Author's Note: Thanks for reading and reviewing! Let me know how this chapter turned out. By the way this takes place before the episode 'In the Belly of the Beast'. Thanks and enjoy! Review!


I rose early the next morning. Alexis helped me pack my things into the car while Castle finished up breakfast. We told Castle about Alexis's decision to stay for the rest of the week and he was ecstatic. I ate quick breakfast and said my goodbyes to everyone. I stepped out into the cold, winter morning; Alexis following me to my car.

"Please, drive safely." She said as she wrapped her arms around my neck.

"I will. Don't worry. I'll call you when I get there." I said placing my hands on her hips.

"Ok." She said kissing me slowly, trying to make the moment last. "I love you."

"I love you too. Try not to miss me too much." I said with a smile, opening my car door and getting in.

"Haha." She laughed sarcastically.

"I'll call you." I said shutting the door and starting the car.

I pulled away from the beach house. Alexis waving in my rear view mirror. I had to keep her here because I was going to pay Vulcan Simmons a visit.


I pulled into the underground parking garage and parked the car. I took my suitcase out and took the elevator up to my floor. I quickly unpacked my things and left the apartment.

Stepping into the Washington Heights bar, I buttoned my coat up. The people at the bar stopped and looked at me. A white kid in a suit that walks into a dingy, gang bar was anything but unnoticeable. I walked up to the bar and sat down next to a larger, latino man.

"Can I get a scotch, please?" I said to the bartender who crossed his arms.

"I'm going to need to see some I.D.."

"It's not like you check them. Can I get that scotch?" I said as the bartender glared at me then turned and filled a glass. He handed me the drink. "I've got a question for you." I said motioning for him to come closer. He hesitated for a second but leant in. "How can I talk to Vulcan?"

"Vulcan?"

"Simmons. Don't play dumb."

"Listen, kid. I don't know him."

"I'm going to ask one more time. How can I talk with Vulcan?" I said my face showing no emotion. He had no response. I reacted as anyone else would. I grabbed the back of his head and slammed him down onto the bar. Everyone looked at us as he groaned. I got out of my chair and leant down, whispering, "You gonna answer me?"

"He comes in sometimes for a drink. The guy in the back booth knows how to get a meeting." He said in pain.

I sat back down, releasing him. I drank the scotch in one sip.

"This one is on the house." I said as he nodded, holding the back of his head. I stood up from my chair and walked over to the back booth where a white male sat alone drinking. "Excuse me, may I sit?" He just looked at me. "I heard you're the man to talk to for a meeting with Vulcan. Is that correct?"

He glared at me, his face hardened like stone. "Yes. It is."

"I'd like to set one up."

"What makes you think that I'll give you one?"

"Because who I am. Jasper Bracken. And you are?" I said holding out my hand.

His eyes widened a little at my last name. "Harden."

"Well, the name suits you. So, I was thinking tomorrow night after my Barbara Walters interview with my father of course. I'll just show up at the compound. Don't worry I already have the address." I said standing, leaving a surprised blonde in my wake. The bar too.