She was the one who woke up early the next day. She had gotten ready quickly, thrown on a pair of jeans, wore a white blouse underneath her leather jacket, and put her hair back in a ponytail. She hadn't planned on putting on her boots until after she was in the elevator. She was trying to move as stealthily as possible, but she wasn't quiet enough.
"Well, I've never been in this position before." Castle said from the doorway of his office. He had just gotten out of bed. Flannel pants, grey t shirt, both underneath his monogrammed robe.
Beckett jumped when she heard his voice. "Oh… God… Castle."
"I'm usually the one sneaking out in the morning. But honestly I can't remember the last time that happened"
"You scared me to death."
He smiled. "Would I get arrested for that?" He asked.
"Only if it was intentional." She smiled back.
He nodded approvingly at her. For a moment, he was lost just enjoying seeing her happy. But then, he realized that she was getting ready to leave.
"Are you leaving?" He asked, with a twinge of panic.
She cocked her head at him in confusion. "I'm just making a run to my place to tidy up some things… get some more clothes-"
"Well, wait a minute. I'll get dressed and go with you…"
"No, it's alright."
Castle was confused. "Do you… not want me to go with?"
She walked up to him and sighed. "Look, Castle. Up until two nights ago, I didn't have anyone that I could share my problems with. Someone whose only concern was for my well being."
He looked at her. She may not have realized it, but she had someone long before that.
"I… just… I'm used to having time to myself to think about things. And as much as I know you want to help me work through this, I need sometime for myself."
Now, Castle was beginning to panic more. How much time to herself did she need? A week? A Month? A Year? "When will you be back?" he asked, feeling like a kid saying goodbye to his best friend.
She looked at him with puzzlement. "Um… lunch?" She said.
Castle was so relieved that he burst into laughter. Her bewilderment remained. "When you said you needed time to yourself, I thought… nevermind." He finished.
"Well, yeah…" She began. "Alexis and your mom were coming back this afternoon. I thought I'd be here to help welcome them back."
He was just so happy that he was the one whom she trusted enough to help her through. None of her other boyfriends. Him. But having been raised primarily by a nanny, without any father figure, Castle understood how solitude can oftentimes help someone through difficult times.
But then his mind drifted to her being alone. She'd survived three attempted killings in just over a year. He feared that a fourth attempt could occur at any time. "Do you think it's safe? Even with Maddox in lockup…"
"Don't worry. I'm good." The comfort that the revolver Esposito had lent her gave her more than enough courage to venture out on her own for a morning.
"OK." Castle responded. But I want you to call or text every 20 minutes… no, 15… no, 10… just so I know…"
"I'll let you know, don't worry."
He stepped forward to her, reaching for her head. He cradled it as he kissed her. "Be safe."
"I will." She kissed him one more time for good measure as he turned to go back into his office. He sat down at his desk, content to check up on emails and do some frame working for his next Nikki Heat book.
She walked over to the kitchen counter, to retrieve her cell phone, which was ringing.
The number showed up as unknown, but she answered it anyway.
"Hello?" She began.
There was a short pause before a heavily computerized voice spoke. "We received your message."
The voice sent chills down her spine. She realized who she was talking to. Someone involved with the conspiracy that enveloped her mother's murder. Who knows, maybe this is even the person who ordered it. She made sure Castle was busy at his computer, and far enough away that he wouldn't hear what she was saying.
"And?" She said to the voice.
"Detective Beckett, your survival up to this point has been largely thanks to the involvement of Mr. Castle."
So Castle was right, Beckett thought. Maddox had orders to kill her, but not harm him. Why?
"But rest assured. If you continue to peruse us… his safety cannot be guaranteed."
She looked over her shoulder, through the door at Castle. He was engrossed in something, didn't look up to see her look of horror.
"It is my understanding the previous agreements have been through a third party."
"Yes." She said, turning her head back around so Castle couldn't see her face.
"A third party that is no longer available to negotiate."
He must be talking about Christopher Smith.
"This will be the final time this deal is made. An exception is being made because for the first time, it's being made with you."
Beckett swallowed hard. "So… we have an agreement?" She grabbed her mother's ring in her free hand for support.
"Yes. However, if you attempt to trace this call, if you investigate Maddox further, if you attempt to locate the file, it will constitute a violation of our agreement."
Beckett's legs felt like jelly. A gentle breeze could have knocked her over at that moment.
"Do you understand?" The voice said.
Inhaling deeply, she sent a quick prayer to her mother through her thoughts. I'm sorry I couldn't finish this, Mom. But I can't keep this up. I'm scared for my safety… and now the safety of the man I love.
"I understand." She managed to get out.
Click. Silence.
She pulled the phone away from her ear and examined it for a moment. She may get chills every time it rings from now on. It was a small price to pay for such an important call. Unfortunately, she'd dragged Castle into this more than anyone, as his safety could be in jeopardy now. But now she was in a position to control her own fate. And as hard as it was letting go of her mom and the past, she was equally excited for more time with Castle in the future.
Castle looked up from his computer. "You're still here?"
Beckett composed herself more quickly than she ever had before. "Yeah… just…" She held up her phone, "answering a call."
He smiled, oblivious to the emotions she was dealing with in that moment. "OK. Well, remember text often. If you're lucky, I may send you some saucy pictures back. So there's your motivation."
She smiled. Before the last few days, she would have come back at him with another clever line, just to shoot him down. Now she was glad that he was serious.
"I'll see you in a few hours." She called back, before grabbing her boots and walking out the door.
The previous day had seemed to be an entirely new world to her. But yet again, the city had an entirely new energy. She was finally with Castle. Her detective brothers were friends again, both back with the department, and the forces hiding in the shadows had seemed to be called off, for the time being.
Just a few minutes ago, she had wanted to take as long as possible to go to her apartment. She had wanted to enjoy time to herself. But now, she couldn't wait to get back to Castle's loft.