Author's Note: This scene is very similar to Ch. 2 of "The Risks We Take." Sorry for any repetitiveness. The rest of this episode will not have any more overlap.
SCENE TWO
Scene opens with Richard Castle sitting at the kitchen table in his loft. He is looking at his cell phone, which is lying quietly on the table in front of him. Kate Beckett walks in. She walks into the kitchen and notices the coffee mug is empty. Beckett turns on the coffeemaker and begins to brew some coffee. As she waits, Beckett looks to Castle, clearly concerned.
Beckett:
You all right? Looks like you got up in the middle of the night and didn't fall back asleep.
Castle tries his best to smile but can't seem to manage it.
Castle:
Sorry. Something came up, and I couldn't stop thinking about it.
Beckett frowns and walks over to Castle.
Beckett:
Do you want to talk about it?
Castle swallows a lump in his throat.
Castle:
We said we wouldn't keep promises from each other, right?
Beckett nods. Castle takes a deep breath.
Castle:
Kate, they're after you again.
Beckett's eyes narrow in concern.
Beckett:
But the deal. You said that they would stop if I didn't look into my mother's case. I'm done. I'm not going after them again. So how can they still be coming?
Castle shrugs, shaking his head slightly.
Castle:
I don't know, but the deal's broken. They killed Mr. Smith– (He nudges his head towards his phone.) That's what I'm waiting for right now, for the police to find his body and see what happened.
Beckett nods.
Beckett:
All right. Then we'll figure it out.
Castle stands up.
Castle:
No, we won't. (He sighs.) Kate, don't you see? They're coming after you, and this time, they're not going to stop.
Beckett takes a step towards Castle, searching his eyes for more explanation.
Beckett:
Castle…what are you saying?
Castle sighs.
Castle:
You have to go. You have to get away from this case, from everything.
Beckett's eyes widen in shock. She shakes her head.
Beckett (quietly):
No.
Castle:
I've arranged for someone to take you to the airport. They'll get you out of the city, to some place far–
Castle tries to place his hands consolingly on Beckett's shoulders, but Beckett shakes them off.
Beckett (shouting):
Castle, I said NO!
Beckett takes a step away from Castle with a look of heartbreak.
Beckett:
Castle, my whole life is here. My Dad, my friends, you…how in the world am I supposed to leave all that behind?
Castle:
You have to. Because it's the only way to keep you safe. (He takes a deep breath.) Believe me, Kate, it kills me to send you away like this. If there was any other way, I'd take it. But they're after you, and they're not going to stop until they find you and kill you. And…
Castle looks away, as though he can't bear to complete the thought. He closes his eyes. After a moment, he seems to regain his composure. Castle looks up at Beckett and takes a deep breath. His voice cracks as he tries to speak, but he pushes himself to get out the words.
Castle:
It can't end like this. I won't let it.
Beckett looks at Castle quietly. She is still upset but seems calmer – as though she's come to an acceptance of what will happen. She takes a deep breath and nods.
Beckett:
Okay.
Castle lets out an inaudible sigh.
Castle:
They'll be here this afternoon, and–
Beckett (cutting him off):
No, Castle. If you want me gone, then I'm leaving. Now.
Castle's eyes widen in shock. He looks at Beckett with a deep longing in his puppy-dog eyes.
Castle:
No. Not like this. Just wait, Kate. Please.
Beckett shakes her head.
Beckett:
You've made your choice, and I've made mine. (Her voice cracks slightly. She takes a deep breath and somehow maintains her composure.) This is how it has to be. (Beat.) Good bye, Castle.
Beckett walks past Castle towards the door. Castle turns around, as though to run after her, when Beckett – her back turned – speaks up again.
Beckett (sternly):
Don't. Not this time.
Camera looks in front of Beckett, with Castle in the background. Castle looks heartbroken as she leaves, his mouth open as though wanting to say something, but he doesn't say a word. Out of Castle's view, Beckett sheds a silent tear.
Camera shifts to behind Beckett, with the view of the loft door in the background. Beckett walks out of Castle's apartment, the door shutting loudly behind her. After she leaves, camera shifts to Castle. Castle clenches his fists, walks over to the kitchen, turns off the coffeemaker, and pours the coffee down the sink. Castle stands in front of the sink and places his hands on the countertop. He looks down and closes his eyes, breathing heavily.
Castle's phone rings. Castle takes a deep breath, stands up straight, and walks over to the kitchen table. He picks up his cell phone and answers it. His voice is serious but calm and composed.
Castle (into phone):
Castle.
Camera cuts to Detective Kevin Ryan, who is standing in Mr. Smith's apartment.
Ryan:
It's me. We found your man.
Camera shifts to Ryan's feet, where Mr. Smith lies dead against the wall near his desk. End scene.
Update (7/17/12): I received an anonymous review about Castle's behavior in this scene. Whoever wrote that review, thank you very much and yes, you are so right! I apologize for making it sound like Castle didn't care, so I've revised this chapter to try and portray his character more realistically. I'm a little worried about my portrayal of Beckett now (does this scene ring true to how she and Castle would fight?), so if anyone has comments on that, I'd love to hear them.