It feels like a dream. Everyone is moving and talking and almost acting normally. But this isn't normal. Kate is answering the officers' questions. She sees out of the corner of her eye that various officers, including Ryan and Esposito, are interviewing everyone else, too. They're taking measurements. They're taking pictures. They're getting ready to remove the body. She's glad but that seems fast. But time – maybe more time has elapsed than she thinks.

"I'm sayin' this is the most aromatic crime scene I've been to – in a good way." Lanie's smiling at Kate from her position near the body as they prepare to bag it.

Kate realizes what Lanie's talking about and hurries to remove a couple of brunch items from the oven. Definitely browned and only slightly beyond perfection, they can eat them later if their appetites return. It's hard to believe she was the only one injured. She has some bruising frrom being kicked and Rick will be sore tomorrow but nothing's broken or cut.

Everyone's given their respective statements. Lanie says it looks like the COD is probably asphyxiation, though he does have a huge gash on the side of his head from hitting it on the end table. She'll know more when she gets him on her table. Meanwhile, Alexis is relieved when Lanie notes aloud that there doesn't appear to be any bullet penetration.

Rick offers the team brunch and is passing bottles of water around. He and Alexis are setting up the counter for a brunch buffet. Her dad and Terry are in the kitchen busy with the preparations, too. Everything seems so surreal, if only in everyone's normal behavior. Kate wonders if she's the only one who feels like reality is fading in and out.

"Castle," Kate whispers, "We're going to run out of food."

"Nah, I've got a bunch of stuff in the freezer. We'll be fine. I can send out for some more if you want."

"I think that's a good idea...except it means another stranger could potentially gain access-"

"Not to worry. I'll call my guy at The Kitchenette. See if they can bring us some brunchy stuff."

"You have a guy at The Kitchenette?" Kate rolls her eyes. That's a good sign. She's beginning to feel a little more normal, herself.

"When will you learn, Dete-, uh, Kate? I've got guys everywhere." He hadn't accidentally called her "Detective" in a long while. It must be the crime scene. She's smiling and shaking her head at him while moving to the kitchen to help Alexis and her dad and Terry.

"Sorry, Terry, let me get that." Terry's lifting a large casserole from the oven as Alexis sets the trivet on the counter. The police officers from the 12th are beginning to file by, filling their plates with food, greeting Kate and Rick. A few know Alexis, too. It's like old home week. The only thing that doesn't feel very homey is the crime scene tape but they've kept it to a minimum. Kate wonders if that would be the case if she wasn't a former cop.

"Oh, not a problem!" Terry was smiling at Kate with kind, sparkling eyes and Kate can't quite believe that her demeanor is so calm. "This isn't exactly what I expected but, hey, it's an opportunity to practice being grateful for the simple things – like breathing." There was a touch of laughter in her voice. " How are you holding up?"

"Me? Oh, I'm fine. Or, at least I will be. I just wish you and Dad...Actually, I wish none of us had to deal with this." Suddenly, Kate feels the weight of it all and realizes how exhausted she is. If it weren't for all the bustling going on around her she really might break down. When everyone leaves, she doesn't know what she'll do. Rick is at the door taking bags from his guy. "Let's let Rick take over with the food. He's really good at it and we can go sit in the dining room for awhile."

"Did I hear someone acknowledge that I excel at domestic engineering? Martha Stewart, look out, you have met your match. Recognition: It's a good thing." He sets the bags down and starts to pull out the items he's ordered. Kate pulls his cheek into kissing range and whispers a quick, "Love you," in his ear. He gives her that grin – the one that includes complete amazement and adoration.

Terry and Alexis and Kate take a seat at the dining room table. It feels a bit like a dream. They're all here: Rick, Alexis, her dad, Terry, and then all the guys and Lanie. Most are crammed in the dining room. Her dad and Ryan are deep in conversation in the kitchen. At the dining room table people are eating and taking little breaks. Rick brought her a plate with a tiny bit of food. He knows she won't eat much, if anything. The body was removed awhile ago. A few of the guys are still confirming measurements and angles. It's when she slows down that everything takes on the surreal quality. It's a wonder there's not a melting clock on the wall or a leopard stretched across the table.

Kate sheds a couple of tears every few minutes but mostly she's successful at holding them back. Some of the team start saying their good-byes and thanks for the food. She gets quick hugs from a few as they head for the door. This part is almost over.

The crowd eventually dwindles to just her inner circle: Rick, of course, her dad, Alexis, Ryan, Esposito, Lanie, and now, Terry. From what she's seen here today, she really likes Terry's style. She seems to be the calm in the eye of the storm. She's lost in thought about how the morning had been supposed to unfold when she realizes that Lanie, Esposito, and Ryan are beginning to say their good-byes. She stands and receives a hug from each one, thanking them as they express their relief that Maddox is gone. Really gone.

Now it's down to Rick, Alexis, her dad and Terry.

"I'm so sorry, Dad, Terry." She can feel her eyes begin to sting again.

"You couldn't have known, Kate." Terry assures her. Her dad is nodding agreement.

"Katie, I'm just glad we're all safe and he can't hurt you again." Her dad's eyes glisten as he attempts to reassure her.

Rick sits between Kate and Alexis, holding both their hands and nodding agreement with her dad. Kate doesn't argue or insert her knowing that this likely will not end with Maddox. She's sure that his employer has more than one employee.

Kate can tell that her dad and Terry are starting to shift in preparation to leave and suddenly she blurts out, "Why don't you two spend the night."

Rick looks at Kate with surprise but immediately agrees, "Great idea! We've got an extra room."

Jim looks sheepish and blushes a bit. "Well, we haven't – We aren't – Umm, we haven't taken things to that level yet." Terry's shaking her head and smiling, obviously amused at Jim's discomfort.

Alexis, suddenly grasping the gist of the conversation joins in, "One of you can sleep in my room. I can sleep on the pullout in the office."

Rick is grinning, "Perfect. Is it settled, then?"

Terry and Jim exchange a look. Kate is trying not to plead but says, "You know, I'd really feel better if we were all under one roof tonight."

Terry and Jim are nodding at each other. Alexis jumps up and says, "I'll go put fresh sheets on my bed. The guest room sheets are clean. I'll find a gown for you, Terry and I'll grab some fresh tooth brushes and towels. Am I forgetting anything, Dad?"

Rick shrugs, "Doesn't sound like it, Pumpkin."

"Is anyone hungry? There are leftovers but I'd be happy to order something." Rick was such a great host and it sounded like Alexis was following in his footsteps.

No one wants any food. It's been such a gut-wrenching day and even though it's early, everyone agrees that bedtime will be sooner than later. Rick suggests playing cards and all are in agreement but when Alexis returns from making up the bed, she excuses herself to do some homework. She doesn't have any classes until Tuesday but has some stuff she needs to look up on the Internet.

The four, Kate, Rick, Jim and Terry play a few hands of "Go Fish." Terry says it's all she can play without having to be coached. It turns out to be really fun and everyone's even laughing before long, getting acquainted. Kate is the first to start yawning but within minutes the others are following her lead. They don't fight it much and everyone heads for bed, laughing at themselves because it's only 7:15. Rick does offer food one more time but there are no takers. "Well, you know where the fridge is if you get hungry before morning."

Kate watches as Jim and Terry walk up the stairs. It's not nearly so uncomfortable as she would have imagined. Terry is funny and very kind. She can tell that she's good for her dad. She's surprised to find herself hoping that maybe they'll take it to the next level soon.

Rick guides her to the bedroom. He stops to pull the blanket up over Alexis' shoulder where she sleeps on the pullout and bends to kiss her cheek. Kate looks on, enjoying that warm spot in her chest that appears whenever Rick shows his tender dad side, which is actually quite often.

Then he's back at her side, "Come on, lady, I haven't had a chance to really hold you since this morning."

The warmth in her chest turns to an ache as she realizes how much she needs him to do just that. As much as she doesn't like to show any sign of helplessness, she allows him to remove her clothes and help her into her nightshirt. He even helps her into their bed and she doesn't care. He wraps his arms around her and holds her really close and her tears begin to fall. "Kate ar-"

She puts her fingers to his lips to silence him. "S'okay, Castle. Just hold me."

She falls asleep like that, tears soaking his t-shirt and he holds her all night long.