Fire Burns

Chapter Three

Kate sighed as she continued to work her way through the paperwork that had been delivered, including Jessica Solomon's bank and phone records. Kate was looking, searching for a lead that could help to solve the young woman's death. Rick was there too, doing his best to stay out of Kate's way, lest he should be yelled at. He was still on cloud nine at Kate's acceptance of living with him, and he was desperate to get her home to celebrate. However, there was still work to be done, and a murder to be solved. Rick knew that Kate wasn't leaving early tonight, and that he'd probably have to drag her away from work so she could get some sleep.

"Hey, guys." Kate said late into the afternoon.

Ryan, Esposito and Rick all looked up.

"Phone records." Kate held up a piece of paper. "She made numerous calls to the same number in the few days leading to the fire." Kate passed a piece of paper to Ryan. "Track down this number, we need to talk to whoever this is. They might know something."

"In the meantime, perhaps you should go home, get some rest." Rick said to Kate. "You're still recovering."

Kate fixed him with a look. "I am fine, Castle, and I will go home when I am satisfied that I've done all that I can do today."

Rick raised an eyebrow and shrugged. "Right. Carry on, then."

Kate immediately softened. "Rick, I'm sorry. I just want to solve this case. You know what I'm like when I'm on a case."

Rick stood, and leant against Kate's desk in front of her. "I know. But I worry about you. I think you should take a little more time off."

Kate placed a hand on Rick's. "Thanks for your concern, but it's unnecessary. I can take care of myself."

"Yeah, but now you've got me as well. Let me take care of you sometimes."

They smiled at each other, before the moment was broken by Ryan laughing.

"Boy, you two are so..." He trailed off at the look on Kate's face, and buried his head in a file he was reading.

Rick gave a wry smile, and turned back to Kate. "Okay, then. We go home at 6pm, no later."

"But..."

"No buts, Kate. You need rest. 6pm. Agreed?"

Kate could tell by the look on Rick's face that really was no point in arguing. "Agreed." She sighed.

"Good. Now give me some of those files."

Kate passed Rick some files, and he went back to his seat and began to read.

They left at precisely 6pm, and were home not long after. Rick led Kate into his apartment and turned around to grin at her.

"So, you live here now." He said happily.

Kate smiled. "Yeah, I guess I do."

Alexis wandered into the room, and saw her dad grinning madly. "Hey." She said.

Rick turned to face her. "Hey."

"You look happy." Alexis observed.

"Oh, but I am." Rick replied. "You see, the fantastic, amazing, wonderful Detective Katharine Beckett has agreed to move in."

Alexis grinned too, and pounced on Kate, hugging her tightly. "Oh, wow! That's awesome!"

"What's awesome?" Martha Rogers, Rick's mother also entered the room.

"Kate's moving in!" Alexis said.

Martha turned to Kate. "Why, that's wonderful. Welcome to the family, Detective Beckett."

Kate smiled at Alexis and Martha. "Thanks." She said.

Rick wrapped and arm around Kate's waist. "How about I take us all out to dinner tonight?"

Kate smiled up at him. "Sounds good."

"Yes, it does." Martha agreed.

"I like that idea." Alexis said. "Celebrations are in order."

"I agree." Rick said. He looked down at Kate and smiled tenderly. "Your choice, Detective. Where do you want to go?"

Kate looked thoughtful for a moment, then said, "I know just the place."

A/N: Okay, I've decided to leave this chapter as is. I just want to move on to the next one. Sorry it's taken so long to update this. I've been busy, what with Christmas, and packing up my room so I can move house.

Anyway, the next chapter will be a little more substantial. I hope this will keep you going until then though...