.

Rick made a hand gesture to Roy, who just rolled his eyes, affirming you knew he had more than one problem to address at what he called "His House."

They entered the house, and Roy joined Rick for his nightcap of Old Granddad as Rick poured three fingers of his premium Single Malt Liquor. They made one silent toast, and then they went their separate ways.

Rick went into the arms of one lovely blonde, Roy, to his wife, who was worried that he had lost a lifetime friendship with Rick. "So, Roy, are you and Rick Good?" Evelyn Montgomery asked. The term good had been the term they had used since their first fight and makeup. Everything was good, meaning no one was holding on to hurt feelings.

"Yes, Evey," his nickname for his wife of decades, "He's upset and pointed out some things I must change, but we are good. We toasted old and new times and said goodnight." Roy said softly as he saw the relief spread across his wife's face.

"I didn't want to add any pressure, Roy, but I wanted you to remember who ALWAYS has been there for us, good times and bad, and I don't want anything to jeopardize my relationship with my God Daughter," She said,

"I know, and believe me, I know how much you and Alexis love each other. I would never do anything to come between that," He smiled at her,

"Well, see that you don't. I know you care about your people, but I'm glad Rick pointed out how you held Beckett to a different standard than all the rest. "Someday, perhaps you can explain it to Rick and me," she said, heading into the bathroom to prepare for bed.

Roy lowered his head. She was right, and Rick was right. He had some work to do when they returned to the city.

TBC

A/N: The SAM number is actually known as a Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) Code. Once you've completed the SAM registration process, the government will provide you with a CAGE Code, a five-character identifier for your business.

I will be undergoing some outpatient surgery next week, so updates may be slower than usual. Thanks to all for the well wishes and prayers. Please continue to remember both my friends S and T; both will appreciate good vibes for trying times. Talk to you all soon, -Tim