Chapter 14

"Well Kate we come to the part of our story where the fair Detective Beckett and the ruggedly handsome Minstrel having captured the heinous Harrison of Tisdale, come to a parting of the way of sorts..."

"...Richard the Minstrel spent a while and maybe more in search for the boot he had tossed away as he had set off after the fleeing Harrison of Tisdale. Eventually just when he was on the point of abandoning hope of ever finding it and return home minus one boot, he found it. The boot was nestled amongst a pile of refuse. He picked it up turned it upside down, giving it a thorough shake to make sure there was no living critter or crawly who had chosen to take up residence. He put the boot on and trudged back to the street.

The Minstrel emerged from the alley to find the fair Detective Beckett standing on the pavement not far away. She had her back to him watching as the steadfast Detectives Ryan and Esposito frogmarched the bound Harrison to the waiting paddy wagon. They practically picked him up and unceremoniously tossed him into the wagon.

At the Minstrel's approach the fair Detective Beckett turned and offered him a small smile which he returned.

"So that is that, Minstrel." The fair Detective Beckett said. "Harrison of Tisdale has been apprehended and will be brought to justice for the murder of his sibling and the two others."

"And a dying man has been give some small measure of comfort." The Minstrel added.

The fair Detective Beckett nodded her head. She knew her constabulary companions were waiting for her but a part of her did not want to leave. She remained where she stood looking at the Minstrel. His blue eyes unwavering as they held her gaze She could feel the devotee of the Minstrel's works was struggling to make an appearance. An awkward silence descended between them but after a moment and maybe more she broke the silence.

"Truly Minstrel it has been..." The fair Detective hesitated as she struggled to find the right word, "...interesting."

The Minstrel smiled and nodded his head. "It does not have to end here though, my dear detective."

"Oh?"

"Would you do me the immeasurable honour of dining with me this evening?"

"What, so I can end up being one of your latest conquests, Minstrel?" She challenged.

"Or I could be yours?" The Minstrel offered.

The fair Kate almost laughed at that remark. A smile again appeared on her fair face. It was not the response she expected from the man. The Minstrel was flirting with her she realised. To her dismay she found it had some appeal. "I don't think so."

"Alas, my dear detective." Richard the Minstrel replied, a little sadly. "It would have been truly wonderful."

The fair Kate Beckett bit on her lower lip nervously as she contemplated what to say next. If he wanted to flirt with her then she could flirt right back. Boldly she stepped up to the Minstrel.

"Minstrel, you have no idea." She whispered seductively in his ear.

A stunned looking Minstrel watched as this most fascinating and most fair of women it had been his privilege to have met turned and began to walk towards where the Detectives Ryan and Esposito were standing and waiting. His eyes were entranced by the hypnotic sway of her hips, her seductive words still echoing in his ear. A smile leaped to his lips.

And in that moment as he watched the fair Detective Beckett walk away, Richard the Minstrel was struck by a lightning bolt of inspiration. His smile deepened as he realised his search for a new heroic character had come to an end..."

Castle stopped speaking when he felt a weak squeeze of his hand. He stared down at his hand that held Kate's hand. He was ready to dismiss it as his tired mind playing tricks on him. Exhaustion could to that to someone who has not slept for days. His hand was squeezed again, a little harder than before. Castle's eyes widened in surprise and growing hope.

His eyes travelled slowly up and saw the most beautiful green eyes smiling at him. It was a sight that made his heart leap about doing cartwheels of joy.

"Hey Castle." Kate whispered in a low scratchy voice.

"Hey, yourself." Castle replied, smiling like he had never smiled before. He brought her hand to his lips and he kissed it. Still holding her hand he rose from his chair and stroked her hair.

"You're awake?"

Kate smiled back and nodded her head. "Someone was keeping me awake with this long fairy tale."

"Did you like it?"

"Really, you couldn't come up with different names for the heroes of this story, Castle?" Kate said.

"Okay, so I wasn't thinking straight." Castle whined. "I'll have you know I haven't slept much since you got here, okay?"

The smile faded from Kate's face. She nodded her head in understanding.

"How are you feeling?" Castle inquired, his voice full of concern.

"Like I've been shot, Castle."

"Should I call for the doctor...the nurse...?" An anxious look crossing his face.

"No, it's okay."

The smile returned to his face as he gazed at his favourite detective. He brought her hand to his lips and kissed it again, giving it a reassuring squeeze. A puzzled look appeared on his face as he remembered something she had said only a moment ago.

"Wait a minute...how long have you been awake?" He asked.

Kate smiled up at him. "Off and on, most of the night and morning."

Castle could not hide his surprise. "And you didn't say anything?"

"Not to you, no."

"The others knew?"

"Martha and Ryan knew and he would have told Esposito."

Castle should have been angry at her for doing that to him but he could not find it in his heart. He was beyond happy to know that she was back. That is all that mattered to him. He smiled at her.

"You're a cruel woman, Kate Beckett, a cruel woman." He chided, gently. She smiled back.

"I wanted to hear the rest of your story." Kate explained. "So how does your story end?"

Castle leaned down and kissed her on the forehead.

"Well my dear detective, that remains to be seen." He grinned. "But I have a feeling I'm going to need your help with the story."

Castle returned to his chair and moved it right up to her bed. He continued to hold her hand, his thumb stroking the back of her hand lovingly. For many minutes neither of them said anything, simply staring at each other and smiling. It was Kate who finally broke the silence.

"Castle...I heard what you said...when...I...got..."

"Hush." Castle said interrupting her. "We will speak of that when you have rested well and your strength has returned. For now, I rejoice in your deliverance and safe return to us."

"Ever the Minstrel." Kate smiled.

"Can't help it, my dear detective." Castle grinned. "I have such an extraordinary inspiration."

Finis.

Alas dear reader this tale has come to an end. Fear not and do not fret for methinks there will be more tales to come of the adventures of the Fair Detective Beckett and the ruggedly handsome Richard the Minstrel. Thank you one and all for reading this story and thank you to all of you who took the time to send a review.

Kindest regards

Con.