Disclaimer: do not own

A.N. Sorry if the last chapter was a bit too AU for some. I was trying to get through the scene, and that's just what came out. The characters told me what to write. But here's the twist…

Kate opened her eyes and sat up. Dream within a dream, huh? I hate it when that happens. Just like that poem….

"Are you okay?" Castle asked.

"Really strange dreams. Something about us always being together, waking up and telling you about it, and then my mother was actually alive, and it was like she never left. It was amazing, but I did find out who was after her, the person who hired Coonan. Maybe my brain's just making something up, but I think it was Bracken."

"Why?"

"Think about it. What politician wanted her potential client permanently behind bars? It makes sense. I better call the boys to let them know. " She picked up her cell phone from the nightstand and hit number 4 on speed dial. "Hi, Javi. I think I might have found a lead."

"Really? He asked. From Castle's bedroom. That's not surprising at all."

"I'm serious. I think I know who hired the sniper. Who was the one politician who wanted Mom's last client permanently behind bars?"

"Bracken." Esposito said. "But how?"

"Strange dream. Trust me, you don't want to know."

"And what am I supposed to tell Gates? She put you off the case."

"Tell her I had a hunch, a really good hunch."

Meanwhile at the 12th

"Who was that?" Ryan asked.

"Kate. She figured out who it is."

"Who?"

"Who's up for reelection?"

"Him? We've gotta check this out."

"Already on it. I was able to pull his financials from 1999 and last month. It matches. "

"What matches?" Captain Gates walked out of her office.

"We've found the suspect, Captain."

"Good work. "

"But….."

"But what, Detective Esposito?"

"We're going to need a little help to catch him."