Thanks for all the great reviews. I'll try and update soon!
Las Vegas - Saturday
In the lobby of theTrident stood four detectives, a Medical Examiner and a writer. Castle had offered to make up the differences so they could stay at a five star hotel. As usual, Castle's way of life amazed Ryan and Esposito and left Beckett uncomfortable. Beckett was always adjusting to Castle's lavish way of life. She came from humble roots, went to public school and had always led a modest life. She was, however, determined to step out of her comfort zone and adjust, but she was unsure why. Her thoughts were interrupted by the concierge with a heavy southern accent.
"Sir, we have your rooms, but unfortunately we weren't able to make them on the same floor. I'm so sorry for the inconvenience, there's an international gadget fair on this weekend."
"That's ok, we'll take whatever you have, it's our fault for not booking earlier" replied Montgomery.
"Ok, we have three rooms facing east with balconies on the seventeenth floor, non-smoking. These rooms have great views of the sunrise." Beckett began to ponder the possibility of waking up with the sun shining on her face. Dare she include Rick, she thought, that would be perfect. Castle was pondering the exact same thing, but unlike Beckett, he was a terrible keeper of secrets. His face grew brighter as his smile reached for the sky. Beckett observed him secretly, knowing that they had started something irreversible.
"Then we have the three rooms on the twentieth floor. Also non-smoking, these face north looking down to the swimming pool and gym area below" Ryan and Esposito's eyes both widened to a plasma screen as he continued, "they're just like the ones on the seventeenth with the exception of a billiard room equipped with pool table, soccer table and poker table. All our rooms at the Trident are top notch, if I dare say so myself. We have Egyptian cotton sheets, massage beds and a spa next to the panoramic view."
"Jesus, I'm going to enjoy myself here" gasped Lanie, "I can get use to this. I bag sunrise."
"Alright, Beckett, you better stay close to Lanie. And Castle will go with you" Montgomery said authoritatively. Castle threw little punches in the air while Beckett bit her bottom lip.
"Make sure you guys don't walk into the same room" Esposito sniggered.
"I swear I'll hit you square in the face one day" Beckett said half jokingly.
"Actually, the three rooms on each of the floors I've given you guys are joint rooms. There's a double door access so you can access each other's rooms" said the Concierge.
"Yes!" whispered Castle as he looked at Beckett, who could only manage a smile after Esposito's remark.
In the elevator ride up, Montgomery assigned each team the to-do lists for the rest of the day. Ryan and Esposito were to check the building construction company and speak to the Project Manager about the Victim's restaurant development process and the subcontractors who were assigned this job. Beckett and Castle were to visit a list of family and friends and find out about the victim, and Lanie, well, she was assigned to enjoy the sunshine by the pool. She fully supported the idea.
It was floor seventeen and Lanie placed all three swipe cards in her palm, "Alright, pick your rooms". Without hesitation, Beckett picked room 1710, the room closet to the elevator and fire escape.
"How detective of you" Castle said slyly. He then took 1711 with Lanie arching one brow.
"How come I'm not surprised that you want to be between the two of us?"
Castle and Beckett both smiled and retired to their respective rooms.
Saturday – Night
There was a loud KNOCK at Beckett's door. As she made her way to the door, she smirked devilishly to herself, anticipating on Castle's surprise. To her disappointment, it was Lanie, who made her entrance slowly whilst keeping her suspicious eyes on her.
"What?"
"Nothing" Lanie said in a high pitch, "Where are you hiding him?"
"Whom, am I hiding?" Beckett replied coyly.
"Castle. I know something's goin' on between the two of you" Lanie ran quickly to the chair and sat down, "Don't you lie to me."
Beckett stared at Lanie, struggling to find the appropriate words.
"…it's complicated" she began, "something's different between us after our last assignment but nothing is said or confirmed…"
"Don't tell me he's keeping you on the side lines like some cheap side salad"
"No, the problem's me. Not him. I'm not willing to give in"
Another KNOCK at the door, followed by muffled words, "Are we ready for some oysters and caviar?" Lanie shot Beckett a suspicious glance.
At The Restaurant – Saturday
A rumble of chatter hummed over the restaurant as patrons exchanged thoughts on their food and the events of their day. From across the room, Beckett spotted Ryan, Esposito and Montgomery in their best tux, she then returned her glance to Castle, who was wearing his best tailored tux for the promising occasion. They all met at a reserved table and sat down.
"What does our budget allow?" Ryan asked as he flipped to the lobster page.
"Not lobster" answered Montgomery.
"It's ok guys, we rarely get a chance to all get together like this, I'll make up the difference" Castle said with his eyes still on the menu.
"Isn't it great Beckett?" Beckett raised her eyes from the menu and stared at Lanie as she continued, "Isn't it great that Castle is so great?" Beckett knew what she was up to. She was poking for a soft spot. Beckett was too stubborn to give in and just stared at her with the iciest glare. Castle took the chance to change the subject and started ordering food. They had ordered almost everything on the menu.
After savouring all the dishes, Montgomery ordered Ryan, Esposito and Lanie to speak with some of the patrons as well as the kitchen and waiter staff of the restaurant. Castle and Beckett were assigned Geoff's frequent hangout, The Melting Ice night club.
"Wait, wait, wait," Lanie interrupted, "not to second guess your decisions, sir, but how come Beckett and Castle always land the sexiest places to go?"
"Because we're the sexiest duo in this team" Lanie heard Castle whispered very loudly.
The Melting Ice – Later that evening
Castle and Beckett arrived in their party clothes outside the night club. Beckett, in a tight, body hugging strapless dress and heels, and on her arm was Castle in his blue shirt with one button undone. She pushed her fingers through his hair in attempt to mess it up, when he raised his hand to return the favour, she glared at him and placed her fingers around his ear and commenced twisting.
"Stop it! We're acting like children. We have to give the perception that we party hard and we're regulars to joints like this."
"Joints?" questioned Castle, "I'm not good with street speak. Can I just speak normally, as I do?" Beckett rolled her eyes, grabbed his hand and placed it around her waist.
"Now, hold tight like you mean it" she commanded.
He did as she requested and pulled her closer than she had expected. They walked over arm in arm to the door where they were stopped by security.
"Sorry Miss, private party tonight, I don't think you're on the guest list" he said holding his clip board tight to his bulging gut. This didn't deter Beckett.
"Don't you know who this is? My boyfriend here is Rick Castle, you know, the famous novelist? He's doing a book on night clubs and its popularity with the higher ends of society. I'm sure you've heard of him. Go grab your boss." Castle was always impressed by her authoritative presence.
Just as the security turned to leave, someone from the other side of the line yelled out, "Castle? What are you doing on the other side? Come with me" One of the publishers who knew Castle back in the college days had recognised him. He whispered something short to the security man and then raised the red tape to let them through.
"This is my lady Kate" shouted Castle.
"This is Peter Siegfield. He's an old college buddy of mine. He's in… what do you do with yourself now?"
"I'm in logistics, transportation… you know, boring stuff" replied Peter, "How long have you two been together?"
Castle said "two" as Beckett mouthed out the word 'three'.
"Two to three" saved Castle with a wink at Beckett. She glanced sweetly at him whilst she reached out and rubbed the sore spot on his ear where she usually pinches.
"Gee Castle, I never figured you to be the settling type"
"What are you talking about? We're not married" Castle corrected.
"No, but just the vibe that I get from you two, it's more serious than your fun and games, Rick" replied Peter. His comment stabbed Castle's heart. He was right on the money. Castle did care for Beckett more than the others, though he didn't know why.
An hour went past before Castle was comfortable enough to ask about Geoff. Turns out he also partially owned this night club, but it was a borrowed ownership. Geoff didn't have enough money but sincerely wanted to be part of something big. Peter had gotten them access to the other owner of the night club. His name was John, but no last name was given. He confirmed that Geoff did stumble in the night before his death.