Disclaimer: Own nothing. Just trying to make it from Monday to Monday.

Chapter 2

"Why didn't you call as soon as Lanie saw the connection to your Mom's murder?"

"Castle, while you say things are great, we haven't been on the best terms lately." She paused before continuing. She really hadn't done it on purpose; at least she didn't think she had. "Honestly you know when it comes to my mom's case that I tend to get carried away. As soon as those thoughts started running through my head I got caught up and I really did just forget to call."

"Kate, you know there is no way this is the same guy that killed your mom right?"

"Yes I distinctly remember shooting Coonan to save your life. But, this is related. It might not be the same hired hand, but the same guy is pulling the strings. The same guy that ordered my mother's death, the death of her colleagues, the deaths of Raglan and McCallister, and Captain Montgomery. Coonan, Lockwood, or the guy that shot me, whoever it is this time I will not stop. I will not back off. This is my last stand. Castle, I take my life back or I lose it. Either way it ends now." Castle didn't respond but nodded. She was going back down the rabbit hole. A rabbit hole he was responsible for reopening. A rabbit hole that he felt he'd pushed her into, twice now. Despite the fact that she didn't love him and she'd lied about remembering the day of her shooting, now was no time for him to abandon her. If nothing else they were still friends.

"How long does it usually take for him to contact you?" Kate was standing across from Castle in the hallway. Castle had placed a call to the mysterious Mr. Smith and now they were awaiting his response.

"Last time he sent me directions within a couple of minutes." She checked her watch. It had been over twenty since he had made the call.

"When was the last time you talked to him?" Beckett was still fuming. She was sure that if she were a cartoon character steam would be coming out her ears. Castle didn't need the steam to know she was angry. She had every right to be, but he stood by what he'd done and knew he'd to it again to protect her. Just like her lie, he knew that when his came out it had the potential to destroy their relationship. Whatever was left of it.

"During the case with the Mayor. Smith was worried that it was an attempt to get to you. With the Mayor thrown out of office there would be no reason to keep me around. Gates would have tossed me to the curb."

"Was the Mayor's case related? Did you keep that from me too?"

"We don't know. Related or not Smith needed to make sure I hung around to keep you away from the case and the Mayor was my ticket. Kate…" Castle didn't finish his thought because his phone vibrated. Looking down he read the text message.

"One hour parking garage at Essex and Delancey. He knows about Markaway and said to bring you."

"Let's go." Heading toward the car, Beckett called Esposito and told him about Smith. "Javi this is big and I need to keep Gates back from it until we know more. In case this is related to Montgomery can you and Ryan keep an eye on Roy's family while we meet this guy."

"You got it, Boss. We'll tell Gates you're following up a lead with Markaway." Javi paused, "Beckett, be safe. Wear a vest just to be sure."

"We will. Listen Javi thanks for everything. You and Ryan be safe too."

For thirty minutes they sat across the street from the main Essex street entrance and watched. This was one of the large municipal garages and there were four entrances. Four entrances made it impossible to see who was coming and going. With ten minutes to spare, Beckett eased the car into the garage. The text had indicated the fourth floor. There were five floors total and every spot was full as they worked their way up. Climbing past the third floor they noticed signs indicating the rest of the garage was closed for cleaning. "Covered all his basis didn't he." Castle was more impressed with this guy each time they interacted.

Pulling into a spot on the fourth floor Beckett walked to the trunk and grabbed a vest for her and Castle. "Just in case." They both fastened the vests and waited in silence.

At twenty minutes past the hour Castle spoke."Beckett, something's wrong isn't it?"

"I don't know." Beckett called Esposito. "Javi everything OK there?"

"Yes. His wife and kids are all at home and there is no sign of anyone around. How about you?"

"Well Castle's guy is…" Over the phone Esposito heard Beckett yell then a few seconds passed before a loud explosion. Then nothing.

"Beckett."

Ryan immediately knew something was wrong. "Javi what happened?"

"I don't know but Becket and Castle are in trouble." Ryan threw the car into drive and Esposito called in to the precinct. Within moments calls had started coming in about an explosion in a parking garage in lower Manhattan. Esposito knew that they could keep this from Gates no longer. Laying his head against the headrest and closing his eyes he made the call.