It wasn't 'til weeks later that the photo came in handy.

Rick had been in his study, his fingers steadily tapping on his laptop.

His earlier phone call was ringing through his head.

"Richard. It's been 6 months since you killed Derrick off, Black Pawn hates that decision by the way. Anyway, that's not why I called. When am I getting that new transcript? This book deal wont be on the table forever."His publisher's voice rang through his head.

Rick ran a hand down his face, before grabbing a pen. Shifting through the papers on the desk, he was attempting to find his notebook.

He really did need to organize and-

"Ouch!" Rick yanked his hand away from the desk, holding it up to the light, to examine it. There was a small cut on his index finger. "Paper cut." He muttered, glaring at his injured finger.

He once again reached for the papers, this time being a lot more catious. His hands ran over something unfamiliar, and he pulled out a smooth, cold object.

It was the picture that Alexis had found from the park. Rick studied it closer, how could he forget it? It contained one of the most beautiful girls he had ever seen.

Ideas were swirling in his mind already, and suddenly... inspiration struck.

*Time skip*

"Mr Castle!"
"Where did the new character come from?"
"He was faking the whole time?"
"Over here over here!"

The shouts came from all over the room, the reporters eager to get their questions, answered. Even more so, when it was announced that Storm would get his happy ending with a new character, after faking his death.

"I'm sorry, it seems that we have run out of time. Richard, however, will be signing books at the front table, so please-" Gina was cut off, as a rush of people, mainly girls, crowded around the signing table. "-line up in an orderly fashion."

Pen ready, Rick began greeting fans with polite smiles, answering the odd question.

"Thank you." "Who should I make it out to?" "Name?" "Nice to meet you too."

The phrases became continuous, as the signing dragged on. His hand became slightly cramped as well.

"Who should I make it out too?"

"Kate." A slightly shaky voice said. The writer looked up with a smile, which slowly faded.

"Hey... it's you." The author gulped. Brown hair, stunning figure, and beautiful eyes. She was prettier in real life. And even though she had a slight smile on her face, she looked almost... defeated.

"Me? You don't know me." The brunette said, slightly confused.

"You're the girl from the picture." He blurted out. Confusion settled on her face. "Sorry it's just- long story."

An awkward silence passed over them. "Well your books are really great." She complimented.

As if he just remembered why he was there, Rick wrote a quick message and signed it, before handing the book back. She forced a smile."Thank you."

He smiled back. "Anytime." He watched her swerve her way through the mass of people, walking out of the bookshop.

His eyes never left her, even when the next fangirl came up. Rick politely greeted her, scribbling something that was supposed to be his name. He was slightly impatient, standing up in the middle of the girl's 'I'm your biggest fan' speech.

"Sorry, would you excuse me?"

"Um-" He didn't even wait for an answer, dashing out of the bookstore.

"Richard! Where are you-" The writer was already out the door, before Gina could finish her sentence. He was set on trying to find the brunette beauty.

He could see her walking, shoulders hunched over as she maneuvered her way through the passing people. Rick sprinted up to her, tapping her on the shoulder. She turned, making his breath catch in her throat.

She was surprised at the interruption. "Yes?" She questioned, near-invisible tracks on her cheeks.

"Uh." Rick was at a lost for words. "Well I have something of yours and it's not here and- Are you alright?" He blurted out.

"I'm alright, just...had something in my eye." Kate was gripping her book hard, the title facing him, as she quickly wiped at her cheeks.

"Hell Hath No Fury?" Rick questioned, surprised she didn't have his latest Storm book. It was definitely not his best, only the hardcore fans read it.

"Yeah. It was my mom's." Her voice slightly wavered on the last word.

"Was?" Rick realized to late that it was the wrong thing to say. He saw her instantly pale, hand flying up to cover her mouth. "I'm sorry."

Kate took a deep breath, willing the urge to vomit to go away. "You said you had something of mine?"

"Subtle subject change." Rick noted in his head.

"Yes. Maybe we could meet up or something. How about I get your number and call you?" He asked, hopeful.

Kate's eyes took on a flash of anger, masking the nausea. that had been present. "Forget it."

Rick was shocked as she turned on her heel, swiftly walking away. "Hey, wait!" He yelled after her.

"What?"

"I-um, you just walked away from me." He said, knowing he sounded stupid. "Why?"

She sighed. "You're Richard Castle. I've seen the tabloids. Playboy extrodinaire, with a girl always on his arm."

"But-"

"Just next time, ask me for my number." She said, just about to walk away. He reached for her arm.

"Look, I admit: you're very beautiful, and I would love to have your number, but I actually do have something that's your's. A picture."

"Picture?" She asked. Rick nodded. "I'm free tomorrow. I'll- there's a coffee shop on the corner. Meet there at 10?"

"Sure thing." Rick grinned brightly. She looked hesitant, but gave a small wave, spinning around and walking away.

Kate,

Pictures are just memories, captured in the moment.

Somebody as beautiful as you shouldn't look so destroyed by the world

Richard Castle.

Kate scoffed, reading the inscription again and again. Was it so obvious, or was he just observant?

She shook her head, as her stomach turned. She shouldn't of gone to the signing, knowing that the only reason she was there was because of her mother.

Kate felt a moment of weakness. She really was pathetic, crying in the middle of the street? Never again, she promised herself.

Kate walked inside her building, tucking the book, Hell Hath No Fury, inside her bag. She loved Richard Castle's books, she did, but reading them also made her feel closer to her mother. And that was exactly what she needed right now.