Kate dropped her bag inside the door, along with her keys. The last minute trip to LA had been exhausting to say the least. Justice had been served, and she was home. She'd be back to the station tomorrow, but for now, all she wanted was a warm bath and some peace and quiet.
Walking into her bathroom, she turned on the water and added her bubble bath. Removing her clothes, she couldn't help but think about everything that had happened. Her eyes welled up with tears and she thought about Royce and all that he had meant to her. Climbing into the warm water, she let the tears fall as she mourned the death of her friend.
She thought about what had almost happened with Castle. She thought about Royce and his letter. His advice cut her to the bone. As she sat in the tub, everything swirled around in her head as she tried to made sense of all of it.
She knew she couldn't figure it out alone. She needed help.
The water was cold and the bubbles had all dissolved. She looked like a prune, but she felt better. Getting out of the tub, she pulled on her cozy robe and padded out to the kitchen. She got out a bottle of wine and poured herself a glass. After finding her phone, she sent a quick text.
Are you busy?
A reply came about 1 minute later.
No.
Taking a breath, she paused.
Can you come over?
The reply came quickly.
Be there in 15…with Ice Cream.
Kate smiled at the response. She went to her bedroom to get dressed while she waited. She pulled on a t-shirt and some yoga pants before going to the bathroom and combing her hair. She walked back out to the front room and grabbed her bag from beside the front door. Finding Royce's letter, she sat on the couch and waited.
Before long, she heard the knock on the door. She got up, opened it, and smiled at the face on the other side.