Title: Castle – Star Witness

Summary: While still struggling to come to terms with the assassination attempt on her life, Detective Kate Beckett is challenged to reassess her life and discover some stability.

Pairings: Kate Beckett & OFC; Richard Castle & OFC; Javier Esposito & Lanie Parish; Kevin Ryan & Jenny O'Malley.

Rating: MA for Mature readers 15+.

Disclaimer: The following is a work of fiction that has been constructed using characters from a television series and a few original ones to add to the story. No profit is gained and no copyright infringement is intended to creator Andrew W. Marlowe or Production Companies ABC Studies, Beacon Pictures, Experimental Pictures and Milmar Pictures.

WARNING: This tale features consensual sexual interaction between two females. If this is not to your liking, please wait at the next bus stop and ride to another site.

A/N: Please take the time to review and nourish the Muse. Much gratitude to the reviews, follows and favs.

Chapter Two

Saturday 24th September, 2011.

Beckett rolled over in bed and turned the alarm on her phone off. It was eight o'clock and the first decent sleep she had managed since being shot nearly four months previously. Climbing off the mattress, the silk night gown attired woman exited the bedroom and walked into the bathroom.

Disrobing, Beckett flinched when the four inch scar along the left hand side of her rib cage pulled. Turning to her left, she viewed the blemish and her eyes filled with tears as flashes of her near death experience invaded her thoughts.

After being struck in the chest by her would be assassin, Beckett had nearly succumbed to her injury when the bullet lodged in her heart. Her ex-boyfriend and Emergency Room Surgeon Josh Davidson had sliced open her flank in an effort to access her non-beating organ.

Rotating to a front on position, Beckett looked at the small circular scar between her thirty two inch B cup breasts and smiled. It had taken her three months to recover physically, but her mental wounds still required treatment. The detective had commenced counselling with the Departmental appointed Psychiatrist, a Doctor Carter Burke upon her release from hospital. It had taken her several weeks to open up and literally pour her heart out while admitting she was suffering from PTSD. It took even longer for her to disclose the fact Castle had declared his love for her while she faded into unconsciousness after falling to the lawn of the cemetery during her speech at the funeral of her friend, mentor and Commanding Officer, Roy Montgomery.

The declaration became a defining moment in Becket's relationship with Castle and after months of not contacting him, she had returned to duty and lied by telling him she had no memory of the event after being wounded. Falling back into the familiar routine of working side by side with Castle, it became easy to ignore the uneasiness between them and carry on regardless.

From the sideways glances and questioning glares, it was obvious Castle was waiting for Beckett to remember the words he has spoken on that day and in turn, Beckett's unwillingness to disclose the truth became the focus of her conversations with Carter Burke. When the Psychiatrist began to chisel away at her reluctance to discuss how she truly felt about Castle, he had posed the question, "Are you afraid he will wait for you or the fact he won't?"

Four weeks previously, Beckett had returned home from that appointment and called Castle with an invitation for dinner at her apartment. He readily accepted and arrived two hours later. Beckett had prepared a pasta dish and the pair sat down to eat.

She poured two glasses of wine and after sipping a small amount, began, "I owe you an apology."

"Why is that?"

"I heard what you said to me the day I was shot."

With knitted brows, Castle asked, "Why did you lie?"

"I didn't want there to be awkwardness between us if I acknowledged your feelings."

"Is that why you didn't contact me over summer?"

"Yes. I know over the years there has been an unresolved issue regard our relationship, but I think we need to clear the air."

"I agree."

"Castle, you are a wonderful person and I do love you as a friend, but a romantic relationship with you is not what I'm looking for. It would only jeopardise our work partnership and quite frankly, I don't have the time to devote to someone."

"I understand and think you are right. I've always been aware of the fact you wouldn't be ready for any form of commitment until you found the person responsible for ordering the hit on your mother. I've watched you crawl inside your mother's murder and not come out and comprehend you need to deal with that part of your life."

"I have to say you are surprisingly calm about all this."

"Kate, I suspected you didn't return my feelings when you kept to yourself. I do admit to waiting for you, but realised a couple of weeks ago it was pointless. I came to that conclusion when you informed me you had broken up with Josh. You hide behind relationships with men you don't love and I don't want to one of them."

"Well I'm glad that is out in the open and we can still be friends."

"Me too and dinner is superb."

Beckett's recollection was interrupted by the trilling of her cell phone. She picked it up off the counter and answered, "Hey Castle, what's up?"

"Hi. I forgot to tell you yesterday I found out where Torri was when Esposito and Ryan spoke to Hillary at the office."

"You did?"

"She was teaching a class at a music school she owns in Brooklyn. She grants six scholarships to young aspiring singer/songwriters each year and that's the reason behind her not resigning with WildChild Records."

"Let me guess, she is starting her own label?"

"You should be a detective," quipped Castle.

"I'll think about a career change. Did you find out anything else?"

"Hillary of course was against the whole idea when Torri pitched it to him a couple of months ago, so she never mentioned her plans to him again."

"I suppose he was concerned about profit margins."

"And the fact he would have an increased workload and that would have boosted the chances of being found out before he got what he wanted."

"I'll pass on the information to Trevor. Did you ask Torri out?"

"No, but she does want to chat with me tonight about my next book."

"That sounds promising."

"Time will tell and Esposito called before with the news the concert was brilliant and Torri gave them signed tee shirts afterwards."

"I know, Lanie called me at two this morning with a full run down of the evening."

There was a gentle chuckle on the other end, "Alexis is beside herself with anticipation and mother is no better. Who are you bringing?"

"I gave my other two tickets to Gates and her husband. Apparently they are both huge fans."

"Hopefully your kind gesture will thaw out the Captain."

"She actually apologised to me yesterday for her behaviour, yours must be in the mail."

With an audible sigh, Castle pondered, "I just don't get why she doesn't like me."

"You're a civilian Castle and she is by the book. Gates will have her back up because the Mayor is your friend and she was ordered to honour your consulting contract."

"That may well be the reason, but the woman treats me like I'm a complete imbecile."

"Give her time to get to know you better and love you like we all do."

Chortling, Castle asked, "Is there a compliment in there somewhere or do I have to go fishing?"

"Of course there is and Gates will soon discover you are a valuable asset to the team."

"I really don't have much choice other then to wait. I have to go; Alexis and I are off to play laser tag. I have to avenge the thrashing she gave me last time."

"Well enjoy and I'll see you tonight."

"Ooh before I go, I'll pick you up at seven thirty. I've organised a Limo so we can all chillax and not worry about getting home in one piece."

"That's very thoughtful of you Castle and it will save us from having to find a parking space."

"Precisely and dress is casual."

"I've been to concerts before."

"The eighties don't count Beckett."

"I wasn't born until 1979 and I'll have you know I went to see the Black Eyed Peas with Josh seven months ago."

"I stand corrected and will see you later."

"Bye Castle."

-o-

Blue denim jeans, white buttoned up shirt, black boots and black leather jacketed Beckett followed Castle, Martha and Alexis along the aisle in the fourth row then settled into her seat. She looked around the crowded hall and spotted Gates and her husband as they made their way to the chairs next to her. Gates was all smiles as she introduced Raymond and Castle presented his family in return.

After fifteen minutes of chit chat, an unseen male announced the concert was due to begin in five minutes. Castle turned to Beckett with wide eyed excitement and stated, "This is going to be awesome."

"I hope you make it through the support act," taunted Beckett.

"Oh Torri doesn't have one, she plays for the entire three hours."

"That's impressive."

"I've got a copy of her last tour on DVD and she was brilliant, but actually being in the audience is so much better. I can't believe you've never heard of her."

"I've been kind of preoccupied with work and my spare time has been limited, so I haven't listened to the radio or watched television in a while."

"Well you my friend, are in for a real treat because Torri is a genuine rock goddess."

Castle's assessment proved correct. When the house lights extinguished and a solitary light blue spotlight focused on the middle of the drawn black stage curtains, the crowd erupted into boisterous applause and stood as a driving drum beat started. It was soon followed by the wail of an electric guitar and Beckett rose to her feet and was instantly pulled into the hypnotic music pulsating around her. Glancing to her right, she observed Gates and Raymond clapping along with the others.

Beckett's head turned back to the stage when a female voice came over the speakers and asked, "Are you ready to rock New York City?"

In response the audience lifted as one and chanted, "Yes."

The curtain separated and Torri Wingate appeared behind the microphone stand strumming a black Gibson Les Paul electric guitar. She was dressed in black leather pants, boots and a dark purple tee shirt. Her long brown hair fell loose below her shoulders and Beckett was mesmerised.

By the end of the first song, Beckett had removed her jacket and placed it on her seat. She never stopped dancing until Torri and her five piece band left the stage two and three quarter hours later.

The house lights were turned up slightly and the crowd screamed for more while clapping and banging their feet on the floor.

Beckett fell back onto her chair and Castle did the same and faced her. "What did you think?" he asked.

"Oh my god, she is freaking brilliant."

With a smirk, Castle replied, "Yes she is and we get to party with her. How awesome is that?"

"This is the best night out I've had in ages."

"I gather Torri is going to sing her new song for an encore."

On cue, a crew member wandered onto stage carrying an acoustic guitar and stand. He placed them beside the centre microphone then left. One by one the band members returned to their positions as the ovation and stamping increased in volume.

Castle and Beckett got up and Torri, who had changed into a long sleeved white shirt and black jeans, walked up to the guitar. She picked it up and slipped the strap over her left shoulder and the lighting grew brighter as she spoke.

"Thank you all for an amazing evening. It's good to finally be home again."

The spectators responded loudly with cheers and cat whistles then Torri introduced her band members. Once the applause died down, Torri continued, "As you know, this is the final show of my world tour and I'm glad to share it with all of you. I've been busy writing new material for an album while on the road and I'd like to close out by playing my new single due to be released tomorrow." Torri looked around to her drummer then resumed, "The name of the song is "Another's Name" and the music critics often say an artist produces their best work when they have their hearts broken. Well, this song was written after such an occasion. I hope you enjoyed the show and I'll see you all again soon."

With the lights changing to a softer hue, Torri nodded to the drummer and he counted in the intro. With a gentle melody behind her, Torri sang:

When you used to feel so lost, confused and incomplete, you would call on me.

As the darkness of despair encroached upon your dreams, I would comfort you.

But those days have passed and you call a stranger to your side and I am left alone to watch from behind my wall of tears.

The music picked up pace and Torri continued.

I don't recognise the person wearing your face and I miss the love that vanished without a whimper or protest from you.

In your eyes the bond we shared was not worth the fight and the life we shared became dispensable as you were captured by another's lies.

You walked away with my heart in the palms of your hands and every day I endure the agony of listening to you call another's name your love.

With a softer tone, the song went on.

When your sorrow was too heavy a burden for you to carry, I would take the weight from your shoulders and gladly bear the pain.

As the storm of confusion encroached upon your thoughts, I would calm you.

But those moments are now my past and you call a stranger to your bed and I am left alone with my solitude.

I don't recognise the person wearing your face and I miss the love that vanished without a whimper or protest from you.

In your eyes the bond we shared was not worth the fight and the life we shared became dispensable as you were captured by another's lies.

You walked away with my heart in the palms of your hands and every day I endure the agony of listening to you call another's name your love.

Torri repeated the chorus and another verse followed then the stage faded to blackness as the music stopped. The audience exploded into thunderous applause and a teary eyed Beckett stood transfixed until Gates spoke.

"Kate, thank you so much for inviting us tonight. Torri was absolutely fantastic and our kids are so jealous."

"I'm glad you had a good time and she was remarkable."

The concert hall lights turned up and Beckett was surprised when a crew member jumped over the barrier railing and approached them.

"Torri wanted to make sure you didn't get lost in the crowd. Please follow me," he directed while heading back along the security route.

The group of six followed and Castle hugged his daughter to his side when they arrived backstage and were led into a large function room.

"Help yourselves to refreshments and Torri will be with you in a few."

"Thank you so much," replied an exuberate Castle.

Beckett slowed her racing heart rate and neared the bar. She ordered a red wine then took a seat by the entrance. The others were busying discussing the concert and didn't notice when an elderly couple entered the room.

Standing, Beckett smiled at them and introduced herself, "Hello, I'm Kate Beckett."

A tall male in his early seventies held out his hand, "Ahh yes the police detective. I'm Ben and this is my lovely wife Elaine. We are Torri's grandparents."

"Pleased to meet you sir, ma'am. You have a very talented granddaughter."

Elaine stepped in closer, "We are very proud of her and she was grateful for your handling of Sasha's horrible death in such a respectful and timely manner. I never did like that snake Hillary."

Ben lightly caressed his wife's shoulder, "Do you want a drink my love?"

"Yes please darling."

Beckett was about to speak when Castle joined her, "Missus Wingate, Rick Castle. It's an honour to meet you. Torri informed me you were a fan."

With a huge smile, the grey haired woman responded, "The pleasure is all mine and you are more devilishly handsome in real life than your pictures portray."

"Why thank you and I can see where Torri inherited her beauty."

Beckett moved away and went to talk to Alexis and Martha. A few minutes later, crew and band members walked into the room and the three women engaged in introductions and pleasantries.

A short time later, Beckett felt a gentle touch on her right shoulder and she turned her head to find Torri in company of a tall, raven haired male.

"Excuse me Detective Beckett, may I present my father Jacob."

Shaking hands with the blue eyed good-looking man, Beckett replied, "Nice to meet you sir."

"It's a pleasure Detective and congratulations on the speedy resolution to Sasha's unfortunate murder. Torri here said you are one of New York's finest."

Torri blushed and strolled over to a band member while Beckett's heart fluttered. Jacob went on and asked her questions about the force then music began to play in the background.

Castle worked his way around the room and finally made it to Beckett. Esposito, Lanie, Ryan and Jenny joined the pair and the six friends dissected the show until Torri arrived and asked to speak to Beckett in private.

She ushered the detective to her dressing room and motioned for her to take a seat on a couch. "Sorry to take you away from the party," she apologised. "But I wanted to ask about the case."

"What would you like to know?"

"Rick called me this morning and mentioned Clive had been formally arrested."

"I can't discuss any details with you, but I can confirm he is in custody and was arraigned on first degree murder late yesterday."

Tears formed in the corners of blue eyes and Torri's voice broke, "That's good and I owe you an apology."

Brown brows crept upwards, "You do?"

"I wasn't completely honest during our interview."

"Does it have any bearing on the investigation?"

"It may."

"Then I have to advise you of the warning given to you yesterday."

"I fully understand Detective, but it won't implicate me in any way. You have your killer, but what I'm about to tell you may strengthen the case against him."

"In that case, I think it best if we have this discussion at the station in front of ADA Walker."

"I agree. Do you want to leave now?"

"Wouldn't you rather stay for your party?"

"I can guarantee it will still be going by the time we're done."

"All right, I'll just give Walker a call and have him meet us at the precinct. I'll need to inform Captain Gates also."

"I'll meet you at the stage exit to the left. My car is parked just outside."

"Are you okay to drive?"

"I don't drink alcohol."

"Oh, in that case give me five."

-o-

Beckett settled onto the passenger seat of the dark blue BMW X5 SUV and confessed, "I expected you to be chauffeured around in a limousine."

"I'm not that pretentious Detective," replied Torri as she drove out of the garage.

"I'm beginning to see that and I thoroughly enjoyed your show."

"Thanks. How long have you and Rick been involved?"

"This is our fourth year of working together."

"That's not what I meant."

"Oh uhm, we are not together as a couple."

"Sorry, I just assumed you were by the way he talks about you and how you both exchange those little pearls of witticisms."

After a diminutive chuckle, Beckett explained, "We are close friends and respect each other's work methods."

"I suppose him being a crime novelist makes him a perfect profiler and that must marry well with your "by the book" ethic."

"You picked all that up after one conversation?"

"I majored in Psychology at Columbia and have a habit of psychoanalysing people when I meet them for the first time."

"I should have taken the time to read your file instead of listening to Castle's condensed version. Unfortunately, the case snowballed into an arrest and I ran out of time."

"Rick's kind of a flirt, isn't he?"

"He pulls out the charm when he wants to and he has no shame when it comes to attractive women."

"Have you ever been interested in him?"

"I was for a brief moment last year, but then realised he is not what I'm looking for and right now I'm not in a position to entertain the idea of being romantically involved with anyone."

"Does Rick know that?"

"He does, so you are clear to accept his date invite."

Torri giggled briefly before saying, "He hasn't asked yet, but I am well aware of his intent. This may sound horribly wrong, but he's twelve years older than me and not what I need in my life. I'm basically like you and am too busy working on my new business venture, a movie soundtrack and an album. I don't have time for matters of the heart."

"Castle will be mortified."

"He'll get over it, especially since I've already hinted I'm not available."

"I'm sure he will bounce back from the disappointment."

Torri remained silent for the remainder of the trip and pulled into a vacant parking space some twenty metres from the 12th Precinct. Beckett led her up to the fourth floor and showed her into an interview room.

"Would you like a coffee or something else to drink?" she asked while holding the door ajar.

"Do you have green tea?"

"Sure do."

"I'll take one with honey; it's good for my throat."

"Coming right up."

Beckett walked to the break room and set about making an espresso and a mug of tea. She returned to the interview room to find Trevor engaged in conversation with Torri. She placed a cup in front of Torri and asked, "You want a coffee Trevor?"

"No thanks Kate, shall we begin?"

Sitting down, Beckett opened up her notebook, "Torri, you told me earlier you have information that may be helpful in the case against Clive Hillary."

"That is correct." Torri reached into her black leather jacket and retrieved two envelopes. Handing them to Beckett, she explained, "Sasha sent me two letters while I was on tour in Florida and Seattle. In both she describes her suspicion towards Clive's constant questions about my future plans."

"Is it true you had not discussed your decision to start your own label with Hillary?"

"That's right, but on Thursday night Sasha told me Clive was paranoid about the WildChild contract."

"It certainly goes towards substantiating Hillary's premeditation for killing Sasha," pointed out Trevor.

"But why murder her?" posed Beckett with slight irritation. "She had already severed ties with him and was no threat to his plans of receiving his ten percent of the deal as well as tour proceeds."

"I think I may have the answer," interrupted Torri. "At the hotel Sasha admitted she had told Clive she was going to advise me against signing and also inform me about the forged cheques from her account she had found in her apartment."

"When was this?"

"It was the morning before he killed her."

"We need those cheques," noted Trevor. "They weren't in her apartment during the search."

Torri sheepishly spoke, "Sasha has a safety deposit box at her bank. She probably put them in there for safe keeping."

"Why didn't you mention this yesterday?" demanded Beckett.

"You could say it was for personal preservation."

"I beg your pardon?"

"You'll also find a collection of correspondence that I sent Sasha over the years that I didn't want falling into the wrong hands."

"Why is that?"

"It has the potential to impact on my private life."

"Do you know where Sasha might have kept the key?"

Reaching inside her shirt collar, Torri pulled out a lengthy platinum chain and removed a small key, "This is the duplicate to the box. I don't know where Sasha kept hers. It's possible Clive found it and planned on using it."

Beckett flipped through the pages contained in the folder, "Here it is, one key located in the pocket of a pair of Sasha's jeans." Looking up, she asked Torri, "Why do you have a key?"

"Sasha gave it to me two years ago in case she lost hers. I grabbed it from my apartment before the show with the intention of handing it over to you."

"You do realise I could have you charged for withholding information?"

"Yes I do, but I had a hell of a lot going on at the time and it was stupid of me not to disclose all the facts to you. You have to agree that it didn't hinder your investigation Detective."

"No it didn't. Is there anything else you wish to divulge?"

Tears silently fell from Torri's eyes and she went on, "Sasha was more than my best friend, we were in a relationship for three years until Clive met her."

"Did he know about the relationship?" inquired Trevor.

"No. Sasha insisted our partnership be kept quiet and no one but my family were aware of it."

Beckett finished writing in the notebook and asked, "So he stole her away from you?"

"Not really Detective. She was already moving away from me when he came onto the scene. I was resigned to the fact I'd lost her well beforehand."

"Why was that?"

"I was unhappy with being wedged firmly in the closet and wanted to live freely without any constraints. Sasha wasn't a lesbian, she was bi-sexual and she thought I would risk my career if I came out. I have a very large male fan base and she didn't want the world to view her as my girlfriend."

"Obviously you disagreed."

"I did, but after our last discussion on the matter, she started to withdraw from me. When I spoke to her Thursday night, she asked that I not mention her name when I do an interview with Advocate Magazine on Monday."

"Did you consent?"

"Yes, but I have this feeling Sasha may have confessed all to Clive."

"What makes you think that?"

"I found out she had been drained of her blood and remembered Clive once said he thought lesbians were blood sucking bitches."

"Did Sasha say anything on the phone about your relationship before you met at the hotel?"

"Yes, she told me she missed me and loved me. She apologised for treating me like crap and wanted to make amends."

Beckett turned to Trevor, "He must have overheard the conversation from his hiding place."

"The creep was in her apartment?" queried an appalled Torri.

"Yes," replied Trevor. "We'll need a detailed statement from you."

"That's not a problem; I'll do whatever I can."

"Can you make it Monday?"

"Yes, I have a clear schedule. Do you want me here or at your office?"

"Here will be just fine. Detective Beckett will want to recover the contents of the safety deposit box first and the bank won't be open before nine, so I'll see you here at one o'clock."

"I'll be here."

The trio stood and Torri offered, "Detective Beckett, I'll take you back to the party."

"Thank you. I'll speak to you Monday morning Trevor and I appreciate you coming in this late."

"Not a bother, Marge and the kids are at her parents for the weekend and I was up watching basketball."

Torri turned to him and suggested, "You are more than welcome to join us at my end of tour party."

"I'd like that Miss Wingate."

"Please call me Torri and we'll just get back in time for pastries. My band has quite the sweet tooth and my grandmother loves to bake."

-o-

Castle sidled up to Beckett the second she arrived back. "Well, what happened?"

"Torri coughed up some useful evidence and Trevor is taking a statement from her Monday afternoon. We have proof of Hillary's fraud to pick up from the bank."

"Really, that is very interesting?"

"Hillary was signing Sasha's cheques."

"So he was draining her bank account too."

"Yes he was and Sasha found some cheques and conveniently placed them in her safety deposit box."

"That certainly adds to his motive."

"It does and Trevor is seeking the death penalty."

"He'll have a strong case and I think this is our fastest solved case ever."

"I'll drink to that."

"Well allow me to get one for you."

"Thanks."

Beckett scanned the room and noticed Alexis talking to Ryan and the band's drummer. Martha was in conversation with several members of the stage crew while Lanie and Javier were chatting with Torri's family. Turing to her left, she spied Torri with Trevor and a few behind the scenes staff.

Castle returned carrying two glasses of red wine and he handed one to Beckett, "She's really something else, isn't she?"

"Are you referring to Torri?"

"Why yes I am."

"You're not her type. What about the blonde over by the lead guitarist?"

"Oh she is very nice and what do you know about Torri that I don't?"

"Torri is like me and doesn't have the time for commitment. Besides, you are too old for her."

"Ouch, did she tell you that?"

"She did, so go introduce yourself to the blonde instead."

"If you insist," scoffed Castle theatrically before walking away.

Smiling, Beckett sipped her drink and observed her work partner as he was greeted warmly by the blonde.

"I hope you aren't too upset with me Detective Beckett?"

Turning around, Beckett replied, "No, I understand the reasoning behind your reluctance and please call me Kate."

"Kate it is and the woman Rick is talking to is my brother's wife Jenna. My brother Corey is the dark haired hulk at the bar."

"Poor Castle isn't having too much luck with the ladies."

"I'll introduce him to my assistant Clarice. She is single, thirty five and the stunner standing next to Corey."

"He'll appreciate that I'm sure. I haven't really had the chance to tell you, but I'm sorry for your loss."

"Thank you. The past two days have been such a rush that I haven't had time to mourn her passing. I'm sure I'll fall apart when I actually stop and think about what's happened to her."

"Am I correct in assuming your new song is about Sasha?"

"You are and it was the last song I wrote for the album."

"It's beautiful Torri and I admit to shedding a tear or two."

Smiling brightly, Torri replied, "I'm glad you like it."

"You have a very powerful voice and a really diverse range."

"Thanks and Rick let it slip yesterday that you have a tremendous singing voice."

"I can hold a tune, but am far from your level of talent. Did he also happen to mention details of Sasha's murder?"

"Yes, it was purely accidental and maybe one day you will sing for me."

"If I have a few more wines anything could happen."

Laughing out loud, Torri confessed, "You are a very interesting woman Kate Beckett and extremely good looking. Of course I point that out as a fact and not in a gay way."

Beckett chuckled at the comment, "Thank you for the compliments."

"If you will excuse me, I'll go play matchmaker for Rick."

"Please do."

-o-

It was two forty five when Beckett arrived home and after showering, she tossed on a pair of drawstring pyjama bottoms and an old NYPD tee shirt. She was about the climb into bed when Castle rang. "What is it?"

"I just wanted to say I had an awesome time tonight."

"So did I and you are drunk."

"Yes I am and I have Clarice's phone number."

"You're a lucky man Castle."

"Yes I am my friend and I'll see you Monday."

"Goodnight."

"Bye Partner."

Beckett ended the call, turned off the light and got into bed. Her phone rang again with a Precinct number and she answered, "Beckett."

"Sergeant Garcia Detective, we have a fresh one for you over in Clinton. Some guy took a nose dive off the roof of the Kimpton Hotel on 11th Avenue and landed on a parked car."

"You better send a patrol car over to my address; I've had a couple of drinks."

"You got it ma'am."

Putting down the phone, Beckett turned on the bedside lamp and jumped out of bed.

-o-