A/N: The first domino falls from what they did last chapter. Still not mine.

The next day had been promising at one point. They finally caught a case but it turned out to be open and shut and they had nothing left but some paperwork after only two hours. They were back in the oppressive atmosphere of the bullpen again with not much to distract them. Gates had been satisfied that another case was closed but her demeanor hadn't changed a bit. Life in Homicide at the 12th was seriously starting to suck these days.

Although Rick had his laptop with him, he couldn't concentrate on his writing very well. He was really hoping that they hadn't kicked the hornet's nest too hard the day before. He could sense Kate's tension as well. The overall tension from the new captain certainly wasn't helping either. He also kept pushing his senses as much as he could so all of the stimuli were starting to wear on him a little. There was a reason he ignored most of what he could sense, to do otherwise was tiring. He couldn't stop though, he couldn't risk being unaware of a danger.

He had the beginnings of a pounding headache by the time they could leave. He was sure that he'd have no trouble getting to sleep tonight and there would be no repeat of that awesome time they'd shared last night. That could put a smile on his face for days but the memories would have to be enough for now.

Neither of them was in the mood to cook so they picked up takeout on the way home. Kate was concerned about him pushing himself too much but she could only convince him to rest periodically, he would still force his senses out once in a while. At least he had found nothing so it appeared there would be no immediate reaction to what they had done.

He'd been thinking of heading to bed for several minutes but was reluctant to let his guard down. However, the headache that defied the painkillers he'd taken was convincing him that he'd have to give into Kate's suggestion soon. He wasn't going to do her any good if he drove himself right into the ground. Despite his abilities, he did have limits and it would be foolish not to concede that fact.

His cell phone rang and he stared at it for a moment when he saw an unfamiliar number. Could this be Roy's friend finally contacting him? He glanced at Kate who was giving him a curious look when he answered in speakerphone mode. "Castle"

"Mr. Castle, you don't know me but I am a friend of Roy Montgomery's."

"He told me about you if you're the one he sent the file to. I've been wondering what is going on." As Rick listened to the response he hurriedly brought up an app and started it, which earned him another curious look from his girlfriend.

"I am that friend and I was making some progress in the negotiations when suddenly all hell broke loose. They say you have to stand down immediately or they'll come for her again or actually, both of you. They were very specific about that."

"It's a little late for that. Any deal you might have negotiated would be temporary. They have a history of only honoring deals as long as it suits them. Senator Bracken is the one who should worry now. We're coming for him." The silence on the other end lasted so long Rick was about to ask if he was still there when a reply finally came through.

"How did you find out?"

"Kate is a detective and we both have sources. He messed up sending a sniper to a cop's funeral, he only has himself to blame."

"I see. I hope you know what you are getting yourselves into."

"What we need is evidence. Send me that envelope and you can consider your promise to Roy as paid in full."

"I've been through it. It's iffy that it would be enough to withstand the defense that a man like him can afford."

"That's our concern. Just send us the file, we'll take it from there."

The man on the other end sighed before responding. "You'll have it tomorrow. Good luck."

"Thanks."

The call abruptly ended and Rick waited a few seconds before getting another call, which he answered before holding it up to his ear. "Castle" An unfamiliar voice gave him information about the source of the call he'd just received. They gave him the most likely address and the margin of error and hung up. He looked at Kate who was giving him an amused look.

"Let me guess: you know a guy who traced that call for you."

"Don't let anyone ever get away with telling you that you're not a great detective. You're right, of course. I probably won't need it but here is the address in case we do." He wrote it down on a piece of paper and handed it to her and after she glanced at it he continued. "They are sure to a radius of 20 yards so that's probably the exact address if we need it. The file is probably full of stuff implicating Roy so I'm not sure what parts of it might be useful."

"Yeah. I just hope our little plan works."

He massaged his temples when his headache gave him a reminder that it was still around and she took his arm and started leading him to their bedroom. "You need to go to bed."

He gave her a smirk as he asked, "Will you be joining me?"

"Down boy. You need your sleep. If you don't take it easy, nothing will be happening tomorrow either."

He pretended to pout but her eye roll convinced him she was serious. Oh well, he was tired and she did have a point. She got ready for bed at the same time he did and when she cuddled into him, it did relax and reassure him so he fell asleep contented.