SCENE TEN

Scene opens with Kate Beckett and Richard Castle entering the bar area of the party. The only other guests in the bar are Agent Will Sorenson and Jordan Norris, who are sitting next to each other but not saying very much. Norris appears very nervous, his hands are clasped tightly around the glass in front of him. Sorenson, on the other hand, seems very calm. Seeing Beckett, Sorenson gets up and moves to the entrance of the bar. He stands casually in front of the bar, watching to make sure no one interrupts the conversation inside.

As Sorenson gets up, Norris's head snaps towards his seat. His eyes widen as Beckett walks in and takes Sorenson's seat. Castle takes the other seat next to Norris, surrounding him.

Norris (whispering):

It's you.

Beckett nods.

Beckett:

(in a hushed voice) Did you think you could run forever? (She calls out to the bartender.) Gin and Tonic, please.

The bartender nods. He glances at Castle.

Bartender:

And you, sir?

Castle:

The Macallan.

Bartender:

Coming right up.

The bartender makes the drinks, places them in front of Beckett and Castle, before moving away to clean glasses. The rest of the conversation between Beckett, Castle, and Norris is held in hushed voices. The camera zooms in on them as they speak.

Beckett takes a sip of her drink, her eyes glancing towards Norris.

Beckett:

You look good for someone who was charged with murder.

Norris frowns.

Norris:

The charges were dropped.

Beckett nods.

Beckett:

Only because a friend helped you out. A very powerful friend. (Beat.) So who was it, Jordan? Who was powerful enough to save your ass in court?

Norris shakes his head.

Norris:

I can't say.

Beckett:

Oh, but we all know how good you are at keeping secrets, Jordan. Your little slipup last time was the reason Laura Cambridge was killed.

Norris:

Stop it.

Beckett obliges with a shrug. She looks forward, taking another sip of her drink. For a moment, there is silence. Then, without looking at Norris, Beckett speaks again.

Beckett:

I bet the guilt just eats away at you, doesn't it, Jordan? Just like last time.

As Beckett speaks, Norris grows steadily more nervous.

Beckett:

I bet your friend knows that. He knows you're the type to screw up again and again. So what reason does he have to keep you around? You're just a loose thread, someone who knows enough to tie the murders back to him. Eventually, you'll have to be cut. (She glances towards Norris, her tone serious.) You're living on borrowed time.

Norris looks at Beckett, his eyes frantic with fear.

Norris (his voice shaking):

So are you.

Concern crosses Castle's face, and he turns towards Beckett nervously. A flicker of fear crosses Beckett's eyes, but she remains calm – her eyes focused on Norris.

Beckett:

Not unless we stop him. (Beat.) You know what he's capable of, Jordan. A pawn like you – he's not going to let you go free. If you tell me who he is, if you cooperate, I will do everything in my power to keep you safe. But if you don't, I can't promise you anything.

Beckett takes a sip of her drink before placing the glass down on the counter. She licks her lips, giving Norris some time to mule over what she has said. Norris thinks for a moment before glancing back at Beckett.

Norris (quivering):

Why should I tell you anything? He's got eyes and ears everywhere, ready to strike if anyone gets in his way. For all I know, you could be dead tomorrow. (Beat.) How do I know that you can stop him?

Beckett smiles slightly.

Beckett:

Because I'm still here.

Beckett finishes her drink and places it back on the counter.

Beckett:

It's your choice, Jordan: you can either come with me and tell my team what you know or you can wait and see what happens – but you better make it fast, 'cause your time is running out.

Norris says nothing. Seeing this, Beckett dips her head slightly. She gets up from the bar and turns to leave. As she does, she looks back at Norris one last time.

Beckett (casually):

I'd give you my card so you can reach me – but something tells me you won't be able to use it.

Beckett walks away from the counter. Castle follows her out. Camera shows Beckett and Castle walking towards the bar entrance in the foreground; a shaking Norris is in the background. Norris turns around, his eyes frantic.

Norris:

Just wait!

Out of Norris's view, Beckett smiles slightly. End scene.