Chapter 11

"This floor has several studios that are used for some of the photography printed in the magazines," Betty explained as they walked down the hall. "Sometimes larger studios or locations shoots are required, but whenever possible the editors-in-chief are encouraged to keep it in-house."

Castle could hear the rock music before Betty opened the door.

"Today they're doing a shoot for an upcoming issue of Player," she said as they entered the studio.

Castle chuckled as he saw the concept for the shoot. "Something tells me that a least one picture will end up in Kenny's cubicle."

"Well, it does combine two of his favourite things," she said. "Though I can't image it would be very comfortable riding a motorcycle while wearing a bikini."

Castle watched the photographer take some pictures then urge the models to try some other poses. He recognized the voice immediately. "Hey, that's –"

"Surprise!" Betty smiled.

Back in boarding school, Castle and his friends had formed something of a pack, each with a different role. Alex Meade was the golden one and heir apparent who was the best at everything he did. Daniel was the cad, the wealthy second son who revelled in his tarnished reputation. Castle considered himself to be the rogue who could charm his way both into and out of anything. Becks was the quintessential bad boy who could get into more trouble than the other three put together.

The photographer turned at the sound of their voices and grinned. "Everyone take five."

As the models dispersed, Becks walked over to the newcomers. "Ricky! What the hell are you doing here?"

"Getting a tour of Meade," he said shaking his friend's hand.

"By the bodacious Betty no less," Becks added.

Castle watched as the other man stepped well within her personal space. It was a move that would fluster most women, but to his surprise, the young assistant stood her ground and merely looked up at him.

Becks loomed over her and, in a low, suggestive tone, asked, "So Betty, when are you going to go out with me?"

"When you win the Pulitzer Prize in Photography," she said cheekily.

"Feature or breaking news?" Castle laughed.

"Either," she shrugged.

"It's gonna happen," Becks said.

"Of that, I have no doubt," she said then took a step away and pulled out her cellphone, "but until then I'll let you two catch up while I try to arrange a quick tour of Player."

She walked to the other end of the room leaving the men alone. Castle caught the affectionate smile still on his friend's face. "You like her."

"What?" he asked puzzled.

In a sing-song voice, Castle teased, "You really like her. You want to date her. You want to hug her. You want to kiss her."

"Do not!" Becks protested.

"You are totally crushing on this girl," Castle said gleefully. "Oh, story. Supermodel found dead in the studio. The playboy photographer is the prime suspect. Only the lowly assistant believes he's innocent."

"C'mon," he said rolling his eyes.

"What? Want to be the hero?" Castle asked switching gears. "Fine. Story. Evil editor-in-chief found murdered in her office. The often abused assistant's the prime suspect. Only the playboy photographer believes she's innocent and can see the beauty that lies beneath."

"Stop it!"

"Hey, you know how my novels go. At least the fictional you will get some action."

Becks punched him hard in the arm. "Cut it out!"

"Everything okay?" Betty asked warily as she returned.

"Yeah," Castle replied rubbing his bicep. "We were just discussing the Butterfly Effect."

"Chaos Theory?"

Becks nodded. "For example, he says something annoying causing me to hit him."

"Actually that sounds more like Newtonian physics," Betty commented. When the men gave her a confused look, she explained, "You know, every action has an equal and opposite reaction."

"Oh, I like you," Castle said approvingly.

ooOoo

Author notes: Just a bit of trivia, Bailey Chase played Beckett 'Becks' Scott on Ugly Betty and Agent Will Sorenson on Castle.