Chapter 13

It was Saturday night and The Olde Haunt was had been transformed into an old western saloon. There were swinging doors at the entrance and a garter legged woman lying on top of the piano belting out raunchy ballads. Drinks were served by ladies with plunging necklines and feathers in their hair, some of them Martha's students, as cards were dealt and wheels of fortune spun. Martha was in her glory as the presiding Madame with Alexis as a demure barmaid. The Mayor held court at one table while James Patterson spun stories at another. Donors wrote large checks for scrip to play the games and a chance to catch the eye of Natalie Rhodes and Ellie Monroe. Members of the 12th wandered about in costume, drinking and trying their luck at lower stakes games. Castle sat at a no limit poker table doing his best impression of Maverick with Beckett as his good luck charm. A large banner reading "Respite for Respite" hung over the bar.

Felicity came to Castle's table, her eyes shining. "Mr. Castle, I can't believe you put all this together, and so quickly. The money will really expand Up's 'Give Us A Break' respite program. Now we'll really be able to serve the families with severe needs.'"

Beckett saw Castle's blue eyes darken and took his hand. "I hope so, Felicity," he said. "After what I've seen, I hope so."

Castle was in his element, dealing the cards and schmoozing the guests, but it was beginning to wear on Beckett. She touched his arm and whispered quietly,"Can we take a break?"

"Where?" Castle asked.

Beckett inclined her head toward the trap door to the basement. "How about the office?"

Castle and Beckett went down the stairs together and Castle did his best James Garner. "What seems to be the trouble Ma'am?"

Beckett got into the game. "I have needs, sir. Strong needs. And a handsome, rich, gentleman like yourself," she added, removing his hat and string tie, I think you're just what the doctor ordered."

Castle gave a little bow. "Ma'am, I am at your service."

Beckett pulled off his jacket and unbuttoned his shirt. Pressing against him, with a hand on either side of his face, she brought her lips to his. Castle eased the low cut gown off her shoulders and taking his lips from hers, kissed the uncovered skin. Beckett pulled at his shirt until it hit the floor. Her dress soon followed. Pens and papers flew from the top of the desk, as the last of Castle's costume was gone and they came together, game forgotten as the need grew to its final surge and satisfaction overcame it.

Beckett and Castle lay on the desk, legs dangling over the edge, breath coming in pants. "I can't believe we have to go back up there," Castle groaned.

"It's your party, Castle," Beckett told him, "and it's for the kids. Tough it out."

"For the kids," Castle agreed.

If anyone noticed that Beckett's lipstick was smeared or Castle's tie was slightly askew when they came up from the basement, it wasn't mentioned, although Lanie, stunning in a bustier, gave Beckett a knowing look and Esposito smirked at Castle.

The festivities lasted well into the wee hours. Castle and Beckett stayed to help with cleanup, fortunately joined by a crew of volunteers and staff from Up. The couple returned to the loft as the sun was rising, and wearily slipped between the sheets.

It was two o'clock in the afternoon. Castle and Beckett opened their eyes almost simultaneously, stretching to get the kinks out.

"Good thing you have the day off," Castle said. "Breakfast?"

"More like lunch, Castle" Beckett told him.

"You want to go somewhere?" Castle asked.

"After last night, Castle are you kidding?"

Castle palmed her cheek and kissed her nose. "I'll go see what we have."

The refrigerator was pretty bare, as shopping time had been sacrificed to preparations for the previous night's festivities, so Beckett and Castle decided to order a pizza. They ate it slowly, with Beckett picking little pieces of sausage off and popping them into Castles mouth as he popped mushrooms into hers. As Beckett snuggled back against Castle's chest, they slowly drank glasses of red wine and stared into the licks of fire dancing behind the screen, high in the wall.

"What did you think of last night?" Castle asked.

Beckett rolled her eyes and poked him with her elbow.

"Not that," Castle said, "the benefit."

"It was a great event, Castle. Everyone had a good time and Up made a lot of money. What's the problem?"

"It just doesn't feel like it's enough," Castle told her. "I feel like there should be more."
"Any more, Castle, and we would be passed out on the floor. It was great. You can be proud of it."

Castle brought her more tightly to his body and kissed her hair, but continued to stare thoughtfully into the flames.

They finished their lazy day watching a marathon of Temptation Lane and role playing some of the characters' juicier moments. Sleep came easily to Beckett, but Castle was still restless.

Beckett's phone shrilled a five A.M.. She grabbed for it sleepily, to hear Esposito's voice on the other end. "Got it." she said.

Castle opened his eyes. "What's going on?"

"Body," Beckett answered, heading for a quick shower. "Are you coming?"

"No," Castle answered. "There's something I need to do today."

While Beckett showered and dressed, Castle made coffee. He handed her a traveling mug with his signature heart as she headed for the door.

"Talk to you later?" Beckett asked.

"Of course," Castle told her.

Felicity greeted Castle as he came to her desk at Up. "Mr. Castle, so lovely to see you. What can I do for you this morning?"

"Can you direct me to the respite training class?"

"I'll take you. It's in the multipurpose room. Bonnie Dorsett is teaching."

As Felicity ushered Castle into the class, Bonnie greeted him. "Mr. Castle, are you here to observe the class?"

"No," Castle told her. "I'm here to join it. Teach me to help."

Finis

A/N This is it for this story. I plan to survive the mid-season hiatus by writing my way through it and I'll probably be sticking to this universe. Watch for my postings or follow me on twitter CheerfulChemist and I'll let you know whenever something goes up. I am very grateful for all the followings and especially for all the reviews. Happy Thanksgiving! Love, Sally.