Clare and Alexis had been to several Stores. Alexis was looking at the blond haired beauty trying to decide whether to ask her or not.

"Clare? I was wondering why did you leave my Dad?" Alexis shyly asked.

"Alexis it was not that I did not love your Dad. I do still to this day. He is a warm, Funny, and extremely strong individual. But some things are out of our control. I mean I never thought I would be stranded for so long. I always thought your Father would come to rescue me. I should have known that they were going to use that cover story. Politicians are all the same!" Clare said.

Clare? Which politician do you think had the President's ear 6 years ago? Because not rescuing you sounds a lot like they wanted to bury you. Make sure you did not survive this mission. I know Black would have loved to rescue you. I have heard him and Dad talking at the Old Haunt. He needed you. You are the one who created the computer systems right? So what happens if you never returned? Would there be anyone available to repair it if it was breeched? Alexis said.

"No as far as I know there was no one to repair if it became breeched." Clare said thoughtfully, "Hey what about this outfit? Does it look like me?"

"Nah that is definitely more Beckett flavored I think! What are you trying to do Clare copy Beckett's look?" Alexis teased.

"Well no but I do need professional clothing. I was dead so I guess my apt and the clothes I had reverted back to the company. So I have to start off all over. I was lucky I stashed this mad money while I was with your Dad. I figured I should have over 15 million in the account if it was not seized by the gov't because of my death." Claire said.

"If you died why would the gov't take it?" Alexis asked.

"Well I was an only child and while I was away in Europe with your Dad my parents were killed and they were only children too so my grandparents are both sets dead. Clare said sadly.

"So you were orphaned?" Alexis said.

"Yeah I guess you could say that." Clare said glumly

"So that is why the cover story once Dad gave up there was no one left for you?" Alexis asked.

"You know your Father was the greatest especially after my parents were killed. Alexis I still love your father but what I saw between Him and Beckett that is amazing." Clare said.

"Yeah they are especially when they do that one mind trick. It is scary sometimes to learn how attuned they are to one another." Alexis said.

"I noticed a hesitation Alexis is there something wrong? You can tell me." Clare coaxed.

"It is just she leads him into such danger! I only have him and what happens if one day he does not come home? I fear she will allow him into such a situation." Alexis confessed her fears.

"Alexis lets go get some hot chocolate and get off our feet I think I need to learn more about these fears of yours." Clare said.

"Right there is a shop which sells Hot Chocolate. It has comfy chairs and everything plus a real fireplace!" Alexis said brightly.

"Ok that sounds good." Clare said "Lead the way."

Alexis and Clare made their way into the shop then placed their orders.

"I swear Alexis you are Wayne's child! Look at what you placed in your hot chocolate! A Hersey kiss , Whip Cream, Marshmallows, Cherry and Chocolate sprinkles! Compare that to mine plain Hot Chocolate!" Clare teased. "Now let's get settled by the fire and tell me all about your fears."

Getting settled Alexis told Clare of all the dangerous situations which her father and Kate both were in.

"…Plus a dirty bomb?" Clare asked incredulous.

"Yeah and those are the highlights. Someone tried to kill Beckett at the funeral of her boss. My father tried to get in front of the bullet!" Alexis said visibly upset.

"Wow I knew Wayne would go all out but in front of a sniper bullet? That is commitment" Clare said.

"I was so scared. Beckett recovered. The Man who tried to have her killed is a Politician too. His Name is Senator Bracken." Alexis said.

Hearing the name of the politician Clare's demeanor quickly changed.

"Really need to go Alexis I am getting tired after stopping. I need a nap." Clare said.

"Ok let me call the car service" Alexis said getting on the phone and hung up. "They said they will be here in 10 min."

"Oh good I need to talk to Wayne when we get back." Clare said.

"Is that before or after your nap Grandma?" Alexis teased since Clair was only a few years older than herself.

"Definitely After!" Clare giggled. She enjoyed talking with Alexis.

Soon the car service arrived and took all those bags and whisked to the loft and the doorman helped with all the bags.

Getting to the loft Clare thanked the doorman then she and Alexis entered the loft.

Rick was awake and so was Kate curled next to him on the couch reading a book.

"Hey you guys what did you do to my poor credit card Alexis?" Rick said surveying all the big bright colored bags.

"I have you know your money was not touched! Clare paid for it all." Alexis said.

"Wayne you know I had that rainy day fund. Well today it was extra wet!" Clare said. "And if you could excuse me I am tired Alexis is a fine shopper!"

With that said Clare and Alexis went up stairs with all 50 of the bags.

Kate looked at Rick. There was something wrong and she had catalogued every face he made. This was his worried one.

"Rick Love? What has got you worried?" Kate asked holding on to his arm while stroking it gently.

"What? Oh right I was thinking when did Clare not have enough energy to shop all day and dance all night without a nap in between. Something is up." Rick said.

"Rick it has been 6 years since you saw her last who knows what sort of torture she was placed under to compromise her health." Kate said with much compassion.

"Yeah Kate I know that is what bothers me" Rick said still staring into the last location of Clare.

"I know you still care much for her. I do not mind anymore. I know you both have a history. So I can reign in my jealousy if you need to talk in private. I'll not like it but I will understand" Kate said confessing her jealousy of Clare.

'Kate that is the first time you admitted to being jealous! I am so proud of you" Rick teased.

"You keep that up Castle the couch will not be where you'll be sleeping tonight!' Kate sternly warned him.

"Are you going to call the boys?" Rick asked taunting.

"No Castle Lanie!" Kate smugly smiled.

Rick's smile went away immediately. A very sober expression now crossed his face. Lanie was scary and with a ticked off Beckett that is double trouble !

"Ok Beckett you win do not play the Lanie card just yet!" Rick pleaded.

Kate very pleased with herself just smiled and gave him a good boy kiss. Soon they were back in the bedroom.