Twenty-four:

It must have been a very slow news night because the picture of Rick and Mindy kissing found its way to page six along with the caption 'Celebrity Author and Mystery Woman – Wife #3?'. Paula called Rick just as soon as she saw the article. Castle on the other hand was oblivious to it all as he was blissfully asleep – alone. It wasn't for the lack of opportunity. After dropping Lanie and Espo at her place, Rick and Mindy spent the limo ride home making out like a couple of teens. While Mindy made it clear that she would like to spend the remainder of the night (what little there was left) with him, Rick couldn't shake the feeling that he was somehow betraying Kate.

After telling her quite honestly that he was starting to develop real feelings for her, Rick asked her to bear with him as he wanted to be sure before jumping into a sexual relationship with her. Mindy put on a brave face, even thanking him for respecting her, but warned him that she wouldn't wait forever. She placed a chaste kiss on his cheek and walked up the stairs to her room. Deep down, Rick knew what he told her was the truth, but yet he couldn't shake the feeling that he was chasing rainbows hoping that Kate still wanted him. The annoying ring tone that Rick had to identify when Paula called woke him from his fitful sleep.

Before he could even reply after answering, Paula blurts out. "You're back on page six again Ricky. Isn't that great!"

Having no idea what she is talking about, Castle inquires. "What do you mean?"

Paula read the caption for the story and went into great detail about the picture. "I'm proud of you Ricky. It's about time you moved on from that detective. She wasn't your type anyway."

Rick couldn't help but bristle a little hearing Paula disparage the woman that he had followed for five years. "Look Paula, you're my agent not my therapist. I'd appreciate it if you'd keep your opinions about Kate Beckett to yourself. Now what's the real reason why you woke me at this ungodly hour?"

"Look Ricky, I'm sorry for what I said. I'll keep my opinions to myself, ok? Now the real reason I called is your little article is causing quite the buzz. I've had two calls this morning requesting interviews. One with the local media and the other with Good Morning America. It'd be an excellent opportunity for you to fulfill your promotional requirements for the Nikki Heat movie."

Rick thought about her suggestion and had to admit that it made sense, especially if he could get on network TV. "I'll tell you what Paula, I'll do Good Morning America provided the questions are kept to either my books or the movie. Is that a deal? My personal life is just that – personal."

"Consider it done." Paula replies as the call ends.

Christmas was less than a week away and Rick still had a ton of things to do. None of them were important in the grand scheme of things, but he wanted to make this holiday special for his family.

X-X-X

Kate Beckett also took advantage of a rare day off by sleeping in. She groggily rose up from her bed and made her way to the kitchen to put on a pot of coffee. She opted for a quick shower while the coffee brewed in an attempt to wake up. Feeling somewhat invigorated, she walked from the shower back to the kitchen wearing one of Castle's old tee shirts with a towel wrapped around her wet hair. Recently, she had started to consider cutting her hair short again like she wore it before she met Rick. The time she spent working with her hair before didn't seem to bother her then, but now it seemed like a waste. She knew how much Rick liked her hair, especially the smell of her shampoo.

Any haircuts would have to wait until after the premiere. She wanted to look her best even if he'd moved on with someone else. She was torn. Part of her was excited to return to New York for the first time since May. The other part dreaded making a very public appearance with Vaughn.

Kate poured herself a cup of coffee and sat down at the counter where her laptop was sitting. She opened it up and started checking her email for anything important. Other than a few pieces of spam, there was nothing to look at. She sipped her coffee and checked in with the Daily News online to see what was going on in her home town. She nearly dropped her coffee cup when she scrolled down the page to see the top story for the entertainment section. Like watching a train wreck happening, she read the article and stared at the picture. Seeing another woman in Rick's arms kissing hit her like a punch in the gut. She had to wonder if he felt the same way when he found out she let Vaughn kiss her. The difference was she broke things off with him six months ago. Regardless, it was small consolation to her right now.

Kate really wanted to call Vaughn up and say that she changed her mind about going to New York. He'd still press her to go to Bermuda with him and for the briefest of moments she wondered if that would be such a bad thing. Then she remembered why she was even speaking to Vaughn. He was dirty and some serious people were coming after him. No, she'd do what Hunter had asked of her.

X-X-X

The days leading up to the premiere seemed to fly by for Castle. He was so caught up in the arrangements for the after party at the Old Haunt, he nearly forgot about his appearance on GMA. He was his usual charming self and the interviewer kept the questions focused on the upcoming movie and his last Nikki Heat novel. It was after he mentally relaxed thinking the interview was over when the picture from page six was flashed on the screen. Robin Roberts smiled as she asked him who the lovely lady was in his arms.

Regaining his composure as quickly as possible he replied honestly. "Robin, she's a very dear friend and I'd rather not say any more about it."

Roberts gave him a sly wink and commented. "Well ladies, it looks like Mr Castle is off the market." They exchanged thank yous and the show went off to commercial. Rick walked off of the set quickly without speaking to anyone else.

Christmas eve arrived without much fanfare. Rick was so focused on making sure that the after party went well that he barely noticed. Alexis and Mindy had left early in the morning to get their hair done leaving Rick alone with time on his hands to worry about everything. He chastised himself for not trusting that his people at the Haunt would do their jobs. Relaxing a little his thoughts went to the premiere itself. He was looking forward to it only because it symbolized the end of his commitment towards the movie and he could focus his attention on taking down Bracken.

Down in Washington DC, Kate was trying to pack a small bag for her trip to Bermuda after the premiere. She had no idea what to bring besides a swimsuit. It had been so long that she had any time off that she didn't know what to think. The brief time off between jobs was spent preparing for her move and her last long weekend off was spent with Castle at his place in the Hamptons. Even that weekend was interrupted with a murder that they solved together.

"Synergy." Kate mouthed the word out loud to herself. Castle always said that the two of them together was greater than the sum of their individual talents – synergy. It was Castle who believed that they would be great together.

Her thoughts were interrupted by the ringing of her phone. She checked the caller ID and saw that it was Vaughn's personal assistant advising her that the car was on its way to pick her up. Kate thanked to woman and returned her attention to packing her bag. Her evening gown was still in its garment bag. Vaughn had arranged for a stylist and makeup person to accompany them on the flight and she could get ready on the plane.

Vaughn was making every effort to use his money and influence to impress Kate. If he knew her at all, he'd know just how much she resented being taken care of. Castle found out early on that fact and only helped when asked or had no choice. She had no feelings for Vaughn and decided to play along, letting him think that she was impressed with his wealth.

The car arrived and the driver helped load her outfit and luggage into the car. Soon she arrived at the executive airport outside of Baltimore. It wasn't long before they were in the air and on their way to New York. Vaughn offers Kate a champagne as the stylist busily worked on her hair. They arrived at the small airport about forty-five minutes later. A limo was waiting for them which brought them into the city and the Four Seasons hotel. Vaughn had reserved and executive suite for them with two bedrooms. He didn't plan on needing both of them, but he knew Kate would balk if he tried a single room.

Once in their suite, they went to their respective bedrooms to change into their evening wear. About thirty minutes later she emerges from the room fully dressed. Erik was already sitting on the sofa drinking the complimentary champagne provided by the hotel. Seeing Kate enter the room in her floor length evening gown, Vaughn gives her a lecherous smile as he tells her that she looks simply amazing. Kate blushes and thanks him. She then comments that he looks very nice himself in his custom tailored tux. They shared a glass of champagne as she opened her clutch purse and checked to make sure that she had her tickets.

Across town, Rick was also preparing for the premiere. He liked the new Armani tux that he had delivered earlier today. It fit him well. He fumbled with his bow tie and decided to leave it to the pro, meaning Alexis. He was sitting on the sofa drinking a sparkling water when his daughter came down the stairs first. She looked stunning and he was torn between pride at the beautiful woman that she had become and sadness that his little girl was gone. Her smile seeing his reaction was priceless. "You Like?" She inquires.

All Rick could do in response was offer a goofy smile and nod. "You're perfect." He held out his tie in front of him and gave her his usual helpless look.

Quick to see the reason for her father's helpless look, Alexis walks up to him with her arm extended. "Here, give me that.. Honestly dad, you'd think that you would have learned to tie one of these things by now."

"I can do it just fine. I just like the way you do it better." He replied as he leaned forward for Alexis.

Alexis' nimble fingers made quick work of the tie. She stepped back to admire her work. "Perfect." She proudly states.

"Thank you pumpkin." Rick kisses his daughter on the cheek. He looks up just in time to see Mindy walk down the stairs. Castle stood there slack-jawed. She had looked great before when she modeled the dress, but with hair and makeup she was a vision of beauty.

Seeing the look on Rick's face, Mindy can only smile. She wanted to make Castle proud of her. She had heard little things from Martha, Alexis and then Lanie about Kate's beauty and she had to admit she was a little jealous. She didn't want Rick to feel as if he was 'settling' with her. She walks up to him and smiles. "Do you like?"

"Very much. I'll be the luckiest guy at the premiere having the two best looking women in the city on my arms."

"You're damn right!" Alexis blurts out without thinking causing Rick and Mindy to both laugh.

Rick walks to the closet and takes out the wraps for both women. He carefully places them on their shoulders as he opens the door and gestures for them to exit. Alexis was excited about seeing the movie and chattered on and on about it. Rick and Mindy both smiled, they had already seen it and didn't want to spoil the experience for her by revealing any spoilers.

Despite it being Christmas eve, traffic was heavy and slow. It took nearly forty minutes to get to the theater from the loft. Alexis was an old pro at his book launches and press functions so she knew what to expect. Mindy was still a little overwhelmed by it all despite being with him at the Hollywood premiere. As the car came to a stop, Rick exited the car first and held out his hand to assist first Alexis, and then Mindy from the car. With a woman on each arm, the three of them walked the gauntlet through the screaming fans and paparazzi on the red carpet to where the media waited by the door to snag interviews.

Castle was his usual charming self as he made is way from one interview to the other. Alexis and Mindy both smiled a lot and answered whatever questions were asked as politely as possible. They had almost made it to the entrance and the safety that that provided from the press when the last interviewer asked if Mindy was going to be Mrs Castle number three.

Rick knew Christine Couterra the interviewer, quite well. After her failed attempt to seduce him a year ago, she seemed a little to pleased to see that he was no longer with his 'muse'. She had suspected that there was something going on between them from the first time his was on her show to promote a Nikki Heat novel. Not wanting to give her anything to go with, Rick simply smiled and started walking to the entrance holding hands with Alexis and Mindy.

The three of them were in the theater in their seats by the time Vaughn's limo pulled up in front of the theater. Erik got out first and helped Kate exit the car. His bodyguards were close by keeping an eye on everyone around them. Kate and Erik walked down the red carpet together both feigning smiles for the camera. Many members of the press tried to stop the couple for an interview, but Vaughn simply pointed to his watch saying they were running late. The press had no interest in Kate, which was just fine with her. She had no desire to be in the spotlight. A billionaire and his date attending a movie premiere on Christmas eve in New York was news.

Couterra had watched as Vaughn had declined interviews as he made his way up the red carpet and decided to try a different approach. "Kate! Katherine Beckett! Do you have a minute?" She shouted out as they approached.

For whatever reason, Vaughn decided that maybe this would be good if she was seen as the reason the press wanted to speak to them. He guided her to where Christine stood with her microphone in hand. Kate realizes what Vaughn is trying to do stops and whispers into his ear. "I really don't want to talk to that woman."

Vaughn simply smiles. "Come on Kate, you're the reason that there's a Nikki Heat movie at all. You should be proud of that."

Kate remembers her first 'encounter' with the woman, watching a bikini clad Christine Couterra writhing on her then 'boyfriend' as he tries to push her off of him. She hadn't felt jealousy like that since Serena Kaye, or Sophia Turner, or that bimbo flight attendant with the stupid name.. She whispers into Vaughn's ear. "Ms Couterra and I have a bit of history.."

Vaughn just grins and they walk to where Christine is standing. "Katherine Beckett it's good to see you again." Christine offers with a saccharin sweet smile. She turns to face the camera. "Ms Beckett here was the inspiration for the character Nikki Heat." She then turns to face Kate before continuing. "How does it feel to have your story told in print and on the silver screen?"

"This is a work of fiction. Nikki Heat is a fictional character. I am nothing like her." Kate replies flatly.

"Is it true that you are no longer part of the NYPD?"

"Yes, that's true." Kate replies not wanting to give her anything more.

"My sources tell me that you left the NYPD to become a Federal Agent." Kate simply nods in response. "Will the next Nikki Heat novel be about her as a Fed?"

"I have no idea. You'd need to speak to the author about that." Kate replies.

"I tried. He was very evasive when asked if there would be another Nikki Heat novel." She then looked at Vaughn and smiled. "As both of you are attending this premiere with others, is it safe to assume that your 'partnership' has ended?"

Kate hated the condescending tone and the way she said partnership as if there was something more going on, despite the fact that there was. It was none of her business, or anyone else's for that matter. "Mr Castle and I worked together for nearly five years. When I left the NYPD our working relationship ended also." Kate replied calmly, as if she was trying to convince herself also.

Couterra arched an eyebrow in disbelief and smiled. She remembered quite clearly the shocked look on Beckett's face when she 'discovered' the woman lying on top of Rick in her bikini. The look was not one of surprise at a partner's antics. It was the shocked look of a woman that had caught her lover in a compromising position. "Regardless, it certainly looks like you've traded up. Your date certainly needs no introduction.." She turned to look directly at the camera. "Unless you've been living under a rock for the last decade, the billionaire philanthropist Erik Vaughn. Mr Vaughn, its a pleasure to meet you."

The camera turns to capture Vaughn. He simply smiles and replies. "It's a pleasure to meet you Ms Couterra. I'm just here tonight to support my dear friend. It's Kate's night.." Couterra nearly swoons as he shakes her hand and smiles. "Would you look at the time.. I'm sure that Kate doesn't want to be late for her movie." He smiles again and takes Kate by the hand walking to the entrance before Christine can come up with any other questions.

As they entered the theater, Kate couldn't shake Christine's comment about 'trading up' from her mind. She wondered how much truth there was in the statement, even if it was done subconsciously. Despite knowing that Vaughn was a setup to manipulate her, she had always thought she had more willpower. The movie was soon over and Kate had a hard time deciding if she liked it or not. There was something much more intimate about a book than a movie. In her mind she knew what the characters looked like. She knew that Rick saw her as Nikki and himself as Rook. His words painted a far more vivid picture than the movie ever could. Kate knew that Rick had a hand in the script and wondered if he was pleased with the result.

Rick wasn't ashamed of the finished product, but he certainly wasn't thrilled either. He learned a great deal about the compromises involved with movie making and hoped that he wasn't involved again unless he had total control. It wasn't ego as much as it was simply pride in your work. The movie ended and the producer walked on the stage as the lights came up in the theater. Everyone politely applauded as he held up his hands to thank them for attending. He asked the stars of the movie along with the director to come up on stage and take a bow. He then gestured to where Rick was sitting and asked him to stand and take a bow. Castle stood and waved as he took a bow from his seat in the front row.

Kate caught her first glimpse of Rick in over six months. She had to admit that he looked very good. He had a deep tan and it appeared that he had lost some weight by how his tux fit. She then looked to see Alexis and the very tall and quite beautiful blonde on either side of him. For a split-second she thought how that could be her at his side if only different choices were made by her. 'If only'. The words from Royce's final letter to her came rushing back in her mind. He knew her well enough to see that there was something special between her and Castle and she was fighting it.

Vaughn sat there and watched Kate's expression change as she looked at Castle standing before the crowd. He also notices the blonde and redhead on either side of the writer. He would take advantage of her vulnerability again. It was obvious to him that she still had feelings for Castle, even if she couldn't admit it to herself. He needed to drive a wedge between them once and for all. A few days in Bermuda may just do the trick.

Paula Haas watched from her seat not far from where Kate was and smiled. Seeing Beckett with Vaughn was just what she needed to get Rick over his ridiculous fascination with the former detective she thought. She needed him writing and as long as he was pining over his old girlfriend like a high schooler, he wasn't.

As everyone started to exit the theater, Paula walked up to Beckett and Vaughn. "Kate, I'm so glad that you could make it. I sent the invitations to your father and hoped he would get them to you."

"As you can see, he did. And thank you for inviting me." Kate replied keeping her tone even.

"Don't than me, thank Rick. He wanted to make sure you were invited." Paula replies with a smile that reminded Kate of an alligator before it attacks its prey.

"Well thank Castle for me then." Kate replies and starts to make her way out of the theater.

Paula grabs her arm to stop her movement. "Why don't you thank him yourself. Rick's throwing an after-party at the Old Haunt and I'm sure that he'd be thrilled if you could make it."

Kate started to decline the offer. The last thing she wanted to do right now was be reminded of Rick or the things she gave up to pursue her 'dream' job. Before she could speak, Vaughn decides to answer for her. "That sounds like a great idea! Doesn't it?" He turns to look at Kate with a grin.

"I.. I don't know Erik." Kate replies weakly.

"It'll be great Kate. You'll see." Vaughn replies.

"Fantastic. We'll see you there." Paula replies as she scurries off to somewhere before Kate could respond.