Later, at the precinct, the guys are drinking coffee and telling stories in the break room when Beckett returns, walking behind Captain Gates.

"Gentlemen. You officers did a terrific job taking down this guy today. The D.A. is now in a battle with two other states for him. It seems that he's a major suspect in three more homicides and two armed robberies where people were injured. The fact that you officers were able to apprehend him without a shot or injury speaks well of how you work as a team. And Mr Castle, I'm glad to see you weren't injured either."

"Ummm.. Captain Gates sir." Starts Esposito

"We appreciate your recognition and the pat on the back for our work here." Continued Ryan

"We have to say though, the reason that this worked so well was because of Castle." Finished Esposito

Beckett in the background smiles broadly, almost like she's proud of her student.

"Really." Says Captain Gates coldly, turning to look at Castle. "And how is that?"

"We really don't like this much either Captain" Added Beckett humorously "It was his idea to go into the building and hijack the elevator so that the suspect couldn't use it."

"Which seems to have not worked." Gates said while staring holes through Castle.

"Well, that part didn't but as soon as the plan went sideways, Castle, in the elevator with the subject, played drunk and pressed all the buttons in the elevator to slow him down." Said Beckett "This gave the team time to get ahead of the elevator and catch him as soon as the doors opened."

Gates turns back to Castle "Reallllllyyyyy?"

"Yes, and when he figured we'd be coming through the doors, he got on the floor pretending to sleep off the drunk." Finished Beckett "To tell you the truth Captain, we're not sure what got into him and we're a little unnerved by it too."

"Well Mr Castle, it seems you've been useful again. Congratulations." Turning to Beckett "Well Detective Beckett, it seems like your team works very well together..." Looking at Castle "despite your obvious obstacles."

As Captain Gates walks away and passes Beckett, she gives her a wink and keeps on going.

"One day, maybe, just maybe, I'll convince her to not hate me." Sighs Castle

"Don't bet on it." Chimes in Esposito

"Yea, that's what they call a long shot." Ryan says in agreement.

"Don't worry Castle, you still haven't made us hate you... yet." Chuckles Beckett as she turns to leave the room, pauses, looks back and smiling says "You comin' Castle?"

He runs after her. Ryan and Esposito watch and laugh at the sight.

"You'd think he'd catch on by now." Says Ryan

"Naaaa" Esposito shakes his head "She's not ready for him to catch on yet."