Too tired to write disclaimers so please insert sarcasm here ;)
A/N: Very short. Popped into my head and won't let me sleep. So here. ;)
A/N: If you are reading this, please have already watched 'Need to Know.' Cuz I don't want to spoil anything!
Castle followed McCord into the hallway outside his front door; taking hold of her shoulder as she neared the elevator. As soon as he touched her he seemed to realize how grave that mistake could be and pulled his hand back. "Agent McCord..."
The dark haired woman held up her hand. "We don't have anything to discuss, Mr. Castle."
"Do you really believe that?" He studied her closely. "Or are you just used to saying it?"
She looked down, taking a breath. "What?"
"She deserves better."
"I agree. I wasn't lying when I said she was the best agent I've ever worked with."
Rick's eyebrows rose. "Then why-"
She laughed softly. "Because I can see it in her... We all can... the need for justice. I used to have it too."
"But?"
"But... you wake up Mr. Castle. And you eventually realize that nothing is that simple."
He felt his shoulders stiffen. "Beckett is not simple."
"No." McCord smiled sadly. "But, no matter what she's been through... she's still pure. She still cares about the mechanics of right and wrong. And that doesn't work where I come from."
Castle took a breath. "Can't you do... something? Say... something? Anything?"
Agent McCord looked at him fondly. "I actually like you. And strangely enough... I trust you. So I am going to tell you something top secret, Mr. Castle."
Rick turned his head slightly.
"The agency didn't fire Beckett." Rachel ran her fingers through her hair. "I did."
He blinked. "Why?"
"Because she deserves to be happy." The agent smiled. "In the months we worked together... the only time I ever saw her smile was when she was talking about you."
Rick swallowed. "I..."
McCord held up her hand. "Just be speechless... please. I've heard how much you like to talk." She gripped his hand tightly. "She'll get her job back. I'll make sure of it. You just make sure you take care of her."
Castle nodded slowly. "Always."
Sorry no smut... but this is where the scene went!