Well, folks, I'm sorry this one has taken so long to get written. I've been flat out with stuff, and this just seemed to take a back seat, sadly. Anyway, I hope you all like where it's gone so far. My deepest thanks again to my muse and beta, Manuxinhace, for not only cracking the whip to make sure it gets written, but that it's up to standard as well. Manu, your help is what helps get me through those writers blocks. *hugs*. As usual, your feedback would be much appreciated, as this one is nearing the end of the case, and I'd like your thoughts on how it's working out for you all, and where you guys would like it to go after that.

Cheers,

NevynR

Previously, in Layers:

Opting for a more graphic demonstration of a controlled change of aim-point, Castle had placed double-taps where each of the target's eyes would be, a single shot for the nose, and the remaining five rounds forming an arc, completing a smiley face on the head of the black silhouette.

Castle looked at the Captain, his lips twitching as he tried to keep a straight face. Mirth dancing in his eyes, he asked,

"So, did I pass?"

1:45pm Saturday, Remy's

The sound of laughter rang out across the diner, the unrestrained enjoyment of the six year old from the next booth bringing a smile to Castle's face. Pausing for a moment, he was struck by a sense of deja-vu. Aside from the fact it was lunch time, they were in the same booth as they had been sitting in on Thursday night when they boys had had to shout him and Beckett dinner. No, he realised, it was more than just being in the same booth... They were all in exactly the same seats as that night, and to cap it all off, there was the same pregnant pause hanging in the air between them.

Buying a moment to collect himself, he flashed their waitress a smile as she placed their shakes on the table in front of them.

"Here you go, folks. Your food will be out shortly." Smiling politely at them, she spared a slightly longer smile for Esposito, her interest subtle enough to go unremarked but not unobserved by the detectives.

A knowing grin passing between them, Beckett picked up her shake and took a long drink. Their movements in synch, she placed hers down at the same time as Castle did. The silence from the other side if the table drew her attention to the fact that Ryan and Esposito were staring at them. Their silence had a certain directional component, and it was aimed squarely at Castle, and her to a lesser degree.

"So, Castle..." Ryan started, still trying to reconcile the amiable author he knew with the man who drew smiley faces at thirty meters with bullet holes. "You want to explain your badass shooting skills...?"

Castle sighed, knowing that the time had arrived for him to share some of his past with them. Talking about it with Beckett was one thing, but he wasn't really sure he wanted to go into to much detail with the others just yet. The case had left him raw, so he gave them the readers digest version.

"I got my skills the same way you did, Esposito, the hard way." There was a moment of silence, as Esposito thought. He had been thinking since the break in the case yesterday, and thinking hard. The sparring had raised his suspicions, the phone calls to Camp Lejeune had all but confirmed it, and the display at the range removed any doubts he might have had.

"Why didn't you say something earlier, bro?" His tone solemn, he asked the question quietly. A former marine himself, Esposito knew it was a loaded question. Everybody had their reasons for taking off the uniform, and if what he'd overheard in the precinct was any indication, Castle had almost been shipped home in a box. Rick raised his eyes to meet Esposito's.

"It was years ago, I… needed a change of scene, and signed up. I got banged up pretty bad on a mission, and took it as a sign that it was probably time to get out while I still could." The two shared a look, remembering the weight of the things they had both seen and done for their country.

Over the years together, Esposito had come to like the author for his cheerful, carefree manner and his infectious good humour. His appreciation for the mind that lay behind the facade had taken more time to form, but having lived through the same kind of experiences in uniform that he had, Esposito felt his respect deepen. His mind on the author's military past, he thought.

Ten names... He mused. Plus Johnson and Michaels... And 'Rogers' makes thirteen... Quietly, he asked,

"That was your squad, wasn't it? Those names you had me run?" Castle sighed as he slumped against the back of the booth. He felt Kate's hand brush his thigh under the table, before giving it a reassuring squeeze, the gesture pulling him back to the present.

"Yeah." He replied. "Hadn't spoken to any of them since I got out of rehab though, until I ran into Tommy at the precinct." He paused. "I thought about it a couple of times, but by the time I felt like I was ready to, Meredith was already a few months pregnant, and I just never seemed to get around to it after that." He took a long sip of his shake, his free hand dropping below the table, fingers brushing the back of Beckett's. Immediately, she turned her hand over, lacing her fingers through his, her thumb rubbing small circles on his skin. Soothed by the contact, he met the inquisitive looks of the detectives across the table. "Marenkovic was my last mission over there. Warlord, brutalising the locals, we were told to take him out. The mission went screwy, and Tommy dragged me out. We were sure the bastard had died in the explosion, now we know differently." He took another sip of his drink. "Both his sons were killed, and it looks like he almost was as well. I have no idea where he's been the last twenty years or more, but he's out for revenge."

They absorbed the information silently for a few minutes, both noting the lack of surprise on Beckett's face as the tale unfolded. Obviously she had heard it before, if her look of concern was anything to go by. Their eyes darting between the two of them, Ryan and Esposito privately wondered when Beckett had found out about it, especially given how close to his chest Castle had played his cards. Deciding to change tack, Esposito asked,

"So, what was with the alias?" Never one to let go of something niggling at him, the Hispanic detective probed, curiosity aflame.

"No alias." Castle replied, a small grin teasing the corners of his mouth. Ryan raised an eyebrow slightly at the response, and even further when Beckett's grin spread across her face, her eyes dancing with repressed mirth as she waited for him to explain.

"With my name already on the best seller list, I couldn't exactly go in as Richard Castle, that'd just raise too many questions I didn't feel like answering, so I used my real name." Seeing their eyebrows shoot up, he realised they still had no idea what he was talking about. A twinkle in his eyes, he continued. "For detectives, sometimes you guys miss a few things. I changed my name to Castle when I released my first book. I kept the Richard, and picked Edgar as a middle name for obvious reasons." Still seeing the blank look on their faces, he sighed and elaborated. "My mother's surname is Rogers, right?"

"Well, yeah…" Ryan replied.

"So, since I don't know who my father is, it makes sense I'd have been born a Rogers. When I signed up for the marines, that's the name I went in under. By the time I was through basic training, I was going by Alex." He took another drink before continuing, noting the fond smile that formed on Beckett's lips when he mentioned his middle name. "I was sent on deployment with the 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marines when they went to Bosnia, which is where I met Tommy. When I got shipped back home, I took an honorable discharge, and haven't looked back. Until this week, as it happens."

Trying to pick his jaw up off the table, Ryan finally managed to speak.

"So, all this time running around with us, and you never thought to let us know you were in the marines?"

"As I said, I haven't looked back."

Sensing there was more to the story, Esposito leaned back against the wall of the booth, content to let Castle fill in the details later. He knew that even bringing that much information up had probably been harder on the author that the others realised. Shifting topic, he opted for something more cheerful.

"I knew you didn't get moves like that doing 'research', man... Although any time you wanna whump on Demming like that, I won't hold you back." He grinned wickedly. "It was so worth losing that bet."

"Oh hell yes!" Ryan quipped, a quick feed the birds happening between him and his partner as they both recalled the look on the hapless robbery detective's face as it slammed into the mat. Neither of them had had any particular beef with Demming until he had started ripping on what he thought was the author's lack of skills in hand to hand. From where they sat, Demming had it coming to him.

Castle laughed, relieved that they both seemed to be taking the revelations in their stride. Trying to hide the smirk on her lips, Beckett spoke up.

"Take it a bit easier on him next time, Castle... Assuming he's game enough to try for a rematch, that is." She bumped his shoulder with her own, before she casually stole one of his fries. Their gazes locked, Castle let his lips curve into a soft smile as he reached over and stole one of hers as payback, making sure to take a generous helping of sauce for good measure. Blinking rapidly, Castle remembered they weren't alone at the table, and reached for his shake again.

The sounds of him slurping the remainder of it through the straw were enough to draw the attention of Ryan, who had just finished his own burger. Glancing over at Castle and Beckett, he nudged Esposito, subtly drawing his attention to the fact that Beckett had reached across in front of her partner and lifted the top off his burger. Almost absently, she removed the pickles and placed them in her own, replacing the stolen food with the onions in her own. Putting the burgers back together, she slid his closer to him before biting into her own.

The movements weren't stealthy, a far cry from the theft of his chips earlier. This seemed almost... normal, something that had been repeated so often it was done almost without thought. Their brains whirling, the detectives realised that the dynamic duo hadn't eaten lunch in the precinct for over a week, instead returning from chasing leads after lunch break was over. While not unusual, it seemed to them like it was just a little too convenient, especially given how at ease they seemed to be with each other's food.

An almost imperceptible nod passing between them, Ryan and Esposito silently agreed to keep a much closer eye on the other two in the coming days, looking for any more signs that the relationship had progressed beyond the purely professional. After all, there was a substantial amount of money riding on them...

7:45pm, Apartment

Kicking the door closed behind him, he threw his duffel bag onto the floor, the sound echoing around the empty apartment. Sighing, he made his way to the shower, stripping off his dirty clothes as he went.

Three weeks with no running water, and other than sleep, a hot shower was what he craved above almost anything else. Steam filling the bathroom, he stepped under the spray and let the scalding water wash the dust off him. Grabbing the bottle of shower gel off the shelf, he began to scrub himself clean. The sounds of running water soothing him, time passed. At some point, he realised that he should probably get out. Seconds later, the water started to run cold.

Yup, He thought. Definitely time to get out.

Turning off the taps, he grabbed a towel and quickly dried himself. Throwing on a loose pair of sweats, he headed out into the kitchen, not really hungry, but knowing that he would be later on.

Opening the cupboards, he saw nothing that took his fancy, the only things in there were an old packet of spaghetti, and a box of cereal, which was probably stale by now. About to close the door, he saw something, tucked over the back. Picking up the bottle, he gave it an experimental slosh.

He was not one to drink much, the bottle was mostly full. He paused, the silence of the apartment echoing. Cold and quiet and... lonely.

Why the hell not? He asked himself, heading to the couch. It's not like I have any where to be... Unscrewing the cap, he brought the bottle to his lips and took a long swallow, the burn of the alcohol blazing a trail to his belly.

One mouthful became two, two became... more and more turned into him aimlessly shaking the now-empty bottle, wondering why the tequila was all gone. His brain marinating in a bath of booze, he carelessly dropped it, barely noting that it miraculously failed to shatter. Thoroughly intoxicated, but still not drunk enough to drown out the emptiness inside, he staggered to his feet, heading for the door.

Grabbing the leather jacket from the coat rack near the door, he slipped it on as he patted his pockets, making sure he had his keys and wallet on him, before pulling the door closed behind him.

The sound of the door closing halted him for an instant.

Pager? He thought. Nah, fuck it. I'm not on call until Monday anyway. He turned back around and headed down the hall, weaving slightly. What's the closest bar to here anyway? He wondered. Guess I'll find one soon enough...

9:30pm, The Old haunt

Three empty shot glasses in front of him, and a fourth in his hand combined to make him a lot drunker than he had been when he left his apartment. Sitting in a booth by himself in the corner, he placed the now-empty glass on the table, next to the others. Focusing for a moment, he forced his hands to be steady as he lined the glasses up in a row, finding it more difficult than he expected.

Giving up on the task for the moment, he glanced around the patrons. Even this early on a Saturday night, the place was full of people, the noise of drinking and merriment filling the place with ambiance. Then he saw her through the crowd, heading to the bar.

Alone... He thought, surprised. Maybe...?

The sound of laughter filled the air around the bar as Beckett made her way to grab some more drinks. Ryan and Esposito were only half way through their beer, so all she needed was one each for her and Castle. A silent nod to Brian behind the bar was all that was needed, and he grabbed the glasses. Sitting on a bar stool, Kate relaxed as Brian placed the glasses under the taps once by one, filling them with a nod and a smile for her, he knew better than to allow her to offer to pay for it.

"There you go, ma'am." He said, placing the glasses in front of her. Her attention on Brian and the drinks, she failed to notice the body that flopped somewhat unsteadily onto the stool next to her. She didn't, however, miss the arm that wrapped around her shoulders. Startled, she turned.

"Cast…" She froze for a second, expecting to see her partner next to her, and to give him a scolding for showing such open affection in front of their friends so soon. Dimly, she noted that her partner was still seated in their booth, laughing with the others. The arm that wrapped around her shoulders without so much as a hello was connected to a leather jacket that she knew very well. Her eyes followed the arm up, meeting Josh's eyes. Sending a heated glare at him, she shrugged her shoulder, abruptly dislodging his arm.

"What do you think you are doing?" She hissed at him, furious.

"What does it look like, babe?" He said, confusion evident on his face. "I'm trying to hug my girlfriend…" Beckett's face hardened as she smelt the alcohol on his breath.

"I'm not your girlfriend any more, Josh. I told you that before you went to Africa. We're over, Josh. No more. And for the last time, do not call me babe!" Her voice rising at the last, Kate's glare pinned him in place.

"But I thought that…"

"You thought wrong, Josh." She cut him off. She saw the hurt in his eyes turn to anger as he glanced around the bar.

"What are you even doing here, Kate? This isn't a cop bar…" His words slurring slightly, she didn't miss the fact that he had a little difficulty holding himself upright.

"I'm here with friends, Josh. I know the owner. That's what people do on a Saturday night when they aren't elbow deep in bodies, or had you forgotten?" Trying to keep calm, she glossed over the fact that Castle owned the Old Haunt, knowing that in his current mood, it was liable to set Josh off.

Hearing the distinctive tones of an angry Beckett, Castle glanced up, seeking her out. When he saw her still at the bar, he stood up and made his way over to her. When he saw who she was with, he quickened his pace even further. At his abrupt departure, Ryan and Esposito paused, watching as events unfolded.

Beckett saw Josh's eyes flick down her body, lingering on the hint of cleavage showing. Her embarrassed blush covered by the flush of anger in her face; she almost regretted wearing that particular shirt. Almost, because the way Castle's eyes had lit up when he picked her up from her apartment had made her feel warm and safe, appreciated and attractive, and that made the leering from a drunken ex that little bit more tolerable. She cut him off again, sick of his inability to accept the fact that he wasn't going to get what he so obviously wanted from her. His tongue darted out, wetting his lips slightly as he said "I haven't forgotten what we…"

"No means no, Josh. Leave. Me. Alone." Catching sight of her approaching partner in her peripheral vision, Beckett turned, her eyes flashing, her expression softening slightly as she saw him. Not even acknowledging Josh, Castle stepped in close to her, his arm sliding easily around her waist, a quick one-armed squeeze conveying comfort. Deciding that the chances of Josh being persuaded to let the matter drop outweighed her reluctance in going public with their relationship, Beckett slipped her arm around Castle's hips, fingers resting casually just above his belt.

"She said she's not interested, Davidson." Castle turned to the doctor, his eyes like chips of ice. His face heating as he saw Castle's arm around Beckett, Josh stood up, wobbling only slightly.

"What is it to you, writer-boy?" His hand slipping slowly down Beckett's hip, Castle straightened. Feeling the shift in his stance, she could read the tension in him and knew that things could get very ugly, very fast.

"A couple of reasons, actually…" Castle replied quietly, the easy, calm tone of his voice at odds with the energy thrumming through his body. "Firstly, the lady said no." He dipped his head briefly as he leaned in and placed a soft kiss to her hair. Unable to stop the grin forming on her face, Beckett tilted her head slightly accepting Castle's subdued gesture of affection despite the very public setting. "Secondly, she's with me, and I say no." His voice hardening, he let go of Kate and shifted slightly, placing himself between the two of them. "And lastly," He said, voice low and menacing. "It's my damn bar, and if I say you go, you go."

So much for 'needing some time apart to work through some stuff'... Josh thought bitterly, wondering exactly how long she'd waited before throwing herself at the writer. I bet I wasn't even on the bloody plane. His lips twisting into a sneer, Josh ran his eyes over the writer in front of him, seeing only the expensive clothing, and the styled hair of the playboy façade. His pride stung beyond measure that Beckett had chosen the playboy over himself, something in Josh snapped, anger filling him as he spat back.

"Yeah? You and what army?" He stepped forward, both hands pushing Castle in the chest. The instant his hands made contact, Castle stepped in, his right hand gripping Josh's right and twisting hard as his left hand gripped the right elbow, locking it straight. Pivoting in place, Castle used Josh's stiff arm as leverage and slammed him face first onto the polished wood of the bar. Castle spoke through gritted teeth as he leaned forward, his voice low and dangerous.

"I don't need an army, Davidson. This is your last warning. Take whatever you have left of your dignity and get the hell out of my damn bar, before I throw you out myself, got it?" He held him there for several seconds, waves of fury rolling off him as he glared down at the drunken doctor in front of him. Finally, Josh nodded once, bitter resignation on his face.

Finally, Castle released him, keeping himself readied in case Josh tried something else. Straightening up slowly, the surgeon lifted one hand gently, feeling his bruised cheek-bone as he stretched his neck out. Without a backwards look, he stormed angrily towards the exit, still unsteady on his feet.

His eyes following the departing form of the beaten doctor until he was out of sight, Castle turned back to face Beckett.

"You okay?" The anger faded from his face as he looked her over, seeing her slightly shaken, but intact. Stepping closer to her, he raised one hand, finger tips brushing her cheek as he tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. Turning her head slightly, she let her lips brush the inside of his wrist for an instant as she smiled at him.

Damn, She thought, absently. I barely saw him move, and he's not even breathing heavily. Far from defenseless herself, Kate found the thought of actually allowing somebody else (well, a certain somebody else) to step up oddly thrilling. In the mood Josh had been in, she doubted that she'd have been able to dissuade him without causing him pain, and it didn't hurt to have him know that she wasn't available, either. Beckett had been training with her partner on more than one occasion, and knew he was more than capable of taking care of himself. Hell, watching him and Esposito spar was practically a lesson by itself. Still, it was something else to watch him in action for real, not in the safe, controlled arena of the sparring mats. Not even the barest moment's hesitation in him, he'd moved almost before Josh had started to raise his hands. Moving so rapidly she'd nearly missed it, Castle had applied exactly the minimum amount of force required to deflect the attack, and stop it from happening again.

"Yeah, Rick. I'm fine... Just caught me by surprise, you know? This was the last place I was expecting to run into him." She drew in a deep breath to settle herself, his scent filling her, soothing and comforting. Looking up at him, she allowed her eyes to wander freely over his face, tracing his lips, admiring the lines of his chest.

The bar around them fading into inconsequence, eyes locked, neither of them noticed Ryan and Esposito, who had left their booth as soon as Josh had shoved Castle. Less than ten feet away now, Esposito saw them having a 'moment', and whipped out his phone. Seconds later, a triumphant grin on his face, the detective slipped the phone back into his pocket an instant before Beckett blinked rapidly and grabbed their drinks from the bar.

Passing Castle his fresh beer, they clinked their glasses together in a silent toast, and both took a long drink. Finally noticing the approach of the other detectives, they were immediately wary when they saw the smug grins on their faces.

"So guys..." Ryan asked, drawing the words out.

"Anything you feel like sharing with us?" Esposito finished the question, giving his partner a fist-bump, grinning at each other as they saw the 'we are so busted' look on the faces of their friends.

A/N: and there we have it! :-) I promise to try to have the next chapter out a bit sooner next time, folks, honest! :-D