So, this is embarrassing. I accidentally uploaded a draft in the previous chapter, rather than the finished product. Oops. It's been fixed now, but that's why it went into script mode towards the end.

Upload Date: February 5, 2013

Chapter Rating: K+

Chapter Summary: After discovering Melanie Rogers' killer was hired by Senator Bracken's wife and he had no involvement in her death, Beckett is forced to let him go.

#44

"Castle, I could really use one of your silver linings right now,'' Beckett said as she watched Sheila Bracken get carted away in cuffs while her husband boarded the elevator, smiling in that curt, polite manner that made her sick to her stomach as the doors closed, walking away a free man.

"You've given closure to Melanie Rogers' family, put two dangerous criminals behind bars and I think it's safe to say that Senator Bracken's Presidential race is over before it began. There's no coming back from a scandal like this; no matter how you spin it."

"But he's the spin king, Castle. He could so easily play the victim - "

"Well, I won't let him," he said in a low voice, his eyes darkening lightly. "I'll give large donations to every other candidate, I'll launch a twitter attack, I'll put fliers up all around the city, possibly the whole state, if I have to- "

Beckett almost laughed as she shook her head, grabbing his hand and bringing it to her lips to calm him down.

"Not necessary," she said, beaming at him warmly.

"Ok," he sighed calming down.

He realised after a few moments that she was still staring at him with that same dopey grin on her face.

"What?" he said finally.

Becket took a deep breath and sighed contentedly, reaching up to pull his fringe out of his eyes.
"Nothing," she smiled softly. "I just love you is all."

Castle raised his eyebrows, opened his mouth, closed it, opened it again and closed it again.
Finally regaining his composure, his eyes twinkled as he gave a small, smug smile.
"Well, who wouldn't? I'm awesome."

Beckett merely continued to smile as she led him by the hand to the elevator.
"Come on, Castle. Let's go."

"What about paperwork?"

Beckett shrugged.
"Espo can handle it. He doesn't have any plans."

"What about those Brazilian bikini models?"

"You actually believed that story?"

"Well... no," he admitted. "But it's still fun to think about."

She raised her eyebrows.

"Ok, I know this is normally the part where I get all defensive and flustered and back-pedal; but I'm sorry - you just told me you love me. I'm in too good a mood. You can yell at me all night if you want."

Beckett cocked her head, pretending to consider.
"I don't know, Castle. I can think of better uses for my mouth than yelling."

Castle's entire face widened. Once he had regained the use of his limbs, he frantically and repeatedly pressed the down button.