AN: Thought that I'd speed things along by adding two chapters a day. Thanks for the positive reviews. And in response to the reviewers that claim that Kate and Rick are acting out of character my response is of course they are. That was the point - Kate, Rick, Martha and Javier were all acting out of character during these episodes.

Seven:

Kate Beckett returned to her hotel room after an exhausting day searching for a new 'home'. She grimaced at the thought of one of the apartments that she had looked at today being her new home. While all were adequate, none of them had the feel of her present apartment. Given her budget, she'd have to accept one of the ones she toured. Another compromise made for her dream job.

Not feeling like going out, she orders room service and checks her laptop for any emails. For some unexplained reason, Kate was disappointed when she saw nothing from Castle. Deep down, she was convinced that he would see that she was doing the right thing for herself by leaving New York. The thought that she could be wrong never entered her mind. Kate started to call Lanie but decided against it as she wasn't in the mood for another lecture. She was sure that Lanie knew that she accepted the job offer even though Kate didn't tell her.

X-X-X

Three hours after he started, Rick sent the letter to his printer. It turned out to be longer than he planned, but Castle wanted to make sure that he left nothing subject to interpretation. He laughed out loud as he realized how many of their troubles when they were together were due to misunderstandings and failure to say how they really felt about something. He carefully reread the letter and then signed it. Folding it neatly, he placed it in an envelope and simply wrote 'Kate' on the front.

Rick emptied a couple of boxes of books that Black Pawn had sent over for him to autograph and carried them into the bedroom. He sat them on the bed and began the process of removing anything that belonged to Kate. Castle wanted to do this as quickly as possible so he couldn't dwell on her any longer than absolutely necessary. Unfortunately everything he touched that belonged to her brought back some memory. Most of them were pleasant, but others seemed to reopen the wound. After going through the dresser and the closet, he looked for any mementos that were in the room and placed them in the box. Walking into the bathroom, he gathered up the small assortment of toiletries that belonged to her. Opening the shampoo bottle one last time, he inhaled the cherry scent that he would forever associate with Kate.

It wasn't until he carried the small collection of toiletries into his bedroom that he noticed that he had been crying. Wiping the tears from his cheeks with the heels of his hands he sees just how little Kate has to return. A few sleep shirts, a pair of jeans, and some mementos that he had purchased for her. The small assortment was symbolic of how little she had invested in this relationship. Combining her meager contents into a single box, he closed it and carried it to the front door. He'd call Lanie and tell her that he would leave the box with the doorman. Either she or Kate could pick it up whenever they wanted. He'd be gone.

X-X-X

Kate was lying in bed wide awake waiting for her alarm to tell her to get up. She hadn't slept well at all. Her mind was racing with all of the things that she had to accomplish in just six days and one of them was a holiday. She had evaluated the pros and cons of each of the apartments she looked at and still couldn't decide. It really didn't matter as she would spend so little time there with the demands of her job.

Her new job. A do-over of sorts. A chance to start anew. These were the things that held her attention right now, not another failed relationship, lost friends, or knowing that the man who ordered her mother's murder was still free and on the streets. 'No', she thought, 'I'll be here to keep an eye on him. I'll use the resources of the AG's office to bring him to justice and close that chapter of my life. Then I'll be happy.'

Slipping on a pair of sweats and a top, Kate went down to the exercise facility and worked out for nearly an hour to clear her head. She couldn't seem to reconcile her dreams from the night before. The first one was Rick on one knee proposing to her at the swings. She happily accepted his proposal. The second dream was of the two of them exchanging vows while standing on the deck of his summer home overlooking the ocean. Kate sighed in frustration at the thought. It was as if her subconscious was ganging up against her. She didn't want to be married to Rick, did she?

Frustrated that the workout did little to clear her head, Kate returned to her room and took a long hot shower. She dressed and made a quick check of her emails before heading down to the hotel restaurant for a lite breakfast. Kate checked her iPhone for any messages and was surprised to find one from Lanie. It was brief and to the point. 'Your belongings are with the doorman at Castle's apartment. Pick them up whenever.'

Kate considered sending a reply but thought better. 'It's obvious that Lanie is still mad at me. I'll let her cool down with time.'

The remainder of the day was spent doing mostly touristy things and scoping-out the general area. She hated doing what Kate considered wasting her time when she had so many things to do, but needed to stay in DC to meet with HR people tomorrow about her new job. She finally decided on the apartment that was closest to mass transit and restaurants. Kate knew that she'd have little time for quite a while until she adjusted to her new job.

X-X-X

Rick spent the remainder of his day preparing for his trip. Not sure of how he wanted to dress when there and how long he would be staying, Castle decided to pack light and if necessary purchase new clothes while he was there. His phone buzzed with a text signaling that his driver was waiting. Rick replied and grabbed his carry-on bag and the letter to Beckett.

The traffic was fairly light and they made good time to Beckett's apartment. Rick was hesitant at first to follow-through with his plan, but knew that it had to be done. Riding the elevator to her floor, he removed the key to her apartment that she had given him, and placed it in the envelope. Rick walked to her door hoping that she wasn't there. The last thing he wanted to do right now was to see her. Castle wasn't sure he could keep from breaking down if he saw her right now. There was enough of a gap at the bottom of the door for him to slide the envelope under it. Kneeling down, he quietly slide the letter under the door and slowly returned to the elevator. For whatever crazy reason, Castle felt as if a weight had been lifted.

Acceptance. The final stage of grief. Rick knew that he wasn't there yet, but he was close. He had a new goal. To love Kate Beckett a little less each day and one day be able to move on with someone who could accept him for who he was. Rick knew from painful experience that unless the one that you are with is your highest priority, your relationship is doomed to fail. Gina was the shining example of that. Their marriage was more a business partnership. He thought that he needed a mother for Alexis and Gina liked the perks of being married to a celebrity author. For a while it actually worked. Rick didn't realize that although he wanted a mother for Alexis, he was too possessive of her to let Gina assume that role. The little things that bothered each other about their spouses became major issues and the marriage crumbled.

Maybe it was karma Rick thought. He was on the receiving end this time being held at arms length by Kate, never allowed to become truly part of her life. He chuckled at the irony of it all. Kate's 'walls' were nothing more than excuses for behaving the way she did. There would always be some reason why he wouldn't fit into her life.

Rick stared out at the traffic as the car made its way through the holiday traffic and to the airport. He made his way through airport security and was soon seated in first class and on his way to Los Angeles. He was lost in his thoughts while enjoying a drink when he hears a familiar voice. "Hello Rick. Long time no see."

Castle looks up to see Jacinda's smiling face. "Over a year. So are you working this flight?" Rick uses his best acting skills to place a smile on his face.

Jacinda gives him a puzzled look and gestures to her uniform. "Duh? So what brings you to LA? Business, or pleasure?" She gives him a wink at the mention of pleasure.

"Hopefully, a little of both." He replies and takes another sip from his drink.

"Let me get you another drink. Don't go anywhere." She giggles as she walks up the aisle. A minute later she returns with a fresh cup with ice and a couple of bottles of the scotch that he prefers. "I'll stop back in a little bit and check on you." She gives him a wink and returns her attention to the other passengers in first class.

Rick feigned sleep for the majority of the flight to avoid having to talk with Jacinda. He wasn't lying when he told Beckett that she was uncomplicated and fun. The problem is the same as it was then, she wasn't what he was looking for. He was hurting from Kate's lies then as he is now and Jacinda wasn't the solution either time. Somehow during the flight he had managed to actually fall asleep. He was awoken with a gentle nudge to his shoulder and Jacinda whispering in his ear. "Wake up Rick. It's about time to land."

Castle slowly opens his eyes and gives her a smile. He knew that if he could make it off of the plane without her asking him to take her out, he'd be ok. Deciding a pre-emptive strike is necessary, he speaks first. "Wow, I must have been more exhausted than I thought. I'm going straight to my room and crash.. Alone."

Rick could see the expression on the young blonde flight attendant's face go from surprise to disappointment as he finished his statement. Trying to mask her hurt at being rejected before she even offered, Jacinda simply commented. "Yeah, I know what you mean. I'm beat. These cross country flights take it out of you." She paused for a few seconds trying to think of some way to salvage the situation and smiled as she scribbled something on a cocktail napkin. Handing him the napkin she comments. "I'm staying in LA for a couple of days. Here's my number. If you need a tour guide, or just some company, give me a call." Jacinda gives him a wink and walks to the bulkhead to strap herself into the jump-seat as the plane made its final approach for landing.

Rick glances at the number scribbled on the note and for the briefest of moments considers her offer. He had no interest in a relationship right now. His heart and mind still belonged to a woman that would never be his. Jacinda could serve as a distraction, nothing more. And as he had learned a year ago, the distraction didn't solve anything, in fact it made things worse.

The landing was uneventful and he was able to avoid Jacinda as he deplaned. As he had only brought one carry -on bag, Rick went straight from the plane to the car rental counter. Rather than rent an attention grabbing sports car, he opted for a Mercedes sedan. He remembered his last time in Los Angeles and how he rented a Ferrari trying to impress Kate. 'Well that went really well, didn't it?' Castle mocked himself at the thought.

X-X-X

Kate spent the evening alone in her hotel room. After a light, room service supplied dinner, she returned her attention to her ever-growing list of things that needed none before she left New York. Beckett knew that her father would help where he could, but she could use some additional support. Not knowing how Lanie would react if she called, Kate decided to wait another day or so before contacting her, especially when what she really wants is her help leaving her and the others.

She glanced at her father's wristwatch and noticed that it was after eleven pm. 'I need to get some rest. A busy day tomorrow.' She tells herself as she removes the watch and her mother's ring around her neck and lays them reverently on the nightstand. Soon she is lying in bed dressed in the same tee-shirt that she had worn the night before – Castle's.

X-X-X

The drive to the hotel took about twice as long as it should have. The freeways were all clogged with people trying to get back home from their long weekend. It was dark by the time he pulled up at the entrance to the same hotel he stayed at his last time in LA. Part of him wanted to stay someplace else, but then he remembered that he always stayed in this hotel, even before Beckett.

BB, before Beckett. He grinned to himself when he thought that now things would be categorized as either BB or AB, after Beckett whether he intended to or not. That left the year that they were kind of, sort of together. He wasn't sure how he would categorize that time, but he hoped that it would be with fond memories eventually.

Rick gave his keys to the valet and walked with his bag to the front desk. Even though he didn't stay here very often, the staff always treated him very well. Minutes later he was lying on his bed staring at the ceiling, and debating if he wanted to try to order dinner from room service. Glancing at his watch, he saw that it was after one in the morning back in New York. He started to feel like it was past his bedtime and decided to forego dinner. Kicking off his shoes, he plopped down on the bed and quickly fell asleep.

X-X-X

Kate groaned at the shrill sound of the alarm on her iPhone as she reached across the bed to turn it off. Another hectic day ahead. Her morning would be spent at FBI building meeting with HR personnel. She had a flight back to New York in the afternoon and what seemed like a million things to take care of there. She showered, dried her hair and placed it in a pony tail. Kate quickly applied her makeup and dressed in the business suit that she had brought. She gathered up her belongings and made her way to check out.

Exiting the hotel, she notices what a beautiful morning it was. The sky was cloudless and there was just enough of a breeze to make wearing her suit jacket comfortable. The drive into the city was miserable with the rush hour traffic. Kate knew that traffic was just as bad in New York at this time of the day, but there was something about being familiar with it that made it easier to deal with. She drove past the entrance to the parking garage and cursed, having to drive around the block again.

Finally in the building, Kate walked up to the visitor area and gave her name to the receptionist, who told her to take a seat with the others waiting there. Five minutes later an slightly overweight, middle aged woman with grey streaked blonde hair entered the waiting area and called Kate's name. Beckett immediately rose to her feet and walked to where she was standing. After a brief introduction, the woman asked Kate to follow her to her office. After passing through security, the two woman made small talk about the weather as they rode the elevator to her office.

Mary Woodson escorted Kate past the reception area and directly into her office. She gestured for Beckett to take a seat as she walked behind her desk. Mary opened a folder on her desk and took a look at its contents before speaking. "Miss Beckett, we have a great deal to cover in a short period of time. I will try to be as brief as possible so that you have time to ask any questions that you may have. Is that ok?"

"Yes, thank you." Kate replied.

"Good." Mary smiled at the response. "As you are aware, you have accepted a job on the Attorney General's task force. Is that correct?" Kate simply nods. "Technically, you will be a FBI agent on assignment to the Attorney General's office. That means that you will have to be fully certified as any other FBI agent. There is a new recruit training class at Quantico that begins next week. Don't worry Ms Beckett, because of your experience, you will be able to test out of the areas that you are already qualified for and reduce your time there."

Kate managed to offer a slight smile hearing that she should be able to reduce her time in training. Mary glanced at the folder in front of her and remarked. "Looking at your personnel file from the NYPD, I suspect that you will be there from six weeks to three months depending on how many things you can test out of and how well your training progresses. Once your time at the academy is complete, you will be assigned to another agent at the AG's office who you will work with as their assistant." Mary paused for a moment to see how Kate reacted to the idea of having to be subservient to another agent after being a lead detective for several years.

Beckett considered what Mary was telling her. For whatever reason, she just assumed that based upon the buildup given to her by Agent Stack and Director Freedman, that she'd be a field agent as soon as she took whatever courses were needed to familiarize herself with the rules and regulations involved with the job. The thought of being treated like any other new agent from the Academy bothered her, but she had already made a commitment. "I understand." Was all Kate could offer as a response.

"Great." Mary replied as she looked through Kate's personnel folder. She leans forward to look Beckett directly in the eye. "Your record with the NYPD is exemplary with the exception of a thirty day suspension for insubordination last year. Frankly, I'm surprised that you would be considered for a job in the AG's office with something like this on your record.. Would you care to explain?" The tone of Mary's voice left no room for debate.

Kate swallowed and shifted in her seat, suddenly uncomfortable before speaking. She decided to reveal no more than she would have to to satisfy to HR gnome in front of her. "There was an attempt on my life two years ago. A sniper nearly killed me while I was delivering the eulogy for my Captain. The shooter disappeared for nearly a year and then reappeared for no apparent reason. As the case that started all of this had ties to police corruption, one of my detectives and I decided to try to bring in the sniper in without backup, ignoring protocol. The sniper escaped and I was suspended for insubordination."

The HR manager listened carefully to Kate's explanation and watched her body language as she spoke. Her explanation and the personnel record were in sync. She smiled and thanked Beckett for her honesty. Mary paused and had to ask. "Did you ever catch the sniper?"

"Not really. He sort of blew himself up a few days later." Kate replied with no emotion.

"Well, I guess justice was served anyway." Mary offered a sly smile. "Do you have any questions about anything that we've discussed? If not, I'll turn you over to one of my assistants who will guide you through the arduous task of completing the paperwork for the job."

"No, I think that you've explained everything." Kate replies. Mary picks up her phone and makes a brief call as Beckett watches. A minute later, a petite brunette walks into the office. Mary rises up from her seat to make the introduction. "Katherine Beckett, I'd like to introduce you to Katherine Burns, one of my assistants." Burns extends her hand to Beckett and they shake. "I'll let you to get on with your paperwork. If you have any questions Ms. Beckett, don't hesitate to call." She hands Kate a business card from the holder on her desk.

Kate thanks her and follows the other Kate out the door. Beckett follows the young woman through a maze of cubicles near Mary's office. Taking a seat at the chair beside her desk, Beckett sees a stack of papers on the desk. Her eyebrows arch in surprise at the size of the stack.

The young woman sees the look on Beckett's face and chuckles. "Really, it's not as bad as it looks. Most of these documents only require your signature. Some of them won't be signed until you are sworn-in as an agent, but will be part of your personnel record."

Kate feigned a smile at the young woman's enthusiasm regarding filling out paperwork. The paperwork was the thing that Beckett liked the least about being a cop.

They worked their way through the stack of papers with Burns offering brief explanations of each before asking Kate to sign. Kate signed the forms for tax withholding information, health insurance and the other documents that anyone starting a new job would be expected to complete.

Things were progressing well, until they reached the life insurance policy. Burns gave a brief explanation regarding policy options and benefits. Beckett simply nodded acknowledging that she understood as the young woman spoke. She placed the document in front of Beckett and pointed where she needed to sign. "Sign here, and here. Our default is to have the spouse as the primary beneficiary and you can designate whomever you like as a secondary."

Kate was gobsmacked. 'Spouse? No something is wrong.' Kate thought. "I'm sorry Ms Burns, but I don't have a spouse. In fact, I've never been married."

The assistant starts looking through the documents in a second folder on her desk. "We have a copy of a marriage license issued to a Katherine Beckett and Rogan O'Leary on November 27th, 1998 by the state of Nevada. There is no record of a divorce or annulment."

Beckett was stunned. She remembered taking off to Las Vegas on Thanksgiving weekend from school with Rogan for a 'break'. Kate had told her parents that she was staying at Stanford the week to study rather than fly home to New York for the holiday. She remembered getting drunk and Rogan suggesting that they get 'pretend' married as a joke so they could practice their honeymoon in the hotel. It looks like the joke is on her. She hadn't seen or spoken to Rogan since she caught him in bed with her roommate a week after their trip to Vegas.

Beckett tried to school her embarrassment at finding out that she has been married for the last fifteen years without her knowledge. Ms Burns could tell that Kate truly had no idea that she was married and comments, "There's a form that I can provide you with to change the beneficiary, but it requires a signature from your spouse or proof of divorce or dissolution. Just fill it out with the proper documentation and send it to me and I'll update your records."

In a small voice, Kate thanks the assistant for her help and takes the form she provides. Beckett gets up from her chair and walks out of the area to the elevator. Soon she is back in her rental car and on her way to the airport. Her mind is a jumbled mess of thoughts as Kate tries to figure out how she could have been so stupid marrying a man she barely knew as a 'joke'. 'Another thing to add to my list.' She mumbles to herself.

The return flight to New York was uneventful. Kate stared out the window of the plane and tried to figure out how she would track down her 'husband' and obtain a dissolution or divorce. She wondered why this never came up when she applied with the NYPD. Normally, she would just call someone from the 12th to help her track down Rogan, but given the reason why she needed to find him, she'd have to think of something else. She could just picture the smirks on the faces of her fellow detectives when they found out that she had been married for nearly fifteen years without knowing. 'Former' she mentally corrected herself. They were her former coworkers.

Kate suddenly felt like a hypocrite for all of the snide remarks that she made to Castle about his two failed marriages. 'At least he knew he was married.' She mockingly thought to herself. As much as she'd try to deny it, Kate always felt that him being married and divorced twice as indicative of some character flaw in him. It was one of the things that allowed her to keep one foot out the door with him the way she did the others. 'So much for being a one and done kind of girl.' Kate grimaces at the thought.