The next chapter. I hope I'm doing justice to the characters given the changes in the circumstances I've caused. Let me know what you think. Please leave a review. Helps with the story and often helps me fill in the parts that are weak.

Welcome to all the new followers and thank you to all the people that have been here for the duration. I really appreciate it. It really feels great to know that something you find entertaining entertains others.

Disclaimer: I don't own Castle.

"Call it beginner's luck if you like, but she called it on the air vents." Kevin walked over to Kate's desk where she and Castle were seated. "Forensics found hair gel in the vent."

Kate looked over and saw the glint in Castle's eyes. She wanted to growl again. This would only push Castle further. "Well, everyone gets lucky now and again."

"I don't know about that." Espo walked up, joining the conversation. "She called the catering van as well. Security remembers one unmarked van parked out back with the marked catering vehicles. They don't remember anything coming out of it or being loaded into it, but it did leave before the rest of the cars."

While having more clues and information usually made Kate's day better, this was not one of those times. She knew that Rick was entirely too excited about the art investigator. This would just push his interest that much more.

She needed to get a grip. There wasn't any reason to be feeling this way. This Serena woman was not a threat to her or Castle. She had never been jealous or possessive. Not even in high school. Castle's interest in her was solely his writer's imagination and Batman obsession. Kate was pulled from her thoughts. Thoughts she was carefully shielding from Castle.

"Beckett!"

She looked up from her paperwork to see Captain Gates standing at her office door, motioning for her to come over.

"What did you do now?" Ryan asked.

"Shut it." Kate snapped as she stood from her desk.

As Kate entered Gate's office wondering what she had done, she almost tripped she came to a stop so fast. Sitting in the chair, directly in front of Gates's desk, was none other than Serena Kaye.

"Detective," Gates said, gesturing toward the other woman, " this is Serena Kaye. She is the insurance investigator for the museum. The Chief of Detectives has decided to allow her to observe and offer assistance on this case."

Kate's instinct was to object. She didn't need anyone intruding on her investigation. She definitely didn't need some upstart, snobby, know-it-all getting in the way. The problem was that if it was coming from the Chief there wasn't anything she could do about it. So, she did the only thing she could. She plastered on a pleasant smile and said yes sir.

Outside the office, Castle and Ryan watched as Kate entered the room. It wasn't until she halted directly in her tracks that they both noticed the other person in the office. Castle spit his just sipped coffee into the air. He had been serious when he said he thought she could be helpful. He also knew that Kate had immediately been put on edge by her. Teasing Kate was one thing, especially given the events at the loft this morning, but if she was actually going to be hanging around, Castle wasn't the type of person to deliberately hurt someone's feelings. Especially Kate Beckett's feelings. This had the potential to be a really bad day.

Gates dismissed both women but grabbed Kate's arms as he went to leave the office. "No one likes having their investigation stepped on, but city representatives, as well as members of the Mayor's administration were at the gala. The museum called in some favors to get her involved. Please make the best of it, but don't let her get in your way."

Kate nodded her head in understanding. At least Gates understood. "Yes Sir."

Kate walked out of Gates office to find her team. She found Kevin and Castle in one of the conference rooms. Much to her annoyance Kaye was already in the room as well. It aggravated her even further that Kevin was telling her about the catering truck and the use of the air ducts.

This is going to be so much worse than I thought. Kate realized too late that she let that thought slip out.

She said that members of the Mayor's office got her in.

Kate almost laughed out loud. You would know all about that, wouldn't you?

Castle let one of his trademark smiles slide across his face. Yes. Yes I would.

I don't think this consultant is going to be as welcome or as helpful as the first one.

I'll take that as a compliment. You just do what you did when I forced my way in, grin and bear it. You let her help, solve the crime, and she it out the door.

If you say so. The last consultant was supposed to leave too. Still trying to get rid of that one. She shot a smile at him.

Never going happen.

Espo entered the room. He immediately froze upon seeing the insurance investigator sitting at the table like she belonged.

Rick waited a minute to see if Kate was going to say anything. When she didn't, he stepped in. "Detective Esposito, this is Serena Kaye. She's part of the team." Castle winced at this choice of words. He was a writer. He should have been able to explain himself better than that. When we saw Kate's eyes widen at him, he groaned internally.

Part of the team? Kate narrowed her eyes.

Well, technically she is, but only temporarily.

Kate glared at Castle.

Alright. It was a poor choice of words.

Espo held up an evidence bag. "They found this clipped to the wires in the alarm system. It basically cancels out the alarm signals before they reach the system. It's called an ISI…"

Serena reached over snatching the bad out of Espo's hands. "Inductive service interrupter. This one is custom made. I recognize it."

Kate found that statement odd. "From where?"

Serena hesitated for a moment. "From a report I read. I know who did this. It was Falco."

"Falco?" Kate found this hard to believe. "That's a name?"

"It's what they call him. Nobody knows who Falco is. Never been caught. Never been photographed. He is responsible for dozens of thefts in Europe. It's been awhile since he did a job. It was believed that he had retired."

"Nothing like fifty million dollars to lure someone out of retirement." Castle said.

Serena shot Castle a smile of agreement and something more as far as Kate was concerned.

She's flirting with you!

No. That was a just a friendly smile.

There is nothing friendly about her.

"Well, robbery is sending us a list of people who could broker a sell of this size, so we can talk to them about this Falco."

Serena let out a slight laugh. "Anyone on that list is yesterday's news. However, now that I have a name I can check some of my sources."

"Excellent." Kate began rising from her chair.

"You can't come." Serena fixed Kate with a stare.

"Maybe you don't understand the concept of 'consultant'. This is my investigation. You are helping." Kate leaned on the table toward Serena.

"These people will not talk in front of cops." She began gathering her things.

Castle was sure what he was about to do was a mistake, but he felt the risk was worth it.

"Where are you going?" Kate couldn't believe he was following her out of the door.

"I'm not a cop." Castle could tell that Kate was about to say something that she probably would regret. You know that we can't just let her go off on her own. Not being a real cop, I'm the obvious choice.

She's looking at you like one of those fan girls.

Like you do?

You know what I mean.

Detective Beckett, don't you trust me?

You? Yes. Cat suit woman? No.

Never going to let me live that down, are you?

Kate threw on one of her devilish smiles. Never.

As she watched Castle walk out after the insurance investigator, she did her best to shut up the yammering insecure school girl in the back of her mind.

Espo and Ryan went back to their desks as they watched Castle and Serena get on the elevator.

"Bro, I hope he knows what he's doing." Espo said.

"Hey, someone has to keep eyes on her. We can't follow her around." Kevin responded.

"I'm more worried about the eyes she was keeping on Castle. The man has got to notice." Espo sat down at his desk.

Kevin sat in his chair and turned around. "Him? Beckett noticed. If that lady doesn't keep her eyes and hands to herself, Beckett will shoot her."

"Like I said. I hope Castle knows what he is doing."