Well, this has already received more attention than I expected. I don't consider myself a writer, it's just something I've found myself doing these days to keep myself busy.

So here is the 2nd part to the story.

Disclaimer: I don't own any of the recognizable characters.


When Castle arrived at the precinct, he walked straight up to the boys desks and asked them if they found anything.

"We've got nothing Castle," Ryan had said. "She's probably just driven herself out of the city and her phone is out of range. She'll be fine. This is Beckett we're talking about. She left a note, there's no evidence of foul play anywhere."

Castle slammed the note down on his table. "This is the note? This is all she left,, and your emails say she needed some 'personal time'. Honestly guys, something is up. I just know it is."

"I wish we could help you, but Gates isn't going to let us go on a wild goose chase. Look at all this paper work she's given us, apparently it's not up to her standard and we have to go through it all. But if you can convince Gates that there is more to Beckett's personal day than we think and she allows us to help, then we're with you all the way, man! Beckett is family, we want to make sure she's okay just as much as you, but all the signs we see say that she has simply taken some time out"

"Well, I'm off to talk to Gates," Castle says, picking up the note and feeling quite annoyed that the boys were not as willing to help him as he had thought they would be.

He stopped suddenly in his tracks and looked down at the note he was holding in his hands. If he showed this to Gates, their relationship would no longer be a secret. But if he didn't show it to Gates, then as far as she's concerned, Beckett is simply taking a personal day. The note may not say much, but he knew the email alone was not enough to convince Gates they needed to look for her.

Castle stepped into Gates' office without even knocking. He didn't even think twice and just walked right on in.

"Why Mr Castle, I wasn't expecting to see you today. Beckett is not in today, I thought you would be staying home."

"That's why I'm here sir. Something is up! Beckett left early this morning, leaving me only this note." He placed the note on Captain Gates desk and continued. " Then I found out she emailed you and the boys saying she is taking some personal days and now she's not at home, her father doesn't know where she is, and she hasn't spoken to Lanie or any of us, and her phone is off. Something is wrong sir!"

Captain Gates had picked up the note and was now looking up at Castle.

"You said, Beckett left early this morning and left you this note."

"Yes"

"And where exactly was she leaving from?"

"My loft."

Captain Gates raised an eyebrow, which Castle knew was her way of questioning him for more information

"Detective Beckett and I, yes we have been," he paused, unsure of exactly what word to use to describe their relationship. "We have been dating. We should have told you but, that's not why I'm here right now. I just need you to let the boys help me, we need to find her and make sure she is okay."

"Mr Castle, sit down"

"I'd prefer to stand."

Gates gave him a look, which almost frightened him, and so he took a seat.

"I know that I spend most of my time in this office Mr Castle, but don't forget, I am a detective just as much as any of the guys out there. I have known about you and Detective Beckett for some time. You think your flirty smiles, extended handshakes and all those looks you give each other go unnoticed? Well I've noticed. And I haven't said anything because as much as I disagree with you being allowed here, I have seen what a great help you have been to the team, and as long as you and Beckett keep it professional in the workplace and do not let your relationship interfere with her work then I am not going to interfere with your partnership. However, in regards to this note, it appears to me like your relationship may be doing just that , interfering with her work. It seems to me, that your relationship is the cause of these suddenly required personal days."

"No, you're wrong. Something is wrong. She's not taking a personal day. Something has happened. I know it has. She didn't tell anyone where she was going, it's not like her."

"I seem to recall a case where you and Beckett didn't tell anyone where you were going, so it seems not telling people things is something Beckett does often."

"And we almost got eaten by a tiger. So isn't it right that we should be worried? Even so, this is different, you have to believe me. Something is wrong, she hasn't just gone off to find a lead or something, she has disappeared. Just let the boys help me out, and I'll help them with the paperwork. You know how much I hate paperwork, but that's how much I need this right now." Castle begged with everything he had, he didn't care how unmanly he seemed.

"Mr Castle. I cannot allow my men to go on a wild goose chase. When and if you find any evidence of anything other than Beckett going to have some personal time away then you can come back. Until then I do not wish to see you back in my office."

Castle picked up the note from the desk and stormed out of the office. He wasn't going to stand by and wait knowing that Kate could be hurt out there somewhere. He would do his own investigation if he had to.

He walked past the boys and made his way straight over to the elevator without stopping. He jabbed his finger on the button with such a force that for a second he thought he may have actually broken it, but he didn't care. When the doors opened, he got in and without a word to the boys, he left.

"He does not look happy," Ryan stated.

"You know, I'll admit Castle has a wild imagination, but I think he could be right. Something just doesn't seem right about all of this," Esposito said. "Look, I'll get a start on this paperwork or who knows what Gates is going to do. You go to Castle's loft. See if we can help him out. I'll cover for you. Just find something and don't be long!"


Please review if you'd like. Any feedback is welcome, positive or negative... just go easy on me.

We'll find out soon where Beckett is.