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 5
Hamptons Home
Tuesday Morning, 8:30 AM
Rick had been working on a breakfast in bed surprise for Maddie for over an hour, she had heard noise, snook out of bed and didn't have the heart to ruin it. She rushed back into bed and feigned sleep just before he opened the door, quietly balancing the tray as he headed to the bed.
He gently set the tray down, then leaned over and kissed her gently, whispering, "Good Morning Sweetheart, time to get something to eat, we have a big day ahead of us. She turned over and grabbed her man in a lip lock, kissing him like she had so many times the night before,
After a long kiss, tongues fighting for position by each of them, they finally had to break for air. "Wow, you do that so well, Maddie. Maybe we can cancel the plans and just stay in bed today." Rick smiled and waggled his eyebrows,
"Rick, baby, as much as I would love that, we both know that would put the operation in danger of falling behind schedule. We have the rest of our lives, at least from my perspective, and you can have all of me anytime you desire, as long as we have our work done," she laughed at his little boy pout.
"Hey, don't pout, sweetie. I thought I satisfied you last night. Please tell me I did, I mean."
"Oh, you did, several times. It's just like when we're together, the rest of the world has faded away, no problems, no hurt, no worries about the future,"
"Do you really mean that, Rick? I mean, I sometimes wonder if Becks sneaks into your mind, especially when you are so passionate about pleasing me," she blushed,
"Maddie, we have talked. I promise you, Beckett doesn't enter my mind, especially not when I'm making love to you. Please don't take a backseat to her. You know where I am, mentally and emotionally. We promised each other that we would always be honest about our feelings." He said as he held her gently,
"I know, Rick, I guess my insecurities just pop up, and I say things; I know you care about me, and if you promise that it will always be me you are making love to, that's all I need." She said, kissing him sweetly,
"Good, now eat your breakfast, then we'll take a shower and get our day started," he laughed,
"No, we'll take SEPARATE showers because I know I won't stop you, and you won't stop, and we have a deadline to get to the Commander of Birds Eye project by the end of the day today." She laughed.
"OK, you're right," he said as he stole a bite of her toast. She playfully smacked his hand, "Hands of Mister, some I care deeply about made that for me." Kissing him again, she reached for the tray and ate her breakfast.
She had experience with many men, but none on this planet were as gentle, loving, and considerate as Rick. Why Becks couldn't see that she didn't know, but she was glad she didn't.
"I'm headed to my room to shower since I can't convince you or can I?" he tried once again and got a pillow thrown at him, "Go take your shower; little Ricky needs a cold one," she laughed.
Rick was in his office when he felt her arms slip around him from behind and her lips on his neck. Damn, she knew how to drive him crazy.
"Did you make any headway with the plan, Rick?" She asked, taking the seat next to his desk,
"Oh yes, the plan. I got distracted there temporarily," he smiled. "We're going to need a cover story for you. The Executive Producer spot, even if it's a stretch, will work for me, any ideas?" he asked,
"What do you think about me going there to do due diligence on an upscale restaurant that is coming up for sale on the down low? I mean, I don't have the cash to do it for real, but."
"Sweetheart, that is fabulous, and you don't need money; remember, once they spot you with me, for good or bad, they're going to talk. I can have Paula let something slip that RCE is interested in backing you in expanding Q4 to not only the West Coast but across the entire USA.
"You know how they pick up and run with rumors, that's a great cover for you." He said, his little boy smile that she loved so much appeared.
"Rick, are you sure you want to put it, meaning US, out there for everyone to see? I mean, what if you want someone or."
"STOP right there; just because it's physical, well, with a lot of love between us for now, doesn't mean it has to be that way forever, I mean if you don't want it to be. I want to give it time so there is no doubt in your mind that this is the life you want. I mean, I can be a real ASS some days, ask my mother or daughter," he smiled and took her hand.
She sat on his lap, kissing him in sweet, tender kisses, which only meant he once again knew her fears and had gone out of her way to calm them.
"You wouldn't be upset if the press linked us together for business and some monkey business," she imitated his eyebrow waggle and almost fell off his lap as he laughed so hard.
"Of course not, I wasn't killing the stories for me, I thought you wanted to keep your privacy; I mean, I."
"Rick, SHOUT IT TO THE MOON; I'm with Rick Castle; I don't care what they print, mistress, kept woman, the flavor of the month, it doesn't matter to me. We know what we have. That's what is important." She said, tears pooling in her eyes,
"Really?" He said with his mouth open,
"Yes, Rick Really. I'm not Becks. Remember, she's the one who has to keep her life private. I've told you things about me that I never told anyone before, so I don't care what some rag prints, just as long as you don't think it's true." She said, and now a tear had leaked down her cheek.
He wiped her tears dry with a handkerchief that seemed to appear like magic, then kissed each eye gently. He pressed a number on his phone and hit the speaker button. She heard it ring two times before Paula answered.
"What kind of trouble are you in now, Ricky, and what do you need me to do?" she said half kiddingly,
"Well, tell me, are you still giving up the goods to that producer on TMZ? The reason I'm asking is that I have to go to Los Angeles next week, and I won't be going alone." He said and waited for her to start her speech.
"Not that it's any of your business, Sir, since you didn't want the goods as you call them, a girl has needs, you know. Do you want me to get in front of the story and kill it before it gets traction?" she asked.
"I'll take that as a yes, Paula, and for the record, I'm happy for you. To answer your question, no, I want TMZ to film an exclusive with Miss Madison Queller, the owner of Q4 restaurant, from the time we leave the Hamptons until we reach the airport." He said smiling,
"Ricky, that's a hell of an exclusive. Are you sure? I mean, what cover story do we use for each of you?" she asked,
"My story is simple. Lion Gate wants me to serve as the Executive Producer of the movie Heat Wave and start with the casting and screen adaptation of the novel. Maddison is looking for a potential investment to expand her widely successful restaurant to include three or perhaps more locations." Rick said as Maddy smiled, nuzzled his neck, and just hugged him tightly.
"What happens when they ask, are you bankrolling these business expansions?" she asked,
"What do you usually tell them?" Rick countered, "We don't discuss private business matters in the press; if they ask again, we take their press credentials." He said softly as he turned into Maddison, who was pushing the envelope with her kisses and exploration with him on the phone.
"OK, one last question, boss, are you going to give Gina a heads up or let her read about it in the paper or see it on TV? Paula asked,
"I guess a heads up would be professional, so send her an email the day before we leave, which, by the way, is a week from yesterday. Call Janice and have her file the flight plan for both Maddie and me to Los Angeles next Tuesday, departing New York early afternoon." Rick said,
"I'll take care of it, Rick, and just so you know it, the only reason I'm screwing Jerry at TMZ is because my boss told me it was too close to home to let me down easy. Tell Madison I said hi, she's a lucky girl," then the phone went dead,
"Rick, you don't have to tell me but,"
"Yes, I do. We had an opportunity on a Desert Storm book tour, but she was too drunk, and it was too close to home; I mean, with Gina and everything, I don't cheat, even on relationships I hope to have." He said sadly,
"Rick, it's OK, I'm not Beckett. I know you had a past, and so did I. As long as we're honest, it's OK, I promise you." She took his hand, and it didn't take too much coaxing to return to the bedroom. She had worked her magic when he was defenseless on the phone, and now he was as hot for her as she was for him.
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Los Angeles
One Week Later
The week had flown by. They had made two trips back into the city, almost running into Beckett coming out of Remy's as they were preparing to go in on the latest trip. Maddie's last-minute sighting avoided an awkward encounter with her.
Roy's message had apparently sunk in, she hadn't called or texted him since Roy and he had discussed the issue on the pier that night. They had enjoyed planning potential purchases of certain high-scale restaurants, and even though Maddie thought it was just part of the cover, Rick was about to surprise her.
They had received their briefing from Operation Central; they were to get close and gather intel. Apparently, some of the players liked to be seen with beautiful and powerful women. That was Maddie's lane to investigate. Rick was to manage those who wanted to be seen with a famous millionaire for whatever their personal reasons. The objective was to get them to talk about the illegal activities going on.
One particular restaurant, Delphine's, was the first target for Maddie. It was a frequent hangout of local, state, and even some Federal employees from the Justice Department and local law enforcement. All branches were very well represented, and it was confirmed that the owner had fallen on hard times.
Las Vegas was too close for someone with access to cash, even though it wasn't his, with a lousy gambling pedigree. It wasn't long before the "association," as it was called, had moved into the basement, using it as their headquarters for West Coast operations.
Maddie's assignment was to try to convince the owner, Jerry Demus, to sell the restaurant to her. She had connections that could get him safely relocated with enough cash to restart his life. They proceeded slowly since if they tried to rush the deal, it would raise a red flag for not only Jerry D but also all of the association members who frequented the restaurant, AKA headquarters.
Rick was working his sources as part of the casting director's support group, sitting in as the table reads were being held. Most men in the association had one thing in common: They loved to be associated with beautiful Hollywood starlets and didn't remember that they were married when it came to having a little fun on the side.
The women shared many secrets among themselves, even without the wiretaps that had been approved and installed. Many talked openly of their discretions and with whom. This was a goldmine of information for intelligence sources and operatives that led to many other facets of the criminal investigation.
Rick had leased a home in Hidden Hills, a gated, secure, very private, and secluded neighborhood outside of Los Angeles. The home had seven Bedrooms, six baths, and a host of other amenities, including a private pool and sauna.
Rick had employed his car service to drive Maddie and look out for her protection; each driver was also one of his security forces, and they provided bodyguard services for all of his family members. They were not making a huge secret of their living together in the home, nor were they broadcasting it either.
Things were moving very smoothly, and Operation Birds Eye was considered a success, until Rick saw a name on one report that made him freeze in his tracks, Mike Royce. It could just be a fluke. What were the odds? Mike from New York turning up in an LA investigation, he thought, Nah, but being diligent, he investigated the discovery.
He checked the source out, and it was, in fact, Beckett's old training officer who had fallen on tough times once he was sentenced to probation for his part in a failed jewelry recovery from a twenty-year-old case. He had migrated to Los Angeles and had secured a position with Gene Simmons for the protection of his daughter, Sophie, as she traveled to and from college.
A man like Simmons was loved by many but also had more than his fair share of enemies gained mainly through sleeping with their wives, girlfriends, or someone else near to the person. More than once, he had been the target of attempted retribution, so it was wise to protect his daughter in the environment she was in now.
"Son of a Bitch" Rick mumbled to himself, he knew he would have to keep out of Royce's sight, or the mission could be compromised.
He mentioned it to Maddie at home that evening, and she shared the same concerns.
"Rick, the only thing that kept Becks from fucking Mike was Mike. I mean, I've known her a long time, and she never threw herself at anyone like she did him, even knowing that he was married, and his wife was on her deathbed." Maddie said with some disgust.
"Well, I did some checking. Gene Simmons posted a bond for Mike to get his Private Eye license, and the address listed from the DMV shows him living at the Simmons property address in some outbuilding of some nature, probably his pool house," Rick said,
"If he were the sole protector of Sophie, that would make sense; Simmons would want him close by at all times," Maddie offered,
They were just about to head to bed when Rick's phone pinged with a text message directing him to call the command center via satellite phone.
He hurried to the bedroom, set the phone and peripherals up, and dialed the number, once again giving his SAM number and requesting to speak with the officer in charge.
After a few minutes, he knew they were checking the security of the connection he was connected to a voice.
"Colonel Rogers, we have an unfortunate incident that may involve you and your partner, Miss. Queller. Are you familiar with a man by the name of Michael Royce?"
"Yes, yes I am. We met at the NYPD when he inserted himself into a case where he wound up being one of the perpetrators and was arrested by the Detective who had once been in his charge as her training officer." Rick answered
"Thank you, Colonel Rogers. Is the name of that Detective Katherine, AKA Kate Beckett?"
"Yes sir, it is," He replied,
"What is the nature of their relationship now, Colonel? Do you know any pertinent facts?"
"I don't honestly know, Sir. I know there were many hurt feelings on the part of the Detective, and I just discovered that Royce was working here in Los Angeles as a bodyguard slash driver for Gene Simmons's daughter, Sophie." Rick replied,
"Very good, Royce had a small Private Investigation firm, sponsored as you discovered by Mr. Simmons, but unfortunately for him, he took on a client and tried to get her safely to New York. He was discovered, and although the young lady escaped, Royce unfortunately was shot to death tonight about 4 hours ago." Came the voice, no emotion, it came with the job.
"I'm sorry to hear that, Sir, but how does that impact this mission?" Rick asked, knowing he wouldn't be talking to Command Central if they didn't realize or strongly feel that something could impact their ongoing work.
"Apparently, Detective Beckett was forced off of the New York case but discovered that a theft ring shot caller named Gage was the trigger man. She is preparing to fly to Los Angeles as we speak, Colonel."
"I don't understand, sir. Didn't you say Royce was killed in New York?" Rick asked,
"I did indeed, Colonel; it's good to see you're as sharp as ever with your detective skills. Gage has just landed at LAX airport, and Detective Beckett has just purchased a ticket leaving JFK at 4:00 AM tomorrow and arriving at LAX at 8:15 local time.
"Sir, what is my mission as it pertains to Detective Beckett?" Rick asked,
"We've arranged a welcoming party to meet her at the airport and transport her to your home. I know it will be awkward, but for the good of the larger mission that we have all invested time and resources in, we need Detective Beckett to return to New York as soon as possible, with or without her suspect.
"Frankly, Colonel, he is and could be collateral damage if it comes to that, but we don't want Operation Birds Eye delayed any longer than three days. In that time period, we expect you to be escorting or ensuring the NYPD Detective is on a plane home to New York so we can conclude this operation. Do I make myself clear?"
"Perfectly, Sir," Rick responded, thinking, Beckett, you even managed to screw me up thousands of miles away from me.
"Good Colonel, I expect your progress report as scheduled, and off the record, I'm sorry we had to bring up an old wound for you." As the phone disconnected.
Maddie handed him his three, more like five fingers of single malt and led him to the bedroom. Tomorrow was not going to be a good day.
TBC
A/N: Thanks for all of the well wishes. The procedure went as planned, and so far, I have stayed out of AFib since I left the hospital. I can only hope that it stays that way. Some savvy readers have guessed some of what might happen, but this is my way of introducing the TLADILA episode into my story. We still have a lot of story to tell; if you thought the couch scene in Canon was awkward, wait till you see what I have to do to get them to talk. Thanks again, I appreciate the reads and reviews, _ Tim