All In The Genes
by Castlefan6
A/N: This is the sequel to "Only Just Begun ((from a READER'S PROMPT)." Please read that first. This picks up immediately after that story ends, and it will be a casket ending revealing some family secrets and events. It is a love story between Caskett and the next generations of castles and how they deal with their grandparents' history. The story is TOTALLY AU, and PLEASE DO NOT refer to actual episodes for events. For Kenny, Thanks for the prompt.
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I don't own Castle; I use the characters for amusement purposes only.
Story Prompt is Contained in A/N Notes at the bottom of this chapter.
Chapter 2
FBI Headquarters
Quantico Virginia,
Nine Years Later
The FBI director received a unique request from the field offices in Albany and New York City for assistance in a conspiracy against the city of New York and the United States. Both offices were tracking a case of a local New York politician who was allegedly taking the short route to a higher office. He was attempting to buy or gain political favor by coercing those in decision-making positions.
The branch managers for the affected field offices happened to be Kyle Castle for Albany and his twin brother, Kevin, for the New York Office. Both had distinguished careers in the US Army, both were decorated for heroism, and both reached the rank of Major before being discharged after graduating from West Point Military Academy. Both had been heavily recruited to remain in the service since they were skilled in Cyber Science and how the criminal element was using Artificial Intelligence.
Negotiations had been ongoing between New York City Mayor Roz Karpowski, Police Commissioner Anne Hastings, and Captain Kevin Ryan of the NYPD 12th precinct. No names had been mentioned since this was a secret operation, and no one knew if there was a mole in the NYPD, FBI, or both. The only thing that was certain was that confidential information WAS being leaked.
Kevin got the call first, and less than ten minutes later, the FBI Director spoke to his brother Kyle and connected with them both on a Skype conference call.
"Director, Good Morning, Kyle greeted his boss, then as his brother's image appeared, Good Morning, Managing Agent Castle," he prodded Kevin.
His response was, "Good morning, Managing Agent Castle, to you as well, as the Director just shook his head. The twins had driven him crazy since joining the FBI right out of the Army. Still, they proved to be two of the most superior agents in intelligence gathering and prevention of Artificial Intelligence use against the USA.
"OK, you two, save that for your family reunions. We have a very serious project that needs to be treated as Security Clearance Level 5: Clearance, Sensitive Compartment Information (SCI). Please hold your questions until after I debrief you on the mission summary." He said both young Castles knew it wasn't a request but rather an order.
"First, you both will be temporarily re-assigned to the NYPD after undergoing a typical eight-week course at the Police Academy. To anyone on the outside, you are just two former service members seeking a career change from your boring computer jobs and failed company. That will be your cover story, and it's up to you both to be sure EVERYONE buys it as accurate.
"Next, you may discover facts about your Grandparents that were never revealed in your home life. When you do, keep them confidential. There are reasons we don't publish information on Twitter or Snapchat. Most often, it is for the safety of those who have braved to stand up to these criminals. I'm sure you've heard snippets of the adventures of Detective Kate Beckett and, as he was known, famous author Richard Castle.
"Some of their actions helped shape the democracy we live in today and can't be compromised, so as ordered, any information you discover about them is to remain confidential. If your Grandparents are the same people they were back in the day, I would strongly recommend you don't bring anything new discovery for you up. Both were and are very private people. Are we clear on that?" He barked,
As usual, the twins answered in unison, "Sir, yes, Sir," referring to old military habits learned at West Point and still used today.
"Very well. Are you both located in SCIF (sensitive compartmented information facility(SCIF)?" He asked as he punched some instructions into a keyboard. Blinds were lowered, and windows were tinted in his soundproof location.
Once again, the answer came in unison, "Sir, yes, Sir," as they looked at each other through the computer screen. The connection had been established using DoD protocol to protect any leak of Sensitive Compartmentalized Information to those without the proper clearance and a Need To Know.
"Very well, I am going to begin the briefing with some historical information that is highly sensitive and personal to the Castle family. Please hold off on any questions until I complete this first part of the briefing.
"In the years 1993 through 1995, Detective Kate Beckett, lead investigator for the homicide division of the 12th precinct, was involved in the capture of a U.S. Senator who had bribed and coerced his way into power. Richard Castle was a secret agent of a government agency, but he was unknown to Detective Beckett, who believed he was there to follow her for research for a new novel series.
"In reality, he was there to protect her as well as the mission to lead the senator and all of his top lieutenants to justice without compromising the task or getting a cop killed. If she ever found out the full extent of his involvement, it remains between husband and wife as they married five years after the case closed, and she retired from the NYPD.
"Today's mission is very similar; it involves a U.S. Senator trying to buy his way to the nomination and election to the highest office in the land, one Senator William H Bracken the Third, the grandson of the senator who hung himself in his prison cell rather than serve his three life sentences in solitary confinement.
"The younger Senator Bracken is following many of the same moves that his grandfather did and has exposed himself as a risk to National Security. This is why you two will be going undercover at the 12th precinct. Only the Mayor, Roz Karpowski, Police Commissioner Anne Hastings, and the Captain of the precinct, Kevin Ryan, know that you will be on special assignment.
"NONE know your exact background, training, or total reason for being planted in their precinct. You are to collect intelligence and report to me, and me alone, as we formulate a timeline and plan to capture not only the Senator but also ALL of those involved in his plot.
"Unfortunately, that will include some cops and possibly agents, none of which have been positively identified at this time, so your confidentiality is of utmost importance. I think your biggest concern will be to sell Captain Ryan, who cut his teeth as a detective under the supervision of Detective, later Captain Katherine Beckett, on the reason why you are there, to observe and report to your supervisor.
"That is the reason given to all three city officials, and you must be convincing enough for them to believe it. To the remainder of the precinct, you are coming off of a failed computer company you founded and sought a different line of work. You were in the service; we couldn't erase all of the social media information about your days at West Point and then later in the Middle East theater.
"If someone asks about either of those times, you are the soldiers who have seen enough of war that you will not talk about it, end of story. You can be polite but expect questions about if you served in the same unit, if you saw action, what you received your commendations for, and the typical nosy Nellie questions, all of which you both have answered before.
"Once again, I will reiterate that this is a very sensitive mission, one that may place your Grandparent's safety in jeopardy. They will be on a Caribbean Cruise once you are installed at the NYPD and will have around-the-clock Federal Protection.
"I don't have to spell it out to you, gentlemen, threats by the younger Bracken have been made to get those responsible for taking his beloved Grandfather down and spoiling his plan to corrupt the entire U.S. Government. Do you have any questions or concerns I may address at this time?" Director Curry asked.
"With all due respect, Sir, if you think you are going to be able to have a security detail on my Grandparents, even on a Cruise Liner, without their knowledge, I think you are gravely mistaken," Kyle said,
"Agreed, Kyle. Mamaw isn't a fool, and Grandpa is still as sharp as a tack. Perhaps it would be a better approach if they knew what was going on; neither appreciates surprises," Kevin said.
"I thought the same thing, but the Secretary of Defense overwrote me, BUT if it happens to come out at a family meeting, I can't control that, speaking hypothetically, of course," he said.
"Understood, Sir," came the voices in unison.
Director Curry laughed, "I wish I could be a fly on the wall at the 12th precinct when you guys get there. You are going to drive Ryan crazy answering in unison that way. He even coined the phrase Shared Minds when your Grandparents were doing it years ago.
"Give my regards to them both, and tell them I haven't forgotten what they did for me. I wouldn't be alive today, much less in this position, without them, and that's all I'm going to say about that," he said and heard the blended voices laughing. "Forrest Gump said that all the time," and even laughed in unison.
"Very Well, if you have no other questions, we'll end this call. You report to the Academy in two weeks, so take some time for R & R (Rest and Relaxation), then added, Dismissed as his screen faded to black.
"Kyle, do you mind if I hang out at your house?" Kevin asked as they remained on the secure line
"Of course not, you know you're always welcome," Kyle said,
"Well, I know I am by you, but Kelly isn't so fond of me, I mean."
"Well, set your fears aside, brother. Kelly has been dating Paul Reed since High School. I guess his divorce was final six months ago, and she decided to rekindle the romance," Kyle said with little emotion,
"I'm sorry, Bro, I didn't know," Kevin said,
Kyle laughed and said, "She didn't think I did either. How dumb do you have to be to cheat on an Intelligence Officer in the FBI?"
"Well, I can say this now, but I never thought she was brighter than a forty-watt bulb in a sea of stage lights," Kevin said and laughed.
"You were right, but she did have a"
"Kyle, I don't need to hear that, I'll see you tomorrow, and then we can go break the news to Mamaw and Grandpa. Look out for the roof to be blown off,"
"I know. I'm not looking forward to seeing Mamaw lose her temper, Grandpa. I can handle it, but Mamaw, well, we'll deal with it tomorrow; safe travels," he said and disconnected the call.
/
The Castle
Next Morning
The two grandsons had called earlier and asked if Rick and Kate had some free time, and the reply was always the same from Kate, "Honey, we're retired, and when it comes to our family, ALL our time for you is FREE." she said, as Rick smiled, and just said "Listen to your Grandma boys, see you in a few hours" and laughed his same deep laugh they grew up hearing.
They were greeted with Kate's usual huge hugs and kisses on the cheek and a firm handshake from Rick as they were ushered into the breakfast nook. They always had to eat when they visited, and today was no exception.
"Really, Mamaw, you don't need to feed us," Kyle tried to explain, "Yeah, Grandpa, we did have breakfast just a few hours ago," Kevin added, to no avail,
"Well, young men like you should be hungry after a few hours. Besides, I have the feeling you boys want to talk to us about more than old family memories, so eat, then we'll talk—those are the terms," Rick said and ended the debate. The twins sat and began to eat another breakfast under the watchful eye of their Grandparents, who had practically raised them.
Twenty minutes later, and two empty plates later, they adjourned to Rick's office area. Kate and he both knew that the positions their Grandsons held meant that what was said in their house was confidential, just as many of their conversations years before were.
"OK, Kyle, you called, so why don't you kick this meeting off, please? Don't try to sugarcoat it or BS us in any way. We may be older, but we know the game," Rick said,
"First off, Grandpa, neither Kevin nor I requested this assignment, but you understand duty and answer when called. We were very surprised when we reported to Director Curry's office for a debriefing of our assignment and found out we would be working together at one of Mamaw's favorite places."
Kevin looked at his brother and then picked up the conversation, "Grandpa, remember the years 1993 through 1995? I know it was a difficult time for Mamaw, but you somehow made it easier. We were briefed on the details but aren't allowed to repeat them. You understand why," he said as Rick nodded. Kate shifted her position next to Rick on the loveseat and interlaced their fingers.
"We are supposed only to divulge the minimum of information," but then, in unison, they both said, "We told them you would figure it out and be angry with us, so we asked and received permission to discuss this, off the record according to Director Curry." Kate looked at Rick, remembering the days of the Mind Melt at the 12th precinct, and now the next generation was in front of them.
He returned the same look to his wife and thought, where the hell is this going? Why that period of time, and why now, so many years later?
Kevin saw the look on their faces and said, "We knew about the U.S. Senator that arranged for Great Grandma Beckett's death, his assassination attempts on Mamaw, and how he tried to have you killed as well, Grandpa. Kyle took over seamlessly,
"Mom never said a word, but we got whispers of your acts of bravery while in the Army, Grandpa, and know you were acting in a capacity to help protect Mamaw, so I don't know if you ever told her that, and if not, I'm sorry." He said, waiting for his grandmother to explode,
Her reaction was quite the opposite, "Boys, there is NOTHING that your Grandfather and I haven't discussed. We promised total honesty, and that has allowed us to form a bond nothing, current or ancient history, can break" she said, as she squeezed his hand a little tighter.
"Kyle, Kevin, the reason your Mother never said anything was because we never told her about my time in the Army or Special assignments. She was always worried enough about Kate being a cop. She did tell you that Mamaw was shot and almost killed, so after that, she became very protective of her, even when I went to England for a period of time.
"Before you ask, it's personal between my wife and me; you'll understand when you and Kelly are married and when you settle down, Kevin," Rick said and noticed a grimace on both of the young men's faces,
"Kelly and I split five months ago, Grandpa. She is dating her first love from High School now. I guess the allure of the job title and money wore off since she started seeing him every time I had to leave town." Kyle said with a soft smile,
"Why didn't you say something, Kyle? You know we would be here for you, don't you?" Kate asked and tried to understand why he held the burden to himself.
Then it dawned on her that although there wasn't one ounce of her blood running through his body, he couldn't have been any more like her own son. He picked that trait up from her. Kevin was the one who couldn't wait to tell you, much like his Grandpa, but Kyle was more like her.
"He just told me last night, Mamaw, so don't feel bad, "That's just the way we are," again in unison, with Kevin taking over the conversation again.
"Well, you know we are supposed to be on a two-month cruise next month, so what is it that you are holding back, Kyle?" Kate stared at the young man, a stare she had used countless times in the interrogation room,
"How do you do that, Mamaw? One look, and I'm ready to tell you that it was Kevin's Playboy Magazines you accused Granpa of hiding; he figured his office was safe," he laughed as Kevin turned red.
Kevin turned to his brother and said, "Snitch," and laughed, since it had been when they were 15 years younger,
"Nice try. What is going down that you are trying so hard to hide, Kyle? I want the information, and I want it now." Kate rolled her eyes and put the fear of God in her Grandson,
"OK, OK, they were planning on putting a surveillance team on you the entire time, but I said you would spot it a mile away, and then heads would roll." Kyle finally gave up the information,
"Now we are getting to the real issue, and there will NOT be a detail on us for our vacation. I have my own security force that I trust much more than the Director's or NYPD, no offense, boys. I have been through a lot of tough times with Mike and his crew, so he was already going. I'll let him know the situation. Tell Director Curry to save his men from getting hurt and reassign them. We appreciate the gesture, but it will be done OUR way." Rick said, indicating the subject was closed.
A few hours later, the twins bid their Grandparents a fond goodbye and went home to relax for two weeks before reporting to the NYPD academy. They both thought, now it's getting real, and we have to be on our game.
TBC
A/N: This will be a reasonably short fic, somewhere between four and six chapters, so I am using time jumps to move it along. I threw in the next generation of Senator Bracken to give the twins an excuse to report to the NYPD and drive Kevin Ryan crazy for a few weeks.
Updates will be approximately one chapter per week; I am just getting over an eye infection and allergic reaction that has put me behind. All is well now, but I am not straining my eyes and will update as soon as possible, Thx to all for the continued interest and reads, *** - Tim