A/N #1: I ended the previous chapter with Beckett showing up at the loft. Here, I'm going outside of canon since in this story they are already in an intimate relationship. So, no re-enactment of Castle and Beckett against the door of the loft.

Just Keep Breathing

Chapter 9

This chapter will take place during the events of 'After the Storm.'

When Kate opened her eyes, the bedroom was dark. She rolled over toward Rick, every muscle in her body screaming out in protest. She was starting to feel the aftermath of her near-death experience from the afternoon before. Her entire body felt bruised and battered. She reached out and tentatively brushed Castle's hair back from his forehead. He smiled and softly sighed in his sleep before he slowly opened his eyes. "Hey," his voice was soft in the darkened bedroom.

"Hey yourself," she smiled back.

"I think it stopped raining."

"Yeah, a little while ago."

"You didn't go to sleep?"

"Everything's sore. I couldn't get comfortable."

Castle sat up and reached for the remote on his nightstand, switching on the light in the bedroom. "Wow, he did a number on you. Did he try to strangle you?" He asked, noticing the fingerprints on Kate's throat.

"No," she shook her head. "He picked me up."

"By your throat?"

"Castle, he's a trained killer. You didn't expect him to be gentle, did you? Do you have any ibuprofen?"

"Yeah. I'll be right back," he got out of bed and strolled to the kitchen stark naked. He returned moments later with a bottle of water. "Here," he placed two pills in her hand. "Shouldn't you see a doctor?"

"I was checked out yesterday before going back to the Twelfth. I'm okay. I'm just a little banged up."

"I'm sorry, Kate. I should've been there."

"And miss Alexis' graduation? No. It's bad enough that her mom wasn't there. But you were right. I should've walked away when I had the chance."

"Did you and Espo find out what he was looking for at Montgomery's house?"

"Someone in Roy's wedding album. When we found it, there was a picture missing. It doesn't matter anymore, Castle. I quit. Let someone else deal with it."

"You're really going to stop?"

"I had a lot of time to think when I was hanging from that ledge. Mostly about you. You're the best thing that has ever happened to me, Rick. I was stupid to almost throw that away. You, Martha, and Alexis . . . you're family. I mean, I have my dad, but we haven't had that kind of relationship since my mom died. He has his work, and I have my work. We meet at his diner on Sunday's, and we take in a Yankees game once in a while. I love you. I have loved you for a very long time."

"Ryan called me."

"He told me."

"Kate, I told him to tell Gates. I didn't know what else to do."

"I'm not angry. Esposito is. But I understand why Ryan did what he did. We were so stupid. Maddox, or whatever his real name is, he killed the hotel manager. Esposito and I were lucky to get out of there alive. If Ryan hadn't shown up when he did—"

"I know." He saw her wince in pain. "I didn't make things worse for you last night when we—"

"No," she was quick to shake her head. "I needed that release. I just didn't want to end things without you understanding—"

"I was angry," he moved closer to her. "And I was hurt. But I never stopped caring about you."

"I know."

When he saw Kate once again wince in pain, he got an idea. "Do you want to get in the tub? I can turn on the jets. The hot water and the jets might help with your soreness."

"It won't make me feel any worse than I do right now."

"Come on," he got out of bed and held his hand out to her. He led her into the ensuite and turned on the taps, adjusting the temperature before he plugged the drain and climbed into the tub.

"Castle, what're you doing?"

"Trust me," he once again held his hand out to her.

Kate gingerly stepped into the tub and slowly sank down into the water, sighing when she settled against Castle's chest. Castle adjusted the jets, so that they were aimed at the more bruised parts of Kate's battered body. "Is that good?"

"Yeah, that's perfect," Kate closed her eyes, feeling the jets massaging her battered legs and torso.

Castle took one of her hands in his own, noticing that even her fingers were bruised. "How long do you think you were hanging from that ledge before Ryan found you?"

"I don't know. It seemed like hours, but I know it wasn't that long. Maybe five minutes. I thought that I was going to die, especially when I lost the grip with my left hand."

"I almost didn't answer the phone. We were on our way out the door when Ryan called me. I almost didn't pick up."

"I think that Ryan would've gone to Gates either way. He was angry when Espo and I left. But I'm glad that you picked up and advised him to tell her. We were stupid not to tell her earlier."

"I won't disagree with you about that."

"I know. Can we change the subject?"

"Yeah."

"Tell me about Alexis' graduation."

"The boring part or the good stuff?"

"Castle, I know that I need some sleep, but please don't regale me with the boring parts of your daughter's graduation. How was her speech?"

"Her speech was perfect. She spoke about how hard it is to move on, but that change is inevitable. Everything changes whether we want it to or not. I recorded it on my phone if you want to see it. I have to send a copy to Meredith."

"Later. Do you remember how rushed everything was last night?"

"I remember."

"Do you think that we could slow things down for round two?"

"Kate, you're bruised from head to toe. Do you still want to—"

"Castle, I was bruised from head-to-toe last night and we still had sex. And if you must know, I always want to with you."

"I always want to with you, too," he kissed the top of her head.

After getting out of the tub and making love a second time, Kate finally fell asleep, her arms and legs tangled with Castle's. They were both sound asleep when the sound of the door closing woke them both up. "Richard!" They both bolted upright when they heard Martha's voice ringing out. "Are you awake?"

"I thought that she was in the Hamptons," Kate stage whispered.

"She's supposed to be in the Hamptons! I don't know why she's here!"

Martha burst into Castle's bedroom just as Kate got the sheet pulled up to her chest. "Oh, Katherine. Good. The two of you have made up."

"Mother, what are you doing here?"

"I'm here to talk to you about Alexis."

"Uh, what about Alexis?"

"Well, I wanted to talk to you about your daughter's many fine qualities."

"You came all the way back from the Hamptons to discuss Alexis' qualities with me?" Richard was very confused. Was this real or a very bad dream?

"I just want to remind you that our Alexis is a paragon of grace, and good sense, and maturity. Although where she got these qualities, I don't know."

"Right. I would just be so much more comfortable having this conversation with my clothes on."

"Oh," Martha looked at Kate and Richard, as if noticing their state of undress for the first time. "Well, yes. We'll meet you in the kitchen."

"We? Alexis is here, too?"

Instead of answering, Martha turned and walked back to the living room. "Your mother and your daughter are here?"

"They are not supposed to be here, Kate. I wasn't expecting Alexis for—" He glanced at his phone. "—another six hours. As for my mother . . . who knows? I need to find out what's going on."

"Where are my clothes?" Kate asked.

"Kind of scattered around the room," Castle pointed out articles of Kate's clothing that were strewn around the bedroom.

"I think that I'm going to get dressed and go back to my place."

"Kate, just let me find out what's going on. Please?"

"Richard, we're waiting!"

"You'd better get out there before they bring the meeting in here."

When Castle walked out into the living room, he was surprised to find Alexis sitting at the breakfast bar, her head in her hands. "Alexis, are you hungover?" He asked.

"Well, the graduation festivities got a tad out of hand. Alexis called me and asked me to pick her up. So, I drove back into town, and here we are. How about some tea, darling?"

"No tea," Alexis mumbled.

"Alexis, why didn't you call me?"

"I tried. You didn't pick up," Alexis' tone was accusatory.

"Right," Castle suddenly remembered putting his phone on mute sometime after Kate had arrived the night before. "And that's on me. How about a little hair of the dog? That always worked for me."

"You're kidding, right?" Alexis glared at him through bloodshot eyes.

"Is Kate going to join us?" Martha asked.

"Kate's here? Is that why you didn't pick up?" Alexis shouted, regretting her actions immediately. "What will make my head stop hurting?"

"Castle, get your daughter some aspirin," Kate materialized from out of nowhere. She walked over to the refrigerator and took out a bottle of water. She placed the water in front of Alexis. "Drink that. Rule of thumb, Alexis. Anytime you drink, before you go to bed, drink a bottle of water and take two aspirin. You will thank me for this advice the next time you go out drinking."

"Thanks," Alexis mumbled, taking the aspirin her father had given her and chasing them down with the water.

"Did you at least have fun?" Castle asked.

"It was great until someone brought out the tequila. After that, not so much."

"Go take a hot shower and then come back downstairs. Your father will make you some breakfast," Kate told her.

"Food? Really?"

"Trust me, you need to eat something."

"As long as I'm making breakfast, will you stay?" Castle asked after Alexis had gone upstairs.

"Castle, I need to get home. We'll talk later," she kissed him on the cheek before leaving the apartment.

"So, you two kissed and made up. So to speak," Martha smiled at her son.

"It's a long story, but yeah. Are you okay with omelets?"

"Sorry, kiddo. But I'm heading back to the Hamptons. I'm meeting Jane McAvoy for brunch. I'll text you when I arrive."

"Be careful. Thank you for getting Alexis for me."

"Of course, darling. What are grandmothers for?"

Castle was putting the finishing touches on Alexis' breakfast when she came back downstairs, her hair damp from her shower. "Here you go," he placed the plate on the breakfast bar. "Do you feel better after your shower?"

"A little," she admitted, sitting down and picking up her fork. "What happened to Kate? I saw the bruises on her neck."

"She ran into some trouble yesterday."

"Did she find the guy who shot her?"

"Yeah, she did. But he got away."

"What happens now?"

"I don't know. She quit."

"Her job?" Alexis was stunned.

"She and Esposito got in trouble for going after the guy without letting Gates know. They both got suspended. But Kate quit."

"I don't blame Capt. Gates for suspending them. But being a cop is all that Kate knows. I can't see her quitting."

"Are you saying that she'll rescind her resignation?"

"Did she give Gates a formal letter?"

"I doubt it."

"Then she'll definitely rescind. Dad, you don't have to stay. If you want to go and be with Kate, I'm okay. I'll probably go up to my room and crash, anyway."

"When are you leaving for the Hamptons?"

"Not until tomorrow. There's a graduation party at Taylor's house tonight. Is it okay if I stay the night over there? She wants to head out early in the morning."

"Yeah, that's fine. Is there going to be alcohol at the party tonight?"

"No. It's also going to be supervised. Carefully."

"Good. I'm going to grab a few things and take off. Text me when you leave tomorrow and when you arrive in the Hamptons."

"I will. Dad?"

"Yeah?"

"I'm glad the two of you made up."

"Me, too," he smiled.

***CCC***

After arriving home, Kate took a shower and changed into comfortable clothes. She had just finished brushing her hair when she heard a knock on her door. When she looked through the peephole, she was surprised to find Ryan standing on the other side. She unlocked and opened the door. "Ryan, what're you doing here?"

"First I want to apologize—"

"No, Ryan. You don't owe me an apology. You were doing your job. I get it. You didn't have to come all the way over just to apologize."

"That's part of the reason why I'm here, but there's more. I talked to Evelyn Montgomery. We now know who Maddox was searching for. She brought in the negatives of the pictures that were missing from their wedding album."

"Ryan . . . Kevin . . . I quit. Show these to Gates or whoever you want, but I'm done."

"Kate, if we don't find this guy and Maddox does, he's going to kill him. And then he's going to come after you again. Did you know the people that Roy knew back in the day?"

"Most of them," Kate reluctantly admitted.

"Do you know this guy?" Ryan showed her the picture from Roy and Evelyn's wedding album. "I know the picture is 35 years old, but does he look even a little familiar to you?"

Kate took the picture and examined it closely. "No, he doesn't look like any of Roy's friends that I knew. Couldn't Evelyn tell you who he was?"

"No. She just knew that he was a friend of Roy's, but she couldn't remember his name."

They were interrupted by a knock on her door. "Hold on," she walked over and looked through the peephole, this time seeing Castle on the other side. "It's Castle." She unlocked the door once again and let Castle in.

Castle was surprised to find Ryan standing in the middle of Kate's living room. "Kevin, what're you doing here?"

"I came over to see if Kate could identify the person in this picture. She doesn't know who he is, so I'll head back to the Twelfth and see if Tory can run him through the facial recognition on her computer."

"She doesn't have to," Castle looked at the picture before giving it back to Ryan. "I don't know his name, but he's the one I've been talking to." He looked at Kate. "The one that I told you about who received the package from Montgomery."

"Okay, what are you two talking about?"

"I received the first phone call right after Kate got shot. This guy is a friend of Montgomery's. Roy sent this guy a package right before she got shot. The package was supposed to guarantee Kate's safety, but unfortunately, he didn't receive it until after Kate got shot."

"You don't know his name?"

"No. But he called my cell phone a couple of days ago."

"Let me have your phone. I might be able to run a trace."

Once Ryan left, Kate looked at Castle and ran her hands through her hair. "Ryan's worried that Maddox is going after this guy."

"He is going after him, Kate. That's why he took the picture. If we don't find him first, Maddox will find him and kill him."

"Castle, I can't do this. I don't know how to do this."

"We do it the way that we've always done it. We put our heads together and try to figure out who this guy is and where he lives. Because if we don't find him first, then you're never going to be safe."

"I already know that. You should know it, too. It doesn't matter what we do, there's always going to be another person in the shadows gunning for me!"

"Let me take you somewhere, Kate," Castle's voice was gentle. "Somewhere where you'll be safe."

"You've already said it," she walked into his chest, instantly feeling Castle's strong arms come around her, anchoring her to him. "I'll never be safe."

***CCC***

Kate crept out of her bed as quietly as she could, being careful not to awaken her sleeping partner. It had taken most of the day and evening, but she now had a name. She now knew the name of the man who had ordered her mother's murder. Michael Smith had been right when he had told her and Castle that the man they were looking for was untouchable. But now Smith was dead, and Kate knew that she had to put an end to the threat. She had done some checking and had learned that Senator William Bracken was speaking later that morning at the Widmark Hotel. She checked her gun before sticking it in her holster. She felt as if she had nothing to lose. She just knew that she had to get justice for her mother's murder.

Castle bolted upright in Kate's bed, looking and listening. Where was Beckett? "Kate?" He called out into the darkness. When he didn't get a response, he threw back the covers and got out of bed. He searched the apartment top to bottom, but he didn't find her anywhere. Knowing that Ryan had put a protective detail on her, he immediately called him.

Within 20 minutes, both Ryan and Esposito arrived at the apartment. "What do you mean she isn't here?" Ryan was perplexed.

"I woke up and she wasn't here. She must've slipped out after I fell asleep."

"I thought that you had a detail on her!" Espo's tone was accusatory as he faced his partner.

"I did . . . I do! They would've seen her if she left."

"Not if she didn't want them to see her," Castle was pacing around the apartment, his mind going in the one direction that he didn't want it to go. Would she? Yes, he was sure that she would. "Where is Senator Bracken right now?"

"I'll check," Ryan made a call. After speaking to the person on the other end for several minutes, he ended the call and looked at the other two men. "He's making a speech at the Widmark. Castle, you don't think—?"

"Find out if anyone has been in contact with him."

When Ryan called the hotel and got the answer, the three men raced out of the apartment and headed to the Widmark Hotel, where Ryan had been told that Senator Bracken was meeting with a donor. Who that donor was the hotel couldn't say.

***CCC***

Flashing their badges and racing through the hotel, Castle prayed that they weren't too late. If Kate killed Bracken, she'd be facing the rest of her life in federal prison.

When they got to the kitchen area, they saw Kate walking away from Senator Bracken, who was holding a hand to his face. "Kate, what did you do?" Castle asked, out of breath.

"Nothing. We reached an understanding," she returned her gun to her holster.

"What about your mother?" Ryan asked.

"I'll get justice for her. Just not today. Until then, I'll continue to get it for others. Let's get out of here."

A couple of hours later, Kate and Castle were relaxing on her sofa, their hands entwined. "I thought that you were going to kill him."

"That was my intent," she admitted. "But then I realized that I'd just be throwing my life away. He's not worth it. I can't quit, Castle."

"Your job?" He asked, watching her nod. "What're you going to tell Gates?"

"That I'm taking back my resignation. I haven't submitted anything in writing, so it shouldn't be a problem."

***CCC***

"Does this mean that I can report back to duty tomorrow?" Kate asked the next morning, after explaining to Gates that she was rescinding her resignation.

"I'm afraid that I can't do that."

"Why?"

"Det. Beckett, while you have changed your mind regarding your resignation, the fact remains that both you and Det. Esposito violated the rules of this precinct. Therefore, you will be serving out the remainder of your suspension. The same as Det. Esposito. I'll see you back here in 12 days. I'm sure that Mr. Castle will do more than his share to take your mind off your suspension."

"Sir?"

"Do I have stupid stamped on my forehead, Detective?"

"No, sir. I . . . I just thought—"

"You thought that I would kick Mr. Castle out of my precinct if I found out about your relationship?"

"Yes, sir."

"I can maintain plausible deniability so long as the two of you don't flaunt your affair around the bullpen. Now, get out of here before I change my mind."

"Yes, sir," Kate turned and left the captain's office, closing the door behind her. "Come on, Castle. Let's go home."

"What did she say?" Castle asked, following Kate to the elevator. "Can you come back to work tomorrow?"

"No."

"No?"

"I have to serve out my suspension the same as Esposito."

"What are you going to do in the meantime?"

"Oh, I'm sure that I'll think of something," she reached behind her and grabbed Castle's crotch, smiling when she felt him jump in surprise. "After all, I have 12 days."

***CCC***

Laying across her bed a few hours later, Kate found herself staring at hers' and Castle's fingers intertwined together. "I love your hands," she commented.

"Thank you. I'm rather partial to them myself," he teased. "Are you surprised that Gates knew about us?"

"A little. I guess we weren't being as careful as we thought."

"Maybe she walked by and happened to see the KB + RC that I had written on the murder board."

"Yeah, maybe," she rolled so that she was now resting on his chest.

"When I woke up and you were gone, I was terrified of what you were doing."

"I thought about killing him. Then I thought of you and my father."

"You're sure that you're safe?"

"Not 100 percent, but as sure as I can be for now. Bracken knows that I have the account number. I'm safe as long as he doesn't find out that the file blew up."

"And if he does?"

"I don't want to think about that now," she kissed his chest, smiling when she felt Castle's arm encircle her back.

"I have an idea."

"What?" Kate rested her head on his chest, sighing happily when she felt Castle's hand traveling up and down her spine.

"Let's go to the Hamptons. I want to show you my house. We can swim and take long walks on the beach."

"Make love."

"That, too. What do you say?"

"Well, I do have a 12-day sabbatical from work. When can we leave?"

"As soon as you can get some things packed. I already have clothes up there. Let's take a shower and then you can get packed. I have an errand to run while you get packed. Hopefully, it won't take very long."

"Where are you going?"

"I have to discuss some last-minute things with Gina about the latest book. I won't be gone long."

"Okay."

Once they had finished showering, Castle changed into clean clothes before walking over and kissing Kate. "I should be back in an hour or so. I'm going to go by the loft afterwards and pick up the Ferrari. It's a nice day to drive with the top down."

"Can I drive?"

"Are you kidding? You don't know how to get to the Hamptons house. I'll be back soon."

Kate shook her head and rolled her eyes. Castle acted like a 6-year-old when it came to his beloved Ferrari.

***CCC***

Jim Beckett was working on paperwork at his desk when his phone buzzed. "What is it, Mary Ellen?"

"Mr. Beckett, there's a Rick Castle out here. He insists that he needs to speak to you immediately."

"Send him in."

"Yes, sir."

A moment later, his door opened, and Jim's secretary was showing Castle into the office. "Rick, this is a nice surprise," Jim came from around his desk and shook Rick's hand. "Is everything okay?"

"Everything's fine," Jim noticed that Rick appeared nervous. "Kate and I are about to go to the Hamptons for a few days. She did tell you that we've been seeing each other, didn't she?"

"She did," Jim confirmed. "I take it that's why you're here?"

"Yes, sir."

"You can call me Jim, Rick. After all, you are dating my daughter."

"I don't know why I'm so nervous," Rick chuckled. "I guess that I should get to the point."

"That would probably be a good idea," Jim smiled.

"Okay," Rick nodded. "Sir . . . Jim . . . I love Kate. I'd like to ask your permission to marry her."

A/N #2: I'm so sorry that it took me so long to finish this chapter. I promise that the next (and final) chapter won't take as long.

A/N #3: One more chapter and possibly an epilogue.

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