She told him it was over between them and he knew she was right. He knew she was angry and hurt and that he had caused both for her. He went to the station to say good-bye. Captain Montgomery was first on his list. He knocked on his door and was warmly greeted by the Captain.

"Castle, there you are. I have been looking for you these last few weeks. Listen, Beckett has been up against it here these last few weeks and I am sure would really welcome your help on the murdered teacher case."

"Ah Captain, well I really don't think Beckett wants or would welcome my help. I crossed the line on her mother's case and well, we aren't working together anymore. I came to say good bye to you, and to thank you so much for all of your kindness these past few months. I respect so much what this department does for the city and all of the NYPD actually. I just am going to go back to my safe world of writing."

The captain is shocked at Castle's revelation. "But you make such a great team with Det. Beckett. She is a good detective alone, best I have actually; but together you two are a crime solving machine!"

"Listen Rick, her mother's case was very tough on her. I am sure you know that now, but she was so driven when she first come to the dept. She didn't sleep, she didn't eat, hell she never even went home. It consumed her in a bad way. I don't really know what snapped her out of it, but I saw a change in her and she actually became a much better detective when she put that case away somewhere private."

"I just wanted to help, is all Captain. I know we work well together as a team and I thought maybe together we could work an angle or dig a bit deeper. I guess I dug a bit too deep, because I think I hit the tender spot where she had her mother's case buried. I hurt her and I do not think she will forgive me."

"Give her time, Rick. Time worked before for her and I think it will again. Listen though, you have an open door here. The department is grateful for all of your help. You would make one damn good detective, Rick. If you change your mind and you want to come back to work here, you are welcome anytime."

"Thanks, I appreciate that, Captain."

"ah Rick, before you leave would you sign my copy of Storm Fall, I've become a big fan!"

"Certainly." Rick takes the book out of Captain Montgomery's hand and begins to write:

To Captain Montgomery,

Thank you for giving me a chance to learn all about what it takes to be a good detective. You run a tight ship are one damn fine cop. Your assistance was appreciated and your friendship was a gift. Now work on that poker face so you don't lose any more money!

Your friend,

Rick Castle

The captain read the inscription laughs and shakes hands with Rick Castle. Rick leaves to find Ryan and Esposito.

He see them at the espresso machine.

"Ah gentlemen, sampling the wares I see?" They both laugh and Det. Ryan begins to tease Castle.

"Hey we haven't seen you in awhile is the deep fried twinkie back?" Esposito and Ryan both start laughing like school boys.

"No, actually I just am not working with Det. Beckett any more at her request."

"Oh no," Esposito says "What happened?"

"It seems that I have finished my novel and she has asked me to not work with her anymore. So, what the lady wants, the lady gets. I just came to say good bye and to thank you two."

"For what," Ryan asks.

"Well, you both helped me out tremendously in my research and in my daily work here with cases. You took me in, showed the ropes and we became fast friends. You both are simply awful poker players and so I did rack up a few dollars from each of you." Castle says with a huge grin.

"It was my pleasure, Rick to meet you, to get to know your books and to call you a friend. You are a stand up guy and you would be a great partner!" Ryan says.

"Hey, what about me?" Esposito says, I am your partner! "Right but Castle would make a better one, Javier" "Great, my partner has such faith in me," Esposito says.

Ryan puts his book out and asks if Castle would autograph his copy of Storm Fall.

My pleasure. Castle takes the book from Ryan and writes:

To Kevin,

It has been a pleasure and an honor to work with you. You are a great detective and all around god guy. Thanks for organizing the Rick Castle bookclub in the department. (thought I didn't know huh?) Work on the fashion statement—you need better ties, my friend!

Your friend,

Rick Castle

He read the inscription, laughs and shakes Castle's hand. "Can we still come over for poker, Castle," Ryan asks.

"Anytime Kevin, just let me know."

Kate sees through the opening to the kitchen area that Castle is shaking hands and talking to Ryan and Esposito. She saw him with Montgomery earlier and she feels sad. "He is saying good bye, I bet." She says to herself.

Just then Castle leaves the kitchen area and looks up to see Kate looking at him. He has to go over to her, he knows. He has to say good bye to her too. She was his life here these last few months and he needs to see her this last time. He walks over to her desk. He does not sit down.

"Det. Beckett, I just wanted to see you before I go to say good bye and thank you." She looks down and can't make herself look into his eyes.

"You are the finest detective I have had the pleasure of knowing and working with. I was out of storylines and fresh out of ideas for my books, but when I met you, I knew you were the answer for many things in my life, not just stories."

"I hope when you read Nikki Heat, if you read Nikki Heat, you are as proud of her as I was to write her. Thank you, Kate and I am truly sorry that I hurt you. That is the last thing I ever wanted." His voice was almost a whisper now. It made her raise her head up and see his eyes.

He was hurting. She knew it. She wanted to speak, but her throat just wouldn't let her.

He continued.

"I will always remember you. You are extraordinary both as a detective and as woman. I hope you can forgive me someday, and maybe we can still be friends. I'd like that Kate."

He touched her arm and his touch seems like fire on her skin. She almost inaudibly whispered back. "I'd like that too."

Just as quickly he turned to leave. He was moving away from her desk when Javier grabbed him and motioned for him to go to the interrogation room. They walked in together.

"Is this because of the file?" He asked Castle.

"Yes. I was working to find out about the autopsy results with a friend of mine. I thought there might be new information but when I went to Kate about it, she as furious that I opened the file."

"I knew she would be mad. That is why I wanted you to not tell her who gave it to you."

"Don't worry Esposito, I never told her it was you. She thinks I took it last week after she told me not to open it. If I opened it, we would be through."

"Your secret is safe with me, Esposito, don't worry."

As they are leaving the interrogation room, Montgomery comes running into the hallway.

Beckett, Esposito, Ryan we are called to assist in a shootout at Marlowe Prep on S. 67th street. Get out there now!"

Castle hears this, "That's Alexis' school. What happened? What's going on?" He runs to Montgomery.

Captain please what's going on?