The precinct was almost empty. A lot of people had already left to enjoy their week-end. Captain Montgomery, however, was still here. He had been about to leave when he had seen his best detective come back in and sit down at her desk, her face an undecipherable mask. He had toyed with the idea of going to talk to her but had finally renounced. Like the others, he had witnessed the scene outside the break room. He had seen her and Lanie leave together. He had seen Castle come back and run after her. He had done his part, he had told her what he thought, he would not interfere anymore. But now, even with his family waiting for him at home, he could not make himself leave and abandon her here. So he stayed and looked at her from time to time, ready to stand up if he felt that she needed him.

Kate's phone rang and she picked up automatically.

"Beckett."

"What did you do to the poor guy? I swear, you two are going to be the death of me."

"What?"

The voice on the other end of the line finally drew her out of her reverie. She looked around her. Oh, right, the precinct. She had come here without really realizing it, just because this was usually the place where she found answers. She had sat down and started doing paperwork. Unfortunately, the kind of answers she needed could not be found here.

"It's Lanie. Where are you and why is Castle in my apartment looking like someone has run over his entire family?"

"I'm at the precinct. Wait, he's still there? Why? What did he tell you?"

"He said nothing and I'll be the one asking questions here, if you will."

"Of course."

One did not argue with Dr Lanie Parish when she was using this tone of voice.

"Why are you at the precinct and why is he here? I left you two alone for, I swear, less than an hour!"

"I left."

"Yeah, I kind of figured that one out on my own, thanks. What I'd like to know is why? Did he say something stupid? Did he do something even more stupid? Did you say something stupid?"

She would not let it go until she had a satisfying answer.

"'Cause from the look on his face, that last one seems the most plausible."

"Well, ..."

And there, she found herself incapable of explaining. Wait, what had happened in there?

"I didn't say anything stupid, it's..." Yeah, that was the problem, she had not said anything. "Listen, Lanie, I can't talk right now."

"Oh, no, you're not getting away with it. You left that poor guy in my apartment, you owe me a little more than that."

"Fine. I'll tell you everything but right now, I think I need to apologize."

"Yeah, you probably do."

"Thanks, Lanie, you're a great friend."

"Hey, don't you be sarcastic at me. I'm not the one who broke a guy's heart and then left him alone in somebody else's apartment. So, I'm sending him home, and you get your ass there and fix this. Then you come back

here and tell me everything. Unless, you know, you guys are too busy..."

"Bye Lanie."

She hung up without letting her friend finish.

"Go home, Castle."

The writer stood up without protesting and made his way towards the front door.

"And stay there, cause I can assure you, you're not done for tonight. She's joining you there."

"No. No way. I'm not doing this again. Ever."

"Oh, yes, you are. You'll wait for her and you'll open the door when she rings the bell. And if you don't, I'll know it and don't forget where I work. I know people. Lots of people." She raised an eyebrow and leaned towards him to make her threat more convincing. He raised his hands in defence.

"Okay. Fine, I will. But I hold you personally responsible for anything that might happen from now on. And I know people, too. And there's not on the same side of the law as you."

"I'll take the chance. Now, get out."

She closed the door behind him, walked back into the living room and sat down on the sofa. Now, all she had to do was wait.

A/N: I swear I tried to write more angry or protective Lanie but it turns out that I can't. Sorry.
More next week-end.