*Oh wow…I cannot believe the reception that this story has gotten. I really can't wait to keep writing this. So, without further ado/ceaseless babble, let's continue the story. Happy Reading!

(Castle)

Castle took the book from Kate's trembling hand, trying to figure out if she was messing with him or not. From her expression, he was fairly sure that she wasn't, but he could never quite tell with Kate. Her sense of humor was almost as morbid as his sometimes.

He studied the page and tried to hide his shock. The name Richard Castle was definitely there, along with a sum that made his eyes widen even more.

"1.5 million?" Castle asked. He whistled as Kate nodded numbly. "Well, I guess I don't have to wonder how much I'm worth anymore," he remarked.

The second he said the words, he wished that he could take them back. Ryan and Esposito were giving him identical really dude? looks, and Kate had gone rigid in her chair. She turned to him, her eyes hard and angry. "This isn't funny, Castle," she snapped. She opened her mouth to continue, but was interrupted by her phone ringing.

"Beckett," she answered, the bite still in her voice. Kate's expression softened a little, and when she spoke again, she sounded chagrined. "Sorry, Lanie…No, no we're good…What've you got?" She was silent for a few minutes, then she sighed heavily. "Yeah, we'll be right down."

Kate stood up as she hung up the phone. "Lanie's got our bullet," she explained, heading for the elevator without glancing back. Castle followed her after a couple of seconds, slipping into the elevator just as the doors were starting to close.

The car ride down to the morgue was uncomfortable and tense. Kate was refusing to look at Castle, and he could tell that she was royally pissed. As soon as the elevator doors opened into the morgue basement, she was out of the car and halfway down the hall. Castle jogged to catch up to her, following her into the morgue.

Lanie was waiting for them, an annoyed expression on her face. Kate was about to speak when Lanie put up a hand to stop her. "First things first," she said. "What the hell was that all about?"

"I'm afraid that was mostly my fault," Castle admitted, earning an eyebrow raise from Lanie and an annoyed frown from Kate. "I made a rather thoughtless joke that upset Detective Beckett, and your phone call interrupted the lecture she was about to give me. So, I apologize."

"Apology accepted," Lanie said. "If, and only if, I get full details later." She shot Kate a pointed look.

Kate sighed. "Fine," she conceded. "Can we get back to the case, please? You said you got the bullet?"

Lanie nodded, leading them over to her workstation. "The bullet fragmented a little, but it's mostly intact." She held up the projectile for them to see. "We're looking at a .223. Lack of stippling around the wound suggests Avery was shot from a distance."

".223," Castle repeated. "That means the murder weapon's a rifle. That would certainly narrow down the search, right?" He looked at Kate for confirmation.

She sighed, her brow furrowing. "It would if there were any rifles in Avery's collection. But I saw the entire collection," she continued. "Not one of those guns that we recovered is a rifle, and the empty spot in the corner was too small to hold one. Which means that our killer used his own gun."

"Ah," Castle said. "That's…not good."

Kate rolled her eyes at him. "You think?" She took the bullet from Lanie, examining it for a moment. "Let's at least get this to ballistics; see if they can get a hit off of it." She handed the bullet back to Lanie. "You got anything else for us?"

"Not yet," Lanie said. "I'll call you when I've got something new. But next time, let him answer the phone," she added, gesturing to Castle, who tried his best to look innocent.

"I said I was sorry," Kate grumbled, turning on her heel and stalking out of the room. She stopped just outside of the door and turned to glare at Castle, who had yet to move. "You comin', Castle?" she asked, the bite back in her voice.

Castle remained silent during the drive back to the precinct, but decided to try his luck once they were safely enclosed in the elevator. As they started their ascent to the fourth floor, Castle turned to Kate apprehensively. "Beckett, this may sound like a stupid question," he started.

Kate raised an eyebrow at him. "Go on…"

Castle looked down at his shoes before glancing back at Kate. "Are you mad at me?" he asked.

Kate was silent for a moment before answering. "No."

"Really?" Castle asked incredulously as the elevator stopped. He followed Kate to the bullpen, mind reeling with confusion. She certainly seemed mad.

"Really, Castle," she said, making her way to her desk. "Why would I be mad at you? It's not like you made a totally inappropriate joke about the fact that someone wants you dead." She sat down in her chair, arms folded across her chest.

"Ah, that was sarcasm," Castle muttered, sitting down in his chair. "I probably should have picked up on that."

"Yeah," Kate drawled, turning to her computer. She worked quietly for a few minutes before turning back to him. "What exactly were you thinking, saying something like that?" she demanded, her eyes burning.

"I really wasn't thinking," Castle admitted sheepishly. "It just…slipped out. At least I apologized, though. Right?"

Kate leveled him with an incredulous look. "Castle, you apologized to Lanie while I was in the room…that doesn't count."

"I am sorry, though," he said softly. "I just…it caught me by surprise, and I didn't know how to respond to someone actively trying to kill me. So, I went with my natural coping mechanism, which just happens to be my very morbid sense of humor."

Kate's expression softened. "Apology accepted, Castle," she said, giving him a tiny smile. "And, despite the circumstances, it was a decent joke," she added.

Castle grinned. "Does this mean you're not mad at me anymore?" he asked hopefully.

"Don't push your luck," Kate told him, though he could tell she was trying to hold back a grin. "You still got me in trouble with Lanie."

Castle's eyes fell on the untouched mug of coffee on Kate's desk, which had probably turned cold and disgusting. His suspicions were confirmed when Kate took a sip of the beverage and grimaced. "Would a fresh cup of coffee help my case?" he asked, reaching for the mug.

Kate gave him a genuine smile. "That would be wonderful, Castle."

Castle's head was full of jumbled thoughts as he made coffee for himself, as well as for Kate. One part of his brain was still trying to come up with theories about James Avery's murder. The larger, more morbid part of his brain was trying to figure out who on earth wanted him dead.

It wasn't as though he'd never faced death before. He'd had quite a few near death experiences over the past three years, but those had had more to do with the fact that he was working with the NYPD than with who he was. This new threat seemed so much more real because it was personal. Castle was also a bit disconcerted that someone hated him enough to want him dead. As silly as it sounded, he was used to being liked, even loved, and this level of hatred was throwing him off.

When Castle returned to Kate's desk with the coffee, he noticed his thoughtful expression mirrored on her face. He set her coffee down on the desk, bringing her out of her thoughts. She smiled gratefully at him and took a long drink, moaning happily.

The look of pure bliss on Kate's face made Castle chuckle. "I take it I'm off the hook?" he teased.

Kate blushed a little, trying to hide her grin. "I think it's pretty much impossible for me to stay mad at you when you make my coffee better than I do."

Castle's grin turned smug. "Ah, Detective, what would you do without me?"

Kate took another sip of coffee, her expression turning serious. "I'd rather not find that out," she admitted. "Which is why I don't want you to work this case with me, Castle."

Castle stared at her in shock, her words stinging like a slap to the face. "What do you mean?" he asked.

"I meant exactly what I said," Kate told him. "I don't want you working this case. It's too dangerous, and I don't want to see you get hurt."

Castle frowned. "I've worked dangerous cases before, Beckett," he said stubbornly.

Kate sighed. "I know that, Castle," she said. "But you have never worked a case where someone is targeting you. I'm asking you to walk away from this one. Go home and be with your family. Let us set up a protective detail. Take some time to write. Spend some quality time with Alexis before she graduates. Just stay away from this." She was begging him now, her hazel eyes desperate and pleading.

Castle, however, wasn't going to give in without a fight. "You're asking me to walk away?" he asked, a hint of bitterness in his voice. "You, who have never walked away from a case in your life, even after you almost died? You've investigated plenty of cases where someone was targeting you."

The anger was back in Kate's eyes. "We are not discussing this now, Castle," she snapped.

Castle continued, undeterred. "Remember Scott Dunn? The psychopath that blew up your apartment, with you in it. Remember Lockwood?" He can't finish that thought because it still hits too close to home for him, and he can't imagine how it must feel for her.

"This isn't about me, Castle," Kate growled. "This is about you listening to me for once and backing off."

Castle swallowed, steeling his resolve. "What if I don't want to back off?" he asked. "What if I don't want to walk away?"

Kate narrowed her eyes dangerously. "Then I will do everything in my power to get you taken off of this case."

(Kate)

Kate glanced at Castle as they stared at the Murder Board. Nothing new had been added in hours. Ryan and Esposito were checking Avery's financials and his phone records, but they wouldn't have that information for at least a day or two. Ballistics was still working on running all of Avery's weapons, and they had called earlier with bad news about the bullet; they hadn't gotten any hits yet, but they were still searching.

Kate looked at Castle again, biting her lip. The tension from their argument had pervaded throughout the rest of the day, causing an uneasy silence between them. They had been staring at the Murder Board for half an hour and neither one had tried to start building theory. Kate checked her watch and sighed.

"Go home, Castle," she said gently.

Castle looked at her suspiciously. "Beckett…"

She rolled her eyes. "I'm not kicking you off the case, Castle," she said reassuringly. "I'm telling you to go home and get some sleep. We're not getting anywhere with this case tonight, and I've already arranged for a protective detail. Just go."

Castle nodded wordlessly, putting on his jacket before holding Kate's out for her. He frowned when she didn't move to slip into it. "Aren't you coming?" he asked, confused.

Kate hated lying to Castle, she really did, but this time it was necessary. "I've got a couple of things to finish up here first." He hesitated and she smiled, shaking her head. "Go, Castle. I'll be fine here by myself."

"Until tomorrow, Kate," he said, heading for the elevator.

"Night, Castle."

Kate waited until she was sure Castle had left to go knock on the Captain's door. "Come in," Gates called. Kate took a deep breath and opened the door.

Gates' eyes widened and then narrowed when she saw Kate in the doorway. "Detective Beckett…what do you want?"

"There's something I need to discuss with you, Sir," she replied, hating herself a little for doing this.

Gates stared her down. "Would this have anything to do with the fact that Castle's name showed up in the book of a suspected hit man?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

Kate frowned. "Sir, how did you…"

"How did I know?" Gates supplied. Kate nodded. "I heard Ryan and Esposito discussing it earlier. Is Castle still working the case, Detective?"

Kate sighed. "For the time being, yes. I asked him to walk away, but he refused."

Gates smiled knowingly. "And you were hoping that I could order him to stay away from this case?"

Kate nodded. "Yes, Sir."

"Well, as much as I'd love not having Castle around until you've solved the case, I'm afraid I don't have the authority to do so," Gates said.

Kate's jaw dropped. "But, Sir…"

"I'm sorry, Detective," Gates continued. "But as long as Mr. Castle is fully aware of the risk he'll be taking, I can't tell him to stay away. Perhaps I can once you've confirmed that James Avery was a hit man, but until then, Castle stays where the Mayor wants him. And the Mayor wants him here."

"So, what?" Kate asked. "We just let him put himself in harm's way? We do nothing?"

"Unfortunately, yes. If he decides to step away, then so be it, but I can't make him leave." She shrugged. "Again, Detective, I'm sorry. But that's just the way it is."

"Fine," Kate said, her mind jumping to Plan B. "I'll just have to figure out a way to make him want to leave. Thank you for your time, Sir."

"Anytime, Detective Beckett," Gates said. "Have a good night."

"Night," Kate said, walking out of the office. She turned to her desk and stopped short. Castle was standing by his chair, and from the look on his face, he'd heard everything.

"Castle," she said, taking a few steps forward.

Her voice seemed to break the spell. He held up his wallet. "I, uh, forgot this," he explained, the hurt evident in his voice.

Kate felt tears spring into her eyes. "Castle," she repeated, her voice quivering.

"Good night, Detective," he said, turning away from her and striding out of the bullpen.

Kate squeezed her eyes shut, allowing the tears to escape. She wanted to run after him and make things right, but she didn't know how. She let out a small sob, hating the way it echoed through the empty room. It took some time, but Kate managed to calm herself down, vowing that she would fix everything tomorrow.

(Castle)

There were some days that Castle almost hated being in love with Kate Beckett. He wanted to be mad at her for going behind his back to Gates, he really did. He just couldn't bring himself to be angry, though, especially after he'd glanced back and seen her crying in the middle of the bullpen. It had taken all of his willpower to keep himself from running back to her and holding her until everything was better.

Castle stepped off the elevator and headed for Kate's desk, coffee in hand. Unsurprisingly, Kate was already at her desk, working diligently. She didn't seem to notice his approach, only looking up when he set her coffee in front of her.

"Hey," she said, smiling timidly.

"Hi," he replied, giving her the same shy smile. He looked away for a moment, trying to choose his next words carefully. "Kate, I…we need to talk."

Kate nodded. "Not here," she said, standing up and walking towards the break room, taking her coffee along. After a few steps, she looked back with a tiny smirk. "You comin', Castle?"

He shrugged out of his coat and followed her into the break room, which was thankfully deserted. Castle closed the door behind him and leaned up against the counter. "I'm sorry," he murmured. "I pushed too hard to stay on this case, and some of what I said wasn't entirely fair. Not backing off is kind of your job. So, I'm sorry."

Kate smiled at him, tucking a lock of hair behind her ear. "I'm sorry, too," she said. "Going behind your back like that was…wrong. I still don't want you on this case," she said bluntly. "But that was uncalled for."

Castle sighed in resignation, mentally preparing for another battle royale. "Kate…"

"You do understand why I'm doing this, right, Castle?" she asked, coming to stand directly in front of him.

Castle had an idea, but he didn't voice it for fear of Kate's reaction. He didn't want to say anything that would make her rebuild the wall that was crumbling bit by bit. So, he settled for lying. "No, I don't," he said. "Would you mind explaining it for me?"

Kate looked up at him, her eyes wide and honest. "I'm trying to protect you, Castle," she whispered. "I don't want to lose you, and I know that Martha and Alexis would be devastated if anything were to happen to you. I promised your daughter I'd keep you safe," she admitted, her voice wavering. "And breaking that promise would hurt me just as much as it would hurt her and your mother."

Castle was speechless. It was the closest Kate had ever come to reciprocating his feelings for her. True, the declaration had been a touch morbid, but that was pretty much how they worked. But still, there was something about this case; something that he just couldn't let go. "Kate," he started, "if this were any other case, I would be out the door right now. But this case…I don't know what it is, exactly, but I can't just let this go."

Kate sighed, her brow furrowing. "Castle," she groaned, her tone implying that she thought they were going in circles.

"How 'bout we compromise?" Castle suggested, quickly forming a plan. "At this moment, we can't be sure that that torn out page has anything to do with Avery's murder. Let me work this case with you until we find out otherwise. And I promise I'll be careful, Kate. I'll keep the protective detail. I will listen to and obey whatever you tell me to do. And when you finally tell me to back off, I'll back off. Okay?"

Kate studied him for a minute, and he was convinced she was going to fight him. "Okay," she agreed, shocking him again.

"Really?" Castle asked.

Kate rolled her eyes. "Yes, really, but only on one condition, Castle."

Condition…oh… "And what would that be?" he asked apprehensively.

"That Martha and Alexis both approve of your plan," she said simply.

"That's...actually a legitimate condition," Castle admitted, trying to hide the redness of his cheeks.

Kate raised an eyebrow at him. "You didn't tell either of them what's going on, did you?" she accused.

"I kind of told them," he muttered sheepishly. "I did, however, leave out the part about someone wanting me dead. I didn't want to scare Alexis…or Mother."

Kate nodded. "That's understandable. You're lucky all we've got is desk work for now. If something comes up in the field, I'm going to have to send Ryan and Esposito."

"You mean I can't go out into the field?" Castle asked, pouting.

Kate shook her head. "Not until you get permission from your mother and Alexis."

Castle slumped against the counter. "I'm going to be stuck indoors for the rest of my life."

*There you have it folks! Chapter two! Let me know what you think. As you can see, the angst is starting to come into play. Be warned; it's not going anywhere anytime soon.